Never turn down free beer

Ray is right. This is an open forum unless someone violates the TOU. Ray has the right to "get cranked" if he doesn't violate the TOU.

Conversation is infinitely more interesting with people who have opinions than with people who don't, regardless of whether or not you agree with them.

 

So climb up on the soapbox Ray, and have at it.

 

BTW Marc, you are joking right? I mean you really don't believe your camera will really be damaged by smoke?

<< ... Taking away all the cigarette smoking in the world won't cure lung cancer any more than banning firearms will cure homocide. ... >><p>

 

You're a lively guy and a sincere and enthusiastic photog, Craig, but your medical scholarship may leave a bit to be desired :-) <p>

 

The American Lung Association site points out the following:<p>

 

*************************<p>

 

< ... WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER?<p>

 

Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer may also be the most tragic cancer because in most cases, it might have been prevented -- 87% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. ...> <p>

 

************************* <p>

 

The site is <a href=http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35427>here</a>.

Leaving the camera home when you are not committed to shooting is good for your wallet and your mental health

 

The wallet and mental health are serious considerations for a photographer. I think that statement stands on its own for the enlightened.

 

Just what is TOU i would rather not fall foul of some serious bylaws.<div></div>

Well, I'm not a gearhead so I really don't know what effect smoke will have when exposed to all the chemicals in smoke in a confined place over a period of time. All I know is there may be risks involved and I simply don't make enough money to replace or have my gear taken apart and cleaned all the time. The one time I did do some shooting in a bar that allow smoking not only did my clothes smell like smoke (no big deal) but my camera also smelled of smoke when I got curious.

 

I grew up with both parents who smoked until they quit when I was in my teens. My lungs are fine despite this. I cannot recall where I read it since it was so long ago but lung tissue does re-generate so I have no doubt about this claim.

 

As to government, well, since when do those in power have the best interests of the people? Time and time again they prove they are out for themselves with their shameless pandering and corrupt mindset looking to sell out to the highest bidder. Occasionaly they get it right like improving CA air with the smog check program. However banning smoking to keep cleaner air just seems like a band aid approach. So does the recently passed law in NY banning trans fats.

What next? Mandatory 5 mile treadmill runs a day? Yes America has a weight problem but I don't think the remedy for this is to start taking away right to choose what we eat (or resturants serve). I think the problem is mostly psychological anyways in most obese people at least those without a underlying medical condition. So don't take away our right to choose what we want to eat. Approach the cause of the problem not the result.