Category Archives: Wednesday Weekly Reader

221B Baker Street: Where the Legend Began

Posted on by

Nearly 135 years after he first appeared in print, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective Sherlock Holmes continues to captivate audiences around the world. The eccentric but brilliant Holmes, along with his faithful friend Dr. Watson, has transcended the original stories to become a true pop culture icon.

At the core of Holmes’ lasting popularity is Conan Doyle’s skill in crafting intricate mysteries filled with memorable characters, vivid atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. Holmes himself is a complex figure – arrogant yet forensically gifted, cold yet harboring flashes of warmth and humor. Watson serves as an everyman narrator, allowing readers to experience the marvels of Holmes’ deductive reasoning through relatable eyes.

Many literary critics and historians believe Holmes’ Victorian-era adventures also provide a comforting nostalgia and escape, with Holmes as a restorer of order and justice in an increasingly chaotic, industrialized world. The stories romanticize late 19th century London while indulging the thrill of new forensic sciences like fingerprinting, ballistics, and toxicology analysis.

While the original canon of 60 stories ends with Holmes alive but retired, later authors have imagined his life continuing, allowing for endless retellings and updates. The 20th century saw Holmes revived in novels, plays, radio dramas, and eventually film and television adaptations. Recent major interpretations include the films starring Robert Downey Jr., the BBC series Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch, and CBS’ Elementary procedural.

In these new versions, each writer leaves their own stamp on the character. Some, like the Robert Downey Jr. films, adopt a more comic, action-oriented tone, while others like Sherlock aim for a modern, sleeker vibe. Regardless of the approach, all celebrate Holmes’ deductive brilliance and the game of intellectual cat-and-mouse between the detective and his adversaries.

Today, Holmes has become bigger than any single take, a true multi-media phenomenon inspiring works in formats as diverse as Japanese anime, strategy board games, and the immersive experience of live mystery theaters. With each generation, Holmes lives on, reinvented again to reflect our endless fascination with puzzle-solving, forensic science, and that most fundamental question:

What really happened?

In 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to one of literature’s most enduring characters: Sherlock Holmes. The detective made his debut in the novel A Study in Scarlet. Released in a magazine entitled Beeton’s Christmas Annual, it was an inauspicious start, setting the stage for a legacy that would span four novels and 56 short stories, captivating readers for generations to come.

A Study in Scarlet not only presents the enigmatic detective but also introduces his faithful companion and chronicler, Dr. John Watson. The story begins with Watson, a military doctor recently returned from service in Afghanistan, seeking affordable lodgings in London. Through a mutual acquaintance, he meets Sherlock Holmes, and the two agree to share rooms at 221B Baker Street – an address that would become one of the most famous in fiction.

From the outset, Holmes is portrayed as a unique and brilliant individual. His vast knowledge of specific subjects, combined with his apparent ignorance of other common topics, immediately piques Watson’s curiosity. Holmes’s keen observational skills and deductive reasoning are quickly demonstrated, astounding both Watson and the reader.

The novel showcases Holmes’s unconventional methods as he tackles a perplexing murder case. Two corpses are discovered in separate locations, each with the word “RACHE” – German for “revenge” – written in blood nearby. As Holmes investigates, readers are treated to his innovative techniques, including the use of magnifying glasses, chemical analysis, and the study of footprints and other minute details often overlooked by conventional police methods.

Conan Doyle’s Holmes is a complex character. Described as tall and lean, with piercing gray eyes and a hawklike nose, his physical appearance is as striking as his intellect. He is portrayed as aloof and occasionally arrogant, yet possessing a dry wit and an unwavering commitment to justice. His famous deerstalker cap and pipe, while not explicitly mentioned in A Study in Scarlet, would later become iconic symbols associated with the character.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Holmes’s character, as revealed in this first novel, is his disdain for emotion and his focus on cold, hard logic. He views detective work as a science, emphasizing the importance of observation and deduction over intuition or guesswork. This analytical approach sets him apart from other fictional detectives of the time and contributes significantly to his enduring appeal.

A Study in Scarlet also introduces readers to Holmes’s nemesis: Scotland Yard. While the police are not portrayed as incompetent, they are shown to be out of their depth when faced with particularly challenging cases. This dynamic sets up the recurring theme of Holmes being called in to solve mysteries that baffle the authorities.

The novel’s structure is noteworthy, divided into two parts. The first follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the London murders, while the second takes readers to America for an extended backstory explaining the motive behind the crimes. This format allows Conan Doyle to explore themes of revenge, justice, and the far-reaching consequences of past actions.

A Study in Scarlet laid the foundation for what would become a cultural phenomenon. Sherlock Holmes’s methods of deduction, his quirky personality, and his partnership with Watson became the template for countless detective stories that followed. The novel’s success prompted Conan Doyle to write more Holmes adventures, eventually creating a character so beloved that fans mourned when the author attempted to kill him off, only to later demand his resurrection.

In essence, A Study in Scarlet not only introduced a captivating mystery but also birthed a literary icon whose influence on detective fiction and popular culture continues to this day, more than a century after his first appearance.

Inspired by

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

The Clarity of Our Founding Fathers

Posted on by

How was it that within a short span of time on the east coast of the North American continent there should have sprung up such a rare array of genius – men who seemed in virtual command of historical experience and who combined moral imagination with a flair for leadership?

We know those men as the Founding Fathers.

Part of the answer is that these men knew how to invest their combined strength in a great idea:

  • A young man like James Madison had urgent thoughts about what people had to do to become free and remain free. Not content to just set these thoughts down in print, he joined those concerns to those of other men in a position to exert leadership.
  • The intellectual exchange – in person and in letters – between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams spanned over 50 years, beginning when independence was just a dream and continuing long after the United States of America had become an established government. This exchange knows few equals for depth, range of subject matter, literary style and general intellectual achievement in recorded correspondence.
  • George Washington and Benjamin Franklin registered their main impact on their contemporaries through the force of their personalities rather than through any detailed exposition of their political ideas and philosophy.

It was from men like these that the idea of a new nation was born. Their thoughts were expressed in The Declaration of Independence.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson’s most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people.

The political philosophy of the Declaration was not new. John Locke and the Continental philosophers had already expressed its ideals of individual liberty. What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy in “self-evident truths” and set forth a list of grievances against the King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country.

On July 1, 1776, Congress reconvened. The following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting. Immediately afterward, the Congress began to consider the Declaration. Adams and Franklin had made only a few changes before the committee submitted the document. The discussion in Congress resulted in some alterations and deletions, but the basic document remained Jefferson’s. The process of revision continued through all of July 3 and into the late morning of July 4. Then, at last, church bells rang out over Philadelphia; the Declaration had been officially adopted.

A letter from John Hancock to General Washington in New York, as well as the complete text of the Declaration, followed two days later:

That our affairs might take a more favorable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connection between great Britain and the American colonies, and to declare them free and independent states; as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you, and to request you  will have it proclaimed at the head of the army in the way you shall think most proper.

Many saw at once that with the enemy massing for battle so close at hand and independence at last declared by Congress, the war had entered an entirely new stage. The lines were drawn now as never before, the stakes higher. “The eyes of all America are upon us,” John Knox wrote. “As we play our part posterity will bless or curse us.”

“We are in the midst of a revolution,” wrote John Adams, “the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of the nations.”

In a ringing preamble, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared it “self-evident” that “all men are created equal,” and were endowed with the “unalienable” rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And to this noble end the delegates had pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

From this point on, the citizen-soldiers of George Washington’s army were no longer fighting only for the defense of their country, or for their rightful liberties as free born Englishmen, as they had at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and through the long siege at Boston. It was now a proudly proclaimed, all-out war for an independent America, a new America, and thus a new day of freedom and equality.

At a stroke the Continental Congress had made the Glorious Cause of America more glorious still, for all the world to know, and also to give every citizen soldier at this critical juncture something still larger and more compelling for which to fight.

Clarity isn’t everything, but it changes everything.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Shelf Discovery: The Journey from One Book to Many

Posted on by

For avid readers, finishing one book is often just the beginning of a journey into a new subject or author. A great book has a way of piquing your curiosity and leaving you hungry to learn more. You find yourself wanting to dive deeper into the world or ideas the book exposed you to. 

This was the case for me recently after reading Michael Dirda’s On Conan Doyle, Or, The Whole Art of Storytelling. Dirda’s passionate celebration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a master storyteller cast new light on the Sherlock Holmes tales I had read years ago. His analysis made me want to revisit the classic detective stories with a fresh perspective.

In his book, Dirda explores how Conan Doyle’s own fascinating life experiences allowed him to inject realism and detail into his fiction writing. He quotes extensively from Conan Doyle’s works, breaking down the author’s techniques for building suspense, vividly depicting London at that time, and bringing the charismatic characters of Holmes and Watson to life. 

After being reminded by Dirda of the sheer genius of Conan Doyle’s storytelling powers, I couldn’t resist pulling my old collection of the complete Sherlock Holmes canon off the shelf to re-read the stories and novels. This time, armed with Dirda’s insights, I found myself newly appreciating Conan Doyle’s intricate plotting, clever foreshadowing, and rich descriptions that allowed the late 1800s-era London to jump off the page.

I also discovered background information I hadn’t known before, like how Conan Doyle had modeled the brilliant but eccentric Holmes on one of his former university professors. And his time studying at a medical school gave him knowledge about forensics and analytical skills that informed how he wrote Holmes’ deductive reasoning process.

From there, my curiosity propelled me to explore literary biographies about Conan Doyle’s life, writings by Sherlock Holmes experts dissecting the stories, books analyzing Conan Doyle’s lasting influence on the mystery genre, and more.

One book had opened up an entire new area of interest to dive into.

This is the power and delight of being a lifelong reader – books become portals to universes of knowledge, allowing you to find new areas to explore in depth simply by following your curiosity from one page to the next. A single book can act as a key that unlocks fascinating connections, insights, and paths of discovery you may never have anticipated.

Though Sherlock Holmes is widely recognizable, few could craft as lively and personal an account of the detective’s creator’s life and lesser-known works as Michael Dirda does in On Conan Doyle, Or, The Whole Art of Storytelling. 

A passionate lifelong fan of the Sherlock Holmes adventures, Pulitzer Prize–winning critic Michael Dirda is a member of The Baker Street Irregulars – the most famous and romantic of all Sherlockian groups. Combining memoir and appreciation, On Conan Doyle is a highly engaging personal introduction to Holmes’s creator, as well as a rare insider’s account of the curiously delightful activities and playful scholarship of The Baker Street Irregulars.

Dirda interweaves his own childhood discovery of Holmes and Watson with details about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life and writing career. While casual readers associate Conan Doyle solely with the Holmes stories, Dirda makes a strong case for exploring the author’s extensive bibliography across multiple genres like adventure, historical fiction, supernatural tales, and writings on spiritualism. However, Holmes remains the main draw, and the fascinating culture of the Irregulars society is as rich as any of Conan Doyle’s fictions.

Dirda provides a personal journey exploring the creator of Sherlock Holmes and his prodigious output across various genres beyond the famous detective stories. Most know Conan Doyle tried to kill off his iconic character, which he cared little for compared to works like The Lost World. However, Dirda still centers much of his discussion on Holmes while striving to highlight Doyle’s other writings too – his horror, fantasy, non-fiction essays, letters, and his favorite creation Professor Challenger. Recounting his own boyhood introduction to Doyle’s books, Dirda reminisces about joining the Baker Street Irregulars society devoted to Holmes and includes an abridged pastiche of his own Sherlock-inspired fiction.

Dirda particularly excels at appreciating Conan Doyle’s direct yet versatile literary style spanning genres, and examining the values of civic duty the author aimed to impart through his writing (values he felt the Holmes tales lacked).

On Conan Doyle is a much-needed celebration of Arthur Conan Doyle’s genius for every kind of storytelling.

It is also an excellent launching pad for further investigations into Conan Doyle’s other works!

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Glazed, Frosted, and Sprinkled: Getting Ready for National Donut Day

Posted on by

Though I certainly enjoyed donuts throughout my childhood, a single book is responsible for the fondness I have for them as an adult.

Books will do that to you.

Like many things in my life, this fondness all came about because of a book: Homer Price.  I have great memories of reading one of the stories in the book about Homer and Uncle Ulysses and the automatic doughnut machine.

 I remembered the image of doughnuts stacked on the counter, shelves, and stools with more coming out of the machine every minute.

I didn’t realize at the time how a book about donuts could be linked to so much more in life.

THE DOUGHNUTS takes place in the 1940’s when an uncle of a boy named Homer opens a luncheonette. Uncle Ulysses, much to the chagrin of his wife Agnes, is a man fond of new-fangled gadgets and has installed a doughnut making machine in his restaurant.

One evening, while Homer is visiting his uncle’s restaurant, Uncle Ulysses leaves Homer in charge of putting the finishing touches on the doughnut machine while he stops by the barber shop. Homer works on the machine and is soon visited by an “advertising man” who stops by for coffee and a doughnut.

While the man waits for the doughnut machine to begin working, a wealthy woman enters the restaurant. She asks Homer if she can mix up the doughnut batter for him, takes off her diamond bracelet, and sets to work. 

Soon the doughnut machine is working – too well! Homer cannot stop the doughnuts from popping out of the machine! Her job finished, the woman leaves and Homer and the advertising man look for places to store the doughnuts.

Homer and the man put their heads together and come up with a scheme to sell the doughnuts “2 for 5 cents” in order to be rid of them. Eventually, the wealthy woman returns, claiming to have left her bracelet in the restaurant.

Shortly, it becomes evident that the bracelet must be in one of the thousands of doughnuts. Homer has an idea! He makes a sign offering one hundred dollars for anyone who can find the bracelet. It doesn’t take long for the doughnuts to be gobbled up and the bracelet to be found.

The end of the story finds Uncle Ulysses trying to explain to skeptical Aunt Agnes why there are tons of crumbs from dozens of doughnuts left on the restaurant counter!

Trivia Note: Have you ever seen the short film The Doughnuts, based on the story above?

As I recall, the copy of Homer Price I had as a boy came from that wonderful invention designed to sell books to eager young readers like me: the Scholastic Book Fair. Not only could I order books, but our classroom benefited too by receiving books for our in-room library. Sadly, many years later when my kids were in elementary school, the Book Fair was less focused on books and more on junk. That’s another story for another time.

What’s the big deal with a child’s book published in 1943, read by a first grade teacher to her class in 1964, bought by a second grader as soon as he could in 1965, and fondly remembered almost sixty years later?

Regular readers of this website know that reading and books are a big deal to me. Introduced by my schoolteacher mother, encouraged by my daily reader father, and nurtured over the years by teachers and professors, it’s not too far off the mark to say these images explain the big deal about reading:

Books have the power to ignite the imagination and foster creativity in children. This imaginative capacity can carry over into adulthood, allowing individuals to approach challenges with creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Seeing this image, and reading about Homer’s dilemma and ultimate solution planted a seed in me: sometimes the best way out of a jam is to sit and think first, and then act on the solution that comes to you.

Reading from an early age has been linked to improved cognitive abilities, such as better language skills, broader vocabulary, enhanced critical thinking, and stronger analytical capabilities. These cognitive benefits persist into adulthood, enabling individuals to process information more effectively and think more critically. Putting together a disassembled donut machine, then making it work so well that Homer had to come up with an idea to get rid of all those donuts – that’s critical thinking!

Children who cultivate a love for reading at an early age are more likely to maintain a curiosity and thirst for knowledge throughout their lives. Books become a gateway to continuously learning new things, exploring different perspectives, and expanding their horizons. Homer’s curiosity got him into the problem, and willingness to continue thinking got him out of it.

I could go on, but I hope you get the point: While not everyone who loved reading as a child maintains that passion into adulthood, those who do often find that their early love of books has profoundly shaped their intellectual, emotional, and personal development in enduring ways.

All from a child’s book about a runaway donut machine…

…which is where I now hope to make the connection for you!

It’s that time of year again when the sweet, doughy aroma of fresh donuts fills the air and Americans come together to honor one of the nation’s most beloved breakfast treats. Friday, June 7th marks National Donut Day 2024, a delicious holiday that pays homage to the humble yet iconic donut. This is an annual recognition, falling on the first Friday of June each year.

With roots tracing back to World War I, when Salvation Army “Lassies” fried donuts in soldiers’ helmets as a morale-boosting treat, National Donut Day has become an annual tradition that transcends generations. This year’s celebration promises to be even sweeter, with donut shops and bakeries across the country rolling out their finest creations to mark the occasion.

From the classic glazed to the creative cronut, the donut landscape has evolved dramatically over the decades, reflecting the changing tastes and culinary adventurousness of American consumers. Gourmet donut boutiques have taken the humble pastry to new heights, adorning them with artisanal ingredients like small-batch jams, craft chocolates, and hand-torched meringues.

At the same time, the nostalgia for simpler pleasures remains strong, with long lines still forming at old-fashioned donut counters for pillowy yeast-raised rings and sugar-dusted cake donuts. After all, there’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a fresh, warm donut that instantly transports you back to childhood.

There are several reasons why donuts have become such a beloved and popular food in American culture:

  • Convenience and portability: Donuts are easy to eat on-the-go, making them a convenient breakfast or snack option for people with busy lifestyles.
  • Nostalgia and comfort food: Donuts evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort for many Americans, reminding them of childhood memories, family gatherings, or neighborhood donut shops.
  • Variety and customization: Donuts come in an endless array of flavors, glazes, toppings, and fillings, allowing for personalization and catering to diverse tastes.
  • Indulgence and treat: Donuts are often seen as an indulgent treat or reward, satisfying cravings for something sweet and decadent.
  • Cultural significance: Donuts have become deeply ingrained in American culture, with events like National Donut Day and the association with coffee breaks and diners.
  • Accessibility and affordability: Donuts are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible indulgence for people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Marketing and branding: Major donut chains like Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme have successfully marketed and branded their products, contributing to the popularity of donuts.
  • Versatility: Donuts can be enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert, and can be served on various occasions, from casual gatherings to special events.

The combination of convenience, indulgence, nostalgia, variety, and cultural significance has made donuts a quintessential American food that appeals to a broad range of consumers and has become deeply embedded in the country’s culinary landscape.

This year, celebrate National Donut Day by indulging in your favorite fried confection, whether it’s an old reliable or an Instagram-worthy gourmet creation. Share one with a loved one over a steaming cup of coffee, or treat your office mates to a box of assorted delights.

However you choose to commemorate the occasion, take a moment to appreciate the humble donut and its rich place in American culture and history. From the battlefields of World War I to the modern artisanal bakeries, the donut has proven its enduring appeal and cemented its status as an iconic American comfort food.

So grab a napkin and prepare to get deliciously sticky – it’s almost National Donut Day, and the only acceptable response is to treat yourself to a sugary, doughy delight – and a good book!

The rings of batter kept right on dropping into the hot fat, and the automatic gadget kept right on turning them over, and the other automatic gadget kept right on giving them a little push, and the doughnuts kept right on rolling down the little chute just as regular as a clock can tick – they just kept right on a comin’, an’ a comin’, an’ a comin’, an’ a comin’.

Uncle Ulysses

A Round Look at the Hole History: The Donut’s Journey Through America

Posted on by

From their simple beginnings to their status as a beloved treat, donuts have an undeniably sweet spot in American history. These delicious rings of fried dough have evolved from a simple snack to an icon of comfort food culture. As we embark on this sugary journey in anticipation of the upcoming National Donut Day on Friday, June 7, let’s explore the fascinating history of donuts in America.

A quick note: the spelling of doughnut and donut will be used interchangeably depending on the use from the source. No matter how you spell it, the taste is what matters!

Early Beginnings: Dutch Influence and the “Olykoek”

The story of the doughnut in America begins with Dutch settlers in the early 18th century. They brought with them recipes for “olykoeks,” which translates to “oil cakes”—a simple concoction of dough balls fried in pork fat. These early versions were not the perfect rings we know today but rather crude, often heavy balls of dough with a slightly raw center. 

In Glazed America: A History of the Doughnut, author Paul R. Mullins notes that these early doughnuts were enjoyed by families and communities during social gatherings, highlighting their role as a communal treat long before they became a commercial product.

The Invention of the Hole: A Delicious Innovation

The iconic donut hole was purportedly invented in 1847 by a young American sailor named Hanson Gregory. Frustrated with the undercooked centers of traditional donuts, Gregory had the brilliant idea of punching a hole in the middle, ensuring even cooking throughout. This simple yet revolutionary change transformed the donut into the perfect ring-shaped confection we love today.

In his book Donuts: An American Passion, author John T. Edge explores this anecdote, emphasizing how Gregory’s practical solution paved the way for the modern donut. The innovation allowed for consistent texture and easier mass production, which would become crucial as donuts entered the commercial sphere.

World War I: Donuts on the Front Lines

Donuts gained further prominence during World War I, thanks to the Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies.” These brave women served donuts to soldiers on the front lines, providing a taste of home and boosting morale. The simple pleasure of a fresh donut offered comfort amidst the chaos of war.

A look at the history of the Salvation Army delves into this period, illustrating how the Doughnut Lassies not only fed the troops but also solidified the donut’s place in American culture. The soldiers returned home with a newfound appreciation for the treat, sparking a nationwide craving.

The Rise of the Donut Shop: Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ and Beyond

The post-war era saw a boom in donut shops across America. Adolph Levitt began selling fried doughnuts from his bakery in 1920. Unable to keep up with the demand, he created a mechanical gadget in which the dough rings travelled along a channel overflowing with boiling oil and then once cooked, ascended a moving ramp before falling into a basket. In 1934, the World’s Fair in Chicago proclaimed donuts “the hit food of the Century of Progress,” propelling them into the culinary spotlight. Donuts were celebrated for their affordability, convenience, and deliciousness.

In 1937, in a rustic clapboard building on South Main Street in Winston-Salem, NC, Vernon Rudolph fried up the first original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. What began as a hole-in-the wall has blossomed into one of the world’s premier doughnut companies, a global cult icon and intriguing brand.  In March of this year, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme announced a sweet update for doughnut fans everywhere: Fans will begin spotting Krispy Kreme doughnuts in their local McDonalds’s restaurants as part of a phased market rollout across the country.

Dunkin’ Donuts, founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg, played a pivotal role in popularizing donuts. With its focus on freshness and variety, Dunkin’ Donuts transformed the humble treat into a ubiquitous American staple. The brand’s catchy slogan, “America Runs on Dunkin’,” reinforced the donut’s role in daily life.

Modern Day: Gourmet Trends and Timeless Classics

Today, the donut landscape is more diverse than ever. Artisanal donut shops offer gourmet creations with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, appealing to foodies and traditionalists alike. From bacon maple bars to matcha-glazed rings, modern donuts cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Yet, despite these innovations, the classic glazed donut remains a favorite. Its simplicity and nostalgia evoke the essence of what makes donuts special: comfort, joy, and a touch of indulgence.

The history of donuts in America is a testament to their enduring appeal. From Dutch settlers to modern-day gourmet bakers, each era has contributed to the rich tapestry of donut lore. So next time you savor a donut, remember that you’re partaking in a delicious slice of American history.

In anticipation of National Donut Day coming up on Friday, June 7, here’s a baker’s dozen books from my library that will be a great addition to accompany your next sugary sweet donut snack:

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

#BobsBurgersandBooksBirthdayBash

Posted on by

If you’re looking to connect with me during the latter morning through early afternoon hours today, I’m on an extended lunch break…

Expressing the joys and delights of reading is a challenging endeavor. How can one adequately convey the multitude of pleasures that arise from the seemingly simple act of opening a book and immersing oneself in its pages? Many have tried to capture this experience over the centuries, with varying levels of success.

Here’s a couple of volumes that speak to that issue:

…and a few more:

Reading has been described in many ways – a selfish yet serene lifelong indulgence, a great gift, a moral enlightenment, more sweet, gracious, elevating and fortifying than any other activity. It has been called an intimate conversation with people across unseen generations, a home, a sustenance, an invincible companion, a pleasure beyond compare.

Ultimately, the pleasure each individual derives from reading is a highly personal experience. Despite the efforts of those who have attempted to define it for us, we must discover and understand the joys of reading for ourselves.

So, during my extended birthday lunch hour today, I’m stepping away from my recent successes in eating more healthy by enjoying the best burger in Charlotte with Anita (here we come, Brooks’ Sandwich House), followed by dropping in on two of my favorite independent bookstores, Julia’s Café & Books and Book Buyers.

When to Read
Mine is a simple system: I read from morning till bedtime, with breaks for my job, family, meetings with friends, exercise, household chores and periodic review of my life’s greatest blunders. On the days I don’t read, I write. As I say, it’s a simple system. Many people complain that they have no time for books, yet somehow they manage to spend three or more hours a day watching television or scrolling through social media on their phones. You pays your money and you takes your choice.


Michael Dirda, Washington Post, “10 Rules for Reading from Someone Who Does It for a Living”

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

From Cocoa Beans to Cookie Jars: A Journey Through Chocolate Chip History

Posted on by

Which came first – the chocolate chip or the chocolate chip cookie?

Have you ever wondered how a single ingredient would change a recipe? If it weren’t for one curious baker, it would be hard to imagine where we would be without the invention of chocolate chips.

In 1937, Ruth Graves Wakefield of Whitman, Massachusetts must have been curious about what a little bit of chocolate would add to her cookies. While working at the Toll House Inn, she added cut-up chunks of a semi-sweet Nestle chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. The cookies were a huge success and in 1939 Wakefield signed an agreement with Nestle to add her recipe to the chocolate bar’s packaging. In exchange for the recipe, Wakefield received a lifetime supply of chocolate. The Nestle brand Toll House cookies were named for the Inn.

Nestle initially included a small chopping tool with the chocolate bars, too. Starting in 1941, Nestle and other competitors started selling the chocolate in chip or morsel form. For the first time, bakers began making chocolate chip cookies without chopping up the chocolate bar first. 

Chocolate chips originally came in semi-sweet. Later, chocolate producers began offering bittersweet, semi-sweet, mint, white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white and dark swirled. Today, chips also come in a variety of other flavors that bakers and candy makers use creatively in their kitchens.

While cookies may be the first treat to come to mind, imagination is really the only thing limiting how chocolate chips can be used in baking and candy making. Even savory dishes feature chocolate chips in a variety of ways, too. Had Ruth Graves Wakefield never wondered what a few chopped up chunks of chocolate would be like in her baking, we wouldn’t even have chocolate chip cookies.  

And since it is Wednesday Weekly Reader, here’s a few books on the subject to whet your appetite…

Since Ruth Wakefield’s culinary breakthrough, chocolate chips have undergone a remarkable evolution. Manufacturers capitalized on the growing demand for chocolate chips, introducing standardized, mass-produced morsels available in an array of sizes, shapes, and flavors. Today, consumers can choose from a plethora of options, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even vegan and allergen-free varieties.

Chocolate chips continue to play a versatile role in modern culinary landscapes, transcending traditional boundaries and finding their way into an array of sweet and savory dishes. From classic chocolate chip cookies and brownies to innovative creations like savory mole sauces and gourmet cheese plates, chocolate chips inspire creativity and experimentation in kitchens around the world.

The cultural significance of chocolate chips extends far beyond their practical use in recipes. These tiny morsels have permeated popular culture, appearing in literature, film, television, and advertising as symbols of joy, indulgence, and shared experiences. Furthermore, chocolate chips serve as ambassadors of culinary fusion, inspiring adaptations and variations in cuisines around the world.

The chocolate chip stands as a testament to the enduring power of culinary creativity and cultural exchange. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved culinary staple, the chocolate chip has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. As we savor each delicious bite, let us celebrate the timeless allure of the chocolate chip and the sweet pleasures it brings to our lives.

What is the best chocolate chip cookie you’ve ever had?

For me: my wife Anita has been tinkering over the years with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe not far off the classic Toll House one, but using white chocolate chips, dried cherries, and almond flavoring, along with slight changes to the other ingredients and altering the cooking time (depending on whether they are primarily for our family, or for others).

I, of course, have the distinguished role of Official Cookie Taste Tester for every batch. When they are still warm from the oven, resting on the cooling racks, and accompanied by an ice-cold glass of milk…

…Perfection.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Diving into the Culinary ABCs: A Whimsical Journey through America’s Food History

Posted on by

I’m always up for a refresher course on my ABCs and a history lesson, especially when food is involved…

An illustrated journey through the lore and little-known history behind ambrosia, Ipswich clams, Buffalo hot wings, and more.

This captivating and surprising tour of America’s culinary canon celebrates the variety, charm, and occasionally dubious lore of the foods we love to eat, as well as the under-sung heroes who made them. Every chapter, organized from A to Z, delves into the history of a classic dish or ingredient, most so common – like ketchup – that we take them for granted.

These distinctly American foods, from Blueberries and Fortune Cookies to Pepperoni, Hot Wings, Shrimp and Grits, Queso, and yes, even Xanthan Gum, have rich and complex back stories that are often hidden in plain sight, lost to urban myth and misinformation.

American Food: A Not-So-Serious History by Rachel Wharton (and illustrated by Kimberly Ellen Hall) digs deep to tell the compelling tales of some of our most ordinary foods and what they say about who we are – and who, perhaps, we are becoming.

Here’s an appetizer sampler of the delightful stories you will discover:

  • The likely African American origin of the original Buffalo wing, during a time when black restaurants received no mainstream press coverage.
  • The Native American roots of New Mexican green and red chile enchiladas, one of the earliest iconic dishes in the United States.
  • The spread of hero, hoagie, and submarine sandwiches along the eastern seaboard, facilitated by Italian longshoremen and black jazz players.
  • The intertwined history of fortune cookies with the internment of Japanese Americans in WWII, evidenced by a 70-year-old set of steam ovens in San Francisco.
  • The Mexican origin of queso, influenced by the fact that South Texas was once part of Mexico.
  • The likely contribution of an enslaved North Carolina cook named Ellen to the creation of ambrosia, a dish associated with the head of the Confederacy.
  • The roots of shrimp and grits in the cuisine of the Gullah-Geechee people of the Low Country’s barrier islands, rather than in Charleston.

As with many origin stories, you’ll have to take them with a grain of salt, as there are often competing (and unverifiable) versions to the birth of a beloved dish. But that’s part of the fun of food history – you can enjoy the results while happily disagreeing on the merits of the origins of the dish!

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

From Confusion to Clarity: Unlocking True Productivity with Slow Methods

Posted on by

Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices?

Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power.

In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs.

Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity,” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative.

From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivity provides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.

Newport’s initial research evolved into the central theme explored in his book: that the problem faced by knowledge workers may not lie in productivity per se, but rather in a flawed definition of productivity that has become prevalent in recent decades.

The overwhelming burden we experience stems from the belief that “good” work demands increasing busyness – swift responses to emails and chats, more meetings, tasks, and hours. However, upon closer examination, this premise lacks a solid foundation. It led him to consider that alternative productivity approaches could be equally valid, such as prioritizing intentionality over constant activity.

It became evident that the practices of traditional knowledge workers (the writer John McPhee is Newport’s ongoing example) were not only inspiring but could, with adjustments for contemporary job realities, offer valuable insights into reshaping our understanding of professional achievement in the modern era.

These insights prompted a reevaluation of how we approach work, culminating in an alternative to the prevailing norms of exhaustion:

Slow Productivity

A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner, based on the following three principles:

This philosophy rejects busyness, viewing overload as a hindrance to meaningful results rather than a badge of honor. It advocates for a more balanced and humane pace, emphasizing quality over performative busyness.

In the latter part of the book, Newport elaborates on the core principles of this philosophy, providing both theoretical justification and practical advice for implementing them in various professional contexts.

Newport’s aim is not merely to offer tips for alleviating job exhaustion or to vent frustrations about exploitative work cultures, though he addresses these issues. Instead, he proposes a new paradigm for individuals and organizations to rethink productivity and accomplishment, aiming to rescue knowledge work from unsustainable freneticism and foster a more sustainable approach.

While not every workplace may immediately embrace this intentional rhythm, Newport argues that it is more universally applicable than commonly assumed. He seeks to demonstrate that achieving without burnout is not only achievable but should be the standard.

To embark on this journey, Newport encourages readers to first understand how the knowledge sector arrived at its current dysfunctional relationship with productivity. By grasping the haphazardness of its formation, rejecting the status quo becomes more feasible.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity: Transforming Individuals, Communities, and Beyond

Posted on by

Let’s face it: Recent years have been tough on optimists.

Hopes that the Internet might bring people together have been crushed by the ills of social media. Is there a way back?

As head of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. Inspired by them, he believes that it’s within our grasp to turn outrage back into optimism. It all comes down to reimagining one of the most fundamental human virtues: generosity.

What if generosity could become infectious generosity? Consider:

• how a London barber began offering haircuts to people experiencing homelessness—and catalyzed a movement

• how two anonymous donors gave $10,000 each to two hundred strangers and discovered that most recipients wanted to “pay it forward” with their own generous acts

• how TED itself transformed from a niche annual summit into a global beacon of ideas by giving away talks online, allowing millions access to free learning

In telling these inspiring stories in his book Infectious Generosity, Anderson has given us “the first page-turner ever written about human generosity” (Elizabeth Dunn). More important, he offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts – whether gifts of money, time, talent, connection, or kindness – and to prime them, thanks to the Internet, to have self-replicating, even world-changing, impact.

Imagine if we cracked the code on making generosity contagious. It could shift the balance away from the rising divisions in our world, ushering in a fresh era of optimism.

Generosity? Seriously?!

It’s an unusual concept, no doubt. Maybe even a bit outdated. At first glance, it might seem too gentle to confront the formidable challenges we’re up against. You, as an individual, could be as generous as you want, but can your well-meaning gestures and sacrifices really make a difference?

Yet, therein lies the crux. They can. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, has the potential for extraordinary impact if it can spread from isolated incidents to becoming infectious. By tweaking their form just a bit, acts of generosity can become immensely powerful. Infectious Generosity is dedicated to unveiling how.

The infectious potential of generosity stems from two main factors: human nature and the interconnectedness of our modern world. In the book, Anderson delves into how overlooked qualities innate to every human can combine to set off cascades of generous behavior. Moreover, he explains how these ripple effects can be amplified by the Internet for monumental, world-changing effects.

The Internet is renowned for facilitating various contagions, from social media trends to viral marketing. Similar to a virus, humans serve as carriers for the Internet’s contagiousness. Instead of replicating in our respiratory systems, ideas and visuals spark in our minds, prompting us to hit “Like” or “Share.”

Regrettably, many of the contagions proliferating online are harmful.

Driven by advertisement-based revenue models that aim to keep users glued to their screens, social media platforms have morphed the web into a machine for generating outrage. Instead of showcasing the best in each other, we often encounter the worst, driving us further apart.

This book revolves around two intertwined themes: The Internet can supercharge generosity, and Generosity can revolutionize the Internet. Each theme fuels the other. If we view the Internet as a daunting, impersonal realm teeming with strangers poised to judge and exploit us, it becomes challenging to trust it with our altruistic intentions. However, without individuals endeavoring to engage with others online in a spirit of generosity, the Internet cannot fulfill its potential as a force for good. It’s tempting to dismiss the Internet as a cesspool of toxicity. What we urgently need is to initiate an upward spiral wherein the growing visibility of a more generous humanity inspires individuals to contribute to the greater good.

Anderson feels a pressing sense of urgency about this because we are witnessing the early stages of our world being reshaped by artificial intelligence.

And guess what fuels the power of AI? The Internet. Essentially, the most potent AI systems are designed to process the vast expanse of human online activity and formulate predictive models. Do we want to rely on AI trained with today’s Internet? Absolutely not. It poses the risk of amplifying many dangers. If we can steer the Internet toward a kinder, more generous, and more positive direction, it could have an immeasurable impact on our future, both directly and by providing a healthier basis for AI.

It might seem far-fetched to envision us, imperfect humans, overcoming the Internet’s issues: polarization, misinformation, data surveillance, addiction, social media-induced insecurity, and more. Anderson understands that skepticism, but encourages the reader to withhold judgment, at least temporarily. Beneath the surface, remarkable developments are underway.

They’re worth exploring.

Infectious Generosity comprises three sections: “Why,” “How,” and “What If?”

Part 1 delves into why the time is ripe for infectious generosity. Anderson recounts the extraordinary events at TED that convinced him of the Internet’s profound impact on generosity, along with three fundamental principles derived from those events. Subsequently, he delves into newfound insights into human nature and how the call of generosity can yield surprising outcomes and deep happiness. Anderson also unveils the inner workings of the “Mystery Experiment,” the largest social science study to date demonstrating how kindness begets kindness.

Part 2 explores how to translate this theory into action. Anderson examines what it entails to cultivate a generous mindset, the various forms of giving that can snowball into something greater, and how we can share stories of generosity with one another. An essential chapter focuses on financial giving, including strategies to leverage resources to significantly magnify the impact of our contributions.

Part 3 contemplates what would happen if generosity were more deeply ingrained in our world. Anderson envisions reclaiming the Internet to fulfill the dream many people once held: aiding humanity in being both humane and kind. He examines how companies and organizations might be reshaped by generosity and ponders ways to empower our most influential change makers to embark on ambitious plans for transformation. He also explores the case for a global pledge that could unite us all on a journey of generosity. The section closes with a reflection on how we might instill a mindset of generosity in our future selves.

Wherever you are and whoever you may be, Anderson invites you to join him on this journey. There’s a good chance you’ll be touched by something profound, something capable of influencing how you allocate your future time, resources, and creativity. And this something might just end up inspiring others.

But this is a positive infection. A beautiful, hopeful, positive infection.

You may find yourself hoping you never recover.

Every human has the potential to give. The urge to do this is built deep inside each of us, and can be stirred just by our being open to the needs of others. When we share our time, our money, or our creativity, those acts can spark responses in kind.
So, once it gets started, generosity can spread like wildfire. As it passes from one person to the next, many lives can be touched. And our collective witnessing of what humans are capable of can overcome today’s prevailing cynicism, bringing people together in common causes.
And for you personally, this is all about that most elusive, inspiring, and beautiful thing: the quest for meaning. We were born to be connected. So give in any way that you feel able. Give creatively. Give courageously. Give collaboratively. And let the magic of generosity ripple out into the universe.
If you do that, don’t be surprised if one day you wake up and hear a whisper from inside: “I have never felt so happy.”

Chris Anderson, Infectious Generosity

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.