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Friday, September 24, 2004
Smoking Dopes -NY
Daniel Fisher, 09.22.04, 10:34 AM ET
NEW YORK - Say the U.S. government wins its $280 billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Then what?
Even a clean sweep in court wouldn't make much of a dent in the $7.4 trillion U.S. debt, however. The tobacco earnings of Philip Morris and Reynolds American, representing about three-quarters of the U.S. cigarette market, together equaled $10 billion last year, a little more than a day's worth of federal tax revenue.
With the government in charge of the tobacco industry, one thing is certain: Prices would go up and consumption would fall. There's plenty of practical experience backing this, from government control of liquor sales in Canadian provinces to the longtime monopoly certain European countries had over cigarettes.
"If you assume smoking is bad and you must deter smoking, that is great," says Pierre LeMieux, an economist at the University of Quebec at Outaouais and a vocal critic of smoking regulations. "If you believe in consumer sovereignty, that's bad, no better than a monopoly in hula hoops or wine."
The scenario isn't so troublesome to Richard Daynard, head of the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Northeastern University School of Law. Daynard says that "we saw some reasonably substantial drops" in smoking by teens and children after manufacturers raised prices to pay for the state settlements of tobacco litigation in 1998. Cigarette prices have climbed more than 90% since 1997, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the median state and federal taxes on a pack of smokes approaching $1, and some states, such as New Jersey, charging more than $2.
"If we're stuck with one major strategy" to reduce smoking, Daynard says, "a price increase would be it." But there comes a point when price increases backfire and consumers either quit smoking or turn to smugglers and other alternatives to retail cigarettes. The U.K. learned this the hard way after doubling taxes on cigarettes in the 1990s. Smuggling increased, and a 1999 estimate by the admittedly biased Tobacco Manufacturers' Association pegged tax losses at £3 billion ($5.4 billion at current exchange rates) a year. In the U.S., meanwhile, rising prices helped trim sales to 371 billion cigarettes last year, down 5.1% from 2002 and 19% since 1998. Smuggling has increased, according to the Government Accountability Office, as the profit from a smuggled carton of cigarette can range as high as $13.
So the government would inherit a shrinking, albeit extremely profitable, business facing serious competition from illegal distribution channels. There is hope: Altria's Philip Morris unit reported domestic operating earnings of $6.1 billion last year on sales of $17 billion. As part of a government-controlled monopoly, Philip Morris presumably could trim the $12 billion it spends on marketing and administration, potentially doubling profit. How much does it cost to promote an addictive product?
The real jewel for the government would be Philip Morris' international business, however. Sales rose 17% to $33.4 billion, and earnings jumped 11% to $6.2 billion, as the Marlboro Man grabbed market share in Asia and Europe. Already the tobacco companies are subsidizing U.S. anti-smoking programs through contributions to funds established in the 1998 tobacco settlement. Perhaps Washington bureaucrats could turn this into a growth industry by exploiting the growing earnings of their overseas cigarette operations to wean every American off nicotine.
http://www.forbes.com/home/manufacturing/2004/09/22/cz_df_0922tobacco.html
Schwarzenegger smoking tent led to flooding in California Capitol
(09-22) 09:20 PDT SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) --
A tent constructed so Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could smoke his cigars at the state Capitol contributed to some of the water damage suffered during a sudden rainstorm Sunday, state officials said Tuesday.
The artificial turf still remains in the Capitol courtyard, but has been moved away from the drains, Edelen said.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/a/2004/09/22/state1220EDT7381.DTL
Smoking bans milestone
By ELLEN WHINNETTSeptember 23, 2004
TASMANIA will become the first state in Australia to outlaw smoking in pubs and clubs.
Premier Paul Lennon yesterday introduced legislation to restrict smoking in hospitality venues by January 1 next year, and completely ban it by January 1, 2006.
Health groups were disappointed by the 15-month delay to the total ban, but praised the Government for making the commitment.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10848684%255E3462,00.html
Reid hints of smoking ban -UK
Sep 23 2004The Government will take action to tackle smoking in public places, Health Secretary John Reid has indicated.
Reid hints of smoking ban
"I Think a Lot of Guys will Break Down in Iraq"
Destroying the National Guard
By WILLIAM S. LIND September 24, 2004
The unit knew it would soon be shipped to the front. Some soldiers responded by deserting. Others got drunk and fought. In response, officers locked the unit in its barracks, allowing the troops out only to drill, not even to smoke a cigarette, until it could be put on the transport that would take it into combat.
It sounds as if I am describing some third echelon Soviet infantry regiment in, say, 1942. In fact, I am talking about the 1st Battalion of the 178th Field Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, in September 2004. According to a front-page story in the September 19 Washington Post, the unit was disintegrating even before it was deployed to Iraq. One shudders to think what will happen once it gets there and finds itself under daily attack from skilled enemies it cannot identify.
http://www.counterpunch.org/lind09242004.html
Mugger broke cyclist's arms -AU
By REBECCA HEWETT
September 25, 2004
A cyclist walking his dogs was pushed off his bike and stabbed in the leg with a kitchen fork, Darwin Magistrates court heard yesterday.
Northern Territory News
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10870531%255E13569,00.html
I Propose A New Amendment To The Constitution -US
By Brooks A. Mick
Sept. 24, 2004
As Mel Gibson said as they disemboweled him in "Braveheart:" FREEEEEEDDOMMMMMMMMM!
One of Mick's Postulates, I forget exactly which number it is, says that "No matter what group you are in, it is usually trying to destroy someone's freedom somewhere, someway, somehow.
Please remember: THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
Unfortunately, many people, including whatever your pet social or political group is, even if it claims to want freedom and individual liberty, seem to have forgotten this. We are not living in a totalitarian state where the government, no matter how well-meaning, should be able to tell citizens how to run their private lives. (Are we?)
This includes smoking, the constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms, the use of trampolines, and other activities which are none of your neighbor's business and none of the government's business.
It amazes me how many of the liberal apologists for President Clinton's tasteless and illegal activities nevertheless want to poke their long blue noses into the private cigarette packs, gun cabinets, and back yards of law-abiding Americans.
Pediatricians want to ban guns, emergency room doctors want to ban trampolines, and Playboy magazine thinks it is perfectly fine for Rep. Pete Stark, the national Medicare nanny, to formulate a law saying it is illegal to discuss fees with a naked patient. Isn't this getting a little silly? Isn't it? Aw, come on, admit it!
I propose a new Amendment to the Constitution:
"Congress shall pass no law any funnier than the average Polish joke." (Of course one would have to establish just how funny the average Polish joke is, but that shouldn't be too hard. Get an old laugh meter from a canceled TV game show, assemble a statistically representational crowd, get someone with no sense of humor to read a large sample of Polish jokes, and measure the average laugh decibel. Then read the new laws proposed by Congress to the same group, and see how big a laugh the law gets and compare it. Simple.)
This would stop much of this garbage. In the meantime, never cheer when somebody else's taxes are raised, because they will be into your pocket next. And never yell "right on" when someone else's freedoms are trashed, because you are tacitly agreeing that the government can trample your freedoms next.
Are you sure you want the government telling you you can't yell at your kid to turn down the volume on that rap music? That may be next. Watch out or your kid could file a complaint and you'll end up in jail.
Not only is the camel's nose in your tent, he's in up to his belly button ring! Let's all resolve to support each other's pet freedoms so our own won't be trashed. How about it, folks?
Where do we live anyway? Let's hear it! THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
------------
About the author Brooks A. Mick: 63-yr-old physician, still practicing medicine but retired from the US Army. Write just for the fun of it, but working on novel in the vein of Tom Clancy's politico-military genre.
http://www.useless-knowledge.com/articles/apr/sept319.html
Breathing life into fight for lung operation By Jen Bishop -UK
A SHIRLEY couple are desperately trying to help raise £200,000 to send the best man at their wedding to America for a life-saving lung transplant.
"He's never had a cigarette past his lips in his entire life, yet he has a really rare lung disease like this.
"He was diagnosed with it when he was 40, but in the last two years things have really gone downhill for him.
"Apparently, some people can live quite normal lives with it under control, but David's got so bad he is now in a wheelchair and on oxygen 24 hours a day.
lung transplant needed by nonsmoker
Tobacco class action thrown out -AU
24sep04
AUSTRALIAN tobacco companies were breathing a "multi-billion dollar sigh of relief" after a New South Wales court today ruled out a class action by smokers seeking compensation.
NSW Supreme Court Justice Virginia Bell found smoker and cancer sufferer Myriam Cauvin could not bring an action on behalf of other smokers.
Ms Cauvin, from Blaxland in Sydney's west, had sued cigarette giants Philip Morris and British American Tobacco and retailers for the return of more than $200 million of invalidly-collected excise tax.
She had sought to have the taxes transferred to a fund to compensate smokers for the costs of quitting, and for associated health problems.
Justice Bell, in handing down her final judgment, found Ms Cauvin was able to lay an individual claim but ordered references to unidentified "other persons" be struck out.
Lawyer Neil Francey said the decision, which effectively spells the end of any class action by smokers, was hugely disappointing.
"We've put everything into this case, me personally for the last two-and-a-half-years," Mr Francey said outside the court.
"We've agitated with governments at a state and federal level from both sides of politics wanting support for the case (but) we've heard a deafening silence."
He said the decision would encourage a "log jam" of individual claims.
It also makes class actions in other areas, such as asbestos, mobile phone and yet to be discovered diseases, very difficult.
"The technique of suing on behalf of other people in this way is being denied," Mr Francey said.
"I imagine (tobacco companies) will be breathing a multi-billion dollar sigh of relief."
Mr Francey said a court appeal would be fruitless without more government support.
Ms Cauvin took up smoking at age 10, was addicted by the age of 15, developed breathlessness in her 20s and was diagnosed with emphysema at the age of 30.
She had a life-saving lung transplant on September 11, 2001, but suffered a stroke in May this year.
Mr Francey said the 40-year-old had wanted to help other victims of cigarettes and was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
However, she would proceed with an amended, individual claim in the Supreme Court on October 8.
Her landmark case on behalf of Australian smokers follows a High Court decision in August 1997 and subsequent government legislation which made invalid excise collected by the tobacco companies between July 1, 1997, and August 5, 1997.
Ms Cauvin had claimed that the invalid tax was included in the price of cigarettes sold to smokers and should be returned for the benefit of consumers.
http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/common/story_page
Spiked cigarette theory unconfirmed -Wales
Sep 24 2004Tryst Williams, The Western Mail
SOUTH Wales Police last night stressed that the possible use of a spiked cigarette was just one line of inquiry being pursued in the investigation into the alleged rape of a 30-year-old woman in Swansea.
The incident is reported to have occurred at a city guest house during the early hours of last Saturday.
A 39-year-old man from Ebbw Vale was arrested on Sunday evening and has since been released on bail, pending further inquiries.
spiked cigarette one theory
Jail made me inhale says dope-test prisoner -NZ
By LOUISA CLEAVE 25.09.2004
A prison inmate is suing the Government for compensation after returning a positive drug test he claims was the result of passive smoking.
huddle to keep warm gets man into trouble
Meningococcal case diagnosed in Lincoln City
Lincoln County Health and Human Services Public Health received a report on Sunday of a presumed positive case of meningococcal disease diagnosed in a 6-year-old child from Lincoln City, who has been hospitalized and is expected to make a full recovery.
Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria. This bacteria is not spread by casual contact like the flu, chicken pox, or measles - it is spread by close contact over a long period of time with the sick person's saliva or by the sick person coughing or sneezing. People exposed in this way are prescribed a special antibiotic to prevent them from becoming ill with the disease.
Cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are associated with an increased risk of becoming ill with meningococcal disease - especially in children.
Symptoms of the disease include a rapid onset (over a few hours) of chills, high fever (102 degrees plus), severe headaches and stiff neck, and a rash or bluish-purple blotches. Nausea and vomiting may accompany these symptoms.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention, either by a doctor's office or hospital emergency room. Left untreated, meningococcal disease can be fatal.
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2004/09/24/news/news21.txt
*smoking is banned in varying degrees of province
Crack smoking room needed, says mayor - BC
WebPosted Sep 22 2004 06:43 PM PDT
VANCOUVER - Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell says the city is ready to make an application to Health Canada for a "safe inhalation" facility for crack-cocaine smokers.
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_inhale20040922
No smoking rules confuse bar owners -NB
WebPosted Sep 24 2004 01:52 PM EDT
FREDERICTON — The New Brunswick Health Department is trying to clear the air about the province's new smoking ban as the countdown begins for public places to go smoke free.
Even the province's chief medical officer Wayne McDonald had a tough time explaining who is supposed to enforce the ban. "[Bar owners] are going to be a key part in applying the law. So it's up to each bar owner or the manager of the day, if they see somebody who's violating it, like anything else that would take place in a bar that they would not see as something that needs to take place or should take place, then they would have to apply the legislation in that way. They are not enforcing it. We are enforcing it through our inspectors. I just wanted to clarify that," he says.
The province will keep trying to clarify the smoking ban through a publicity campaign.
http://nb.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=nb_smokingban20040924
N.B. to ban smoking in all public places, despite calls -Canada
September 23, 2004
FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government is going ahead with a ban on smoking in all public places, despite calls from bar and restaurant owners for a delay.
Health Minister Elvy Robichaud says the regulations are clear and will take effect October 1st.
But Kim Hunter of the New Brunswick Licensees Association says the final regulations were only issued today, and lack sufficient enforcement.
She says unless there is strict enforcement, bars and restaurants will lose customers to establishments who ignore the new law.
Federally regulated places, including CFB Gagetown, are exempt from the ban.
First Nations communities can also apply to the federal government for exemption.
Statistics Canada figures released in June showed New Brunswick had the highest rate of smokers in the country.
http://www.canada.com/maritimes/news/story.html?id=beac1f5a-059b-4645-8256-a59af6fde9a9
Family questions medical care –Calgary, AB
CFCN.ca POSTED AT 4:35 PM Friday, September 24
A Calgary family says two walk-in clinics didn't take their son's complaints seriously enough. Two weeks later, 36 year old Tim Stuart died. The 36-year-old Calgary man was a stand up comedian and a single father. He was young; his family says he was in good health. When he suddenly fell ill, Tim went to a walk-in clinic for help.
"He was given a prescription, and told to lose 100 pounds and quit smoking and our son was not overly obese, he was not a heavy smoker, he was an occasional smoker,” said his mother, Myrna Stuart.
A few days later Tim still wasn't getting any better. His dad took him to another walk-in Calgary man dies
Don't Get Burned By Heartburn
NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2004 (CBS)
Heartburn affects about 20 percent of all American adults at least once a month, advises The Early Show's Dr. Mallika Marshall.
Someone with heartburn will experience a feeling of burning warmth or heat or other discomfort that begins in the upper abdomen just below the lower breastbone. The pain often spreads up to the throat, and sufferers may have a sour taste in their mouths. Heartburn happens when the contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus, which leads to irritation. Everyone has a valve called a lower esophageal sphincter. It is supposed to stop stomach contents from backing up. But this valve doesn't work properly if you experience heartburn.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/24/earlyshow/saturday/main645541.shtml
Ireland may tax chewing gum Saturday 25th September, 2004
Big News Network.com Saturday 25th September, 2004 The Irish government may impose a 10 percent tax on chewing gum to help pay for rising street-cleaning costs, Sky News reported.
A gum tax is among several proposed ways to improve the quality of life in Ireland, most notably banning smoking in pubs, restricting pub-opening times and outlawing drinking in the streets.
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=2d03195ea60a4b61
Posted at 11:19 pm by looped_ca
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Hospitality industry calls for more time –NB
Groups say they haven't been contacted by province about new law
BY MAC TRUEMAN
Telegraph-Journal
Health and Wellness officials have been overwhelmed with news media inquiries resulting from the hospitality industry's massive campaign to delay the province's public smoking ban.
Nearly three months after the anti-smoking law was passed, and only eight days before its scheduled Oct. 1 implementation, the province has yet to notify industry members what their role will be in enforcing the ban, or even that the ban exists, said Kim Hunter, spokeswoman for the New Brunswick Licensees' Association.
http://canadaeast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040923/TPEBRIEF/309230040
Proposed no smoking bylaw sparks another debate-AB
by Kevin Gill
Jasper Booster — aWhile the decision to put the smoking bylaw as a question on the October ballot has been made (see story on Page 1), the debate on the issue expanded during the Sept. 14 special council meeting.
The argument strayed from the merit of the bylaw itself to whether or not it’s municipal council who should be the ones drafting local bylaws.
Some residents said that it should be council’s job to draft bylaws for the town, but the Smoke Free Jasper coalition that submitted the petition and attached bylaw said it was simply following the rules of the Municipal Governance Act.
Coun. Brenda Zinck said she was upset by the way the bylaw was presented.
http://www.jasperbooster.com/story.php?id=117929
No smoking bylaw put on ballot
by Kevin Gill
Jasper Booster — Jasper Municipal Council has decided to leave the decision about a local no smoking bylaw in the hands of voters.
Council held a special meeting on Sept. 14 to discuss the issue, which drew about 15 residents who wanted to voice their opinions on Bylaw 57 before a decision was made.
Council’s options were to put the bylaw as a question on the municipal ballot this October or to go ahead on its own and approve the bylaw with second and third readings.
http://www.jasperbooster.com/story.php?id=117928
Guest Editorial
Freedom of choice is lost
Freedom of choice: can anyone tell me the real meaning of this? Is it just for the chosen few, if the city goes along with the no-smoking law?
The smokers should apply to the city for a tax break for their lost freedom. Of course, this will mean people will go out of town to shop and for entertainment if the law goes through. Let’s go whole hog and see how long it takes for the next law to come in regarding minors in any place where liquor is sold or served – e.g. by law, they would not be allowed in the same rooms, lounges, restaurants and private parties such as weddings and outdoor festivities unless they were in your private homes.
I wonder how long these people have lived in this town or have they just drifted in and want to run the show.
Since I have read the questions the city is asking, I think there should be only Question 1 and this should be a yes or no answer, but it seems as though the powers that be have already decided the outcome.
– George Hurst is a resident of Airdrie
http://www.airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=118280
Dear Editor:
I was very surprised and very disappointed in mankind last Friday. As I was waiting to see John Dockman come into our fine city, I was shocked to see only a handful of people waiting inside the entrance of Towerlane Mall. I would have thought that every school in Airdrie would have sent home a release form and every mother, father, brother, sister, principal, teacher and anyone else who teaches our children in the community should have been down at Nose Creek Park with $1 in their hand to give it to this young man who has run across this great country for such a good charity.
I am sure that out of every house in Airdrie, someone will know or has had a loved one affected by (cancer). Maybe someone can give me an answer why the community and the school system are not willing to step forward and really congratulate this young man and his family for a job well done
– Maureen Hutchison, Airdrie
http://www.airdrieecho.com/story.php?id=117119
Illegal smoke sales charges tossed out of court
WebPosted Sep 21 2004 08:22 AM CDT
WHITEHORSE - Two Whitehorse business operators have been acquitted of selling cigarettes to minors, even after clerks admitted they made the sale.
http://north.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=sep21cigcharg21092004
Bylaw burns me up!
KERRY DIOTTE, CITY HALL BUREAU
It's time to ratchet down the rhetoric on the Edmonton smoking bylaw debate and consider some cold hard facts. Smoking has been thrust into the news headlines as two Edmonton mayoral candidates sling barbs at one another.
Robert Noce and Mayor Bill Smith have been doing the slinging.
Smith is stridently anti-smoking, and does not believe anyone should even discuss the possibility of softening the local bylaw when the toughest provisions kick in next summer.
But most recently Noce said, "I don't intend to reopen the smoking bylaw."
So if he's not going to try to solve someone's problem, why waste their time by talking to them with a closed mind?
In the midst of this unfortunate flip-flop, Noce attempted to refute accusations he was taking campaign cash from people who want the smoking bylaw softened.
Why he did this is beyond me.
What is wrong with taking money from people in the bar industry, for instance, who have a contrary view of a civic law?
Besides, surveys have shown Edmontonians do not support a total smoking ban in bingo halls, bars and casinos.
So why should the majority have to live with a law they do not support?
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2004/09/21/637311.html
Anti-smoking lobby breaking rules, says local
KATE DUBINSKI, STAFF WRITER
An Edmonton man has filed a complaint with Revenue Canada, alleging several anti-smoking charities are violating rules by wading into the city's smoking bylaw debate. Roy Harrold yesterday filed the complaint with the charities directorate division of Revenue Canada against supporters of the Vote for Health campaign, which is supported by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and the Canadian Cancer Society, both registered charities.
"These are people on the outside of the political process attempting to manipulate those with the guts to run," Harrold said yesterday.
A charity has time to argue their side, but could lose its status, he added.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2004/09/21/637320.html
Understanding the pathways to smoking
Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 Contrast these two phenomena. For several days the national news media focused attention on a coffee shop in Vancouver that was selling marijuana. Then, consider statistics showing that cigarette smoking is exponentially more costly and destructive to society than all the illicit drugs and alcohol put together. When was the last time you saw a news story about the latter?
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=community/chilliwack&articleID=1715878
Simply smouldering with style- Movie review
Sharply observed characters make an erotic mystery very seductive
By STEPHEN COLE Saturday, September 18, 2004 - Page R10
Nathalie
Written and directed by Anne Fontaine
Starring Fanny Ardant, Emmanuelle Béart and Gérard Depardieu
Classification: 18A Rating: ***
What would you do if you found out your husband of 25 years was having an affair?
Well, if you came from Mimico or Saskatoon, or anywhere in North America really, you'd probably fall apart on your friends, wear sweat pants around the house all day and throw a series of sharp, easily breakable objects at the rat-hole.
Ah, but if you lived in Paris and had a complacent understanding of the fragility of love, maybe you'd be interested in the clinical aspects of the affair. The whats and whys, maybe even the hows.
Nathalie is also remarkable for its startlingly fresh depiction of human sexuality.
The film is charged with eroticism. Yet there is but a single, quite incidental sex scene. The heat comes from unexpected conversations. The way Nathalie's confessions light a candle behind Catherine's eyes.
Speaking of lighting, the film should be avoided by anyone who has recently given up tobacco. Watching Emmanuelle Béart play-acting with a cigarette could drive any man or woman back to smoking.
Nathalie opens tomorrow.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040918/NATHALIE18/TPEntertainment/Film
New Canadian Ads Try Scare Tactics to Get Young Smokers to Quit
9/17/2004
Manitoba, Canada's government is trying out its new anti-smoking television ads on students in grades 6-12. The ads are aimed at scaring young smokers into quitting, the Winnipeg Sun reported Sept. 14.
As part of Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau's "rate and review initiative," students were shown 12 anti-smoking ads that were selected by youth focus groups.
One of the ads shows a graphic image of a tar-covered lung, while another tells the story of a young girl who lost her mother to a smoking-related illness.
"These ads hold nothing back," said Rondeau.
Yet a number of teen smokers surveyed said the ads weren't enough to convince them to quit smoking. "Seeing pictures isn't going to kill off the addiction," said Derek Scherbain, 17, who smokes about eight cigarettes a day. "They say it only takes a year for your lungs to heal, no matter how long you smoke."
The commercial that receives the highest approval rating from students will air on TV this spring.
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,574641,00.html
Alleged 'Cigarette Bandi' attends hearing for gas station burglaries -PA
By: KATIE O'CONNOR , Times Herald Staff09/23/2004
PLYMOUTH - The man who reportedly dubbed himself the "Cigarette Bandit" rocked back and forth in his seat Wednesday morning during his preliminary hearing on charges of burglary, theft and related offenses. He was arrested Sept. 13 after Plymouth Police Officer Mark Solorio saw him allegedly use a rock to break a window at a gas station and steal several packs of cigarettes. He waived his hearing on that burglary charge but went forward with the hearings on four additional gas-station burglaries.
cigarette bandit in court
Comparative Subchronic Inhalation Study of Smoke From the 1R4F and 2R4F Reference Cigarettes
Abstract:
A subchronic, nose-only inhalation study compared the effects of mainstream smoke from a 1R4F research cigarette to that of a 2R4F research cigarette. Male and female rats were exposed for 1 h/day, 5 days/wk, for 13 wk to mainstream smoke at 0, 0.06, 0.20, or 0.80 mg wet total particulate matter per liter of air. Clinical signs, body and organ weights, clinical chemistry, hematology, carboxyhemoglobin, serum nicotine, pulmonary plethysmography, gross pathology, and histopathology were determined. When histological changes resulting from exposure to smoke from the two types of cigarettes were compared, no biologically significant differences were observed. At the end of the exposure period, subsets of rats from each group were maintained without smoke exposures for an additional 13 wk (recovery period). At the end of the recovery period, there were no statistically significant differences in histopathological findings observed between the 1R4F and the 2R4F cigarettes. The complete toxicological assessment in this comparative inhalation study of 1R4F and 2R4F cigarettes suggests no overall biologically significant differences between the rats exposed to the two cigarettes.
two cigarettes don't harm
Former FDA Chief Says Tobacco Industry Controlled Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes
The Associated PressWASHINGTON Sept. 23, 2004 —
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Business/ap20040923_1073.html
Double-digit percentage gain in Nevada sales for July
By BRENDAN RILEY
ASSOCIATED PRESS
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada merchants sold $3.42 billion in goods during July for a 14.8 percent increase over the same month a year earlier - and taxes based on those start-of-fiscal-year sales are nearly $8 million ahead of last year's projections.
"The strong sales tax revenues are good news for our general fund after the most recent gaming figures took a slight dip," Gov. Kenny Guinn said. The Gaming Control Board reported Sept. 10 that Nevada casinos won $812.5 million in July for a 1.6 percent decrease compared with the same month in 2003.
The July increase in sales marked the 13th straight month of double-digit gains.
Bars and restaurants had a 7.8 percent gain in sales statewide. A breakdown shows that in the Las Vegas area, such sales, indicators of tourism traffic, were up 8 percent; and in the Reno area were up 9.3 percent.
The combined taxes based on the July sales, split among the state, schools, cities and counties, totaled $259.6 million. The state's share is $71 million, and that's $7.8 million higher than the estimate projected in May 2003 by the Economic Forum.
In looking at business and excise taxes that are separate from the sales levies, the Taxation Department said revenue from cigarette taxes, increased from 35 cents to 80 cents per package last year, are 0.5 percent below forecasts. Liquor taxes are 1.4 percent above forecasts. Excise taxes combined produced $17.2 million in July. http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2004/sep/23/092310255.html
Question from reader
I read in a Colorado newspaper that anyone witnessing another person flicking cigarette butts out of a car window can take down their license plate number and file a complaint with police. Is that something Oregon residents can do, as well? If so, where would one go to file a complaint, and how likely would it be that someone flicking cigarette butts out of a window would be spoken to or fined?
— Jenn R., Medford
Just like in Colorado, Oregonians can report a cigarette butt-tosser to police, as long as they obtain an accurate license plate number and can provide a description of the person who committed the offense.
"Just seeing the back of the car is not enough," Medford police Lt. Mike Moran said. "People need to be willing to make an effort to determine the identity of the (offender)."
With that information, motorists can go to the police agency responsible for patrolling the area where the offense occurred, and fill out a complaint form.
If a citation is issued, citizen accusers may be called upon to testify in court on behalf of police.
According to state law, anyone convicted of throwing away a cigarette or another type of lighted material faces a maximum $500 fine and six months in jail.
http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2004/0923/local/stories/18local.htm
Three businesses fail the tobacco test - Mass
By Carol Britton Meyer/ CMEYER@CNC.COM
Thursday, September 23, 2004
During a recent compliance check, three Hingham businesses were found in violation of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18. The checks are conducted quarterly in conjunction with the South Shore Boards of Health Collaborative Tobacco Control Program.
New federal guidelines established a few years ago require that anyone under age 27 be ID'd to avoid confusion. Laws concerning the sale of tobacco place the responsibility for educating employees on business owners' shoulders.
Overall, the board has taken and continues to take a proactive stand. "It's been well worth the effort," said Capman. "We're winning the battle and at least trying to keep tobacco out of the kids' hands."
http://www2.townonline.com/hingham/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=90622
Judge dismisses fines against City Oasis for breaking smoking ban – Mass.
Friday, September 3, 2004
An Attleboro District Court judge recently dismissed four fines imposed against a Norton pub owner accused of not following the town's smoking ban more than two years ago.
On July 5, a statewide smoking ban went into effect, stopping smokers from lighting up in the workplace except for private membership clubs or cigar bars.
http://www2.townonline.com/norton/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=79306
No smoking at Harvard Lanes, really -mass
By Kathy Bunnell
Friday, August 20, 2004
After receiving a citizen complaint at the end of July, Board of Health Chair Sue First told other board members at its August 10 meeting that customers are smoking at Harvard Bowling Lanes on Ayer Road, and that a ceiling exhaust fan is "actually circulating smoke through the entire building." Ira Grossman, Nashoba Associated Boards of Health sanitarian and consultant to the board, duly contacted owner Tony Graceffa to remind him of Department of Health regulations. The owner was unaware of the problem, but said that he would take care of it immediately, Grossman said.
According to Graceffa, he banned smoking at his bowling alley long before the state-wide ban went into effect. The business advertises itself as smoke-free, and is a popular site for children's birthday parties. Graceffa said he would welcome the state-law stickers that Grossman offered him.
Effective July 1, state law prohibits smoking in public places, and fines can be imposed for noncompliance. The only exception, Grossman said, is private clubs. Smoking or cigar bars may also permit smoking. Massachusetts was the sixth state to go smoke-free, and more than 100 cities and towns have no-smoking regulations. Harvard does not
http://www2.townonline.com/harvard/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=71432
Letter: Smoke-Free Establishment
Friday, September 3, 2004
I read your article on Aug. 20, i.e. "Harvard Lanes" smoking. You probably should have taken a few minutes to come here and check out the complaint. The complaint person came out of the ladies' room to smell some residual smoke from our now negated "smoking area." She blew it out of proportion. People wishing to book birthday parties may infer from your article that the entire area smells of smoke, which is entirely not true.
A. Graceffa, owner,Harvard Lanes
http://www2.townonline.com/harvard/opinion/view.bg?articleid=79665
- Should smokers continue to pay the truth® ?
All Former Secretaries Of Health, U.S. Surgeons General and CDC Directors Call On Tobacco Companies to Continue Funding Youth Anti-Smoking Campaign; Form Citizens' Commission to Gather One Million Petitions and Intervene in Tobacco Lawsuits
WASHINGTON - All former U.S. Secretaries of Health, Education and Welfare and Health and Human Services; all former U.S. Surgeons General; and all former Directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched The Citizens' Commission to Protect the Truth to convince tobacco companies to continue financing the Public Education Fund. This fund, established under the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between the states and tobacco companies, provides the financial resources for The American Legacy Foundation to conduct, the most effective media campaign in reducing tobacco use by children and teenagers.
The commission will demonstrate the commitment of Americans to smoking prevention by gathering at least one million signatures to its petition urging tobacco companies to continue payments to the Public
Education Fund under the Master Settlement Agreement. For just one and one-half cents per pack of cigarettes sold in the United States, the tobacco companies can continue funding the truth® campaign at its current $300 million level.
Originally released March 16, 2004
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/alerts/reader/0,1854,569901,00.html
Posted at 7:39 pm by looped_ca
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Smoke and Mirrors: The EPA's Flawed Study of Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer
by Gary L. Huber, Robert E. Brockie, and Vijay K. Mahajan
http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/reg16n3c.html
Smoking bylaw ticket tossed out of court
By Eliza Barlow Monday, September 21 2004
A $200 ticket issued to a local hotelier under the city's public smoking bylaw has been thrown out of court due to discrepancies in both the wording of the charge and the time the ticket was issued.
A city bylaw officer issued a ticket to Doug "Percy" Sims, bar manager of the Crystal Hotel in downtown Brandon, on Feb. 20 after the officer observed two people smoking in the bar.
But the offence listed on the Crystal Hotel's ticket was "proprietor permit smoking," an offence which Brandon Police Service Sgt. Leon Flannigan said doesn't currently exist under the smoking bylaw, which bans smoking in all public places. "There's no such charge."
The time marked on the ticket was also wrong. Both factors led to the charges being dropped on Monday morning in Brandon bylaw court.
Flannigan said tickets can be issued to business owners if they fail to remove ashtrays, fail to put up no-smoking signs or fail to warn patrons about the bylaw.
The absence of the general offence of permitting smoking in an establishment is something Flannigan calls the major weakness in the city bylaw. He said he hopes sweeping new provincial anti-smoking legislation coming in next month will address that gap.
"The only way I can see absolute compliance is if the proprietors were in a position where they could be charged with permitting smoking," said Flannigan.
"If you're charging individuals and it's not affecting the pocketbook of the proprietor in those cases, you're going to see the proprietor turn a blind eye to people who are smoking."
But Sims said other than doing what he's doing now - telling patrons when they come in that they're not allowed to smoke - he doesn't know what else he could do to prevent people from smoking.
"We're doing the best we can," he said. "And we shouldn't have to babysit these people. The bylaw people should be coming out more often."
Flannigan called the erroneous ticket one "silly mistake" among the "two to three hundred" tickets issued since the smoking bylaw came into effect more than two years ago.
The latest ticket was the second ticket handed to the Crystal Hotel under the smoking bylaw. The hotel successfully appealed the first ticket last summer.
Sims said the two people who were caught smoking in the Crystal Hotel on his watch on Feb. 20 were each fined $100.
http://brandonsun.com/displayad.cgi?adnum=637
Williston bans smoking in taverns, restaurants
WILLISTON, Vt. Smoking has been officially banned in all taverns and restaurants in Williston.
The town select board's three-to-one vote in favor of a ban yesterday makes Williston the fourth community in Chittenden County to enact such a policy.
Burlington and South Burlington imposed smoking bans this year.
Winooski's City Council approved an anti-smoking ordinance in July, but that law is on hold while the city hears appeals.
Williston's smoking ban was enacted amid little fanfare.
No one in the audience at yesterday's meeting commented on the ordinance.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=2326980
California Court Cuts Philip Morris Smoker Award
Tue Sep 21, 2004 08:31 PM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California appeals court has ruled that a smoker's record-breaking $3 billion punitive damages award against Philip Morris was still "excessive" even after being reduced by a trial judge to $100 million and must be halved again.
The Second District Court of Appeal, a state court in Los Angeles, gave the estate of Richard Boeken the option of accepting the lowered amount of $50 million or going to trial again, according to an opinion published on Tuesday.
Philip Morris said in a statement that the company would appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=6297736
Lawyers seek revival of suit over tobacco sales to Calif. teens
SAN DIEGO Attorneys trying to revive a class-action lawsuit argued in court that the once-popular "Joe Camel" campaign was strategically designed to recruit underage smokers.
Lawyers representing Californians who began smoking as teens say tobacco companies should NOT be allowed to use the First Amendment to illegally market cigarettes to children.
http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=2328329
Infact Welcomes Long-Awaited Start of Trial
Department of Justice Lawsuit Signals Public Demand for Holding Tobacco Industry Accountable for Deadly Abuses
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/
The trial begins as global momentum continues to build behind the
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world's first public
health and corporate accountability treaty. The global tobacco treaty becomes
international law after the 40th country ratifies; 31, including Norway and
India, have already done so. While the Department of Justice case will
potentially bring the tobacco industry to task in the United States, the FCTC
will change the way it does business in countries around the world.
Infact spokespeople will be available for comment throughout the trial.
Infact is a membership organization that protects people by waging and
winning campaigns challenging irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions
around the world. Through bold campaigns and a commitment to win, for over 25
years Infact has forced corporations-like Nestle, GE and Philip Morris/Altria-
to stop irresponsible and dangerous actions. Infact is an NGO in Official
Relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Network for
Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) includes 75 NGOs from more
than 50 countries working for a strong, enforceable Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control. For more information visit http://www.infact.org or
http://www.iwr2002.org.
Contacts------
lobyists support spending money on lawsuit
Companies hid dangers of smoking, lawyers say
WASHINGTON
Tobacco companies, desperate to maintain their hold on tens of millions of American smokers, worked together for years to deceive the public about the dangers of cigarettes and to encourage young people to start smoking, government lawyers said yesterday at the start of a racketeering trial.
Justice Department lawyers referred to numerous statements by industry executives that created doubt among smokers about whether the habit was harmful and whether they really needed to kick it.
"Defendants' strategy of denial worked, and they knew it," Justice lawyer Sharon Eubanks told Judge Gladys Kessler of U.S. District Court.
nFor the Journal's in-depth series on RJR, Lost Empire, visit us online at www.journalnow.com
Lawyers say they hid the dangers
"Nicotine patch therapy in 101 adolescent smokers : efficacy, withdrawal symptom relief, and carbon monoxide and plasma cotinine levels"
Nicotine patches NOT effective –report done in 2001
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10632247&dopt=AbstractCurrent
How to help nicotine-dependent adolescents quit smoking
Current Psychiatry Online
Practical Clinical Reviews September 22/04 Vol. 3, No. 9 / September 2004
Effect on quit rates. Psychiatric comorbidity may reduce quit rates during smoking cessation treatment.6 When smokers are trying to quit, watch for remission, worsening, or emergence of psychiatric conditions.
Assessing adolescent smoking
CO levels typically reflect smoking in the previous few hours, whereas the half-life of cotinine is longer (1 day or more). Also, factors such as environmental pollution or marijuana use can inflate CO levels. Thus, cotinine levels have greater accuracy and specificity, reflecting only the amount of nicotine consumed.
Unfortunately, most laboratories do not measure cotinine levels, and the expired-air CO test (CO Breathalyzer) is relatively expensive for most clinicians.
Until cotinine testing becomes widely available, we recommend a combination of self-report and expired-air CO level to monitor abstinence.
We have found daily smoking to be a good indicator of nicotine dependence, and anyone who smokes daily would receive significant health benefits from quitting. Hence, any daily smoker who wants to quit, regardless of DSM-IV nicotine dependence status, is a candidate for treatment.
Behavioral therapy
Unlike adults, adolescents usually lack smoking-related medical consequences, such as heart or lung disease.
For adults, first-line FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation include nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) in transdermal, gum, inhaler, and lozenge forms and sustained-release bupropion. Nortriptyline, doxapine, and clonidine have shown effectiveness for smoking cessation but are not FDA-approved for this indication.15 Selegiline and mecamylamine have shown initial efficacy and are being examined in larger clinical trials.
For adolescents, little is known about what medications might help them stop smoking. Nicotine replacement therapies and bupropion SR have been most explored in adolescent smokers. The effect of psychiatric comorbidity on the quit rate is not well-studied in adolescents.
The transdermal nicotine patch (TNP) has shown modest results in preliminary trials among adolescents. One study found 11% abstinence at 6 weeks,16 and another found a <5% quit rate.17 A third study reported an 18% abstinence rate with a combination of TNP and contingency management therapy.18 Discussion of contingency management and other behavioral therapies is beyond the scope of this article.
A recent study comparing TNP, nicotine gum, and placebo in adolescent smokers found the lowest drop-out rate and highest compliance among the TNP group. Three-month abstinence rates were 17.6% for TNP, 6.5% for nicotine gum, and 2.5% for placebo. The difference between the TNP and placebo groups’ abstinence rates was statistically significant.19
Bupropion SR. In an open-label pilot study, our group treated 16 adolescent smokers weighing >90 lbs with bupropion SR, 150 mg bid. Average age was 18, and two-thirds of patients had ADHD. The endpoint abstinence rate—as measured by self-report and CO levels—was 31%, which is similar to rates reported in adult smokers treated with this dosage of bupropion SR.20
The adolescents did not gain weight during the study, which may be important to this age group. Reported side effects were similar to those in adults, with one adolescent reporting an allergic reaction (urticaria). We are conducting a larger follow-up study using bupropion SR with and without behavioral therapy.
We suggest:
• using behavioral therapy and patient education as first-line treatment for nonregular adolescent smokers
• using medication and behavioral therapy as first-line treatment for regular smokers and medication as second-line treatment for nonregular smokers who do not respond to behavior therapy/ patient education.
Offer a treatment for at least 6 to 8 weeks before considering a change in therapy. One definition of initial success is no tobacco use over 7 days by self-report and biological verification (such as CO levels).
Behavioral therapy is relatively low-risk and helps many adult smokers. Despite a lack of evidence, some sort of behavioral therapy in combination with pharmacologic therapy might also help adolescent smokers.
Medication. Based on the limited published evidence, we consider TNP and bupropion SR first-line medications for adolescent smokers who want to quit.
For adult smokers, clinicians often combine medication and NRT to increase success rates.15 No data suggest that combining TNP and bupropion SR may be more effective than monotherapy in adolescents, but the combination might help those who do not respond to either agent alone.
We recommend starting bupropion SR treatment at least 1 week before the patient’s quit date. Titrate the dosage based on the package insert and patient tolerance.
Start NRT according to package instructions, and titrate dosages based on response:
• increase if the patient reports substantial craving and withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and anxiety.
• decrease in case of toxicity (such as nausea).
In our experience, adolescent smokers require slightly lower NRT dosages than adults, although this varies among individuals.
Drug brand names
Bupropion SR • Zyban *causes adolescents to commit suicide.
Clonidine • Catapres
Doxapine • Sinequan
Mecamylamine • Inversine
Nortriptyline • Pamelor
Selegiline • Eldepryl
Disclosure
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/2004_09/0904_Upadhyaya.asp
A critique of NRT Regulation
*says no harm done by smokeless tobacco, no conclusive evidence of an increased risk of myocardial infarction, or oral cancer. Long-term use of NRT could therefore be seen as an extension of the treatment period rather than the development of a new dependence. The limit of 18 years does seem to be arbitrary. For most other medicines, 12 years or age of puberty are the cut-off limits.
http://www.ash.org.uk/html/regulation/html/nrtcritique.html#_Toc532097130
Casinos install equipment to remove cigarette smoke
DES MOINES, Iowa The Iowa health department and the state attorney general say high-tech air-handling systems the state's casinos are installing to remove clouds of cigarette smoke do not make the air safer to breathe.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=2332419
Gas station cashier throws cigarette cartons at would-be robber
By The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
A gutsy 62-year-old gas station cashier chased off a would-be thief by pitching cartons of cigarettes at him, police said.
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/newssummary/s_253938.html
Lyle slams plans for ban on smoking - UK
By Helen Russell Sep 22 2004
SMOKERS also need consideration when the issue of banning smoking in pubic places comes up for debate.
That’s the view of Councillor Richard Lyle, who is leader of the SNP Group of North Lanarkshire Council.
Councillor Lyle admitted that he is a committed smoker and he believes that the wishes of smokers are being ignored in the smoking debate.
He made the impassioned plea as the council’s planning and environment committee considered the response to the Scottish Executive on the document “Smoking in Public Places”.
The report, which was prepared by officials, supported in broad terms the ban on smoking in enclosed public places.
However, the council made it clear that this is not a ban on an individual’s right to smoke, rather it is an attempt to stop smokers making others ill while doing so.
Lyle-slams-plans-for-ban-on-smoking
Ghost shuts New Delhi university 23.09.2004 6.20 am
Students at a New Delhi university have been given an unexpected week off - thanks to a ghost on the campus. There have been no new classes at the Indian Statistical Institute's Delhi branch since Friday, and most of the students have gone home for a week.
The reason is that students have become convinced the institute is haunted. They say a ghost is roaming the corridors, knocking on doors, jostling the students on the stairs, and leaving strange and unexplained odours of after shave, deodorant and cigarette smoke lingering around the buildings.
The students believe they recognise the strong smell of after shave and deodorant as that worn by a student who died suddenly from a rare heart condition during a class at the institute just a month ago.
Knock, knock Casper here
Tobacco Companies Deny Conspiracy to Push Smoking
September 22, 2004 1:19:00 PM ET
By Peter Kaplan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A tobacco industry lawyer acknowledged on Wednesday that some executives may have acted wrongly, but said cigarette companies have never engaged in a conspiracy to mislead the public about the dangers of smoking.
No conspiracy here
San Francisco supervisor wants to extend smoking ban outdoors
SAN FRANCISCO A law proposed by a San Francisco supervisor would really crack down on smoking.
Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier has proposed legislation that would ban smoking in all outdoor recreations area regulated by the city. That would include parks, gardens, piers and playing fields.
Under the proposed ordinance, people who light up in those area would be slapped with a 250-dollar fine.
But Assemblyman Leland Yee, who represents San Francisco, says he plans to reintroduce a law that would ban smoking cigarettes on the state's beaches that died in committee last year.
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2333556
Posted at 7:52 pm by looped_ca
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
I mentioned this September 14/04 in abstract & here is article! Lol http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/351/11/1057
Smog May Cause Lifelong Lung Deficits By Alicia Di Rado 09/08/04
A long-term USC study following the pulmonary health of children in polluted L.A. areas signals likely health problems in adulthood.
By age 18, the lungs of many children who grow up in smoggy areas are underdeveloped and will likely never recover, according to a study in this week’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The research is part of the Children’s Health Study, the longest investigation ever into air pollution and kids’ health.
Between 1993 and 2001, study scientists from the Keck School of Medicine of USC tracked levels of major pollutants in 12 Southern California communities while following the pulmonary health of 1,759 children as they progressed from 4th grade to 12th grade.
“Teenagers in smoggy communities were nearly five times as likely to have clinically low lung function, compared to teens living in low-pollution communities,” said W. James Gauderman, associate professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School and lead author of the study.
People with clinically low lung function have less than 80 percent of the lung function expected for their age – a significant deficit that would raise concerns during a doctor’s exam.
Lung function grows steadily as children grow up, peaking at about age 18 in women and sometime in the early 20s in men. Lung function stays steady for a short time and then declines by 1 percent a year throughout adulthood.
As lung function decreases to low levels in later adulthood, the risk of respiratory diseases and heart attacks increases.
http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/story.php?id=10495
U.S. Says Cigarette Makers Lied for 50 Years
*209 RELATED ARTICLES ON GOOGLE (MOST HAVE SAME TITLE)
By Peter Kaplan Tue Sep 21, 2004 11:20 AM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -
The trial is expected to last about six months and feature more than 100 witnesses.
Justice Department officials want the industry to give up $280 billion worth of past profits and are seeking tougher rules on marketing, advertising and warning claims on tobacco products.
Cigarette makers also say a $280 billion penalty would put them out of business and have challenged the government's legal authority to seek past profits.
An appeals court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in November on the penalty issue and some industry analysts think settlement talks could follow if the government loses.
Some anti-smoking groups fear the administration of President Bush may want to settle the case, but U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft said he looked forward to recapturing industry profits and preventing the marketing of cigarettes to young people.
http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=6293840
U.S. Carmakers Lukewarm on Diesel Engines
By Karen Padley Fri Sep 17, 2004 04:48 PM ET
DETROIT (Reuters) - Soaring U.S. gasoline prices may have some U.S. consumers taking a closer look at diesel cars, but few auto industry executives expect a wholesale rush to diesel any time soon.
Despite the higher fuel efficiency of diesel engines, stricter U.S. emissions standards coming in 2007 could dampen demand, according to executives at this week's Reuters Autos and Manufacturing Summit in Detroit.
Some also are hoping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may review their emissions regulations as diesel cuts the so-called greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
Diesel engines currently are only sold in 45 states because they don't meet requirements for nitrous oxide, a component of acid rain, and particulates or soot, which has been linked to respiratory problems.
The more stringent emissions standards, now effective in California, New York and three other states, will be extended nationwide in 2007. It's unclear yet whether those standards can be met in a cost-effective way.
"When you look at the fuel economy improvement (of diesel engines over gasoline engines), which is anywhere from 30 to 70 percent, and you look at the cost of gas going up, it quickly pays for itself," he said.
http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=6269284
Tougher limits on cigarette sales expected- Australia
The Queensland Cancer Fund believes it is inevitable cigarettes will eventually be forced under the counter in shops.
State Cabinet has finalised the details of restrictions on the display of tobacco products, under tough new anti-smoking laws.
From the end of next year, retailers will only be allowed one tobacco display unit and its size will be limited to one square metre.
Cancer fund spokesman Alan Inglis says stricter limits are sure to follow.
"Obviously the next step that needs to be taken is to put cigarettes under the counter out of the sight so that children, in particular, won't be seeing these as a temptation - that's the next step and retailers should be preparing for it," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200409/s1203450.htm
Woman 'drug rape' cigarette link - Britian
Detectives believe she was the victim of a so-called "fry" - a cigarette with a taste of surgical spirit.
Police, who say the victim may have had her drink spiked, issued a warning to women to beware if they are offered cigarettes by a stranger after the attack in Swansea last Friday night.
Other clubbers were urged to beware of the danger.
Acting Detective Inspector Huw Griffiths said: "The woman was talking to two men in Baron's nightspot on Friday night.
'Very distressed'
"She was offered a cigarette, very soon afterwards felt giddy and disorientated and decided to leave.
"When she went home one of the men she had been talking to offered to take her home in a taxi.
"She woke up alone the next morning in one of the guest houses on Oystermouth Road.
There have been warnings there that cigarettes which have been tampered with have a taste similar to surgical alcohol and petrol.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/3676212.stm
Beattie tells retailers to butt out -Australia
Rosemary Odgers and Patrick Lion September 22, 2004
THE State Government is heading for a showdown with retailers over its tough new smoking laws.
Retailers have complained the proposed laws, which restrict cigarette displays in shops to 1sq m from next year, will threaten their viability and cost jobs.
They will lobby Labor MPs in a bid to water down the laws, and have written to Premier Peter Beattie and Health Minister Gordon Nuttall requesting an urgent meeting.
But Mr Beattie yesterday accused retailers of putting profits before the health of Queenslanders.
The Government announced the limits on Monday.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10838502%255E3102,00.html
Cigarette tax increase debated -Wisconsin
By REID MAGNEY / La Crosse Tribune
Legislative candidates weighed in on cigarette taxes and health issues at a forum Monday in La Crosse.
Ten candidates attended the forum, sponsored by SmokeFree Wisconsin and other local groups advocating for people with disabilities.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2004/09/21/news/z02cig.txt
Cigarette butts mar HSS Complex, other campus scenery -Nebraska
By Katie Backman / Daily Nebraskan September 20, 2004
Bergt(director of Landscape services) said the problem hasn’t increased since previous years, but she would like to see less cigarette butt litter on campus.
“I don’t know how to change people’s behavior,” Schumann said. “Some people will always throw their cigarette butts in an ashtray, and some will just litter.”
Makes you wonder why sudden butt problem
Supporters Raise $1.6M To Support Tobacco Tax - Colorado
By Steven K. Paulson, Associated Press Writer Sep 21, 2004
DENVER (AP) Supporters of a measure that would raise the state's cigarette tax from 20 to 84 cents say they have raised another $130,000 in the past two weeks, bringing their war chest to $1.6 million.
Their opponents have raised nothing, but plan to vigorously fight it.
Mike Melanson, spokesman for the sponsors of the initiative, Citizens for a Healthier Colorado, said Monday that the group plans to file its report on Wednesday with Secretary of State Donetta Davidson.
Melanson said his group plans to spend $2.2 million to get Amendment 35 passed.
He said his opponents, representing convenience stores and cigarette companies, have reported no contributions so far for their group, "Protect Our Constitution Vote No on 35."
The plan would raise the excise tax on other tobacco products like cigars and chewing tobacco by 20 percent.
http://news4colorado.com/localnews/local_story_265103532.html
Posted at 1:51 pm by looped_ca
Monday, September 20, 2004
The True Smoking Issue
Business people are getting upset because the reservations won’t ban smoking. Business owners, in Manitoba are asking for the provincial government to do something about it.
If banning smoking is so good, why would they care what the small reservations in Manitoba would allow it? A meeting hall, casino, where smoking is allowed is being planned. A local business owner said she just wanted a level playing field. There is a storm brewing where the sovereignty rights of North American Indians are going to be tried. The storm is brewing all over Canada.
In Ontario, the sale of native cigarettes has the media in the small city of Owen Sound asking on the radio if it’s right. The Sale of cigarettes is allowed on Native land, and going at the price of $36.75 instead of the $64, business is brisk. Talking to the owner, she mentioned that it was heard in Chicago, Illinois. Now if the smoker where such a dieing breed, one has to wonder why this is getting so much air play.
The control, not the health is what is being lost; in this issue. This is evident is the exemptions that are being handed out. If it were a real health issue the government wouldn’t allow the sale of this product. In the United States the EPA has a minimum, and it would take 16,000 cigarettes to reach the minimum a 20x 20 sealed room, for the lowest chemical. This would mean that the sale and control need to be questioned. If the sale, and ban on Native American land can’t be controlled will the “denormalization” of the habit be garnered?
The rights, to the cultural freedom are one area that can not be denied. This is a prohibitionist cause not a heath cause. The abolishment of tobacco will not be granted. It has been occurring around the world since 1600’s, and yet the heath issue has suddenly appeared. It is wrong to suddenly say that a disease that is not totally understood can be caused by one substance, yet only affect 30% of the customers. It should be up to the property owners who are deciding the issue, not the “charity” organizations.
Sent to: Owen Sound, kincardine, globe, sun, star, nowtoronto.com, Toronto free press, metronews.ca (Ontario) Brandon sun,clipper weekly, neepawa banner, neepawapress.com, wiinepeg freepress, Indian Life (Manitoba)
Cops foil abduction and cigarette theft
Friday, September 17, 2004
BRIDGEWATER, N.S. -- A brazen abduction and attempted cigarette heist was broken up by police in Bridgewater, N.S. on Thursday.
Town police chief Brent Crowhurst said three masked and armed men abducted a female employee of Crouse and Choat Wholesalers.
They forced her into a white mini-van and drove to the business owner's home about 16 kilometres out of town.
The owner and his wife were also forced into the van and driven back to Bridgewater where the man was told to open up the warehouse by the would-be thieves.
Crowhurst said police arrived at the scene before the suspects could load up the van after being alerted to "suspicious activities in the area."
Two suspects were chased by officers on foot while the mini-van drove off.
There was no word on arrests.
Thefts in New Brunswick
Good source for newspapers (has world and all north American too)
http://directory.google.com/Top/News/Newspapers/Regional/Canada/
Cigarette displays cut to one showcase
Sean Parnell and Rosemary Odgers
September 21, 2004
TOBACCO retailers have 15 months to re-design their cigarette displays or face severe penalties under the Beattie Government's anti-smoking campaign.
The campaign will also include a ban on smoking in all indoor areas of licensed premises – including alfresco dining areas and beer gardens – and all patrolled surfing beaches, around children's playgrounds and the entrances to buildings.
Penalties for breaches, to be announced in coming weeks, will include hefty fines.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10825015%255E3102,00.html
Man Allegedly Beaten To Death For Not Giving Up Cigarette
Fight Breaks Out At Partners Pub
POSTED: 9:06 am EDT September 20, 2004
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland police say a bar fight ended in murder Sunday.
Ricardo Leon, 23, died after being beaten outside Partners Pub on Dennison Avenue on Cleveland’s west side, NewsChannel5 reported.
Officials believe he was involved in an argument inside the bar when the fight began. Witnesses said he wouldn’t give a cigarette to another bar patron.
Police said about a dozen people helped beat Leon. Neighbors said they have the beating on video.
A man and woman have been arrested and likely will be charged Monday.
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3743795/detail.html
Tobacco tax-hike plan
Ballot issue would raise price per pack of cigarettes to $4
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News
September 20, 2004
A proposed 64-cent tax hike would bring the price of a pack of cigarettes to about $4 in Colorado, and that gives some smokers sticker shock.
Citizens for a Healthier Colorado, the group backing Amendment 35 on the Nov. 2 ballot, expects that the new tax would raise $175 million a year.
Ballot question
Market Report
By David Winning and Louisa Nesbitt, City Staff, PA News
The FTSE 100 Index shrank back from the 4600 barrier today as it failed to recover from the early shock of a profits warning from Unilever.
http://business.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3524018
Atlanta Revisits Smoking Ban
Web Editor: Sean Rowe
Last Modified: 9/20/2004 10:53:16 AM
For the second time in September, the Atlanta City Council will consider the passage of a proposed smoking ban.
Council members were expected to vote on the ban about two weeks ago, but chose to send the issue back to committee for revision. The original plan called for a ban on smoking in public places, including restaurants, sporting venues and other outdoor events that require tickets to attend.
Bars would be exempt from the ban.
If the current resolution passes, then it would take effect on December 1.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=52138
Judge Strikes Down Campaign Finance Rules
Judge Strikes Down Several FEC Rules on Campaign Finance Law, Orders Tougher Restrictions
The Associated Press WASHINGTON Sept. 20, 2004 —
A judge has struck down several government rules on campaign fund raising, ordering tougher restrictions on big political money in the long term while creating uncertainty about how candidates, parties and interest groups should proceed in the current election's final weeks.
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040920_974.html
(JUNK)Study reports air worse in smoky bars
*Read scientific critique of report, this is based upon
http://forces.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=887
By LINDA A. JOHNSON Posted on Mon, Sep. 20, 2004
Associated Press
"The magnitude of that effect is striking," Buckley said.
As of July 1, a total of 727 U.S. municipalities had some smoking restrictions, with 312 banning smoking even in bars and restaurants, according to the nonprofit American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation.
Delaware, New York and Massachusetts prohibit smoking in all workplaces, restaurants and bars. California and Connecticut have similar bans, but with exemptions for workplaces with five or fewer employees.
On the Web: American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation: http://www.no-smoke.org www.repace.com
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/nation/9713640.htm
*Something funny is happening I try to find the web page for, Healthy Acadiana Regional Grassroots Effort and the only thing available is the one cached . I found out about them in the article in the advertiser (they don’t archive)
Here is the news article & the cached page
advertiser news article
Group writes proposed law to ban smoking in Lafayette's public places
Claire Taylor/ctaylor@theadvertiser.com (Louisianna)
September 20, 2004
cached page
Schumer to Fight for Nuclear Workers' Compensation
(Town of Tonawanda, NY, September 20, 2004) - - Hundreds of local industrial workers or their survivors are still waiting for Uncle Sam to pay compensation for illnesses suffered working on America's nuclear weapons programs. News 4's Marie Rice reports that Senator Chuck Schumer is joining the fight.
Senator Schumer is calling on the government to complete site profiles at the 5 former nuclear facilities in Western New York.
He also wants the site profile at Bethlehem Steel to be re-done.
http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2325950&nav=0RapR7ZR
Cancer Study to Help Patients
Posted: September 20, 2004
Researchers are looking for women ages 35 to 74 who have a sister diagnosed with breast cancer but has not had the disease themselves.
For more information log onto www.sisterstudy.org.
http://www.weiu.net/news/archive/newsbuilder/2004/sept/0920/cancerstudy.htm
New anti-inflammatory strategy for cancer therapy
Medical Research News Published: Monday, 20-Sep-2004
A new strategy for cancer therapy, which converts the tumor-promoting effect of the immune system’s inflammatory response into a cancer-killing outcome, is suggested in research findings by investigators at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine.
The findings provide new insight into the immune system’s response to inflammation, the connection between inflammation and malignancy, and how the delicate balance between cancer promotion and inhibition can be manipulated in the patient’s favour
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=4933
Local Cancer Couple Shocked By Alleged Cancer Fraud
September 20th, 2004
Vegas Cares hopes the community will heal after the startling revelation that Christine Anderson faked her cancer diagnosis to get donations. But as News 3 Investigator Darcy Spears explains, there's one couple for whom healing is out of reach.
Some people were hit in the pocketbook by Christine Anderson's fraud. Some were just mentally shocked, but it really hit home for Diana and Greg Thomas, a husband and wife who both really have cancer.
http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=2325803&nav=15MVR7Tk
Study: Air in smoky bars worse than air on highways (Junk)
TRENTON, N.J.
Even office-only bans have a big impact. Axelrad noted testing showed that as smoking in offices was increasingly restricted, the level of a nicotine byproduct called cotinine in the blood of nonsmokers plunged 70 percent from 1990 to 2001.
http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2322153
FCC fines levied in 2004
The Federal Communications Commission has levied fines totaling $1,635,000 in 2004, almost all for radio. In 2003, the total was $440,000, all for radio. A breakdown of this year's fines:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/tv/articles/0919janetimpact.html
Posted at 4:37 pm by looped_ca
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