When you look at the numbers alone, it boggles the mind why there have not been more measures taken to curb or eliminate smoking altogether. One of the main reasons is governments' addiction to tobacco taxes. At times, they show their true colours and flash this addiction for all to see.

There's a gnawing in my stomach, as if a string of spikes is gently lodged against my gut. It's this that prevents me from eating; the stomach pains. In fact, a Big Mac Meal is the first thing eaten since waking up yesterday morning. I'm at six cigarettes. Usually by this point, I'd have smoked about 15.

I started smoking around the age of 16 when it was still glamorous (!) and no warnings of cancer, back in the early 50s. I worked myself up to a pack a day in my late teens, then smoked for the next 20 years. Everyone (including my parents and siblings) smoked in those days.

Quitting smoking is like breaking up with a lousy girlfriend who you've been dating for a long, long time. Sure she hurts you at times, she puts you in a bad mood, she's not always at hand when she ought to be. But it doesn't matter, because like with everything, once enough time elapses, a dependency is formed.

Day One: I need a cigarette. But I won't do it. If Odysseus can ignore the tempting screams of the Sirens, then I can ignore the pulsating migraine thumping against my skull.

WINNIPEG - Manitoba is now covering the cost of drug to help smokers quit.Healthy Living Minister Minister Jim Rondeau says Champix is a proven, effec...