If only everyone was blind, you were king, and you could ban such silly gimmicks.

Believe me when I tell you I fully understand where you're coming from. I still think about all the fun times I had taking my 5 minute break from work and meeting and talking to other people I would never have talked to normally. And I remember thinking for a while that I was damaging my ability to work by not going out on smoke breaks... when I had a problem I needed to solve, going outside for a smoke break was where I did some of my best work. I know it won't feel like the same thing, but keep taking those breaks. Go outside, walk, sit, relax... smoking gives a great excuse for going outside, but not smoking anymore doesn't mean you shouldn't still go outside for those same breaks. After a while, it gets easier to brainstorm without a smoke. (although, for a while, you will still go outside and spend most of your time thinking about how much you wish you were smoking! ) Good luck quitting when the time comes... it's one of the best things I've ever done and nearly one of the hardest things to keep doing. You'll be proud every time another year comes around without a smoke.

Did you even read my comment? I haven't smoked for 6 years. I am agreeing with you... it's a drug addiction, and that's why someone thinks a cigarette is helping them... when really it's just bring them back to normal. Think, then speak...

Take this from a 10 year smoker who's been cig free for 6 years now: You find it easier to think abstractly because when you smoke you are feeding your chemical dependence. That momentary buzz and great feeling when you smoke is you returning to a state just a little better than normal because you've been going through withdraw for the last hour or so between smokes. You think clearer, relax better, and are generally happier because you have just sated your cravings. I smoked for 10 years, and used to think each cigarette helped me feel better and gave me something that was better than everyone else. I'd have a smoke and think straighter, or relax and unwind after a hard day, or just have something to do with my hands. Until you realize that what you consider normal is actually worse than what non-smokers feel is normal, it makes sense to think you're entering a state where things are better than normal. I remember arguing with people who told me this for years until I realized the truth of it about a year after quitting. If you want to think better, try quitting. If you don't want to try or don't want to listen to this advice, you're probably addicted.

Human: "Who are you? What can you tell us about yourselves?" Alien: Who are you? You are not Orz! We are Orz! Orz are happy *people energy* from the outside. Inside is good. So much good that Orz will always *germinate*. Can you come together with Orz for *parties*? Here is *bright* and *smooth*. The other place is *hurt* Orz too much tired for keeping together. Other place is **Frumple**. Orz are here now, but almost not yet. Soon Orz are really here! You are help Orz with *parties*. Orz looking for you, and find you. So much joy!! Now *smooth* place all the time, and after now never going back to outside. Never!!

If he likes lava lamps and lights, the plasma mug is a winner. Here's a link to a review for one. http://youbentmywookie.com/columns/cubicle-columns/the-plasma-mug-868 You can get that off of Think Geek. I think its in the $20 - $30 range so its a great stocking stuffer. Enjoy! And welcome your kid to the Geek Army for me!