We get it. You have strong feelings on the smoking ban. The little number next to the “Smoking Ban May Get Tougher…” link at the top of the page can attest to that. Overheard has resolved not to take a public position either way on the issue. We are uniters, not dividers. But we will say this: people carrying conversations that were taking place at a semi-private table in a noisy bar out into the relatively quieter sidewalk outside can only be a boon to our readers hearing things that they probably weren’t meant to. Smokers, take what solace you can in the fact that while you may have been cast out into the cold, cold night, it’s possible your chances of stumbling on submissions to this column have just skyrocketed.

Quote of the Week

Outside a Connecticut Avenue pub:

Dude smoking cigarette outside bar: “You’re totally taking that Brit home with you tonight. It’s the accent.”
Girl smoking cigarette outside bar: “And the whole Royal British Navy thing or whatever is so sexy. He’s hot as shit. But you know my rule.”
Dude: “I think a one nighter is acceptable nevertheless.”
Girl: [pause] “I think that an International Waters Rule trumps my Lame Rule, now that you mention it. You want the rest of my smoke? I’m going back in.”

After the jump, face eating rats, Wizards Fans Gone Wild, and winter strawberries.

Concerned that your status as a non-smoker may now hinder your ability to get your quotes into this space? No problem! Just bum one from your friends and head outside. They’ll thank you for the company, even if your lungs seem ungrateful. Then you can send all the great things you hear (over your coughs) to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user IntangibleArts.