Camel Biliard

Camel is a brand of cigarettes introduced by U.S. company R.J. Reynolds Tobacco (RJR) in 1913. Camels contain a blend of Turkish and United States tobacco. Camel cigarettes were blended to be considerably easier to smoke in contrast to the much harsher brands popular at the time of its introduction. In addition, they were promoted, prior to official release, by a careful advertising campaign that included "teasers" which merely stated that "the Camels are coming." This marketing style was, in fact, a prototype for attempts to sway public opinion that coincided with the United States' entry into the First World War. Another promotion strategy was the use of a Circus camel, 'Old Joe', which was driven through town and used to distribute free cigarettes. Old Joe was used as the model for the camel on the package. The brand's catch-phrase slogan, used for decades, was, "I'd walk a mile for a Camel!" The most famous variety of Camel cigarettes was the soft pack of the regular, unfiltered variety. Camel regulars achieved the zenith of their popularity through personalities such as news broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, who smoked up to four packs of Camel regulars per day, in effect using a Camel cigarette as his trademark. In late 1987, RJR created Joe Camel as the mascot for the brand. In 1991, the American Medical Association published a report stating that 5- and 6-year olds could more easily recognize Joe Camel than Mickey Mouse, Fred Flintstone, Bugs Bunny or even Barbie. This led the association to ask RJR to pull the Joe Camel campaign. RJR declined, but further appeals followed in 1993 and 1994. On July 10, 1997, the Joe Camel campaign was retired and replaced with a somewhat more adult campaign which appealed to the desires of twenty-somethings to meet or as the case may be, actually be beautiful and exotic women (desires they nonetheless share with teenagers) in 1930s attire and themes. In 2005, Camel instigated new changes to the Turkish flavors by adding the name on the cigarette paper and changing the filter color and design. A blend called "Turkish Silver", a light version of either the Turkish Gold or Royal varieties, also became available that year. When smoked, the text on the paper is often still visible on the ashes. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the city where R.J.R. was founded, was nicknamed "Camel City" at one time because of the brand's popularity. However, this name is passing out of usage among locals.