Friday Donuts

Dear Members and Constituents, This morning I would like to discuss pain with you. I realize this is an odd topic, perhaps even taboo in our hedonistic society where “have fun” has become the new “see you later”. We don’t think about it. We don’t talk about it. We avoid it (except, perhaps, those who consider pain pleasurable). We even avoid people who are in it because it makes us feel uncomfortable. Lately, I’ve been considering the notion that a little pain in our lives may be good for us. Not only does it help us better appreciate good health, it also reminds us that in the grand scheme of things we are feeble transitory things. Perhaps the attitude prior generations held towards self-mortification as a way to keep the flesh in check has some merit. I must admit I find the notion of heroically enduring pain as a means to purification somewhat appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating self-flagellation or ritual injury (nor am I in favor of any sadomasochistic practice). I ...

Here is an idea… Let's have a Friday Donut Club for 31A. You may be asking yourself "What is a Friday donut club? ". It is very simple. Every Friday a different member brings a couple dozen donuts (this number may vary depending on how many people actually warm-up to the idea) and shares them with the rest of the group. Membership is voluntary and open to all donut lovers. One thing to keep in mind is that this will be a donut club, not a bagel club or a cup-cake club… plain and simple, if you don't like it… start your own club ;-). If you want to join, stop by my desk sometime today. I have brought in a couple dozen donuts to help give the club some initial momentum. Drop in even if you don't want to join! Please forward this e-mail to anyone you think would be interested in participating. I will create a list of everyone who signs-up and assign a rotation schedule. The larger the list, the less frequently you will have to bring donuts in. If you cannot come in, ...