If It's Wrong, It's Wrong

Now it seems that New Jersey is getting its own version of a smoking ban in public places, restaurants, and bars--except for casinos and cigar bars. I'll get to the illogic of that in a moment.

I used to be a pretty heavy smoker, about two packs a day. When I smoked, it never crossed my mind to think what I exhaled might be bothering someone. I smoked in restaurants, bars, movie theaters, bowling alleys, hospitals, schools--yes, those were the days before laws against smoking started going into effect. Well, instant karma got me because now I have allergic asthma reactions to second hand smoke. Very ironic.

Anyway, I sympathize with smokers--but I side with the nonsmokers.

I don't feel sorry for the owners of the restaurants and bars who holler that their businesses are going to suffer. In other states where smoking's been outlawed in public places, those businesses are still flourishing. I think not only do patrons benefit from a smoke free environment, so do the employees of those establishments. I remember going into a smoky restaurant and gagging and I got to leave after a short time. The employees are exposed to that toxic stuff for up to 8 hours or more.

This is where the illogic of New Jersey's law comes in. If smoking is being outlawed because it's not healthy then why are there exceptions for the casinos and the cigar bars? Are we saying that people don't get cancer from second hand smoke in those places? Are we saying people are less bothered by the smoke in those places?

Somehow, I don't think so. Somehow I thing it's got to do with ... ka-ching ka-ching, making money.

It's hypocritical to have a law that bans smoking everywhere except in places where businessmen have the money and power to band together and get themselves an exception.

But that's how it goes in politics, right?

Bleh.

The article is here.

Musing on Movies

What is the first special effects or effects heavy film you remember seeing and thinking "wow" at the visuals? (I know for many, it was Star Wars.) What are some recent examples, if any, that wowed you?

Well, for me it was definitely the original Star Wars. I remember being totally blown away by the special effects. Some recent examples:

Titanic
War of the Worlds
King Kong