NYC Says Heroin-Yes, Tobacco-No

Last year the New York City (NYC) health commissioner and mayor stated their intent to ban outdoor smoking because 'children should not have to see smokers'. NYC also banned the sale of all flavored tobacco (specifically by professional tobacconists), and mandated that retail tobacconists must place graphic and disgusting images of disease next to our products. Clearly, NYC hates tobacco in a way that transcends science, facts, tolerance, taste, or the value of self-determination and freedom. The bigotry of NYC's legislators and leaders could not be more obvious in a society that ignores the value of protecting smoker and business owner rights. And we know all of this because NYC continues to tax, ban, prohibit, and over-legislate our industry into near extinction.

What we did not know, is that while they are pursuing the prohibition of tobacco, NYC is simultaneously promoting the 'safe' use of heroin - you can't make this stuff up! While NYC forces tobacconists to display images of disease, they provide heroin users with step-by-step guides, colorfully illustrated for their heroin using pleasure! Click on this CRA News Alert to get the full story.

Don't be surprised if NYC [and all of the other towns and cities that mimic these legislators] force bars, liquor and wine stores to post grotesque pictures of drunk driving accident victims; while publishing 'How To Cook Methamphetamine" brochures - Coming to an America in 2010? PROBABLY.

Please read and share this news alert from the CRA; you have to see it to believe it. Channel your anger into pro-activity, make sure you are participating with the CRA, and show your friends the destructive path we are being led down.

The Tobacco Smokescreen: Distracting Bigotry

In NYC we are now fighting the prohibition of all flavored tobaccos; plus the threat of banning smoking outdoors in parks and beaches so 'children won't have to see smokers'. Meanwhile, taxation, smoking bans, and de-normalization of smokers continues to increase. Yet, we learned this year that the use of anti-depressants has doubled over the last decade and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, you can walk into any convenience store, supermarket, or 'nutritional center' and buy yourself amphetamine-like drinks and diet pills, erectile aids, and five hour energy shots. Plus, I just read that the new 'hot' product on the market is caffeine laced meat!

Politicians and legislators are beating up on the tobacco industry and the people and businesses suffering the most are retail tobacconists and luxury tobacco aficionados. Yet, 'feel-good' prohibitions, taxation, and restrictions continue to be passed by local, state, and federal agencies. Meanwhile, the substantive problems of the world seem to go unaddressed. At this point, even cigarette smokers are more than paying for any societal costs associated with their pleasures, yet the government is milking them to pay for childrens' health-care - this is happening because the societal perception that cigarette smokers (or all smokers) are "filthy" or "dirty" people with a "disgusting" habit. Well, as long as our government chooses to stigmatize and punish unpopular people, I can guarantee that nothing positive or substantive will ever get done. Consumers of alcohol and fat people beware! This will not stop until we stand up and help minorities protect their choices/pleasures/freedoms, even if they are not the freedoms that we choose to exercise.

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

The Worst Freedom is OK

As a retail tobacconist I have paid half a dozen floor taxes and tax increases this year alone. The campaign against all smokers is in full effect around the globe while smoking bans (both indoor and outdoor), de-normalization, perpetual and unreasonable tax increases, continue to usurp our freedoms. But the hallmark of 2009 is the prohibitions that have been put into place by the FDA (banning flavored cigarettes) and now NYC banning ALL flavored tobacco; again, under the intellectually bankrupt logic that these products are 'attractive to children' - even though it is illegal to sell these products to children.

Today Dr. Michael Siegel, a famous anti-smoking advocate, wrote in his blog "the anti-smoking movement is very much a religious-like one and that it is based largely on ideology rather than science." Now we should be able to see things clearly; smokerism and the relentless taxation is not based on science, but rather bigotry. And smokers, along with other freedom loving people, have been saying for years that the health police/nanny state will come after soda pop, obese people, and alcohol soon enough. Well, soon enough is already here!!! Taxes and bans on fatty foods are becoming prevalent while European cities have started to ban happy hours!

Behaviour and pleasure control has never been about health, because happiness cannot be measured in years or numbers. As a society we must accept that cigarette smoking is the absolute worst personal freedom and then move on. It's OK; there will always be a WORST Freedom. But, the key to living in free and democratic societies is to preserve freedoms, not constantly whittle away at them. Today, smokers pay more than their fair share of the 'societal' (health care) costs associated with smoking; they are not a burden to non-smokers. So it must be time to leave them alone. Otherwise, our government is just punishing people who they do not like and that is reprehensible. At this point, it will be up to non-smokers to stand up and say "Enough Is Enough". Even the worst freedom is OK, now lets get on with our lives!

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

Cigar Myths: Body

Body = Strength

Myth: The body and strength of a cigar are the same and/or related.

Truth: Body, in terms of flavor (taste+aroma) profile, does not necessarily correlate with the Strength of a cigar. Strength refers to nicotine potency or the intensity of spice – two separate factors. Body is a flavor descriptor which can refer to the depth, breadth, and richness of a tobacco (flavor).

So, a strong cigar can be medium bodied, while a full-bodied cigar can be mild or medium strength. As an example, imagine that chicken has a mild body, while beef has a richer body, yet both can be spicy/strong, depending on how they are seasoned.

Visit Cigar Myths for comprehensive content.

Nicotiana

It is no exaggeration to say that Nicotiana is the earth's most extraordinary plant genus: harvested for its leaves, the largest cash crop (non food) plant on earth, used for approximately 10,000 years, yet its most popular species, Tobacco, is not found growing anywhere in the wild. In order to understand the natural human connection to Tobacco we must learn its history and the value it has added to people for thousands of years. This is a perspective that our contemporary and smoke-hysterical society fails to see; but through Tobacconist University we hope you will find enlightenment and enhanced appreciation. We are adding new content on Nicotiana and Tobacco to our curriculum on a regular basis. In particular, TU's professional researcher, R. Sloane Franklin, CRT has just written an extraordinary piece titled Tobacco use in the Americas before 1492. Check it out, it will enhance your appreciation and remind you why luxury tobacco is a natural and valuable part of a life well lived.

"...understanding tobacco's history as symbol and agent of the sacred, the royal, the medicinal and the pleasurable serves only to enhance our appreciation of premium tobacco products today. Once can indeed say that to enjoy fine tobacco is to enjoy the pleasures of gods and kings."

- R. Sloane Franklin, CRT

Cigarette Additives

The following is a list of 599 additives found in commercial cigarette tobaccos. Luxury and premium tobaccos, whether cigarette, cigar, or pipe, should not contain any chemicals or unnatural flavorings.


Acetanisole,
Acetic Acid,
Acetoin,
Acetophenone,
6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane,
2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine,
2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran,
Acetylpyrazine,
2-Acetylpyridine,
3-Acetylpyridine,
2-Acetylthiazole,
Aconitic Acid,
dl-Alanine,
Alfalfa Extract,
Allspice Extract,
Oleoresin,
And Oil,
Allyl Hexanoate,
Allyl Ionone,
Almond Bitter Oil,
Ambergris Tincture,
Ammonia,
Ammonium Bicarbonate,
Ammonium Hydroxide,
Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic,
Ammonium Sulfide,
Amyl Alcohol,
Amyl Butyrate,
Amyl Formate,
Amyl Octanoate,
alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde,
Amyris Oil,
trans-Anethole,
Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil,
Anise,
Anise Star, Extract and Oils,
Anisyl Acetate,
Anisyl Alcohol,
Anisyl Formate,
Anisyl Phenylacetate,
Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins,
Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate,
1-Arginine,
Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil,
Ascorbic Acid,
1-Asparagine Monohydrate,
1-Aspartic Acid,
Balsam Peru and Oil,
Basil Oil,
Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil,
Beeswax White,
Beet Juice Concentrate,
Benzaldehyde,
Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal,
Benzoic Acid, Benzoin,
Benzoin Resin,
Benzophenone,
Benzyl Alcohol,
Benzyl Benzoate,
Benzyl Butyrate,
Benzyl Cinnamate,
Benzyl Propionate,
Benzyl Salicylate,
Bergamot Oil,
Bisabolene,
Black Currant Buds Absolute,
Borneol,
Bornyl Acetate,
Buchu Leaf Oil,
1,3-Butanediol,
2,3-Butanedione,
1-Butanol,
2-Butanone,
4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One,
Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil,
Butyl Acetate,
Butyl Butyrate,
Butyl Butyryl Lactate,
Butyl Isovalerate,
Butyl Phenylacetate,
Butyl Undecylenate,
3-Butylidenephthalide,
Butyric Acid,
Cadinene,
Caffeine,
Calcium Carbonate,
Camphene,
Cananga Oil,
Capsicum Oleoresin,
Caramel Color,
Caraway Oil,
Carbon Dioxide,
Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder,
Carob Bean and Extract,
beta-Carotene,
Carrot Oil,
Carvacrol,
4-Carvomenthenol,
1-Carvone,
beta-Caryophyllene,
beta-Caryophyllene Oxide,
Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract,
Cassia Bark Oil,
Cassie Absolute and Oil,
Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute,
Cedar Leaf Oil,
Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana,
Cedrol,
Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin,
Cellulose Fiber,
Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract,
Chicory Extract,
Chocolate,
Cinnamaldehyde,
Cinnamic Acid,
Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract,
Cinnamyl Acetate,
Cinnamyl Alcohol,
Cinnamyl Cinnamate,
Cinnamyl Isovalerate,
Cinnamyl Propionate,
Citral,
Citric Acid,
Citronella Oil,
dl-Citronellol,
Citronellyl Butyrate,
Citronellyl Isobutyrate,
Civet Absolute,
Clary Oil,
Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract,
Cocoa,
Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder,
Coconut Oil,
Coffee,
Cognac White and Green Oil,
Copaiba Oil,
Coriander Extract and Oil,
Corn Oil,
Corn Silk,
Costus Root Oil,
Cubeb Oil,
Cuminaldehyde,
para-Cymene,
1-Cysteine,
Dandelion Root Solid Extract,
Davana Oil,
2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal,
delta-Decalactone,
gamma-Decalactone,
Decanal,
Decanoic Acid,
1-Decanol,
2-Decenal,
Dehydromenthofurolactone,
Diethyl Malonate,
Diethyl Sebacate,
2,3-Diethylpyrazine,
Dihydro Anethole,
5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine,
Dill Seed Oil and Extract,
meta-Dimethoxybenzene,
para-Dimethoxybenzene,
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol,
Dimethyl Succinate,
3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione,
3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione,
3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene,
4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One,
6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One,
3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid,
2,4-Dimethylacetophenone,
alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol,
alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate,
alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate,
2,3-Dimethylpyrazine,
2,5-Dimethylpyrazine,
2,6-Dimethylpyrazine,
Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone,
delta-Dodecalactone,
gamma-Dodecalactone,
para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde,
Ethyl 10-Undecenoate,
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate,
Ethyl Acetate,
Ethyl Acetoacetate,
Ethyl Alcohol,
Ethyl Benzoate,
Ethyl Butyrate,
Ethyl Cinnamate,
Ethyl Decanoate,
Ethyl Fenchol,
Ethyl Furoate,
Ethyl Heptanoate,
Ethyl Hexanoate,
Ethyl Isovalerate,
Ethyl Lactate,
Ethyl Laurate,
Ethyl Levulinate,
Ethyl Maltol,
Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate,
Ethyl Myristate,
Ethyl Nonanoate,
Ethyl Octadecanoate,
Ethyl Octanoate,
Ethyl Oleate,
Ethyl Palmitate,
Ethyl Phenylacetate,
Ethyl Propionate,
Ethyl Salicylate,
Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate,
Ethyl Valerate,
Ethyl Vanillin,
2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine,
2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One,
2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine,
5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone,
2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine,
4-Ethylbenzaldehyde,
4-Ethylguaiacol,
para-Ethylphenol,
3-Ethylpyridine,
Eucalyptol,
Farnesol,
D-Fenchone,
Fennel Sweet Oil,
Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute,
Fig Juice Concentrate,
Food Starch Modified,
Furfuryl Mercaptan,
4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One,
Galbanum Oil,
Genet Absolute,
Gentian Root Extract,
Geraniol,
Geranium Rose Oil,
Geranyl Acetate,
Geranyl Butyrate,
Geranyl Formate,
Geranyl Isovalerate,
Geranyl Phenylacetate,
Ginger Oil and Oleoresin,
1-Glutamic Acid,
1-Glutamine,
Glycerol,
Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated,
Grape Juice Concentrate,
Guaiac Wood Oil,
Guaiacol,
Guar Gum,
2,4-Heptadienal,
gamma-Heptalactone,
Heptanoic Acid,
2-Heptanone,
3-Hepten-2-One,
2-Hepten-4-One,
4-Heptenal,
trans -2-Heptenal,
Heptyl Acetate,
omega-6-Hexadecenlactone,
gamma-Hexalactone,
Hexanal,
Hexanoic Acid,
2-Hexen-1-Ol,
3-Hexen-1-Ol,
cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate,
2-Hexenal,
3-Hexenoic Acid,
trans-2-Hexenoic Acid,
cis-3-Hexenyl Formate,
Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate,
Hexyl Acetate,
Hexyl Alcohol,
Hexyl Phenylacetate,
1-Histidine,
Honey,
Hops Oil,
Hydrolyzed Milk Solids,
Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins,
5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone,
4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone,
2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One,
4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone,
2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde,
4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone,
Hydroxycitronellal,
6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane,
4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone,
Hyssop Oil,
Immortelle Absolute and Extract,
alpha-Ionone,
beta-Ionone,
alpha-Irone,
Isoamyl Acetate,
Isoamyl Benzoate,
Isoamyl Butyrate,
Isoamyl Cinnamate,
Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate,
Isoamyl Isovalerate,
Isoamyl Octanoate,
Isoamyl Phenylacetate,
Isobornyl Acetate,
Isobutyl Acetate,
Isobutyl Alcohol,
Isobutyl Cinnamate,
Isobutyl Phenylacetate,
Isobutyl Salicylate,
2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine,
alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol,
Isobutyraldehyde,
Isobutyric Acid,
d,l-Isoleucine,
alpha-Isomethylionone,
2-Isopropylphenol,
Isovaleric Acid,
Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil,
Kola Nut Extract,
Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin,
Lactic Acid,
Lauric Acid,
Lauric Aldehyde,
Lavandin Oil,
Lavender Oil,
Lemon Oil and Extract,
Lemongrass Oil,
1-Leucine,
Levulinic Acid,
Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder,
Lime Oil ,
Linalool,
Linalool Oxide,
Linalyl Acetate,
Linden Flowers,
Lovage Oil And Extract,
1-Lysine,
Mace Powder, Extract and Oil ,
Magnesium Carbonate,
Malic Acid,
Malt and Malt Extract,
Maltodextrin,
Maltol,
Maltyl Isobutyrate,
Mandarin Oil,
Maple Syrup and Concentrate,
Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil,
para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One,
Menthol,
Menthone,
Menthyl Acetate,
dl-Methionine,
Methoprene,
2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol,
2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol,
para-Methoxybenzaldehyde,
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One,
4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone,
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone,
Methoxypyrazine,
Methyl 2-Furoate,
Methyl 2-Octynoate,
Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone,
Methyl Anisate,
Methyl Anthranilate,
Methyl Benzoate,
Methyl Cinnamate,
Methyl Dihydrojasmonate,
Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated,
Methyl Isovalerate,
Methyl Linoleate (48%),
Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture,
Methyl Naphthyl Ketone,
Methyl Nicotinate,
Methyl Phenylacetate,
Methyl Salicylate,
Methyl Sulfide,
3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone,
4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone,
5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal,
5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde,
6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One,
2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde,
5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One,
1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene,
4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One,
2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde,
6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One,
4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol,
4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole,
Methyl-alpha-Ionone,
Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid,
4-Methylacetophenone,
para-Methylanisole,
alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate,
alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol,
2-Methylbutyraldehyde,
3-Methylbutyraldehyde,
2-Methylbutyric Acid,
alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde,
Methylcyclopentenolone,
2-Methylheptanoic Acid,
2-Methylhexanoic Acid,
3-Methylpentanoic Acid,
4-Methylpentanoic Acid,
2-Methylpyrazine,
5-Methylquinoxaline,
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One,
(Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers),
3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde,
Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate,
2-Methylvaleric Acid,
Mimosa Absolute and Extract,
Molasses Extract and Tincture,
Mountain Maple Solid Extract,
Mullein Flowers,
Myristaldehyde,
Myristic Acid,
Myrrh Oil,
beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether,
Nerol,
Neroli Bigarde Oil,
Nerolidol,
Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal,
2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol,
gamma-Nonalactone,
Nonanal,
Nonanoic Acid,
Nonanone,
trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol,
2-Nonenal,
Nonyl Acetate,
Nutmeg Powder and Oil,
Oak Chips Extract and Oil,
Oak Moss Absolute,
9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%),
delta-Octalactone,
gamma-Octalactone,
Octanal,
Octanoic Acid,
1-Octanol,
2-Octanone,
3-Octen-2-One,
1-Octen-3-Ol,
1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate,
2-Octenal,
Octyl Isobutyrate,
Oleic Acid ,
Olibanum Oil,
Opoponax Oil And Gum,
Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute,
Orange Oil and Extract,
Origanum Oil,
Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract,
Palmarosa Oil,
Palmitic Acid,
Parsley Seed Oil,
Patchouli Oil,
omega-Pentadecalactone,
2,3-Pentanedione,
2-Pentanone,
4-Pentenoic Acid,
2-Pentylpyridine,
Pepper Oil, Black And White,
Peppermint Oil,
Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil,
Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil,
alpha-Phellandrene,
2-Phenenthyl Acetate,
Phenenthyl Alcohol,
Phenethyl Butyrate,
Phenethyl Cinnamate,
Phenethyl Isobutyrate,
Phenethyl Isovalerate,
Phenethyl Phenylacetate,
Phenethyl Salicylate,
1-Phenyl-1-Propanol,
3-Phenyl-1-Propanol,
2-Phenyl-2-Butenal,
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol,
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One,
Phenylacetaldehyde,
Phenylacetic Acid,
1-Phenylalanine,
3-Phenylpropionaldehyde,
3-Phenylpropionic Acid,
3-Phenylpropyl Acetate,
3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate,
2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran,
Phosphoric Acid,
Pimenta Leaf Oil,
Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch,
Pineapple Juice Concentrate,
alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene,
D-Piperitone,
Piperonal,
Pipsissewa Leaf Extract,
Plum Juice,
Potassium Sorbate,
1-Proline,
Propenylguaethol,
Propionic Acid,
Propyl Acetate,
Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate,
Propylene Glycol,
3-Propylidenephthalide,
Prune Juice and Concentrate,
Pyridine,
Pyroligneous Acid And Extract,

Pyrrole,
Pyruvic Acid,
Raisin Juice Concentrate,
Rhodinol,
Rose Absolute and Oil,
Rosemary Oil,
Rum,
Rum Ether,
Rye Extract,
Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin,
Salicylaldehyde,
Sandalwood Oil, Yellow,
Sclareolide,
Skatole,
Smoke Flavor,
Snakeroot Oil,
Sodium Acetate,
Sodium Benzoate,
Sodium Bicarbonate,
Sodium Carbonate,
Sodium Chloride,
Sodium Citrate,
Sodium Hydroxide,
Solanone,
Spearmint Oil,
Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil,
Sucrose Octaacetate,
Sugar Alcohols,
Sugars,
Tagetes Oil,
Tannic Acid,
Tartaric Acid,
Tea Leaf and Absolute,
alpha-Terpineol,
Terpinolene,
Terpinyl Acetate,
5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline,
1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane,
2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone,
2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine,
Thiamine Hydrochloride,
Thiazole,
1-Threonine,
Thyme Oil, White and Red,
Thymol,
Tobacco Extracts,
Tochopherols (mixed),
Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract,
Tolualdehydes,
para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate,
para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde,
para-Tolyl Acetate,
para-Tolyl Isobutyrate,
para-Tolyl Phenylacetate,
Triacetin,
2-Tridecanone,
2-Tridecenal,
Triethyl Citrate,
3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol,
para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol,
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One,
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione,
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan,
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One,
2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone,
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine,
1-Tyrosine,
delta-Undercalactone,
gamma-Undecalactone,
Undecanal,
2-Undecanone, 1
0-Undecenal,
Urea,
Valencene,
Valeraldehyde,
Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder,
Valeric Acid,
gamma-Valerolactone,
Valine,
Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin,
Vanillin,
Veratraldehyde,
Vetiver Oil,
Vinegar,
Violet Leaf Absolute,
Walnut Hull Extract,
Water,
Wheat Extract And Flour,
Wild Cherry Bark Extract,
Wine and Wine Sherry,
Xanthan Gum,
3,4-Xylenol,
Yeast



source: www.quitsmokingsupport.com

National Public Radio meets T.U.

On the weekend of April 20th, National Public Radio will broadcast an interview I did with them about Tobacconist University for their Marketplace program. Broadcast times will vary depending on what part of the country you live in, so please check their website at http://www.npr.org/. The interview took 3 hours, but I think they will have edited it down to between one and two minutes. This is a travesty since I'm sure I provided at least four minutes of worthy material, but I am grateful for the opportunity nonetheless. My hope is that Tobacconists and the luxury tobacco industry will be portrayed in a positive light. It should be a strong counterpoint to the anti-smoking hysteria and Smokerism that is running rampant through our society. I hope that this will be just the beginning with regard to representing luxury tobacco as civilized and legitimate products that enhance our quality of life and our culture.

I Love Tobacconists

I feel remiss in not having written in a couple of weeks..... but I would like to follow up and say that the Tobacconist University Certified Lapel Pins finally arrived and they ARE Spectacular!!!!

But that is not why I am inspired to write today. I just came from a meeting of our State Retailers association. It is a unique group filled with retailers from all walks of life. Our members are Retail Tobacconists with different specialties and stores that serve very different markets. To put it mildly, it is a diverse group. I'm amazed at the diversity of opinions in our meetings. While we are all essentially in the same profession, you would think we weren't. It is amazing to see so much disagreement and lack of consensus. But that is par for the course in the tobacco industry: cigarettes pitted against cigars, retail against mail order, etc.... We are severely fractionalized, divided, and constantly on the defensive: fighting legislators, taxation, oppression, and sometimes ourselves. Even with all of the different opinions floating around in that room, and different agendas, there are some underlying commonalities, which I admire and respect greatly. I didn't start writing this to complain about my fellow Tobacconists. In fact, I leave these regular meetings a little frustrated at the state of our State and Nation, but I also leave rejuvenated. I'm not rejuvenated because we came to any sound conclusions or had any great ideas. I'm invigorated because I'm reminded of why I choose to stay in this industry. Stay and fight for what I believe in; both in terms of freedoms and values. Above all, most Tobacconists I meet are GREAT people. Sometimes I think they are the only people left who actually care about the products they sell. We are Customers, first and foremost. And we are committed to what we love, no matter the challenges, because our passion is undeniable. I can't think of any other profession facing so many obstacles. Yet I have never seen so many fine people so committed to fighting the good fight and doing the right thing. Sure I'm biased, but that doesn't change the fact that I Love Tobacconists... and you should too. Don't let this part of our culture, this venerable profession, die. Support your local Retail Tobacconist, and tell your friends to do so as well. I would argue that nobody works harder to satisfy their customers, than Retail Tobacconists.... and I promise you, they aren't doing it just for the money.

Smoking: the Gateway Civil Right

I was doing an interview with National Public Radio on Friday and out of my mouth came an unexpected thought: "Smoking [Tobacco] is the Gateway Civil Right". It sounds odd at first, but I went on about eroding our rights and what is coming after tobacco.... Fortunately, there are some places where government is taking a more level headed approach to anti-smoking legislation. In Philadelphia, the mayor, not wanting to limit all legal human freedoms, has allowed exemptions for some smaller bars and establishments serving limited amounts of food, to continue to allow smoking. Perhaps this is the beginning of a more level headed approach to legislation meant to "protect" the general public.