Hmmm. Let's think about this. At least 5 for the planning stage. One for the management. Then, at least two of the planners would feel that the manager was totally screwing things up and would either walk out or would stage a coup and take over. In the process of the coup, one of the two would do something dumb and get fired. So, we would need two more guys to replace the two that were lost. So far, we're up to 8. After that, they would continue with the planning, but would get so caught up in doing it perfectly, that they would get caught up in "analysis paralysis". Then the owner of the house, whose trying to get the light bulb replaced, would fire the whole team for the schedule delay. He would then hire a new team and they would take up the planning. So far, we're up to 14.

Finally, the plan would be finished. One of the planners would be assigned to go to gas up the car. He would go and see the ice cream cooler and would take 20 minutes deciding which ice cream to buy. He would forget to buy gas and be fired when he gets back. So, we need another one to replace him. 15. This time two guys would be sent to get gas, in case one forgets. When they get to the gas station, they would see the beer cooler. They would get a case of Heineken. They would remember to get gas, but would be so drunk when they got back, they would have to be fired. Replace them and we have 17.

Now, the whole team goes to Home Depot. Two guys are assigned to get a ladder. Two guys to get light bulbs (several in case others need changing or some break). Two guys are assigned to get one of those telescoping light bulb changers (even though it's a regular height ceiling, it may be needed for other light bulbs in the future). The ladder guys are both gardeners and decide to take a detour into the garden area. They cannot be found when it is time to leave. The telescoping guys get sidetracked talking to the cute checkout girl. They decide to stay behind to "chat her up" and see which one she likes better. The two light bulb guys pay for the light bulbs and they go back home. Now, the other four need replacing. 21. When they arrive back home, it is found that the light bulb guys got the wrong bulbs. They are the wrong size and regular bulbs, not compact flourescent bulbs. They are promptly fired. 23.

Now, the new 6 have to go back to home depot and do the original job (by the way, by now, we are on day 5 of "The Great Light Bulb Change"). Two get the ladder, two get the telescoping, and two get light bulbs. They get what they think is needed and drive home. Unfortunately, by thinking they know best, they didn't follow the plan. They got the wrong ladder (extension, not step). They got the wrong bulbs (halogen, not compact flourescent), and they got the wrong telescoper (they got a pole saw, not a light bulb changer). All 6 are fired. 29.

The new 6 are sent to Lowe's, because of the embarassment of another group returning to Home Depot. They get a ladder, telescoping changer, and light bulbs. Unfortunately, they find the left over beer in the car and don't realize they are speeding. They are pulled over by a cop and are arrested for DUI. The car and the equipment are impounded for evidence. A new 6 are needed. 35.

Bummer. Now these 6 go to Lowes and get everything that's needed. Unfortunately, on the way home, they are sideswiped by an 18 wheeler and are put in the hospital. A new 6 are needed. 41.

After talking with the new 6, the owner decides "To heck with it. I'll do it myself". The 6 are fired and the owner takes over, gets all the equipment needed, and replaces the light bulb.

SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO ... the answer is ... 42!!!!! After all, isn't that the answer to everything? :-)

P.S. Sue, I told you I could live a lifetime in my head :-)

Private Reply to Russ Howard (new win)