Book Crook

Someone who makes money by stealing books from the local public library, then reselling them online, after removing the security tags and identifying marks.
The book crooks wiped out our entire collection of automotive repair manuals.
by Peter Kobs February 08, 2009
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Degifting

1. A mutual agreement to suspend holiday gifts for at least one season, usually within a single family or circle of friends.

2. The act of replacing useless and pointless merchandise with something more meaningful, such as a charitable donation, service project or holiday party.

3. Wal-Mart's biggest nightmare.
Due to the recession, we've decided that Degifting is the best plan for Christmas this year. Instead, we're all getting together to serve food at the homeless shelter. I really don't need another Salad Shooter. Do you?
by Peter Kobs December 21, 2009
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Rejectionism

1. The belief that you should reject anything proposed by another political party or group, no matter what it is or how it might benefit others.

2. A kneejerk reaction to anything that isn't "ideologically pure."

3. The attitude that you can honestly reject an idea even if you don't what it is -- or that you can reject a proposal without even reading it -- simply based on its origin.
Melvin is a perfect example of Rejectionism. He condemned the latest health care plan before it was even released -- in fact, before it was even written.
by Peter Kobs August 04, 2009
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Junker Flunker

1. An old car that doesn't qualify for the $4,500 cash trade-in incentive from the government because it gets more than 15 mpg.
2. The sudden realization that your old beater vehicle is lost in the twilight zone between "generally worthless" and "totally worthless," forcing you to keep driving it for another year -- at least.
"I just looked up the mileage for my 1996 RAV4. The stupid Junker Flunker gets 16 mpg, which means I won't be getting any of that government cash after all. Drat!"
by Peter Kobs July 29, 2009
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Yoop Loop

1. A scenic route around Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which is also known as the "U.P." or "Yoop." Motorcyclists are especially fond of this semi-wilderness experience.

2. An alternative route from Wisconsin to lower Michigan. Instead of slogging through the heavy traffic of metro Chicago, adventurous drivers can take the "Yoop Loop" over the top of Lake Michigan and then across the Mackinac Bridge to lower Michigan. Longer, yes, but way more beautiful.

3. A generic term for any trip that takes the traveler through Michigan's Upper Peninsula en route to somewhere else -- one of the great undiscovered pleasures of the North Country.
"Don't drive through that traffic mess in Chicago. Let's take the Yoop Loop instead."

"What if our car breaks down and we're attacked by bears?"

"It's better than being attacked by gang bangers on the Dan Ryan Expressway!"
by Peter Kobs September 09, 2009
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Pre-Abandoned

1. A building or military installation that is never intended to be used, but which must be constructed anyway for political reasons.

2. A public space that planners know will never be occupied or properly used. It gets built anyway to satisfy a planning commission or zoning board.

3. The act of constructing something useless and pointless because it is demanded by an overall "plan."
"Did you hear about those Pre-Abandoned schools in Iraq? They built them out in the desert without any electricity or air conditioning. No one will ever use them, but at least they look good on paper."
by Peter Kobs September 22, 2009
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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 18, 2010
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