Friday, February 23, 2007

H. Upmann Magbum 46 (Part Deux)


5 5/8" x 46, Cuban Corona Gorda

I realize I have already written a chat style review of this cigar, but it is such a good stogie it deserves the formal work up too. So without further ado, the Magnum 46!!

Construction: As shown in the picture above, this is one very pretty looking cigar. Smooth and tan and firmly packed, uniform throughout the whole stick. It just a fine example of cuban cigar construction.

Pre - Light: Clipping the cap yielded a firm but forgiving draw. A quick draw yielded sweet ans earthy notes. Its a great preview of what is to come.

Burn/Draw: I had a bit of trouble with this one at first. Through the first half of this cigar, the burn was uneven. It was not horrible, and it did not seem to detract from the experience, but it was there. Also the cone seemed a little longet than it should be. These problems seemed to resolve themselves over the second half, and became a non-issue.

Flavors: From discussion with folks more experienced in the ISOM world than I , it seems the hallmark of a great cuban cigar is development and change throughout the stick. This cigar had three distinct parts. The beginning was rich and creamy and sweet, like an earthy clover honey, and molasses coupled with the earthy farmyness that is the hallmark cuban note. Also a tangy, kinda citrussy note. A third (to a half) of the way in the musty earth notes burst to the front with oaky woodiness as well. Peppery spice and added strength. Over the last third it mellows and sweetens out again, but retains spice, cinnamon and gingery instead of black pepper. Needless to say, great all the way through. Smoked it down to the teeniest nub.

This really doesnt need a summary. If you can find some, buy them! If you have some, SMOKE THEM! You will not be dissapointed.

TomC

11th Circuit Upholds Alabama Ban On Sale Of Sex Toys

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=18156

02.16.07

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A federal appeals court issued a Valentine's Day ruling upholding an Alabama law banning the sale of sex toys. But the devices won't disappear from store shelves immediately.


The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alabama's sex toy ban is constitutional because "the state's interest in preserving and promoting public morality provides a rational basis for the challenged statute." . . .

In 1998, the Alabama Legislature enacted a law that bans the sale of sex toys, but not their possession. Alabama residents may lawfully purchase sex toys out of state for use in Alabama, or use them if the devices have other recognized medical or therapeutic uses. The Alabama law doesn't regulate other items, such as condoms or virility drugs.

Williams, who owns Pleasures adult toy shops in Huntsville and Decatur, challenged the law in 1998 along with seven other women and two men, who represented consumers of the products. They were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.


The plaintiffs alleged in their 1998 lawsuit that "by restricting the sales of these devices to plaintiffs, Alabama has acted in violation of the fundamental rights of privacy and personal autonomy that protect an individual's lawful sexual practices guaranteed by the First, Fourth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution." . . .



Okay at the risk of sounding cranky, I dont understand. Why is the state Alabama even wasting the money to run this throught he courts? I mean we arent banning the sex toys, just that you cant sell them in AL. So we really arent stopping the act you consider immoral, you are just ruining a segment of your economy and putting buisness holders out of work. So not only does it look like a privacy infringement, as well as outright persecution of JUST ALABAMA RETAILERS, outright banning of the advertisement is contrary to 1st Ammendments spirit. Stop wasting your taxpayers money on half hearted morality witch hunts with no teeth, don't even work, and just hurts your states economy, and do something useful with the money.

TomC