 random variable. and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parameter" target="_top">distribution
            parameters</a> are conventionally distinguished (for example in Wikipedia
            and Wolfram MathWorld) by placing a semi-colon or vertical bar) <span class="emphasis"><em>after</em></span>
            the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_variable" target="_top">random
            variable</a> (whose value you 'choose'), to separate the variate
            from the parameter(s) that