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Community Corner

Sunshine, Background, Second Times

Five Things You Need To Know Today, August 29

1. After the storm. The National Weather Service says we’ll have sunny skies and a cool 74 degree high. A good breeze (10 to 14 mph) will come in from Boothbay Harbor.

2. Word of the day - Background. Yeah, not novel, by definition - an inconspicuous position, the setting, mise-en-secene. It first appeared in English in 1672 and we English speakers have not allowed it to fade for 340 years, maybe because it names the necesary ground that sets the figure. The term movie extra does not exist in the movie industry. The industry calls those people without speaking roles background. I’m background. As guest editor, I’ll hang here for a couple of weeks and try to stay out of the way of your Patch.

3. I do love history. In recent days we’ve repeatedly heard about the seventh anniversary of Katrina as Isaac hits the gulf coast. Second time history happens. This day in 1862, Union General George McClellan had lost the “Peninsular Campaign” of Maryland and Delaware. Lincoln, knowing the general had plans to replace him, formed the Army of Virginia. Robert E. Lee anticipated the move and sent troops north of Richmond under the command of Thomas Jackson, later known as Stonewall. Jackson thwarted the Union gambit and won the Second Battle of Bull Run. Troops digging graves found the bones of troops killed in the First Battle of Bull Run a year earlier.

4. This morning, the Centerville Public Library continues its Story Time from 9:30 to 10:45am.

5. Tonight, Brian Sances plays acoustic sets in the 586 Bistro at 586 Main Street, Hyannis.

About this column: A roundup of events, deadlines and other items related to Barnstable today. "Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think.

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