Do pcmechs smoke cigarettes?

[calmius]

Do you smoke?
if so how many cigs a day and what's your favorite brand?



ps: this is not to promote smoking, smoking is bad. And, I am not saying that I smoke. ok?

[darkmessenger03]

I don't smoke.. never have and never will.

[juppy]

I don't. My dad used to smoke and that's what ended up killing him. All the more reason for me not to. It's kinda strange though; after he died, my allergies got to the point where anytime I even smell cigarette smoke my sinuses stop up. Basically, I'd have to make a decision if I wanted to smoke - which is more important? Smoking, or being able to breathe through my nose? I think I'll stick to the second one. :)

[Sphegdave]

I don't smoke. I can't stand the smell of the cigaettes, and after learning bout the side effects, i never will take even a whif

[avx]

My dads dieing from smoking too:(

I still cant understand why cigaretts are even legal...O YEAH! I FORGOT! You can make a killing in the cigarette business!!(PUN INTENDED!)

My bad habit when working on PC's is too bite my nails...but a toothbrush or grip machine usually fixes that.

If you do smoke I would seriously consider using one of these new techniques like a patch or or medication or gum, something to stop...they are killers.

[homer15]

i don't smoke cigarrettes. on very, very special occasions (my engagement, a friends baby being born, possibly my wedding) i'll smoke a cigar, but not even the whole thing. no very often at all.

[mbossman2]

i am tobacco free for a total of 6 weeks.

it is probably the hardest thing (psychologically) i have ever done.

[kregh99]

Good for you!
You have just done the best thing for your body and, if you stick with it, you have just increased your life span. That means that you can be with family, spouse, kids, friends, whoever you want to be with, longer than if you had smoked.

I have watched an aunt and a friend die of emphysema. It's a long, slow, horrible death. You have done yourself many, many favors by quitting smoking. There is nothing bad that can come of it.

[mbossman2]

the irritability is just about gone.

(this next part is kinda gross so you may just want to move on from here)

















all the crap that has accumulated in my lungs and nose are now working their way out, not only does it taste vile coming back up, but smells (at least to me and my wife) worse.

my head is spinning from the increase in oxygen in my blood stream and drop in carbon monoxide.

and my wallet ain't complaining, not having to pass $3.80 a pack over the counter every day.

[krokadil]

Only $3.80?

You should be glad you don't live in NYC where you would be throwing down seven bucks a pack EASY. And people DO it.

My father smoked so much when I was a kid that I didn't even know they had a smell until I went away to college. Filthy habit.

[Dangermouse1]

I seem to be in the minority here but have to admit to smoking 20 plus a day for the last 20 plus years. Yes its a filthy and expensive habit and here in the UK they are over 4 pounds a pack. Just think of all the computer parts i could have bought.

[calmius]

Do people in UK smoke a lot?

[doctorgonzo]

Don't smoke, never have, never will.

I do have to wonder who the first person to smoke was. For me, there is a basic instinct that generally advises against lighting something on fire and then sucking on it. Obviously, somebody got that idea though.

[brassman]

Dangermouse1,

Well, you're still in the minority. Unfortunately, I'm standing right beside you. LOL

[calmius]

so even though you're minority can you say what brands you're smoking? maybe when did you start smoking first?

[Dangermouse1]

People in the UK are no different to any other place i guess less and less people smoke these days. I smoke Lambert and Butler cigarettes at the moment and am ashamed to say I have been smoking since I was 9 but did not start smoking alot until my late teens.

[calmius]

I am originally from former Soviet Union and even now in Russia about 60% (yes sixty) of men smoke and about 20% of women I think. I dont' remember where I foudn it but it was on some statistical research site. In America it's much less, so I am wondering how it is in Europe.

[Dangermouse1]

Oh by the way my wife smokes about the same amount as well.

[homer15]

Originally posted by calmius
I am originally from former Soviet Union and even now in Russia about 60% (yes sixty) of men smoke and about 20% of women I think. I dont' remember where I foudn it but it was on some statistical research site. In America it's much less, so I am wondering how it is in Europe.

pssh... berekely. don't take stuff that happens there as the norm for the rest of the US... or even california for that matter. but yea, the smoking trend is dropping off. i think it's a good thing that it's becoming less and less popular.

[mikeheitz]

I think I've smoke 4 cigarettes in my entire life. And maybe about 5 or 6 cigars at various weddings. Still can't figure out why I do that, but it's tailed off since no one I know has gotten married in about 4 years. :) I'd rather spend my money on beer anyways.

[brassman]

Started smoking in 1971 in Viet Nam. Smoked Lucky Strikes. Now smoke whatever is cheapest.

[padawan]

Never have, never will. 'Nuff said.

[cypher1919]

i'm in with the smokers... i know its bad for ya and all but i have always liked it.

[calmius]

so what brand and when did you start ?

[Xayd]

I smoke, Parliament Lights 100s.

About a pack a day, started when I was 19.

Luckily they're not so expensive in the south yet. I pay about 2.50 a pack.

[muTe]

I only smoke when i'm drunk otherwise I never and will never moke a cigarette because I "need" it.

[Prew]

Don't smoke- except for a really good cigar now and then (not inhale of course).

[Nuclear Krusader]

Never been a heavy smoker but enjoyed a cigar every now and then.

Started to get more into smoking last november. In college I smoked Marlboro and then discovered Benson & Hedges Menthol, which I loved.

But last march I got an infection in my throat. It felt like something was stuck there and sometimes I couldn't breathe. I had to take a big suck of air, as if I were about to dive into a pool. I got scared it could be a tumor or something like dat. I am not scared to die, but I felt bad I would die because of something nasty as smoking. My physician diagnosed an estreptococcus infection and prescribed meds. I am pretty fine by now but since dat day I never touched the B&H pack. Nor do I want to ever again.

I have discovered I don't need the cigar. I am enjoying a life without headaches, stained teeth and foul smelling breath. :)


Ah, and don't forget that the cigars damage your PCs too!

[Alienware_Dude]

Originally posted by avx487


I still cant understand why cigaretts are even legal...O YEAH! I FORGOT! You can make a killing in the cigarette business!!(PUN INTENDED!)




No one is forced to smoke. People that smoke, choose to. And I don't want to hear that no one knew nicotine was addictive when they started. That is merely an extortion attempt aimed towards the tobacco companies. It seems as if that is the new 'American Way': blame others for your problems. I'm sorry about your Dad, but I think outlawing tobacco is a terrible idea.

[ktkendall]

NON SMOKER HERE, I tried 1 to be cool at 15 cause my friends were doing it and that was the one thing I never picked up again and decided I did not have to do something I can't stand just cause they were doing it.. I just wish I could have stood as strong on the booze and illegal smoking substances.. I got heavily into all those for the same reason and am coming up on 12 years clean and sober this summer...

[Mac Medic]

Camel Cigarettes and Cohiba Cigars. Was thinking of trying those "Natural" cigarettes the ones with only Nicotine and Tar and not the other 598 chemicals, not really any better for you but it's supposed to make quitting easier, as the only addiction left is the nicotine and your body purges that in 36 hours, after that it's all mental. Never want to have to quit the Cohiba's though.

[Alaron]

Ever seen those Truth commercials? Those sum up my feelings on tobacco. http://www.thetruth.com/

[Paul Victorey]

Originally posted by Alienware_Dude
No one is forced to smoke. People that smoke, choose to. And I don't want to hear that no one knew nicotine was addictive when they started. That is merely an extortion attempt aimed towards the tobacco companies. It seems as if that is the new 'American Way': blame others for your problems. I'm sorry about your Dad, but I think outlawing tobacco is a terrible idea.

Actually, the major issue in the tobacco lawsuit was that the tobacco companies learned decades earlier than others that tobacco smoking caused cancer (they had conducted their own studies). Instead of bringing this information to the public, they did not release their actual results but instead falsified results which claimed that cigarette smoking actually IMPROVED your health.

Essentially, they knowingly lied and withheld information about the safety of their product. It wasn't until a decade or more later that tobacco was actually proven unhealthy independantly. We take it for granted, now, that people know it's unhealthy, but it wasn't always known; the associated health risks were only discovered within the past 30 years.

It's funny that we have a lot of smoking techs, there are some companies that won't even hire smokers because of quality control concerns. You can't even enter a clean room in a wafer fab if you smoke, because your lungs contain so many particles that end up exhaled that a smoker in the room would ruin the silicon.

[SARGE]

I enjoy a Phillies Titan cigar with a cold beer, but only once a week.

[i3OSS]

Not old enough to smoke, and never will.
My Grandpa died of lung cancer due to smoking.
and the doctor told my uncle once that if he smoked that he would die. and 2 years ago my uncle died in a huge accident on the freeway, and there were cigarettes in his car. CALL it coincidence but i think its a message.

[Cricket]

No smokee...no drinkee...

:) Cricket

[fragmyster]

i had a cig. once and i felt sick for 3 hours after, and it was a light. i love cigars though.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Originally posted by Paul Victorey
It's funny that we have a lot of smoking techs,
One of the funniest and most ironic things to me is smoking physicians.

[PMich]

I like my Winstons and I like my Skoal. I promised the wife I would quit smoking before the baby gets here in July, though. I don't feel bad about killing myself, but don't want to do that to my children.

[Planenuts]

I might give away my age on this one; I started smoking before they had any kind of warnings on the side label. Then when they did start putting the warning on the label it was customary to open the pack on the opposite side of the warning. I smoke Marlboro Lights and absolutely nothing else. If they stopped making them I would quit smoking. I do need to quit, I just enjoy smoking after certain things like a good meal, bedroom games. ;) One of these days I will stop, probably when they kill me :) :(

[Force Flow]

Don't smoke; never have, never will. Don't drink either. ;) I don't plan do do so either, except for very special occasions.

[not important]

I proudly smoke. I'm an adult. I make my own choices affecting my life. I don't "crave" it. I don't "need" it. I don't do it to be "cool". I do enjoy it.
I smoke 2 packs a day, and have for 40 yrs. Started with Camels and now I smoke Menthols. "Most" Viet Vets would understand why.

[Strider]

I smoked a little when I was younger, but realized that I could put the money that I spent on cigarettes to better use (computer equipment :D) and in the same time prevent a smoking related illness.

When I start working at my work they (the smokers) use to come into my office to smoke (I work for a paint manufactorer) and I would come home smelling of smoke which irrated me to no end because I don't smoke. Thank God the plant went smoke free, even to this day I couldn't understand smoking in a plant to contained flammable materials.

[SARGE]

Originally posted by not important
I smoke 2 packs a day, and have for 40 yrs. Started with Camels and now I smoke Menthols. "Most" Viet Vets would understand why.

Why?

[calmius]

Ok, since I was the one who brought this topic I up I must confess.

I am played with smoking for a while. I smoked a cigarette a day for a week, then didn't smoke anything for 2 months, then I wanted some more again then smoked one per day for 4 days, then I don't smoke for 3 days. Then smoke one more. Basically I don't want to smoke but enjoyed it from the first time I tried it.

I have this thing in my mind that I need to overcome whatever urges come to me, so the tobacco is like a war I created to fight my own urge. So, when I don't smoke despite wanting it, it makes me feel stronger.

[Blakhart]

My dad quit at 53 or so, from starting up at 13. He is a different person from that point on. I think it makes him proud to have beat it.
I remember going who is this guy? After the three months of spewing up "right smart fleem" (to abscond with one of my favorite civil-war-era remarks) wich is common to those who quit, he is free to this day, and like I said, a different person.
Pretty cool I think.
Oh yeah, I don't smoke. I steam a little tho...

[juppy]

A lady I used to work with smoked and her way of "quitting" just struck me as hilarious. She used to smoke this generic brand of cigs (GPC or something) and she'd have like 4 or 5 smoke breaks while we worked our 8 hour shift. One day I noticed a different color pack that she had so I asked her about it and she said she was gonna quit and that she was doing this by weaning herself off of them slowly. You know, going from regulars to lights, then from lights to ultra lights and so on until she didn't "need them" anymore. The thing was though, she smoked TWICE AS MANY of the lights as she did the regulars. She started taking about 8 or 9 breaks after she began smoking the lights! I didn't see that she accomplished anything except having to spend more money to buy twice as many cigarettes and AFAIK to this day she still smokes.

[calmius]

no, smoking "lights" doesn't work because smokers unconsciously take deeper breaths and hold smoke inside longer.

[Eaglefeather]

Smoked for close on 40 years. This month is the 3rd anniversary of my quitting. I was never a heavy smoker and always smoked menthols, but also smoked a pipe for a while as well as Colt cigars.

Three years ago I finally figured it was just costing too much to continue. I got the patch and it worked. I have not had a single craving from the moment I quit. Mind you in that first year I rotted my teeth with hard candies. My dentist was just a little more than perturbed. And to drive the point home he removed one of my teeth to teach me a lesson. :D

Over the years I had tried a number of times to quit but it never lasted for more that a week or two. The big problem is that I really enjoyed smoking.

I used to say the worst complainers about smoking in the world were smokers that had become nonsmokers. They were the ones the beefed loudest about smokers and started the nonsmokers rights organizations. Now I know why.

Until you become a nonsmoker, you really have no idea how bad smoking smells. I can not abide being in a room or around anyone that is or has been smoking. The smell is just unbelievably foul. I don't know how my wife, who has always been a nonsmoker, was able to put up with it all those years.

The only good thing was that I never smoked in the house, I always went outside. My next door neighbour thought I was some kind of nut because I always brought my coffee cup out and sat in my truck to have a smoke after my supper.

I started smoking in the days when smoking was still being promoted as the thing to do. My first pack of cigs came from the Federal Government. I had just joined the Army and the government gave members of the military 3 packs of cigs as a Christmas present that year.

I was hooked good and solid when the first hints that cigs could cause some serious damage to the lungs started to reach the public. Even then we didn't pay much attention. Heck we were young and healthy. It would take years before we would feel any effects, and it wasn't proved that it effected everyone, so we kept smoking.

Well a lot of us have paid a heavy price. I was quite fortunate, I am still healthy, but a quite a few of my friends from those days didn't make it, lung cancer got them.

Any young people that start smoking today are fools. Nicotine is an insidious substance, once it gets it's hooks into you it is difficult to cast it aside. So if you are young, don't try smoking, simply because you just may find you like it. If you like it you will have and even more difficult job quitting when you finally come to your senses.

[Confused]

Quit little over 4 years ago. Hardest thing I ever did and that includes giving up alcohol (Quart of vodka a day) nearly 12 years ago. I still miss them.
Chas

[ktkendall]

Originally posted by Confused
Quit little over 4 years ago. Hardest thing I ever did and that includes giving up alcohol (Quart of vodka a day) nearly 12 years ago. I still miss them.
Chas

That had to improve your life greatly giving up that quart of vodka a day...

[ktkendall]

The funny thing I've noticed is that as I've alluded to in my previous post, that I tried 1 to be as cool as my friends were at 15 years old and hated them and never picked up 1 again, but most of them still smoke 28 years later and when I see them still at it, and think, "there you are still doing a harmful stupid habit that you picked up 28 years ago just to be cool, and it's killing you and deterioting your quality of life, but you continue!! WHY?"
I realize though that they are quite addicting and legal, so as I've been told, they are actually harder to quit than some of the illegal substances....

[Paul Victorey]

Oh, nicotine is the single most addictive substance known to exist. Most addictive drugs operate on the pleasure centers of the brain, but nicotine acts directly on the part of the brain that controls behavioral reinforcement -- the part of the brain that makes you want to do something again.

[mbossman2]

i ditto Paul's comment. while i don't remember where I saw it, but some people claim that nicotine is 100x more addictive than heroin

[RenegadeKing]

I thought nicotine was the 2nd most addictive substance, and heroin was the 1st most addictive. I read something like only 5% of people can get off of heroin on their own, and a little more than that can get off of nicotine.

I never have smoked, and never will. Unfortunatly many of my friends do. Some have "quit", but just start up again a month later.

[Iman74]

LMAO
Looks like this post has definetly did not go in the direction the poster hoped for.

[calmius]

Although Nicotine is very addictive there can be no argument that it's harm is much less damaging than Heroine. At least you have plenty of time to quit befor your l ife is screwed up

[Iman74]

Yeah but quitting is not a walk in the park. I started at 16 and quit at 21. Before I quit I was smoking two packs a day of Marlboro reds hardpack. Now a days just the smell alone gives me a headache.

[ktkendall]

My point was actually that the fact that they are legal makes it harder cause you not breaking laws and they are much easier to aquire than the other addicting substances out there.

[whargoul]

I'm ashamed to admit that I have smoked cigarettes. But hey, it was the odd cig or Colt at a party that has never evolved into anymore than that. Sometimes it's hard to resist when your half-cut and you want to look cool in front of people, and it's as simple as asking someone for one since almost all my friends smoke. It's also amazing to see the things some of my buddoes have done to kick the habit, but end up going back to smoking.

I realize though that they are quite addicting and legal, so as I've been told, they are actually harder to quit than some of the illegal substances....

Ain't that the truth. I know the whole is it good or bad thing has been discussed here, but I have smoked more than enough of the "bad stuff" that if they were cigs I would surely be addicted. Yet I don't have the slighest inclination to do it as subject crosses my brain at the moment. I'm no scientist, or have any actual proof to back it up - but to me, addiction to marijunana seems to be all mental.

[SARGE]

:D :D A bud tried to quit one night by throwing his pack of cigs into the dog's water bowl. Before the night was over he grabbed them and placed in the microwave to dry 'em out.

[Clover]

I smoked a pack a day since the age of 12 up until 23. I got pregnant with our only son, and had to quit that and welding school. Both cold turkey. I went back to welding school though. I have been smoke free for 12 years now. WOW!

I smoked Marlboro Lights.

[Paul Victorey]

Originally posted by RenegadeKing
I thought nicotine was the 2nd most addictive substance, and heroin was the 1st most addictive. I read something like only 5% of people can get off of heroin on their own, and a little more than that can get off of nicotine.

I never have smoked, and never will. Unfortunatly many of my friends do. Some have "quit", but just start up again a month later.

It depends on how you quantify how addictive substances are. Depending on the specific criteria, nicotene, methadone, and heroin are the three most addictive substances known.

[ZANEY123]

i smoked marboro reds for 8 years, I quit 3 years ago after breaking a rib while playing hockey. Couldn't smoke with the broken rib after i was better i tried to smoke and i puked,, go figure

i guess breaking the rib was not bad after all.

i will take a drag from the wife's every now and then just to see but i still get sick just smelling it.

zaney123

[castlef]

I do not smoke, but I have found an alternative that I might be willing to try......

http://www.air-2.com/

of course, I do not believe it has the "cool factor" that cigarettes have either

[LocoCoyote]

Bad joke removed by moderator


OK Bad Joke!

[glc]

Moderator comment:

Not only is it a bad joke, but it violates our "PG-13" standards.

[Lord Prism]

No smoking for me!

[CaptTuna]

I smoked from 1972 to 1976, non menthol filter. Quit cold turkey. Started back in 1980 after an hour in jail in Bluefields, Nicaragua. Quit again in 2001, last smoke December 1, had to use Wellbutrin this time. I couldn't muster the will power this time. I smoked filtered light menthol, Camel, Marlboro or Bel-Air. I still miss it. If there is ever a 100% safe smoke I'll put down my $25 a pack.
The thing is when you quit you hate being around smokers, because they stink!

[calmius]

I have a question, those of you who smoke and tried to quit or did quit, what kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have?

[HAL9000]

Non smoker here... dunno how people can afford $10 a pack where I live.

[TimPoet]

My turn to chime in. I can't smoke, it makes me cough my fool head off. Did enjoy a pipe for a couple of years cuz ya don't inhale on those. But then they made me cough all the next day even more than I usually do, which is a lot, compared to the average bear. My postnasal drip causes me to cough.
I miss that aroma of pipe tobacco....

[mbossman2]

Originally posted by calmius
I have a question, those of you who smoke and tried to quit or did quit, what kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have?

for me, the intial were insatiable cravings, feeling like something was missing and that I really should be having a smoke right now. Then came the highly volatile irritability, the kind that if you looked at me funny or with the slightest instagation i would go off in a rage.

Then came the physical changes: dizziness, which is caused by the increased amount of oxygen going to your brain (not a bad thing) and the decrease in carbon monoxide (also a good thing). a loosening of the built up phlegm in my nose and chest and all of that starting to work its way out.

the worst of the symptoms (the almost uncontrollable urge to kill anything that pi$$ed me off) passed within 5 days, the carvings stopped shortly there after (but still come back, especially after a big meal, anything with caffiene and if i have an alcoholic drink, all 3 are huge triggers for cravings).

it has been 7 weeks now and the physical symptoms (coughing and sneezing) have pretty much passed (except for, interesting enuf, some newly found allergies [have to ask the doctor about that...connection?])

I have to thank my wife for helping me get thru the worst, if it weren't for her, i doubt i wouldn't have made it.

BTW, here is a great site as to what happens after you quit:

http://www.helioshealth.com/quit_smoking/after_quit.html

if you do smoke, do yourself a favor, quit. you do feel better fairly quickly and if you think that you can't do it alone (you are probably right), then enlist the aid of a freind, coworker and (most importantly) your spouse. Get both sides of your life covered, get a "sponsor" for when you are at work and left your spouse kick your a$$ when you are home. limit the potential time that you can smoke and you will quickly pass thru the worst of it.

Call your doctor, they will be more than happy to discuss the various alternatives to going cold turkey (they would much rather have your off tobacco than just about anything else).

best of luck

[Confused]

For those who may be thinking of quiting, Nicorette was a life save for me. Took care of most of the physical cravings and you can control the amount of nicotene you get.

I started out using 3 pieces, sometime 4 a day and by the time I quit the Nicorette 6 months later I was using 1/4 of a piece a day. Last 2 or 3 months it was purely a mind thing as I wasn't getting that much nicotene
Chas

[DPJ]

I don't smoke,never did. My wife did for years,she tried many things to stop but never made it until she bought a carton of cigarettes without any thing else and found out it was over 30 dollars.As you can tell this was awile ago since every one here is talking about buying 1 pack at a time.As a non-smoker i never relized how much it smelled until the smell wasn't there.

[Propain]

I smoked about 1 pack every 2 to 3 days since I was 13 now Im 33 and quit 2 months ago.
My father passed away in January at 63. I have 2 girls (6 and 4) and seing my father die in front of me one early friday morning has made me quit smoking forever. Not only for me but also so that my kids can have a father. Ill miss the hunting and fishing trips we used to have. I wasnt a heavy smoker , never smoked in the house or around my family and I feel alot better now than when I was 18. Quitting is not just something you do. You have to have a strong mind set to do it. I read Hal9000 post this morning and it made me cry. I just want my girls to have a daddy for the longest time possible.

cheers

[SARGE]

Guess it's all in the genes and how they react to stimuli like nicotine. I knew an old feller in his 80's. He always had a dip of snuff and a cig going at the same time, and sometimes the old coot had a chew along with those 2 items. And to top it off you never saw him without a can of beer in his hand, to wash it all down. The coot was in the hospital once and when I visited him he said the doctor told him to quit tobacco and drinking or it would kill him. His response was, "if'n I do quit that would surely kill me". While I was there he lit up a cig and the nurse came in and went bananas. Couldn't blame her, what with all the oxygen tanks in the joint. :D

[Confused]

Sarge I do believe you're right. My mother suprised all of us by quiting last year when she turned 80 after smoking 65 years. No problems with either heart or lungs. She just decided since she was last one in family that still smoked she would quit. Chewed Nicorette for about 8 monts but made it.

My father in law who just turned 90 quit chewing couple of years ago. Drinks every day, though not like I did. He normally only drinks couple of beers sometimes 3 a day. The amazing part for me was in over 30 years of seeing him chew, I never sam him spit.
Chas

[mbossman2]

Originally posted by Confused
Sarge I do believe you're right. My mother suprised all of us by quiting last year when she turned 80 after smoking 65 years. No problems with either heart or lungs. She just decided since she was last one in family that still smoked she would quit. Chewed Nicorette for about 8 monts but made it.

My father in law who just turned 90 quit chewing couple of years ago. Drinks every day, though not like I did. He normally only drinks couple of beers sometimes 3 a day. The amazing part for me was in over 30 years of seeing him chew, I never sam him spit.
Chas

I want to say that this is the exception rather than the norm.

My mother smoked for 45+ years. For my 37th birthday, the high blood pressure she developed caused an aortic anuerism (sp?) and the surgery was extremely rough as the emphysema she developed from smoking intefered with her breathing(lowered her lung function to just under 25% of total capacity). This in turn, brought about a rather severe stroke and for the last 2 years she has been hooked to a ventilator at 50% oxygen (room air is 20% oxygen) thru a permanent tracheotomy tube.

She is now only response to directly asked questions and can only answer if it requires no more than 1 or 2 words.

If that is not enough, my brother (age 41), was diagonosed with advanced heart disease (also caused by his 2-3 day a pack smoking habit) and was admitted to the hospital directly from his cardiac stress test for the implantation of 3 cardiac stents.

It took me 2 years to sucessfully make it to this point (now 8 weeks), becuase I'll be damned if, at age 40, I have severe heart disease or at age 65, that i will just be able to sit in a chair and be no more than a vegetable.

I reiterate, quit NOW, don't wait, like my mother or brother, until the decision is made for you.

[LocoCoyote]

Gee glc I didn't think it was that bad...but hey you're the boss ;-)

[Sixpack]

I smoke about 2 packs a day (Mar lights 100). I'm not proud of it but I do think it is an addiction and is extremly difficult to quit. I have tried several times in the past but it seems there is always a reason not to quit. A reason to quit is that I spend about $3500.00 a year on it (And that would build a screaming box).Sooo, I'm going to do my best and try again.
Wish me luck.:)

[glc]

It wasnt removed because it was *bad* - it was the "PG-13" thing.

[SARGE]

Originally posted by mbossman2

I reiterate, quit NOW, don't wait, like my mother or brother, until the decision is made for you.

Knew a feller who said, "one way or the other everyone quits". He's right.

[calmius]

hey check out www.tobacco.org , then find link that says ADS, then look at the old ads of Lucky Strike or Camel. they're so ridiclous!!

[eshort]

Im 58 years of age--have never smoked in my life!!--never even held a cigarette/cigar etc at or near my face.. probably cause my dad was a chain cigar smoker--the house always reeked from fresh/old cigar smoke...PHEEWWWW :(

[calmius]

So, do any of you think that tobacco sales should be illegalized?

[HAL9000]

If you want to quit... try this method... saw it in the paper and out of 5 people I know that tried it, 4 quit. Take an old 2 litre pop bottle, but DON'T wash it out (believe it or not, this is essential). Carry the bottle with you wherever you go, keep all off your ashes and butts in that bottle only (no flicking them out the car window or dropping ashes on the ground, etc). The 4 people I know that quit literally want to puke smelling a cigarette now after getting the bottle about 1/2 to 2/3rds full.... the fifth... he couldn't be bothered carrying the bottle everywhere, so it didn't work for him.

[mbossman2]

Originally posted by calmius
So, do any of you think that tobacco sales should be illegalized?

That would be a bad thing. I used to live in a US/Canada border town when the Canadian government laid immensely large taxes on cigarettes to cut down on smoking. In a very short time, there were huge operations up and running involved in the wholesale smuggling of tobacco along with the sumggling also came the increase in other crimes and violence.

Altho, the recent court decisions involving multi-billion dollar judgements may, in the long term, have the same effect by completely driving the tobacco industry out of business. If that does happen, that will set a bad precedent by opening up the door to similar suits against other "bad" industries (like firearms, alcohol, fast food etc).

[TimPoet]

Originally posted by calmius
So, do any of you think that tobacco sales should be illegalized? No. This is a free country.

[Joeberg]

I never tried smoking, never will.
MY father almost died from the horrible habit, so I would never take the chance. Here in NYC, a similar tax was raised, helping somewhat cut the amount of smokers....Also, its illegal to smoke in bars & pubs. Although its greatly lowering the amount of smokers, people are finding ways to "get around" the price, like mail-ordering thier cogarettes. Hopefully more and more people will quit......

[SARGE]

Booze was outlawed once and folks still got it. If they ever do tax the tobacco users out of existence, watch the gov't cry about the sudden shortfall in revenue, then raise taxes on other items to make up for the loss.

[TimPoet]

Originally posted by SARGE
Booze was outlawed once and folks still got it. If they ever do tax the tobacco users out of existence, watch the gov't cry about the sudden shortfall in revenue, then raise taxes on other items to make up for the loss. LMBO!!! Sarge, that's so ludicrous that if cigs did go away, I bet the government would do just that. :D

[Lord Prism]

GOOD ONE Sarge

[pillainp]

Yup, like it or not, cigs are one of the biggest revenue earners for any government anywhere. I have been smoking for the past 14 years and the prices have risen around 10 fold in that time.