Smoking in Chicago? (Washington, Clinton: to live in, bill, design)

[cd771]

edited to add: people pretty much knew smoking was dangerous 20 years ago, 40 years ago is another story. However, 40 years ago people also threw their toddlers in the front seats of cars with no carseats, ate tons of meat and fried stuff, etc. That's the cool thing about science, we progressively learn more about health and biology.[/quote]

I've been wondering about that. My father was a smoker from early teens until his mid 20's. He is nearing 70 so that was over 40 years ago. He said he always knew it was bad for him and so did most people he knew. His mother is from Ireland and she believed it caused TB. My dad said that was the belief in her part of Ireland. I've social smoked before and definitely felt it in my lungs and throat the next day so I can't imagine how people couldn't have known it wasn't very healthy. At least that's what I remember but I haven't had one in years.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

I have a hard time understanding why smokers can't see or understand why non-smokers don't want to be around them when they smoke. Do you smokers out there realize how bad that sh&t smells? It gets into your clothes, hair and skin. Plus, your breath is awful. Even when you try to cover it up with mints or spray, it still smells like death. Smoking also cause your teeth to turn brown. What the f7ck is the attraction?

Nicotine. It's a chemical reaction in the brain. Smokers can quit, but it's certainly not easy. It's a chemical dependence.

Most smokers I know are polite and will not blow smoke in your face. Most of them do not have horrible breath or yellow teeth. In fact, some smokers go outside on their work break. They come back in and you can't even tell they smoke. Not all smokers are dirty slobs who are only out to ruin your day.

If a restaurant owner wants to put up a smoking section, that's fine with me. As long as I don't have to be in it. And I really don't think it's the government's business whether we smoke or not. I don't think it's their right to tell business owners to not allow smoking.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Costa Rica Chica

... However, 40 years ago people ... ate tons of meat and fried stuff, etc...

Ummm many people still do this.

[Costa Rica Chica]

yeah, but there's certainly more information available about why this is bad for you than there was 40 years ago.

[snoylekim]

and love it !!!

[Matthew C. Sheffer]

Originally Posted by Costa Rica Chica

yeah, but there's certainly more information available about why this is bad for you than there was 40 years ago.

Aren't people MUCH fatter now than they were 40 years ago? I am thin and in good shape. I eat well and I smoke--who's to say that I am not healthy?

[Costa Rica Chica]

Originally Posted by Matthew C. Sheffer

Aren't people MUCH fatter now than they were 40 years ago? I am thin and in good shape. I eat well and I smoke--who's to say that I am not healthy?

Yes, people are fatter for many reasons, like that fast food is often the cheapest and easiest way to get food, (less moms cook as more women have joined the work force,) portions have grown larger, etc. However, I am sure nobody can deny the fact that there is more evidence nowadays about the harms of this type of diet as well as smoking than there was 40 or 50 years ago. I am glad you are healthy now, but if you continue smoking, your chances of contracting a myriad of diseases in the future sharply increases over time. It seems new evidence of the serious harm in smoking comes out all the time. This is why I can't understand why so many people smoke. I think it's a mix of denying that these illnesses won't ever happen to them, (like not wearing a seatbelt because I am a good driver,) feeling young and healthy like yourself and not believing smoking can harm you, feeling cool and wanting to fit in, and then of course, getting addicted and not being able to stop.

[aragx6]

^^And I'm sure too that you have no vices of your own.

Smoking is simply the vice-to-hate du jour right now. Give it time, it'll be something else.

[Costa Rica Chica]

No, I am not saying I am perfect, but then again this thread is about smoking. I wouldn't exactly call smoking a "vice-du-jour" either. Haven't you seen the movie, "The Insider" with Russell Crowe? You should watch it.

[Avengerfire]

Lighten up and smoke a doobie at least. Jesus christ.