Jim Marker: 'rough, tough creme puff'

The man who invented one of the most beloved snack foods of all time was compared to another food by the president of the company his invention put on the map. “He was like a rough, tough creme puff,” said Kent Hawkins, president of W.T.[...]

What Facebook says about America

Facebook's $104 billion initial public offering comes at a time when the United States is suffering a bout of self-doubt. Many wonder if America is falling behind as other countries are catching up fast. And yet the Facebook phenomenon did not occur in a vacuum.

What Facebook says about U.S.

Frida Ghitis says one of world's most successful companies could not have come into existence anywhere else

Five books about powerful knowledge, and people who had it

Jim Willse reviews these offerings.

ArtsBeat: Amateur Hour: Jack Hitt Talks About an American Tradition

The author of "Bunch of Amateurs" on the rebellious spirit of American innovators.

Review: 'Engines of Change' by Paul Ingrassia details key cars

In 'Engines of Change,' Paul Ingrassia looks at history through 15 iconic cars, including the Ford Model T, Chevrolet Corvette, Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota Prius. It would be impossible to count the number of automotive makes and models that have come and gone since the car was first invented — or the number of books that have been written about them. The inescapable ubiquity of the automobile has ...