OFFICIAL - SMOKELESSIMAGE.com Thread

[ConnieBGood]

Here is something I found interesting and made me go hummm.

Metanews: could nicotine be beneficial?

"Yet nicotine need not forever play the villain, both Role and McGehee say. Pharmaceutical companies could reap fortunes, they argue, by developing a safe drug delivery system. "A company that develops a nicotine delivery system as effective as cigarettes--without the detrimental effects--would do very well. Few known drugs enhance cognitive performance," Role says. "I think that society could accept nicotine eventually." -- Steven Benowitz"

Aren't they describing the E-Cig??? What's wrong with this picture? Oh, that's right. Big Pharma didn't come up with it so..... on E-Cigs.

 

[rave]

Another medicinal use of nicotine is its ability to reduce neurological pain. This is priceless information for folks like me with multiple sclerosis. At one point, I reduced my nic level to 6 mg, but the increase in nerve pain and number of seizures was substantial enough for me to increase the level back up to 18 mg. Yet, you would never see a neurologist prescribe nicotine. I wonder how much of the stigma against nicotine is based on addiction attributed solely to it rather than the MAOI agents and other chemicals added to cigarettes?

 

[Meddog]

Ummm, wheres meddog??

I seem to have lost my tail, I've been working so much. Seriously home internet issues coupled with internet issues at home.

I've also lost my purple and blue battery, if anyone has seen them...

 

[Meddog]

I seem to have lost my tail, I've been working so much. Seriously home internet issues coupled with internet issues at home.

I've also lost my purple and blue battery, if anyone has seen them...

I'm also apparently repeating myself. It should have said, " home internet issues coupled with the first week of the semester"
Gosh, the stress is really showing...

 

[Meddog]

So I've finally caught up with reading (working on the ambulance today with rock solid internet thank goodness).
Those of you who know me, know that I'm a college professor during the week, right... in Texas (yes, it is all bigger and better here) as such I'm a member of Employee Retirement System or ERS for short. It's a big state wide grouping that handles all Texas Employees. (stand by, I'll get to the point when I get there and not before)
Recently we got this email updating our benefits for the new 2011-2012 school year.

tobacco user certification coming soon
Under state law, tobacco users will pay higher premiums for their health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2012. From November 7 to December 9, employees and retirees will be asked to certify if they or their covered dependents use tobacco. See frequently asked questions and answers.

So I clicked on the link and copied what I found below. I think you will all find #3 interesting related to recent discussions. Now, this is coming from the state of Texas...




Tobacco User Certification Questions and Answers

Under state law, tobacco users will pay higher premiums for their health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2012. If you or a covered family member uses tobacco, you will pay $30, $60, or $90 more each month in additional health insurance premiums, depending on how many tobacco users you cover.

1. Why did the Legislature make this change?

State officials are concerned about Texans' health, and the cost poor health has on health insurance and the state budget. They passed the measure as an incentive to help people quit using tobacco and live longer, healthier lives.

2. Who will be considered a tobacco user?

In order to certify that you do not use tobacco, you must not have used a tobacco product more than five times in the previous three months.

3. What is considered a tobacco product?

A tobacco product is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or any other product that contains tobacco. It does not include an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette that does not contain tobacco and is designed expressly for smoking cessation.

4. What about nicotine replacement therapy?

Nicotine replacement products like gum and patches are not considered tobacco products.

5. How do I certify that I’m a tobacco user, or that someone I cover is a tobacco user?

During the initial certification period, which will be from November 7 to December 9, 2011, you will have to declare that you or your covered dependents use tobacco products. You will do this by signing in to your online account and completing the certification, or by printing a certification and mailing it to ERS. You can also call ERS toll free at (877) 275-4377. If you or anyone you cover uses tobacco, you will have to pay the higher premium.

6. How much will tobacco users pay?

The additional monthly premium will be based on three tiers: Member, Spouse, and Child. The maximum additional premium is $90 a month.

 

[SandySu]

So I've finally caught up with reading (working on the ambulance today with rock solid internet thank goodness).
Those of you who know me, know that I'm a college professor during the week, right... in Texas (yes, it is all bigger and better here) as such I'm a member of Employee Retirement System or ERS for short. It's a big state wide grouping that handles all Texas Employees. (stand by, I'll get to the point when I get there and not before)
Recently we got this email updating our benefits for the new 2011-2012 school year.

Tobacco user certification coming soon
Under state law, tobacco users will pay higher premiums for their health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2012. From November 7 to December 9, employees and retirees will be asked to certify if they or their covered dependents use tobacco. See frequently asked questions and answers.

So I clicked on the link and copied what I found below. I think you will all find #3 interesting related to recent discussions. Now, this is coming from the state of Texas...




Tobacco User Certification Questions and Answers

Under state law, tobacco users will pay higher premiums for their health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2012. If you or a covered family member uses tobacco, you will pay $30, $60, or $90 more each month in additional health insurance premiums, depending on how many tobacco users you cover.

1. Why did the Legislature make this change?

State officials are concerned about Texans' health, and the cost poor health has on health insurance and the state budget. They passed the measure as an incentive to help people quit using tobacco and live longer, healthier lives.

2. Who will be considered a tobacco user?

In order to certify that you do not use tobacco, you must not have used a tobacco product more than five times in the previous three months.

3. What is considered a tobacco product?

A tobacco product is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or any other product that contains tobacco. It does not include an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette that does not contain tobacco and is designed expressly for smoking cessation.

4. What about nicotine replacement therapy?

Nicotine replacement products like gum and patches are not considered tobacco products.

5. How do I certify that I’m a tobacco user, or that someone I cover is a tobacco user?

During the initial certification period, which will be from November 7 to December 9, 2011, you will have to declare that you or your covered dependents use tobacco products. You will do this by signing in to your online account and completing the certification, or by printing a certification and mailing it to ERS. You can also call ERS toll free at (877) 275-4377. If you or anyone you cover uses tobacco, you will have to pay the higher premium.

6. How much will tobacco users pay?

The additional monthly premium will be based on three tiers: Member, Spouse, and Child. The maximum additional premium is $90 a month.

Interesting. What does "designed expressly for smoking cessation" mean, considering companies are not allowed to claim that?

 

[starsong]

Good to see you again Professor Meddog. And for #3. Wish the rest of the country could be so enlightened.

 

[Meddog]

The new wraps in mix and match style! I love them on the cartos. See, in the picture the blue and purple batteries? Haven't seen them since. Oddly enough, I have the cartos that are attached to both of them though.

Please send more! *hint, hint*

 

[Meddog]

Interesting. What does "designed expressly for smoking cessation" mean, considering companies are not allowed to claim that?

I don't know, that's part of the interesting part though isn't it....
Rick Perry just sometimes makes up facts and then expects reality to follow.
Above is a personal comment having lived with him as gubnor for the last 11 or so years... everyone just let it go...

 

[Meddog]

Good to see you again Professor Meddog. And for #3. Wish the rest of the country could be so enlightened.

I'm not sure it's particularly enlightened. It is very curious addition to the policy. I have a college age son that I have on my insurance. If he smoked, I would have to pay an additional $90 per month to keep him on my policy, but on the other hand, they are pushing affordable insurance on everyone.... so it's kind of a catch 22

 

[Morandir835]

Ms. Cindycated you are correct, you can run into issues if you're combined total amperage used exceeds that of the rating on the usb hub. If it's 2a, then if your charging four there's no issues if each charger is pulling .5a (500ma)....

 

[rave]

I seem to have lost my tail, I've been working so much. Seriously home internet issues coupled with internet issues at home.

I've also lost my purple and blue battery, if anyone has seen them...

Bad Meddog for running away from home!! Bad! *But glad you're back* Hope you find your batteries. You checked the couch of course. That's where mine always run away to.

 

[rave]

Interesting. What does "designed expressly for smoking cessation" mean, considering companies are not allowed to claim that?

Maybe they read the poll here which, last time I checked, said that 76% of people that try e-cigs quit analogs altogether.

 

[SteelJan]

Is 2A enough to charge 7 batteries at the same time, without eventually screwing up the batteries? I thought you needed 500mA per port = 3.5A. That wouldn't be as bad as charging on a laptop or car adapter (all the time)?

I ask because I have a 7-port hub, but I've only been using the 4 up on top and sometimes 1 on the side, because my power supply is only 2.5A. They are very cool to have, though. One of my favorite accessories. Mine is made by Digital Innovations, and I got it from MicroCenter on sale for $12.99. It really does look like a mini powerstrip, with the on/off switch and all. Cute.

I think the real issue is how good the power supply is. If you saw my mega-pcc review, my tests show that a 78mm battery really pulls a max of about 120mA while charging. If the power supply really can operate at what it is specified, you could take the amperage rating, divide that by 120mA, and that number would be the Max number of 78mm batteries you could simultaneously recharge.

 

[rosepetal]

Is 2A enough to charge 7 batteries at the same time, without eventually screwing up the batteries? I thought you needed 500mA per port = 3.5A. That wouldn't be as bad as charging on a laptop or car adapter (all the time)?

I ask because I have a 7-port hub, but I've only been using the 4 up on top and sometimes 1 on the side, because my power supply is only 2.5A. They are very cool to have, though. One of my favorite accessories. Mine is made by Digital Innovations, and I got it from MicroCenter on sale for $12.99. It really does look like a mini powerstrip, with the on/off switch and all. Cute.

Sorry I don't really understand all that stuff. I had a techy friend look at it and they said it would work for what I wanted.

 

[Meddog]

Bad Meddog for running away from home!! Bad! *But glad you're back* Hope you find your batteries. You checked the couch of course. That's where mine always run away to.

Couch, cupholder in the car, makeup bag, computer bag... I ordered two more. I give up. Here's the really sad part...
I did a super fast order at work, but didn't read ecf first and totally missed out on the sale.
And that's what you get for running out the gate every time it's opened! poor, poor meddog. Literally.

 

[ozpkchris]

2. Who will be considered a tobacco user?

In order to certify that you do not use tobacco, you must not have used a tobacco product more than five times in the previous three months.

3. What is considered a tobacco product?

A tobacco product is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or any other product that contains tobacco. It does not include an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette that does not contain tobacco and is designed expressly for smoking cessation.

4. What about nicotine replacement therapy?

Nicotine replacement products like gum and patches are not considered tobacco products.

i like the way texas thinks !

 

[Meddog]

I think the real issue is how good the power supply is. If you saw my mega-pcc review, my tests show that a 78mm battery really pulls a max of about 120mA while charging. If the power supply really can operate at what it is specified, you could take the amperage rating, divide that by 120mA, and that number would be the Max number of 78mm batteries you could simultaneously recharge.

Already bleeding from the ears this early in the day.
Seriously, I'm completely impressed by anyone who understands what this means.
Just to prove I'm not completely stupid though, this weeks lecture will tout the virtues of bypassing the first pass effect by utilization of the parenteral route of administration. Take that all you smarties!

 

[SandySu]

Couch, cupholder in the car, makeup bag, computer bag... I ordered two more. I give up. Here's the really sad part...
I did a super fast order at work, but didn't read ecf first and totally missed out on the sale.
And that's what you get for running out the gate every time it's opened! poor, poor meddog. Literally.

If you just ordered, maybe they will add the discount if you call them.

 

[Meddog]

If you just ordered, maybe they will add the discount if you call them.

They would I'm sure. Here's the thing though, I ordered Friday late night. They shipped Saturday. Will arrive probably Tuesday (because Monday's a holiday). I don't want to call and ask for a discount on something that late in the game. I'm sure they won't be working on Monday. (did I mention it's a holiday)

Two batteries: $26.00
Discount: $5.40
Having a great vendor: priceless

All I have to do is figure out how to make that rhyme, and I'm all set huh?