I do love a good mixed metaphore, though, “tight as a bullfrogs drum” “does the pope crap in the woods” these are some favs. Sometimes they are meant to be funny, othertimes not so much.

My all-time favorite made-up word (or term, as it were) is Kurt Vonnegut’s “chronosynclastic infindibulum” (from the Sirens of Titan) which, as I understand it, is a place or state of being where all versions of the truth fit together so that all sides can be right and therefore there is no “wrong” point of view.

It fits my feelings about the contoversy to a “T”—to me, both sides have valid arguments, so why not compromise and meet in the middle to reach the “truth”–like allowing the stars and bars to fly at the dedication and then on Memorial Days that follow.

Thanks for the column–I liked it–but I still do not understand the correct meaning of “begs the question” My personal teeth-grinder is when I hear someone say “chomping at the bit” AARGH! Also staunch for stanch is misused.

Tip for all unmarried men: If you get married, don’t ever correct your wife on any of that stuff. You will go hungry, and do without a lot of things. That begs the question…….what kind of idiot would do that in the first place?