Cleaning up some corners of the desk today, I've come across some bits and pieces of information other geezer parents might find interesting or helpful.

I'm particularly fond of this bit about common sense from the Earthtimes.

Common sense being a somewhat illusive attribute, simple to recognize but difficult to define, a recent study set out to identify just how the no-nonsense approach to life actually works, and to, "... pinpoint the role common sense has played in bringing them happiness with their families, in society and in the workplace."

According to the study, 98% of Americans see common sense as a benefit unmatched by school, books or traditional learning. 98% also say that it helps them be better parents. 83% of Americans say that common sense has benefited them socially, and 82% of Americans say that common sense has helped them to avoid sticky situations. Three quarters of Americans say that common sense has helped them with regard to their finances (72 percent), to stay out of debt (73 percent) and/or to be better employees (72 percent).

Well, of course.

The age and geographic information coming from the study does seem less sensible, however:

When it comes to academics, Americans aged 18-25 are significantly more likely than all other age groups to have benefited from having common sense. When it comes to romance, Americans aged 25-44 have most enjoyed the benefits of having common sense.

When it comes to solving problems, Baby Boomers (Americans aged 45 and older) are those most likely to have benefited from having common sense. When it comes to health, older Americans (age 55 and above) are significantly more likely to have benefited from having common sense.

Americans residing in the Midwest (76 percent) and West (75 percent) are more likely than Southerners (71 percent) and Northeasterners (70 percent) to say they have "above average" levels of common sense.

Common sense and romance? Yeah, right.

And how's this for an attention grabber: "Ask a woman in her 50s how old she feels and she will say anything from 23 to 28. Because the 50s feel good."

From this article from the UK's Daily Mail, it's about a clash between a couple of women in the biz of encouraging women to think a lot ... and spend a lot ... on how they look, where the debate takes a turn toward which look is best for women of a certain age ... classy or brassy.

Although I have little patience for self-examination of the "Are mini-skirts and skinny jeans madness when you're middle-aged? Or should you defy the years and wear the latest trends?" sort, I understand that there is a tightrope women walk, so give a read if you're interested in opinions from England.

Keep in mind that they're big on hats there, and that it's so often said that the Queen always looks nice.