Some days the news seems even more varied and alive than usual, and this seems a good reason to attack several topics in an editorial, rather than just limiting ourselves to one.

For instance:

* That Better Bennington Corp. co-sponsored "Taste of Bennington" promotion Tuesday, which offered college students a voucher for a free meal at a downtown eatery, was a great success. For a time we thought Polly van der Linde had staged another flash mob event. Judging from the number of students prowling Main Street, papers and maps in hand, they were getting a quick, positive tour of the restaurants and shops they might be inclined to visit later. Without such an incentive, we wonder how many would stay pretty much in their campus environments and head to Northside Drive for dining or shopping at familiar national chain franchises.

* That Stanford University study reported on this week -- really, a review of multiple other studies -- concluded that, nutritionally speaking, organic food provides no benefit over food grown or raised conventionally. It was one of those "study" reports that must drive people in the targeted field crazy. So then, food free of pesticides and lacking antibiotic or hormone residue and chemical preservatives is not better for you? The study premise was a joke to begin with. But somebody got paid to do it.

* When you consider the rising enrollments at the three largest colleges in the Bennington area -- as detailed in an article in Wednesday's Banner -- don't forget that Vermont Technical College is expanding here as well, and a new Christian college is expected to open in 2013 with a building on West Main Street and at the Grace Christian School site off Kocher Drive. Bennington, college town.

* On another topic, we still don't understand where Pownal Auditor Ray Shields is headed with his investigation into town warrants, employee pay and other records, apparently looking for irregularities. He is hinting that he did find something but won't spell out what that is until he prepares a report on his findings. First, isn't this the job of the professional auditors hired periodically by the town? Or of state agencies if there are indeed serious problems? Mr. Shields, whose history of conflict with Pownal officials is a long one, certainly can't pose as an impartial auditor in this case. He should turn over whatever he has to the proper authorities and step away.

* Like others in town, and throughout Bennington County, we hope Governor Peter Shumlin and Republican challenger Senator Randy Brock agree to debate in this corner of the state. It would not be fair to the voters in this area -- which really is part of Vermont -- if the two did not appear here together during the fall campaign.

We could come up with a few more, but let's call it a news day.