LMAO...The Mills Brothers

How smooth those guys were....

One thing I will say about the smoking bans in bars -- I'm smoking less. I went out for a coupla beers tonight and noticed a bunch of people were coming out to smoke the second half of a cigarette. I do the same thing now. If we were smoking in the bar, we'd be smoking waaaaaay more than half a smoke every beer or so. The ashtrays would be overflowing.

That being said, I'll probably drink less in bars in the cold weather and that'll affect many bar owners in the 'hood.

WI? You also said "piece"! I get ya hun!

Wasn't gonna post here anymore cause it really is a topic that get's my panties in a bunch (<---waiting...waiting...I know I won't be disappointed with that expression expressed)...!

Anyway...as to what WI said about the feeling of going to family member's home on Thanksgiving and getting the door slammed in his face...I HAVE to disagree with the analogy *ducks the wrath*.

It's really nothing like that with smokers WI. Least where I am anyway. Firstly, even if someone tells me I can smoke in their house...unless everyone is smoking I just don't do it! I go to an appropriate or designated area, ie: outside or in a garage or smoking area. I am more concerned for, what may be, the minority of non-smoker's around and I can just as easily go outside to smoke. My decision...even if I have permission to light up. I do it at my in-laws all the time. My father-in-law smokes and my mother-in-law doesn't and she insists she doesn't mind if we smoke inside. Matter of fact she yells at me when I get up to go out to the garage. Every now and then I hear this cough she has, that she swears isn't from second hand smoke...just that her throat is dry. I believe she thinks that...but I will not contribute to it's intensity. But that's not the only reason why. My father-in-law smokes inside but you wouldn't know it for how clean the house is and the air smells. I don't want to make their home yucky! Myself and Mr. Lixy smoke in our home and I see what the smoke does to the walls and curtains etc. It takes me twice as long as a non-smoker to clean my house thoroughly and I have to do it more often (a really intense cleaning) than a non-smoker would too! Another aspect/residual effect of smoking I hate with a purple passion!

But secondly...and more to the point...

When I go out to a public venue and am told I can't smoke...I either chose to go in or not. That's MY choice! That there are places/counties/whole cities that are smoke-free zones now...even outside, in the open air...on a council board's mandatory ban that you or I had no say in...well...where does it end? How much would you take of someone telling you that you CANNOT do something you have done for years (let's take masturbating for example I'd call that an addiction...no?), even if you are alone and in your own backyard or bedroom...away from anyone who would be offended by it? Maybe that doesn't compare to smoking...but you get my gist about the infliction of an authoritative rule that shouldn't even apply to you if you aren't harming anyone, don't you?

I can't find an example of something that would hit home to those opposed if they've never had someone tell them that they have no say over something they've always done and now are slowly being shunned and treated childlike, with no option but to bend to the rules till they get so ridiculous and infringe on your rights far beyond what any authority has a right to impose! (<---whew! I'm outta breath!...<---little smoker's joke there...lmfao)!

I can take the rules! I can follow them to a tee! I can choose to go in or choose to stay out. I am polite about my addiction and I don't impose it on anyone else! I am a mature adult and I know what is proper and what isn't.

You've gone too far if you start telling me that I cannot smoke within 1 mile of your establishment! Hey! Merck, the drug company, has that rule in place...don't doubt it! Who the fuck is it hurting if I am 3/4 miles away from your freakin building, in my car, no one else on the road, and I am smoking? It's getting regodamndiculous I tell you!

My biggest objections to all those who are making the rules are...WHO DIED AND MADE YOU BOSS OF THE WORLD? How far are you going to push us? OK...if we all stopped smoking today...where will you make up for the lack of revenue that you'll be missing when the "sin taxes" aren't there anymore?
And where does it all end? How far into my personal life is still keeping within my right to privacy? And who the fuck voted for you anyway? (<---had to add that cause I never voted for any of these assholes who are standing on their holier than thou ground).

In essence...PF putting that moniker on the front door didn't keep anyone out who chose to peek in out of curiousity. You have that right! That you spoke up and got smashed down...well...now you know how we (smoker's) feel. And the more you (non-smoker's) try to sway our view and impose more and more ludicrous rules...the madder we get and the more we try to fight back. Know when enough is enough! Trust that we already know smoking isn't all that healthy! HELP us to find an absolute way to quit! Don't keep slapping us on the fanny and putting us in the corner and making us pay through the nose for something that truely isn't our fault (those who started smoking BEFORE all the warnings and disclosure of man-made addiction inflicted by the cigarette companies themselves).

For those of you who start smoking in this day and age of all the warnings...SHAME ON YOU!!!!! Don't do it! Your life will suck fore it and sooner or later you'll be buying cigs from the black market due to prohibition! Look up the days of alcohol prohibition and see what I mean.

*wonders if that was enough words for the day while jumping off the soapbox*

*giggle*

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Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~

I read something briefly about Vancouver banning smoking OUTSIDE!

Smashed down...but why did we?

We are not the enemy the addiction/habit is

You think smoking is the only thing in this world that makes people feel like they are on the outer? Blah Toad Turds.....I deal with prejudice every day...and every day i tell myself they are only trying to help (and yep i get pissed too...but)....Isnt that what you yourself said you wanted?

The thing is and the sooner you learn it...We cannot help you quit!....You have to do it! And don't be telling me i dont know what i'm talking about either....as i said earlier....i beat my addiction/habit....and every other smoker can too...if they want to....and i mean REALLY REALLY want to

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What I meant by "smashed down" was that everyone in the thread who smoked got their back hairs up when anyone who didn't smoke came in here anyway and made a remark, even though they were told they shouldn't by the notice on the thread's title and it's initial content. In other words...it was in comparison to a smoker going into an establishment and lighting up and getting called on it, even though there was full notice upon entry that it was a non-smoking establishment. Ya know what I mean?

I know there are ex-smoker's who have done it successfully and with lots of effort and willpower! I know that you, Alassë, are one of those proud peeps (amoung many here at Pixies and in the world)...and I give you a standing ovation for that accomplishment!

I'm one of those peeps that hasn't been able to tackle that addiction though i have tried MANY times!

Contrary to your statement that "you" (meaning anyone aside from myself) cannot help me quit? Not true! The American Heart Association has hotlines and pamphlets, etc. set up to do just that...HELP! And...I've heard that the drug companies have in the making a pill that will help smoker's quit without the withdrawl symptons and weight gain usually associated with quitting! I'm hoping (in my weakness) that this is true and is coming soon!

I think to say that you can't help...it's been done before by many...is just a way of saying that you've done it the "hard way" and every smoker should have to feel your pain to appreciate the value (my opinion). I am of the thought that if I don't have to go through the agony of those who went before me...I would rather not! Same principal as natural vs. anesthetic child birth. I can't imagine why (unless medically suggested and necessary due to allergic reactions or something of that sort) a woman would want to choose natural childbirth if the drugs used are safe and guarantee a virtually pain free birthing process! Gimme the drugs!

So yes...I might be weaker than you in quitting. Ever think that maybe my reactions to withdrawl might be different and/or more severe than those who have actually been able to overcome? No two people are quite the same.

And ya know what? I never said I couldn't quit! I did say I suck at quitting and I haven't been able to make it stick! Oh hun...I quit real good, with every intention of really, really wanting to! If I could stay that way and never want to do it again...I'd have this beat...right? Lucky you for being one of the peeps that could!

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~

Smokers are people.
Smoking is a behavior.
That's why the signs say "no smoking" instead of "no smokers" as opposed to this thread. The idea usually being to discourage the behavior while still welcoming all people. Again as opposed to this thread.

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The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.~ Betty Grable

If I wanted your opinion, I'd remove the duct tape and ask you for it.~ Me
<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
One man's dream is another man's nightmare~~~~> §¤ Lilith ¤§
~>My Scribbles<~
==>Gone Shopping<== ~Just a Quickie~ *~A Celebration Vacation~* ~Surprises~ Sleeping With the Window Open
What Did You Do Today? Self Defense Class ~Short Sweet Snippets~ § Summer Spin § Story Challenge Submission Pajamas

Oh, I don't know Lil. People who smoke are still people...yet those who impose the rules push us further away with a non-smoking ban in a mandatory dimensional area...ie: Merck's ruling of a mile distance...or an area so far removed from an establishment that we have to brave the elements and risk our health further, such as a designated areas across the parking lot at the furthest side of said establishment...or, better yet, no consideration at all...no cans to outen the cigs, no area to go to so as not offend.

I think it's all semantics! I see a sign that says, "No Smoking" and I feel unwelcomed...but I will bite the bullet if all who I am with really want to go in. If I ever saw a sign that said, "No Smoker's", I would still have a choice and I'd still feel unwelcomed! The signs I usually see say, This is a non-smoking establishment. Smoking is prohibited and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law". Most of these places...yes, MOST of them...never supply a place to put out your butt before entering and/or a place to smoke that will not offend (ie: a lean-to, outside and away from the building) That to me says...WE DO NOT WELCOME SMOKERS!

It's semantics, I tell you!

What if you were suddenly told that peeing was only acceptable in a public establishment's bathrooms if you were drinking their beer or liquor along with eating their food (in other words...abiding by their house rules). What if you had always pee'd there before and it was your most favorite place to frequent. OK...so you have the choice to quit going there if you don't drink alcohol...or you can get a drink and hope they don't see you NOT drinking it if you really didn't want it...or you can get sloshed and pee to your hearts content. But, this particular place has set it up so that there is no alternative place to pee...like an outhouse. Don't you think it cuts off their nose to spite their face to not let you pee SOMEWHERE?

On the flip side...Moe's Place, down the road, has the same rules with the exception of an alternative place to pee. He has a "Spot-a-Pot" for men and women who don't drink just outside his back entrance...not too troublesome to get to, but far enough away to not offend those customers who have paid good money for a drink.

Who gets the better business?

It's semantics I tell ya!

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~

It might be semantics ... but last I checked the act of urinating in a public restroom didn't infringe upon the health of others.

I know I'm not supposed to be allowed here.

I'm sorry Lixy, I know you are defending yourself heart and soul, but I think you are missing the point of so many posts that are here. It appears you have already decided that those of us that don't smoke are pushing big brother's thumb down on your shoulder.

Taking two steps back to WI's reference of doors slamming in your face on Thanksgiving at a family's place. I understood his point to be the way in which PF presented this thread specifically stating that those of us who made the choice not to smoke are not allowed. Many have spoken of the pixies family (not in this thread necessarily) and to create a thread in which the very first post very pointedly, and in an angered tone tells us we are not welcome is like having your family suddenly slam a door in your face.

That I believe is the point Lil was trying to further iterate - in this thread we, non-smoking people, were told we were not allowed. No one has told you that you, a smoking person, can not go anywhere. Only that you are told you can't perform the act of smoking in certain places. You then make the choice to be offended and shunned and attach it as a judgement on you as a person. I don't interpret such signs in that manner.

I honestly don't see a resolution to this issue - as much as either side feels they are being empathetic and listening the other side is always willing to say, but you just don't know how it feels to be in my shoes.

Backs were up before we (reformed/non smokers) even got there








Regardless of all the aids available to assist giving up....YOU are still ultimately the one that needs to want to do it and need to have the will to see it through...No-one else can do that for you...Sitting there making excuses will not help you succeed (i know been there done that too)



Then you think wrong!

If there is a way you can do it without the mood swings and crap i went through...then i wish you all the luck in the world

Just remember

Everytime we Non smokers/Reformed attempt to help all we get for our trouble is the *you dont understand your picking on us* crap or the your a reformed smoker and you're the worst

If smokers honestly want help...then it is up to them to reach for it and make the most of what IS available to them

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OK, I didn't read the last few well-reasoned posts but I'm just posting now to give props to Lixy. It's tough to be a smoker & she gave up stuff & I gave up some stuff & we can't stop smoking.

Again, props to Lix.

There is a part from the first post of this thread that has NOT been highlighted and quoted, that stated…



That has not been an option, choice, consideration or remotely possible. The intent of the thread was refocused, kidnapped and raped before being gutted with authority and dispatch. As the originator, I have made THREE OFFICIAL REQUESTS that it be locked. Perhaps when the boot feels satisfactory admonishment has been stomped into the infidel, this thread will be allowed to die.

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This thread did not require locking....i've only seen one flame...and ya should go check who cast it....I certainly did not cast rocks nor laugh nor scorn nor use a bloody boot....I fought the damn beast too!!...What because i didnt smoke for 20 damn years i'm not as able as you to post here...absolute Toad Turds

You obviously are not the person who i thought you to be....thanx mate

Never mind.....be happy with your addiction....i wont bother you again

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OMG! I can't remember when something made me as sad as those words did.






As a non-smoker (I puffed a few in high school just to see what it was like but lucky for me never got hooked) when I first saw the title of PF's thread I felt my fur had been rubbed the wrong way and I thought about charging in and saying something. But the next thread (some sex topic or other) caught my attention and I went there and forgot about this one.

Until tonight......... Some one asked if I'd been following PF's smoking thread and said it was pretty hot. (pun intended)

So I just read it start to finish....... I sat here at the end just wanting to cry. The over all feeling in this thread is not one normally felt at Pixies. What happened to supporting each other no matter what? Wheres the family that excepts you know matter what? And I mean both the smokers and non-smokers in this thread. So much anger, finger pointing, you don't understand statements, I did/you can, I've tryed/I can't !

The same person who asked if I'd read this thread stated..... 'Where there's smoke there's fire'. Well damn it Pixie people, put out the fire your holding onto, be it for or against smoking or smokers or whatever your all burning upset about. We're family and for all our many habits, oddness, uniqueness, handicaps and weird traits, we love each other. And you're going to let smoking cause tension and bad feeling among us?!!? You all need to cool down, take a time out or whatever.






Geezzz...... just re-read what I wrote and it doesn't nearly express what I'm thinking, feeling or wanted to say.

Would ya'all just kiss and make up already!

((((((( Pixies... ALL of 'em!! )))))))

Well Teddy, I think that the fact that this hadn't been posted to or bumped back up to the top in 4 days meant people were trying to take a time out from it.

__________________

The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.~ Betty Grable

If I wanted your opinion, I'd remove the duct tape and ask you for it.~ Me
<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
One man's dream is another man's nightmare~~~~> §¤ Lilith ¤§
~>My Scribbles<~
==>Gone Shopping<== ~Just a Quickie~ *~A Celebration Vacation~* ~Surprises~ Sleeping With the Window Open
What Did You Do Today? Self Defense Class ~Short Sweet Snippets~ § Summer Spin § Story Challenge Submission Pajamas