Conversation with Martin (Gardner)

I spoke with Martin (Gardner) a couple of weeks ago. First, I wanted to wish Martin a happy birthday! He turned a young 93 on Oct 21st. He does not like birthdays but I was so pleased when he told me that since he's made it to 93, he's decided to go for 100! This is very special news indeed!
When Martin and I talk, he always shares with me new book news, both his personally or others he's read. First, Sterling is publishing a new kid's book of Martin's called Optical Illusion Kit. As many of you know, Martin loves magic and this sort of thing. This book willl have an envelope of punch outs at the back. He started writing this a few years ago and there were special artists hired to design the punch outs. He told me he will send me one of his advance copies when he receives them from Sterling. I'm looking forward to seeing it and sharing it with my kids!
Also, he told me about a great book that amazon just put on a reduced price list. It turns out I already have this book, and I agreed with Martin, it is fantastic. I used to use it as a reference in my classroom all the time. I love this book. I paid $60 for it at Chapters and really love it. It has recreational math in it as well as definitions, history, etc... I used it a lot to look up stuff when my students' asked wonderfully quirky questions about things in math they heard about.
Anyway, amazon reduced it to $9.99! The book is called The Universal Book of Mathematics (from Abracadabra to Zeno's Paradoxes) by David Darling published by John Wiley & Sons. A GREAT buy!
Well, Martin is doing well and it is still a thrill to talk with him! I call him every 4-6 weeks and he is gracious every time. In fact, he enjoys our conversations and always seems so appreciative of my calls.
I've discovered that the real great minds that I've met thus far (I've been blessed now to have met many in the mathematics community) the ones so far out of my league and are so scary smart, so above my capabilities, these great ones are actually the most gracious. The really great ones I've met, talk to me, have no pretense or snobbery, they are just so gracious and genuine. Martin is one of these. Happy Birthday my friend! Thank you for enriching my life and I hope to share many more years and memories with you!

Jerry Slocum's Dreams Come True

Bill and I traveled to Indiana University to meet with Jerry Slocum. Then the three of us and Jillian Hinchcliffe and a world renowned professor who is an expert in Problem Solving in Mathematics Education met to discuss research in the area of puzzles and their benefits. It was a ground breaking meeting and it was extremely exciting. Jerry called it a "dream come true" and I was honoured to be a part of one of Jerry's dream. Wonderful news and exciting times!

Also that evening, Bill and I were guests of Jerry's at a wonderful dinner where Jerry was given a medal from the Friends of the Lily Library for his outstanding contributions. This was a high honour as Jerry is one of only two recipients of these medals that have ever been given out. I was so proud to be a part of this event. Congratulations Jerry!

Visit with Jerry Slocum

I'm in Indiana right now. Bill and I met Jerry at the airport. Had a wonderful dinner and just enjoying their wonderful company. Can't wait to visit the Slocum Puzzle room tomorrow. Was here in 2006 for the official opening. Am excited to see it again now. Jillian Hinchclife is the puzzle curator for the Slocum Room at the Lily Library. We'll see her tomorrow.
The conversation we had on the way to Bloomington and at dinner is very exciting. I described it to Bill as one of those times you wished you could be a fly on the wall, well I get to be the fly on the wall! Amazing conversation and stories! Jerry is an amazing individual and he has so many great stories not only about puzzles, but also about when he was an egineer involved in so many aviation advances! He had an amazing career!
I'm a lucky girl!

Vacation in Nova Scotia

Went to Nova Scotia for a conference at the end of October. I presented on SNAP Math Fairs and it was a great experience. It was wonderful to see some familar faces there, other presenters and participators! SNAP is going EAST!
Also took a week long vacation with my family there. They flew out after the conference (and the hockey schedule) and joined me. It was so nice to catch up with family we have there. All my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Rich. We love going to NS. Lots of family get togethers and sightseeing with the kids. It was cool also because I normally can't travel in October, but now working for ThinkFun, we can travel outside the normal school holidays!
Some highlights!

• visiting Armbrae Academy where I presented SNAP and got to see where Barb and John's school
• family get-togethers and seeing all my amazing family and eating lots of Lobster!
• staying at Sandra and Allan's
• hiking at Blomiden (sp?)
• corn maze at Nobbins
• our museum visits
• Point Pleasant Park
• Hallowe'en with the Mitchel's! Halifax people are very generous at Hallowe'en!
• and many more great memories! (Spa visit not included)

It was great!