Gee Saintfletcher where do you socialise? I went through more than one uni and was never offered pot. I didn't spend much time in the bar because of the smoke and everyone respected the fact that I do not actually like the booze and happily let me get on with the bitter lemon or the orange juice.
I have mixed with writers, playwrights, musicians, theatre people and artists. The successful ones are not normally heavily into drink or drugs

Back when I used to smoke fish I had an active social life, spent time with the kids in the great outdoors and had a generally rounded lifestyle. There didn't seem to be any harm in it at the time.

Then I switched to poultry and I didn't spend nearly as much time outdoors, and friends and relatives soon got sick of my smoked offerings. There was a constant pall of smoke in the house because I could smoke poultry inside, whereas I used to do my fish smoking outside.

Eventually my family banned all indoor smoking, which opened my eyes. I still sneak the occasional chook. It's not as exciting as it used to be but I just can't seem to completely break the habit.

I like it chainsmoker. On tripple J today they were telling us how to make curry out of feral cats. Only problem is that you risk toxoplasmosis.

Well, I can't say it was a University communicat, but between you and I, it used to happen frequently when I went to Greens functions. Can you see what I'm saying now? How many time have I been subject to absurd monologues?

I'm suspicious of all the parties now, they all have their hypocrisies. Hopefully no one will notice this comment now that it is sliding down the page. Don't tell anyone of my observations, people I know will get most upset. lol ;-)

FLETCH......

good question.. why is grog so good? hmm.. well I often ask myself this question:

"Grog is connected with Alchohol, which is a mind/mood altering substance, so.. WHY do we need said 'mind/mood' altering in the first place"?

-We are not happy.. so we drink.....to 'become' happy.
-We are depressed, so we drink...to FLEE from the source/thoughts which depress us.
-We drink because our friends are there... (so why do we need to alter our minds to have good friendship)?

Basically, the whole concept of "drinking" is peppered with drawbacks, problems and 'down'side.

Are we so bereft of fundamental happiness and fulfillment that we have to seek it in a bottle ?

*WARNING...BIBLE COMING UP* :)

The Bible does not condemn drinking alchohol outright, it DOES condemn drunkenness. "Do not be drunk with wine for that is:
-riot
-excess
-Dissipation
-luxury
-lead to wild living.
-debauchery
(all from various translations of Ephesians 5:18)

BUT....Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

and...

19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

QUITE A CONTRAST... to say the least. But one thing stands out, being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than the 'spirit' of the vine, results in everything that we might have sought in the grog, but:
-Without the financial outlay.
-Without the health problems.
-Without the black eyes and crushed skulls that result from alchohol related violence.

Hmmm seems like a pretty good deal to me :

Gawd - and yet another thread is shamelessly hijacked by the OLO missionary.

Boazy, the topic is 'Smoking and Licensed Venues' - not the Bible.

You chide other forum members when they depart from the topic, so how about practising what you preach?

BD, what you say about alcohol applies more to alcoholics and those that are not yet mature enough to look past their social insecurities. For a lot of people though, they just like a drink - most have a favourite, and its based on taste rather than effect. I love red wine (and its supposed to be good for me- yum!), but I drink it because I enjoy the flavour, not because I am trying to escape from anything. I like other alcoholic drinks as well (and there are some that I dont like), but red wine comes in top position. There is a big difference between having a glass (or stubby/can) now and then, and alcoholic escapism.

One of the concerns that I do have is over the availability of pre-mix lolly-water. If you want to taste a softdrink, then have one - dont hide alcohol in it. It makes getting drunk for young girls in particular, far too easy.