Hi Guys and Girls? if any I got my account approved last night, thanks Alex so, my first posting. I guess I better start with a bit about my smoking history. I’m 45 and I started smoking when I was about 15. We all know how it starts, and it’s a while before you develop a proper addiction. I’ve always kept myself active and smoking was never really an issue until my mid 30s when I started thinking, “that hill walk, seemed harder than last year”. So, what made me stop, and when did I stop? My dad stopped smoking about 15 years ago but, the damage was already done. A couple years ago I got the shock of my life when dads health dropped, and dropped fast. He got admitted to hospital with pneumonia and since then things have got worse for him. He now has a chronic lung disorder, partly due to working in the building trade, but mostly caused by smoking. That night when I got into hospital with him, he was on one side of the MAC unit and my cousin was on the other, both lifetime smokers. I had a doctor and three paramedics gang-up on me in the ward, and the doctor said “son, this is you, if you don’t stop, and stop NOW” November the 5th 2007 I had my last smoke, and hit the patches and gum. I had such a hard time and I almost quit trying when a guy I know from Sweden said, “try these”. Swedish Snus saved my life, within 10 minutes of popping one in I was my normal self. I loved it. September 16th this year, I went bankrupt, no more plastic cards to order from northerner. I was gutted; the chew in the freezer was getting less every day. I had £40 to my name and I needed a hit. That night I started looking at Snuff online and reading this site. I remembered it from when I was younger and figured, why not. I placed an order using my mums card because I’m back at home after the bankruptcy. In my draw, in my bedroom, I’ve got. Two 25gram tins of Wilsons Best SP One 25gram tins of Wilsons Best Dark One Fribourg Treyer Kendal Brown Medium Size One Fribourg Treyer High Dry Medium Size The tin I’ve got on-the-go now is a Wilsons Best Dark, mixed with Mc Crystals mint. I’ve got £10 left to my name which I think I’m going to get Three 25gram tins One Strawberry, One Chocolate Orange, and one Irish coffee I’ve done two Taxi red and two Taxi blue and a pig tail chew since September. Also in the freezer I have the love of my life, “Snus” but not much left, only 8 loose which I’m trying not to use because, it’s like a comforter in my mouth when I feel low. I spend my whole day studying electrical engineering, so when I’m discharged next year maybe, just maybe, I can start the rebuilding process. That’s it, no more money, no more orders, until I pick up some cash work, can’t see that happening any time soon! I hope i don’t run-out b4 i get some money, stress That’s my story Talk Soon Shaun

welcome to snuffhouse, and trust me its hard to run low with your collection, 100g of Snuff go a long way.

Welcome Shaun.

Hi Shaun welcome to Snuffhouse. I’m sorry to hear of your situation, but something will turn up mate keep thinking positive. Like Goldenboy says 100g of snuff goes a long way. Stefan, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England

Hi Guys. Thanks for the reply, think I’m going to like this site Shaun

Hi Shaun, this introduction is really brave and interesting. Sometimes it´s only this ridiculous thing called “luck” that separates us and it´s a good thing those of us on the lucky side of life don´t forget about how fragile it is. We can only influence it that little, but for sure it only returns, when one keeps thinking positive, just like Stefan said. Well, I do wish you the best of luck. And, if you want, I´d share the box of Ozona Anis snuff and Chema Café chew I´ve been promised by (the always generous and astonishing folks of) Pöschl, with you.

Welcome mate, it WILL get better

Whats Up Mate’ and Welcome! Keep your head up, Storms always pass right? It may get dark, rainy, and lighting sometimes but give it time, stay strong, the strom will pass.

Shaun…Thanks for sharing your story with us here…and Wecome!! So many similarities with myself.I lost my own father to emphsyema over 10 years ago(smoking related),and it took me over 9 years to realize I needed to quit smoking myself.I owe it all to e-cigaretts,snus and snuff(as no known smoking cessation products had worked)I have been smoke free now for almost one year,and am happily enjoying my smoke free lifestyle! Sorry to hear about your work situation as well…I live in Michigan here in the states and am one of the fortunates who still has a job!!! My best to you in the coming new year!! The Wiz!

Really Cool Comments thanks I didn’t make the post hoping people would feel sorry for me, that’s just what happened. Actually, I left some stuff out, the bigger picture as to the reason for bankruptcy was a little bit worse. Now I bet you’re all wondering, what happened? In a nutshell, I was working with royal mail (postman) had only been doing the job for three month’s. Out of the blue, I had a letter from the CSA (child support agency) they sent me a bill for £14,000 (yes, 14k) AND put an attachment of earnings on my wages for £220 per WEEK. I only earned £210 they could obviously use a calculator then What did I do? Quit my job, got on my motorbike, showed the middle finger, then took a nice ride to Africa, wicked, innit. Then went bankrupt - If i didn’t have my electrical engineering study and workshop at mum and dads place, i would go nuts. i’m OK Thanks

Hehe, no problem if you want to go nuts. I also have a 25g tin of Dholakia Roasted Nuts to share.

Iceman I could tell you horror stories about the US Child Support Enforcement Agency. My question is can you file a bankruptcy and have you arrears disappear? In the US you cannot they are with you for life. You should know that your obligation should only be for a child that is yours. So first you should contest and ask for a paternity DNA test. Their sometimes is other legal issue for example. I know a guy who got married adopted child, a few yrs later she left him for another women. [lol] In which case he becomes legally bound to pay support. Another thing you should do is contact the support agency and arrange a payment schedule that helps you stay current and make a meager attempt to pay arrears. In the US they can only take up to 60% of your earnings. I have done my own court filings, represented myself in court, organized payment schedules, for the last 10 yrs. Currently I am working on a rule 60 motion to seek relief. It sucks but it sounds like you are going to have to do things on your own. William Blackstone said that childsupport is a non-enforceable moral duty. He wrote Blackstone commentary on the Laws of England in the 1700’s. Its there where Americans can find the history of the Castle Doctrine, among other things. I can also show you the history of child support in England where they started, as far as i can tell they started by the Elizabethan poor act of the 1500’s. I have little nice to say about the system in the US because it has cost me more then you can imagine. And its not the money i care about, I want visitation. No matter if i was ever denied or not I still owe. But thankfully I only have to pay 500.00 a month which can at times be to much. So understand many people are in you position and many will follow. I have a legal argument that i think is relevant but a court will through it out every time. That is we don’t compel women to be mothers, but we compel men to be fathers it is a double standard. Now I do not think your child or mine should become dependent upon a State. But I think women should be held just as accountable as men for actions they take, and men should have equally access to the child. I also dont believe abortions should be legal, Its murder… I have owed as much 17,000 dollars and it does find a way to get back to 0 and sometimes its the long hard road less traveled, but there is a tomorrow and a tomorrow you will one day get too end I promise. However I am a lot jealous, you got to take a bike ride through Africa. While I took a pedal bike to court Good luck Ibild

ibild said “But I think women should be held just as accountable as men for actions they take, and men should have equally access to the child.” Interesting. It is all about the women having choices and the men none. If a woman is pregnant she can choose abortion even if the man doesn’t agree with it. She gets to decide. She can also decide to keep a baby when the man wants an abortion, and make him pay for the child for the next 18 years. Again, she gets to decide. Shouldn’t the man have the choice to say that baby is mine, you can’t have an abortion, I’ll take custody after birth, and guess what, you can pay child support to me for the next 18 years? Seems like men have no rights when it comes to pregnancy. Has a man ever brought a case like this to court insisting on the woman carrying a child? By the way, welcome to snuffhouse ukiceman.

There was actually a case brought up in Michigan or Wisconsin. It was called the Roe v Wade for men in the media. One issue before the court was how men shouldnt be compelled to be fathers. However it was thrown out and the movant had to reimburse the state for costs. You are so right ‘oneftroad’ men have no options, however we are beginning to obtain some victories in courts. Right now all over the country Fathers Rights groups are forming. They are even getting grants to fund programs, there is even special fathers rights group funding’s available. But what needs to be done is work within State governments to change laws. Also people need to get involved and attend committee hearings that is where all laws start.

Welcome, Shaun! My grandfather was a 3-pack-a-day man. He quit in the '70s but suffered from emphysema for the rest of his life. I love smoking, still do, but when my daughter was born I decided I wanted to stick around a while and not be shackled to an oxygen tank and cough like a backfiring Diesel every morning. So I made the switch to snuff and snus this summer, and save the cigarettes for a once-in-a-while-treat. I feel better, I spend less, and I’m not freezing out on the porch to have a butt anymore. I hope you find work soon and can stock up on 'baccy. Cheers!

I like how circumstances make no diffrence legaly to a father either. You can go to court and have everyone agree that the woman lied about being on the pill signed a contracting absolving the man of any responsiblity in case she wasn’t. He would still have to pay. I’am pretty for child support but how about we cut out the insanity of it as soon as possible. I sometimes wonder if the whole way it’s run is to make men hate woman and the goverment and to make woman hate men that don’t have more money or if people are just insane.

Then again this gives us another reason to hate the kind of men who no matter how much money they have and no matter how much blatant responsiblity they have won’t shed a dime. Of course what confuses me is why not just be more civilized and castrate the men like that as a gentle form of eugenics.

Here in the US there’s been cases recently where the “father” turns out (through DNA) NOT to be the biological father. Not only does he not get his money back, in some cases he has to keep on paying. Obviously the most important thing is the child, but that seems a little crazy to me.

Welcome Shaun to Snuffhouse! As they say, it is darkest right before dawn. Bart, Ohio

UPDATE Ibild, you asked “can you file a bankruptcy and have you arrears disappear? In the US you cannot they are with you for life” Correct, same in the UK, it’s with you for life. MORE INFORMATION “ I ” was happily married but, while I was at work, “she” was sleeping with the guy next door. In a nutshell, I got told to leave; my kid was very young at the time so it was hard on us both because, she couldn’t understand what happened and, I missed her a lot. Over time, the X moved away, purposely to reduce the time my child could spend with me. Now I only see her ten days a year, in the summer holidays (yes, she lives miles away from me and, there’s water in-between us). She’s a lot older now (13 years) and we’re starting to have a proper relationship as she understands more. Only having that much time with your kid each year “trust me, they don’t even know you” Back on the subject of the CSA and, so called, absent fathers. I DIDN’T choose, or want to be an “absent father” as the government put it. One thing that really PI**ed me off on TV a while ago was that tosser, David Cameron from the conservative party. He looked at the camera with a look of total contempt on his face and said “absent fathers must and WILL pay-up”, the CSA will be getting more powers to ensure we pay-up. The powers he is talking about are the removal of our passports and, driving licences so we can’t run-away. I WILL take that to the European Court if it happens because, driving licences can only be taken away with driving offences and, the removal of my passport is an infringement of my rights as a free citizen WITHOUT a criminal record. I was told by a nice guy at the Citizens Advice Bureau if I earned £1200 per month, my “protected earning” are only £367.46 per month. You lot do the math! How can I 1 Pay rent 2 pay water, gas, phone, and other bills 3 buy food 4 have a motorcycle 5 Buy Nicotine What they are trying to do is threaten me with the removal of my freedom (passport and licence) and criminalize me. Now, if they think that the way to get my attention is a bill for £14,000 (yes, 14k) AND put an attachment of earnings on my wages for £220 per WEEK from a £210 a week job, there’re wrong, big time wrong. I’m not a guy who takes kindly to crap like that. So, all they have succeeded in doing is 1 Remove my ability to pay my taxes 2 Remove my ability to pay my bills 3 Be of part of society My answer was simple, I went to court with £510 from the sale of my motorbike which I loved riding, and went bankrupt. Let somebody else pick-up the tab, I don’t give a toss anymore. And, that’s the way the system deals with “absent fathers” I hate that term. This is the way I’d like to deal with the politicians in “my world” for striping me of EVERYTHING 1 put on your ice skates 2 pick-up your stick and puck 3 find a referee 4 let play hockey I’m sure I could get my point across, as that’s never going to happen I’m now part of a growing underclass of dads pushed out in the cold. Thanks for that, one last thing. Do you know how hard it is listening to your daughter telling you she’s making-up a small box for her daddy at Christmas? “It’s full of the things you can’t afford, like a toothbrush, soap, and other small things which make a difference she said” This year I can’t even buy her a gift, that’s the hardest part of all. Would I ever have another relationship with a woman? Not a chance in hell, it’s been 11 years since that all ended, 11 years alone, but at least I’ll never get screwed again (No pun intended) total distrust of the female sex, and total distrust of our system. Do you blame me ? Now, back to my electrical engineering study, they can’t take my education away!

I didn’t say hi and thanks to all the other posters on this thread so, hello and thanks VonKramm asked “Is it hard to find work as an electrical engineer?” i guess it is, yes. That’s not what i’m looking on doing, i’m thinking about household alarm systems and, in-house LED lighting seems like it’s getting bigger everyday. I’m studying at this level because, i’ve alot of time on my hands Then i can earn some cash and spend loads on my kid, not have it taken

Hi Shaun, Welcome to the forum. I’m truly sorry to hear about all the crap you’ve been going through, it really sucks. Glad you’ve still got your eductaion, snus and snuff though! Don’t give up on relationships, though, that means that your ex wins and robs you of more than just your earnings. Maybe be a bit more careful, though From Debbie (not all women are evil!)

Hello Debbie I did wonder when a female would chip-in, and you’re correct, not all women are evil!, if I told you how I deal with a potential come-on, you would think I was nuts Shaun

About to be in the debt laden boat with you. Halfway through college, done 60+ credits out of 120 for my degree in a year and a half. Can’t get a loan to pay off the tuition for next semester, so back to home with the parents. $1200-$1600 a month job, with about $41000 in debt and half a university education await me there. So, I owe about £25200, and make at best around £1000 per month. Fortunately, I have a six month grace period to build up my reserves, but I’m going to wind up having to work at least two jobs. Still, I’ll work something out, get set up in a flat somewhere in NYC, and go back to school again. May wind up starting over a computer science major, however. Still, much cheaper schools there. Something will make it work out, though, that’s how I see it.

Shikitohno, your not a brit, you talk like a brit mate That’s a big pile of debt man. Still, education when your young is a one time deal. Like you say, something will work out. I’ve included a list to help you with being british gander: to look at jugs: breasts goppin’: gross minger: an unattractive girl hacked off: annoyed rat-arsed: drunk wank: to masturbate chunder: to throw up arse-over-tit: fell over cop a feel: to feel someone up moose: an ugly girl snog: a french kiss Hope that helps geezer

I’m trying to moderate my speech over here, because every once in a while, I’ll run into a proper Briton. I’ve had a couple that thought I was making fun of them. Half my British words come from hearing things once and rather liking them. I’m always a bit down that you can say you’re pissed to mean drunk in the UK, but here people would think I’m about to start a fight. Probably my favourite one I’ve come across. That, and I’m always game for listening to a Cockney speak. I know the kennings don’t get used as much as people think, but I still find them amusing. As you say, it’s quite a different situation for us, but I sympathise with you. It’s no fun having debt over your head.

I always use the word pissed in the same way you guys do, i worked in an ice rink for ten years. Surrounded by Canadian hockey players, and I married a Canadian bird as well. When i say pissed, people say “you don’t look drunk” and i always watch a “show” on TV, not a programme. i could carry on all night As your in, NYC. how are the rangers doing this season ?

I was the only American working among Brits on cruise ships. The first time some one asked me for “plasters” i had no idea what they meant. When I said “oh, band aids” they would correct me, “that’s a brand name!” Then they would tell me to “hoover” the floor. I think “fanny” is the most differently used word though. A polite way off saying “ass” in America, something very different in Britain, at least back in those days…

@ukiceman. Welcome and thanks for sharing on a personal matter. It’s something many can relate to these days. A lot of us fret that we have bought too much snuff. After reading this tale of woe I say it makes good sense to squirrel away as much as you can in good times; if you have a financial reverse, you just don’t run out of this precious commodity. The court can make you sell your motorcycle, but not your snuff.

@miamimark Don’t forget… Thong = micro g-string or Thong = flip flops @stitch squirrel away as much as you can yeah, tell me about… Something i didn’t do! I wish i’d loaded my cards up with Roderick b4 i went bust, never mind. i’m sure something will play-out

for miamimark here is a british joke for you. Two old woman are in church when the one taps the others on the shoulder points to one of the pews in the back and says “thelma is that fanny green in the back pew”. The other old woman says “no its just the stained glass that makes it look like that.”

Haha, I had to read it several times! Some caps and a question mark would help. When my Brit girlfriend heard one of the Yanks refer to a “fanny pack” she thought they were talking about a tampon!

Iceman I think being called an Absent Father is a good thing, in that; here they call dads who get behind deadbeat dads… But either way its wrong and they fail to see the adverse affects of what they are doing to dads, when they deny them the ability to maintain ‘survival income’ … In America they can strip you of any license you have, building license, fishing/ hunting license, business license, drivers license, passport, ect… Further they can through you ‘arse’ in jail until you pay all you arrears… You can have your property taken from you in order to pay what they call is your fair share. In the State where I reside, I was able to go before the judicial committee and get the bill that would strip you of your license stopped… However it was short lived a "rimmer of an old moose’ went and reintroduced the bill, had it put in another committee and got it passed… I enjoyed your points how the deprivation of license and passport is a denial of ones rights… You are so very correct, it denies a person the ability to establish himself an Identity, and further restricts his ability to interact with society… A person is also denied the opportunity of equal employment… He can further be inhibited from access to his child, if you are to be bound to the island then she also should be limited in her travel as well… For myself I had the opportunity to be beaten down and listed as another victim… However I have for the last several yrs become a pursuer of justice… I speak before members of the house and senate those who write and vote on these laws… I am a coordinator for a father advocacy group, where I help other dads gain the tools and the know how to seek and gain custody of there children… It is also a support group to help encourage dads… As i see this issue, many have gotten near sited on why men work… Men enjoy their families and want to be good providers, we love to come home and look at the fruits of our labor… We love to play, teach, lead, and we love to be the protector of these little gifts… Since the outbreak of the divorce revolution men have become third class citizens and have been stripped of our identity ‘fatherhood’… We have been told to go get a second job, which does interfere with any visitation schedule… You should reach out and look for advocacy groups, or start one in your area, apply for grants your government has available… Search out and find members of parliament that support your issue’s. Heck maybe we need to start the “international coalition for fathers rights” I.C.F.A.R… You are British, and Britons have a long history of protecting their rights… We can thank them for the Magna Carta, I think there has been at least 2 revolutions in Briton… We have Briton to thank and the Scots and the Irish for the country I live in… RISE up and be COUNTED, because G-d forbid your children would have to go through what you have suffered… Seek to make changes for their future… Ibild

@ ibild In the UK the term deadbeat dad is sometimes used for describing guys that got so beaten down that, death was the better option. You say “In America they can strip you of any license you have, building license, fishing/ hunting license, business license, drivers license, passport, ect” America, the land of the free. “But only if you’re a female” if you’re male and father a child, the free female citizen can have an affair and, you’re the no good scum that must pay at all costs. Once a female said to me “are you bitter, if you can’t afford them don’t have them” yeah I’m bitter, being treated like a second class citizen for helping to produce something that I love and would lay-down my life for in an instant, while people like you s***w whoever you can, but that’s ok, the X can pay. If they can’t afford nice things after they’ve left us then, don’t have them. Don’t run up bills on plastic cards and expect me to pick up the bill, should’ve figured that one before you kicked me out. As far as I’m concerned, the day she did that was the day she forfeited the right for ANY money, unlucky, deal with it. I’ll duck-and-dive and run-and-hide, your not getting a penny. However, if my child phones me and says “dad, I need something” up till now she’s got it. She knows I’m bust and she’s not really bothered, as long as your ok dad was her reply CSA = Chancellors Savings Account. The whole system CSA/Family Courts/Social Services etc, is first accountable to the Government then the Mothers, with Fathers seen as nothing more than cash cows by everyone. We have no rights what so ever and will be royally screwed over by every one Now, don’t get me wrong. I have no problem at all paying PART of the upkeep of my child but, all that money and I only see her two weeks a year. RUBBISH. I’d like to think our feelings and wellbeing is taken into account. I love my daughter more than anything in the world - there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her but, if the CSA is taking all my money and giving it to her mother and leaving me with nothing, then I’ll sink myself, but before I do, I’ll ride to Africa, which I did. 14K and £220 per week, my kid must have one hell of a cocaine habit! @ ibild I think what you’ve done on your side of the pond is incredible, going before the judicial committee, and speaking before members of the house and senate. From what I know of the American system (7 series of the west wing) it’s amazing you can get anything done. Plus you’re obviously a very educated man, that much I can tell from your posts. I don’t think little old me could pull that off

I always like to ask where the accounting is. What is in place to make sure the money even goes to the childs well-being. I’ve known tons of crap mothers who act like it’s free money for them. Shit like spending the money on drugs and boyfriends while the kids shoes fall apart. Criminals get treated better it seems.

I know of a tramp round my way that had her breasts enlarged with an arrears payment. I’m guessing so she could go out and trap more men!!! Will it ever end ?

iceman In the UK the term deadbeat dad is sometimes used for describing guys that got so beaten down that, death was the better option. Sounds to me the Brits have said it best… I will have to use that the next time I attend a committee… The point i try to make; the people who do not like your rights are the ones making or getting laws changed… In order to end the tyranny at some point those who are tired of it must begin to make in roads to level the playing field… Bob, I have said that many times… Some accountability needs to go along with the free money… My sons mother is re married they bought a house 3 times the size of mine, they own 6 vehicles to my 1… They took my son to disney world last yr for x mas, to bad it was during my visitation… In there defence he has a pretty good job as a diesel mech. The company he works for has provided health insurance for my son. He is also a pretty decent guy just do care for his wife=)… Ive only got about a year and a half left till my son is 18 and my support ends… Then I will have a check that is free and clear and more time to devote to fathers rights… Ice I do hope you are able to get something worked out, but at least you dont have the stress of going to jail till you pay up…

Welcome ICE! Sorry to hear about ur troubles. America don’t play around when it comes to child support. I know a few decent guys who haven’t ever done anything wrong besides skimp out on their child support, and they had to sit YEARS in prison because of which. PRISON! Where they send all the murderers and rapists and hard criminals! Where I live, there are alot of deadbeat dads, as well as mothers, that should have never had kids, just for the check. But it’s becuz of those deadbeats that WE decent fathers get a bad rep. I pay up my child support. I do not think she deserves it, but I’m better off dealing with it than having her screw me over in a few years. That’s the way I look at it. But at least I get my kids once a week. If you can beat the odds and stay clear from it, more power to you. Good luck with that…

Iceman Found this link for you fathers rights and others in the UK.