This Coffee Break is a little different than normal. Instead of giving you several links that have caught my attention this week, I want to give you one single link to explore, and encourage you to take a coffee break and take a look.

This week is the Missouri State Fair!
And it is a fun place to be!

I don’t know if you have ever visited a state fair or not, or if you even have one near you or not. But if you ever have the chance to take one in, I encourage you to do so. And, if you are close enough to come visit the Missouri State Fair, I believe it is one of the best around.

When we moved to Sedalia, Missouri, home of the Missouri State Fair, I wasn’t too thrilled with the prospect of all the crowds in town, all the traffic, all the hassle of dealing with so many people in so small of an area. I enjoy crowds up to a point, but when they slow down the drive across town, or make it hard to pull into the bank, I can get kinda grumpy.

But with the fair in full swing this week, my perspective has shifted somewhat. I am helping run the booth for Show Me Christian Youth Home, drawing attention and awareness to the ministry that happens there, and have met a lot of people. And when I’m not working in that booth, I have wandered around the fairgrounds, looking at other booths and exhibits, watching and meeting people from all over the state and even the Midwest.

Frankly, it has been a very fun and energizing experience.

Time for a Coffee Break! Enjoy this selection of interesting posts and articles from around the web that I found intriguing!

On this day in history: In 1692, in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Bridget Bishop, the first colonist to be tried in the Salem witch trials, is hanged after being found guilty of the practice of witchcraft. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin flied a kite during a thunderstorm and collected ambient electrical charge in a Leyden jar, enabling him to demonstrate the connection between lightning and electricity. And in 1903, Binney & Smith Company began developing a product line of wax crayons. The product was named Crayola.

Today Is National Ballpoint Pen Day!
Grab your ballpoint pen and write this on your calendar!

Coffee Gear That Won’t Break The Bank – Looking for ways to make your own coffee without spending a ton of money? Here is a good place to start looking.

Top 10 Summer Style Hacks Every Man Must Know – I want to look as good as I can, but in the summer, that can be difficult. Here are some summer style hacks that can help you stay cool.

11 Smells That Are Slowly Disappearing – I found this to be quite intriguing. Although there are many people who still burn their leaves, especially in the Midwest, some of the rest have faded from use, but still linger in memory. Remember the smell of those old purple copies of worksheets from elementary school? In a related vein, here’s another link to some sounds that are disappearing as well.

The Ultimate Paper Airplane – Have you ever built a paper airplane? If I had to guess, you probably have. But not like this one.

On this day in history: In 1813, rubber was patented by J.F. Hummel. In 1852, the first edition of Peter Roget’s Thesaurus was published. In 1913, Gideon Sundback patented an all-purpose zipper. And in 1986, Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox set a major-league baseball record by striking out 20 Seattle Mariner batters.

Today Is National Zipper Day!
I don’t even know how to celebrate… So zip something up!

Kalita Dripper Review – This is one of the pourover devices that I do not have, and would like to add to my coffee resources. This article is a review with several great points for picking one up on Amazon.

10 Watch Styles Every Man Should Know – I love a good watch, and have a couple of nice ones on my list to add to my wardrobe someday. But there are many different variations out there, and you should know the differences.

In 1507, This Map Used The Name ‘America’ For The First Time – I’m intrigued with old cartography, and this old map is simply fascinating. Wouldn’t this be a beautiful piece to hang on a wall?

Sounding The Sumburgh Foghorn – Have you ever wondered what an old foghorn sounds like? In this video, they fire up on old foghorn in Scotland. It’s pretty fascinating to watch.

On this day in history: In 1513, Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain. But did he ever find the Fountain of Youth? In 1873, Alfred Paraf patented the first successful oleomargarine (I’m certain that’s important to someone). And in 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.

Today Is National Empanada Day!
Don’t know what an empanada is? Today is your day to find out!

Cowboy Coffee Recipe – Campfire coffee is a nice change every now and then, especially when I’m out on the trail hiking or camping. Here’s a great recipe for making some of your own. Why not over a campfire pit in your own backyard?

10 Simple Life Hacks For The Sharp Dressed Man – Need a few tips to stay looking sharp? Here are ten simple things you can do to look the best you can, without a ton of money or effort.

A Generation In Japan Faces A Lonely Death – This is a sobering article that should cause you to stop and think. There may not be a whole lot you or I can do for these lonely people in Japan, but maybe we can see if there is a lonely neighbor on our own street, or in our own community that we can help.

Russia’s Geography Problem – After watching a few other videos in this series, I have one more to share. This one is about Russia.

On this day in history: In 421, the city of Venice was founded. In 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned king of Scotland. In 1807, British Parliament abolished the slave trade. And in 1911, 146 women were killed in a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. The owners of the company were indicted on manslaughter charges because some of the employees had been behind locked doors in the factory.

Today Is National Tolkien Reading Day!
The Hobbit is calling!

What’s The Difference Between Cold Brew And Iced Coffee? – I am amazed at the amount of people that don’t know the difference between the two. And also, that cold brew can be consumed hot, and it’s delicious.

5 Brands I’ve Been Using For Over 5 Years – These are some of Antonio’s trusted brands, and I can vouch for a couple of them as well.

What Sugar Does To Your Brain – Sugar isn’t that great for us, and the more processed it is, the worse it is for us. This article explains some of that.

China’s Geography Problem – After watching a similar video last week on India’s geography problem, I discovered this one on China. It’s just as interesting.

On this day in history: In 1541, Hernando de Soto observed the first recorded flood of the Mississippi River. In 1813, David Melville patented the gas streetlight. In 1881, Barnum and Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth opened in Madison Square Gardens. And in 1911, Theodore Roosevelt opened the Roosevelt Dam in Arizona. It was the largest dam in the U.S. at the time.

Today Is National Awkward Moments Day!
Celebrate your awkwardness!

Prismo Filter Upgrade For AeroPress Review And Tips – I love my Aeropress (On Amazon: Prismo,  AeroPress), and I also love the fact that it is so versatile. With the Prismo, I can create something very close to a true espresso shot. It’s worth adding to your coffee arsenal if you have an AeroPress.

5 Ways To Feel Confident In Your Clothing – There is a fine line between being vain and making sure you look as well-presented as you can. And a part of the line comes down to confidence. So how can you feel confident while looking sharp? Here are five ways.

How To Make The Perfect Breakfast Taco – What…? You didn’t know this was a thing? Well, now you do.

India’s Geography Problem – I found this to be incredibly interesting. India’s culture has always fascinated me, and I’d love to learn more about the various people groups who live within these borders.

On this day in history: In 1789, the first Congress of the United States met in New York and declared that the U.S. Constitution was in effect. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the microphone. And in 1950, Walt Disney’s Cinderella was released across the U.S.

Today Is National Grammar Day!
Use proper grammar. Or be a grammar Nazi. You decide.

Coffee Time – One of my favorite comics is Wrong Hands. This one, called Coffee Time, is amusing.

Man’s Ultimate Guide To Belts – A good belt can make a man’s outfit or break it, and it’s an accessory that a lot of men miss, not understanding just how important it is. This article recommends Anson Belts, and I wholeheartedly agree with that recommendation. Also, here is an infographic of the info presented.

The Oldest Treasures From 12 Great Libraries – I love books, so this article was fascinating. I would love to be able to see some of these works someday, along with a few dozen others on my bucket list.

17 Missing Verses in The NIV? – Have you ever noticed that there seem to be a few verses missing in your Bible? Here is a video that explains why this is the case.