tauntaun.py

#!/usr/bin/env python

# This is the code used to select the winner of
# the Tauntaun Sleeping Bag Contest, sponsored by
# Bleeding Wolf Productions.
#
# The code has been made public so it's fairness
# can be challenged if necessary. The contestants'
# data have been removed to protect their privacy.
#
# Inspection of this program and the final drawing
# was made by a neutral third party.

import random

contestants = (
    ('Contestant A', 50),
    ('Contestant B', 10),
    ('Contestant C',  1),
)

total_score = sum([x for _, x in contestants])

# http://docs.python.org/library/random.html#random.randrange
random_drawing = random.randrange(0, total_score, 1) 

print "Total Scores:   ", total_score
print "Random drawing: ", random_drawing

offset = 0
for name, weight in contestants:
    r = range(offset, offset+weight)
    assert len(r) == weight

    if random_drawing in r:
        print ""
        print "---> The winner is " + name
        print ""
        break

    offset += weight