DIS Dads DDC XXXIV: The Original Home Of The DISDads!!!

[CapeCodTenor]

Evening, Gents! Hope this message finds everyone well. I've had a pretty good weekend. I had to squeeze in a chiropractic appointment yesterday as I've done something to my upper back/shoulder blade area. I wake up in the mornings in pain and stiffness. I guess being this awesome has it's downfalls. The awesomeness gets to be so bad at times, it hurts. Seriously, I have no idea what I did, but it hurts, and my chiropractor did a good job of working it out. I've got another appointment set up for later this week as a follow-up. The rest of the day was spent running errands and laundry. This morning was started off with an earthquake. It wasn't serious where I am, but it did some damage in Rhode Island, the epicenter was just off the coast of Rhode Island. I think the earthquake came in at a 4.0. Again, nothing major, but we don't get them, so it rattled a few nerves. This evening, I decided, since the DD doesn't like scary stuff, even mild can scare her, to re-watch a Vlog I've seen before: Fun for Louis, Around the World Flight. This guy buys a Cessna 210, and he and a friend flight it around the world. It's very interesting...I recommend it if you want something different. Well, have a good night, Gents, and we'll chat tomorrow.

TTFN

Just to add to the general comments on voting, some of you may recall that I used to work overseas a few years ago, in a country where the people did not have the right to vote.
One of the locals asked me, quite sincerely one day, “What is it like the vote?”
That simple question had an impact on me.
Regardless of the outcome or any frustration I have with the choices, I will always cast that ballot, because I know that person is out there who does not know what it means to vote.

That really puts it into perspective.

That headline has to be one of the biggest embarrassments ever for the media.
I did see that some States were legally not allowed to begin counting all the millions of mail in votes early, which delays everything.

I know the media was caught off guard with the results. The polls all showed that Biden was beating Trump by big numbers, but it turned out to be closer than they thought. This tells me that either they called only Dems, and/or those who were going to vote for Trump kept who they were voting for to themselves.

Uh, oh...

He's really getting on my nerves. There's other things he's annoying me with, but let's just say that if I had done the job the way he wanted me to, I'd be nowhere near almost done....like I am now. He's so annoying.

Wow.
At some point, I'd stop talking and just look at him.
And when he asked (for the 3rd or 4th time), I'd say, "Same as the last 2-3 times I told you."

Brother.

Right?! I should have, but I'm a nice guy and just gave him the heavy sigh and eye roll.

Saw that a few times over the past 4 years.

I bet!

Mmmhmmm.

Well, someone has to do it.

EXACTLY! And why not me?! I thought I was a good enhancer inspector.

View attachment 536950

I can do that. No problem.

Upper Management...
Can't live with 'em, Can't...

ummmm...

ummmm...

ehhh, I got nothing.

If they listed that in the job description, I suspect there'd be riots in the ten or so mile long line that spontaneously forms to turn in an application.

You got that right. And I think I should point out that the position of enhancement inspector was something that I picked up along the way because everyone trusted me, so not an official position....but one I was more than happy to take on.

Morning guys from a sunny London. Homework, chores and deciding what's for dinner tonight.

Did they club together and buy you a set of hand warmers?

Hey!

I humbly disagree. 46 out of 50 states have been called by news networks, and have not published a full count. Cali, New York, New Jersey, Idaho, Ohio, Montana, Alaska, just to pick a random few all have fewer votes published as a percentage than Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona. I agree that Nevada seems to be particularly slow. But you can't conflate somewhere like California that could put up a tailors dummy with a blue pin and it would win as the vote is so lop sided, with Georgia which in a vote of 4 million is split by less than 10,000. Otherwise in your current situation with the distrust of the other side, you just amplify the call that this is rigged. Look at the heat Fox got for calling Arizona. Imagine if that would have been CNN or CNBC. Or CNN had called Pennsylvania as soon as Biden pulled ahead. Or to be fair, called it on election night for Biden, citing the mail in count projections, when Trump was 500,000 votes ahead. They would have been right in the final scenario, but how would that have landed? I don't think you can have your cake and eat it in that the media have been called out as liars for 4 years, pretty much from the start of this administration, and now they are a little bit nervous when its close to be the guys to put the final nail in the coffin. Just my take. You can tell me to do one as an ignorant Brit if you like


Anyways, enough of this.
Back to the funbags stories CCT. Cheer us all up.

I'll try and write this for a family friendly site. I was often times asked to help with the features that would come through each week. Well, this one feature, can't remember her name, I was asked to work with. After one of her sets, I collected the money and props and headed upstairs with her to her dressing room. Once in the room, she, uhmmm, decided to get real comfortable by taking off....well, she got real comfortable. Being the gentleman that I am, I said, "Oh, I'll leave and wait outside." Her response, "You don't have to go...have a seat (in a chair across from her)." She then sat down in her comfortable state and relaxed. I loved, Loved, LOVED my job. It was a job that wasn't going to last forever, but I did enjoy it while it lasted.

That's what every company needs - more management.

Mmmm yeah. And unfortunately we're getting a new product line in, which means more management. Just what we need.

Thanks. I've had another offer from a former employer, which I guess I'll take. I really wanted to do something different. I liked the sauce factory, but wasn't ready for 19/2 amount of work. I still just have to target 3 or 4 more years until I don't have to work again.

What work would you be doing?

Morning all.

Cloudy morning here but not too bad. Trying to decide between a 5 km run or a 10 Km hike. The hike is more enjoyable but I need to get back to running sooner than later. Decisions, decisions.

Have a good one all.

I know I'm late the discussion on this, but I would have voted for the hike.

Just like the other 45 states, start including/ posting those mail in ballot #s when the polls closed at 6 PM.

I do remember that there was once a time zone complaint issue, that if results were reported at 6 PM ET then it would impact the voters in PT. Not sure that is the case, but if so, wait to post results accordingly.

I'm wanting to say that time zone complaint was the last election. I could be wrong, but that's how I'm remembering it.

Opted for the hike with DW. Nice 9 Km stroll through the woods.

View attachment 537219

View attachment 537220

Good choice, and nice pictures. Any Bigfoot sightings?

Ah, okay. Get it now. I'm not a huge fan of the char (although I don't dislike it either... actually enjoy it when it does come that way) and actually like my crust a bit more on the bread side... so perhaps it's not for me. Definitely not for the rest of the family.
<perfectly cooked pizza arrives>
"Dad! It's burned!"

Yeah, I'm not a burnt guy either, though I most certainly would NOT turn down a slice that had some burnt spot on it.

Ew. No.
That's not really pizza, IMHO.

We use to order from a local place, that has some pretty good pizza, but they were bought buy a different family and raised the prices a lot, so we do Dominos because it's cheaper.

 

[declansdad]

Good choice, and nice pictures. Any Bigfoot sightings?

Thanks.

No bigfoot sightings but we did come across a dog that looked like one dire wolves from Game of Thrones.

 

[londontime]

Morning boys. Welcome to Monday (or in the Chiefs case, Saturday Volume 3). Off to find a few chunky guys down the local McDonalds to see if I can find the Bears a new O-Line.

That's fast for 700F!
Is your current pizza oven wood-fired??

There she is, albeit sideways. The Ooni is fast but the chamber is pretty small hence the quick heat up, but you can only cook once pizza at a a time. I've been off the beers for 4 weeks, but you just gotta have a beer when you're making fire. It should be law.

Yesterdays offerings....they go in for around 2 minutes (TWSS)


And it would have obviously been rude not to use up all that lovely heat for some Pastel de Natas for dessert (courtesy of Costco's freezer section)

Nice 9 Km stroll through the woods.

Very nice mate. Do you have to drive a way to get there or is it really close to where you are?

<perfectly cooked pizza arrives>
"Dad! It's burned!"

my youngest doesn't eat the crust for some reason. So just eat it for her.

This tells me that either they called only Dems, and/or those who were going to vote for Trump kept who they were voting for to themselves.

We have that phenomenon over here, our republican equivalent are the Tories. There are a group that you can't flow in polling called 'shy tories' who move around liberal circles or towns, and mask their voting intentions. I don't think my political leanings are any secret on here, and I fully accept that my side can certainly come across as moralistic or on our high horse, to the point of smugness. I think leads to people not being willing to debate rationally, or be honest. Just another by product of the narcissism of social media.

Have a great Monday fellas. May your Pretzels be Mickey Shaped, and your Cinnamon rolls be slathered in frosting.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Morning, Gents! It's now Monday, and....well, that's all I've got. Let's hope my boss doesn't irritate me again today, but lately his presence alone has done just that. We start annual inventory next weekend, so I'll be working the next two weeks straight....fun times. Have a good day, gents and we'll chat throughout.

TTFN

Thanks.

No bigfoot sightings but we did come across a dog that looked like one dire wolves from Game of Thrones.

Well that's a bummer, but a dire wolf from the Game of Thrones? That's cool. Ok, a dog that looked like one. That's awesome!

Morning boys. Welcome to Monday (or in the Chiefs case, Saturday Volume 3). Off to find a few chunky guys down the local McDonalds to see if I can find the Bears a new O-Line.

View attachment 537263
There she is, albeit sideways. The Ooni is fast but the chamber is pretty small hence the quick heat up, but you can only cook once pizza at a a time. I've been off the beers for 4 weeks, but you just gotta have a beer when you're making fire. It should be law.
View attachment 537264View attachment 537265
Yesterdays offerings....they go in for around 2 minutes (TWSS)

View attachment 537266
And it would have obviously been rude not to use up all that lovely heat for some Pastel de Natas for dessert (courtesy of Costco's freezer section)

Dude! That looks good!

We have that phenomenon over here, our republican equivalent are the Tories. There are a group that you can't flow in polling called 'shy tories' who move around liberal circles or towns, and mask their voting intentions. I don't think my political leanings are any secret on here, and I fully accept that my side can certainly come across as moralistic or on our high horse, to the point of smugness. I think leads to people not being willing to debate rationally, or be honest. Just another by product of the narcissism of social media.

Have a great Monday fellas. May your Pretzels be Mickey Shaped, and your Cinnamon rolls be slathered in frosting.

I know I don't let people know how I vote for fear of reprisals, and while I don't know the political situation over there. I tend not to debate too often because I don't want people to know my political leanings. I've lost friends because of my politics, which I find childish, but that's their loss. I would suspect that would be the case with some of your Torries.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

EXACTLY! And why not me?! I thought I was a good enhancer inspector.

How many lopsided ones did you have to throw out?

 

[docsoliday1]

Apparently it's National Stout Day.
Who am I to argue against such...

View attachment 536831

When I first glanced at that picture I was wondering why you had rolls of TP on your counter.

 

[docsoliday1]

Doc should be by soon to point out that it’s Saturday for me...

Actually, no. I was getting ready for my exam on Saturday and besides everyone already knows you don't do anything.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Yesterdays offerings....they go in for around 2 minutes (TWSS)

 

[declansdad]

Morning Gents.

Hope you all had great weekend, quiet one around here.

Interview job applicants today and tomorrow and getting ready for our AGM at the end of the month. Fun times!

Have a great Monday all.

Very nice mate. Do you have to drive a way to get there or is it really close to where you are?

That's was inside the city but I live outside the city so it was about 15 to 20 km away from me.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm in Dallas in April mate, isn't that your way? I need to tap you up for tips on restaurants.......

Pecan Lodge. You can thank me later.

Thanks for your perspective on the election, Dan. Interesting read. Can't say I haven't had similar thoughts these last few days.

It's been fun reading everyone's takes on it. Nice to see civil discourse isn't dead yet.

A good reminder just how good we have it. I wish at least my country could see that, and spend the next 4 years working on what I think is the biggest threat - the level of the national debt.

I do agree that the debt is a huge problem, and both parties have been asleep at the wheel on this.

I do believe a few of the spots still counting anticipated the problem and specifically asked their legislatures to allow them to start counting the mail-in ballots before hand with hopes of avoiding this wait. Those legislatures said: No.

Made the mistake of picking up the phone to an unknown caller yesterday.

You fell for one of the classic blunders!

Yeowch. Could you have not put on a funny accent and pretended to be someone else? for a small fee I will handle your calls when you're off if you want.

I had a friend who would answer telemarketers with the Batman voice.

Opted for the hike with DW. Nice 9 Km stroll through the woods.

Nice photos!

Off to find a few chunky guys down the local McDonalds to see if I can find the Bears a new O-Line.

That Foles magic didn't last long.

I've been off the beers for 4 weeks, but you just gotta have a beer when you're making fire. It should be law.

I thought it was a law!

Oh man, that looks tasty.

I don't think my political leanings are any secret on here, and I fully accept that my side can certainly come across as moralistic or on our high horse, to the point of smugness. I think leads to people not being willing to debate rationally, or be honest. Just another by product of the narcissism of social media.

I wish people would stop treating political parties as sports teams and think for themselves. Sometimes liberals are right, sometimes conservatives are right. More often, they both have pieces of the puzzle correct.

These are generalizations and in no way meant to describe anyone in particular:
I've found (at least in social media circles) that my right-leaning friends are more likely to share misinformation, or articles from questionable sources. My left-leaning friends are more likely to come across as arrogant/having all the answers and if you disagree with any part of their platform, you are (insert awful name or label here). Both of these characteristics end up doing a lot of damage.

In short, social media is a terrible place for these types of conversations.

 

[docsoliday1]

Morning guys from a bright and sunny London. Looks like we got a new addition in the Hall of presidents. I wonder if it will have 3 months close and extra security this time.

With all the fraud, waste, abuse and underhanded goings on for the last 4 years,
I suspect we'll have 46th, 47th and possibly 48th in short order. Regardless of your party or affiliation or lack thereof for our Canadian and UK brethren, we'll see.

I'll have to tap up @TekMickey for advice, I think he's from Dallas way. Or I might have got that a$$ end up as well.

You are correct...he's in Dallas, but doesn't come round here often, so best to ping him on groupme.

 

[AirGoofy]

Ah, okay. Got it. So you want the legal rules that prevented some of the mail in ballot's from being counted early removed.

Ah, okay. Got it. The Courts ruled to stop counting the "hanging chads" in the Florida election, which made it legal. So, you want the legal rules that prevented some of the in person votes from being counted.

I wish people would stop treating political parties as sports teams and think for themselves. Sometimes liberals are right, sometimes conservatives are right. More often, they both have pieces of the puzzle correct.

That's where two party system fails as it can't encompass all of the philosophies. If it could be abolished (not likely) and set up with another arbitrary #, and voters could choose a multitude of candidates and their ideologies, and elected officials would have to cross "party lines" to work with others. I know many want to see term limits or part-time officials, but it still may not solve the problem if people stay in their parties.

 

[declansdad]

Nice photos!

Thanks.

I wish people would stop treating political parties as sports teams and think for themselves. Sometimes liberals are right, sometimes conservatives are right. More often, they both have pieces of the puzzle correct.

These are generalizations and in no way meant to describe anyone in particular:
I've found (at least in social media circles) that my right-leaning friends are more likely to share misinformation, or articles from questionable sources. My left-leaning friends are more likely to come across as arrogant/having all the answers and if you disagree with any part of their platform, you are (insert awful name or label here). Both of these characteristics end up doing a lot of damage.

In short, social media is a terrible place for these types of conversations.

Couldn't agree more. Throughout my life I have certainly been more left than right and that is partly because my family was that way. As I grow older I have voted for different parties. We have multiple parties in Canada and the two main parties are much like the two in the US. Traditionally both have been more centrist with the Conservatives being a bit to the right while the Liberals have been a bit to the left. Over the last number of years the far right has gained a lot more control over the Conservative party and certainly aren't afraid to use misinformation and out right hate to advance their standing. The Liberals have always felt they were the natural governing party and have certainly become more arrogant about it. It is hard to support either one right now. Then we have the New Democratic Party which is further left than the Liberals and have never done well for long periods of time and I don't think I could ever support. Up next is the Bloc Quebecois which only exist in Quebec but because our federal setup can gain a significant number if seats in our House of Commons and be a major PITA as they main reason for existence is Quebec and possible separation. The last major federal party is the Green Party and they are still new to the game. If you look at their platform you would more likely see pieces that are right and left. They won't get support because initially people felt they had a green agenda and nothing else. A green agenda is a tough sell in a country that relies a lot on natural resources.

 

[docsoliday1]

That's where two party system fails as it can't encompass all of the philosophies. If it could be abolished (not likely) and set up with another arbitrary #, and voters could choose a multitude of candidates and theirideologies, and elected officials would have to cross "party lines" to work with others. I know many want to see term limits or part-time officials, but it still may not solve the problem if people stay in their parties.

Personally, I think the problem is more fundamental than that. Many voters are ignorant or lazy and believe everything they see on media (whether it be social or broadcast). I have long used places like project vote smart or others to see how my beliefs/priorities line up with candidates and then base my vote on that. Too many people will vote party lines without a clue or because their parents or friends do/did. I count myself fortunate, because my parents did not agree and I heard both sides.

To be honest, I think each registered voter, to be able to actually vote, should have to go through some type of training/education/site like project vote smart to get a frigging clue.

With that said, I think most politicians (both sides) are liars & thieves and it was never supposed to be a career!!!! You were elected by your peers, SERVED your peers (why it's called public service) and then went back to your life.

 

[pkondz]

The polls all showed that Biden was beating Trump by big numbers, but it turned out to be closer than they thought. This tells me that either they called only Dems, and/or those who were going to vote for Trump kept who they were voting for to themselves

You’d think after last time that they would have refined their processes.

Right?! I should have, but I'm a nice guy and just gave him the heavy sigh and eye roll.

That works too.

There she is, albeit sideways.

What keeps the pizza from sliding when it’s sideways like that?

you just gotta have a beer when you're making fire. It should be law.

Not a beer fan. Can I still have some pizza?

Yesterdays offerings....they go in for around 2 minutes

1. Fast!
2. Looks good.

TWSS

And it would have obviously been rude not to use up all that lovely heat for some Pastel de Natas for dessert (courtesy of Costco's freezer section)

Never heard of those. Googled. Don’t think my Costco has those.

my youngest doesn't eat the crust for some reason. So just eat it for her.

I typically eat all the slice until I start getting full. Then I concentrate on the rest.

Let's hope my boss doesn't irritate me again today,

Uh oh. CCT is gonna go postal...

How many lopsided ones did you have to throw out?

You fell for one of the classic blunders!

I was a fool!

again

Ah, okay. Got it. The Courts ruled to stop counting the "hanging chads" in the Florida election, which made it legal. So, you want the legal rules that prevented some of the in person votes from being counted.

Hmmm... feels like you think I was mocking you or calling you out. I don’t know your rules or legalities surrounding your voting process. I wasn’t asking about your position on the mail in ballots because I’m smug, it’s because I’m ignorant and genuinely wanted your opinion. Sorry if it came across as arrogant or inflammatory. Will refrain in future.

 

[londontime]

What keeps the pizza from sliding when it’s sideways like that?

Talent, my friend. Talent.

Not a beer fan. Can I still have some pizza?

Course you can. Pizza fire is also good on Red Wine. Or bourbon. Or Margaritas. I think you see the theme.....

Never heard of those. Googled. Don’t think my Costco has those.

I don't know if any of youse guys over that side of the Atlantic do these, I'm racking my brain and I can't think.
Its kinda like a vanilla paste in a tart, but that's not really doing it justice. The UK does a beautiful version that is egg based set vanilla custard in a short pastry case, topped with cinnamon.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I’ve reached that point in furlough where I’ve taken out a puzzle.
I’ve also found that I’m too old for puzzles because eyesight (bifocals) is getting worse and my back and neck are killing me hunched over a puzzle all weekend.
I’d happily spend some time outside walking/hiking but the weather has been miserable lately, cold and wet.

they go in for around 2 minutes (TWSS)

Dan, I’m so glad you never miss the chance to be the 13 year old that I am at heart.

That's where two party system fails as it can't encompass all of the philosophies. If it could be abolished (not likely) and set up with another arbitrary #, and voters could choose a multitude of candidates and their ideologies, and elected officials would have to cross "party lines" to work with others.

Definitely a problem with a two party system. On the other hand a multiple party system like Canada’s means you generally get a party elected to govern with only 30-something % of the total national vote (I think that’s about what our current government got in the last election, too lazy to google). Which means two-thirds of the country did not want that party in power and wanted someone else.
I guess neither system is without flaws.

Couldn't agree more. Throughout my life I have certainly been more left than right and that is partly because my family was that way. As I grow older I have voted for different parties. We have multiple parties in Canada and the two main parties are much like the two in the US. Traditionally both have been more centrist with the Conservatives being a bit to the right while the Liberals have been a bit to the left. Over the last number of years the far right has gained a lot more control over the Conservative party and certainly aren't afraid to use misinformation and out right hate to advance their standing. The Liberals have always felt they were the natural governing party and have certainly become more arrogant about it. It is hard to support either one right now. Then we have the New Democratic Party which is further left than the Liberals and have never done well for long periods of time and I don't think I could ever support. Up next is the Bloc Quebecois which only exist in Quebec but because our federal setup can gain a significant number if seats in our House of Commons and be a major PITA as they main reason for existence is Quebec and possible separation. The last major federal party is the Green Party and they are still new to the game. If you look at their platform you would more likely see pieces that are right and left. They won't get support because initially people felt they had a green agenda and nothing else. A green agenda is a tough sell in a country that relies a lot on natural resources.

Darcy, all I can say is thanks for writing that, since it saved me the trouble of saying virtually the same thing.

Over the years I’ve voted nearly every colour on the ballot. I’ve never tied myself to one party because eventually one of them does something that ticks me off.

 

[londontime]

Pecan Lodge. You can thank me later.

Hmmmm. That looks awesome. Cheers buddy.

Dan, I’m so glad you never miss the chance to be the 13 year old that I am at heart.

where would we all be without schoolboy humour.
My boy was laughing all weekend as I said his room smelt like the underside of a Gorillas ball sack. Apparently to a 9 year old, this is the pinnacle of our comedic journey as a culture. At least he opened his window. But then everything all day was seen through the prism of a Gorillas ball sack. SWMBO dealt out the yellow card, which upgrades to a Red for me if he repeats it at school. My defense was I thought this was why we had a boy, so I could laugh about stuff like this because she sure as heck doesn't. You can imagine how that argument played out.

 

[pkondz]

Course you can. Pizza fire is also good on Red Wine. Or bourbon. Or Margaritas. I think you see the theme.....

So.... liquids?

I don't know if any of youse guys over that side of the Atlantic do these, I'm racking my brain and I can't think.
Its kinda like a vanilla paste in a tart, but that's not really doing it justice. The UK does a beautiful version that is egg based set vanilla custard in a short pastry case, topped with cinnamon.

never heard of them, but sure sound good.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Jekyll Island, Savannah or Charleston was pretty high on the list. I think if we do pull the trigger it will be New Orleans though, it's the one place we regret not going to before the kids.

We spent some time in New Orleans a couple years back. That was a very fine road trip indeed (I'll have to post some photos from that at some point). Y'all will have a great time down that way. On the other hand, if you were to find your self down in the Charleston/Savannah area, I might have to put together an expedition down there at around the same time.

Made the mistake of picking up the phone to an unknown caller yesterday.
Of course the scheduling girls are working from home, and... here I am, trying to stay awake for another hour.

At least you get paid extra for that suffering.
Not how it works for me when the phone rings like that at our house.

if I'm going in on the calories and carbs, I want it to taste amazing. I'm not gonna sack off a days worth of calories on Dominos, I'd rather not bother.

That's the philosophy we use; "If you're gonn'a be bad, then be bad". If we want something that really ought not be on the menu, then we make a point to go out somewhere to get a very good version of said offending cuisine, enjoy it, and then don't do it again for a while. Giving up a whole weeks worth of carbs on the equivalent of a Twinkie is just plain foolish.

Opted for the hike with DW. Nice 9 Km stroll through the woods.

Based on the excellent pictures, Id say you chose wisely.

I think the earthquake came in at a 4.0. Again, nothing major, but we don't get them, so it rattled a few nerves.

Yeah, the folks on the left coast roll their eyes at us when we talk about a 4.0, but they are exceedingly rare on this side. Oddly though, that that's the second small temblor this year on the east coast. Must be a 2020 thing.

This guy buys a Cessna 210, and he and a friend flight it around the world. It's very interesting...I recommend it if you want something different.

That does sound interesting.
May have to look that up

There she is, albeit sideways.

That is one very fine garden ornament.

When I first glanced at that picture I was wondering why you had rolls of TP on your counter.

Not sure that's quite the first impression the folks at Disney were going for when they designed those canisters

I wish people would stop treating political parties as sports teams and think for themselves. Sometimes liberals are right, sometimes conservatives are right. More often, they both have pieces of the puzzle correct.

Ain't no perfect solutions being offered by any one individual or group, to be sure. And none of them suit all of my notions or beliefs. It's pretty much a process of finding the least bad option.

That's where two party system fails as it can't encompass all of the philosophies.

Agreed, but I've got no idea how to break it up.
Under the current structure smaller parties just can't compete in any realistic way and voting for them generally accomplishes somewhere between nothing and a negative result.

Not good odds.

My defense was I thought this was why we had a boy, so I could laugh about stuff like this because she sure as heck doesn't. You can imagine how that argument played out.

I recommend that you get that pizza oven turned back up-side right and fire it up. It may get cold while your sleeping out in the garden and I don't think she'll be letting you bring any of the blankets outside with you.