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…

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…

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…