For some reason, the standard python input read functions don't like "malformed" input. For example, 09 and 08. basically number with 0 in front. anyone know a way to deal with this?

For some reason it doesn't have a problem with the first malformed input (01) but it does have a problem with (08 and 09).

Arg! Apparently python evaluates numbers with leading 0's as octal! so number 08 and above won't work. Hope this helps the next person who tries this puzzle.