Here's the Scoop by Brian Sweeney

Keep a lid on it
When I returned home from the transfer station the other day, I lamented the fact that “We finally have plenty of garbage cans…but far fewer lids than cans.” Aside from leaving the cans outside during really breezy weather, I’m not sure how this happens.

Disappearing mystery
It had to be here. Without a doubt. Triple pinky swear.
My memory is not always so great. But, in this case, I knew with certainty that I had brought the item in question home. If only I could find it.

Sweet turns sour
I read something truly disturbing this week. And I quote, “According to a new study, kids who eat too many treats at a young age risk becoming violent in adulthood.”
This story made me so mad I wanted to…whoa…wait a second.

The road less traveled. Much less
I went to a dinner party the other night with a mix of people. I knew some of the guests a bit and others I just met that evening.

Such situations can be good. Or bad. Fortunately, this one turned out well. Everyone got along fine and enjoyed each other’s company.

Faceless in the new millenium
We spent the weekend with a group of folks who have been friends for many years. My relationship with most of these people is “through marriage,” as they were co-workers of my wife.

Itching to tackle a project
Like most people, I really look forward to weekends. In particular, I like it best when I don’t have anything planned. No friends coming over. No place to go. Just time to relax…and do loads and loads of work around the house.

Rock ‘n’ roll high school
School’s in. I think. The Back-to-School sales. The fashions for the new year. The calls to the principal’s office for shooting spit-wads. These things mean nothing to me these days…even if I do long for those bygone spit-wad days. I often got an “A” in spit-wad accuracy. My parents weren’t all that impressed, though.

Used chicken salesman
It took awhile, but I think I may have found my true calling: chicken sales. I honestly had no idea.
Stranger things have happened, I guess. It all started out very innocently. I was asked by “my people” to assist with the “chicken booth” at the Margaretville Street Fair. Those of you who attended this event know that it was “fowl” weather — you’d think it would be perfect for selling some chickens.

Cashing in on a trend
Well, the “Cash for Clunkers” program is winding down. Whew. Apparently the program that paid for folks to trade in their old, fuel inefficient vehicles for new, more efficient ones was a huge hit. The plan reportedly had some flaws, but was beneficial overall.

Follow the granola crumbs
A few weeks back I wrote about how my wife and I have turned leisurely bicycle riding into a spectator sport. This was not meant in a mean-spirited way. Basically, having a “rating” system for other riders, helps one keep their mind off the idea the tiny size of the bike seat you’re perched upon.