How much else of our social landscape would change? If you're not a member of the "young disillusioners club," you know that people aren't going to smoke any more than they do now. Even liquor businesses like Constellation Brands - maker of Corona - are potential large-scale growers because of the undeniable abundance of potential profit. When legalization occurs, you can bet the farm that more American entrepreneurs will jump on an opportunity to grow, especially in the fertile regions of...

This is Sorte mountain in northwest Venezuela, home to the mysterious cult of Maria Lionza, a syncretic, deeply religious movement that combines spirit possession, black magic, esoteric rites and Catholic rituals. Political authorities in Venezuela have always respected the cult, even if its standing in this deeply conservative Catholic country has at times been uneasy. The cult dates back to the 14th century, when indigenous tribes inhabited the foothills of Sorte in Yaracuy state, a lush...

Health officials fear its use is risking the health of young people who consider the practice ''cool'' as well as those who view the water pipe as less dangerous because its smoke passes through water before being inhaled. His habit involves a water pipe, or ''arg,'' an icon of his Lebanese roots that's gaining in popularity across the country. Bachir Letayf smokes socially, but not cigarettes or cigars. If health officials can better understand their smoking habits and perceptions, Shiels...

Anyone who has had any contact with activists on any issue will have noticed that among 50 people who are working on an issue, many will have divergent views on 1) the reasons why they are doing the work, 2) how their beliefs fit into the matrix of their lives and society, and 3) what they hope the outcome of their actions will be. The wind bears along the fallen petals to mingle with the passing horses; Those winds of spring, how they surpass even the wayfarers in their bustle. Anyone who...

Pop Smith was an expert checkers-player, and kids would watch him smoke cigars and dispatch opponents from as far away as Columbia. At the meeting, the board may also begin sifting through the results of a countywide survey that identified 2,300 buildings and sites over 50 years old to see if they qualify for the register. What's next Horry County's architecture board will hold a public hearing on adding the swing bridges to the local historic register at 11:30 a. The government men...

Quilty's group is working for insurance coverage of cessation products, after a survey showed 62 percent of Iowa smokers said such coverage would make it easier to quit. CEDAR RAPIDS For longtime smoker Eric Wittig, the turning point in breaking his cigarette addiction came when his daughter, Megan, asked if he could spray her with Febreze odor remover when he dropped her off at school. Smokers choose a quit date during the eight-week session and are provided free Nicorette gum, Commit...