smarts

Did you know that only 12% of Californians actually smoke? So Prop 29 should be an easy win right? Sadly it hasn't been the case.

Big Tobacco just spent another $13 million for television ads through the end of April. They will begin spreading their lies, telling Californians that while a cure would be great, we cannot afford another tax.

The truth is, unless you smoke you will never feel the ramifications of the $1 tax.

The other truth is that even if you don't smoke, every Californian will be affected by the health costs smoking creates. Healthcare is one part of it. Second hand smoke is another.

Let's create a healthier state for our children. Let's leave behind a state that is better off for them to learn, survive and grow in.

#yeson29

five

Good music to take you into the weekend. My friend Kelli shared Noah and the whale with me. Listen to it, and play it for your Saturday morning.

A prize will go out to the person that figures out why I am sharing 5 Years Time on the Yes on 29 blog. Leave a comment if you know.

I am hoping everyone is enjoying some Spring weather and has a Happy Easter! We will be celebrating my daughter's 6th birthday so it is sure to be filled with cake, ice cream and multiple egg hunts.

gym

I thought this was a clever cartoon.

*from The New Yorker

lose

quote + image from this tumblr

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I cannot fathom losing more loved ones to cancer. If you feel the same way, please vote Yes on 29. Saying YES means you support the research and funding to find a cure.

At the same time, a Yes vote puts a stop to any preventable smoking-related diseases. It is  empowering for me to take a minute and email (or blog, tweet, post) about Yes on 29. It makes a clear statement to tobacco companies that I want to live in a world where tobacco is not.

view

Californians for a Cure released this new video today. I think it is poignant and heartfelt.

It's true, Big Tobacco companies will be spending millions of dollars to defeat this initiative. They already spent 12 million dollars in two weeks alone of TV ads.

The funding for cancer research comes solely from the $1 tax increase on every pack of cigarettes sold. It is estimated that with the tax increase, $500 million will be made and go directly to cancer research every year.

Prop 29 will save lives. By researching a cure and also (hopefully!) keeping people away from cigarettes completely.

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State and federal taxpayers pay upwards to $612/year for smoking related expenses. It is high time we raise the price on cigarettes. Raise the price for those that smoke, keep future generations away from it and put the additional tax increase directly to cancer research.

Reminder! One will only feel the affects of this increased tax if you buy a pack of cigarettes.

Over the weekend I was talking to my dad about the Yes on 29. As an international businessman he flies often. He told me stories of years ago, as soon as the airplane reached high enough altitude at least 1/3 of the flight would light a cigarette.

Gasp. I can't even imagine that now. We are lucky we don't have to.

Let us take the steps and cast our vote for Yes on 29. Raise the price on a pack of cigarettes by $1 and create a healthier state altogether.

lottery

Did you get into the $640 million lottery over the weekend? I am not a gambler, but the media pulled me in and I spent $2 on tickets for my husband and self. If nothing else it was fun to watch people discuss how they would spend it were they to win...

This was my first time ever in a liquor store to buy my first ever lotto ticket. And what did I find?! Gah! A No on 29.

Did you know the funding for the opposition is all coming from Big Tobacco companies and convenience stores namely AM/PM and 7-Eleven (among others).

Yes on 29 is supported by Livestrong, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association and Stand Up to Cancer (among others).

Which side are you on?

conference

I spent much of this weekend listening and watching the LDS Annual General Conference. One of my favorite Sunday's out of the year.

I was also reminded of a quote from one of the leaders of my church. In the talk Waiting on the Road to Damascus Dieter F. Uchtdorf says,  

My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! 

This is certainly applicable to Yes on 29 in order to beat the Tobacco industry. Please pass it on.