Daily Links 1-10-14

Here's a huge roundup of links to get your weekend started off right: some unusual things that have traveled into space, some neat history, perfect spaghetti marinara, and more.

*****************

Over at Mental Floss, a list of 9 unusual things that astronauts brought into space. My personal favorite is the Silver Snoopy Lapel Pin.

*****************

An interview with Glenn Harlan Reynolds over at National Review about the state of higher education and, of course, his new book.

*****************

I always thought the first submarines appeared during the Civil War. Turns out I was wrong. The first submarine was actually invented during the Revolutionary War.

*****************

Tips for becoming a successful writer.

****************

Kevin DeYoung shares the Ten Commandments of Twitter. Some great advice in this post.

****************

Chef Scott Conant shares his secrets for making the perfect spaghetti marinara. I've had this dish at Scarpetta Las Vegas (incidentally, one of the best meals I have ever had at a restaurant) and it is fantastic. If you start making spaghetti this way you will never want to prepare it any other way. Trust me on this.

****************

Is it possible to be a comedian without swearing or talking about sex? Jerry Seinfeld proves that it can be done. (Hat tip: Acculturated)

****************

A collection of nine sentences guaranteed to make a grammar nerd's head explode. English is tough.

Living Loud For Liberty

Jane Hampton Cook, author of the excellent book Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, has posted this terrific video as an Independence Day tribute for those who sacrificed so much so that we could enjoy the blessings of liberty.