David Workman, aka "Half-Baked Lunatic," is a Microsoft veteran turned puzzle setter who crafts incredibly challenging Sudoku puzzles. He shares his fascinating journey, from inventing TiVo's core technology, which got lost in corporate red tape, to creating a gambling simulation that showcases why casinos always win. David humorously explains the paradox of puzzle creation versus solving and recounts the highs and lows of licensing—like nearly spending millions over a cockroach photo. His expertise has captivated audiences, earning him a spot among elite puzzlers.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Craps Martingale Simulation Proves Casinos Win
David Workman simulated craps betting with the Martingale strategy to prove why casinos always win.
Even with unlimited money, bets eventually exceed the world's GDP due to losing streaks and table limits.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Invented TiVo Tech, Missed Out
David invented the core live video pause technology in 1996 at V-Extreme before Microsoft acquired it.
The idea got buried in Microsoft, and TiVo later patented it, leading to a missed opportunity for David.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Elvis License Cheap, Cockroach Costly
David licensed an Elvis Presley picture for a mockumentary movie for $1,200 successfully.
However, licensing a cockroach photo for worldwide rights nearly cost millions—an amusing contrast.
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Meet David Workman, known in the puzzle world as "HalfBakedLunatic" - 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.
Hey, Good Game