EU Trashes German Pipe Dreams

On Tuesday the European Court of Justice smashed Germany's attempt to challenge a law banning tobacco ads in the EU. Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou adds sting to the blow: "We now expect Germany to finalize the adoption in its national law as soon as possible, just as other member states have done."

This comes shortly after the decision to ban smoking in some public parts of Germany, following France and Spain.

Once among the most puff-puff friendly of continents, Europe's caught the anti-smoking bug. Someone noted "trying to walk down the street with a cigarette now lends an experience akin to racist reactions in the '50's."

A small salute to Matt at Caffeine Marketing for bringing the news to our attention. - Contributed by Angela Natividad