I have been an on and off again smoker for only 30 years. It has been a love/hate relationship all my life. To anyone who has ever smoked or still do, we all deep in our hearts want to quit. But for whatever reason be it we are addicted or simply we just love the enjoyment of smoking, quitting has always been hard to do.

I live in New York in the good old US and here we are being hit with yet another tax on cigarettes, because the state is going broke and of course anyone who has a vice, whether it be a alcoholic drink when we get home from a long day at work or like me enjoy to light up a “cancer stick”, we are the ones who always get punished with a sin tax. I personally am sick and tired of feeling like a second class citizen because I enjoy a cigarette. I am sure our beer drinkers or martini lovers feel the same way. Here in New York we are looking at paying $10 a pack for cigarettes. 85% if that money is tax.

The government allows us to smoke and they also allow us to manufacturer tobacco and alcohol, yet we are always the ones who end up paying more, when States don’t know how to spend their money correctly.

Those of you who are regulars to my blog have seen to fairly large banners on MOB both for an electronic cigarette called GREEN SMOKE. The reason I advertise these cigarettes are many and below I will tell you why.

First of all I am sick and tired of being taxed to death. Yes I know us smokers are slowly killing ourselves from the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes. But as I said above many of us would love to quit and have, yet we still crave a cigarette daily. I know smokers are more likely be sicker then a non smoker and therefore we tax the health care system more because of it. So why don’t we tax the shit out of MacDonald’s or Pepsi then? Obesity is also running rampant in increasing health care also? Well I am happy to tell you Green Smoke will help you greatly but I will get to that in a minute.

Second it is a statistic that restaurants and bars have lost a large percentage of business once they instituted no more smoking allowed in those establishments. The fact is smokers are much more likely to go out to dinner and also out for a drink and dancing then non smokers.  So many smokers have cut way back from going to these businesses because they can no longer light up. Again Green Smoke will also help you to enjoy going out once again and enjoy a cigarette after a meal or while having your favorite scotch.

Lastly all the “bad” effects that cigarette smoke produces to those who do not want to be around a smoker are no longer valid, when using Green Smoke. You no longer give off the cancerous and foul smelling order when using this electronic device. Your clothes no longer smell, your kids and pets will no longer have to breathe in any toxic smoke. You no longer have to feel like a second rate citizen because you enjoy nicotine.

I have tried everything in my life in order to quit and have successfully many times. But for one reason or another, I go back to smoking. To be honest with all of you I enjoy to smoke now and then. Not always, but I love one with my morning coffee, or after a good meal. Hell everyone knows how good it is to light up after a round of intense love making. Sure many of the cigarettes we smoke in a day we do it for no other reason then we need our nicotine fix.

Well now this wonderful company has made it possible to enjoy smoking again. For me personally, it is a GOD SEND. I have been advertising this product for over three months now and this is the first and only post I will write in regards to them. I did this for two reasons. One I didn’t want this to come off like a commercial and think I am pushing this product because I want to get rich. NOT!! The second reason I waited to write this is because I wanted to try it myself for a long time period and see if it really worked. From the bottom of my heart it does!!

Now I want you to know why I believe in this company and not all the other companies that are now coming up with electronic cigarettes. Hell I am sure you can find many of them on the net and in the malls.  I did and I am also an affiliate of many of them. I could be sitting here writing this post on anyone of the others but I am not and this is why. They simply do not compare to GREEN SMOKE .

I have personally tried 5 different companies and they ranged in price from $45 for the start up kit to $139. When it came down to what worked and what didn’t there was only one company that stood far and above all the rest. GREEN SMOKE.

They are the most expensive to start up with. The kit I got was $139 but the quality of the product was unbeatable, as is their service. I did find one other company that had a decent product, but like most of all the others, they simply couldn’t supply me with the cartridges to replenish. So why they were less expensive, what good is it to someone if you cannot get the cartridges and you will end up going to the store and buy a pack of cigarettes and be back to square one.

To finish up this fairly long post I will simply give you my own reasons and experiences why this is the only company to deal with if you decide you want to quit smoking real cigarettes or if you miss smoking cigarettes and enjoyed them, but do not want to become addicted to smoking the terrible toxic products that real cigarettes give you.

1. The vapor that Green Smoke gives you is identical to smoking a real cigarette. Except it is simply water vapor and nicotine.

2. You can pick how much nicotine you want from the equivalence of a non filter Lucky/Camel or you can smoke without any nicotine. They have every mg covered. From heavy, regular, light, ultra or none. My first cartridges were regular, I used to smoke lights and the regulars believe me, had more nicotine in them then what I was used to and I could feel the difference.

3. They have your regular smoke tastes, or menthol, if that’s what you like. I myself enjoy now smoking Vanilla and it smells great too. You can pick a variety of different flavors, from Coffee to Chocolate and on and on.

4. YOU CAN SMOKE THESE ANYWHERE!!!!! You get a card that resembles a credit card and yes you can use these in public places as you are no longer using smoke, just water vapor and the light pleasant smell of what flavor you picked. There is no need for matches as these work on an atomizer and a battery. I still get a kick out of using mine and have so many people come up to me and either scold me or are instantly asking me questions. Hell I could sell the crap out of these, if I decided to.

5. They cost less then $2.70 a pack. That’s right these are cheaper then smoking the real deal. After your initial investment in the kit, all you need after that is replacement cartridges. They come in 5 cartridges per pack and each cartridge is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes (20). I myself have found them to last longer, but that is up to you, towards the end of the cartridges life you will start to taste what I refer to as a burnt taste. It isn’t pronounced, but you can taste it and the amount of vapor is not as great as a new cartridge. Besides, after using one that length of time, I recommend using a new one anyway for sanitary purposes.

6. This is the best benefit. After using Green Smoke for one week I felt the difference in my lungs and my capacity to not “run out of breath” as easily. Now after several months, I have no inkling to want to smoke a regular cigarette, I have basically cut way down in smoking, yet I still enjoy using them when the urge arrives. I am even thinking to place my next order with no nicotine in them at all, as I really just enjoy the fact of being able to smoke and not feel guilty, spending a lot of money and being addicted to them any longer. If I quit tomorrow, it would not bother me at all. My lings have thanked me and I have even started running again, because I can and I do not have the urge to over eat , as some of us do when we quit.

7. Lastly if you smoke cigarettes or have a loved one who does. You can give no better gift then a Green Smoke starter kit. If you click on Banner above or to the side you will receive the largest percent off they allow. That’s right you get 10% off by clicking on banner above. Consider it my present to you. For those of you who have already bought from this site, you can also use the link to buy your next batch of cartridges or batteries. Or just copy and paste http://greensmoke.com/13115.html to get your discount!!

I will give you one last heads up. I found I needed two batteries, as one did not keep up with my habit at the beginning. It is also good to have an extra battery to continue to charge while you use the other one. You don;t have to get two batteries, it is what I wish I did when I placed my first order.

If you would like the links to the other electronic cigarette manufacturers I will be happy to provide those links to you also. But believe me, I wasted an extra $400 on all the others and wish I just started with Green Smoke at the beginning and saved my money. They ship free, they are never without supply, they make them there and the quality of product and the amount of vapor are truly the best, by a long shot.

This discount is for US customers only I have other discount codes for all of those from other countries just give me a shout or use the contact us tab.

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What took them so long? Why was it so necessary to continually hear how important it was to have a bi partisan representation to pass a health care bill? A bill, by the way that was not only needed, BUT already had the majority vote secured? Why did it take so long for Obama to finally grow a set of balls and ram it up the asses of the Republicans? Bill Maher said it much better then I could ever, and he did. here’s a quick clip of him doing just that.

PLEASE President Obama, don’t stop here. Don’t do the well known Democrat stance of winning one then backing down, like we won so let’s not push our luck!

All we heard from Obama during his campaign and his inaugural speech “It’s Time For A Change”. Stick to your plan, don’t stop here, keep the momentum going and you will find how many people here in the US and abroad will be right behind you. We DO need a change, we DO need to build our pride and our fortitude back!  We DO need to be looked at, not only by the rest of the world, but our own nation, as a people who are doers once again.

You did it once,  you can DO it again and again. We are here waiting, we are here wanting, we are HERE!! Now go kick some ASS!!!!

EXTRA BONUS

You have to watch this commercial, I literally spit out the soda I had in my mouth at the end it had me laughing so hard.

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• Obama Gives Up: The era of bipartisanship is over, at least until November. (slate.com)

It’s not a pleasant prospect, but it could very well be you. Now that unemployment is over 10% and in reality it is probably easily at 20% , if you add the people the government no longer counts. That’s one out of every five people.
Here’s a helpful list,  to be prepared, just in case. This “everything you always wanted to know” list of things to consider covers the basics of job loss – from anticipating possible termination to preparing for your next career. Read on, and don’t be caught unaware.

Let’s start with the basics: take a look around. There are signs that would indicate a negative future for your company (or, at least, your job). If others in your department are losing their jobs, if your company recently instituted a hiring freeze, if newly budgeted positions are not being filled or if retirees are not being replaced, it’s time to start looking at your own standing and performance in the company. Were you the last person hired, or are you having problems keeping up with the work? If the answer’s yes, you may be summoned soon.

Beyond this, be aware if training budgets are cut or there’s a slowdown in new projects on offer. Though your particular department may be immune to the general malaise in the company, it’s best to check with superiors to see if your group is meeting targets.
How Best to Prepare
Consider the following proactive steps once you expect to be laid off. First, update your resume then build your network. Of course, you should be doing both on an ongoing basis – especially the latter. Both inside and outside your company, that rapport may ultimately secure you a few warm leads after a layoff.

Next, fix an appointment with the human resources department to determine all your invested assets with the company, including pension, health care rights, etc. All of this will be valuable when it comes time to negotiate a severance package. Be sure to familiarize yourself intimately with your company’s severance policy.

Also, remember to remove all your personal files off the office computer.

Money Matters

There are a number of important financial steps that will ensure an orderly transition between jobs.

First up is to prepare a net worth statement that identifies all your debts and assets, so you know exactly where you stand financially. Also, it’s worthwhile to create a spending log that determines what you spend for necessities and what’s discretionary. In the event of a job loss, you will have to know where to cut. A budget that you adhere to (and don’t keep just for vanity) is a must.

Next, establish an emergency fund of between three and six months’ of living expenses to carry yourself and your family through the job search process. This should be done by everyone and not just those expecting to be on the chopping block. Be a good scout: be prepared.

The ability to access money after a layoff is of the utmost importance. That being said, if you need to use credit to stay afloat after a layoff, use a line of credit before using a loan or credit cards. Lines of credit commonly offer much lower interest rates than the other two options and offer more flexible payments, as well. Loans and credit cards should only be used as a last resort.

Finally, understand that cashing in your IRA, 401(k) or selling your home in order to raise funds for living expenses during this period may trigger unwanted tax implications. Get advice now and avoiding acting out of desperation.

Also, contact your creditors quickly and explain your new employment status. Request a revised, temporary payment schedule to help keep up with your payments. You’ll be surprised at how forthcoming many will be.

Legal Matters
You have certain rights as a terminated employee, and you owe it to yourself to know them. The most important of which is severance compensation. Figure out exactly what your company’s guidelines obligate them to pay and demand the maximum, and stand firm. Your company may not want to offer you as much as you’re worth, but it’s up to you to fight for it.

Many companies offer laid off employees outplacement services. Use them. Overcome the bitterness; you never know from where your next job will come.

Consider, too, the benefits (and cost) of using a lawyer in the process. Depending upon your rank and years of service, the company’s human resources department may even offer you one. If your case is tricky, a lawyer may mean the difference between an all-or-nothing payout package.

Family Matters
This is crucial: keep your family involved in the process. Your spouse, kids and parents should all be aware of the new reality you’re facing. A team approach will yield great emotional support. Hiding the truth from your family will only make things more stressful in the long run.

Post-Layoff: Immediate Steps
Once the mud has hit, it’s time to get busy. Obtain personal references immediately. Your bosses will likely be vulnerable and sympathetic at this point. It’s best to write your own letter and have it ready to sign. Waste no time in starting your job hunt. Try to be out the next day. Momentum is key, and a quick start will help keep emotions in check and reduce the possibility of depression.

Finally, use your severance wisely. Prioritize: pay your rent/mortgage, car, electricity and food bills. And wherever possible, avoid using credit. If you qualify, register yourself for unemployment insurance.

Health Insurance
While you’re still employed, be sure to use your current health coverage for everything you need, from new eyeglasses to matters more serious. While current legislation, known as COBRA, allows you to keep your existing coverage after you’re fired, it can be prohibitively expensive. The best practice is to price your old policy against one in the private insurance market. There are new options coming available all the time, and premium prices fluctuate quite often. And while it may be tough to find coverage if you have a pre-existing condition, an agent can always help. There’s likely a policy out there that can be tailor-made to your needs.

Consider, too, the option of coverage on a spouse’s plan – even temporarily if it’s available. Going without coverage can be a risky proposition. Anyone not covered for 63 days after a job loss loses certain legal protections. Your employer’s human resources department can help you determine the law in your state, and what should be done to maximize your family’s benefits. As well, check potential coverage through Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in your state.

Education and Retraining
If resources permit, you may want to develop skills the market is currently demanding. Start by assessing your needs, then determine how best to acquire those skills; online training, attending a community college or taking industry courses can all be beneficial. However, be sure to consider your family and social responsibilities, as well as the cost of such a venture vs. the potential reward.

If you go this route, consider alternate funding sources, such as industry loans, grants and scholarships.

The Bottom Line
Preparing for the worst is the best practice. It will not only increase the likelihood of a successful parting from your old job and quickly landing a new one, it will also help you navigate the process confidently. Your attitude is crucial. Without stress or depression, you and your family stand a far greater chance of smoothly weathering the transition.

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There has been a lot of media attention on the continuing debate over the Obama Health Care proposals that are tortuously making its way through the U.S. legislative process. Well here is another thing to consider – a new study by the folks at Stanford University, the Rand Corporation and the University College of London entitled:

Does Health Insurance Make You Fat?

The conclusion reached was that “We find stronger evidence that being insured increases body mass index and obesity.”

Abstract

“The prevalence of obesity has been rising dramatically in the U.S., leading to poor health and rising health care expenditures. The role of policy in addressing rising rates of obesity, however, is controversial. Policy recommendations for interventions intended to influence body weight decisions often assume the obesity creates negative externalities for the non-obese.

“We build on earlier work demonstrating that this argument depends on two important assumptions: 1) that the obese do not pay for their higher medical expenditures through differential payments for health care and health insurance, and 2) that body weight decisions are responsive to the incidence of medical care costs associated with obesity. In this paper, we test the latter proposition – that body weight is influenced by insurance coverage – using two approaches.’

“First, we use data from the Rand Health Insurance Experiment, in which people were randomly assigned to varying levels of health insurance, to examine the effect of generosity of insurance coverage on body weight along the intensive coverage margin. Second, we use instrumental variables methods to estimate the effect of type of insurance coverage (private, public and none) on body weight along the extensive margin.”

“We explicitly address the discrete nature of the endogenous indicator of health insurance coverage by estimating a nonlinear instrumental variables model. We find weak evidence that more generous insurance coverage increases body mass index. We find stronger evidence that being insured increases body mass index and obesity.”

Bhattacharya, Jayanta, Bundorf, M. Kate Kate, Pace, Noemi and Sood, Neeraj,Does Health Insurance Make You Fat?(July 2009). NBER Working Paper No. w15163. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1435601