The Bollard Bulletin: December 17, 2024
Cartoon Tuesday: Bollardhead gets Toothakered in an exciting double-header!
In this Bollardhead doubleheader from the summer of 2008, Rupert uses a verb that’s since all but disappeared from the local lexicon: Toothakered. What does it mean?
Its etymology is Jason Toothaker, a past member of Portland’s school board who was among a small wave of Green Independent Party members that won seats on the board and the city council in the early years of this century. Their ascendence to power greatly unnerved the Democratic Party establishment that’d run Portland for decades and continues to dominate city politics.
But the Dems needn’t have worried. The Greens soon displayed a remarkable ability to self-destruct, and Toothaker’s implosion was especially spectacular. As we reported in late 2006, he was arrested after a wild, drunken night on the town that culminated in him fleeing a taxi and hiding under a porch to avoid the $4.65 fare. The next morning, Toothaker had a bruised face, an injured shoulder, and no idea what happened. “Maybe the police did that,” he said of his injuries, then added, resignedly, “Maybe they did what they had to do.”
Toothaker initially vowed to stay on the board, but resigned a few weeks later. “I feel bad for what I did,” he told The Bollard at the time. “It was a stupid mistake and unbecoming of me as a public official, but I’ll get through this and be a stronger person for it.”
Music
Andy’s Old Port Pub
Chris Voss
7 p.m., no cover (all ages)
Blue Portland Maine
Open mic
7 p.m., donation (21+)
Flask Lounge
Open DJ night
8 p.m., no cover (21+)
Gritty McDuff’s
Travis James Humphrey (country, rock, pop)
6 p.m., no cover (all ages)
club guide
Performing Arts
Portland Ballet’s production of A Victorian Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium (20 Myrtle St., Portland) at 7 p.m. Tix: $29-$68. 842-0800. porttix.com.