Smoking is like playing Russian Roulette: You may well enjoy it, and you can argue that we're all going to die eventually, but is it sensible to take such chances with your life? That's the addiction talking. I know, I've been there. It's a hard habit to kick. I kicked it once years ago, and I'm currently in the process of kicking it again. I'm a friggin' idiot. I've spent some time in Europe the last few years, and it's amazing to see how many people openly smoke as compared to the U.S. And most restaurants allow smoking just about anywhere. I don't necessarily believe that's a good thing, but I do feel we may have gone too far to the other extreme in the U.S. I pretty much agree with banning smoking in restaurants. However, when businesses start telling employees they can't smoke, that's going well over the line. Our local hospital has recently done away with the outdoor smoking area, and has restricted its employees from smoking in their cars while on the job. Now that's a true invasion on one's personal freedom, in my opinion. We've got to strike a sane balance, folks. Having said all that, I still believe smokers are friggin' idiots. I'll remain a friggin' idiot until I kick the habit again. Of course, I'll still be a friggin' idiot for other reasons, but that's a whole other story.

I just had to jump into this fray. Yea, we smokers know all about second hand smoke, and like mrbronco, I go OUT OF MY WAY not to smoke around non-smokers, children, little old ladies, cats, dogs, parakeets, or homing pigeons... That being said, I thought I'd throw out something that makes the cure as bad as the ailment. Hundreds of thousands of people are now addicted to the patch, nicorette gum, and other stop-smoking aids. Just another point that I wanted to add. I'm not interested in hearing anyone complain about my smoking. Just remember, my bad habit is MY bad habit and I do it well away from the innocent folk. Cheers and mrbronco, kudos for generating some serious chat on this post :) http://www.bigblueheron.blogspot.com/

I've never smoked, but second hand smoked greatly enhances my asthma attacks. Friends of mine have stopped smoking with Spirulina, which I've written about here on this website. Spirulina is a whole food sold at Health Food Stores. It is an algae. And I guess from what I've been told it works!

I used to smoke and I remember that feeling well. there's nothing like having a cigarette after being deprived for several hours or a day. the world looks different. Still, I am so glad I quit. I don't want lung cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, or breathing problems. Click here for 30 days of free Blockbuster movies.