Be An Original

For every customer who dies from using their products, tobacco companies look for a replacement. Don't be a replacement. Be An Original!


Source: Be An Original and Quit Now! Rhode Island

Land of Tobacco: China's Deadly Addiction

While I may be concerned about the toll the tobacco industry and their minions take on the number of Americans who smoke, I'm still very grateful about being born an American as opposed to being born in China. For the most part, we value our citizens. Chinese male children (and secondhand smokers) seem doomed to a life of nicotine addiction and all of the health consequences associated with it.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of cigarettes. According to PBS Newshour, there are more than a trillion cigarettes produced; more than 300 million smokers, 740 million second-hand smokers, and, by 2020, some two million annual deaths related to smoking.

At >300 million smokers, there are more smokers in China than the entire population of Americans. Smoking is the leading cause of death in China, and by 2050, the number of deaths from tobacco-related causes is expected to triple - to some THREE MILLION people each year!

And what can be done to reverse this continuous Chinese genocide?

Except for public education and good parenting, not much if you ask me. Like I posted before, the Chinese Government is behind their own leading cause of death.

The Chinese tobacco market is dominated by the China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), which is a government-owned monopoly, and generates significant income for the Chinese Government.

If the Government truly valued their citizens, they would have privatized this business long ago. They can't effectively both market their products while trying to prevent tobacco use. It's a serious conflict of interest that anyone with half-a-brain could figure out is NOT going to happen.

Of course, China may tell WHO that they will be instituting programs aimed at significantly reducing tobacco use in their country. But like everywhere else in the world, while politicians talk a good game, it's always their actions that eventually belie their true intentions.


Source: PRI's The World: Cancer's New Battleground - The Developing World

Nothing Good Ever Comes From A Nicotine Addiction

It's often been said that a smoker's best friend is his cigarette. However, for those militant smokers who refuse to attempt to quit smoking even after being diagnosed with a cancerous tumor, you have to wonder if it's not just the cigarette that an addicted smoker considers his best friend.


Benigni from Elli Vuorinen on Vimeo.

Business Has Never Been Healthier

It was two years ago when I first reported noticing that restaurant and bar smoking bans where I lived accomplished exactly the opposite of what angry critics to those bans had predicted would happen if smoking bans were enacted.

Instead of bars and restaurants losing business due to smoking bans, people started flocking to bars and restaurants after they became smoke-free. Becoming smoke-free is a boon to businesses.

But don't just take my word for it. It's already been shown that smoke-free ordinances did not have a negative economic impact on the hospitality industry in Wisconsin, and now Kentucky businesses are reporting the same positive results.

Just more proof that preventative smoke-free policies do work, and should be instituted nationwide.


Source: Smoke Free Kentucky

Indonesia: The Tobacco Industry's BFF

Why should Big Tobacco worry about the decreasing rates of American smokers? There are plenty of other foolish humans to exploit worldwide. According to this news report, 66% of Indonesians smoke cigarettes, and many of them began smoking in early childhood.

Smoking: It Affects Your Brain

Here's more evidence to shoot down the myth that smoking helps smokers concentrate and makes a smoker more alert. In fact, the speed and accuracy of a smoker’s ability to think rationally becomes weaker, and smoking has also been shown to lower smokers’ IQ. But, don't just take my word for it.

Can You Slow Down?

Or has old Charlie (the tobacco industry, and all-time winner) stolen your handle?



Listen closely. The lyrics of Locomotive Breath use the imagery of an impending and unavoidable train wreck as an allegorical portrayal of a man's life falling apart. I think these lyrics also best describe the lives of most militant smokers who refuse to quit smoking, or even attempt to slow down.

Quit smoking now or your life too will soon become a runaway train wreck.

Adios Smokers

Well, I've come to a permanent decision. I'm going to stop blogging about smoking cessation. I've grown weary of trying to help nicotine addicts who refuse to recognize their problem, and I'm tired of fighting against the insidious forces seeking to profit from smokers' addiction.

If you are smart enough to never begin smoking while in your youth, kudos to you on recognizing that nothing good EVER comes from a nicotine addiction, and for recognizing that many people whom you "think" are on your side are actually trying to exploit you. You've done yourself a tremendous favor.

However, if you've decided to begin smoking or continue to be a smoker, I sincerely feel bad that you've relegated yourself to being tossed into the "exploited" bin by almost everyone. Statistically, you're doomed to suffer from your addiction for the rest of your short life, and you don't even care.

And you know what? I'm tired of pissing into the wind.

If the tobacco industry has successfully targeted you, your family and your "friends" have failed you, and many in the rest of society considers you their pocketbook to self-enrichment, who am I to try to convince you otherwise? You're on your own as far as I'm concerned.. but I wish you the best.

Are Ciggys Right For You?

Do you now see how easy it is to get turned to the dark side by the people that you think are your friends? Cigarettes aren't the answer to building true friendships.


Double Happy from Short of the Week on Vimeo.

The Allergy | Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is even more hazardous than you may think. But, don't just take my word for it.


Source: X Out Cig and Wong Fu Productions

The Turn Off

Ever have something like this happen to you? Bites his nails? That's fine. Socks don't match? Ahh, who cares? Bad breath? Just give him some gum. So what's the ultimate turn off?? You guessed it.


Source: X Out Cig and Wong Fu Productions

The Tobacco Industry Is Watching You

And it's not just paranoia. Get a reality check.



It's unknowingly been going on for decades.

How Much Is A Life Worth?

The truth about tobacco. This video spotlights the devastating global tobacco epidemic and how the tobacco industry works to addict new users, especially kids. Get informed, fight back!

Data comes from The Tobacco Atlas, Fourth Edition, published by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation and is just one of the ways the American Cancer Society will be celebrating the Great American Smokeout® this November.

Golem | The Evolution Of A Quitter

Golem reveals the unconscious reasoning behind your "choice" to enter into the cigarette culture as a youth, and how you will beat your nicotine addiction after realizing your error in adulthood.


GOLEM from GOLEM on Vimeo.

What's Your Excuse?

Click on the video "cc button" for closed captioning in English, and then call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Have You Tried Kwit-Kone?

Recommended by 8 out of 10 veterinarians nationwide to help you quit smoking.


Source: Mississippi Department of Health

Hey Adult, Got A Light?

People, give a little thought to your actions before you undertake them. When a 9 or 10 year old child asks you for a light so they could smoke a cigarette, why in the world would you enable them?


Source: The Copenhagen Post | Hat tip: Toxic Butts

Quit Smoking This Stoptober

During October, thousands of people across England are taking part in a project called "Stoptober" - a new, exciting 28 day challenge to stop smoking. According to our friends across the pond, if you can go 28 days without a cigarette, your five times more likely to stop for good.

I say we should join our British friends and accept the same challenge here in America!


Source: NHS Smokefree | Stoptober

How To Address A Litterbug Smoker

Dear Cole, I need some guidance on how to deal with an inconsiderate smoker.

I've got a neighbor that thinks my yard is his personal ashtray and continues to flick his cigarette butts onto my sidewalk. For the past year or so, I've been playing the enabling patsy and have been picking up his discarded butts and disposing of them properly. But, now his laughing behind my back at my foolishness is starting to grind on my nerves, and I feel the need to address the problem.

Dear Patsy, I'm glad you've decided to grow a pair. Here's one way to address your litterbug -

Sweep up all of those cigarette butts and save them. One day, when your neighbor isn't home, bring those butts over to his house and and dispose of them on his front doorstep. That should get the message across about his behavior.

However, if your neighbor still fails to comprehend the message after seeing what a pile of disgusting cigarette butts looks like on his own property, and continues to flick his butts into your yard, then you're going to have to make his inconsiderate behavior more clear to him.

So, the next time you see your neighbor smoking, grab a candy bar, some chewing gum, or some other type of wrapped food. Mosey on out and engage him in some polite neighborly conversation.

As you notice him finishing his cigarette, and the second he flicks his butt into your yard, unwrap that candy bar, gum, or food, and throw the empty wrapper trash into his yard. Begin to eat your food and continue your conversation as if what you've just done is normal neighborly behavior.

I'm sure that upon instituting your own inconsiderate action in front of his face, your now astounded neighbor will ask you why you just threw your trash into his yard.

Without getting angry or becoming confrontational, keep a smile on your face, look him directly into his eyes and reply questioningly "I noticed that you flick your butts into my yard, so I thought that throwing my trash into your yard was just part of being a good neighbor. Is that wrong?"

Hopefully, your neighbor will then realize his assholeledness and quit being a littering butt-flicker.

But, if you think my solution may be a little too risky and are afraid your neighbor may become upset, and complain that you're being a "Nazi" and violating his "personal freedoms", then try this advice -

Source: Slate: Dear Prudence

Legacy: For Long And Healthier Lives

Through their prevention and cessation efforts, the American Legacy Foundation (Legacy) is helping people live longer, healthier lives. Legacy is dedicated to building a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit. Your continued support will enable their good deeds.

As we all know, knowledge is contagious, and Legacy has been educating us about the dangers of tobacco abuse for years. Legacy keeps us informed and teaches us the perverse truth about tobacco.

The SmokeScreen | Mediology

Prevention is the key to victory in the war against nicotine addiction.

The SmokeScreen is doing their part to inform young people of the big picture behind smoking, and to show use how we are constantly being subliminally exploited by Big Tobacco.

Get on board with tobacco abuse prevention, and follow The SmokeScreen.


The SmokeScreen 'Mediology' from The SmokeScreen on Vimeo.

LGBT Community | Keep Yourself Alive

Scaramouche, scaramouche, can you do the fandango? Well, not if you're a smoker you can't. That's because the tobacco industry considers the LGBT community one of their favorite targets.

But, don't just take my word for it. Ask any Queen who's addicted to cigarettes. They'll tell you - "Do you think you're better every day? No, I just think I'm two steps nearer to my grave."

Don't allow the tobacco industry to hold you in contempt, exploit you, and to send you to an early grave my gay friends. Keep yourself alive no matter what it takes! Get some help to quit smoking.

Quitting Cold Turkey

For years, scientists have been trying to find the reason behind why some smokers can successfully beat their nicotine addiction the old-fashioned way, by quitting "cold turkey", while the majority of long-term smokers find it much more difficult to stop smoking.

Recent research is uncovering that a person's genetic disposition may possibly be involved in that reason. That same research also suggests that a person’s genetic makeup can help better predict who is most likely to respond to drug therapy and other interventions into their nicotine addiction.

Regardless, what is known is that a nicotine addiction is a multi-factorial condition.

There are many different factors involved in the process of becoming and remaining a smoker, and there will be many different forces trying to keep one from successfully quitting. So, until scientists discover that reason, it makes sense that one must incorporate a comprehensive set of strategies in order to beat their addiction.

Know this - the odds are against anyone quitting "cold turkey", don't beat yourself up if you've failed.

Quitting smoking is NOT just dependent upon sheer willpower. And failing to quit smoking cold turkey shouldn't be viewed as being weak-minded. Persistence is the key to success. Keep trying to quit smoking, and use any and all of the tools available to you to help enable your success.


Source: Washington State Department of Health: Tobacco

Are Your Children Being Targeted?

The tobacco industry's influence is everywhere, yet most people have become so accustomed to the ways that tobacco marketing infiltrates our daily lives and has become embedded in our culture that its presence goes unnoticed. They succeed in finding replacement smokers by using images of attractive young adults who look healthy, independent and adventurous - all of which appeal to youth.

But parents can easily prevent their children from falling victim to the tobacco industry by enlisting the free help and support of America's Doctor. Learn the facts about tobacco abuse and pass them on to your children before they reach that age when they think they know better than you.


Source: TobaccoFreeCA

The Environmental Impact of Cigarette Butts

Whether you smoke or not, we all pay the price of tobacco.


Source: TobaccoFreeCA

A Good Death | Short Film About COPD

According to the film's creator, “A Good Death” is designed for patients with COPD or other serious lung conditions, their families, and the doctors and nurses who provide care for them.

It is not an easy film to watch, because it describes the end-of-life struggles of a real patient, Mr. Martin Cavanagh, and his family during the last months of his life.

The film is designed to introduce the concept of ADVANCE CARE PLANNING. It is meant to prompt meaningful discussion and helpful planning for future care for patients whose respiratory illness is leading them to the end of their life. It is about making thoughtful choices.

And it's that concept of "thoughtful choices" why I'm posting the film here too.

Not everyone diagnosed with COPD gets it from smoking. There is a small percentage of the patient population, like Mr. Cavanagh, who suffers from this terrible affliction through no fault of their own.

But, smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Smoking can be prevented.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.

And the age at which more people are being diagnosed with COPD is falling.

Traditionally found in smokers 50-60 years of age. Now-a-days, there are many more smokers being diagnosed with early-stage COPD while only in their 30s and 40s. Remember, COPD is irreversible.

It's disturbing to me to watch the slow, progressive, and painful death of someone who has COPD. Imagine yourself or one of your loved ones in this poor man's shoes. But what's really disturbing is that this mainly self-inflicted disease is one that can be so easily prevented by never becoming a smoker, or quitting smoking before it's too late.

So, I'm presenting this film on Smoking Blows as a message of PREVENTATIVE CARE PLANNING. As difficult as it may be for you, please make an effort to quit smoking before you contract COPD.


A Good Death from PRN Films on Vimeo.

Puck Smoking

What do you do when your child is six years old and there's tremendous peer pressure from his friends to start smoking? It's not too tricky. Show him the magic way to avoid becoming a smoker.


No Smoking from puckmagic on Vimeo and The Magic of Puck.

Are You Still Smoking?

How many more blog posts do I need to write in order to make you understand that your addiction to cigarettes is causing serious damage to your love life? Make an effort to put that cigarette down.


Source: Brandy

The Last Of The Red-Hot Buttheads

Find a new club to join. The pack rats - they're on their way out.


Source: Stanford Research into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising

Gerri's Story

Meet Gerri. She's only 57 years old, and she's dying from emphysema caused by chronic smoking.

Emphysema is now the third leading cause of death in the U.S. In this incurable disease, the tissues necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lungs are destroyed.

Included in a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (pulmonary refers to the lungs), emphysema is called an obstructive lung disease because the destruction of lung tissue around smaller sacs, called alveoli, makes these air sacs lose their elasticity, and unable to hold their functional shape upon exhalation.

About 9 out of 10 emphysema cases are caused by smoking. Please don't wait to quit smoking.


Source: Tobacco Free Florida

Quit Smoking Before You Become A Statistic

One-half of all lifetime smokers will die early because of their decisions to smoke. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health. Quitting smoking may be difficult, but dying from smoking is rarely quick, and it's never painless.

Enlist some free help to kick your addiction before you become one of those unfortunate statistics.


Source: NYC Quits! | Hat tip: Tobacco Prevention K12

Steve's Story

Can you name something that you do at least fifty times daily?


Source: truth

My Daddy Is A Smoker

What a great family. Help Daddy quit smoking.


My Daddy is a Smoker from Anthony Chen on Vimeo.

Congratulations Australia!

A heartfelt congratulations goes out to the high court of Australia for understanding the "behind the scenes" manipulations, deciding what's most important, and for ruling against Big Tobacco.


Source: Cancer Council Victoria (Australia) | Hat tip: Qasim Chowdary

Patricia's Story

The fallacy of invincibility. If you continue to smoke, don't think this won't happen to you.


Breathe Easy Mini Doc: Patricia from Bryan Zhang on Vimeo.

How Plain Packaging Protects

Cigarette packets are a powerful marketing tool that attract young people - our children. Unbranding cigarette packs won't stop everyone from smoking, but it will give our kids one less reason to start.


Source: Plain Packs New Zealand

Got GATS?

Smoking might be on the decline in the U.S., but in many other countries, smoking is still the norm.

The report titled "The Global Adult Tobacco Survey" (GATS) looked at tobacco users in 14 developing nations and included data from the U.S. and the U.K. for comparison. It found that about one-half of the men across the low- and middle-income nations use tobacco, mostly smoke products.

According to the study authors, the first wave of GATS showed high rates of smoking in men, early initiation of smoking in women, and low quit ratios, reinforcing the view that efforts to prevent initiation and promote cessation of tobacco use are needed to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Source: PBS Newshour | Hat tip: The NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City

Marie's Story

[You may have to turn up the volume]

INPES - Home from Stephane Pereira on Vimeo.

Plain Packaging Prevails

Australia will become the first country to require cigarettes to be sold in uniform packages after its top court rejected a challenge from tobacco companies, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

The Australian law requires cigarettes to be sold with no company logos and with the same font for all brands on a dark brown background. Graphic health warnings will cover 90 percent of the back of the packaging and 70 percent of the front.

Source: Australia’s Top Court Backs Plain-Pack Tobacco Laws

What Would MacGyver Do?

If you really care about your friends, then find some way to intervene in their nicotine addiction.


Who is: MacGyver?

The Hidden Costs Of Smoking

The cost to society for a pack of cigarettes is twice as high as the average retail cost. Even if you don’t smoke, you still pay the price.

Explore all of the issues surrounding tobacco abuse at Legacy for Health.


Hidden Cost from Brett Stiles on Vimeo.

What Does Your Child's Future Hold?

Their success is in your hands. Don't let your child's future go up in smoke.


CDHS Anti-Smoking – "Faces" from Castells on Vimeo.

Cigarette use continues to decline in the United States

Over a 12-year period, total consumption of cigarettes fell 32.8%, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in the August 3rd issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

From years 2000 to 2011, total consumption of all combustible tobacco decreased from 450.7 billion cigarette equivalents to 326.6, a 27.5% decrease; per capita consumption of all combustible tobacco products declined from 2,148 to 1,374, a 36.0% decrease.

However, while consumption of cigarettes decreased 32.8% from 2000 to 2011, consumption of loose tobacco and cigars increased 123.1% over the same period. As a result, the percentage of total combustible tobacco consumption composed of loose tobacco and cigars increased from 3.4% in 2000 to 10.4% in 2011. So, despite continued decreases in cigarette smoking in the United States, we must continue to put our foot down in the battle against nicotine addiction.


DSHS Tobacco Prevention - Shhh TV from Writer at Large on Vimeo.

Protect Your Kids From Tobacco

Many parents think drugs and alcohol are the greatest health threats to their children. But tobacco kills more people than illegal drugs, alcohol, AIDS, and car crashes combined.

The tobacco industry is working against you and intentionally targeting your child in hopes of making them a life-long tobacco user, giving you just one more thing you have to worry about. But, despite all of the negative peer pressure, web, TV, and movies your child is exposed to, as a parent, you’re the greatest influence in your child’s life.


Source: Tobacco Never Quits

Fighting For Smokefree Air | Vinny's Story

Vinny's Story: After decades working at a smoke-filled casino, Vinny Rennich found out he had lung cancer. He had never smoked. Hear how he fought back, and won.


Source: Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights

Secondhand Rose, Secondhand Smoke

Did you know that children exposed to tobacco smoke suffer? Protecting your children from tobacco smoke is good medicine, and preventing their exposure to secondhand smoke (pdf) begins at home.


Source: Michigan Department of Health | Tobacco Control

Stop Fiddling Around and Quit Smoking!

No one will tolerate your secondhand smoke anymore. World-famous country musician and fiddle player Byron Berline reflects on his career and the effects of tobacco use in entertainment venues.


Source: Tobacco Stops With Me

What Mode Are You In?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in America, and smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. It's an extremely horrible way to die and it's not curable.

¡Si Se Puede!

Dejar el tabaco no es fácil. Se pueden requerir hasta siete intentos o más para dejarlo completamente. Pero al llamar al Quitline de la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, usted recibirá ayuda personalizada, herramientas y estrategias que le ayudarán a dejar de fumar.

Puede dejar de fumar. Solo necesita un poco de ayuda. El llamar al Quitline de la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer puede aumentar sus posibilidades de dejar de fumar hasta en un 70%.

Esta página puede ser un recurso muy bueno también. Lea y encuentre información y consejos para calmar la tentación de fumar y tener un plan a seguir para dejar el cigarro exitosamente.


American Cancer Society "Si Se Puede" from Rio Bravo Pictures on Vimeo.

[English version: Yes You Can!]

Smoking In Movies Sucks You In

Have you ever noticed how many movies show images of smoking? Think that’s just a coincidence to see your favorite stars light up on screen? Don't you believe it.

Every second of film is precisely scripted and choreographed to deliver a message, and the history of the tobacco industry’s collaboration with Hollywood, including payment for the placement of tobacco products in movies, is well documented.

Research has shown that the more youth see smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start. “Film is better than any commercial that has been run on television or in any magazine, because the audience is totally unaware of any sponsor involvement.”

Today, tobacco use in films still remains widespread. The influence of smoking in movies on young people should not be surprising, given the pervasive influence of Hollywood on popular culture and the fact that most other vehicles of tobacco promotion have been banned.

But you can help prevent youth smoking by taking a stand against smoking in movies.

Support making smoking in movies require an "R" rating. An R-rating for smoking will cut childrens' exposure to smoking in movies by at least half, preventing almost 200,000 adolescents from starting to smoke every year and averting 50-60,000 tobacco deaths a year in coming decades.


Source: Smoke Free Movies (Canada)

Is Big Tobacco in US Targeting Youth in Indonesia?

A year-long ABC News investigation examined the tobacco industry's expansion into Indonesia, which critics say is being fueled, in part, by one of the most powerful and profitable corporations in the United States. Can you guess which corporation? Here's their report -

Source: ABC News: Nightline

5 Weird Reasons Not To Smoke

Hank gives you five MORE reasons why you should probably avoid smoking, or quit if you already smoke - in addition to those big ones you already know about.


Source: SciShow YouTube Site (with references)

Nursing Your Lungs

One of the healthiest things smokers can do to lengthen their lives is to give up smoking, or never start.

[Original link removed by source request]

Tobacco Industry Manipulation

The tobacco industry will stop at nothing in their quest to find replacement smokers.

Plain Packs Protect

Every year, another 340,000 children in the UK are tempted to try smoking. And evidence suggests that they are more likely to be attracted by designed tobacco packs, than by plain packs.

This is also a vital time in America for all of us trying to protect our children by raising awareness of the need to remove the last form of tobacco advertising - glamorous, glitzy and appealing packaging.


Source: Plain Packs Protect Partnership

Smoking Destroys Lives

When asked to select cancers linked to smoking, more than 80 per cent of people did not know there was a link between smoking and eight different cancers.

What's Your Anti Smoke?

A great friend is someone who cares about you and looks out for your best interests.

Composer Geoff Sheil is that type of friend. He's created his own "What's Your Anti Smoke?" musical composition for his friends Ivana Munćan and Milena Buča, in a desperate effort to curb their pervasive smoking habit. We could all use more friends like him.

Willpower: One Of Your Greatest Tools

We all have willpower abilities contained within our minds. But, it's more developed in some people than in others. Willpower can be described as that little voice in the back of your head motivating you to take that first step towards quitting smoking. And a well-developed willpower strategy can be an important part of any overall plan to quit.

Some smokers have the ability to use their willpower to quit their addiction to nicotine cold-turkey. Most do not. However if you combine well-developed willpower strategies with scientific and other evidence based methods, you greatly improve your chances to quit smoking permanently.

Willpower can be added to any plan. It is the ability to talk ourselves out of smoking and in to staying a non-smoker when a craving comes along. Like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.


Source: I Can Quit (Australia)

Qutting Smoking Is No Pic-a-nic

The best way to quit smoking is to be smarter than the average bear, and to never begin smoking.

A Hard Habit To Break

What's almost as hard as quitting smoking for yourself? Having to break-up with your lover because he or she refuses to attempt to quit smoking for themselves. Although often necessary in protecting your own health, dumping a nicotine-addicted lover is a hard habit to break.

But, as I've touched upon in a previous post, smoking has been a factor in ruining many relationships for years. Again, don't just take my word for it. They've been writing songs about it ever since Chicago caught on fire. See for yourself -

Tobacco Price Manipulation

By manipulating smokers behind their backs, tobacco price manipulation (pdf), also known as price-related marketing, refers to the tobacco industry’s efforts to recruit and retain smokers by artificially lowering the price of cigarettes.

People who are trying to quit, and price-sensitive groups like youth and low-income communities, are often targeted by, and fall victim to, these pricing schemes.


Inpes - 'Anti Smoking' from Trim Editing on Vimeo.

Who's Responsible For Your Addiction?

Let's take a closer look at the phrase "personal responsibility" on this Father's Day.

I want to point something out about this phrase because I believe it's one of the bullshit mantras used by the tobacco industry, their henchmen, or their minions to reflect blame for smokers' addictions off of themselves, and onto the backs of the nicotine addicts they've created.

Big Tobacco wants you to believe that YOU are the reason why you cannot stop smoking. They want you to believe that you had "A CHOICE" about whether or not to become a smoker, and that you are "personally responsibility" for your addiction. But, that's far from the truth.

The truth almost always lies in the data and statistics. Research has shown (pdf) that approximately 90% of adult smokers became regular smokers when they were in still their teen years. So then, should we hold children personally responsible for becoming nicotine addicts? Of course not!

Every adult knows that preteens and teens aren't mentally capable of making rational, nor even legal, decisions or "choices" about events or situations that could negatively impact their lives forever. Even some young adults still aren't fully capable of making rational decisions.

We know that children can't yet realize when they're being exploited. Only retrospectively do adults realize that while in our formative years our minds aren't fully developed, our social skills are still rudimentary, and that we easily fall prey to lies, manipulation and exploitation.

Unfortunately, it's only after children smokers reach adulthood when they come to fully realize that smoking is harmful and addictive. But by then, they've already become addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. As adult addicts, they've lost a significant portion of their ability to make a choice to quit.

Of course, the tobacco industry then washes their hands of the problem they created by saying that it's your own "personal responsibility" to continue to smoke or not. But, who's really responsible?



Now, here's the rub that galls me to no end -

Although you now know that you're not fully responsible for becoming a nicotine addict in your youth, and even though your genetic makeup may make it more difficult (or even impossible) to quit, the end responsibility for quitting smoking does fall on your shoulders. Yes, you've been screwed by all of the people you thought were looking out for you.

Your parents dropped the ball in your childhood. The government didn't step up to the plate. And your friends? They probably helped you get started smoking. And YOU didn't realize that you were being manipulated and exploited until it was too late. You've been stuck with being responsible for killing the monster that you had little responsibility in creating!

I know, it sucks. Welcome to the real world.

So, if you don't want to suffer the physical, mental, and financial consequences often associated with being a long-term smoker, and as difficult as it may be to beat your addiction, guess what? You also have NO CHOICE but to attempt quitting. The only bright side is that you CAN succeed, and that you CAN enlist some free help to get you there.

Oh yeah, and Happy Father's Day.

From Kools To Cancer Sticks

The one thing experience has taught me in life, it's that anyone can accomplish anything if they really want it bad enough. Nothing is impossible! And one doesn't need to be the smartest or the toughest in order to succeed. All that's needed is desire and persistence. But, don't just take my word for it.

Prevention Institute Director Larry Cohen chronicles the history of anti-smoking efforts, and how he helped guide a new approach that has resulted in policy and legislative changes. See how prevention efforts, like banning smoking in public places, promoting healthy eating and preventing violence, can result in healthier, happier communities.

Just imagine what you could accomplish in life by finding ways around all of the sinister obstacles blocking your way and following the path Mr. Cohen did? You can change YOUR OWN "norm".

Take baby-steps, be persistent, and watch just how quickly you can successfully quit tobacco.

Lead By Example | Smoking Kid

If you want your children to remain non-smokers, then you MUST lead them by example. Talk is cheap, and kids quickly understand the hypocrisy of a smoker urging them not to smoke.


Smoking Kid from Ogilvy Asia on Vimeo and Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

TobaccoTactics Means Better Education

Anyone wondering why the Smoking Blows comments sections have been recently inundated with pro-smoking and pro-tobacco use troll comments? It's because I've decided to promote a pioneering University research program that monitors the tobacco industry online.

The ground-breaking online resource, called TobaccoTactics.org, has been launched by researchers at the University Tobacco Control Research Group, at the University of Bath, UK. Utilizing the same open software as Wikipedia, TobaccoTactics aims to provide up-to-date information on the tobacco industry, its allies or those promoting a pro-tobacco agenda.

Launching a wiki as an online academic resource tool is a first for the University of Bath. But given academia’s current focus on knowledge exchange, TobaccoTactics is seen as a novel and innovative way to publish contemporary research.

The researchers hope the wiki will become a vital instrument to monitor ‘tobacco industry interference’ of public policy, which is this year’s theme of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

According to the TobaccoTactics news release, in all there are nearly 500 profiles on the wiki from tobacco companies, and the PR techniques they use to anonymous ‘tobacco trolls’. The website explores how the industry influences and often distorts public health debates, using a whole raft of lobbying and public relations tactics.

So, before believing any of the pro-tobacco bullshit comments that you may read here, or on other open anti-smoking or anti-tobacco use (pro health) forums, do a little investigating first. Become better educated and find out who's really on your side.

I'd suggest visiting TobaccoTactics often to further understand why these troll comments are being posted, who's posting the comments, and the sinister tactics behind them.

Ridiculous Tobacco Documents

These things may sound ridiculous about Big Tobacco, but they're the truth.


Source: The Truth: Facts

Save A Child: Report Criminal Retailers

Ever wonder where our smoking preteens and teens are getting their cigarettes? If they're not getting them from you, then chances are that they're probably coming from your local retailer.

Every retailer knows that it's illegal to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products to children, yet it's still being done on a daily basis. I've personally witnessed and reported it myself.

I've also noticed that some retailers selling cigarettes to children are often themselves smokers, or don't fully understand addictive consequences and harmful effects of a nicotine addiction. They think they're "being nice" or doing those children "a favor" by selling them cigarettes. And some retailers probably couldn't care less about your children's welfare.

But, YOU can do something to stop it. Save a child from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

Anytime you witness a retail establishment worker selling tobacco products to any child, call your local police and report it immediately. They will respond to your complaint. In most cases, you won't have to become personally-involved or have to worry about retaliation. The police can often use the store's own video camera evidence to prosecute the offending retailers.


Source: California Tobacco Control Program

Arizona Smokers' Helpline

Beating a nicotine addiction isn't an impossible task. Don, a pharmacy technician, talks about how working with a coach from the Arizona Smokers' Helpline helped him to set a quit date, and succeed.

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Trying to beat a nicotine addiction is just as difficult as trying to overcome an addiction to heroin. It's not an easy feat, and sometimes you'll make mistakes along the way. And these mistakes happen to even the best of us. However, if one understands the importance of quitting, and keeps trying to quit, just like everything else in life that requires persistence, eventually he or she will be successful.

But, don't just take my word for it. See what American film producer, movie studio chairman, and former smoker, Harvey Weinstein discusses with Tavis Smiley about some of his life's mistakes.


See the entire interview on Tavis Smiley.

Would You Quit Smoking For Love?

In my previous post, Princess Chelsea attempted to rationalize her cigarette smoking to her lover by saying that she only smoked a couple of times a week, and could quit anytime she pleases. She wasn't willing to quit smoking even when she knew how much it negatively-affected her relationship.

Unfortunately, that type of behavior is nothing new. It's been going on for decades. Many smokers fail to realize that their behavior is due to their addiction to nicotine, and often attempt to rationalize it as personal choice. What they're really choosing though, is to live in denial about their addiction.

And how powerful is a nicotine addiction?

Even though many male smokers know that long-term smoking can make their meat loaf, nicotine is still powerful enough to overcome the forces of love. Some militant smokers will even refuse to try to quit smoking no matter how serious the repercussions, or how much a loved one tries to intervene on their behalf. But, don't just take my word for it. See for yourself -

The Cigarette Duet

Trying to help someone quit smoking cigarettes can sometimes be very auckward. Even lovely New Zealand princesses have their difficulties. But, don't just take my word for it. Ask her cat, Winston.

Robin's Story

You can listen to what I say, or you can listen to what this this beautiful young asthma patient, and medical student, says about the consequences of secondhand smoke.

Robyn is a medical student at Florida State University. She has had asthma all her life and struggles to be around areas with smoking. Secondhand smoke may not seem dangerous, but for her it's a life and death issue. She shares about her experiences dealing with smokers and the need for people to be educated about smoking issues.


Breathe Easy Mini Doc: Robyn from Bryan Zhang on Vimeo.

Secondhand Smoke Is Seriously Harmful

Many people think asthma isn't a very serious condition. Think again.

An acute asthma attack can often be a life-threating event. Believe me, it happens more often than you may think. One day you're talking to someone with asthma like they're the picture of health, and the next day they're gone. JUST - LIKE - THAT.

Asthma is a very serious condition, one that can be precipitated by secondhand smoke.

How would you feel about yourself if your secondhand smoke led to someone else having a serious asthma attack? Just something to think about before you light up in the presence of others.


Source: CDC: Secondhand Smoke

Join World No Tobacco Day

Tobacco is public health enemy number one. It kills six-million people worldwide every year.

The tobacco industry does everything it can to undermine anti-tobacco work. WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. WHO has chosen "Stop tobacco industry interference" as the theme for the 2012 World No Tobacco Day - on 31 May.

YOU can help WHO.

Discover the subversive methods of the tobacco industry by watching the campaign video. Find out what WHO, governments and civil society are doing, and how you can help stop the tobacco industry in its tracks, by joining the conversation on Twitter @WHO - #NoTobacco.


Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Hat tip to Tobacco Free Florida

Portrait Of A Smoker

While you may think that you look suave and debonair, once you become a smoker, you lose your sense of identity and that air of independence. You become invisible to everyone else around you.


Touch of Evil: Ryan Gosling from Bunker Media on Vimeo.

Don't Become A Smoker

Most smokers regret becoming smokers and what smoking has done to them. Don't become one.


Touch of Evil: Mia Wasikowska from Bunker Media on Vimeo.

Why Is It So Hard To Quit Smoking?

The processes involved in becoming a nicotine addict are multi-factorial. So, it's not unreasonable to believe that the treatment to quit smoking shouldn't be the same.

To be successful, you must unlearn what you have learned. Enlist some help in the process.


Why is smoking so hard to quit? from Scott Wallace, PhD, RPsych on Vimeo.

WHO: World No Tobacco Day 2012

Next Thursday is the WHO (World Health Organization's), World No Tobacco Day.

Tobacco industry interference is the theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day, which takes place on 31 May 2012.

World No Tobacco Day 2012 will educate policy-makers and the general public about the tobacco industry's nefarious and harmful tactics.

This year's campaign will focus on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry's brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine global tobacco control efforts, and to stop their intimidation.

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless we act, it will kill up to 8 million people by 2030, of which more than 80% will live in low- and middle-income countries.

On this day, and throughout the following year, WHO will urge countries to put the fight against tobacco industry interference at the heart of their efforts to control the global tobacco pandemic.

nathan

nathan is a short film about a boy who doesn't like his family smoking because it can harm them. To stop them from smoking, he'll stop at nothing to get rid of every cigarette in the house.

Keep up the good fight nathan! Your family needs you.


nathan, a short film from Elliot Lamb on Vimeo.

Pick Up The Trash

Although it may seem that way to many smokers, Mother Earth is not an ashtray.

Cigarette butts are the most numerically frequent litter in the world. About 360 billion cigarettes are smoked in the U.S. every year and their toxic butts litter our sidewalks, streets, neighborhoods, schools, parks, beaches, waterways, lakes, and oceans... they're everywhere.

Personally, I think a great solution to the toxic cigarette litter problem would be to use a portion of those tobacco industry recovery funds to create a cigarette butt recycling programs.

Similar to what many states do with bottle and glass recycling, the program would charge smokers a small initial deposit when purchasing cigarettes, then refund them that deposit when they return their used cigarette butts.

Just watch how fast cigarette butts fall from being the number-one most-littered item to something hard to find when people can turn in cigarette butts for cash.

Butt until then, let's hope smokers become more considerate and start picking up their trash.


Source: Mickey Carroll

Tobaco: Que Desperdicio

¿Son éstos el tipo de amigos que quiere?


Que Desperdicio from Kacho Lopez on Vimeo and Tobacco: It's A Waste.

Secondhand Smoke Blows

In adults, secondhand smoke can cause heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. In children, secondhand smoke can cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), ear and lung infections, and asthma attacks.

In fact, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are 20-30% more likely to develop heart disease and lung cancer than people who are not exposed to secondhand smoke.


Source: Smoke Free Philly.

Ashes To Ashes

Do you know just how much ash a pack-a-day smoker produces?

Happy Mother's Day

How do you tell your mother just how much you love and appreciate her on Mother's Day?

Here's how - Beatrice's son, Nick, wrote her a letter urging her to quit smoking. In this video from CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign, she tells how this act of love gave her the courage to end a lifelong habit. There is no better Mother's Day gift.


Hat tip: BreathND

Tips Of The Week

It's never too late. Tips from former smokers on how to successfully quit smoking.


Source: CDC: Tips From Former Smokers

Quit Smoking, Just For You

There's a lot of things in life that we often take for granted, and our health is one of them. It's only after something doesn't function properly when we begin to realize just how lucky we were to be healthy.

So, why mess up a good thing? Quit smoking before YOU can't breath.

[Original link removed by source]

Cool Smoking

When our youth see celebrities smoking on screen or stage they often fail to understand that, in many instances, those celebrities or their employers are usually compensated in some way for their cigarette endorsements. They're getting paid to smoke.

So, why would anyone think that it's cool when those celebrities we profess to admire, and often seek to emulate, are selling us out in order to line their own pockets?

Who would consider that behavior cool? That's not cool smoking, that's fool smoking.

[Link removed by source]

Don't Be A Jughead

Everything about cigarettes is designed for addiction. Don't become their Jughead.

Secondhand Smoke Kills

Be very careful about who you ask for a light. There's a growing segment of the population who isn't going to put up with any inconsiderate secondhand smoke anymore.


Fresh to Death scene from Distortion Entertainment on Vimeo.

Celebrate Victory on Cinco de Mayo

Are you a MexiCAN, or a Mexi-CAN'T?

Show everyone your juevos and celebrate your heritage and a victory over innumerable odds this Cinco de Mayo by making it the day to begin your battle against the superior forces of nicotine addiction and the tobacco industry.

What better way to teach your children the historical significance of fighting, and persevering, against a much stronger and deadly opponent? Quit smoking. You CAN do it!


QUIT SMOKING - ALA from Flying Colors Productions on Vimeo.

C-Span: Addiction Incorporated

C-SPAN interviews Charles Evans, Jr. and Dr. Victor DeNoble.

Mr. Evans is producer and director of a new documentary which features former Philip Morris research scientist Victor DeNoble. The film chronicles DeNoble's unexpected discovery of an ingredient in tobacco which, the data revealed, when coupled with nicotine makes cigarettes more addictive. Just how addictive?

Dr. DeNoble reveals that even own sister is still an active smoker.


Sources: C-SPAN and Addiction Incorporated

Kids Say The Darndest Things

The problem is all inside your head she said to me. The answer is plain you see if you take it logically. She said it's really not my habit to intrude, but I want to help you with your struggle to be free. There must be fifty-ways to prevent youth smoking.

And one way is through Plain Packaging. Plain packaging means removing all branding from cigarette packs, so that all packs, from all tobacco brands, will look the same. Watch this video and you'll see that it makes sense. Then get on the bus, Gus.


Source: The Answer Is Plain

Teenage Rebellion

As part of normal development into young adults, teenagers often develop an identity independent from their parents or family and a capacity for independent decision-making.

A large factor in teenage rebellion is the natural desire to do the opposite of what parents expect them to do. But, sometimes, that isn't such a bad thing.


Anti-smoking Rebel from Palermo Films S.A. on Vimeo.

Smoking Kills

Not only does smoking kill, but it also contributes to memory loss along the way.


Smoking Kills - New from Syndicate on Vimeo.

Just How Addicting Is Nicotine?

Not even a Tasing will make a militant smoker let go of his cigarette.


Source: eBaum's World

Who's Controlling You

Just watch how a nicotine addiction will make you behave.

Big Tobacco will do anything to get you hooked. And they know the younger they get you, the better. The unfortunate result is that, once you become addicted, you're now their bitch.


Source: My7Minutes.com

How Much Does Smoking Cost?

No joke - smoking cigarettes just may cost you an arm and a leg.

Smoking causes Buerger's disease, which can lead to amputations. In this TV ad, Brandon and Marie talk about living with the effects of Buerger's disease as part of CDC's "Tips From Former Smokers" campaign.


Source: CDC: Tips From Former Smokers

23 Is The New 46

Middle-age comes sooner than you think when you're a smoker.

Not Even A Hint

Nothing good ever comes from a nicotine addiction.


Tobacco Free Austin, Leo from amarproductions on Vimeo.

Torches Of Freedom

As unbelievable as it may sound, for a period of time in America, women didn't smoke.

Before the twentieth century smoking was seen as a habit that was corrupt and inappropriate for women. It wasn't until the feminist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when women began to smoke in order to prove themselves "equal" to men.

Cigarettes were described as symbols of emancipation and equality with men. Just who the hell are these "men" to tell us we can't smoke cigarettes? We'll show them! So, the catch-phrase "Torches of Freedom" became widely-used during that period to encourage women to smoke during the women’s liberation movement in the United States.

The term was first used by psychoanalyst A. A. Brill when describing the natural desire for women to smoke, and also used by Edward Bernays, on behalf of the tobacco industries, to encourage women to smoke in public despite social taboos. Bernays hired women to march while smoking their “torches of freedom” in the Easter Sunday Parade of 1929 which was a significant moment for fighting social barriers for women smokers.

Unfortunately interesting, huh? So much for women being the "smarter" sex.


Clip Source: Adam Curtis - The Century Of The Self

Become A Smoke-Free Landlord

Approximately eighty-percent of people nationwide DO NOT smoke cigarettes, yet landlords who allow smoking in their rentals continue to put their non-smoking tenants at risk, and only to appease the minority of nicotine addicts whose habits only harm themselves and others.

Not taking into account the costs, damages, and nuisances caused by secondhand smoke to both tenants and landlords, here's just a sampling of how many "smoking-related" house fire news links for only the past week alone, by using a simple Google news search -

1. Fire destroys Roanoke County apartment building

2. Derby fire caused by cigarette, fire marshal says

3. A Warning To Smokers; 3rd fire caused by cigarettes

4. Smoldering cigarette — not an arsonist — may have caused fatal fire

5. Fire destroys Mountlake Terrace home

6. Discarded cigarette ignites duplex fire in northwest Oklahoma City

7. Smoking materials thrown in potting soil start apartment fire

8. Cigarette to blame in fatal house fire in Prince George

9. FDNY: Poorly Disposed Cigarettes Cause Of Queens Apartment Fire

10. Residents cope with aftermath of apartment fire

Wake up landlords and smell the smoke! It's in everyones best interests, including smokers, to operate only smoke-free housing facilities (pdf). So, what are you waiting for?

Ladies Love Smokefree Men

A gentleman, a bad boy, dimples, long hair, short hair, blue eyes, green eyes, musicians, sorta nerdy. No matter how many different personal preferences turn women on, the one preference that most of them look for in a man is -- being smoke free.

Very few women want a man with a fag in his mouth.


Source: Smoke Free Vegas, Baby | Hat tip: Clear the Smoke

Kick Smoking To The Curb

Being young, all you cared about was the short-term feelings smoking gave you and didn't see just how tightly nicotine had you wrapped around its little finger.

It's only now that you're a little older that you've come to realize that you were only being manipulated. Unfortunately it took a while, but you've finally realized that your relationship with cigarettes is just too self-destructive and will only bring you regret, pain and sorrow.

Listen to what Yaffa has to share about her relationship with smoking.

Don't wait seventeen years to read the writing on the wall. Avoid becoming involved with cigarettes now, before allowing a nicotine addiction to manipulate you into becoming an integral part of your life.

Kick smoking to the curb. Believe me, you are worth it and can do much better.


Source: Break It Off

They're Watching You

Great news being reported since launching the Tips from Former Smokers campaign two weeks ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has seen a two-fold increase in calls to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline.

Combine those efforts with tobacco companies now being required to display large warning images on cigarette packs, and being required to list all of the ingredients contained in their products, we may just be beginning to realize a significant number of smokers finally being able to kick their nicotine addiction for good.

But, while we may be winning the battle, don't ever forget that Big Tobacco will always be waging a war to regain those successful quitters.

We can never let down our guard. With every breath you take, you can bet your bottom dollar that Big Tobacco will always be watching every move you make, every step you take, every vow you break, or every single day you stay tobacco free, hoping that you'll eventually come back to the dark side.

Quitting smoking hurts them. But don't just take my word for it, listen to their nicotine police yourself -

Expect The Unexpected

Meet Justin. He started smoking casually when he was 14 years old. A few months after he quit at the age of 28, he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. His life was cut short by one seemingly harmless decision.


Source: Tobacco Free Florida

Royal Crowns

Better to wear them on your head than inhale them into your lungs.

Source: Break.com

How Big Tobacco Corrupts Science

Some 65% of all research and development in the U.S. is funded by private interests. History shows that the corporate funding of scientific research can be problematic — the tobacco industry offers a potent example. When corporations fund science, is truth the ultimate goal, or is stockholder profit?

Robert Proctor, Professor of the History of Science at Stanford University, explains ways in which the tobacco industry has manipulated science. Proctor argues that tobacco-friendly scientific research was "mounting a gigantic confusion campaign."


Source: ForaTV: Wonderfest

Meet Virginia Slimm

Although I believe what I'm doing is in smokers' best interests, unfortunately, there are some militant nicotine addicts who find my attitude towards smoking a bit self-righteous.

[Sigh] If only I knew how to re-direct that anger towards the pushers.


Source: Project Rant

InsideOut

You might be the epitome of beauty on the outside and think cigarette smoking isn't harming you that much. But the toll smoking takes on the outside of your body pales in comparison to just how quickly and how seriously smoking will turn your insides ugly.

Unfortunately, because we don't see the intense damage that smoking causes inside of our body, we tend to ignore it and rationalize that it won't happen to us.

Sigh.. if only there was some type of magic mirror that would allow us to turn inside out.


InsideOut from Rachel Mouawad on Vimeo.

Watch Your Secondhand Smoke

What, me worry? Yes - even the toughest superhero can succumb to secondhand smoke.

Source: Mad Magazine | Watchmen Spoof

Eaux Fortes

You know that you want to quit smoking. You think about it constantly, don't you? You also know if you want to live a longer and healthier life, that at some point, you're going to have to make that tough decision and try to give up smoking for good.

Luckily, this may just be the time you've been waiting for to change your life.

A tsunami of anti-smoking advocacy and support is headed your way soon. When it arrives, instead of running away like many smokers and drowning before your time, why not dive in and use it to your advantage?


EAUX FORTES from rémi chayé on Vimeo.

His Last Breath

How has tobacco affected your life? Like me, Michael lost both of his parents to tobacco-related afflictions. It's not pretty. I wonder if their nicotine addiction led Michael to become a smoker? He smoked for 20 years, but recently quit.


Source: Live Tobacco-Free Austin

Hidden Voice

I found this video on Sidewalk Radio, via a tip from anti-smoking advocate, @CiggyButtz.

Sidewalk Radio is a tool for advocacy along social, economic, and political lines. Advocacy means stuff like creating healthy communities, contributing to environmental justice, and building strong trade unions for often-exploited agricultural workers. They use anthropology as a resource to promote health, labor rights and visual media, and like Smoking Blows - they also post an abundance of anti-tobacco advocacy videos. Check them out!

Hidden Voice is a story about a father’s cigarette smoking and his loving son’s reflection on how his father's nicotine addiction threatens both his health and his family.


Hidden Voice from Marty Otañez on Vimeo.