Definitions by New English

Back Lot Beauty 

This describes the vehicles that sit in the back of the car dealership. These are the used cars that are more difficult to sell.

I need a new car but can't afford anything too pricey. I will have to look at a back lot beauty.

Back Lot Beauty by New English August 17, 2010

Pre-Summer Movie 

These are the movies that are released before the summer blockbuster season. They are usually released in April, but sometimes as early as March. They may have some elements of a summer blockbuster such as action and science fiction elements, but they usually are not quite the draw that summer movies are since kids are still in school. These movies also advertise summer blockbusters heavily.

Alice in Wonderland was an excellent pre-summer movie that made lots of money.

Pre-Summer Movie by New English August 10, 2010

Post-Summer Movie 

These are the movies that are released from the middle of August to about the middle of September. They may have some elements of a summer blockbuster like science fiction and action, but they usually do not have a major draw since kids are starting to go back to school. Many times these are horror movies.

Freddy versus Jason was a post-summer movie that was fun to watch.

Post-Summer Movie by New English August 10, 2010

January Blues 

This is the funk that you enter when the holiday season is over. It starts on January 2nd and lasts at least until February 1st, sometimes until President's Day. It is an unpleasant time because the holiday season is over, spring is a ways off, the weather is cold and the only movies are lousy January movies. Super Bowl Sunday can be a good cure for this condition.

For a related condition see September Blues

There are no good movies out and the holidays are long over. Some friends and I are going to play some games to help fight the January Blues.

January Blues by New English July 22, 2010

Development Dead Zone 

These are areas in a town that is experiencing growth in one area while another has no growth and may be decaying, sometimes to the point of urban blight.

The street on the west side of town is getting all sorts of big box stores. On the east side of town it is a development dead zone with just a gas station, an old motel, and a run-down restaurant.

Development Dead Zone by New English July 17, 2010

Rural Flight 

Rural flight is the phenomenon that occurs in farming communities. As farms have become more mechanized, fewer people are needed to work them. Therefore, the children of farmers often leave for work in cities. Rural flight often depopulates towns to the point that the majority of the residents are elderly.

The Midwest and the Great Plains regions are replete with examples of rural flight. Younger people move away from the farming towns due to a lack of jobs and opportunity. This leaves many of the towns with an aging population.

Rural Flight by New English July 10, 2010

September Blues 

This is the feeling of sadness that occurs when the summer is over and school is now in session. It is often difficult to focus on school since the weather is hot and summer was only recently. September blues are marked by inattentiveness, malaise, and longing. They are cured on October 1st when a person can think about Halloween and the weather is less like summer. Football season can make the September blues more bearable.

Juan: "It is 90 degrees and we are in school. I wish it was still summer!"

Alejandro: Don't worry, it's just the September blues. Come October 1st it will be all over."

September Blues by New English July 6, 2010