One thing that drives me nuts and entertains me at the same time is when there are stupid oversights in newspaper media. And I suppose it extends to other media as well...
One example I heard a few years back had me rolling on the floor with laughter. A headline read "Half of Students Scored Below Average on Standardized Test"
What a sensational headline - Our education system must be in the toilet - or so the headline would lead you to believe...
But of course those that scored above average on those same standardized tests can probably tell you - There will always be roughly 50% that score below average. Thats how averages and medians work.
Tonight I read an article talking about the Calgary Flames win over the Detroit Red Wings in overtime to clinch the win in the playoff series.
In this article a sports reporter tells us this amazing statistic:
Calgary's last six overtime wins have been by one goal, including consecutive 1-0 shutouts of the Red Wings, who had an NHL-best 48-21-11-2 record during the regular season.
Guess what - I would bet that Calgary's last 20 over time wins have been by a single goal. The last 30 or 40 or more have likely been by a single goal.
For those that don't know - NHL games that go into overtime are sudden death. First team to score wins. Think "goden goal" if your are a 'football' (soccer) fan. So the maring of victory is always going to be a single goal in an NHL overtime win.
So hats off to Erik Matuszewski in Princeton who gets my "DUH" award for this week.
andre
Posted by andre at May 4, 2004 04:11 AM