On this day in history: In 1847, New York and Boston were linked by telegraph wires. In 1918, two German pilots were saved by parachutes for the first time. In 1927, the U.S. Marines adopted the English bulldog as their mascot. And, on a sadder note, in 1985, America’s iconic Route 66 was decertified, after 59 years by American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials.

Brewing Ratios For Dummies – Most coffee drinkers do not understand just how critical ratios are. Many just add some scoops and add some coffee and let the machine do its work. However, if you want great coffee, you should strive for a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio. This article sums it all up neatly.

Crystal Mill – This mill, found in Crystal, Colorado, was crucial in several mining operations in the vicinity. Built in 1892, this is a very picturesque location that I would like to visit one day.

Glass Gem Corn – I have seen examples of “Indian Corn” before, usually in the fall, as decorations, but this corn blows that away in terms of beauty! This stuff looks incredible! You can buy some here.

Gramercy Typewriter Co. – I love old typewriters, and would like to add a couple of very vintage typewriters to my collection. This video takes look at Gramercy, who have been in the business for 84 years.

On this day in history: In 1833, Andrew Jackson became the first U.S. president to ride in a train. It was a B&O passenger train. In 1925, Chrysler Corporation was founded by Walter Percy Chrysler. In 1932, the first federal tax on gasoline went into effect in the US. It was a penny per gallon. And in 1944, the Allied powers crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II, commonly known as D-Day.

The Problem With Blonde Roasts – I enjoy a lighter roasted coffee, mainly because I enjoy the flavors of the coffee and not the taste of the roast that most darker roasts have. But if you go too light, such as a blonde roast, you enter a whole new world of problems with your coffee.

Meet The Artist Who Started The Rock Balancing Sculptures Trend – This guy is pretty creative. You may have seen some of his balanced rock sculptures floating around the Internet. Here are a few more examples of his work.

Qwerky Writer – I really enjoy vintage writing tools. But I am also a tech gadget fan. This device merges the two beautifully. But at $350, I don’t see one in my near future. It’s still a very cool idea though.

Killroy Was Here – Long before memes circulated on the Internet, there was a viral phrase that traveled around the world during World War 2. This video gives a great overview of that tidbit of history.

In the United States, today is Memorial Day. Originally observed in 1868, and called Decoration Day, this day was established as a day to decorate the graves of those who were killed in the Civil War. After World War I, the observance was expanded to include those who fell in all American wars. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, and placed on the last Monday in May.

We all need to be reminded of the sacrifice that many have given to ensure our freedom. In honor of Memorial Day, I thought you might appreciate reading President Reagan’s Memorial Day Proclamation for May 25, 1981.

Over one hundred years ago, Memorial Day was established to commemorate those who died in the defense of our national ideals. Our ideals of freedom, justice, and equal rights for all have been challenged many times since then, and thousands of Americans have given their lives in many parts of the world to secure those same ideals and insure for their children a lasting peace. Their sacrifice demands that we, the living, continue to promote the cause of peace and the ideals for which they so valiantly gave of themselves.

Today, the United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace — a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation.

In recognition of those Americans whom we honor today, the Congress, by joint resolution of May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and a period during such day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 1981, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11 o’clock in the morning of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I also request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the appropriate officials of all local units of Government to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff during this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control, and I request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones defending the American Way.

If you are interested n finding out more about Memorial Day, here are a few resources:

• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• History.com
• Memorial Day website

On this day in history: In 1785, Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter that he had invented bifocals. In 1876, Boston’s Joe Borden pitched the very first no-hitter in the history of the National League. And in 1934, police kill famous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde near Sailes, Louisiana.

Ikawa Pro Sample Roaster – I would one day like to purchase a professional coffee roaster. For now, my air popper will have to do.

A Brief History Of Internet Milestones – All this started in 1971, the year I was born, so in a very real sense, I grew up in this era. This is a very interesting infographic.

How To Remember Someone’s Name – Sometimes, I am notoriously bad at remembering names. And I suspect it will only get worse. Here are some great tips for helping the memory work better when it comes to names.

Read Scripture: Judges – The Bible Project has released several videos illustrating the timelines of different books of the Bible. Here is the one for Judges.

On this day in history: In 1866, Congress authorized the first 5-cent piece to be minted. In 1888, the first demonstration of recording on a flat disc was demonstrated by Emile Berliner. In 1914, the American Horseshoe Pitchers Association (AHPA) was formed in Kansas City, Kansas. And, in 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hands out its first awards, in Hollywood, California.

Brewing Cafe Quality Coffee At Home – Making coffee shop level coffee is not as hard as many assume it to be. There are three key ingredients: the coffee beans, the water, and the equipment you use. He recommends a Clever coffee dripper. I recommend a Hario V60. Both are inexpensive and simple to use.

The Art Of Fountain Pen Photography – I love fountain pens. And I love photography. Combining the two seems natural. And the results can be spectacularly beautiful.

Death Star Fire Pit – This is absolutely incredible. I really liked the Darth Vader fire pit, but this blows that away.

Marble Race – Because why not?

On this day in history: In 1671, in London, Thomas Blood, an Irish adventurer better known as “Captain Blood,” is captured attempting to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. In 1754, the first newspaper cartoon in America showed a divided snake “Join or die” in The Pennsylvania Gazette. And in 1962, a laser beam was successfully bounced off Moon for the first time.

Making Cold Brew Coffee In A French Press – One of my favorite ways to make coffee is by cold brew. I have a Coffee Toddy, and I have experimented with other methods. This article shows how it can be done using a French Press.

10 Facts About The Jetsons – The Jetsons, along with Scooby-Doo, was one of my favorite cartoons as a kid. This futuristic family entertained me on Saturday mornings for years, and still does. Here are ten facts you probably didn’t know about the show.

Harriet Tubman – You may have heard that Harriet Tubman will soon replace Andrew Jackson on American currency. If you don’t know much about here, or forgot your history studies, here is a brief synopsis of her life.

Skylight – No matter where you are, in the city or in the country, mountains or oceans, the sky is the one constant. And there are some beautiful images in this timelapse that are simply beautiful.

On this day in history: In 1890, the Oklahoma Territory was organized. In 1902, “A Trip to the Moon,” the first science fiction film was released. It was created by magician George Melies. You can find this movie reduced and “barcoded” on the Blackwing 1138 pencil (one of the best pencils ever!). And in 1974 – The filming of “Jaws” began in Martha’s Vineyard, MA.

Five Facts About Coffee Beans – How well do you know your coffee beans? This infographic will help you out.

Batman Over Seven Decades – Almost every major superhero has some super “power.” Not Batman. He just has a super amount of money to pay for all his gadgets. And, since he’s just a regular guy, that might just make him the best superhero of all. Here’s a brief overview of how he has changed over the years.

How To Find Water In The Wild – The Art Of Manliness always has some great and informative posts. This one is especially so, just in case you ever get lost and need to find some water.

The Old Testament In Five Minutes – Want to get an overview of the entire Old Testament in just a few minutes? Then this is the video for you.