Scrantonicity… “The Banker”

Since “The Banker” was a “clip show,” I thought I would do something special here; Instead of writing any new observations, I would just do a “mash-up” of older Scrantonicities. Gather together a few of my too-few good observations, and link them with some new comments. But that just seemed, uh… “lazy.” So instead, to honor “The Banker,” I’ll call this column… “Lazy Scrantonicity.”

To impress the banker, Michael offers to take him to Cooper’s Seafood. The show has name-dropped Coopers about one thousand times now, which leads me to believe that this has to be a paid endorsement. Although… Michael Scott is the kind of guy that would go to the same restaurant over and over, especially if the hostess recognizes him and reverentially calls him “Mister Scott.” You also get a free meal on your birthday there, so I could see Michael taking each one of his employees to lunch on their birthdays, whether they want to go or not.

Thank goodness for “Lazy Scranton;” If it wasn’t for that video, “Lazy Scrantonicity” wouldn’t have had much to talk about. (…like, uh… most of the Scrantonicities…) But ah, “Lazy Scranton” has a plethora of local references. Or to put it in Dunder-Mifflin paper terms, there are a sheet-load of local references. First of all, Dwight is wearing a “Rock 107″ T-shirt, a local “classic rock” radio station that you would expect to hear blasting out of his Firebird. The video begins with our guys having fun with Scranton’s off-the-wall nickname, the “Electric City.” That creaky nickname is a result of the long-ago installed electric trolley system, which is now the long-gone trolley system. But the downtown sign remains off Courthouse Square, where Michael is edited in using a “green-screen.” Michael is also “green-screened” in front of the “Scranton Welcomes You” sign that is featured in the opening credits. That sign has now been moved to the Steamtown Mall, where it is perfect for photo-ops, and perfectly placed next to the “Office” souvenirs for sale.

We also see Michael Scott “standing” at Montage Mountain, a ski area just outside of Scranton. I’m not a skier, and the facility was built after we moved, so I don’t have any first-hand reviews to share. But I can share this: The Montage Mountain Performing Arts Center is where Michael was offered a “clove” cigarette by a girl with a lip ring. Well, she said it was a clove cigarette. Yeah, that’s what she said.

Next, we see Michael at the “Anthracite Heritage Museum” in McDade Park. “Anthracite” is the official name for “hard” coal, as opposed to “bituminous,” which is “soft” coal. Northeastern Pennsylvania had rich, underground veins of “hard” coal, which I’m sure Michael Scott never stops joking about. Anyway, the Anthracite Museum is located next to a model coal mine that tourists can travel down into, donning hard hats for effect. I’ve been there, and I’m not gonna lie to ya… the place could use a little “Laser Tag” to liven things up. That, or a few hits on a “clove” cigarette beforehand. (I am kidding here; it is an interesting historical attraction.)

Finally, Michael and Dwight are shown taking big bites of Cugino’s “tasty bread.” Cugino’s Restaurant is located at Dunmore Corners, less than one mile from where I grew up. That place is definitely on my “must-visit” list when I get back that way. I’m not sure whether that is really Cugino’s bread “green-screened” in Michael and Dwight’s mouths, or whether they are using some innocuous southern California bread as a “stand-in.” Maybe they flew some loaves cross-country for authenticity. I’ll research that further. Because LITO is all about “Lazy Scrantonicity authenticity.”

Thanks for reading, and as always, the LITO door is always open for comments, especially from Northeastern Pennsylvania natives who can augment (or correct) my observations.

~Bob