BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?

Subject: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: maggiethecat
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:07 AM

Forgive me if this has already been done to death and I just didn't read it, but I'd really like to know the smoking status of mudcatters and also if you have any comments you want to make on the subject.

I will post again later myself, but thought I'd get this rolling.

Thanks!-maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:16 AM

I am a non smoker and Market Rasen Folk Club is also non smoking.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:24 AM

I am a non-smoker. I find the current hounding of smokers fairly nauseating.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Sooz
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:46 AM

I am a non-smoker and so is Gainsborough Folk Club.
Personally, I find smoky places nauseating.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 07:16 AM

NON

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,*daylia*
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:21 AM

I'm a smoker. I find second-hand smoke nauseating. WHen I want to smoke I go outside. I avoid places where smoking is still permitted indoors. And I refuse to use "smoking areas" where the people are packed in like sardines and the air is rank and sickening.

I usually go for a walk in nature instead, and keep the butts (filters) in my pocket till I find a garbage can.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:50 AM

Smoker who should stop, since I have emphasyma. On the other hand, it helps keep me from singing, to the advantage of the world at large.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:54 AM

Maggiethecat: there are indeed many other threads. One("extreme nicotine withdrawal" I think or some such phrase) about giving up, and there was a long one recently about whether pubs and venues should be non-smoking. Can't do blue clickies, but I'm sure they would be easy to find. The "giving up" thread is good, you can find a few kindred spirits trying to kick the habit, which is good for mutual support.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 10:34 AM

non

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 10:50 AM

Former and trying not to be self-righteous about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Amos
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 11:09 AM

I am an ex-smoker and have often said quitting was the hardest thing I have ever done. Emphysema is a pure bear -- it is awful to watch and even more awful to experience, like being slowly choked to death.

I will never forget the image of my sainted mother with an oxygen mask in one had, because she had so fouled her lungs that she wasn't able to get enough oxygen, and a lit Kent in the other. A strong-willed woman who couldn't find the necessary to quit, and who didn't have the benefit of those "Commit" tablets which finally got me over the hump.

Glad to be free of that devil for certain.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: khandu
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 11:19 AM

As of 6 weeks ago, I became a non-smoker!! I have so far gained 7 wonderful pounds! I feel much better & I think I think clearer!

K

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 12:15 PM

Non-smoker, brought up in a family of smokers. Watched my 30-a-day mum drown from the fluid in her lungs, caused by emphysema. Constantly gob-smacked at the sheer suicidal stupidity of smokers, many of whom are otherwise sensible and intelligent people, and flabbergasted that our laws still allow them to kill others as well as themselves. As we move into an age where a parent who smacks a child will be declared a criminal, how can smokers, who wilfully poison those around them, be allowed to get away with it? Something stinks (as do smokers, in my experience).

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 12:51 PM

Johnny, you're so incredibly pleasant and persuasive I think I'll quit right now ... just to please YOU!

WOuldn't want to see you to get your blood pressure up over a stupid, stinky suicidal murderer like myself, after all.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,Ellenpoly
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:04 PM

Strollin' Johnny, I am getting closer and closer to being in agreement with you.

I just had to leave the first pub I'd gone to in 10 years, because I wanted so much to spend time with freda underhill, here from Australia, and other mudcatters, some I was also meeting for the first time.

As I walked in the door I knew I was in trouble, and as time went on, I first kept going outside to take great gulps of air, and then finally sat off by myself in front of the propped-open door semi-leaning out. I felt sicker and sicker and more and more frustrated.

After an hour and a half of pure misery, I finally made my goodbyes and left. It was really sad for me, and I certainly didn't feel like opening my mouth to sing, or even chat.

No more. Never again. I buried one love from his four-pack a day habit, and now I've had to walk away from something I had really been looking forward to. I'm home, all the clothes I wore today are in the washing machine.

Smokers affect everyone around them. That's what makes it different than any other habit I can think of. I have just lost my last bit of tolerance for it. (And for those of you who are kind enough to take your habit outside, thank you, but just know you still smell of it and taste of it.)

..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,*daylia*
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:19 PM

Thanks, Ellenpoly.

If I ever meet you, I'll promise I'll never force you to lick me and I'll stay at least 100 yards away, ok?

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Alice
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:27 PM

non smoker and avoid all smoking locations

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:30 PM

I quit smoking when I was 13 years old.

I took two puffs, and I quit when I was 13.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,Frank
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:41 PM

Thanks to all of you for your moving accounts. You said it much better than I could have.

I have had damage to my lungs because my step father smoked while I was in his presence. I didn't choose it. I consider it a form of child abuse.

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:53 PM

A non-smoker. The Middle Bar in the Anchor in Sidmouth was a "Thank you for not smoking" place this festival and a lot of people have said how much nicer it was

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 02:00 PM

Former smoker 36 years.
Tobacco free since Jan. 2003.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 02:09 PM

A friend of mine has a cap that says "IF YOU DONT SMOKE, I WONT FART."

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Ron Davies
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:17 PM

Amen MBS Lynne--

Jan and I were also at the Middle Bar this year and it was dramatically better than in previous years on the smoking issue.   In past years we used to sit on the floor, hoping that the smoke would (as it usually did) rise. But it was a problem when you stood for the "standing choruses" . If Ireland can make the drastic change required, I'm sure the UK can too.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:26 PM

Guest,Ellenpolly:

Yeah, but you sure make the point for those who claim pubs would lose business if they banned smoking,

I just had to leave the first pub I'd gone to in 10 years, because I wanted so much to spend time with freda underhill, here from Australia, and other mudcatters, some I was also meeting for the first time.

Your first pub in 10 years, the smokers are probably there most nights, who do you think the landlord is going to support?

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:36 PM

Both pubs in my town (Orlando, FL) that I visit do a bit of food along this beer, etc. Last year, to stay a smoking friendly establishment, the could have just dropped the food. Instead - both kept the food and went smoke-free. I've asked recently, they're both doing fine - in fact food sales are up along with beer because more people like the food without the smoke.

On the other hand, if God didn't want us to smoke, how come the trachiotomy tube sticking out of the necks of throat cancer patients is the perfect size for a cigarette?

I've never smoked, and because my mom was director of the local Lung Association, I used to bring slices of diesased lungs to school for show and tell.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,PERFUME IN THE HEATHER
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:36 PM

The pleasure of entering an Irish Pub and listen to the music and song without being suffocated by selfish cancer producing smokers, the rest of the world wake up and join the civilised Irish.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:38 PM

I think the point for Ellenpoly, and certainly for me, is that being exposed to a room full of tobacco smoke for more than a few minutes at a stretch actually does make us physically ill. I limit the amount of time I spend in places where people smoke for the same reason. It makes me physically sick, not just during the time I'm there, but for a few days afterwards as well. We avoid enclosed places where people smoke because we have to in order to be able to function and not feel utterly miserable all the time, rather than because we want to. We might spend a lot more time in such places if they were smoke free.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 03:45 PM

Exactly, CarolC. Thank you for stating my case so well.

GUEST, the reason I haven't been in a pub for 10 years, and neither have most of my friends, is BECAUSE of the smoking. I would love to feel I could go there a be as regular patron. I know I've missed out on a lot of fun times because of my inability and refusal- to inhale something that makes me ill.

Pubs in Ireland are doing OK, or so I've read. Yes, there is some adjustment that has to be made by the addicted, but to revise that quote Kendall offered up...

IF YOU DON'T SMOKE, I WON'T THROW UP ON YOU.

..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,Blind DRunk in Blind River
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 04:22 PM

Smoker! And proud of it. I will smoke anything you have. Try me.

BDiBR

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 04:49 PM

Nonsmoker. I grew up in a nonsmoking family. The smell of cigarettes makes me feel ill. The stink of them on clothing and hair is very obvious. The damage to skin tone and general health soon becomes very obvious. This is not a judgement on the smoker, rather on the negative results of the habit.

When people smoke outdoors, it's not too much of a problem for the nonuser. You just try to move upwind of them if there's a breeze.

When they smoke indoors, it's a major problem for all concerned.

The only reason that cigarettes are marketed is so that some very rich people can make even more money.

So, Guest, be proud that you are helping to support some of the World's richest professional murderers and foremost drug pushers every time you light up. And be mighty ticked off at those of us who have the gall to point that out.

It's not you I am judging. It's the actions of the people who make a business out of daily poisoning you and many other people for profit that I am judging. You're just one of their many habituated victims, and you have a perfect right to poison yourself...but not to poison others.

It's like when there's a war on. Do I judge the enemy soldier coming across a field at me? Is he evil? No. The actions of the leaders who unnecessarily launched that war and used him as their patsy...THAT's what is evil. They know exactly what they are doing. He usually doesn't.

But if he ever woke up and really thought about it...then what? He might not be so easily manipulated by the greedy and powerful.

If you smoke, you started for only one reason...because you saw other people doing it when you were young, and you wanted to "fit in". That's a pretty common and pretty dumb reason to want to do anything that is obviously harmful and unnatural. Conformity. The line of least resistance. The dead stupid obvious. Running with the herd. It's what I see the street kids doing in Barrie (daylia can confirm that). They all smoke, and they can hardly afford food! They'd rather have their tobacco fix than eat. The poorer people's prospects are in life, the higher is the percentage of smokers among them. Now, why would that be? Why do you think? Does ignorance and hopelessness contribute to self-destructive behaviour? Yes, it surely does, and the drug-pushing industries depend on just that to keep the money rolling in. That, and conformity.

Anyone out there got an original idea? I hope so. That's how things get better.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 04:58 PM

non-smoking in bars will work because there are a hell of a lot more people who need their alcohol "fix" than a nicotine fix. Those that need both will just walk outside to smoke like they do at work and for many, at home.

That most governments think it is perfectly fine to keep tobacco legal - even though they know how deadly it is, yet keep pot illegal - nowing how relatively harmless it is, has nothing to do with the health of people. It has to do with big business and money. Tobacco is a highly processed product that is difficult for the average person to grow and process. Pot is the opposite. Pot is a native plant of every of the 50 states. It grows easily and quickly. Processing it for smoking or for baking takes minimal skills, effort and tools. There would be no way for big business to seriously make the money they currently make with tobacco or alcohol sales, so the government does not want to legalize it.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Bernard
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:00 PM

I'm a life-long non-smoker, but don't have a 'down' on smokers... I've nearly always found that smokers who give up tend to be far less forgiving!

That said, I don't like people smoking in my house!

OLD JOKE ALERT:

You asked if I mind you lighting up a cigarette. The residue of your pleasure is smoke, which fills my hair, eyes, nose and mouth, and makes my clothes smell.

I enjoy a drink. The residue of my pleasure is urine. So how do you feel about me peeing all over you?!

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:13 PM

"That most governments think it is perfectly fine to keep tobacco legal - even though they know how deadly it is, yet keep pot illegal - nowing how relatively harmless it is, has nothing to do with the health of people. It has to do with big business and money. Tobacco is a highly processed product that is difficult for the average person to grow and process. Pot is the opposite. Pot is a native plant of every of the 50 states. It grows easily and quickly. Processing it for smoking or for baking takes minimal skills, effort and tools. There would be no way for big business to seriously make the money they currently make with tobacco or alcohol sales, so the government does not want to legalize it."

BRAVO! Blackcatter, you are so right. It's all a question of moneyed interests. Any fool can grow, harvest, prepare, and smoke his own pot. (I've seen complete idiots do it with ease.) It's not that easy with tobacco. That makes it a good business for BIG business. The government is just an errand boy for big business.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:14 PM

Strange, it's the smell of alcohol, of people who've been drinking alcohol that really grosses me out. The stink of it oozes out the pores somehow for days, it seems, after "tying a good one on".

Smells like an putrid, rotten liver.

Wonder why.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:18 PM

I agree heartily regarding the smell of alcohol. It is disgusting.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: hesperis
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:30 PM

Tobacco can be grown in gardens, it's just harder to make cigarettes from the naturally-grown leaves without all the additives. I do know a couple of people who grow their own and roll their own, but that takes work.

That said, I'm a non-smoker because it makes me sick. I've also had a smoking musician tell me that I'd never make it as a musician because I'm allergic to smoke. So every time a venue goes non-smoking, I rejoice, because that's one more venue closer to being able to perform live.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:34 PM

I also don't drink. Kind of leaves me out in the cold as far at a lot of Brit entertaining goes.

Bless em and I don't mean to be "catty" but some of the folks I just met spent an inordinate amount of time talking about how drunk they get.

Sorry I don't get it, and I can't remember hearing any other group of people (I used to run a guesthouse in Greece) talk about getting pissed the way the Brits do. Strange. It got to the point that I wouldn't let a group of Brits (especially if they were young men) stay at the guesthouse. I received no pleasure from cleaning up their vomit (and it was found in the most extraordinary places) every morning.

Excuse me, got off the subject of smoking...

..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:41 PM

Back to the smoking. In 1991 I was smoking around 35-40 a day and was having trouble getting to the top of the stairs without being so short of breath!!!... I stopped decisively....got up one morning and decided not to smoke another cig...MUCH TO MY GREATER HEALTH. I am so pleased that a small amount of willpower saved me from possible death.
For a 56 yr old I am now pretty healthy...lead an active life and sing!!!!!!!!!! not brilliantly but I do sing.... not as good as I used to 20 yrs ago but I sing.......If I had carried on, I would have died I'm sure.and sung no more....Best wishes,.....

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:43 PM

Incidentally...In 1999 I was diagnosed with an allergy to cigarette smoke....If I went to a club with smoking allowed..I woke the next morniing with what seemed like a hangover, having had only perhaps two drinks.....smoking damages!!!!!!!
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: GUEST,WAsteD iN WAwa
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 05:52 PM

Hey BDiBR   

Help yourself

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:42 PM

That picture says a lot. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:45 PM

Are we at the back end of this thread then??

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 07:12 PM

Well if you've ever woken up with a mouth that tastes like an arse, you now know why!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 08:14 PM

"Cigareets is a curse on the whole human race;
A man is a monkey with one in his face!
So heed my descripion, take warning dear brother.
A fire at one end, a fool at the other!

Cigareets & Whiskey & wild, wild women
They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane.
Cigareets & Whiskey & wild, wild women
They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane."

Nigel (an ex-pipe smoker, [at present!])

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:31 PM

I'm quite lucky. Smoked in moderation for years, gave it up without any problems whatsoever, don't mind being in a smoky pub, though I don't much like the smell on my clothes afterwards - and I very much dislike the smell of tobacco smoke that hasn't passed through someone's lungs to get filtered, for example when people leave their fags to smoulder away in an ash tray rather than stubbing them out.

Pipe smoke is much less unpleasant, and can even smell quite agreeable. I don't know why that is. The same goes for pot.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:39 PM

Most pipe smoke is "flavored" so it will smell nicer than other tobacco. To me, Pot has a smell very similar to white sage. Stronr and a bit harsher, but I swear whenever someone uses white sage to smudge, I get the munchies.

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Deckman
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:47 PM

I'm old enough (lived long enough) that I've heard and seen EVERY single possible argument related to smoking, both pro and con. I've put four friends in the ground who died from smoking. I've read every posting on this thread so far, and I read nothing new.

I do not believe it's possible to change the mind of a smoker from the "outside." Something must impact them from the "inside" to get them to stop the habit. And they can if they choose.

I arrived at a VERY simple solution that has worked for me for the last 15 years. If I am invited to perform, or to attend, at a place where smoking is allowed, I simply say "NO."

CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: bbc
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 09:56 PM

Always non & I have a non-smoking home. COngratulations, Khandu; good health to you! My best friend is a smoker w/ emphysema, whose husband died at 50 of lung cancer. I know she can't stop. I keep her busy when I can & keep her company outside when she feels she needs to smoke. I don't see how people can sing in smoky conditions.

best to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Cluin
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 10:19 PM

Started smoking when I was 10 and quit when I was around 14. Never had any problem quitting anything (including quitting).

One observation... Why is it cigarette smokers absolutely have to have another one evey hour or so? Pipe smokers and cigar smokers don't have to light up that often. Think there's something else in those fags?

Subject: RE: BS: Smoker/Non-Smoker?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 10:34 PM

Yeah, Cluin...that is mysterious, all right. It seems to be a nervous habit, like biting your nails, or running your hands through your hair. Then there's the other question: why in god's name do smokers want to smoke right after having sex?!? Are the cigarettes jealous or something? Yuck.

Deckman, you are absolutely right. Something inside the smoker has to trigger the decision to quit. No outer argument or grisly evidence will compell or convince them to until that something inside clicks in and actually wants to. It's like that with quitting coffee too. Believe me, I know. It was not easy to quit drinking coffee, until finally I just reached the point where I absolutely did not want it anymore, regardless of whether it smelled good and reminded me of past pleasant occasions or not.