# L.A.: Chill Already, Would Ya? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 28, 2001, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082 "2001-10-28T07:05:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![scampering\_gremlin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@scampering\_gremlin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scampering_gremlin)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/81 "2001-10-31T20:27:01Z")
Asylum, this is a little long but I think it answers your major points. Some years ago I lived in Virginia where the law allowed smoking nearly anywhere. High school students forged their parents’ signatures for permission to smoke in the campus patio. Grocery store produce aisles were strewn with cigarette butts. The local newspaper editorialized against the only three restaurants in town that offered nonsmoking sections. So I went out of my way to patronize these restaurants. I endured insults when I asked people to put out their cigarettes in elevators and movie theaters (about the only two places it was forbidden). I found out what subsidiaries Philip Morris owned and stopped using their products. I moved out of the state a month before I was old enough to vote. Maybe things have changed since I left, but the tobacco interests are powerful enough there that I doubt it. Now that I’m no longer a Virginian I leave that matter alone. Some things are local issues. So I concentrate on where I live now. In my opinion, if tobacco smoking had never been tried before and someone introduced it today, the law would soon ban it. It’s an addictive drug that causes health problems and has little or no practical use. I don’t particularly like to see my tax dollars going to subsidize its cultivation or to pay the Medicare expenses of aging addicts. Worst of all, there’s a growing body of evidence that tobacco-related health problems aren’t limited to active smokers. If tobacco prohibition were feasible I would support it. Since this drug has a long history in our culture and about fifteen percent of the people in my state are addicts, a more practical approach is to shape the laws so that fewer children start and so that people who don’t choose to risk exposure to tobacco smoke don’t have to deal with it. If it were up to me I’d take a different approach from the proposal the _Washington Post_ reports. Going about the right thing in the wrong way is a good method of inspiring a backlash. I’d empower fire marshals to ban all outdoor smoking during stage 5 fire alerts. I’d make underage possession of cigarettes a misdemeanor, just like underage alcohol possession is a misdemeanor, and charge a $30 fine for violations. Ultimately I’d prefer to take the sale of tobacco products out of convenience stores. All too often the clerks are good friends of the underage customers. Sixty percent of smokers still start by age fourteen, so something’s wrong with our current system. Several other states run alcoholic beverage control stores. I’d like to adapt that concept in California with tobacco. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/82 "2001-10-31T21:09:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Esprix \* > **And round and round we go. Nice debate, but neither of us is budging, nor will we convince the other. Let’s leave it at that.** Fair enough. Can we still share Disneyland or do I need to get Cynthia Harriss to draw a big line down the middle (if so, I claim the Emporium side, I can live without Toontown). ---
**Author:** ![JustPlainBryan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/57b2e6/32.png) [@JustPlainBryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustPlainBryan)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/83 "2001-10-31T21:40:36Z")
As long as I get California Adventure. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/84 "2001-10-31T21:55:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by obfusciatrist \* > \*\* > > Peanuts have been banned on Canadian airlines, because they pose a hazard _not just to those who eat them, but to people nearby_. If you have a severe allergy, airborne peanut dust or particles can cause a dangerous reaction. > > \*\* Are you saying that peanuts are **banned** on flights or are they just no longer given out? Do I tempt the wrath of the Mounties if I buy a small bag of Planters before I board my flight? ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/85 "2001-10-31T21:58:03Z")
Fine with me, but if they ever get more than two worthwhile attractions into DCA, I may require a renegotiation. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2001, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/86 "2001-10-31T22:26:16Z")
“Tower of Terror” is in production… 😉 And as long as they do “Nightmare Before Christmas” every year at the Haunted Mansion, I claim that half. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/87 "2001-11-01T00:20:47Z")
I don’t consider ToT worthwhile (though I admit that I am at odds with most people on that). It _is_ a very pretty ride. What it _isn’t_ is a very good drop ride. I don’t care for the Florida version, rather than just dropping you (fun) it drops were a bit and then pulls you back up, then drops you a bit, then pulls you back up. Recap: One big drops = fun; many small drops = not fun. All right, I’m afraid we’re going to have to fight over Mansion. Are you sure you wouldn’t accept Innoventions instead? ---
**Author:** ![JavaMaven1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JavaMaven1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JavaMaven1)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/88 "2001-11-01T00:58:04Z")
If we’re dividing up Disneyland, all I want is the Island. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/89 "2001-11-01T01:14:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JavaMaven1 \* > \*\*If we’re dividing up Disneyland, all I want is the Island. 🙂 \*\* All I want is the profit. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/90 "2001-11-01T05:26:49Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **obfusciatrist** _ > > All right, I’m afraid we’re going to have to fight over Mansion. Are you sure you wouldn’t accept Innoventions instead? What are you, drunk? Esprix ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/91 "2001-11-01T05:52:28Z")
No, I’m just establishing an opening negotating position. I now sweeten the offer: If you renounce any claim to Mansion, you can have _both_ Innoventions and the NASA exhibit! Betcha can’t refuse that one. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/92 "2001-11-01T06:27:32Z")
If a ban on smoking were in place for Los Angeles CITY parks, fire concerns would be a concern. There are several Los Angeles City Parks which contain wilderness areas which if they caught on fire could create a lot of damage, in particular Griffith Park. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/93 "2001-11-01T08:07:45Z")
OK, I just couldn’t help myself. I started a mildly-worded [Pit thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=96515) inspired by the anti-Calif. comments here. (Inspired by FallenAngel, sorry, FA!) I opened the subject up to any other part of the country, not just California. I just had to express myself, and this thread clearly wasn’t the appropriate place to do that. There now, I’ve said my bit. Carry on! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![shelbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@shelbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shelbo)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/94 "2001-11-01T18:28:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by FallenAngel \* > Look at things like the . . . . inefficient but incredibly strict emissions standards. . . . . [This article](http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/front/1114555) reminded me of this tread. The little chart shows the number of days in violation of federal clean air standards, and, to my layman’s eye, seems to indicate that the “inefficient” emissions standards have had a remarkable effect on air quality in Los Angeles. Also of note, even though LA went up a spot relative to Houston, the overall air quality improved (just less than Houston’s improved). Also, as mentioned in the article, Houston had favorable weather conditions this year, which contributed to the lower number of smog days. > [@](#): > > _From the Article_ > The Los Angeles area, on the other hand, experienced a season that was generally conducive to the formation of ozone, said Sam Atwood, a spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. A hotter than normal summer inland created a layer of warm air over the entire region, trapping ozone-forming pollutants spewed out of automobile tailpipes and industrial smokestacks. > > The fact that even under these conditions, Los Angeles experienced such low levels is testament to years of efforts to reduce ozone-forming emissions. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/95 "2001-11-01T19:05:06Z")
I see I a little late getting here now that the conversation has turned to Disneyland, but just wanted to ask a few things and make a few comments. > [@](#): > > They didn’t ban drinking beer at your seat at sporting events. It is just against the law for vendors to sell it in the seats. You have to get up to buy one and bring it back. Now that is just weird. What is the reasoning behind that? > [@](#): > > I understand that the City of West Hollywood was considering an ordinance that would allow landlords to ban smoking in their apartments. If I was a landlord I would certainly want the right to decide what I would allow on my property whether that be pets, smokers, or barnyard animals. > [@](#): > > What popped up here were the glamourized westerns that featured the romantized notion of cowboy life. Actually, Southern Utah is more famous for that, specifically around the Kanab area. > [@](#): > > And why did they stop giving out peanuts on airplanes? Because for those highly allergic, being near peanuts is a health risk. I don’t have a cite, but a friend in the airline business said that, at least in part, the reason some airlines have switched to crackers and pretzels was to cut costs. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/96 "2001-11-01T21:40:59Z")
> [@](#): > > **If I was a landlord I would certainly want the right to decide what I would allow on my property whether that be pets, smokers, or barnyard animals.** I agree, a landlord and a prospective tenant should be able to come to any terms they want. If the landlord wants to ban watching CBS in his unit, and the tenant agrees, so be it. If a prospective tenant doesn’t agree, they can move on. But similarly, shouldn’t a business owner be able to decide what is allowed in his/her business? ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2001, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/97 "2001-11-02T01:40:14Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **obfusciatrist** _ > > If you renounce any claim to Mansion, you can have _both_ Innoventions and the NASA exhibit! Betcha can’t refuse that one. You are drunk. Just for that, I also claim Pirates and the Tiki Room. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![PhiloVance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e19adc/32.png) [@PhiloVance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhiloVance)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2001, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/98 "2001-11-02T02:05:20Z")
> [@](#): > > ## quote: By ??? > > ## They didn’t ban drinking beer at your seat at sporting events. It is just against the law for vendors to sell it in the seats. You have to get up to buy one and bring it back. > > From Diane: > \*\* > > Now that is just weird. What is the reasoning behind that? > \*\* Diane \*\* Your profile doesn’t list where you live. If you’ve ever been to CA, you’d know. No reason is necessary. \*\* BTW Exprix: **Pirates of the Caribbean** just ain’t the same since they made it PC. Used to love it, now it’s lame. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2001, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/99 "2001-11-02T02:54:41Z")
Vendors do not bring beer to your seats at sporting events or even bring it out to your car at a drive through because that’s the State law. I believe the reasoning behind it is that people will have to pace themselves a bit more when drinking if they have to get up to get their beer. Personally, at a sporting event, I think it’s a great idea. I don’t see why people have sort of right to get completely wasted at a sporting event. You really can’t get away with that anywhere else in public outside of a bar. Nobody goes to a sporting event saying, “Gosh, I hope some big fat guy gets shit-faced sitting next to me tonight! It will really add to the enjoyment!” But I don’t drink, so it’s no hardship to me that I have to get up to get a beer. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2001, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082/100 "2001-11-02T03:00:49Z")
Yeah, it’s really PC. All that shooting each other, the pillaging, the general thuggishness, the auctioning of wenches. Why, it looks like it was produced by the Dartmouth School of Women’s Studies it has been so PCified. They changed two show elements. Minor ones. If you don’t enjoy it now, you didn’t enjoy it then. Esprix, you can have Tiki. I don’t want to be there when the roof finally caves in. I just realized something, though. You can have all of Tomorrowland except for Space Mountain and I wouldn’t care. You can have both HM and Pirates, but I get all four coasters. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-chill-already-would-ya/90082.md?page=6)