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Joined: Sep 2000
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Great skepdic link Jazz. I have an aunt who goes into a frenzy whenever she reads that type of "proof is in the numbers" trash. She then specifically looks for all ocurrances just to prove it is right.

Numbers can be manipulated to mean you want. Here's an example.

The next time somebody is tsk-tsking at you buying a lottery ticket by stating the time-worn astronomical chances of winning proof..."you've got one chance in seven million to win the lotto" you can tell them they're wrong. The chances are really 50/50. You either win or you don't - two options only...voila 50/50.

now don't all start sending me information on the law of averages...I am married to a CA/CPA and he has taken great pleasure in going over the lot with me. I was just showing how people interpret and mold numbers to get the results they desire


Joined: Aug 2001
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Carpal Tunnel
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how people interpret and mold numbers to get the results they desire
Not just numbers: one who wants a particular result strongly enough will turn anything in that direction. In aphorism: If a child has a hammer, everything he sees is a nail.


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enthusiast
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"Pi" "A Requiem for a Dream"

OT alert
REALLY good movies - how great to find some likeminded people here. I remember being particularly disappointed with "Traffic" because it failed to grab me by the viscera and start churning, as "Requiem" had done -- I like it when watching a movie is more than just sitting back and looking at it!



#60232 03/11/02 03:39 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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A Haiku had 17 syllables.

And not to be forgettin' the grandest 17 of all!...March 17th!


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