peter kobs's definitions

Rendezvous with Reality

1. A sudden encounter with economic reality that dramatically changes one's perceptions, plans or outlook.
2. A rude awakening to the stark differences between fantasy and actual life.
3. The dramatic change process that began in September 2008 with the collapse of the U.S. financial system.

Jean was planning to buy a vacation home in Hawaii until she had a Rendezvous with Reality -- her retirement fund had declined 50% since last fall.

by Peter Kobs May 19, 2009

Turnaround Tipster

1. An economist or investor who claims to know when the stock market has "bottomed out" based on inside information or a unique set of obscure metrics. 2. Someone who tells you to "get back in the market" because the turnaround has begun. 3. A charlatan.

Ted says we should start buying stock again because the semi-conductor market is firming up in Taiwan. He's one of those Turnaround Tipsters on CNBC.

by Peter Kobs March 10, 2009

Flu Fright

1. The irrational fear of a new influenza virus, stoked by hysterical news reporting and inaccurate information. 2. A way to increase ad sales and viewership on 24-hour news channels.

Susan is suffering from a bad case of Flu Fright. She's cancelled all of her committee meetings and refuses to come to work.

by Peter Kobs April 30, 2009

Mushroom Method

1. A public relations strategy frequently used by government agencies, corporations and law enforcement officials. It means "feed them manure and keep them in the dark."

The goal is to delay any public disclosure of information as long as possible by releasing half-truths, distortions and useless information to the media.

Origin of the Metaphor: Farmers use manure, millet and recycled wood chips to grow mushrooms in dark, steamy rooms. Hence, "feed them manure and keep them in the dark."

Detective: "That reporter from the News-Tribune keeps calling me about our runaway child case. What should I do?"

Police Chief: "Try the Mushroom Method. He'll lose interest after a few days and move on to something else. I've seen it work a million times."

by Peter Kobs July 19, 2010

Reployment

1. The act of re-employing someone (who was previously laid off) as a temp worker, usually at a lower wage scale.

2. What happens to many people who have lost their permanent jobs following the crash of 2008.

3. Another sign of the harsh economic times in which we live.

Acme Industries is having a Reployment Fair at the hotel downtown. They'll re-hire you as a temp at about half of what you were earning last year.

by Peter Kobs December 7, 2009

Muddle Class

1. A new name for the American middle class as people try to survive the current economic crisis by "muddling through" with less money and less security.
2. The growing spirit of economic fatalism in mainstream America.

Everyone on our street is struggling to pay the bills. We're the new Muddle Class!

by Peter Kobs April 1, 2009

Hate TV

1. Television that encourages viewers to hate, despise and fear "the enemy." George Orwell predicted the rise of Hate TV in his novel "1984." Usually found on the cable channels, Hate TV is the fastest-growing type of pseudo-news. Key characteristics include:

- Scapegoating (blaming a small group for the problems of all)
- Fear-mongering (raising the specter of impending tyranny)
- Simplistic thinking (condensing complex issues into a few hate-filled slogans)
- Truthiness (presenting rumors as established fact)
- Repetition (to give lies the ring of truth)
- Stereotyping (along racial, ethnic or religious lines)
- Assault Interviewing (attacking guests who disagree with the party line)
- Pandering (filling a studio with partisan crowds who will cheer or boo on cue)
- Thematic Aggregation ("packaging" a variety of fears, prejudices and hot-button issues under a common theme)
- Code Words (using substitutes for common racial slurs, insults, etc.)
- Multi-Media Marketing (combining TV with publishing, radio, websites, etc. to reinforce the core message)
- Narrowing (redefining the boundaries of "acceptable belief" to ostracize moderates)
- Movement Hype (promoting a specific group of people as the only "true" Americans)
- Event Manipulation (exaggerating the size, impact or diversity of a protest or political rally)

Hate TV inevitably leads to greater political polarization, up to and including acts of violence against the perceived "enemy."

"Did you hear about that guy who crashed is plane into the IRS building in Austin, Texas?"

"Yeah, he killed two people, including a father who served in Vietnam."

"Well, Hate TV is saying he was a patriot and should be congratulated for standing up to the government."

"Scary stuff...What's next -- public lynchings in prime time?"

by Peter Kobs April 9, 2010