Today, smoking is a bad word; a shameful,
illegal act; and smoking advertisements
are no longer permitted on TV, radio or
in magazines.

Not so 60 years ago today. Back then,
if we were to thumb through America's
favorite magazine, LIFE -

- we'd find a distinguished-looking doctor
authoritatively telling us that ....



                                                                         via

- and we'd see that smoking is not only
a heck of a lot of fun, but it's practically
a sport.

A sport we can all take part in, with hopes
of setting records and enjoying fame.

Consider, for example, Mr.William Patterson,
pictured at the top of this post.

In the Jan 16, 1950 edition of LIFE, we
learn that Mr. Patterson is considered by
many to be, "The world's best smoke-ring
blower"; a man who can "produce 12
symmetrical rings in one sequence" and
"lasso a hat rack at 20 paces."







For the amazing story go here.


related post:
Advertising vis-à-vis Culture