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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Best ovens for baking in 2025: Top 10 choices for perfect cakes, cookies, and grilled dishes at home
If you enjoy baking, choosing the right oven is key. Baking ovens and microwave ovens with convection features are great options. A regular oven provides dry heat, ideal for cakes, bread, and cookies. Convection ovens, on the other hand, use a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even baking. Microwave ovens with convection mode can also bake efficiently, combining microwave speed with oven-style heating. These are more compact and perfect for smaller kitchens. Unlike standard microwave ovens that only reheat or cook, convection microwaves can handle proper baking. Whether you pick a full-sized oven or a convection microwave, both offer great results for home bakers. For the sake of this article, we have shortlisted some of the best options in convection microwave ovens that are available on Amazon. The Bajaj 1603T OTG is a compact 16-litre oven designed for efficient baking, grilling, and toasting at home. Its standout feature is the transparent glass door, allowing you to monitor your cooking easily. With 1200 watts of power and multiple accessories included, this OTG is ideal for small families and beginners. The cool-touch handle and adjustable thermostat ensure safe and precise cooking. Its compact design fits well in any modern kitchen, making it a practical and stylish appliance for everyday use. Heats up quickly Comes with baking accessories Not for large batches Outer body heats up Bajaj 1603T Oven Toaster Grill (Otg) With Baking & Grilling Accessories, Oven For Kitchen With Transparent Glass Door, 2 Year Warranty, White, 1200 Watts, 16 liter What buyers are saying on Amazon? Most buyers find it perfect for small families, love the quick heating, and say it's easy to use and clean. Why choose this product? Compact, beginner-friendly oven with essential features and reliable Bajaj performance for daily baking and grilling. The Pigeon 9-litre OTG is a compact, efficient oven designed for quick baking and grilling needs. Its main feature is its user-friendly design with easy temperature control, perfect for small households or first-time bakers. The appliance heats evenly and is ideal for cakes, toast, and light grilling. With its space-saving build and sleek grey finish, it fits well into modern kitchens. Though it lacks a rotisserie, it offers solid performance for everyday baking at an affordable price. Affordable and compact Heats evenly No rotisserie function Limited capacity Pigeon Oven Toaster Grill 9 Liters OTG What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers find it easy to use, great for beginners, and perfect for baking small batches of cakes and snacks. Why choose this product? Ideal for small kitchens, beginner bakers, and light baking with easy controls and trusted brand reliability. The Inalsa MasterChef 10BK OTG is a compact 10-litre oven perfect for light baking and grilling. Its main feature is the adjustable temperature control, allowing precise cooking for cakes, toast, and snacks. The powder-coated finish adds durability, while the included baking pan, stainless steel grill tray, and hand glove make it a ready-to-use package. With 800 watts of power, it is energy-efficient and ideal for small households. Its sleek black and silver design blends well with modern kitchens. Inalsa Oven MasterChef 10BK OTG (10Liters) with Temperature Selection 800 W, Powder Coated Finish, Includes Baking Pan, SS Grill Tray, Hand Glove (Black, Silver) 800 watts What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers say it's easy to operate, good for quick baking, and appreciate the included accessories for everyday cooking needs. Why choose this product? Great for beginners, compact design, comes with handy tools, and offers reliable performance for everyday baking and grilling. The Glen 25-litre OTG is a powerful and versatile oven designed for serious baking and grilling. Its main feature is the six heating modes, which allow precise control for baking, toasting, and grilling. With a convection fan and rotisserie function, it ensures even cooking and perfect roasting. The temperature control helps customise settings as needed, making it ideal for a variety of recipes. With 1700W power and a modern black finish, this OTG is perfect for families who enjoy frequent home cooking. Excellent for family-sized baking Includes convection and rotisserie Occupies more counter space Slightly higher power use Glen Multi-Function OTG for Kitchen 25 Litre, 1700W, Oven Toaster Griller with 6 Heating Modes, Rotisserie, Convection Fan, Temperature Control, Bake, Grill & Toast, Oven for Baking -Black (SA5025RC) What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers praise its performance, find the heating modes useful, and appreciate its suitability for baking, grilling, and daily kitchen needs. Why choose this product? Versatile oven with convection, rotisserie, and multiple modes for perfect baking, grilling, and toasting in one powerful unit. The Borosil Prima 48L OTG is a high-capacity oven ideal for large families and cooking enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the motorised rotisserie and convection heating, which ensure uniform cooking and perfect roasting. The six heating modes provide flexibility for baking, grilling, toasting, and more. Its silver finish adds a modern touch, while the spacious interior allows for multi-level cooking. Whether you're baking cakes or roasting chicken, this OTG handles it all with ease and precision. Great for large meals Even heating performance Bulky for small kitchens Higher power usage Borosil Prima 48 L Oven Toaster & Grill What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers love its spacious interior, efficient rotisserie, and even heating—perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting big portions easily. Why choose this product? Ideal for large families, offers rotisserie and convection features, and ensures reliable, even cooking for varied dishes. The USHA 3642RCSS OTG is a powerful 42-litre oven designed for serious baking, grilling, and roasting. Its key feature is the 2000W motor with convection and rotisserie, ensuring even and thorough cooking. With six heating modes, it offers flexibility for a variety of recipes. The stylish stainless steel and wine finish adds elegance to any kitchen, while its spacious interior suits medium to large families. This OTG delivers consistent results and is perfect for users who enjoy multitasking in the kitchen. Powerful 2000W heating Sleek and modern design Slightly bulky size Consumes more electricity USHA 3642Rcss 42 Liters Oven Toaster Grill With Rotisserie And Convection, 2000 Watts, 6 Mode Heating Function (Stainless Steel & Wine) What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate its strong performance, spacious build, and even heating—ideal for daily baking, grilling, and festive cooking. Why choose this product? Powerful OTG with convection, rotisserie, and large capacity—perfect for everyday and festive cooking needs. The AGARO Marvel 9L OTG is a compact and efficient appliance designed for baking cakes, grilling, and toasting snacks. Its main feature is the 800W efficient heating element that ensures quick and even cooking. Ideal for small households or single users, this OTG offers user-friendly controls, a sleek black body, and a heat-resistant tempered glass door. Its small footprint fits easily in tight kitchen spaces, making it perfect for occasional bakers or light daily use. Ideal for small batches Easy to operate Not suitable for large meals No convection or rotisserie AGARO Marvel 9L Oven Toaster Griller, Cake Baking, Grilling, Toasting, OTG, 800 Watts, (Black). What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers like its compact design, fast heating, and simple controls—great for toasting and baking in small portions. Why choose this product? Compact, beginner-friendly OTG ideal for light baking, grilling, and toasting with efficient power and easy functionality. The Longway Royal 12L OTG is a budget-friendly and compact oven, ideal for baking, grilling, and toasting. Its key feature is the adjustable temperature and timer control, which lets you bake pizzas, cakes, and grill chicken with precision. The 1000W power ensures fast and even heating, while the sleek black design fits well in modern kitchens. With multiple heating modes and a 1-year warranty, this OTG is perfect for small families or individuals looking for convenience and functionality. Value for money Simple to use Small internal space No convection function Longway Royal OTG 12 Ltr Oven Toaster Griller with Heating Modes | Temperature Timer Control for Baking Pizza, Cake, Grilling Chicken & Toasting Bread|1 Year Warranty (1000 W, Black) What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers like its affordability, quick heating, and ease of use—suitable for beginners and small baking or grilling needs. Why choose this product? Affordable and compact OTG with essential controls, great for light baking, grilling, and everyday kitchen tasks. The iBELL 30GDLX OTG is a feature-packed 30-litre oven ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. Its standout feature is the motorised rotisserie combined with convection heating, ensuring even cooking and crisp results. With five heating modes, a 1700W power output, and an illuminated chamber, this OTG makes multitasking in the kitchen easier. The black finish adds a sleek touch, while its spacious design suits medium to large families. It's perfect for users who want versatility and powerful performance in one appliance. Powerful 1700W performance Spacious and versatile Bulky for compact kitchens No digital display IBELL 30GDLX Convection Oven Toaster Grill 30L, 1700 Watt with Motorised Rotisserie, Cake Baking OTG with 5 Heating Modes, Illuminated Chamber (Black) What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers love its cooking speed, even heating, and rotisserie feature—ideal for regular baking, roasting, and festive meals. Why choose this product? Spacious OTG with convection, rotisserie, and high power—perfect for daily and festive cooking with professional results. The iBELL EO50LGDLX is a powerful 50-litre OTG, ideal for large families and serious home chefs. Its key feature is the motorised rotisserie with convection heating, delivering even cooking for meats and baked dishes. With 2000W of power and five heating modes, it handles everything from cakes to grilled chicken with ease. The spacious black design includes an illuminated chamber for better visibility while cooking. This oven is built for frequent and versatile kitchen use, offering professional-style results at home. Very spacious interior Strong 2000W heating power Requires larger kitchen space No digital controls iBELL Eo50Lgdlx Otg 50 Litre,Convection Oven Toaster Griller With Motorized Rotisserie,5 Heating Modes,2000 Watt (Black),2000 Watts,50 Liter What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers like its large capacity, strong performance, and even heating—perfect for family meals, baking, and festive cooking. Why choose this product? Ideal for large meals, high power output, rotisserie and convection features ensure even and professional cooking results. An oven provides consistent, enclosed heat that allows dough or batter to rise, cook evenly, and develop a firm structure, essential for proper texture, flavour, and appearance in baking. The four main types of ovens are conventional ovens, convection ovens, microwave ovens, and oven toasters. Each offers different heating methods suited for baking, grilling, reheating, or roasting tasks. A bakery oven is a specialised appliance used in commercial or home baking to produce consistent heat for baking bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods efficiently and uniformly. Capacity and size: Choose an oven that fits your kitchen space and meets your baking volume needs. Larger ovens are ideal for families or batch baking. Type of oven: Decide between OTG, convection, or microwave ovens with convection mode. OTGs are preferred for traditional baking, while convection ovens offer even heating. Temperature control: Ensure the oven has adjustable temperature settings for precise baking of various recipes. Additional features: Look for timers, auto shut-off, rotisserie, and multiple racks for better convenience. Energy efficiency: Opt for models with lower power consumption without compromising on performance to save electricity over time. Microwave oven buying guide: Tips to buy the right one for your kitchen and the best options to choose from Best countertop microwaves in 2025: Top 10 picks for efficient cooking, smart features, and energy-saving performance Best microwaves in 2025: Top 10 picks to ease your cooking experience with baking, grilling and more Top 10 convection microwave ovens: Buyer's guide Convection ovens are ideal as they circulate hot air for even baking and consistent results. Yes, but only if it has a convection mode for proper baking and browning. Very important; precise temperature ensures the right texture and prevents overcooking. A 20 to 30-litre oven is sufficient for most home baking needs. Use mild detergents and avoid abrasive materials; regular cleaning prevents build-up and maintains performance. At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Top 8 anti-colic baby bottles: Best picks for a smooth and comfortable feeding experience
Does your baby often cries even after his tummy is full? Possibly, that is because of colic, that results in excessive crying or your baby's discomfort. This is generally caused by gas and air in baby's digestive system. Probably, time to change his baby feeding bottle. Say hello to anti colic baby feeding bottles, that are designed to minimize the amount of air a baby swallows while feeding, reducing the likelihood of colic. For your reference, we have curated this list of top 8 anti-colic feeding bottles for your baby. These bottles are designed to reduce the amount of air a baby ingests during bottle-feeding. Check out our list below: Philips Avent Anti-Colic Baby Feeding Bottle is designed to reduce colic and discomfort. This bottle has a unique AirFree vent keeps the nipple full of milk, not air, ensuring upright feeding and reducing gas. The ergonomic shape of this feeding bottle makes it easy to hold, while the wide neck simplifies cleaning. Made from BPA-free material, this is safe for babies. Philips Avent Anti-Colic Baby Feeding Bottles | 9oz/260ml - Pack of 2 | SCY103/20 LuvLap Anti-Colic Essential Baby Feeding Bottle features a slim or regular neck and an anti-colic valve that minimizes gas and bloating. Its spill-proof design and easy latch-on nipple mimic natural breastfeeding. This feeding bottle is made from high-quality, BPA-free polypropylene and is lightweight for everyday use. Its compact size fits easily into diaper bags and sterilizers, making it convenient for on-the-go feeding. LuvLap Anti-Colic Slim/Regular Neck Essential Baby Feeding Bottle Baby Forest Anti-Colic Options+ Ultra Wide Baby Bottle offers a wide-neck design and vent system to reduce colic and feeding discomfort. The bottle includes an innovative internal vent that ensures consistent milk flow. This feeding bottle is made from safe, BPA-free material, and allows babies to feed comfortably. Baby Forest Anti-Colic Options+ Ultra Wide Baby Bottle- Bottle to Prevent Colic & Fuss, Pack of 1, 260ml Pigeon Natura Flo Feeding Bottle features a wide neck and soft silicone nipple that promotes natural latch-on. Its advanced air ventilation system helps reduce colic, gas, and spit-up. The bottle is ergonomically designed for easy grip and is crafted from BPA-free material. Ideal for mixed feeding, it ensures smooth milk flow and baby comfort during feeds. Pigeon Anti Colic Wide Neck Natura Flo Baby Feeding Bottle 160ml New Born/Infants Wn3 Pp Nursing Bottle 160ml Plus Type Nipple-Green R for Rabbit First Feed Glass Feeding Bottle is a high-quality borosilicate glass bottle designed for safety and hygiene. Its anti-colic vent and soft silicone nipple ensure smooth feeding. The bottle resists thermal shock and can be sterilized easily. With a leak-proof design and ergonomic grip, it offers a premium feeding experience for both parents and babies. R for Rabbit First Feed Baby Glass Feeding Bottle 120ml with Anti-Colic Wide Neck, BPA Free Soft Silicone Nipple, Milk Feeder for New Born/Infants/Toddler Kids of 0+ Months (Lake Blue) Chicco Natural Feeling Feeding Bottle replicates breastfeeding with its angled teat and dual anti-colic valves, promoting a comfortable, upright feeding position. Its soft silicone nipple with a skin-like feel encourages natural latch. Designed with BPA-free materials, the bottle suits newborns transitioning from breastfeeding. Its ergonomic shape supports both baby and parent comfort during feeds. Chicco Natural Feeling Feeding Bottle for Babies, 150ml (0+ Months) |Mother Breast Like Teat| Soft Silicon, Anti-Colic Teat | Angled Teat Suitable for Newborns | with Anti-Drip Cap | BPA Free (Blue) Cherilo Anti-Colic Feeding Bottle features a well-designed air vent system that helps reduce colic, gas, and reflux. The soft silicone nipple mimics a natural feel to ensure a smooth transition from breastfeeding. The bottle's ergonomic design and wide neck enable easy handling and cleaning. Made from safe, BPA-free material, it ensures hygienic feeding every time. Cherilo Anti-Colic Feeding Bottle for Baby 6 to 12 Months, Milk Feeding Bottle for Kids 1 Year, 100% Food Grade Grooved Silicone Nipples, Leak-Proof, Baby Panda Style (250 ml) Mee Mee Premium Glass Feeding Bottle is crafted from high-quality, non-toxic borosilicate glass. It includes a soft silicone nipple and an anti-colic valve to reduce gas and fussiness. This durable, heat-resistant bottle supports safe and hygienic feeding. The elegant design ensures a comfortable grip, and this feeding bottle is ideal for both breastfed and bottle-fed infants. Mee Mee Premium Glass Feeding Bottle with Eazy-Flow Technology, Anti-Colic Valve,Anti Slip,BPA-Free Baby Feeding Bottle for Babies & Toddlers(Blue, 240Ml,Pack of 2) Tiny seats big comfort: Kids' chairs designed for happy times Top 8 Borosil water bottles to keep water cold for 24 hours; Stay hydrated Swiss Military Bristol Suitcase: 5 reasons why you need this before you board your next flight! An anti-colic baby bottle is specially designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding. It typically includes a venting system that helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the milk or formula, which can reduce gas, spit-up, and colic symptoms. Most anti-colic bottles feature an internal vent or valve that directs air away from the milk and into the bottle base. This helps prevent vacuum build-up and allows for consistent milk flow without bubbles. Anti-colic bottles are usually made from BPA-free plastic, silicone, or glass. Always check the label for safety certifications and materials. Yes. Anti-colic bottles are compatible with both breast milk and infant formula. They are designed to handle either liquid without affecting performance. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Kids author Mo Willems and The Pigeon stare down the future in a new book
NEW YORK — Author Mo Willems has sold millions of books and won many awards, but the accolade that means most to him is when a parent says their child read aloud for the first time from one of his books. The author, illustrator and animator, 57, is best known for his bestselling picture books like the Caldecott Award-winning 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' and 'Knuffle Bunny.' His latest book, 'Will the Pigeon Graduate?' may look like it's aimed at children, but the titular Pigeon's fear of failure and an uncertain future are sure to resonate with people of all ages, especially during graduation season.
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Kids author Mo Willems and The Pigeon stare down the future in a new book
NEW YORK (AP) — Author Mo Willems has sold millions of books and won many awards, but the accolade that means most to him is when a parent says their child read aloud for the first time from one of his books. The author, illustrator and animator, 57, is best known for his bestselling picture books like the Caldecott Award-winning 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' and 'Knuffle Bunny.' His latest book, 'Will the Pigeon Graduate?' may look like it's aimed at children, but the titular Pigeon's fear of failure and an uncertain future are sure to resonate with people of all ages, especially during graduation season. Willems and his trusty friend The Pigeon (charmingly represented by puppeteer Bradley Freeman Jr.) recently sat down with The Associated Press for an interview about graduating, 'Sesame Street,' and the purpose of life. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: How did graduation come to mind for a book topic? WILLEMS: As I am getting older, which I am, I'm getting into a new part of my life. And I'm wondering, am I equipped to be living in this part of life? And as I ask that question and I don't have the answers, then I think, well, what is that metaphor that kids are going through? And graduation seemed like the perfect thing. I'm graduating to a new stage in my life, and kids do this all the time. You graduate to tying your shoe. You graduate the first time you read. THE PIGEON: Like driving a bus. WILLEMS: Yeah, well, except for driving a bus. That is something you cannot graduate to, if you're a pigeon, but thank you for contributing to the conversation. THE PIGEON: Of course. AP: People may think this is just for graduates, but could it be about any transition? WILLEMS: I think it's about asking yourself, 'Am I equipped for something that scares me?' The real world is scary. We're always asking ourselves those questions. And often the answer is ... I don't know. And that's something that might feel uncomfortable to sit with, but it's also something that's very, very exciting. So like right now, I'm doing an interview with you and a giant pigeon. Is this gonna work out? If I'm going to get a little bit philosophical, I would say often we're trying to give the answers, and I think kids get exhausted from it. I want to give them the questions. I want them to have a chance to live with these questions themselves and work their way into an answer rather than telling them, 'Oh, you'll be fine.' AP: Mr. Pigeon, what is your favorite part about collaborating on this book? THE PIGEON: I really like how all of the books are about me. I like how I'm on, like, almost every page. You know, all of these books go through an approval process, and I get sent advanced — I call them screeners, nobody likes when I call them that! — but I get to look at them. And if I'm not on the first page and the last page, it does not get approved. AP (to Willems): Can you reflect on your nine seasons as a writer and animator on 'Sesame Street,' winning six Emmys and helping to develop 'Elmo's World'? WILLEMS: My love of puppets, my love of sketch comedy, my love of counting to 40 — all these things that I really, really love — came from 'Sesame Street'! And when it came time for me to make books, one of the things that I got to do that we didn't get to do on 'Sesame Street' at the time was write about failure. Write about not driving the bus rather than driving the bus. So on one level, it was like going to grad school. I loved it. I learned so much. I met all of these great puppets and puppeteers. On the other, the restrictions of the show allowed me to find my own voice. AP: Obviously, one of the book's messages is you have to believe in yourself. WILLEMS: I don't know. I'm glad that you think that that's one of the messages because you brought something to that book. I only write 49% of the book. You put the meaning in the book; if the book is meaningful, that is because you are putting yourself within it. I try not to have messages as much as I can. I really try to live in the question. AP: Mr. Pigeon, do you think your participation in this makes you a little bit of a philosopher? THE PIGEON: Yeah, I think there's a lot of very powerful things going on up here in this little bird brain. There's a lot of really deep questions, like, I don't know, can I drive the bus, maybe? You know, wondering maybe if I can stay up late? That would be really great. WILLEMS: These are all fundamental Greek philosophical questions. THE PIGEON: And what is the purpose of life? WILLEMS: What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? Why are people mean? Why are people nice? Can I drive the bus? THE PIGEON: Can I have a hot dog?
Winnipeg Free Press
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kids author Mo Willems and The Pigeon stare down the future in a new book
NEW YORK (AP) — Author Mo Willems has sold millions of books and won many awards, but the accolade that means most to him is when a parent says their child read aloud for the first time from one of his books. The author, illustrator and animator, 57, is best known for his bestselling picture books like the Caldecott Award-winning 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' and 'Knuffle Bunny.' His latest book, 'Will the Pigeon Graduate?' may look like it's aimed at children, but the titular Pigeon's fear of failure and an uncertain future are sure to resonate with people of all ages, especially during graduation season. Willems and his trusty friend The Pigeon (charmingly represented by puppeteer Bradley Freeman Jr.) recently sat down with The Associated Press for an interview about graduating, 'Sesame Street,' and the purpose of life. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: How did graduation come to mind for a book topic? WILLEMS: As I am getting older, which I am, I'm getting into a new part of my life. And I'm wondering, am I equipped to be living in this part of life? And as I ask that question and I don't have the answers, then I think, well, what is that metaphor that kids are going through? And graduation seemed like the perfect thing. I'm graduating to a new stage in my life, and kids do this all the time. You graduate to tying your shoe. You graduate the first time you read. THE PIGEON: Like driving a bus. WILLEMS: Yeah, well, except for driving a bus. That is something you cannot graduate to, if you're a pigeon, but thank you for contributing to the conversation. THE PIGEON: Of course. AP: People may think this is just for graduates, but could it be about any transition? WILLEMS: I think it's about asking yourself, 'Am I equipped for something that scares me?' The real world is scary. We're always asking ourselves those questions. And often the answer is … I don't know. And that's something that might feel uncomfortable to sit with, but it's also something that's very, very exciting. So like right now, I'm doing an interview with you and a giant pigeon. Is this gonna work out? If I'm going to get a little bit philosophical, I would say often we're trying to give the answers, and I think kids get exhausted from it. I want to give them the questions. I want them to have a chance to live with these questions themselves and work their way into an answer rather than telling them, 'Oh, you'll be fine.' AP: Mr. Pigeon, what is your favorite part about collaborating on this book? THE PIGEON: I really like how all of the books are about me. I like how I'm on, like, almost every page. You know, all of these books go through an approval process, and I get sent advanced — I call them screeners, nobody likes when I call them that! — but I get to look at them. And if I'm not on the first page and the last page, it does not get approved. AP (to Willems): Can you reflect on your nine seasons as a writer and animator on 'Sesame Street,' winning six Emmys and helping to develop 'Elmo's World'? WILLEMS: My love of puppets, my love of sketch comedy, my love of counting to 40 — all these things that I really, really love — came from 'Sesame Street'! And when it came time for me to make books, one of the things that I got to do that we didn't get to do on 'Sesame Street' at the time was write about failure. Write about not driving the bus rather than driving the bus. So on one level, it was like going to grad school. I loved it. I learned so much. I met all of these great puppets and puppeteers. On the other, the restrictions of the show allowed me to find my own voice. AP: Obviously, one of the book's messages is you have to believe in yourself. WILLEMS: I don't know. I'm glad that you think that that's one of the messages because you brought something to that book. I only write 49% of the book. You put the meaning in the book; if the book is meaningful, that is because you are putting yourself within it. I try not to have messages as much as I can. I really try to live in the question. AP: Mr. Pigeon, do you think your participation in this makes you a little bit of a philosopher? Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. THE PIGEON: Yeah, I think there's a lot of very powerful things going on up here in this little bird brain. There's a lot of really deep questions, like, I don't know, can I drive the bus, maybe? You know, wondering maybe if I can stay up late? That would be really great. WILLEMS: These are all fundamental Greek philosophical questions. THE PIGEON: And what is the purpose of life? WILLEMS: What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? Why are people mean? Why are people nice? Can I drive the bus? THE PIGEON: Can I have a hot dog?
