Here's the Scoop by Brian Sweeney

I can’t hear you
This may come as a huge surprise for those people who know me, but I’m kind of sensitive to “background noise.” “Foreground noise,” as well.

Back in the old days...
The beginning of a new year, by nature, brings out several emotions. As the name implies, there’s the anticipation of a fresh start and hope for good days ahead.

Winter reading time
Along with the constant tease of some nice snowstorms — quickly followed by rain, some form of icy material and early summer temperatures — I like winter in the Catskills for other reasons, as well.

The scent of success
I always enjoy the frantic pace of last-minute Christmas shopping. Watching this event, not participating in it, of course.
At some point, I decided that I wasn’t going to let the commercialism of this event turn me into a nerve-wracked shopping freak. Not that I’m cynical.

Celebrity bash
My mother “Peg,” had a birthday this week. So did Britney Spears. On the same day. I think the similarities end at that point.
My mother’s age is not a topic for general discussion. Or any other type of discussion. It never has been.
It can safely be said, though, that she’s a bit older than Britney.

Wow, look at that poor fool!
As we all know, there are benefits and drawbacks to living in a small town.
For the most part, people are friendly and will drop everything to help a neighbor. That’s one of the best elements of rural life.
On the other hand, there are occasions when it’s not a good thing when most people know everyone else.

Too bored to care
I was plenty excited to read this week that “meh” has been added to the dictionary.
For those of you who may not be familiar with this term, it’s basically a “term of indifference or boredom.”
“Meh” reportedly traces the roots of its popularity back seven years to an episode of The Simpsons. That’s when Bart and Lisa respond to an offer of a day of family fun from their father with “meh” and continue watching television.

Are you using that wood?
Some things never change. I’m proud to point out that I’m not a “bandwagon-jumper” when it comes to burning wood. I’ve always been a bit on the “thrifty” side and, as a result, have long thought that burning wood was a sensible way to save money on heating costs. So, for close to 20 years, wood has been part of our heating system.

Signs of the times
For months, people have been complaining that they’re tired of the presidential campaign.
Well, the media outlets that are doing all this reporting have also been reaping some of the rewards of the record spending by candidates. So, they might not be totally sick of the campaign just yet, but most of the rest of us have reached that point.

Halloween is number one!
Halloween. It’s the new black. And orange.
I’m not sure when Halloween became the trendiest of holidays, but I glad it’s happened.
Sure, I like a good pile of presents as much as the next guy, but Halloween is a much better event, in my book.