The circle(s) of life

Dear members and constituents,
Today, I would like to talk about Carbon. Sure, with only six electrons you might not think much of it, however I find this particular element fascinating. It is, after all, the primary building block of life (sure it gets a little help from Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen). Carbon is also making a bad reputation for itself as a member of the greenhouse gas gang (again with some help from his buddy Oxygen) -- not to mention the workhorse fuel that has gotten civilization where it is today. It is this double life Carbon has been leading lately that captivates me. You could think of Carbon as the Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde) of the periodic table of elements. Carbon makes life possible, yet is a big part of the reason for global warming (which can make life impossible). One might say you can't live with it and you can't live without it. I must admit I find some of the terminology used somewhat amusing ("carbon diets" to reduce your "carbon footprint"). Be that as it may, it so happens that Carbon is also the element that makes Donuts possible. It should be no surprise, then, that donuts also have a dual nature and a bad rap in certain circles.

Our thanks go to Mr. Glenn Lispscomb, one of our newest members. I haven't counted them, but it would appear the three large boxes at my desk contain at least four dozen Winchell's donuts. So come bond your hot beverage to a donut or two. I think that is the chemical formula for a great Friday.

Cheers!

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