Peter Jennings was an inspiring man. I admired his well spoken and endearing persona. Lung Cancer. From smoking. He quit in the late eighties, and started again during 9/11. He was diagnosed just 8 months ago. Stupid Cigarettes. Do you realize how many people die from smoking related illnesses? Don't get me started. A friend of mine recently said that people who smoke and drink are more fun. Maybe. And maybe I love fun people. But I believe smoking and drinking and the lot have more to do with a cloud of fun then the real stuff. Not only do people give up loved ones for their drug of choice, but they rob themesleves of a full life.

I have no problem with alcohol as a beverage. But I don't drink 5 diet cokes at $5 a piece in a few hours time friday nights. Then it's no longer a beverage, it's a cloud. A cloud that let's people escape from the crap of life. But it also gets in the way of experiencing the opportunities that come when facing and dealing with the crap of life. People don't drive impaired after some diet coke. Don't spend their paychecks, don't abandon their family, friends, or loved ones for a diet coke habit.

So drink, but don't smoke or do drugs. And if you must drink, drink responsibly. A glass or two, a beer or two, and enjoy your Saturday and Sunday like never before.