ANSWER: Saying something (in this case “orange”) is “the new black” is a reference to the popularity of the color black in fashion. Black is a color that goes with pretty much everything and some people even think it helps to make people appear thinner when they wear it. Sun Spots would go so far as to say that it is a staple color found in most people’s wardrobes. So, saying something is the new black is an idiom referencing that item’s sudden popularity.

In the case of Netflix’s hit series, “Orange is the New Black,” orange happens to be a color inmates wear at the women’s prison where the show is set, making the title of the show a clever twist on a not-so-new saying. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am wondering what the flowers planted in the median strip on Main Street in Lewiston are. It looks like a nepeta, but would like to know what variety it is. They are great. — No Name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: You are spot on with your assessment. According to City of Lewiston Arborist Stephen Murch, the flowering plants you’re seeing in the islands on Main Street between CMMC and Dunkin Donuts are catmint, a nepeta. Murch says catmint is a tough plant which tolerates the sun and drought of the summer and sand and salt in the winter.  As tough as they are, however, sometimes they still have problems in locations like on that island and Murch says they see a lot of winter kill, though the plants on Main Street are thriving this year. Murch says that’s likely a result of the mild winter.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a way to “cut and paste” an article from the archive search area? Thank you. — Pete, No Town.

ANSWER: The answer to this question varies drastically depending on which archive you’re asking about. If you are asking about the archive maintained by Google, then unfortunately, there is no way to cut and paste. These are images of old newspapers, so there are no text files to copy. You may be able to capture the image in a screen shot and save it to a location, however. If the archive you’re accessing is maintained as part of the Sun Journal website, you should be able to copy the text by highlighting it and pressing Ctrl+C, and then paste it by pressing Ctrl+V.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Back by popular demand, the Waterford Library is hosting a silent auction on Aug. 13. The gala, which met with great success four years ago, will be under the stars behind the library. The trustees are heavy into the planning of the event, lining up food, drink and items to auction off.  

Anyone who has an item they feel would spark interest in an eclectic audience should drop it off at the library by July 4.  

The proceeds of the auction will go toward matching grant money for improvements to the apartment and produce preservation from the community garden. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the library — $3 for a single ticket and $5 for two. — No Name, Waterford.

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