1. The problem lies in ethical anomie, philosophical befuddlement and the hypocrisy that today permeates every aspect of our so-called civilized world.

2. Such befuddlement has been a feature of his presidency, which began in 2006. Disgruntled administrators lament that "only a handful of people" ever know what is going on.

3. To add to the befuddlement, the expansion of the universe now seems to be accelerating, a process with truly mind-stretching consequences.

4. Almost every person who plays follows professional golf with something approaching befuddlement.

5. But the Norwegian Nobel committee announcement Friday brought ample doses of befuddlement and skepticism among officials used to years of hard work to end conflict .

6. If you and your buddy aren't on the same wavelength, the flood of ambiguous nonverbal cues can lead to misunderstanding and befuddlement.

7. Dickens was so fond of chronicling moments of wonder and befuddlement that he often overdid them.