Perceived conflict between God and country is a big deal in a Supreme Court nominee, to be sure, but I’m also perturbed by the conflict I perceive between the selfsame LA Times writer’s intent and meaning in the following quotation:

Renowned for his unflappable style in oral argument, Roberts appeared nonplused and, according to sources in the meeting, answered after a long pause that he would probably have to recuse himself.

Did he really appear nonplused? Bewildered, confused, puzzled, at a loss for words? (In that case, it would have been nice to have a qualifier like “Although he is renowned for his unflappable style…”) It seems that the “nonplused” was supposed to mean “chill.” Which it doesn’t.