Who thought that up?

Ever wonder who first thought of picking the needles off of that bush over there, pouring boiling water over it, then drinking it? How about who came up with the idea of picking those red berries, taking the middle part out, grinding them, pouring boiling water over them, and drinking that?

Yes, this is an Ode to Caffeinated Beverages, more popularly known as coffee and tea.

Caffeine is the elixir that welcomes the day for most of my friends. It is consumed in some form, whether it be a "cup of joe," a "cuppa," or a pop. (Yes, I'm from the Midwest. Deal.) It can come in paper cups, or fine china, in a plastic bottle or a tall glass. Tea once dictated the fortunes of the world, and coffee was once more doubted than alcohol.

But, this morning, I raise my cup, and salute the people who came up with the idea in the first place. Though you are lost to the mists of the past, your discoveries live on!