Random phone number was the right one

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understandinguncertainty.org was produced by the Winton programme for the public understanding of risk based in the Statistical Laboratory in the University of Cambridge. The aim was to help improve the way that uncertainty and risk are discussed in society, and show how probability and statistics can be both useful and entertaining.

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Deadlines are always hairy in the newspaper business. In an extreme rush, I reached for the phone book to look up a source as Chuck was hurrying by. Kidding, I asked, "Chuck, what's the number I'm looking for?" Chances are he would guess one of the three local exchanges - 372, 373 or 375 - and he blurted out 7 digits as he rushed by. About 10 seconds later I found the number I was looking for in the book and it was exactly - exactly - the number Chuck threw out there. I never even told him who I was trying to call.
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Date submitted:Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:45:29 +0000Coincidence ID:10554