As I was searching through my usual sources I came upon an interesting short rags-to-riches biography about William Durant, founder and head of General Motors. Durant was wiped out in the Great Depression and ended his days running a bowling alley in Flint, Michigan. Finding this reminded me of a project I have given students. It involves researching to find out the secrets of creativity. Once you have chosen a person to study you find out as much as you can about them and try to apply the technique to your own life. Personally Durant's story reminds me never to say die and to plough on even if my work does not seem to be having the impact that I want.

Do the research, write up a report, send it to me and I will include it in Classic Cooks at Soul Food.