S2 E2: Tobacco, Yemen & Ecuador: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Yemen

• The United States closed its embassy in Yemen and evacuated diplomatic officials due to the collapse of the Yemeni government and the rise of the rebel group, the Houthis.
• The Houthis, now in charge in Yemen, have a slogan that includes "death to America," but their leader has expressed interest in better relations with the US.

"50 Shades of Grey"

• The film "50 Shades of Grey" was released worldwide, with different countries having varying reactions and age ratings for the movie.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa

• Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa responded to criticism from the video's host on Twitter, displaying oversensitivity and a history of stifling dissent in the country.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

• The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, an annual publication, has faced criticism for objectifying women and using controversial tactics to boost sales despite the availability of online content.

Tobacco Industry

• Cigarette smoking was prevalent in the past, with advertisements featuring trusted figures and appealing imagery.
• Despite health warnings and restrictions on tobacco advertising in the US, smoking rates have declined, while tobacco companies have found success in markets with fewer restrictions, such as Indonesia.
• In Indonesia, children can easily purchase cigarettes due to lax regulations, and tobacco companies like Philip Morris International have expanded their presence there.
• Tobacco companies aggressively challenge public health laws, as seen in Australia's case, where they sued the government for implementing plain packaging laws and faced legal battles with other countries.
• Philip Morris International has even taken legal action against small countries like Uruguay for damaging its business prospects.
• Uruguay introduced large health warnings on cigarette packs, leading to a drop in smoking rates.
• Despite public support for the law, Philip Morris International (PMI) sued Uruguay for the past five years.
• Togo, one of the poorest countries in the world, implemented new tobacco laws, including written warnings on cigarette packs.
• However, 40% of Togo's adult population is illiterate, making pictorial warnings more effective.
• PMI threatened to sue Togo for incalculable international trade litigation, citing an Australian High Court decision in favor of tobacco companies.
• PMI's letter ignored the other six judges who called the tobacco companies' case "delusive," "unreal," and "synthetic."
• Togo backed down from the public health law due to the threat of billion-dollar settlements.
• British American Tobacco and its subsidiaries sent similar letters to Namibia and the Solomon Islands.

Jeff the Diseased Lung

• The speaker suggests a compromise by introducing "Jeff the diseased lung in a cowboy hat" as a new face for Marlboro.
• Jeff-branded billboards and t-shirts have been created and distributed in Uruguay and Togo.
• The speaker encourages viewers to help spread awareness about Jeff through social media platforms.