REVIEW POTPOURRI: Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle

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The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Singers, with the London Studio Orchestra; Warner Alliance 9460042, CD, recorded 1995.

Brooklyn, New York’s Tabernacle church has this very good choir as part of its weekly services and worldwide ministry. This cd is one that should please those who enjoy the group’s singing.

The following list of five CDs feature the alto saxophone of the jazz musician Lee Konitz, with comments at the end. 1. Subconscious – Lee, Prestige 0JCCD1862./ 2. Konitz Meets Mulligan, Pacific Jazz. CDP7468472./ 3. Jazz at Storyville, Black Lion BLCD760901./ 4. The Real Lee Konitz, Collectables COLCD6370./ 5. Another Shade of Blue, Blue Note 7234982222.

Still living and, as far as I know, active musically, Lee Konitz had a strong influence on the alto saxophonists Paul Desmond and Art Pepper, although Konitz was younger than both of them. He and Charlie Parker were good friends but he was his own man, whereas other altoists fell under Parker’s Sway. I really like his combination of intelligence, vibrant musicianship and beauty.

The five titles, in addition to more than 200 other ones, attest to his productivity for over 70 years. For reasons of space here, those curious check further on my five very recommended choices.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Rural Americans Face Greater Challenges In Accessing Cancer Care, According To New National Survey

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(NAPSI)—Nearly double the number of Americans in rural areas versus nonrural areas reported having an insufficient number of cancer doctors near where they live. This is one of the many findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s second annual National Cancer Opinion Survey, which was conducted online by The Harris Poll.

According to the survey, rural Americans are the most concerned about the availability of cancer care near where they live:

  • Four in 10 rural Americans who have or had cancer say there aren’t enough doctors specializing in cancer care near their home, compared to 22 percent of urban and suburban patients.
  • Rural patients spend an average of 50 minutes traveling one way to see their cancer doctor, versus 30 minutes for nonrural patients.
  • Thirty-six percent of patients in rural areas say they had to travel too far to see the doctor managing their cancer care versus 19 percent of nonrural patients.

“The unfortunate reality is that rural Americans routinely have to travel long distances for cancer care, which can lead to dangerous delays in their diagnosis and treatment,” said ASCO President Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., FACS, FASCO. “As a result, rural counties have higher death rates from many common cancers than urban areas. Our health care system needs to address these disparities so that every patient, no matter where he or she lives, can access high-quality cancer care.”

The survey also found that Americans from all parts of the country are worried about the cost of cancer care. If faced with a cancer diagnosis, 57 percent of Americans say they would be most concerned about the financial impact on their families or about paying for treatment, compared to 54 percent, each, who say they would be most concerned about dying or about cancer-related pain and suffering.

Even more than patients, family caregivers bear the brunt of the high cost of cancer treatment:

  • Among caregivers responsible for paying for cancer care, nearly three in four (74 percent) say they’re concerned about affording it.
  • More than six in 10 caregivers (61 percent) say they or another relative has taken an extreme step to help pay for their loved one’s care, including working extra hours (23 percent), postponing retirement (14 percent), taking on an additional job (13 percent) or selling family heirlooms (9 percent).

“Patients are right to be concerned about the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis on their families,” said ASCO Chief Medical Officer Richard L. Schilsky, M.D., FACP, FASCO. “It’s clear that high treatment costs are taking a serious toll not only on patients, but also on the people who care for them. If a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, the sole focus should be on helping him or her get well. Instead, Americans are worrying about affording treatment, and in many cases, they’re making serious personal sacrifices to help pay for their loved ones’ care.”

Despite challenges accessing cancer care due to cost and travel time, the overwhelming majority of Americans are happy with the cancer care they have received: Nearly nine in 10 people with cancer believe they have gotten high-quality care and are satisfied with the quality of the doctors who specialize in cancer care near where they live (88−89 percent).

The national survey, commissioned by ASCO, was conducted online by The Harris Poll from July 10−August 10, 2017 among 4,887 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Of these adults, 1,001 have or had cancer.

More information is available at www.asco.org; use search term “National Cancer Opinion Survey.”

PAGES IN TIME: The Killdeer Lodge story – part 2

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Killdeer Lodge, circa 1930s. The Town Line file photo

Part 1 is available here.

With the demise of the old Killdeer Lodge recently, which over the years had fallen into disrepair, the following article represents a history of the lodge, from its inception in 1929, to the razing in 2018.

This is a reprint from The Town Line, September 18, 1999, issue, from a recollection written by Ben S. Dillenbeck in 1975 for the China Bicentennial History Book.

The advertising program begun by Eli Wagner in the summer of 1929, drawing people to China Lake’s Killdeer Point with the goal of selling lots in his development, continued during the warm months for several seasons. In spite of the stock market crash and the beginning of that Big Depression of the ‘30s, Eli continued to operate as the president of the Killdeer Maine Co. However, the tight money conditions of those days finally forced its pinching effect and Eli took to other fields where he used his talents in other developments. He had envisioned a summer colony of at least 100 cottages, a summer store, theater and religious chapel. But when the depressions’ effects really hit, many, who had planned to build, were forced to abandon their plans. There now are 28 cottages at the Killdeer Point Highland Development, which today would be legally designated as a subdivision. Two of these cottages have been converted into year-round residences, both of which can be reached only over private roads. The main road leading down into Killdeer, which Eli named “Harlem Road,” was built by Killdeer Maine Co. starting in 1928, on what was originally mapped as a “Town Rangeway.”

During the depression years, from about 1934 until the economy recovered, Killdeer Lodge tried to operate by taking both transient and American plan guests, without success: so for a few years the place was closed. During a couple of those lean summer seasons, two enterprising young Colby students hired the dining hall building and ran dances. They called the place “Dreamworld” and some area residents may recall spending pleasant evenings there.

From 1946 to about 1952, Killdeer Lodge and dining hall were operated by myself, my wife and family. Business fluctuated each year from “fair to poor.” It was hard work and a nonprofit undertaking! Supplemental income results from rentals to outside organizations for special events. Many Colby College fraternity spring dances were held there and as late as 1962 Colby College seniors held their Commencement Week Outing and Field Day there, which culminated in a huge lobster bake on the lawn, put on by the late Bill Macomber of the Colby staff.

These were happy, good time affairs, with as many as 250 seniors and guests participating. The Kennebec Bar Association also held some of its annual meetings and banquets at Killdeer, the first being arranged by Ed Muskie, who had a cottage not too far away. The Hathaway Shirt Co sales department for many years, was another client that seemed to enjoy Killdeer for its annual outing and banquet. The nice part of this affair was the excellent catering of the late Clarence Milton. What a fine man and what a wonderful feed he could put on!

St. Joseph’s Church, in Waterville, also made use of the Killdeer facilities for its three-day annual fiesta or “Maharajan” as it was also called. Another outstanding event for a number of years, until  Colby acquired its own Belgrade property, was the annual Coaches Clinic Outing and Banquet, under the leadership of Lee Williams and Bill Millett. Some very noted coaches participated in these affairs, among them Frank Leahy, of Notre Dame, Adolph Rupp, of Kentucky and Henry Iba, of Cincinnati, who was later to be coach of the U.S. Olympic basketball team. For at least 10 years, the District Deputies Association of the Grand Lodge of F&A Masons for the state of Maine held their annual meeting and picnic at Killdeer Dining Hall, on the first Sunday after Labor Day. The last Killdeer Dining Hall rental was made to father Guillet of St. Bridget’s Church, of North Vassalboro, for Sunday Mass services.

On March 20, 1963, during a winter of very heavy snowfall, young Gary Hamilton came riding down the road on a sunny afternoon and excitedly asked me what had happened to the Killdeer dining hall. “Come and take a look!” he urged. We hurried up the highway and were shocked by the sight. The whole dining hall part of the building had collapsed! As the snow was three – four feet deep, an inspection was made on snowshoes. Apparently, the east wall would not sustain the great snow weight on the big roof – so down it came, smashing everything beneath, including about one-third of the floor on the east side. The building containing the fining room and recreation hall was never rebuilt. Afterwards, Killdeer Lodge continued to operate as a Sleep Lodge only.

Next week: the conclusion.

SOLON & BEYOND: Local shelter hustling and bustling

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

There will be a Holiday Concert: Steel Drums, featuring “The Snow Pond Pantastics” on Saturday, December 8, at 4 p.m., at the Solon Congregational Church. Refreshments will be served. Admission by donation.

Was very pleased to receive an e-mail from Tim and Pat Hunt of the New Hope Evangelical Church telling what has been going on there. “The shelter there has been hustling and bustling all year. We are so thankful for our director, and our shelter manager and all the staff and volunteers who do such a great job here. God has provided through the prayers and the sacrifices of His wonderful people, and we are so thankful for His faithfulness. Thank you for your generosity and kindness to those women who are homeless and in need. You have helped bring comfort and healing to wounded souls. Most importantly, you have helped bring the message of hope and salvation to hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive it.”

Pat and I have gotten involved with the Skowhegan Community Chorus, an area-wide group that performs several concerts a year. This fall some from the church and other good friends have joined us as well.

The church will be having its own Christmas program, A Simple Christmas Story, on Friday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m. This story is interwoven throughout with music that will uplift and encourage you this Christmas season. Discover the promise that can be yours this Christmas!

The ladies at New Hope meet every two months for a Ladies Brunch for food, fellowship and a well planned program.

Another ministry to men, along with the monthly men’s breakfast, is the Man Cave, which usually meets every couple of weeks. The purpose of the Man Cave is for fellowship and addressing important topics concerning men.

We helped celebrate three of our granddaughters high school graduations this past spring. Elli, Zoe, and Abbie all graduated, and our oldest grandson, Gabe, just turned 20! He is a fulltime welder.

Most of our spare time in the summer was taken up with repairing our pool after a hard winter brought about its destruction, breaking the skimmer, crimping the wall, and cracking the liner. Then the pump had to be replaced. But we got it functioning again and spent a lot of time in it.

The Skowhegan Community Chorus will be performing at New Hope on Saturday, December 8, at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited.

And now for Percy’s memoir entitled, Not by Chance or Happenstance: Into our lives come many things to break the dull routine… The things we had not planned or that happen unforeseen … The sudden, unplanned meeting that comes with sweet surprise And lights the heart with happiness like a rainbow in the skies. Now some folks call it fickle fate and some folks call it chance, While others just accept it as a pleasant happenstance. But no matter what you call it, it didn’t come without design, For all our lives are fashioned by the hand that is divine And every lucky happening and every lucky break Are little gifts from God above that are ours to freely take. (words by Helen Steiner Rice.) Another saying of hers is “Look Up” It’s easy to grow downhearted when nothing goes your way, It’s easy to be discouraged when you have a troublesome day, But trouble is only a challenge to spur you on to achive The best that God has to offer if you have the faith to believe.

NEWS FROM THE VA: Because of your input, changes coming at VA

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All gave some…some gave all: Flags line all the graves at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta. (photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine)

Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

For all of you who follow our veteran related articles and respond, we thank you for your great response and will answer your comments and concern in the order received.

* There are many issues both positive and negative that affect our veterans. We look forward to your input and we will try to find favorable solutions and information for all that participates.

* I am happy to report that because of our input with VA Togus, the release of information section has reopened. Your response and our action were pivotal in getting the job done. It looked like the new director was getting off on the wrong foot, but perhaps we need to reassess our previous opinion. Now the Veteran Service Organizations (VSO’s) will be able to once again move rapidly with veterans issues by being able to collect Veteran medical information in an expeditious manner.

* Another positive will take affect nationally and that is the cost of living adjustment (COLA) which is evaluated each year along side of the Social Security (COLA). These are usually the same if given at all. This past October 9, 2018, President Donald Trump endorsed Public Law 115-258 which provides an increase in VA benefits by 2.8 percent. This takes affect this December 1 and will be seen in the January 1 check. Also the dependent and indemnity compensation (DIC) for veteran’s survivors will receive the same. This is suppose to protect against inflation.

*Also we have talked about National Guard in the past and it is felt by some of us that they have been given an unfair shake. When you look at a National Guard training record you will see orders for basic training which entails 88 days of active duty. It has gone without question it seems by Service Organizations. This period is two days short of VA medical benefits which requires 90 days. Can you see the pattern here? I certainly can and have taken action by doing a test case to bring it out in the open.

When I served in the Army I was in the regulars and served 90 days in basic plus. So, I would be qualified to be reviewed for medical benefits. In my opinion this is a government way of having their cake and eating it as well. This is a terribly unfair practice by the powers that be.

The guard was originally meant to be a “State Militia and was eventually taken over by the federal government. Some of the guard has been activated to go and fight on foreign soil. Those guardsmen have been compensated. The others were standing by; yet they are not qualified for VA benefits because of two days. We are hoping to change that. We will have some answers in the near future and if we are successful thousands of National Guardsman can come forward. Wish us luck and let us know what you think.

Also, I will mention something in closing that most of you don’t know and that is; some veterans have been plagued with infertility. In vitro fertilization is now a possibility if you qualify. I know that is very important to some of us. Talk to your primary care provider.

Take care fellow veterans and keep the faith. There are people out there that are fighting for you. Thank you for your service and God be with you. Yours in Service.

FINANCIAL MATTER$: The two most important days in a person’s life

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP, ChFC
President, J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

In this month’s column, I don’t want to discuss money, investment advice, or financial planning. Instead, I want to talk about the two most important days in a person’s life. What are these two days? According to Lou Holtz, former coach of Notre Dame Football and the New York Jets, the two most important days in a person’s life are the day he or she is born and the day he or she figures out why.

On Nov­em­ber 12 and 13, I attended the Harvey Mackay Academy: Street Smarts Summit. It was held at the Hotel Camby in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. My friend and mentor, Harvey Mackay, author of “Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive” called me in late July to extend the invitation. The event magnetized sixty authors, speakers, entrepreneurs, and CEOs from all around the United States. There was some serious talent in that room and I was fortunate to be a part of it.

Over the course of those two days, I listened to the transformative messages of eight of the world’s foremost authorities on topics such as time management, leadership, networking, sleep, creativity, business development, kindness, and teamwork. Each speaker earned the undivided attention of every person in that room and did so for the entire sixty minutes he or she had the stage.

On day two, Lou Holtz took to the podium. The second he did, the room fell silent, interrupted only by roars of laughter that were evoked by his sense of humor. He began by telling us that the candles on his birthday cake now cost more than the cake itself and that over the years, he has learned a few things about life.

The energy in the room quickly shifted as he began to dispense life advice, the kind that hits you right in the heart. In his sixty minutes, he shared ideas such as, “The good Lord put eyes in front of our heads so we can see where we are going and not in the back of our heads to see where we’ve been. Do everything to the best of your ability. Everyone is capable, no matter what, of doing their best. Don’t let anyone else control your attitude; only you can do that. You can’t have a relationship if it is not based on trust. Always do the right thing. Show people love before the catastrophe hits.” These were just a few.

Amidst all the great ideas he shared, the comment about the two most important days in a person’s life held me suspended in deep thought.

Have you identified your “why”? Have you ever asked yourself why you were born? Why you are here? Why you have the skills that you have? Why you have the friends that you have? Why you have the job that you have? Why you have the happiness, or the frustrations, or the successes that you have? Why anything?

Some people think that the future is a predetermined sequence of events and wonder what those events include. Is this really the case? I have learned that the future is something we create for ourselves based on the choices we make, and as Mr. Holtz said, choice is the most important word in the English language. The future will include whatever we think about the most, want the most, and desire the most, granted we take action and actively pursue the results we demand for ourselves.

If you take an honest look at your life today, you will quickly realize that many of the things in it are the direct results of decisions you’ve made in the past. If we don’t like our current situation, we must consider changing our actions, which likely requires us to change our habits, which likely requires us to change our belief systems.

I believe that we are each eternally unique and that each one of us has greatness within us. Once we understand “why”, everything changes.

See you all next month.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of November 29, 2018

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To submit a photo for The Town Line’s “Give Us Your Best Shot!” section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU: Emma Salisbury, 16, of Benton, snapped this salamander this past fall.

 

A TRUE RARITY: Bob Bennett, of China, photographed this lonely elm tree in a field along Rte. 32, in China. Not many of them around anymore.

 

FOGGY DAYS: Emily Poulin, of South China, captured this early morning fog in October.

SOLON & BEYOND: It’s always great to spend Thanksgiving with family

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Many thanks go out for the Embden Historical Society 2019 Program which Carol Dolan sent to me, (plus a note of appreciation for putting their news in this paper!) It means a lot.

The Embden Historical Society, Inc. 2018-2019 officers are president, Carol Dolan; vice president, Larry Witham; secretary, Mary Frear; treasurer, Bob Donovan. executive committee members are one-year term, Jim Lightbody, Sr., two-year term, Lois Erickson; and three-year term, Andy Davis.

There won’t be any meetings of the Embden Historical Society during January and February.

Received the following e-mail from Angie Stockwell with the subject being the Margaret Chase Smith Library Newsletter, November 2018:

Dear Readers, It’s difficult to believe the holiday season is upon us! Here’s to good food, good friends, and great family fun. And perhaps you can enjoy an interesting read about all that we’ve been up to. Admiral Nora Tyson spoke about leadership at the MCS Lecture at UMaine; National History Day was featured; a new MCS Scholar has been named; the Leeke Lecture addressed the relationship between Russia and the U.S.; nine high school students competed for the Senate Youth program scholarship; and Dr. Richards spoke to a group of “Loose Ladies.” Thought that might spark your interest!

The only news I have from Solon this week, is that Lief and I enjoyed, not one, but several Thanksgivings with our families. Peter and Sherry held their annual family Thanksgiving celebration the Sunday before Thanksgiving day, with 28 of us gathered together. And Mark and Karen had driven up from Florida, as they do every year, to attend this wonderful event filled with love and great food! (Every year, it seems to me, it is better than the year before!) They decorate their garage, (which I think Peter built large enough, looking forward to these Thanksgiving family get-togethers!) I can’t begin to describe what the theme was this year, but getting together with family members makes this mother, grandmother, great -grandmother’s heart sing.

On the actual Thanksgiving Day, Lief and I had been invited to go to his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Allen Fitzmaurice’s home for Thanksgiving dinner. But after a little while we got a call saying they had lost power, so we made plans to eat at a restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we went to their house and had dessert.

Lief’s son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Cheryl Bull had come up from Georgia and stayed with us on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The next morning we all got up and met Lief’s family at a restaurant for breakfast.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving my daughter, Mary invited Lief and I over for a Thanksgiving supper, which was very good also. Lief has been on a diet, but with all that good food, he put on a few pounds!

In doing research, I have come across some, what I think are interesting facts about Solon…..and since I don’t have much recent news, I’m going to print them. The first rural mail route was started April 1, 1899. Mr. Dudley Healey was the carrier.

Mr. Will Soper owned the first automobile about 1905. It was a two cylinder Cadillac.

Solon-Embden bridge first opened to teams April 19, 1911. Ansel Stevens was the first to cross from Embden. Lifelet Cooley first to cross over to Embden about one o’clock.

And now for Percy’s memoir: (It is a saying that he used when he was alive, but for some reason I didn’t put the date down.) How To Live A Hundred Years Happily. 1. Do not be on the outlook for ill health. 2. Keep usefully at work. 3. Have a hobby. 4. Learn to be satisfied. 5. Keep on liking people. 6. Meet adversity valiantly. 7. Meet the little problems of life with decision. 8. Above all, maintain a good sense of humor, best done by saying something pleasant every time you get a chance. 9. Live and make the present hour pleasant and cheerful. Keep your mind out of the past, and keep it out of the future.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Birth of a new tradition

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by Debbie Walker

Collected by Debbie Walker

I filed this on my computer years ago because I loved the thought behind it. I don’t know who the author was but I knew I would want to share it.

Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods – merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes, there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone – yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants – all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains – this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts: people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about 50 cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Christmas Eve with Burl Ives & G.K Chesterton

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Christmas Eve with Burl Ives

Decca, DL 8391, mono LP, released 1957.

Burl Ives

One very endearing album of the many Burl Ives (1909-1995) left in his discography was this astutely balanced program of 11 Xmas titles, familiar and not so familiar. The six familiars – Silent Night, There Were Three Ships, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This?, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and – what else!- The Twelve Days of Christmas – are the Yuletide cornerstones.

The other five rarely heard songs – Friendly Beasts, Jesous Ahatonia, Seven Joys of Mary, Down in Yon Forest and King Herod – have special qualities of their own, regardless of any rarely heard status.

In addition to himself on this mid-’50s session, Ives brought along colleagues that included guitarist Tony Mottola, singer/arranger Jimmy Carroll, and the other well-known, but never as famous Ray Charles with His Singers. And, the main reason for its desirability, the arrangements are vibrantly alive, not the cliched, boring once over lightlys that still often infest the seasonal music experiences.

An unattributed quote on the back of the cover summed up the man who was Burl Ives: “He’s a big guy and has a punch like a mule kicking. His smile fills a room and his laugh shakes the chandeliers. But he’s quiet, too, and he can listen. He listened to his mother and his father, who were both singers. He listened to people singing all over the country. And his song-bag is full. He can sing all night and never sing the same song twice. And every song is better than the last one.”

G.K Chesterton

G.K. Chesterton

One of the best qualities of G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was his gift at writing a few sentences and leaving readers, such as myself, wanting more. A quote from his 1922 essay, What I Saw in America: “Americans make fun of their own institutions; and their own journalism is full of such fanciful conjectures. The tall building is itself artistically akin to the tall story. The very word sky-scraper is an admirable example of an American lie.”

P.S.: Two unintended, but, for me, very intriguing coincidences between Chesterton and the above Burl Ives that I discovered while writing this column today, November 21, 2018.

Chesterton and Ives shared a very similar height and girth.

Ives was born on June 14, 1909; Chesterton died on June 14, 1936. Of course, neither here nor there!