Research Shows that Money CAN Buy Happiness

Research Shows that Money CAN Buy Happiness. Duh.

Money, so the saying goes, cannot purchase happiness. However, money can be used to purchase a Powerball ticket. In order to get mine, I combed through the change in my couch cushion and took my butt to the convenience store. For me, there are just loose coins and a dream. Mostly just have dreams. I daydream about everything I would have if I won the $1 billion Powerball. Let me add that melancholy was not among my goals. Only positive thoughts. Yes, that's correct, I was daydreaming about every possible vacation. My mind wandered to fantasies of buying the newest toys and technology. Nothing was available that money couldn't buy!

The idea of being free of mortgage concerns, even a car payment danced and whirled about in my brain. There would be nothing but positive vibes in front of me if I were to win this Powerball. All the cosmetic procedures would make my face appear like... Better at least. The living room in my home would be a Star Wars duplicate, with a dog that looks like a Wookie and an alien chessboard. The things I would buy with my money. Dumb money. Just because I am a Powerball winner. For digging into the couch and having corn chips lodged in my fingernails, I was really proud of myself. If my dream comes true, it will all be worthwhile.

While I couldn't guarantee myself a victory, I could promise myself that my triumph would be without sadness. So imagine my astonishment when I learned that researchers handed 200 random people a one-time $10,000 payout, with the only requirement that they spend it within three months! Are you for real? Compared to winning the Powerball, this sounds like much more of a possibility! All of this was done, according to NBC News, in the name of science. Researchers kept track of how the participants felt, and studies have shown that they were happier and more content with their life than the other group. Ya know, the ones that remained in poverty and didn't receive any cash. Shocker.

Although it may not come as a surprise, the positive energy persisted for months after all the money had been gone. They even claimed to be happier now than they were at the beginning of the experiment. Wow. So money does buy happiness. Who pays for this research anyway? Not everyone was, however, impacted by the newfound income. Household earnings beyond $123,000 did not significantly boost happiness among those who reported it. Duh! These guys already had money. God this is so stupid.

The people who never had any money were the most thrilled.  Low-income nations had three times MORE happiness than individuals from rich nations like the United States.

They did keep track of what was purchased with the $10,000. . . I'm guessing Powerball tickets. A guy can dream, right?

Just in time for the holidays Universal Studios has announced a BOGO ticket deal for Florida residents.

We all have those hard to buy for people on our Christmas shopping list, but one thing I think everyone would love are Universal tickets! Now through January 26th, Florida residents who buy a 2-park one-day park-to-park ticket online will get a second day free! This deal is online only, so keep that in mind, but it will save you $179 so it's totally worth it.

You can use the ticket on non-consecutive days through January. There are some blackout dates November 21-26 and December 22-January 2.

If you purchase the Universal Studios BOGO deal, you will need to prove that you're a Florida resident when you purchase your tickets, when you pick them up and again when you redeem them. To buy your tickets now, click here

Something else to look forward to at Universal are holiday festivities. Starting this Saturday, November 12th, guests will get to experience the return of Grinchmas and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. Also returning this year, Universal’s Holiday Parade, the Holiday Tour and the Grinch Character Breakfast.

Universal is also introducing some delicious holiday treats to make the season even sweeter.

This delicious beverage consists of a chocolate acorn shell filled with salted caramel and mini marshmallows, served with Italian hot chocolate (available at TODAY Café and Battery Park – near Mel’s Drive-In)

The Roast Beast Sandwich is a mini meatloaf sandwich featuring French onion soup-dipped roast beef with a cheddar cheese sauce – and even a “secret” sauce – served on a pretzel bun (available at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous)

Grinch-themed sweets include a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich and Grinch cookies just to name a few (available in Seuss Landing)

Santa’s Cookies and Milk “Shake" come complete with cookie butter & vanilla ice cream, mini chocolate chip cookies, and topped with a delicious chocolate Christmas tree and sprinkles (available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen)

The Nutty Nog has a creamy, frozen eggnog base, The Deluxe Nog is served with Bacardi 8 and The Fire Nog is delicious liquid cinnamon-cream treat using fireball cinnamon whiskey