So yesterday, I get off the air at about 3, I shoot out to the local fast food joint for some lunch… and I see something quite interesting.  It’s a school bus, stopped, to let the kids eat, and there are nine kids hanging around the bus smoking cigarettes.  Nine!  I counted.  Which of course brings to mind the news that the price of cigs is going up $1.25 today in NYS.  Health officials and anti-smoking advocates say that the higher taxes on cigarettes help people choose to quit.  That’s what they say.  I don’t know if it’s true.  

I know that this is a sensitive subject, and many have a strong opinion.  Here’s what I think.  I felt very sad that a high percentage of those kids were unfortunately destined to smoke all of their lives, and several of their lives will likely be cut short from it.  Think of the money they will waste in their lifetime– on poison that is already starting to waste away their young bodies.

I feel incredibly lucky that I never started smoking… but I know I’m no saint when it comes to healthy habits.  Hey… I was at a burger joint!  Nevertheless…  if this cigarette tax increase stops even just a few kids from picking up the habit, I’m all for it.

On a lighter note… listen this week for the Lunchtime Reward at noon… you can win a special M&Ms version of Monopoly from Comix Zone… and sundaes from Friendlys!  Hey, don’t you know, candy and ice cream are good for you!!!