Here's the Scoop by Brian Sweeney

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.

Life without e-mail. By choice.
I did it. Almost.
When I left my office on Friday, I had to pick up a bunch of large items and was worried that my laptop computer might not receive proper treatment in the car. So, I left it in the office. This was a big step for me — like Paris Hilton leaving home without dressing her dog in an outfit that matches hers.
Nothing against Paris, but I think what I was attempting was much more difficult.

Government trimming
At this time of year, my normal obsession with keeping the grass cut and weeds whacked begins to fade. Oddly enough, I’m not terribly concerned about a lawn full of leaves.
This year, I am trying even harder than usual not to get too crazy as I prepare for my annual State of the Lawn address. There are several reasons for my newfound, laidback attitude. Despite the “bargain” gas prices we’ve been experiencing in the past weeks, I am still not happy when I can no longer fill the five-gallon gas can with the crumpled bills I find in the bottom of the washing machine. (P.S. – While I appreciate gas at “only” $3.32 per gallon, I really like it at $1.90.)

30-year-old gas sippers
I remember — barely — back in the early ’80s when I was shopping for my first new car. Sure, it was sad to trade in the old Pontiac Ventura that had been handed down to me. But I wanted new wheels.
Even back then, I was, what’s the word? Cheap.

Spotting some trouble
At first, I thought it was a practical joke. Two co-workers asked at the same time, “What’s on your shirt?” Naturally, that’s never a question anyone likes to hear. It ranks just below, “Ewww….what’s that on your face?”
My confusion was magnified by the fact that, when I looked down, I didn’t see anything wrong with my shirt. Still, they persisted and I began to realize that a punch line was not going to follow.

High “Five”
First of all, I think it’s important to make the point that I am not some meat-craving freak who needs a hefty supply of beef or pork at every meal. In fact, I can really take or leave meat at most meals, as long as there’s something tasty on the plate. The other thing that I’d like to clear up early in this column is that I’m not a paid sponsor for the company about which I’m going to write. Yet. If they offer me some buck — or food — I’ll certainly listen.
Which leads to my topic: Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

A real turnoff
It’s no secret that I’m cheap. Wait, that’s not entirely true. When it comes to investing in “quality products,” I am usually willing to spend the extra dollars to prevent hassles down the line. So, I guess it’s more accurate to say that I “save where I can.” One of those areas is in use of devices powered by electricity.