Sunday, September 30, 2007

2007 AL Regular Season Over: Sox East Champs!



Today was the last day of Major League Baseball's American League Regular Season Schedule (there is one more game to be played in the National League, more on that hopefully tomorrow). The teams that are going to the postseason playoffs have been decided. And those teams include the 2007 AL East Division Champion Boston Red Sox! Thirty games over .500 at 96 wins and 66 losses, the Sox also tied for the best record in baseball (with the Cleveland Indians) and secured home field advantage for however deep into the playoffs they go. They will start a best of five game series against the Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim on Wednesday (October 3) at Fenway Park. The Indians start a best of five against the dreaded New York Yankees Thursday, at Jacobs Field. Below are some of the Red Sox season stats.

LET'S GO RED SOX!!


TomC

McDonald's Hat Trick Paces the Bhoys!







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Clydesdale Bank Premier League
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…3
(McDonald 7, 67, 72)

DUNDEE UNITED…0


CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Doumbe, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Brown, Hartley, Donati (Sno 78), McGeady; McDonald (Zurawski 82), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 37)
Subs not used: M.Brown, Kennedy, Riordan, O’Dea

DUNDEE UNITED (4-5-1) Szamotulski; Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Robson; Flood (Cameron 61); Hunt, D. Robertson (Robb 46), Gomis (Duff 46), Buaben; J. Robertson
Subs not used: McLean, Kerr, Kenneth, Russell

MAN OF THE MATCH: Scott McDonald

(From CelticFC.net)

SCOTT McDONALD grabbed his first Celtic hat-trick as the SPL champions moved back to the top of the table with a convincing 3-0 win over Dundee United.

The Australian striker was simply unstoppable as he fired home a clinical treble in a superb individual performance. Indeed, having scored with his left foot, right foot and head, it was the perfect hat-trick.

McDonald put Celtic in front after seven minutes and made sure of the points with a double after the break. Along with outstanding Aiden McGeady, he was on fire for the Hoops on a satisfying afternoon.

Following Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Motherwell earlier today, Celtic knew they would return to the top of the league on goal difference should they earn three points against Craig Levein’s side. And they made sure they did.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan made three changes to his side following Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Dundee in the CIS Cup. McGeady, Joe Doumbe and Paul Hartley returned to the starting line-up. Evander Sno, John Kennedy and Derek Riordan dropped to the bench.

Strachan opted to play McGeady on the right side of midfield and that move paid dividends immediately as the winger left Barry Robson for dead before crossing for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The Dutch striker sent a powerful header towards goal, forcing a spectacular save from Grzegorz Szamotulski. However, with the ball spinning in the air, McDonald was on hand to nod over the line from two yards and put Celtic ahead after only seven minutes.

The Australian has caught the eye in his early Celtic career and was hugely impressive against United. He scored three superb goals, while some of his link-up play was a joy to watch.

One back-heel flick to release strike partner Vennegoor of Hesselink was sublime, but an offside flag halted the Dutchman as he homed in on goal. That was to be one of Vennegoor of Hesselink’s last acts in the match. He limped off after 37 minutes to be replaced by Chris Killen.

Scott Brown, back in central midfield, was in the thick of the action at both ends and had a decent penalty shout in the 31st minute. McGeady and McDonald created an opening and the midfielder was upended – but referee Dougie McDonald ignored Celtic’s claims.

McGeady was shining for Celtic and gave Robson, then Stuart Duff, a torrid time on the right flank. The winger almost made it 2-0 when he took McDonald’s searching pass, drifted inside and forced Szamotulski into a good stop.

United were well organised, but had few chances in the first period. They did test the Hoops from set-pieces, but Artur Boruc’s handling was first-class and the Polish goalkeeper even had time to side-step Noel Hunt with a neat piece of footwork.

Killen had two chances to increase Celtic’s lead at the start of the second period. He took McDonald’s pass and sent a shot wide, before just failing to connect with Brown’s cross.

At the other end, United stunned Celtic by almost equalising in the 57th minute when Jordan Robertson was sent through on goal. Boruc, however, stood up and produced a top-class save.

Darren Dods also nodded a Robson corner wide, but Celtic were never in any danger and increased their lead in the 67th minute. Brown did the spadework with a rampaging run and eventually the ball dropped to McDonald. The striker showed great strength to hold off a defender, side-step Szamotulski and roll in from a tight angle.

Five minutes later, it was 3-0 and what a strike it was. McDonald won possession, fed Brown and he shuffled the ball to McGeady. Without hesitating, he fired in a superb cross and McDonald slotted home.

The Aussie received a standing ovation from the Celtic support when he was replaced by Maciej Zurawski late on. He returned on the pitch at the end to collect the match-ball – a fitting souvenir for the hat-trick hero.



Hail! Hail!

TomC

Partagas Series D No.3 Edición Limitada 2006

Country: Cuba
Length: 5 5/8 (143 mm)
Gauge: 46
Weight: 11.41 gr.
Format: Corona Gorda
Box Code: AEP SEP 06


Info: On the occasion of its fifth anniversary, Habanos S.A. distributed 2006 Limited Editions through out the globe. In homage to this anniversary they rereleased the most successful cigars in the history of the concept: Cohiba Pirámides, Montecristo Robustos and Partagás Serie D No 3. These three items will be carrying commemorative sticks and vitolinas.

Since the year 2000, Habanos S.A. Corporation has released 24 of these special Ediciones Limitadas cigars from the most prestigious brands of our portfolio such as: Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey, and H. Upmann.

The Limited Edition distinguishes itself for the inclusion of sizes which are not part of the usual range of the brand, and is characterized by a special manufacture. The careful selection of a two-year aged wrapper from the upper level of the plant grants it a darker color and turns this product into something unique.

In 2006 Habanos S.A. decided to age only the wrapper leaves to reproduce the exact features of those issued back in the days they were first released (2001). Another thing to take into consideration is that the packaging will be different than the original.

Appearance:
This is one special looking stogie. Firm an evenly packed and wrapped in a beautiful mocha toned veinless wrapper. The first thing you notice on this cigar is how much darker it is than most other habanos, color wise it is just light years away. Evidently the British market refers to the wrappers on the EL's as "maduro" and it is easy to see why.

Pre-Light: Clip was a snap and the pre light draw seemed as perfect as can be. This cigar had noted of a distinct richness, counterbalanced with that great horse barn earthiness pre light.

Burn/Draw: The burn and draw on this cigar were just about as good as can be. it was relatively even all the way down and self correcting if there was an issue. The draw was equally as good, and you can clearly tell that this was a well constructed cigar. There was just a tad of resistance, enough to keep the cigar burning nice and cool while providing ample amounts of smoke. The ash wash black and grey mottled like most Habanos I have had, and was firm, and held as long as I wanted it to.
Flavors: The first two things that hit you when you light this cigar are the burst of pepper I get from most Partagas Cigars, and a profound note of richness that is unlike any Cuban cigar I have smoked to date. One one hand you know that its a Partagas, on the other you can tell right away that it is special. This richness sweet but earthy in nature (molasses perhaps?), and not something simple or easy to define, but its a great twist on the profile. That seems to be the dominant note for the first half of the cigar, with the "Partagas Profile" (aged wood and cedar, pepper and earthiness) coming to the forefront in the second half, with the richness becoming more of an undertone than a top note.


Overall this is a very good cigar, if a bit young. I haven't always subscribed to the notion that aging cigars is necessary, I think this particular vitola could use a little time at the bottom of a humidor. Maybe with that time some of the boldness of its youth might mellow so some of the finer attributes of the special wrapper leaf will come to the fore. Right now while a fascinating twist on the Partagas line that is definitely worth sampling, it does not really develop changing nuances like some of the finest Habanos I have tried. The notes I detect are worthwhile and tasty, but pretty constant from beginning to end. That said its a very good cigar, worth trying, and If you can worth hiding a box a way for a while, I think the best of this stogie is yet to come.


TomC


Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Montecristo No. 2

Size: 6 1/8" (156 mm)
Gauge:52
Weight: 14.26 grams
Box Code: ROA AGO 06
Vitola
: Pirámide

Country of Origin: Cuba
Tobacco Procedence: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio)

Factory: H. Upmann


Info: For more info on the storied Montecristo Brand, see this review.

Appearance: These are supposed to be the benchmark of the Pyramid vitola, and construction wise they do not disappoint. Rolled beautifully, not to firm or soft, and graced with a lovely veinless wrapper with a distinctly reddish hue, this cigar looked like the finest Cuban work of art.

Pre-Light: Clip was easy and the draw seemed just about right. Prelight notes were of that wonderful Cuban earthiness and some peppery spice.

Burn/Draw: This is where things got interesting. The burn on this cigar was all over the place. It started off and never really corrected itself. i would touch it up and as soon as I started puffing it would wander off again. It was annoying. From an aesthetic standpoint the ash wasn't too fabulous either. No wall this would be more of a concern, but the cigar's draw was just fine, and produced cool flavorful smoke. This cigar seems to produce a little less smoke than some others, but I have done some reading and it seems I am not the only one who notices this. Over all, while annoying, this cigars burn was not fatal.

Flavors: This is where this cigar really shows why it is the benchmark for pyramid/torpedo cigars. Starting with an initial burst off pepper and burning cedar and we are off. About a third of the way in some other notes creep in. Damp leather, offsetting some sweeter richer notes, cocoa and french roasted coffee. Over the middle third it sweetened up, honey and cinnamon and nutmeg, though all the while, a constant throughout the length of this cigar, was the undertone of that fabulous earthy livestock Cuban note. It would be impossible to pass this off as anything but a Habano. Over the final third, the smoke became fuller and creamy, and the spicyness returned providing a bang up finish. Don't let my gripes about the burn hinder your opinion of this cigar. I have had ones before that burned fine. Most of all if you discounted this cigar just because of burn, you'd be missing a seminal experience every cigar lover should have. Recommended.


TomC

Girls Aloud!

Girls Aloud are a Smash Hits Poll Winners, TMF Award winning and BRIT Award nominated British girl group who found fame after winning the ITV1 talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 on which they were created. The group, consisting of Cheryl Cole (née Tweedy), Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, has gone on to become one of the most successful British pop groups of the decade with a record breaking sixteen consecutive Top 10 singles (including three number ones), four platinum albums (including a number one) and record sales in excess of 4.6 million in the UK alone.

Their British production team Xenomania are well-known for embracing various influences, from Electronica, House, Power Pop and Dance among others. Indeed, the music of Girls Aloud ranges from the distinctly 1980s sound of "No Good Advice" and "Jump" to the sixties sound of "Love Machine" to the more futuristic sound of " The Show" and "Sexy! No No No..."

Girls Aloud hold the record for the shortest time between forming and reaching number one in the UK Charts (with their platinum-selling début single "Sound of the Underground"), and have since become one of the few reality television groups to have had continued success with Guinness World Records listing them as the Most Successful Reality TV Group in the 2007 edition. Their record of sixteen consecutive top ten singles is also unmatched by any other girl group, beating the Spice Girls' previous record of ten.

For a contemporary pop group manufactured on reality television they have received unprecedented praise from broadsheet newspapers and the rock music press, with publications including the Observer Music Monthly, and the NME giving their music rave reviews, with The Observer calling "Biology" the "single of the decade".



TomC

Monday, September 24, 2007

The Smoking Lounge Review: Vegas Robaina Famosos

While not TECHNICALLY a Cuban Robusto, the Hermoso No. 4 is VERY close in size, so I decided to include this in my ongoing review series of "Cuban Robustos": Size: 5" (127 mm)
Gauge:50
Weight: 10.86 grams

Box Code: AML SEP 06

Vitola: Hermoso No. 4

Country of Origin: Cuba

Tobacco Procedence: Vuelta Abajo

Factory: H. Upmann

Info: Don Alejandro Robaina is renowned by cigar aficionados everywhere as one of the best tobacco farmers in the famed Vuelta Abajo of Cuba. Each year, 80% of Don Alejandro's tobacco harvest is deemed fit for use as wrapper leaf for Cuban cigars (compared to only around 35% for other plantations). In 1997, Habanos SA honored him by launching a new line of cigars bearing the name of his famous farmland. This line was officially launched in Spain, in the spring of 1997, and was made available to the world market in the fall. Vegas Robaina cigars, made in Havana at the former H. Upmann Factory, have quickly become popular among cigar aficionados.

Don Alejandro has, himself, become a celebrity in the world of Cuban cigars, with many aficionados and tourists in Cuba flocking to his farm in the San Luis region of the Vuelta Abajo to meet the man himself and see his tobacco vegas.

Appearance:
This is one pretty looking cigar. Fairly firm for a Cuban cigar, but not too much so, construction seems to be a plus. Graced with a smooth milk-chocolate wrapper, delicious looking with nary a vein to be seen, this is one of the prettiest looking habanos I have seen to date.

Pre-Light: Clip was easy and a non issue. It was more like peeling the triple cap off than clipping anyway. There-light draw had a bit of resistance but was not difficult by any means. Notes from pre light were dry and earthy and /or woody.

Burn/Draw: This might have been the best burning Cuban cigar I have ever had! Almost all of the Habanos I have smoked needed a touch up at some point (no matter how minor) but this one was the first true light and forget. The burn was long and slow and cool, it took about an hour to smoke this cigar. The draw was in the middle of the scale, not loose, nor tight, and I think that helped the nice cool burn. The ash was firm and mottled, and held for about two inches.
Flavors: This is one very tasty cigar. It starts with a birth of rich, organic earthiness. Then it settles in to a plethora of nice dry notes. That is the aspect that intrigued me the most about this cigar. There is no real discernible sweet note in this cigar. There are plenty of fabulous dry notes, that nice earthy base note, and on top of that there were several different burning wood smells and tastes. this cigar is staunchly medium strength and medium bodied, which I think fits the profile of the stogie quite well. The flavor was pretty consistent the whole way down the length of the cigar, with not much in the way of change or development. On the whole I would say that this is a good Cuban cigar to have at a herf, where you want something much better than average, but consistant that does not necessarily demand your attention to examine its nuances (because you know what you are going to get here). This would make a good staple Cuban cigar, and you should try it if you get the chance. Recommended.


TomC