Gunner: I'm back

I wonder how common this dislike is in ex-smokers.

I quit smoking 24 years ago after having been a moderate smoker for perhaps 15 years. Today I can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke. I find it to be highly repulsive. As you said Geoff, that dislike grew over time. During the first year of non-smoking, there were few things so alluring as the smell of a cigarette. Somewhere along the line, the allure has been replaced with revulsion.

After I quit, I would occasionally dreams of smoking. Those dreams lasted for about ten years.

Today, 24 years after my last Marlboro, I am afraid that all it would take to get me right back into the habit is one cigarette.

Anyhow: Welcome back Gunner. Glad to see that you are recovering so quickly.

George.

Some ex-smokers are really verbally obnoxious. I can understand not wanting to smell the smoke or be around it for whatever reason, but most seem to make it their life's work to stop everyone else from smoking, too, regardless of whether the smoking is taking place in their vicinity. It really isn't necessary for them to go on and on about the evils of smoking as I'm pretty sure we all know them by now. It's nothing but sanctimoniousness. Sorta like someone who has found a new religion. I'd quite once for 8 years and never criticized anyone for their choice to smoke. My ex-husband continued to smoke but I didn't mind (I minded him but not his smoking). I have a friend who quit 6 years ago (3 packs a day) and she never says anything to anyone and actually likes the smell. Anyway, good luck to Gunner in the battle. I suspect that sometime soon I'll be in his shoes. And, to whomever may wish to reply to that statement, it's none of your business. :o) Sue (I've been trying to pare down the NGs that these posts go to but I don't know from where George is posting and believe it to be rude to respond to someone when they can't see the response)

Surprisingly enough (from our viewpoint) those applying the pressure don't seem at all interested in relaxing the pressure a bit. I wasn't loud, well at least I think I wasn't, but I do remember the nurse saying that, "I'm sorry but the orders don't call for more pain medication" just before I grabbed both of her wrists and lifted her up and that with two others trying to keep me from doing so. Interestingly, a few minutes later the orders got changed and I lost all interest in the proceedings.

One of the few places where property values are going down, not up, Im afraid.

When I moved here in 83, the environs were around 40,000. Now I think its around 18,000.

Trapped....sigh.

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

????????? Sure it was me? Thats something to celibrate, not hammer somone for. Congrats on your new partner. Ive been living with the potential death of my wife since 2000. Rough.

Yawn. You know where I live. Wanna prove your claim?

What ever works for you.

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

Shalom.

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

snipped.....

Ignoring the rest of the debate in this thread, which is silly stuff.

Glad you're better, guy. Welcome back.

My best to you and your wife, son, etc.

Yep, quittin smoking will probably be hard. But give it your best shot.

Bob

Cites.

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

Tim old lard ass..I notice the word "if" used as a conditional statement. What makes you think there would be an "if"?

Think hard amigo... As to threats...what threats were those? Threats of violence? Cites? Shucks Tubby, I may want to start up the California Chapter of the Tim May Fan Club.

Shiva

"What do you call someone in possession of all the facts? Paranoid.-William Burroughs

Told you so ;-) Glad you're back anyway (and did you get to keep the clamp?

Somehow...

Somehow, Tim, I have the feeling that if Gunner was on your property, he'd find you long before you'd be able to find him.

FW

Since no one has set you straight on this, I will try.

It is obvious you don't know how the VA defines compensation. Compensation is NOT reimbursement for medical expenses. Compensation is NOT payment for physical disabilities that limit earning abilities.

Think of compensation as payment for pain and suffering.

I may be fully employed but unable to use a standard telephone or enjoy a movie out because of hearing loss due to mine, mortar or some other cause.

I may be fully employed but suffer recurring nightmares or anxiety attacks associated with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

I may be fully employed but racked with phantom pains brought on by nerve damage due to exposure to Agent Orange.

I may be fully employed but 100% of my children are born with Spina Bifida; a result of my Agent Orange exposure.

Generally speaking, compensation is for injuries or conditions that cannot be repaired by medical professionals.

I just got out of the hospital Saturday. Last few months, my left shoulder has been a problem. Can't sleep on it, just aches for no reason. Pressure inside the shoulder blade helped. Ageing is terrible and I figured "arthur-itus", rotator cuff or something. Last few days, anything arobic would cause chest "pressure". The doc said that wasn't critical yet but we started looking into it. A problem would be if I had that "pressure" feeling at rest. That was Monday. Thursday night, that "pressure" woke me up at midnight. A long night in ER later, checked in for testing and an angiogram Friday afternoon. They found 1

99% blockage > For those of you who emailed or wished me well, many many many thanks.

A loud scream, a wave of a knife..and you may find yourself rooted to the ground. It often happens that way, particularly with those who are more "civilized" than others. Most folks simply dont go into fight or flight mode..but stand there incredulous and the mental gear change from "huh..what the f*ck??? to RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" takes precious time.

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

No darn it..and believe it or not..I was too screwed up to ask where the junk pile was...sigh..

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

Your obsession with TM isn't healthy either, Sue.

Neocon - literally a 'new conservative'; a self-styled "new type" of conservative; a restructured Republican in the style of Newt Gingrich from the days of the "republican revolution".

Neocons:

- believe in a powerful federal government;

- believe the ends justify the means;

- believe in preemptive war and the naked use of military force to achieve any desired ends;

- believe certain facts should be known only by a political and military elite, and withheld from the general public;

- openly endorse the idea of an American empire, and hence unapologetically call for imperialism;

- are very willing to use force to impose American ideals;

- scoff at the Founding Fathers' belief in neutrality in foreign affairs;

- believe 9/11 resulted from a lack of foreign entanglement;

- are willing to redraw the map of the Middle East by force, while unconditionally supporting Israel and the Likud Party;

- view civil liberties as unnecessary restrictions on the federal government;

- despise libertarians and liberals and dismiss any arguement based on constitutional grounds;

This description is based upon my observations, the writings of congressman Ron Paul and of course from the writings of the neocons.

The opposite of the description above.

Libertarians don't divide into a "rank and file".

They stand for the basic principles as outlined in the Declaration, and of self-sufficiency and non-initiation of force.

Libertarianism is a way of living and exemplifying life, not a political platform. Thus, attempts to imulate political parties have forced compromises that more reflect the faults of the established political parties.

Obsession isn't quite the right word. I go days without giving Mr. May a thought and don't even read all of his posts. But whatever low degree of what you call an obsession is fun and I enjoy it. For a good long time he seemed to enjoy calling me a nitwit (which I never disputed), telling me I needed killing and accusing me of having a fat ass (which I *do* dispute). Turnabout is fair play. But, thanks for your concern. Sue

No.

It isn't and they don't.

According to Gunner, certain damage was incurred during his trevails in Viet Nam. This may be a matter of military record. Or, such damage may be attributable after the fact.

Additionally, the VA is open to any qualified vet (one having completed duty with an honorable discharge) in a serious medical circumstance who finds himself without means IF the VA covers that problem and has the necessary resources. This has been the case at least since WWII. This policy was part of the rationale for low pay in the the pre-mercenary days.

I doubt the VA will pick up the tab but it will probably chip in.

"county and state" aid? Because they may give him money in one form or another.

But keep in mind that *some* types of aid are designed to stabilize a life situation, preventing a potential financial catastrophe on the theory that sustaining a citizen beneficial to his community is better than allowing a total loss.

I understand that CA has liberal policies in general so its no wonder that your taxes are so high.

That he did, as your posted quotes suggest.