A Billion Lives Film is available on iTunes

A Billion Lives Film is available on iTunes 
They said we wouldn’t finish it.
They said we shouldn’t wait for film festivals.
They said it wouldn’t win awards.
They said the media wouldn’t pay attention.
They said nobody would come see it in theaters.
They said we wouldn’t get it out to the world.
They are wrong.

At every turn, we took the necessary time to do things the right way. We did what we said we’d do.

We made an award-winning film. We were on national news. We showed the movie to politicians & thought leaders. We brought 100,000 people together.

Now it’s time to show the world.

The Plan
It would have been nearly impossible to fight against the massive river of election and post-election coverage. Nobody in government was listening.

Now the US elections are finished and it’s back to business. There will be a new leader at the FDA. New legislation is pending. Changes are happening in Europe as well.

It is clear that the masses are upset. They are tired of being ignored.

We have friends of the truth in high places, such as my Senator in Wisconsin, Ron Johnson. He continues to fight for this, as do others around the world.
However, in a sea of issues like terrorism, the economy, and immigration, we need to make the case that this topic is vital…that people like you care about it.
Here’s how we’ll do it:
Step 1) With your help, we’ll rise to the top of the iTunes movie charts, drumming up interest to release the movie wider, and broadcast it on major TV networks and streaming sites.

Step 2) Use proceeds from sales to properly market the movie to the public.
Step 3) With your help, we’ll use that momentum to gain awareness and give our friends in Washington, Brussels, and around the world more credibility.
#1 Movie on iTunes is about Vaping?

Can you imagine that?

Along with the awards and press we’ve gotten so far, having the #1 movie on iTunes (largest market for digital media) will be a way for this topic to break the credibility barrier for the key people who can make a difference in this fight.

People like to watch and recommend popular movies. Sites like iTunes use sales data to suggest popular movies.

It just takes an initial push to get there.
There are documentary films on the Top 10 charts and we’ve timed this to fall on a slow day for movie releases. All of your pre-order sales will hit the charts when it goes live on April 12th.
Please support the #ABillionLives movement and order it. Now is the time. This is our last chance to make news.

If we are successful, we will give our high level friends the social credibility they need and provide a small army of supporters with an anti-propaganda weapon in their pocket.

But it all starts with you.

Google Play, Amazon, and Others
Of course we won’t stop with iTunes. That’s just the beginning.
We’ve also received word that we’re about 98% finished with the approval process for Google Play and Amazon. Other platforms are in the works as well.
We’ll keep you updated.
Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray
We know that most people prefer to consume their media digitally. We also know that many have asked for physical copies they can send to skeptics and local leaders.
Shops:  We are now finalizing bulk wholesale orders for stores and online retailers. Reply to this email if you’d like more information. We’d invite you to help us get our physical products out to the masses.
Consumers:  Once we have the final list of retailers, we’ll send it to you to order your personal copy of the collector’s edition Blu-Ray.

Netflix, Hulu, HBO, & More

Ultimately, we’d like to see the movie on more streaming services. It’s been tricky.
In the meantime, we’re excited for the movie to be broadcasted so the truth gets presented in front of the general public.

Our new broadcast distributor has been discussing A Billion Lives with HBO, AMC, MBC, YLC, MediaLaan, RTL, ProSieben, Telefilms, Bell Media, and Turner. In addition, they plan to bring our movie to Cannes next month for meetings with more key people.

This could be huge.

Next Steps:
  1. Order A Billion Lives on iTunes
  2. Share the trailer we just posted
  3. Join the movement on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram
Take part in our three week march to #1. We’ll be releasing new videos, sharing special highlights, and gearing up for our final push to get this in front of as many people as possible.
It all starts with you. We need our base to support us and drive the first wave. Once we show the power of this movement, the public will follow.

There is a battle for attention at the top. Leaders are being elected around the world to make change. We just need them to hear us.

You are a storm. They will hear you if we act together. We cannot let our neighbors fall prey to fake news and propaganda.

This is too important.

Talk soon,

Aaron Biebert
Director

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View our videos on YouTube
Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Vapor News and Views – New FDA Head

Vapor News and Views – New FDA Head

scottGottFDA
Scott Gottlieb

March 13, 2017

Vapor News and Views
News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

President Trump has nominated Scott Gottlieb to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency mired in red tape and bureaucracy. You may recall, Gottlieb was first on my list of options under consideration and there are plenty of reasons to believe this is a good thing for the vapor industry and its consumers. More below!
Paul Blair
Strategic Initiatives Director
Americans for Tax Reform

Who is Dr. Scott Gottlieb and is he on our team?

Nearly all of what you’ll read about Gottlieb relates to his belief that the approval of medicines and medical devices must be sped up. While many of you reading this may have an interest in those topics, I’m going to avoid commentary on the subject (other than to say it’s great) and focus on two issues of relevance to this newsletter.

First, read this 2013 Forbes piece written by Gottlieb, “FDA’s New Tobacco Scheme, and Its Legislative Underpinnings, May Go Up in Smoke.” In the piece, he outlines the two dominant forces at play in the aftermath of the Tobacco Control Act, which brought tobacco products under regulatory control of the FDA. Those two forces were the anti-tobacco crowd (activists) and current and future manufacturers of reduced risk products, like vapor products. In 2013, he concluded that “only one party can win.”

To date, the activists have won. Absent immediate changes, the FDA will oversee the prohibition of vapor products in less than two years. But, if confirmed, Gottlieb can put a stop to that. The question becomes, will he? I’ve got good reasons to believe there’s going to be a culture shift at the agency in a way that’s more helpful than the status quo.

Second, a bit more on his background. Gottlieb served as Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the FDA under President George W. Bush, is a clinical professor at NYU’s School of Medicine and a venture partner at New Enterprise Associates, and is currently a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

As I often point out, they’re as big a fans of the concept of harm reduction over at AEI as we are at ATR. A few pieces of commentary from AEI’s Sally Satel:

“What the US Should Learn from the UK’s Wisdom on E-Cigarettes;”
“Congress, Save E-Cigarettes from the FDA;”
“How Vapers Can Help Smokers Quit;”
Where does this leave us? This nomination continues a significant opportunity for advancing a stated goal of the Trump administration: Big League regulatory reform. Gottlieb is a cancer survivor. He isn’t some out-of-touch public health bureaucrat with little to no understanding of the real impact that bureaucracy can have on saving (or destroying) lives. I remain optimistic that this good, very good for the goals of the vapor industry and its millions of consumers who are living healthier lives as a result of market innovations.

New Cole-Bishop Stand Alone Bill Dropped: Broad Coalition Support
Mid last month, House Resolution 1136 was filed by Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla.). The “FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017” accomplishes the same goals as the more well-known “Cole-Bishop Amendment,” the amendment to the House Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which is still under consideration (see: alive) for the FY17 budget debate. (Reminder: the ultimate goal is a modernization of the February 2007 predicate date).

No surprise; the first co-sponsor of the bill was Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and to-date the bill has 14 co-sponsors. It’s been assigned to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

There’s a real consensus on this effort. Leaders from the American Vaping Association (AVA), Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), and Vapor Technology Association (VTA) sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi urging support for the common sense legislation.

Center for Tobacco Products’ Mitch Zeller Out?
Mitch Zeller, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is not a political appointee. He’s under no obligation to leave the position and could theoretically stick around for a while. But, there are some rumors that he’ll leave this year. He’ll have two choices when confronted with an FDA more supportive of harm reduction than he is: head back to the private sector or change course. My money’s on the big retainer awaiting him at any of the large pharmaceutical companies. Fingers crossed.
Upcoming Event Alert: Tobacco Control in an Era of Vapor Products
This Thursday, March 16th, Americans for Tax Reform is co-hosting an event in Washington, D.C. at the Heritage Foundation, “Rethinking Tobacco Control in an Era of E-Cigarettes and Other Alternatives to Smoking.” I’ll be joined by AEI’s Sally Satel, National Center for Public Policy Research’s Jeff Stier, and Heritage’s Daren Bakst.
Details: “This expert panel will discuss [smoking] alternatives, the latest research, the current harmful meddling of the federal government, and a new approach to tobacco policy, “tobacco harm reduction,” that recognizes that reducing the harm from the delivery of nicotine is not an all-or-nothing proposition.”

For those of you who live in real America and are unable to attend the event in person, that event can be viewed at 12:00PM EST on Heritage’s website. More info here.

 

If you think this was informative please do forward to friends or colleagues who might be interested in Vapor News and Views!

And if you can’t get enough… Get your premium content subscription to Vapor News and Views Pro by emailing me at [email protected]
Paul Blair | Americans for Tax Reform | 202-785-0266 | [email protected] | www.atr.org

MAR2017 Vapor Calls To Action

MAR2017 Vapor Calls To Action

JOIN CASAA. By joining CASAA, you will become plugged into an advocacy network.

Print Flyers for your Vape Shops here-—> Flyer – Do you Like to VapeCasaa Flyer

fifteen-minutes-flyer

MAR2017 Vapor Calls To Action Page

The most vital 2017 Vapor Call to Action for your state or local area is asking for HR1136 support. Unite to fight for our right to VAPE! Write, call or both to your lawmakers :

congress.gov/members: Contact your state representatives in Congress

House Reps by State:  Contact your state representatives in the Senate

HR1136 in PDF

VSLLC /VapersArmy update this page daily.

VapersArmy
VapersArmy

We research  for CTA (Calls to Action) in the morning. On occasion, a #2017VapeFight .org may publish a CTA later in the day. It may pass us till the next day. Help this page—> ON IG, we have received several CTA Alerts in the past from concerned Vapers (#VapeWarriors). We appreciate this and please continue or join in this practice. We will publish your handle when you tag us for the alert. Thank you VapersArmy!

 Although, most of these CTA do not pertain directly to our products, it does affect our #VapeCommunity. The Community is family…being part of a family means doing your part. Please do yours brothers and sisters for Vaping as Harm reduction.

Posted Mar 27th

TX – Take action to oppose vapor and tobacco 21!

TX – Take action to oppose vapor and tobacco 21!

HB 1908, which would raise the age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21, is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 8:00 AM House Public Health Committee (notice) Room: EXT E2.1010  (map)   Your voice is important! Please take a moment today and send a message urging your representative to oppose HB 1908. Take Action – …

Posted Mar 24

NY – Take vapor out of the budget completely!

Even though there is no agreement between the NY Assembly, Senate, and Governor Cuomo regarding a tax on vapor products, vapor regulations are still being included in the state’s budget bill. Please take a moment TODAY to CALL Gov. Cuomo and urge him to completely remove vapor language from the budget! 518-474-8390

  • NY – Take vapor out of the budget completely!

  • Help us send letters to HHS Sec. Tom Price!

  • Kansas – Take action to change the tax on vapor products!

  • Posted Mar 20th

  • NV – Take action to oppose vapor taxes!

  • MT – Oppose a 74% wholesale tax on vapor and smokeless tobacco products

  • RI – Oppose an 80% wholesale tax in the 2018 Budget

  • This 3/20 CTA set was Alerted by #VapeWarrior @afcarmona; a concerned Nevadan such as all those at VSLLC. Thank you @afcarmona

    Posted Mar 16th

    NY – Oppose Gov. Cuomo’s 40c/ml tax on vaping!

    Posted Mar 14th

    Urge your representative to co-sponsor HR 1136! Click Here

    Posted Mar 6th

    PA VapeWarriors! It’s time to fight once more! Your 40% tax can be fought…write your lawmakers now!

    Posted Feb 24th

    HR 1136 – Modernizing the predicate date for vapor products is a vital first step

    Posted Feb 19th

    NEW congressional BILL: H.R.1136 – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for a certain effective date with respect to deemed tobacco products, to provide for the establishment of product standards for vapor product batteries, to provide for regulation of vapor products, and for other purposes.

    Write or call to Ask your state lawmakers to support this bill

    Cole/Bishop bill in it’s entirety

    Arkansas Call to Action – Take action to oppose an indoor vaping ban (SB 285)!

    Posted Feb 3rd

    Arizona – Take action to oppose a 95% tax on vapor products

      A 95% wholesale tax (SB 1517) on vapor products has been introduced in the Arizona senate. Such an outrageous tax rate is bad for both businesses and consumers. Not to mention the damaging public health consequences of taking smoke-free alternatives away from former smokers. It is vital that you TAKE ACTION by urging your Arizona senator to REJECT SB …

    A bill (SB 119) has been introduced that would ban online sales of vapor products in Maryland. Supporters of SB 119 are promoting this as necessary to control youth access to vapor products. But, rather than prevent young people from making purchases, such an extreme regulation will actually limit adult access to vapor products. For those who live in areas …

    Older but current posts

    Posted Jan 4th

    The new year is here, but responses to ECigIntelligence’s consumer survey are still needed.

    Your participation in this survey will help inform regulators, advocates, and commentators as we all work to build policies that benefit consumers.

    If you haven’t already, please take a moment (5 – 10 minutes) to complete the survey.

    Click here to take the survey

    Thank you!

    Alex Clark

    CASAA Legislative Coordinator

    Posted Jan 4th

    2017 State Taxes affecting vapers throughout the country

    Posted Dec 8th

    Sign the Petition! —->www.atr.org/tell-trump-fire-us-surgeon-general

    Fire This man
    Fire This man

    In a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, is calling for the inclusion of vapor in smoke-free policies and PRICE AND TAX POLICIES. We, at #notblowingsmoke, consider that a violation of the hippocratic oath he took since it will most certainly encourage youth and adults BOTH to go back to smoking instead of an alternative that has been proven to be, conservatively speaking, 95% safer than smoking. Dr. Murthy’s report ignores years of dramatic reductions in youth cigarette smoking and instead MISLEADS THE PUBLIC into believing that a much less harmful alternative presents “major health risks”. It seems obvious to us that Dr. Murthy has no objections to reversing the years of progress that have been made in curbing the use of combustible cigarettes.

    As the nation’s senior public health official his term doesn’t expire until the end of 2018. With President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” however, we’re calling on Trump to deliver a simple message to Dr. Murthy: YOU’RE FIRED!

    Sign the petition by ATR, which will be delivered to the president’s office, asking President Trump to FIRE the Dr. Murthy and REPLACE him with someone who actually CARES about tobacco harm reduction and saving lives. The petition link is in the profile!

    Note: NOT Blowing Smoke generally does not support petitions. However, in this case as the administration is in a transitional period (and appointments and seats are still being made) there is no way to direct the messages to specific targets. The petition will be HAND DELIVERED by ATR, though, at some point in the next month. Let’s make this a message that can be heard loud and clear with the new administration.

    Posted Nov 7

    Lookup your LawMakers before your vote

    FIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY TO SAVE VAPING

    IVapeIVote Crowd Shot

    (1)  Send a Message! Support a change to the 2007 “predicate date” which could save the vapor industry from total destruction.

    (2)  Join CASAA! It’s easy, it’s free, and we will keep you up to date on information and opportunities to take action to protect your access to vapor products.

    (3)  Register To Vote! Millions of vapers, including YOU, have the power to influence government decisions by electing candidates who support vaping!

    (4)  Tell your story! Visit CASAA’s Testimonials Project and tell us about your experience with low-risk, smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and snus.

    (5)  Support CASAA’s work to promote tobacco harm reduction policies and keep the diverse range of smoke-free alternatives available.

    Answer Ron Johnson

    Seal-of-Wisconsin

      (Please note: if you live outside of Wisconsin, please follow the directions below to print and send your letter.) Senator Ron Johnson (WI) is taking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to task over the impact of the “deeming rule” on small to medium vapor businesses across the country. Sen. Johnson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental …

    Read More »

    FDA Call to Action: Submit Comments on FDA’s Proposed Regulation of Safety Packaging and Labeling for E-Cigarettes and Dissolvable Smokeless Tobacco

    Update August 21, 2015: The comment deadline has been extended to September 30, 2015. DEADLINE for Comment is August 31, 2015 September 30, 2015. I. Background The FDA recently published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments on rules about “Nicotine Exposure Warnings and Child-Resistant Packaging for Liquid Nicotine, Nicotine-Containing E-Liquid(s), and Other Tobacco Products.” As is obvious from …

    Read More »

    Call to Action! Support HR 2058 which would change the grandfather date for vapor products

    The FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2015 (HR 2058), introduced by Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, would save the U.S. vapor industry from being decimated by improper regulations by the FDA. This bill would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to change the grandfather date for “deemed tobacco products.” This change would allow for all vapor products currently …

    About CASAA

    The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with an all-volunteer board and a grassroots membership of more than two hundred thousand individuals from all walks of life, and we are growing daily. We are a consumer organization, not a trade association. We are dedicated to ensuring the availability of reduced harm alternatives to smoking and to providing smokers and non-smokers alike with honest information about those alternatives so that they can make informed choices.

    The timeline includes links to articles, patents, court decisions, and many other resources to give a comprehensive history of this revolutionary alternative to combustible tobacco.

    The New VapeSling® Website!

    The New VapeSling® Website!

    VapeSling

    Thank you for visiting VapeSling®

    NEW!!! Web Prevention Measure – Security Upgrades (2017)

    The new VapeSling® website is HTTPS secured throughout the website. This assures your session with us is completely safe.

    You may also notice a site lock to protect us and you. All customer input is locked up in our vaulted database and scanned constantly for malware.

    Although there was no breach, prevention is best for us and our VapeSlingers info (and Mods). Thank you for Slinging with us since 2014.

    If you are a daily Slinger, you may have valuable feedback? If so,Please, write a review. Every product page has it’s own review tab. Or tell us on our secure Contact Us. 

     

    New (Oct 2016) VapeSling® version: V3 Web Slings

    Enjoy a new level of comfort and convenience with your new V3.0 Web Slings

     

    About VapeSling LLC (VSLLC):

    Vape Advocacy/Activism

    VapeSling LLC is a Nevada, USA based company. All our employees are proud members of The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), The Vaping Militia and the National Vapers Club (NVC); three organizations that further encourage ex-smokers to continue smoke-free lifestyles through scientific research on electronic cigarettes, education about vaping and vaping products, as well as help protect vaper rights through activism on the local, state, and federal levels. We also donate to .orgs such as NBS, and we hope you will too.

    We created a VapersArmy on InstaGram that spread the word of justice for vapers. We furthermore, post every single CTA that exists currently on our dedicated web page –> Calls To Action – Vapor Products. We update this the daily in addition to update news posts under latest news. All vapers have access. No one has an excuse to not fight for Vaper Rights. Before this author goes on a rant about sheeple, we will move on.

    On several occasions, VapeSling staff members have taken action on issues directly affecting our vaping community such as contacting several of our local Nevada politicians as well as the President himself. We encountered most favorable responses from Senator of Nevada, Dean Heller and recently Representative of Nevada Joe Heck . If you are a local to Nevada, please contact them to express your vaping concerns and relay any call to action from vaping advocate groups, clubs and associations. Furthermore, thank and support Joe Heck and Dean Heller by voting for their renewed services on election day.

    Welcome to the New VapeSling Website!
    Flag of the United States of America (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    VapeSling®: American Made

    All VapeSling® models are “Made in the USA” with premium U.S. made materials. The VapeSling® breakthrough concept was born from e-cig/mod portability problems encountered with hand carry, pockets, pouches, belt clips, and all other available forms of e-cig/Mod portability. VapeSling® uses a unique Patent Pending concept which allows the user to carry, vape, and move. VapeSling® users can vape while their e-cig/mod is attached to their VapeSling®. Whether on the move or relaxing on a couch, a #VapeSlinger can carry their e-cig/mod comfortably, securely, and always ready to vape. No retrieving or re-deposits of your e-cig/Mod into any case, pouch, bag or pockets. No more devices falling to the ground. The VapeSling innovation has withstood the test of time by thousands of VapeSlingers. Enjoying CARRY.VAPE.MOVE. for 3 years since 2014. All device sizes, weights and shapes (Box, Cylindrical, etc.) will fit securely on your VapeSling® e-cig/Mod Holder.

    Lastly, our USPTO patent will grant in 2017. Filed in 2014, our USPTO NPA is finally on the examiners desk.

    For more info, visit the this page—> VapeSling® E-cig/Mod/Vape Holder

    Begin enjoying “hands free” carry, while vaping on the go. Get your VapeSling® today!

    VapeSling

    Please subscribe to our Website to receive VapeSling® Latest news on products and Vaping advocacy

    © 2017 VapeSling® | All Rights Reserved

    Update Feb2017: A Billion Lives Film

    Update Feb2017: A Billion Lives Film 
    It’s been a busy couple months preparing for the final release of A Billion Lives around the world on various broadcast, streaming, and Blu-Ray platforms.

    Our new broadcast distribution partner, Principal Media, has been discussing TV broadcasts of A Billion Lives with HBO, AMC, MBC (Middle East), YLC (Finland), MediaLaan, RTL, ProSieben (Germany), Telefilms (Argentina), Bell Media, and Turner.

    The international interest in our movie from large networks is largely due to your work in helping spread the word via social media, as well as our spectacular international premieres over the past six months.

    Momentum, while slow, is building and we are gaining the public’s attention.

    Thanks for being patient.

    The Plan
    This has definitely been a learning experience for us. Rarely has a film with this level of support and vital message been so ignored by the media and Hollywood establishment. Sadly, that means we’ve had to do a lot of unexpected work with distribution.

    We’ve been pushing as hard as we can to get the word out using mainstream channels and it is working. It’s also taking a bit more time than expected. The ability to put it on TV was a pleasant surprise.

    Here’s the plan going forward.

    Theaters

    We’re wrapping up the theatrical release in English-speaking countries. However, I still believe that bringing people from other countries together to see the movie in a public forum is vital to getting new people to hear the message.

    Last week in Copenhagen, I got to visit with officials from the Health Ministry and Safety Ministry after they watched the movie. There were tons of other members of the public there as well. It was powerful for them to witness the groans, laughs, and standing ovation.

    We are getting close to launching the movie in theaters in Germany, Austria, France, and maybe other countries. We’ve gotten commitments to show the movie in Germany & Austria at least 10 times to allow local groups to invite media and politicians.

    All countries that currently have the movie in theaters (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, New Zealand) will continue to have the opportunity to use Demand.Film (International) or Tugg (US) to host theater screenings for years.
    TV
    Our new broadcast distribution partner is working to get the movie on TV, where it will be seen by people not currently introduced to the #ABillionLives debate.
    We just finished preparing an international version of the movie (no English) and it is ready for one network that has already signed a deal to show the movie 15 times! As mentioned above, more deals are potentially in the works.

    The downside of this, is that we will delay the digital release in countries/languages where it is on TV. We think it’s worth it.

    Digital Streaming

    In countries where the movie will not air on TV (most of them), we plan one last publicity stunt to get attention by becoming the #1 movie on iTunes on our release day.
    This is very possible with the level of support behind us.
    After a succesfull iTunes launch, we’ll also have it available on other platforms (Amazon, Google Play, etc.).

    Digital streaming is our best chance to make money and fund a follow-up film, so we are eager to begin as soon as possible. The only reason we’ve held off is to build more public awareness of the message and honor our commitments to theaters.

    Reaching the public is job #1.

    Blu-Ray
    In addition to a digital release, we plan on selling a limited edition Blu-Ray disk with special content (potentially a deleted chapter featuring Stanton Glantz).
    We’ve been working on it and we’re ready to start taking bulk pre-orders. We don’t have the manpower to sell individual copies initially, so we’ll rely on authorized groups or companies to buy the movie at bulk prices and help distribute it on their own websites or stores.
    In order to reward our strongest supporters and help us get better pricing on disk creation, we’ll be prioritizing the largest orders first. Please reply to this email if you are interested.

    Any company or group that cares about our message is welcome.

    Final Notes

    In addition to all the distribution work (and my job at Attention Era Media), I continue to be active in working with groups to meet with and educate government leaders and the media.

    We are fully aware of the battles going on right now and we are helping as much as possible with our limited resources and small staff.

    We think a follow up film using our new network, expertise, and supportive community would be able to put away these liars for good.

    But to do this (without taking money from outside organizations to make the movie), we need to be smart.

    Thanks for sticking with us. I appreciate you.

    Talk soon,
    – Aaron Biebert
     
     
     Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram
    Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

    Who is next in the FDA?

    Vapor News and Views
    Who is next in the FDA?

    News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

    Friends,
    Donald J.Trump has been sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, his nominee for Health and Human Services is on the verge of taking charge of the agency, the administration is weighing and taking daily action on federal regulations, and we’re on the cusp of even more significant debates over health care in the United States.
    Here’s my assessment of week one under President Trump: his actions on things like the Keystone XL Pipeline, the Mexico City Policy, federal hiring and regulation freezes, and daily rhetoric/Tweets indicate he meant most of what he said during the campaign. He cares about creating new jobs, undoing much of the Obama legislative and regulatory “legacy,” and is open to Big League reform, whether it be done through executive actions or by Congress.
    So what? Soon-to-be HHS Secretary Tom Price, the next head of the Food and Drug Administration, and key legislative champions for the industry (Senator Ron Johnson & Congressman Duncan Hunter among them) all need to be on the same page very soon so that we too can be included in the draining of the status quo swamp. What does this industry want or need immediately from the administration? What does it need long term from Congress? Think on it. Let me know your thoughts. Shoot me an email at [email protected].
    Paul Blair
    Strategic Initiatives Director 
    Americans for Tax Reform
    Who will take the reins as next head of the FDA?

    So who is under consideration to run the Food and Drug Administration? Over the last two months, a number of names have been floated by individuals associated with the Trump transition team and several have been spotted at Trump Tower and even confirmed as considered appointments by the Trump team. Here are a few:

    1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb: former deputy commissioner at the FDA under President George W. Bush, venture partner at New Enterprise Associates, and resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). For those of you who may not know, AEI is almost as big a fan of vapor products and their consumers as we are at ATR. I know, I’m biased. But go read anything Dr. Sally Satel has ever written or said on the subject if you haven’t. Hi Sally!Gottlieb is advising the Trump transition team and as a former regulator would make a more traditional pick to lead the agency. I’m led to believe this guy gets it when it comes to harm reduction and the importance of innovation in the vapor space. 
    2. Jim O’Neill: closely connected to Trump supporter Peter Thiel, the billionaire businessman and venture capitalist who co-founded PayPal. O’Neill is managing director at Thiel’s Mithril Capital Management. He isn’t a doctor and doesn’t have a deep background in healthcare but did serve in W.’s HHS between 2002-2008.O’Neill has publicly expressed support for allowing drugs to hit the market after they’ve been deemed safe but before they’ve been deemed effective. See this Forbes piece on the “progressive approval” process. This would be what they call ‘UGE. Picking O’Neill would be one of those extremely bold shake up the FDA with a guy opposed to the status quo kind of things. 
    3. Dr. Joseph Gulfo: the executive director of the Lewis Center for Healthcare Innovation and Technology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the former President and CEO of the medical device firm MELA Sciences. A defender of the FDA’s underlying mission but big advocate for reforms that simplify the drug-approval process. Click here to read an interview he did this week and a piece he wrote for the Wall Street Journal in November. He’s the newest name on the short list.
    4. Balaji Srinivasan: another Silicon Valley entrepreneur connected to Thiel. He’s a partner at the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, CEO of a bitcoin startup, and lecturer at the Departments of Statistics, and Computer Science at Stanford.

    Okay, what do all of these possible picks mean for the FDA and the vapor industry? There’s clearly a push for someone from the tech/biotech industry to take the reins and it’s likely that the next head of the FDA will come from the venture capital world, bringing with them a better understanding of entrepreneurship, economics, and the importance of innovation than recently departed Commissioner Califf or his predecessor Commissioner Hamburg. These guys aren’t career practicing doctors, they’re investors and innovators. We’re on the verge of seeing big changes at the FDA.

    Note: Mitch Zeller, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is not a political appointee. He’s under no obligation to leave the position and will likely stick around for a while. That’s why we’ll need a culture shift above him at the FDA and at HHS. Congressional action helps too. 

    Upcoming E-Vapor Law Symposium on February 2nd and 3rd
    This coming week, Keller and Heckman will be hosting an E-Vapor Law Symposium covering a wide range of topics including PMTA requirements, pending litigation, international product regulations, battery standards, and of course taxes! You can register to watch online or participate in person here.
    I’ll be giving an update on state tax laws, tax trends to watch for in 2017, and information on what’s to come for the vapor industry broadly when it comes to taxes on manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. To listen to a preview of my presentation, click here. (My presentation preview begins at 28:50)

    Vape Battery Safety Guide

    Vape Battery Safety Guide

    Battery Safety – Making Peace With Power

    CASAA has produced a comprehensive guide to battery safety for those who use vapor products. The guide discusses how batteries are made, how they work, and what damages them. From this understanding, users can formulate some pretty clear rules to keep them and their batteries living together peacefully.

    • Download the complete guide here.
    • CASAA battery cases are available here.

    Practical Battery Safety Tips

    1. Know your device. Every device has specific power requirements and the batteries for the device should meet or exceed those requirements.
    2. Do NOT make modifications to the device including those which could block any ventilation holes or slots. Those holes or slots remove heat and/or allow venting gas to escape safely.
    3. Buy high-quality batteries from a known source – cheap batteries and seconds have poor internal quality and could fail sooner.
    4. Buy only batteries rated for your device. Beware of re-branded batteries claiming to have ‘High Output’ – many of these are counterfeit and will fail. If in doubt seek well-known brands like Sony, LG, Samsung, etc.,  and buy from a dealer that knows where they came from.
    5. Store batteries in a protective case or sleeve, to prevent them from shorting or being damaged. CASAA has battery cases available in our store here.
    6. NEVER exceed the rated capacity of the battery – pulse ratings are high-stress ratings, batteries are meant to rest after stress.
    7. Do not drop batteries. If they are dropped they should be inspected very carefully. Any sign of damage on the outside could mean damage on the inside.
    8. Do not subject batteries to extremes of temperature. Leaving them in your car could freeze the electrolyte causing it to crack. Overheating the electrolyte will cause it to dry out prematurely and crack. Cracked electrolyte is a key point of failure for thermal runaway.
    9. If, when using a battery, it gets hot, STOP! Batteries may get warm to touch, but they should never get hot. Immediately put the battery in a fire-safe place such as a dry sink or outdoors away from people or pets.
    10. Use a quality charger designed for lithium batteries – using cheap chargers can result in overcharging batteries, or charging them too fast. This weakens the separator and causes the electrolyte to dry out and crack making the battery unsafe.
    11. Batteries should be replaced after at least 1 year of use – more often under high-stress applications like vaping. If you notice that the battery is taking longer to charge, seems warmer while using, or doesn’t seem to hold a charge as long, it is time to replace it.
    12. Never use a battery whose wrapper is damaged! The opportunity for shorts is higher, and damaged wraps may indicate internal damage.

    VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released

    VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released

    VapeSling

    VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released 1/19/17

    RS3_Side

    As of January 19th, 2017, the V2.1 RingSling™ by VapeSling® has joined the V3.0 Webbed Sling Style.

    Reliable and more comfortable than ever with. 1.25″ wide webbing, your V3 RingSling™ will be a welcome hand companion.

    The  V2.1 RingSling™ will remain available along with his new brother your V3 RingSling™

    Enjoy your V3 Varieties VapeSlingers!

    About V3

    Your V3.0 Web Slings are covered by our VapeSling® Lifetime Guarantee. You won’t need it, as we expect 0% breaks. All our slings are reliable, however, this version is exceptional. Reliability extends beyond your Mod/Vape weight.

    Starched fabric (for wrinkle free flatness) sewn into reinforced edges (Black Gross-Grain) leading to the VapeSling® proprietary cradle (Black VS Logo flap). All Cradles are sewn with a triple stitch square around the VS logo. You can literally pull a truck with your V3.0 sling. Our point: Your sling will last and secure your mod forever!

    Your V3 Sling is completely washable as well as heat resistant.

    V3.0 also offers these other types in 9 colors:

    The HandCheck

    handcheckv3front

    Average Joe™ (Neck Sling)

    averagejoefront

    MODster™ (Cross-Body)

    modsterv3fronta

    Enjoy a new level of comfort and convenince with your new V3.0 Web Slings

    VapeSling

    Please subscribe to our Website to receive VapeSling® Latest news on products and Vaping advocacy

    © 2017 VapeSling® | All Rights Reserved

    NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™

    NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™ 

    Your HandCheck™ Sling has been adjusted with a new feature. The NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™ offers varying sizes ( adjustable from 4-8 inches) eliminating the guess work for your hand size. Simply select the “Adjuster” selection from the SIZE pulldown menu. Fitted sizes are still available on the same pull down menu. This new feature is absolutely free of charge. We feel the HandCheck™ should have this option as a standard. Some may prefer the fitted style for it’s cosmetic appeal. Some may prefer a snug fit. In either case, your V3 HandCheck™ is now available, just how you want it.

    Jan2017 Vapor Calls To Action

    Jan2017 Vapor Calls To Action

    JOIN CASAA. By joining CASAA, you will become plugged into an advocacy network.

    Print Flyers for your Vape Shops here-—> Flyer – Do you Like to VapeCasaa Flyer

    fifteen-minutes-flyer

    Jan2017 CTA

    Act on any Vapor Call to Action for your state or local area. Unite to fight for our right to VAPE!

    Posted Feb 3rd

    Arizona – Take action to oppose a 95% tax on vapor products

      A 95% wholesale tax (SB 1517) on vapor products has been introduced in the Arizona senate. Such an outrageous tax rate is bad for both businesses and consumers. Not to mention the damaging public health consequences of taking smoke-free alternatives away from former smokers. It is vital that you TAKE ACTION by urging your Arizona senator to REJECT SB …

    A bill (SB 119) has been introduced that would ban online sales of vapor products in Maryland. Supporters of SB 119 are promoting this as necessary to control youth access to vapor products. But, rather than prevent young people from making purchases, such an extreme regulation will actually limit adult access to vapor products. For those who live in areas …

    Posted Jan 4th

    The new year is here, but responses to ECigIntelligence’s consumer survey are still needed.

    Your participation in this survey will help inform regulators, advocates, and commentators as we all work to build policies that benefit consumers.

    If you haven’t already, please take a moment (5 – 10 minutes) to complete the survey.

    Click here to take the survey

    Thank you!

    Alex Clark

    CASAA Legislative Coordinator

    Posted Jan 4th

    2017 State Taxes affecting vapers throughout the country

    Posted Dec 8th

    Sign the Petition! —->www.atr.org/tell-trump-fire-us-surgeon-general

    Fire This man
    Fire This man

    In a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, is calling for the inclusion of vapor in smoke-free policies and PRICE AND TAX POLICIES. We, at #notblowingsmoke, consider that a violation of the hippocratic oath he took since it will most certainly encourage youth and adults BOTH to go back to smoking instead of an alternative that has been proven to be, conservatively speaking, 95% safer than smoking. Dr. Murthy’s report ignores years of dramatic reductions in youth cigarette smoking and instead MISLEADS THE PUBLIC into believing that a much less harmful alternative presents “major health risks”. It seems obvious to us that Dr. Murthy has no objections to reversing the years of progress that have been made in curbing the use of combustible cigarettes.

    As the nation’s senior public health official his term doesn’t expire until the end of 2018. With President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” however, we’re calling on Trump to deliver a simple message to Dr. Murthy: YOU’RE FIRED!

    Sign the petition by ATR, which will be delivered to the president’s office, asking President Trump to FIRE the Dr. Murthy and REPLACE him with someone who actually CARES about tobacco harm reduction and saving lives. The petition link is in the profile!

    Note: NOT Blowing Smoke generally does not support petitions. However, in this case as the administration is in a transitional period (and appointments and seats are still being made) there is no way to direct the messages to specific targets. The petition will be HAND DELIVERED by ATR, though, at some point in the next month. Let’s make this a message that can be heard loud and clear with the new administration.

    Posted Nov 7

    Lookup your LawMakers before your vote

     

    FIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY TO SAVE VAPING

    IVapeIVote Crowd Shot

    (1)  Send a Message! Support a change to the 2007 “predicate date” which could save the vapor industry from total destruction.

    (2)  Join CASAA! It’s easy, it’s free, and we will keep you up to date on information and opportunities to take action to protect your access to vapor products.

    (3)  Register To Vote! Millions of vapers, including YOU, have the power to influence government decisions by electing candidates who support vaping!

    (4)  Tell your story! Visit CASAA’s Testimonials Project and tell us about your experience with low-risk, smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and snus.

    (5)  Support CASAA’s work to promote tobacco harm reduction policies and keep the diverse range of smoke-free alternatives available.

    Answer Ron Johnson

    Seal-of-Wisconsin

      (Please note: if you live outside of Wisconsin, please follow the directions below to print and send your letter.) Senator Ron Johnson (WI) is taking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to task over the impact of the “deeming rule” on small to medium vapor businesses across the country. Sen. Johnson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental …

    Read More »

    FDA Call to Action: Submit Comments on FDA’s Proposed Regulation of Safety Packaging and Labeling for E-Cigarettes and Dissolvable Smokeless Tobacco

    Update August 21, 2015: The comment deadline has been extended to September 30, 2015. DEADLINE for Comment is August 31, 2015 September 30, 2015. I. Background The FDA recently published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments on rules about “Nicotine Exposure Warnings and Child-Resistant Packaging for Liquid Nicotine, Nicotine-Containing E-Liquid(s), and Other Tobacco Products.” As is obvious from …

    Read More »

    Call to Action! Support HR 2058 which would change the grandfather date for vapor products

    The FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2015 (HR 2058), introduced by Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, would save the U.S. vapor industry from being decimated by improper regulations by the FDA. This bill would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to change the grandfather date for “deemed tobacco products.” This change would allow for all vapor products currently …

    About CASAA

    The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with an all-volunteer board and a grassroots membership of more than two hundred thousand individuals from all walks of life, and we are growing daily. We are a consumer organization, not a trade association. We are dedicated to ensuring the availability of reduced harm alternatives to smoking and to providing smokers and non-smokers alike with honest information about those alternatives so that they can make informed choices.

    The timeline includes links to articles, patents, court decisions, and many other resources to give a comprehensive history of this revolutionary alternative to combustible tobacco.