It has only been a month or so since information about the possible hazards of "electronic cigarettes" has been released, and lawsuits are already being filed.
In Oregon Attorney General John Kroger filed a suit against Smoking Everywhere, an "electronic cigarette" company based in Florida. The suit claims that the company made false claims about the safety of the gadget, and it was felt that the bubblegum, chocolate and cookies n' cream flavors were targeted at children.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved this product as no carcinogens have been found.
The company possesses no scientific evidence of the fact that these cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes, according to the lawsuit.
Legal action has not been taken by any other state, as of yet. But this is sure to turn into a trend. However, the point of these cigarettes has been forgotten, they were not created to be safe for the smoker, but for those in the vicinity of the smoker, the actual vapor released by the product ought to be tested and not what the smoker consumes.
[Via: bizjournals.com]
I'm glad to report that we have a new Smokeen friend - Rich White from Smoke Screens. He's about to release the book called "Smoke Screens: The Truth About Tobacco," offering an objective analysis of the science and politics of the smoking issue. You know how annoyed you are with all the smoking bans being implemented around the world — well you can read more about it in the book, to help you get around the bans. On that note, Rich said that one of the site's readers used various bits of information to confront the mayor about the smoking bans there.
While waiting for the book to be released, we advise you to check Rich White's website where you can read great articles on the subject, subscribe to his newsletter, as well as participate in the forum where you can share ideas with fellow smokers.
Again, the URL is www.smokescreens.org and make sure to bookmark it!
Many smokers feel that they are the only ones that have problems. But stars put up to the same stresses that we are. Former O.C. starlet Mischa Barton is living proof of this.
The young actress was recently admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to an ongoing drug and alcohol problem.
Barton is battling many problems, like fluctuations in weight and an addiction to smoking. She is rarely seen without a cigarette hanging from her mouth. She has managed to stay off drugs for a while now, but her other bad habits have stuck. Many also say that she is not too serious about her rehabilitation.
Apparently, people are attributing her unkempt looks and her cellulite to her smoking habit. Which is taking things a bit too far - smoking addiction is nothing compared to a drug addiction and this star should be given a break along with the rest of us smokers…
[Via: Mail Online]
Most smokers have gone through the process of digging through every pocket, searching their home and car, and still not finding any sort of lighter.
Though the information has not yet been confirmed for this rumor and there are no real pictures or prices, there might be a lighter phone in the making.
This idea is definitely worth mentioning, the glowing ember would be found on the back of the phone, behind a protective cover, which could be slipped back when you need a light. It probably wouldn't do much good for the life of your cell phone's battery, but it is still quite interesting, and something that could be interesting to many smokers.
If this phone does ever end up making its way on the market, it will probably be a hit in parts of Asia where smoking is not a taboo and interesting pieces of technology are always a hit.
[Via: Engadget]
The Pentagon has reassured troops that tobacco products will not be banned on the war front, as was previously believed. That is, for now, officials aren't planning to ban smoking yet. Fears over such a ban arose when a study was released recommending that smoking in the army banned within the next 20 years.
However, at a news conference for the Pentagon, press secretary Geoff Morrell clearly stated that Defense Secretary Robert Gates will not ban the use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco or any other such products for those troops who are working in war zones.
With regards to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said, "He knows that the situation they are confronting is stressful enough as it is. I don't think he is interested in adding to the stress levels by taking away one of the few outlets they may have to relieve stress."
But the goal of having a smoke-free force remains. This is quite an ironic situation as soldiers go into war facing impending death, their health is probably the last thing on their minds, and relieving stress the first.
[Via: AP]
