>Doug,
>
>>Tracy,
>>
>>>SNIP
>>>
>>>>Here's one study, for example, that disputes the general notions: http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.22.00.asp
>>>
>>>Just to clarify-
>>>From the study you provided in the above link:
>>>
>>>However, smoking does increase the risk for several other illnesses and diseases, including heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among Americans and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women today. Research has also shown that smoking may interfere with the way in which the body heals from other diseases and conditions.
>>>
>>>Tracy
>>>:0)
>>
>>No argument from me on the ill effects of smoking. However, here we were discussing second-hand smoke, not first-hand. While my 'sense' is that there could be a linkage I think it is much more difficult to prove with second hand smoke as opposed to firt hand smoke.
>>
>>Thanks though for pointing this out.
>>
>>Doesn't your mention of this (the ill effects of using tobacco products) automatically revoke your North Corolinian residency? < BG >
>
>
>You would think they would kick me out of the state, wouldn't you? Actually, I started smoking 20 years ago in the military at a relatively 'old' age for a smoker (22). (That is probably why the state lets me stay :0) I was in a military leadership course and during every break they picked soldiers to 'police' the grounds. Back then they NEVER picked smokers so I started just holding a cigarette in my hand to avoid getting picked. Holding became lighting, and lighting became smoking. Next think I knew, I was hooked. I've tried stopping numerous times, but never succeeded in quiting for longer than a couple of weeks. This month is my next attempt. Wish me luck!
>Tracy

Tracy;

When I was in Basic Training, and we were given a “smoke break” (the only break we ever got), those of us who did not smoke had to pick up the cigarette butts. I did not smoke and never started. They put me (17 years old) in charge of the “Butt Cans” in the barracks. The barracks were open bay, two floors and held 120 men. The butt cans were 505 tin cans painted red and had about one inch of water inside. For inspections the inside and outside of the cans had to be polished.

One day we had a big white glove inspection scheduled and I had to clean out the butt cans. The latrine queen put the latrine off limits and the barracks guard would not let me outside on orders from the Sargent. I asked the Sargent (he lived upstairs in a room of the barracks) what to do. He said, “You figure it out Airman”! So I asked the barracks guard if he would open the door and he did. I took all the butt cans and threw the contents on the cement walk in front of the barracks entrance, in the dark at about 9 PM. I cleaned and polished the 505 cans and hung them up without the one inch of water.

Next morning at 0500 we had our white glove inspection. The Commander came up the front walk and screamed, “What the F### is this”! The Sargent came outside and said, “Oh no”! He then came to me and said, “Whiteley, you are off butt cans”! I did not get into trouble and we all laughed! :)

Tom