Vapers News Feeds

CA Riker, K Lee, A Darville, EJ Hahn (2012): E-Cigarettes: Promise or Peril? Nursing Clinics of North America, 47(1), 159-171.

Quote: [Abstract] Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use a heating element to vaporize nicotine and other ingredients, simulating the visual, sensory, and behavioral aspects of smoking without the combustion of tobacco. An ever-growing number of companies around the world manufacture a wide variety of e-cigarette brands, despite scant information on the safety of the ingredients for human inhalation. This article provides an overview of the history, production, and marketing of e-cigarettes, the contents of e-cigarettes and vapor, how they are used, public health concerns, and implications for nursing practice, research, and policy development. Well, this abstract reads nearly innocent. Outline includes topic “The role of E-cigarettes in the “harm reduction” debate” and there it might get interesting - but article is behind a paywall.

On this occasion, it’s certainly worth to recall authors’ previous, highly polemic opinion piece: Hahn & Riker in 2011 called a user interest group the problem. “By refuting research on potential dangers and attacking public-health professionals, these groups derail effective interventions to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, such as FDA-approved cessation treatments and smoke-free laws.” (see OP-Eds: Hahn & Riker attack, Kristin (CASAA) response).

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your story regarding why you decided to try an e-cigarette.

http://copd.about.com/u/ua/quitsmoki...ette.htm?r=un2

I woke up this morning thinking about a few places now trying to ban e-cigarette use (along with smoking) outdoors - including at parks and beaches. A recent television episode of a show my kids watch showed a girl trying to read at the beach and being bothered by grill smoke - which got me thinking....

Would the FDA or CDC argue that charcoal or wood smoke is actually safer to inhale than the smoke from tobacco leaves? If not, then would that not be an argument to also ban charcoal grilling from parks and beaches, in order to protect innocent bystanders from THAT smoke, as well? And since there is "NO safe level" of smoke exposure, regardless of ventilation systems installed, would that not support banning the use of wood-fired ovens and charbroil grills in food service and restaurants, in order to protect employees and patrons? If you can smell the grill in the dining room, that means you are being exposed to smoke, right? How can they argue one smoke is safer than another smoke? (Yet, apparently they do.)

Men "smoking" at the park.
Think of the children!And then there's campfires, fireplaces and fire pits to consider. Shouldn't those be banned, as well?

I think at these meetings where they are trying to ban e-cigs/smoking outside (where grilling is allowed) we should insist that they add grills to the ordinance or not pass it at all!! And if they are trying to ban e-cig use in bars & restaurants, insist they also ban wood-fired ovens and charbroil grills, because my safety is at risk! (Let's see them answer THAT one.)

I know that this has long been an argument made by smoker's rights groups, but I have yet to hear it or about read this argument at any public testimonies regarding outdoor bans and I don't think anyone has insisted or argued that we SHOULD ban grills and fire pits. Maybe the time has come to force them to put their money where their mouth is or shut up.

Think about it - they want to ban smoking and smokeless e-cigarettes at the stadium in Indianapolis, but the hundreds of tailgating grills that will be at the Super Bowl this weekend, pumping out enough smoke to equal dozens of smokers for hours before the game, isn't a concern? Still think these bans are supported by "science?" Time to call them on their bluff?

New from Steve K's Vaping World:

Here’s your end of the week e-cigarette news!  Idaho passes a sales ban for minors, and at least one person is convinced that makes Idaho a nanny state.  I’ve got a link to an interesting Swiss TV segment about e-cigarettes.  Finally, the e-cigarette battle spills out into Facebook (again).  Come on in and get your helping of e-cigarette news!

Swiss e-Cigarettes on TV

WRS out of Switzerland ran a news story about e-cigarettes.  The story was reminiscent of similar investigative-style news segments they show here in the States.  Much like the domestic version, this story grabbed onto trace amounts of substances and beat them into some sort of huge issue.

My favorite part was when the host was shocked to find out people actually make their own e-liquid and use devices designed to produce more vapor.  Apparently, my ProVari is too dangerous for Swiss TV!

You can view the segment from the Consumer Show (dubbed in English).  The good news is that at least the story points out that e-cigarettes are not as dangerous as traditional cigarettes.  The video isn’t embeddable, nor is there a transcript. You’ll have to forgive the omission of the quote that’s normally found between these two paragraphs.

 

Idaho House Passes Minors Ban

Idaho’s House unanimously passed a bill outlawing the sale of e-cigarettes to minors in the state.  The bill will now go to the senate and onto the governor.  Not much of a story here.  Some in the state want the ban to go further.  However, one lawmaker already thinks the law has gone too far according to this story in the Spokesman-Review.

Which one's the nanny?

Harwood said, “It seems like we’re headed down a path where we’re going to be the nanny state for everybody, we’re going to make … a total mark on everything we can think of.” He added, “Lot of time we get these statistics saying that htis is what’s happening, it’s really not actual, and it’s sometimes not true. … You have to question the people that put these statistics out.”

While I generally agree that there certainly is abusive of science going on all the time, I’m going to disagree on this one.  Kids actually DO need nannies, that’s why they’re kids.  The trick is to keep kids from doing stupid things, not preventing adults from doing things so kids wont know stupid things exist.

 

blu Cigs Takes a Stand

Tax increases like the one going up for consideration in Hawaii are beginning to rattle some cages.  Volcano obviously has a stake in the Hawaii tax and is being pretty active against it.  blu Cigs recently issued a press release (also posted on their blog) also vowing to fight against these ill-conceived money grabs.

Not pictured: political outrage

blu Cigs has been vocal about its support of any legislation that prevents minors from purchasing smokeless tobacco products, but according to Healy, tax increases on e-cigs are completely counter-intuitive and only serve to inhibit adult consumers’ freedom of choice. “Federal and state governments claim that high taxes on e-cigs are designed to price out consumers, but these increases are purely based on fiscal reasons, and completely contrary to consumer health advocacy,” comments Healy. A 2010 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University’s School of Public Health actually concluded that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes, and have the potential to become a smoking cessation device. Healy continues, “If consumer health is their primary concern, as it should be, then premature bans and tax hikes are not in the public’s best interest.”

It’s encouraging to see some of the large vendors become more active in protecting vaping.  It’s going to take as many resources as possible to fight these battles that will keep coming.  Until all the vendors are on board and serious about lobby efforts, and vapers are dedicated to grass-roots actions, vaping will continue to be targeted for extinction.

 

Facebook War

There’s currently a battle going on between vapers and what I thought to be prohibitionists over on the Mayor of Indianapolis’ Facebook page.  According to this story on the Indy Star, the mayor is threatening to veto the proposed smoking ban because it is too restrictive.

You can always visit me facebook.com/stevevape

Supporters of the ban, though, have urged Ballard to change his mind. And that message has been repeated dozens and dozens of times today by individuals’ messages on the mayor’s Facebook page. Most seem to be from the Indianapolis area, though some are from other places with long-established smoking bans; some are Giants and Patriots fans. This afternoon, the one-sidedness of the posts began to ebb as some electronic cigarette users began chiming in, urging Ballard to veto the measure. (It would ban use of e-cigarette devices from bars as well.)

At first I thought this was a prohibitionist move.  There’s certainly that element.  However, reading some of the comments it seems that a lot of the general public is simply not educated about e-cigarettes.  For example, some are convinced there’s some sort of e-cigarette lobby.  Oh how I wish that were so.

 

Deal of the Moment

If you are a fan of the Joye tank e-cigarettes, My Freedom Smokes has a couple of deals that might be of interest.  Over on their specials page, you can pick up a 510-T kit for just $29.95 or an eGo-T kit for $49.95.  They also have a couple other goodies on the sale page like an eGo pass-through battery.

 

Be a news spotter! Run across an article you think I should be mentioning here?  Let me know!  Just Tweet @SteveVape with the hashtag #ecignews or post it up on my Facebook page.  I’ll be sure to give you a shout out in the news update if you’re the first one to spot it

Stock photos via MorgueFile

Related posts:

1. e-Cig News Roundup 12/30 – I can’t believe I forgot the tag line
2. e-Cig News Roundup 1/9 – Puff the magic something
3. e-Cig News Roundup 1/6/2012 – Here we go again

Originally posted: e-Cig News Roundup 2-3-12 Steve K's Vaping World - A site dedicated to unbiased and detailed e-cigarette reviews, electronic cigarette news commentary and helpful e-cig articles for vapers of all levels

World Radio Switzerland (2 February, 2012): E-cigarettes—quitter's best friend or new health hazard?

The linked video is a synchronized English version (original show aired October 11 in French)
End of first part (03:52) briefly mentions some Swiss analyses detecting traces of impurities, no details.
Etter interview starts at 06:10.

New from Steve K's Vaping World:

Hey Everybody! It’s contest time again.  Up for grabs is a very special mod from our good friends at ECig Workshop.  Not that ECWs mods aren’t all special, but this one is more specialer!

The prize offering is something new from our friends.  This is the first of a new line of mods the company will be rolling out.  They call this one “the Stump.”  The stump is designed to be even more compact than the Dinky.  Yet it still uses the same 18350 battery for a decent run time.

The Stump also features the snug fit sliding panel as opposed to a hinged door.  This is the same panel found in the Twig and Stick mods.

As much as I’d like to keep this one for myself, I can’t do that.  One of you fine folks will soon be the proud owner of this first of its kind mod.  The prize even comes as a complete kit with two batteries, charger, cartomizer and drip tip!

Since I would feel guilty if I used this fine mod before giving it away, I have no review to share.  But, I reviewed a couple other mods from ECig Workshop, the Dinky and the Twig.  You should also go visit ECig Workshop’s site and check out their other offerings.

Just to make things interesting, I’m going to add in a third way to win this bad boy.  I’m going to add the names of everyone who likes Steve K’s Vaping World on Facebook to the list.  Of course you aren’t required to like the page to win since there are two other methods of entry.

Otherwise, this contest starts now and the winner will be announced on Valentine’s day.  All entries must be in by 11:59pm on Monday the 13th of February 2012.  To enter, simply post a comment right here. One post per person only, please.

You may also enter a second time via the thread on e-cigarette-forum.com in the member’s contests area.  And of course anyone who’s on the “likes” list on my facebook page at the time of the drawing will also be tossed into the virtual hat with all the other entries.

This contest is also open to anyone worldwide (so long as it’s legal to send the thing to you).  Here’s where I normally put the fine print.  Rather than sticking it right here, I’ve put it on a separate page.  By entering you agree to the rules, which are available over thataway.

Good luck everyone, and thanks for being awesome!

For more images, check out my Facebook page

Related posts:

1. The Twig – Hand-made wood box mod e-cigarette impressions
2. e-Cigarette Contest – Win a tank e-cig starter kit
3. Win a Hand-Crafted e-Cigarette

Originally posted: February Contest – Win a very special wood ecig mod! Steve K's Vaping World - A site dedicated to unbiased and detailed e-cigarette reviews, electronic cigarette news commentary and helpful e-cig articles for vapers of all levels

Discovered on the CASAA blog:

http://casaamedia.blogspot.com/2012/...h-about-e.html

…but then I took an arrow to the knee.

One word sums up a big part of why I haven’t posted anything for awhile.

Skyrim.

Currently sitting at Level 52 with just shy of 90′hours clocked up and absolutely loving every minute of it. So while I’ve been sitting still a lot, the world keeps talking and I’ve amassed a great collection of stories for you all.

Nicotine patch claims up in smoke

E-Cigs are “The future, they’re cool”

E-cigarettes have as much nicotine as real cigarettes: study

UK Doctor states e-cigs are “harmless” on national TV

New Zealand: “Smokers switching to e-cigarettes”

Ecigs Save Us Money?

The Art of Sarcasm and Government Testimony

USA: “McKinney shop offers healthier cigarette alternative”

USA: “E-cigarette users cry foul at proposed city ordinance which would ban ‘vaping’ in public places”

Korean Government Attacks E-Cigarettes

UK: “Readers comment on the rise of the electronic cigarette.”

UK: “Electronic cigarettes: A safer way to puff”

Health Risks of Vaping and the FDA

Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe: The Shocking Truth

The Irresistable Rise Of The E-Cig: Bad News For Tobacco Control

How likely is smoking to kill you – and what you can do about it if you can’t quit…

Successful smoking cessation with electronic cigarettes in smokers with a documented history of recurring relapses: a case series

E-Cigarette Bans Are Absurd

New from Steve K's Vaping World:

Welcome to your midweek sampling of e-cigarette news.  If there were one big topic this week it’s the impending tax increase in Hawaii.  Volcano is trying to rally the troops, and even if you’re not kama’aina (a Hawaii local) you can help the cause, see below for details.  We also have a sampling of media stories of various degrees of competency and likability.  Finally, it’s the return of the interesting product press release.  Catch it all in today’s e-cigarette news!

 

New Mexico to Tax e-Cigarettes

Troutman Sanders Tobacco Law blog is reporting on a significant tax increase for other tobacco products in New Mexico. The proposed increase for OTPs is up to 57% from the current 25%. More alarmingly, the state may also amend the legal definition of OTP to include e-cigarettes.

This is a tobacco product

Perhaps more significant is the bill’s expanded definition of “tobacco products,” which would be redefined to include “any product containing tobacco that is intended or expected to be consumed without being combusted, unless it has been approved by the United States food and drug administration as a tobacco use cessation product and is being marketed and sold for that approved purpose.”  This could arguably cover electronic cigarettes, which generally contain a tobacco solution that is consumed without being combusted.

This comes on the heels of Hawaii’s move to add e-cigarettes to their OTP list and tax them at a staggering 70%.  I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more of these moves from states as they look to ways to refill badly drained coffers in a politically safe way.  As long as politicians feel that a certain population can be tred upon with little uprising from voters the temptation will be there.
Via Twitter User @themorrigan1972

 

Middle East Businesses Eye e-Cigarettes

The Kipp Report published a story about e-cigarettes.  The story looked at the comparatively lax, but growing move to crack down on cigarettes in some Middle Eastern countries.  The report noted e-cigarettes may become a viable alternative.

e-cigarette image, 1 each

Once a bogus tacky invention, the e-cigarette is fast growing as a stylish alternative for those smokers tired of seeing the Blood Red No-Smoking Sign. So far, celebrities like Britney Spears, Jeremy Piven, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been spotted smoking one of these smoke-less red LED e-cigarettes. In fact, even Charlie Sheen is planning on starting his own line of e-cigs, called, wait for it, “NicoSheen”.

There isn’t a lot of reporting behind this story either.  I know opinions of the device vary depending on the country.  It does seem however, that e-cigarettes are starting to become a force worldwide.

 

 Prohibition Strong in Germany

Online news site Monsters and Critics ran a story about the health concerns of e-cigarettes in Germany.  The story basically follows the footprint of many media stories in the US about health concerns.  That is to say it’s a mouthpiece for prohibitionist agendas.

I prefer to remember Germany for this

Barbara Steffens, health minister in Germany’s most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where they are banned, notes that, ‘Not everything on the market has been licensed and tested.’ In her view, the liquids contain levels of nicotine that are so high that they need to be classified as medications and thus fall under the stringent provisions of the medications act.

At least Americans can take solace in the idea that the US isn’t the only place where health officials lobby for restrictions based on a hunch as opposed to science.

 

Not all UK Pubs Pro-Vaping

Despite increased interest in e-cigarettes from UK pubs as a way of saving their business, not all establishments are on board.  The York Press ran an article about one such establishment asking patrons to not use e-cigarettes.

This is the smoking section

A manager at Yates’s, who asked not to be named, said that initially two people had been using the electronic cigarettes indoors, but then they were joined by two other people who were also using them, causing concerns other people in the bar might be encouraged to start smoking inside.

To be honest, I have no clue whether this establishment counts as a pub or is more of a restaurant.  I’m not sure if that even matters in the grand scheme of things.  Any business is well within its rights to forbid vaping on whatever grounds they want no matter how silly they might be.  I wonder what the excuse would be if the revelers were using something like a ProVari instead of traditional e-cigarettes?

 

Innokin Readying Variable Voltage Model

Innokin just announced it will be producing a new variable voltage e-cigarette beginning some time in March.  The device will be able to adjust from between 3.3 and 5v.  The device is also slated to feature a unique magnetic connector which should also be compatible with 510 threaded cartomizers according to my contact at Innokin.

Press image of the new product

The Infinity ecig is designed with an ON/OFF battery switch. Quickly clicking it three times will enable or disable the battery. Once enabled, holding down the button will activate the battery.
The Infinity ecigs battery utilizes advanced capacity display via green, yellow and red LED lights. Users will know the batteries capacity via the color of the LED Button. The ergonomic manual button design is a combination of European and American concepts.

The other features mentioned are common across the company’s line including its LEO pro and LEA models which I’ve reviewed.  The design looks quite interesting, and Innokin makes pretty solid devices in my experience.  I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one.

Hawaii Tax Increase -Submit your Testimony

The folks over at Volcano sent out a call to action to help fight the grossly unfair tax proposal in Hawaii I keep mentioning.  Hawaii-based Volcano will be attending a hearing next week on the subject and would like you to submit your testimony online.

and THIS is how I prefer to remember Hawaii

Please visit this website and click the blue button on the top left to register and then leave a testimonial PETITIONING THE PROPOSED 70% tax on all electronic cigarette products. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY AFFECT ALL OF YOU and OUR customers. Anyone living in the USA can submit one. This testimonial is more important than the petition I sent an email about recently as this testimonial goes directly to the courts where your voice can be heard. If you do not live in Hawaii, please include in your testimonial, that you will not be visiting Hawaii because of the proposed bill. They hate to hear that:)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2819

Charging a tax on our batteries or drip tips is as crazy as charging a tobacco tax on rolling papers and lighters. Please post this link to you sites and forums and spread the word through your own personal network about this link. We will be in court next wednesday with all your testimonials so all your help is greatly appreciated. Please email us if you have any questions or know any way to spread the word even further. Mahalo!

Volcano Team

The call to action points out one of the craziest parts of the whole thing.  The tax will impact hardware as well as e-liquid (the part that can actually be tenuously linked to tobacco).  I’d hate to think what this tax would do to the price of Lavatubes!
Disclosure: I feature affiliate links for Volcano ecigs.

News Coverage Highlights Benefit of Vaping

In what has to be one of the most typographically difficult to read news stories I’ve seen in a while, a Maryland newspaper site ran a story about e-cigarettes.  The story is a fairly garden variety piece, but does a good job of covering all sides (yes even the FDA).  The article highlights the owners of The Vapor Room out of Frostberg, MD.

The U.S. Federal Drug Administration prohibits e-cigarette dealers from marketing the product as a smoking-cessation device, but in the Frostburg area, anyway, word is getting around.
Grapes and Seminerio, who refer to vaping as an “alternative to smoking,” opened a storefront on Broadway Street over the summer, and the business has already outgrown the space. The couple are in the process of getting financing to move to a larger location in Frostburg, probably within the year, Grapes said.

It’s always good to see a story that looks at all the angles.  Even better is reading stories about e-cigarette relating businesses that are growing.

 

Even more on Hawaii’s Tax Proposal

Policy Mic published an article about the ramifications of Hawaii’s proposed massive tax hike on e-cigarettes.  The article looked more at the ramifications of such tax on the health of Hawaiians.  These taxes hurt more than help from a more pragmatic standpoint.

Happy thoughts

Hawaii’s proposal to classify and tax e-cigs as tobacco products will also create some dangerous unintended consequences. Much research suggests that taxing tobacco raises its price and discourages its consumption. In this case, however, the state would be discouraging consumption of one of tobacco’s safer competitors. This is very troubling because lower prices relative to cigarettes provide an incentive for smokers to switch to e-cigs. Worse, the impact won’t be restricted to the islands. One of the major suppliers of e-cigs, a company called Volcano, is based in Hawaii. As a result of the tax, retailers around the country supplied by Volcano would be forced to raise their prices — or stop selling e-cigs altogether. The result, then, would be even fewer smokers giving up traditional cigarettes.

Hawaii is certainly a hot topic with this tax proposal.  Maybe I should go visit the islands because… research!

 

 

Deal of the Moment

Since we’re on the subject of Hawaii, why not send a little Aloha to Volcano ECigs.  I have a one time use coupon you can use on any of their products volcanoAFFC10 Good for one use per customer at Volcano (yes, that includes the Lavatube).

 

Be a news spotter! Run across an article you think I should be mentioning here?  Let me know!  Just Tweet @SteveVape with the hashtag #ecignews or post it up on my Facebook page.  I’ll be sure to give you a shout out in the news update if you’re the first one to spot it

Stock photos via MorgueFile

Related posts:

1. e-cig news roundup 1-27-2012 – That’s a little odd
2. e-Cig News Roundup 12/19/12 – Jumping the Gun
3. e-Cig News Roundup 1-25-2012 – scattered, smothered and covered

Originally posted: e-Cig News Roundup 2-1-12 – Trouble in paradise Steve K's Vaping World - A site dedicated to unbiased and detailed e-cigarette reviews, electronic cigarette news commentary and helpful e-cig articles for vapers of all levels

I read this entire article hoping that the endgame was, "I have gotten an e-cigarette and am no longer smoking those stinky things and feel so much healthier"

Sadly, not the case, in fact, the ecig gets a bit of a bad rap , due to a couple of reasons pointed out in the article, I didnt see an email listed for this blogger , if any of you feel you want to comment or what not and link to ECF for proof of all the success stories....


5 ways I tried (and failed) to kick the cancer stick – - CNN.com Blogs

New from Steve K's Vaping World:

 

ECig Workshop is a small company that hand makes wooden box mod e-cigarettes.  They recently introduced their new line of box mods which feature a sliding door for a more compact form factor than their previous models. Like the other models in the lineup, this box mod is hand-built to your specifications.  In this box mod review, we’ll take a look at the Twig from ECig Workshop.

The Twig Box Mod’s Design

I reviewed the Dinky previously. The Twig is a similar hand-made wood box mod from ECig Workshop.  Both mods are completely handmade from wood and house an 18350 protected or IMR battery. They also both use the same tactile plastic horn style switch.

Note the new top-cap

The switch in the new Twig mod is countersunk, giving the device a more streamlined feel.  The new box mod is also thinner and slightly taller than the original Dinky mod. I also see a little more rounded shape in the Twig giving it less of a building block feel.

A thinner profile along with the gentle curves give the Twig an excellent hand feel.  It’s size and shape make it perfect for gripping in my hand.  My thumb lands naturally on the firing button.

Perhaps the biggest departure from the Twig’s slightly more chubby cousin is the loss of the hinged access door.  I always thought the recessed hinges in the Dinky were genius, but the Twig’s removable panel is no slouch either.

This new panel slides off completely and is held in place with two ridiculously strong rare earth magnets. The magnets coupled with ECig Workshop’s amazingly tight tolerances ensure the door isn’t going to come off accidentally. Of course, there’s nothing preventing me from losing the door once I take it off.

Inside the Twig

The Twig is a testament to the craftsmanship that ECW puts into their box mods.  Despite this new series of mods being built from five separate pieces, it still feels like a solid block of wood.

Unlike the Dinky which looked like a single block of wood, the door along with a separate top cap set the Twig apart. What isn’t so obvious is the main body of the Twig is made from three pieces: a main piece and two side panels.

I didn’t realize this at first until very close scrutiny of the wood box mod.  There are nearly invisible seams running along the front side of the mod.  Not being a woodworker myself, I’m always blown away by such tight tolerances in an organic material like wood.

As with all of ECig Workshops wooden mods, the Twig retains a natural finish.  The Twig is sealed with oil to allow the natural finish of the wood come through.

Mod performance

Ready to roll!

From a performance standpoint, the Twig is nearly identical to the Dinky.  These smaller version mods use an 18350 battery, which should deliver several good hours of vaping time.  The other models in the line sport the big 18650 battery if you want something that will last all day.

The two mods also share a couple of the potential flaws as well.  Despite plans to incorporate a drip cup in the design, the Twig still lacks such a feature for drippers.  The 510 connector is sealed and there’s no circuitry inside to be fouled by errant eliquid spills.

The mod also still lacks a discrete on/off switch for easy pocket carrying.  While the Twig is a little more pocket friendly, it’s still fairly chunky.  I prefer to leave this mod on my desk to show it off.  If you do want to stick the Twig in a bag, be sure to pop out the battery or loosen your cartomizer first to prevent accidental firing.

The good news is it does take a bit of pressure to fire the Twig. I really like the button they use on these mods. There is an excellent tactile feel to them with a nice click to let you know the button has been engaged.

 

 

Too Long; Didn’t Read

The Twig by eCig Workshop is a worthy update to their original wood box mod, the Dinky.  While no longer carved out of a single block of wood, the amazingly tight tolerances in the build continue to give this handcrafted box mod a very solid feeling.  Lacking an on/off switch, the mod might not be the best traveler.  Personally, I keep this one on my desk as a conversation piece, like those oversized desk lighters from a bygone era.

Pros:

• Well constructed
• Inexpensive for a handcrafted wooden box mod
• Great button feel
• Comfortable hand grip
• Built to order

Cons:

• No drip cup for you serial over-drippers
• No on/off switch
• Cover isn’t attached to the body

Details:

Product: The Twig
Buy it From: ECig Workshop
Price: $44.99
Threading: Built to order (typically 510)
Battery: Protected or IMR 18350

Related posts:

1. "Dinky" Hand-crafted e-Cigarette Box Mod – Impressions
2. VV Box Mod by MadVapes: Impressions
3. Impressions: Itty Bitty Betty box mod

Originally posted: The Twig – Hand-made wood box mod e-cigarette impressions Steve K's Vaping World - A site dedicated to unbiased and detailed e-cigarette reviews, electronic cigarette news commentary and helpful e-cig articles for vapers of all levels

The emerging phenomenon of electronic ... [Expert Rev Respir Med. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI

Quote: The emerging phenomenon of electronic cigarettes.

Caponnetto P, Campagna D, Papale G, Russo C, Polosa R.
Source

Centro per la Prevenzione e Cura del Tabagismo (CPCT), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria 'Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele', Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.

Abstract

The need for novel and more effective approaches to tobacco control is unquestionable. The electronic cigarette is a battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery system that looks very similar to a conventional cigarette and is capable of emulating smoking, but without the combustion products accountable for smoking's damaging effects. Smokers who decide to switch to electronic cigarettes instead of continuing to smoke would achieve large health gains. The electronic cigarette is an emerging phenomenon that is becoming increasingly popular with smokers worldwide. Users report buying them to help quit smoking, to reduce cigarette consumption, to relieve tobacco withdrawal symptoms due to workplace smoking restrictions and to continue to have a 'smoking' experience but with reduced health risks. The focus of the present article is the health effects of using electronic cigarettes, with consideration given to the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of this product to serve as a long-term substitute for smoking or as a tool for smoking cessation.

FDA being sued. :ohmy: Not to surprising


Open Channel - FDA whistleblowers sue, alleging electronic spying

Idaho bill would ban e-cigarettes for kids - Spokesman.com - Jan. 30, 2012

Trade in e-cigarettes booming despite health concerns - Monsters and Critics

New from Steve K's Vaping World:

It’s Monday, so that must mean it’s time for a recap of all the e-cigarette news that happened over the weekend.  The CBC thinks they have some news about e-cigarettes that will shock you.  Augusta decides to walk down the path of enlightenment.  We also have a pair of news stories, one good and slightly flawed, the other not so great and downright lazy.  Vape ‘em if you got ‘em, but read the e-cigarette news roundup while you do!

 

Shocking Story

You’ll get a charge out of this gem from the CBC in Canada.  Ok, enough with the puns already.  The broadcaster ran a story about e-cigarette chargers being a fire hazard according to a fire inspector in New Brunswick.

CE mark commonly found on e-cigarettes (certified for European sale)

Jake LeBlanc, New Brunswick’s chief electrical inspector, says the voltage listed is a huge problem.

“It says 220 volts, which these are made to go in your wall which are 120, so right away that this would be a tip off that there was something wrong,” he told CBC News.

This is a bit of a non-story.  I’m sure we’ve all seen less than high quality products come from overseas factories.  The only issue I have is the story sort of alludes that this is common in every e-cigarette.  That’s simply not the case. Most decent e-cigarettes will have some sort of safety certification at least when it comes to the electrical portion.

 

 

 

Positive but Flawed

Online news site Mesquite Local News posted a generally positive piece about e-cigarettes. The story did a good job of presenting the information supporting e-cigarettes, and was generally skeptical of those who wish the devices banned.  There were however quite a few inaccuracies, especially when presenting the against e-cigarette side.

 

Almost there...

But support for the faux-cigarettes hardly is unanimous. And there’s an increasing effort to ban them altogether.

The content of the exhaled vapors is a major concern.

Diethylene glycol and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are the problem.

DEG comes from that horrid FDA study which they found a tiny amount in one cartridge, clearly not a normal ingredient. There you go, in case you were wondering, I don’t just call out the negative stories for inaccuracies.  It’s not so I can claim to be unbiased in my news commentaries like certain large media corporations.  I just think it’s important to have correct information so that actual logical decisions about the device have a chance.

 

 

Augusta Comes to its Senses

Perhaps you remember a while back when I reported Augusta was eyeing a smoking ban that included (with opposition) e-cigarettes?  According to a story on WRDW, that ban is pushing forward.  However, according to the most recent draft of the ordinance, e-cigarettes are not only removed, but explicitly exempted from the ban!

Red ink never looked so good!

While it looks like the city will be much less friendly to smokers, it looks like they don’t want to kill them after all.  Good job to Augusta for coming to your senses!
Via CASAA members Facebook Group

 

 

TV Station Phones it in

News Channel 10 in Amarillo TX ran what in my opinion seems to be an incredibly lazy news story about e-cigarettes.  The short piece interviewed someone from the local university’s healthcare department.  There didn’t seem to be a lot of effort put into actually checking the different angles. They didn’t even hunt down some random consumer for this one.

Is THIS the best e-cigarette? I didn't want to be bothered to find a relavant image.

“The reason they are said to be better than regular cigarettes is because regular cigarettes contain thousands of harmful carcinogens which cause cancer,” he said.

Electronic cigarettes still contain nicotine, but lack the cancerous chemicals.

The device isn’t cheap either and will set you back $70-$100.

Not to mention, you eventually have to purchase refill cartridges.

“Your ultimate goal is to quit smoking,” he said.

In addition to this part where it seems like you’re being told about how to live your life, they tossed in a bit of the FDA rhetoric so popular in these stories.  Even in the e-cigarette news stories that are mostly negative, they usually put some sort of effort into it.

 

Fox News Highlights Utah Vapers

The Utah Vapers Association, that is.  In a very brief piece, Fox 13 gave a little bit of air time to the Utah Vapers Association.  This piece was a followup to the debate surrounding Utah’s attempts at a public vaping ban that I covered earlier.

The same image I used last time

The Utah Vapors Association says e-cigarettes don’t have any of the harmful effects caused by second-hand smoke produced by regular cigarettes, but House Bill 245 would place them in the same category as cigarettes.

“The vapor that comes from an electronic cigarette is just that; it’s water vapor. It’s no different from vapor that comes from a humidifier in a department store on display,” said Aaron Frazier with the Utah Vapors Association.

That was about the whole of the piece.  The rest was basically pointing out that the prohibitionists want the devices included because the FDA, that’s why!

 

 

Vaping = House

Across the pond in the UK, the Sunday Mail ran a story on what one woman did with the money she saved switching to e-cigarettes.  Specifically, she bought a house.  Talk about an extreme use of savings.  By giving up cigarettes, the woman was able to save about 400 GBP ($628) per month.

Can't shove a house in there

‘I’d dreamed of owning my own place but never thought I would have the means,’ says Julie, who has a grown-up daughter. ‘But after giving up smoking I had so much more disposable income. Getting the mortgage was much easier than I thought and  my monthly repayments are now £350 – less than I spent on cigarettes.’

That’s probably a fairly extreme example of what one can do with the savings from switching to vaping full time.  Personally, I end up using the savings to buy even more e-cigarette gear to add to my mod collection.  What do YOU do with the savings?
Disclosure: the original story features ECigarette Direct, an advertiser on this site 

 

Deal of the Moment

Do you have a bunch of removable batteries to charge at the same time?  If you do MadVapes’ current newsletter special may be of interest to you.  They’re offering up a 4 battery universal charger for under 12 bucks.  Click this link to pick up a charger on the cheap.

 

Be a news spotter! Run across an article you think I should be mentioning here?  Let me know!  Just Tweet @SteveVape with the hashtag #ecignews or post it up on my Facebook page.  I’ll be sure to give you a shout out in the news update if you’re the first one to spot it

Image: ningmilo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Related posts:

1. e-Cig News Update 12/28 – A long winter’s nap
2. e-Cig News Update 12/16 – Ban all the things
3. e-Cig News Update 12/2/11: You’re doing it wrong!

Originally posted: e-cig news update 1-30-12 – Puns intended Steve K's Vaping World - A site dedicated to unbiased and detailed e-cigarette reviews, electronic cigarette news commentary and helpful e-cig articles for vapers of all levels

Potentially hazardous e-cigarette charger found being marketed in NB, Canada
E-cigarette charger sparks safety concern - New Brunswick - CBC News

I was under the impression that 110 volt electric plugs and sockets were different than 220 volt plugs and sockets (to prevent this very problem from occurring).

Am surprised the news story didn't mention that it was illegal to sell e-cigarettes in Canada.

Might this e-cig charger problem found in Canada be related to the note posted by rolygate yesterday at
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/for...ml#post5146201

Today we saw the first good article online in Germany. It deals with the proposed ban and shows, why it is not logical to ban e-ccigs.

Nikotinsucht: Verbot der E-Zigarette? Ein unsinniges Placebo! - Nachrichten Debatte - Kommentare - WELT ONLINE

English translation: http://........com/6urgjy9

It is about time, that experts on health take the stand.

Did anyone see this in USA today? I had stopped by my main office and the company owner and I stepped out so he could smoke. He was like, so you are still vaping huh? Did you see the article in USA Today about how bad they are? So I looked it up... Same old lousy reporting IMO. I didn't see any thread here on this one, so thought I would drop it in.

High-tech smokes help some kick habit, but are they safe? - USATODAY.com

Altria Client Services Inc. entered into an agreement with Okono A/S to develop innovative, non-combustible nicotine-containing products for adult tobacco consumers. Okono A/S is an affiliate of Fertin Pharma A/S, a global leader in the development and manufacture of nicotine gum with additional capabilities in other products and technologies.
Press Release.- Altria=

Also, Altria reported a 4% cigarette volume decrease in 2011 in the US (from 7.04 billion packs in 2010 to 6.755 billion packs in 2011), and a 1.4% smokeless tobacco volume increase (from 724.4 million cans/packs in 2010 to 734.6 million cans/packs in 2011).

Despite massive opposition by FDA, CDC, CTFK, ACS, AHA, ALA, AAP, AMA, ADA, Legacy, drug companies, RWJF and others, tobacco harm reduction continues moving forward in the US.