Month: May 2021

Mountain Biking

In many countries, the bicycle was supplanted by motorized vehicles as the preferred mode of transportation by the early 20th century. However, the mountain bike, introduced in the 1970s with rugged features meant to increase durability and improve performance in rough terrain, has done much to renew interest in cycling. Today, mountain biking is recognized as a sport in its own right and has a vast community of enthusiasts that spans the globe. When did mountain biking debut at the Olympics? Discuss

mad

gale – A very strong wind, probably related to Old Norse galinn, “frantic, mad.” More…

mad as a hatter – Refers to the fact that hat makers suffered mental illness in the old days when they got mercury poisoning from treating fur. More…

madding – In “far from the madding crowd,” madding is a poetic survival meaning “wild, furious, raving, mad.” More…

rabid, rabies – Rabid and rabies come from Latin rabere, “be mad.” More…

The Witches of Belvoir

After the death of their eldest son, the Earl and Countess of Rutland began to grow suspicious of three women in their employ. Joan Flower and her daughters Margaret and Philippa worked as servants in Belvoir Castle and therefore had access to the family’s personal property. They are alleged to have abused this privilege by stealing items that they then used for nefarious magical purposes. The girls eventually confessed and were hanged for witchcraft around 1618. What happened to their mother? Discuss