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Saturday, September 11, 2004
Each day, billion people choose to die rather than quit smoking
Re: Cigarette smoke is not dangerous, July 20, 2004
The letter writer makes two absurd claims. She mentions more than once that non-smokers are a minority and that cigarette smoke is not dangerous.---------
Alfonso Tinebra,
Hamilton
Minority facts
You were talking about an open area (a park). I didn’t mention restaurants. If you want to talk about restaurants, go to one and ask how they have been affected. You can just go to davehitt.com /facts/banlinks.html for some owners’ results on the ban.
Where did I say that it dissolves into nothing? I did say that it was a nuisance rather then a danger. This is based on a science called Toxicology. It’s a science, where the dose is in the poison. I am aware that there is smog, and you get more exposure to cancer causing agents in pollution then you would from smokers.
Is it reasonable to inflate the size of the local government just because California does it? California also, this month, is banning Silly String. Now you try to be a reasonably sized government that would watch all kids & adults, and fine, or jail them in order to stop them from using Silly String. I would not recommend that you hire someone at a cost of over $100,000 a year for a nuisance. (This is how much Thunder Bay council got for a Smoking bylaw officer from the provincial government.) I mention this because once you have a law you also have to enforce it, so this means there’s a cost to the public. I am not even talking about the freedoms you are losing by enforcing this bylaw. When is a person allowed to do as they wish? In your assumption, nonsmokers have more rights then smokers.
The stats he gives are based on a computer program. It is based on an EPA study that a Judge said used junk science, and vacated. Sure later the EPA withdrew it, but it still came to conclusions before it was completed. There are studies that say that cancer is caused by genetics rather then by smoking. If you need more information just go to forces.org, or smokersclubinc.com. Get a scientific view of the fear mongering going on by some of society. When you can give me 3 names of conclusively affected people from the danger of smoke in the park, I will no longer oppose losing a freedom and wasting of my tax dollars on a nuisance.
I also wonder I can not find my article in the search engine. I type in cigarette, smoking, and parks. With no result, yet I can find both of his articles.
Smoking ordinance pros, cons heard; economic concerns raised
Jim Romsaas
Mesabi Daily News
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 08th, 2004 11:52:36 PM
VIRGINIA — Numerous individuals for and against a no smoking ordinance in Virginia got equal time at a special City Council meeting Wednesday.
The impact on businesses was debated, as was the right of customers to make their own choice on entering a smoking establishment. The council took no action on the ordinance, which some would like to see on the November 2005 ballot.
But it was the concern of a negative economic impact that took center stage.
That is a real fear by business owners, according to Pat McKone, senior director for Tobacco Control Programs of the American Lung Association of Minnesota in Duluth. However, after Duluth passed its smoking ban “the economic scare was not at all realized,’’ she said.
“It’s not finance?’’ according to J. R. Roczniak of Oaky’s Arrowhead Bar, who said a ban would put his bar out of business. “This is my living. Let me please serve the public what they want.’’
Dave Christenson, owner of the Virginia Bowling Gardens said he has already made Sunday afternoons for non-smokers, but it hasn’t exactly worked out. “My business on Sundays is basically nil.’’
McKone said the data from Duluth shows that the food and beverage industry has not been hurt by a smoking ban. Duluth’s smoking ban toof effect in January 2001.
Retail sales for food service without alcohol jumped 13.5 percent from 2000 to 2004 and food service with alcohol increased nearly 20 percent in that same time period, according data from the Duluth sales tax department, which McKone provided to the council.
Not every business is harmed, but many have a lot of trouble, said Kenn Rockler, executive director of the Wine, Beer & Spirits Federation of Minnesota. He said restaurants with smoking bans have lost anywhere from 12 percent to 43 percent.
After the one-hour smoking ban debate, McKone questioned Rockler’s figures. She said it has to be backed up with data, not with anecdotal information.
No matter the figures, Christenson said, “I believe it should be left up to the individuals. It should be a choice,’’ not the city speaking for the businesses.
Regarding choice, McKone said the workers need to be accounted for. “This is about their additional exposure at work.’’
McKone and Cheryl Bisping, Smoke-Free Air Coalition of Northern St. Louis County spokesperson, were backed up by Dr. Gene Kishel of Virginia and former Duluth City Councilor Gary Eckenberg on the need to protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
None of those against the ban doubted the dangers of secondhand smoke, but Rockler said, “There is an air handling solution.’’ Ninety-eight percent of smoke migration can be stopped, he added.
The council took no action, but Bisping was pleased those favoring a smoking ban got to finish the presentation that was interrupted last month.
From here, she plans to continue educating the public and work on putting it to the voters.
“I would like to see it on the ballot,’’ Bisping said.
Jim Romsaas covers Virginia government and schools and oversees the Teen Connection.
Town listens to both sides
Iowa's oldest known man dies at 109 INDEPENDENCE, Iowa
Iowa's oldest known man has died. September 11, 2004
Joe Steier of Independence, who turned 109 last month, died on Wednesday.
Steier's family says he was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. He was one of the few fans around who could remember his favorite team's last world championship -- in 1908.
His family says the night he died, his great nieces were at his side, whispering play-by-play of a Cubs victory to him.
Steier's longevity flew in the face of several credos of healthy living. He chewed and smoked tobacco most of his life, giving up his pipe at age 103. And, he always ate bacon and eggs for breakfast.
http://www.whotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2227795
If I Ruled the World - Melissa Porter August 25, 2004
By Roger Crow, PA Features
Melissa Porter, 31, was born in Manchester. She has an honours degree in marketing and has worked as a marketing manager and a professional relocator. On the advice of some friends, she put together a show reel and was snapped up as a presenter by Granada’s Men and Motors. Melissa has worked on Put Your Money Where Your House Is on UK Style and currently presents Get a New Life on BBC Two. She has also presented the BBC series To Buy Or Not to Buy, and Escape to the Country. She is single and lives in London.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST ACT AS RULER?
“I’d introduce a law where everyone has to be polite and respectful to each other and if anyone’s rude or vents any unnecessary aggression, they’d be punished.”
WHO WOULD BE YOUR MOST TRUSTED ADVISER?
“Based on that polite law, I think someone like Carol Smillie.”
WHOM WOULD YOU BANISH?
“Anne Robinson and Simon Cowell, although maybe I’d make an exception for Simon because he is fairly sexy. I find both of them quite rude but I know it’s all in the name of fun.”
WOULD YOU BE A DICTATOR OR A BENEVOLENT LEADER?
“Definitely a dictator. There’s two ways of doing things – my way and the wrong way.”
WHO WOULD YOU SINGLE OUT FOR A KNIGHTHOOD AND WHY?
“I would give a knighthood to anyone involved in charities, care-workers, foster parents, nurses, doctors, and people who work in the emergency services.”
WHO WOULD YOU SEND TO THE TOWER OR PUT IN THE STOCKS?
“TV production managers. They can go right down to the stocks. I work in such a creative industry, and there’s always a conflict between those who are creative and the bean-counters.”
WHICH LAW WOULD YOU ABOLISH?
“I’d abolish the five-day working week. I reckon if you work smart as opposed to hard, as long as you’ve done all your work then you should be allowed to go home.”
WHAT LAW WOULD YOU INTRODUCE?
“No smoking. You wouldn’t be allowed to smoke anywhere.”
WHICH BUILDING WOULD YOU DEMOLISH AND WHY?
“The Millennium Dome because it’s a complete waste of money. I’d demolish that but then actually, it’s not even a building is it? It’s more of a tent. Aren’t they deciding who they’re going to sell it off to at the moment to change its usage? I know it’s costing us a fortune, just to add insult to injury. ”
WHICH RULER OR MONARCH DO YOU MOST ADMIRE OR HAVE MOST IN COMMON WITH?
“I’d say I have most in common with Margaret Thatcher because we both seem to have bad hair days on a regular basis.”
IF YOU COULD CHANGE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR ANOTHER PIECE OF MUSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
“Probably the Black Eyed Peas’ Shut Up song. That would be a dedication to all my favourite production managers.”
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3404490
Posted at 4:21 pm by looped_ca
Friday, September 10, 2004
LAX REGISTRATION: Disregard for data blurs cancer count
The Asahi Shimbun
Many prefectures are slipshod when it comes to reporting vital data on cancer patients, adding to difficulties doctors face in dealing with the nation's No. 1 killer.
.
National Cancer Center officials reviewed the cancer registry system and revised upward by about 30 percent the health ministry's estimates of the annual number of cancer cases, from 480,000 to 620,000.(IHT/Asahi: September 10,2004) (09/10)
http://www.asahi.com/english/nation/TKY200409100156.html
A reluctant Codey will succeed McGreevey as N.J. governor
BY KAITLIN GURNEY Knight Ridder Newspapers
WEST ORANGE, N.J. - (KRT) - In the realm of politics, Richard Codey is no Jim McGreevey.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/special_packages/election2004/9623348.htm
Gas station can’t sell tobacco for nine months Belleville, Ontario-
09.09.04
The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care has issued an "automatic prohibition" order prohibiting a Belleville gas station from selling and storing tobacco for a period of nine months. Effective August 30, 2004, the owner of Mr. Petro Gas located at 455 Dundas Street West, Belleville will be prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act from selling and storing tobacco within its premises. In addition, signs referring to the prohibition will also have to be posted in plain view of the public within the premises for the nine months. The signs state "We cannot sell tobacco because we were convicted of tobacco sales offences. Smoking is a major health hazard."
The prohibition is a result of three tobacco sales convictions within a five-year period. The retailer was convicted by the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit in August 2002 for failure to post age restriction signs and then twice again in May 2004 for selling tobacco to a person under the age of 19.
"The Tobacco Control Act provides for an automatic prohibition," said Roberto Almeida, Tobacco Control Officer for the Health Unit. "A tobacco sales offence, as defined in the Act, includes selling to someone under 19; selling single cigarettes or kiddie packs; failing to post age restriction and health warning signs; and operating a cigarette vending machine.
"This will have a substantial impact. Although the business is currently closed, the prohibition essentially prohibits the current operator and or any other person from selling tobacco at the location for the period in question," stated Almeida. "Tobacco sales make up a significant portion of all sales in a business like Mr. Petro Gas. Hopefully, this will lead to more retailers taking greater care in respect to posting the required signs and checking customers’ ID to ensure they are of age."
Ontario gas bar loses permit
County feels heat from smoking survey
By Joshua Nichols
Sun Newspapers
(Created 9/9/2004 1:53:38 PM)
It may have been intended to stir up only opinions on youth tobacco prevention, but a Dakota County survey also stirred up some heated emotions.
“We are walking on eggs here with a situation that obviously had the potential for volatility,” said Patricia Adams, the director of Dakota County Public Health. “But we need to make more progress with youth prevention efforts and that was the key behind this assessment.”
At issue is a telephone survey conducted for the county by Grassroots Solutions, a national consulting firm based in St. Paul. The survey was designed to assess how current youth tobacco prevention efforts are doing and what other potential efforts would be supported.
“This gets to personal liberty issues,” Commissioner Mike Turner said. “I received many calls from people thinking that we were looking at banning smoking in private homes. I think a line may have been crossed here.”
Ann Wiesner of Grassroots Solutions said the main job of interviewers conducting the survey was to simply listen.
“As we talked to people, some of them would talk about bars and restaurants and we would say that this is more about smoke-free environments in general,” Wiesner said.
The issue may have gotten more confused because of some of the questions asked in the survey, Adams said.
“The assessment did include some questions about smoking rules in people’s homes, so I think that some people might have misunderstood that,” Adams said.
Adams said the county has worked with public school districts for years to promote the benefits of smoke-free homes, but is not suggesting that a ban should be discussed.
However, Turner said from what his constituents had told him, the survey seemed looser.
“It seemed far more free wheeling to the point where it became more of a probe,” Turner said. “You can’t show a bias in something like this because once you ask it, it becomes public policy. When you put your name on our Web site, you are representing the county.”
Other county commissioners said Turner wasn’t the only one to receive calls about the assessment.
“The implication was that Commissioner Turner was the only one on the end of a lot of bullets,” Commissioner Will Branning said. “That wasn’t the case. I think we all were.”
The biggest problem about the assessment, which the board agreed to having done this past spring, might have been its coinciding with other events, Commissioner Joseph Harris said.
“In real estate it’s location, location, location and with a survey it’s timing, timing, timing,” Harris said. “This was going on as many communities got caught up in the topic of a smoking ban. We probably should have waited for the smoke to settle.”
Board Chairperson Nancy Schouweiler agreed the timing was unfortunate and created the wrong impression that the county was actively considering some form of smoking ban. Although the issue was discussed at the board’s Aug. 24 meeting as the Community Services Committee, the board did not consider any specific ordinances and instead opted to re-affirm a 2002 resolution deferring to the state Legislature on the issue.
“This county has not discussed any sort of change in a smoking ordinance since the decision in 2002,” Schouweiler said. “We certainly did not give staff direction to do so now.”
As for the survey itself, Adams said the Public Health Department received a wide variety of feedback from the effort.
“We’ve seen everything from people saying we should do everything possible to prevent smoking to saying the government has no role to play in smoking,” Adams said.
Adams said the assessment will be used to expand prevention efforts for youth in the community. The county will work with school districts on strategies as well as communities on increasing compliance checks and other measures, she said.
http://www.mnsun.com/story.asp?city=Apple_Valley&story=142855
Dr. Kelley’s Do-it-Yourself Book
one answer to cancer
Reviewed after 32 years
1967 — 1999
By Dr. William Donald Kelley, D.D.S., M.S. 1999
http://www.whale.to/a/kelley.html
Epidemiology. 1997 Nov;8(6):678-80.
Is infant immunization a risk factor for childhood asthma or allergy?
Kemp T, Pearce N, Fitzharris P, Crane J, Fergusson D, St George I, Wickens K, Beasley R.
Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, New Zealand.
The Christchurch Health and Development Study comprises 1,265 children born in 1977. The 23 children who received no diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) and polio immunizations had no recorded asthma episodes or consultations for asthma or other allergic illness before age 10 years; in the immunized children, 23.1% had asthma episodes, 22.5% asthma consultations, and 30.0% consultations for other allergic illness. Similar differences were observed at ages 5 and 16 years. These findings do not appear to be due to differential use of health services (although this possibility cannot be excluded) or con-founding by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parental atopy, or parental smoking.
PMID: 9345669 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Interesting website The truth Campaign
http://www.truthcampaign.ukf.net/mainpages/magazines.html#8
St. Mary's fights no-smoking law
WebPosted Sep 10 2004 08:58 AM ADT
ST. MARY'S FIRST NATION — St. Mary's First Nation near Fredericton is rejecting a provincial law that will ban smoking in public places on Oct. 1.
NB natives smoke
Bar Owner Fined for Violating Smoking Ban
(Buffalo, NY, September 9, 2004) - - The owner of a popular Elmwood Avenue bar and restaurant has been fined for defying New York's indoor smoking ban.
The Erie County Health Department slapped fines totalling 2,000 dollars on Rick Naylon for two separate violations at Jimmy Mac's.
Naylon has been battling in court for a waiver, and his case goes before the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court next week.
http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2281695&nav=0RapQkkt
Cracker Barrel Settles In Racial Discrimination Suit
A Tennessee-based restaurant chain says it has settled a number of racial discrimination lawsuits.
The lawsuits accused the 497 store chain of segregating African-American customers in the smoking section and denying them service.
sit with the other lepers
*Trendy hotel in Dublin Ireland is up for sale. The recent customers include Bono of U2 fame, Obie trice, these are just a few. It is known as the place to go to be seen, in Dublin.
http://www.hotpress.com/music/news/2753012.html
Vitamin C May Improve Smokers' Blood Circulation
Fri 10 September, 2004 18:33
By Amy Norton
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A dose of vitamin C may give a quick boost to the poorer-than-average blood circulation seen in healthy young smokers, a Japanese study suggests.
SOURCE: American Heart Journal, August 2004.
vitamin c antioxidant
Posted at 8:00 pm by looped_ca
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Proposed smoking bylaw is revisited-Airdrie, Alberta
Karen Lazaruk Senior Reporter
Airdrie Echo — The issue of Airdrie’s proposed smoking bylaw was before city council once again last night and this time, discussion centred on the wording of the controversial second question.
At press time, council’s decision was not known
http://www.airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=116045
Man arrested for illegal cigarette possession
By Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune Published: Sep 08, 2004
Those smokes were hot - literally!
An Ironton man was arrested last week after Ironton police confiscated 55 cartons of cigarettes from his car, and will likely face new charges after authorities learned the cigarettes were stolen.
Marcus Birchfield, 26, of 514 N. Sixth St., was charged with possessing cigarettes that do not have a lawfully affixed stamp. He may also face a charge of receiving stolen property.
Ironton police detective Jim Akers said Birchfield was stopped in the 600 block of Walnut Street on a routine traffic violation.
A search of Birchfield's car uncovered 55 cartons of cigarettes. Since then, Akers said he discovered the items were stolen from a Speedway convenience store in Maysville, Ky.
"Cigarettes are hot items," Akers said. "I don't know what they go for a pack or a carton but I know they're expensive."
Birchfield was housed in the Lawrence County Jail.
http://www.irontontribune.com/articles/2004/09/08/news/news480.txt
Smoking ban hits cigs manufacturer Gallagher08/09/2004 - 11:37:54
Silk Cut owner Gallaher today posted a 4.4% rise in profits, despite what the company said was the negative impact on sales of the smoking ban in Ireland and higher taxes on cigarettes in Germany.
Higher UK cigarette sales offset worsening conditions in the company's other key European markets.
http://212.2.162.45/news/story.asp?j=134935475&p=y34936z9x&n=134936361
2 teenagers charged with cigarette, candy thefts
ATHENS — Athens police arrested two teens Tuesday and charged them in connection with cigarette and candy thefts from a local grocery store.
Lt. Floyd Johnson said four teenage males from Limestone County were involved in the June 18 break-in of Martha's Grocery at Nuclear Plant and Lucas Ferry roads. Johnson said police previously arrested one teen and made two more arrests Tuesday. Investigators Brett Constable and Jay Jones arrested a 15-year-old and 17-year-old and charged them with third-degree burglary.
Johnson said investigators still are looking for a fourth teen
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/040901/thefts.shtml
Medicare To Cut Cancer Drug Fees
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2004 (AP) The Bush administration announced plans Tuesday to cut Medicare payments to cancer doctors, saying taxpayers have been paying the physicians up to twice what they should for certain medications.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/08/health/main641920.shtml
Settlement With Rite Aid Stores to Protect the Public Health
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- "It has been a crime in Michigan to sell cigarettes to children for almost 100 years. Yet, children too young attempt to legally purchase cigarettes and are still able to make a buy in many neighborhoods across this State. I compliment Rite Aid for stepping up to the plate," said Cox. "By entering into this legally enforceable agreement, Rite Aid is committing to help law enforcement officials protect the health of our children and make it harder for minors to buy cigarettes in Michigan."
Rite Aid Agreement
Jennings looks at states' use of tobacco money
By Tom Dorsey
The Courier-Journal
Whatever happened to the $246 billion in legal settlements the states got from tobacco companies to convince people, especially teenagers, not to smoke?
For the most part, the promise has been reneged on time after time, according to "Peter Jennings Reporting: From the Tobacco File — Untold Stories of Betrayal and Neglect" at 10 tonight on ABC.
For the first time in history, Jennings says, the anti-tobacco forces had the chance to regulate the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, but the plan was snuffed out by lack of support from prominent health officials.
"They squandered an historic opportunity," says Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who drafted the legislation.
Would it have made any difference if the money had been used for anti-smoking programs? Jennings says Florida established a plan that was effective in getting people to quit smoking, or never to start, but then the state recently robbed the settlement piggy bank.
Jennings also explores the irony of cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris, which led the fight against new regulation, now backing government control of the industry. The company thinks government control will lead to approval of a so-called safe cigarette and save the industry.
http://www.courier-journal.com/features/2004/09/08/dorsey.html
Pub Industry 'Not Tough Enough over Anti-Smoking' -UK
By Graham Hiscott, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, PA News
Campaigners branded the latest moves by the pub industry to restrict smoking as “utterly inadequate” today.
It was also revealed today that a Scottish Executive consultation on curbing smoking had attracted an unprecedented 27,000 responses.
The figure, nearly 20 times higher than for any previous consultation, was disclosed by deputy health minister Tom McCabe as an international conference on smoking in public places began in Edinburgh
ASH wants tougher law
Opponents of ban on smoking launch campaign to stop 'political suicide' - UK
JAMES DOHERTY
IT WAS a strange juxtaposition. As 12,000 delegates at a major conference on respiratory problems headed home from Glasgow clear in their determination for a ban on smoking in public places to be introduced, so the pro-smoking lobby kicked off their campaign on their right to light up.
In the lounge of the Doublet Bar in the city’s West End, yesterday, the Freedom2Choose campaign insisted that the First Minister, Jack McConnell, would commit "political suicide" by imposing a smoking ban in public places.
Although the prohibition has been welcomed generally in Dublin, publicans outside the city have warned that business has suffered. Wholesalers have also reported a 15 per cent drop in beer and spirits trade.
In Scotland, a ban could be in place by March 2006.
Business will hurt by ban
Cigarette sales hit by ban
A leading cigarette company has revealed that its sales have fallen sharply in the Irish Republic since smoking was banned in workplaces earlier this year.
Gallaher - which makes Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges cigarettes - had reported on Wednesday that sales in the UK had risen by more than 3% since April.
Irish gov't to lose 81 million in taxes
British pubs enforce smoking ban
Smoking at the bar in a third of British pubs is to be banned, says the British Beer and Pub Association.
Speaking during a visit there last week, First Minister Jack McConnell said Scotland could learn positive lessons from the Irish experience.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3638406.stm
Protesters fume over plans to block smoking in pubs
By Colin Birch Sep 8 2004
ANGRY landlords fear pubs could be forced to close and thousands of jobs lost if a blanket ban on smoking is enforced.
87% don't want ban, yet still considering
Antibiotic May Trigger Cardiac Deaths
*all these deaths are considered smoking related in studies, if person smoked or lived with smoker
By LINDA A. JOHNSON Associated Press Writer
A common antibiotic prescribed for 50 years to treat everything from strep throat to syphilis dramatically increases the risk of cardiac arrest, especially when taken with certain newer, popular drugs, a study found.
Antibiotic causes 6 in 10,000 cardiac deaths
Doctors: 9/11 illnesses may not appear for decades
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 Posted: 6:51 PM EDT (2251 GMT)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A patchwork of post-September 11 health screening programs will not detect increases in more serious, long-term illnesses like cancer, experts told Congress Wednesday.
Doctors and government investigators told a House subcommittee it could take decades to detect all the health woes stemming from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack and subsequent cleanup around New York's World Trade Center.
The two most common conditions found so far are lung damage and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Little study done on workers of 9/11
Lawrence council supports local smoking laws – New Jersey, USA
Adopted resolution calls for return of township rights.
By: Lea Kahn , Staff Writer09/09/2004
Township Council adopted a resolution Tuesday night supporting proposed legislation that would return to towns the right to adopt ordinances that control tobacco use.
The project was sparked by Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg's interest in sponsoring legislation that would return the authority to adopt such ordinances to local governing bodies, but she said she needed proof that there is sufficient interest in it, according to the New Jersey GASP Web site.
Town wants rights, not state
Armed police respond to smoking complaint
Now the Justice Department is investigating the case to find out why so many policemen showed up for such a minor crime and why they didn't go through with the arrest.
War of the badges in smoking section?
Student smokers will spend more time in class
by Jason Freed 9/9/2004
COLUMBIANA — Underage smokers, beware.
Instead of suspension for tobacco violations at Columbiana schools, the district now will be sending violators to a Saturday school class held by the Columbiana County Health Department.
http://www.morningjournalnews.com/story.asp?ID=30311
Suffolk Snuffs Out Smoking During "Cabaret" Sep 9, 2004 11:46 am US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (BELLPORT, Long Island) The show "Cabaret" is about hedonism -- sex, drinking and smoking in Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The Suffolk County Health Department is taking exception to the smoking. The county says it will fine the Bellport Gateway Playhouse and its actors if they light up on stage while performing "Cabaret."
In fact, the company was fined $500 for smoking during a performance of "Fosse" last week.
Gateway producer Paul Allan says he's going to fight the law as a violation of free speech.
Allan says the theater might be a public place, but the stage is not. He says actors are allowed to be nude on stage, and drink on stage because it is not a public place.
County sanitarian Bob Morcerf says a woman filed a complaint last week, because her husband with asthma got sick during a performance of "Fosse" last week.
Allan says herbal cigarettes can be used as an alternative, but some actors have questioned there safety.
Other Long Island theaters that did Cabaret dealt with the county's no-smoking policy. The Broad Hollow Theater in East Islip, had its actors carry the cigarettes but never light them.
http://1010wins.com/topstories/winstopstories_story_253115150.html
Diet may play key role in protecting against childhood leukemia
Posted on Thursday, September 09, 2004 @ 9:21 AM PDT by bjs
Incidence rates of childhood leukaemia are significantly lower in Asia than in Western countries and researchers will consider evidence that this may be due to differences in diet pattern. The incidence of childhood leukaemia in Britain increased dramatically during the twentieth century. The increase has mainly affected the under-five age group, in whom the risk increased by more than 50 per cent during the second half of the century alone. Although the causes of leukaemia in children are poorly understood, modern environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a major role in the rising incidence. If this is the case, it should be possible to take preventive measures. But first we need to identify the factors responsible.
From Children With Leukaemia :
New research suggests early diet may play key role in protecting against childhood leukaemia
Incidence rates of childhood leukaemia are significantly lower in Asia than in Western countries and delegates at a conference in London (Thursday 9 September) will consider evidence that this may be due to differences in diet pattern.
http://www.scienceblog.com/community/article3994.html
A look at the first day of school for new High School Principal Tim Matheney.
*excerpt from article
As he walked through the halls, he came across one student who was walking alone and pulled him aside. He said the boy smelled like cigarette smoke and was late for class and said he would be watched for future instances.
"I was blessed with a really good nose, which comes in handy being a principal," Mr. Matheney said.
student treated like criminal
Altria Sees 2004 Profit in Upper Range
09.09.2004, 12:26 PM
Altria Group Inc., parent of Kraft Foods Inc. and Philip Morris USA Inc., on Thursday reiterated its full-year earnings at the high end of its previous forecast, but said it expects domestic cigarette sales volume to decline in the second half of 2004.
Shares of Altria fell 2 cents to $49.59 during midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2004/09/09/ap1537302.html
Turmeric Linked to Cancer Protection in Children
A common ingredient used to make curry could offer protection against cancer, research suggested today.
“These findings are consistent with the protective role of fruits and vegetables observed in adult cancers,” Dr Kwan said.
The link is thought to be due to the high vitamin and mineral content of both oranges and bananas.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3475609
Letter 'from Lynch' spurs investigation State seeks author of campaign forgery
The attorney general is investigating a fake letter mailed out under the name of John Lynch, a Democratic candidate for governor. Lynch said the letter misrepresents his stance on a number of issues, including taxes, gun control and gay marriage.
Letter leads to investigation
Advocacy groups: Butt out of the Canada Pension Plan By JOHN MacNAUGHTON
Thursday, September 9, 2004 - Page A25
At its annual meeting last month, the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution calling on the government to prohibit the CPP Investment Board from investing any of the Canada Pension Plan's $73-billion reserve fund in tobacco companies. Several political and opinion leaders promptly lent their support, chiding the CPP Investment Board for its tobacco investments.
Many Canadians cheered a new initiative against the tobacco industry. Usually, I would have, too. But as president of the CPP Investment Board, charged with managing the assets underlying the pensions of 16 million Canadians, I am categorically opposed to the recommended prohibition.
The CPP Investment Board was created in 1997 by the federal government and the provinces, including Quebec, which manages the assets of the parallel Quebec Pension Plan through the Caisse de dépot et placement. It was established in response to an impending funding crisis in the CPP, which was paying out more in benefits each year than it was receiving in contributions -- $6-billion more in 1996 alone. Our demography, meanwhile, was changing as the boomer generation was rapidly approaching retirement, and the financial burden on workers to sustain the CPP was certain to mount if something wasn't done.
This situation prevailed in all developed Western economies; where Canada was different was in its response. In an impressive example of federal-provincial co-operation, 11 governments came together to solve the problem. They agreed to changes in the CPP that have resulted in a large and growing reserve fund. Skillfully invested, it will help to ensure that contribution rates can remain stable so that tomorrow's workers won't have to pay more and more of their hard-earned income to pay for their parents' and grandparents' retirements.
Well-crafted legislation established a clear mandate for the CPP Investment Board: Focus on the investment interests of CPP contributors and pensioners and maximize investment returns without undue investment risk. The legislation is explicit that the organization is to invest only in accordance with its mandate. The CPP Investment Board also benefits from a legislated governance structure that ensures that the assets are managed by a professional investment management team accountable to a professionally qualified, experienced board of directors operating at arm's length from government.
The legislation's drafters recognized that, as the reserve fund grew, the CPP Investment Board inevitably would become subject to pressures to make investment decisions for non-investment reasons. The mandate and structure were designed so that couldn't happen.
The Canadian solution to the pension fund crisis plaguing many countries has won international acclaim. But skeptics have watched -- certain that it was only a matter of time before the CPP Investment Board was co-opted by those who had agendas other than the pursuit of investment returns that compensated appropriately for investment risks.
The CMA resolution is a case in point.
At a personal level, I feel awkward asserting a contrary view to the CMA; I've been involved for decades in the fight against tobacco companies and the illnesses their products cause. I have given financial and moral support to the Non-Smokers Rights Association almost since its inception 28 years ago and served as one of its honorary directors for a decade. In the 1970s, I was a cancer patient on two separate occasions. To support the institution that had supported me, I became vice-chairman of the capital campaign in the mid-1990s for Toronto's new Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the world's leading comprehensive cancer centres, and subsequently served as chairman of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation for five years while it raised about $160-million -- primarily to fund cancer research, but also for patient care and the education of clinicians, scientists and patients.
I share this personal history to make clear that I am neither new nor indifferent to the important issues being addressed by the CMA. Emotionally, I am with the doctors 100 per cent in their desire to marginalize tobacco companies. But the issue is not what their campaign might do to tobacco companies; the issue is what it would do to the CPP.
Defined benefit pension plans, like the CPP, have a single purpose. Their reason for being is to pay the pensions promised to their retirees. Pension funds are not vehicles for advocacy groups to advance their objectives, however worthy.
If the CMA's campaign is successful, it is only a matter of time before other equally well-intentioned organizations demand additions to the CPP Investment Board's proscribed list. And were it acceptable to prohibit investments for non-investment reasons, then it might also be acceptable to require the CPP Investment Board to commit capital to financially unattractive but politically opportune or socially justifiable investments. The result: The securities of legal businesses would be deemed illegal investments; poor investments would become required investments. This is not a formula for success.
This is not what the CMA intended, but it is a consequence of what it has proposed.
The management of the CPP reserve fund by investment professionals -- with a focused investment mandate, accountable to a capable and dedicated board of directors and operating free of political influence -- is critical to the long-term sustainability of the CPP.
Let's not get on a slippery slope that puts at risk the retirement income security of the millions of Canadians who are counting on the Canada Pension Plan.
John A. MacNaughton is president and CEO of the CPP Investment Board.
Advocacy to stay out
Tobacco firm gets CCAA aid in tax fight
Macdonald seeks protection after Quebec seizes cash it says is tied to '90s smuggling
anti smoking groups unrepentant
Challenge to Toronto's anti-smoking law on hold
By Gay Abbate Thursday, September 9, 2004 - Page A14
The first test of Toronto's tough anti-smoking bylaw has been put on hold until later this month.
Charges against Seductions International, a bar on Kipling Avenue north of the Queensway in Etobicoke, for allegedly flouting the new bylaw by allowing smoking, were to have been heard yesterday by a justice of the peace.
Brian Simpson, the club's lawyer, asked for an adjournment because his client is awaiting decisions on two other challenges it launched against similar smoking bans in Niagara Falls and Brantford.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040909/NATS09E-3
Ontario cabinet split on suing tobacco firm for back taxes By RICHARD MACKIE From Saturday's Globe and Mail
A split among cabinet ministers has left the Ontario government dithering over whether to launch legal action to seek at least $400-million in unpaid taxes from a major tobacco company.
The potential windfall for the deficit-plagued government results from the alleged involvement of JTI-Macdonald Corp. in the smuggling and illegal sale of tax-free cigarettes during the 1990s.
Several cabinet ministers have argued in private that the government has to follow the example of Quebec and go after the money.
But a spokesman for Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said no decision has been made on whether to take action.
Ontario debates next move
Mayor cites tobacco lobby to get MDs' financial aid Thursday, September 2, 2004 - Page A7
* why doesn’t he appeal to his non smoking public?
Sydney, N.S. -- Mayor John Morgan has asked local doctors to contribute financially to his re-election campaign, warning that the tobacco lobby will try to take control of the municipality's council.
Mr. Morgan, in a letter sent to doctors in July, noted that the municipality, along with the medical community, introduced the first public smoking ban in the Atlantic Provinces. He said the hospitality industry is upset over the smoking bylaw. CP
Anti-smoking cigs 'worse than tobacco'25 August 2004
Mayor scared of educated voters
Herbal cigarettes designed to help smokers quit are more dangerous than ordinary cigarettes, several Belgian newspapers reported on Wednesday. BRUSSELS –
The reports claim plant-based cigarettes sold in pharmacies are more toxic and cancerous because they contain tar.
In France, the French Office for Preventing Tobacco Addiction, has called on the health ministry to ban their sale.
The news coincides with a study confirming even young smokers of tobacco are at risk of heart attacks.
Finnish epidemiologist Markku Mahonen says a large study of cardiovascular diseases carried out in 21 countries between 1985 and 1995, shows how dangerous cigarettes can be for smokers under 40.
The results showed 80 percent of those who had a heart attack between the ages of 35 and 39 were smokers.
Male smokers in that age bracket increased their risk of a heart problem almost five-fold while women smokers increased the risk by 5.3 times.
http:/
Posted at 3:04 pm by looped_ca
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
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
Posted at 4:29 pm by looped_ca
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
quick skim of news from last three days
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
Posted at 11:12 am by looped_ca
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