Smoking is cool. There, I said it! Don’t get me wrong, smoking is also very deadly, perhaps even dumb. Nevertheless, name one thing that is perceived as cool that isn’t deadly, dumb or at least a little bit dangerous. Yeah, that’s what I thought – I rest my case!

I started smoking, black and milds actually, when I was about 18ish. I gave those up when I was about 22ish. In fact, I completely gave up inhaling (almost) anything for about two years. However, in my defense, I doubly engaged in other deadly, dumb, dangerous activities during my two-year non-smoking hiatus to reinforce my cool status. Around the age of 24, I finally made the transition to smoking cigarettes. At this point in my life, it was clear to any and all that I was at the peak of my coolness.  Read more...