todaysdocument:

The siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi by Union forces under Major General Ulysses S. Grant began 150 years ago on May 18, 1863.  Confederates forces would surrender the fortress city after 40 days, effectively yielding control of the Mississippi River to the Union.

Map of the Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., By the U. S. Forces Under the Command of Maj. Genl. U. S. Grant, U. S. Vls., Maj. F. E. Prime, Chief Engr. Surveyed and constructed under direction of Capt. C. B. Comstock, U.S. Engrs., and Lt. Col. J. H. Wilson, A. I. Genl. 1st Lt., Engrs….Drawn by Chs. Spangenberg, Asst. Engr., 08/20/1863

5/18 in History: On May 18, 1860 Abraham Lincoln wins the presidential nomination for the Republican Party

5/17 in History: On May 17, 1875 the 1st ever Kentucky Derby is won by American Thoroughbred racehorse, Aristides

comedycentral:

If you’re not following Comedy Central on Vine, you’re missing all kinds of great videos from the set of Key & Peele, like this one featuring the return of Mr. Garvey and A-aron.

Key & Peele returns this fall.

ccindecision:

Photo via Lynn Sweet

nbcnews:

Huge colorless diamond goes for record $27 million

(Photo: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP - Getty Images)

A pear-shaped colorless diamond that is the largest ever offered at auction sold for a record of nearly $27 million in a Geneva auction, where records were also set for the prices of pearls and sapphires, auctioneer Christie’s said. 

Read the complete story.

mlb:

Ian Kinsler shows us all how not to dive.

sfgiants:

Brandon Crawford makes it look easy

5/16 in History: On May 16, 1929 the first Academy Awards takes place

5/14 in History: On May 14 1904 the Opening Ceremony is held for the 1st Olympics to be in USA (St. Louis, Missouri)

OY!