• crop businessman signing contract in office
    Cornerstone Content,  Diary

    Of Cakes And Conspiracies

    The knife used to cut the cake of celebration is the same one that inevitably gets used to stab one in the back, is an idea that recently came to me, harsh as a proverb, and laced with the kind of wisdom that is usually earned through a painful sequence of experiences. It wasn’t until the undulating waves of life had crashed upon my shores a few more times that I truly understood its depth, its reality, and its almost predestined inevitability. I recall the early days of my ambitious youth, days colored with the hues of success and nights scented with the fragrance of victory. Those were the times…

  • Cornerstone Content,  Diary

    The Seasons Of My Life

    Last night, nestled deep within the embrace of my blankets, I found myself lost in a dream on a journey through time. The landscape of my dreams is often a curious one, a theater where the scenes that unfold often transcend the boundaries of waking reality. As I fell asleep, I was transported to the various turning points of my life, watching, as if on a silver screen, the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows. The seasons of my life have never been kind to me, changing not just in weather, but in emotion and spirit. Like trees in winter, I’ve sometimes felt bare, stripped of hope and warmth.…

  • Cornerstone Content,  Writing

    I Have Been A Lot Different

    I have always been a little different. Even as a young child, when other girls were content with playing princesses and tea parties, I found myself more engrossed in embarking on imagined adventures, climbing trees, and dreaming of the vast, untouched world beyond my backyard. It was a divergence that sometimes isolated me, a tiny ripple in the fabric of conformity that set me apart. Yet, I cherished this difference. I nurtured it. Even then, I understood it as a flame, a flicker of an identity that was distinctively, and blatantly unapologetically, mine. Sky above me, Earth below me, a fiery passion forever burning within me. Thomas Slatin Throughout my…

  • Obscure Curiosities

    Vermont Cryptids: Enigmatic Creatures Of The Green Mountains

    Vermont is a state known for its natural beauty, charming small towns, and outdoor activities. Some people believe that there are creatures lurking in the forests and lakes of Vermont that defy explanation. These creatures are known as cryptids, and they have captured the imagination of believers and skeptics alike. Here will we take a quick look at several Vermont cryptids which have captured the imagination of Vermonters and other fans of cryptozoology over the years. The Bennington Monster The Bennington Monster, also known as the Bennington Triangle, is said to be a creature with the body of a large cat, the head of a reptile, and the wings of a bird. It…

  • a black dog walking on a wooden bridge
    Obscure Curiosities

    Weird Vermont: The Most Eccentric Town and City Names

    Welcome to the world of Weird Vermont, where we delve into the most eccentric and odd town and city names of the state. With amusing and bizarre names like Cozy Corner and Mosquitoville, Vermont’s unique and peculiar place names never cease to fascinate us. But what’s the story behind these names? What inspired their creation, and what historical or cultural context do they have? Here we will investigate the origins of Vermont’s weirdest place names and uncover the fascinating and often surprising tales behind them. Join us as we embark on a journey through the strange and quirky landscape of Vermont’s towns and cities, where the names themselves are as…

  • Anvil - Metal, Yugoslavia
    Obscure Curiosities

    The History Of The Anvil Gag In Classic Cartoons

    The anvil is a staple of slapstick comedy, especially in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series by Warner Bros. But, how did this metal block become such a popular weapon of choice for cartoon characters?  What does the anvil gag say about our culture and sense of humor? What is an anvil? An anvil is a solid block of steel or iron that is used in metalwork, usually by blacksmiths. It has a flat top, called the face, and often a pointed horn at the front and a flat heel at the back, with holes for attaching tools. Anvils are among the oldest tools still in use today, dating…

  • a person holding a thought bubble
    Obscure Curiosities

    A Guide To Common Abbreviations In English

    In today’s fast-paced world, we’re always looking for ways to save time and communicate more efficiently. One way we seek efficiency is through the use of verbal shortcuts—abbreviated words and phrases that convey a message quickly and concisely. But, these shortcuts have existed in English for several centuries, especially in speech. For example, regardless of its exact origin, “OK” became popularized in the mid-19th century and is now one of the most widely used and recognized words in the English language. The origin of “OK” is somewhat disputed, but one popular theory is that it came from a misspelling of the phrase “all correct.” In the 1830s, there was a…

  • a broken piano on green grass field
    Obscure Curiosities

    A Brief History Of Pianos Dropping From The Sky

    Pianos are usually associated with elegance, harmony and grace. But, sometimes, they can also be linked to chaos, destruction and absurdity. Throughout history, there have been several occasions when pianos have fallen from the sky, either by accident or by design. These occurrences create spectacles of sound and fury that both fascinated and bewildered many. Operation Piano Drop One of the earliest examples of pianos dropping from the sky occurred during World War II, when the American military decided to air-drop pianos for their troops stationed in remote areas. The idea was to provide some entertainment and morale boost for the soldiers who were fighting in harsh conditions. The pianos…

  • Obscure Curiosities

    Best Railroad Blogs In 2023

    Your Ultimate Guide to the World of Railways In recent years, the interest in railways and trains has continued to grow, as enthusiasts, historians, and travelers alike find joy and fascination in the world of rail. As the global rail network expands and technology advances, the online community is thriving with knowledgeable and passionate bloggers who share their insights, stories, and experiences. I have compiled a list of the best rail blogs on the internet in 2023, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the top resources for all things rail-related. American Rails BlogAmerican Rails Blog is a popular online publication that caters to railway enthusiasts. The blog provides informative…

  • Obscure Curiosities

    Phrenology — A Pseudoscientific Theory of Personality

    Phrenology is a pseudoscientific theory that suggests that the shape and size of a person’s skull and bumps on their head can reveal information about their personality, behavior, and intelligence. It was popular in the 19th century but has since been discredited as a valid scientific theory. The pseudoscience of Phrenology divides the human brain into 35 faculties, each associated with a specific area of the brain and a corresponding personality trait. Here are the 35 faculties of phrenology: It is important to note that phrenology has been widely discredited and is not a valid scientific theory. The faculties of phrenology have no scientific basis and should not be used…