Mississippi Seeks Visitor

Two years ago, we reported on a case involving two sisters who feuded over whether a purported agreement to share gambling winnings covered one sister’s lottery winnings.  At the time, we wondered why humans can’t be more like monkeys, who it seems, have an innate sense of the duty to share. 

Today’s New York Times brings further evidence that, as our higher faculties have evolved, we have not yet reached monkey levels when it comes to fair play in the distribution of lottery winnings.  Today’s Times provides the story of a construction worker who allegedly bought lottery tickets on behalf of five co-workers.  When one of defendant’s tickets turned out to be worth $38.5 million, he pocketed the winnings (about $17.5 million after taxes) and quit his job, claiming a foot injury.  Defendant claimed that the winning ticket was one that he bought with his own money.  A jury disagreed and ordered the defendant to share the winnings.  Now, they all get to fight with the IRS to determine the proper taxation rate. 

The University of Mississippi is seeking applicants for a one-year visit during the 2012-13 academic year.  Our primary curricular need is a full-year contracts course.  Other subjects are negotiable.  Interested applicants must apply on line at jobs.olemiss.edu.  Please include a CV and a cover letter (including courses he or she is best prepared to teach).  For more information please contact Donna Davis, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee at donnad@olemiss.edu.  Please put “visiting position” in the subject line.  The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer.

[JT]