How Powerball Sucked Me Into Spending $50 for a Shot at $1 Billion (and My Dignity)

 

How Powerball Sucked Me Into Spending $50 for a Shot at $1 Billion (and My Dignity)

It started innocently enough.
It always does.

I was standing in line, minding my own business, when I saw the sign: $1 BILLION. Not a typo. Not a joke. A number so big your brain doesn’t even process it as money anymore—it processes it as destiny.

And just like that, I was in.

Draw #1: “This Is Just a Small Investment”

Two dollars a ticket feels harmless. Practically responsible. I told myself I was buying hope, not gambling. Hope is emotional wellness. Emotional wellness is self-care. Therefore, I was doing something healthy.

I walked out with my ticket already planning my new personality. I wasn’t rich yet, but I was pre-rich. Mentally wealthy. Spiritually upgraded.

Checking the Numbers: The First Letdown

Checking your Powerball ticket is an emotional experience unlike any other.

You start confident.
Then cautious.
Then suspicious.
Then deeply humbled.

You don’t lose all at once. You lose slowly, number by number, until you realize you missed the Powerball by… everything.

Still, it was only draw one. Plenty of time.

Draw #2–3: The Rationalization Phase

By now, I had invested maybe $20. Which, in my mind, meant I was committed. Walking away would have been irresponsible. What if the winning numbers came up the very next draw and I had “quit too early”?

That’s when the mental gymnastics begin.

You start thinking things like:

• “Someone has to win.”

• “What if this is my time?”

• “I’ve already spent this much, so what’s a little more?”

This is also when you start Googling odds, which is a mistake.

The Odds: When Math Tries to Ruin Your Fun

Powerball odds are roughly 1 in 292 million.

That’s not “unlikely.”
That’s “the universe does not know you exist.”

You are more likely to:

• Be struck by lightning

• Become president

• Accidentally invent a new element

• Get hit by lightning while becoming president

And yet… I bought another ticket.

Because odds only matter to people who don’t believe in vibes.

Draw #4: Full Fantasy Mode

This is where it gets dangerous.

You stop imagining if you win and start imagining when. You picture telling your boss in a calm, respectful way that suggests you will never be seeing them again. You practice generosity. You plan charitable donations. You decide who gets helped and who gets “thoughts and prayers.”

You start thinking, “Honestly, I’d be great at being rich.”

This draw did not agree with me.

Draw #5: The Emotional Finale

By draw five, I had spent about $50. Fifty dollars for five separate emotional roller coasters.

Checking the final ticket was less dramatic. More… resigned. Like opening an email you already know is bad news.

And sure enough—nothing.

No matches. No near-misses. Not even a courtesy number to keep my hopes alive.

Just silence.

What I Learned

Powerball is a masterclass in hope management. For a few bucks, it gives you permission to dream wildly, irresponsibly, and with zero grounding in reality. It lets you borrow a version of your future self for a few days, then politely takes it back.

Was it worth $50?
Financially? Absolutely not.
Emotionally? Debatable.
Entertainment-wise? Honestly… kind of.

For a brief moment, I lived as a billionaire.
And then I went back to reality, where my bank account reminded me I should probably stop.

Final Thought

Powerball isn’t about winning. It’s about the fantasy. The temporary suspension of logic. The brief belief that maybe—just maybe—the universe is about to do something ridiculous in your favor.

Would I do it again?

Let’s just say…
If the jackpot hits a billion again, I might suddenly find myself “investing in hope” one more time.

 

Good Vibes & Looking Cool: The Make Peace With Life Shirt Movement

  

Free Shipping, Good Vibes & Looking Cool: The Make Peace With Life Shirt Movement

Let’s be honest…

There are few things in life more disappointing than finding the perfect shirt online, adding it to your cart, emotionally committing to it, and then suddenly getting attacked by shipping costs at checkout like:

“Surprise! That’ll be another $12.95 for the privilege of fabric transportation.”

Not anymore.

The Make Peace With Life shirts now come with FREE SHIPPING, because we believe getting something that spreads positivity, purpose, and good energy throughout the universe shouldn’t also require taking out a small loan to cover delivery fees.

That’s right.
You now get to pay less… for a shirt that actually gives you more.

More comfort.
More positivity.
More connection.
More style.
More energetic awesomeness.

And honestly?
That feels like a pretty solid life decision.

Click here to get your Make Peace With Life Shirt

But these shirts are more than just soft fabric and cool designs. They’re part of something bigger. Every time someone wears a Make Peace With Life shirt, they’re putting a message into the world that people genuinely need right now. In a world where stress, negativity, division, and doom-scrolling seem to compete for Olympic gold medals every single day, a simple positive message can actually shift someone’s energy. You never know who might see your shirt while standing in line for coffee, walking through the grocery store, or surviving another painfully awkward family gathering. One person reads “Make Peace With Life” and suddenly pauses for a moment. Maybe they smile. Maybe they breathe easier. Maybe they realize they’ve been way too hard on themselves lately. That’s real energy. That’s impact.

Because positivity spreads.

Energy spreads.

And yes… apparently cool shirts spread too.

There’s something powerful about wearing a message that reminds people life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be meaningful. These shirts quietly say:

“Hey… maybe we can all chill out a little, breathe deeper, and stop acting like every inconvenience is a full-scale spiritual emergency.”

And honestly, the world could use more of that.

Plus, let’s not ignore an important scientific fact:
These shirts also make you look cool.

Not just “nice shirt” cool.
We’re talking:

• grounded-but-fun cool
• peaceful-with-good-energy cool
• probably-gives-great-life-advice cool
• somehow-both-spiritual-and-hilarious cool

That kind of cool.

And the best part is these shirts are for everyone.

It doesn’t matter:

• who you are
• what you believe
• what music you listen to
• whether you meditate daily or just aggressively overthink in silence
• whether you hike mountains or simply climb out of bed after hitting snooze four times

The Make Peace With Life message belongs to all of us.

Because peace is universal.
Growth is universal.
Human struggle is universal.
And wanting a comfortable shirt with free shipping is definitely universal.

At the end of the day, this movement has always been about more than clothing. It’s about connection, positivity, humor, perspective, and reminding people that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there’s still room for peace, laughter, kindness, and growth. Every shirt shared in the world becomes another small ripple of good energy moving outward into the collective human experience.

So yes…
You’re getting free shipping.

But you’re also helping spread a message the world desperately needs.

And honestly?
That’s a pretty good deal.

Click here to get your Make Peace With Life Shirt 

Turn Up the Heat and the Heart with Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures

  

 🔥Turn Up the Heat and the Heart with Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures🔥

Let’s be honest—keeping the flame alive in a relationship isn’t always as effortless as the movies make it look. One day you’re locked in a passionate embrace in the kitchen, and the next, you’re arguing over who left wet towels on the bed (again). Life happens. Romance sometimes… doesn’t.

But what if your next date night didn’t involve just Netflix and takeout, but instead led to a deep, soulful, sexy adventure?

💥 Cue the fireworks (just in time for the 4th of July)! Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures: Create Powerful Energy With Passion Purpose and Love!

What’s This Steamy-Spiritual Book About?

Whether you're craving deep, soulful lovemaking or hot-rip-your-clothes-off passion, this book helps you consciously connect to your spirituality, your friskiness, your heart, and—most importantly—your partner. Dr. Rob Alex, the metaphysical mischief-maker (okay, and genius), delivers 33 unique sexy challenges that are designed to spice things up while deepening your bond.

Think of it as your spiritual foreplay handbook—with a side of laughter, heart-opening exercises, and mind-blowing intimacy.

These aren’t just bedroom games. They’re mystical, metaphysical practices that:

• Awaken your playful side

• Help you and your partner open up on every level—heart, mind, body, and soul

• Strengthen your emotional, energetic, and physical connection

• Bring fun, intention, and purpose into your intimate life

It’s like couples therapy, tantric yoga, and a sexy scavenger hunt had a love child—and that child just graduated with honors.

Why You Need This Book (Like, Now)

Most couples want to keep their relationship hot and spicy… but also crave something deeper. The problem? Nobody hands you a guidebook on how to merge the sacred and the sultry.

Until now.

Drs. Rob and Janelle Alex have created a down-to-earth, practical, and actually fun way to reignite your connection. And the best part? These 33 challenges are easy to implement and don’t require a PhD in metaphysics—or contortionist skills in the bedroom.

So whether you've been together 30 days or 30 years, Sexy Challenges invites you to try something new, exciting, and powerful.

Click here to get your Copy

When & Where

🗓 On Kindle:
📍 Where: Right here on Amazon 
💋 What you need: An open mind, a willing partner, and maybe a towel for afterward (things might get… heated)

Final Thoughts

Intimacy is more than just physical contact. It’s energy. It’s intention. It’s laughter and eye contact and occasionally getting caught mid-challenge by your dog.

With Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures, you’re not just adding excitement to your relationship—you’re adding magic. And for a limited time, you can do it for the price of absolutely nothing.

So mark your calendar. Set a reminder. Light a candle. And prepare to reconnect in ways that are sacred, sensual, and anything but ordinary.

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Start your sexy spiritual adventure!

👉 Click here to get Your Copy

#SexyChallenges #FreeKindleBook #SpiritualIntimacy #ConsciousCouples #RelationshipGoals #MetaphysicalMagic #HotAndHoly

Activities Couples Can Do Together to Make a Strong Relationship Even Stronger

 

Activities Couples Can Do Together to Make a Strong Relationship Even Stronger

Strong relationships don’t usually fall apart because of one big problem. They slowly weaken because life gets busy, routines get comfortable, and couples forget to play together. Not argue, not “work through issues,” not schedule serious talks over coffee—but actually enjoy each other.

The good news? You don’t need therapy worksheets or deep emotional excavation to boost a healthy relationship. You just need shared experiences that remind you why you like being together in the first place.

One of the simplest ways couples grow closer is by doing things that have no real purpose beyond fun. Take a walk somewhere unfamiliar without a plan. Wander. Get lost. Argue (playfully) about which direction is north. These small, low-stakes adventures create shared memories and inside jokes, which quietly become the glue of long-term relationships.

Cooking together works the same way. Not the efficient, “let’s get dinner done” kind of cooking—but the chaotic, music-playing, taste-testing, laughing-when-it-goes-wrong kind. When you cook together, you’re cooperating, improvising, and creating something side by side. Plus, it reveals important relationship truths, like who actually reads the recipe and who confidently guesses.

Couples also strengthen their bond when they create something together. It doesn’t matter what it is—a photo project, a shared playlist, a scrapbook, a silly tradition, or even a running joke that never gets old. Creating something gives the relationship its own personality. It becomes more than two people living parallel lives; it becomes a shared world.

Trying new things together is another quiet superpower. Novelty wakes up the brain and adds excitement, even in long-term relationships. Take a class neither of you is good at. Learn a skill you’ll probably never master. When you’re both beginners, you’re equals again—laughing, learning, and supporting each other instead of playing familiar roles.

There’s also something surprisingly powerful about doing absolutely nothing together. Sitting on the couch, people-watching, talking nonsense, or just enjoying silence. Comfort without boredom is a sign of a strong relationship, and leaning into that comfort builds trust and emotional safety.

Playfulness matters more than most people realize. Couples who tease each other, laugh easily, and don’t take themselves too seriously tend to stay emotionally connected longer. Humor defuses tension, keeps things light, and reminds both people that the relationship is supposed to be enjoyable—not another responsibility.

Travel, even short trips, has a similar effect. You don’t need a luxury vacation. A simple weekend getaway or day trip breaks routine and forces you to rely on each other in new ways. Shared experiences outside daily life tend to linger longer in memory, strengthening emotional bonds long after you return home.

What all these activities have in common is intention without pressure. They aren’t about fixing problems or checking relationship boxes. They’re about choosing each other again and again through shared joy, curiosity, and presence.

Strong relationships don’t need saving. They need feeding.

And sometimes, the best way to do that is simply doing something fun together and remembering that love doesn’t grow through effort alone—it grows through enjoyment.

    

💞 Sensual Metaphysics: Bringing the Sacred Into Your Relationship — Where Love Meets Energy, and Passion Finds Its Purpose

Every relationship has its rhythms—moments of harmony, times of disconnection, sparks that fade, and new fires that ignite. But what if the secret to lasting connection isn’t found in another date night or another self-help list… but in the energy between you and your partner?

That’s exactly what Sensual Metaphysics: Bringing the Sacred Into Your Relationship by Rob Alex, Ph.D. explores — a transformative guide that blends the spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions of love into one beautifully balanced experience.

This isn’t just a relationship book. It’s a sacred adventure—a cosmic roadmap to understanding how the universe, your intentions, and your connection all intertwine to create something deeper, richer, and yes—sexier.

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✨ Where Metaphysics Meets Romance

We often think of metaphysics as a study of energy, intention, and the unseen forces that shape our reality. But Dr. Rob Alex takes it one step further—showing how those same principles can completely transform the way you love, touch, and communicate with your partner.

Through humor, insight, and down-to-earth wisdom, Sensual Metaphysics teaches you how to:
💫 Align your energies to create emotional harmony.
💫 Use mindful communication to speak from the heart (and soul).
💫 Explore sacred touch that goes beyond physical pleasure—touch that heals, awakens, and connects.
💫 Harness the power of moon rituals and intention-setting to deepen your bond.
💫 Build a relationship that’s not only passionate, but purposeful.

It’s a blend of ancient wisdom and modern love—metaphysical meets magical.

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💋 Because Passion Should Be Sacred, Not Routine

Let’s face it—long-term relationships can sometimes drift into autopilot.
You love your partner, but life, stress, and routine can dull the sparkle.

That’s where Sensual Metaphysics steps in—not with gimmicks or empty promises, but with genuine practices that reawaken the energy between you.

You’ll learn how to connect on every level—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and rediscover that delicious sense of curiosity and closeness you felt in the beginning.

Because intimacy isn’t just about bodies touching—it’s about energies aligning.

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🌙 A Journey for Every Couple

Whether you’re:
💞 Newly in love and ready to build a strong energetic foundation,
🔥 Years into your partnership and craving renewal, or
🌹 Seeking deeper meaning in your connection…

Sensual Metaphysics meets you where you are. Each chapter invites you to explore, reflect, and practice together—transforming your love life into something truly transcendent.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present—with your partner, your emotions, and the divine rhythm of your relationship.

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🕊️ What Makes This Book So Powerful

Dr. Rob Alex, a metaphysical scholar with a passion for love, intimacy, and humor, brings a refreshing perspective to sacred connection. His writing feels like a conversation—light-hearted yet deeply profound.

He reminds us that spirituality isn’t meant to live only in meditation rooms or temples—it belongs in the kitchen, the bedroom, and the quiet moments between two souls.

By combining metaphysical principles with real-world love lessons, Sensual Metaphysics becomes more than a book—it’s a living experience that helps you see your relationship as a sacred partnership, a shared spiritual path.

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🌟 Why You Need This Book in Your Relationship Library

• It redefines intimacy as something energetic and eternal.

• It transforms touch into communication—and communication into connection.

• It’s packed with practical exercises and rituals that bring metaphysics to life in your relationship.

• It’s warm, funny, and inspiring—never preachy or complicated.

• It reminds you that love isn’t just chemistry—it’s cosmic.

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❤️ The Universe Wants Your Relationship to Thrive

Love, like the universe, is constantly expanding. It’s full of mystery, movement, and magic.

Sensual Metaphysics: Bringing the Sacred Into Your Relationship is your guide to stepping into that magic—to rediscovering your partner not just as a person, but as a soul walking beside you on a divine journey.

So light a candle. Hold hands. And open this book together.
Because when love becomes sacred, it becomes unstoppable.

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🔥 Grab your copy of Sensual Metaphysics today and bring passion, purpose, and powerful energy back into your relationship.

The universe is waiting — and so is your partner. 💫

Click here to get Sensual Metaphysics

on Amazon / Kindle / Kindle Unlimited

Why You NEED the Make Peace With Life Podcast in Your Life

   

Why You NEED the

Make Peace With Life Podcast in Your Life

Metaphysics, Humor, Life, Music, Travel, Weird Stuff—and Absolutely No Requirement That You Have Everything Figured Out

There are approximately a gazillion podcasts available today.

Some will teach you about investing. Some will tell you how to become more productive. Some will explain the mysteries of the universe. And we're fairly certain at least 37,000 involve two people sitting in front of microphones discussing something they could have covered in six minutes.

So why should you be listening to the Make Peace With Life Podcast™?

Because life is weird—and we think your podcast should be too.

We Talk About the Stuff We Actually Think About

The Make Peace With Life Podcast™ lives somewhere between metaphysics, spirituality, self-improvement, humor, travel, music, relationships, history, unexplained mysteries, and those bizarre thoughts that suddenly enter your brain while you're standing in the shower.

One episode might have us talking about manifestation, chakras, energy, meditation, ghosts, intuition, or consciousness.

Another might take us into Bigfoot, sacred travel, haunted pubs, crystal skulls, music, national parks, football, aliens, or why being normal might be incredibly overrated.

And somewhere along the way, we might ask whether your dog is actually more spiritually evolved than you.

We're not ruling it out.

The point is that metaphysics doesn't have to be heavy, intimidating, or something you can only discuss while sitting cross-legged beside a Himalayan salt lamp.

We want to explore the big questions of life while still having a ridiculously good time doing it.

Then There Are the Shortcasts

Don't have time for an entire podcast?

That's exactly why we created our Make Peace With Life Shortcasts™.

These are shorter dives into one interesting idea—something you can listen to when you want a quick dose of inspiration, curiosity, humor, or metaphysical weirdness without committing to a full-length episode.

Think of them as metaphysical espresso shots.

Quick.

Interesting.

Occasionally strange.

And hopefully they leave your brain saying:

“Huh... I never thought about it that way.”

We Don't Pretend to Have All the Answers

This might be one of the most important parts of the podcast.

We're exploring right along with you.

Metaphysics is filled with enormous questions about consciousness, energy, spirituality, existence, death, synchronicity, intuition, manifestation, and what—if anything—might exist beyond the physical world.

We aren't interested in telling you exactly what you must believe.

We want you to think.

Question things.

Explore possibilities.

Laugh.

Challenge your assumptions.

Listen to different perspectives.

And decide what makes sense in your life.

Sometimes making peace with life isn't about finally discovering all the answers.

It's about becoming comfortable exploring the questions.

And Did We Mention FREE SHIRTS?

Now we're getting serious.

Or at least as serious as we get.

For every 100 subscribers to the Make Peace With Life YouTube channel, we're going to give away a Make Peace With Life™ T-shirt to one lucky member of our growing community.

That means:

100 subscribers = shirt giveaway.

200 subscribers = another shirt giveaway.

300 subscribers = yep, another one.

And onward we go.

We're building more than an audience. We want to build a community of people who enjoy exploring life, laughing at its absurdities, asking unusual questions, and maybe wearing a really cool shirt while doing it.

Your Life May Be Missing Something...

Maybe you already have music.

Maybe you have your favorite streaming shows.

Maybe you've got your morning coffee.

Maybe you've got exercise, travel, books, sports, friends, family, hobbies, and whatever other things keep your personal Energy Pool filled.

But ask yourself one important question:

Do I have enough metaphysics, humor, weirdness, curiosity and positive energy in my life?

If the answer is no...

We know a podcast.

The Make Peace With Life Podcast™ isn't about escaping your life.

It's about looking at your life from different angles.

It's about recognizing the spiritual in everyday experiences.

It's about finding meaning without losing your sense of humor.

And sometimes it's simply about spending a little time talking about something wonderfully strange.

So subscribe. Listen to the Podcast. Check out the Shortcasts. Join our growing community. And when something makes you laugh, think, question, or see your life a little differently—share it with somebody else.

Because you've already got enough serious stuff in your life.

Maybe what you need is a little more curiosity.

A little more positive energy.

A little more laughter.

A little more metaphysics.

And perhaps...

a Make Peace With Life™ T-shirt.

Come join us.

Your ears will thank you.

Your consciousness might thank you.

And the Universe?

We're pretty sure it's already subscribed.

🎙️ Listen. Laugh. Question. Explore. Make Peace With Life™.

Click here to listen to the Make Peace With Life Podcast

 

Click the image above to listen to the Make Peace With Life Podcast

The Most Hated Sports Teams of All Time (and Exactly Why Everyone Loves to Hate Them)

 

The Most Hated Sports Teams of All Time

(and Exactly Why Everyone Loves to Hate Them)

Every sport has that team.

The one fans root against even when their own team isn’t playing.
The one that gets booed in neutral stadiums.
The one people swear they hate “out of principle.”

Hate in sports isn’t random — it’s earned through dominance, arrogance (real or perceived), controversy, success, or simply winning too much.

Here’s a breakdown of the most hated sports teams and the very specific reasons fans can’t stand them.

Dallas Cowboys

Why they’re hated:

• Self-proclaimed “America’s Team”

• Massive media attention regardless of record

• Fans everywhere — including places that aren’t Dallas

• Constant hype even during long championship droughts

They’re either beloved or despised. There is no middle ground.

New England Patriots

Why they’re hated:

• Too much winning for too long

• Tom Brady dominance era

• Spygate, Deflategate, and endless controversy debates

• Fans who suddenly appeared after 2001

Dynasties breed resentment. Patriots fans call it excellence — everyone else calls it exhausting.

Los Angeles Lakers

Why they’re hated:

• Constant superstar attraction

• Hollywood glamour

• “Championships or bust” mentality

• Fans who assume greatness is automatic

If you’re not a Lakers fan, watching stars flock there feels unfair — and sports fans hate “unfair.”

Golden State Warriors

Why they’re hated:

• Superteam era (especially post-Kevin Durant)

• Endless three-pointers

• Fans who learned basketball in 2015

• Dominance that felt inevitable

When a team makes winning look too easy, resentment follows.

New York Yankees

Why they’re hated:

• Massive payroll advantage

• 27 championships

• “Buy the best players” reputation

• Fans everywhere — even in rival cities

The Yankees are baseball’s empire. And everyone loves rooting against the empire.

Houston Astros

Why they’re hated:

• Sign-stealing scandal

• Championship legitimacy debates

• Perceived lack of accountability

• Continued success despite backlash

This is modern-era hatred — fueled by trust broken and fans who feel robbed.

 Boston Bruins

Why they’re hated:

• Physical, aggressive style of play

• History of controversial hits

• Loud, unapologetic fanbase

• Frequent playoff success

In hockey, toughness earns respect — but also grudges.

Manchester United

Why they’re hated:

• Global fanbase

• Dominant Premier League history

• Media favoritism accusations

• Success that lasted decades

Even during down years, the hatred remains. Legacy resentment is powerful.

Real Madrid

Why they’re hated:

• “Galácticos” superstars

• Massive financial power

• Champions League dominance

• Perceived favoritism

When a club wins on the biggest stage repeatedly, admiration turns into envy — fast.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why they’re hated:

• Extremely passionate (read: intense) fans

• Reputation for hostility toward opponents

• Relentless trash talk

• City pride taken to extremes

Eagles fans don’t deny it. They embrace it.

Boston Celtics

Why they’re hated:

• Historic championships

• Old-school dominance reminders

• Fierce rivalries (especially with Lakers fans)

• “We used to be great” energy

Legacy teams never stop reminding everyone of their success — and fans never forget.

New York Knicks

Why they’re hated (oddly enough):

• Endless hype with limited success

• Media attention despite struggles

• Loud fanbase optimism every season

The Knicks are a special case: hated not for winning — but for expecting to.

Why Hated Teams Are Actually Good for Sports

Here’s the truth sports fans rarely admit:

Villains make sports better.

Hated teams:

• Create rivalries

• Drive TV ratings

• Fuel passion and debate

• Give fans someone to root against

Without them, sports lose drama.

Every league needs:

• A dynasty

• A villain

• A team everyone circles on the calendar

And if your team is on this list?

Congratulations — you matter.

Final Thought

Nobody hates irrelevant teams.

Hate is the price of success, attention, and impact.
And whether fans admit it or not, sports would be painfully boring without teams everyone loves to boo.

Now be honest…

Which team did you scroll down hoping would be on this list?