Just a fun post

[jpskewedthrone]

So a few fun things that happened recently.

First, the talk I gave to the Woodbridge (NJ): While I was there, the group wanted to buy some books and a few already had books they'd bought ahead of time. So the first person who had a book already gave it to me to sign . . . and it was already signed. This isn't unusual because I sign copies at bookstores. EXCEPT that this was signed For Clara: Great to meet you at Between Books! *signature* March 7, 2009.

Huh. Interesting. This means that "Clara" bought the book while I was at the Delaware signing, possibly read it, and more than likely sold it again. They guy said he bought it on Amazon, so I assume he bought it used from "Clara" through Amazon.

So . . . I gave him a new book, signed it to him, and now I have a copy of Skewed Throne signed to "Clara." Any Clara's out there that want Skewed Throne?

While this whole thing can be annoying (basically, because it was bought used off of Amazon, I get no credit for the sale), I just have to laugh.

So that was one thing funny that happened recently. Another was at the math conference this past weekend. I was giving a math talk on Saturday, and when I went into the room, the entire back row of the room was filled with students from my own school, Oneonta. We had 9 students from Oneonta at the meeting. They were there for support of course. A few other people were there as well. The moderator introduced me, but before I could begin, the first student held up a sign with "P" on it and shouted out "P!", the next with an "A" and a shout out of "A!", the next "L!" and so forth until they spelled out my entire last name. At the end they all shouted "PALMATIER!" and whooped and hollared.

I have to admit that I didn't know how to react. I wanted to laugh and punch my fists into the air and generally act like a kid . . . but I was the speaker, at a math conference, being all professional and whatnot. So I just smiled and thanked them and then went into the talk. A few more signs made appearances throughout the talk as well.

So, just a few things to smile about recently. Thought some of you might enjoy them.

Comments

[mela-lyn.livejournal.com]

To the signs, I would have giggled.

[darkspires.livejournal.com]

She sold your book? How could she bear to part with it? I have the book you so generously sent me and it is a prisoner for life! It has been read and enjoyed and it will be reread and enjoyed for many years to come until it disintegrates and I need to buy a new one. Shakes head.

[beatrizwench.livejournal.com]

Getting the rock star treatment at the math conference is pure gold!!

[misunderstruck.livejournal.com]

That's rather clever and fun on the part of your students.

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Oh, that math conference pep rally was hilarious! That sounds like something the gang I knew in college would have pulled off.

[danceswithwaves.livejournal.com]

You have awesome students!

[mardott.livejournal.com]

ahhh...

If I remember my college days correctly (and they weren't that long ago) it took a special teacher to get that kind of action out of students.

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

Palmatier is sort of long... I guess it took them a little while. :D Cute.

Selling a book personally signed for you? Eh... *brain cells misfiring*

[karen-w-newton.livejournal.com]

I have seen signed copies in used bookstores and wondered why anyone would wait in line to get a book signed and then sell it. I decided someone else must have waited in line, and then gave the person the signed copy as a gift.

Loved the story on the letter signs. That's sweet! And it was work, too. It's not like your last name is Jones.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Your own cheering section, how totally awesome!

[jjschwabach.livejournal.com]

You're so nice... :-)

You'd've thought he would remember that he bought it as "signed..."