I have come to a conclusion that nicotine makes one courageous.... or foolhardy.

I have been privileged to witness some apparently nicotine induced acts. There were times when I see motorcyclists on the expressway, in drizzle, one hand steering the bike, the other holding a cigarette; smoking despite the obvious difficulties of having to adjust your helmet to fit in the cigarette with every puff, and the lifespan of each cigarette drastically reduced by the rushing wind.

Of course, there are other memorable acts, one of which remained fresh in my mind. I happened to be standing between two other smokers along a row of urinals. As we were collectively contributing to the national newater movement, they were puffing away, holding their cigarettes in the same hand that they used to hold their organs. It struck me that should a spasm strike or that there be a shiver, a personal tragedy could just take place. They could possibly be scarred for life, not to mention wasting a few good puffs. And let me assure you, hair can burn.

I held myself back from studying how close they held their cigarettes to their respective members, after all, working in a male-dominated environment, the last thing I want to be known as is a butt lover. In any case, I am sure they were holding it close enough to feel the heat. Well, I am still curious and I do hope that my smoker friends can enlighten me through their personal experiences. But please be informed that all experimentation will be done so at your own risk, I will not be held responsible for any unfortunate accidents, nor will I financially able to pay for any cosmetic surgery or reconstruction procedures.

Should anything untowards happen to you, I do hope that nicotine is a painkiller. All the best.