The black??? Sorry but that was a bit racist - not all black people smoke. And yes, smoking is horrible - never ever try it or you'll be hooked :\
That was exactly my point. The tobacco companies have this idea on who they can target as high spenders. And this is the kind of thing they've been found to quote. I have no idea how most companies view their customers but I hope they have much more respect for the people who use their product and keep them going than that.
Everyone in their right mind? Maybe you should re-think your words bud. Most people who start smoking are innocent CHILDREN who are given VAGUE warnings and no real proof of the negative sides of smoking. After reading that -- I definitely didn't know that Foot-in-the-mouth disease was caused by smoking?
I'll never forget my son, when aged about 3, walking up to a complete stranger who was smoking and asking "Why do you want to die?"
Thank you, Firestorm. No. I know that in my case, it would be an early death. I saw my mom in her final hours, after being away from home for years; she was no longer anything I could remember. A horrible, horrible way to die. I don't understand why anyone would risk it, knowing what's known now.
I started smoking when I was around 12. A couple of cigs here and there. Around 15-17 I was smoking a pack and half a day (not including drinking and other things). Then one day I just decided I'd stop before I got too into it. Since then I rarely smoke - usually only when I have a jack & coke in hand, which really isn't much anymore. When I was around 19, Doctor said I have a messed up liver from the drugs/cigs/alcohol, so since then I've been really cautious about any of those things. Just turned 23 and I can count the number of times I had a cig or drink in the last 2 years with my fingers, so I'm happy. My dad and his brother started smoking cigs when they were mid-teens also, but my dad didn't stop until he hit 55 and my uncle still smokes. Worst part about cigs is you don't feel any problems immediately so a lot of people think it's not harming them to "just have one more", but it actually is. Here in Cali, they're really cracking down on smokers. You're not allowed to smoke indoors in public places and I think even some cities are starting to pass laws about smoking outside in public. Pretty much they're going to limit you to only smoke at home, which I think is a great thing. Vegas has also passed non-smoking laws. I think anywhere that serves food and hallways/shopping areas isn't allowed. Basically only on the casino floor, hotel room, outside, or bars with no food. It was a big surprise when I saw those signs in the city of sin for no smoking. Hopefully this is adapted across the nation and world.
Ouch, thanks for the unnecessarily harsh reply Yes, that may have been true many years ago, but nowadays it's common knowledge that smoking has terrible effects on your health. For example when I was 15 we had a speaker come to my school who had a hole in his neck and spoke with a voice-box, urging kids to never start smoking. Some of the girls were crying. Also don't forget the many anti-smoking ads on TV. Kids aren't naive about smoking anymore, unless they've been living in a cave. You see? When it comes down to it, smoking is now really just an issue of personal responsibility for one's actions, nobody can even play dumb anymore.
I have a very addictive personality and smoking has been the worst addiction for me besides something I wont mention. I now smoke American Spirit brand cigs. 100% organic and no additives. Yah I am going healthy baby
I'll never get into cigarettes or anything, but I do smoke the occasional celebratory cigar. This summer I got heavy into cheap cigars that I smoked all the time, but as time went on I just smoked more expensive cigars every couple months or so. Just had a Cuban the other day with my buddy that came back from school, good stuff.
American Spirit is ostensibly just an "all natural" brand of cigarette. One study, however, indicates: (emphasis mine). "Free base nicotine" is another lovely gift designed by manufacturers to increase the efficiency of the nicotine transport mechanism - ergo, increase dependence on the drug and, by extension, the habit. There is no "safe alternative" in cigarettes. "Natural" cures, "natural" supplements, "natural" anything - if the "natural" substance is designed to bring about an effect on the body (beyond nutrition), say what you will, it's a drug.
Sorry to be a downer - for a brief while, I used to love them, as well, especially with a nice cognac. When I realized I was really trying to look more cool than I was enjoying the "taste" of fine cigars, I just dropped the habit. My step dad's business partner was lost to this. Never smoked a day in his life, but chomped on cigars continually. My memory is hazy, as this goes back to childhood, but "Holly" (Hollis, his business partner) got mouth, then throat cancer, and eventually, it killed him. I would guess this sounds almost too surreal - losing my parents/grandparents, my step-dad's partner, etc. - but take it for what you will. It is the truth, and I would imagine my experience is not unique.
Im not so sure about smokers having better personality and originality. I smoke too, occasionally, though i don't rely on nicotine to make me more vibrant and original. now, i wish my partner didnt smoke that much. ill have a word with him tonight ,i guess
True indeed. I actually started smoking by trying an American Spirit... I became addicted and later had to stop American Spirits because they became too expensive (nearly 10 years ago). The fact of the matter is: Nicotine is the worst part of cigarettes. Not just because it's addictive, either. Don't believe they hype... just because they're supposedly created by Natives (which I find hard to believe) doesn't mean they're safe??? they're not even close to being healthy.
I do apologize for the harshness. I just don't believe all smokers should be blamed for their addictions by claims that they're not bright people or they should have known... I mean the fact of the matter is -- how many of you eat fast food? Did you realize that McDonalds fries can give you heart disease quicker than cigarettes? It's like me telling you that and then saying "don't say I didn't warn you!". "It's slippery out there, watch your step" ... what happens if you slip? what happens if you don't?