Typ Boy - I'm around today, having hurt my back yesterday (the things we do for politics). They are VERY serious about PR, and have been for at least thirty years. The stakes have been upped recently, with a backlash from the UK public against corruption in Parliament. But Labour's promises for a referendum on the issue are nothing but rhetoric. IMHO.

Alas, they won't get the chance to advocate for it, as they're not going to win. I'm hoping for a hung Parliament, with neither 'major' party having an overall majority. Would give the Lib Dems a chance at a coalition. (I don't think they'd risk that chance by insisting on PR - although they might.) The two other parties are putting out the scare stories of weak government, but most of Europe has coalition governments. The funniest reason I've heard so far of why we shouldn't is that "British people are too polite and reserved to get anything done in a coalition". I actually read that in a paper the other day. *election overload*

OMG, Ryan is so cute I can't stand it.

bonny, holy crapola! Glad you are okay, please keep us posted and let us know if you need anything.

Seska, renewed house~ma for you and The Girl.

Jiminy, I'm tired. Dur.

The oil thing - dangerous conditions + likely human error + mechanical failure. The questions are - was everything done to minimize the danger, and is deep water drilling just too risky? Did the heat from the curing cement release methane that exceeded expected pressures, and was that possibility factored in when doing calculations? What was the nature of the human error (not doing a pressure check before opening a valve, missing the early signs of the kick)? Why did the BOP(s?) fail*? Do deep water wells need multiple BOPs in case of such failures? Why aren't oil companies required to have emergency equipment (like the giant funnel thingy) ready to go as part of the lease agreement with the MMS?

* You know all that stuff going around about the $500K part that "should" have been required? That would not have prevented this leak.

If anyone wants links or explanations, let me know. Off home for lunch and a quick nap.

I have to admit that my knowledge of the British elections is pretty much solely listening to John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman making jokes about Gorden Brown and David Cameron.

Why did the BOP(s?) fail*?

That's the big question for me. Was it designed for that kind of pressure?

It's hardly a challenge.(ETA: Making jokes about Cameron and Brown, that is. AKA Constipated and Shifty.)

"British people are too polite and reserved to get anything done in a coalition". I actually read that in a paper the other day.

These people must not have watched any Premier League games lately.

I'm still a little shaky, and there is still eau de smoke permeating my house but, LORD, I am relieved.

I posted the follow up from my friend's computer, down the street. The little guy and I went there to breathe for a while and let the worst of the smoke dissipate.

The cat and dog are okay, the neighbor is fine, but her office and upstairs are pretty much destroyed.

It is a testament to how great this neighborhood is, that I walked out of my friends' consignment shop and three people rushed up to check if we were okay. Some of them I don't know very well, but everyone seems to know where I live!

As I was rushing out of here, I had one of those 'this is it' moments...the ones where you have to make big decisions really quickly. I answered the 'what would you grab' question by taking only Bartleby's park bag...which had some kibble in it, and just so happened to have my wallet in as we had gone to the bank this morning.

Mystery solved, though with a big fat, 'duh.'

What is important to me? HE is important to me...and that's about it.

If I weren't so amped up, I might take a nap. I am simultaneously exhausted and charged. And, did I mention grateful? WAY grateful.

Now to check on renter's insurance...which I have not had for years. Any favored companies among us?

t /frazzled babbling

Thank you, Sparky and smonster, for offering help. It warms my heart to know that there are folks 'out there' for us.

Seriously. One never thinks about how important connections are until your life flashes before you eyes.

bonny, you might try whoever you have your car insurance through.

{{bonny}}. I'm glad it's over, and hope you'll be able to rest soon.

"British people are too polite and reserved to get anything done in a coalition". I actually read that in a paper the other day.

This might be the time to remind everyone that since the Magna Carta, Britain never had a revolution. Oh, and not that I agree with the statement from the article.