If something is always None, it's never False.  Don't bother checking.
We never use the keys in pickup_something_from_the_queue.  We should
be able to make it easier to read that.
Make log_and_kilL_overtime_processes more readable.
Try to improve the docstring for reap_done_child a bit more
informative.
Add the lineproto sender.  This works without the oddball dropouts of
the pickle protocol sender.