Challenge: Do any of you have more examples of this media oxymoron....

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I have seen newspaper articles using the phrase “chugging along” when refering to freight railroading and Amtrak, but I think this is the first time I have seen the phrases “high speed rail” and “chugging along” in the same sentence:

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBEW9SD5AE.html

FYI, the article’s subject matter is the fact that the Florida High Speed rail authority is still meeting and planning despite the revocation of funding by the voters. The so-called journalists goes on to mention “bullet train” but alas she deprives us of the phrase “bullet train chugging along”.

Do any of you have examples of this oxymoronic phraseology you can share, and does anyone have an article that does put “bullet train” and “chugging along” in the same sentence?

2

I was to present a few regarding certain branches of our Canadian Government, but it’s just too painful, one word actually used the word “intelligence” I’ll leave it up to you to insert the other word.

3

How about non-partisan politics?

4

The classic railroad oxymoron is the description of superstructure of a GP 7 type locomotive as having a “high short hood”.

Dave H.

5

Here are a couple I will add if i remember more.

Microsoft Works
Good Grief

6

How about airline food? [:)]

Rudy

7

Tatans, I caught that one. I coined one of my own a few years back. The Air Force had insituted a reward for exceptional personnel where they could earn a ride to wherever the Canadian Forces were flying. Now, you must realize that there is a rivalry between the various elements, Army, Navy, and Air. So we dig each other whenever we can. I was posted, in Army uniform, to Winnipeg, an Air Base. Resident on the Base is 17 Wing. Well, the Wing Commander was talking to a few of us who were in the shower after our noon sports about this program. It was an informal setting, so I knew I could get away with it. He mentioned the new “Deserving Airman Award”, to which I said, “Uh, Sir, some people, not I mind you, but some people would say that’s an oxymoron.” He had the good grace to chuckle.

A bit off topic, but, I thought I got my licks in. [}:)][:D]

8

Used to hear this one once in a while at work “go ahead and backup”

Brent

9

“So, I turn left here?”
“Right.”

I can think of several times lately that I’ve run into “good” oxymorons, but I’ll be danged if I can remember what any of them were!

10

Depressed flat is another. Some might also say that CSX customer service is another.

11

How about a slow drag frieght train. another one would be Priorty Overnight service. The best one of all time though is Milatary Intellagence.

12

Wish I’d clipped the story but I remember a Milwaukee Journal story about a train hitting a car at a crossing and how the engineer of the train “failed to steer” the train away from the car. Put 12 people of that level of common sense on a jury and no wonder railroads get blamed for accidents which are not their fault (I am aware that some are their fault btw)
Dave Nelson

13

A while back, a guide for for travelers explained what you were supposed to do when “Available lodging was unavailable”. Huh? (No it wasn’t about Amtrak)