Here's the Scoop by Brian Sweeney

Let’s can this idea
I’m sure many of you shared my outrage with the recent introduction of the “Arctic Home” cans – regular Coke in a white-toned can featuring a trio of polar bears — as part of a seasonal theme.
You will be happy to know that the Coca-Cola masterminds have pulled the plug on this campaign, “amid a slew of consumer complaints.” Whew!

Plus, there’s even better news: the company will be launching a new line of coke cans featuring the polar bears on the original red signature packaging! All is right with the world again.

Cleaning up the turkey
Ah, there’s nothing like four days off to recharge one’s batteries. That’s the great thing about Thanksgiving — that one extra day that this particular holiday brings leaves plenty of time for…vacuuming!

Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving. The overindulging. The swearing off eating…only to start again with an entire new meal about three hours after dessert. It’s all good stuff.

The votes are counted
Well, another Election Season is over. Unlike the Presidential campaign that lasts exactly four years and involves seemingly dozens of “front-running candidates” (changing about every eight days) local election action is a bit more low-key.

Because most village, town and county races involve “neighbors running against neighbors,” the campaign season can take on a pretty personal tone.

Clashing on the carpet
It’s difficult to guess how many times I (and many of you, I’m sure) have clicked on your Home Page recently only to be assaulted with the stunningly dreadful news that two actresses have shown up at an event wearing the same dress.

Making matters worse, the folks who report this information feel obligated to go into details about “who wore it better.” Ouch.

Guess who’s coming to your birthday?
When folks reach “milestone” birthdays, it’s customary to throw them a party. Often, the parties are the “surprise” version. At least, they are supposed to be surprises.

Ironically, the older someone gets, the harder it becomes to pull off a super duper secret birthday bash. This is especially true when surprise parties have become common. In fact, many people would probably be surprised (and likely disappointed) if they didn’t have a party thrown on their behalf.

What’s the hurry? Apparently, nothing
Slow down. Enjoy life. These seem like words of wisdom — unless taken to extreme.

I’m sure that “Sunday drivers” have existed as long as vehicles have been driven. Before that, these “people of leisure” probably spent lots of time clogging walking paths.

In many ways, I admire folks who have the ability to enjoy life at their own pace. On the other hand, these people can be more than a little annoying to those of us who have places to go, people to see and things to do — on a tight schedule.

Let’s debate that point
I attended my first political debate last night. It was quite an interesting show.

For probably the first time in history, the Town of Middletown has four candidates running for supervisor. This fact in itself is quite odd because it’s a position that, when someone tells others that they are running, the typical response is: “Why in the world would you want that job?”
A very good question, indeed.

The thing that makes local political races so interesting is that the participants are usually well-known.

Back in black
Much has been written about Apple genius Steve Jobs since his recent death. A longtime Apple fanatic, I was among those saddened by his passing.

As with the death of anyone famous, the stories coming out have covered pretty much every aspect of Steve’s life — the good, the bad and the “Why does anyone care about this?”

If the hat doesn’t fit...
OK, I’ll admit to not always being on the cutting edge of trendiness. So, when I do venture out of my self-imposed seclusion, I’m often a bit shocked at what I’ve been missing. Or not missing.
For instance, last week I went to see one of my favorite musicians, Nicole Atkins. Because I prefer musicians who are “on the way up,” the venue was not large. But, the place was packed with beer/music lovers.

And guys with tiny hats.

A chip off the old block
I don’t always pay attention when famous people pass away, but I became quite melancholy with the recent news that Arch West had died.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, this should help: he was the inventor of Doritos. I knew that would help.