Region smoking bylaw is keeping air clear Sep 8, 2004 – Durham Region, Ontario
The numbers show compliance by bars, restaurants has been extremely high
 When is a bar suddenly a private club? When that bar decides it wants to use a loophole to get around the recently imposed smoking ban in Durham, which was imposed on June 1 after much consultation and debate.

As time goes on, the Region will have to monitor the bylaw to make sure restaurants and bars continue to observe it. In time, it may become as unacceptable to smoke in these establishments as it now is in offices, on transit or in hospitals.

That's real progress.

http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/voices

 

You can rest assured message was heard by a new listener
http://www.forumsdurhamregion.com/

 

University moving too fast on smoking ban: students Calgary, Alberta

The University of Calgary is looking at a campus-wide ban on smoking, and that has the Students' Union worried.

http://calgary.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=cal_schoolsmoke20040908

 

 Protest at 'crippling' smoke ban

A SMOKING ban could have "crippling consequences" for jobs in Scotland, campaigners were set to warn today.
Far more serious is the risk such a ban would have to jobs. A growing amount of evidence is showing that the ban is hitting businesses hard."

http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=1056992004

 

Smoke ban puts crimp in ALH bid
By WENDY PUGH 08.09.2004
A Woolworths-led venture bidding for pub operator Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group said yesterday that a smoking ban in Queensland could breach its bid conditions.

ALH shares fell more than 1 per cent yesterday after the Queensland Government said it would outlaw smoking in indoor licensed premises from mid-2006.

ALH revenue in Victoria fell after bans were introduced in that state in 2002.

Stock devalues, as smoking ban announced

 

A state senator from Philadelphia is introducing legislation to boost Pennsylvania’s minimum wage.
Nate Collins09/06/2004
 Smoking ban considered for workplaces
 Pennsylvania Considers State Ban

 

Two Suburbs Go Smoke-Free Central Ohio
Two more central Ohio communities are going smoke-free. Worthington and Grandview Heights both decided Tuesday night that smoking will no longer be allowed in public places. 

The ban is expected to go into effect in Worthington by the end of the year, while Grandview Heights will make the change January 2.

One group is taking a unique approach to pushing for smoking bans.

Ohio Faith Leaders held a "prayer breakfast" at Mount Olivet Baptist Church. The idea is to encourage central Ohio towns to pass "smoke-free" ordinances.

Members say tobacco use kills over 18,000 people in Ohio every year.

http://www.10tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2273426

 

Mayor Wants City to Be Smoke-Free

Says There's No Evidence Of An Economic Impact

UPDATED: 12:53 PM EDT September 8, 2004

*Video, and survey on webpage (465 votes 52% no)

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland mayor Jane Campbell said she thinks it would be "great" if Cleveland were designated a smoke-free city.

She told WEWS that after she met with the Clean Indoor Air Advisory Committee, comprised of 14 people who are bar owners and restaurant owners, customers and medical experts, she arrived at her decision.

"There's no economic evidence to show that people lose money, and there is ample medical evidence that people are safer and healthier in community that smoke bans have been instituted," Campbell said.

She added that the number of heart attacks has decreased 40 to 60 percent in cities that are smoke-free.

City council is expected to vote on the proposed smoking ban later this month.

WEWS reported the city health department's panel recommened that the city pass an indoor smoking ban.

The Great Lakes Brewing Company was first in the city to go smoke-free in an effort to protect patrons from secondhand smoke.

A smoking ban would include Cleveland bars, restaurants and workplaces. Private clubs and certain hotel rooms would not be affected.

Check out a list of restaurants that are already smoke-free.

* 40-60% decrease seen in Helena & it was an anomaly found in small towns (due to size).  See Helena report from July 8 /04

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3714292/detail.html

 

Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk

Banning smoking in bars and restaurants is an excellent way to combat this problem.

By Bree Richards September 7, 2004
In “Smoking ban bad policy based on bad science,” (opinion, Aug. 18) Sue Jeffers calls the health risk caused by secondhand smoke “exaggerated.”

In Helena, Mont., a sharp drop in admissions for heart attacks was seen after a smoking ban was passed — nearly 40 percent. While not all of this can be attributed to the ban, the percentage was statistically significant, and when the ban was suspended because of a legal challenge, heart attack rates again went up. *see July 8/04 blog for full study link

According to London’s St. George’s Medical School and the Royal Free Hospital, in a study that followed 4,792 men over 20 years, passive smoking increased the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent to 60 percent. 8 what other things were they exposed to?  Can they discount those, I think not.

Secondhand smoke contributes to lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, etc. The list goes on and on. This is all clearly documented and proven with medical science. * sids study shows may be virus, not smoking.  Why do some have these problems, and not any exposure?

Anyone who can accurately read a medical journal or knows anything about research methodology knows this perfectly well — secondhand smoke causes negative health effects. Period. *when funded by certain groups, of junk scientists.  How is it that one “reknown” non smoking scientist can complete more then 200 studies a year, and do speaking assignments as well (GLantz)?

A death certificate would never list “secondhand smoke” as a cause of death, just as it would never list “eating fatty foods and not exercising” as a cause of death for a heart attack victim, or “pregnancy” as a cause of death for a woman who died of eclampsia. *there is also no such thing as a smokers lung either

Acting as if official death certificate nomenclature counters all the evidence proving the harmful health effects of secondhand smoke is grasping at very thin straws. *No we want real proof!  If you state a stat How do you reach conclusions?  Semmac maybe?

Jeffers’ allegations about economic loss are also baseless.*tell that to the Scottish, Canadian owners!

Norway instituted a new anti-smoking law June 1, banning all smoking at bars, pubs and restaurants. According to a survey by TV 2, of the 50 establishments in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Tromso that were contacted, 22 of them stated that their turnover increased in June and July of this year compared with last year.

*How much per customer did they spend? Bet that there were more customers, but didn’t spend more, bet they spent less in total money. Proven smokers spend more.

In Prescott, Ariz., city sales tax revenue from restaurants has increased by nearly 5 percent since a smoking ban went into effect in November.

 *yes, and how much was the economy increasing in the rest of state.  Bet 20- 30 %

New York had an 8.7 percent increase in sales in bars and restaurants after its smoking ban, according to the city’s Department of Finance. * How many employees lost their jobs?

In Maryland, Montgomery County’s revenue in restaurants increased in the six months after a countywide ban on smoking took effect. This includes alcohol sales, which have increased by almost 4.5 percent, or $600,000, in the six months from October to March, compared with the same period one year before.

In El Paso, Texas, gross revenues continued to increase in restaurant and bar, restaurant-only and bar-only revenues after the smoking ban was implemented. The list goes on and on, and will soon include Minneapolis.

The government has an interest in the health of the public. Secondhand smoke is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. A bar and restaurant smoking ban is an excellent way to combat that.

Bree Richards is a University student. Please send comments to letters@mndaily.com

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/09/08/10067

 

Laramie approves smoking ban

Associated Press

LARAMIE -- The City Council here has approved a ban on smoking in buildings and workplaces, including bars, restaurants and private clubs.

Opponents immediately vowed to bring the ordinance passed Tuesday to a vote in November.

If it stands, Laramie would become the first city in Wyoming to enact a broad ban on smoking.

Wyoming City Passes Ban

 

Ventilation in bars, casinos doesn't control health risk for hospitality workers- junk science report!

* Who provided the money for the report?  The pharmacies.  Can report be repeated?  If you follow their stacked rules First you find a SMALL bar then test the air at the top (at ceiling level).  Don’t go when it’s normal occupancy, find only when busy, and band playing (helps when using smoke machine). Throw out any places that the results don’t meet wanted expectations.   Reviewed results with scientists that are becoming concerned for the implication of tobacco money, meaning loss of research grant money.  I bet it is still within the level of the EPA guidelines.  The dose is in the poison,  Tomatoes have arsenic in them too.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-09/mba-vib090804.php

 

SMOKE SCREENED By Doug Archibald Sep 8 2004

SMOKING kills one person every day in Dumfries and Galloway.  – SEMMAC (computer) RESULTS

Three hundred and eighty deaths a year are put down to the addiction, one in five.

Smoke Screen

 

 

 

 

Readers debate smoking ban Clovis News Journal: Serving Eastern New Mexico and West Texas

Lifestyle
http://cnjonline.com/engine.pl?station=clovis&template=storyfull.html&id=7554

 

 

Nigerian state bans smoking in public     September 05 2004 at 03:25PM

 "The less the young see the older ones smoking, the less they are attracted to smoking", Usman said.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=86&art_id=qw1094308381900N264

 *There is no smoking ban!  FORCES NIGERIA has reported.  It was Marijuana, not tobacco.  This error due to ANTI association. 

 

Smoking ban for Queensland 07.09.2004
Details of the policy, including penalties and fines, will be finalised in the next four to six weeks, with legislation to be introduced into state Parliament in time for the first phase of the bans to take effect from January 1, 2005.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3589588&thesection=news&thesubsection=world

 

Qld smoking ban fires up debateTuesday, 7 September 2004

Smoking in bars will soon be banned.Reuters

There are conflicting views on the economic impact of a tough new anti-smoking regime in Queensland.

http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/news/200409/s1193524.htm

 

Mums 'still smoking and drinking' Sep 6 2004

smoking and drinking

 

*CAN THEY ELIMINATE WHAT OTHER THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN TRIGGERS?  no

Study links smoking and Crohn's – JUNK SCIENCE

By KAMALA HAYMAN07 September 2004

Mothers who smoke in pregnancy may be increasing their child's risk of developing the debilitating bowel condition Crohn's disease, according to new Christchurch research.

Christchurch School of Medicine researcher Dr Richard Gearry has been studying more than 400 patients with Crohn's as part of a wider look at inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Speaking at the first Canterbury Health Science Research Conference yesterday, Gearry said that a new risk factor for Crohn's disease had emerged from his study.

Crohn's disease, an inflammation in the small intestine, can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It can have a serious impact on quality of life and in children can cause growth retardation.

Genes play a role in whether someone will contract Crohn's but environmental factors are also significant.

Gearry said it was already known that smokers were more likely to develop Crohn's, but little research had been done into the impact of other kinds of exposure to smoke.

By comparing sufferers with a control group, Gearry has found that mothers who smoke during pregnancy nearly doubled their child's risk of developing Crohn's later in life. No such link was found for ulcerative colitis, another form of IBD.

"Passive smoking hasn't been shown to be significant so far," said Gearry.

Exactly why smoking might be linked to Crohn's was not known. "There are lots of theories why, it may be that permeability of the bowel is increased by smoking or the blood supply is affected," said Gearry.

It was known that breastmilk provided some protection from Crohn's. The longer an infant was breastfed, the less their chance of developing the illness which is usually diagnosed before the age of 30.

There has been a dramatic increase in IBD in New Zealand in recent years but researchers remain puzzled as to why.

Some research has linked diets high in refined sugars and fat and low in fibre with inflammatory bowel disease while others have looked at the possible role of viruses and bacteria.

Gearry has signed up 850 sufferers of IBD, out of an estimated 1200 in Canterbury. He is looking for more people to join his study, due to be finished next year.

Other Canterbury health research discussed at yesterday's health research conference included:

A study of chemicals in the diet which mimic oestrogen and what impacts this has on health, particularly young men's health, is being done by a team at Environmental Science and Research. These chemicals can occur naturally, such as on meat cooked at high temperatures, and synthetically, such as some pesticides and in the white coating inside baked beans tins.

Preschoolers who suffer a mild head injury appear more likely to be hyperactive or have a conduct disorder between the ages of seven and 13, according to Christchurch School of Medicine researchers. Some evidence also shows they are more likely to have ADHD and antisocial personality disorder as 25-year-olds.

The Christchurch breast cancer database at Christchurch Hospital has registered 707 patients between June 2000 and October 2002. Of these, 49% had a mastectomy. Nearly 200 (28%) were given chemotherapy and 467 (66%) radiaton. Seventeen (2.4%) died of breast cancer.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3026199a7144,00.html

 

*STUDY CONFIRMS Canada’s stats, There were 17% teen’s daily smokers (1999), now there are 28% daily smokers of the same age group.  The percentage of smokers has gone down 1%.  Meanwhile they spend how many Millions of taxpayer’s money, on the campaign.

How Europe is trying to cut out smoking

 

This is no coincidence. World Health Organisation studies show that the age of young people experimenting with tobacco is decreasing, while the rate of young smokers is increasing across the EU. The percentage of 15-year-olds who smoke tobacco at least once a week is alarming: 33 percent in Austria, 28 percent in Belgium's Flemish-speaking region, 24 percent in Denmark, 29 percent in France, 29.5 percent in some regions of France, 30.5 percent in Germany, 18.5 percent in Greece, 25 percent in Ireland, 16.5 percent in Portugal and 21 percent in Sweden.

Once the month-long tournament ends, the campaign will continue; the EU has set aside EUR 12 million over three years. This autumn, pop stars are set to appear in new ads, but so far there's no information on who might appear in them.

Europe trying to cut out smoking

 

Three former Kansas inmates claim they were injured by smoking ban

TOPEKA, Kan. Three former Kansas prison inmates claim their health was damaged because they couldn't smoke behind bars.

They're asking legislators to authorize payments of 100-thousand dollars each for the stress and discomfort they allegedly suffered.

A legislative committee plans today to hear the cases of Elsa Blair, Robbie Clem and Constance Woods. They were serving time last year when the Kansas Department of Corrections imposed a smoking ban at its prisons. All three were released from prison after filing their claims last summer.

Each said not being able to smoke posed an unreasonable risk to their health, because of mental anguish, pain and suffering for what they contend was severe withdrawal.

But the state says there's no right to smoke -- especially in prison

http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2268050

 

Smoke ban analysis needed: opposition18:37 AEST Tue Sep 7 2004

A full cost analysis of the impact new smoking bans will have on Queensland's retailers, hotels and clubs should be undertaken, the state opposition said.

The Queensland government announced it would introduce Australia's strictest smoking laws, with bans at patrolled beaches, children's playgrounds, sports stadiums and building entrances to take effect from January next year.

Further bans in pubs, clubs and outdoor eateries will be phased in over a two-year period, while limitations on tobacco advertising will be introduced in 18 months.

Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg said while he agreed with the proposals, more detail on their economic impact was needed.

"We always hear concerns being raised about economic impact and there is never any useful data to assess what that impact is," Mr Springborg said.

"We are not proposing compensation in any way whatsoever, but I think the only way we can really address the concerns of the pub and club industry in Queensland is to have a real socio-economic analysis."

Mr Springborg said he was also concerned with how the government proposed to implement the bans, particularly on beaches and in hotels and clubs where the onus would be on staff.

"So we could have laws which promise to be tough but don't necessarily deliver," Mr Springborg said.

Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association (QRTSA) executive director Ian Baldock, whose organisation represents about 3,000 retailers, said smoking accounted for a substantial proportion of members' total revenue.

"In the corner/convenience store area, the average is about 30 per cent of all sales in tobacco products," Mr Baldock said.

"For newsagents, it is about nine per cent of sales, and for garages and service stations it can range from anything from 25 to 30 per cent.

"Even though there is only 21 per cent of the population who smokes, it is still a very big and important (sales) category."

Queensland Clubs Association communications coordinator Keri Crompton said pubs and clubs had expected the smoking bans inside buildings, but were dismayed at the prospect of outside bans and its impact on revenue and jobs.

The QCA was also concerned about the quick two-year phase-in period, as opposed to their preferred option of five years.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=6562

 

Cigarette sales slump 7 September 2004

BRUSSELS – Cigarette sales have plummeted in Belgium this year, according to figures published on Tuesday.

Around 400 million fewer cigarettes were sold in the first seven months of this year than in 2003 – between 15 and 20 million fewer packets.

Sales slump

 

Former tobacco seller battled cigarette giant

PHILIP MASCOLL STAFF REPORTER
 After selling his interest in the arcades, he sold prefabricated homes in Barrie before joining his son Tony in 1987 in an agency that fights traffic tickets in court.

The case that catapulted Mr. Battaglia into prominence is still before the appeal courts, his son said. In 2001, a judge dismissed Mr. Battaglia's $6,000 small-claims suit, in which he claimed to have developed heart disease from smoking.

Mr. Battaglia had two other children, Darick and Elizabeth, as well as six grandchildren.

Tony Battaglia said his father played golf and was, in his youth, a superb hockey goalie for St. Mike's school in Toronto.

battled cigarette companies

 

Last gasp?

More people die from lung cancer in Belgium than in any other European Union country and as any doctor will tell you, nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are smoking related. But it’s not just cancer. Smoking is also a major cause of heart disease, chronic respiratory problems and a host of other serious illnesses.

According to government figures, 20,000 smokers die every year in Belgium as a direct result of their tobacco habit while passive smoking kills a further 2,500 people.
That makes smoking the country’s biggest single public health problem.

Faced with such depressing statistics the Belgian government has been steadily toughening the country’s anti-smoking rules. Cigarette prices have risen by 70 cents in the past two years - since the last hike in December 2003 a box of 20 smokes has cost EUR 3.90.

The government plans to outlaw cigarette box stickers that cover health warnings with jokes like ‘Smoking Chills’.

January 2004

Last gasp

Study discredits another excuse for low cigarette tax Posted on Sat, Sep. 04, 2004

SCRATCH ANOTHER item off the list of reasons S.C. lawmakers give for not discouraging teen smoking by raising our rock-bottom cigarette tax rate.

The S.C. Cancer Society, not convinced by arguments that a higher cigarette tax would drive smokers over the border to purchase cheaper smokes in North Carolina or Georgia, decided to take a look at what has happened since Georgia increased its tax from 12 cents to 37 cents a pack last summer.

What it found was that cigarette tax collections in Georgia more than doubled. That means that while cigarette sales dropped (had they remained constant, tax collections would have tripled), the state government hasn’t lost any money by raising the tax rate, as some contend would happen in South Carolina.

But tax collections aren’t the only concern of cigarette tax critics; they also worry merchants would lose sales if smokers cross the border in droves to avoid a higher tax. To put that concern to rest, the Cancer Society examined South Carolina tax collections for the same time, and found they had actually dropped slightly since Georgia raised its tax to five times the S.C. rate.

Both parties want to pass this tax bill, because in its absence there are punitive tariffs on exports. But it’s not certain whether the corporate tax bill will make it out of the conference.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/9585757.htm

 

Tobacco education program gets the word out on new smoking law

By Erin Musgrave/Staff Writer Tuesday, September 07, 2004

 San Benito County - It smells, it’s highly addictive, and it’s bad for your health - but millions of Americans do it anyway.
Since a new law was passed in January mandating people who smoke do it at least 20 feet away from state, city, or county buildings, members of the San Benito County Tobacco Education Program are working to educate the community about the new law and make sure it’s being enforced. 
Prop 99 is a tobacco tax where 25 cents of purchased tobacco products goes to funding tobacco programs around the nation.
Along with the new law, members of the tobacco program will be making sure all bars are in compliance with the no smoking law and that there are areas in low-income apartment buildings that are smoke-free, Torres said. They will also be pushing for a new law that mandates retail merchants have a tobacco license similar to an alcohol license so that they will have to pay a yearly fee to sell tobacco products, he said.
http://www.freelancenews.com/news/newsview.asp?c=122523

 

Lifelong resident reaches century mark Saturday

Friday, April 16, 2004

By Christine Tognetti/Staff Writer

When Beatrice Sola was asked what the one thing she wanted for her 100th birthday was, she replied “tequila.”
Her god-daughter Diana Singh said her appetite for the party lifestyle isn’t something new.
“For her 99th birthday she wanted a cigarette and a beer,” she said.
 “She is such a sweet person and always so jolly,” Stephens said.

http://www.freelancenews.com/news/newsview.asp?c=104372

 

Double Danger For Big Tobacco SEPTEMBER 13, 2004   
LEGAL AFFAIRS
A Justice suit and a push for FDA oversight have cigarette makers gasping
The claim is breathtaking. On Sept. 21 the U.S. Justice Dept. is scheduled to make opening arguments in a civil Racketeer-Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) lawsuit asserting that the nation's biggest cigarette companies have engaged in an illegal conspiracy since 1953. The government is seeking disgorgement of a brow-raising $280 billion -- almost the six defendant companies' entire profits during the five-decade period.
Big Tobacco has faced many legal challenges through the years but never one this daunting. And it comes at the exact same moment as a bill now in Congress proposing to give the Food & Drug Administration the power to regulate the manufacturing and contents of cigarettes -- something the industry has energetically tried to avoid for most of its recent history. The measure passed the Senate by a wide margin in July. Although it faces skeptics in the House, it could very well reach a vote by October.
GOOD PUBLICITY? 
Indeed, although Altria executives deny it, some observers think one reason the company is backing FDA regulation to defuse future judicial and juror anger against the industry. The legislation would give the FDA oversight of the manufacturing of cigarettes and would enlarge the health warnings they carry. It would also provide FDA regulation of any new products that claim to lower the harm of cigarette smoking. And the new standards would apply to all manufacturers, small and large.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_37/b3899084.htm

 

Tobacco coalition crumbling
By Josephine Hearn
Public-health advocates, who have for years pressed for government regulation of cigarettes, are suddenly divided on whether a pending bill in Congress deserves their support.
This dispute comes at a time when top lawmakers are mulling whether to increase the government’s power significantly in order to reduce smoking.

 http://www.thehill.com/news/090804/tobacco.aspx

 

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* sites like this make ASH,  Canadian Cancer society, etc., look good.

News From The Courts

Do you want to sue Canadian tobacco companies in Small Claims Court for up to $6,000?

Exposing an attitude of extreme indifference to the value of human life, three of Canada's wealthiest corporate citizens have conspired to either chemically boost or genetically produce a new breed of tobacco leaf containing the most potent nicotine levels yet marketed.

Join Justice Paralegal Services in the fight * yes we all need the lawyers to make more money.  Take responsibility for your actions people, instead.  Sue the real causes your parents (genetics)

British Columbia's lawsuit against Big tobacco

British Columbia press release - November 1998

"The government alleges that the tobacco companies knew of the addictive nature and dangerous health effects of tobacco use and that they conspired to conceal the risks of smoking from consumers."

B.C. fights back -- B.C. Tobaccofacts.org -- the main battle plans are here.

B.C. to battle Big Tobacco -- November 13, 1998 - Toronto Star

``This is a battle to protect British Columbia's children,'' Health Minister Penny Priddy said. ``Some 20,000 of our teenagers will die as adults from tobacco use if nothing changes.'' *PROVE IT !  Give us names, not SEMMAC stats.

Rob Parker, president of the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council, said the B.C. legislation attempts to set up the government as prosecutor, judge and jury in its own case.

``This is state-sponsored extortion, not a simple lawsuit. We reject these allegations and we will fight them,'' he said.

Priddy said Parker's characterization of the lawsuit is ``outrageous, just nonsense.

Provinces gearing up to battle Big Tobacco

Inspired by the huge success of their peers south of the border, Canadian provinces are beginning to line up behind British Columbia in its multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against this country's tobacco industry.

Ontario Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty promises he'll join the fight if elected premier, Newfoundland's Brian Tobin has pledged to come on board, and Manitoba's Conservative government is already in serious talks with B.C.

For the provinces to turn around and sue the tobacco firms is like to slaying one of their most productive golden geese, the industry says.

``The truth is that the main beneficiaries of the tobacco industry are the governments,'' said Michel Descoteaux, a spokesperson for Imperial Tobacco Ltd., the largest tobacco company in Canada. ``They take more money than any of the companies see.''

The huge profits Canadian governments reap from the tobacco industry may account for what critics call the slow movement of legislation designed to curb the advertising and sales practices of the tobacco companies.

So, whose responsibility is it?

The American tobacco trials

·  Tobacco deal dead? * Could be cause of greed, on gov’t part

·  Search of CNN for tobacco

·  Summary of States Tobacco Trials *  billions in penalties, California getting audit cause they can’t account for much of money.

Tobacco.org - lawsuits page - comprehensive source for tobacco documents.

Indiana second-hand smoking trial - goes up in smoke Real Audio of the defense lawyers - why they won the suit

Minnesota tobacco policy and lawsuits

The Minnesota Trial

"The tobacco companies want to run from their documents, they were afraid of them." - Michael Ciresi, lead attorney for the State of Minnesota and Blue Cross.

Minnesota Trial - the papers filed - they're all here on the Blue Cross web page

TOBACCO ON TRIAL - Best resource for worldwide tobacco trials. Northeastern Law School and Tobacco Products Liability Project, where Richard Daynard hangs his hat.

COURT TV - Tobacco trials - Only available in U.S. you say, . . . pity! * yes they want all lawyers to get rich. 

Parker and Waichman - Law firm's links to lawsuits around the world and some news.

Kansas suit the latest aim at tobacco cites violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act stemming from what it alleges were deceptive trade practices used by the tobacco industry in denying consumers accurate information on the health risks of smoking.

Connecticut suit based on conspiracy to mislead, deceive and confuse

Rosenblatt's finest hour - Before you go to the transcripts or watch COURT - TV in the Broin case, look at Rosenblatt's early 1994 deposition of tobacco executives who denied the holocaust references of tobacco. He made them cry in court.

Attorneys General addresses and phone number

Andrews Publications Tobacco Litigation Reporter - Sample issue

Not only in America

Gallaher wins U.K. smoking case - March 20, 1998

Nigerian Smokers sue tobacco producers in the Third World - It's a first - October 3, 1997

Francey and Meeuwissen vs. Hilton Hotels - Australia - failure to provide smoke free environment - decision 25 Sept. 97; Use this search engine; if it comes up with nothing on the main screen, just put in the word "francey" under search, and then download the file, or you can download the RTF, it's about 82k (the file is named 970H9750.rtf).

Canada's largest law firm represents tobacco and doctors being sued for malpractice - search for tobacco

Canada, eh?

When the smoke clears, will Canada's tobacco industry be held liable, as it is in the U.S.?

While litigators appear to be smoking out admissions of liability from tobacco manufacturers south of the border, Canadian cigarette makers say the recent U.S. developments will have little consequence here. Not so, say Canadian anti-tobacco groups, who believe Canadian tobacco manufacturers are not completely immune to the legal liabilities of tobacco-related health care costs. Tobacco mortality and other costs to health care are just as valid in Canada, they state.

CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES FOR SMOKING PARENTS

Lawsuits in U.S. - complete list from ASH

Custody article - Smokers may lose custody of kids

LAW ENFORCEMENT CASES AND INVESTIGATIONS

FBI Hotline for information leading to arrest and conviction of tobacco employees who lied to Congress or are involved in illegal activity. * It’s not the enterprising person that would do this?   They have made following the law so vague, and restrictive, some people don’t even mind. We no longer have any say, after 7 tries, people realise where democracy lies.

©Dr. Terry Polevoy, 105 University Ave. E., Waterloo, Ont. N2J 2W1

http://www.healthwatcher.net/court.html

 

American cancer Society’s revenue etc.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/43/43092.html

 

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Lexington Smoking Ban In Court

The fight over Lexington's smoking ban continues to heat up. Thursday attorneys representing ten businesses recently cited by the Health Department entered pleas in court, all pleaded 'not guilty'.

The business owners are fighting the ban. They say they have the right to run their business the way they want. Some business owners say they're in a no win situation. They either obey the law and lose customers or break the law and face expensive citations.

All the businesses in court today will have another opportunity to voice their opinions September 13th, when they're all do back in court.

 

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Opinions differ on value of smoking ban in heart of tobacco belt
MURRAY EVANS Associated Press Posted on Sat, Sep. 04, 2004
  

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Restaurant administrator Michael Logan looks out over the seating area in one of his restaurants and sees financial hardship - the result, he said, of the city's ban on indoor smoking.

If she were in the same restaurant, Lisa Greathouse would focus on something entirely different - smoke-free air, which she said improves the health of restaurant patrons and employees.

After a seven-month court fight, the ban went into effect April 27 in Lexington, once the unofficial capital of the burley tobacco belt. Months later, opinions seemingly haven't changed much. Supporters tout what they say are the health benefits; some restaurant and bar operators decry what they say is the negative economic effect of the ban.

"The Bluegrass Action committee and the city council keep saying, 'Give it time, give it time, give it time.' How much time? How long do we have to wait? How long is long enough? They don't know how long we can survive."

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/9582901.htm

 

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Dakota County passes on smoking ban

By Joshua Nichols Sun Newspapers(Created 9/2/2004 8:44:15 AM)
 The Dakota County Board ground out discussion of a possible regional smoking ban before it was even really re-ignited.

“I believe the role of government is not to be in people’s houses and not to dictate what businesses can and can’t do,” Commissioner Patrice Bataglia said. “People have freedoms.”

 “We interfere in others’ lives as it is,” Turner said. “People have a free will. I really don’t think we should have more government regulation.”

 

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County commissioners approve smoking ban

Eating establishments in Morgan County will have until the end of the year to decide if they will allow smoking in their business.

If they do, they will either have to set up a second area that has its own air filtration system for heating and air conditioning, or not allow children in their business.

That was the decision of the Morgan County Commissioners, after they voted 2 to 1 Friday morning to put in place an ordinance that would require existing and future food establishments to construct a separate area for smokers or not allow children inside.

Voting for the ordinance were commissioners Norman Voyles and Jeff Quyle. Voting against was commissioner Brian Goss.

The ban follows a previous failed attempt at a county-wide smoking ban. In April, the commissioners failed to pass a smoking ban, with Quyle voting against the ban at that time, and Goss abstaining from voting. Only Voyles voted both times in favor of the ban.

If a business does set up a separate area, the ordinance requires the non-smoking area to be of equal or greater size. Outdoor smoking would be permitted if it is done at least 12 feet from the entrance to the establishment.

http://www.md-times.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=5231&format=html

 

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Pierce County's indoor-smoking ban may go to high court

 Pierce County's on-again, off-again ban on indoor smoking — off for now — may be decided by the Washington State Supreme Court.

Thursday, the court encouraged the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health to ask the justices to review the merits of the controversial case.

The dispute began in January when the board, citing health concerns, banned smoking in all indoor public places, even though state law allows smoking in restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and casinos.

A business group sued, and the issue has been in and out of court.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002026164_dige04m.html

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Findlay promises to challenge smoking ban - Scotland

MURDO MacLEOD POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT 
HE HAS lived much of his colourful life amid a cloud of acrid pipe smoke that no nannying Scottish politician is going to extinguish without a fight.

Donald Findlay QC, a man as dedicated to the joys of tobacco as he is to the law, says the Scottish Parliament risks acting beyond its powers if it bans workplace smoking, and has warned that he personally might mount a legal challenge.

Last night Findlay won influential backing for his view from Robert Black, professor of Scots law at Edinburgh University and a non-smoker. Findlay and Black say that while a ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants can be imposed under the Scottish Parliament’s devolved health powers, it is likely to stray into the area of workplace and employment law, which is reserved by Westminster.

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1046112004

 

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Red card for Hampden over smoking

Girl with asthma slams national stadium’s stance on smoking in designated family areas
By Liam McDougall , Health Correspondent

THE family of a 10-year-old asthmatic girl has launched a campaign to force Hampden Park to make its family section smoke-free after she had an attack.

 http://www.sundayherald.com/44536

 

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The Art Of Midlothian –UK

Personal (dis)qualifications aside, like many people I have maintained a keen interest in the smoking debate. In fact, I have just returned from Australia (where smoking is banned in all restaurants) and Hong Kong (where the debate is ongoing, but smoking in public places is increasingly marginalised), so I have some recent experience of the impact of such policies. Added to this, I have lived all of my life in Glasgow, a city where, we are now told, simply breathing the contaminated air is equivalent to having a serious smoking habit.

Sheila McLean is professor of law and ethics in medicine at Glasgow University

http://www.sundayherald.com/44514

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Lung tests to diagnose one in 20 with illness

DOCTORS conducting the biggest respiratory survey in Glasgow expect that 6% of those tested will have lung disease.

http://www.sundayherald.com/44590

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Trade summit on smoking
Published 3rd September 2004Senior figures from the pub trade came together at a summit meeting in London yesterday to discuss a way forward on the smoking issue.
Hosted by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the meeting brought together three managed chains and three pub companies, as well as the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).
The trade leaders were understood to be discussing a new proposal on self-regulation to be put to the Government, following the trade meeting in July with health secretary John Reid and trade secretary Tessa Jowell.
ALMR chief executive Nick Bish said: “The industry understands the urgency and is prepared to move to look after customers and staff – but it is very difficult as the Government has set us a moving target.”
OWNERS DICUSS SMOKING ISSUE- UK

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Eatery smoking bans may spread 09/02/2004
By Elisa Crouch Of the Post-Dispatch
A debate over snuffing out smoking in restaurants promises to heat up throughout St. Charles County this fall as health advocates spread their anti-smoking message at city board meetings and mayors' luncheons.
Anti-smoking advocates are launching a public relations drive to persuade government leaders in the county to follow the direction of Arnold, which sparked interest among other area leaders when it approved a restaurant smoking ban in July. Ballwin officials are considering a similar measure.
HAVE LUNCH WITH LEADERS TO MAKE CASE 

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Smoking sucks 01 September 2004
* I include this due to the thought, that just cause you wear the school uniform you aren’t allowed to smoke?   Isn’t that against a person’s freedom?  When does the school stop taking responsibility for the child?  Would they like to have responsibility for that child the whole time they are wearing the uniform, since this person thinks they are representing them? 
 http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/marlboroughexpress/0,2106,3021093a6520,00.html 
 

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MAILBAG: Taxpayer money in Minnesota flows to 'ban smoking' groups

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - The vitriolic and sneering attack on Sue Jeffery, "the embittered bar owner," by Bob Moffitt, the spokesman for the American Lung Association of Minnesota, needs to be rebutted.

Archie Anderson
Anderson is president of FORCES Minnesota, www.forces.org. FORCES is an international smokers' rights organization.

Archie Anderson has his SAY

 

Midland's smoke ban still sparks fire Janis Leering: The MirrorSept 3, 2004

Sitting at her empty bar, Nicole Lamers doesn't have as much work as she once did.

It's been a year since Midland's smoke ban kicked in, and Lamers, co-owner of Cellarman's Alehouse, said everything she had predicted, has come true.

Not wanting to talk about the smoke ban controversy again, Coun. Bill Thompson was tight-lipped, even though he was one of the most vocal supporters of the bylaw when it was debated.

"It's fine, and I've had many people thank me for doing it," noted Thompson.

http://www.simcoe.com/sc/midland/story/2175649p-2521204c.html

 

Butt-out bylaw has bar owners worried ontario, canada
By Carl Clutchey - The Chronicle-Journal August 29, 2004
Kim Desjardins is worried sick her sales will start falling like poplar leaves when September rolls around.
The Manitouwadge bar owner says her town’s gold-standard smoking bylaw, which takes effect on Wednesday, will be a death-knell for the business she started in March.
“Most of my customers are smokers,” Desjardins said Friday.
She said many clients who come in for a beer and a game of pool have already told her they won’t be coming around after Sept. 1…………….

 http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=23387

 

Local restaurants avoiding fines - Ontario, canada
Carly Foster, Staff Writer Sep 3, 2004
BROCK - Brock Township restaurants have cleaned up their act.

http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/regions/brock/story/2182318p-2528464c.html

 

Smoking by-law takes effect Sept. 4
Smokers across Huron County will be heading outside to light up this Saturday, as the county’s first non-smoking bylaw comes into effect.

By Jennifer Hubbard Signal-Star Staff

Goderich, Ontario Signal-Star — Smokers across Huron County will be heading outside to light up this Saturday, as the county’s first non-smoking bylaw comes into effect.
Originally passed by county council last fall, Huron’s Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) bylaw requires all public places and workplaces to be 100 per cent smoke-free starting Sept. 4, 2004, with the exception of long-term care and psychiatric facilities.
There are currently 189 municipalities that are 100 per cent smoke-free in public places and workplaces, while 28 municipalities have public place bylaws without workplace regulations. Thirty municipalities are covered by partial bylaws

http://www.goderichsignalstar.com/story.php?id=115327

 

 

I’m one of "those people"

Karen Lazaruk
Senior Reporter

Airdrie Echo — On the Oct. 18 election, we get to choose council members, school trustees and whether or not to ban smoking in Airdrie. What a ballot.
One question will gauge support for a 100 per cent smoking ban in all public places and workplaces, while another will test the waters to see if residents want a less restrictive bylaw, which excludes bars and restaurants.
I’ll be checking the second box. That’s right, I admit it – I’m one of "those people": A non-smoker, or – as we’re made to feel all too often – a self-righteous over-reactor who wants to inflict her beliefs on others.
I’ve been made to feel this way since I quit smoking more than 18 months ago , and I resent it. However, I also remember being made to feel shame for my habit, back when I smoked a pack a day and loved every last drag.
So having been on both sides of this issue, I say let’s drop the adversarial, judgmental stereotyping and move on to our Oct. 18 plebiscite. I am not a self-righteous over-reactor and the smokers are not a pack of lepers to be shunned. And let’s not forget the business owners’ stake in all this, as well as their rights over their own property.
And there’s the dilemma in a nutshell: we all live here, we all have rights. Smoking is not illegal, but breathing it in at work gives me a headache and makes me stink. Those are the facts – what do we do now?
We vote.

http://airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=114142

 

NO Ifs and or Butts for Staff  Saskatchewan

Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Students hoping to light up when they return to classes this fall will find it increasingly difficult to do so.

Both the Moose Jaw Public School Division and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Separate School Division have policies in place this year that prevent kids from smoking on school premises.

According to David Steele, director of education for the public school division, all high schools within the division are attempting to kick the habit on school property.

“We’re going to get to a point where there is no smoking at schools,” said Steele, noting smoking is already prohibited at elementary schools.

Starting this fall, only students in Grade 12 are allowed to smoke at public high schools, including Central, Riverview and Peacock Collegiates. Grade 11 students are no longer allowed to smoke according to the division’s new policy.

Peacock vice-principal Derrick Huschi said the policy is part of a plan to gradually make the schools smoke-free. Two years ago, only students in Grade 9 were not allowed to smoke. Last year the policy was extended to include Grade 10 students, and has been expanded to Grade 11 for the new school year.

It is expected that Grade 12 students will not be allowed to smoke at all during the 2005-06 school year.

The facts on teen smoking are alarming. According to www.the truth.com, it is estimated that tobacco companies make $1.8 billion from under age sales alone each year. Approximately 2,000 teens start smoking every day, and more than 80 per cent of all adult smokers say they started smoking before the age of 18. Although 70 per cent of smokers want to quit, only five per cent succeed each year.

Grade 12 students at Peacock are currently allowed to smoke in a designated area known as Smoker’s Alley, located at the back of the school along Caribou Street East. Students are not allowed to smoke anywhere else in the vicinity of the school, which is considered to be a one-block radius.

Smoking may take place before and after school, at lunch and during the 10-minute break. The school becomes a closed campus for the other two five-minute breaks, Huschi said.

“Most students buy into it, (but) there are some students who will try to push it,” said Huschi.

If a student is caught smoking, there are several disciplinary steps taken. Huschi said for a first offence, only a warning is given. For a second offence, a student is assigned detention. A one-day suspension is given for a third offence, three days for a fourth offence and 10 days for a fifth offence.

Huschi noted that the increasingly strict smoking policy has nothing to do with new municipal legislation that prevents smoking in public places. He cited that the school board’s policy began two years ago, and that the new legislation still allows for smoking outside of a public building.

In the past, students at Peacock had to obtain a smoker’s card, which had to be signed by their parents, stating that they allowed their child to smoke. Huschi said even if a parent calls the school to give their permission for their child to smoke, the new policy will still not tolerate smoking by students in Grade 11 or lower.

In addition to going smoke-free, the public school division is also attempting to encourage teens to kick the habit. Huschi said Peacock has run a Kick the Nics program in the past, as well as educated students on the negative effects of smoking in health and wellness classes.

Vanier Collegiate, which belongs to the Holy Trinity Catholic Separate School Division, has a similar policy to Peacock’s.

“We’ve always been no-smoking on the premises,” said Vanier principal Shannon Pearce, adding that the school’s policy has just been extended to ensure that students do not smoke within one block of the school.

Pearce said the policy is designed to not only prevent students from smoking on school premises, but also to cut down on loitering near neighbourhood homes.

Initially, Grade 9 students were not allowed to smoke in the parking lot, which is where administrators found they congregated most often. The following year it was expanded to include Grade 10. Now the policy says no one is allowed to smoke on or near the school premises.

The Holy Trinity smoking policy specifically states that it applies to staff, employees, visitors and board members as well.

If a student at Vanier is caught smoking, the first step is for them to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. The next step is a talk with Pearce.

“So far we’ve had the odd student (who has not responded to the new policy), but I’ve talked to them and they seem receptive,” said Pearce.

Vanier also runs the Kick the Nics program. Pearce said the school does its best to help students stop smoking.

“If students want to quit we link them in the right direction,” he said

 http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/news.aspx?storyID=20663

 

 

Safety at boat race eyed -winnepeg

By KATIE CHALMERS, STAFF REPORTER Tue, August 24, 2004

Organizers of the Canadian Cancer Society's dragon boat race are figuring out what changes need to be made for next year after a participant died of a heart attack during the event. George Jarvis, a 58-year-old who participated with other volunteers from Reimer Express, died on Aug. 13.

A spokeswoman for the Cancer Society's Manitoba division said they will review what emergency response should be available at The Forks, including personnel and equipment, during the races.

"We will be looking at the whole event and determine what is necessary to have on site," said spokeswoman Lynne Billings.

There are no paramedics on standby or access to a defibrillator during the three-day event, which ran this year Aug. 13-15.

CPR PERFORMED

Jarvis was on his team's boat when he suffered a heart attack before the race started. His teammates flagged down the crew of a water safety boat who rushed him to shore.

CPR was performed and a first aid crew from St. John Ambulance called paramedics.

A funeral for Jarvis was held last Friday.

"We extend condolences to the family," Billings said. "It's a very unfortunate incident."

Death at the Winnipeg Cancer Event

Strong-arm tactics unwelcome Derek Lawrence Alberta

Guest comment

I believe some sanity has to come into play regarding the strong-arm tactics which are being used by the Airdrie Smoke Free Coalition.
These people were (camping) canvassing during a soccer tournament where people were asked (to sign a smoke-free petition) while in the presence of other parents. Normally, any canvassing should be done door-to-door, where any pressures from your peers or neighbours are unknown. But here, people were solicited for their signatures in the presence of friends. We demand a secret ballot in a democracy – why should we not demand the same for soliciting changes to any bylaws?
I truly believe that smoking in public places should be limited – but by the same token, people walking down Main Street or, for that matter, jogging in downtown Calgary breathe in what? Not cigarette smoke, but exhaust fumes.
We need to take a moderate stand on smoking and not bow to the lemmings or the Chicken Littles of the world.

http://airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=115065

 

Smoke-free group threatens legal action
‘Adversarial’ move angers council members Alberta

Karen Lazaruk
Senior Reporter

Airdrie Echo — The issue of Airdrie’s proposed smoking bylaw became even more heated Monday night, as members of the Airdrie Smoke-Free Coalition threatened legal action if the bylaw is not changed to include home-based businesses.
Coalition member Lisa Timmermans told Airdrie city council that to exclude home-based businesses from the bylaw – which will be put to a vote of the electorate this fall – is to ignore the wishes of 3,360 petitioners who signed their names to a draft bylaw calling for all public spaces and workplaces in the city to become smoke-free.
"All people who live and work in Airdrie deserve to be safe from second-hand smoke," Timmermans said, "and council’s amendment (to the coalition’s proposed bylaw) does not do this."
Timmermans said that coalition members feel compelled to be heard on this issue.
"On behalf of the 3,360 residents, we will proceed with legal action; however, if council amends the bylaw tonight, legal action will not be taken," she said, adding that the coalition would agree to extending the reprieve for seven days, if council agreed to hold a special meeting on the issue within that timeframe.
City council voted to have city staff members review the coalition’s legal opinion on the issue and report back at its next regular meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 7.
Some council members were noticably angered by the presentation. Alderman Richard Siemens calmly, but firmly, made his opinion clear.
"I’m a bit taken aback by the approach the coalition has taken ... I think we achieve more by choosing not to put ourselves in an adversarial position," Siemens said. "The threat of legal action has raised the hairs on the back of my neck ... this kind of approach is unreasonable.
"It is not reasonable, kind or decent," he added.
Coalition member Kim Hill responded by saying: "We felt that we had no other recourse ... we’re just acting on (the petitioners’) interest."
Alderman Marlene Weaver said that she, too, was caught off guard by the demand.
"I’m almost too angry to even speak," Weaver said, adding that to wait on discussing the issue would provide a needed "cooling off period."
During council’s Aug. 3 meeting, first reading was given to a bylaw which bans smoking in all public places and workplaces, with the exclusion of private homes. The issue will be put to a vote of the electorate during the municipal election this October. As previously mentioned, the bylaw differs from that which the coalition drafted and secured support for via a petition, which includes banning smoking in home-based businesses in the area of the home where work is conducted.

http://airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=113411

City, coalition come to terms on smoking ban September 1, 2004 - alberta

Karen Lazaruk
Senior Reporter

Airdrie Echo — Home-based businesses will be left out of the City of Airdrie’s proposed bylaw to ban smoking – and the Airdrie Smoke-Free Coalition is said to be OK with that.
The day after a heated exchange took place at Airdrie city council’s Aug. 16 meeting – during which coalition members demanded the city amend the bylaw under consideration to include home-based businesses or face legal action – officials from both sides say they met and worked things out.
"We’re actually on the same page now," said coalition spokesperson Kim Hill, adding that coalition members met with city manager George Keen Aug. 17 and talked things through. "Both sides feel really good."
Keen confirmed that agreement had been reached.
"Basically, we’re in agreement on the wording of the bylaw," Keen said, adding that he believes the Aug. 16 incident was the result of suspicion, about the city’s motives with regard to the smoking ban, on behalf of coalition members. "They were expecting a fight and didn’t get one ... they were suspicious."
Hill said coalition members had repeatedly tried contacting city officials about the smoking ban and felt they weren’t getting a response, which led them to speak to council Aug. 16.
"It was frustrating for us," Hill said, adding that she feels confident now that the city does not have a hidden agenda and added that the coalition doesn’t either.
After receiving the petition June 22, the city moved forward on the issue in accordance with the municipal government act. However, conflict resulted from council’s amendments to the coalition’s draft bylaw, which exclude home-based businesses and reduce the smoke-free area in front of entranceways to buildings from six metres to three metres.
Deputy-mayor Linda Bruce said she doesn’t think the coalition meant any harm with its threat of legal action and stressed that the roles of city council and the coalition in the community are different.
"They (the coalition members) are not elected, we are ... it is truly about democracy," Bruce said. "I think, in the end, they will get what they want, but they have to let it happen, let democracy work."
Hill said the coalition wanted home-based businesses included in the smoking ban in order to create "a level playing field" for all Airdrie businesses which will be affected by the 100 per cent smoke-free bylaw if passed. However, she added, it was not understood until the Aug. 17 meeting with city officials that under such a law, the entire home – not just the office space – would be affected.
"We don’t want to invade people’s homes ... we’re not radical like that," she said.
As well, Hill said, the coalition acquiesced on the issue of home-based businesses since many of the 3,360 residents who signed its petition may not have realized that the coalition intended to include home-based businesses – something which was stated in the coalition’s draft bylaw, but not specifically on the petition.
"It wasn’t really stated in the petition itself ... we feel that isn’t really fair," she said.

http://airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=114150