Don’t ask my children if they want candy. And while you’re at it, and even though it’s far more appropriate, don’t ask me, in front of the children, whether they may have candy.

If it were 1931 and candy were a rare treat I couldn’t afford, it might be cool to get free candy. But candy is cheap, and my children don’t need more.

My children are not deprived of sweets. We have baskets full of Easter candy, stockings full at Christmas, Valentine’s candy, birthday treats, and fat pillowcases at Halloween. I realize that another lollipop isn’t going to tip the scales. But the 13 grams of sugar and Red No. 40 aren’t the only issues; it’s also about the message it sends.

When my 6-year-old daughter slammed the minivan door on her fingers, and I took her to urgent care, I thanked the receptionist who asked me whether she could have a lollipop, and I gladly accepted. But when the children’s only accomplishment is standing in line to watch their mother buy stamps, they don’t need a treat for that. I don’t want them thinking that candy is something you eat all the time. I don’t want them eating treats that, seconds ago, they were fine without, but now that it has fallen in their laps, they suddenly want.

Candy-givers, I know you mean well. But you risk taking well-behaved, happy children and turning them into crabby children on a sugar rush, or discontented children who feel like they’re missing out because mom said no to the free sugar.

The ubiquitous candy bowls and offers of treats are wearing on me. Please, make it stop.

I just noticed that a new satellite image of my neighborhood is on google maps. The area used to be fuzzy and green; it was hard to see the houses clearly. Now we can tell that two people were getting out of my minivan when the image of my house was taken. It was taken sometime this summer.

The photo posted here is the Hartley Nature Center parking lot, not far away. The screen-grab doesn’t look as clear as it does originally. Maybe your house has been updated, too?

Friday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 16 at 1 & 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1 & 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets bought at the office or by calling are $9 for adults, $7 for ages 17 and younger.
506 W. Michigan St., Duluth
(218) 733-7555
Tickets bought online are all $9 plus a $1.50 fee per ticket.
www.duluthplayhouse.org
The show runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

While watching the trailer for the movie, I noticed they’re not forgetting to save the giraffes, not something I would have put on my short list to save.
I invite you to consider:
1. What do you think is the most likely way for earth to meet its end in two years?
2. What stupid thing would you try to save if you got a seat on a secret government ship?

I’d like to welcome the best month in Duluth.

The Duluth housing market is being featured on the AOL homepage right now. It’s time to buy a house, according to this headline.

Northland CORE hosts “Homeschooling Information Night” and will lead a discussion with experienced homeschooling parents. Topics will include Minnesota laws, registering students with local school districts, methods of homeschooling, testing, support groups or whatever else comes up! www.northlandcore.org

From the Duluth News Tribune website: The top searched item is “Hells Angles.”

Hells Angels = badass bikers

Hells Angles = badass mathematicians?

I heard some people speculate that parents might think this isn’t a show that kids would like, but the “Jr.” versions of Broadway shows are adapted for children to perform and see. It’s cute, funny and musical. Just not at 1 p.m. Saturday.