usvi-on-line
Smoking STJ
Okay, I know I am going to get bashed for this. A couple of posters have referenced the health issue of second hand smoke. Obviously, this issue exists as many studies have proven. However, does anyone really believe that your long term health is adversely affected because you walked by someone who was smoking a cigarette, or once or twice sat next to someone smoking in an outdoor setting?
Again, I am a smoker and do not smoke in restaurants even if it is allowed (because I too find smoke offensive while I am eating - go figure
). But if a restaurant has a smoking and a non-smoking section and you choose the smoking section ... And as to waking up every morning to the people's smoke below you - I can absolutely understand that grossing you out.
As we know, up here in the states, smoking is banned from pretty much every public place. Smoking rooms in hotels are becoming a thing of the past. I think the issue of second hand smoke has been legistlatively addressed to the point where non-smokers are now pretty much safe from the health dangers of second hand smoke.
Again, I am a smoker and do not smoke in restaurants even if it is allowed (because I too find smoke offensive while I am eating - go figure
). But if a restaurant has a smoking and a non-smoking section and you choose the smoking section ... And as to waking up every morning to the people's smoke below you - I can absolutely understand that grossing you out. As we know, up here in the states, smoking is banned from pretty much every public place. Smoking rooms in hotels are becoming a thing of the past. I think the issue of second hand smoke has been legistlatively addressed to the point where non-smokers are now pretty much safe from the health dangers of second hand smoke.
Paula
Wonderful response... tongue in cheek I hope. If you don't want to be in proximity of smoke that is legal, stay away from it... if it's allowed in a pub, stay out... in a restaurant, go elsewhere... and if you're behind a smoker on a trail, stop for 2 minutes. Oh and btw, I'm not a smoker!Pete (Mr. Marcia) wrote:While we're at it, can we outlaw little kids? Nothing ruins a quiet day at the beach quite like a group of kids splashing around in the water, yelling to mom and dad to "watch me." Oh, and overweight people...they need to go, too. I really shouldn't have to look at that. And, don't even get me started on cell phones....
crickett : )
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
WOW -- I apparently really offended some people and really really didn't mean to. The original poster asked a question about etiquette, so I just thought I'd include a couple things that I noticed, that some people might not think of. I completely respect that everyone has the right to make different choices, and I can't stand when either side of a debate gets nasty.
I don't think I treated anyone like a moron. If I did, then my bad, and my sincere apologies.
I don't think I treated anyone like a moron. If I did, then my bad, and my sincere apologies.
promoguy said:
How about the non smokers who think it is cool to smoke a cigar?
Hey promo, thanks for the visual
cigar aficionado....non smoker....Bill Clinton
I guess as smokers we may deserve the "stupid" label. However, I resent the implication advocated by non smokers that we are an ignorant sub species who lack common sense and have total disregard for those around us.
Why is it that almost anytime a smoker asks a legitimate question, he/she is answered by folks who don't smoke, yet seize it as an opportunity to get up on their soap boxes to vent? I am quite sure that
MrsCARolph knows enough not to litter the beach with her butts....puleeze!
Would she really be asking the question she asked if she didn't care about her surroundings? Where is your common sense?
And wishwewerethere, we spent over $400.00 at Stone Terrace for dinner and wine. What about my rights?
You might like to know that I did go to the bar to have a cigarette after dinner, even though smoking was allowed. Actually it was a relief to get away from the lady seated at the table next to us.... her cheap perfume was gagging me....mia
How about the non smokers who think it is cool to smoke a cigar?
Hey promo, thanks for the visual
cigar aficionado....non smoker....Bill Clinton
I guess as smokers we may deserve the "stupid" label. However, I resent the implication advocated by non smokers that we are an ignorant sub species who lack common sense and have total disregard for those around us.
Why is it that almost anytime a smoker asks a legitimate question, he/she is answered by folks who don't smoke, yet seize it as an opportunity to get up on their soap boxes to vent? I am quite sure that
MrsCARolph knows enough not to litter the beach with her butts....puleeze!
Would she really be asking the question she asked if she didn't care about her surroundings? Where is your common sense?And wishwewerethere, we spent over $400.00 at Stone Terrace for dinner and wine. What about my rights?
You might like to know that I did go to the bar to have a cigarette after dinner, even though smoking was allowed. Actually it was a relief to get away from the lady seated at the table next to us.... her cheap perfume was gagging me....mia
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
Wait a sec...Promoguy......if you are a non smoker who thinks it's cool to smoke a cigar, then you are not a non smoker.....unless you don't smoke a cigar and only THINK it's cool......
Huh? I don't know...I am a non smoker but I do light up a cigar occassionally......wait, then I am not a non smoker, but I don't smoke....but I sometimes think it's cool to smoke a cigar....but I .......
I didn't inhale......I did not have inhaling relations with that cigar......AAAAAGGHHHHHHH quick...get me a single malt scotch and a good cigar!!
Huh? I don't know...I am a non smoker but I do light up a cigar occassionally......wait, then I am not a non smoker, but I don't smoke....but I sometimes think it's cool to smoke a cigar....but I .......
I didn't inhale......I did not have inhaling relations with that cigar......AAAAAGGHHHHHHH quick...get me a single malt scotch and a good cigar!!
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
This is really getting a bit on the ugly side and I should probably not reply, but I have to.
As a smoker I know that it is bad for me. I also know that it is bad for those around me. I also know how to act in public and I am a grown woman that does not need to be lectured about the dangers of second hand smoke.
I think the root issue here (for the smokers) is that we are sick of being talked to like we are un-educated dolts that have no concept of the consequences of our actions and choices.
Saying that all people that smoke are inconsiderate is like saying that all blondes are stupid.(I am blonde too)If you are finding that someone that is smoking and it is seriously affecting your ability to enjoy yourself, then by all means, feel free to say something to that person. Lecturing other people for someone else's poor judgment and inconsiderate behavior is in poor judgment and inconsiderate behavior.
This is all my opinion and not directed at any person on this board.
As a smoker I know that it is bad for me. I also know that it is bad for those around me. I also know how to act in public and I am a grown woman that does not need to be lectured about the dangers of second hand smoke.
I think the root issue here (for the smokers) is that we are sick of being talked to like we are un-educated dolts that have no concept of the consequences of our actions and choices.
Saying that all people that smoke are inconsiderate is like saying that all blondes are stupid.(I am blonde too)If you are finding that someone that is smoking and it is seriously affecting your ability to enjoy yourself, then by all means, feel free to say something to that person. Lecturing other people for someone else's poor judgment and inconsiderate behavior is in poor judgment and inconsiderate behavior.
This is all my opinion and not directed at any person on this board.
wishwewerethere,
You referenced the amount spent on your meal:
"It TRULY bothers me when I spend a few hundred dollars to eat at Stone Terrace and someone is smoking at the next table."
Ironically, you missed the point, but quite honestly I'm tired of this and don't feel that I need to explain myself to you any further. Suffice it to say that perhaps you should spend your money at a restaurant which does not allow smoking....I was within my rights to smoke at Stone Terrace, regardless of the amount spent on our dinner. I chose not to do so because I did not wish to offend the table next to us.
What don't you understand about that?
You referenced the amount spent on your meal:
"It TRULY bothers me when I spend a few hundred dollars to eat at Stone Terrace and someone is smoking at the next table."
Ironically, you missed the point, but quite honestly I'm tired of this and don't feel that I need to explain myself to you any further. Suffice it to say that perhaps you should spend your money at a restaurant which does not allow smoking....I was within my rights to smoke at Stone Terrace, regardless of the amount spent on our dinner. I chose not to do so because I did not wish to offend the table next to us.
What don't you understand about that?
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Mia wrote: I resent the implication advocated by non smokers that we are an ignorant sub species who lack common sense and have total disregard for those around us.
Excuse me, but if I'm sitting on my private deck or hiking on park trails and smell someone's smoke, I actually prefer to think that they are unaware that their smoke is affecting me. This does NOT mean I think they are stupid! What is the alternative, to assume that they ARE aware that the smoke is affecting me, but don't care?
Excuse me, but if I'm sitting on my private deck or hiking on park trails and smell someone's smoke, I actually prefer to think that they are unaware that their smoke is affecting me. This does NOT mean I think they are stupid! What is the alternative, to assume that they ARE aware that the smoke is affecting me, but don't care?
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CShell1019
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:20 am
last time I ate at Old Stone House, there was a smoking room (area) for those who chose to indulge that was seperate from the diners. It really worked out quite nicely since it was also the same (and only) time that I'd experienced the termites swarming on STT! From what it sounds like, that is no longer the policy - too bad since I am a smoker (and went to the area which was comfy and casual) and don't seem to mind if my own cig kills my taste buds but when it is second-hand, it screws up the smells, tastes and enjoyment of the food!
Funny but 10 days in STT/Virgin Gorda saw only a few people smoking cigars - a pair of gentlemen walking the beach at Little Dix, another pair at Leverick walking toward the parking lot (the smell I am sure was to keep the bugs at bay), on STT there were a couple of tourists lighting up in Town - maybe they needed it to calm their nerves from the shopping frenzy - but the strangest was while awaiting to depart, a woman deplaned and lit up before they had even hit the terminal! All that jet fuel, fumes, etc ... and someone said adults don't need to be reminded of "rules." <@@> But smoking was obviously absent where ever! All for each choosing one's own poison here (junk food, alcohol, whatever) and gov't shouldn't be telling us how to live but I would have to vote for banning the screaming kids from the beach - and once again, I unfortunately was reminded how inattentive parents can be when the kids don't realize how annoying their screaming, running, throwing sand, etc etc can be!
Funny but 10 days in STT/Virgin Gorda saw only a few people smoking cigars - a pair of gentlemen walking the beach at Little Dix, another pair at Leverick walking toward the parking lot (the smell I am sure was to keep the bugs at bay), on STT there were a couple of tourists lighting up in Town - maybe they needed it to calm their nerves from the shopping frenzy - but the strangest was while awaiting to depart, a woman deplaned and lit up before they had even hit the terminal! All that jet fuel, fumes, etc ... and someone said adults don't need to be reminded of "rules." <@@> But smoking was obviously absent where ever! All for each choosing one's own poison here (junk food, alcohol, whatever) and gov't shouldn't be telling us how to live but I would have to vote for banning the screaming kids from the beach - and once again, I unfortunately was reminded how inattentive parents can be when the kids don't realize how annoying their screaming, running, throwing sand, etc etc can be!
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MrsCARolph
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:57 pm
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
Yikes! I asked a question, left for the day, and came back to a heated debate! 
Here's what prompted the original question: I was reading "Explore the Virgin Islands," and in the section about STJ it had said something like "smoking is allowed in most bars on the island, but most locals are not smokers, and are offended when a tourist lights up near them." I thought there might be something more to learn about this slightly foreign culture (like the "good morning" vs. "hello" quirk).
No one wants to be that ignorant tourist who offends the locals without even knowing it!
I appreciate all the help--from smokers and non-smokers alike.
Thanks...
Here's what prompted the original question: I was reading "Explore the Virgin Islands," and in the section about STJ it had said something like "smoking is allowed in most bars on the island, but most locals are not smokers, and are offended when a tourist lights up near them." I thought there might be something more to learn about this slightly foreign culture (like the "good morning" vs. "hello" quirk).
No one wants to be that ignorant tourist who offends the locals without even knowing it!
I appreciate all the help--from smokers and non-smokers alike.
Thanks...
