In a manuscript about improving state government: "The Oregon legislature got great results with a bottoms-up approach." Hmm.

An economist, answering a question about leveling economic sanctions against Russia: "That would be a thumb in Putin's nose."

Andy Levy on Red Eye, talking about new laws to prevent smoking outdoors: "That train has already sailed."

An author of a career book wrote in her manuscript that a recently appointed CEO "now brings home the big doe." In the margin her editor wrote, "Oh, deer."

Two classics from an episode of The Sopranos. Tony's girlfriend Irini: "You are my knight in white satin armor." Tony on a friend's prostate operation:"Now he has to piss into a cathode tube."

Former Massachusetts U.S. Congressman William Delahunt, defending the $250,000 a year salary he will receive as head of a medical marijuana dispensary: "It's not the golden calf or the golden cow." No, it's a goose, and it will be laying a lot of golden eggs in his pocket.

An author describes folks trying to dream up a creative solution to a tough problem as "wracking their brains." Yes, thinking too much can lead to wrack and ruin. Better to stretch the old brain on the rack.