Dying can give some a fresh lease of life: Just for laughs 

Recession seems to be taking everyone for a rough ride these days. And none are likely to downplay it. But if you meet any of those down dudes your way, you ought to know it’s just an expression of the times. As a sign outside the sweet and spice shop put it: “We’re in a pickle.” 

Yet, you couldn’t have too much of a tickle had you been to this convention of professionals, for all your funny bones. The ophthalmologist began with a characteristic line: “The times are not looking too good.” “I’m in the deep,” added the pearl diver.  

“The money I get from my business is chicken feed.” complained the poultry farmer. “My business is in the dumps,” rued the garbage collector. “Mine is on the way down,” cried the elevator operator. “Mine,” came the miner, “is on the rocks.” 

“I’m riding the downtrend,” put in the jockey. “I’m packed to the rafters with losses,” said the builder. “I’m a sick concern,” wept the doctor. “My circuits,” the electrician loathed, “are all dead.” At which point, all eyes turned to the undertaker, who simply smiled and said: “With all this dying business, I’ve got a fresh lease of life.”