You think you will never win one of those big jackpots, and then one day you do. This is so exciting! Look what just landed in my email inbox. Usually I just ignore the glad tidings from African princes and whatnot, but what makes this one different is it's from Microsoft. Specifically, the email was sent by Microsoft Management Board [pettieda191@potsdam.edu]. If it's from Microsoft, it must be real. The text of my winner's notification follows:

MICROSOFT SUPER MEGA JACKPOT.
CENTRAL LONDON. UNITED KINGDOM.
MICROSOFT LOTTERY HOUSE, LONDON.
E-mail: mswpromo@sbcglobal.net
Tel: +44-700 598 0586 Ext; 002
Fax: +44-700 598 0586


We are pleased to notify you the "Winner" of the Last Microsoft Mega
Jackpot Lottery Sweepstakes result.


Match: 5 plus bonus
e-ticket number: 76545556453 098
Category: 2nd
Amount: £5,500,000.00 (Five Million, Five Hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling)
Draw: 2980


You may wish to establish contact with your claims agent via e-mail with
the particulars presented below:


Contact: Mr. Kingsley Omarion
Email: kingsleyomarion@sbcglobal.net
Tel: +44-700 598 0586 Ext; 002
Fax: +44-700 598 0586


In line with the governing rules of claim, you are requested to furnish
Mr. Kingsley With the following information:

1. Full name... 2. Address... 3. Occupation. 4. Tel/Fax....


Very Truly Yours,
Mrs. Mary Queen


Pretty cool, huh? I want to avoid making hasty decisions about what to do with all that money. Of course I will give most of it to charity and worthy causes, but can't help indulging myself a little bit. Thinking of maybe a nice spring jacket or the really fancy seats at the next Brewers game I go to. Any suggestions?