Unlight my fire

You watch current movies and TV and not much shocks anymore. You watch old movies and TV and cannot help but be surprised at the non-stop smoking.

One of these episodes I expect to see Lee Marvin set his world on fire when he drops some ash on an "M Squad" case file. I haven't noticed anyone smoking in that 50s TV Western "The Texan," but the closing credits have two packs of Viceroys prominently displayed.

Jo Stafford, of all people, sang more than one tune about smoking. "Smoking My Sad Cigarette" is a great mood piece. You probably don't know it. Go here and listen. Hit the right-pointing arrow button to hear a snatch.

Roger Miller wrote "Dad Blame Anything a Man Can't Quit." It has his familiar manic quality, that combination of goofiness and truth that he could do like nobody else. You probably don't know it. Go here and listen to this segment. It's Song 15 on Disc Two. I guess he knew that addiction firsthand.

Until a few days ago I was unaware that there was such a thing as "fire safe cigarettes." Practically every state now requires that cigarettes sold within their borders be the kind that self-extinguish when left unattended. Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette or it will go out.