@Jeruba: I’m not quite sure why you find mixed metaphors so bad. You know, like when I hit a home run with a post, it’s like beating the band. Makes you wonder, though. Seems that sports metaphors are like lemmings all trying to get a touchdown at the same time. There are other styles of metaphor, too. Some are creative, like a fox; others are nonstarters.
It seems to me that ineptness has it’s place at the table, too. It might feel like a roller coaster ride, but it sure makes the conversation flag. Maybe we could all go to one of those five minute conversation parties? We could get to know each other jackrabbit fast, and be outta there by five.
Phew! That was thick-skinned work!