Cigar News from Cig

Lady And A Cigar: Jennifer Aniston

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Aniston. There's no compare, period. This great photo capturing her with a cigar, a glass of whiskey, a wining hand and that pleasing smile is a keeper. We think it will help keep people coming back here to see what's next!

More Jennifer Aniston here.

Lady And A Cigar: Jennifer Lopez

2011-06-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Lopez has got to identify that label for us. Anyone here with a comment about her cigar of choice in this photo?

SO glad she is on American Idol; saved the show.

More Jennifer Lopez here.

Lady And A Cigar: Linda Evangelista

2011-06-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

More Linda Evangelista here.

Lady And A Cigar: Lisa Guerrero

2011-06-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lisa, Lisa. A song from the 80's, yes, but what else is there to say about a lady referee on a smoke break? A Playboy model, to top it off.

More Lisa Guerrero here.

Grip Clip Cigar Holder

2011-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

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A unique cigar holder for the active smoker! Take it wherever you go...
Whatever sport or activity! Keep your lit cigars clean, dry and safe!
The Grip Clip cigar holders are made of wood with cherry tone.

Gift Boxed. The perfect gift for the smoker on the go! Solid wood construction, easy to use, one of the most versatile cigar holders. Available for $14.95 at Bonita's Smoke Shop.
Better get more than one! All your friends will be "borrowing" yours! One of most popular items.

Lady And A Cigar: Nikki DuBose

2011-05-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

What is the most famous movie or TV appearance by Nikki? Submit your comments here and get a chance for a link to even more looks at this cigar-laden lady.

More Nikki DuBose here.

Review: Cuba Libre Unico

2011-05-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Spanish for “Free Cuba,” the Cuba Libre brand signifies Nestor Plasencia’s hope of one day returning to a homeland that embraces liberty. Like so many of today’s best cigar makers, he fled Cuba after the Castro regime took over his family’s thriving tobacco operation and confiscated their factories and fields.

With five generations of Cuban tobacco cultivation as a compass, Nestor reestablished the family business in Nicaragua to make use of the fertile Eselí and Jalapa Valley regions. Today his successful factories turn out many Rocky Patel blends, some Gurkha lines, and the Alec Bradley Maxx.

Cuba Libre, Nestor’s take on a value brand, is appropriately made from 100 percent Cuban-seed tobacco. The filler and Nicaraguan binder are covered by a smooth yet veiny wrapper with a reddish hue and a wrinkled complexion.

This cigar is by no means unattractive—the sharp box-press adds character and the red, gold, and blue band is appealing—but something about the appearance compels me to mentally liken it to a typical house brand. Maybe it’s the haphazardly applied cap. Or maybe it’s the prevalence of soft spots from head to foot.

Notwithstanding the Unico’s torpedo-like frame, and despite the fact that I only clipped a bit of tobacco off the top, the pre- and post-light draw is easy. Too easy, if you ask me. The flavors from this six and ¼ inch by 54 ring gauge cigar seemed to be watered down by each airy puff.

When I could sort through the taste in the voluminous tufts of smoke, I found mild- to medium-bodied flavors of earth, leather, and traces of pepper. Some acidic or sweet notes would have helped balance out the predominantly dry profile.

Aside from the hollowed-out draw, the physical properties were excellent—especially considering the price range. Boxes of 20 Unicos go for $75-90, and you can find singles for less than $3 apiece in various online samplers.

That’s ultimately why this cigar makes a decent golf course or barbeque companion: It offers good construction and consistent flavors for little cost. It just doesn’t have enough complexity or personality to be the main event.

Cuba Libre has a compelling story but, in the end, I am neither disappointed nor impressed with the Unico.

source: stogieboys.com

Lady And A Cigar: Salma Hayek

2011-05-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

Salma Hayek is in more movies than I have had a chance to see, but - without question - I want to see more! Latina with a stogie... says a lot.

More Salma Hayek here.

Review: 5 Vegas Miami Torpedo

2011-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Dubbed 5 Vegas’ “most elusive” creation, the Miami line is handmade by Don Pepin Garcia’s El Rey de los Habanos company. Five of the sizes, including this Torpedo, are made in Pepin’s Tabacalera Cubana S.A. factory in Estelí, while the sixth shape—a thick Toro with a shaggy foot—is made at the company’s factory in Little Miami. But like my colleague pointed out in his review of the Churchill vitola, 5 Vegas oddly makes no mention of Pepin on their website.

This is curious, obviously, because you’d think 5 Vegas would want to highlight any connection to Pepin given the famed cigar maker’s superstar status in the industry. As it turns out, the Garcia most involved with the production of the Miami is actually Don Pepin’s daughter, Janny.

At any rate, the Miami blend’s six vitolas feature Cuban-seed fillers, Nicaraguan binders, and Nicaraguan corojo wrappers. The flavor is touted as “Cuban-esque” in various marketing materials.

With the arrival of prelight hints of dark chocolate and earth out of the cellophane, the Torpedo (6.1 x 52) has the look, smell, and feel of a real winner. The toothy wrapper’s scant veins and virtually invisible seams showcase craftsmanship and care.

In what has almost become cliché to write, read, and smoke, the taste begins with Pepin’s trademark burst of black pepper spice. Not much nuance; just heavy-handed, simple, and predictable.

The flavor undergoes a welcome transition into notes of coffee, onion, and leather after the first inch. While more balanced and less aggressive than the beginning, this new combination isn’t exactly complex or unique. It is, however, significantly more agreeable than the overly bitter taste that dominates the final third of this $6-8 cigar.

Construction across the two Torpedos I smoked for this review wasn’t a problem. The draw is easy, the cut clean, and the burn never requires any touch-ups. I just wish the ash were a little less flakey.

With or without Pepin’s name, this 90-minute smoke is decent but not memorable.

attribution: stogieboys.com

Lady And A Cigar: Sharon Stone

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

No rabbits cooking, but still dangerously intriguing.

More Sharon Stone here.

Tips For Cigar Etiquette On The Golf Course

2011-05-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Golf and cigars go together perfectly: you’ve got hours outdoors, you can ash your cigar anywhere without getting dirty looks (except for the greens), and compared to the rest of society, golf courses generally provide cigar-friendly environments.

And there are plenty of entrepreneurs looking to cash in on this match made made in heaven with all kinds of specialty golf cigar gadgets ranging from cigar tees to hold your cigar to golf bag humidors. But we’re here to tell you that dropping a 20 spot on that cigar cutter/divot repair tool or any other gadget is completely unnecessary.

If you follow these four tips, you will have a more enjoyable cigar experience on the course without having to buy anything that average Stogie Guys doesn’t already own. Sadly, we have no tips to offer that will improve your golf game.

1. What to smoke? The golf course is no place for small cigars. Courses can get pretty crowded on the weekends, so you have nothing but time. Grab something at least as long as a toro (6 inches). The golf course is perfect for churchills or – if a smaller ring gauge is more to your liking – a lonsdale. Remember your cigar may sit unsmoked for a while as you four-putt, throw your putter in the sandtrap, and then retrieve it and find that your stogie went out. Larger cigars have a higher tolerance for re-lighting than small ones.

Also, don’t break out that super premium cigar on the links. It will be wasted as you are distracted by your sub-par golf game. Keep the Cohiba in the humidor and try to find a value cigar. Three stogie cigars are perfect for golf.

2. How to light your cigar? While golf courses are perfect for smoking a stogie, the wind that never seems to be blowing at your back can make lighting a cigar awfully difficult. If blocking the wind with your hand doesn’t get the job done, you may want to try using a hat to block the breeze. As always, a torch is preferable to matches.

Finally, while toasting the edges is still the best way to light your cigar, on the golf course you might skip that step if just keeping the flame lit proves difficult. If you do light the cigar without first toasting the edges, be sure to give your stogie a few big puffs immediately after lighting it to make sure it is completely lit.

3. Where to put your cigar? While you swing you probably will need to put the cigar down, but with no ashtrays there may not be an obvious place to put it. Plenty of places hawk special “cigar tees” but really all you need is a flat non-flammable surface: golf carts, tee box markers, or even carefully balanced on a wood (with head-cover removed) in your bag. The most abundent cigar holder of all also works well: the grass next to your ball (as long as it isn’t wet or dusty).

But remember, like your sand wedge, you should leave your cigar on the green (not on the fringe or in the ruff) while putting so you don’t forget it in the excitement of that 40 foot eagle putt. Of course the easiest way to not forget your smoke is by leaving it in your mouth.

4. How many cigars to bring? The standard is one for every nine holes, but if you have a bunch of slow-playing old ladies ahead of you, this may leave you with a few hours without a cigar on the back nine. So maybe three is really the ideal number.

Also, make sure the cigars don’t get damaged in your bag. A simple leather case will work perfectly. So do cigars that come in their own tubes.

source: stogieguys.com

Lady And A Cigar: Tia Carrere

2011-05-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Many remember Tia from the Wayne's World era. It's amazing how stunning she still looks, more than 20 years later. When Wayne and Garth employed their famous, "shhwing!" term with Tia, they probably didn't have cigars in their pockets.

More Tia Carrere

4 Famous Ladies With Cigar Tendencies

2011-05-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Susan Lucci: Originally known for her role on All My Children, Lucci eventually became infamous for being a lady who could not catch a Daytime Emmy break. Between 1978 and 1998, she was nominated for 18 awards, but failed to win any. This made her the butt of the joke among some members of the media. Finally, in 1999, the joke ended when she won a long awaited Day Time Emmy. She has also appeared in a variety of primetime TV shows and made-for-television movies. She made an appearance on the cover of Cigar Aficionado in 1999.

Demi Moore: Originally known for her roles in teen-targeted movies, Moore has become one of the leading actresses in Hollywood. From movies such as Ghost and G.I. Jane, she has made a name for herself onscreen. Off screen, she has been the source of controversy on more the one occasion. Whether it is for posing nude during her pregnancy or for her marriage to a much younger man, Moore has found herself the target of the tabloids. But, she has muddled through with grace and perseverance, refusing to apologize for her choices. An avid cigar smoker for years, she was featured on the cover of Cigar Aficionado in 1996.

Sharon Stone: Lauded and ridiculed for performances, Stone has received everything from a Golden Globe to a Razzie. A former fashion model turned Star Search winner turned actress and producer, she has been in the spotlight for decades. She turned heads when she modeled nude for Playboy in 1990 and turned heads again when she (nearly modeling nude) shot an infamous scene from the film Basic Instinct in 1992. Though there is some media speculation that she is no longer a smoker, Stone was featured on the cover of Cigar Aficionado in 2004.

Gina Gershon: Appearing in a slug of television shows, including Ellen, Just Shoot Me, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Ugly Betty, Gershon has done a bit of everything. She has appeared on movies as well as Broadway productions. She attended Beverly Hills High School with Lenny Kravitz, and has been linked to John Cusack and Owen Wilson. Gerson had bit parts in many notable 1980’s films as well as larger parts in some cult classics. She was featured on the cover of Cigar Aficionado in 1998.

Famous Women Cigar Smokers - Video

2011-05-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

How many of these women do you recognize? Seeing Jennifer Lopez here made my head snap in full-attention to the video. I mean, J-Lo smokin' a stogie? Aye-chee-wah-wah.

Smuggling The Green Gold

2011-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

News from Malawi: Police Arrest Tobacco Farmers

Malawi police have arrested 170 tobacco farmers from Mchinji District for allegedly attempting to smuggle tobacco to neighbouring Zambia. Mchinji Police Station Officer in Charge Assistant Commissioner James Munthali confirmed the arrest saying the farmers wanted to smuggle the country’s green gold using unchartered routes.

“These tobacco growers were arrested at Kapiri Trading Center and right now they are in custody at Mchinji Police waiting to appear before the court on Thursday,” said Munthali.

The police boss said the 170 tobacco growers attempted to illegally cross the boarder with 424 bales of tobacco on Wednesday morning.

According to Assistant Commissioner Munthali, the law enforcers have also seized the 14 tracks which were transporting the bales to Lundazi.

Meanwhile, Munthali said police have intensified patrols in the district in order to stop farmers from illegally taking their tobacco to Zambia.

Most farmers have requested government to open the boarders so that they sell their tobacco in neighbouring countries where prices are reportedly far much higher than the local ones.

A month has now passed since the tobacco markets opened in Lilongwe, Chinkhoma (Kasungu) and Limbe but there is still no hope in sight for improved prices for the country’s major forex earner. There has also been high rejection rate of bales.

Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) has described the season as the worst in recent years.

According to some farmers interviewed by Nyasa Times, in Mozambique buyers are offering a minimum of 2dollars (K300) per kg while at the local auction floors the leaf fetches as low as 53 cents (K76) per kg.

The development comes barely a week after tobacco growers in Malawi asked President Bingu wa Mutharika to open the borders for them so that they can explore better tobacco markets in Mozambique and Zambia.

Many tobacco farmers in Malawi’s boarder districts such as Mchinji, Kasungu and Mzimba usually sell their tobacco illegally in Zambia where the leaf fetches almost double the local prices.

Since the 2011 tobacco market opened some four weeks ago, growers have been increasing complaining about the low prices buyers are offering. On the other hand, buyers say they are offering low prices because the quality of tobacco is very low.

This year’s minimum prices were set at USD2.83 (K430.16) per kg for flue cured while burley was put at $1.80 (K237.60) per kg, which are relatively lower than those set during the last growing season.

Through tobacco exports, Malawi gets about 60 percent of its annual foreign exchange. Malawi is one of the world’s major tobacco growing countries and is the highest grower of burley tobacco.

source: tobaccoreviews.net

Gurkha Grand Reserve

2011-05-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Grand Reserve is the flagship brand of Gurkha Cigars. This magnificent cigar is infused with the finest cognac in the world, and handmade from the finest tobaccos. The premium Connecticut shade wrapper gives this Honduran made cigar a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of spice and promises a pleasantly light finish you will truly enjoy.

Grand Reserve

Packaging

Length

Ring

Robusto Natural
Churchill Natural
Torpedo Natural
Churchill Maduro
Torpedo Maduro

Bundle of 30 Cigars
Bundle of 30 Cigars
Bundle of 30Cigars
Bundle of 30 Cigars
Bundle of 30 Cigars

6
7.5
6.5
7.5
6.5

50
52
53
52
53

Cognac Infused, Connecticut Shade Wrapper, Dominican Binder, Dominican Filler.

http://www.gurkhacigars.com/index.cfm

Cigar Smokers Love A Good BBQ And Round Of Golf

2011-05-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

BBQ utensils shaped as golf tools, conveniently packaged in a golf bag. Pick yours up here.

29 Reasons To Buy More Cigars: End of the List

2011-05-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

50. It's a vintage smoke!
51. After learning more about cigars, my tastes have changed.
52. I need stronger fuller flavored cigars.
53. I need a morning cigar.
54. I need a midday cigar.
55. I need an evening cigar.
56. I've only tried 19% of the cigars in Bob Curtis' cigar database.
57. On can never have too many cigars.
58. My wife collects barbies -- I collect cigars.
59. You can't get arrested for smoking and driving.
60. If I order by the box mail order -- I save the 13% GA tobacco tax
and 6% sales tax -- Who could resist such a bargin.
61. I have full cans of butane that I need to use before they go bad.
62. I need to make sure I have plenty of stogie on hands -- never know
when it will snow in GA and we won't be able to leave the house.
63. I need to make sure I have enough to light all those fireworks on
the fouth of July.
64. Tax season is almost upon us -- and I am sure that we will be
getting a refund.
65. I didn't get what I wanted for the holidays.
66. If I don't deserve them -- who does.
67. I just got my discover cash back bonus -- for all the stogies I
charged last year -- these few boxes are really free.
68. Don't complain -- it gets me out of the house to walk the dogs.
69. Look how much I save ordering by mail -- could you imagine what it
would cost to go to the Dom. Rep to get them.
70. If I can find enough brands from one place that I like -- we can
go on vacation there next winter.
71. Nothing goes better with a piece of apple pie than a cigar.
72. I don't have nearly as many as (name a cigar smoking buddy)
73. There are hundreds of different brands -- I only have a few.
74. If you think that this is alot -- you shouild see what they have
at (name your local shop).
75. Would you rather that I go out drinking to the local nudie bar?
76. Cigar smokers make better lovers.
77. Cigar smokers are the most considerate and caring husbands.
78. I still have a full bottle of PG -- what else am I going to
humidify with it?

source: Tony Muller, Richard Hsiung and friends

This Time: 24 Reasons To Buy More Cigars

2011-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

25. Well, I turned the page in the catalog and saw these beautiful cigars.
26. They pricing was so good that I have to buy a few boxes.
27. Such a nice looking humidor deserves to be FULL of Cubans!
29. I tried a single and it was great, so I have to buy the box!
30. Wow! These are a great value!
31. I need the empty boxes to store the bands. (And these new boxes will
result in MORE bands, which will require additional boxes!)
32. You can't get these anywhere else!
33. I need to buy them retail since it takes 9 months from the manufacturer.
34. You can order directly from the manufacturer!
35. The more I use my expensive cutter and lighter, the cheaper the "per
cigar" cost becomes. ($50 for 5 cigars = $10/ea - doesn't make much
sense, but if it's $50 for 5,000 cigars, that's merely a penny per
smoke!)
36. Cigars are so relaxing, it'll save me a bundle in shrink money.
37. They taste so good, I have to buy more.
38. The wrappers are so dark and oily.
39. They're calling to me.
40. Cigars are the hot trend right now.
41. My friends started buying by the box.
42. Everybody is buying by the box.
43. The ones I have need to be aged, so I have to buy ones I can smoke.
44. I need to buy more so they can marry.
45. I need to buy more because I took off all the wrappers of my cigars
and found out they don't marry.
46. They go so well with vintage port (insert favorite drink).
47. All the celebrities smoke them.
48. My boss smokes them.
49. My employees kept giving them to me, and now I like them too much
to stop.

source: Tony Muller, Richard Hsiung and friends

12 More Reasons To Buy More Cigars

2011-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

13. The freight costs are cheaper when you order 5 or more boxes at once.
14. I haven't seen that brand in awhile.
15. My (choose one: wife, SO, cat, neighbor, dog, goldfish, etc.) likes the
smell of cigars, and I want to keep them happy.
16. My friend is talking about those cigars.
17. CA talked about those cigars.
18. ASC talked about these cigars!!
19. I have to buy these, I haven't tried them yet.
20. It's Cuban.
21. They won't go bad anyway.
22. I have more humidor space.
23. I can just build another Igloodore.
24. Hey, the unplugged extra fridge in the garage holds at 72%!

source: Tony Muller, Richard Hsiung and friends

12 Reasons To Buy More Cigars

2011-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

1. Suppliers are running low, we need to buy them now!
2. Prices are going up, we need to buy now while it's cheaper.
3. My kids need the boxes for school projects.
4. My humidor regulates better when it's full.
5. These cigars I'm buying will be worth more later.
6. We live in earthquake country (substitute natural disaster of your
choice) and the UPS and FexEx drivers may not be able to get thru for
WEEKS.
7. I have to have different types for different occasions.
8. When my friends come over, I want to make sure I have enough.
9. I need to buy these cheap cigars for people I don't know well enough.
10. It's cheaper by the box.
11. It's cheaper by the bundle.
12. It's research - I'm trying to determine how many "bad" smokes are in
a box. Of course, to be statistically accurate, I need to personally
smoke 30+ boxes from the same crop.

source: Tony Muller, Richard Hsiung and friends

Al Capone Sweets and Slims

2011-04-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Al Capones are made with an original combination of Nicaraguan and Brazilian tobacco leaves. A unique Bahia wrapper produces a distinctive aroma. The vintage filler comes from the Condega, Jalapa and Esteli regions of Nicaragua. The result is a full bodied smoke with a slightly sweet but smooth flavor.

Manufacturer: Al Capone
Filler: Dominican Republic
Cigar: SWEETS COGNAC
Cigar Length: 3.3
Cigar Ring: 20
Wrapper: Natural
Box Of: 100
Price: $56.59

Manufacturer: Al Capone
Filler: Dominican Republic
Cigar: SLIMS RUM
Cigar Length: 3.3
Cigar Ring: 20
Wrapper: Natural
Box Of: 100
Price: $56.95

Cigar Smoking: Health Effects Revisted

2011-04-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Concerned about the health affects of smoking cigars? Read Dr. Marc J. Schneiderman's 2001 Update of his important scientific paper: CIGARS AND CANCER for the truth about this important issue....

Our thanks to Dr. Marc and the boys at ICG for keeping us informed.

Smoking Boy with Sherlock Holmes Pipe

2011-04-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

This vintage photo from somewhere between 1899 and 1904 shows a youngster that probably had more moxy and in-bread responsibility than most of today's 18 year olds. Obviously, he is mimicking the actions of an older male in his family. I'll bet he would be puffing a Cohiba, given the chance.

What say ye?

Carvings For Cigar Stores

2011-04-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Imagine the cost of one of these one-of-a-kind statue carvings! How many different places in your "world" would you want to place one? Let's hear your display ideas: garage, party room, place of business...?

Scottsdale Gets New Smoke: Napoleon Cigar Club

2011-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Napoleon is a cigar lounge. It opened in February, replacing the third floor of what used to be the Estate House at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The 6,000-square-foot space pays homage to the classy cigar clubs in New York City and Los Angeles, according to owner Napoleon Smith.

Lead Paint and Cigar Smoking

2011-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, there really was nothing harmful to us, right??

Lead paint, asbestos, alcohol and wild women. None of that stuff used to matter.

Buffalo Bill Cigar Store Carving

2011-04-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Some fantastic fantasizing going on here about how this would look on my front porch. Or perhaps the reception area at my downtown office. A conversation starter, no doubt. Hand-rolled loose leaf must have been the standard of that man's day.

Beautiful old cigar store carvings captured in the photostream of this gent: http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagesaint/with/454721530/

Buffalo Bill Cigar Box

2011-04-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Nice, colorful graphics of Cody (Buffalo Bill) cigar box. This
box contained Puritanos Cigars. Box measures 6" X 8.5", 2.5"
deep. Bottom side states it is Factory No. 35 lst Dist. PA.

Wouldn't it be cool to have this in your home office or reception area? A nice piece of the wild west.

Cool Wooden Indian

2011-03-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

Traditionally seen posted in front of only the coolest cigar shops around the country, this beauty can be seen at Alexions, a neighborhood pub and grill in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

Police Say New Dad Smoked Pot, Not Cigar

2011-03-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

BUT HE DID USE THE HOSPITAL'S DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- Police say a new father faces drug charges because he lit up a marijuana joint, instead of a cigar, to celebrate his child's birth at a western Pennsylvania hospital.

Police aren't identifying the man found smoking the pot in a designated smoking area of Uniontown Hospital yesterday morning, but say he'll face marijuana possession charges.

Uniontown police Sgt. Jonathan Grabiak tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that a nurse smelled the marijuana when she took a cigarette break in the same area, and a hospital security guard called police about 3:20 a.m.

Grabiak says the man told him, "I'm having a baby and wanted to get a buzz" and then pulled a bag of marijuana from his shoe.

The man was released to a family member and made to leave the hospital.

source: Associated Press

Police Dog Blues On Cigar Box!

2011-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cigar Was Smoking Gun

2011-03-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Saliva recovered from a cigar left at the scene of a shooting death one year ago was the key to making an arrest in the case, police announced Thursday.

Breon Glenn, 24, was arrested in Taylor County and charged with the November 2008 shooting death of 27-year-old Ben LaComb.

Police said LaComb and another man went to the 400 block of Sunshine Street to buy drugs. When Glenn pulled out a gun to rob them and the two men started to drive away, police said Glenn dove into the car and fired two shots a LaComb.

Police said Glenn dropped his cigar in the car before he ran from the scene. DNA analysis of the saliva on the cigar led them to Glenn.

Lesson Learned: Don't smoke and rob dope.

Tobacco Smoke And Your Nasal

2011-03-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

The first paragraph of this article talks about CRS. If you're like me, CRS does not stand for anything scientific, rather something directly related to the destruction of brain cells. Can't Remember Sh**

...OK, so maybe it is scientific...

As we continue to explore the far reaching effects of disturbances in the human body’s second genome, this week’s blog focuses on the microbial community that inhabits the sinonasal cavities and how it is affected by tobacco smoke. A common complaint of smokers is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses that results in nasal congestion, pain, headaches, and other symptoms related to build up of pressure in the sinus cavities. The cause of CRS could be any of a range of factors, such as viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or physiological defects. However, a January, 2011 study by Natalia Goldstein-Daruech and colleagues, published online in PLoS ONE, suggests that in smokers, tobacco smoke causes the sinonasal microbiome to form a bacterial biofilm that contributes to the “conversion of a transient and medically treatable infection to a persistent and therapeutically recalcitrant condition.”

Enjoy the rest of this informative read here, at its source:
http://www.secondgenome.com/2011/02/tobacco-smoke-and-the-sinonasal-microbiome/

The Truth About Kennedy and the Cuban Smokes

2011-03-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

You may have heard the story of President John F. Kennedy sending his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, out to buy a stockpile of Cuban cigars the night before he signed the Cuban embargo into law. You might have wondered if the story was true, or simply an urban legend.

Well, it is true.

Here, courtesy of Janson media, is some archival footage in which the late Pierre Salinger recounts the incident in his own words some things not only about that incident, but about some cigars smuggled into the White House after the embargo became law:

Sallinger mentions in the video that the Cuban cigars Kennedy sent him out to buy were Petit Upmann’s “as I remember it.” In print interviews, he was more definite and specifically says that it was 1200 H. Upmann Petit Corona cigars that he purchased in that lesser-known but equally-legendary midnight ride.

Something that isn’t usually mentioned is that Kennedy originally planned that the embargo would not include Cuban cigars. In an interview with the New York Times in 2000, Richard Goodwin, who had been an assistant to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, revealed that JFK told him in early 1962 that “We tried to exempt cigars, but the cigar manufacturers in Tampa objected. I guess we’re out of luck.”

In addition to Cubans, Kennedy was known to favor Philippine cigars. Some Alhambras were sent to him upon his election, packed in as “victory cigars” in individual wooden boxes within a a larger box. Each box was monogrammed with his name.

We know this because one of the boxes was auctioned off a few years back, bringing U.S. $3,000.00 on the block. It had originally been presented to Wilbur J. Cohen, Kennedy’s Assistant Secretary for Legislation in 1960, by Kennedy. Cohen’s widow gave it to John Clevenger, whose father had been a close friend and political ally Cohens, and Clevenger put it up for sale.

Other White House insiders of the Kennedy era say that JFK actually preferred Philippine cigars to Cubans, but the truth of that claim remains in dispute. What we do know — again because one of the monogrammed boxes came up for auction — is that the president continued to receive a steady supply of cigars from the Philippines throughout his presidency.

Little evidence remains as to what brand (or brands) he favored, however, because he ordered almost all of the special boxes burned in the White House furnace after they were empty.

Alhambras are one of the main brands of the Philippines largest cigar maker, La Flor de la Isabela, and the mildest cigar that they make. Since the Petit Upmann is a mild to medium Cuban cigar, it is likely that Kennedy would have enjoyed Alhambras as well, especially as a lighter, daytime smoke. Or, he might have favored the flagship La Flor line of Tabacalera, which is mild, sweet and spicy. Ironically, La Flor de la Isabela has been linked with another U.S. President.

In 1999, the company, which claims its cigars are “used in the White House” introduced a new brand called Monica Lewinsky. The company got the idea to introduce the new cigar when they noticed their cigars featured in televised shots of the Oval Office and heard stories during the scandal about multiple uses the cigars were put to. The cigar, which has a picture of the famed former White House intern on its plastic outer wrapping, was a hand-rolled blend with an Indonesian wrapper and four types of Philippine tobaccos as filler.

No information was provided by the company on how they recommended the cigars be stored.

source: http://bit.ly/Mv9h9

Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote: A Cigar Review

2011-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

This Honduran cigar is a medium to full bodied, flavorful and spicy smoke that starts with a peppery note and then settles to become almost as mild as the Cuban Sancho Panza variety. From the half-way point on, there is a pleasant shift in flavor and fullness that leads into a very satisfying finish. The Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote is a very flavorful smoke and a true bargain at the price.

While they are a good cigar fresh from the box, they improve remarkably by resting for several weeks to several months. Humidor storage is recommended before smoking, and after storage are not only a bargain but a best buy. The rating and points assigned in this review are based on cigars after about four months of humidor storage. Explanations are given below of problems or defects that you might find in fresh-from-the-box Sancho Panza Double Maduro cigars.

source: http://bit.ly/g3PmP5

Harley Davidson Cigar Box Guitar

2011-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Harley Davidson, Cigars and Music sound like a pretty decent combo.

Cigar - Asian Babe Inhales

2011-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

7 Cigar Mystery Grab Bag

2011-02-03T22:18:00.000-08:00

About This Item:

* 7 Cigar Sampler
* At least 3 of the following
brands guaranteed:
* Alec Bradley
* Oliva
* Perdomo
* Diesel
* Bolivar
* Victor Sinclair

Description:

Don't miss out on this one! Get a 7 cigar grab bag at over 60% off the retail price. Not only is that a great deal but they guarantee it will include at least 3 cigars from coveted brands like Alec Bradley, Perdomo, Oliva, Diesel, Bolivar and Victor Sinclair in a variety of sizes including robusto, churchill, corona - just to name a few.

Please note that the grab bag doesn't actually come in a brown paper bag. So, if you had grand plans like using it to breath into to keep from hyperventilating while watching your favorite team, or using it to store the two dozen, half-dead batteries you've still got lying around, you may want to consider alternatives.

God - I Am

2011-01-30T23:17:00.000-08:00

I was regretting the past and fearing the future. Suddenly God was speaking: 'My name is I am.' I waited and God continued: 'When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I was. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. ...My name is not I will be. When you live in this moment, it is not hard. I am here. My name is I AM.

Home Growing Tobacco

2011-01-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Target Smartphone Generation

2011-01-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Stauer's New Year's Resolution 2011 advice is squeezing productivity from the smartphone revolution. People now use their smartphones for everything. They are a challenge for marketers and managers. The smartphone does not have the capacity of a laptop, but many execs are now eschewing the bulky laptop and going without. It will be important for Stauer and other businesses to figure out a way for smartphones to work seamlessly to increase sales.

Cultivating Service

2011-01-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

"At Your Service"

Want your business to flourish in 2011? Find ways to cultivate abundance; return to basics. In addition to email and social media, employ the ultimate approach to service. Resolve to return to basics. Here are some ideas: Call someone with a lead or referral for their business. Send a hand written thank you note to a customer. Take a great employee to lunch and don't talk business! Give a plant to your partner and thank her for helping you grow the business. Send a distant client a gas card.

Invest in Yourself

Take care of yourself and invest in continued improvement. Just like investing money, you need to "pay yourself first". Carve out time in the day to exercise or work on personal growth before you tackle your work challenges. Consider it the cost of doing business through good times and bad. If you exercise your mind and body consistently, you will reap benefits that will continue to grow over time. Think of it as exercise cost-averaging. Stay the course and you will continue to grow.

Go Big or Go Home

2011-01-19T15:48:00.001-08:00

"Go Big or Go Home." In a crunch economy, you have to go way out of the box to grab a dollar or an ear. Folks are overwhelmed, under-funded and scared to spend, unless something really touches their heart. Make your small business a force for social change and watch the magic.

Trust me. Go Big or Go Home, because some seat-of-the-pants, balls-to-the-wall entrepreneur like me will if you don't and you'll be limping home to your foreclosure sign.

Faith Creates! Love and gratitude...

How To Roll A Blunt

2011-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Roll Blunt

http://www.bluntwrap.com/rolling-tobacco.html

FROM THE TOBACCO TRADE AND TAX BUREAU:

We have been asked to clarify the TTB position with regard to the manufacture and importation of sheets of reconstituted tobacco in light of the amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) by the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA). Specifically, we have been asked the following:

Are sheets of reconstituted tobacco considered to be “roll-your-own tobacco” as that term is defined by the IRC, as amended by CHIPRA?

Is a manufacturer of sheets of reconstituted tobacco required to have a permit as a tobacco products manufacturer when the “roll-your-own tobacco” definition amended by the CHIPRA goes into effect on April 1, 2009? Is an importer of sheets of reconstituted tobacco required to have a permit as a tobacco products importer when the “roll-your-own tobacco” definition amended by the CHIPRA goes into effect on April 1, 2009?

Under 26 U.S.C. 5702(o), as amended by CHIPRA, the term “roll-your-own tobacco“ means “any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof.” Specifically, CHIPRA added the words, “or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof” to the end of the existing definition. In the trade and in general terminology, "reconstituted tobacco" is ground or pulverized tobacco mixed with various adhesive agents and/or cellulose fibers derived from tobacco or other sources and formed into sheets. The term “sheets” here refers to a form or size of product that cannot be used, without further manipulation, by the ultimate consumer as a wrapper for a cigar (also referred to at retail as a “wrap” or a “blunt”).

Sheets of reconstituted tobacco that are in sizes that cannot be readily used by the ultimate consumer as wrappers for cigars without further manipulation are not “roll-your-own” tobacco as contemplated by 26 U.S.C. 5702(o) as amended. Accordingly, persons who produce or import reconstituted tobacco solely in sheets, rather than in sizes that can be readily used by the ultimate consumer as wrappers for cigars, are not manufacturers or importers of roll-your-own tobacco and therefore are not required to have a TTB permit as such. A manufacturer that produces and removes reconstituted tobacco in a form or size that is ready for use by the ultimate consumer is a manufacturer of roll-your-own tobacco and must obtain a TTB permit as a tobacco product manufacturer to engage in such business on or after April 1, 2009. Similarly, a person who imports reconstituted tobacco in a form or size that is ready for use by the ultimate consumer is an importer of roll-your-own tobacco and must obtain a TTB permit as an importer of tobacco products in order to engage in such business on or after April 1, 2009.

Finally, whether a manufacturer or importer of sheets of reconstituted tobacco that are in sizes that cannot be readily used by the ultimate consumer as wrappers for cigars is required to qualify as a “manufacturer of processed tobacco” or an “importer of processed tobacco” will be addressed in detail in forthcoming TTB regulations. CHIPRA includes a transitional rule whereby any person engaged in the business as a manufacturer or importer of processed tobacco on April 1, 2009, who submits an application to TTB within 90 days after April 1, 2009 (that is, on or before June 30, 2009) may continue to engage in that business pending final action by TTB on the permit application.

Cigar Plant

2011-01-13T03:29:00.000-08:00

When you need to mix smoking with horticulture

Cuphea ignea Cigar Plant, Cigar Flower

Granted, this may not do the trick if you need flowers to say sorry - better off doing that "standard" route of the flower shop or 7-11. But it may be a good way to enjoy some outdoor time and fresh air.

Year-round flowering, attractive small foliage and a neat, round shape help to make Cigar flower a nice addition to any landscape (Fig. 1). It is not readily available in quantity, but can occasionally be purchased at specialty garden centers. Plants grow no more than about 2-feet-tall and 3-feet-wide and will attract attention in the shrub or perennial border. Many stems arise near the base of the plant but they branch infrequently. Flowers are continually produced on new growth during the warm seasons in Florida. It can be used as an annual bedding plant elsewhere because frost kills it to the ground.

Scientific name: Cuphea ignea

Pronunciation: KOO-fee-uh IG-nee-uh

Common name(s): Cigar Plant, Cigar Flower

Family: Lythraceae

Plant type: shrub

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Fig. 2)

Planting month for zone 9: year round

Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: container or above-ground planter; specimen; foundation; attracts hummingbirds

Description

Height: 1 to 3 feet

Spread: 2 to 3 feet

Plant habit: round

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: entire

Leaf shape: elliptic (oval)

Leaf venation: bowed

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen

Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: red

Flower characteristic: year-round flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: elongated, but not a flower to say sorry with

Fruit length: less than .5 inch

Fruit cover: dry or hard

Fruit color: unknown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems; not particularly showy

Current year stem/twig color: reddish

Current year stem/twig thickness: thin

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun

Soil tolerances: loam; acidic; clay; sand; alkaline

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerances: poor

Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches

Other

Roots: usually not a problem

Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers

Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests

Use and Management

In central and south Florida, cut plants to the ground when warm weather returns in the spring. Plants can be cut back in other regions after danger of frost leaves the region in the spring. This stimulates fresh growth from the base of the plant and removes last years twigs.

A sunny or partially shaded location gives the best growth. Soils should be kept moist.

Pests and Diseases

Cigar flower resists most pest and diseases problems.

Storage of Cigar Case Collection

2011-01-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

After establishing your collection, properly storing it ensures that it will remain in good condition for many years to come. If you display your antique cigar boxes, place them in a dry area away from the ground – especially if you have children or pets. Clear gun cases can be modified to showcase your cigar box collection and are equipped with locks to protect your cases from theft and damage. Never store your cigar boxes in a damp basement or public storage facility. Damage from mold and pests can destroy the value of a beautiful antique cigar box.

Pre-Civil War Cigar Boxes

2011-01-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

If you’re particularly lucky, you can find unconventional cigar boxes that pre-date the Civil War. Unlike the standard cigar box, these cigar boxes were perfect squares. Cigars were inserted vertically, rather than horizontally, into the box and the manufacturer subsequently nailed the lid shut. A pre-Civil war cigar box in good condition commands a high value among seasoned collectors.

Valuable Cigar Boxes and Online Auction Listings

2011-01-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

If you’re a novice collector, you may be tempted to begin your search by browsing online auction listings. Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to find a good deal on vintage cases online. The competition for online auction listings is fiercer than that of the most popular antique store. You’ll naturally find yourself competing with buyers for whom price is no object, and bargaining isn't a feature most online auctions offer.

The benefit of browsing online auction listings for antique smoking memorabilia, however, is that the price a vintage cigar case sells for gives you a rough idea of how much the box will fetch on the open market.

Flowers To Say Sorry? Or Cigars.

2011-01-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

Is your relationship on a jagged road? Do you need to give a humongous apology? Are flowers to say sorry not cutting it?

If you are in a situation that warrants a really big apology, you are not alone. Thousands of others have been where you are and have managed to make it through.

The fact that you are here reading this, shows that you care about the other person. You want to make things right between the two of you. And that is very commendable.

If you need more than flowers to say sorry, here are some tips to help you out.

First step in your apology is to agree. I've been at the receiving of a supposed apology where the other person kept on and on about why they did not mean to hurt me. And I can tell you that hearing all of that only made me more upset. It is as if they are telling me that they are right and I am wrong. And all I want is an apology, a sincere apology and for them to admit that yes, they did hurt me. To me, it wasn't sincere, but was more of a self justification act.

So, when you give an apology, give it with heartfelt sincerity. It will show through your face and your voice. When you give your apology, do just that, don't try to explain why you did what you did. Just admit the fact that what you did hurt them and you are truly sorry for that.

Next, you can thank them. In this step, you could add flowers to say sorry. Think of something nice they did and give them sincere praise for it. It can even be along the line of thanking them for bringing the matter to your attention since it will make you a better person.

Where to Find Antique Cigar Boxes

2011-01-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

By far one of the best places to find antique cigar boxes is at a yard sale given by your local veteran’s organization. Veteran’s organizations are often comprised of elderly individuals who performed military service overseas and may have purchased and brought home old cigar boxes from other countries. Other places to find valuable and collectible cigar boxes include:

Small antique shops
Flea markets
Church yard sales
Estate sales

The best antique shops to scour for vintage cigar boxes are those “hole-in-the-wall” places that aren’t frequented by tourists or big-city collectors. Popular antique stores are quickly picked over and you’re unlikely to find valuable cigar cases to add to your collection when competing with other collectors.

Determining Value of Vintage Cigar Box

2011-01-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

Cigar boxes keep cigars fresh and help them maintain their flavor over a longer period of time. Although modern cigar boxes can be made out of a variety of materials, including cardboard, antique cigar boxes are almost always constructed entirely out of wood. These vintage boxes make ideal holiday gifts or can help you complete your collection.

Determining the Value of a Vintage Cigar Box

Like most collectible items, the value of a given cigar box rests at least partially on its condition. Your goal when buying cigar boxes strictly for their monetary value should be to purchase boxes that lack mold, water damage or chipped pieces. Inspect each box carefully for signs of damage or misuse before making your purchase, as antiques are often not refundable. Perform the following inspections of the cigar case before making your purchase:

Evaluate the interior condition of the wood or felt
Check for fading
Examine the label for signs of peeling
Check the bottom of the box for manufacture stamps

An experienced collector or reputable antiques appraiser in your area should be able to give you an estimate of your cigar box’s value. Keep in mind, however, that if the individual shows interest in purchasing your cigar box, he may have incentive to appraise the case for less than its actual value in the interest of making a deal.

A Review of Playdough Flavor - Looking To Cigar, Next

2010-12-25T00:42:00.001-08:00

A direct and thoughtful review of Playdough flavors by a consummate; The Oatmeal. While this review is just plain funny, we have found that the upcoming cigar review - a special on Double Coronas - will be of interest to us all.

See the full review and expectations here: http://theoatmeal.com/blog/playdoh

Police Like Pie

2010-12-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here is one pie (chart) we all know the Police eat. Hungrily.

Please be safe this holiday season, for your sake and ours.

Smoking Trick For Cigars, Cigarettes and Hookah

2010-12-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

It's called: The Bubble.

This is a smoking trick that is easy to do. You will need a funnel and a bowl of solution that will create solid bubbles. Place the funnel into your solution and let it sit at the top for about 10 seconds. Take a deep hit of your smoke making sure to keep all of the smoke in your mouth. After this, pick up the funnel and blow the smoke into it. As you start blowing the smoke into the funnel you will notice your bubble beginning to form. The amount of smoke you blow into the bubble will control how big it gets. When you are satisfied with the size of your bubble, slightly flick the funnel upwards to release the bubble into the air.

Hint: If you are having a hard time creating a bubble, you may not have a good solution mix, or you may be blowing too hard. With a little bit of practice you should be able to perfect this trick.

Classic Archie Bunker - Faith

2010-11-15T01:13:00.000-08:00

We didn’t crawl out from under no rocks. We didn’t have no tails. And we didn’t come from monkeys you atheist pinko meathead.

It ain’t supposed to make sense; it’s faith. Faith is something that you believe that nobody in his right mind would believe.”

• Archie Bunker

Coffee likened to Cigar: Searching

2010-10-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

No doubt many of us follow a similar process when searching for that cigar that will just hit the spot. Lately, that right cup of coffee, search, located and brewed has been of similar importance.

Coffee beans are one of the biggest commodities worldwide. More than a billion cup of coffee is consumed the world over and it keeps on increasing. Consumers will pay a lot of money to get a hold of their favorite coffee beans. To assure yourself of your own stock of beans, try scouting for coffee bean suppliers on your own.

An assortment of beans of high excellence and a variety of blends are available. There are several coffee bean suppliers from all over the world. Because it is big business, suppliers are continually upgrading and are always prepared to provide the commodity.

In your hunt for coffee bean suppliers, find out if they have the facts and understanding as well as the zeal for the commodity. These people must be very knowledgeable about the quality of coffee. People in this industry must be dedicated and are known for improving their products and continually upgrading their processes to come up with high quality beans. If they prefer to talk more about their products, their marketing strategies, research and development, and are proud of their personnel, then you are in good hands.

Once you have narrowed down your list of suppliers, go for a personal visit so that you will be able to see the beans yourself. Check how good their beans are, the packaging and the roasting processes. If it would be possible, try to request for a coffee-tasting session together with the site visit. The session could be done with the supplier or the master roaster. When the master roaster tastes the roasted coffee along with you and readily explains the process to you, this is considered a good sign and that you've come to the right place.

You should also ask if the companies have their own blends and if these blends have undergone testing and tasting by their own roasting staff. They should be able to tell you the difference between espresso and espresso-based beverages. Observe if their baristas are well-trained and if their machines are spotlessly cleaned and well-maintained.

To a supplier, you may just be another cup of coffee to them. Let them know you mean business. Ask them what they know of water filtration, the quality of water they use, the difference between drip coffee and brewing, quality control standards, shelf life of their coffee beans, and mostly of all what are their emergency precautions. What is essential is that a good supplier is someone who cares about the business and is equally devoted in serving a good cup of coffee like you.

Any thoughts about how this applies to our cigar tastes?

...but I did not shoot the Deputy

2010-10-20T10:37:00.001-07:00

INMATES SAVE LIFE OF DEPUTY

"I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot no deputy, oh no! Oh!
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot no deputy, ooh, ooh, oo-ooh."

Prefaced by lyrics from Bob Marley and sung best by Eric Clapton, we are pleased to present you with this story about two guys (could be you and me, by all counts) in an Oregon jail and who still did the right thing - saved the life of "THE MAN."

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Two inmates helped save a sheriff's deputy's life Friday by performing CPR.

James Parker and Michael Smith were part of a Multnomah County work crew being supervised by the deputy when they stopped to help a stranded driver on North Marine Drive.

After pulling over, the deputy started to experience medical complications.

"When we looked at the deputy and saw he was already turning blue, we knew before he hit the ground. We knew something was wrong," Smith said.

Smith grabbed the cell phone of the stranded driver and dialed 911 to get help.

Parker began to perform CPR while Smith said he tried to keep the deputy calm and reassure him that help was on its way.

A sheriff's spokeswoman said the stranded driver also helped treat the deputy until paramedics arrived.

An ambulance took the deputy, a 25-year veteran with the sheriff's office, to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The deputy's family asked that his name not be released.

Paramedics said the inmates' quick thinking helped save the deputy.

"He's somebody's father, he's somebody's husband. He's just like us," Smith said. "I'd do it for anybody."

Smith is serving jail time for a fourth-degree assault charge and Parker is serving time for contempt of court. They said it never crossed their mind to run off when the deputy fell to the ground.

"The thought that came to my head right when it happened was (that) he needs help," Smith said.

Cig says, "Give these boys a fat cigar as soon as they get released!"

www.monkeydrunk.wordpress.com has more stuff.

Hatred of the Weed

2010-10-04T23:37:00.000-07:00

Thought Police Come for Churchill's Cigars

I loathe the anti-smoking health police. Deeply and profoundly. They are a joyless bunch of busybodies. But I never thought they would stoop to the sort of historical revisionism Orwell described in 1984. I was wrong. Their hatred of the weed knows no limits, not even historical accuracy.

Those who control the present went back in time and snatched away Winston Churchill's trademark cigar:

They came for the smokers. Then for the foie gras. Then for the trans fats. Then for salt. Then for alcohol. And so not just freedom, but also simple pleasure died.

source: www.professorbainbridge.com

Cigars on Facebook

2009-12-26T01:40:00.000-08:00

A quick, "Hey, Lookie Here" to those of you who want to talk about your cigar business on Facebook.

Most of us know the power of Facebook when it comes to viral marketing, social networking and lead generation. In most cases, the small business who is trying to sell, market and/or advertise on the internet "must have" a Facebook presence. And when it comes to cigars, whether it be retail sales or reviews of the latest smokes or accessories, the field just isn't really very crowded when it comes to Facebook; the time is ripe to get your cigar & tobacco profits on the rise and stand out in a relatively thin crowd (for now).

Check this out:

Accomplish this invaluable action, at an unbeatable price of $195, by sending an email to info@safehouseweb.com or by clicking the image above and completing the contact form. They'll get your Business Page up and running within 24 hours.

Affordable Cigar Websites

2009-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just some clarification about the title of this post... It's not the cigars that are affordable, it's the websites about cigars that we're talking about here.

Sharing you knowledge about, like of, or stories involving cigars is part of a stogie-fogie's routine. You may enjoy Googling your favorite cigar topics or brands, or you may have a few favorite website that you make a habit of visiting. But one of the funner (yes, I said it - funner - I know my English teacher is not reading this) ways of diving into the cigar world is to have your own blog or website to share with others.

Simple. Affordable. Works. A Small Business Cigar Website

For those considering a website for their small business venture, related to cigars or any other tobacco product, I recommend contacting the folks at SafeHouse Web. They are specialists at small business website works, building straight-forward, affordable and professional looking sites. Built-in Search Engine Optimization and the ability to maintain the site yourself are part of the deal, too.

If you want to build a cigar-related website, just say "CIGAR" in your phone call or email, and they'll add a blog to your website for FREE!

If it's a just blog that you want to start, but don't have the time or know-how to set one up, check them out for that, too. [It can cost as little as $89!] Friendly service and advice are among the things you can expect to get from SafeHouse Web; pretty cool people.

http://www.safehouseweb.com

Marijuana Cigars At Police Station - Good Idea?

2009-07-31T01:39:00.000-07:00

Two Webster men who went to the Police Station to bail out a friend on Monday were arrested after police saw them with a marijuana-filled cigar while parked in front of the station.Jason Barry, 22, and his cousin, Brian Cherry, 18, were arrested at 6:17 p.m.

According to a police report filed by Sgt. Gregg Wildman, the pair had come to the station to bail out Akeem Atkins, 23, also of Webster, who was arrested at 12:57 p.m. and charged with breaking into a car on Central Street.
Barry and Cherry were waiting in their car, when Wildman, who was in street clothes, walked by the car and saw what appeared to be a blunt a cigar emptied of tobacco and filled with marijuana in the car, Wildman wrote.

Upon questioning, Cherry said there was a black shoebox in the trunk.
Wildman said he found a digital scale and a plastic bag "containing a significant amount of green herbal substance" believed to be marijuana in the box.
Inside the car, police found tobacco emptied from the cigars in some fast food boxes, and both men were arrested because it appeared they were selling the drugs, according to Wildman's statement. In a written statement, Cherry took all responsibility.

"I came to the Ashton Police Station and this is when I realized I had my weed in the car," said Cherry. "This was not Jason Barry week. He had no idea it was in the car."

Both Barry, of 12 Village Way, and Cherry were charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of marijuana.
They were released without bail after their Framingham District Court arraignments yesterday. They are due back in court on July 9 for a pretrial conference.
The man they bailed out, Atkins, was charged with breaking and entering into a vehicle, larceny of property worth less than $250 and two counts of receiving stolen property worth less than $250.

...and the beat goes on.

Cigar USB - A Touch of Distinction

2009-07-31T00:52:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this yet?! So very cool and novelty and techy (and geeky, a bit), but if you're a stogie man @ the computer... well, this is a must have.

USB Cigar Flash Memory, with LEDs. The tip glows red when connected and then brightens upon disk access. Adds a touch of distinction for your computer and gives you something new to tell your cigar and golf buddies.

Here's the link to the full piece, http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-Cigar-Flash-Memory/ , which includes 12 steps of instructions.

Grateful?

2009-06-21T00:18:00.000-07:00

Just Because

2009-05-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

What a great pic.

Caught On Tape: Robber Steals Cash, Cigars

2009-05-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Police Seek Man Who Robbed Mobil Station

Thursday, April 23, 2009

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Police are searching for a gunman who robbed a Hollywood gas station on Saturday night.

According to Hollywood police, a man carrying a silver revolver entered the Mobil gas station in the 2700 block of Stirling Road just before 10 p.m.

Surveillance video shows the gunman as he jumped over the counter to steal cash and grape-flavored Swisher Sweets cigars, police said.

The robber left the store and went south into Oakwood Plaza. Police said someone saw an older red pickup truck leaving the area.

Police described the gunman as a black man about 6 feet tall with a thin build. On the night of the robbery, he was wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt, blue jean shorts, latex gloves and a rag over his face.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Police called in for sex doll bomb

2009-05-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

A box that caused a bomb scare outside a high school in Tangerang, Indonesia actually contained an inflatable sex doll.

Teachers and pupils panicked when they spotted a wire sticking out of the box and summoned the police. Inside the box they discoverd the sex doll. The wires turned out to be part of the equipment that comes with the doll.

Cigar Donations Received by Troops

2009-03-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Republished from: From Gary Manelski, About.com

Doc,
Thanks to you and all those who visit about.com for continuing to support us out here! I just received an impressive collection of Thompsons from Philip Jones and the Wolfpack Club in NC, a very nice collection of Perdomos from David Contiguglia in NY, and a large box of premium cigars from Grant Wicklund in CO. The generosity of these and others has allowed me to expand the number of bases we support out here to nine this month, I sent them out this morning. All of our cigar smokers out here really appreciate it - getting quality stogies from AAFES is a challenge at most locations downrange. And that little luxury in our wind down time makes a huge difference in morale. I've attached a picture of Col Perez and myself on a recent sunny afternoon off, as well as a picture of TSgt Darrien Bourget out at Bagram, one of the many individuals you all are affecting with your donations. Thanks so much for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

V/R
Capt Funk

Zippo-rrific!

2009-03-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

The boys at Zippo put together a nice little gift set-up for those who appreciate a nice little flask to take out on the course, accompanied by a matching, personalized lighter to fire up your favorite stogie.

These days, not many of us can afford to gift a whole set of clubs to our buddy or relative, or whoever, but this accessory pack is real nice. 30 bucks and you can add personalized engraving on the flask and the lighter.

Get two-gifts-in-one with this classy duo. A personalized compact brushed finished flask allows him to carry his favorite beverage discreetly and the elegant matching brushed chrome genuine Zippo lighter can be conveniently stowed in a pocket or briefcase for a quick light whenever he needs it. Flask holds 4 ounces of his favorite libation and both items can be personalized. Personalization must be identical on both items. Made in the USA with Zippo’s Lifetime Guarantee. Gift box included.

Here's the direct link to the item from our pals at Uptown Enterprises. Check it out.

The Shadowy World of Underground Cigar Commerce

2009-03-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Cigar smoking used to be a smelly habit pursued by portly businessmen and favorite uncles. But in the last several years, cigars have become trendy with all age groups. It's a trend marked by unprecedented sales, an explosion of cigar magazines, shops and even nightclubs.

The most popular, and expensive, of the cigars are Cuban and the growing demand for Cuban product has created a flood of phoney cigars. Some police estimates say 80 per cent of the Cuban cigars sold in Canada are fakes. And what passes as tobacco in some of these cigars would make the most dedicated puffer think twice.

The police and the cigar industry are doing to make the counterfeiters butt out.

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and a mecca for Canadian tourists. Within walking distance of the centre of old Havana are the world's most famous cigar factories producing Romeo and Juliettas, Monte Cristos, and Cohibas; Cadillac cigars that can cost up to $85 each. A box can sell for $2,000.

Folklore has it that to be considered the real thing, Cuban cigars must rolled on the thighs of nubile virgins. In fact, they're produced in half a dozen five-story factories, each floor of which is dedicated to a specific aspect of the creation of the authentic Cuban cigar. Each cigar is the product of 192 separate tasks, all done by hand. The most critical is the actual rolling.

Cuba's prime tobacco fields are surrounded by terrain Steven Spielberg considered using as the location to shoot Jurassic Park. There's not much land here: maybe the equivalent of a few farms in Saskatchewan. Only a handful of skilled farmers really know how to work the land. But even the world's best tobacco growers can't meet the insatiable demand for Cuban cigars, a demand that has quadrupled in the last decade. A demand that's also created a world-wide black market in fakes and an international network of counterfeiters.

Far from the sights featured in a tourist guide, a shadowy world of underground commerce thrives in the back streets of old Havana. Illegal factories produce fake cigars. As for the raw material, much of it is stolen from the legitimate factories, tobacco leaves swept from the floor, cigar bands, finished cigars, the company seals, and even the cedar boxes. It's risky business. If caught, inside workers can lose their jobs. A casual security check at the door is supposed to stop theft, but for many Cubans earning a monthly wage of 200 pesos (CDN$13) the temptation to get in on the action is irresistible.

For Canadian tourists arriving in Cuba, buying cigars on the street looks like a bargain. People sell top-notch cigars at fire-sale prices. New laws in Cuba could put these hustlers behind bars for five years. But it's worth the risk; there's lots of money to be made. A box of Cuban cigars bought on the streets of old Havana for CDN$70 can fetch up to $2,000 in Canada. The amount of money to be made is so immense that police in Cuba and Canada compare it to drug smuggling. But the risk of being penalized is far lower.

The traffic in phoney cigars is so big that professional couriers ("mules" they're called) smuggle them out on passenger planes or aboard ships leaving Havana heading for Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax. Canadian police are tight-lipped about Mafia involvement, but Cuban authorities have identified channels being used to export large shipments of fake cigars as those used by drug smugglers.

At Toronto's Pearson International Airport, the priority for Canada Customs is drugs. Seven million people go through there in one year, and officers have about 90 seconds to make a decision about each one. The odds favour the cigar smugglers. But if they're caught, Canada Customs warns it can be serious. The goods will be seized and charges will be laid. To date though, no Canadians are behind bars for doing a little dealing in Cuban cigars. In Cuba, tough new laws have put 100 Cuban smugglers in jail, but haven't stopped a brisk underground trade.

With the exclusive right to sell Cuban cigars in Canada, Abel Ortego is a powerful man. He supplies all Canadian retailers with Cuba's only luxury export. Based in Toronto, he heads Havana House and sells three million cigars a year. Mr. Ortego estimates that 80,000 to 100,000 boxes of fake Cuban cigars find their way into the Canadian market each year. A black market that cost $52 million a year in lost taxes alone. He says fake cigar are done out of factories by non-skilled rollers using second-class tobacco. Or anything else you can name.

Around the Newmarket RCMP detachment in Ontario, Corporal Don Cooke is known as the cigar guru. He believes that 80 per cent of the Cuban cigars sold in Canada are either counterfeit or non-duty paid cigars. He has seen cigars made of toilet paper, paper, banana leaves, and cockroaches. Cigars we bought in a Toronto corner convenience store and had examined by Revenue Canada's Forensic Lab contained cotton and synthetic fibres, a live insect and a larvae (Lazioderma Serracona) - not a health risk, we were assured.

In search of the real thing, a box of authentic Cuban cigars for sale in Canada, we arbitrarily picked Calgary and a reputable dealer who buys all his Cuban cigars in good faith from Havana House, the legitimate supplier in Toronto. We bought a box of 25 Monte Cristo cigars, the most popular brand in the world. Completely sealed, with all the right stamps certifying its authenticity, we paid the full price of $420 plus taxes. We got the number two man in charge of world distribution in Cuba to pick a cigar at random. He declared it a fake.

When we asked Abel Ortego of Havana House about this box of cigars, he smoked one, which he said was the real thing. The other cigar, he said, didn't belong to that box at all. Although he doesn't know where the switch could have occurred, he suggested it could have occurred at the factory before the box was sealed.

So it seems the cigar industry, the pride of Cuba, has fallen victim to its own success, as counterfeiters cash in on a tradition going back generations.

Participating in California

2009-03-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

Sm-igar?

2008-12-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Poll Withdrawals?

2008-12-18T00:32:00.000-08:00

With the passing of the presidential election, I discovered a void in the bombardment of meaningless, manipulated polls that had become customary on the daily news. In order to fill that void for myself, and perhaps other sufferers of Post-Election Poll Distress (PEP'D), I located some truly substantive poll results to show you. So if you're feeling a bit PEP'D up, enjoy:

Source: jankyvision.com The Most Rusted Name In News

Just In Time For Christmas

2008-12-15T23:41:00.000-08:00

Now, if you are like me and have always aspired to have your very own wooden cigar store Indian family, then you are in luck. Lucky, in the sense that I have found a great place to obtain said family.

Check out Circle KB - "Where the Wild West Still Is!" for details on getting your new domestic companions. This spiffy set will only run you $4,600 and will no doubt cause you to be the toast of your neighborhood.

The creator of these pieces is Frank Gallagher and you can find non-family-unit cigar store Indians, too. Offered at heights of 3 and 4 feet, these unencumbered cigar gnomes start at around $900.

Woo woo woo (hand to mount repeatedly), Merry Christmas!

Cigar Gangsters from 1913

2008-11-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Even back in the day, the thefts our finer goods and comforts were front page news. New York Times' complete article.

Cigar Bar Battles Blazin'

2008-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

$321.

How much money is that to a bar owner's daily take? Is it a big enough bite to make the owner actively enforce a local smoking ordinance inside his establishment? And then to walk this legal-ease tightrope of whether or not his place qualifies as a posted cigar bar? Please.

To me, it's not so much the money, or whether or not the ordinance is a good one, but the fact that somebody has gone to all the effort and expense to go after the bar owner for this piddly little ordinance violation. Who is it that has that kind of time on their hands and that kind of spite in their head?

Here's the article exerpt from examiner.com-san jose:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. A bar owner found guilty of breaking the state smoking ban law is seeking a new trial, alleging jurors went to his business during deliberations to investigate.

Murray Street Darts bar owner Bruce Hicks plead guilty this week to violating the state's smoking band but it's a jury trial from last month that he's contesting. Hicks' attorney says two jurors went to his client's bar to see if he had a sign that advertised it as a "cigar bar." Judges forbid jurors from researching cases.

Hicks has maintained he is exempt from the ban because he qualifies for the "cigar bar" provision, meaning at least 5 percent or $50,000 of his revenue comes from the sale of tobacco products.

Hicks' attorney says the jurors reported back telling others there was no "cigar bar" sign.

Two other local bar owners also plead guilty this week to violating the ban. Each paid a $221 fine.

Hicks paid a $321 fine this week for the most recent case.

...Perhaps this is big money for the local municipality.

...what would it say on the back of a smoking ticket??

"Smoke" Shop?

2008-10-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

NEED SOUTH BAY SHOP WITH GOOD DETOX CLEANER

"I need to know of a smoke shop in the south bay that's got a good detox cleaner. something that will really detox me not just mask for one test, cause i'm going to have 3 tests coming up at random. I know one is monday for sure. but other than that don't know when they'll be"

During what has become a semi-regular routine of browsing craigslist for 1) freelance job opps and 2) just interesting stuff, I found the above post by a person looking for a way to clean out their system to pass a drug test. Specifically targeted in the posting's title was "Smoke Shop".

Here's the actual craigslist link to this little bee-bop: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/com/874583974.html

I'm thinking this person maybe ought to check a few articles below and read about the ex-cop who encourages cigar smoking versus marijuana...

About 21 years ago, when smoking weed was the-thing-to-do, I distinctly recall the lure of the smoke shop - the pipes, the papers, THE PARAPHERNALIA. Oooooo, the toys. The craigslist posting for the chemical toy (detoxer) took me back to remembering that if I wanted anything, anything at all, that was related to my smoke all I had to do was go to my buddy. "Dude! I need to get some... (fill in the blank)." And it would just happen; now days, this poor soul has to get up on craigslist of all places to solicit that kind of help for that kind of problem??!

Me, oh my, where has Dave gone? Oh yeah, DAVE'S NOT HERE!

It's much nicer, these days, to yearn for the aroma of cigar smoke - no hassles associated with it, no FIVE-O, just some peace of mind. Plus, the "dude" I'd probably hit up for a cigar or the location of a good smoke shop is more likely to have green in his wallet instead of green on his tongue.

Paul Newman 1925 - 2008

2008-09-28T01:18:00.000-07:00

I always thought Paul Newman personified "cool". Not just because of the part he played in Cool Hand Luke, but in all his other famous roles and because he seemed to carry that same demeanor in his off-set life and activities. Just one of those guys who I would always stop and watch if I saw him in the news or in one of his movies on TV.

She Don't Know She's Beautiful

2008-09-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Padilla Cigars' video shoot with Natalie Martinez. Just plain beautiful. Gives us a nice flavor of Miami; the beautiful woman, the cigar, the streets, the music. A nice diversion, I think.

Greensboro Police Don't Like Cigar Robbers

2008-09-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Five-O doesn't come close to measuring-up when it comes to the way the Greensboro boys-in-blue went after a guy who robbed the local cigar shop!

We're talking about a helicopter, K-9 units, ladder-climbing cops to check the roofs, and an all-out shut down of local roadways in search of the bad guy. Gotta hand it to the citizenry of lovely Greensboro -- they know how to hire politicians that know how to hire cops! So check out the following news blurb for details and cool pics of the whole story, but I find it comforting to know that when somebody messes with a good ol' cigar shop in the middle of tobacco country, they're in for one heck of a run.

In Greensboro, North Carolina, Officers from three agencies using a helicopter and police dogs spent Thursday afternoon unsuccessfully searching for a man suspected of robbing a cigar store on Alamance Church Road.

The report says that at 11 a.m., Greensboro police responded to an armed robbery at Tobacco World at 1027 Alamance Church Road.
The robber drove off, but someone in the business was able to take down his license plate number.

From that number, police were able to get an address associated with the vehicle, and deputies headed to that neighborhood in an unincorporated area near the city's edge, said Col. T. Randy Powers, with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies confronted the suspect near 1300 Youngs Mill Road, but the man ran away before the deputies could get near him.
Police, deputies, and Highway Patrol troopers cordoned off the area and searched until 3:45 p.m., using police dogs and a Highway Patrol helicopter.

"He could have fit in the one lucky hole (where) we didn't have somebody in fast enough," Powers said.
No one was injured in the robbery.

The bad guys was described as a man as 6 feet tall and slender, with dark hair and wearing jeans and a black shirt.

...anybody in Greensboro fit that description?

...any of the other smoke shops putting up rewards or publicity??

Ex-cop reveals how teaching your teen to smoke cigars can prevent them from smoking weed...

2008-09-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

Smoke cigars not weed.

“Ex cop reveals how teaching your teen to smoke cigars can actually prevent them from smoking weed or taking drugs!”

This little gem of a tag line took me to cigarsnotweed.com and was worth the read, just for the entertainment value and even a little "makes you think". John Wingert has a brief article about some things you might consider when trying to keep your teenager off drugs.

AND ON A RELATED NOTE:

Two men in Chattanooga, Tennessee, were arrested after drying marijuana in the microwave of a 7-11 while a police officer was inside. The smell of marijuana soon filled the convenience store. The men told authorities they were on their way to a drug rehabilitation clinic when they stopped to dry their pot.

Ohio Teen Shot Dead After Egging Cars

2008-09-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus teenager who was throwing eggs at cars as part of a late-night prank was fatally shot, police said Sunday.
Police said 16-year-old Garrett Burton was with at least one other teenage boy Saturday in the backyard of a home when someone shot him in the head just before 3 a.m. Police have no suspects.
The band at Westland High School, where Burton was a student, played the school's alma mater in memory of him at Saturday night's football game.
Another Columbus teen was killed in an egging incident in December 2006. Fourteen-year-old Danny Crawford was shot after a group of boys he was with threw an egg at a car. No one has been charged in that case.

Suspected Car Thief Gets Caught In Overturned Port-a-Potty

2008-09-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. — A suspected car burglar in Tampa made a dirty mistake when he hid out inside a Port-O-Let.
Tampa Police say 22-year-old Lorenzo Earl Knight broke into two cars Saturday. One of the owners fought Knight and chased him to a nearby construction site. Knight tried to hide in the Port-O-Let, but when the victim found him he overturned the toilet, dumping huge amounts of human waste on Knight.
Knight has been charged with auto burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Problem = No cigar involved.

Hollister Motorcycle Rally 2008

2008-08-06T23:10:00.000-07:00

This year the powers that be decided to start a tradition of having the annual Rally on the weekend AFTER the 4th of July. While this is a debated move away from the years past, it's an effort aimed at making the event better for bikers, spectators, vendors - just about everybody involved.

Here's a link to a positive review of this year's rally http://johnnysbarandgrill.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-4th-and-2008-rally.html, along with another nice post that explains some of the logistics behind changing the rally schedule, http://johnnysbarandgrill.blogspot.com/2008/06/rally-questions.html.

I also found this link to a fairly cool slideshow from the rally that was put together by the local newspaper, the Hollister Freelance, http://www.hollisterfreelance.com/video/246719-2008-hollister-motorcycle-rally-slide-show

How do cigars fit in to this little piece? Only in that the event was outdoors and even the strong police presence didn't hamper the smoking enjoyment of strolling down the streets and taking in all the sights!

The Great George Carlin - About Cigar Smokers

2008-06-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

This video contains adult language.

I'll miss the purposely rebellious and left-field, left-wing humor of this comedy genius. He had an inherent skill to push all the buttons of the politically correct amongst us, and in that I think lies one of his greater contributions through comedy. His illustrated perceptions of people, institutions, governments and the like were so surgically abrasive that they could do no less than make me laugh and think, then laugh some more.

The video included above is his typical, hilarious button-pushing of those of us who enjoy the cigar. You've got to be smiling at yourself after watching this one.

I remember as a kid having to conceal from my parents the fact my buddies and I were listening to Carlin. And heaven-forbid that any of us used one of the "Seven Dirty Words" that helped make him even more revered! Here's a link to a good YouTube video of Carlin performing that bit - MORE ADULT LANGUAGE.

I was reading some summaries of his more famous moments, and came across this 1997 AP interview of Carlin where he talks about editing his own obituary.

George Carlin 1937-2008

$4m Cigar Theft

2008-06-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

This one's out of Australia. 83,000 cigars stolen from a warehouse over this past weekend. The thieves apparently were able to disarm the alarm system, and the preliminary investigation penned the incident as having happened sometime between Friday at 4pm, when everybody went home, and Monday at 8am when employees came back to work and discovered the 'slight' inventory shortage.

The owner, Tobbacconist Charles Vella, said the alarm system was not deactivated from inside the premisies and speculated the crime was one of organization rather than opportunity. A further indication of this was the fact that all 83K of the sticks were Toscani brand, and Vella was the only importer of the popular smokes in all of Australia.

Another interesting little twist, sure to be a helpful investigative lead for the police, was that 2 other brands were stolen along with the bulk of Toscani cigars; Police have said other brands stolen include Flor De Filipinas and Il Barone, which are not currently for sale in Australia.

So all you have to do to solve the case is find the guy on the street selling these 2 brands at can't-beat prices. It's not like he can hop the border fence into another country and offload 'em!

Chewgars - For the Descriminating Dog

2008-06-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

My dogs are stressed. They've just been through a geographic move that uprooted them from their home of the last 9 years. What more could a master do to settle the nerves of his faithful best friends than to treat them to a high-end Chewgar? I mean really, they should expect nothing less!

While Chewgars are not considered in the same light as precious contraband smuggled from Cuba, nor do they emit the same enticing aroma as a fine Havana-born product, they do provide similar calming effects.

The drool from my Shepard and Lab was non-stop when the above pictured Chewgar Box (16 pc) was unwrapped, and the flavorful aroma of beef, chicken and chocolate flavored cowhide filled the air.

This unique product (about $40) can be found at Bars, Cigars & Brew, where they have a lot of good stuff for humans, too. I like their site; it has interesting shopping for your bar and pub needs, home and garden, coffee products, cigars and accessories, etc. As "Purveyors of fine living", they have some fun stuff to check out.

Golf Bag Heater Holder

2008-06-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's hard to concentrate on your swing with your favorite freshly ignited heater clenched between your jaws, isn't it? Or the practice many more of us follow is to leave our cigar on the cart bumper or in the beverage holder. Walkers are oftentimes seen laying their stogie on the freshly cut, fertilizer-laden grass as they ready their club.

The Heater Holder, made by S.W. Burke, Co. is a solution for both riders and walkers. The golf bag accessory attaches neatly to one of the rain hood snaps at the top of your bag and has a 'safety chain' that clips onto your towel-holder loop or any other hanging loop on your bag. The genius to this approach is that the Heater Holder is right at the top of your bag, so you'll see it (remember it!) each time you remove and replace your club throughout the game. No more troubles leaving the cigar behind as it bounces off the cart bumper or out of the beverage holder, and for the walkers, no more leaving that lit beauty behind or even having to chance the infusion of fertilizer chemicals into the flavor of your smoking experience.

As an aside, I'm not sure what the intent of the 'safety chain' is. Perhaps style more than anything - kind of like the guy with the chain on his rear pocket wallet. But I do know that if I've got a cigar that requires safety equipment, I'm probably not out on the course with it.

In all seriousness, the chain is another great feature, in that the Heater Holder will still be attached to your bag if the snap becomes disengaged during your travels about the course.

This little addition to your golf bag can do nothing but improve your chances of enjoying a great round and a great smoke. Plus it's a very stylish addition to your game and you'll never have to worry about where to lay your cigar down. It's available at heaterholder.com in stainless steel, gold and sterling silver, ranging from about $25 to $225, depending on which metal you find most precious.

Found Primates while Perusing

2008-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

You're right, the title is a bit weird. That's alright, though, because you're still reading and you might wonder how primates have anything to do with cigars or any other tobacco related product or activity. It's a stretch, but it's based on a signature phrase a friend of mine and I agree on wholeheartedly: "Monkeys Add Humor."

Crazy Monkey Hookah Freak Modern Tobacco is the title that caught my eye. I was perusing various sources of tobacco accessories, and POW, the title of the link hit me and I just had to see; this backs my premise that weird titles can peak your interest, and that when monkeys are involved, you just can't lose.

The link goes to hookahhub.com, which is a store that sells anything and everything Hookah. This also translates into just about anything and everything Tobacco, as well. Crazy Monkey, as it turns out, is a popular blend of shisha used in Hookah smoking. The site claims smoking a rip of Crazy Monkey will give you an irresistible urge to do the monkey dance...

So back to the cigar nexus. While reading through several areas of the hookahub site, I learned that Hookah Bars are becoming, or have become, almost as popular as our Cigar Bars. The crowds at these establishments are usually younger men and women, with numerous eastern and middle eastern influences, and are appealing to newer audiences here in the U.S. After seeing pictures of some of the Hookah Bars (people sitting yoga style on the floor with a Hookah vase at the center of their circle, or crowded cozily into a corner booth to share a Hookah pipe) it made me think of younger days when those images would have been associated with smoking something that certainly would not have been sold publicly.

Is this why Hookah smoking has not yet permeated the golf course? Or maybe it's because doing the monkey dance on the course could effect your handicap.

Faking It

2008-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

What's in YOUR humidor? Or as importantly, the humidors of your local cigar shop. Reports that more than 3 million counterfeit cigars make their way into the humidors of unwitting smokers and even retailers in the United States each year give cause for caution. The purchase of an authentic product - the product YOU want - depends largely on your eye and knowledge, and of course your confidence in the cigar shop of your choice.

Do some snooping around the shop and chat with the owner; this can give you a good gut-level feeling about whether or not your cigar guy is up to snuff. Is his expertise solid? Talk to friends and read-up a bit to develop your own knowledge base.

The continuing infusion of counterfeit bands into the cigar market compounds the issue. Some of the work of counterfeiters is pretty shoddy and you can recognize a fake right off the bat. They use inferior paper stock, a lesser degree of embossing, along with being unable to reproduce the intricate details of a top-quality band; once you have an eye for this, you'll see that the cigarmakers are using complex band designs to thwart counterfeiters. An example of this is the gold dust on a Fuente Fuente OpusX band.

Nonetheless, some miscreants of society use stolen (authentic, but stolen) bands on fake cigars. Even the streets of Havana are known to be thick with black market smokes and bands.

Ultimately, the cigar itself is the only true test of its authenticity, but the folks at Cigar Aficionado have a handy online Counterfeit Gallery to help you spot the authenticity-challenged cigar.

Where There's Smoke, There's.... Jail?

2008-05-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

U.S. Customs, the Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard. Are these the guys you would typically want to see on your return sail home from Havana? Probably not, unless you were in some sort of maritime distress. But that's exactly the situation two gents from the Fort Myers, Florida area found themselves in about two weeks ago.

Today, they were indicted on various smuggling charges that could net them 20 years in the clink - enter stage right - the U.S. Attorney General's Office.

They were bringing home precious Cuban contraband. As a matter of record, 364 boxes of Cuban cigars, 30 pounds of Cuban coffee, 45 bottles of Cuban rum and 100 cartons of Cuban cigarettes were seized from the boat.

The two guys in question, Martin Sengeis and Douglas Hiner, were sailing their 51-foot sloop home from Havana when Sengeis ran it aground (for unknown reasons). A Coast Guard crew responded. While checking things out, the Coasties saw a bunch of Cuban goods in plain view aboard the boat, which precipitated the response of the Border Patrol and Customs. 26 specialized smuggling compartments were then found in the boat.

This eventually lead agents to a storage facility where they found 27,000 various Cuban cigars and over 40 bottles of Cuban rum.

Treasure Island...?

Smoking a Cigar - A Quick How To

2008-05-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

Remembering how much crap my buddies gave me when I first started smoking cigars - because I didn't know what I was doing - was one of the inspirations for getting this little guide together. While it doesn't address the etiquette involved, you can start with this and work your way up to smoking with the big dogs! Enjoy that smoke.

A) Prepare your cigar. Make sure the cigar is properly cut, a cigar cutter is always the best option, but to save money or if you don't have one, use any other kind of sharp blade. Make sure that the cut is sharp; you do not want jagged edges as these can lead to uneven burning of the tobacco. Double guillotine cutters are most frequently used because they consistently produce a perfect cut. Although some manly-men may choose to bite the end off, it only really works in the movies. See how manly you look when you're spitting out bits of leaf for the next 3 days.

B) Remove the ring wrapper.

C) Properly light the cigar. Wooden matches or butane lighters are preferable as they impart no taste on the cigar. If you're using a wooden match, wait for the sulfur to burn off the end. Hold the flame up to the end and suck lightly with your mouth to draw the flame to the tip (not necessary if you're using a butane lighter). Don't inhale the smoke. An even light is one of the most important aspects of smoking a cigar; if necessary rotate the cigar around to ensure that the entire tip is lit.

D) Smoke it. Hold the cigar up to your mouth and draw in smoke, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds to cool it, and then let it go. Do not inhale cigar smoke.

E) Repeat step C 2-3 times a minute until you are done smoking it. Cigars can last really long, so don't be afraid to extinguish it to have another time when you are done.

F) Extinguish it when done. Simply set it aside in the ashtray. The cigar will extinguish itself after a minute or two without you puffing on it. Before you set it down, gently blow through the cigar to expel any smoke that will go stale. You can relight your cigar at a later time and enjoy it all over again.