Will Curious George Ever Stop Smoking? Impacts & Ignorance

Will Curious George Ever Stop Smoking? Impacts & Ignorance

I hate cigarette smoke, but the most I hate when others do not obey the rules. The reason for this post is my observation made on the weekend while shopping at the Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket.

We were coming to the main entrance when a driver caught us and other ladies off.

One of the ladies said – ‘so much for the crossing lines‘.

Yes I know, you cannot rely on those to protect you anymore, you really have to watch your back‘ – I replied.

So true‘ – she nodded.

At the entrance she pointed at the door which said that people should smoke at least 15 meters from the mall.

Look over there‘ – she pointed next. Couple of guys were smoking right at the entrance.

Yes no body follows the rules anymore‘ – I stated.

Yes, you are right. What can we do now? You have yourself a good shopping day?‘ – waved at me and disappeared in the crowd.

A Woman Smoking in the Town Park, Aurora


I must say her shopping wishes did not work for me that day. I had to go back on Tuesday because of interesting shrinking effect I experienced with Matthew’s clothes and a lady in the Old Navy forgot to take the magnetic security tag. How I made through the door, I don’t know.

Smoking should be banned. We all know the risks. It is now confirmed fact that smoking is dangerous to our health and environment. Cigarette butts are eaten by birds, children pick them up and when left to degrade all the chemicals enter the soil and then our water system.

I must say we did great progress here in Canada when comes to smoking. During my travels back in 2005 I suffered some crazy skin allergic reaction when exposed to smoke on the airports. The worst experience I had at the airports in Japan.

The airports in Japan have these designated smoking booths for travelers, however not fully insulated. Imagine this – a glass booth that can house about 50 smokers (always packed) with a thick smoke cloud above. And when there was a time to leave for the flight, the smoke cloud followed all the passengers. It was thick and every time we passed by one of those I was pouring tears from my eyes. I wish I had my digital camera then to photo that event.

Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


I enjoy reading old classic children books. We are reading lot of Dr. Seuss books right now for Matthew. ‘The Cat in the Hat‘ and ‘Green Eggs and Ham‘ are his favorite. So then came along ‘Curious George‘. He likes him too. It is matter of time for Matthew to ask ‘What is that thing in George’s mouth smoking?‘.

Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


Looking back, smoking was a ‘social‘ thing in the past. When growing up I was exposed to smoke all the time – at home, at school, at parties and gatherings. Home visitors smoked in our kitchen. Teacher’s lounge at school was like a smoking chimney. After family gathering we were smoked.

Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


I remember my older cousin took me blueberry picking in the forest when I was about 6 years old. Mosquitos were eating me alive, and she was blowing smoke at me to scare them away. It did nothing, every inch of my skin on my legs below knees had a bite, and not including a good dose of smoke with tasty blackberries.

Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


Will people follow the rules when signs will be installed in Aurora for smokers not to smoke at least 9 meters away from playgrounds? Will a parent leave a child alone around the playground so she/he can step 9 meters away to smoke? It is hard to believe that this system will work. Wind can still carry the smoke. Total smoking ban is probably the solution.

Curious George Book by Margret and H.A. Rey


Now how about houses that are adjacent to the playgrounds? Will residents who smoke be prohibited from somoking on their own property? Lots of questions, but I think the best is still total smoking ban everywhere.

Taylor Park, Aurora


If you are a parent do you think Curious George and his characters in the book should stop smoking by now?

Something to think about.

About the Author

Anna Lozyk Romeo

I am living in Aurora and this is my photo journal blog. A picture says 1000 words - but not always, so I write. You don't have to travel 1000 miles to find a treasure - all I have to do is zoom through my lens and I will find it for you here in Aurora.

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