For the Love of TarGard

Been using TarGard since 1965!

2009-07-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's just better to hear about it from those affected by it....

"I am so pleased to see your Targard products still exist. I just ordered 3 permanent filters for my daughter. I would like people to know that my mother who is 96 started using your permanent filter system with the metal insert way back in 1965. She has been smoking all her adult life and has never had the slightest problem with her lungs, no morning cough, no problems at all. This may be due to her metabolism in part, but I have always been convinced that the Targard filter was the main reason she never developed any of the usual problems that smokers have. "

"Cigarettes have chemicals that must not be good for and it is, of course, better to not smoke at all. However, for those who can't quit, the Targuard system is, I believe, a good alternative. I commend Targard and the inventor of this product for it's quality and success!"

J. Nugent

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com

You asked us what we like about TarGard so here goes :)

2009-06-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

My family (mother, daughter, me and my son-in-law) started using the small disposable ones about a month ago. We all love them!

I like these filters because the smoke seem cleaner or something. And something I did not know - the tar in cigarettes must be the stuff that makes your clothes and room stink after smoking. My clothes don't smell like I've been smoking anymore!! My daughter thought I was crazy when I told her, but then she decided to test this by smoking a cigarette (without a TarGard filter) and go back inside. She said she couldn't believe how badly her clothes smelled! So I told her....mother's are usually right!

Anyway, thank you for making the filters - I wish I would have known about them 35 years ago!

Liz from Columbia, MO

Thanks Liz for sharing with us!!

If you would like to share your thoughts or opinions about TarGard contact us at khoxie@venturi-inc.com

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com!

Would you smoke without a TarGard?

2009-05-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Have you seen a TarGard in action?
Witnessed the black grossness that fills up the filter?
Got a little excited when you realized that the big black ball of grossness was not going into your lungs?

I don't promote smoking in the least, but I do support having healthier way of smoking for those of us that still choose to puff away.....knowing what the filter can do or does for you would you EVER smoke without a TarGard?

"I discovered Targard whilst on holiday in Spain. I can't tell you the difference it has made to my universal 'bad habit'. I have cut down and my friends are always gob smacked when the see a used filter! It converts them just looking at the gunk!" - Cherie from Rugby, UK

"I was shocked by the amount of tar and funk it collected. I have recruited about 8 people to try the filters and every one of them is now a targard user. I will NOT smoke without them." - Chris

"I've been using the filters for 20 years and would not smoke without them. You can see just how much tar and nicotine goes into the filter and not into your lungs!" - Marshall S.

These are just 3 of TarGard's loyal users.....what about you?........

You can always e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com

To learn more about TarGard please visit http://www.targard.com/

....and the TarGard takes care of the rest!

2009-05-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! We are enjoying the sunshine here in Traverse City, Michigan - it's about time that spring arrived!

Today's post is brought to us by Dan, a loyal TarGard user. Here is Dan's words to you:

I've been a smoker for 30 years, and I've always tried to minimize my exposure to the harmful effects. In the past this meant smoking "low tar" brands and attempting to limit myself to 5 cigarettes a day. First, the problem with "low tar" cigarettes is they just don't taste very good. The reason is simple: they achieve reductions in tar and nicotine not by removing these substances, but by mixing outside air with the smoke. The problem with this is that when you mix air with tobacco smoke it becomes dry, harsh and bitter tasting. I also struggled to keep myself at 5 a day!

I'd gradually smoke more and more until I was up to 10 a day. Then I'd start feeling the effects - namely a "cigarette cough". So I'd quit altogether for a few months, then return to it and then cycle would start all over again.

After 3 decades of this, it was time for a change. After some experimentation, I've finally come up with something that really works. I roll my own cigarettes using air-cured Virginia tobacco, which is naturally lower in tar and nicotine. To this I add a 15mm cellulose filter. Then I tip the whole thing with a TarGard original disposable filter. The cellulose removes some of the tar and nicotine and the TarGard takes care of the rest!

The result: a smoke which is exceptionally mile and delightfully flavorful!

The benefits of the dramatically low tar of these cigarettes were immediately apparent - no irritation of the mouth, throat or lungs. But I've also noticed a considerable side benefit: since these smokes contain very little nicotine, I'm no longer addicted. Looking back, what always drove my cycles of escalating use was the craving for nicotine.

I now smoke 3 cigarettes a day - one with my morning coffee, one after lunch and one in the evening. And I'm never bothered by nicotine cravings!! Finally, something that really works and the TarGard is what's made it possible!

What a great, educational post! Thanks Dan!

This is what works for Dan - what works for you?? Let me know by e-mailing me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com

Celebrate Spring with TarGard!

2009-04-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Say Adios to Frosty and Hello to the Sunshine!!

Come on over to TarGard and celebrate with us -

offering free shipping on all orders shipping within the US.

Just use the promotional code: SPRING09 at checkout.

Here is the favorite TarGard quote of the week from Mike H.:

"Before I used TarGard filters, cigarettes left a strange feeling in the back of my throat, so smoking was not enjoyable. I decided to try out a permanent filter from you guys and cigarettes no longer leave that tar feeling in my throat and it's a great conversation starter at parties!!"

What do you like about TarGard?? Let me know by leaving a comment or sending me an e-mail at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

And in case you missed it, check out the awesome video we launched a few weeks ago and Meet Mariam now!

To learn more about TarGard visit us at www.targard.com

I still have my 1st TarGard! Do you??

2009-04-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a long and cold winter here in Northern Michigan! All of us at TarGard have been huddled up in our offices, shipping orders and avoiding the outside world where we often had at least a foot of snow covering the ground at most times. Well, we are so glad this winter is almost over. We are looking forward to coming out of our snow covered cocoon and to bring you new TarGard deals this spring - keep your eyes open for some great deals coming soon!

With that said I wish all of you a Happy Spring!

Today I am sharing with you a fun TarGard Story from Robert E., a user of TarGard for over 40 years, from Las Vegas where I hear he has an amazing career as an impersonator! He impersonates some of Hollywood's beloved singers and actors such as Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, but Robert is most well known for being one of the top impersonators of Dean Martin in the country - amazing!

In Robert's own words....here is his story....

I started using TarGard when I tried them at a tobacco shop I worked at in 1969....in Berkeley...during the riots of UC Berkeley. I tried the Aqua-filter, but it smelled awful after 1-2 cigarettes and I gave up on that product.

As a matter of experimentation, I tried ALL the products on the market, and I stayed with TarGard. The TarGard contained the order and was the easiest to clean and/or replace.

I STILL have my 1st TarGard, somewhere. I graduated to the disposable many years later.

I ALWAYS get comments about my cigarette filter attached to my cigarette. I am known for my unique "style" when smoking.

Thank you for sharing Robert!!

I love, love, love to hear your stories, so send me some more! Do you still have your 1st TarGard?? Remember the 1st time you used a TarGard?? If you do, please e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com - to share your story.

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com

TarGard Listens to...YOU!

2009-02-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

You've been asking and we are listening!

I've gotten a lot of requests to post more TarGard stories, so today I give you not one....not two....BUT 3 MORE loyal user stories. Enjoy!

First up is Linda L. from the great state of Nevada. Linda is currently working as a bookkeeper in Sparks, Nevada and enjoys taking care of her garden and horses on her ranch. She has been smoking for many years and has been using the Amber Disposable Filters for the last twelve years.

Before trying TarGard, she tried Aquafilter, but did not like that you had to "blow the water out and it didn't last very long." She then discovered our cigarette filters at her local smoke shop and decided to give cigarette filters one more try. Linda absolutely loves the fact that "all that junk isn't in my lungs!".

Linda's best advice to you is "it's much healthier for you if you do choose to smoke."

Our next TarGard story comes from Freeda M. out of Tyler, Texas. She is enjoying her retirement and love to sew and make jewelry.

Freeda has been using the Cartridge Filter System for over 20 years!! Here is what she has to say:

"I like the idea about cutting down the tar. I feel that they do what they say they will do - you still get the full benefit of smoking WITHOUT the tar."

Up third is Jeanie M. from Weston, West Virginia. She has been using the Amber Filters for about 14 or 15 years. This is what Jeanie has to share with us:

"A friend of mine got me to use the filters. I tried them and have used them ever since. They prevent soreness in my chest and throat. I am a chain smoker, but I do not have a smoker's cough. There is never any burning feeling in my mouth. I think they make a cigarette taste better and I won't smoke without them!"

I thank all 3 of these lovely women for sharing their thoughts and stories about TarGard! I, like many other loyal users, enjoy hearing how others discovered TarGard or why they recommend it. These are the stories that inspire people who have NEVER tried a TarGard to try one.

If you have a TarGard story to share e-mail it to me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Have a great day!

To learn more about TarGard please visit www.targard.com

I believe in TarGard!

2009-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Today's post comes from Mary M. in Knoxville, TN. Mary is a loyal user of the Disposable Amber Filters and she submitted this a wonderful e-mail that I would like to share with you.

Take it away Mary....

Hi I am sold! I have been using some type of filter for 5-6 yrs. ie., water, etc. I found the amber ones at CVS and bought every pack they put out on the shelf. They stopped selling them a few weeks ago and said they could not order them for me! I went on line and found another site and called someone who was unable to help me. I searched further and found your site. I was in MI (Michigan) when a friend was using the small clear ones (Mini Filters) and I tried them. I continued to experiment with different ones but like the amber ones best.

I found you site and called and talked to a very nice, helpful young lady and placed an order. I was glad when they showed up in the mail because I was almost out. I love the product and encourage everyone who asks me what they are. MOST ARE TOO VAIN TO USE THEM, so I suggest the small clear ones. They cannot believe what is not going into their lungs!

This is a wonderful product and I have even people no I do not work for the company. LOL (laugh out loud). I say this because I BELIEVE IN TARGARD!

Thank you for making an excellent product that offers superior service.

Mary M.

We thank you Mary for sending in your kind words and for believing in TarGard!

If you believe in TarGard and want to share your story with us please e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com!

If you would like to learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com.

The TarGard Tapes - Episode 1 : Meet Mariam

2009-01-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

I am very proud to announce the addition of The TarGard Tapes to the blog!

The team at TarGard really loves to brag about how great the cigarette filters are - we see and hear how wonderful they are everyday. Frankly, we just can't say enough great things about them!

But at the end of the day the best people to talk to you and educate you about TarGard is the people that USE IT!

So here we are, sharing interviews of people just like you - either they have used the filters forever or maybe they are just trying it for the first time - telling you how they feel about TarGard, smoking and so much more!

Today we bring you Mariam - a smoker for over 60 years and one of our favorite TarGard customers!

Without further ado, meet Mariam!

A huge thank you to Mariam for sharing her TarGard story with us!

What did you think? What would you like to see? Would you like to be a part of The TarGard Tapes? E-mail me now at khoxie@venturi-inc.com or post a comment.

To learn more about Targard, please visit www.targard.com

Shawn and Dave's TarGard Story

2009-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! I hope 2009 is treating you well so far.

The other day I received this great e-mail from Shawn about how he came across TarGard and just what it has meant to him and his grandfather, Dave.

I found it very inspiring and wanted to share it with you, so in Shawn's words here is his story:

I just want to tell you that my grandfather has used your filters since 1985 and he has smoked for over 65 years, 2 - 3 packs a day, and recently he had to have an MRI done of his lungs. After looking at his MRI results the doctor told my grandfather that there must be some kind of mistake cause he put down that he smoked 3 packs a day on his paper work. My grandfather explained the information was correct, the doctor explained that his lungs were clear as if he was a non-msoker and my grandfather explained it was because of these filters. Now the doctor who is a lung specialist is referring your filters to his patience that won't stop smoking and now I'm buying them. Thank you for such an outstanding product.

I thank Shawn for sharing his and his grandfather Dave's TarGard story with us!

We have all come across TarGard in many different ways and some of us may be inspired to try them after reading a story like Shawn and Dave's, but regardless of how people find them it is important that they do. We aren't in the business of saving lives, but our message has always been "if you are going to choose to smoke at least smoke a little bit healthier with a TarGard."

If you haven't tried them I urge you to give them a chance just like Shawn did - they do make a difference!

I just shipped Shawn his very first order a couple of days ago and I am hoping he'll write in and tell me how it feels to smoke with a TarGard.

If you have a story to share about how TarGard came into your life or just what it means to you please send me your story at khoxie@venturi-inc.com

Have a beautiful weekend.

Kris

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com

Happy New Year from TarGard!

2009-01-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's everyone!! It's back to work or back to reality for most of us. Time to dig in and get back to the groove with the renewed freshness of a new year.

I am sure most of you, like myself, make these silly New Year's resolutions every year that usually last for the first 2 to 3 weeks of January and then somehow slide onto the list of good intentions and good tries. I applaud those who actually reach their New Year's goals - it's not easy!

I've given up the delusional resolutions like lose X amount of weight, quit smoking, etc. For some reason at this time of year, those kind of resolutions just seem like to great of expectations and you end up feeling like a failure. I can battle those things at any time of the year, no need to start the year with such hard challenges. So no more "crazy" resolutions for me.

This year, I have only told myself that I will seriously try to live this life a little healthier...one little step at a time. Good thing I already use TarGard - at least my smoking is healthier! So whether it's eating veggies and fruit more or walking the dog more (both of which I am very capable of) it seems that by incorporating these small steps to a healthier life into the life I live now are actually obtainable rather than so daunting under such a big resolution like "lose the dang weight already!".

Those are my New Year's thought. What are yours? What were your New Year's resolutions this year? Has anyone stopped smoking and how is it going!?! Let me know.

Have the most fantastic day.

To start your New Year out tar-free check us out at www.targard.com!

I chose TarGard....

2008-12-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

Today's blog feature comes from the very words of one of our Hunter Thompson Contest Winners - Jerry W. from Charleston, West Virginia.

I chose TarGard many years ago when I started as a radio broadcaster. As much as I enjoy smoking. I knew that too many would ruin my voice eventually and possibly put me out of work. I finally left radio for a career in the fire department and later, came back as a radio talk show host.

I'm really glad I've used them all of these years!!

Hunter Thompson sort of reminds me of myself in the adventurous life he led and the willingness to have fun at the expense of his career.

Been there...done that. Always in hot water while continuing to live life to the fullest!

What can I say? Some people are just wired differently. :-)

Thank you Jerry for your sharing your TarGard story with us!

I wish you and everyone a safe, happy and tar-free New Year.

Check out TarGard right now - FREE SHIPPING on all orders shipping within the US. Just use the promotional code: DECFREE at checkout.

To learn more about TarGard please visit www.targard.com.

"TarGard disposables were epic to me."

2008-12-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

THE WINNING PHOTO!

I give you Brian S. (the #1 vote getter in the Hunter Thompson Look-Alike Contest) in his own words...

Well, I am an 18 year old pack a day smoker who attends college. I've been involved a bit on the web and graphic design for a few years now. I'm a part time artist who enjoys his photoshop and caffeine laced energy drinks. I've focused most of my attention on advanced digital photo manipulations with a heavy dose of doodling (did I say I was a college student?).

I didn't quite choose TarGard as much as it chose me. After using an interview of Hunter S. Thompson as a reference for a college paper, I read the 'good Doctor's' reason for using such a contraption.

Basically, after seeing all the tar that came out he was hooked. So i Go ahead an pick up some filters from a local store, which just so happen to be TarGard disposables, and watched for myself. By the end of the first pack I saw what was left and decided that these little filters were gonna be my new friend.

I had tried one other leading filter system, and I found that their system left a weird chemical after taste. Not only that but the cigarette barely even fit on the end. TarGard disposables were epic to me. I got to keep the taste of my menthols, it gave me two usable hands and the change in draw was unnoticeable. not only that, but you could actually watch the tar collect which is a huge bonus.

Shortly after, I tried my best to find out what filters Thompson used and after a short Google search I found targard. Prior to this I hadn't even noticed what brand of cigarette filters I was using, which to my surprise was indeed TarGard. I saw the lookalike contest and felt compelled to show my patronage to my new friend TarGard and Hunter S. Thompson.

Hunter S. Thompson represents the unrecognized American hero. A guy who liked to smoke, drink and fire assault riffles at bats in the desert; All re-blooded American values. Thompson added tools for future writes and journalists with his offbeat gonzo style while living a strange foreign world he most likely was not fit for.

Congratulations Brian and thanks for the great post!

If you have any comments for Brian please post them here!

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com.

We have Winners!

2008-12-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

The Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike Contest has found it's winners!

Congratulations to:

Brian S. from Chesterland, OH - the #1 Vote Getter!!!!
Eric J. from Fairfax, VA
Jerry W. from Charleston, WV
Jaime Canaveral from Laval, Quebec in Canada

Check out their winning photos by clicking here!

All 4 winners will be receiving a YEAR'S SUPPLY of their favorite TarGard filters for free - a $350 value!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and to everyone else for rockin' the vote for their favorite photos.

And a HUGE thank you for helping us celebrate Hunter S. Thompson!

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com.

My Life with TarGard by William D.

2008-11-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

I thought I would try something new so this week I invited one of our very, very loyal TarGard Users to be my guest blogger and write the post for all of us. This post is Willam's honest, true feelings explaining why TarGard is an important part of his life.

Introducing: My Life with TarGard by William D.

I would like to share my life with TarGard. It has been a long 45 years or so using TarGard. I am 73 today and feel like my good health is directly related to using TarGard. I started smoking at the age of 12 years old as at that time it was a peer pressure thing. If you didn't smoke, you were not part of the group.

I started with a corn cob pipe and then started experimenting with cigarettes. There was a store on the corner that sold cigarettes for a penny a piece. I still remember my first cigarette and the coughing and nausea associated with it but everyone in the movies smoked and all my friends did. I persisted until I could smoke with out too many side effects.

As with most people I developed chronic bronchitis from the smoking and by that time I was hooked and couldn't stop. As I grew older it got worse. Finally later in my years TarGard came out with the filters you had to clean and I tried them. And continued to use them even though it was a chore to keep on cleaning them.

The first time I smoked with a TarGard filter and saw all the tar from the cigarettes in the filter I vowed to keep on using them. It wasn't very long that my chronic bronchitis cleared up and it was then I knew how important the TarGard filter was.

I was ecstatic when the disposable amber filters came out. Now at age 73 I am pretty healthy and I attribute it to the TarGard filters. Many times I have tried to get others to try the filters. Many did but quit using them after a short time, I feel sorry for them.

For example, my own wife of 10 years smoked heavily and I tried desperately to get her to use the filters but to no avail. She developed COPD and then lung cancer and passed away a couple of years ago from the cancer. To this day, I believe if she used the filters she would still be with me but as you know you can't force anything on anyone. I am just happy I made the decision to keep using them.

My father, a doctor, used to smoke a carton a day and finally passed away from heart trouble but TarGard was not available at that time. Many people think the cost of using TarGard over the price of cigarettes is too much but what about the cost of health care?

My fondest wish is that everyone who smokes would use TarGard filters and maybe we would have fewer deaths from lung problems. I challenge all TarGard users to tell as many people who smoke to try the filters. I carry a full of tar filter to show people that I know who smoke.

All I can do at this time is to thank you for producing the filters. Like I said before, when you are out of TarGard, you are out of cigarettes.

William D.

WOW! William that was an amazing post! I think you captured how most of us feel about TarGard and how it affects our daily lives. Most of us may not be ready to quit smoking just yet, but at least TarGard offers us all a healthier smoking experience.

Thank you so very much for sharing your story with us!

If you would like to share how TarGard affects your life please e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com - I would love to post your stories!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike by clicking here - they need your votes!

I'll be back with a new post on December 4th - have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com.

Rock the Vote on TarGard!

2008-11-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Our Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike Contest Participants need your votes!

Please vote now!

The Top 3 winners will win a FREE year's supply of their favorite cigarette filters so every vote counts.

To see all of the entry photos and place your vote click here!

Thanks to Gonzo fans everywhere for helping us celebrate Hunter S. Thompson.

Don't forget, all Permanent Filter items are 30% until November 30th.

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com!

A TarGard Loyal User Story For You

2008-11-11T04:46:00.000-08:00

Since requesting that everyone send in their TarGard stories, I have had over 40 people response to share their stories with me! Keep them coming - I would love to hear why you started using TarGard, how people react when they see you using a filter, what you would like others to know about TarGard and anything else you would like to share with me.

Today's TarGard story comes from Patricia R. in Hawthorne, Nevada.

Patricia started using TarGard when she saw it in a store and decided to give it a try. She has been using the cigarette filters now for just over 20 years!

"I like the way it removes the tar, seeing is believing", she says. This is why she continues to use one when she smokes.

Patricia feels that one of the greatest benefits of the filters is that you have" no stained fingers or teeth".

In addition to being one of our most loyal users, Patricia owns her own thrift store. She also likes to read, is currently remodeling an older home and enjoys art so very much that she is a member of the board at a local art center.

Thanks again Patricia for sharing your TarGard story with me!

Patricia's favorite filter is the Amber Disposable Filter - what's yours? Don't forget to vote for your favorite filter at the poll on the right hand sidebar. So far the winner is the Permanent Filter System with 49% of the votes!

Don't forget to enter the Hunter Thompson Look-Alike Contest. There are only 4 more days to enter your picture. Click here to find out more details and to enter the contest.

You can see the photos we have received so far - check out the slideshow in the upper right hand corner1

TarGard is also offering 30% off of Hunter Thompson signature filters - the Permanent Filter System. Offer is good until November 31st!

To learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com.

Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike Contest

2008-11-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last week TarGard announced the launch of the Hunter S. Thomspon Look-Alike Contest and we promised we would post the photo entries right here on the blog, so check them out!

The slideshow is and will be posted in the upper right hand corner of the blog until the contest is over - keep checking back to see new entries!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite filter style in our poll on the right hand sidebar! So far 47% of our voters chose the Permanent Filter System, which just happens to be Hunter S. Thompson's signature cigarette filter!

If you would like to know more about the Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike Contest or would like to enter for your chance to WIN a one year FREE supply of TarGard click here!

Celebrate Hunter S. Thompson with us!

2008-10-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

Discounts and Contest!!!

Last week I told you a little about our most famous TarGard user, Hunter S. Thompson and this week in celebration of him we are offering a discount and a chance to WIN a year's supply of TarGard cigarette filters!

TarGard is offering 30% off all of the Permanent Filter items because it was Hunter's favorite cigarette filter and he was rarely seen without one at the end of his cigarette.

“For one thing, it is not a holder. It is a filter. A big difference. A filter clears a full ounce of scum and tar a day, keeps it from ruining my lungs. The first time I used it, I saw what came out of a filter and I never stopped.” (Hunter S. Thompson, 2003 interview with Adam Bulger)

We also have a Hunter S. Thompson Look-Alike Contest where you could WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF TARGARD!! If you think you look like Hunter Thompson or could dress up to look like him just upload your photo for your chance to WIN!

We are giving away a Year's Supply Of Targard to our top 3 photo submissions which will be voted on by you beginning November 17th.

To enter the contest and see all official rules click here.

As soon as we begin getting photos I will start a gallery on the blog so you can check them all out. Then on November 17th I will post them all onto the contest website so you can vote on your favorites.

We hope you celebrate Hunter S. Thompson with us!

Check back soon to see the photos.

To learn more about TarGard cigarette filters please visit www.targard.com

Our Most Famous TarGard user!

2008-10-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

Here at TarGard we are getting ready to launch a great promotion for our TarGard Permanent Filter System which includes discounts and a look-a-like contest! Our promotion is based on one of our most loyal customers whom also happens to be our most famouse TarGard user, Hunter S. Thompson.

(photo of Hunter S. Thompson)

For those of you who might not know who Hunter Thompson is, here is a quick run down. Hunter was and is still known for his work as an author. He wrote in a very unique style called Gonzo Journalism, which is a style of reporting in which the reporter becomes so involved in the action of the writing that they actually become central figures of their stories.

Hunter wrote novels as well as several newspaper and magazine articles. He was most well known for his novel titled "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" which was later turned into a movie starring Johnny Depp. Another one of his books, "Where the Buffalo Roam", was also adapted to the big screen and a third book titled "The Rum Diary" is currently in production with a scheduled release in 2009.

Besides being an author, Hunter Thompson, was also an avid photographer and political activist. He was rarely photographed without his signature glasses or his TarGard filter.

(Hunter's signature look)

Our filter, the Permanent Filter System, was actually featured in the movie Fear and Loathing.

(photo of Johnny Depp from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas)

While doing some research for our campaign, I found this great conversation between Hunter Thompson and Johnny Depp discussing our filters after the filming of Fear and Loathing! Here it is -

Depp appears and apologizes for being late. Thompson searches for cigarettes. He holds up his filter. "Are you actually using these?" he asks Depp.

"I'm weaning myself off," says Depp.

"I don't see how anybody could possibly smoke without them, when you see the scum that piles up in there," says Thompson. He demonstrates the entirely gross buildup of liquid tar that has gathered from eight or ten cigarettes. "Three packs since I woke up," says Thompson. "Look at it this way: That's four times this that is not in my lungs."

"Wouldn't it be amazing," says Depp of the plastic filter, "if that's the one thing that's kept you alive?"

(This conversation was part of an article written by Chris Heath titled "Johnny Depp's Savage Journey". The article was featured in Rolling Stone in 1998.)

If you are a loyal user like Hunter Thompson and would like to share your TarGard story or have any comments please leave a comment here or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Thanks for checking in!

Check back soon for details about our upcoming promotion - great discounts and a chance to win a FREE year's supply of TarGard!!

To learn more about TarGard please visit http://www.targard.com/.

To learn more about Hunter S. Thompson please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson.

Speaking of TarGard History.....stories from people who have used TarGard for over 20 years!

2008-10-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

As you already know, we love to talk about our cigarette filters, but what we love even more is to hear the stories that our loyal users share with us.

Today I am posting 3 stories from people who have each been using TarGard for over 20 years!

Our first story comes from Colette C. in Pueblo West, Colorado. Colette is 67 years young and is currently working full time as a professor. She has been a loyal customer of TarGard's for almost 25 years and has tried all four styles of cigarette filters we have, but enjoys the Amber Disposable filters most because "TarGard is the most comfortable and doesn't change the taste. In fact it enhances!"

Although her granddaughters, son and daughter-in-law would love to see Colette quit smoking, she vows to them that "As long as I do smoke, I'll keep using TarGard filters!"

Our second story is from Peggy G. who is almost 72 years old and has been using TarGard for 24 years! Peggy is from Ridgeway, Virginia who is musically gifted - she loves to sing and is a self taught autoharpist (no lessons!). She also is an avid song writer.

Peggy also loves her Amber Disposable cigarette filters because she feels that "TarGard is amazing with the amount of tar the filter takes out of a cigarette." She is also a great advocate for TarGard, she says "I tell everyone that smokes about TarGard and give them one to try. Thank you for making TarGard!"

Our third story is from Robert J. of Burlington, North Carolina. Robert is 56 years old and has been smoking with the Amber Disposable filters for just over 20 years. Robert shared with us why he started using the filters, "When I was employed in a no smoking environment, I over smoked, chain smoked. I started using the filters to lessen the side effects."

Robert wanted our readers to know that "The TarGard filter system is a great product for people who live active, but enjoys a clean smoke at the end of the day."

A huge thank you to Colette, Peggy and Robert for sharing their TarGard stories with us!

If you would like to share your story or have any questions you would like answered about TarGard please leave a comment or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Coming soon: Announcing Hunter Thompson Look-A-Like Contest and a chance to win a year's supply of TarGard filters!

To learn more about TarGard please visit www.targard.com

The Mysteries of TarGard Uncovered

2008-10-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

At TarGard we are often asked questions like "Where is TarGard made?" or "How is TarGard made?" so today I am uncovering the mystery of the TarGard cigarette filter!

First, here's a few great facts about TarGard's history:

· TarGard was established in Burlingame, CA in 1963

· This year TarGard is 45 years old!

· The company has moved twice in it's history - once from CA to Grand Rapids, MI and then a second time from Grand Rapids to Traverse City, MI which is where we are currently located

· It is the only cigarette filter brand that offers 4 different styles of filters from disposable to reusable

· TarGard is the best selling cigarette filter system in the US drug store industry

- We have the best, most loyal customers!

Now on to the good stuff - A majority of TarGard parts and products are made in the United States and are actually assembled by right here in Traverse City by a company called Grand Traverse Industries (GTI)!

By assembled, I mean that the parts that make up our filters are shipped here to Traverse City and when they arrive Grand Traverse Industries takes those parts and puts them together. For example, they assemble the Permanent Filter System by joining the metal insert with the clear mouthpieces. They also run a machine that fuses the amber filters and white inserts together for the Disposable Amber Filters. And not only do they assemble all of the parts they also place them into their packaging and box them up in preparation for shipment.

This is the actual machine that fuses the amber filter mouthpieces to the white insert to make our most popular filter - the Disposable Amber Filters!

This is a container holding all of the filters made in one day which is about 15,000 filters!

Working with GTI is actually one of the best parts about working here at TarGard. To explain, GTI is not just another company that handles product assembly and packaging they have a very inspiring mission which is to provide employment, training support and services to persons with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment so that they may achieve their highest level of independence. GTI has a very inspirational mission and the most amazing staff of people! It is really an honor to work with them every day.

Here is Nancy, Don and Cindy from GTI hard at work putting the Disposable Amber Filters into packaging!

This is Mark, he operates the machine that seals the TarGard packaging together

That just about covers the history of TarGard and how they are made. Now I would love to hear about your history with TarGard! Do you remember the first time you bought TarGard? What made you try a cigarette filter? Please send me your stories - you can leave a comment or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Oh, and don't forget to vote for your favorite filter on the right hand sidebar!

Thanks for checking out the blog.

Kris, a TarGard Team Member and Loyal User

Coming up this week: Speaking of TarGard History.....stories from people who have used TarGard for over 20 years!

To learn more about GTI please visit them at www.grandtraverseindustries.com

To learn more about TarGard please visit www.targard.com

When I'm out of TarGard I am out of cigarettes!

2008-09-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Thanks to all of you who have written to me this past week to share your TarGard stories. I will try to post one new story every week.

This week I would love to share an e-mail I received from a long-time TarGard user. This is what Bill had to say:

Hi:

My name is William D. and I have been using TarGard for over 50 years. I started with the TarGard filters that you had to clean. In those days I played a lot of poker in the card clubs and used to pay the cleaning guy to take my full filter in the bathroom to clean it out.

I was ecstatic when you produced the disposable amber filters and have been using them ever since. When I am out of filters, one or two cigarettes without them made me mouth taste like I had been up all night drinking coffee and my mouth tasted like a rat was nesting in it. When I am out of TarGard I am out of cigarettes.

After 50 years of using TarGard I am still healthy, and am 72 years old. Anyone who smokes should use TarGard as long as they continue smoking.

Thank you TarGard and boy would I make a great spokes person.

Bill

Thanks again Bill for letting me share your thoughts with our blog readers! By the way you are a great spokes person and everyone at the TarGard office loves the line "When I am out of TarGard I am out of cigarettes." We feel the same way.

Bill loves the Disposable Amber Filters, but I want to know what filters are your favorite? Vote for your favorite filter at the poll I have posted on the right hand sidebar.

As always, if you have a great story like Bill's you would like to share with me you can either leave me a comment or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Talk to you soon!

Kris, a TarGard Team Member & Loyal User

Coming up soon: See how TarGard's are made

If you would like to learn more about TarGard filters please visit www.targard.com

Have I got a TarGard story for you!

2008-09-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

We put out a challenge to some of our most loyal users to tell us their TarGard stories and today I'll be sharing Diane's story with you!

Diane is currently a nurse in Lake Forest, California. She has been smoking with TarGard for ten years!! She uses our Disposable Amber Filter because she can use one filter for about 8 or 9 cigarettes and then just throw it away.

Ten years ago,when Diane decided to start using a cigarette filter she tried Aquafilter, another brand of cigarette filters, but found that they didn't work well, but rather than going back to not using one at all she decided to try TarGard and hasn't stopped since!

We asked her what her favorite thing about using TarGard is and she said, "What I like most is the way the targuard filters help the flavor of the cigarette taste even better!"

Diane also wanted to let our readers know that one of the best benefits of these filters is that "Targuard protects your teeth from the tar staining them. Keeps them white."

A big thank you to Diane for taking the time to share her story with us, for being the first one and for helping to inform others about TarGard!

If you have a TarGard story you would like to share or even a funny story about the first time you used a filter or maybe even people's reaction when they see you using a filter, please share it! You can leave a comment here or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Thanks for checking in!

Kris, a TarGard Team Member & Loyal User

Coming next week: See how TarGard's are made

If you would like to learn more about TarGard please visit us at www.targard.com

Were you thinking about smoking without a TarGard cigarette filter?

2008-09-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

Don't do it!

I'll tell you why you shouldn't smoke without one. Well, let me back up one minute and tell you what TarGard cigarette filters are just in case you don't know.

TarGard's are filters that are made to be placed onto the end of a cigarette to help block tar and other harmful substances from entering your body - all without even changing the taste of your cigarette!

Okay now, let's get back to why you shouldn't smoke without one of these cigarette holders!

You can literally SEE the tar, nicotine and other harmful materials that are trapped by the filter and not going into your lungs!
With all of the heavy tar getting trapped in the filter you teeth stay whiter, your smile brighter and your breath fresher.
You'll be able to breathe easier. Believe me - it really makes a difference!

It's time to get the word out, if you wouldn't smoke without your TarGard filters leave me a comment or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com and tell me why!

I would love to share your TarGard story.

Thanks for checking in with TarGard.

Kris, a TarGard Team Member & Loyal User

Coming soon: Diane shares her TarGard story

If you would like to learn more about our cigarette filters please visit us at www.targard.com.