Letter # 3

Letter writing topic for January 3, 2010:

On Jan. 3, 1888, Marvin C. Stone patented the drinking straw. He didn't invent the concept of the straw, but he improved on a basic thing (straws made out of grass) and started the movement toward the straws we know now, including bendy straws, crazy straws, even candy straws and special spoon straws for both drinking the Coke and eating the ice cream in a Coke Float. Straws can be convenient (you won't get a chocolate mustache if you drink your chocolate milk with a straw) and beneficial (studies show that drinking with a straw can reduce tooth decay). Today, in honor of Marvin C. Stone, write a letter to the most innovative person you know, someone who gets things started and opens doors for the rest of the world. Tell he or she what it is you admire about them, but don't forget to include a little bit about yourself and your life, too. Make it a real letter. Ask some questions, so they'll have something to answer.