Clobbering College Teams: Part 2

Red Sox at the plate: Coco Crisp and J.D. Drew doubled in the first inning, sandwiched around an RBI groundout from Alex Cora, who also doubled in a run in the second. Left fielder Chris Carter, acquired in 2007 from Washington in the Wily Mo Pena trade, played the entire game, going 1-for-4 with a double and three runs scored. Designated hitter Manny Ramirez walked in both appearances before leaving for a pinch-runner in the third inning. The Red Sox scored 39 runs and worked 27 walks in sweeping the pair of seven-inning games from Boston College and Northeastern.

Northeastern at the plate: It was a productive night for the No. 9 hole as Dave Fisher and Brendan Stokes each singled in their lone plate appearances.

Red Sox on the mound: Right-hander Justin Masterson, a second-round selection in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, earned the win, allowing one hit and striking out one over two shutout innings. He threw 17 pitches, 12 for strikes.

Northeastern on the mound: Righty Aaron Greenblat was the only Husky pitcher not to allow a run, stranding the bases loaded in the fourth. He pitched a third of an inning while walking one.

So yeah, the rest of the Sox roster showed that they can beat college competition as well. Tomorrow it is on to the Grapefruit league against other Major League clubs. As I have learned that Spring Training games generally have no bearing on how the Sox will do during the season, I doubt I will be writing about them much here, but they do kill the time nicely (and give fans a look at the prospects) during the interminable wait for opening day. Frankly the only other exhibitions games that really interest me are the ones against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers right before the regular season starts.

Until then,


GO SOX!

TomC

Baseball On The Field! However Frivalous. . .

Red Sox at the plate: Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz had RBI doubles to spark an eight-run second inning for the Red Sox. Bobby Kielty and Brandon Moss also had RBI hits in the inning. With the regulars out of the game, the Sox erupted for nine runs in the fifth.

Boston College at the plate: After being no-hit by the Red Sox for the first four innings, Eric Campbell led off the fifth with a single against Boston lefty Javier Lopez.

Red Sox on the mound: Ace Josh Beckett retired all six batters he faced, striking out four. Beckett reeled off 25 pitches, 18 of which were for strikes. Manny Delcarmen also looked sharp, striking out two in his perfect inning of work.

Boston College on the mound: Ted Ratliff started for Boston College and retired Boston's top three of Jacoby Ellsbury, Pedroia and Ortiz.

Yeah I know its only a silly exhibition against a college team, but its baseball on a field, not in a Congressional Chamber. It's about time. I might post the results of the nightcap versus Northeastern, but will not make a habit of giving Spring Training Game Results!

YAY BASEBALL!

TomC

Skippy & Samaras Strikes Squeak Celtic By ICT. . .

Scottish Premier League
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC… 2
(McDonald 45, Samaras 61)

INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE… 1
(Niculae 70)

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, S Brown, Donati, McGeady; McDonald (Killen 83), Samaras.
Subs: M Brown, O’Dea, Sno, Hartley, Robson, Riordan.

ICT (4-4-2) Fraser; Tokely, Munro, McGuire, Hastings; Imrie, Black (McBain 78), Duncan, Cowie; Niculae, Paatelainen (Wyness 78).
Subs: Malkowski, Kerr, Vigurs, Proctor, Gillespie.

Georgios Samaras got the decisive goal in a 2-1 win for Celtic over Inverness Caledonian Thistle as supporters endured a nervy finish after the Hoops had controlled much of the match.

Goals from Scott McDonald and Samaras had put the Celts in control but a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Marius Niculae to put Caley back in the game with 20 minutes to go and set up a nail-biting finish.

The first half was a frustrating one, though Celtic looked far more assured than they did on Sunday at Love Street and Gordon Strachan, watching from the Main Stand, saw his side carve out a number of good chances.

Once again Aiden McGeady was at the heart of much of Celtic’s good work, at one point skipping past three defenders as he tore down the left flank to deliver a ball for Scott McDonald.

Andreas Hinkel was also impressive on the right, showing his eagerness to drive forward into the penalty box and also to support Nakamura and he even had an effort parried by goalkeeper, Michael Fraser.

This proved to be one of several near-misses and half-chances in the opening 45 minutes for Celtic, with Georgios Samaras denied by the boot of Fraser, Lee Naylor coming close with a spectacular long-range effort and Scott McDonald stopped by a combination of last-ditch defending and solid goalkeeping.

Article.

Today's effort by the Bhoys was better than the final score suggests, and much better than the result last weekend. It is on to face Hibernian on the weekend.

Hail! Hail!

TomC

Stupid Palate: Why The Sudden Lack Of Reviews.

I just wanted to apologize to my loyal readers for the lack of cigar reviews by yours truly over the last month or so. As many of you know, I was rather sick. During the course of that illness I got quite dehydrated. It seems that this dehydration threw of my palate quite a bit, and for the last two weeks or so the concept of smoking a cigar (and the one cigar I attempted to smoke) was revolting. Finally, yesterday, I had one that tasted about right, and so we should back to business soon.

In the meanwhile I hope that the random Celtic posts, and other meanderings have kept you interested and entertained. Hopefully soon I will be back to reviewing soon, and I might just have a post involving an industry insider for your perusal.

I have to say, if you have not yet, you should definitely watch the video cigar review I have been posting from my good friends Jeebus & Sergio, "The Kids". I know first hand that these boys know what they are talking about. Also their take on all thing stogie is hysterical.


Hope everyone out there in Cyber-Land is well,

TomC

Naka's Free Kick Saves Celtic FC's Season

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Love Street, Paisley

ST MIRREN…0

CELTIC…1
(Nakamura 87)

ST MIRREN (4-4-2) Howard; van Zanten, Haining, Potter, Maxwell; Barron, Murray, Dorman, Mason (Corcoran 90); Dargo (Kean 80), Mehmet
Subs not used: Mathers, Hamilton, Miranda, McCay, McGinn

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus (O’Dea 48), Naylor; Robson (Nakamura 64), Donati, Brown, McGeady; Samaras (Killen 77), McDonald
Subs not used: M.Brown, Hutchinson, Hartley, Sno


Shunsuke Nakamura climbed off the bench to curl home a spectacular late free-kick and hand Celtic a priceless 1-0 win over a stubborn St Mirren side.

The Japanese genius, on as a substitute for Barry Robson, bent a sublime effort into the corner from 25 yards, with just three minutes remaining.

It looked as if the Hoops would have to settle for a point at Love Street, until Naka’s timely intervention. With the title race entering a crucial phase, that goal could prove to be one of the most important in the whole campaign.

St Mirren only had a handful of openings in a scrappy match, but Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc did produce two world-class stops to deny the Buddies in either half and help the Hoops on their way to three points.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan made four changes to the side that faced Barcelona in midweek. Andreas Hinkel replaced Paul Caddis, while Scott Brown and Massimo Donati came in for Nakamura and Paul Hartley.

Up front, Georgios Samaras made his first start for Celtic. The Greek striker replaced Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who was ruled out with a slight hamstring strain.


Article.


Nakamura's wonder strike SAVED CELTIC FC'S SEASON today, don't let anyone let you think otherwise. Hopefully the Bhoys can look just a bit more inspired against Inverness Caledonian Thistle this Wednesday.
HAIL HAIL!!

TomC

Fidel Castro Steps Down, Nothing Really Changes. . .

Here is some news that is kind of cigar related:
The relatively loud silence that greeted yesterday's announcement by Cuban dictator Fidel Castro that he will step down as his country's president after nearly half a century in power may have come as something of a surprise to his most outspoken opponents in the U.S. and elsewhere. They might have been expecting more of the kind of wild-in-the-streets celebration that came with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Instead, Washington and representatives of numerous governments in Europe calmly but firmly issued statements calling for Cuba to move toward a democratic system of government. (La Jornada, Mexico) Publicly expressed reaction in southern Florida's Cuban-American community appeared to be rather subdued. Reuters reported: "The news that Castro would not seek a new term as president sparked no immediate celebrations in the streets of Little Havana, the neighborhood west of downtown Miami that is home to many of the area's 650,000-strong exile community and the heartland of opposition to Castro." Many commentators called for a shift now toward democracy in Cuba - on the Cuban people's own terms, that is; they would prefer to see a transition whose timing and conditions would not be dictated by the U.S. or any other outside power.

In fact, as political analysts in Latin America in particular have routinely noted, the much-anticipated transition Washington has been looking forward to for so long after Castro's death or total relinquishing of power pretty much has already taken place. Ever since the dictator, who was suffering from undisclosed ailments, turned over the day-to-day running of Cuba's government to his younger brother, Defense Minister Raúl Castro, in July 2006, the changeover to a post-Fidel administration has been steadily, smoothly transpiring.

Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, the co-author, with Fidel Castro, of the recently issued book, Fidel Castro: My Life (see "World Views," Jan. 9, 2008), notes in a just-published Guardian commentary: "The Cuban people now accept that the country can still be run the same way by a different team....[T]hey have been getting used to the idea, while Castro remained theoretically president but his brother, Raúl, held the reins. It was Fidel the mentor, as ever....[N]ow he is handing over [complete governing authority] to a team he has tested and trusts."

Fidel Castro's letter to his countrymen ("Message from the Commander in Chief") announcing his decision to step down from the presidency was published in yesterday's edition of Granma, a state-controlled newspaper in Cuba. In it, Castro wrote: "My wishes have always been to discharge my duties to my last breath....To my dearest compatriots, who have recently honored me so much by electing me a member of the Parliament,...I am saying that I will neither aspire to nor accept, I repeat, I will neither aspire to nor accept the positions of president of the state council and commander in chief." Waxing philosophical, Castro advised: "The path will always be difficult and require from everyone intelligent effort....We should always be prepared for the worst variable....The adversary to be defeated is extremely strong; however, we have been able to keep it at bay for half a century."

Castro added: "This is not my farewell to you. My only wish is to fight as a soldier in the battle of ideas." He indicated that he will continue to write essays for Granma and noted that his articles "will be just another weapon you can count on." He concluded: "Perhaps my voice will be heard. I shall be careful. Thanks. Fidel Castro Ruz."

Article.

So the big event people have been waiting for for years finally happened, and nothing has changed. YAWN. Democracy will not suddenly break out in Cuba. The embargo will not be lifted, Cuban Cigars will not become legal. The Cuban Exiles will not be able to re stake claims on their land, nothing will change. Essentially the government will be the status quo moving forward. It is kind of telling about the charisma and his hold on the collective world mindset that anybody cares about this at all.

TomC

The Kids Take On A Oliva Master Blends Big Motha

Back again so soon, they are really on the ball as of late. Here ya go!









Another great installment, keep them coming, Boys!

TomC

Brave But Outmatched, Celtic Fall.

UEFA Champions League
First Knock-out Round, First Leg
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC… 2
(Vennegoor of Hesselink 16, Robson 38)

BARCELONA… 3
(Messi 18, 80, Henry 52)

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Caddis (Wilson 61), Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Robson, Hartley (Donati 65), McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 55), McDonald.

Subs: M Brown, O’Dea, Sno, Killen.

BARCELONA (4-3-3) Valdes; Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Deco (Xavi 66), Toure; Iniesta; Henry (Gudjohnsen 89), Messi, Ronaldino (Eto’o 73).

Subs: Pinto, Sylvinho, Giovani, Thuram.

There were thrills, spills and relentless excitement as Celtic rode a rollercoaster of emotions in this UEFA Champions League last 16 encounter with Barcelona at Celtic Park before finally going down 3-2.

Confronted with arguably the best attacking side in world football, Celtic initially fought fire with fire, twice taking the lead through Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson.

Ultimately though it was not enough, with the visitors showing their class in the second half and earning an invaluable first leg away win thanks to Lionel Messi’s late strike.

The sense of excitement was palpable in the lead-up to kick-off, with the supporters greeting the arrival of Barca’s front three of Messi, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Article.

The bhoys fought hard, but the superior team won last night. alas, there were to be no miracles, but the team fought hard and there is a lot to be proud of. Hopefully, they can keep up there current run of form in the league this weekend!

Hail! Hail!

TomC

Vanessa Marcil

Vanessa Marcil (born October 15, 1968) is an American actress known for her roles in the long-running soap opera General Hospital, Gina on Beverly Hills 90210 and the television series Las Vegas.

Marcil acted in a number of theatre productions before landing the role of Brenda Barrett on the soap opera General Hospital in 1992. She garnered three Daytime Emmy Award nominations (1997, 1998 and 2003) for her portrayal, winning in 2003 as Outstanding Supporting Actress. In February 1998, she was named Outstanding Lead Actress at the Soap Opera Digest Awards.

After six years on General Hospital, she left the show in 1998 (returning briefly in '02) to star in the made-for-television movie To Love, Honor and Deceive, and had a recurring guest role on the police drama High Incident produced by Steven Spielberg. Marcil joined the cast of Beverly Hills 90210 in November 1998 as Gina Kincaid and remained with the show for one-and-a-half seasons. Marcil made her feature film debut in the 1996 film The Rock, in which she starred opposite Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery and Ed Harris. In 1999, she starred in two independent films: Nice Guys Sleep Alone with Sean O'Bryan and This Space Between Us with Jeremy Sisto.

In 2001, Marcil was awarded the Sojourn Service Award and has supported Sojourn Services for Battered Women and their children by hosting charity events and making appearances on Wheel of Fortune, playing for funds for the organization. Through her fundraising efforts, she hopes to increase awareness of domestic violence and inspire battered woman to take control of their lives.

Marcil currently stars in the NBC television series Las Vegas as Samantha Jane "Sam" Marquez. She has been featured in several Men's magazines, including Stuff, FHM, and Maxim. She was named #19 on Maxim's Hot 100 of 2005 list and was featured on the cover of the issue that included the list, as well as #92 in the 2006 FHM Hot 100 list.



TomC

The Kids Take On A Don Pepin Black Label Belicoso

Ah another great review by "the Kids":









Another fine installment from my Pals!

TomC

Kick For Nick

Nick Madaras was raised for a majority of his life in a little town called Wilton, Connecticut. From an early age Nick took a liking for athletics, trying his hand in every imaginable sport. One sport in particular really seemed to be a perfect fit for Nick, soccer. Nick dedicated himself to the sport of soccer; going to summer camps, coaching his younger brother Christopher in the recreation league, and sharpening his skills in the off season with his friends on a local team and playing in the backyard with his sister Marie. Nick played the left flank on defense throughout high school, and although he wasn’t the fastest player or have world class skills, there isn’t another person on this planet his teamates would trust more to have as my last line of defense than Nick. Nick’s work ethic and dedication to the team was something we all strive for, but rarely achieve.

Nick took that work ethic and dedication into the Army with him when he left for basic training in July of 2005. After basic, AIT, and airborne school he was sent to Ft. Carson and prepared for deployment to Iraq. Nick was assigned to the PSD that protected LTC. Fischer, the commander of the 1-68 CAB. The members of the PSD came to love Nicky the way he was loved back at home.

The war itself at times confused Nick, the way is confuses many others. He believed in what he was doing, and truly wanted to help the people of Iraq. Nick particularly was fond of the Iraqi children. He would see them kicking bags of rocks around the streets trying to play soccer and realized these kids are no different than him. When he was home on leave in July 2006, he rounded up as many balls as he could to bring back to the children of Iraq. Nick figured if a war that had raged on for more than thirty years in the Ivory Coast could be stopped because of soccer, why couldn’t one be ended in Iraq?

Nick was killed in action by an IED on September 3rd of 2006 at the age of 19. The men in his unit and all of us back home were completely devastated and continue to mourn to this day. The way to get back at the men who did this, however, won’t be a course of hatred and rage. Instead we are spreading Nick’s love of soccer and his dedication to the children of Iraq by sending to Iraq soccer balls to be distributed to the children of Iraq directly by our soldiers in the field. We are all fulfilling Nick’s dream by collecting and distributing these balls. Nick’s Comrades in Arms have told us that when the times get really rough over there and they’re searching for a reason for all of the madness, they can hand a ball to one of the children and look at their eyes glow with happiness, remember Nick, and realize that yes, it is worth it.

Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras
1-68 CAB
10/21/86 – 9/3/06

(RIP)

I cannot emphasize how much I believe in this cause. Do something, ATH THE VERY LEAST, go check out the website:

http://www.kickfornick.com/

It just might chancge the way you look at things.


TomC

Bhoys Look On Form Versus Hearts!

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…3
(Vennegoor of Hesselink 14, McDonald 51, Hinkel 76)

HEARTS…0

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Donati (Robson 78), S. Brown, McGeady; McDonald (Hutchinson 87), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 73)
Subs not used: M.Brown, O’Dea, Sno, Hartley

HEARTS (4-5-1) Banks; Neilson, Karipidis, Berra, Goncalves; Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas 68), Jonsson, Palazuelos, Ksanavicius (Nade 73), Driver; Velicka
Subs not used: Basso, Wallace, Zaliukas, McCann, Elliot


Andreas Hinkel scored his first Celtic goal as the reigning champions swept past Hearts to close the gap at the top of the SPL table to just one point.

The German defender sealed the 3-0 win with a stunning strike, after goals from deadly front duo Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald had put the Hoops in the driving seat.

Georgios Samaras, Barry Robson and Ben Hutchinson all made their home debuts as Celtic cruised through the latter part of the game. With Rangers playing Kilmarnock on Sunday, Celtic have reduced their lead to a single point.

Hoops manager Gordon Strachan made just one change to the side that beat Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie last Sunday, with Massimo Donati coming in for Paul Hartley.

Article.



The Bhoys are really on form leading into this weeks Champions League Match versus Barcelona at Parkhead. They are peaking at just the right time. It should be a great Match!


Hail! Hail!

TomC

This Is Getting Fucking Ridiculous! What Is Wrong With People??

I just don't understand it:


http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/02/14/university.shooting/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail

DEKALB, Illinois -- A gunman dressed in black stepped from behind a curtain at the front of a large lecture hall at Northern Illinois University on Thursday and shot 21 people, five of them fatally, then shot and killed himself, said university president John Peters.

Four died at the scene, including the shooter, and two later died at the hospital, he said.

At least 22 people, including a graduate student who was teaching an ocean sciences class, were shot, Peters said.

Seventeen victims were taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital, its Web site said.

Of those, six were in critical condition and were flown to other hospitals. One fatality, a male, was confirmed -- but was not the gunman, the hospital said. Two were admitted, and three others were discharged. The other five were not addressed on the Web site.

Four of the fatalities were female, said Peters.

Most of the injuries are head and chest gunshot wounds, a hospital spokeswoman told CNN.

The gunman started shooting from a stage in the room shortly after 3 p.m. (4 p.m. ET) in Cole Hall, officials said.

Police Chief Donald Grady said authorities do not yet know of a motive.

They know the identity of the gunman but have not released his name, Grady added.

The shooter was a graduate student at NIU in the spring of 2007. Currently he was not enrolled there but, Grady said, "He may have been a student elsewhere."

Kevin McEnery said he was in the classroom when the gunman, dressed in a black shirt, dark pants and black hat, burst in carrying a shotgun.






I just don't understand people anymore, I guess. . . I mean we are finally starting to breathe normally after the Virginia Tech Incident, and now this happens. Why?


RIP to all the innocent victims. . .



TomC

Just Get The Damn Flu Shot Next Year! NO EXCUSES!

So I haven't been blogging as much as usual lately, but for once there has been a good reason. I have been sick. Not "cough, cough, I have the sniffles" sick, laid out, dehydrated, fever and all kinds of awfl excretions from hell sick. It was bad enough that on Thursday I actually had to go to the ER for IV fluids and electrolytes because I could not keep anything good in me. It was about as sick as I have been in a long time! thankfully I am on the up & up now, but for like four days in there, it was really rather hairy.

And all that suffering brings me to my point. Get a flu shot and save yourself this bother. While not a catch all for ALL influenza virus, but it will seriously cut down on the chances you will go through the hell that I did. I was a dumbass and did not get a shot this year and paid dearly. So I am telling you now, I don't care about excuses (no that last flu shot did not make you sick, and no the government isn't trying to mind control you via flu shots) go out and get the damn vaccination already!! And if you do not, don't say I didn't warn you. . .

Yours in better health,

TomC

Red Sox Equipment Leaves For Spring Training

In the midst of all this winter malaise out there these days, how bout a ray of hope for all you baseball fans out there. The Red Sox Spring Training truck departed Fenway Park for Ft. Myers, Florida today!! Pitchers and Catchers report to camp on Thursday. Thats right kiddies, BASEBALL IS COMING SOON, HOORAY!!

TomC

Celtic Drubs Aberdeen at Pittodrie

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Sunday, February 10, 2008 Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen

ABERDEEN…1
(Miller 62)

CELTIC…5
(Nakamura 17, McGeady 34, McDonald 44, 48, Robson 74)

ABERDEEN (4-4-2) Langfield; McNamara, Bus, Diamond (Considine 50), Maybury; Young, Walker, Severin, Nicholson (Foster 17, Maguire 62); Miller, Mackie
Subs not used: Soutar, Lovell, Duff, Aluko

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura (Robson 73), Hartley, S.Brown, McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 85), McDonald (Samaras 62)
Subs not used: M.Brown, Caddis, O’Dea, Sno

Aiden McGeady produced a magical individual display and Barry Robson scored a debut goal as Celtic turned on the style to destroy Aberdeen with a ruthless performance.

First-half goals from Shunsuke Nakamura, Scott McDonald and the outstanding McGeady had Celtic cruising by the break. McDonald’s second – his 23rd of a prolific season – killed off the beleaguered Dons.

The home side then grabbed a consolation through Lee Miller, before new Bhoy Robson scored with a low free-kick – his first touch as a Celtic player.

As well as scoring, McGeady, who must be a front-runner for Scotland’s Player of the Year award, had a hand in two of the goals and produced a mesmerising piece of skill to set up McDonald for his second.

Overall, it was a clinical, inventive attacking display from the SPL champions, who remain just four points behind leaders Rangers, with 15 games remaining.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan made two changes to the side that beat Kilmarnock last weekend. Paul Caddis and Massimo Donati dropped out, with Andreas Hinkel and Paul Hartley returning to the Hoops line-up.

(Article)


Looks like the Bhoys are hitting their stride at just the right time!

HAIL! HAIL!

TomC

"The Kids" Take On La Flor Dominicana Ligero!

Continuing this great series, "The Kids" and a La Flor Dominicana Ligero:





TomC

LOVO Barber Pole Figurado

6 X 60 Barber Pole (Natural & Maduro)

Construction: Smooth and pretty, with a beautiful light dark contrast running the length of this torp. Unlike the rosado, I did notice that the wrapper leaves of this stogie seemed quite fragile, rasing some (thankfully unfounded) concern.

Pre - Light: Clipped easily producing a very pleasant prelight draw and a light, but rich, tang.


Burn/Draw: The burn on this cigar was just fine,never an issue, never needed a touchup. Just light and forget. The draw was great the whole way through, the cigar yielding billows of thick rich round smoke. The ash was firm and light grey to white and held on as long as I wanted it to. The concerns I had about the fragile wrapper were not needed as this was not an issue.

Taste: This one was a goody. It also was an interesting example of how the barber pole thing doesnt have to be for show. It combined the richness and mocha notes of the maduro with a nice tang from the natural. It had notes of earthiness and leatherbut also of sweet honey and cinnamon. The best part was this great flavorful smoothness that lasted the whole way down through. Overall a great cigar. I want to know more about LOVO's. Find me more info on LOVOs! While I still may like the rosado better, one of the better cigars I have had of late.

TomC

Celtic Clip Killie In Scottish Cup

Scottish Cup – Fifth Round
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock

KILMARNOCK… 1
(Hamill 66)

CELTIC… 5
(McDonald 22, 67, Caldwell 52, Vennegoor of Hesselink 57, Samaras 85)

KILMARNOCK (4-4-2) Combe; Corrigan, Ford, Wright, Hay; Fowler, Bryson, Hamill, Gibson (Fernandez 46); Wales; Invincible (Di Giacamo 75).
Subs not used: Harpur, Johnston, O’Leary.

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Caddis, Caldwell, McManus (O’Dea 76), Naylor; McGeady, Donati, S Brown (Sno 81), Nakamura; McDonald (Samaras 67), Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Subs not used: M Brown, Hartley.

Celtic turned on the style in what could have been a potentially tricky fifth round Scottish Cup tie against Kilmarnock, with debut-Bhoy Georgios Samaras scoring in an excellent five-goal win.

The Greek striker came on as a late substitute to ram home Celtic’s fifth, but by then the game was all-over as a contest, with Gordon Strachan’s men having played with flair, confidence and invention in what was one of their most entertaining performances of the season so far.

This cup tie came at the tail-end of a busy week for the club, one in where the disappointment of the postponed midweek game with Motherwell was tempered by the acquisition of four late, transfer window signings.

There was no place in the starting XI for any of the new arrivals though, with the only significant addition, right-back Paul Caddis – a late substitute in last weekend’s win over Falkirk who made his first start this afternoon.

When the teams last met in the Scottish Premier League, a fortnight ago at Celtic Park, Alan Combe was all that stood between Kilmarnock and at least a five-goal hammering and as it transpired, the home side would again have good reason to thank their inspirational goalkeeper.

Article.

Thats is a much more satisfying result!

'Mon The Hoops!

TomC