Well, Well, Well, And So On. Now Let's Whip Out That Dictionary

The New York Times gives us fertile ground to explore another facet of BP's CEO Tony Hayward's chat yesterday with the Congressional Commerce and Energy members.

I keep thinking about that well down there in the Gulf . . . I began by using simple word associations

"Well" can be an exclamation

"Well" can express frustration

"Well" can be a hole in the ground dug to access something

O Heck . . . . that's tiring.  I next turned to my friend, good old Merriam-Webster.com

As Bette Davis said: "Fasten your seatbelts.  It's going to be a bumpy night."

An enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps b : a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive
4 : an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure

1 : to rise to the surface and usually flow forth ed from her eyes>
2 : to rise like a flood of liquid ed up in his breast>

transitive verb

: to emit in a copious free flow

n a kindly or friendly manner
3 a : with skill or aptitude : expertly, excellently b : satisfactorily c : with good appearance or effect : elegantly
4 : with careful or close attention : attentively
5 : to a high degree well-equipped kitchen> —often used as an intensifier or qualifier Listener>
6 : fully, quite
7 a : in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : fittingly, rightly b : in a prudent manner : sensibly —used with do
8 : in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason
9 a : as one could wish : pleasingly b : with material success : advantageously
10 a : easily, readily b : in all likelihood : indeed
11 : in a prosperous or affluent manner
12 : to an extent approaching completeness : thoroughly
13 : without doubt or question : clearly
14 : in a familiar manner
15 : to a large extent or degree : considerably, far

usage see good

— as well 1 : in addition : also as well>
2 : to the same extent or degree : as much as well to the poor as to the rich>
3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable

ate: 14th century

1 : sincerely and deeply loved
2 : sincerely respected —used in various ceremonial forms of add

unction: adjective

Date: before 12th century

1 a : prosperous, well-off b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
2 : being in good standing or favor
3 : satisfactory, pleasing
4 : advisable, desirable
5 a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy b : completely cured or healed
6 : pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
7 : being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate

synonyms see healthy

usage see good

AND SO ON, it seems, into infinity.....