I can see needed a whole lot of this stuff

Or they are in "freeze" mode--refusing to believe they are in the spot they're in...

As I think you know, and probably quoting intentionally, "for a little bit of money" was what Marge Gunderson in the movie, Fargo, said to the murderer as she hauls him away.

The ant on the top of a blade of grass was the cover art for an early edition of Daniel Dennett's book, "Breaking the Spell." (The ant is there for the benefit of the parasite that needs to get into the stomach of a sheep to finish it's life cycle.)

They'll never quit each other

With all due respect, the big middle is gone. The Republic Party as a party is gone, hollowed out and reanimated with MAGA.

How else are they supposed to get a woman?

Jeffrey Clark??? THIS Jeffrey Clark?

It's this thing--a wringer on an old washing machine

I think living here on the western edge of a time zone helps...if I understand that right, which I might not...