I love Archie McPhee products. Not only do they make me laugh out loud, but I can buy them online and I don’t have to go into Cool Stuff in CoMO, where I am accosted by the sales team.
In fact, I have a pack of “Just Like Dad” Candy cigarettes right here on my desk for the follow-up to James’ initial interview.
Definitely check out their site. I make nothing from it, they are not a sponsor….but there is definitely something for the kid in all of us.
Great Job Guys.
Finally there is hope for a town in MO.
I realize some people do not like cigarette or cigar smoke and they feel they should be able to go to a restaurant/bar and not have to inhale it.
HOWEVER, they do not own the establishment. They have no other investment, other than their time and the money they spend. In essence, they are “renting” under certain conditions, and those conditions are set by the OWNER….ie the person taking all the risk and responsibility of running the establishment. If the owner wishes to exercise his private property rights (no different than owning a home and smoking around guests that visit) and thinks he can make a living, be profitable and stay open by allowing people to smoke, then so be it. If you do not like it, go somewhere else.
Meanwhile, if you are a worker and you do not wish to work around smoke….find a job elsewhere. Working at a bar/resturarnt is not a right, but a priviledge. If you set the conditions of no smoking, and the owner rejects your offer, then you don’t get the job. If you take the job KNOWING that they smoke there, you made an educated and informed adult decission. Live with it.
Great job for the City Council of Webb City for realizing that personal property rights override the “Will of the People”. Especially when only a little more than 400 people in a population of more than 10K turn out out to vote on a measure.
Webb City council rejects smoking ban
WEBB CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Although Webb City voters supported a smoking ban, the city council voted against implementing the ban in the southwest Missouri city.
The council voted 5-3 Monday night against the ban.
Webb City residents voted 452-348 on April 5 in favor of the ban. Mayor John Biggs said the vote was only a straw vote to guide the council.
Opponents had argued the ban infringed on the rights of citizens, particularly business owners. Proponents say smoking is a health issue even for non-smokers .
The Joplin Globe reports that the ban would have prohibited smoking in public places or places of work. Smoking would have been allowed in buildings used by dues-paying members and stores that primarily sell tobacco.
We love Charlie here at S&B and I truly do wish him well. He brings us so much entertainment and joy….I hope he keeps sticking it to CBS.
Since we are a blog about Smoking and Alcohol, I thought two things were particularly relevant to this crowd-
First, if you happen to be a guest at Charlie’s while he is doing his WebShow, you are offered Candy and Cigarettes….what Charlie, no cigars? <J/K, I think it is awesome>
Secondly, we have Charlie with a Machete and drinking Tiger’s blood. As long as he is not involved in the Asiansnakewine Fraud….I love it.
TMZ has a video of the event so follow the link if you want to watch
http://www.tmz.com/2011/03/07/charlie-sheen-machete-tiger-blood-knife-video-los-angeles/
Finally….why do we like Charlie so much? Because we are WINNERS TOO <Stories HERE and HERE>. Maybe I should become his new intern?
Seriously…the evil eye has been cast on smoking, and it’s no small wonder things like this happen. People are not always going to go outside to smoke, and if you give them no alternative (ie, a unilateral smoking ban vs letting the business owner decide) they will take matters in their own hands. Considering how tightly wrapped people are and how confrontational they have become…I could see this being a powder keg.
Cops: Bathroom smoking incident leads to stabbing
A man was charged with stabbing a security guard after he and his girlfriend were caught smoking in the bathroom of a west suburban Naperville bar early this morning.
At 1:32 a.m., Naperville police were called to 16 Jefferson Avenue after a report of a stabbing, according to a release from police. Blackfinn American Saloon is located at that address, according to an online directory and the police news release.
According to the report, the incident began when Adam Hearn, 31, and his girlfriend Kelly Cihlar, 25, had been caught smoking a cigarette in the bathroom, and the bar's security staff asked the couple to smoke outside.
Hearn then allegedly became verbally abusive, according to police, and the couple was asked to leave. As the couple was being escorted out of the bar, a fight broke out between Hearn and a security guard, police said, and Hearn pulled out a knife and stabbed a security guard in the abdomen. Other security guards then subdued Hearn until police were able to arrive, the release said.
The security guard was treated on the scene and then taken to Edward Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries, the release said. Police did not give a condition for the guard.
Hearn, of the 900 block of South Main Street in Lombard, is charged with aggravated battery with a weapon, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and possession of a weapon by a felon, all Class 3 felonies.
Cihlar, of the 2700 block of Mohawk Avenue in Woodridge, was also arrested and charged with obstruction of a police officer, resisting arrest, battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis.
Tonight I was chatting with Chris, and we touched briefly on self sustainability and what will happen when the balloon goes up. Needless to say, at those times you need to have barter material available and knowledge to carry you through the future.
I mentioned that I attempted to grow tobacco last year, but failed due to everything drying out while I was on trip.
This got me to thinking that I might give it another go….so off to The Tobacco Seed Company I went.
After perusing stock, this is what I came up with to try -
CUBAN (HABANO 2000)
One of the most popular cigar varieties for cigar enthusiasts.
This Cuban variety grows to about 5-6 feet tall and has wide, rounded leaves. When cured the leaves have a reddish to light brown color. It makes a great filler for cigars.
Has a pleasant, mild aroma and taste much preferred for cigars and pipes alike.
CUBAN (CRIOLLO 98)
Another very popular Cuban cigar variety. Will grow up to 6-7 ft. tall. It's leaves are longer, more slender and slightly darker than the Habano 2000. It's cured leaves have a silky texture making it a good covering for cigars. It has a pleasant, mild aroma and taste. Also suitable for pipe smoking.
GOOSE CREEK RED
Named after a small river that runs into the Charleston Harbor. The Goose Creek Red tobacco was native to this area.
This darker tobacco does turn to red as it dries and has a silky feel, making it ideal as a wrapper for cigars.Finally, I am going to try one of the pelleted seeds as well.
TENNESSEE BURLEY™ PELLETED TOBACCO SEEDS
One of the most popular commercial strains of Burley tobacco originating in Tennessee and still carrying its name.
It is used for its hardiness and smooth, rich flavor. Good for cigarette making and mild cigars. This variety grows fast and is a high yielding plant.
I also have a few other varieties in my seed bank, so I might look to put out one other.
So, stay tuned and see what comes out.
FOR the RECORD……this tobacco is for personal consumption only. It will NOT be sold.
Not often do I get to write about (almost) all my passions at once, nor (potentially) stump Charlie on Music Trivia…..but today I do, with 80’s Music (Information Society), Smokes and Technology…plus a little intrigue.
For you young kids, before the days of digital media, music was played on a thing called RECORDS, and one of the nifty things bands did was trying an insert secret messages into their music….usually through Back-Masking.
Information Society took it one step further, and add a TON of Geek to it. They hid a text message on a vinyl record.
The Track is called "300bps N, 8, 1” from their Peace and Love Inc Album and I’m sure very few listeners back in the day understood what they were hearing (unless they watched the movie Wargames), as it would be a series of squelches, squeaks and wails. But in reality….it was a message that would do ET proud.
If you take a standard modem, configure it with those settings ( 300bps N, 8, 1 (Terminal Mode or Ascii Download), dial into it via phone and play the track from the album into the receiver, you'll end up with a plaintext file detailing a story that come right out of James Bond (or Bill and Ted).
Here is the text-
ats0=0
OK
atdt4921507
RINGINGRINGING
CONNECT
SO WE'RE SUPPOSED TO PLAY IN CURITIBA IN 18 HOURS, BUT OUR BUS IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY THE LOCAL PROMOTERS. THEY'VE FORMED SOME UNHOLY ALLIANCE WITH THE BRAZILIAN COUNTERPART OF ASCAP; THE PRS. APPARANTLY THE PRS HAS THE LEGAL POWER TO ARREST PEOPLE, AND THEY WANT A PIECE OF THE NATIONAL TOUR PROMOTER'S MONEY. THE LOCAL SECURITY FORCE, "GANG MEXICANA", HAS BEEN BOUGHT OUT FOR 1800 CRUZADOS AND A CARTON OF MARLBOROS EACH. THE ONLY FACTION STILL OPERATING IN OUR DEFENSE IS "BIG JOHN", OUR PERSONAL SECURITY MAN, AND HE'S HIDING IN HIS ROOM BECAUSE A LOCAL GANG IS OUT FOR HIS BLOOD BECAUSE OF A 1982 KNIFING INCIDENT IN WHICH HE WAS INVOLVED. OUR 345-POUND ROAD MANAGER, RICK ONLY HAD THIS TO SAY: "YOU WANTED THE LIFE OF A ROCK STAR!". PAUL, JIM AND I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS ONE SITUATION WE WERE GOING TO HAVE TO GET OUT OF OURSELVES.
WE CONVENED A HASTY CONFERENCE IN THE NOVOTEL LOBBY. PAUL SUGGESTED CONTACT- ING OUR NATIONAL TOUR PROMOTER IN SAO PAULO, BUT WE REMEMBERED THAT HE WAS IN RECIFE WITH FAITH NO MORE, WHO HAD JUST ARRIVED FOR THEIR BRAZILIAN TOUR. WE THOUGHT ABOUT CONTACTING OUR BRAZILIAN RECORD COMPANY IN RIO, BUT THEY WEREN'T HOME. OUR EVER-DILIGENT AMERICAN MANAGER WAS ARRANGING HELP OF NUMEROUS FORMS, BUT HE WAS IN NEW YORK, AND JUST TOO FAR AWAY TO GET ANYTHING MOVING IN TIME.
AND THERE WERE 6000 KIDS IN CURITIBA WHO JUST WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND.
WE KNEW IT WAS TIME FOR ACTION. PAUL WENT UP TO THE PRS GUYS AND INVITED THEM INTO THE BAR TO DISCUSS IT LIKE CIVILIZED MEN OVER A FEW BRAZILIAN DRINKS, OFFERING EACH OF THEM A CIGAR ON HIS WAY. THE AMUSED PRS HEAVIES SEEMED TO LIKE THE IDEA OF A FEW FREE DRINKS, EVEN IF THEY KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER GIVE US OUR BUS BACK. WHEN PAUL WINKED AT JIM AND I ON HIS WAY IN, WE WENT INTO ACTION.
I STOLE OFF TO MY ROOM TO PREPARE WHILE JIM WENT INTO ACTION. CREEPING CAREFULLY THROUGH A SERVICE DUCT, HE MANAGED TO GAIN A VANTAGE POINT SOME THREE METERS ABOVE THE BUS, AND DROPPED CAREFULLY ONTO THE ROOF. AFTER USING HIS ALL-PURPOSE SWISS ARMY KNIFE (AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS THE "SKIT KNIFE") TO JIMMY OPEN THE ROOF HATCH, HE WENT THROUGH THE DARKENED INSIDE OF THE BUS AND REMOVED THE INSIDE ENGINE SERVICE PANEL. USING SOME SPARE ELECTRONIC PARTS HE FOUND WHILE ON AN ISLAND IN THE AMAZON, HE WIRED THE ENTIRE BUS FOR REMOTE CONTROL, NOT UNLIKE A REMOTE CONTROL TOY CAR.
AT THIS POINT, HE ASKED HIMSELF "NOW HOW SHALL I GET OUT OF HERE?!?"
PAUL WAS HAVING DIFFICULTIES OF HIS OWN.
"COULDN'T YOU SEE YOUR WAY CLEAR TO LETTING US FULFILL OUR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS IN CURITIBA? THINK OF THE KIDS!"
THROUGH OUR TRANSLATOR, FABIO, THE PRS MAN, ALDO, SAID;
"NO. YOU AMERICANS THINK YOU OWN THE WORLD. HAH! WE'LL BURN DOWN OUR RAIN FOREST IF WE DAMN WELL PLEASE. WE NEED ROOM FOR COWS!! WE WANT A MACDONALD'S ON EVERY... OH, SORRY, YES ANYWAY, NO. WE NEED 40% OF YOUR CONCERT RECEIPTS TO GIVE TO DAVID BOWIE." HE SAID, WINKING TO THE LOCAL PROMOTER, PHILLIPE.
AS PAUL CONTINUED THIS ELABORATE DISTRACTION, JIM EFFECTED AN ESCAPE FROM THE HEAVILY GUARDED BUS BY CRAWLING DOWN INTO THE CARGO BAY, CUTTING A HOLE IN THE FLOOR WITH THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE'S ARC-WELDER, SLIPPING INTO THE MANHOLE COVER SITUATED UNDER THE BUS, AND WALKING UP INTO THE HOTEL'S BASEMENT FROM THERE. JIM CALLED UP TO ME IN MY ROOM AND GAVE THE SIGNAL. WE WERE NOW TO MEET AT THE BACK ENTRANCE, WITH OUR TECH GUYS. BUT FIRST, PAUL WOULD NEED SOME HELP GETTING AWAY FROM HIS UNWELCOME GUESTS, AS THINGS WERE GETTING UGLY.
"HE SAYS HE HAS LOST HIS PATIENCE, AND THAT HE CAN THINK OF OTHER WAYS OF EXACTING PAYMENT FROM YOU KURT AND JIM PHYSICALLY." OUR TREMBLING INTERPRETER SAID.
THE MOMENT HAD COME. JIM BEGAN OPERATING THE BUS FROM HIS BACK ENTRANCE VANTAGE POINT. AS THE REMOTE-CONTROLLED BUS LURCHED TOWARDS THE PARKING LOT EXIT, THE SUPERSTITIOUS SECURITY YOUTHS FLED IN TERROR. PAUL WAS PULLING ANXIOUSLY ON HIS COLLAR AS THE PRS MAN BEGAN DESCRIBING HIS COLLECTION OF WORLD WAR II NAZI CERIMONIAL KNIVES WHEN A SUDDEN CRASH SPLIT THE TABLEAU.
JIM HAD PURCHASED ME THE GIFT OF A COMPLETE BLACK NINJA STEALTH ASSASSIN OUTFIT IN ARACAJU. I HAD BEEN GEARING UP AND CRAWLING THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS ALL THIS TIME. AS I CRASHED THROUGH THE CHEAP IMITATION-STYROFOAM HUNG CEILING TILES, SKATES FIRST, I FLASHED NINJA STARS ALL ABOUT ME. IN THE ENSUING PANIC, PAUL ESCAPED TO THE PRE-ARRANGED BUS PICK-UP POINT. UNFORTUNATLEY, MY SKATES WERE A POOR CHOICE OF FOOT GEAR FOR ESCAPING OVER THE BROKEN GLASS. OF THE TABLE I HAD LANDED ON. WERE IT NOT FOR THE CONFUSION AND THE NINJA-STAR-INFLICTED WOUNDS DELIVERED TO THE BAD GUYS, I WOULD HAVE BEEN SET UPON WHILE FOUNDERING ON THE GLASS-STREWN CARPET. AS IT HAPPENED, HOWEVER, I LEAPT THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR OF THE CAREENING BUS AS IT DEPARTED THE CITY OF MARINGA FOREVER.
IF ONLY WE HAD MANAGED TO GET OUR EQUIPMENT IN THE BUS, TOO . . .
EVERY WORD OF THIS STORY IS TRUE.
- KURT HARLAND
NO CARRIER
These are the stories that really drive me nuts. In it, we learn that the Missouri Foundation for Health is issuing (close to) $2Mill to conduct a survey targeting 52K Missourians. This works out to $38 per person harassed (I would love to know the dropped call ratio on their telephonic survey), for a survey that was also conducted 4 years ago in 2007, for a survey on a subject the Surgeon General has already deemed unhealthy and is generally accepted as such across America. People are going to smoke (at least until it is made illegal, then we will SURELY all quit), we take a risk when we do…and we are reminded of it constantly. Just as skydivers know there is a chance their chute won’t open….I know there is a chance I might become terminally ill when I partake in a cigar. I don’t need to see results of a $2Million survey (I couldn’t find the 2007 Survey on their website) to tell me this…I’m a product of public education and I can read and I can also make my own decisions.
Further reading on their site shows there was a Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative from 2004-2009, a funding program that divvied up $23.9 Million in 78 Grants. Holy Cow, that’s a lot of money. A lot of that money comes from Sin Taxes on Tobacco, and there are some interesting stats located on the site as well
Of course, there is no citation included with the above stats (hey, even I do citation from time to time) and I find them somewhat skewed. The first two go hand in hand….but I would like know if this takes the statistical anomaly of population dispersion into account? If you have a lot of people in NY buying High Tax smokes…you generate revenue. Likewise, where does Missouri fit with Smoking Rates in the Nation…they just say “One of the Highest” at 24%, compared to 20% Nationally…4% makes that much of a difference? Finally, I wonder if they are using statistics like MADD does (I highly recommend this READ), where ALL lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking…even though it is a leading cause, not the ONLY cause.
Oh well, below is the story that started this rant. I realize these Health Initiatives are Sexy and that there is little you can do to stop Congressmen and Senators from promoting these laws. I just hope the Government gets off MY tit sometime with funding this crap. Like I said, give me my $38 back in Cigars.
$2 Million Study Examines Tobacco Use in Missouri
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI (kcur) - The Missouri Foundation for Health is providing close to $2 million dollars to fund a state-wide survey of tobacco use and its health effects. The largest adult health study ever conducted in the state will reach more than 52,000 Missourians.
The year-long study is a follow-up to a similar one conducted in 2007.
Missouri Foundation for Health program officer Matthew Kuhlenbeck says the telephone survey will cover not just tobacco use, but community demographics, access to health care, physical activity, and nutrition.
"And it really provides us an opportunity to better understand each county, as well as the factors that are affecting the health of each county," says Kuhlenbeck.
Kuhlenbeck says the information gathered in the survey will be used to assess whether community-level efforts like smoking bans and awareness programs, are reducing tobacco use and the health problems it causes.
You might recall WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back in June I ran a post about the airbrushing of Winston Churchill’s cigar out of a picture.
Well, it appears that is not the only time something like this has happened.
Jacques Tati’s much-loved character, Monsieur Hulot, someone so iconic that even his silhouette was instantly recognizable, was depicted as gnawing on a paper-mache windmill instead (how did they come up with this idea?!).
Twice, the USPS has '”photo shopped” pictures……
a 33-cent stamp commemorating Jackson Pollock
a 1994 29-Cent Stamp of Robert Johnson
What about Clement Hurd’s photo which was on the dust jacket of the book he illustrated, “Goodnight Moon”? Couldn’t they just use another picture? There has got to be one that looked better?
They even tried to airbrush the cigarrette out of Paul McCartney’s hand on the Abbey Road picture.
Folks, this is just censorship….plain and simple. People smoked…enjoyed it. Why change their legacy?
Ok, the following actor is not mainstream (he’s Bollywood), but he does bring up a good point….one that I somewhat agree with, but I disagree with the motivation.
You see, far to often, Hollywood (Bollywood/Actors and Athletes in general) think they know what is best for everyone. Their way is right, and no matter what you think….if it isn’t in line with their core beliefs (or what their handler tells them), you are an idiot.
In this case, Sanjay Dutt has decided to quit endorsing tobacco products after he has realized “that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions.”
While commendable, will Mr. Dutt also abstain from making any political announcements, displays of lifestyle (sexual preference) choices or quit wearing the designer clothing he is given to act as promotional items? All of these can have an adverse affect on someone (even clothing, as kids are still being killed for their designer shoes).
Celebrities have no additional insight to the running of the world, instead they listen to their handlers/agents and make the majority of their decisions based on PR moves and selling seats at movies, tickets to games and/or records. It’s all about the money, vs the love of doing it.
I could be wrong about Mr. Dutt, but I doubt it….I feel he wants a better image and to keep his name in the headlines, especially with one film completed and two in filming at the time of this release.
Sanjay Dutt to stop endorsing tobacco products
Press Trust of India
Wednesday, January 05, 2011 (Mumbai)
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has decided against endorsing gutka brands and tobacco products, saying he realised that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions.
Sources close to the actor said Dutt had read newspaper reports about doctors asking him to stop endorsing gutka products in a letter.
"He had not received any such letter. But, he made up his mind to do so. He will not renew his contract with the gutka brand," they said.
According to the sources, Dutt is also trying to quit smoking.
"He would like to set an example for his kids. He has decided to stop using and endorsing products that are considered bad for health. However, all this will happen slowly, as there is also his existing contract with the gutka company to consider," they said.
"The actor has realised that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions. He is planning to take corrective measures soon," they added.
Doctors organisations had last week written a letter to the actor asking him to stop endorsing gutka and tobacco.
The letter said the actor had witnessed pain of cancer in his family and hence should disassociate himself from addictive and lethal substances.
The doctors had reminded the actor of his influence on young impressionable minds and also urged him to consider his late father Sunil Dutt's campaign against cancer.
Meanwhile, city doctors have welcomed Dutt's positive response to their request.
"It means a lot to us that he has been influenced by our campaign. We hope more and more people are motivated to kick the tobacco habit," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, associate professor, head and neck cancer department, Tata Memorial hospital.Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110165565&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=77136&cp
Did you honestly think we would get out of the NY without a “feel good” story such as this…..I think I would take a chance with the coffin nails vs the rock up side the head -
Report: Wife 'snaps,' beats husband with rock for smoking when he was sick
CALLAWAY — A woman was arrested Wednesday morning for beating her husband with a rock, claiming she didn’t want him to smoke a cigarette because of his poor health.
“A woman can only take so much,” she told a deputy.
According to a Bay County Sheriff’s Office incident report, the couple’s 18-year-old daughter called 9-1-1 about 11:31 a.m. Wednesday when she saw her mother beating her father with a rock.
A deputy said that, when they arrived at the scene off North Lakewood Drive, he saw the victim sitting “Indian fashion” on the ground in front of the residence; he was hunched over with his hands over his head, trying to protect himself. His wife was standing behind him. She kicked him in the hip and was using a rock to hit him in the head, the report said.
A deputy told the 41-year-old woman to get off her husband a few times, but she continued to strike him and scream at him, telling him “to give her the cigarettes,” the report said.
The man, age 51, had cuts and bruises, including a bleeding laceration on the top of his right wrist, the report said.
Both husband and wife told deputies they had been suffering with the flu recently and had not felt well. The night before, they got into an argument and the woman scratched her husband’s face, the report said. When he mentioned going outside to smoke a cigarette that morning, the wife became angry and told him “he did not need to be smoking since he is sick,” according to the report.
She followed him outside and began to argue with him, then jumped on him and began hitting him in the head with “a small ceramic bird,” the report said. She grabbed other items to hit him, finally picking up a rock.
The man refused treatment by EMS. He said “he knew how to take care of himself,” the report said.
The woman was charged with aggravated battery domestic violence. She said she had been dealing with “a lot of (expletive)” for some time and “a woman can only take so much,” the report said.
She said she was upset because he had the flu and she told him not to smoke, but he went outside and smoked anyway. She added, “A person can only take so much before they snap,” the report said.
Told what she was being charged with, she responded, “Yeah, I hit him with the rock,” according to the report.
The rock was submitted into evidence.
Ok everyone….I know it’s been awhile since I posted. After my Amsterdam trip, I was back into London for a Corp. Strategy Meeting. Talk about making me want to drink. But at least I got to drink some Cobra again (Review HERE) and I have a new review coming out (London Pride).
Anyway, I should be back in the saddle again until my Berlin trip in January, to be followed by KC in Feb and LA in March. None of these trips will be as demanding, so I should be able to continue to post.
So to kick off the few days left before Christmas, I’ve found some videos for everyone to enjoy……Starting with Bob and Doug.
Bob and Doug McKenzie singing the 12 Days of Christmas will always be a staple of my childhood memories. Who can forget riding Bus 21 with Jeanie Larkey and or Bus 9 with Jim Barnes and this song coming on. It was Pure 80’s…..and is (IMO) the 2nd greatest Christmas song ever. What’s number 1? You’ll just have to tune in later to find out….but until then, enjoy these two drunk Canadians (I’ve posted about them before) and the other videos below.
How about some vintage smoking commercials for Christmas while we are at it? I love the blatant commercialism of the first two (Camel and Lucky Strike), where they even leverage that the boxes have Christmas decorations. Awesome. The Dutch masters is just classic.
Meanwhile, Jack Daniels goes a more tasteful route….bringing Christmas to Lynchburg.
How about a Japanese Gin (Suntory) Commercial? That’s what I thought too….and the tune is catchy….in a satanic, load a gun and start greasing people sort of way. Leave it to them.
Finally, leave it to the true artists at St. James Gate….where only Guinness can create something so subtle. You can almost imagine everyone going home and pouring a pint of the black, sitting in front of a fire and relaxing. Merry Christmas.
So, I saw this snip of an interview with Dr. Drew, you know…the Celebrity Rehab guy.
Not only does it make me LOL, but it shows that when someone has an agenda to push, they will say whatever they can to make it looks like they are right.
In this case, Dr. Drew says “I craved nicotine for about five days after’, this right after he admits that he doesn't even remember when he got the cigars (he says he “thinks” when his kids were born). Of course, he is partnering with Nicorette as a spokesman for battling nicotine addiction, so he needs that real world situation to bond with patients and views.
I will go out on a limb, calling him a fraud and a liar. He says that this affects everyone that way, yet I never felt those pangs. I never felt compelled for 5 days after my first cigar (or cigarettes when I smoke those as well). In fact, I smoked my first cigar and didn't pick another up for at least 4 years.
Dr. Drew, quit trying to use child psychology on adults. You are obviously out of your element here, so just throw the junk science stats out there and let people wade through them if they are so inclined, vs. trying to show you are “hip” like us and then trying to used said experiences as evidence why we should quit.
I smoke cigars because I like to. Plain and simple. I also turn off Dr. Drew because I have a choice as well, and I will continue to do so in the future.
(Editor’s Note) – Extra has killed the sharing of the video, but you can still view it by going to their site HERE
Well, the Federal Government has done it again. The need to control the populous and do “What’s Right” has prompted legislation that verges on insane. What could they have done this time? The ban on Candy Cigarettes. I kid you not….a ban on CANDY, because
“The youth may often get swayed into thinking that the sweet flavored cigarettes are not harmful to health,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA’s Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA.”
Give me a break. We conducted a more scientific study here at Smokes and Booze right after Christmas (read it HERE) and found that our test subject was not enticed to smoke due to Candy Cigarettes. In fact, in our test case….we showed that 100% of those tested didn’t want to smoke even though they liked the candy.
Now, I know you think we are making those numbers up….but that is no worse than this nugget from the FDA -
FDA commissioner stated that almost 90% of all US citizens take to smoking while still in their formative years.
Is that 90% of ALL US Citizens, or only those that smoke? I would argue with either number. Of course, they can manipulate the data and expand the “formative years” from 12-18 to 12- 25 (or higher). Excuse me for not trusting Government supported Scientific Data, I know they have been so truthful with Global Warming.
In the end, of all the problems (Social, Economic and Health) on the market, this seems like the biggest waste of time and money to pass….so of course the Government did it. I know I will still be looking for “Candy Sticks” online for James….and when I am a Grandpa, the kids will always know there will be candy smokes when the come to visit.
Until next time…..Smoke’m if you Gott’m.
Candy Cigarettes Banned By FDA
Thursday, June 24, 2010 7:21:39 AM by Pen Men At WorkJune 24, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): With both the Family Smoking Prevention Act as well as the Tobacco Control Act of the USA, supporting the move, the FDA finally managed to ban the candy cigarettes within the borders of the country. All kinds of flavored cigarettes be it fruit, clove or candy has been prohibited from June 23rd 2010.
This had been seen as an effort to reduce the number of smokers within the country. Statistics reveal that one of the leading causes of death in America is smoking. The regrettable fact is that such deaths could have been easily prevented simply by giving up cigarettes.
The FDA aims to discourage children from picking up this deadly addiction by imposing a ban on the flavored cigarettes. Other favored tobacco products as well as menthol cigarettes will also be examined minutely before deciding whether a ban on them would have to be declared as well.
Margaret A. Hamburg, the FDA commissioner stated that almost 90% of all US citizens take to smoking while still in their formative years. The adolescents usually prefer flavored brands over the normal ones. The non availability of such cigarettes will help to break the trend effectively thereby reducing the percentage of diseases and deaths due to smoking.
However, the FDA understands that a simple prohibition will not actually help matters. It is, therefore, trying to enforce the ban strictly. Almost all the tobacco companies of the nation will be receiving instructions about the ban on candy and flavored cigarettes along with the notification that it will be strictly illegal to manufacture, transport or sell the banned items.
The FDA also proposes to educate the parents on the risks of candy cigarettes. “The youth may often get swayed into thinking that the sweet flavored cigarettes are not harmful to health,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA’s Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA.
Thanks to TJ for posting this on FB.
Way back in the day, I used to listen to WLW (AM700) out of Cincy with my Dad. Some of the best times were hearing Earl Pitts and us laughing so hard.
Well….here is a classic and very fitting for this Blog. Thanks Tommy, and Dad….this one’s for you.
Yeah Right.
Kelly Clarkson is upset to learn that a cigarette company (Diarum) is a sponsor for her upcoming show in Indonesia.
She contends that she never approved the promos, doesn’t smoke and would NEVER be the ambassador to youth smoking.
"If Kelly Clarkson goes ahead with the concert, she is by choice being a spokesman for the tobacco industry and helping them to market to children." – Matt Myers- President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Tobacco Free Kids is another one of those organizations that that think taxing tobacco is the solution to all America’s woes. With such nuggets at their site: Tobacco Taxes – A win win for CASH STRAPPED STATES (emphasis mine), Count down to a smoke free America, and Victory for Kids Health -President, Congress Increase Tobacco Tax to Fund Children's Health Insurance; it’s a small wonder how this group leans.
What I particularly love, Tobacco Free Kids is an American Group….all about taxation and “criminalization” here in the US…..but the concert tour is in INDONESIA. They can’t even be satisfied without meddling in other countries.
Meanwhile…..
"Unfortunately, my only option at this point was to cancel the show in order to stop the sponsorship. However, I can't justify penalizing my fans for someone else's oversight. This is a lose-lose situation for me and I am not happy about it but the damage has been done and I refuse to cancel on my fans." – Kelly Clarkson (from her Blog)
Sure thing Kelly. It’s about the fans. How about the real motivator, MONEY. You can’t cancel or else you lose it. If you can’t find a replacement sponsor, you loose it.
In the end, Kelly has since canceled the sponsor. While I applaud her right to choose….you know it is only about the image, one that as a celeb, she is afraid to tarnish. It’s a fine line they walk….and some barely have enough talent to walk away unscathed. I really doubt that having her up there will cause even 10 new kids to start smoking (I want to be like Kelly….smoke Diarum and win American Idol….but I am in Indonesia….?), but at least we have forced our morals on another country.
I say Smoke Up Johnnie…..it’s the only way to enjoy life :P
Since the city of Philadelphia cannot manage their own budgets, they have decided to look at legislation to tax Cigars, Chewing Tobacco and Rolling papers.
Considering that the city has a budget gap projected to be $150Mill, you would think they would be going after big money areas….yet if you read between the lines of THIS article, that doesn’t seem the case.
Proposed annual $300 per household trash fees and a $.02 per ounce on sugary beverage tax seem to have now been either rejected or on the verge of…..especially when the Teamsters are involved.
So, instead of focusing on cutting costs and raising taxes that effect everyone, the Council believes this will be a success based on the fact
"An overwhelming majority of Council members will support this measure. It's at a point where we're trying to find any measures we can find consensus on." - Councilman Darrell Clarke
Under Clarke's legislation, chewing and pipe tobacco would be taxed at 36 cents per ounce and individual cigars at 3.6 cents per ounce.
And what does this sin tax possibly raise for the city? A whopping $6Mill.
When will smokers and drinkers say enough is enough? I guess when Philly turns out like Detroit and is abandoned because services are not provided and taxation keeps getting higher. Or maybe, when the zombies attack, there will no longer be taxes, yet enough Smokes and Booze for everyone.
Cigar Obsession is giving away cigars. Not just any Cigars, but Reyes Family Cigars…a brand I happen to like.
Anyway, they are giving them away to a whoever can answer this question the best…..Why you deserve a free box of cigars.
I was actually first to post, and think I have a good reason….so, my next step is to get as many comments associated to my response.
This is where you can help. Go HERE and put in some positive remarks. Most of you I have had a drink or smoke with in the past, and I think you would realize what I say is true.
If I win, then I will host a cigar party at the house and pass the cigars around.
If you comment, and cant make the party….I’ll send you one.
Thanks
Meet Lorna, who recently turned 100. While this isn’t unusual, lots of people live to 100 nowadays, what she attributes it to is definitely Smokes and Booze material.
Lorna smokes 20 Sterling Superkings Blue cigarettes a day, and has gone through over half-a-million cigarettes since her first one in 1940….the first year of the Blitz of the Battle of Britain.
She attributes her longevity to her fun-loving lifestyle and said her family ''wouldn't dare'' tell her to stop smoking.
'People try and tell you it's bad for you but my family wouldn't dare ask me to stop. If they did, I'd put them across my lap and give them a slapped bum.
'I like my smokes, a drop of whiskey and Guinness and I still love to play skittles (Bingo). Perhaps it's part of the reason I have lived for so long. I never thought I'd make it to 100, but I have. I'm quite amazed really.''
Her son Bob Fisher, 66, said: ''She smokes faster than the rest of us and still loves a drink. She loves bingo, playing a tune on the mouth organ and riding around town in cars.''
Her favorite drink is a shot of whiskey with a Guinness chaser. Talk about my kind of woman. I only can hope that I am at that level when I hit 100.
Happy Birthday Lorna……and may you have many many many more.
Cheers
Article HERE
You too can own a TRAINED DRINKING MONKEY (Smoking Optional).
Meet Ai Ai, a 26 year old chimp from China.
The poor animal is currently being forced into rehab because "The beer and cigarettes were ruining him. He would pester passers-by for booze,"
I say we work out a plan to adopt him and bring him to the US as the official Smokes and Booze mascot. I know if he were here, he would never have to beg….I would give him smokes and booze every day.
I will have to add this to my wish list from Santa.
