I had never heard of “the ask” prior to reading the first item below; now, I’ve heard “the ask” on POTUS six times today. Take a look at Rosenbaum’s criticisms and word play; digest and mull over some of the newest clichés; he gives us his opinion on what’s stale versus still salable. The second item is a list of lists; you need not surf any further in search of book lists.

• The Catchphrase of the Decade, Ron Rosenbaum at Slate
• Best of the Decade Online Booklists, Largehearted Boy has already done all the work and compiled his list of lists–fantastic!