When it comes to social affairs, most intellectuals tend to be almost the same as everyone else, really (although of course some are less good at socialising than others, myself included, sadly...).
Pixie. The first figure, Oct 31, is using base 8 for calculation.
ie. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20 etc. upto 31.
The second figure is using the more usual base 10.
Therefore oct 31 = dec 25.
Another, courtesy of Isaac Asimov:
The boys were grateful to their father for transferring his ranch to them, but why did he rename it Focus?
Because it's where the sons raise meat.