Poll: Do you smoke?
162 comments
One day as I lit a cigarette someone said to me, "I used to smoke, and then I realized that I was the smartest person I knew who still smoked, so I quit." Later I thought about this and realized that I was the smartest person I knew who still smoked, so I quit too. Actually thinking about the smokers you know can be an eye-opening comparison.
If you ever noticed, almost all restaurant workers smoke. I notice because I own five.
Just curious, how much does it cost to purchase a restaurant worker these days?
I've found it strange how so many chefs smoke. Smoking affects your sense of taste, which you would think is important.
For evidence, watch "Hell's Kitchen" or "Top Chef" ... or the service door of restaurants/diners/pubs.
For evidence, watch "Hell's Kitchen" or "Top Chef" ... or the service door of restaurants/diners/pubs.
When your job is almost entirely about providing immediate gratification for other people, smoking is something you do entirely for yourself and your friends. Even if it involves huddling in the cold.
I smoke on and off - tend to quit for awhile then start again. Back when I was doing full-time office-style programming gigs, I found it a good excuse to go outside and walk around if I was stuck on some particular problem, and it always worked wonders in that regard.
That being said, It's a nasty/expensive habit and I don't recommend it to anyone. Anecdotal evidence: of the 600 or so people at the last startup school, I saw maybe 4 people light up, so it can't be very prevalent among good hackers.
That being said, It's a nasty/expensive habit and I don't recommend it to anyone. Anecdotal evidence: of the 600 or so people at the last startup school, I saw maybe 4 people light up, so it can't be very prevalent among good hackers.
I was working at a well respected hacker company for a brief period. Out of something like 200 people in the office I was the only smoker as far as I could tell.
Ever since I've considered it a reasonable way to judge a company. Maybe a good interview question: "So, how many of your programmers smoke?"
Ever since I've considered it a reasonable way to judge a company. Maybe a good interview question: "So, how many of your programmers smoke?"
You smoke, and you consider having few smokers as a good metric of company worth? Hm.
That chance to just walk out for a few minutes (or simply just to walk...) was probably the main reason I didn't want to stop smoking when I still worked for companies. I just find it hard solving some problems while sitting at a desk - can't help it. Once I started working from home it was suddenly no longer such a problem to stop smoking. Now when I feel like it I just stand up and walk around the room. No more need for excuses.
I wonder if one of the desks where you can stand would also have helped - I never had the chance to work at one of those.
I wonder if one of the desks where you can stand would also have helped - I never had the chance to work at one of those.
I feared the same thing when I stopped smoking, but I found, to my great surprise, it's actually possible to get up from your desk and go for a little walk WITHOUT smoking.
Probably it is - it just takes more confidence.
At least for an ex-smoker it also takes a lot more discipline. It's the habits that are the hardest to break. After a good meal or during a work-break the urge to light up is the strongest, even when you quit long ago.
Moreover a cigarette provides a nice time-frame and the illusion of of doing something. You can have a "one cig break" or a "two cig break". And you have something to do while thinking, which helps with the process (at least it does for me).
Moreover a cigarette provides a nice time-frame and the illusion of of doing something. You can have a "one cig break" or a "two cig break". And you have something to do while thinking, which helps with the process (at least it does for me).
I work from home and use a standing desk exclusively - hasn't helped me (permanently) quit smoking...although it has made me smoke quite a bit less.
When I worked tech support in high school at a company where almost everyone was a smoker, I used to take hacky-sack breaks. Ah, high school.
You should stop smoking. If you are ready to quit, http://www.smokefree.gov/
I understand you're passionate about this issue, but you've really got to stop flooding the conversation threads with your postings. I don't object to one or two, or even more than that. However you've posted a ton of similar one liners with no sign of slowing down.
If people go and look at their comment threads as often as I do (to see if there have been replies), this tactic is more likely to be effective here on HN, as opposed to sites that notify you when there's been a reply so that you only look then.
You should quit telling others how to live their lives. If you are ready to quit,
http://www.43things.com/things/view/324138/dont-tell-others-...
I have never been able to figure out what would possess a person to put something that smells like cigarette smoke in their mouth. Beyond that, most people I know who have tried smoking found the initial experience physically unpleasant (smoke burns the throat and lungs). The only explanation I'm aware of for people continuing to smoke after the first time is social pressure. From what I've observed, hackers tend to resist social pressure more than most people.
It only tastes unpleasant at first, then it becomes normal.
I actually have an interesting story that has to do with this. Last summer I was taking a newer smoking cessation drug named Champix. The drug works by binding with the same receptors that nicotine does, and prevents nicotine from having its effect. You take this drug while continuing to smoke, and about two weeks later, cigarettes lose their lustre. You still want the buzz, but you don't get a thing out of smoking.
Now here's the interesting bit. Without the buzz, cigarettes tasted gross again. I mean really gross. I didn't want anything to do with them. They smelled differently as well. Obviously I'm only relating a personal experience, and I can't say whether other people experience the same thing.
And to whom it may concern, I found the drug had other side effects (which may have also been related to smoking cessation), which lead to my smoking again. I lasted about two months, all in all, but throughout the entire period I was mood swinging like crazy. In the end, I found the solution worse than the problem, and decided to stop taking it.
I actually have an interesting story that has to do with this. Last summer I was taking a newer smoking cessation drug named Champix. The drug works by binding with the same receptors that nicotine does, and prevents nicotine from having its effect. You take this drug while continuing to smoke, and about two weeks later, cigarettes lose their lustre. You still want the buzz, but you don't get a thing out of smoking.
Now here's the interesting bit. Without the buzz, cigarettes tasted gross again. I mean really gross. I didn't want anything to do with them. They smelled differently as well. Obviously I'm only relating a personal experience, and I can't say whether other people experience the same thing.
And to whom it may concern, I found the drug had other side effects (which may have also been related to smoking cessation), which lead to my smoking again. I lasted about two months, all in all, but throughout the entire period I was mood swinging like crazy. In the end, I found the solution worse than the problem, and decided to stop taking it.
Don't ask me what led me to know this or use this comment to make inferences about my musical tastes, but Carter Albrecht --- the guitarist from (don't laugh) Edie Brickell & New Bohemians --- took Champix and then drank a lot, went completely nuts, tried to break into his neighbor's house, and got shot in the head.
DON'T DATE ROBOTS.
DON'T DATE ROBOTS.
I smoked for nine years and I never really liked the taste, it only got slightly better once you got used to it but was still quite vile. Although the whole experience was pleasant and enjoyable. I suppose I could be unique in that regard, I've never tried to investigate the matter.
Kicked it cold turkey almost a year ago. :)
Kicked it cold turkey almost a year ago. :)
I have sort of the opposite take. I have smoked maybe 10 cigarettes in my life, but I think smoking is enjoyable. I don't do it because of the adverse health effects, but otherwise I'd love to have an occasional smoke while programming.
Not to mention, it's a great ice breaker.
I'm not a regular smoker, but most of the cigars/cigarettes/pipes/hookahs I've puffed on in my life have been in a social context.
Pity about that whole lung cancer thing.
I'm not a regular smoker, but most of the cigars/cigarettes/pipes/hookahs I've puffed on in my life have been in a social context.
Pity about that whole lung cancer thing.
I started smoking when I was 13. Mostly because it seemed like something "forbidden" to do. My parents smoked, so it was easy to get access to cigarettes.
As I got a little older, the "cool kids" smoked, so it gave a shy kid some openings for socialization.
I quit 5 years ago, and it was easily the hardest thing I've ever done. Some mornings I still wake up and reach for my pack before I'm fully awake
As I got a little older, the "cool kids" smoked, so it gave a shy kid some openings for socialization.
I quit 5 years ago, and it was easily the hardest thing I've ever done. Some mornings I still wake up and reach for my pack before I'm fully awake
The only explanation I'm aware of for people continuing to smoke after the first time is social pressure.
I think this is a bit off. The best explanation for smoking the first time is social pressure. Maybe the first few times. After that, the best explanation for smoking is nicotine addiction. When you are used to the effect of nicotine, smoking a cigarette makes you feel good.
Also, not that I advise smoking cigarettes, but you can avoid burning your throat and lungs with good technique. Don't just suck on it like you are sucking juice through a straw; you will inhale too much smoke too quickly. Instead, only loosely touch your lips to the end of the cigarette, and inhale slowly. That will both let air mix with the cigarette smoke and give it some time to cool. If you do it right you should not burn your throat or lungs at all and the experience should be purely pleasurable.
(Damn... I'm going to talk myself back into smoking if I'm not careful.)
I think this is a bit off. The best explanation for smoking the first time is social pressure. Maybe the first few times. After that, the best explanation for smoking is nicotine addiction. When you are used to the effect of nicotine, smoking a cigarette makes you feel good.
Also, not that I advise smoking cigarettes, but you can avoid burning your throat and lungs with good technique. Don't just suck on it like you are sucking juice through a straw; you will inhale too much smoke too quickly. Instead, only loosely touch your lips to the end of the cigarette, and inhale slowly. That will both let air mix with the cigarette smoke and give it some time to cool. If you do it right you should not burn your throat or lungs at all and the experience should be purely pleasurable.
(Damn... I'm going to talk myself back into smoking if I'm not careful.)
You should consider that other people have different tastes from your own. Get off your high horse.
I have. There are a great many things others enjoy that I do not, but do understand. Among them are strawberries, onions, large luxury cars and programming in Perl. There are many things I enjoy that I fully understand why others do not. Among them are India pale ale, hot peppers, minimalist sports cars and programming in Lisp.
There are certain things some people enjoy that I do not understand the appeal of. Among those are smoking cigarettes, drinking urine and self-flagellation.
There are certain things some people enjoy that I do not understand the appeal of. Among those are smoking cigarettes, drinking urine and self-flagellation.
There are certain things some people enjoy that I do not understand the appeal of. Among those are smoking cigarettes, drinking urine and self-flagellation.
Pretty sure that if you enjoy self-flagellation, you're doing it wrong.
Pretty sure that if you enjoy self-flagellation, you're doing it wrong.
There are certain things some people enjoy that I do not understand the appeal of. Among those are smoking cigarettes, drinking urine and self-flagellation.
Wow. One of these things is not like the others... I mean, drinking urine?!
:)
Wow. One of these things is not like the others... I mean, drinking urine?!
:)
I didn't make it up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urophagia
I find all of those things about equally difficult to understand. Perhaps empathy is not one of my strengths.
I find all of those things about equally difficult to understand. Perhaps empathy is not one of my strengths.
I was trying to be funny, since I would expect most people would view smoking as the odd one out, the other two being difficult to understand. Clearly I failed. :)
Smoking cigarettes gives you a buzz...
in the beginning
Later not smoking cigarettes gives you cravings.
Causes cravings might be more accurate way to put it. It always gave me a buzz though (I quit 6 months ago), not just in the beginning.
When you don't smoke for a year or so, that first one when you un-quit is unparalleled pleasure.
It's worth starting and enduring the pain of quitting just to be able to come back and feel that glorious mind blowing forbidden pleasure of the first one back. The power trip in not starting again is also delightful. I like having a cigarette about every year or so. A few times I quit, I was lured back, but I've only had one full cigarette since June of 2008.
Smoking is definitely not a good lifestyle for the long term. But as very occasional guilty pleasures go, it's truly top-notch.
It's worth starting and enduring the pain of quitting just to be able to come back and feel that glorious mind blowing forbidden pleasure of the first one back. The power trip in not starting again is also delightful. I like having a cigarette about every year or so. A few times I quit, I was lured back, but I've only had one full cigarette since June of 2008.
Smoking is definitely not a good lifestyle for the long term. But as very occasional guilty pleasures go, it's truly top-notch.
I smoked for about two weeks during high school, after a friend of mine sold me that bumming a smoke was a great way to talk to girls.
The smoking itself didn't do that much for me, so I pretty quickly gave it up.
The smoking itself didn't do that much for me, so I pretty quickly gave it up.
Ugh, not to be nit picky but it drives me crazy when people use i.e. incorrectly. What you actually wanted to use here is e.g. Here is a link that discusses the differences and how to use them both correctly: http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/abbreviations/f/ievseg.ht...
Oh heavens... I know the difference, it was just an honest mistake. Simmer, bro! :)
+1 for sandwiching that sentence between "Oh heavens" and "Simmer, bro".
I don't think I was being hostile, just trying to inform. Down mod away though...
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I'm completely clean. No smoking, no drugs, no alcohol. I never have, and I have no intentions or desire to start. It's a lifestyle choice, and not a religious thing or anything like that.
Caffeine doesn't seem to have much if an effect on me, but occasionally, if I need to hit a deadline in coding, I'll try in vain to generate extra energy with caffeine, but that's about it as far as drugs go for me.
Caffeine doesn't seem to have much if an effect on me, but occasionally, if I need to hit a deadline in coding, I'll try in vain to generate extra energy with caffeine, but that's about it as far as drugs go for me.
wow. I've never done drugs or smoking, but 100% no alcohol is pretty rare to find.. I'm impressed.
On Caffeine - I assume you've seen this pic before: Still amuses me though: http://www.coffee.co.uk/images/spider.jpg
On Caffeine - I assume you've seen this pic before: Still amuses me though: http://www.coffee.co.uk/images/spider.jpg
100% no alcohol is pretty rare to find
Well, now there are two of us. My cover story for friends and coworkers is that I have a lethal allergy to alcohol. (I live in Japan -- it is easier, and more socially acceptable, to lie on this question than tell the truth.) When I was younger, I did not want to end up a drunk. These days, even assuming that I would probably not end up a drunk, there does not seem to be anything missing in my life that could get conveniently replaced by alcohol.
Well, now there are two of us. My cover story for friends and coworkers is that I have a lethal allergy to alcohol. (I live in Japan -- it is easier, and more socially acceptable, to lie on this question than tell the truth.) When I was younger, I did not want to end up a drunk. These days, even assuming that I would probably not end up a drunk, there does not seem to be anything missing in my life that could get conveniently replaced by alcohol.
Out my 10 closest friends, 3 will not drink a sip of alcohol. And none do it out of religious grounds.
I smoked for 6 years; quit cold turkey on a whim earlier this year.
Edit: For those looking to quit, the first 3 weeks are pretty shitty, but after that not so bad. I still get the rare craving and occasional dream about smoking, but that's about it.
So far the only noticeable plus for me has been that I don't need to feel like a leper in public since for whatever reason most people are horribly offended by cigarettes these days. I was sort of hoping to develop super powers, though.
Edit: For those looking to quit, the first 3 weeks are pretty shitty, but after that not so bad. I still get the rare craving and occasional dream about smoking, but that's about it.
So far the only noticeable plus for me has been that I don't need to feel like a leper in public since for whatever reason most people are horribly offended by cigarettes these days. I was sort of hoping to develop super powers, though.
good job. Keep it up.
I'm interesting in finding out too. I regard nicotine and caffeine, along with emacs, to be essential for a hacking session. Yet of the people I know, smokers vs. nonsmokers seems to be half-and-half.
And glucose. I smoke & drink Coke (Mexican Coke, the US coke is useless). Emacs: of course!
Have you tried Red Bull Cola or Pepsi Throwback?
I live in Mexico City, so I have no problem in getting Mexican Coke.
Red Bull Cola is god awful. It tastes like cough syrup. I couldn't bring myself to drink more than the first even when it was free.
It's more enjoyable once your brain connects the taste with the effects.
On a tangental note, while listening to the BOS/NYY game last night one of the announcers mentioned that Joba Chamberlain goes through 6-8 Red Bulls in the dugout during every game. Nasty if true (they were BOS announcers so who knows).
On a tangental note, while listening to the BOS/NYY game last night one of the announcers mentioned that Joba Chamberlain goes through 6-8 Red Bulls in the dugout during every game. Nasty if true (they were BOS announcers so who knows).
I'm a massive red bull addict. I guess it's an acquired taste but I love absolutely everything about it. If they only released a caffeine-free version and hopefully a little less expensive, I'd be buying cases a lot more often
I find it delicious, although massively overpriced.
You smoke coke?
I smoke cigarrettes & drink coke :)
You should quit smoking. If you are ready to quit, http://www.smokefree.gov/
Another thing you need to take into consideration is the person's age. The younger people grew up during the anti-smoking health scare, so they aren't as likely to be smoking
Warning messages have been on cigarette packs since 1966.
Yes but cancer education and the costs of smoking are more recent.
Now smoking is shown as a very deadly habit and many commericials (mostly from philip morris and their new requirements) on quiting and destruction caused by cigs.
Now smoking is shown as a very deadly habit and many commericials (mostly from philip morris and their new requirements) on quiting and destruction caused by cigs.
Ever seen a Canadian cigarette label? "THESE THINGS WILL KILL YOU AND GIVE YOUR CHILDREN FEET FOR EARS". I don't think the cancer education is working. If anything, advances in treatment (which probably don't do much for lung cancer) are probably dulling the effect you're talking about.
I don't know about that ,but there are so many laws where I live in the U.S. preventing smoking such as: close to buildings, in restaurants, in many bars, within 200 ft of health based buildings (hospitals and the like), at parks/public places I hardly ever meet someone who smokes and that reduces the amount of teens smoking as well. In high school very few teens smoked cigarettes it seems to have moved to pharmaceuticals and the like which are cheaper and easier obtained.
I think it might be more due to the younger generation(s) being the first to see a large number of older smokers live long enough en masse to get lung cancer.
Sure do. Drink, too. To be perfectly honest, I have difficulty relating to anyone who does not. It's like they're from a whole different world.
That said, I'm eagerly awaiting someone curing that whole "lung cancer" thing ...
That said, I'm eagerly awaiting someone curing that whole "lung cancer" thing ...
I have difficulty relating to anyone who does not
There are a few reasons why I don't smoke. Besides the whole early death thing, the reality is that the "high" doesn't last long enough. You spend 5 minutes smoking and you feel good for maybe 15 minutes more. I just isn't worth the time involved. (Compare this to coffee, which I definitely have a lot of. 5 minutes with the espresso machine gives you something you can drink over the course of a half-hour or longer and with good effects that last for 2-4 hours. A much better investment of time, and it doesn't kill you.)
I also like cardiovascular activities, so a drug would have to be pretty good to risk damaging my lungs. Breathing is nice.
There are a few reasons why I don't smoke. Besides the whole early death thing, the reality is that the "high" doesn't last long enough. You spend 5 minutes smoking and you feel good for maybe 15 minutes more. I just isn't worth the time involved. (Compare this to coffee, which I definitely have a lot of. 5 minutes with the espresso machine gives you something you can drink over the course of a half-hour or longer and with good effects that last for 2-4 hours. A much better investment of time, and it doesn't kill you.)
I also like cardiovascular activities, so a drug would have to be pretty good to risk damaging my lungs. Breathing is nice.
Am I so different because I don't smoke? I believe in pleasure, and I judge every drug on an individual basis. I drink alcohol and coffee and occasionally smoke pot when it's offered to me, and I suppose I'll try mushrooms if the right circumstances present themselves. I can't think of any other drugs that make a good case. (I'm rather conservative when it comes to risks, especially because most of the available information comes from people with knee-jerk pro or con attitudes towards recreational drugs.)
According to my priorities and what I know about it, tobacco is not tempting. It's apparently highly addictive, it's intrusive on other people (though I sometimes enjoy fresh tobacco smoke when I'm drunk,) it leaves a terrible stale smell in rooms, carpets, clothing, hair, and upholstery, and it makes a person's mouth taste disgusting to anyone who kisses them. I'm sure some of that is just individual taste that other people might disagree with. Does that make me seem like I'm from whole different world?
According to my priorities and what I know about it, tobacco is not tempting. It's apparently highly addictive, it's intrusive on other people (though I sometimes enjoy fresh tobacco smoke when I'm drunk,) it leaves a terrible stale smell in rooms, carpets, clothing, hair, and upholstery, and it makes a person's mouth taste disgusting to anyone who kisses them. I'm sure some of that is just individual taste that other people might disagree with. Does that make me seem like I'm from whole different world?
People that are righteously proud of not smoking and indignant at others who do seem like they're from a different world to me, unless they are allergic to the smoke or something. It's an individual decision based on individual taste. As long as people can keep that live-and-let-live mindset, I'm fine with them whatever they do.
No. Not you, because you're coming at it from the same angle. You smoke pot, and do other drugs, when they make sense to you. You just don't particularly like tobacco. That is cool. I don't particularly like pot.
You hit the nail on the head when you said "knee-jerk pro or con attitudes towards recreational drugs". That is what alienates me. Unfortunately, for every enlighted fellow-self-medicating person like you, there's 1000 idiots who just want an excuse to be holier-than-thou. Extra points if the person telling you off is clinically obese!
I don't know .. the thing with tobacco is it's just so fucking useful. It's the thing to do next, anytime, anywhere. Smoking is what you can do while you pace around, dreaming of world domination. It's what you can do together with a cute girl you just met. It's what you do after sex. It's what you do while drinking. While driving. After you arrive. After closing a deal. It's just .. the universal activity. How do you replace it?
You hit the nail on the head when you said "knee-jerk pro or con attitudes towards recreational drugs". That is what alienates me. Unfortunately, for every enlighted fellow-self-medicating person like you, there's 1000 idiots who just want an excuse to be holier-than-thou. Extra points if the person telling you off is clinically obese!
I don't know .. the thing with tobacco is it's just so fucking useful. It's the thing to do next, anytime, anywhere. Smoking is what you can do while you pace around, dreaming of world domination. It's what you can do together with a cute girl you just met. It's what you do after sex. It's what you do while drinking. While driving. After you arrive. After closing a deal. It's just .. the universal activity. How do you replace it?
smoking is what you can do while you pace around, dreaming of world domination. It's what you can do together with a cute girl you just met. It's what you do after sex. It's what you do while drinking. While driving. After you arrive. After closing a deal. It's just .. the universal activity. How do you replace it?
I quit smoking a few years ago. I didn't replace it with anything and it worked out fine. I'm actually happy I'm no longer pacing, drinking 6 coffees per day, and drinking pitchers of beer at Zeitgeist every night (the smoker's choice of outdoor beer garden in SF). Personally I turned every dumb little event into an excuse to smoke. "Narrowly avoided a parking ticket! Got to the meter in the nick of time. Time to remember this experience with a smoke."
I don't know what point i'm trying to make other than I think a lot of smokers are kidding themselves about whether or not they just have a bad habit or a legitimate drug addiction. I was kidding myself. If this might be you (not the OP, just anyone reading) try Alan Carr's "quit smoking the easy way." It's the only thing that worked for me.
But I hate those holier than thou former smokers as much as the next guy so I'm going to limit my comments on the matter.
I quit smoking a few years ago. I didn't replace it with anything and it worked out fine. I'm actually happy I'm no longer pacing, drinking 6 coffees per day, and drinking pitchers of beer at Zeitgeist every night (the smoker's choice of outdoor beer garden in SF). Personally I turned every dumb little event into an excuse to smoke. "Narrowly avoided a parking ticket! Got to the meter in the nick of time. Time to remember this experience with a smoke."
I don't know what point i'm trying to make other than I think a lot of smokers are kidding themselves about whether or not they just have a bad habit or a legitimate drug addiction. I was kidding myself. If this might be you (not the OP, just anyone reading) try Alan Carr's "quit smoking the easy way." It's the only thing that worked for me.
But I hate those holier than thou former smokers as much as the next guy so I'm going to limit my comments on the matter.
Alan Carr's "quit smoking the easy way."
Read it, actually. Great book. But the problem is, I don't want to quit.
I like smoking! It's part of me. I feel no need to justify it. Obviously I am concerned about the health effects but do try and mitigate where I can, plus have some faith that cures will emerge.
Don't really know what else to say. Oh yes, do-gooders..
I hate those do-gooders too. However, I'm in Australia and I pay fucking 40c+ tax for every single cigarette. I am not kidding. This fact fills me with a righteous fury, which is frequently and hilariously unleashed upon anyone who dares question any aspect of my behaviour.
Funnily enough, in Japan, where I'm not taxed for smoking, I'm much better behaved.
Read it, actually. Great book. But the problem is, I don't want to quit.
I like smoking! It's part of me. I feel no need to justify it. Obviously I am concerned about the health effects but do try and mitigate where I can, plus have some faith that cures will emerge.
Don't really know what else to say. Oh yes, do-gooders..
I hate those do-gooders too. However, I'm in Australia and I pay fucking 40c+ tax for every single cigarette. I am not kidding. This fact fills me with a righteous fury, which is frequently and hilariously unleashed upon anyone who dares question any aspect of my behaviour.
Funnily enough, in Japan, where I'm not taxed for smoking, I'm much better behaved.
If I remember in the book he says his technique won't work unless you want to quit.
How much are cigs in Australia these days? I just noticed the ones I used to smoke here in SF are up to 7 dollars a pack at my corner store. ($5.50 when I quit)
I had the opposite experience in Japan. I smoked the most there. The smokes were cheap and you could smoke nearly anywhere. It was weird if you didn't smoke - and this wasn't even 10 years ago.
How much are cigs in Australia these days? I just noticed the ones I used to smoke here in SF are up to 7 dollars a pack at my corner store. ($5.50 when I quit)
I had the opposite experience in Japan. I smoked the most there. The smokes were cheap and you could smoke nearly anywhere. It was weird if you didn't smoke - and this wasn't even 10 years ago.
It is $10 for a pack of Marlboro in NYC.
A 20-pack is around AUD$10. The exchange rate varies but basically you can consider that equivalent to $10 USD to us. Very high. Still, not high enough to deter me : )
Yeah, Japan is fantastic, that's half the reason I moved there : ) Smoking section in McDonalds! Awesome! Prices there are 320Y for a 20-pack. I get my friends to send me cartons when they remember, but it's no big deal.
JP is beginning to succumb to westerner tastes, though, so looks like the next stop might be China.
Yeah, Japan is fantastic, that's half the reason I moved there : ) Smoking section in McDonalds! Awesome! Prices there are 320Y for a 20-pack. I get my friends to send me cartons when they remember, but it's no big deal.
JP is beginning to succumb to westerner tastes, though, so looks like the next stop might be China.
I think singing would be perfectly appropriate in all of those situations. Is smoking more universal than singing?
Funny thing is, I love karaoke, especially something called nomi houdai (all night, all you can drink, karaoke).
The idea of karaoke without cigarettes shocks and appals me! What next, karaoke without alcohol? Way to take all the fun out of everything.
The idea of karaoke without cigarettes shocks and appals me! What next, karaoke without alcohol? Way to take all the fun out of everything.
You should quit smoking. If you are ready to quit, http://www.smokefree.gov/
Fuck off.
I did it because telling people to quit is shown to increase the odds of quitting smoking. And it pains me every day to go into the hospital everyday and see the consequences of smoking.
Lung cancer is frankly trivial compared to the bad outcomes associated with lost physiologic reserve due to connective tissue damage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An overwhelming number of patients who smoke have bad surgical and medical outcomes attributable to smoking.
Poor tensile strength of connective tissue is associated with skin tears, diverticulitis, impaired wound healing, emphysema. I'm sure you can all spot an 50 year old smoker from a mile away: they're the ones who look like they're 70. That is simply the outward sign of something terribly wrong inside. These folks consistently have bad outcomes in the event of trauma, including surgery of any kind. Surgeries that are usually overnight stays become weeks in the ICU with infections and being stuck on the vent becasue we can't get their oxygen saturation back up after the OR. The loss of physiologic reserve leads to trauma patients who can't be weaned off ventilators, more tracheostomies, more inpatient infections, more of pretty much everything bad.
COPD similiarly decreases the physiologic reserve and leads to poor vent weaning in smokers who go in for surgery of any kind. We had a woman in the ICU last week for a brain surgery; now she's going to get a hole cut in her throat because it's her lungs that can't heal, so she's getting a "prophylactic tracheostomy" because it, believe it or not, causes less damage than leaving an orotracheal tube in indefinitely.
Children of smokers have a higher incidence of asthma.
I couldn't help but read the thread and think "what kind of doctor am I to not tell these folks the same thing I would tell any other smoker?"
To those I offended, I sincerely apologize, that was not my intent. I just don't want to see you or someone like you in the hospital, with complications of poor wound healing or other really ugly outcomes.
Lung cancer is frankly trivial compared to the bad outcomes associated with lost physiologic reserve due to connective tissue damage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An overwhelming number of patients who smoke have bad surgical and medical outcomes attributable to smoking.
Poor tensile strength of connective tissue is associated with skin tears, diverticulitis, impaired wound healing, emphysema. I'm sure you can all spot an 50 year old smoker from a mile away: they're the ones who look like they're 70. That is simply the outward sign of something terribly wrong inside. These folks consistently have bad outcomes in the event of trauma, including surgery of any kind. Surgeries that are usually overnight stays become weeks in the ICU with infections and being stuck on the vent becasue we can't get their oxygen saturation back up after the OR. The loss of physiologic reserve leads to trauma patients who can't be weaned off ventilators, more tracheostomies, more inpatient infections, more of pretty much everything bad.
COPD similiarly decreases the physiologic reserve and leads to poor vent weaning in smokers who go in for surgery of any kind. We had a woman in the ICU last week for a brain surgery; now she's going to get a hole cut in her throat because it's her lungs that can't heal, so she's getting a "prophylactic tracheostomy" because it, believe it or not, causes less damage than leaving an orotracheal tube in indefinitely.
Children of smokers have a higher incidence of asthma.
I couldn't help but read the thread and think "what kind of doctor am I to not tell these folks the same thing I would tell any other smoker?"
To those I offended, I sincerely apologize, that was not my intent. I just don't want to see you or someone like you in the hospital, with complications of poor wound healing or other really ugly outcomes.
Still...fuck off.
I don't support his spamming these threads but honestly, "quit smoking" is possibly the best advice you will ever get. Just because of the odds of lung cancer killing you. It's hard to argue with the logic that asks, is it really worth it? I admit, smoking is fun, feels good, enhances your social life, and makes you lose weight. But even so it's asking a lot to make that trade off against your health.
Do you really think I haven't heard that before? That I am not completely informed of the risks?
Even a pack-a-day smoker is more likely to die from prostate cancer. Basically, smoking raises your (already high) chance of dying from cancer by something like 50%. I know this. I choose to make the trade-off, since I believe I have a quality of life improvement from smoking. Who knows though, I may change my mind as I get older. I doubt it though, I have too much stress.
Anyway, just spamming "quit!" messages is obnoxious and fruitless. Sorry about my equally rude reply but IMO it's justified.
Even a pack-a-day smoker is more likely to die from prostate cancer. Basically, smoking raises your (already high) chance of dying from cancer by something like 50%. I know this. I choose to make the trade-off, since I believe I have a quality of life improvement from smoking. Who knows though, I may change my mind as I get older. I doubt it though, I have too much stress.
Anyway, just spamming "quit!" messages is obnoxious and fruitless. Sorry about my equally rude reply but IMO it's justified.
Fair enough. Hard for me to argue since I held pretty much exactly your view when I was 22 and smoking.
Nothing really suddenly changed for me. At some point it just seemed like it wasn't as good any more. I figured I would quit for a bit to see how that was, got surprised how hard it was to quit even for a day, and then got scared at how addicted I was and got serious about quitting. It took a couple years of struggling after that and now I wish someone had kicked some sense into me earlier, but I don't know how they could have done that. So I am kind of frustrated in this discussion because I feel like the right thing to do is to really try to convince people to quit smoking, but I don't know how to do that.
Nothing really suddenly changed for me. At some point it just seemed like it wasn't as good any more. I figured I would quit for a bit to see how that was, got surprised how hard it was to quit even for a day, and then got scared at how addicted I was and got serious about quitting. It took a couple years of struggling after that and now I wish someone had kicked some sense into me earlier, but I don't know how they could have done that. So I am kind of frustrated in this discussion because I feel like the right thing to do is to really try to convince people to quit smoking, but I don't know how to do that.
"I doubt it though, I have too much stress."
LOL....I wish you lived in the same city as me, we could smoke together!
LOL....I wish you lived in the same city as me, we could smoke together!
yes but not cigs and I prefer the vaporizer
Last time a similar topic was posted it Hacker News it was quickluy closed, though I found it was very useful since it led me to ecigarettes. I'm primarily a cigar smoker. However, I'm now really enthusiastic about ecigarettes. After all, nicotine isn't such a bad recreational drug (aside from the addiction). The harmful part comes with the delivery. Now, I can smoke while I work and reap the benefits of increased concentration without the negative smell and health issues.
You're talking about those "e-cigarettes" right? How do they compare to the real deal in your opinion? I've been meaning to try one, but many e-cigarette are costly.
no...what he's talking about is essentially a smoke-less pipe/bong.
A vaporizer is not a pipe or bong, and it is certainly not smokeless.
You put your combustible material in a machine that heats it up until it smolders, and collects the resulting vapors in an airtight plastic balloon. Then you remove the balloon from the machine, put it to your mouth, and inhale the contents.
With a pipe or bong, you burn the material with a fire, and suck the smoke directly into your lungs. The difference with a bong is that the smoke passes through water first, which cools it and removes some of the heavier debris.
You put your combustible material in a machine that heats it up until it smolders, and collects the resulting vapors in an airtight plastic balloon. Then you remove the balloon from the machine, put it to your mouth, and inhale the contents.
With a pipe or bong, you burn the material with a fire, and suck the smoke directly into your lungs. The difference with a bong is that the smoke passes through water first, which cools it and removes some of the heavier debris.
A real vaporizer is certainly smokeless. It vaporizes the oils in the marijuana bud; the marijuana is not supposed to burn. If you've used a vaporizer and it was producing smoke, that means that you had the heat turned up way too high.
vapor != smoke
vapor != smoke
That's why I asked. I am well familiar with the ganja vaporizer, but the "e-cigarettes" also act as vaporizer of some weird nicotine chemical replacement for tobacco.
Everything except cigarettes actually - pot, sheesha/hookah, cigars, etc.
I do not smoke, but have in the past. I'll try and explain my reasons here, in case anyone might be interested.
The first thing I'd like to mention here is that, no matter what you say, smoking is goddamn cool. A lot of senselessly dangerous things are, so just live with it. If I see someone sat with a glass of wine and a cigarette, I think 'cool'. You probably do, to (at least if you've ever spent time in Europe). This is not really relevant, but I just wanted to get it off my (still functioning!) chest.
See, I actually took up smoking a short while ago (definitely old enough to 'know better') and then quit almost a year afterwards - and I did it mainly as an experiment. An experiment, that is, to ease the curiosity of never having known what it is like to be genuinely addicted to something. Properly "I need this" addicted. I mean, I thought I liked chocolate, but I'd never found myself counting the minutes until I grabbed my next mars bar.
But yes, it was interesting in many ways. First of all, nicotine is definitely great stuff - everything smokers tell you about being more alert, awake, on-the ball and in control is absolutely true. If I were to try and describe the effect, I would say that it makes it much easier to be happy. It doesn't make you happy, or alter your state of mind in any really noticeable way, but you'll just find yourself being more contented in what you are doing. You'll be more ready to be pleased with yourself, if you will. And that's nice.
However, I did stop. Smoking is, really, quite naff. Everything anti-smokers tell you about it stinking, making you feel dreadful in between every spark-up, and effecting your general health is also absolutely true. But the strange thing is, I didn't actually care at the time. I only decided to stop because I realised that it had become a habit. I had started to do it less for the positives and more to placate the negatives. It had become irrational, and I didn't like the thought of that.
So yes, I quit. And it was hard. Really hard, actually. I'd probably still be at it now if it wasn't for a Scandinavian friend of mine introducing me to Swedish 'Snus' - a moist ground oral tobacco (debatably) reckoned to be nigh-on carcinogen free. It seems to have none of the drawbacks of smoking, yet all of the benefits (apart from the 'cool' factor - in fact, a wad of sticky brown mud in your top lip is the opposite of cool). It also leaves your hands free for more important things; I mean, try using emacs with a lit ciggy in your hand! I'd say everyone should use the stuff, but it's hard to get a hold of in the EU (senseless blanket ban) and, well, you can imagine how inelegant it is. Certainly helped to wean me off the fags.
All in all, I'd say that it was worth doing. I can now very happily play devil's advocate to any smoking-related rant and have learned to disassociate the practice from any notion of a person's awareness, intelligence or background. Smoking is cool, smoking is pleasurable and, and this is far from unimportant, it is something to do, other than working, studying or idling. And, although this post turned into what seems like a rather off-topic essay (and has perhaps added to the shame I feel at not keeping a blog), I'd like to think that, while the opinions expressed here may not be particularly enlightened (or even interesting), they should, at least, be well researched.
... I think I might need to spark one up. (NO!)
The first thing I'd like to mention here is that, no matter what you say, smoking is goddamn cool. A lot of senselessly dangerous things are, so just live with it. If I see someone sat with a glass of wine and a cigarette, I think 'cool'. You probably do, to (at least if you've ever spent time in Europe). This is not really relevant, but I just wanted to get it off my (still functioning!) chest.
See, I actually took up smoking a short while ago (definitely old enough to 'know better') and then quit almost a year afterwards - and I did it mainly as an experiment. An experiment, that is, to ease the curiosity of never having known what it is like to be genuinely addicted to something. Properly "I need this" addicted. I mean, I thought I liked chocolate, but I'd never found myself counting the minutes until I grabbed my next mars bar.
But yes, it was interesting in many ways. First of all, nicotine is definitely great stuff - everything smokers tell you about being more alert, awake, on-the ball and in control is absolutely true. If I were to try and describe the effect, I would say that it makes it much easier to be happy. It doesn't make you happy, or alter your state of mind in any really noticeable way, but you'll just find yourself being more contented in what you are doing. You'll be more ready to be pleased with yourself, if you will. And that's nice.
However, I did stop. Smoking is, really, quite naff. Everything anti-smokers tell you about it stinking, making you feel dreadful in between every spark-up, and effecting your general health is also absolutely true. But the strange thing is, I didn't actually care at the time. I only decided to stop because I realised that it had become a habit. I had started to do it less for the positives and more to placate the negatives. It had become irrational, and I didn't like the thought of that.
So yes, I quit. And it was hard. Really hard, actually. I'd probably still be at it now if it wasn't for a Scandinavian friend of mine introducing me to Swedish 'Snus' - a moist ground oral tobacco (debatably) reckoned to be nigh-on carcinogen free. It seems to have none of the drawbacks of smoking, yet all of the benefits (apart from the 'cool' factor - in fact, a wad of sticky brown mud in your top lip is the opposite of cool). It also leaves your hands free for more important things; I mean, try using emacs with a lit ciggy in your hand! I'd say everyone should use the stuff, but it's hard to get a hold of in the EU (senseless blanket ban) and, well, you can imagine how inelegant it is. Certainly helped to wean me off the fags.
All in all, I'd say that it was worth doing. I can now very happily play devil's advocate to any smoking-related rant and have learned to disassociate the practice from any notion of a person's awareness, intelligence or background. Smoking is cool, smoking is pleasurable and, and this is far from unimportant, it is something to do, other than working, studying or idling. And, although this post turned into what seems like a rather off-topic essay (and has perhaps added to the shame I feel at not keeping a blog), I'd like to think that, while the opinions expressed here may not be particularly enlightened (or even interesting), they should, at least, be well researched.
... I think I might need to spark one up. (NO!)
But the strange thing is, I didn't actually care at the time. I only decided to stop because I realised that it had become a habit.
This is how most people successfully quit. No smoker really cares about all the bad stuff while they are smoking. However, quite a few are embarrassed to be drug addicts. This is also the cognitive technique used to help people quit in the book I mentioned in my other post.
This is how most people successfully quit. No smoker really cares about all the bad stuff while they are smoking. However, quite a few are embarrassed to be drug addicts. This is also the cognitive technique used to help people quit in the book I mentioned in my other post.
/...it wasn't for a Scandinavian friend of mine introducing me to Swedish 'Snus' - a moist ground oral tobacco (debatably) reckoned to be nigh-on carcinogen free./
So you are using snus now, or was that only a temporary thing?
I used that stuff for a few months quite often, then quit somewhat recently.
So you are using snus now, or was that only a temporary thing?
I used that stuff for a few months quite often, then quit somewhat recently.
No, I am no longer using it - for some reason it was a lot easier to kick that habit than the cigarettes, so it was a good stepping stone.
Unfortunately, yes! I've been doing that for some time now. Though I personally don't like this habit but I've come to a point where I do this for pleasure. I don't smoke heavily, 5--6 ciggs/day. But that said, I wouldn't recommend this to any one. At one point, you really want to quit but it becomes harder and harder.
Obsessive chain smoker here. 1.5 packs a day. But it's the last of my vices; before that I have tried everything from Opium to Salvia.
P.S. Though I'm Arab, I can't stand sheesha, way too heavy.
P.S. Though I'm Arab, I can't stand sheesha, way too heavy.
You may be self-medicating for an undiagnosed problem, if you're interested in being without vice/self-medication, see your doctor about alternatives.
What's sheesha?
hash.
I smoked about a pack a day from ages 17 to 30 (started out of a combination of peer pressure and curiosity). Tried half-heartedly to quit a few times (N.B. quitting for a girl typically will NOT work). I ended up quitting for good because of a minor health scare (I was lugging some heavy stuff up a LONG hill and wasn't doing such a great job oxygenating...I more or less passed out).
I didn't have a terrible time quitting. Had one cigarette about two months after at a party, and that was it. Stopped having cravings after a few more months.
Nonetheless, I MISS smoking terribly, and still identify as a smoker. Not only, or even mainly, the social aspect. My favorite smokes were usually walking down the street alone thinking about stuff, or else coding at night (yes, my room got to smelling pretty gross...a side "benefit" of smoking is that it wastes your olfaction pretty badly). I loved the ritual of taking out a smoke, digging for a light, the first deep draw & exhale.
The current vilification of smokers makes me pretty mad. I get that it affects other people, but probably not as badly as alcohol, on a widespread social level.
I've also smoked pot and hash a bunch over the years, although I quit those as well a few years ago. The paranoia, as they say, will destroy ya.
So yeah..."I'm Diakronik, and I'm a smoker."
I didn't have a terrible time quitting. Had one cigarette about two months after at a party, and that was it. Stopped having cravings after a few more months.
Nonetheless, I MISS smoking terribly, and still identify as a smoker. Not only, or even mainly, the social aspect. My favorite smokes were usually walking down the street alone thinking about stuff, or else coding at night (yes, my room got to smelling pretty gross...a side "benefit" of smoking is that it wastes your olfaction pretty badly). I loved the ritual of taking out a smoke, digging for a light, the first deep draw & exhale.
The current vilification of smokers makes me pretty mad. I get that it affects other people, but probably not as badly as alcohol, on a widespread social level.
I've also smoked pot and hash a bunch over the years, although I quit those as well a few years ago. The paranoia, as they say, will destroy ya.
So yeah..."I'm Diakronik, and I'm a smoker."
a side "benefit" of smoking is that it wastes your olfaction pretty badly
I didn't realize that lower manhattan and union square / SOMA in SF both smell like pee until after I quit smoking...
I didn't realize that lower manhattan and union square / SOMA in SF both smell like pee until after I quit smoking...
Basically if you are a programmer who smokes (and I was until a few weeks ago) it's easy to quit smoking. You already know how grossly inefficient and wasteful smoking is. You just have to trick your mind into instinctively realizing smoking is fundamentally stupid, the same instinct that kicks in when you see a code segment that goes "if (x = y) { ...".
Instead of trying to control the craving or stop thinking about cigarettes, you have your brain evaluate the "should I smoke right now?" question with the answer _no_. Once I did that, I found quitting smoking surprisingly easy. I still think about it quite a bit, but so far I haven't strayed from the correct answer even a little bit.
Regular exercise right at the beginning will help you ride out the initial physical cravings. Within a week your lungs feel much better and you're way more alert etc etc so the virtuous loop is in place and that's where I am and so far it feels pretty good.
Instead of trying to control the craving or stop thinking about cigarettes, you have your brain evaluate the "should I smoke right now?" question with the answer _no_. Once I did that, I found quitting smoking surprisingly easy. I still think about it quite a bit, but so far I haven't strayed from the correct answer even a little bit.
Regular exercise right at the beginning will help you ride out the initial physical cravings. Within a week your lungs feel much better and you're way more alert etc etc so the virtuous loop is in place and that's where I am and so far it feels pretty good.
Smoking involves taking a break from your routine, stretching, deep breathing, and watching wisps of smoke float delicately into the air.
One can get the same benefit with a bit of yoga and a conscious effort to do breathing exercises throughout the day. I think many smokers mistakenly credit some of the good feelings they get to the smoke rather than the breathing.
Om.
One can get the same benefit with a bit of yoga and a conscious effort to do breathing exercises throughout the day. I think many smokers mistakenly credit some of the good feelings they get to the smoke rather than the breathing.
Om.
It would be very detrimental for me to smoke because of the fact that I have asthma.
I second that!
but I probably wouldn't do it anyway. I hate being around people smoking, and not just because it sometimes makes it hard for me to breath. It smells so bad.
but I probably wouldn't do it anyway. I hate being around people smoking, and not just because it sometimes makes it hard for me to breath. It smells so bad.
Actually, if you smoked for 3 months steady, depending on the asthma type you have, your symptoms will get better. Coating your lungs in ash makes them less sensitive to the usual allergens.
Interesting observation. I start suffering from hay fever after quit smoking.
Interesting observation. I start suffering from hay fever after quit smoking.
same here.
same here.
Yeah, my roommate smokes, but used to have asthma. It seemed quite bizarre.
Hrm. My asthma isn't bad enough to probably justify smoking but ehh.
I've given up smoking several times, the last time, successfully, about 3 years ago. The previous attempt was pretty much doomed - it was mid-August 2001 and I was living in lower Manhattan.
The thing that is most difficult about nicotine is that it is intimately connected with the way your brain processes novelty. If you're a smoker and you're learning (say) a new language or API, your body automatically makes you light cigarettes and smoke them; you only become aware that you have been smoking when you're stubbing them out.
The thing that is most difficult about nicotine is that it is intimately connected with the way your brain processes novelty. If you're a smoker and you're learning (say) a new language or API, your body automatically makes you light cigarettes and smoke them; you only become aware that you have been smoking when you're stubbing them out.
I enjoy tobacco, and drink alcohol and caffeine. I have about 30 cigarettes or cigars a year, and about 40-500 shots of espresso. I'm not sure about the wine / ale.
I do all these things because I enjoy the flavors and sensations of them. It seems even on HN people can't quite grasp the idea of enjoying good tobacco but not being addicted to cigarettes.
I also think the caffeine is probably doing me more damage than the cigarettes. I also find it harder to not have coffee.
I do all these things because I enjoy the flavors and sensations of them. It seems even on HN people can't quite grasp the idea of enjoying good tobacco but not being addicted to cigarettes.
I also think the caffeine is probably doing me more damage than the cigarettes. I also find it harder to not have coffee.
Nicotine is great for coding. I used to smoke, but now use Swedish snus instead. I get all the benefits I did with smoking, but with very little detriment.
Yes, but only 1 or 2 cigarettes a day. I find it helps with stress and a bad temper. It's certainly not the best way, but it's worked fairly well. Since I don't smoke much, 1 cigarette alters my mood a good deal, and I don't really feel too much of an adverse effect if I don't smoke.
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I wish it wasn't so hard to quit. When I try, I feel like I've lost a friend.
I would never smoke cigarettes. Its an expensive and kind of a smelly habit.
I do like the occasional hookah or cigar though. That's something you don't do every day so I think its not bad on the expenses and health fronts.
I do like the occasional hookah or cigar though. That's something you don't do every day so I think its not bad on the expenses and health fronts.
You can smoke cigarettes and not do it every day. I enjoy the twice-a-month Silk Cut or YSL after a restaurant meal.
A pipe here. And pot too.
Quit ~2.5 years ago after ~15 years as a relatively heavy smoker (pack a day at least).
I'll sometimes swipe a cig towards the end of an evening of a drinking though.
I'll sometimes swipe a cig towards the end of an evening of a drinking though.
good job.
No, and as I say to hot guys who do smoke, "There's only one fag you should be putting into your mouth and I don't contain nicotine."
Used to smoke several packs a day since junior year in high school until a couple years in college then gave it up cold turkey.
I think we had this question recently. Anyway, same answer: yes, a pipe. The thinking man's smoke.
But I only smoke in the evenings and never at work and it is anywhere between 0-5.
Tried it just for once when I was schooling. And I didn't find it cool.
i smoke rollies here in australia. decks/packs are overpriced and the way a hand rolled cigarette smokes is just way better!
+1 for the rollie crew (if were out there..)
Cigars, ocassionally.
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I smoke a lot of weed, but I find that smoking while coding disrupts my working memory, which makes coding difficult. Working memory = the memory you use to keep a lot of stuff in mind at. Having to keep referring to the code to figure out my variable names/whatever, instead of just knowing them off the top of my head, slows me down.
Sounds like reason enough to give it up. If you're a coder anyway.
I don't know about coding & smoking weed, but coding on an LSD trip is very hard. With a huge effort you can barely manage to do it. I tried it as an experiment, but I'll never do it again. It takes out the fun from both coding & LSD.
I smoke a lot too and this is spot on about weed making coding much more difficult.
The funny thing is, at work we have a code word for weed - "code". We've been joking about coding for months now...
The funny thing is, at work we have a code word for weed - "code". We've been joking about coding for months now...
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How is this pertinent to Hacker News?
It's a survey of hacker habits. It's fairly low-value compared to the sort of content that usually makes it to #1 though.
Under "What to Submit", the HN guidelines read "On-Topic: Anything that good hackers would find interesting. That includes more than hacking and startups. If you had to reduce it to a sentence, the answer might be: anything that gratifies one's intellectual curiosity.". I think that this certainly qualifies as something that gratifies community curiosity given the activity on the submission.
On one hand, I would think that Hackers would smoke less because they might be more realistic about avoiding the long term effects of smoking than a non-hacker would be. On the other hand, all Hackers are indeed human and there are a lot of them that do make choices that aren't that great for their physical health (e.g. sitting in front of a computer for 18 hours a day!)
Do you smoke (cigarettes)?