I've been spending more time in the pub recently, and it's got me thinking (yes, it hurt):
- Smoking is bad for you
- Passive smoking is more harmful to your health that smoking itself
- Pubs are full of smokers smoking
Does that mean that, for the sake of your health, you should smoke when in a smoky place, as the air you breathe will be less lethal through your cigarette that it will be out of someone else's mouth?
When you smoke though, you don't take every breath through your fag, so you'll still be breathing in some second-hand smoke. But would it still be worth it to smoke so you get slightly less passive smoke? That's assuming you don't try to chug any through your own cigarette. Hmm.
The logical halt to this conversation is to say that people shouldn't smoke. That's all very good to say, but people like their nicotine. The government plan on banning smoking in pubs and restaurants, but smoking will still ensue in other places. I think it's an unhealthy vice that's here to stay, and no legislation will stop that. Plus, the government needs people to smoke - it's how they fund the country.
And finally, kids, don't smoke.
On the whole, I hate Christmas. It just doesn't cut it for me anymore. Working in retail has killed my Christmas spirit, and this will be my fourth Chrimbo behind a till.
But more than that, I've always felt guilty for not being a Christian yet 'celebrating' a Christian festival. As far as my beliefs stand, there probably was a guy called Jesus, he probably was a religious leader, but whether he did miracles or was the actual son of God, I don't know. I don't particularly care either, because I doubt I'll ever have proof for it that satisfies me.
Conversely, there is no proof against it that I can draw on. And I don't mean just for a Christian god, I mean for any deity. The world is all very conveniently and cleverly made, and apparently shows design. I still think it could have happened by chance, but my explanation for that is far too long and complicated, and extremely boring.
What did I start off about? Celebrating other people's festivals. In all honesty, I haven't really celebrated Christmas much at all these last few years. This year, I haven't sent out any cards, I haven't given any presents yet, and I've barely bought anything for my family. The decorations only went up last week and the Christmas concerts I was in didn't have much in the way of Christmas music in them. I'm even immune to the bloody Christmas CD at work!
But that can only be a good thing.
If I really meant it all, I'd abstain from buying any presents. I know a few people who did this year, but I feel that I can't because I've already been given some. My problem is that I like giving, and everyone likes receiving.
Why don't we celebrate our half birthdays instead? That would solve a lot of problems. It spreads the cost out through the year, it isn't religious and it means you won't be broke just before you need all your money to get smashed on New Year's!
