Smokers

[Little Miss]

This kinda topic may have been done in my absense, but if that's the case I'll have to be forgiven because my absense was somewhat....long.

Any smokers out there?

I'd love to be able to whinge and moan and say that I'm ostracized for my habit in society etc but...that's not true. The smoking ban fucking sucks, yes, but (in Liverpool at least) at least half the people I see in the street are puffing away, and there's always friendly scousers around to lend a light, or give a 'spare' cig in desperate times (I say spare but....there's really no such thing as a spare cig).

Before any non-smoker decides to tell me about the damage I'm doing to my body blah blah....well, I wouldn't bother. I already know. I get it. Bad, filthy, expensive and unhealthy habit but fuck it, I love it. There's no satisfaction like a fag first thing in the morning, after sex, after dinner, with a coffee/tea, after a long slog of revision or lectures. And it looks damn cool.

Hell, I'll quit one day. If I have children I'll give up. I might even give up before. Whenever I want to, or at least have a damn good incentive that (hopefully) isn't absolute poverty or cancer. But until that day I'll enjoy my filthy habit.

Anyone else a smoker and not ashamed? What do you smoke?

[Bong-Man]

I smoke because I honestly like to. I've smoked for over 30 years now. I quit two years ago for 11 months, and made the decision to start again. WHY ? Because I was absolutely miserable. I smoked Newport's for 25 years, and after quitting, decided to start smoking Marlboro Reds in a cigar sort of way. I probably smoke between 10-20 cigs a day.

You will hear no argument from me about the merits of smoking, however you will hear me complain about the smoking police. Can you say propaganda ? The smoking police have become worse than the MADD people. First it was "don't drive drunk". That somehow morphed into "don't drink and drive". I have a problem with that....it's legal to drink and drive, as long as you are not over the limit. The case against smoking has become just as twisted. Why would you care if I smoke in my car ? Studies have proven that smoking keeps you more alert at the wheel. Studies have also proven that smokers have less strokes than non-smokers. If people are so worried about second-hand smoke, where's their campaign against car exhaust ? If I'm standing outside 10 feet from a doorway having a smoke, you should be more worried about the two cars pumping out exhaust a lot more than you should be worried about me smoking....and by the way, your perfume/cologne smells like rat's ass. I live in a Metro area that is consistently in the top 10 of the worst air quality in the U.S......is second-hand smoke causing that ? NO...so why the priority when I'm willing to take my habit outside ? Even Doctors have bought into this campaign. If you listen closely, most now like to claim that non-smokers have never gotten lung cancer except for second-hand smoke. What kind of line of crap is that ?

Again, I'm not arguing in favor of smoking, I'm not arguing that you don't have a right to breathe clean-air in a public building. I'm not advocating that you smoke. I'm saying quit blowing propaganda up my ass for your twisted cause. If you can't give me accurate facts to support your cause, shut up !!

How's that Little Miss ?

[roblindblad]

I'm a one-way smoker

and that's up

[Mjolnir]

I'm a smoker too (Kools for me). I agree, smoking makes me happy and makes me feel good. I do plan to give it up one day though...I guess all smokers say that at least once.

[DRUNK]

I quit three months ago, but I'm all about smokers' rights.

Secondhand smoke is a joke.

Smoking is bad for you, but it's blown out of proportion. I just saw a statistic saying under 10% of smokers get lung cancer, but they make it seem like everyone will get it.

Your lifestyle has a lot to do with what effects your habits have on you. If you exercise and eat healthy, you can probably get away with smoking.

In the end, it is not worth having a habit that will potentially kill you, but you'll see the signs of it doing that before it does, and that's when you have to decide what is more important: your life or the habit.

I quit because I was a near chain smoker. I just couldn't stop. I would smoke around 2 packs a day. I would wake up, and my lungs would be hurting.

[One Symbol]

Smoking is bad for you, but it's blown out of proportion.

[Cactus]

Last year they introduced a complete smoking ban in pubs and clubs here (was already banned in restaurants). Even though I smoke I think it's a good thing as it is about choice, now people can choose to go out and not come home reeking of cigarettes, even though they don't smoke. It also means you get to meet a lot of cool people huddled around out the back having a puff.

[ally]

I think the smoking ban is great. I just wish I could apply it on myself In the meantime, I'll continue my stupid habbit and try quitting again

[Gainsbarre]

Hell, I'll quit one day. If I have children I'll give up. I might even give up before. Whenever I want to, or at least have a damn good incentive that (hopefully) isn't absolute poverty or cancer. But until that day I'll enjoy my filthy habit.

The trouble is the day you decide you want to quit will never come...

I LOOOOVE it, I mean, my God, if I quit smoking, what the fuck would I do with myself all day???

I read an interview where George Harrison said he went on tour to Japan in 1991 because he'd just quit smoking and desperately needed something to do

But smoking is bad for my health, it affects me more than other people, so I really do need to quit, but the minute I decide I will quit, I start to smoke even more!

It's terrible I don't know what to do

But apart from feeling sick all the time, it is fabulous! And, like Brian Ferry said, everyone does look great holding a fag

I started smoking because when I was a kid, it just fascinated me. In the 80's you still had cigarette commercials at the cinema, and they were always the best ads: like commercials for B&H Sterling where some titty blonde would be zipping around Monaco in a ferrari convertible, and she'd pull up outside some hugely expensive yacht where some guy, who had just been paragliding across the ocean would be waiting for her with a packet of B&H Sterling, I mean fuck yeah!

Anyway, I think I've smoked every brand in existence

I started smoking Benson & Hedges when I was 19, then I moved to Mild Sevens, a beautiful Japanese brand with charcoal filters in them.

But then they became difficult to buy in Australia, so I started smoking Kent.

After a short period of time smoking KOOL (and other more exotic brands like St Moritz and Claridge) I moved back to Kent (KOOL always made me feel sick) then a shop nearby started selling the Mild Sevens so I went back to them

Then I moved on to Rothmans, and my god, that was a cigarette! Probably one of the best made cigarettes ever. But again, too good and too strong, so I moved off them onto Marlboro Red. But my health was getting nasty so I moved down to Marlboro Mediums, and Peter Suyvesant, then finally Marlboro Lights

I also used to smoke Gitanes and Gauloises when I could get them. But its difficult in Australia because the French refused to print Australian Health Warnings on their packets, so there were not allowed to be sold, you had to buy them under the counter.

So finally now, I'm on the Benson & Hedges Ultimates

[ally]

The trouble is the day you decide you want to quit will never come...

I LOOOOVE it, I mean, my God, if I quit smoking, what the fuck would I do with myself all day???

I read an interview where George Harrison said he went on tour to Japan in 1991 because he'd just quit smoking and desperately needed something to do

But smoking is bad for my health, it affects me more than other people, so I really do need to quit, but the minute I decide I will quit, I start to smoke even more!

It's terrible I don't know what to do

But apart from feeling sick all the time, it is fabulous! And, like Brian Ferry said, everyone does look great holding a fag

I started smoking because when I was a kid, it just fascinated me. In the 80's you still had cigarette commercials at the cinema, and they were always the best ads: like commercials for B&H Sterling where some titty blonde would be zipping around Monaco in a ferrari convertible, and she'd pull up outside some hugely expensive yacht where some guy, who had just been paragliding across the ocean would be waiting for her with a packet of B&H Sterling, I mean fuck yeah!

Anyway, I think I've smoked every brand in existence

I started smoking Benson & Hedges when I was 19, then I moved to Mild Sevens, a beautiful Japanese brand with charcoal filters in them.

But then they became difficult to buy in Australia, so I started smoking Kent.

After a short period of time smoking KOOL (and other more exotic brands like St Moritz and Claridge) I moved back to Kent (KOOL always made me feel sick) then a shop nearby started selling the Mild Sevens so I went back to them

Then I moved on to Rothmans, and my god, that was a cigarette! Probably one of the best made cigarettes ever. But again, too good and too strong, so I moved off them onto Marlboro Red. But my health was getting nasty so I moved down to Marlboro Mediums, and Peter Suyvesant, then finally Marlboro Lights

I also used to smoke Gitanes and Gauloises when I could get them. But its difficult in Australia because the French refused to print Australian Health Warnings on their packets, so there were not allowed to be sold, you had to buy them under the counter.

So finally now, I'm on the Benson & Hedges Ultimates

Yeah, your right ! it is a love hate relationship. I love it and it hates me

[Gainsbarre]

Yeah, your right ! it is a love hate relationship. I love it and it hates me

Aint that the truth!

Yeah, I have, what would've been described 80 years ago as a delicate constitution and smoking really isn't good for me now, not just in the long run, but what can i say? It's still wonderful. Like an abusive relationship.

Although my Grandmother though was a great smoker, she started during WW2 in the London Air Raid shelters, and never looked back. She died at 83, no health problems

[jimmie ray]

I've always been curious about what feeling does tobacco actually give you? I tried a cigarette when I was 14 or so, and didn't get anything out of it. Nobody who smokes that I've asked can describe why they do it, but always complain how hard it is to stop. It's not a high, but just a calming effect? It's like an addiction that your body needs, but doesn't make you feel better - it only takes away the feeling of uncomfortableness that you get when you don't have it? I am not an anti-smoker, it's not my business to be. I certainly have my vices, but the "evils" that I enjoy are much easier to describe the feeling of.

[ally]

Aint that the truth!

Yeah, I have, what would've been described 80 years ago as a delicate constitution and smoking really isn't good for me now, not just in the long run, but what can i say? It's still wonderful. Like an abusive relationship.

Although my Grandmother though was a great smoker, she started during WW2 in the London Air Raid shelters, and never looked back. She died at 83, no health problems

I'm like you I guess. I have alway's enjoyed smoking and I can honestly say that I knew I was addicted very early in the piece. I have tried on many occations to quit but clearly have not succeeded. The smoking ban has been in place for a number of years in Vancouver and I must admit, that all the talk of bars losing buisness has failred to materialize. If anything, they've gained customers. I will say at least though, the ban has curbed my smoking and it is much nicer not having smoke filled rooms when you go out for dinner

[Gainsbarre]

The smoking ban has been in place for a number of years in Vancouver and I must admit, that all the talk of bars losing buisness has failred to materialize. If anything, they've gained customers. I will say at least though, the ban has curbed my smoking and it is much nicer not having smoke filled rooms when you go out for dinner

Well i can't say I particularly miss not being able to smoke in restaurants or clubs, and anyway nowdays in clubs you're getting your little footpath community of smokers all congregating out the front.

[ally]

Well i can't say I particularly miss not being able to smoke in restaurants or clubs, and anyway nowdays in clubs you're getting your little footpath community of smokers all congregating out the front.

Some municipalities in the Lower Mainland allow bars to have smoking areas outside. Covered and heated patios etc. Some also have different distances in public areas. In Vancouver you must be 6 meters away from say a bus stop or doorway. In Burnaby it's 3 meters. It's more likely you'll get busted for smoking at a bus stop than it would be if you were cranking heroine.

[Gainsbarre]

In Vancouver you must be 6 meters away from say a bus stop or doorway. In Burnaby it's 3 meters. It's more likely you'll get busted for smoking at a bus stop than it would be if you were cranking heroine.

Ha! I'd believe that too

But yeah, it's 4 metres from a doorway here

[Rorer714]

I found out that I had lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago, from smoking the "god almighty" cigarette,haha.They have a way of grabbing you by the balls or whatever that may cause you pain.

I'm not on here to preach,(I loved almost every one of those bitches;approximately and conservatively,362880 of them) 2 packs a day for 27 years.

I always thought that I could never stop smoking,I met a member on this board and I quit before she came to see me.I found out that I had cancer a year after I quit and I had 2/3 of my right lung removed.She came here for my surgery and has been with me ever since.In fact I married her during my chemo treatments and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,ZoSoDragon is the most amazing chick I have ever met

Anyway,I was always for non smokers rights than I was for my own as a smoker.I always believed that we were doing a bad thing and that I had no right to impose that upon them.Quit whining about where you can or can't smoke.Kill youself,by yourself.At least you still CAN smoke at all.

You're not educated in the field of luncer cancer or you're in denial if you think that it's all propaganda.I quit when I was 43,that's pretty young to be getting cancer from smoking.I believe that there are a lot more chemicals in tobacco now than before.Christ,I sound like I'm preaching now,SORRY!!!!!! I could go on and on and on and...I just hate to see anyone go through the shit that I have,it's brutal...

[ally]

I found out that I had lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago, from smoking the "god almighty" cigarette,haha.They have a way of grabbing you by the balls or whatever that may cause you pain.

I'm not on here to preach,(I loved almost every one of those bitches;approximately and conservatively,362880 of them) 2 packs a day for 27 years.

I always thought that I could never stop smoking,I met a member on this board and I quit before she came to see me.I found out that I had cancer a year after I quit and I had 2/3 of my right lung removed.She came here for my surgery and has been with me ever since.In fact I married her during my chemo treatments and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,ZoSoDragon is the most amazing chick I have ever met

Anyway,I was always for non smokers rights than I was for my own as a smoker.I always believed that we were doing a bad thing and that I had no right to impose that upon them.Quit whining about where you can or can't smoke.Kill youself,by yourself.At least you still CAN smoke at all.

You're not educated in the field of luncer cancer or you're in denial if you think that it's all propaganda.I quit when I was 43,that's pretty young to be getting cancer from smoking.I believe that there are a lot more chemicals in tobacco now than before.Christ,I sound like I'm preaching now,SORRY!!!!!! I could go on and on and on and...I just hate to see anyone go through the shit that I have,it's brutal...

Your not preaching. I for one will try to heed your advice. I do understand, as my Father died from lung cancer.

[Rorer714]

Your not preaching. I for one will try to heed your advice. I do understand, as my Father died from lung cancer.

Sorry to hear about your dad ally.I've done some very hard things in my life,quitting cigarettes was not even close to the top of that list.Perhaps it was one of the easiest things.The propaganda lies with the fact of it being "harder to quit than heroin".(that must be RJ Reynolds propaganda)That's the biggest bunch of shit that I've ever heard.It's in your mind.I still have enough Marlboro miles in a large coffee can to probably pay for my treatments,think they'll cash them in?

[MadScreamingGallery]

I found out that I had lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago, from smoking the "god almighty" cigarette,haha.They have a way of grabbing you by the balls or whatever that may cause you pain.

I'm not on here to preach,(I loved almost every one of those bitches;approximately and conservatively,362880 of them) 2 packs a day for 27 years.

I always thought that I could never stop smoking,I met a member on this board and I quit before she came to see me.I found out that I had cancer a year after I quit and I had 2/3 of my right lung removed.She came here for my surgery and has been with me ever since.In fact I married her during my chemo treatments and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,ZoSoDragon is the most amazing chick I have ever met

Anyway,I was always for non smokers rights than I was for my own as a smoker.I always believed that we were doing a bad thing and that I had no right to impose that upon them.Quit whining about where you can or can't smoke.Kill youself,by yourself.At least you still CAN smoke at all.

You're not educated in the field of luncer cancer or you're in denial if you think that it's all propaganda.I quit when I was 43,that's pretty young to be getting cancer from smoking.I believe that there are a lot more chemicals in tobacco now than before.Christ,I sound like I'm preaching now,SORRY!!!!!! I could go on and on and on and...I just hate to see anyone go through the shit that I have,it's brutal...

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Don't apologize - you're not preaching. I imagine that, by sharing your story, you may have spared at least one person here from going through what you had to endure.

I never smoked cigarettes but I grew up in a time and place where everyone smoked and spent the first 20+ years of my life in close contact with smokers, inhaling their second hand smoke so I wouldn't be surprised if I one day succumb.

My prayers and best wishes to you and your lady. God bless you both.

[JethroTull]

Whenever I see a smoker I think...loser. An insecure, litterbug, unhapppy with themselves and they take it out on their lungs and everything/everyone around them. Y'know what cracks me up...watching a parent smoke in a car with their suffocating little one sitting next to them. Pissing away your money on cancer sticks. LOSER!!!

[Mrs. Plant]

I LOVE the smoking ban at bars in NYC. I couldn't stand it in Texas when I would go home, want to just pass out, and HAVE to take a shower because I couldn't stand the nasty smell that lingered in my hair and clothes.

Every city should have it, I find it flat out rude to smoke inside any place.

My grandpa died two years ago of emphysema at the age of 69. He smoked since he was 15 or 16 and never got cancer. But it was so hard to see him not able to breathe. He eventually had to get an oxygen tank and he could barely leave the house.

He was the person closet to my heart and never again will I touch a cigarette.

Unfortunately some of my family still smokes, even after watching what my Grandpa suffered through. It makes me sad.

[Uncle Bill]

Before any non-smoker decides to tell me about the damage I'm doing to my body blah blah....well, I wouldn't bother. I already know. I get it.

You didn't really think this was possible did you? Some people think everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[Dzldoc]

Whenever I see a smoker I think...loser. An insecure, litterbug, unhapppy with themselves and they take it out on their lungs and everything/everyone around them. Y'know what cracks me up...watching a parent smoke in a car with their suffocating little one sitting next to them. Pissing away your money on cancer sticks. LOSER!!!

You've obviously never smoked, good for you. Some people call it a habit but it's an addiction as strong as heroin. I quit using any kind of drugs along time ago and I can tell you that I could take or leave it, not so with nicotine it was more like a possesion than addiction. Louisiana passed a smoking ban on smoking in cars while transporting small children and in reasturaunts and bars that serve food.

When I smoked I would never smoke in a reasturaunt even when it was allowed,

it just made me lose my appetite "Bleh"!

I LOVE the smoking ban at bars in NYC. I couldn't stand it in Texas when I would go home, want to just pass out, and HAVE to take a shower because I couldn't stand the nasty smell that lingered in my hair and clothes.

Every city should have it, I find it flat out rude to smoke inside any place.

My grandpa died two years ago of emphysema at the age of 69. He smoked since he was 15 or 16 and never got cancer. But it was so hard to see him not able to breathe. He eventually had to get an oxygen tank and he could barely leave the house.

He was the person closet to my heart and never again will I touch a cigarette.

Unfortunately some of my family still smokes, even after watching what my Grandpa suffered through. It makes me sad.

Sorry to hear that, my grand father passed the same way. It was like watching someone drown on land it's a horrible way to go.

Eventually everyone quits smoking!

[roblindblad]

Secondhand smoke is a joke.

What I find funny is that the governments dare not study the effects of second hand car exhaust.

Put a group of people in a sealed room smoking cigarettes and a few will get red eyes and some may feel a little sick.

Put a group of people in a sealed room with running car exhaust and they all die.