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Tobacco tax: Florida missed $63 million in tobacco tax revenues  

Local Apartment Complex Goes Smoke-Free 

Apartment Complex Goes "Smoke-Free" 

$27 Million Verdict Against R.J. Reynolds for Cancer Victim 

Oakland Park to consider smoking ban in parks  

UPDATE: Cigarette caused fatal house fire in Venice 

Woman commits fraud for cigarettes 

• Mayo Clinic Identifies Gene Critical to Development and Spread of Lung Cancer 

A single gene that promotes initial development of the most common form of lung cancer and its lethal metastases has been identified by researchers at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Their study suggests other forms of cancer may also be driven by this gene, matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10).

The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE on April 24, shows that MMP-10 is a growth factor secreted and then used by cancer stem-like cells to keep themselves vital. These cells then drive lung cancer and its spread, and are notoriously immune to conventional treatment.

The findings raise hope for a possible treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths. Researchers discovered that by shutting down MMP-10, lung cancer stem cells lose their ability to develop tumors. When the gene is given back to the cells, they can form tumors again.

The power of this gene is extraordinary, says senior investigator Alan Fields, Ph.D., the Monica Flynn Jacoby Professor of Cancer Research within the Department of Cancer Biology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

"Our data provides evidence that MMP-10 plays a dual role in cancer. It stimulates the growth of cancer stem cells and stimulates their metastatic potential," he says. "This helps explain an observation that has been seen in cancer stem cells from many tumor types, namely that cancer stem cells appear to be not only the cells that initiate tumors, but also the cells that give rise to metastases."

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Counterfeit COHIBA Cigars Seized in Miami Announces General Cigar Company 

Taylor Momsen sits on her tourbus puffing away on a cigarette 

Third Smoke In Fraught With Delays  

"Out of respect for my officers," he asked that only one protestor "take the hit." He explained that if Officer Pete Horning ticketed all the protestors, he would spend several hours writing up reports, during which time he could not patrol or answer other calls. He explained that the officers on duty already had a substantial amount of paperwork from the overnight burglaries.

Strickland told the group they could do as they wished but he would take the ticket if they so desired. They agreed, and Sergeant Vandenberg asked the protestors to put out their cigars and cigarettes. Strickland left his cigar lit and walked over to Officer Horning to receive his ticket.

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"Smoke-in" fights tobacco ban on Gulfport Beach  

On Saturday, a group of cigar smokers staged a "smoke-in" on Gulfport Beach to peacefully protest what they see as an unconstitutional smoking ban.

The ordinance, passed by Gulfport City Council last November in an effort to curb littering problems, bans smoking on the shoreline of Gulfport Beach between the recreation center and the Gulfport Casino.

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• Tobacco Cos. Dispute Cause Of Death As Engle Trial Opens ($$) 

Attorneys sparred before a Florida state jury Tuesday over whether decades of cigarette smoking caused a man's illness and death, in a so-called Engle progeny case his widow brought against tobacco companies including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Philip Morris USA Inc.

Attorneys representing cigarette makers Lorillard Tobacco Co., Liggett Group LLC, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Philip Morris USA Inc. said in opening arguments Monday that they don't deny that their products can be addictive and unhealthy.

But they did deny allegations that Johnnie Calloway,...

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Attorney Plans 'Smoke In' to Challenge Gulfport Ban 

Davidoff Announces Major Sponsorship With Art Basel  

The Oettinger Davidoff Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is pleased to announce its major sponsorship with Art Basel, which stages the most prestigious international modern and contemporary art shows. The significant relationship elevates Davidoff into the top tier of Art Basel sponsors. Present sponsors include leading and renowned brands, such as UBS, AxaArt and Netjets.

Under the agreement, Davidoff will be an Associate Sponsor to Art Basel, at both its shows in Basel, Switzerland, and Miami Beach, Florida, where it will operate a 100 square meter (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.) VIP hospitality space within the Art Collectors Lounge. This Davidoff Lounge will feature a walk-in humidor and a master cigar roller from the Dominican Republic who will demonstrate the art of blending and rolling of a Davidoff cigar. In addition, two outdoor Cigar Lounges will be situated adjacent to the Art Collectors Lounge and next to the shows' public area, to offer fair visitors a relaxed venue for discussion, reflection and enjoyment of a fine cigar.

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