Random thoughts...or are they?

Now that I teach statistics, I'm much more aware of how people use and misuse words like random, data, and statistic. Unfortunately, it's becoming a pet peeve... I admit that I don't like being corrected when I use the incorrect tense of a word (thanks dad), but I do like sounding like I had an education. So just to be clear:

• Data is plural. So really, data ARE plural. If you're looking at a single piece of information, then it's called a datum.
• A statistic is the conclusion reached from the gathering of data. If you've ever heard the phrase "Don't be a statistic!" (think drunk driving commercials or anti-drug), it should be "Don't be a datum!"
• In order for something to truly be random, it must be fair. In order to be fair, it has to be unpredictable and each outcome must be equally likely to occur. Be careful when you say, "That was random," because it probably wasn't. (or at least as random as you might think) The title of this post is "Random thoughts..." and in it I discuss statistics and Christmas. So really I'm narrowing down all of my possible thoughts to thoughts about math and Christmas. Not exactly random.

And just as a bonus for you: If the probability of you winning something is 1:4, and the odds of you winning something is 1:4, then you're better off with the probability. There's a difference of 5% between the two.

I feel like I've said this before...

My Christmas list this year is spendy! Here's a short list for any of you rich folk who are feeling generous:

1. I want a shotgun. (with a compass on the stock!...anyone?) I got it picked out. $300.
2. I want a Sony 2.1 surround unit with blu-ray, or a Bose 3.1 surround unit. $500
3. I want my basement insulated. $5000
4. I want a Navy blue Deron Williams authentic Jazz jersey. $260
5. I want a Navy blue Greg Jennings throwback jersey. $100

Not too much to ask is it? Oh, and an iPad would be cool. You've still got 3 weeks to get these for me!