http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/puff/ en-us Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:37:24 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2118831/posts Smokers banned from becoming foster parentsKatharine Barney, Evening Standard 29.10.08   Stubbed out: Redbridge Council has banned smokers from fostering children   SMOKERS will be banned from fostering children under radical measures to be introduced in London.Redbridge council is thought to be the first in the country to implement the rules, despite a shortage of 2,000 foster carers across the capital.The move is aimed at limiting children's exposure to the effects of passive and second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.The new smoking policy, to be voted on next week, will apply to all foster carers except family... The Evening Standard (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2118831/posts#comment Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:37:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047091/posts Smoking ban leads to new religion Wednesday 16 July 2008Café owners in the Netherlands are joining religious movement known as the One and Universal Smokers Church of God, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.‘We stand firmly behind the church’s teachings and that is smoking,’ Cor Busch, owner of the former Lindeboom café in Alkmaar told the paper. ‘Smokers are being discriminated against… but a beer and a cigarette belong together.’ Smoking has been banned in Dutch bars since July 1. Several dozen bars have joined the movement which claims the Dutch constitution and European rules give it legitimacy under the... Dutch News (The Netherlands) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047091/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:42:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972789/posts SANDOVAL, Ill. — Sometimes civil action begins in a rural bar called Fat's, where an ashtray sat on every table and the smoke hovered wall to wall. About 200 people including bar owners, VFW members and patrons filled Fat's on Monday night for a tavern-hall meeting to discuss overturning or amending Illinois' statewide smoking ban established this year. -snip- Bar owners here reported Monday that revenue is down between 30 and 50 percent. The casino industry claims the ban already has caused at least a 17 percent drop in Illinois gaming business after just six weeks. St. Louis Post Dispatch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972789/posts#comment Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:22:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967724/posts SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois' statewide smoking ban is barely a month old and opponents already are trying to relight the debate. With the General Assembly scheduled to return to Springfield this week, various Illinois interests — casinos, bars, veterans' organizations — are preparing to push state lawmakers to carve out exceptions for various types of facilities from the sweeping ban that went into effect this year in all indoor public places. "I'm a dedicated nonsmoker, but the hair on the back of my neck stands up" at some of the freedom-of-choice issues created by the ban, said state Rep. Bill... St. Louis Post Dispatch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967724/posts#comment Sat, 9 Feb 2008 19:13:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967220/posts METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Officials of Harrah's Metropolis riverboat casino claim Illinois' new smoking ban has resulted in the layoff of about 30 jobs at the casino. Casino officials claim guests are spending less on entertainment and making fewer trips because of the ban and the casino suffered a drop in visitation compared to the previous six-month average. St. Louis Post Dispatch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967220/posts#comment Fri, 8 Feb 2008 18:35:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1951025/posts After months of protesting Columbia’s smoking ordinance and spearheading a failed campaign to have it repealed, Joel Thiel, co-owner of Otto’s Corner Bar & Grill, said he decided this week to close doors for good. Julia Robinson photos Above, Brett Wisman, left, and Kristal Allen smoke cigarettes after dinner last night at Otto’s Corner Bar & Grill in downtown Columbia. Below, Otto’s co-owner Joel Thiel works yesterday in the restaurant. Otto’s will close next week, a move Thiel blamed on the city’s smoking ban. He said sales have been down 30 percent since the ban took effect in January. "Our... Columia Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1951025/posts#comment Wed, 9 Jan 2008 21:50:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1935010/posts In an effort to motivate workers to kick unhealthy habits, U.S. companies are hitting them where it hurts: in their wallets. Employers who provide health insurance often use financial incentives, such as contributions toward premiums, to encourage workers to participate in wellness programs like smoking-cessation courses. Now some employers are wielding a stick as well as a carrot. Employees at some companies who are overweight, smoke, or have high cholesterol, for instance, and who don't participate in supplementary wellness programs, will pay more for health insurance. In extreme cases, employees' insurance deductibles could rise by $2,000. "The bottom line," says... wsj http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1935010/posts#comment Wed, 5 Dec 2007 14:59:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1930750/posts It’s not a smoking gun, but it’s smoking-related, and it’s there in bright medical images: evidence of microscopic structural damage deep in the lungs, caused by secondhand cigarette smoke. For the first time, researchers have identified lung injury to nonsmokers that was long suspected, but not previously detectable with medical imaging tools. The researchers suggest that their findings may strengthen public health efforts to restrict secondhand smoke. “We used a special type of magnetic resonance imaging to find these structural changes in the lungs,” said study leader Chengbo Wang, Ph.D., a magnetic resonance physicist in the Department of Radiology at... EurekAlert http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1930750/posts#comment Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:08:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1924539/posts According to three doctors at the KS Hegde Medical Academy in Mangalore, India, writing in the journal Medical Hypotheses, giving up smoking can kill you. Arunachalam Kumar, Kasaragod Mallya, and Jairaj Kumar were "struck by the more than casual relationship between the appearance of lung cancer and an abrupt and recent cessation of the smoking habit in many, if not most, cases." In 182 of the 312 cases they had treated, an habitual smoker of at least a pack a day, for at least a quarter-century, had developed lung cancer shortly after he gave up smoking. They surmised a biological... The Ottawa Citizen http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1924539/posts#comment Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:51:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1924556/posts How would you feel about a $9.589 billion tax increase? Wait. It’s a cigarette tax increase. Oh. Well, you say. That’s different. That’s what the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate are counting on you to think. Not all Americans are reflexively opposed to tax increases, but among those who are, opposition tends to be far less ferocious when you are convinced you will not be the one paying. North Star Writers Group http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1924556/posts#comment Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:28:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1902907/posts A seed was planted in Patrick Reynolds' life the day his tobacco magnate father, R.J. Reynolds, died from cigarette-induced emphysema. "We often find our greatest calling where we've been wounded most," he said. Years after his father's death, Reynolds turned his back on the family business -- Big Tobacco -- and now travels the country delivering his anti-tobacco message. "There was R.J. Reynolds, dying from the product that made our family rich and powerful. I was angry," Reynolds said Wednesday in Tulsa at the second annual Prevention Health Conference. His older brother also died from smoking, along with other family... tulsa world http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1902907/posts#comment Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:30:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1897322/posts Odor of Cigarette Smoke Causes School Employee to Lose Job Last Edited: Friday, 14 Sep 2007, 9:53 AM CDT Created: Friday, 14 Sep 2007, 9:36 AM CDT Suzanne Lidster lost her job at a Denton elementary school because she smelled like cigarette smoke. The Denton Independent School District has removed an employee from her position because she smells like cigarette smoke. Suzanne Lidster was thrilled when she was recently hired to assist a student with disabilities at L.A. Nelson Elementary. "It's something that God sent me here to do with this child," Lidster told FOX 4.  "It's like OK,... FoxNews4, Portland, ME http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1897322/posts#comment Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:52:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1884820/posts Keef escapes fine for lighting up, but Stones will keep puffing on stage   (MMP Cambridge) Keith Richards enjoys a cigarette during the Rolling Stones gig at the O2 arena in London last night  Jonathan Richards Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood will continue to smoke on stage during Rolling Stones gigs in the UK despite reminders from authorities that it is now illegal. Band insiders were responding to warnings from Greenwich Council that the two guitarists could face fines if they persist in lighting up on stage, as happened during a gig at the O2 arena last night. Richards... Times Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1884820/posts#comment Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:10:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1858595/posts Statewide smoking ban has support Poll shows public also OK with higher cigarette taxes.By Sarah Kessinger kessinger@dailynews.net TOPEKA - Results from a poll of Kansas voters released Thursday show broad support for a statewide smoking ban in workplaces and other public settings. The survey also found a majority of respondents willing to back a higher state tobacco tax. The Topeka-based Sunflower Foundation, which promotes health in the state, commissioned Public Opinion Strategies, a national political and public affairs research firm, to query 700 registered voters in February. The results will be shared with state officials as they prepare for the... Hutchinson News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1858595/posts#comment Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:19:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1848090/posts Pub patio heaters for smokers will produce 'as much pollution as a small city'By DAVID DERBYSHIRE - More by this author » Last updated at 22:00pm on 10th June 2007  Pubs are installing patio heaters in outdoor smoking areas Patio heaters installed by pubs to keep smokers warm on chilly nights could soon produce as much carbon dioxide as a small city, it has been claimed. Next month's smoking ban has triggered huge demand for the gas-fired heaters from pubs, restaurants and clubs creating legal outdoor smoking areas. But according to experts, a single heater releases more carbon dioxide... The Daily Mail (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1848090/posts#comment Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:28:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1843537/posts Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is trying to bring what he calls a social revolution to his country. One of his most far-reaching experiments toward that goal is the institution of community councils, which could reshape the way government operates in Venezuela. Thousands of the councils have been formed nationwide, and they have made decisions on everything from trash collection to school construction. Chavez calls the councils the fifth engine in his campaign to transform the world's seventh-biggest oil exporter into a socialist state. At first glance, they may appear like neighborhood watch groups. But the councils have government funding, thanks... NPR http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1843537/posts#comment Sat, 2 Jun 2007 05:52:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1842343/posts <p>The wonder drug could be prescribed in time for the nationwide smoking ban from July 1.</p> <p>Champix — developed by Pfizer which makes anti-impotence drug Viagra — blocks cravings, lessens withdrawal symptoms and even reduces the pleasure from ciggies.</p> <p>In trials nearly half of smokers — 44 per cent — kicked the habit after a 12-week course as opposed to 30 per cent using other NHS anti-smoking medication.</p> The Sun (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1842343/posts#comment Thu, 31 May 2007 08:48:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1820071/posts As if it weren't enough that the price of cigarettes has skyrocketed, some 4,329 Pennsylvanians who purchased cigarettes over the Internet or from out-of-state mail order companies will soon receive a letter from the state Department of Revenue asking them to pay state taxes on their purchases. Under the federal Jenkins Act, vendors that ship cigarettes into another state are required to release information about the purchases to state taxing authorities, according to the statement. "Unfortunately, many Web sites falsely advertise that cigarettes can be purchased tax-free," said Thomas W. Wolf, Pennsylvania's acting secretary of revenue. "In fact, in Pennsylvania... ComputerWorld http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1820071/posts#comment Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:17:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1803720/posts After winning the award for Best Documentary Feature at this year’s Oscars for his film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ about global warming, former American Vice-President Al Gore has been confronted by a campaign of skepticism that casts doubts about his environmental credibility. This came about after a small local group affiliated to the Tennessee Center for Policy Research in Nashville, Tennessee where Al Gore lives, gained access to the energy bills for his home only to discover that the losing candidate in 2000’s US elections is not practicing what he preaches when it comes to the environment. The group obtained the... Alsharq Alawsat http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1803720/posts#comment Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:28:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1795480/posts In a 28-page report, Sen. Jeff Klein, a Democrat from Westchester, said the state cigarette tax increased 39 cents to $1.50 a pack in 2002, but tax receipts have declined from $1.12 billion in 2003 to $979 million in 2005 SOURCE: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--indiancigarettes0304mar04,0,3136719.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork   Newsday http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1795480/posts#comment Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:46:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792180/posts PROPOSITION: Municipality denies claims that it's trying to influence April vote. A group that wants to stop the new smoking ban in bars, bingo halls and other public places filed a lawsuit Monday, saying the Anchorage city government is illegally campaigning on the issue. Last year, the Assembly voted to expand the city smoking ban to almost everywhere people still smoke in public. But a group calling itself Stomp the Ban said the new rules go too far. It has collected thousands of signatures to wipe out the changes before the new law kicks in July 1. That petition drive... Anchorage Daily News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792180/posts#comment Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:09:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792057/posts Tom Daschle, who endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president, said he would consider being Obama's running mate if asked. The Democrat and former South Dakota senator said he had not been contacted by any of the Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination, and that his endorsement of the Illinois senator doesn't mean he's looking for a spot on the Democratic ticket. "Theres not been any talk about it at all," he said Friday. "I have to say thats not something you can campaign for and its not something that you can plan or expect." Daschle, who explored... NewsMax.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792057/posts#comment Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:09:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1772728/posts Six months from now, most Charleston businesses will go smoke-free. In a vote of 9 to 4, the Charleston City Council and Mayor Joe Riley passed a ban on smoking in work places. Councilman James Lewis voted against the smoking ban. “This ordinance is one of the stupidest things I think we've wrote in a long time,” Lewis said. Councilman Robert Mitchell, a smoker, also voted against the ordinance. “This is just another form of slavery to me,” Mitchell said. The reality of a city-wide smoking ordinance is both frustrating and maddening for many bar owners. “The council members aren't... WCBD.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1772728/posts#comment Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:42:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1769710/posts No smoking would be allowed inside public buildings in Texas — including restaurants, bars and workplaces — if a legislative proposal is approved to make the Lone Star State one of 18 states with sweeping bans on smoking. "It is a public health crisis and a very expensive one," said state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, who is spearheading the proposal. He said he plans to file a bill at the end of the month and that he will be joined at that time by a coalition of anti-smoking groups as he unveils details. The proposal is sure to trigger a... Austin American-Statesman http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1769710/posts#comment Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:14:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1763524/posts Last year a primary care trust announced it would take smokers off waiting lists for surgery in an attempt to contain costs. In this week's British Medical Journal, two experts go head to head over whether smokers should be refused surgery. Denying operations is justified for specific conditions, argues Professor Matthew Peters from the Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Australia. Professor Peters says that smoking up to the time of any surgery increases cardiac and pulmonary complications, impairs tissue healing, and is associated with more infections. These effects increase the costs of care and also mean less opportunity to treat... Science Daily http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1763524/posts#comment Sun, 7 Jan 2007 00:08:26 GMT