From my email

Because once again, I have nothing but this:


A paraprosdokian (from Greek "παρα-", meaning "beyond" and "προσδοκία", meaning "expectation") is a figure of speech <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_of_speech>; <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_of_speech%3E>  ; in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Anticlimax>; . For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists.

 Some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of an early phrase, but also play on the double meaning <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_meaning> ; of a particular word, creating a syllepsis <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syllepsis>; .
  
  
 Ø   I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
  
 Ø   Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
  
 Ø   I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
 
Ø   Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.  
Ø   The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
   
Ø   Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
   
Ø   If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
   
Ø   We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
     
Ø   War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
   
Ø   Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
   
Ø   The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
   
Ø   Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
   
Ø   To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
   
Ø   A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
   
Ø   How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
   
Ø   Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
     
Ø   I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
   
Ø   A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
   
Ø   Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".
   
Ø   I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
   
Ø   I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"
   
Ø   Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
   
Ø   Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
   
Ø   Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?
    
Ø   Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
   
Ø   A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
   
Ø   You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
   
Ø   The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
   
Ø   Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
   
Ø   A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
    
Ø   Hospitality:  making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
   
Ø   Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
   
Ø   I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
   
Ø   Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
   
Ø   There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
   
Ø   I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
   
Ø   I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
   
Ø   When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
   
Ø   You're never too old to learn something stupid.
 
Ø   To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
   
Ø   Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
   
Ø   Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
   
Ø   A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
   
Ø   If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
   
Ø   Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.