This was passed on to me, and it makes a lot of sense...
An Obituary printed in the London Times....
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Dick Beals

Line up from Atlanta Avenue down Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza. More information at
365 FREE for the whole family. It should be great flying weather. Come experience a magical weekend, no matter what age you are. Event starts Nov 4 through 6th. There will be stunt kites, kites bigger than a bus, and all shapes of kites and skill level. Bring a picnic lunch and don't forget the camera.
......go back after work and it will be flooded with people.....head out there again tomorrow beginning and 10am and there will be thousands..... There are so many great events during Riverfest weekend in Wilmington, NC. Riverfest 2011 will surely be your best bet this weekend. Don't forget to stop in the City Market and visit the newest art gallery in Wilmington....the Lightfoot Gallery.....my friend Lisa is magnificent. Her paintings are pure inspiration. Stop in and say "hi" to her.
"Invasion of the Pirates" and the Pirates' Flotilla at dusk Saturday on the Cape Fear River....www.InvasionofthePirates.com. Join your friends and family and the downtown businesses for all these activities including fireworks on Saturday starting at 9:05pm. The Festival will finish Sunday with the Great Waiter's Wine Race at 2pm in CFCC's east parking lot. ....so have a great Friday, a great weekend and we'll see you there!!

