Didn't Know!

If it's the last weekend of January - it's the Golden Gate Kennel Club dog show.  This year we had the good fortune to be able to bring Hannah, Maggie and Corbett along with us to the festivities!  Here they all are in from the our venue - the Cow Palace!

It's interesting to see the relationships that occur before dogs and their owners.  Here's a woman that hasn't quite figure out yet that her 80 lb bull dog really isn't a child.  Shhhhhh.  Don't tell her.

I just thought this bad boy looked good.  Very royal.. with the purple and all.

Here's two really cute Norwich terriers (we think!).  We are really getting into smaller dogs lately - since we love Indy (the perfect dog) so much!

It was a fun afternoon and my favorite quote of the day was from Maggie - who actually doesn't really even like dogs all that much.  "Wow, I didn't know there were so many KINDS of dogs!"

Clean out

Every once in awhile our waste line clogs because of the Magnolia tree we have in our front yard; a romantic gift from our house's previous owner to his southern belle wife.  Our city has always been fantastic about coming and performing a clean out because the 'issue' occurs in the part of the line that is under their easement on our property.  Essentially, it occur right under the tree because the roots LOVE the moisture and 'nutrients' the waste line offers.

Well, recently the city told us they needed to install a 'clean out' which allows them to do their work from the yard.  To date they have done the clean out from the manhole in the street.  No more, now they insist on working from the yard so that the city employees are not at risk working in the middle of the street.

So, they came last week to install the clean out.  Here they are getting started.  The equipment you see helps them figure out exactly where the pipes run into our yard.

Once they figured out where the lines go it was time to dig down to them.  So, they brought out the heavy equipment and started digging.

They figured they had to go about 4-5 feet down to find the pipe to tap into and put in the clean out.

By the time the hole was dug out they had removed about 1/3rd of the roots to our Magnolia tree.  We'll have to see how that works out.  We're wondering if it will show trauma signs.

Here's a longer shot of the digging.

Once they got a guy into the hole and he started cleaning out around the underground pipe - he looked up from the hole and realized... that there already WAS a clean out in the yard.  They had almost dug it up with the bucket!!   It was buried just far enough below the surface of the ground that we've never 'discovered it'. 

The guys from the city water department were pretty embarrassed to say the least. Apparently, their records weren't too good and they failed to note there already was a clean out.

Well, they put the dirt back in the hole, put the sod back on top of it, and raised the existing clean out up to ground level.  Too funny - they had to dig a 5' deep hole to find the existing clean out!

Musings On Work These Days

I rarely spend any time or energy on the blog talking about my work life. It’s not that I have a rule of the sort “let’s not talk about work on the blog” that keeps me from doing it. And up to now Julie has not ‘banned’ me from talking about it (haha). I think it’s just a reflection of a couple facts. First, I’m 49 years old and have arrived at a time and place in my life where friends, family and being in community dominate my brain-space and my communication. They are what I want to share with people. Secondly, I think it’s a reflection of the fact that I love what I do and where I do it. I must admit to being a content employee. That’s not to say there are not things that occur that rile me at times. But, by and large I am very happy with where God has placed me, I find my job intellectually stimulating, and I find many opportunities to love people in God’s name among my colleagues. I guess I just have very little to complain so I don’t say much about work – except how thankful I am for it.

Awhile back our company was purchased and became a part of ITT. At the beginning of the year ITT Defense, of which I am a part, announced a re-organization. Last Thursday afternoon we got a good taste of what that means. In an effort to increase our viability and profitability our new management team told an impromptu all-hands meeting audience that they were obliterating most of the support staff at our location and turning our facility into an ‘engineering center of excellence’. In simple terms, that means most of the engineering staff will be retained to develop and support our products. Most everyone else will be out of a job by the 3rd Quarter or so.

I’ve started a business. I’ve acted as a business consultant. I’ve written business plans. I’ve traipsed all over the world marketing products for businesses. I’ve stood in front of countless potential customers attempting to articulate a solid value proposition while asking for their business. I also am an avid student of economics. So, I can appreciate the business motivations behind these moves. They are solid in many cases; difficult to argue.

So why is my heart so incredibly heavy? Why is it that explaining the economic advantages of dispatching my colleagues so that I might endure and benefit doesn’t excite me? Why is it that because I was fortunate enough to earn an engineering degree I don’t now feel some satisfaction in my safety (I have been informed that I will be ‘ok’ for the foreseeable future) from this storm?

The book SuperFreakonics may expose the answer. The author explains in this book two ‘norms’ or ‘realms’ in which we, as humans operate. The first is within a ‘social norm’. It is within the social norm that I feel it is acceptable to ask my friends and colleagues to ‘do me a favor’. I can ask a neighbor to help me move some heavy objects, or to help me with a home project. It is within the social norm that my company can ask me to ‘work late in order to achieve an important goal’. Social norms allow us to ask each other for charity. The second ‘norm’ is a ‘market norm’. Within the market norm I pay people to serve me or provide me products. It is the market norm that allows me to insist that people do things the way I want them done. It is the market norm that allows me to complain about the help I am receiving. It is within the market norm that I can insist on being paid if I am going to stay late to help my employer achieve a business goal.

Great businesses operate, as much as possible, within a social norm. They expend a lot of management energy and corporate resources to maintain a corporate culture that emphasizes social norms (time off with pay, emergency leave, comp time, community involvement, etc.).

Interestingly, the author points out that once a relationship (personal or professional) transitions from operating within a social norm to operating within a market norm it is almost impossible to go back. In practical terms this means once you pay your electrician friend to help you do a project at home it is almost impossible to then ask him next time to just do it as a favor. The same applies at work. Once a company clearly starts operating strictly on a market norm (e.g., issuing furloughs to employees, having them pay for their employee benefits, etc.) it is nearly impossible to turn back.

Last Thursday ITT made it clear to its employees at my location that they are operating within a predominantly market norm. For a person that has consistently sought out employment at companies that foster a social norm culture that was quite a shock.

I’ll be okay. I remain extremely grateful to God for bringing me here and preserving me here – for whatever time remains in His plan. I will adapt to the new management approach. However, it will be with extreme sadness. While I may have intellectual respect for many of the business decisions that were made I have very little excitement about the new culture. And it will take some more time to grieve for those that were impacted.

Tweet Away

How is your week going? We'd love to hear what you're up to ... tweet away.

Tod: is excited to be a week away from visiting Joel, Carissa and Ryan.
Tod: is thinking he might see the sun today.  wouldn't that be great!
Tod: is feeling very blah other than that...

2009 BLOGGIES

Welcome to the 2009 Team HEnderson BLOG Greatest Items Ever Seen - or simply, THE 2009 BLOGGIES! 2009 was an outstanding year and the competition was fierce. However, voting was simplified by our lead writer making unencumbered, unilateral decisions in each category ;)

Congratulations to all our winners! And now, without further ado, on to the awards!

FOREIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BEST FOREIGN BLOG - Medical
Buckner’s Buzz:

http://bucknersbuzz.blogspot.com/
Initially positioned within the blogosphere as a 'life in a small town' blog - this blog repositioned itself throughout 2009 into a premier medical blog.  Featuring in depth stories featuring compelling visuals this blog brought life and death issues in a small time to the PC screen.  Congratulations and best wishes for good health in 2010 to Joanne Buckner.

BEST FOREIGN BLOG - Hedonistic 

Ode to Goodness: 

http://odetogoodness.wordpress.com/
Exceptional photography, insightful and often poignant writing, and world class culinary content describe this blog, the creative outpouring of Rachel Logan. Ode to Goodness regularly exceeds all our hedonistic expectations.  Even without the blatant pandering to the Team Henderson BLOGGIES nominating committee this blog was clearly a 2009 best!

BEST FOREIGN BLOG - 15 Minutes of Fame Award

Hannah Montana Timberlake: 

http://hannahmontanatimberlake.blogspot.com/
A light is no less bright just because it shines for a brief time - just ask Conan O'Brien!  Hannah's blog illuminated all our lives for a short time in 2009.  For all her meaningful insights - such as 'no matter how good you are... don't cut your own bangs'.. we give this brief award to Hannah Henderson.

BEST FOREIGN PICTURE - Jumping
Jan 28th: Strong Foreign Picture Award
Michelle Bengtson stunned Team Henderson with this submission in early 2009.  I'm pretty sure there was some image editing software involved - but even so this picture earned our jealousy and admiration.  Well done Michelle.

BEST FOREIGN PICTURE - Nature
Feb 8: More Eagle Pictures
Lori wow'ed this blog with her unbelievable shots of bald eagles in the wilderness.  Congratulations to you and your assistant!

BEST FOREIGN PICTURE - Jumping AND Nature

There was a tie in this category.  Thanks to all for the strong submissions this year!
Jan 26: Engagement Jumping Picture
Combining a picturesque background with jumping to celebrate your engagement is a clever way to win a BLOGGIE.  Way to go!

Jun 22: Tyler and Michelle Jumping
Normally, we like our jumpers fully clothed.  However, if you successfully jump over the Alps - you're a winner!  Congratulations to Tyler on his first ever BLOGGIE!

BEST FOREIGN BLOG SUBMISSION - Joel Henderson
Dec 23: TH2: Salem, Oregon
Reminding us all during the Christmas Season of the importance of a close walk with God - Joel also stunned the Team Henderson Blog with it's first image featuring full frontal nudity.  Thankfully, it was in-utero making it not only appropriate - but amazing!  Thanks Joel for your 2009 contributions.  We think 2010 is going to be an amazing year for you!

BEST FOREIGN COMMENT - balog
Feb 23: Celine!
I think balog's entry speaks for itself.  Well done!

Yes, nice blog, I am sorry my enggils is verry poor. Tahnk You

ACHIEVEMENTS IN WRITING

BEST BLOG ENTRY - Medical - Human 
June 22: Stiches
The story of my little nephew Trent taking himself out while jumping on the bed with Hannah (she swears it was not intentional and we believe her!) - this entry won in a very crowded field this year.  Our suggestion to future competitors:  get pictures of your hospitalization to augment your posts!

BEST BLOG ENTRY - Medical - Vermin 
Sep 12: Don't look Tod!
Keeping with what clearly was the new, new thing in 2009 - injuries and medical procedures - this entry chronicled the sterilization of our beloved Indy Anna Henderson.  Featuring pictures from inside the operating room, this entry both impressed and disgusted our Committee.

BEST BLOG ENTRY - Party! 
Aug 9: Emily's 25th Birthday Bash
Team Henderson was honored to be invited to this classic mid Summer soiree!  Featuring delicious food and gorgeous people!  A shameless attempt to get invited to more parties in 2010 - we award this award to Emily Scott.

BEST BLOG SERIES 
The Hannah Saga
From shared drinking glasses to shared private moments - this series exposed the underbelly of college living.  Chronicling Hannah's bout with mono last spring this series followed the tragic consequences and path to redemption from this debilitating disease.

BEST BANNED BLOG ENTRY 
Nov 17: Public Confession
This story – eventually banned from the blog by our executive editor, Julie – addressed electronic intrique and betrayal. It's timely removal cleared the field for Tiger Woods to have his 15 minutes of fame in 2009.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST PICTURE - KIDS 
Jan 3: Mr. and Mrs. Joel Henderson
Duh!!!  Umm.. like this was hard to figure out.  Decided to start with a slam dunk before getting to the more complicated decisions!

BEST PICTURE – MOST INSPIRATIONAL 
Jan 3: Inspirational
Congratulations Bill and Linda for showing us all what elder-love looks like!  You truly inspired in 2009! 

BEST PICTURE - WOUND 
Jun 6: Emergency!
It seems only appropriate to introduce this category for the 2009 BLOGGIES.  A highly competitive niche - this years winner went beyond the call of duty (dishwashing) to produce this award winning image.

BEST PICTURE -BODY PARTS 
Mar 4: Buttboy
This one is for the ladies.

BEST PICTURE - MEAT 
Sep 27: Tail Gate Game 2
Food played a dominant role in 2009 and it seems only fitting to award a 2009 BLOGGIE to excellence in meat.  This year's award goes to Tim and his mastery of ribs.  We look forward to your contributions in 2010!

BEST PICTURE - JUMPING 
Jan 3: Mr. and Mrs. Joel Henderson
This category continues to be our most competitive.  This year's winner was a result of our closest vote ever.  Congratulations to the winners.

BEST PICTURE - BEST IN SHOW 
Jun 25: Indy
Who else? Seriously!

BEST PICTURE - MISCELLANEOUS 
Sep 27: Tail Gate Game 2
Trumping a euchre trick is always exciting.  When you capture it in picture it's even more rewarding!  When you use your neighbors special Washington Huskies cards to trump him - well.. that's an award winner.

BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR
Once again we had a tie this year. 
Jan 3: Mr. and Mrs. Joel Henderson
How can you beat the a picture that reflects both physical beauty and true inner joy?  You can't - and that why this picture shares our picture of the year award for 2009!

April 28: Jon and Rachel - Married at Last!
I just loved the subject - as well as the technical aspects of this picture.  A 2009 best of!!

ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMENTING

MOST COMMENTS – INDIVIDUAL BLOG ENTRY 
Mar 26: $5 Quiz - This Day in History
A fitting award given it's mixture of good humor and name calling - this blog entry brought comments from multiple states in a good humored demonstration of family infighting. As always - this award goes equally to all that participated. Well done!

BEST BLOG COMMENT TANGO 
Jan 19: 2009 BLOGGIES 
The Team Henderson Blog Competition Committee offers it's highest honor to Joel Henderson and Hannah Henderson for this commenting tour de force.  Recognized worldwide for it's technical, intellectual and comedic merit it stands alone in 2009 for its sheer brilliance.  Please enjoy it one more time:

 Hannah said...

So i see father, you have officially lost all other hobbies and focused on Blogging.... and i would just like to say that of course Rachel and I took siblings!!!!! I would also like to take 'favorite child' award... and in the spirit of a new blogging year.. I, Hannah Henderson, have made an account to begin competing against Joel in the comment category of the Bloggies! BRING IT ON BRO...

 Joel said...

Hannah, you're talking to the guy that got the word blogment published on UrbanDictionary.com, the guy who once wrote a comment longer than the original post, the guy with the English major and cush library job that enables him to comment whenever, wherever. You're talking to the guy with literary skills coursing through his veins, who eats, sleeps, and breathes language theory, the guy who know the difference between assonance and consonance and owns a Shakespeare book the size of your head. If you want to talk tough, go ahead, but you better bring your A-game to back it up. Because I will. Wit isn't about talking loud; it's about talking well. My name is Joel Henderson, and I am President of the United States of America.

Hannah said...

Joel – I have seen that you have chosen to talk the talk and failed to actually walk the walk. Yes, you are clearly suffering from neologasm, however, that does not instill fear or worry in me. You may have written a long comment, but can you write an entry? Can you choose a template? Can you upload and drag photos into perfection? No – because I am that girl. I am the girl who took 3 foreign languages because she never shied from a challenge. The girl who breathes rhetoric and eats enough vocabulary, it often causes diarrhea of the mouth. My veins are fire. The synapses in my brain beg me think slower. My stamina is measured in miles, while yours can only be in Ångströms. And you may have the cush job in a library, but the head start mother and father gave you will soon be obsolete as my power and genius swiftly wipe you out. As Sweet Tart withstood the heat, I too am prepared to wage war. And while you are busy knowing the difference between assonance and consonance, I am using them. Shakespeare’s book may be the size of my head, but can you read it? So Joel, or should I say Chocolate Chip, lets do the comment tango. I only have A-game. Life is about walking, not talking – and I can do that better on my hands than you on your feet. So go ahead, be the President of the United States of America. My name is Jack Bauer. I am a juggernaut. And as I said one day saving this world from Presidents like you: “I have killed two people since midnight, I haven't slept in over 24 hours. So maybe... maybe you should be a little more afraid of me than you are right now.”  

Joel said... 

 

A valiant effort, but as Dr. Rose says, "Close is only good in horse shoes, hand grenades and nuclear war." Next time try proof-reading what you write and checking your facts, then get back to me. Cause for the record, I was the original Team Henderson blogger. I pwned the blogging world years ago. I am Chuck Norris; Jack Bauer wears my pajamas.

2009 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

2009 MOTHER OF THE YEAR 
July 15: Pier Jumping Pictures
What can you say about a woman who is willing to throw herself off the end of a pier, fully clothed, into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe?  Yes, you say she continues to shock us.  Yes, you say she loves life.  Yes, you say she rocks!  And if you're writing BLOGGIES you say she's the Mother of the Year!  Congratulations Julie!

2009 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 
Marian Hunt – 90 and a regular visitor to the Team Henderson Blog!
This first time BLOGGIES nominee and award winner epitomizes what it means to be a follower of Jesus,  a loving Matriarch and a lifetime learner. We are proud to award this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Marian Hunt!

Email A Blog Post

Google recently added a new feature to their blogging applications.  The feature allows you to email a blog post to any email account.

You can do so by clicking the mail icon (looks like the picture immediately below) at end end of the blog post (down there by the COMMENTS link) and entering in one ore more email addresses.

So, if you read something interesting here and want to send it to one of your friends... go for it.

What this feature does is send an email with the blog entry title and a link back to the blog. You can add some text to tell the person you email why you passed along the story (e.g., 'hey.. click the link to the blog below for a review of the 2010 BLOGGIES'.).

Personally, I think this feature would have much more appeal if it simply sent the blog entry contents (text and pictures) within the email itself.  As is, you can do just about the same thing by copying and pasting the blog entry into an email message.  Admittedly, that takes one or two more steps.. so maybe Blogger really is doing something that helps.

In any event.. enjoy.

Joke to start off your day!

Irish Viagra

An Irish woman of advanced age visited her physician to ask his advice on reviving her husband's libido. 'What about trying Viagra?' asked the doctor? 'Not a chance', she said. 'He won't even take an aspirin.'

'Not a problem,' replied the doctor. 'Give him an 'Irish Viagra'.. It's when you drop the Viagra tablet into his coffee. He won't even taste it. Give it a try and call me in a week to let me know how things went.'

It wasn't a week later when she called the doctor, who directly inquired as to her progress.
The poor dear exclaimed, 'Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah! T'was horrid! Just terrible, doctor!'

'Really? What happened?' asked the doctor?

'Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee and the effect was almost immediate. He jumped straight up, with a twinkle in his eye and with his pants a-bulging fiercely! With one swoop of his arm, he sent me cups and tablecloth flying, ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there passionately on the tabletop! T'was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!'

'Why so terrible?' asked the doctor, 'Do you mean the sex your husband provided wasn't good?'

'Twas the best sex I've had in 25 years! But sure as I'm sittin' here, I'll never be able to show me face in Starbucks again!'

Tweet Away

How is your week going? We'd love to hear what you're up to ... tweet away.

Tod: is feeling like he's cleared the decks.. and it's now clear sailing to the bloggies.

Tod: it hailed today - mightily!! A couple of us went outdoors and actually collected some of the hail. Sorry there are no pictures to share! A rare occurrence here to be sure.

Tod: the pool is almost overflowing. Should have listened to Julie and drained some of the water during the day this weekend... before the torrential downpours started.

Half way decent picture

I had such good intentions when I got my new camera last year. I was realizing lately that I have spent virtually no time taking pictures and enjoying this hobby. There are many reasons. Busy-ness. Distractions. Or just having too much fun.

In any event - I was telling Julie just recently that I hadn't taken a picture I really liked for quite some time. But.. I did find this one which might just change my mind. The subjects? A very content Team Love You (Jon and Rachel). Love the peeps. Love the pose. And love the result.

Happy Birthday Karen!!

Happy 25th birthday to Karen!! It is hard to believe but we've know you your entire life!! And what a joy it has been to be a part of your life. It was especially rewarding last Sunday - because we got to attend your birthday lunch! Yay!

We met at Buca di Beppo (say that three times fast) - a most luscious Italian, family style restaurant. We enjoyed a feast (and gained some weight!) as you can see from the plethora of plates and smiles!





























The birthday girl received a special dessert in honor of her day which came accompanied by a candleabra straight from Beauty and the Beast! Of course we regaled her with Happy Birthday!

































Directly after lunch it was on to home for a special cake, presents, and game playing. It was a relaxing, wonderful afternoon spent with the most fabulous people. Special Kudos to Auntie for all her organization and decorating skills! You rock!

































Happy Birthday (Thursday is her actual birthday) Karen! We love you!

Catching Up

In case you're wondering if we're still serious sports fans... the answer is decidedly YES! In fact, over the last couple of weeks we've had the chance to attend a couple of college basketball games featuring the University of California - Irvine (UCI for short). That's were Brandon is playing on scholarship this year. Yes, we are EATER fans! (the UCI mascot is the anteater)

Now, as a freshman you can imagine the amount of hard work and skill it takes to break into the playing lineup. Knowing that, we've been impressed that Brandon has played in both the games we have attended. Way to go - B!

Here's some pictures from UCI vs. San Jose State - which is just down the street from us. Here's Brandon in pre-game warmups.











And here he is waiting for a break in the play - to go in.











Along with being one of the best natural passers I have ever had the enjoyment of watching - B is a very active defensive player.





























We are excited to spend time with our friends (B's parents) and to get the chance to watch his development and growth as a basketball player at this new level. Go EATERS!

Another One...

one of my colleagues who i mentioned the Monty Hall Paradox to (see previous entry) - tried one of his favorites out on me.

try this out. make sure you think of your answer before you read on!!

please pick a number from one to four

ok? did you pick a Number from One to Four?

don't read on until you've made your selection.

ok.. got the number in your head?

then read on.....

your number was three!!

wild, eh?????

Pre-Bloggie Tweets

I hope your new year is off to a great start!

If so.. or not.. we'd love to hear what you're up to ... tweet away.

Tod: is bored watching other award shows and wants to give out some awards of his own!!

Tod: is in shock at the level of destruction in Haiti. I am proud that my company, ITT, just notified all employees that any contribution we make to the relief will be TRIPLED by our company. If your's isn't.. and you want it to be.. pass the money to me and I'll add your donation to ours and get it tripled!

Tod: is excited that in 3 wks and a day we will be in Salem enjoying the kids!

First $ Challenge of the New Decade!

Okay fans... here's our first $ challenge for 2010.

$1 to the first person who correctly identifies the year this picture was taken.

Double or nothing? Can you name the two rats in the picture?

Joel and Hannah - you're NOT ELIGIBLE to compete! Sorry.

Old dog... new tricks...

The other day Hannah told me about one of the interview questions she was asked about during her interviews with Stryker. The question, come to find out, is a famous one called 'The Monty Hall Problem' or 'The Monty Hall Paradox'.

Here's the question:

Suppose you're on a game show, and you're given the choice of three doors: Behind one door is a car; behind the others, goats. You pick a door, say No. 1, and the host, who knows what's behind the doors, opens another door, say No. 3, which has a goat. He then says to you, "Do you want to pick door No. 2?" Is it to your advantage to switch your choice?

Now.. before you read on.. what would you do? Decided? Okay... read on.

The problem is a probability puzzle based on the TV show Let's Make a Deal and is named after the show's host. The answer appears absurd - but it is demonstraby true.

My well trained engineering brain immediately spit out the answer 'doesn't matter' - which is equivalent to saying 'no' don't switch. You see, with 1 response revealed you have a 50/50 chance of having picked the car. Why switch? Makes sense doesn't it?

Nope: as it turns out the correct answer is to switch!! Hannah informed me.

NOOOOO! I responded. And revved up my statistics and mathematical engine to prove her (or more correctly the person over at Stryker who posed the question) that they were wrong. But I was wrong!

Here's proof that switching is to your advantage:

Say the doors are marked C G G (for car, goat, goat). And I am going to use X to represent the door that the host opens (which always will be a goat door). The door I picked I will mark using a little 'p' (example: Gp means I picked a goat). Here's the three possible outcomes that will happen based on which door you originally pick (1st, 2nd or 3rd):

you pick the first door: Cp G G
host eliminates 2nd door (or third.. doesn't matter): Cp X G
you swap: C X Gp
outcome: LOSE

you pick the 2nd door: C Gp G
host eliminates 3rd door: C Gp X
you swap: Cp (as result of swap) G X
outcome: WIN

you pick the 3rd door: C G Gp
host eliminates 2nd door: C X Gp
you swap: Cp (as result of swap) X G
outcome: WIN

You win 2/3rds of the time as a result of swapping!!

Just to prove to you that staying results in a worse outcome... here's the result for staying:

you pick the first door: Cp G G
host eliminates 2nd door: Cp X G
you keep your original pick
outcome: WIN

you pick the 2nd door: C Gp G
host eliminates 3rddoor: C Gp X
you keep your original pick
outcome: LOSE

you pick the 3rd door: C G Gp
host eliminates 2nd door: C X Gp
you keep your original pick
outcome: LOSE

So - in this case you win 1/3rd of the time. Summarizing, swapping results in 2/3rds chance of winning; staying results in 1/3rd chance of winning. You should swap!

Amazing. Hannah... I never did ask you what answer you provided during your interview.. but swapping is clearly the right answer. I stand humbled and amused.

Happily, I am in good company. Here's a quotation from someone who wrote a famous book about math puzzles: "... no other statistical puzzle comes so close to fooling all the people all the time" and "that even Nobel physicists systematically give the wrong answer, and that they insist on it, and they are ready to berate in print those who propose the right answer." That's pretty close to how I initially responded to Hannah :)

At least old dogs CAN learn new tricks.

Oh, and note the answer does not depend in any way on where you stash the car. It would work out exactly the same for any placement.

2010 Tweets

I hope your new year is off to a great start! If so.. or not.. we'd love to hear what you're up to ... tweet away.

Tod: is tired of being sick. a full week now of a nasty cold and i am thoroughly annoyed that my body is so weak!

Tod: is reminded by a company re-org announced this week to be thankful for my job and to work diligently!

Tod: is proud for and happy that Hannah had a very successful interview schedule with Stryker yesterday. she is interested in an internship this Summer.

Slow Start

We hope your New Years is off to a great start. Ours has been restful and slow. We're sitting here right now watching Michigan State play their bowl game. Or, at least, the players that didn't punch out the frat boys and get suspended. Go Spartans!

We've had a few card nights over the last week or so and that is something we really enjoy. There is something uplifting about getting together with your kids and friends around a card table. Hannah thinks that playing strategy games all her life gave her a leg up at school. I think playing games with my kids my whole life gave us all a leg up. In any event - we love sharing time with the kids.

I think tomorrow we're going to watch Avatar. Then, it will be back to work and a more regular schedule.

We are looking forward to 2010. Some amazing and life changing things are going to happen and we're ready for them.

One change is that Julie is finally going to get on facebook. She just got PWNED by Janice (her sister) who signed up and just send me a friend request. I guess the pressure is really on Julie now.

I hope you are all having a restful weekend!