Snow, Frozen Water, Mantels, and Other Words

A Place of Words, If Only Action

Words, when used properly are so powerful. Of course there has to be some convention regarding meaning. There is the connotation which is similar but not the same as vernacular. And, the denotation with is closer to, but not the same as most formal definitions. And so on.

Let's start with the House D caucus blog post this morning. The capitol (building not place) is covered with a mantel of snow. There is no denotation for the word mantel to mean “covered” or having snow on it. Here is the most referenced meaning of mantel:

man·tel also man·tle (mntl)

n.

1. An ornamental facing around a fireplace. Also called regionally mantelpiece.

2. The protruding shelf over a fireplace. Also called mantelpiece, mantelshelf; also called regionally fireboard.

Every sight (not cite) I looked at mentioned a fireplace, none mentioned a general frame or framing.

Next, some words of phrases from legislation. I think the following means an abortion that happens by choice or sane decision:

“voluntary termination of a pregnancy”

Next, although a string of fancy words I think this means a port:

“working waterfront redevelopment jobs”

Next, do we need a bill to modernize a statute? Probably because...you guessed it, modern words for modern technology. Excuse the word functionality. The drafters and advocates must think that the state EPA actually works, you know, functions.

“Modernizing the functionality of the state environmental policy act.”

Next, how big is large? I get wild, I think, as in non-zoo? What kind of conflict? And finally we're going to manage it? “Be nice Mr. Cougar!”

“large wild carnivore conflict management. “

Finally, (and I bet you're glad, as in happy) is this bill going to shut down my fireplace? Around which there is no mantel. If so will it help the functionality of the state environmental policy act?

“protecting air quality that is impacted by high emitting solid fuel burning devices.”