Language Snoopers Nab the Bloopers

Eagle-eyed readers have sent me these mistakes from newspapers and magazines. Can you spot the blots?

No. 1: "The mayor seems unphased by the closed-door policy." No. 2: "They line them up on fireplace mantles." No. 3: "The decrepit buildings at the end of the parking lot would have to be raised." Now that's some heavy lifting!

No. 4: "The rivalry between the two teams has laid dormant for a couple of years." No. 5: "The rooster has a comb and waddle." Is he chubby? No. 6: "Some simple measures could help staunch the spread of the epidemic."

No. 7: "It would only exasperate the situation." No. 8: "This restaurant can also be the sight of your next private party." No. 9: "Don't be surprised if another tournament birth is on her itinerary." Is she pregnant?

No. 10: "The lawyer conspired to commit absentee ballet fraud." Were there calls for his dis'barre'ment? No. 11: "The anthology is also widely used as the principle text." No. 12: "The fire was discovered at 3:30 a.m., but with the help of volunteer firemen the building was completely burned down in 25 minutes."

No. 13: "His theory has been born out by experience." No. 14: "Some moments in American history strike a cord in our hearts." A coronary artery? No. 15: "I ended up delivering (the baby) -- a breach birth."

No. 16: "He owed up to the mistake he made." No. 17: From a review of a food supplement: "I found these to be a great addition to our healthy regiment!" An army marches on its stomach. No. 18: "The movie contains impolite language and double intended jokes."

No. 19: "Working with a Realtor will give you piece of mind." No. 20: "... the industrialist Pennsylvania Dutch" Amish, Incorporated? No. 21: "He was painting for a commercial publication in a serialized manor."

No. 22: "If people scrutinize the guide closely, they'll see that the overarching theme mirrors tenants of strong writing." No. 23: A photo caption: "Glastonbury High School students disembark from their busses to enter the school on the first day of classes." Were their moms kissing them goodbye? No. 24: "(Authorities are) investigating a video that shows a scantily clad woman exciting a fire truck in San Jose before entering the Pink Poodle strip club." A hooker and ladder truck?

Corrections:

No. 1: unfazed; No. 2: mantels; No. 3: razed; No. 4: lain; No. 5: wattle; No. 6: stanch; No. 7. exacerbate; No. 8: site; No. 9: berth; No. 10: ballot; No. 11: principal; No. 12: despite the help? No. 13: borne; No. 14: chord; No. 15: breech; No. 16: owned up; No. 17: regimen; No. 18: double entendre; No. 19: peace; No. 20: industrious; No. 21: manner; No. 22: tenets; No. 23: buses; No. 24: exiting

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Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. His new book, "Mark My Words," is available for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to WordGuy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.