The phrase is adapted from the colloquial "cul biens"  a French Canadien
derivative meaning "to pick the good ones".   Originally the reference was
"a trapper's choice" meaning the best moose meat, but more recently used
when picking a good sheet of gypsum board.  What with the internet and all,
kids liked it and picked it up not knowing its origins.
Best,
Leland
-----Original Message-----
From: Maura Johnson <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 1999 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: Early Influences


>They say cool beans here in Ohio, too, but the natives won't share the
>meaning of the phrase.  What do you think?
>
>On Tue, 12 Jan 1999, Ken Follett wrote:
>
>> In a message dated 1/12/99 12:05:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,
>> [log in to unmask] writes:
>>
>> > I'll always remember my town by the sea.
>>
>> Kool beans! (Seems to be the in thing to say on LI these days.)
>>
>> ][<en
>>
>
>Maura Johnson, Field Services Coordinator
>Ohio Historic Preservation Office
>BGSU, Jerome Library, 5th Floor
>Bowling Green, OH  43403
>Phone:  419-372-6935   Fax:  419-372-0155