July 4th Aftermath

This year my neighborhood was noisier than in the past on the 4th of July this year. When I went out for a walk at 11 PM with my new dog, my street was filled with a fog like haze. I quickly realized it was due to the amount of fireworks being set off in the proximity of my door. 

The next morning, I confirmed just how many people had participated in lighting off fireworks. I found several piles like the ones shown here. I have never seen such displays of fun left to cool off until the morning before. One of the participants noted that the big dark canister in the upper right corner of the top photo went off for about 15 minutes. 

Fortunately, my new Jack Russell is not afraid of the noise. My Australian Sheppard hated the noise and walking her on New Years Eve and July 4th were always a problem. I hope it is quite wherever she is.

Creative Advertising

I love it when you see something that is extremely well done. Cleaver beyond the norm. That is what I thought when I saw this. When one thing has an unintended second use that works on this level, I can't help but compliment it. The fact that it involves smoking is all the better....

Good luck to those who still smoke. One day you are going to quit. Why not make it today? And yes, I DO know how hard it is as an ex-smoker myself. You'll feel better, smell better and live longer. I promise. Okay I can promise the first two, the third is a good bet.

A little Irony

Does anyone else see the irony here? 

I spotted this on my walk this morning. Couldn't resist documenting my find.

The Smoking Police

The problem is, it might just happen here in Michigan!

An odd form of customer service...

This photo was taken from the window of a "beauty salon" that is next to an Indian grocery store that I shop at. The sign reads, 

'Attention Patrons

There is no loitering outside of the salon

Please smoke in the back!!

Thank you

Management'

Hmmm. I haven't been inside, and frankly, I'm a little scared. So, I just move on inside to the grocery store grateful that I gave up cigarettes years ago! 

Then, da-da-da-dum-da-daaa!  My hair stylist moved to a new location! Imagine my fear when he told he moved to a location on the same corner as this "salon". I was ever so thankful when I learned that it was NOT this salon. When I called to make my first appointment I was told that this salon had not had their lease renewed. Huh, wonder why?

Smoking ban closer to reality

From a previous post you would think that I would support a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants in Michigan. A bill is making it's way thought the house and senate right now that would make this law. Well, I have to say that I do not support this bill and here's why. 

No one makes you eat in a restaurant that has a smoking section. If you don't want to be around smoke then eat somewhere else. 

But you ask, what about the employees? I have two things to say on this. First, let's face it, restaurant work is easy to find. If you don't want to work where smoking is permitted, then find a new job. Second, from my experience speaking with employees who work in a restaurant that went from a smoking section to non-smoking only, they prefer the latter. Why? You ask. Because they make more money in tips from smokers. These folks saw a dramatic reduction in the cash they were taking home after the change.

Besides, shouldn't the choice be up to the owner? Ultimately the owner knows his or her business best and should be able to make the right policies for the continued health of their investment. (Please no health comments. I'm well aware of the issues with smoking. That word was selected on purpose.) 

I object to to this potential law for many reasons, the final observation being the continued regulation of the public by government. If the law makes sense (no smoking in public places) then yes. When there are other options, (go to a different restaurant) then no. In my eyes, it is as simple as that.

For me, it's a nicotine addiction....

The commercial opens with folks talking about their revelation about smoking.

They proclaim that for them smoking is more than just a habit, well for them, it is an ADDICTION! My oh my, that's why it has been so hard for them to quit. All this time they thought they had a habit, when in fact, it turns out it was so much more. What a revelation. That's why it has been so hard for them to quit. Not a habit, but an addiction! The light bulb finally went off! I'm ADDICTED! Well, that explains it all. Here they thought they just had a habit, but no it is an addiction. 

So, where the heck have these smokers been? (Probably huddling outside puffing away in the snow and rain.) How come they haven't seen any of the information on nicotine? It's even on the side of their cigarette packages. Maybe smokers can't read? Maybe nicotine mixes up the letters and causes dyslexia? Perhaps it affects their vision and they are unable to focus on nicotine information. Whatever it is, apparently Philip Morris thinks they are really stupid. This commercial is insulting and dumb. But then, often that is the norm and not atypical. 

One final observation, isn't it interesting that Phillip Morris is promoting quitting smoking. Hmm. Think about it....