Reader's Digest Presents the First Annual "America's 100 Best" Issue
Charities, Cookies, Budget Wines, Big Ideas--and Even Bathing Suits
Source: Reader's Digest
April 20, 2004
To compile the 100 Best, the editors at Reader's Digest talked with experts and ordinary folks, collecting ideas from coast to coast. Then they tested, tasted and debated everything from the best BBQ sauce to the most charitable way to spend $1 million. The resulting list is divided up into six categories -- Legacies, Passions, Adventure, Innovation, Time Off and Connections.
"When you're talking to 41 million readers about what's "best" in America, you can't wing it, and you can't be predictable," said Reader's Digest Editor-in-Chief, Jackie Leo. "Our team of researchers, writers, reporters and editors scoured thousands of sources to come up with a surprising and delightful special issue."
Those featured include the best interviewer (Tim Russert), best comedian (Jon Stewart), best chef (Thomas Keller) and best charity innovation (Charity Navigator and Guidestar). There's the best roller coaster (Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy), best corporate uniform (UPS), best small-town festival (Tulip Time in Holland, MI), best mom & pop business (Clif Bar Inc.) and the best hip new pet (rabbit).
Reader's Digest has created an "America's 100 Best" award, which will be presented to those featured in the magazine. Readers are invited to log onto www.rd.com/boa to voice their opinions and nominate entries for next year's list.
