http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ Spartanburg Spark » Recent Posts en Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:46:59 +0000 http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=61#post-286 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:51:17 +0000 p303 286@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Upstate Pride SC presents the first screening of "Inlaws and Outlaws" in South Carolina! </p> <p>With remarkable honesty, good humor, great music and real heart, Inlaws &amp; Outlaws weaves together true stories of couples and singles, gay and straight, to embrace what we all have in common: we love.</p> <p>See<br /> <a href="http://www.upstatepridesc.org/pride2010/Film_Screening.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.upstatepridesc.org/pride2010/Film_Screening.html</a><br /> for more information. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-285 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:24:45 +0000 chAng 285@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Very limited transportation is my downfall, but I'd like to be involved most definitely. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-284 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:54:18 +0000 Steve Shanafelt 284@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>We're going to be trying out some new video stuff here in the next little bit. There's a lot of room to experiment with the format, and in a lot of ways it's a lot more forgiving a format than writing is. Do you think you'd like to get in on some of the idea sessions and filming? It'll probably be goofy for a while, and we could almost certainly use your input. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-283 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:22:13 +0000 chAng 283@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I think trying out a "man on the street" type format would be great, if possible. Interviewing artists or musicians, political figures, or just whoever. I'd see that as being more appealing then a written interview in a lot of instances.</p> <p>I really enjoy seeing you guys in the flesh so to speak. I know it can be cumbersome at times but that's appealing too, in a weird way. People's number one fear is public speaking they say, or fearing they'll be perceived badly, but that's just human nature. I dig that you guys have dove in head first, I hope to contribute what I can as well. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-281 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:28:57 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 281@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I totally agree Chris. Mostly because I retain information much better reading it then seeing it. I do the same things,,read the transcript, and pass on the video when looking at news stories. Video contents is a great thing and certainly has its place here. In fact I've been asked more then once when I am doing another Miss Mom movie like last week's. Gotta find the right topic first. A good balance of both can do nothing but enhance The Spark. </p> <p>However, I will still be doing most of my work with a keyboard a blank word doc and spell check addicted fingers. That is until I find the right subject matter to display via video. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-280 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:38:04 +0000 Christopher George 280@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I know I should be the last person to poo-poo the video thing considering how many video posts I've done, and I'm not really going to do that, but I don't want video to become the dominant form on the <em>Spark</em>. </p> <p>I think it's a powerful medium in certain ways, but it has obvious and pretty glaring limitations to me as well. I think we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that what's gotten us this far is our written content, and that with very few exceptions, the views for the videos so far have been pretty modest. I know that not many people have commented here one way or another, but if I was to venture a guess, I'd say that most people prefer the written content just based on the traffic stats for the written content versus the number of views for the videos.</p> <p>Putting myself in that "media consumer" role for a minute, I notice that I almost never watch videos online. I am a text guy through and through. Often, even when there's a video and a text version of the same thing--like say a review on CNET--I read the text version instead of watching the video. Obviously, everyone's not like me, and for some people the exact opposite would be true.</p> <p>Having said all that, I think some things lend themselves to video more than others. I guess I'm not really arguing one thing over another so much as I'm arguing for balance, and an understanding of what content works best for what format. </p> <p>Personally, I've been rethinking some video stuff, like HammockCast. I think that most of the things explored during HammockCast would've worked better if they were more fleshed out and written down. HammockCast is, I think, an example of someone rushing to make video just for the sake of video without thinking about content.</p> <p>On the flip side, I think something like the Hub City Brew Review works better as a video, even if it is sometimes clumsy in format and is often a logistical nightmare to put together.</p> <p>I don't know, and maybe I'm talking out of my ass here, but I don't think this rush to video should come at the expense of quality written content. As long as we have the good written content though, there's nothing wrong with throwing video into the mix. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-279 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:35:38 +0000 Katie 279@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Oh, I vote more videos. &lt;img src=&quot;http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-278 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:34:05 +0000 Katie 278@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>For most people there's this whole inborn curiosity——something intriguing about people-watching (especially videos online). This even if someone's on video talking about their mundane personal life, people tend to want to watch. That's one reason YouTube took off so fast. </p> <p>Might be something to this local thing. Getting to see and learn about other people (whether strangers, or people you know or know of) in your own town anonymously, without ever having to speak to them. </p> <p>Most people just like watching other people. As Hitchcock puts it with <em>Rear Window</em>, "We are all voyeurs." </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-277 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:50:42 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 277@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>excellent idea,and great points.. In fact both the Miss Mom's I did have scripts. I will do that for my next production. I still will be doing the majority of Miss Mom the old fashioned way, just changing things up with video now and then </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-276 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:39:32 +0000 R Williams 276@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Both.</p> <p>I've loved the vlogs I've seen so far, but more often than not, it seems like there's never a good time (personally speaking) to sit down and watch a video. I have a funky set up in my house and can't get internet access in my bedroom. Living with two other people, there's always something else going on in the room where my computer is, and it's really difficult to watch a video while the tv's on or there's conversation happening elsewhere in the room.</p> <p>Maybe you guys could post a transcript with the vlogs? </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-275 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:13:35 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 275@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>well I vote awesome &lt;img src=&quot;http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=60#post-274 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:00:57 +0000 Steve Shanafelt 274@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>With all three main contributors to the Spark now actively making video blogs, I'm wondering how the rest of you feel about the trend. I'm enjoying the new format quite a lot, as it's a learning experience that's actually letting me think about new ways of communicating. But I could see how those who actually like written content might find it to be distracting, or even off-putting, to have to deal with videos rather than text.</p> <p>How do you feel about it? Would you like to see more written content on the site? Or do you feel like we've not gone far enough, and would like to see us feature more video content? Or something in-between? </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-272 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:02:14 +0000 PJ 272@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>don't forget us!</p> <p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/inhibitband">Inhibit </a> </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-271 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:41:12 +0000 MountScoundrel 271@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>fire island, AK (best solo performer 2008, Spartanburg Spark)<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/fireislandak" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/fireislandak</a><br /> <a href="http://fireislandalaskastore.tk" rel="nofollow">http://fireislandalaskastore.tk</a><br /> <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/fire+island%2C+AK" rel="nofollow">http://www.last.fm/music/fire+island%2C+AK</a><br /> <a href="http://www.discogs.com/artist/Fire+Island,+AK" rel="nofollow">http://www.discogs.com/artist/Fire+Island,+AK</a><br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/#</a>!/pages/fire-island-AK/196277640345?ref=ts</p> <p>We Were Kids<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/wewerekidssc" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/wewerekidssc</a></p> <p>Backseat Dreamer<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/backseatdreamer" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/backseatdreamer</a></p> <p>Coma Cinema (best experimental band + best album 2008, Spartanburg Spark)<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/comacinema" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/comacinema</a></p> <p>John Edgerton<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnedgertoncondor" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/johnedgertoncondor</a> </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=59#post-270 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:12:26 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 270@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT<br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /> February 1, 2010<br /> The Spartanburg County Democratic Party would like to invite the<br /> public to attend “An Updated Inconvenient Truth”, presented by The Climate Project, on<br /> Tuesday, February 9th, 6 pm at the Westside Library located at 525 Oak Grove Road,<br /> Spartanburg.<br /> The Climate Project is a non-profit organization that consists of more than 3,000 diverse<br /> and dedicated volunteers worldwide who have been personally trained by former Vice<br /> President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore to educate the public and to raise awareness about<br /> climate change. The presentation includes more about the science behind the climate<br /> crisis, vivid evidence of an earth out of balance and great ways in which South<br /> Carolinians can start taking action.<br /> Presenter Karen McKernan was trained in January 2007 and has since given over 30<br /> presentations spreading the word about climate change and what YOU can do about it.</p> <p>DATE: Tuesday, February 9th, 2010<br /> TIME: 6 pm<br /> LOCATION: Westside Library, 525 Oak Grove Road, Spartanburg<br /> To RSVP for this event or if you have questions, please contact Amy Coker Pascoe at<br /> 864-579-2338 or email at <a href="mailto:amycoker@gmail.com">amycoker@gmail.com</a>. An optional RSVP is available on<br /> Facebook at “An Updated Inconvenient Truth”. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-269 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:55:09 +0000 R Williams 269@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Okra<br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Okra/159411718843?v=info" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Okra/159411718843?v=info</a> </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=26#post-264 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:09:40 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 264@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I wish to take a moment to state a few things about our forums.</p> <p>While we welcome different opinions by our readers, we will also delete without delay comments or threads that demonstrate obvious bigotry or disrespect to others based on political or cultural ideals. Continued input of such comments will result in the user being banned from commenting on The Spark's forums or columns.</p> <p>As the site's owner has mentioned before, this is still a private site, and we retain the right to choose the tone of the website.</p> <p>If you hold opposing views on a topic, we welcome them, but only if they are done so with respect to all who visit here. That is a simple requirement I am sure everyone can follow quite easily. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=54#post-258 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:21:32 +0000 David Smith 258@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I like the idea, but I'm with Sylvie. It's great having something like this localized and unique to Spartanburg. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-257 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:57:30 +0000 R Williams 257@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Van Dangs<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thevandangs" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/thevandangs</a></p> <p>Ghost in the Machine<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ghostinthemachinesc" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/ghostinthemachinesc</a></p> <p>Before Berlin<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/beforeberlin" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/beforeberlin</a></p> <p>On the Corner<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/onthecornerband" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/onthecornerband</a> </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=54#post-256 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:54:49 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 256@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>The idea has merit, at least, but at the same time I don't want to lose our uniqueness. I am sure there is a way to network things. It is worth exploring. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=54#post-254 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:20:45 +0000 Steve Shanafelt 254@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I'd like to float an idea by you fine folks: Do you think it would be worth it to explore a region-wide version of SpartanburgSpark.com? Like, if the Spark maybe partnered with other local news and opinion blogs and websites in the region? An Upstate Spark, if you will.</p> <p>It's an idea that I've considered before, but I haven't really examined it in the last year or so. What other media projects in the area would be worth talking to? </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-253 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:39:30 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 253@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Guthrie</p> <p><ul><a href="http://www.myspace.com/noahsayswhen" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/noahsayswhen</a></ul></p> <p>The website says Greenville, but it is actually more Spartanburg based. They have played locally and did a CD release gig. Their new album is on my wish list. Need to get a hold of Noah's and Ian's parents. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-251 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:06:24 +0000 Steve Shanafelt 251@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Very useful, since MySpace's local music search died last month. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-250 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:06:30 +0000 R Williams 250@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>So eat/drink somewhere else. Like I said, business owners that allow smoking in their facilities are NOT concerned with losing your business. There's a plethora of smoke-free establishments to choose from. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-249 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:47:44 +0000 Katie 249@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Dear Internet!%#@</p> <p><blockquote>The scientific evidence shows there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.</p> <p>The only way to fully protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke indoors is to prevent all smoking in that indoor space or building. Separating smokers from non-smokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot keep non-smokers from being exposed to secondhand smoke. - The Surgeon General's report, Cancer.org</blockquote></p> <p>Just because the smell can't be detected doesn't mean non-smokers are not exposed to harmful chemicals produced from smoke. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=53#post-248 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:56:41 +0000 chAng 248@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I was going through the myspace bands on my Spartanburg Venue listing site and figured it may be a handy resource for people, or at least something simply interesting to browse.</p> <p>In this post, I've almost made it about halfway through, picking out the local bands from my page, so a lot more will follow soon, feel free to add more by all means.</p> <p>************************************</p> <p>Self Afflicted<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/selfafflicted1" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/selfafflicted1</a></p> <p>Juggernaut<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/juggernautsc" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/juggernautsc</a></p> <p>Skye Foundation<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/skyefoundation" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/skyefoundation</a></p> <p>Inglorious<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/weareinglorious" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/weareinglorious</a></p> <p>Trash Can Halo (Courtney Johnson)<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/courtneyljohnson" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/courtneyljohnson</a></p> <p>Bordeomworks<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bordomworks" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/bordomworks</a></p> <p>Adam Johnson<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/adamjohnson" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/adamjohnson</a></p> <p>Last Hour<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lasth0ur" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/lasth0ur</a></p> <p>Quarterfly<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/quarterfly" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/quarterfly</a></p> <p>Moody Black<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/moodyblack" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/moodyblack</a></p> <p>Panacea<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/panaceaband" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/panaceaband</a></p> <p>Culture Prophet<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cultureprophet" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/cultureprophet</a></p> <p>Neal Stryker &amp; the Bandits<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/nealstrykerandthebandits" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/nealstrykerandthebandits</a></p> <p>Murdaburg productions<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/murdaburgproductions" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/murdaburgproductions</a></p> <p>Doc Huckster<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dochuckster" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/dochuckster</a></p> <p>Senile Sanity<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/senilesanity" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/senilesanity</a></p> <p>Smashpoints<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/smashpoints" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/smashpoints</a></p> <p>Marc Higgins Band<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/marchigginsband" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/marchigginsband</a></p> <p>Jamie Ivey<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ivey2828" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/ivey2828</a></p> <p>Injustus<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/injustus" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/injustus</a></p> <p>Of Good and Evil<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ofgoodandevil" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/ofgoodandevil</a></p> <p>My Calvary<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mycalvary" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/mycalvary</a></p> <p>Kevin Godfrey<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kevngodfrey" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/kevngodfrey</a></p> <p>Blind Vision<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/blindvisionsc" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/blindvisionsc</a></p> <p>After August<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/afteraugust1" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/afteraugust1</a></p> <p>Des Champs band<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thedeschampsband" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/thedeschampsband</a></p> <p>Half Mile Marathon<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/halfmilemarathon" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/halfmilemarathon</a></p> <p>MBM Entertainment<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mbmentertainment" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/mbmentertainment</a></p> <p>Turner Foster<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/turnerfoster" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/turnerfoster</a></p> <p>Brandy Lindsey and the Punch<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theotherbrandylindsey" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/theotherbrandylindsey</a></p> <p>Murderhouse<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/murderhouse1190dicksonrd" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/murderhouse1190dicksonrd</a></p> <p>Dynasty Entertainment<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dynastyentmaddoxjso" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/dynastyentmaddoxjso</a></p> <p>Scholars<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/xscholarx" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/xscholarx</a></p> <p>State of Konfusion<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/stateofkonfusion" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/stateofkonfusion</a></p> <p>Shane Pruitt<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/shanepruitt" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/shanepruitt</a></p> <p>"Pastor Pastor" Band -(from Spartanburg?)<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pastorpastorbluesband" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/pastorpastorbluesband</a></p> <p>Taylor Brown<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/taylorbrowntheartist" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/taylorbrowntheartist</a></p> <p>Bill Fletcher<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/billfletcher" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/billfletcher</a></p> <p>Atom Bomb Baby<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/atombombbaby" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/atombombbaby</a></p> <p>Portabella<br /> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/portabella1" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/portabella1</a> </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-247 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:51:03 +0000 R Williams 247@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Katie, I'm all for the non-smoker's rights. I absolutely agree you should never be subjected to the consequences of someone else's stupid choice. But we *already* have designated places to smoke, and designated places not to smoke. If you (not you specifically, "you" being the general public) want to go to a bar and don't want to inhale smoke, go to the Tap Room. If you want to go to a bar where you can smoke all you want, go to Nu Way. Also, the vast majority of restaurants that allow smoking are well ventilated and keep the smoking section at a fair enough distance from the non-smoking section. I've never been able to detect a hint of smoke from across the restaurant while sitting in the non-smoking section before. However, I do think it's stupid and inconsiderate for restaurants to put the smoking section next to the bathrooms, but I still think that's only a minor inconvenience.</p> <p>I agree that there should be regulation on where people are blowing smoke; but I believe that regulation should be up to the business/land owner, not the government. Owners that allow smoking in their establishments are not concerned with losing business from non-smokers, so neither should the government be.</p> <p>Also, I am pro-public BDSM, just for the record. In certain designated areas, of course. &lt;img src=&quot;http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_wink.gif&quot; title=&quot;;)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; lol </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-246 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:49:31 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 246@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Ok, I need to clarify a statement I made. I can go to establishment that allows smokers in a certain section, and has the rest of the place for non-smokers. And if good ventilation is in place, even better. Therefore it is one of the reasons I avoid the bar scene. <em>(plus I am not much of a drinker, and am not one to stay up late)</em></p> <p>To smoke or not to smoke is an individual choice, and whether one agrees with this or not, it is an optional choice. I once worked in an office where only one other person besides me did not smoke. I stayed sick, and had to change clothes when I got home. The bosses didn't care about whether or not I liked the smoke blowing in my face or not. The had no respect for the fact that I may not want the results of their inhaling what comes out of a firelit object surrounding my own inhaling space. Thankfully I no longer work there, and most other smokers I am friends with have much more respect when it comes to my personal breathing space.</p> <p>I think compromise can come from that simple fact, respect for each other and the breathing spaces we inhabit. That is why I don't have problems with designated smoking areas indoors or out, as long as the indoor space is well ventilated. Taxing a problem away is not going to work long term, banning in public areas has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the public area. I wonder if there is a third option? </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-245 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:46:24 +0000 Katie 245@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Am I the only one who thinks BDSM and ass play would be a little odd in public? As far as its comparability with smoking anyway...</p> <p>I don't see the regulations so much as paternalistic gov't lording as it is keeping smoke away from people who don't want it in their face. </p> <p>The stink clings to your hair and clothes, it burns your eyes, and when it doesn't cause people's asthma to act up, it's making your sinuses and throat burn all day. Smokers have every right to endure that... for themselves. </p> <p>It becomes a problem when other people, who didn't make that choice, are huffing in clouds of smoke in a public space. It's really a good enough reason to me to regulate where people start blowing smoke. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-244 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:09:44 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 244@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Me too! I keep trying to come up with ways to "force people not to be stupid". Short of making NPR radio mandatory listening between the hours of 8pm and 10 pm, I am stumped. If anyone has anything better, please come forward. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-243 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:55:23 +0000 R Williams 243@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Hahaha I love it!! </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-242 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:15:24 +0000 MountScoundrel 242@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Sometimes I really think Fascism is a great idea. Maybe the Spartanburg Spark forums should set up an aristocracy for Spartanburg county. We could be the last bastion for classical liberalism and individual rights ... by forcing people to not be stupid. Hm. There's probably a logical contradiction in that idea, c'est la vie. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-241 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:49:25 +0000 Sylvie Galloway 241@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>I am a non-smoker and an asthmatic. 90% of the smokers I know are quite respectful of that fact. If I am with them, they ask if they can light up, and are careful to be in a position so smoke is not wafting in my direction. I can go into an establishment that allows smokers with no ill effects. However I can't go into thrift shops. Something about stuff that has been in storage for ages then set out gets my allergies and asthmas all up in arms. In my case I know to don't smoke, unless someone has struck a match to me, and stay away from musty items that have been in storage awhile...books are the worst! and I love books.</p> <p>Smokers are welcome at my house, I just ask folks to partake on my front porch that has chairs and a table for relaxation, a nice view of my front yard, and protection from the weather. </p> <p>I think the point that is being made here is that regulating and restricting consumption doesn't work. The government has been trying for years to get people to eat healthier, and they keep changing what is good for you and what isn't. Most people already know what healthy choices are, and we can't use ignorance as an excuse.</p> <p>And I don't believe in the smoker bad/ non smoker good scenario at all. Smoking is just one of many of those not so healthy things people do to themselves. And there are few people who avoid all the not so healthy things. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-240 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:37:52 +0000 MountScoundrel 240@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Exactly! for some reason people seem to be okay with giving up their own personal choice. is this an admission of no self-control? hm.</p> <p>if you made a "SMOKER'S ONLY" business, i guarantee that non-smokers would probably sue you out of existence. not to demonize non-smokers, but the trend is "smokers bad, non-smokers good." pfft. like all i do is hide out in daycare centers forcing children to breathe in cigarette smoke; i wait around corners with baited breath, stalking my next non-smoker victim!</p> <p> i try to be considerate of my non-smoker friends. i make sure they are okay with my smoking when they are in <strong>my</strong> car. i smoke upwind when outside. i do not arbitrarily light up in classrooms, restaurants, and buildings. the least i ask for is a little bit of space where i can smoke in peace. seriously! i am a homosexual political science major in South Carolina! WHAT ABOUT MY LIFE IS NOT GOING TO GIVE ME A STROKE? (<em>hint:</em> smoking is pretty far down that list)</p> <p>maybe i am a nihilist / fatalist, but i just about die (ha ha, get it?) when non-smokers say "smoking will kill you," like death is some sort of big F_____G surprise. "REALLY? I'LL DIE? OH MY GOSH, I BETTER QUIT NOW SO I CAN ... oh yeah, DIE IN 50 YEARS (give or take)."</p> <p>last i checked, modern medicine has not found the key to immortality. smoking is not some sort of death sentence, at least no more than living in general is. </p> http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/topic.php?id=52#post-239 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:35:18 +0000 R Williams 239@http://spartanburgspark.com/forums/ <p>Ohhh noooo. I was already in the wrong mood to have read that article. I should have known better.</p> <p>I am SO SICK of all the non-smoking crap. I don't understand what is so complicated about designating certain smoking areas that are out of the way from entrances and high-traffic areas. I've yet to hear one sound argument as to why that's not a perfectly acceptable compromise.</p> <p>As far as any city-wide, county-wide, state-wide, whatever-wide bans, I think that's beyond ludicrous. It just makes me want to open a bar where non-smokers are not welcome. With a government enforced ban or not, there is an abundance of smoke-free establishments to choose from, so if you don't want to breathe in other people's smoke, then DON'T GO to the tiny handfull of bars and restaurants left where smoking is allowed! Why is that such a difficult concept??</p> <p>And I'm right there with you on the trans-fats, sodas, etc. How about, instead of government restrictions on production and sales, we just put something on the label that says "WARNING! If you eat/drink this product, you will become a fatass, you will have a heart attack, and you will die."</p> <p>That's it- I'm opening a greasy spoon bar called "Suicide" and it will stay cloudy with smoke 24/7, and the menu will feature a skull and crossbones icon next to all the items with the most fat, grease, and sugar I can possibly manage to cram into the recipe, as opposed to the little heart icon you see at most restaurants for their healthy options. Death by chocolate? You ain't seen nothin' yet. </p> <p>And I'll make a fortune doing it. The messed up thing is that I wouldn't even eat my own food. But that's MY choice; not the government's. </p>