Downsizing the odds & ends file:

Halloween Math Pranks?  

Last Halloween, I found myself, as a civic club volunteer, passing out candy at a Boys/Girls Club Halloween Party.  It was a last-minute opportunity, with little planning, and as the first volunteer to arrive, I had to decide logistics/rules.  As kids came through, I began to ask their school levels.  Then I’d point to one of the two baskets of candy, and say “OK, this is the third grade (or whatever) basket – take some!”
Soon I randomly changed to asking their favorite subject.  One of the visitors responded “math”.  I spontaneously replied – “OH! Then you get a handful from both baskets!!”
Well. Word travels fast!  Soon, almost every child mysteriously had a favorite subject of math!  As you might imagine, I never once fact-checked their claims.
So, I ask you:  who were the prank-ERs and the prank-EEs?  The kids cleverly snagged extra candy, but I got the delightful opportunity to hear dozens of kids saying that math was their favorite subject!  I’m still smiling

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In Praise of Libraries

Long overdue. Over the past 2 or 3 years, while giving presentations about my 2016 Missouri River Adventure, I’ve had dozens of new occasions to visit libraries all around Missouri, and even up/down the entire Missouri River.  I have been amazed and delighted! 
These are not our childhoods’ libraries!  Without exception, these institutions of learning have become marvelously up to date!  Computers for patrons abound, all kinds of educational tools besides books can be checked out, children’s sections invite young learners (and adults), and educational programs are abundant!  Libraries have an admirable desire and ability to respond to the educational desires of their patrons, and they succeed nicely.  (See also Kathleen O’Dell’s column in Monday’s (2/3) News-Leader, p. A2)
There is no question that these are educational institutions of the highest order!  If you haven’t visited one recently, do so today!  Adventure awaits
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In Defense of Libraries

Timely segue:  Apparently larger libraries around the country have held ‘drag queen story hours’ and they often attract many patrons.  (See, e.g., Monday’s News-Leader, p. A4 and https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.org/faq.)  I suspect reactions to this phenomenon range all the way from hilarity to curiosity to shock.  (Talk about ‘not your childhood’s library’!)
The reaction of Senator Ben Baker (Neosho) was one of personal offense. That’s his right.  But, because he’s a legislator, he wants to ban these events in Missouri, since “that’s something that I take offense to, and I think a lot of parents do.”
I have no doubt of the complete truth of that statement.  Others might agree.  But, is that fact really relevant? Let’s keep our perspective.  The issue here is not about drag queens on one hand, nor political correctness on the other. 
Further, it is not even about the wisdom of libraries hosting similar events.  I’m still debating how I’d weigh in on that, but it’s not my argument either way.  Nor is it Senator Baker’s, and, holy cow, it’s certainly not the legislature’s! 
It’s an argument/decision for each library (and its patrons).  Lots of libraries would not choose to host such an event, but clearly some (including Springfield) have.  Does Sen Baker really need to interfere?
Baker says his proposed bill is not aimed at censoring books (because that would be bad?).  I hear that.  But I wonder:  Is there really much difference in censoring books at libraries and censoring events there?
Senator Baker’s personal views are understandable in today’s deeply divided society and in this corner of Missouri.  But isn’t it presumptuous (and possibly dangerous) to try to impose his views on the whole state?