The debate over whether or not smoking should be banned in public places has escalated over the years. Why should innocent men, woman and children have to suffer the effects associated with smoking? By eliminating smoking in public places nationwide, second hand smoke and smoke odor would be eliminated thus benefiting the innocent bystanders of our society.
Smoking not only affects those who partake in the physical act but also those who are in close proximity to the one who is smoking. People who smoke affect those around them by unintentionally giving off second hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is classified as a Group A carcinogen that causes headaches, nausea, cancer and heart disease.
The strong odor produced from smoke lingers in one’s clothing and hair. Clothing worn in a bar for thirty minutes may still smell like smoke three days later. The smell protruding off the clothing is classified as third hand smoke, an invisible yet toxic combination of particles and chemicals that affects neurological development.
According to The Center for Disease Control, smoke filled rooms have six times the air pollution as busy streets. Why would a nonsmoker want to inhale all of those pollutants and risk their health? By banning smoking in public places second hand smoke and smoke odor (third hand smoke) would not be exposed to innocent bystanders.
-Birgitta Monson
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Case Against Valentine's
Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized over the years. Valentine’s Day used to be very simplistic; exchanging love letters amongst couples, nothing more and nothing less. Valentine’s Day has evolved and changed drastically over the years since Saint Valentine graced the world with his presence.
In today’s society, Valentine’s Day has been taken to a whole new level, overpriced flowers, chocolates, diamonds, romantic weekends away and candle lit dinners. The average American spends $100 dollars alone on a gift for their significant other. It seems like even through the rough economic crisis, Valentine’s Day has not suffered in the least when it comes to buying extravagant gifts for one's significant other.
What I don’t understand is why Americans focus on one single day to prove their love to one another? It's almost like this day is reconciliation for all mistakes made through out the year. Valentine’s Day is overrated and takes away the truest aspect of love; spontaneity.
There are many ways in which loved ones can show their love without spending a lot of money. For example, one could have a romantic night at home with no electronics, a candle lit dinner for two and a fire in the fireplace. One can also create a Valentine’s card made with love instead of Hallmark’s version of love. By taking out the commercialism of Valentine’s Day one can save money as well as show how much they truly love their significant other.
In today’s society, Valentine’s Day has been taken to a whole new level, overpriced flowers, chocolates, diamonds, romantic weekends away and candle lit dinners. The average American spends $100 dollars alone on a gift for their significant other. It seems like even through the rough economic crisis, Valentine’s Day has not suffered in the least when it comes to buying extravagant gifts for one's significant other.
What I don’t understand is why Americans focus on one single day to prove their love to one another? It's almost like this day is reconciliation for all mistakes made through out the year. Valentine’s Day is overrated and takes away the truest aspect of love; spontaneity.
There are many ways in which loved ones can show their love without spending a lot of money. For example, one could have a romantic night at home with no electronics, a candle lit dinner for two and a fire in the fireplace. One can also create a Valentine’s card made with love instead of Hallmark’s version of love. By taking out the commercialism of Valentine’s Day one can save money as well as show how much they truly love their significant other.
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