I was surprised at how many trick-or-treaters this year were exceptionally polite. "Trick or Treat!...Thank you!" was the norm...well, as far as I could overhear from the couch while my lovely wife did all the manual candy labor. And now, more than ever, I am convinced that common courtesy is a learned behavior. That when I come across an annoying kid, they simply have no good examples to imitate in their life, and therefore, are not expected to live out a lifestyle I prefer. So, they don't. So, three cheers for you parents within a 2-block radius of my house for being great examples of social awareness for your child. But, please... ditch the plastic pumpkin for a pillowcase. Those things hold nothing.