spare change for a change

"Change is Inevitable". I am struck by the foolishness of the "Climate Change Experts" who seem to deny this basic tenet of life. Yet we all know - "There is nothing new under the Sun". My local weatherman cannot even predict the local weather accurately, yet we have "sages" who think they can measure global temperatures. The weather even cycles during the day from hot to cold and from cool in the shade to hot in the sun. It cycles with the seasons. We hear that polar caps and Greenland are melting. They are also freezing. They have melted before - but we deny historical "Greenland" and the frozen fossils found on the tundra. We are very myopic in our view of the weather and even in our egocentric view of life. Amidst this change we have "experts" that make money and profit in fear-mongering. Now the lid has been opened to view their manipulation...

Climate change: this is the worst scientific scandal of our generation Our hopelessly compromised scientific establishment cannot be allowed to get away with the Climategate whitewash. by Christopher BookerTelegraph.co.UK

Times they are a changin...

Change seems to also be a constant in the cigar world. Even consistent brands have added maduro or ligero lines. General Cigar has added the Cohiba Black and Davidoff has the Davidoff Maduro.



The following is via absolutecigars.com:

Brand Profile

Developed by iconic Cigar Master Daniel Núñez and meticulously handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Cohiba Black cigars are adorned with a hearty Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is aged on the plant to yield an exceptionally rich, dark and bold leaf. Bound with sun-grown Dominican Piloto Cubano which is aged in tercios for three years, and filled with a blend of hand-selected tobaccos, each also aged in tercios for three years, Cohiba Black cigars contain Mexican and Dominican filler. An espresso of a cigar, Cohiba Black cigars boast a characteristic deep color and rich, complex flavor. According to Bill Chilian, director of marketing for Cohiba Black cigars, “It was a laborious process for Daniel Nuñez to develop a suitable blend to complement the highly successful Cohiba Black cigar collection. We believe that in creating Cohiba Black cigars, Daniel has brought to market an exciting cigar that is destined to be an instant addition to the smoking repertoires of devoted cigar aficionadoas of the Cohiba cigar brand.” Cohiba Black cigars are the first line extension of the venerable Cohiba cigar brand in five years. Cloaked in an eye-catching, solid mahogany box, Cohiba Black cigars are available in four frontmarks: COHIBA® Black Churchill measures 7” x 49 and is packaged in boxes of 25. At 5 1/2” x 42, Cohiba Black corona cigarscigars, again in boxes of 25. Individually protected in elegant crystal tubes, Cohiba Black robusto cigars measure 5 1/2 x 50. Rounding out the collection are Cohiba Black Supremo cigars, a 6” x 54 cigar in boxes of 25. The Cohiba line of premium cigars is handcrafted in the Dominican Republic and is a favorite among cigar aficionados. In addition to the Cohiba hallmark line, General Cigar manufactures and markets Cohiba XV cigars which was introduced in 2001. About General Cigar General Cigar Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Swedish Match, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Passionate about delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar produces Macanudo, Partagas, Cohiba, Punch, Excalibur, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana and several other industry-leading brands. In addition, the company grows its own proprietary Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo, a cigar bar in New York City. The Dominican Cohiba cigar took years to develop. The dark, rich cigar wrapper leaf is grown in the sub-tropical West African climate of Cameroon. Cohiba's supple and flavorful Jember binder is grown in Indonesia. To balance the richness of the Cohiba cigar wrapper, the smooth-smoking Piloto Cubano filler leaves are grown in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Cohiba cigar is a deeply satisfying, rich in flavor and history that does not overpower the smoker.

My cigar to review and dedicate to change is the Cohiba Black Supremo. It is a 6x54 toro or robusto grande with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and binder and a Dominican Filler (as above). My cigar was one of a special three pack that came with two other Cohiba varieties and a nice cutter. It was aged in my humidor for 2 years. Even at 2 years, I found the cellophane to be clear and the cigar free of plume. The Connecticut Broadleaf tends to seem dry and and is thick. The musty compost odor on initial appreciation. I used a punch to cut the cap, and lit it with a torch lighter. I found the construction and the draw to be excellent. The initial taste, on smoking, was mildly woody pepper and had a slight coffee flavor which gradually strengthened to hints of espresso. It was medium bodied and full flavored, although the flavor was rather uni-dimensional. There was a caramelized sweetness at the medium point which greatly enhanced the cigar flavor. There was also a sweet aftertaste, although it seemed to have a rather short finish. The burn couldn't have been better. I would say that it is not so much a change as an addition to a great line of General Cigars!

I wish the climate changers would have added the same kind of change to their scientific study - and not ignored current or previous research contrary to their opinions. I wish they would have acknowledged that fated Medieval Warming Period.

Maybe we are headed to a change in their deception...

Smart Cigars

Little bitty teensie weeny cars - I thought they were only for little bitty teeny weeny European streets, or maybe Asian thoroughfares. These go-kart like contraptions are shaped like an angulated shoe box. I am not sure of their means of propulsion, but suspect they must have a small gasoline engine. Some may even be electric! These vehicles are called "Smart Cars". It may not be so smart in a collision, but is definitely a power-saver. I wonder if my knees would hit the dashboard. I am sure I would be smothered by the airbag(s) if it were set off!

Remarkably, they have now been seen on the streets of Cuero, Texas. That's the same Cuero that is across the Guadalupe River from my Lindenau. The same Cuero that has oak trees growing in the middle of the road. The home of the Chupacabra and the Texas Wildflower tour. I wonder what would happen if a Smart Car hit a road tree?

The cigar I would like to review is the rare Plasencia TKO maduro made by Nestor Plasencia. It is a 4x43 petite corona dark and small wonder. The wrapper is a maduro Ecuadorian grown Connecticut shade grown. The binder is Nicaraguan and the filler Nicaraguan/Honduran mix. The cigar comes in a nice brick red box, with an attractive similar colored label. I haven't seen them in any cigar store, but have found them through several online sites. The cigar box opened with a pleasant and woodly hay like odor, which persisted even on closer inspection and lighting. The peppery expresso-like slightly flavor was evident, although there was little sweetness. The short slow-burning smoke was consistent with a long finish. JR classifies this as "medium bodied".
From JR: "Master veguros and cigar maker, Nestor Plasencia makes his namesake cigar in his Nicaraguan factory. This cigar is expertly rolled and features a Connecticut shade seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. It is medium in strength and loaded with complex, rich flavor. Often overlooked by consumers, due to the lack of promotion and very moderate prices, do yourself a favor and try a couple. "

I have always believed in the need for "smart intelligence".
I had wondered what happened to "The World's Smartest Man" .
"Bigger is not better when it comes to Brains" - apparently that also applies to cigars - but I don't think I could say that about the "smart cars"...

Veterans Day

It seems like we have a lot of holidays which reflect on the military - Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th. Veterans Day is a special day, in that we appreciate those who are still among us. I am most impressed by those who serve willingly and who do not demand or solicit recognition. The men and women who give their prime years to defend and protect what we hold so dear. Some is made of the Veteran, but so little is made of the service. "To serve others" seems to be a Christian tenant and it's application is reminiscent of Christ's service and love for mankind. Service for others and not ourselves - the most noble of all services!

The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves. Eric Hoffer: 1902-1983, American Author, Philosopher

Offering a cigar can be a pleasant service to those we encounter. It is to offer friendship and good camaraderie. It is to offer sweet fellowship and bonding. It is to offer time together - and that is the most loving offer one can make for another. The time offered in the name of National Service is but a part of the time we have, but it is a significant part.

The cigar I would like to dedicate to Veterans (and my close friend and fellow herfer- Thomas Rendon) is the Gurkha Ancient Warrior (Brazilian Puro) 1st edition. Mine came with a large purple and small purple double band. I found the wrapper to be thick and tasty. I could taste the slight leathery pepper and delicate sweet cedar woodiness with a hint of caramel. Mine also had several years age as they have been out of production for some time.
Stogie Reviews Feb 2007 had this to say: "The prelight aroma was light and pleasant; touched by flame, it was even nicer. The smoke was silky and smooth. From start to finish, there were many tastes: a little pepper, some leather, hay, cedar, caramel, vanilla." I, myself would recommend it based on size, construction, and taste - as well as overall quality.

Once again - I wanted to thank all those who have sacrificially served in the US Military, we appreciate what you have done. We realize that there was and is a cost to maintain the freedoms, security, and liberty we all enjoy. Thanks

Noble Freedom and Honor Prize? - The Medal of Peace? - HOPE AND CHANGE

Right is wrong and wrong is right. The killers must have been and must still be stressed out by George Bush's policies, even though he is no longer president. The President is given The Nobel Peace Prize for being elected - and "because he talks of peace, when there is no peace". In all of the confusion and political correctness we promise to give Native Americans freebies without responsibility. We give Dr. Joe Medicine Crow a "Medal of Freedom" - then we taut him as being somebody because we say he won the "Medal of Honor" - which he did not win! Meanwhile we forget and him haw around to mention those who gave their lives in this terrorist attack. Such a fallacy with words and such a perversion of Honor. The Freedom Medal is a "peace prize" - much like the President's Nobel one. This is all so twisted! One should read what our "hero" did to deserve the medal!

Via Wikipedia
Joseph Medicine Crow joined the army, becoming a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division United States Army. Whenever he went into battle, he wore his war paint beneath his uniform and a sacred eagle feather beneath his helmet. Medicine Crow completed all four tasks required to become a war chief. He touched a living enemy soldier (1) and disarmed an enemy (2) when he turned a corner and found himself face to face with a young German soldier:
"The collision knocked the German's weapon to the ground. Mr. Crow lowered his own weapon and the two fought hand-to-hand. In the end Mr. Crow got the best of the German, grabbing him by the neck and choking him. He was going to kill the German soldier on the spot when the man screamed out "momma." Mr. Crow then let him go". He also led a successful war party (3) and stole an enemy horse (4), making a midnight raid to steal the horses from a battalion of German officers (as he rode off, he sang a traditional Crow honor song.)

He let a German soldier live and touched a dead one...some kind of "hero", although he did have a heart.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a decoration bestowed by the President of the United States and is, along with the equivalent Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of U.S. Congress. It recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The award is not limited to U.S. Citizenship and, while it is a "Civilian" award, it can also be awarded to Military personnel and worn on the uniform.

Via YouTube
Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News

Via Newsbusters
Obama Gives Shout Out to 'Congressional Medal of Honor Winner' Who Isn't

I have a cigar to review, but decided to refrain from smoking one, as too many "honors" have already been given out. It would be wrong to honor the peaceful Indian and not the victims of the Jihad Psychiatrist. May they rest in peace. May God recompense those who stand against His people! May God protect our troops that face and kill our enemies!

stockmarket crash and the internet

Four score and forty years ago today our progenitors brought forth a terrific country wide money crash and later others began to conceive The Internet. The internet has finally opened the news and publishing of it to the common man.

October 29 – a ‘red-letter-day’ in Internet history!

The Stock Market Crash made us all aware that we are all common men and all equally prone to tragedy. We recall the great losses as many had gambled their life savings and lost it all.

The Great Crash, 80 years later

Now we are engaged in a great political war, testing whether that conservative idea of limited government, or any other so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
We are met on a great internet and ideological battle-field of that war. The freedoms we have were provided by those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

It was on this day in 1969 that a part of the first-ever message traveled between two computers that were connected through the ARPANET, the computer network that later took shape as the Internet!

Looking for a cigar that would pay tribute to the great Gettysburg Battle, The Great Stock market Crash, and the start of the internet - was quite a challenge. The cigar I have chosen is the Avo 80th Anniversary LE Belicoso.
The cigar (which is made by Davidoff) comes in a magnificent leather box with 3 shelves and itself is quite remarkable! The cigar is double banded and comes with a beautiful Ecuadoran Sungrown wrapper. Dominican binder and filler complete it and add significantly to the flavor profile. It is an elegant 6x52 Belicoso but not in the traditional belicoso torpedo sense. It has a flatter, shorter, and more linear taper.

I found my cigar to be easy to light and a wonderful burst of woody creamy smoke. There was a leather and mild peppery which soon took over after the light. The draw was very good. I would say that this is the type of cigar that is dense enough, but had an easy draw - thereby greatly enhancing the smoking experience. The different flavors were appreciated even though they tended to be mild. There was a bit of a nutty flavor as well.


"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate...we can not consecrate...we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Armadillo Armada of Armaggeddon

I hear them scurrying around at night with their claws digging in the ground. They are the most unsightly creature. The armor and the shell add to their mystique. The myriad of nocturnal creatures also inspire ones imagination in the moonlight, but armadillos look like beings from another world. They apparently get to be quite powerful in space and it seems that they can even "escape the moon" - did they start out there? So far with the tunnel crater and the possible water crater - maybe there are armadillos on the moon. It took 20 years to find the "extinct" armadillo - how long would it take to find them on the moon?

I don't know anybody who owns a pet armadillo, but I don't know of anyone who has ever been attacked by them, either.

Flying Armadillo has the power to escape the moon
NewScientist (Online)
16 September 2009

'Extinct' armadillo comes out of its shell
NewScientist
10 August 1991
Magazine issue 1781

Needing a nighttime smoke while watching for armadillos, I had to pick between several options. Since one could only taste and not see the wrapper - the wrapper beauty became less important. With the humidity higher in the evenings, cigars seem to last longer and the risk of that lingering ammonia taste seems to be more of an issue. A thick wrapped and medium density toro cigar seems to be the type stogie of choice for that occasion. Lengthy aging is a must as well as extensive fermentation (x3 is best) prior to constructing the cigars. The Omar Ortiz Original is a Nicaraguan puro made by Altadis. It was a pleasant smoke, with a good wrapper and a sturdy construction. The earthy barnyard odor was noted on pre-lite. With the smoking there was a woody and leathery sweetness, yet it was not overwhelming. As it came bandless it has an Edge look to it. No "shell" on this cigar, but tasty none-the-less. It aged well. The smoke was abundant and pleasant.

Via Keepers of the flame blog "Omar Ortez is a native Nicaraguan tobacco man who in the past has worked with Philip Wynne in the production of Felipe Gregorio and Felipe II cigars. Ortez established Agroindustrial Nicaraguaense de Tabaco in 1995, and is also the blender of the Exile brand cigar made in the NATSA factory. He oversees a “vertically integrated” production facility (like Padron) where he controls every aspect of the process — from seed to smoke."

May the Armadillo hoards remain peaceful, and the cigar nightwatchman enjoy their smoke.

plume the magic crystal? - puff the magic moon?

After a long and difficult drought in Lindenau, with the loss of so many hack-berry trees and even one pecan tree, the rains have come. The smell of the barnyard has once again filled the air. Its hard to miss, except on the windiest days. The fallen trees have succumbed to the molds and the insects and have begun to rot. The demise of life still seems to remind us of Adam's curse, with it's decay and thorns. Cigars need humidity to avoid drying out and losing the oily sweetness that the finest purvey. In the humidity is the risk of mold and decay - as opposed to fermentation and the aging and melding of flavor. Spanish ceder helps to preserve and prevent the molds from taking over in the humid environment. Spanish cedar is aromatic like American cedar, but it is not actually related in type. Aging is accelerated by the heat and slowed by cooler environs. One can age a fine cigar in cellophane (which tends to yellow like ivory) or out of cellophane. There is some disagreement on this issue. Aging can occur in either and there is more blending of cigars if the cellophane is removed. With aging comes the plume or crystalline tobacco oils on the surface of the cigar wrapper. They are pleasantly tasty, but often I have wiped them off a bit to verify that the matter was plume and not mold.

One of the questions one must consider in aging cigars is "What can be done to accelerate aging without the consequential rise of tobacco beetles and mold?" - and "How long will it take?" There is some aging that has taken place even before the box arrives to ones humidor. It is a very pleasant thing to open a box of cigars and see plume covered stogies. NASA also seems to appreciate the impact of seeing plume. I wonder how many stogies they had to smoke and for how long they had to age them? I wonder how many people they had to moon before they saw the impact?

NASA finally sees plume from moon impact
LCROSS camera captures image of ‘faint’ plume with debris, vapor
via MSNBC.com

Looking for a cigar I found an old batch of cigars still in yellowed cellophane. The cigars were the small 4x48 Astral (i.e. the moon) Perfecto (rocketship) no.1 maduro's. Even in the cello, they had abundant plume. They are Honduran made with and oily Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. They were small and plume covered, like they had just hit a large mud puddle on the moon. The wrapper was classic CBLM and was thick and veiny. The taste was creamy, woody, and sweet with abundant billowing smoke - for such a small vitola. The burn was good, although it was a short smoke, with a short finish.