An aspiring book author wrote that "writing is my favorite pass time." Yes! It is a great way to pass time. It's also a wonderful pastime.

From our faithful correspondent Professor Warren Silver: "My daughter described a situation that had become a thorn of contention. When I pointed out her malaphor, she said, 'Dad, I have a thorn to pick with you.'"

In an email from the Chequessett Club, Karen invited members to an event where she would "pair wine with deserts." In our opinion, anything wet hits the spot in Death Valley.

A  National Journal blogger explaining how to complain about poor customer service: "Remember that you always catch more flies with sugar than honey." A matter of individual taste, of course.

Another Fox News interviewer said about the current rebel leader in Iraq, "He's been quite successful fermenting chaos."

A Fox News reporter asked an expert on the contemporary music scene if he thought a young pop star would create more than one hit song. The expert said, "No, I think he's just a flash in the pants."

From The Cape Cod Times: "The FDR impersonator affected a stylish cigarette holder and a prince-nez." We bet he could do a great Prince Charles.