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From Craps Tables to Sudoku Grids: A Microsoft Vet's Journey into Puzzle Setting
Manage episode 488015238 series 3534235
Meet David Workman, known in the puzzle world as "Half-Baked Lunatic" - a Microsoft veteran who creates Sudoku puzzles so difficult he can't solve them himself.
David shares the incredible story of how he invented TiVo's core technology in 1996, only to watch it slip away when his two-page concept paper got buried at Microsoft. He reveals his epic gambling simulation that proved why casinos always win (even with unlimited money, you'd eventually make bets exceeding the world's GDP), and explains the paradox of puzzle creation - building something is the opposite of solving it.
With 64 puzzles published and 10 featured on the legendary Cracking the Cryptic YouTube channel, David has earned his place among elite puzzle setters. His masterpiece had viewers watching for 45 minutes before a single digit was placed. Plus: the hilarious tale of licensing Elvis for $1,200 while a cockroach photo nearly cost millions.
Check out David Workman's Resources:
http://www.halfbakedlunatic.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediabizdev/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkyCXQNZY5ZhoSy1dL8b1Q
https://logic-masters.de/Raetselportal/Benutzer/eingestellt.php?start=0&name=HalfBakedLunatic
Games Mentioned:
Craps - David's favorite game to play
Pinochle
Sudoku
Kropki puzzles
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- (00:00) - Introduction to Puzzle Setting
- (00:28) - Meet David Workman: The Prolific Puzzle Setter
- (01:08) - David's Favorite Games and Betting Strategies
- (01:46) - The Martingale Betting Strategy Explained
- (07:22) - David's Journey in the Broadcast Electronics Industry
- (09:30) - The Birth of TiVo: A Missed Opportunity
- (10:55) - Licensing Elvis Presley and Other Fun Stories
- (12:40) - David's Love for Sudoku and Puzzle Setting
- (16:40) - Challenges and Joys of Creating Puzzles
- (19:42) - Tools and Techniques for Puzzle Setting
- (23:05) - Creative Puzzle Themes and Ideas
- (28:11) - Monetization and Publishing Platforms
- (29:27) - Corporate Events and Custom Puzzles
- (33:12) - David's Favorite Puzzles and Their Stories
- (39:06) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find David's Puzzles
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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
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