(One panda) + (one panda) = three pandas

At least that’s the kind of panda math we like to see! I’m a mechanical and aerospace engineering major with a minor in mathematics, so I realize I’m one of those odd people that actually loves math. (Please direct all hate mail to: mathlover@perfectpandas.com) I think this book may just help future generations love math, too. People who love math are almost as rare as a panda, maybe with more books like this one we can change that.

Panda Math is a fun way to get kids to think of math in a different way. The book is focused on subtraction and the inside front cover pretty much explains it all:

Hua Mei and her brother, Mei Sheng, spend their days climbing on logs, lounging in trees and eating bamboo. A lot of the things the pandas do can be thought of in terms of subtraction – from how many hours they’re awake to how much they poop!

Come meet the famous panda babies, Hua Mei and Mei Sheng, and along the way you can learn about subtraction.

It’s currently on sale at the San Diego Zoo’s online shop for $16.95

The San Diego Zoo is letting you help name the new panda baby that many have already dubbed Bai Bee. The submissions will be accepted for 10 days; Friday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 14. As with anything fun, there are a few rules:

The name must be in Chinese (pinyin).

The name must have an English translation.

The name must be symbolic in meaning.

The name must be delivered in person to the Zoo.

Did you catch that last one? Hand delivered. All of us long distance admirers will just have to find an ingenious way of getting our favorite names submitted. Luckily, after the preliminary names are selected the voting will be open to everyone online.

My sister-in-law, Jane, has a birthday coming up soon and I’ve been on the search for a great gift. She collects salt and pepper shakers so I thought a charming pair of pandas would be perfect. Luckily, panda shakers seem to be abundant! I’ve narrowed it down to the following eight sets…

These delightful little kissing pandas are only $9.95 at Amazon! They’re so cute I’m tempted to buy them for myself.

(more…)