RE: Spam:Re: DB2 Tech Conf in Vegas

["Dan Bale" <dbale@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx / rick.baird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 10:09 PM
>
> >>Tech people are, as a rule, not gamblers.
>
> as a rule, you're right.  i must be the exception. I know the reason for
> the rule.  it's the old saying:
>
> the lottery is a tax on people who are bad at math.
>
> we, as a rule, aren't bad at math.

I dunno.  I think it's logical thinking.  If I have to spend $1 for a chance
to win $500 when the odds are 1 in 1000?  Eh, maybe it is the math.  But I
think the emotions roll over the logic as well.

In that vein, I am surprised that people think that the value of a grand
prize lottery drawing is what is announced.  You know, the ads, the
billboards, all give you the prize amount of the total dollars paid over 20
years.  But the present value (if you opt to take it all up front) is far
lower.  It's nothing less than false advertising.  Maybe I should notify the
state attorney general?  Oh, that's right, the state runs the lion's share
of the gaming in Michigan.  Silly me.

db