Klopek007's definitions
NON-BIASED DEFINTION: In recent years, in the U.S. only, a blue state has come to mean a state that traditionally votes Democrat, as opposed to a red state which traditionally votes Republican.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
When I hear the term "blue state" I automatically think of the United States or the United Kingdom, not New York or California. And when I hear "red state" I think of China or North Korea, not Texas or Utah. It's such a pet peeve that the U.S. got red state and blue state backwards!
by klopek007 November 11, 2009
Get the Blue state mug.NON-BIASED DEFINTION: In recent years, in the U.S. only, a red state has come to mean a state that traditionally votes Republican, as opposed to a blue state which traditionally votes Democrat.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
When I hear the term "red state" I automatically think of China or North Korea, not Texas or Utah. It's such a pet peeve that the U.S. got red state and blue state backwards!
by klopek007 November 11, 2009
Get the Red state mug.The Scenario: You're driving along on a relatively deserted two-lane highway, at night, in the right-hand lane. You encounter another vehicle, either behind you or in front of you, in either lane. Eventually, the other vehicle ends up in the left lane, about half a car-length behind you. If the driver had half a brain and basic knowledge of highway driving, they would either pass you, or merge behind you. Instead, it's some brain-dead moron who matches your speed exactly and stays in the same place, thus blinding you with headlights into your side-view mirror. It's especially annoying with a truck or SUV.
The Maneuver: Check your rear-view to make sure there's nobody behind you in your lane. Apply the brakes firmly; not enough to leave rubber behind, but enough for significant deceleration. If you have a manual transmission, or the fairly new "semi-automatic" or "manumatic" transmission, then you should also downshift in order to heighten the effect. The dumbass in the other lane will then fly by you. The advantages are twofold: the other driver will likely be confused about your sudden braking and worry that you saw something that they missed, and also you're now in a perfect position to aim your lights into their side-view mirror, thereby turning the tables.
The Maneuver: Check your rear-view to make sure there's nobody behind you in your lane. Apply the brakes firmly; not enough to leave rubber behind, but enough for significant deceleration. If you have a manual transmission, or the fairly new "semi-automatic" or "manumatic" transmission, then you should also downshift in order to heighten the effect. The dumbass in the other lane will then fly by you. The advantages are twofold: the other driver will likely be confused about your sudden braking and worry that you saw something that they missed, and also you're now in a perfect position to aim your lights into their side-view mirror, thereby turning the tables.
The Skywalker Speeder Bike Maneuver is named in honor of Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. In Star Wars episode VI: Return of the Jedi, he went from having two Imperial Scout Troopers on his 6 o'clock to having them at his 12 o'clock, where he quickly dispatched them.
by klopek007 April 6, 2010
Get the Skywalker Speeder Bike Maneuver mug.A person who lives in the New York area, and often changes what pro sports teams they cheer for based on which ones are doing well. Each of the four major American sports has more than one New York area team: New York Yankees and New York Mets for baseball, New Jersey Jets and New Jersey Giants for football, New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets for basketball; and finally the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils for hockey.
A New York sports opportunist will therefore choose to be a fan of whichever team is currently doing better in each sport. They will then act like they've always been a fan of that team, and vehemently deny ever liking another team in the same sport.
It's important to note that not ALL residents of the New York area are New York sports opportunists, but there are vast numbers of people that are.
A New York sports opportunist will therefore choose to be a fan of whichever team is currently doing better in each sport. They will then act like they've always been a fan of that team, and vehemently deny ever liking another team in the same sport.
It's important to note that not ALL residents of the New York area are New York sports opportunists, but there are vast numbers of people that are.
NYSO: I love the Yankees! I've been a die hard Yankees fan all my life!
REALIST: No you haven't. You wore a Mets hat all through the 80s, and the first half of the 90s. Then suddenly you became a Yankees fan. That makes you a New York sports opportunist.
NYSO: No way, you're just jealous because my team rules!
NYSO: Woohoo! My Giants just ended the Patriots perfect season!
REALIST: Yeah, you weren't a Giants fan until a few weeks ago. I bet you can't even name five players on the team.
NYSO: Well... there's Eli Manning, and... uh....
NYSO: Well, the Nets aren't exactly great, but I'm so glad I like them instead of the Knicks, they really suck!
REALIST: Why do you have a listing on ebay for that autographed Patrick Ewing poster that used to be on your wall for so many years?
NYSO: I have no idea what you're talking about.
NYSO: I love the Devils, but I also bought a bunch of Rangers and Islanders merchandise and buried it in my closet. You know, just in case they ever get good again.
REALIST: Stop the presses.
REALIST: No you haven't. You wore a Mets hat all through the 80s, and the first half of the 90s. Then suddenly you became a Yankees fan. That makes you a New York sports opportunist.
NYSO: No way, you're just jealous because my team rules!
NYSO: Woohoo! My Giants just ended the Patriots perfect season!
REALIST: Yeah, you weren't a Giants fan until a few weeks ago. I bet you can't even name five players on the team.
NYSO: Well... there's Eli Manning, and... uh....
NYSO: Well, the Nets aren't exactly great, but I'm so glad I like them instead of the Knicks, they really suck!
REALIST: Why do you have a listing on ebay for that autographed Patrick Ewing poster that used to be on your wall for so many years?
NYSO: I have no idea what you're talking about.
NYSO: I love the Devils, but I also bought a bunch of Rangers and Islanders merchandise and buried it in my closet. You know, just in case they ever get good again.
REALIST: Stop the presses.
by klopek007 January 24, 2010
Get the New York sports opportunist mug.Another word for "fat".
by Klopek007 July 9, 2006
Get the voluptuous mug.A slogan seen on t-shirts and bumper stickers. It was made by someone who was attempting to be clever, and failed epically in that attempt. It's only used by people whose knowledge of politics is so dismally lacking, that they must boil down the entire American political system into the basic Good vs. Evil of the Harry Potter books, and associate the bad guy with the political party that they've been told to hate, even though they don't actually know why they hate it.
Anyone who, (a) has read the Harry Potter books, (b) has at least an elementary knowledge of politics and history, and (c) has an IQ above room temperature, should be able to figure out that Rowling clearly based Voldemort and his Death Eaters on Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. Both want a totalitarian government, both wish to oppress, persecute, and exterminate those that they see as being born genetically inferior based on the "purity" of their blood. They blame all of their problems on a certain group of people. They manipulate school curriculum in order to indoctrinate children against this group. The "pure blood" motif is also very similar to the outdated British Nobility system, of which the few that remain still cling to.
Anyone who, (a) has read the Harry Potter books, (b) has at least an elementary knowledge of politics and history, and (c) has an IQ above room temperature, should be able to figure out that Rowling clearly based Voldemort and his Death Eaters on Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. Both want a totalitarian government, both wish to oppress, persecute, and exterminate those that they see as being born genetically inferior based on the "purity" of their blood. They blame all of their problems on a certain group of people. They manipulate school curriculum in order to indoctrinate children against this group. The "pure blood" motif is also very similar to the outdated British Nobility system, of which the few that remain still cling to.
Even though you see "Republicans for Voldemort" crap everywhere, Voldemort really has nothing whatsoever to do with the Republican party of the U.S., or any other modern political party. If a comparison MUST be made, the Republicans are most like Scrimgeour: determined to protect us from terrorists, but perhaps a too heavy-handed with security. Meanwhile, Democrats are more like Fudge and Umbridge: in denial that such a big threat exists, over-regulating everything with too many rules, and dominating most media outlets.
by klopek007 February 3, 2010
Get the Republicans for Voldemort mug.Plumper is a term used by women who want to feel good about their unhealthy obesity because they're too lazy to diet and exercise. Unfortunately for them, they won't have very long to enjoy feeling good about being fat, as they will likely be dead from a massive coronary before the age of 50.
It's no surprise that the term plumper was invented in the United States. Because, sadly, we have BY FAR the highest obesity rate on the planet. And instead of solving the problem, we invent terms like this so that people feel good about themselves, even when they get winded by waddling to the freezer for their daily quart of ice cream.
On the upside, those of us in decent shape are becoming more of a rarity, and are therefore more desirable and sought after than the fat masses.
On the upside, those of us in decent shape are becoming more of a rarity, and are therefore more desirable and sought after than the fat masses.
by klopek007 May 20, 2008
Get the plumper mug.