I’m Just Curious: History of a few clichés

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by Debbie Walker

You know I have purchased some rather unique books. Tonight I dug out The Dictionary of Clichés because I wanted to look up an old saying.

A couple of times recently I have caught myself saying “Between you and me and the fence post …” I looked it up and found it! It does read “between you and me and the bedpost/gatepost/four walls/lamppost.” It is the long version of “in strictest confidence”. It’s usually followed up with gossip!

“Add insult to injury” means to make harm worse by adding humiliation. The saying is traced all the way back to a Greek fable.

“Ass in a sling” – to be in deep trouble. The saying was common about 1930. The ass referred to is not the animal but the term for buttocks.

“In one fell swoop” – A single operation. Goes all the way back to Shakespeare. Vultures attacked chickens in “one fell swoop.”

“At one’s beck and call” – Required to tend to someone’s wishes. The word “beck” only lives on in this cliché. It meant a mute signal or gesture of command (nod of the head or pointing your finger).

“At the drop of a hat” – at once without delay. It comes from the dropping or waving a hat as a starting signal for a race, prize fight or other event.

“Bad penny always turns up” – unwanted or worthless object or person is sure to return. It’s written in several languages. It’s dated back to when pennies were maybe made of inferior metal.

“Baker’s Dozen”– Thirteen. There was a law passed in England in 1266. It specified exactly how much a loaf of bread should weigh and put a penalty for shorted weight. Bakers protected themselves by giving their customers 13 loaves.

“Bane of one’s existence”- One’s ruin or misery. The earliest meaning of the noun bane was “murderer.” Sometime later the meaning was “poison.” Now, dating back to 1500s, it means an agent of ruin.

“Barefaced liar”- a shamelessly bold untruth. It means bold-faced or brazen but it is believed in the 16th century it meant “beardless.”

I wanted to leave a little room here to add a little info about nail polish:

Don’t shake it to mix, roll the bottle between your palms. Shaking puts in air bubbles that can muck up your job.

There is a way to dry the nails quicker. Spray aerosol cooking spray to coat nails from about six inches. Wait a few minutes and rinse. Sally Hanson also has top coat called Insta-Dri. It is wonderful, I love it!

Dab nail polish on screws in eyeglasses to keep them secure.

OK I used up my words for the night. Hope all is well with you. I’m just curious what we’ll learn next! Contact me with comments or ideas at dwdaffy@yahoo.com sub: Next.

Composer: Giacomo Puccini; Singer: Burl Ives; Composer: Johann S. Bach; Organist: Robert Elmore

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by  Peter Cates
Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini

Puccini

Madame Butterfly Selections
Arthur Pryor’s Band; Victor – 31697, 12-inch one-sided black label acoustic shellac 78, recorded approximately between 1905 and 1913.

Several shellacs from the pre-1924 acoustic era feature symphonic bands doing very nice performances of operatic excerpts. Arthur Pryor’s Band left one devoted to the matchless melodies from the opera, Madame Butterfly, of Giacomo Puccini (1857-1924) and is recommended heartily to collectors of early acoustic band disks.

Burl Ives

Burl Ives

Burl Ives

Songs of the West
Decca – DL 4179, mono LP, recorded 1961.

Burl Ives applies his Down Comforter of a voice to a dozen western classics – Home on the Range, Mexicali Rose, Cool Water, Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, Empty Saddles, etc.- and has the arrangements of Decca’s late, great Nashville A t R man, Owen Bradley, and the Anita Kerr Singers, both uncredited on this album.

My absolute favorite, one I have played many times with pleasure, is The Cowboy’s Dream, with its gospel message and the exquisite, separately recorded, different harmonies of Anita and her colleagues added gradually in each of the choruses. Recommended!

Bach on the Biggest

Robert Elmore, organist; Mercury SR90127, stereo LP, recorded 1956.

Johann Bach

Johann Bach

Organist Robert Elmore (1913-1985) was recorded on November 23, 1956, playing the Auditorium Organ of the Atlantic City Convention Hall. To call this instrument a behemoth of Great White

Robert Elmore

Robert Elmore

Whale proportions would most likely be an understatement. Its volume alone is equal to that of 25 brass bands; 225,000 feet of lumber was used in its construction, including 10,000 just for the 12 pipes; and the hall itself is more than 13 stories and occupies four city blocks.

Elmore’s playing of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major and Sleeper’s Awake and In Dulci Jubilo Chorale Preludes is both magnificent and magnificently recorded. A record worth seeking out!

Quirion graduates from Marist College

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Monique Quirion, of Waterville, received a bachelor of science degree in fashion merchandising from Marist College, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the weekend of May 19.

Area students named to Mount Ida College dean’s list

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Mount Ida College has announced the dean’s list for the Spring 2017 semester, in Newton, Massachusetts.

Eden Beane, a fashion merchandising and marketing major from Vassalboro, and Sarah Zahoransky, a veterinary technology major, from Clinton.

 

Sisters are top two seniors at Carrabec H.S.

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Timothy Richards, principal, has announced honor parts for the class of 2017 at Carrabec High School, in North Anson.

Valedictorian:

Samantha Taylor, Carrabec’s Valedictorian, is a student who is a quiet unassuming leader in our school. With a grade point average of 101.58, she has completed seven Advanced Placement classes and all the honors classes that would fit within her schedule. Samantha is a student who will be successful in any endeavor she chooses to pursue. Samantha will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington and majoring in art education/animation. Samantha is the daughter of Alan and Heather Taylor, of Anson.

Salutatorian:

Sara Taylor, Carrabec’s Salutatorian, is a very bright and successful student. Not only does she have a grade point average of 100.78, completing four Advanced Placement classes this year, but also is accomplished in the field of performing arts. Sara will be attending the University of Maine at Orono and is enrolled in the computer science program. She is the daughter of Alan and Heather Taylor, of Anson.

Carrabec High School graduation is Friday, June 9, at 7p.m., in the Carrabec High School Gymnasium.

Avianna Boucher is the daughter of Heidi and Steven Boucher, of New Portland. Avianna will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington and is enrolled in the early childhood education program.

Dustin Crawford is the son of Marlene Crawford, of Anson, and William Crawford, of Hartland. Dustin will be attending Husson University, majoring in the health science program.

Taylor Cyrway is the daughter of Shawn and Jess Cyrway, of Embden. Taylor has been accepted to the University of Maine at Farmington and will be majoring in early childhood education.

Allyn Foss is the son of Allyn and Lisa Foss, of Solon. Allyn will be attending the University of Maine at Orono.

Evan Gorr is the son of Stephen and Suzanne Gorr, of North New Portland. Evan has been accepted to the University of Maine at Farmington and is interested in the outdoor recreation and business administration programs.

McKayla Gray is the daughter of Lisa Boyce, of Anson, and Timothy Boyce, of Anson. McKayla will be attending KVCC majoring in the early childhood education program.

Paul Kaplan is the son of Jack and Janet Kaplan, of Embden. Paul will be attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle and majoring in physical education.

Emily Witham is the daughter of Michael Witham, of Embden, and Wendy Witham, of Embden. Emily will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington and is enrolled in the community health program.

Letters to the editor, June 8, 2017

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Urges no vote on marijuana ban

To the editor:

Vote NO ​China Marijuana Ban​, not for why you think.​

On June 13, town of China voters will get to vote on Question 1 “Shall an Ordinance entitled, ‘Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments and Retail Marijuana Social Clubs in the Town of China’ be Enacted.” ​But beware, there is far more to this ordinance than retail sales and/or social clubs.​

If you read the details of the ordinance itself, you will find in Section 3 that it is an overly broad prohibition that includes not only a ban on retail marijuana establishments and social clubs, but also on retail and wholesale cultivation, manufacturing and testing facilities in town.

For example, this ordinance would ban the retail establishment of a medical marijuana dispensary in China.

It’s no longer about getting high as in the ‘60s & ‘70s by “smoking a joint.” Medical marijuana has been found to contain components including CBD which have proven medical value. Also, there are many ways to consume it that do not include smoking it.

I’m not a pot smoker, yet I have met many people who have received great benefit from medical marijuana including chronic back pain, hip replacements and cancer survivors. The more I meet people who have benefited from medical marijuana, the more I am convinced of its importance for many people’s health care. Ideally, one would work with a local licensed medical marijuana caregiver to understand what is best for them.

Also, this ban would not allow local farmers to cultivate marijuana, even if they grew only the medicinal CBD strains.

The select board did not recommend a Yes or No vote on Question 1.

I recommend that China voters vote NO on this poorly written ban.

The issue of social clubs and other issues can be addressed in a more accurate future ordinance.

Bob OConnor
South China

Marijuana question too vague

To the editor:

This letter is written in hopes that you will vote “No” on the China Ballot Question on Marijuana this June 13. I believe that the selectboard, in an excess of caution, has put this prohibition of “all commercial marijuana” activity on the ballot prematurely, and as a poorly worded question which will give rise to legal difficulties for the town.

The state legislature is continuing to work on the myriad details that need to be clarified to make the new legalization of recreational marijuana function adequately in Maine. They are being cautious. Realizing that social clubs have not been implemented in other states, the state is reportedly considering a separate moratorium on social clubs that will run into 2019 or later. Given the political climate this seems wise. The town does not need to act independently to safe guard itself from this new aspect of recreational marijuana.

The new recreational legalization legislation includes provision for a limited number of licenses to be issued by the state for small commercial growers, and a separate limited number of licenses for large commercial growers. Our vote for a moratorium on June 13 will mean that not one of the farms in our town will have the right to apply to be a “small grower.” This seems unfair to me.

The regulations that are being drafted by the state for the retail outlets for the legal recreational marijuana will be complex. But again a total ban on all retail in the town of China seems premature. I would gladly support a moratorium to run well into 2018 so that we have the ability to fully understand how any of the aspects of this new law will affect us. But I do not support, at this premature time, a ban on all things commercial. The proposed ban is too broad and too unclear as to what is covered and what is not covered. It does a disservice to many citizens in our town who might be good small business people. We could better address the uncertainties of this new law in November after we have more answers as to how it will be implemented by the state.

Joann Clark Austin
China citizen and selectman

Recycled Shakespeare group presents comedy

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Recycled Shakespeare Company (RSC), central Maine’s premiere Shakespearean theater company, now in its fourth season, is pleased to present As You Like It by William Shakespeare. This year’s play will be performed in three different locations.

The first performance will be held at the hall of Waterville United Church of Christ, (Congregational) Eustis Parkway, Waterville on Friday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets, as always, are free, however an advance donation of $10 will give you optimal viewing in a first or second row seat. To reserve your ticket please call 207-314-8607 or 207-314-4730, as soon as possible.

The second performance will provide audiences an opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare the traditional way, by daylight, at noon on Saturday, June 17, at Coburn Park in Skowhegan. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair to the amphitheater.

On Friday, July 7, at 7 p.m. the company will perform at a nearby location to be announced. For details, please call 207-314-8607 or follow RSC on Facebook.

Katie Howes, of China, stars as Rosalind while Natasha Jencks-Ayres, of Madison, plays her cousin, Celia. Murray Herard, of Winslow, returns to the RSC cast as Touchstone, the fool, while Joshua Fournier, of Fairfield, plays Jaques, Shakespeare’s most famous melancholy man. Kaitlin Corson, of Albion, and Alejandro Fernandez, of Strong, make their RSC debuts as Orlando and Silvius.

New cast members also include Cathe Ayres, of Madison; Angela and Grace Dunton, of Hartland; Isabella Fernandez, of Strong; Alli Macdonald, of Belfast; and Shana and Joey Page, of Albion; with a special appearance by Carlos Bandieras, of Fairfield. Veteran cast members and crew include Debbie Achorn, Rita Fortin, Lyn and Joe Rowden, Emily Rowden Fournier, Liana LaPlante, Teya Bard, Helena Page.

As always, these productions by RSC are fun, free, and family friendly. Refreshments will be available for purchase at each show with proceeds helping to bring free local theater to Central Maine audiences.

RSC is a community troupe that specializes in Shakespearean theater.

For more information please contact Emily at 314-8607 or correspond with us through email at RecycledShakespeare@gmail.com.

Brother and sister act in Winslow

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Brother and sister set new school records in the triple jump at their respective schools. Jake Warn, a junior at Winslow High School, is the state champion in the triple jump for the second year. He broke the school record at the state meet with a jump of 43 feet, 7 inches. His sister, Carly Warn, an eighth grader at Winslow Junior High, is the school record holder for the triple jump with 33 feet 2 inches.

Photo by Central Maine Photography

Winslow Track & Field Champions

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The Winslow High School boys track and field team

The Winslow High School boys track and field team recently claimed the class B state championship. The team also won the Community Cup and the KVAC title. They last won a state crown in 1966. Pictured are the athletes who qualified and competed in the state meet at Yarmouth on June 3. Front, Jake Warn. First row, from left to right, Nelson Reynolds, Alister Piccini, Max Spaulding, Adam O’Conner, Ryan Fredette and Tyler Martin. Middle, Josh Olin, Ben Dorval, Nick Tiner, Jake Witham and Jake Bisson. Back, Nate Gagnon, Ben Abbott, Spencer Miranda and Jamie Sears.

Photo by Central Maine Photography

Let’s talk local Skowhegan history

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Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is hosting a new program series at the History House, “Let’s Talk Local History.” Local residents are invited to share interesting stories, experiences, and artifacts with museum staff in small, informal discussions! The roundtable discussions are designed to be both educational and entertaining. The purpose of the discussions is to enrich our understanding of this area’s history as we talk about life in earlier times and to engage older citizens. Please join us from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center on Thursdays: June 8, July 6, August 24, and September 21. This program is free.