I was just listening to Diana Krall singing "The Look of Love" ... I started to sing along, stopped after a phrase or two, and said to myself, "I used to be able to sing like that."

Why don't I now? Because I smoke cigarettes. I have seriously damaged -- perhaps ruined -- my voice. I'm poisoning myself.

My mother smoked heavily while pregnant with me (1958-59); both parents smoked everywhere (including the car -- windows rolled up during winter!!!); all of my sibs smoked -- and all have quit, except me. My mother died of emphysema in 2002.

(Anyone who's been a serious cigarette junkie and stopped for good...how'd you do it? What made the difference? -- Thanks.)