I really shouldn't post this here, as it's not political, musical, or very important, but this is the only forum I hit every day, several times, and I'd like to know if there's anyone who feels as strongly about this as I do.

The nineties created a new pet peeve for me, and I find it continues in the year 2000. It involves perfumes and colognes, and the excessive use thereof.

Have you ever been olfactorily assaulted as you try to eat a meal? A human (men and women are equally guilty) walks by, marinated in floral/herbal/fruit/wood stench, and your food just takes on that flavor. Maybe it's happened to you as you stand in line at the bank or supermarket, at the movies, at a concert or performance, or even at the bar, where your liquid libation and even your cigarette tastes like the stewed juices of a thousand artificial flowers/herbs/fruits/woods.

What do YOU do? How do you handle this? I usually begin making loud choking noises, and point to my throat and nose. "Allergies," I quietly explain, tears running down my cheeks.

Also makes it damn near impossible to perform. I'm going to start making "No Perfume Zone" signs to place around the stage area.

Thanks. I feel better now.