CWNews

August 27, 2008 Anti-Tobacco Gore Hosts B-1 Bob For Cigars

Libertarian candidate Bob Barr speaks with Colbert, and reveals sharing a cigar with declared anti-tobacco Al Gore. Read more...
August 27, 2008 Cigars Must Be Declared In Hong Kong

State Department release gives official travel information. Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) since July 1, 1997, has a high degree of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign policy, and retains its own currency, laws, and border controls. It is composed of three geographic areas: the New Territories, Kowloon Peninsula, and Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong SAR is cosmopolitan and highly developed. Tourist facilities and services are widely available. The Hong Kong SAR Government web site provides Hong Kong Fact Sheets on a comprehensive range of subjects at http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/index.htm. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Hong Kong for additional information. Read more...
August 27, 2008 Kinky Tour

Another look at Kinky Friedman's first U. S. tour in fifteen years. Read more...
August 27, 2008 Prattville AL Shop Offers Lounge

Olympians, football players et. al. take advantage of a real smoke shop. Read more...
August 26, 2008 Business Reference Adds Tobacco Information

In a recent press release from Seniour Manager Lauren Woods, "Research and Markets" ( http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/56bc2e/tobacco_product_ma ) has announced the addition of the "Tobacco Product Manufacturing in the US" report to their business reference offerings. Read more...
August 26, 2008 Canberra To Ban Drug Gear

A likely drug paraphenalia ban could affect some tobacconists' sales figures. Read more...
August 26, 2008 Mo Ban Foes Speak Out

Missouri group trying to fight the ban, includes CWer.Another opponent of any legislation to ban smoking in bars, Tony Palazzolo, who lives on The Hill, said he smokes cigars when he's out with friends. He usually can be found smoking a cigar at The Hill Cigar Co., 5360 Southwest Ave., where a roomful of like-minded smokers gather to socialize. They worry the cigar store might also be included in any such ban. "I want the ability to go out and enjoy a scotch and a cigar at a place that allows me to do it," Palazzolo said. Read more...
August 25, 2008 Landmark Cigar Store Indian Leaves Toronto Corner

FAREWELL TO THE CHIEF A beloved feature, the cigar-store Indian who stood guard at Queen and Bathurst has a new home in the suburbs. Read more...
August 25, 2008 New Website for Smoking Women

Now, women are taking the bull by the horns and the cigar by the head, throwing away their Virginia Slims for something that demands more presence. It may seem like an odd concept, this women and cigars thing. But the reason females everywhere are turning to stogies is the same reason men turn to them: a cigar gives the smoker a sense of power, of freedom, and the ability to show off without coming across as arrogant: there is no such thing as an unconfident cigar smoker. Read more...
August 25, 2008 Opus X for CF Charitable Foundation

A Cigar Family Charitable Foundation press release serves notice that the fifth anniversary of the Fuente Fuente Opus X 22 will see the release of new shapes and sizes in this special line. Read more...
August 24, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of August 25-29, 2008 From Ron Perelman at Cigar Cyclopedia. Read more...
August 22, 2008 Cigar Loving Friedman to Play DC

"The only thing Jews and cowboys have in common is we both like to wear our hats indoors," says the rarely bareheaded Kinky Friedman, reached by phone at his Echo Hill Ranch in Texas. A novelist, magazine columnist, humorist, cigar maker, animal lover, Texas gubernatorial candidate and occasional touring country singer, he is playing the Birchmere on Thursday. Read more...
August 22, 2008 Cuba: New Mechanized Cigar Brands

ICT is a joint venture with Spain and its main factory is in the capital suburbs, with a production of 10 brands and 44 references, among which Mini, Club, Puritos, Minutes, Universal and Crystal, besides Standard. Read more...
August 22, 2008 Daniel Miranda, 38

Daniel Miranda of Miami Cigars, son of Nestor and Marianna Miranda Miranda succumbed to brain cancer this morning in Miami, after a four year fight. Read more...
August 22, 2008 George Gershel to Retire

Janelle Rosenfeld of Altadis U.S.A. announcet through a company press release this morning that Executive Vice President for Tobacco is retiring after 47 years with the company. Read more...
August 22, 2008 Rome Ga. United Way Lead by Cigar Man

A tough economy is not deterring Roman Steven McDowell of the Old Havana Cigar shop in Rome who hopes to lead the United Way to raise more than $1.5 million in it’s fall campaign this year. Read more...
August 22, 2008 Tampa works to preserve historic buildings

Tampa Preservationists are working with city government to preserve the architectural history and structures of Tampa and Ybor City. Read more...
August 21, 2008 Actions Speak Louder

Cox, Chipper not happy with play. After a sloppy 6-3 loss to the Mets, Braves manager Bobby Cox sat behind his desk last night smoking a cigar - a no-no in what is supposed to be a tobacco-free Shea Stadium. Read more...
August 21, 2008 Michigan Inventor Develops Ornamental Design for Support for Cigars

Kenneth J. Williamson of Troy, Mich., has developed an ornamental design for a support for cigars and the like on a golf cart. Read more...
August 21, 2008 Rare Cigar Charity Auction Raises $75,852 for CFCF

The recent Cigar Family Charitable Foundation Online Charity Auction in celebration of "8-5-8" day exceeded expectations by raising over $75,000. Read more...
August 21, 2008 Tobacco One, Reaches Agreement to Place Ads in Mex. Cabs

Tobacco One, Inc. (Pink Sheets: TBCO), is pleased to announce that it has recently entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Consejo Nacional Del Transporte of Mexico City, Mexico. Consejo Nacional Del Transporte is the governing taxi union body and will act as the gateway for Tobacco One's exposure in over 120,000 taxicabs nationwide Read more...
August 20, 2008 Drew Estate in Epping

Top Shelf Cigar Company holds a Drew Estate/ACID Cigar event on Friday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a Gran Habano Cigar Event on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its store at the EppiCenter Plaza, 96 Calef Highway at the junction of routes 101 and 125 in Epping. Read more...
August 20, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

CigarCyclopedia finally learns what we've known about Dea. Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of August 4-8, 2008 Read more...
August 20, 2008 Torcedor Rolls Special for British Celeb.

It was a case of one ‘Jim’ fixing it for another when Sir Jimmy Saville visited Otley yesterday. The veteran DJ and television presenter was in town to have a very special cigar rolled for him at James Barber Tobacconists in Westgate. Sir Jimmy has long been a fan of the Cohiba brand, so he was keen to pop along when shop owner James Barber told him a roller from famous Cuban firm Eduardo Diaz Gonzalez would be visiting. And Sir Jimmy, a customer of many years’ standing with the tobacconist, enjoyed watching Mr Gonzalez in action – and sampling the goods afterwards Read more...
August 19, 2008 IPCPR Highlight Video from CAO

CAO Cigars releases their video review of the IPCPR Show and their Anniversary Party featuring Lynrd Skynrd. Read more...
August 19, 2008 Tobacco Sales up in Baltic Latvia

In the first six months of 2008, Latvian tobacco companies made 1,015.3 million cigarettes, which is 31 percent more than over the same period in 2007, according to the figures of State Revenue Service. Specialists of the State Revenue Service said that less than 25 percent of cigarettes made in the first half of the year were released on the domestic market, while the rest were exported. State Revenue Service data show that in the first six months of 2008 Latvia exported 765.4 million cigarettes, which is 36 percent more than last year and made 75 percent of the cigarettes produced in Latvia during the said period. Of this amount, 78 percent of cigarettes were shipped to EU member states, while the rest was sold in third countries. Read more...
August 19, 2008 Tulsa OK Campus Goes Tobacco Free

Oklahoma State University at Tulsa has gone completely tobacco free, banning any and all forms of tobacco from the entire campus. Read more...
August 18, 2008 ChiTown Paper Pans CRA

Seeking to challenge such legislative bans, Cigar Rights of America, a group of cigar makers and retailers, has organized a nationwide tour, with stops planned Thursday at Up Down Cigar on North Wells in Chicago and 8 to 8 Cigar in west suburban Villa Park. Top cigar makers including Carlito Fuente of the Dominican Republic, Charlie Torano of Honduras and Jorge Padron of Nicaragua will appear. Read more...
August 18, 2008 General Cigar Appoints GM of Business Ventures

General Cigar, a subsidiary of Swedish Match, has announced, via a company press release, the appointment of a new General Manager of Business Ventures. Richmond, VA—General Cigar is pleased to announce that Debo Mukherjee joined the company as general manager of business ventures, effective August 11, 2008. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Lions Eye Institute sees research in its future

Former Ybor City Cigar Factory living on as Lions Eye Clinic.New building opens collaboration with business, universities. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Mike's Adds Custom Bands

Mike's Cigars is both a retail and online cigar distributor with headquarters in Miami, Florida. having been in business since 1950. In an additional offering to their vast cigar inventories, Mike's is now offering to create professionally die-cut, custom printed cigar bands for their customers. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Oregon Pol. Visited Cuba

Congressional candidate Mike Erickson is calling a six-day visit to Cuba in 2004 a "humanitarian trip" to deliver medical supplies for the disabled to a Cuban charity. But those familiar with the trip said it was basically a vacation, which likely would have been illegal without the supplies. He said he visited a medical center and met with doctors, The Oregonian on Sunday said it determined the medical center does not exist. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Pittsburgh Area Lounge Is Destination For Smokers

Today, in a time when smoking bans are the trend, the command is more likely to be "Put that out" -- except for establishments that cater to smokers, cigar smokers specifically. Places like Leaning House Fine Cigars and Collectibles in Speers. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Relationships Important To Cigar Success

Markus Raty, president of Torontobased Mombacho Cigars, has some tips for Canadians looking at doing business in Latin America: - Learn the culture -- both social and corporate -- and respect it. - Make every effort to communicate in Spanish whenever possible. - Develop strong relationships with the right people, and things will happen. - Extend your timelines beyond original expectations. - Always have a plan B. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Rocky Patel at Dem. Convention Party

They can play in a poker tournament with Ben Affleck, courtesy of the poker industry. They can try to hit a home run at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, thanks to AT&T Corp. Free drinks and cigars will be on offer at a bash thrown by the liquor industry. Read more...
August 18, 2008 Rolling Back Ban in Britain?

Tabloid "The Sun" is reporting that the Tories will run on a platform of rolling back smoking bans, national ID cards and other hot-button issues to try and break Labour's stranglehold. It IS The Sun, so don't read too much into it. Read more...
August 15, 2008 New Camacho Select

Camacho Cigars® has begun to ship the New Camacho Select. The first Cameroon-wrapped cigar from Camacho Cigars®, blended by Julio Eiroa. Read more...
August 15, 2008 Smokers Friendly to Host 12th Annual Festival

With the backdrop of Boulders famous Flatirons, Smokers Friendly will host its twelfth annual Smoker Friendly Tobacco Festival and Conference at the Millennium Harvest House from September 8 to 10. Read more...
August 14, 2008 Habanos S. A. Releases RyJ Antiguo Humidor

New Romeo y Julieta humidor debuts. Read more...
August 14, 2008 Historic Cigar Factory Up For Sale

Now high end condominiums, the former Bock & Company building back on the block. Read more...
August 14, 2008 Praise for Cigar Boxes By Collectors

There was a time when almost every American household contained a couple of cigar boxes. Mom stored her receipts or sewing supplies in one, Junior kept his marbles or baseball cards in another, and little Sis made hers a container for her paper dolls' clothes, all of them handed down from Dad after his last cigar had been smoked. But apart from these utilitarian uses, cigar boxes have been collected for centuries, appreciated for their magnificent graphic design and the extraordinary quality of their printing. Read more...
August 13, 2008 Albuquerque's Ned's Still Epicenter

Televised reports out of Albuquerque are pushing Ned's Cigar Bar to cease and desist its allowing smoking until paperwork is complete. Read more...
August 13, 2008 OFAC Fines from July

OFAC levies fines against five for buying Cuban cigars The U.S Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a unit of the U.S. Treasury, was especially active in July, issuing 19 penalties against entities and individuals who violated various embargo provisions, including those against Cuba. Read more...
August 12, 2008 Maryland Tax Revenues Fall

Studies in Maryland show that smoking is down, and smokers crossing into Virginia to avoid punitive taxation. Politicians in Annapolis are scratching their heads wondering what happened to all those chain smokers who were supposed to help balance Maryland's budget. Last year the legislature doubled the cigarette tax to $2 a pack to pay for expanded health-care coverage. Eight months later, cigarette sales have plunged 25 percent and the state is in fiscal distress again. Read more...
August 12, 2008 Smoking Ban Factor in Decreasing Casinos' Take

Atlantic City casinos' profits down in busiest month, partial smoking ban named as contributing factor. Read more...
August 12, 2008 South Carolina Town Mayor Against Ban

From published television reports, the mayor of Isle of Palms, South Carolina is opposing a smoking ban in the town. He states that most "public" places have already self-policed and worked solutions. Read more...
August 11, 2008 Activists Push for X-rated Films

But actors' union Equity hit back: "This is a form of censorship - we can't just pretend no one smokes. "How could you depict Churchill without an actor smoking a cigar?The very idea is ridiculous." And the British Board of Film Classification - who decide a movie's certificate - said: "We'll end up with the bizarre situation where perfectly acceptable films get an 18 just because an actor has a cigarette." Read more...
August 11, 2008 Bernie Mac Comedian Cigar Lover

Popular comedian, TV and movie star passes at 50. Read more...
August 11, 2008 Bob Barr: Lift Embargo

Barr expressed his opinion to a group of supporters in Colorado. Read more...
August 11, 2008 Cigar Store Carvings Still Popular

Typical art popular with collectors. Read more...
August 11, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from Read more...
August 11, 2008 The More Things Change...

The archives of The Toronto Globe and Mail show that, in the words of Herman Melville, "Verily, There is nothing new under the sun." Read more...
August 11, 2008 Times of London on Nannyfornia

It was one o'clock in the morning. John Lutz had just left the Grand Palace Stadium cinema complex in the wealthy LA suburb of Calabasas and was standing next to his Mini, smoking a cigarette. As he did so, a massive SUV - the kind that does 10mpg - pulled up alongside him. The driver opened his window, leant out, and said: "Hey, buddy, you can't smoke here." John, a staff writer for a popular American TV show, was unaware that an hour earlier, at midnight, the Calabasas Comprehensive Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance - the most restrictive anti-smoking policy anywhere in the worldhad gone into effect. Read more...
August 11, 2008 Tobacco One E-Mail Campaign Fraud

Tobacco One, Inc. (Pink Sheets: TBCO), or "the Company," distributor of specialty cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products (OTP), today announced that it has recently been made aware of a widespread unauthorized dissemination of information in the form of an unsolicited e-mail campaign, which appears to have been initiated by a third party. Read more...
August 10, 2008 Budget-Minded Smokers Seek New Tobacco Options

Sales of machine-made and budget brands appealing to more smokers based on price. Read more...
August 10, 2008 Indy Star Discovers Ybor City

As part of a longer travel piece extolling the virtues of the entire Tampa Bay area including Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Ybor City's unique history is drawing card. So is more days of sunshine than the Hawaiian Islands. Read more...
August 09, 2008 Cali. Labor Union Tries to Implicate Gran Havana Room

Los Angeles Union tries to hide money ,claiming the Grand Havana Room provided accommodations. Read more...
August 08, 2008 Cigar Rights of America Invite Members

Driven by increasing calls from cigar connoisseurs and enthusiasts, a consortium of cigar manufacturers and premium cigar retailers have formed Cigar Rights of America (CRA), a nonprofit organization formed to give cigar lovers across the United States a voice in the rising debate over cigar smoking rights for those who enjoy cigars for pleasure. Read more...
August 08, 2008 Man's Fish Smoke

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly. But Marvin Burd’s fish smoke cigars. Retiree/pop artist boasts folk sculptures featuring cigar bands. Read more...
August 08, 2008 Paradox of Smoking in UK : Finely Aged Cubans

The news that a self-employed painter and decorator taking a break in his own van and sharing a fag with his mate had the dubious honour of being the first to be fined for smoking at his workplace made for a good silly season story. Greater Manchester councillors want to use their powers under local government legislation to impose local age restrictions in local cinemas to classify any film that "glamorises smoking" as over 18, regardless of other content that might be glamorising gratuitous sex and violence. But not much of this is new to Simon Chase, marketing director at Habanos UK agent Hunters & Frankau, from when he learned the trade. Read more...
August 08, 2008 Savoring Cigars Morton’s Steakhouse hosts P.G. Cigars dinner.

"This is a civilized evening with good company, good food, and good cigars," said Paul Garmirian of McLean, P.G. Cigars founder. Garmirian chose the cigars that embellished each course. The hand-rolled Garmirian cigar line is produced in the Dominican Republic. Morton's Steakhouse, Reston, Virginia, hosts Paul Garmirian Event. Read more...
August 08, 2008 Silvia Mann, widow of civic leader Fredric Mann, dies

After her husband's term as ambassador to Barbados in the 1960s, she returned to Philadelphia with an injured dog, named Connelly, that she had rescued from the roadside. When her husband was proclaimed "outstanding cigar smoker" by the Cigar Smokers of America, she broke the association's gender barrier by picking up the award in his place, since she enjoyed cigars, too. Read more...
August 06, 2008 Alabama Teens Smoking Less

AP reporter Desirée Hunter reports from Montgomery that surveys are showing that fewer teens in Alabama are smoking Read more...
August 06, 2008 Iowa Ban Stands

DES MOINES - A district judge ruled today that a coalition of bar owners failed to provide a convincing claim that a new law banning smoking in most public places should be stopped from being enforced. Polk County District Judge Douglas Staskal refused to issue a temporary injunction to halt the implementation of Iowa's "smoke-free air act," which has been in place since July 1. Read more...
August 06, 2008 New Connecticut Store Makes the Papers

SOUTHBURY - Taking pieces from family trips all over the U.S. and Europe, mixed with a passion for cigars and for friends and family to spend time together, Tony and Anne Armeno opened Grand Prix Cigars at 1455 Southford Road on April 17. Read more...
August 05, 2008 Cigar Family Charitable Foundation Auction

The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation is having a fund-raising auction, with August 5th, 2008, 8/5/08 being 8-5-8 Day. Read more...
August 05, 2008 Feds want to keep nearly $12K Seized From Critic

Film critic and producer busted returning to Detroit from Windsor. Cash in a cigar box and Cuban cigars confiscated. Read more...
August 05, 2008 Groups rally against extended smoking ban in Dallas

A coalition of tavern industry, limited government and smokers' rights advocates say they'll battle efforts under way by Dallas politicians and health organizations to expand the city's public smoking ban to bars and pool halls. "It's a small group of people trying to have their utopia at our expense," said John Barton, manager of tobacco shop Up In Smoke, during a rally Tuesday at Dallas' Havana Social Club cigar and rum bar. "We're going to meet this head-on. What's happening here – this is socialism. This is communism." Read more...
August 04, 2008 Bike Cuba?

Australia's Sunday Telegraph offers unique and interesting travel itineraries. Add Cuba by bicycle to that list. Read more...
August 04, 2008 Ever Want to Be a Fly on the Wall.

News and Media types discuss their pet issues in the UK, including U. S. politics and smoking. This from Julian Barnes', of The Guardian, Weekend 60/40 Read more...
August 04, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Some one else FINALLY catches up with Mike Byelick and gives his Dea their due. Read more...
August 04, 2008 The Tobacco Temperance League

The House debate was highlighted by Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) yelling at House Republican Whip John Boehner (Ohio), a Camel smoker, that "(t)his legislation is on the floor because people are killing themselves smoking these evil cigarettes. And the distinguished gentleman, the minority leader, is going to be among the next to die." Tobacco prohibitionists are one step closer to criminalizing the possession of a good cigar or a flavored can of dip. Read more...
August 03, 2008 Common Sense Has Gone for a Smoko

Australia's Sunday Telegraph weighs in on smoking in New South Wales using Los Angeles, and California as their benchmarks in demonization of tobacco. Come October that tiny tobacconist will have blackened windows, no way of letting me compare cigars, and I'll feel more like a desperate in search of a sex toy. Buying a dildo will be easier and the Nanny State will have won. Read more...
August 03, 2008 Enjoying the Life in Pittsburgh

Shop, eat and enjoy Pittsburgh's Strip District. Read more...
August 03, 2008 Germans favour national smoking ban

A wide majority of Germans want a comprehensive smoking ban instead of state-by-state rules, German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported on Sunday. Read more...
August 03, 2008 Winston Churchill cigar range lights up

The grandson of Winston Churchill, the former prime minister and arguably the world’s most recognisable smoker, has launched a range of cigars bearing his grandfather’s name. The 67-year-old former journalist and Conservative MP, also called Winston Churchill, has spent the past eight years and £50,000 gaining exclusive worldwide patents for the range of exclusive cigars. Read more...
August 01, 2008 British Am. Tobacco - Interim Results

British American Tobacco releases it's Interim Report to June 30, 2008 Read more...
August 01, 2008 Cigar Rights of America Freedom Tour

After a gala opening in New York, the CRA Freedom Tour will stop in other American Cities. Read more...
August 01, 2008 Novelty Lighter Ban in Oregon

Eugene RegisterGuard is reporting an Oregon ban on novelty lighters, citing them as causing fires. Read more...
August 01, 2008 Tampa Area Hospitals Banishing Tobacco

HIGHLIGHT: Starting Jan. 1, its use will be barred at five Hernando and Citrus facilities. No cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco. Come Jan. 1, all five hospital campuses in Hernando and Citrus counties will be completely tobacco-free. The rule will apply not just to employees, volunteers and vendors, but to patients and visitors. Read more...
July 31, 2008 Altria 2Q profit falls 58 percent

Altria Group said Thursday its second-quarter profit fell 58 percent, as results from last year included the company's now-separate international cigarette unit. The Richmond, Va.-based company that owns cigarette maker Philip Morris USA says it made $930 million, or 45 cents per share, compared with profit of $2.22 billion, or $1.05 per share, during the same period last year. Read more...
July 31, 2008 House of Reps. Pursuing Tobacco Regulation

In this report from the Associated Press, the House of Representatives has passed its first bill--Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act--to have "health authorities" regulate tobacco on the Federal level. Read more...
July 31, 2008 Left Turn. Pol. Says Bars Illegal

From published television stories, ALbuquerque city councillor Mike Cadigan says cigar bars are operating illegally. Read more...
July 31, 2008 New South Wales, Aus. In Car Ban

New South Wales, in Australia has banned smoking in cars with children with an immediate fine to be imposed. ACT Health Minister stalls on nation-wide ban, though. Read more...
July 30, 2008 Cuban Imports Adds Band to Famous Brands

Cuban Imports announced this morning, that they will add a second band to their products. In a company release spokesman Al Argenti indicates that the motivation is to declare the company's commitment to premium cigars, and reminds smokers who they are. It's also a way to differentiate the lines from H. Upmann, Por Larrañaga and El Rey del Mundo that Cuban Imports distributes. Read more...
July 30, 2008 Drugstore tobacco sales under fire

Ann Zimmerman of the Wall Street Journal is reporting this morning that the City of San Francisco is making an effort, through the Board of Supervisors, to ban the sale of tobacco products at drug-stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell pharmaceuticals or other health-related services. Read more...
July 30, 2008 Francis Tuttle Campus Ban

Oklahoma City Technical School bans ALL tobacco on campus. Read more...
July 30, 2008 RAI CEO: 'Solid Quarter Keeps Company on Track';

Reynold's American Inc. (RAI) releases second quarter report.Second Quarter EPS up 12.7%;Company on Track to Achieve Full Year Forecast Read more...
July 30, 2008 Smokers' Haven in Spain?

Travel articles hints that there are still places where smokers can be in their element. Girona. Read more...
July 29, 2008 CRA to Hold Fundraiser

Cigar Rights of America will hold a fundraiser in August to raise money for the smokers' rights organization. The Meeting of the Masters will be held in New York on August 19th, 2008 to kick off the CRA Freedom Tour. Read more...
July 29, 2008 Oregon Bar Ban Beckons

Those bluish clouds of cigarette smoke wafted away last September when the owner of Magoo's Sports Bar decided to get out ahead of a coming state ban and snuffed out smoking inside his Salem hangout. Going smokeless has hurt business a bit -- mainly in reduced video poker play, owner Jim Eastridge says. But the move has been well received by most patrons and brought in some new customers as well, he says. "A lot of my customers wanted it. They said they were tired of smelling like cigarette smoke when they went home," Eastridge says. Read more...
July 29, 2008 Tobacco Rojo now part of Tobacco One

In a company press release, Tobacco One Inc. announces the completion of its acquisition of Rojo and it's plant in Mexico. Read more...
July 27, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of July 28-August 1, 2008 Read more...
July 27, 2008 Quick Book Review: Churchill's Cigar

Two books reviewed in the Mail on Sunday take on World War II, one about the irony of anti-smoking from then until now. Read more...
July 26, 2008 NYC and Barclay-Rex Already Feeling Pay Cut Pinch

New York officials are waiting for what could be the largest drop in Wall Street compensation from one year to the next and with it a huge drop in tax revenues. Vincent Nastri of Barclay-Rex already sees the drop. Read more...
July 25, 2008 City of Baltimore Debates Singles Ban

Mayor Sheila Dixon was joined by Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, elected officials and health advocates to propose a new regulation to ban the sale of individual cigars. The sale of these single, cheap cigars poses major public health risks. Read more...
July 25, 2008 Tobacco Saving Lives Again

This from Cigar Cyclopedia's weekly, Friday wrap-up. Researchers are finding new curative uses for tobacco while their colleagues demonize it. Read more...
July 24, 2008 Imperial Releases Interim Statement

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (Imperial Tobacco) confirms that the overall performance of the enlarged Group (including Altadis) for the financial year to 30 September 2008 remains in line with management's expectations. The integration of Altadis is proceeding in line with our plans and the financial position of the Group also remains in accordance with our expectations. Following completion of the Rights Issue, our net debt level reduced to just under £12 billion at 30 June. Read more...
July 24, 2008 Imperial Tobacco Delists on NYSE

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC ("Imperial Tobacco") today announces its intention to voluntarily delist its American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and terminate its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Read more...
July 24, 2008 Tough Vancouver Ban Getting Tougher

Anti-smoking advocates who have successfully banned all indoor smoking in the British Columbia City, including cigar shops and hookah bars, are now targeting outdoor venues in the most draconian manner yet. Read more...
July 22, 2008 Fortune Tobacco Wins Tax Case

Fortune wins P1-B tax case (Supreme Court of the Phillipines calls revenue regulation 'indefensibly flawed') Read more...
July 22, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of July 21-25, 2008 Read more...
July 21, 2008 Another Centenarian Credits Cigars

This time, CBS' Early Show features a cigar-smoking centenarian who credits his evening smoke and scotch as keys to longevity. Read the interview segment. Read more...
July 20, 2008 Welsh Culture Minister Caught in Pub Ban

Welsh politician resigns after entering pub with lit cigar. Read more...
July 18, 2008 Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Legend

As the boldest expression of Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur It is only fitting that the latest incarnation of this revered brand, Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Legend, pays homage to the brand’s pedigree with a decidedly regal name and full flavor that commands as much attention. Vice President for Marketing, Cooper Gardiner recently announced the new blend ni the Excalibur line, stating that the cigar is intended appeal to "the tenured smoker...in keeping with growing demand for full-bodied cigars." Read more...
July 18, 2008 MACANUDO 1968:

In a July press release, General Cigar, through Mr. Daniel Nuñuz, announces its new line, the limited edition Macanudo®1968 which commemorates General Cigar's purchase of the Temple Hall factory in Jamaica and the founding of the Macanudo brand. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Reynolds American Announces New Board Members

The former R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, now Reynolds American introduced two new board members on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Reynolds' board met yesterday, and the elections were held, and the members immediately seated according to the Winston-Salem, NC based organization's release. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Casa Havana Listed with Other Eateries

Chances are spending the day at John's Pass Village isn't something that has crossed your mind since the in-laws from Ohio visited a couple of years ago. Now's a good time to rediscover a sometimes-forgotten center of Florida culture and kitsch. Before you head out, some quick tips: Bring a ton of change for parking meters, pick up a map of the center when you arrive, and budget extra time to navigate through all the roadwork and bridge traffic at the beach. Here are some highlights we found on a recent visit. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge Grand Openings

The Newman Family, having opened the first Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge in Orlando, Florida earlier this year, announces 42 more locations. Read more...
July 17, 2008 EU calls for a tax hike on tobacco products

The European Union wants the minimum duty on cigarettes to increase to reflect inflation, putting all states on an equal footing. A 25 percent price rise would be needed to achieve a 10 percent cut in demand according to the commission. It also wants higher taxes on rolling tobacco to bring them in line with cigarettes, likewise cigars and cigarillos. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Fargo cigar bar separates retail store for smokers

A Fargo cigar bar owner appears to have found a way around a new city smoking ban. JT Cigarro has separated its bar from its tobacco retail store, which is exempt from the ban approved by Fargo voters June 10. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Fuente Fuente Announces new Opus X

The cigar world is gathering in Las Vegas for its annual convention this week. It is an exciting time in the cigar industry. The Fuente Family recently released the Fuente Fuente OpusX Love Story in celebration of Carlos and Anna Fuente's 55th Wedding Anniversary Read more...
July 17, 2008 O.P.P. traffic stop leads to RCMP seizure of cigars

Ontario Provincial Police nab clandestine machine-made cigars. Read more...
July 17, 2008 Whisky, cigars and a long, happy life

DEFIANT Jack Priestly is still puffing on cigars and downing whisky at the age of 100. The retired baker has puffed an estimated 153,000 cigars and 715,400 cigarettes since his first drag at the tender age of nine. His other vice is whisky, which he took up on the advice of his mother-in-law. He has taken a tot in his tea for 75 years and never looked back. Read more...
July 16, 2008 Investing Where They Investigate;

Officers Open Businesses as Neighborhoods Rise. Ron Wright spent three years searching for the right locale to open the high-end cigar store and cocktail lounge he had dreamed of before he finally renovated a worn Florida Avenue rowhouse in Northeast Washington. The location, on the southern edge of Trinidad's crime-scarred streets, seemed risky. But Wright had a unique perspective on the area, and he saw hope where many did not. For the past four years, he has patrolled the area as a D.C. police lieutenant. Read more...
July 15, 2008 Red Foley Dead at 79

Cigar-loving, New York ball park fixture, Red Foley official scorer for Mets and Yankees dead at 79. Read more...
July 14, 2008 Don Arturo Gran AniverXario

Tabacalera A. Fuente is releasing news of all their new products leading up to and through the Intenational Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers show in Las Vegas Nevada. This new cigar is an homage to the company's namesake Arturo Fuente, and the intent to produce one new cigar each year leading up to the company's 100th Anniversary. This is cigar one and the first now seven years old. Read more...
July 14, 2008 Fuente Aged Selection

Tabacalera A. Fuente promulgates their new line, the Aged Selection, featuring tobacco harvested two of more years ago. Featuring this aged tobacco, these cigars are double banded so that smokers can further age the cigars with certainty as to the exact "vintage" of said leaf. Read more...
July 14, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of July 14-18, 2008 Read more...
July 14, 2008 Too Much Smoking in Film

Madras-based journalist, Gautaman Bhaskaran weighs in on smoking in Hollywood and Bollywood. Read more...
July 14, 2008 Velvet Cigar Lounge Opens Italian Eatery

Velvet Cigar Lounge of New York City announces the opening of their Italian Osteria named "Affettati" one block east of the Velvet in the East Village. Read more...
July 13, 2008 Arnold Advocates Artistic License

Arnold weighs in briefly on smoking in films. This story is a compilation from a number of different stories running worldwide. Schwarzenegger's comments came at a news conference where major studios announced they would include anti-smoking announcements on millions of youth-rated DVDs of motion pictures that included smoking scenes. The public service announcements will appear on films rated G, PG and PG-13. Read more...
July 13, 2008 Cigar themed Travelogue:

An English loner, Alan Sillitoe, in Russia, describes travel through the Soviet Union with his minder smoking a car-load of Cuban cigars. Considered by many to be one of England's greatest storytellers, Sillitoe travels "Back in the U. S. S. R." Read more...
July 11, 2008 E-Cigar to Exhibit at IPCPR

Ruyan America's "E-Cigar" which debuted at a trade show earlier in the year, now to be exhibited at the IPCPR Show in Las Vegas, the company announced in a press release. Read more...
July 11, 2008 Exposure to Second Hand Smoke Down in U. S.

CDC is reporting a long-term drop of 70% for exposure to second hand smoke over the last twenty years, but continues to maintain the dangers. Read more...
July 11, 2008 General Cigar Prevails in Trademark Infringement and Counterfeiting Suit

In a press release, General Cigar Company, Inc, owned by Swedish Match, announced that the U. S. District Court for the Nevada District ruled in its favor. The court granted a summary judgment prohibiting the import of "COHIBA Caribbean's Finest" cigars and rum. Read more...
July 11, 2008 Still Fighting the Ban in Washington

Three years after voters overwhelmingly approved Washington's toughest-in-the-nation smoking ban, a handful of bar owners, clubs and others continue to seek ways around it. Despite predictions of a wave of bar and tavern bankruptcies as smokers stayed home, the state Department of Revenue says its tax data indicate that the industry has recovered from any effects of the ban. Read more...
July 11, 2008 Stuidos to Run PSA Before Smoking Films.

Four major studios will begin including antismoking public service announcements in youth-rated DVDs of films that include tobacco use. Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. will place public service announcements on DVDs of new releases that are rated G, PG and PG-13 under an agreement reached by California health officials, studio reps and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Read more...
July 10, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of July 7-11, 2008 Los Angeles – European regulators have approved the $3.9 billion (U.S.) sale of the cigarette businesses of Danish tobacco firm Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A.S. to British American Tobacco (BAT), with some minor conditions. Read more...
July 10, 2008 JOE THE CIGARTAINER DEBUTS BOOK AT CIGAR SHOW IN LAS VEGAS

In a company press release, Joe Sweigart, Joe The Cigartainer, announces the release of his new book "Long Ashes, Baby" at the IPCPR show next week in Las Vegas. Read more...
July 10, 2008 Vancouver Bans Hookah Bars Too

Hookah aficionados' hopes for clemency are up in smoke. A report going to Vancouver City Council tonight recommends keeping a bylaw that would ban all forms of smoking in indoor public areas, making the city's hookah parlours illegal. Read more...
July 09, 2008 Heartlnad Inst. Doc.: ETS No Danger

Millions of dollars have been spent promoting belief in SHS as a killer, and more millions of dollars have been spent by businesses in order to comply with thousands of highly restrictive bans, while personal choice and freedom have been denied to millions of smokers. Finally, and perhaps most tragically, all this has diverted resources away from discovering the true cause(s) of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Read more...
July 09, 2008 Maryland Official Disavows Letter

"I have been a strong supporter of the fight to reduce teen smoking and limit the access of cigarettes and other tobacco products to our youth," Franchot said in a statement after the June 30 letter was brought to his attention by the Sun. "I strongly support Baltimore city's effort." The letter gave the legal opinion that under Maryland law tobacco regulation is in the hands of the state. Read more...
July 09, 2008 Perdomo Patriarch

Perdomo Patriarch® is made in honor of my father, mentor, and hero, Nicholas Perdomo Sr., who has made all of our successes possible. My father went to Nicaragua fifteen years ago and started our factory from the ground up. He pioneered our growing operations and prior to his passing on July 2, 2004, he made sure that we controlled every aspect of our manufacturing facility. I have always felt honored and blessed to work alongside my best friend, my Dad. Read more...
July 09, 2008 Research and Markets: Cigarette & Tobacco Products Wholesaling in the US Report now Available

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1125a4/cigarette_tobacc) has announced the addition of the "Cigarette & Tobacco Products Wholesaling in the US" report to their offering. Read more...
July 09, 2008 Tobacconist: Dallas Ban Unconstitutional

"Mounds of money, misinformation and personal prejudices are being poured into a misleading public relations campaign that will close down family businesses like mine and further deprive Dallas citizens of our constitutional rights," said Jay Fox, owner of a local chain of tobacco stores. Fox was referring to the efforts of well-funded anti-smoking organizations attempting to get the Dallas city council to expand the 2003 smoking ban soon after it returns next month. In business since 1978, Fox owns two tobacco shops in the city of Dallas and four more in the surrounding area with a total of 30 employees. He says he is prepared to fight any new proposal that bans smoking in areas currently exempt from the five-year old Dallas ban. Read more...
July 08, 2008 Altadis To Distribute Nat Sherman Cigars

Altadis press release announces the distribution agreement between Altadis and Nat Sherman, of New York. Read more...
July 08, 2008 Cigar Shop Hosts Bucks County Psychic

MEDIUM gets LARGE; TV and radio exposure, along with word of mouth, has created great demand for Bucks County psychic Joseph Tittel's unusual services. The name of the cigar store in Bordentown, Ashes to Ashes, has never seemed more apropos than on this weekend afternoon. Read more...
July 08, 2008 Scotsman Echoes Times Editorial

Citing UK doctors, The Scotsman had repeated calls for more anti-tobacco content in popular media. Read more...
July 08, 2008 Times Demands Smoke-Related Deaths in Movies and TV

Times editorial presents some smoking facts, but it also presents more draconian ideas which include demanding that scripts show the results of the smoking portrayed in movies and television. Read more...
July 06, 2008 Smoking Ban Issues in Nigeria

The recent ban on smoking in public places has attracted a lot of mixed feelings amongst Nigerians. This is because it is a welcome development for non-smokers while smokers view it as underestimating their personality. Read more...
July 05, 2008 Hotel du Vin Opens Location in Scotland

The wine themed and cigar-friendly chain opens its new location north of Hadrian's Wall. Read more...
July 02, 2008 Memoir Proves Tobacco Controversy Nothing New

Australian review presents what sounds to be an incredible chronicle of the survival of a family, sharply divided over the issue of smoking and nearly decimated by the Holocaust. Read more...
July 01, 2008 SIDNEY KLING; Professor emeritus, teacher, author, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, Renaissance man.

Born Nov. 14, 1922, in Toronto. Died April 14 in Toronto of heart failure, aged 85. Sid Kling had many passions, two especially: He loved teaching and Florida. He merged these passions at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute when, in addition to teaching courses in urban studies and geography, he became an authority in retirement studies. He had studied with Max Kaplan, renowned director of leisure studies at the University of South Florida, and became a Canadian pioneer in this field. In the fifties his stint researching at university in Havana, contemporary to Fidel Castro, nurtured a love for the Caribbean and Cuban cigars. Read more...