DocFreeman

For context, I understand why Democrats had a lot of dominance in American political life during the mid-20th century (e.g., the New Deal was broadly popular, Democrats still held significant sway in the South, etc.). But the Republicans weren't totally out of power, winning the presidency multiple times during the same period and taking control of the Senate on several occasions.

Was there something about the House during this period in particular that was weighted against Republican control (e.g., gerrymandering)? Did the Republican party suffer from systemic problems that made it more difficult to win House seats vs. Senate seats/the Presidency?

Thinking and reading about World War I, it seems difficult to understand why the French and British governments were so willing to go to war against the Central Powers in 1914. While Germany was, of course, a rival power, the cost-benefit calculation would seem to weigh heavily against war with the Central Powers. What difference did it make to France and Britain if, for example, Germany and Austria-Hungary defeated Russia and Serbia in a war and obtained additional territory/rights in Eastern Europe?

I understand that Britain and France may have wanted to maintain the "balance of powers" that had governed for the prior century, but that just doesn't seem like a compelling enough justif

Looking for a good day hike (e.g., 6-9 hours) in Santa Barbara county to do next month for my birthday. Not concerned about heat (happy to get up early and be done by mid-day), just looking for something that would be interesting and not require an overnight stay. Any suggestions?

Did anyone else find the ending to Trial by Felfire a bit confusing and abrupt? Like, we're fighting Illidan and then, it just ends because we're going to be friends after all? Also, I felt like they were hinting at the next adventure in the final dialogue? Are they going to do time/dimension hoping stories?

All in all, great adventure. But the ending was just sort of abrupt and jarring?