Comments

to disgusted wrote on Aug 30, 2009 9:09 PM:

" There's some interesting psychology behind your blog. In reviewing the posts, I can't see a single one that could be construed as being "self righteous", or preachy or anything even close to that. In fact, when I do see somebody stating they are ex-smokers it seems that they are making the point that they are NOT health-nut, anti-smoking nazis!

It would seem then that you are extremely self-concious of your habit to the verge of paranoia. Calm down. All they're saying is that you have the right to smoke and they have the right to not inhale it. "




disgusting wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:44 PM:

" What I hate more than anything are the self righteous EX smokers........... haha.........you are funny. You were an addict you managed to kick it and then you put your self upon some kind of pedestal as if you were superior.......... come on down to earth and join the rest of us.....i'm not saying light up I am saying lighten up you of all people should understand. So, there you have it. I can not stand the self righteous ex smokers....but for the grace of God there go I. "




Littlebird wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:41 PM:

" I feel bad for smokers. I work at an agency that helps people get back on thier feet, get back into the workforce, etc. And when somebody who is obviously a smoker comes in, it's hard sometimes because they stink terribly. The smell is a mix between a chimney and dung. But since thier sense of smell is shot, they don't realize how bad they reek. "




hola wrote on Aug 25, 2009 10:08 AM:

" Kudos to Mat-Su Lodge and Big Lake Lions! Thanks for looking out for the health and well-being of others. To smokers, yes - absolutely you have a right to smoke. Just don't take others out with you! Tobacco kills up to half of its regular users and on average users die ten years younger. A non-smoker can die of lung cancer due to secondhand smoke (YIKES!). Over half the states in the U.S. and 14 countries have smokefree workplace laws and 164 more countries and considering smokefree policies. The science is clear. This is reality. "




Lydia wrote on Aug 23, 2009 10:35 PM:

" Finally some common sense, would you smoke in your house after you finished a meal? If so yuck, finally I have somewhere to go out in the Valley that won't burn my eyes and throat from the second I step in. The other thing I hate about smoking in clubs/restaurants is the smell in my hair and on my clothes YUCK, remember people you can smoke outside. Also this was voluntary but I believe will be well received. "




Palmer Farm wrote on Aug 22, 2009 11:53 PM:

" When we lived in the lower 48 for awhile, we realized how good we had it in Alaska. Still, there were a few things here and there that we knew we wouldn't look forward to coming back home (the way people drive, for example). But what really caught us by surprise is the crappy customer-service culture up here. Although there are a few exceptions here and there, for the most part Alaskans don't know what good customer service is. Most of the time it's either laziness or rudeness. "




Nothing has changed wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:26 PM:

" I don't see how anything has changed at mat su resort. People still smoke on the deck and the place still stinks inside. It's too bad they can't "really" make it a decent restaurant. Even the view is obstructed by huge planters. The only thing worth the trip was the food. (however with a nose full of dank musty interior it was hard to swallow) There's just something about alaskan businesses..... they can only seem to make it about 75% of the way. Attention to detail isn't on the menu. "




Lisnup wrote on Aug 21, 2009 5:55 PM:

" With health and environmental issues not to mention the effects on others let's make it illegal, one way or another it causes harm to those who smoke and to those in close proximity. "




to leo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:15 AM:

" What do you mean "anti-smoker and liberal basher"? How do the two go hand-in-hand? I've written a post or two in here that goes hand-in-hand with what you state: Mat-Su Resort is a private business and has a right to have whatever policy they want. I also happen to lean to the conservative side. I still don't see how the two are related. "




leo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:14 AM:

" these posts really show the hypocrisy of smokers and liberal bashers. The Mat-Su is a private business ,they succeed by making a profit. Obviously they have thought about their decision. Apparently they have concluded they can increase their business and have less damage by going smoke free. This usually brings greater profits. As for me if I'm in the valley I will once again consider dining at the Mat-Su Lodge. "




Ira Gold wrote on Aug 21, 2009 12:46 AM:

" I have been a sort of a regular visitor in your site. I am enjoying reading your articles about different matters that really help me to gain ideas.


-------------
Ira Gold "




to NO MORE TAXES wrote on Aug 20, 2009 1:46 PM:

" HA HA HA!! "Second hand smoke bologna"?! I don't care if somebody smokes like a chimney or has never tried a cigarette in thier life, how can you honestly say something so dumb? Even when I was smoking I didn't live in that level of absolute absurd denial! I suppose you think you can blow your smoke in a baby's face and it's all good, right? Moron! "




smoking wrote on Aug 20, 2009 7:19 AM:

" Ignorance follows smokers. When your right infringes on my rights, then I have an issue. And your drifting smoke does just that- infringes on my health.

And for those cavemen and cavewomen who do not think second hand smoke affects people, go back to school and learn something about health. Your pure ingnorance is not helping the gene pool. "




NO MORE TAXES wrote on Aug 20, 2009 12:16 AM:

" Okay, so when all smokers quit what will be taxed next to make up the difference? I am not a smoker however i truly resent people establishments that buy into the 2nd hand smoking bologna. No more Mat-Su and personally I like the fox, tailgaters and mugshot. You health freaks need to go back to Seattle. You are so self righteous it is sickening. I will make sure the next time I go out I will take a complete BATH in my perfume............. maybe that is what will be taxed next.................. "




Tara wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:39 PM:

" Smith is right, after us the liberals are coming after you next. Now don't go and shoot any of them cute critters, find another way to feed your family, oh and them poor fish getting haul out of their environment like that is not nice. What bad habits do you have? "




Tara wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:36 PM:

" Looks like Silver Fox will be having a few more over for dinner. Please list the other restaurants that we can go to for dinner. I am not a prude I will eat dinner if you are smoking or not. "




Marietta wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:48 AM:

" As someone who sings in the clubs and lodges around Alaska I say YAY!!! I can sing my songs and breath while doing it!! And the employees can do there job without being in a cloud of smoke! I was just at the Mat-Su Lodge singing last night with a friend and it is really nice!

Thank you Mat-Su!!! "




Mat-Su wrote on Aug 18, 2009 10:29 PM:

" Re: To All The Comments.
Please do frequent the death wish places, there are many to choose from. Maybe you will meet your bedside death bed friend...you will not be missed at the Mat-Su Lodge, They are the same people that own Eddies Sports Bar in Anchortown, busy all the time with patrons who have money, Not broke from buying cancer sticks...B bye "




hey wrote on Aug 18, 2009 5:53 PM:

" ever notice smokers arent the smartest people in a group?

just saying.... "




to allisaw wrote on Aug 18, 2009 11:56 AM:

" Exactly. Businesses can CHOOSE to go smoke free. There's no 'borough ordinance'. What are you talking about? And that coin flips both ways...if a business CHOOSES to go smoke-free, smokers can always go someplace else too! "




allisaw wrote on Aug 18, 2009 9:55 AM:

" it's a personal choice to frequent any establishment we like, if a bar has smoking permited and you don't like it don't go there, simple as that. a borough wide ordanance to prohibit smoking is a bad idea. the new "green building" idea has a section regarding smoke control inside buildings with designated smoking areas for environmental quality. there's always another option. it seems smokers are a huge target for everyone. shame on the shamers "




Oops wrote on Aug 18, 2009 5:10 AM:

" Headed to Mat-su-Lodge this weekend, we're excited! It'll be nice to dress up and not have to wear someone's stinky habit home, I plan to thank Mat-su Lodge for their decision. "




HAKAKAKAK wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:59 PM:

" Smoking is gross. The smell gets all over you when your around them. And it's very unhealthy. I haven't stepped in an establishment that allowed smoking in many years. What took them so long. And how will they ever eliminate the smell? It must be pickled in there by now. I guess the stale beer and urine smell works well for the drunks too. "




AK1958 wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:22 PM:

" Why is someone allowed to BRING IN something, light it up and fill the air with smoke at any establishment? Can I bring my own food to a restaurant? We should try and bring a can of Sterno to your favorite restaurant, light it up and burn popcorn., some may not find it offensive but it's allowing you the same right to light up something you BRING IN. "




LJ wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:54 PM:

" I am originally from California where there is no smoking allowed anywhere and at first people complained about loosing business but in reality they gained it,because people like me will go to these places now that they are smoke free...:) "




To all the comments wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:25 PM:

" Well, non smoking is not the ONLY reason I will not be going to the Mat Su. The last 2 or 3 times I was in there, at least l/3 of the patrons were so jacked up on their drugs they didn't know if they were afoot or horseback. No thanks, I'll continue to patronize the smoking establishments --- much easier to deal with smoke than the drug heads of the valley. "




uh-huh wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:02 PM:

" I enjoy my habit of releasing massive amounts of flatulence whenever I go out to eat. I enjoy it and it's my right. Too bad if it bothers you. You have no choice but to inhale it. If you don't enjoy breathing in my gas, then go somewhere else. Otherwise, enjoy your meal while the smell soaks into your hair, clothes and makes you gag. How dare anybody suggest that it's rude or unacceptable to fill the area around me with it.

Like my logic? "




Tasha wrote on Aug 17, 2009 3:11 PM:

" Yeah! Great job to these local businesses! I will make an effort to support them. I am glad to see more sensible business practices being employed out here in the Valley! Way to go. "




smokers wrote on Aug 17, 2009 12:26 PM:

" smell like crap. yeah they do.

stay at home and enjoy uor ills.

second hand smoke kills.

what part of that do you not get?

denial. for you a reality- or a river in egypt. "




Valley Kid wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:37 AM:

" I am not a smoker, but I think smoking is part of the "bar experiance". I will not go back to the Mat-Su again. I really do hope they change their policy back. Where is the Lions Club in Big Lake? I'll avoid it too. "




dlowe wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:42 AM:

" All i can say to folks promising not to go to these two places anymore is "you promise?"

Great move for both places. Time will tell if it helps or hurts business. I have $1K to bet it will help! "




Tax Payer wrote on Aug 17, 2009 3:54 AM:

" wrote: "As soon as those things you mention start having the same detrimental health benefits to those sitting around you"

Actually, perfumes, colognes, most cleaners & soaps DO make me physically ill. Best case is minor headache & throat irritation; worse case is a migraine & need for Benedryll. We have often had to leave restaurants because a customer or our waitress leaves a "wave" of smell after they walk past.

I so wish people would be more aware of those few of us that have these allergies & cut back on perfumes. Thanks. "




to stinking cigarettes wrote on Aug 16, 2009 7:17 PM:

" Again, another poor analogy. As soon as those things you mention start having the same detrimental health benefits to those sitting around you as cigarette smoke, get back to us. Until then, your blog doesn't make any sense. (OK, maybe gasoline fumes. But last time I checked, there's no place you sit around in a room inhaling gas fumes while trying to enjoy food.) "




Stinking Cigarettes wrote on Aug 16, 2009 8:47 AM:

" Agreed -- smoking stinks. On my list of things to be banned in public places --
1. Perfume---makes me want to gag !!!
2. Coffee -- especially on airplanes & hospitals
3. Use of chlorine products in restrooms
4. Air fresheners in restrooms
5. Gasoline & diesel fumes
6. Hair spray
HMMM -- what can we ban that I don't like??
Once we ALL quit smoking, where are the billions of dollars in taxes going to come from?? Smith is right --- the govt, won't go without the money. "




Wndrer wrote on Aug 16, 2009 7:12 AM:

" to "A Smoker" - some will say the same when you pass - off my list!!! "




Lisnup wrote on Aug 16, 2009 6:59 AM:

" We've gone several times to the Caboose in Palmer for someones birthday celebration and to eat, the smoke is unbelievable! I don't think people go there to smoke they go there to have a drink and eat. My point is smoke is not a options for us, smokers bring their habit in and share it with others, it's not fair that I inhale their habit. Where are my rights? The Caboose is a bar not a smokers lounge. The bartenders should not have to tolerate this atmosphere! Take it outside smokers! "




offsoapstone wrote on Aug 15, 2009 9:50 PM:

" As a ex-smoker I believe that people who still smoke get a raw deal. You have to pay more and more in taxes, health Ins cost you more or can't get it, and some businesses won't allow you to smoke. Well guess what I don't want to smell your smoke or deal with the problems of 2nd hand smoke. These business made this decision on their own they will lose some people and will also pick some up. "




Thank you Mat-Su wrote on Aug 15, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Bruce, did you miss the part where these organizations decided to go smoke-free voluntarily? Count me in with those who will be increasing the Mat-Su Lodge's revenue. There are a few places in the valley that have good food and a nice atmosphere that I don't frequent because the smoke bothers my eyes and throat and because I don't care to go home stinking like an ashtray. There will still be places for smokers to go, but this gives another option for the growing number who don't care to have someone else's cigarette with their dinner. "




Bruce wrote on Aug 15, 2009 12:38 AM:

" Well what do you think, the largest State in the Union is worried about some smoke. I can tell you this, that when they burn the cheap firewood in the Valley from the fireplaces and wood stoves, I nearly died. So lets put cad converters on the smoke stacks. He He
Keep passing new laws to take away all our rights, and tax the hades out of the people. Make life miserable for all Alaska, then people will surley leave. I know a family of five that is moving soon. Keep it up AK "




Mat-Su wrote on Aug 14, 2009 10:58 PM:

" To..No more Mat-Su: Yes alcohol is bad for you too, but there isn't anyway it's bad to me also, if I don't drink any when I go there and you do. Tobacco on the other hand, kills everybody it contacts...BIG DIFFERENCE...You will see the Mat-Su Lodge grow to become "The Place" to go for dining entertainment. You stinky, dieing people go out to Houston Lodge or Klondike Mikes or the Silver Fox. Still plenty of places to kill yourself. Let us who enjoy life and living have a place to enjoy. "




to no more Mat Su wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:19 PM:

" Poor analogy. The 'no smoking' rules aren't put in place out of any health concern for those smoking. They're put in place for those who aren't smoking but are forced to inhale the second-hand smoke.

In order for your 'alcohol' comparison to work, those people not consuming alcohol would have to be somehow having liver problems or some such from those that are. "




No more Mat-Su wrote on Aug 14, 2009 2:10 PM:

" The Mat-Su thought they had problems before? Now they may as well include the loss of REVENUE with the business they will lose. Maybe they should quit serving alcohol as well. I mean after all alcohol is bad for your liver........ "




To SET wrote on Aug 14, 2009 12:54 PM:

" Are you serious? If so, I feel sorry for you because you are in total denial and delusion.

All scientific, and medical evidence, proves beyond any doubt that cigarette smoke is carcinogenic, harmful to lungs and the heart, and to human health.

Tobacco companies have been paying huge fines for years because they made false claims smoking was safe. They got away with it for decades because they had money, power, and no conscience.

If some people want to stay addicted to nicotine, they don't have the right to compromise other people's health! "




To RZ wrote on Aug 14, 2009 12:41 PM:

" My brother smoked for 20 years, against my advice, and got brain cancer and died.

A cousin of mine was young, and otherwise healthy, but was a smoker. She died of breast cancer and a malignant brain tumor, leaving two young children.

I have COPD and asthma from working in offices where I was forced to breathe second hand smoke. I have other first hand examples.

Cigarettes have known, proven, carginogens. Whether by second or first hand smoke - cigarettes kill. "




Carolyn wrote on Aug 14, 2009 12:23 PM:

" I lived through an unfortunate time in history when people were allowed to smoke in elevators, restaurants, cars, public transportation, threatres, public meetings, and places of work.

Thank God they have sensible laws today to protect people from the vile, dirty, and unhealthy nicotine addictions of others! I like the smokers, but I do not like their smoke, pollution, and poisons.

If some people want to kill themselves with coffin nails, they can do so on their own time, and in their own private spaces! Keep them out of the public places, thank you! "




Power Wagon wrote on Aug 14, 2009 11:47 AM:

" to 'Yeah';
Soundly said. We used to smoke and typically the second-hand smoke doesn't bother us as much as it does others. But good god...having to come home and strip down, throw our clothes in the wash and immediately take a shower because of the stink is disgusting. Smokers lose thier sense of smell and taste and don't realized how bad they smell. "




Power Wagon wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Wife and I both used to smoke. We don't consider ourselves 'health nazis' and, even though we used to smoke, we would shake our heads at how carried away the anti-smoking establishment got in Washington when we lived there for awhile.

That said, when we came back to Alaska we realized how we had been spoiled by being able to go out and eat without going home smelling like the inside of a chimney. One place was so smoked-out it made my wife physically sick.

There has to be some sort of compromise. "




Yahoo MatSu wrote on Aug 14, 2009 8:04 AM:

" We have avoided the Mat Su Resort for years because people like the comments below believe it is their right to have a cigarette after their meal. What they don't realize is that it makes that whole building stink, leaves a grime on the walls, windows, ceiling, and contributes to the declining health of those around them. No thanks, save that for your own home. Your own early death is your choice smokers, not mine. The taxes you pay on cigarettes is your choice, not mine. It's called a user tax, quit complaining. "




Yeah wrote on Aug 14, 2009 7:24 AM:

" Now I won't have to come home and throw my clothes in the washer and take a shower before I hit the hay because the smell of smoke is permeating. For years we have been putting up with your choice to smoke, dealing with it. Finally, we are getting a break. "




Mat-Su wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:49 PM:

" They should pass an ordinance making all establishments in the Valley "SMOKE FREE"...This is 2009, not 1963....You want to kill yourself? I think thats great, just don't let me smell you doing it...Kind of like the noise ordinance. If you can hear it from your own home, or fence line it's too loud and illegal. If I can smell cig smoke anywhere. I leave, and there are thousands more with some expendable income that will take the place of the losers, 10 fold. Kudos to Mat-Su Lodge and Big Lake Lions. 2 leaders "




Dennis O. wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:39 PM:

" Good work. Thank you. "




SET wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:38 PM:

" The secondhand smoke thing is the BIGGEST LIE the government has ever perpetrated on the public. Even basic common sense should tell you that it can't be true. The dumb American public, fast becoming the most paranoid populace ever in history, just accepts it as fact from a government that has shown to be deceptive in every thing it is involved in. The brain washing has sure been succesful. But it is NOT TRUE! IT is a pure total LIE! BS. Garbage. Perfidy of the highest order. Wake up drones. And wear your little stupid bicycle helmets! "




ewwwwww smoking wrote on Aug 13, 2009 10:32 PM:

" smoking is gross. "




RZ wrote on Aug 13, 2009 10:13 PM:

" Show me one death certificate with "second hand smoke" listed as the cause of death...can't do it can you? That's why the writer uses the weasel word "estimated". The only good thing I can say about this is that the businesses made the decision on their own and weren't forced to by anti-tobacco fascists using the government. Still, even as an ex-smoker I'll be sure to avoid these places. "




Girls Night Out wrote on Aug 13, 2009 8:04 PM:

" Can't wait to go out on the town to the Mat Su! For every one of those folks "never going to the Mat Su again" and hoping for the "good old days", I'm sure there will be at least 5 patrons enjoying fresh clean air, a cool drink, and a delicious meal! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! "




Loves fresh air wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:33 PM:

" I agree with Smith -- what will be taxed next. I love my fresh air just as well as the next guy, but also feel I have a right to enjoy my meal the way I want to enjoy it---especially after the humongous taxes imposed on tobacco in the last 6 months. Personally, I would prefer all the "do-gooders" move back to Seattle, LA, NY or whichever rock they came from and take 99% of their laws with them. Let Alaska go back about 50 years (oops, make that 52) and this would be "PARADISE". "




A smoker wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:19 PM:

" 2 more off my list. I used to eat out at least 5 to 6 times per week. No more. If I'm going to spend my money on eating out (and/or drinking out), I want to enjoy it. My enjoyment includes having a cigarette while waiting to be served and after dinner. Same with having a drink or two. I was hoping since the Mat Su was under new management, it might possibly go back to "the good old days" --a fun place and good eating. No luck there -- off my list. "




smith wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:04 PM:

" GREAT! Now I have 2 less places that I can go and have a decent meal and enjoy a cigarette afterwards. I will no longer be visiting either one of theese places.
I can sympathize with hthose of you that don't want to breathe my second hand smoke, but please respect the fact that when I pay the taxes on the cigarettes, I should be able to use them. Just think, when I quit, YOU will be paying more taxes on something because Government WILL NOT do without the money.... "