posted
I’m well aware I’m probably opening a can of worms here and/or may get run out of town.
A little history or you can go right to the point below.
I fall into the category of a 20+ year sign painter/maker that over the last 5-6 years has went from 95% hand lettering to 99.5% vinyl lettering. I hadn’t attended a “live” Letterhead meet in several years. Last summer my family and I went to the Walldog meet in Atlanta IL. It wasn’t until we were hangin’ out around the panel area that I sort of discovered that my kids (7&9yr olds) couldn’t remember seeing me hand letter anything. Quite honestly I was very inspired by the panels and had every intention to go home and show them I could do it.
Reality...right back to the grind stone of vinyl as usual.
A few months later I happen to take a stroll down the sidewalk in Letterville and decided to move back into town. (I’ve been in the county of Vinylville for a while and it’s sometimes dull and tacky) Soon after being back I looked into upcoming live meets. My family and I were looking forward to going to Jill’s p.j. party but some smoke of our own kept us from that. Then we decided on the Winter Muster. From what I’ve read here, like others, this is as close to a vacation as we seem to get. We were all pretty cranked up about going.
Now to the point...
We showed up about noon on Thursday...brush box in hand and ready for a few days of slingin’ paint and havin’ fun. Shortly after being there the smoke was getting the best of me. I wasn’t sure if it was just me being cranky or not. (I had pulled an all nighter Wed. night to get things done so we could go) So we left Mike’s to go for a ride.
We are a non-smoking family and admittedly have a low tolerance to cigarette/cigar smoke. We talked about it and decided since we were there early in the meet several more people would be showin’ up and the smoke would probably just get worse...so it was a very short meet for us.
I realize the host of a meet has the right to do as they please since in most cases the meet is in there own shops. I’m in NO way bashing Mike Meyer or the Winter Muster. I’m glad to see that a lot of people had a good time and wish very much that we could have stayed.
The main reason for this post is...We would still like to attend more meets in the future. I had considered contacting each host privately in regard to the smoking/non-smoking status of their meet but I had a couple of people at Mike’s comment on the smoke also and after stewing on it for a while I decided to put this out in the open.
I DO NOT want this to be a post about smoking -vs- non-smoking. I would just like to see what others think about letting the smoking/non-smoking status of a meet be known ahead of time? Should I just attend outdoor meets? Or have I alienated myself... should put up a for sale sign...and move back to Vinylville?
Jeff
-------------------- Jeff's Lettering Lisa,Luke,Dara, and Jeff Spradling 5742 Shattuck Rd. Belvidere, Il. 61008 815-544-0167
Surviving another day. Posts: 626 | From: Belvidere, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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i understand your issues...i hate cigarette smoke, and it is very difficult for me to be around it. i've only been to 2 meets and i'd have to say the majority(and it may be close) are smokers. i just learned who to stay away from inside. i must say i didn't run into anyone rude...and alot of folks are kind enough to go outside...but then again the meets i went to were summer time...i could see sub zero temps making people smoke inside. it will be interesting to see what others have to say. maybe that's why i'm so hermit-like...???
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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One of the meets Karyn mentioned above was Mass Mayhem last year. I was there also, and as a smoker, I found that the host, Mike Z, prefers that people smoke outside. The other meets I attended last year did not specify either way, but I habitually step outside for a smoke anyway, more or less as a courtesy to those who don't smoke. I've been in the habit of doing so in other group situations for years and don't feel it's much of a bother.
Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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I don't want to get into an argument about smoking, I think it is a vile, filthy, disgusting habit (and I love it), but I do understand how it can affect non-smokers. During my first day at the Muster, I went outside to smoke, being from a city that has banned smoking in public places and used to being ostracized. Frequently met Pat Neve out there, too. Then I realized that many people were smoking inside, and revelling in this newfound freedom, I went right along with it. Sorry that you had to cut your visit short. Mike being the great host he is, would, I am sure, have made some kind of arrangement for a non-smoking area if he had realized the need, but it just seems to be a way of life there. Want a fresh air experience? Try Pat Welter's Paint the Prairie II meet next July. He has it in a whacking big tent, and there ain't no lack of breeze.
MUR
-------------------- Murray MacDonald OldTime Signs 529 Third Ave S Kenora, ON. P9N 1Y3 oldtimesigns@gokenora.com Posts: 781 | From: Kenora, ON | Registered: Jan 2003
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I was at the Muster, and shared the same thoughts.
I spent a lot of time taking breaks from the smoke on the front sidewalk. Every now and then, someone would walk outside right next to me for a smoke-break. Luckily, my sense of humor allows me to see the irony there and laugh about it.
It also amazes me that none of the solvent smells bug me (hell, I don't even notice them anymore), but I can smell cigarette smoke from the car in front of me on the Interstate, above the exhaust fumes.
Florida's Clean Air Act has been a blessing for me. I can enjoy Waffle House again.
As far as meets are concerned, you may need to try to stick to the warmer months, and make sure that there will be some things going on outside, so you don't feel like you're missing something when you step out.
Anyway, Jeff, you're not alone. Sorry you had to split early.
-------------------- Joe Endicott NEXCOM (Navy Exchange Service Command) Signing Programs Specialist Virginia Beach, VA jeendicott@msn.com
"I want to be Stereotyped....I want to be Classified." Posts: 681 | From: Virginia Beach, VA USA | Registered: Mar 1999
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Jeff, thanks for your honesty and the comments on the meet. This DOES concern me and I am greatfull that people like you respond to this situation because I cannot run a meet to satisfy everyone but I will do EVERYTHING I can to get as close to that as possible! I have had a few others from the meet describe the smoke issue, good and bad. In the future I want to make a Non/smoking area, because I believe, like you, there needs to be a place for this very thing. I did have a commercial smoke air Purifier and the doors wide open but still, smoke lingers and cannot be carried away sometimes.
Please accept my apoligy for anyone that may have been offended by the smoke, I will do what I can to make it fun and friendly for everyone!
Thanks for the clocks Jeff! Please come again, we'll be perfecting the Muster each time we hold a meet, thanks to your input, more people will not be turning away because of smoke.
Thanks again to the Honesty of Letterville Residents!
Sincerly Mike
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
posted
Come to Fred's...Those that smoke ,do it outside ...and the shop is divided up so you can always find a way from any drifting smoke...I've heard a lot of people compliment Fred and Marilyn on their smokless environment during the meets.
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
I've only been to two meets, both in Canada and it's illegal to smoke indoors here. I wouldn't even have thought of this possibility. Thanks for the heads up. And a timely post for future meet hosts.
Jeff, don't feel bad about speaking up. The only difference between you and me is I'd have spoken up at the meet at some point. It would have cost me alot of money to make it there and darned if I'd come home early because of smoke.
posted
No apology needed, Mike. Please don't let this post take away from the good time many people had. I have always tried to be honest and tactfully speak my mind. Some get offended, some don't. Thanks for not!
We are glad to see that your 2005 Muster is going to be in the summer. We are very interested in attending that meet!
You're welcome! (clocks)
Sincerely, Jeff
-------------------- Jeff's Lettering Lisa,Luke,Dara, and Jeff Spradling 5742 Shattuck Rd. Belvidere, Il. 61008 815-544-0167
Surviving another day. Posts: 626 | From: Belvidere, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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This is a tough issue! Being an ex-smoker I can totally sympathize with both sides of the issue. There were times when I had quit smoking only to go to a meet and take it up again because I could not resist the temptation all around me! I THINK I have successfully dropped the habit now, but there is still an urge to "bum" one when I am around smokers. And then there are times when we go out to a somewhere for dinner and I can't wait to get out of there and away from the smoke! It just takes my breath away. I don't know what the answer to this issue is. I would HOPE that smokers would feel for others and go outside. Even when I was smoking a pack a day, I never smoked in our house...I didn't want to expose my kids to it. But now out of the three boys, one is a smoker...I fact that I feel resposible for and regret! To me, this is just an issue of hospitality and others' health. We have all been in homes and cars that smell like ash trays. No smoker can say it is a habit they WANT to have! Most smokers would like to be able to quit, for their health, for others' health, for the money they would save....but we all know it is VERY HARD TO DO!! The other side of this is THEY might be offended by your loud music that you were playing at the meet, or your cologne, or the fact that you cleared your throat all day...whatever. The whole thing boils down to the fact that some habits are annoying to others and I think people should realize that what they are doing is offending or annoying and TRY to make the other person more comfortable. Whether or not you REALIZE that your habit is offending others is the issue. Not everyone else feels this way (I'm pretty sure) but to me it is just a matter of hospitality and getting along with your fellow man. I think if I knew that my smoking bothered you, or my music was too loud, I would have stopped or at the very least, gone to another area...did you let people know that it bothered you? The bad part about this is that you had to suffer in silence and that the situation might have been resolved if people knew that you didn't like it. But I know how that can be a problem. Some people don't respond well when you ask them to smoke somewhere else! I can't think of a good solution to this problem...any one else?
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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As a smoker, I feel I'm obligated to not expose others to my habits. I smoke outdoors or as far away as possible from non smokers. Not just as a matter of courtesy but as a health concern too. If I go to a restaurant, I prefer the smoking section mainly because there's very few or any ankle biters or obnoxious crying babies there. Now if we could get people to realize that talking loud on a cell phone or an incorrigible child in a public annoys smokers as much as smoking annoys a non smoker, life would be good. BTW, at home I smoke outside or in the garage. Never in the house.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I am an ex-smoker too, so I do understand both sides. At the FKAB meet, everyone smoked outside so it wasn't even an issue. I guess I assumed it would be the same at every meet.
It is not illegal to smoke inside all over Canada. We still have restaurants and bars that have smoking and non-smoking sections in Saskatchewan. I LOVE the non-smoking places, but realize that smokers need a place to go too. Quitting was literally the hardest thing I ever did, so I can understand why so many struggle with it.
There has got to be a way to please both sides. Perhaps keeping the main areas smoke-free and designate a smoking area.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I myself being a smoker and one of the ones smoking at Mike's meet appreciate all your comments. I should have known better and feel bad that I may have been partly responsible for anyone's discomfort. I guess I got too caught up in the fun and wasn't thinking about others. Your comments will be respected at the next meet I attend....but hopefully I will have kicked the nasty habit by then!:0 Thank you for speaking up!
-------------------- Ottawa Custom Signs Stittsville, Ontario Posts: 346 | From: Stittsville, ON | Registered: Dec 1998
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I am in the non group too. The smoke really bothers me. But, it is not because of what I think about it. It's because of what it does to me physically. Any one who has been around me knows that my body physically reacts to it. Just like I have a bad cold. The same is for my youngest too. But for him it is much worse. Hence, no one smokes in my house or business.
And, if I may say it, my family has stopped going to so many functions because of it. No bars, indoor no parties, and some restaurants.
This fact does have a strong influence on the choices where we go. Likewise, many people in my social circle do not smoke either. We all tend not to go where the smoke from smokers is trapped. So, from this angle I know from personal experience that some people will not go to places where they cannot get away from it. Some of us will quietly call ahead to find out if there will be a safe haven. Living in the south in the summer means closed doors and winders for the A/C. And that might include meets locked indoors.
Rather than say anything we often either leave, not go, or suffer it for as short a time as possible. We don't say anything because through the years a few have taken a personal offense to it, or a few said if you don't like it ,, leave, or we dont wish to hurt others' feelings about it, or out of respect for "their" space.
I laugh every time I think of one person's face who felt it was his duty to punish me by making sure all his smoke was blown in my direction. He walked into my office as a possible vendor when I was commisioner for the Jr. Olympics at the Superdome. A true Kodak moment.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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I quit smoking 30 years ago - I can relate to both sides but I truly enjoy the non-smoking status California has these days. It surprises me when out of staters visit and start clawing their faces off in restaurants because they can't fumigate the place like they do back home. I visited with Si when Don Coplen was here and it was like the tear gas room at Boot Camp. Smokers, please...give our dainty lungs a break...
Posts: 1859 | From: / | Registered: Nov 1998
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Jane, while I do totally agree different habits we all have can disturb others, when it becomes a real health issue, to me that's in a separate catagory. The only remedy I can understand is to have smoke in an area that is well ventilated and away from others ie: outside. Inside traps it, there's just no good way around it.
posted
I smoked for almost 20 years and quit 24 years ago, but I had a wife that continued to smoke. Well, guess who the smoke bothered the most, me, lung cancer and all. My ex stills smoke like a steam engine but thank goodness I don't have to be around it anymore. My shop is strictly non-smoking, NO EXCEPTIONS
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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iam an EX-SMOKER, i know the feeling of the addiction, and thats what it is. no different then havin a crack addiction...yea i know crack is illegal....and cigarettes arent. iam speaking of what it does to your body, and how it takes your life away while its tellin you, YOU NEED ME!!!! i smoked 30 yrs. till i was 42, yea i started at about 10-12 yrs. old. after 3 heart attacks. i never went to a hospital, but my dad died from 8 of em,(3 pack a day pall malls) and he was 50 when he died. my mom a non-smoker made it to 70 with 4-5 heart attacks....all hers was "2nd hand smoke" she ran a local bar from 1957-78 when she died. so i know what they are .....i seen both of them in the throws of a couple. i went to mark fairs meet, my 1st, and it was oct in montgomery, al. days the shop was open, but as it cooled in the evening the doors got closed. only time i had any problems. iam like curtis, and probably more so since i did smoke and dont now. my body goes into this state of almost complete shut down of being able to breath, i feel short of breath, and my nose runs and i cough up crap for a week after being exposed. since then i have been to other meets, and i tend to only go to ones when the weather is conducive to having an "open shop", this way i get mostly fresh air and no smoke. and i want to thank geo perkins and ok chris, 2 guys i have shared a room with at meets, who did not smoke in the rooms to excess, because i was there, thank you guys again. also iam with joe endicott, in fl. with the non-smoking public places. even when i smoked, i never could smoke while i was eating...........and usually waited till i got outside to light up. this tid bit is funny, as a kid in pa. we didnt have cigarettes for our 1st smoke. minw was some dried corn silk, rolled up in some newpaper. YEA...NASTY AS IT GETS!!! made me sick and almost puked. now we go to the day i quit smokin....ian 42 and this pain in my chest starts while iam sleeping, hurts so bad i got to get up to a vertical position. oh and this is the 2nd one starting, had the 1st one 2-3 days ago, and blamed it on something i ate....now theirs "denile" at is best!!! so i get up go to living room and sit in my recliner till it subsides(bout an hour) well now i really need a cigarette.......i pull one outa the pack, now when i light it(and i didnt light the filter)the only taste in my mouth...WAS OF THAT NEWSPAPER AND CORN SILK of my 1st cigarette!!!! and that was the last one i ever lite up!!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Smoking is a fire hazard (and insaurance liability) that should never be allowed in ANY sign shop... let alone in any public place.
It is TOTALLY GROSS and any one who feels they have some right to smoke around other people, ever, is TOTALLY SELFISH. But, DRUG ADDICTS are always selfish, aren't they? It's the nature of the "beast".
At least society is finally starting to restrict these miserable users from sharing their problem with "non users". !
posted
I have never smoked, my wife is an ex smoker. I am bothered by salesmen and job applicants who show up to do business, and the stench is more than I can take. I have dealt with "clean" smokers as well. Not a problem.
I had a guy stop by to sell me long distance service. He stunk like peppermint cigarette smoke....YUK. We are free to do whatever we want. However, I always appreciate a smoker who respects my space as I do theirs. (My .02)
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3484 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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As a smoker I agree with the discomforts of those who don't smoke and therefore agree they shouldn't be put in any position which upsets their mobility. I for one do not smoke in their presence even though I'm addicted. I work with non smokers on a daily basis, I also work with non drinkers, beer drinkers upset me, ya know those belligerent people who always have a beer in their hand, talking nascar, and the ones who drink and drive!
I believe that there are tools which can completly absorb all odors including paints, pets, beer and smoke in the workplace and should be used in every shop for whatever odor may be present, I use one in my home which covers the entire structure and also in the shop, I like the fact that they work in any controlled envirement.
I dislike persons who aren't perfect but act like they are, we're all sinners here and thats just the way it is. No matter what addition one may have whether it be smoking, drinking or not showering on a daily basis, why must anyone put another in any position they aren't accustomed to. Lets open up the whole can while cleaning up our own act at the same time
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
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Just for the info the dixie meet will be smoke free! Except outside. The smoke was worse at the muster due to everything being inside due to the cold but it didnt mess it up for me. Still had a great time and will be there next time.
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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Donna, I totally agree about the health issue. That's why I quit! But my point, and I agree with Joey, is we all have our bad habits and things that annoy others. To me, it is just about being tolerant of each other and if something really bothers you, speak up and let people remedy the situation. And if you ARE the problem, be gracious enough to apologize and clean up your act. I would HOPE if someone asked nicely, it should be easily resolved....but if they don't know it is bothering you, how can they do something about it? ...in my humble opinion....
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I never smoked (since 7th grade anyway) but I seem to tolerate it a little better then some since I'm fortunant to not have serious physical reactions to it.
I'm only adding to this to say ditto to Joey... especially because if there's one thing I dislike worse then people inadvertently inconveniencing others with their habits it is "persons who aren't perfect but act like they are"
posted
Jeff, thanks for approaching this subject with tact. Mike, thanks for responding in an open manner. I'm a non-smoker who grew up in a smoke environment, Dad rolled his own, drum tobacco, fingers are permanently yellow. Never thought anything off it either, just didn't know any differrent. Things certainly have changed, and as Donna mentioned that it is now illegal to smoke in all public indoor places in BC. Being away from that smoke now makes it tougher to be around it. I don't discourage smoking, nor do I comment negatively to a smoker about their habit. In fact I ussually strongly encourage smokers to go and light up, as it means that there will be more pension money for me.
PS My Dad, who just turned 65, now has emphasema, has had half his left lung removed, is on oxygen permanently, and is weighs in at a wopping 120 lbs ( he used to be 6'2" tall). He still sneaks a puff now and then. I don't have to discourage my kids from smoking, he's doing that for me by example. Happy retirement Dad...
-------------------- "Are we having fun yet?" Peter Schuttinga DZines Sign Studio 1617 Millstream rd Victoria BC V9B-6G4 Posts: 521 | From: Victoria BC | Registered: Mar 2002
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I was not aware of people smoking. I am not a smokereither. However I sure did enjoy th smell of all those thinners! Maris
-------------------- SIGN STATION Andover, Minnesota, USA Comunicação Visual "We will sell no sign before its time." www.signstation.com maris@signstation.com Posts: 17 | From: Andover, MN USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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What?!?! No smoking at the Dixie meet? Well, heck, then I ain't going...
to smoke indoors, anyways! LOL!
Smoke 'em if you got 'em!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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Quit smoking 23 year ago and can't stand the smell of it.Brian how is it going to be in the Maritimes? Shouldn't have any smoking any where near paint products and no acception.
[ February 17, 2004, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: Randy Campbell ]
-------------------- Randall Campbell Randy's Graphics, 420 Fairfield N. Hamilton Ontario Canada Posts: 2857 | From: Hamilton Ontario Canada | Registered: Jan 2002
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Come On, Randy!!! Isn't that why water based paints were invented?
John Lennig / SignRider
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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I try not to smoke around people that it bothers unless they are rude and demanding about it.
Checkers, I've actually quit going to some restaurants that are 'smoke-free' cause I'm sick and tired of not being able to hear the person I'm sitting a foot away from over the screaming kid 20 feet away.
I've been to meets where we were POLITELY asked to smoke outside & no one got upset. I've been to meets where there was a seperate area for smokers, again no one got upset.
Now, as for some asshole here to try to tell me I shouldn't be allowed to smoke in my own damn shop, he can kiss my ass. Just goes to further verify the opinion I already had of that person.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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I tried smoking a cigarette once when I was in high school. I inhaled one puff and thought both lungs were going to flop right out of my throat. I coughed for ten minutes straight.
I thought, "who in hell can do this?" You actually have to torture yourself to the point of taming your lung's natural response to reject foreign materials.
I'd like to hear some smoking stories on how smokers first got USED TO smoking....seriously. I am curious what the process was for them to say, "Hey, I finally am able to overcome the physical pain."
Funny story (to me at least): Years ago when I was younger I used to go to McDonald's with my Grandpa for coffee. This was back when they used to have these cheap little tin ashtrays they put on the tables.
We'd sit down to drink our coffee and the first thing he did was knock the ashtray off the table onto the floor and exclaim, "I'd rather someone jumped up on the table, pulled their pants down and take a schitt on the table over having these dirty ashtrays where you eat....at least a crap is natural."
I swear, he used to embarrass me to no ends...
I never could stand the smell of cig smoke...even asked my wife on our first date if she smoked (she didn't).
I have to be very careful, because I admit I tend to draw a bad picture of people I see who are smoking. I have to remind myself that they are probably good people who happen to have a bad habit....just like I have bad habits...except I do resent that their habit infringes on my right to enjoy a healthy atmosphere that doesn't make me stink....aaaargh...see, I have to watch myself.
It seems humorous, although unnatural to put something in your mouth, set it on fire and suck and suck and suck on it....
My neighbor is a really nice guy but an addicted chain smoker. He can't even get through two sentances without going into a hacking attack that lasts for a full minute or two.
I know he must have emphasema.....but he won't go to the doctor for fear of what he'll learn. Poor guy, he must be about 60 but looks 80....has super wrinkly skin, a voice that sounds like 3 miles of gravel road, and yellow teeth.
But a heck of a nice guy.
My bad habit is nail biting. Someone told me that that is a major cause for appendicitis...those little bits of finger nails get caught in that little "tit" and can cause it to become inflamed.....
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Thank you to the heads here with their kind words and positive comments.
Thank you to Monte and Ryan for answering my true question at hand .
To the others that got pretty cranked up, I’m sorry. I do strive to be as good of person as I can be but I’m definitely not without faults of my own. I do tend to speak my mind but try hard not to tell people what to do or how to do it with out being asked to. The reason I didn’t say anything to Mike at the meet is, I would never tell someone what to do in their own house/shop. If I’m not comfortable in any surrounding or situation I simply remove myself from it. As I said earlier in this thread I just meant to give a heads up to myself and anyone else interested in the status of the subject at hand at future meets.
The matter of smoking -vs- non smoking in my opinion is just like politics and such that doesn’t need to be brought up here and cause grief between the many good people here.
Thank all, Jeff
-------------------- Jeff's Lettering Lisa,Luke,Dara, and Jeff Spradling 5742 Shattuck Rd. Belvidere, Il. 61008 815-544-0167
Surviving another day. Posts: 626 | From: Belvidere, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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todd and i agreeing on something.....DAMN.....hehehehehehehehe i dont see myself as being perfect...and some would agree that iam a perfect A**HOLE!!! and that being said, perfect is not what iam trying to be....smarter is a better word. and my earlier post was nothing more...then this dope....gettin smart!!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Jeff, I'm glad that you brought this up. I wholeheartedly agree that this is not about smoking vs. not smoking but about implementing a system whereby non-smokers can know before they go to a meet whether the enviroment at that meet is one in which they can be comfortable. Living in Southern California where everything is smoke free meant that it never occured to me to even ask this question. The Winter Muster was my first meet and had I known about the smoking I would have chosen another meet to attend. My participation was limited because I had a headache, sore throat and was generally uncomfortable. I regretted not being able to join in the evening festivities and finally left one day early.
-------------------- Dawn Ellis Signs by Dawn Long Beach, CA signsbydawn@aol.com
Trust yourself. Listen to the voice within. It is always right. Posts: 456 | From: Long Beach, California | Registered: Jan 2003
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I'm another non smoker that gets ill around smoke.
Ppl have the right to smoke, we all have the right to do what ever we want, and I'm sorry for those you can't quit, I've never smoked, but I am sympathetic when it comes to addictions.
A few years back I went to Jimmy's Dixie meet. Never thought to ask about the smoking situation...
There were aprox 60 letterheads at this meet, all but 6 were smokers. AND...almost all of them smoked inside the shop.
The smoke was so thick ,I was ill for most of the weekend. There was a huge exhaust fan at the oppisite end of the shop, but after running it a few minutes it was shut off due to the complaints of the smokers who were 'feeling cold' (heck, it was 80 degrees outside!)
I resolved that there was nothing that could be done about it, and since I had spent so much money to get there I tried to just 'live' with it and get to work on my project.
A few hours later Dana (before she was Mrs. Bowers) came up to me looking worried..."Adrienne, are you ok'? I looked up and she said I didn't look so good. "You better go outside and get some air" LOL Yeah...after that experience I started to consider if going to meets where smoking was allowed inside was worth the misery (some of us really do get sick)
Some meets I have skipped for that very reason.
The problem, as I see it, is that when you smoke (and you have a right to enjoy it)there is no way to keep it to yourself, I, as a non smoker, if I am sharing your airspace, am not in control of what I breath into my lungs and am forced to smoke along with you.
I don't see that as being fair.
It's not the smoker I object to, what I object to is having to endure something that ruins my enjoyment of an event or activity that I have paid a lot of money to attend.
I apprieciate those hosts that make it a rule that all smoking is to be done outside of the common indoor space used for that event. This is only common curtesy.
I've also been to meets where, although signs where posted that said 'no smoking' ,an attendee will walk around puffing a cigar as if the rules weren't for him (comeon, CIGAR smoke IS just gross!!!) and the host never said a word to him.
I would have left if I had a way to do so.
OK....now, you smokers don't jump on me, but is it asking too much to ask you to step outside for a few minutes for the consideration of your fellow heads?
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