Facebook has just announced a new application to their website called Places. This is a direct response to the other social network that allows you tell all your friends how many times you frequented Applebees in one week, Foursquare. Now, dear reader, if you are lost at this point, or just bored, we understand. Why is the media talking about tech companies that do such useless things? The answer is simple: money. These 21st century oversharing technologies have created huge bubbles of cash valuation from old media institutions who keep getting sucker punched by the web's lack of a business plan. The only person these technologies are really useful to is your local burgler. Why don't you broadcast where you'll be at all times so he'll acurately know when's a good time to come over and just take that TV out of the house? But, please, don't let us keep you from Twittering and updating how special you are every five minutes of the day. 

Kids, as someone who has smoked for fourteen years now, and done a lot in between, I will tell you that nicotine is the most addictive drug out there. I bring this up because New York City has almost crossed $12 a pack for cigarettes. I am not against anyone's right to smoke. However, I will tell you that they are harder to give up than any other illegal drug out there. This week, if you observe some (a lot) of crankiness, be forwarned that it is because I'm trying to break the chain. Again, I believe in choice and personal responsibility. Cigarettes, though, are corporate crack. You have no one to blame if you become addicted. But! Don't say I didn't tell you. Keep those dollars in your pocket for take-out. And good drugs.

It seems like eons ago, but there was a time in New York City where you could smoke your lungs out inside public places. Those times are gone...to a degree. While the health factors involved in the habit have created a social stigma against those who puff, you can still find smoking in late night bars and clubs in the city. An article in The New York Times this past weekend says it's still happening quite often. We thought this would be an appropriate topic to give our comments a test run. What do you guys think? Does your city have a smoking ban? Has it worked? Do you think New York City should allow smoking in places that want it? Leave your comments after the cut. As a smoker, this editor believes the free market should work it out.

Blowing Smoke at a Ban [NYT]