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Author
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Topic: R.I.P. Common Sense
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Bob Maar
(Maar stands for Maartini)
Posts: 28608
From: New York City & Newport, RI
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 05-02-2002 07:37 AM
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, by the name of Common Sense.Common Sense lived a long life in Canada and the United States but died from heart failure on the beginning of the new millennium. No one really knows how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness. For decades, petty rules, silly laws, and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it's okay to come in second. A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including body piercing, whole language, and "new math." But his health declined when he became infected with the "If-it-only-helps-one-person- it's-worth-it" virus. In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of well intentioned, but overbearing regulations. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero-tolerance policies. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could not inform the parents when a female student was pregnant or wanted an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals receive better treatment than their victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from the Boy Scouts to professional sports. Finally, when a woman, failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, was awarded a huge Settlement, Common Sense threw in the towel. As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic, but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations, such as those for low flow toilets, rocking chairs, and stepladders. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers: My Rights, and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone -Author Unknown
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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man
Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 05-04-2002 12:47 AM
I'll second that AMEN, Greg.I just read an article that kids are now fooling with a new drug called GHB. Two teen-agers landed in the hospital. The drug is made from drain cleaner and floor stripper or engine degreaser. One of the kids claimed that someone spiked his water bottle. Oh? Seems to me the water would smell kind of funky, and taste the same. But he drank it anyway. Common sense? HAH! I doubt if both of those kids had any. If someond did spike his drinking water, where was the common sense of the spiker? The spikee almost died. Nice friends.....the kind you don't need. People who use drugs are dumb. People who don't use drugs are smart!
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Dave Macaulay
Film God
Posts: 2321
From: Toronto, Canada
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 05-04-2002 07:21 PM
GHB is classified as a sedative-hypnotic, and was originally developed as a sleep-aid. GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate) usually comes as an odorless liquid, slightly salty to the taste, and sold in small bottles. It has also been found in powder and capsule form. It is not made from engine degreaser or drain cleaner, but caustic soda is used in "bathtub" synthesis of the stuff - this may explain that theory. Even if one used engine degreaser as a source for the soda, it would be washed out during the synthesis. The actual precursor chemical used is gamma-butyrolactone which is sold as a dietary supplement. Synthesis of GHB is very simple once one has the gamma-butyrolactone. This stuff is now hard to get, the DEA and FDA are getting it recalled for obvious reasons. If you see the movie Salton Sea you'll get an idea of what a "home" drug synthesis lab looks like (had to tie this to films somehow) and see one blow up real good! (They're supposedly making speed in the movie, which uses much more explosive chemistry than GHB, and a speed lab can blow up rather well)Whatever, the stuff is dangerous, has been deadly, is used as a date-rape drug at near-lethal dosage and as an alcohol-like intoxicant at lower doses. It can be added to any drink or food but would be noticeable in water, not so with many flavoured drinks.
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