Finally.  GR has decided to kick one of his bad habits.  But only one.  However, it’s a biggie.  He’s going to try to quit smoking.  Hallelujah and Amen, y’all!   

*If you’re here solely for the Thursday Thirteen, then feel free to scroll down past my rambling commentary…

GR went for his first complete (yep, I said complete, people) physical in seven years.  It had been a while, and it was his decision to go, mainly so that he could get some help to quit smoking.  And even though it was his decision to go to the doctor, it was me that called to make the appointment for him, and me that reminded him about his appointment every day for two weeks, and me that freaking filled out the paperwork that the doctor’s office mailed to him.  GR is my child.  Oh, and did I mention that I sent him with a list of various issues to discuss with the doctor?  I probably should have gone with him.  You know, to hold his hand and take him for ice cream afterwards.

Anyhow, apparently it was a productive visit, and GR rambled on to the doctor about every personal issue (health related or otherwise) he could think of.  Which according to GR, consisted of this:

• the fact that his 1986 model truck does not have air-conditioning.
• that he thinks he can self-heal any kind of ailment that he contracts—but no offense to the medical profession.
• that our dog died 6 months ago.
• that he’s thinking about buying an HD television set, except for he’s not sure because it’s for the basement, and he only goes to the basement to watch sports, and maybe he should get one for upstairs, because that’s where we mainly watch television.  And what do you think, doc?
• that in his twenties, he was an optimist, but now that he’s in his forties, he’s a realist (i.e. a pain in Lulu’s ass).
• that his wife (me) says that he snores, but he thinks that I’m not telling the truth.

And with that, I’m surprised that GR did not walk out of the doctor’s office with a referral to a psychiatrist instead of a prescription for Chantix.  Anyway, as soon as he I get the prescription filled, hopefully GR will be well on his way to a smoke-free life, and avoid getting that iron lung transplant that I keep warning him about.

And now, on to my Thursday Thirteen.  In keeping with the smoking (or non-smoking theme, as it is), I decided to list 13 slogans and ads that cigarette companies used in the early years to attract their victims….you know, before the victims of smoking became educated victims of smoking? 

So, here goes…(oh, and most of the facts that I list here are direct citations from http://www.tobacco.org/—a very educational Web site that provides a complete history of tobacco and a timeline of the use of tobacco from prehistoric times to present.)  And some of these are fairly shock-worthy and delightfully entertaining (in a warped sort of way)…

1.  In 1907, a Bull Durham ad shocks New York.  The American Tobacco Company signed a contract with the operator of a horse-drawn stage line in New York to lease advertising space.  One very controversial ad appeared for “Bull” Durham, the nation’s leading tobacco brand. “Onlookers were shocked at the sight of the bull’s well-endowed maleness so graphically rendered, and had the driver of the first stage that appeared on the street arrested.”

2.  In 1913, Prince Albert tobacco uses Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians in its ads.

3.  In 1921, RJR spends $8 million in advertising, mostly on Camel, and inaugurates the “I’d Walk a Mile for a Camel” slogan.

4.  In 1925, Philip Morris’ Marlboro, “Mild as May,” targets “decent, respectable” women.  “Has smoking any more to do with a woman’s morals than has the color of her hair?”  A 1927 ad reads, “Women quickly develop discerning taste.  That is why Marlboros now ride in so many limousines, attend so many bridge parties, and repose in so many handbags.”

5.  In 1926, P. Lorillard introduces Old Gold cigarettes with expensive campaigns.  John Held Flappers, petty girls, comic-strip style illustrations and “Not a Cough in a Carload” helped the brand capture 7% of the market by 1930.

6.  In 1926, Liggett & Myers’ Chesterfield targets women for second-hand smoke in the ”Blow some my way” ad.  There is a public outcry.

7.  In 1928, American Tobacco unleashes an ad campaign for Lucky Strike aimed at women: “Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet.”  Candy makers object, and the campaign later targets “over-indulgence” instead.  

8.  In 1946, RJR begins “More Doctors Smoke Camels” ad campaign.

9.  In 1950, Lucky Strike’s “Be Happy, Go Lucky” wins TV Guide’s commercial of the year. (Cheerleaders sing: “Yes, Luckies get our loudest cheers on campus and on dates. With college gals and college guys a Lucky really rates.”).  So, I have yet to figure out how to post a YouTube video on my new blog, so you’ll have to settle for an ad instead of the commercial…

10.  In 1951, TV series “I Love Lucy” begins its run at 9:00 PM.  It is sponsored by Philip Morris.  The animated titles that open the show each week feature stick figures of Lucy and Desi climbing a giant pack of Philip Morris cigarettes.

11.  In 1962, Philip Morris begins picturing a cowboy in scenes depicting recognizable American landmarks, with the new slogan, “Marlboro Country.”

12.  In 1972, Ms. Magazine begins regular publication.  Editors decide to accept tobacco advertising if they include health warnings.  Philip Morris’ brands do, but editors object to the “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” Virginia Slims campaign, as it makes smoking a symbol of women’s progress.  Philip Morris pulls all its brands.

13.  Um, this isn’t exactly an ad, but I couldn’t pass up the chance of putting Mr. Potato Head on my blog.  In 1986, Mr. Potato Head quits smoking.  And thank God, because his skin was starting to look like Kramer’s in that one episode of Seinfeld. 

Surgeon General C. Everett Koop asks Hasbro to stop including a pipe as a Mr. PH accessory.  Mr. Potato Head became the official “spokespud” for the American Cancer Society and the Great American Smokeout.

So, I know that there’s tons more than 13 ads, such as Marlboro Man and Joe Camel, but this is a list of 13, y’all!  And it’s closing in on midnight, so this will just have to suffice.  I’ll be sure to keep you updated on GR’s progress on kicking the habit…

Happy Thursday!

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