Author: pbusardo
A MESSAGE FROM CASAA – NY – It’s time to pick up the phone! – PLEASE TAKE ACTION!
A.3009B isn’t just an outrageous tax on e-liquid, it’s also an indoor vaping ban.
It’s tempting to say that this is being snuck in under cover of a must-pass budget bill but, it’s right at the top of Part FF in A.3009. So in addition to making vapor products more difficult to purchase, Governor Cuomo wants to make it less attractive to vape overall.
Even if you don’t agree with vaping indoors, you might know that the ability to vape where we can’t smoke is something that attracts smokers to a very low-risk alternative. You might also agree that a blanket ban on indoor use–without consideration for whether or not private businesses would like to set their own vaping policy–is, undoubtedly, overreach. Especially considering that, from a scientific perspective, the risk of exposing bystanders to harm is not a concern.
The proposed 40c/mL tax is enough to oppose A.3009, Part FF, and the indoor use ban is adding insult to injury.
Please help us remove Part FF from the budget.
Call Asm. Peter Lawrence (R)
At (518) 455-4664
- Urge them to oppose Part FF in A.3009.
- High taxes on vapor products will discourage smokers from switching to a safer alternative to cigarettes.
- Briefly, share your story about switching to vaping.
- Tell them that the very low risk to bystanders justifies allowing private businesses to set their own indoor vaping policies.
Thank you, and good luck with the call.
Alex Clark
CASAA Executive Director.
A BILLION LIVES UPDATE FROM AARON BIEBERT
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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:
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, |
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Aaron Biebert
Director
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A MESSAGE FROM TONY ABBOUD – REMINDER – NY STRATEGY CALL TODAY – New York Vape Under Attack
Please share this with any and all NYS E-Cig & E-Liquid companies and shops…
All,
Jake asked me to send out a reminder of the organizational call taking place this afternoon (at 4:30 p.m. EDT) regarding protecting NEW YORK. Please register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5593810867672364801
Also, take a listen to the attached video about what VTA is doing to help grow strong and independent state vapor associations, Listen to what three of the 20 independent state vapor associations leaders we are working with have to say about how joining with VTA was one of the best decisions that their groups have made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbWKHPCN1Y8&feature=youtu.be
Hope you can join the call at 4:30 p.m. today.
Tony
Tony Abboud
Executive Director
Vapor Technology Association
abboud@vaportechnology.org
312-498-6060
THE COLT VOLT BY VIVAPPOWER + NEW (NOT A) CONTEST
A PBusardo Review – The Colt Volt by VIVAPPOWER.
In this video we talk quickly about Innokin’s E-Liquid, do a full review on the Colt Volt by VIVAPPOWER, then kick off a new (not a) contest to give one away.
Hey Neil Shaw! Thanks for confirming the TC issue/bug when the resistance is locked. It’s both good and bad. Good because it proves I’m not losing my mind, and bad because it’s a serious and dangerous bug.
The Links:
Innokin
VIVAPPOWER
Origin Vape
Post Review Follow-up
- 3/22/17 – Following the review of the VIVAPPOWER Colt Volt, I notified them about the issue with device when in resistance lock. I heard back from them and they did acknowledge and confirm the issue:
Phil, Very appreciated your review report, I just watched it. your review report is very professional and give me much guideline.
We checked our software, and find out the old software version has a bug on resistance lock. The chipset actually don’t read the current resistance when the resistance has been locked. We upgrade the firmware, it has been solved.
I followed this up with a question about those who have already purchased the product and what they could do.
If those people want to return it, we can accept it. and we will send the updated software to our distributer, the end-user could send the products back to distribute to updated firmware for them. Our USB port can updated software directly.
So it sounds to me like this DOES have updatable firmware and I’m trying to get more information for you on where to get it and how to do it should you not want to return it. Stay tuned!
The Video:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
WELCOME VAPORDNA!
A TasteYourJuice welcome to VaporDNA, the latest addition to the “Trusted Vendors” section you’ll find in the left sidebar and scroll down below the Advocacy section.
I’ve worked with them on a few reviews now, they have a great selection of products, I’ve met and talked with Mike… the man behind the site (he even translated for me and Dimitris in China), and I’ve read through some of their positive customer service stories and ratings. Welcome!!
A MESSAGE FROM TONY ABBOUD FROM THE VTA – Calling New York Vapor Companies
Would love to see everyone in NY COME TOGETHER for this!
Calling New York Vapor Companies –
New York vapor companies are under attack and we need to get organized. VTA invites you to an on-line meeting to discuss the state legislative threats confronting the industry.
Please register for New York Vape Meeting on Mar 20, 2017 4:30 PM EDT at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5593810867672364801
Jake Butcher, VTA’s State Affairs Manager, will discuss the unprecedented attacks facing New York vape companies, including A. 3009 – a proposal to tax vapor products at 75% of their wholesale price as well as a tax of 40 cents per milliliter on consumable product. In addition, A 3009 defines vaping as smoking for purposes of indoor use laws, and prohibits coupons or price reductions.
Please join manufacturers, wholesalers, and shop owners to discuss this and other attacks on the vapor industry in New York.
Join the call to discuss how to start an independent state vapor association and fight back!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Thanks for joining in!
Tony
Tony AbboudExecutive Director
Vapor Technology Association
312-498-6060
FROM CASAA – Should NY pay more for being smoke-free? – PLEASE TAKE ACTION
We don’t think so. But, lawmakers in Albany think you should foot the bill for the state’s bad decisions.
A.3009 (part FF) would, among other things, impose a crushing 40% wholesale tax on vapor products as part of the state’s budget. The vapor tax provision of this bill would also enact stiff penalties for anyone caught trying to avoid paying the tax.
The previous email (above) had the wrong tax rate. It’s even worse.
Governor Cuomo’s Budget would actually impose a crushing 40c/ml tax on vapor. The vapor tax provision of this bill would also enact stiff penalties for anyone caught trying to avoid paying the tax.
This is not the only threat to vaping in New York but, it could be the most damaging.
Please help us defeat this tax by contacting your assembly member and members of the Ways and Means committee.
Take Action – Send a Message
Be sure to follow up with a phone call. You can find your assemblymember’s phone number here.
- Urge them to oppose Part FF in A.3009
- Tell them that a 40% tax on vapor products would deny thousands in New York access to life-saving vapor products.
- A similar tax in Pennsylvania has closed over 100 businesses and will fall short of raising the projected revenue.
- Tell your story.
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
THE VAPORSTORM MINI 50W – SHOW AND TELL – A RANT – LAST (NOT A) CONTEST WINNER & MORE!
A PBusardo Review – The Vapor Storm Mini 50W & More
Lot’s of stuff to do in this video:
- We do some show and tell with Vape Sling
- A shout out to Vape Chemist on their Mango Pound Cake
- Talk about the Vapor 9 event and I do my first review of feminine care products 🙂
- A rant about the CNN article on dripping
- A full review of the Vapor Storm Mini 50W
- Announce the last (not a) contest winner
The Links:
Vape Sling
Vape Chemist
Vapor 9
Dr. Farsalinos – E-Cigarette Research
Vapor Storm
FastTech
Giant Vapes Website
The Video:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
LAST NIGHT ON SMOKE FREE RADIO – “Reshaping FDA”
An interesting show last night on Smoke Free Radio. Looking forward to next week’s discussion!
* Thoughts and discussion on President Trump’s nomination for FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb
* What do the advocacy groups think this appointment can mean for the vaping industry
* Top news stories from the vaping press
* Canada in turmoil
* EVCA announces repeal and replace of deeming rule
* A Dimi rant
Listen to “#smokefreeradio "Reshaping FDA"” on Spreaker.
NEW FROM REGULATOR WATCH – Trump Card | FDA Deeming Regs On Chopping Block
Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:
With a stroke of the pen President Trump could take vaping out of tobacco and do away with the onerous FDA deeming regulations. Yes, repeal is that easy but replacing the regulations could be much harder—a winning vote is needed in both houses of Congress.
After fighting the Obama era FDA with little to no effect, fortunes may be turning in favor of the U.S. vaping industry as President Trump begins to make-good on his campaign promise to repeal onerous regulations.
Standing ready with new legislation to replace the deeming regs is Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Duncan Hunter, backstopped by a dedicated group of political operatives with connections that run directly into the White House.
Vapers in America could use a win…will they get it? Find out—only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.
RegulatorWatch.com – March 14, 2017.
WEB EXTRA:
Inside story behind Sen. Ron Johnson’s support for vaping
Of all the issues to care about, how did Ron Johnson the Sr. Senator from Wisconsin and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee come to learn about the onerous FDA deeming regulations and the havoc they have brought on the vaping industry in America? Find out—only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.
RegulatorWatch.com – march 14, 2017.
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