"The Kids" Take On Hoyo De Monterrey Dark Sumatra!
More good times from "The Kids"!
TomC
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone (born October 4, 1976) is an American actress and former fashion model. She first came to widespread attention in music videos for Aerosmith and is best recalled for her roles in Hollywood films such as Clueless (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997).
Silverstone won a leading part in the 1993 film The Crush, playing a teenaged girl who sets out to ruin an older man after her affections are spurned; she won two awards at the 1994 MTV Movie Awards for the role for Best Breakthrough Performance and Best Villain. Silverstone became legally emancipated at the age of 15 in order to work the hours required for the shooting schedule of the film. After seeing her in The Crush, Marty Callner decided she'd be perfect for a role in a music video he was directing for the band Aerosmith, called "Cryin'", and then the following two videos "Amazing" and "Crazy". These were hugely successful both for the band and Silverstone, making her a household name (and also gaining her the nickname, "the Aerosmith chick"). They also got her noticed by film maker Amy Heckerling, who after seeing them decided to cast her in Clueless.
Clueless became a sleeper hit and critical darling during the summer of 1995. Silverstone's performance was well received, and she was branded the spokeswoman for an emerging young generation. As a result, she signed a deal with Columbia-TriStar worth $10 million. As part of the package, she got a three-year first-look deal for her own production company, First Kiss Productions. Silverstone also won "Best Female Performance" and "Most Desirable Female" by the MTV Movie Awards in 1996 for her performance in the film.
Silverstone's next role was as Batgirl in Batman & Robin, which was neither a critical nor a financial success. Silverstone won a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress. She suffered further bad press for allegedly striking a pedestrian with her vehicle in a crosswalk. She also starred in 1997's dark comedy Excess Baggage, which was the first movie to be released by her production company. In the film, Silverstone played a rich brat who fakes her own kidnapping in order to get her father's attention. While not as reviled as Batman & Robin, the film was not as critically or commercially embraced as Clueless.
Silverstone appeared in Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of the Shakespeare play Love's Labour's Lost in 2000, in which she was required to sing and dance. In 2001, Silverstone provided the voice of Sharon Spitz, the lead character in the Canadian animated television Braceface. After removing herself from the public eye for a few years, she resurfaced in the 2003 NBC television show Miss Match, which was then cancelled after 18 episodes. Silverstone later acknowledged that she hates the trappings of fame. According to Silverstone, "Fame is not anything I wish on anyone. You start acting because you love it. Then success arrives, and suddenly you're on show".
After the cancellation of Miss Match in 2003, she did a pilot with FOX called Queen B, in which she would have played a former high school prom queen named Beatrice (Bea), who has found out that the real world is nothing like high school. In 2005, she co-starred with Queen Latifah in Beauty Shop, a spin-off of the BarberShop films. She played one of the stylists in the beauty shop. For the pilot season of 2006-2007, she surfaced on a pilot being developed by ABC called Pink Collar, in which she would have worked in a law firm. Silverstone's most recent movie, Stormbreaker, was released in the UK on July 21, 2006, and in North America on October 13, 2006. She appeared alongside Ewan McGregor and Sophie Okonedo. In November 2006, she starred in the made-for-TV movie Candles on Bay Street for Hallmark Hall of Fame, based on the book by Cathie Pelletier.
TomC
This Was Hysterical
Did anybody else see this between inning interview during the Red Sox 9-8 loss to Minnesota Sunday Night on ESPN? Am I the only one who thinks its just great? Those who missed it, see for yourself!
TomC
Update your favorites, Kiddies!
Due to a stroke of fortunate luck, "The Smoking Lounge" now has a domain name of its very own! This BLOG can now be found at:
http://www.CigarSmokingLounge.com/
Same site, same format, same fun! Easier to remember name (I must say I am surprised this domain name was not registered already)!
Happy Reading!
TomC
Monday, May 12, 2008
Revs Stomp Stumbling Chivas USA!
New England Revolution at Chivas USA
May 11, 2008
Carson, California
(The Home Depot Center)
Scoring Summary
NE – Kenny Mansally (Jeff Larentowicz, Chris Albright) 18
NE – Taylor Twellman (Steve Ralston) 59
CHV – Justin Braun (Maykel Galindo, Atiba Harris) 93+
New England Revolution: Matt Reis (GK), Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst, Chris Albright, Khano Smith, Shalrie Joseph, Jeff Larentowicz, Wells Thompson, Mauricio Castro (Kheli Dube 55), Steve Ralston © (Gary Flood 79), Kenny Mansally (Taylor Twellman 46)
Substitutes Not Used: Doug Warren (GK), Amaechi Igwe, Adam Cristman, Chase Hilgenbrinck
Chivas USA: Brad Guzan (GK), Bobby Burling, Jim Curtin, Shavar Thomas, Eric Ebert (Justin Braun 59), Francisco Mendoza, Jesse Marsch (Daniel Paladini 68), Paolo Nagamura, Sacha Kljestan, Ante Razov (Atiba Harris 71), Maykel Galindo
Substitutes Not Used: Dan Kennedy (GK), Keith Savage, Anthony Hamilton, Gerson Mayen
Second-half substitute Taylor Twellman – who was making his 2008 debut after returning from injury – scored the game-winning goal in the 59th minute to lead the New England Revolution to a 2-1 victory over Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center on Sunday afternoon.
The win was the Revolution’s (4-3-1, 13 pts.) first-ever on the road at Chivas USA (1-4-2, 5 pts.), as the club had previously been 0-2-1 on three trips to face the Goats on the west coast.
New England began the match in an unconventional 3-6-1 formation, using Steve Ralston and Mauricio Castro as attacking midfielders behind the lone forward, Kenny Mansally
(Article.)
The Revs continue their up and down season. Hopefully they can soon gain some positive momentum.
TomC
Celtic Push Title Race On For The Time Being. . .
Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC…2
(McManus 37, McDonald 87)
HIBERNIAN…0
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Hartley, Robson, McGeady; McDonald (Sheridan 90), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 78)
Subs not used: M.Brown, S.Brown, Donati, Caddis, Balde
HIBERNIAN (4-3-3) McNeil; Canning, Jones, Hogg, Murray; Morais (Nish 88), Rankin, Beuzelin; Campbell (Donaldson 70), Shiels, Fletcher
Subs not used: Ma-Kalambay, Kerr, O’Brien, Gathuessi, Chisholm
Headers in either half from captain Stephen McManus and top scorer Scott McDonald sealed the win for Celtic in a fiercely-competitive match. Hibs finished with nine men after late dismissals for Martin Canning and Ian Murray.
With only one game remaining, against Dundee United on May 22, Gordon Strachan’s side have cranked up the pressure on title rivals Rangers. The Ibrox club have three games left, against Motherwell, St Mirren and Aberdeen – all away from home.
Celtic made two changes to the side that beat Motherwell 2-1 last weekend. McManus returned in place of Bobo Balde, while Mark Wilson came in for the injured Andreas Hinkel.
Paradise was bathed in sunshine for Celtic’s last home game of the season as a capacity crowd filled the stadium.
(Article.)
Well here's to hoping the Bhoys can still capitalize on their slim chance of winning the title. 'Mon The Hoops!
TomC
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ramón Allones Edición Regional Esclusivo Asia Pacific Estupendo
Brand: Ramón Allones
Year Of Foundation: 1845
Tobacco Country: Cuba
Tobacco Procedence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: Partagas
Vitola: Julieta 2, A Churchill
Size: 7" x 47 (178 x 18.65 mm)
Info: 2006 Asia-Pacific regional release, available in both cabs of 50 cigars per cabinet, and also in a 25 count box. These cigars have a second band that says "Exclusivo Asian Pacifico" on it, and share the same vitola as the legendary Dunhill Estupendo (essentially, a Churchill-sized cigar).
Appearance: This was one beautiful looking cigar. Glistening with essential oils, this cigar was firmly, but evenly packed, with no soft spots to speak of. The wrapper was a luscious cinnamon reddish hue and was as smooth as can be, with not visible veins or imperfections. The height of fine Habano construction.
Pre-Light: The clip on this cigar was a snap. The Prelight draw was acceptable, and had notes of that fabulous Habano earthiness, as well as some delicious sweet notes of caramel and cinnamon.
Burn/Draw: I have to say up front, that from all aesthetic standpoints, this may have been the best Cuban cigar I have ever smoked. The burn on this cigar was impeccable, and was never an issue, as it burned straight down the whole length of the cigar. Even when I was close to nubbing this stick, there was no problem with a wandering burn line, like I have with so many other cigars. The draw was just as good, burning long and cool and slow and producing what can only be described as rich and creamy smoke, again, until the very nub. It never burned hot. The ash on this cigar was firm and held well past the inch and a half mark.
Flavors: This is a great example of how a cigar that is not powerhouse strength can be very flavor full. There was a plethora of flavor in the creamy smoke produced by this medium bodied cigar. The cigar started milder and sweet with cinnamon and brown sugar notes. About a third of the way in some earthy richness crept in, while still remaining rather sweet, so the cigar tasted like home made caramel and an undertone of that great Cuban earthiness we all know and love. Over the last third of the cigar, the creaminess came back in full force, and so the flavor became almost reminiscent of a strong coffee with cream. Overall this was a complex, evolving experience, that I bet the has the potential to become a classic! Recommended, if you can get one.
TomC
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Michelle Branch
Michelle Jacquet Branch-Landau (born July 2, 1983) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. She made her debut in 2000, and released the platinum-selling albums The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper in August 2001 and June 2003 respectively. During this period, she collaborated with Santana on the single "The Game of Love", which won a Grammy Award. In 2004, she formed the musical duo The Wreckers with fellow musician Jessica Harp.
She signed a record deal with Maverick Records while opening for Hanson in December 2000. Her first album under Maverick, The Spirit Room, was released in August 2001 and went on to sell over one million copies in the U.S. The single "Everywhere" became a worldwide top-twenty hit, and was followed by the U.S. top-ten hit "All You Wanted" and the top-forty single "Goodbye to You". Branch was frequently compared (both positively and negatively) to other singer-songwriters like Norah Jones, Avril Lavigne, and Vanessa Carlton who rose to prominence at around the same time as she. In 2002 Branch was the lead vocalist on Carlos Santana's song "The Game of Love", which became her first single to reach the U.S. top five; it went on to win a Grammy Award for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals".
In 2003, she released her second full-length album, Hotel Paper, which became her second RIAA-certified platinum album but was met with mixed reviews. The lead single "Are You Happy Now?" became another top-twenty hit for Branch in the U.S., but follow-up singles "Breathe" and "'Til I Get over You" failed to achieve substantial success. In June 2004 she hosted MTV's Faking the Video alongside Nick Lachey and JC Chasez.
Branch married her bass player, Teddy Landau, 19 years her senior, in Mexico on May 23, 2004. On August 3, 2005, Branch gave birth to a 7lb. 12oz. (3.5 kg) baby girl named Owen Isabelle.
In July 2005, Branch announced the completion of an album with country singer Jessica Harp. The longtime friends and collaborators were dubbed "The Homewreckers" as a joke by Branch's husband, and they shortened it to The Wreckers. The album combined Branch's pop-rock sensibility with Harp's country-folk style. The album was originally due for release in June 2005 but was delayed because of promotional reasons surrounding Branch's pregnancy.
One of the songs Branch co-wrote with Harp for the album was featured on the original soundtrack to the WB television teen drama One Tree Hill. Branch and Harp made a brief appearance as themselves on One Tree Hill, and then went on a month-long concert tour with Gavin DeGraw. Branch has sung on the television shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer (in the episode "Tabula Rasa") and Charmed (in the episode "Centennial Charmed").
Branch closed down the message boards for The Wreckers' official website in December 2005 after being displeased by comments posted there.
The Wreckers' first single, "Leave the Pieces", was released in February 2006; the album Stand Still, Look Pretty was released that May. During this period, they joined country music stars Rascal Flatts and Gary Allan on a sold out U.S. tour.
In December 2006, the Wreckers were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song "Leave the Pieces".
Branch has written songs for other artists, including one for Mandy Moore's 2007 album Wild Hope. As of 2006, her biggest hits ("Everywhere", "All You Wanted", and "Are You Happy Now?") continue to be played in recurrent rotation on CHR and Hot AC radio stations.
As of early August 2007, Branch and Jessica Harp announced on the band's official message board that they were putting the band on hold while they went forward with solo albums.
On October 31, 2007, Branch announced that she was working on a new solo album. MTV has confirmed that the album will debut in summer 2008, followed by a tour.
On April 10, 2008, at her first solo concert in almost 4 years, Branch announced the title of her fourth studio album to be Everything Comes and Goes.
TomC
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Revs Get Shellacked By Chicago
New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire
May 3, 2008
Foxborough, Mass. (Gillette Stadium)
Scoring Summary
CHI – Chris Rolfe (John Thorrington) 29
CHI – John Thorrington (Chad Barrett) 50
CHI – Stephen King (unassisted) 76
New England Revolution: Matt Reis, Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst, Chris Albright, Khano Smith (Steve Ralston 54), Shalrie Joseph ©, Jeff Larentowicz, Mauricio Castro, Wells Thompson, Adam Cristman (Kheli Dube 55), Kenny Mansally (Argenis Fernandez 74)
Substitutes Not Used: Doug Warren (GK), Gary Flood, Chase Hilgenbrinck, Amaechi Igwe
Chicago Fire: Jon Busch, Gonzalo Segares, Diego Gutierrez, Bakary Soumare, Brandon Prideaux, Justin Mapp (Daniel Woolard 78), Logan Pause, Cuauhtemoc Blanco ©, John Thorrington, Chad Barrett (Andy Herron 83), Chris Rolfe (Stephen King 69)
Substitutes Not Used: Nick Noble (GK), Mike Banner, Calen Carr, Dasan Robinson
Goals from Chris Rolfe, John Thorrington and Stephen King lifted the Chicago Fire to a 3-0 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The win was the Fire’s second of the season over the Revs, as the club also defeated New England, 4-0, on Apr. 3 at Toyota Park.
Unlike this season’s previous meeting between the two Eastern Conference rivals, the game began quietly. Both teams started with a cautious approach, and as a result, neither team created a serious chance in the opening stages.
However, Chicago stunned the home crowd when Rolfe opened the scoring in the 29th minute on the first serious chance of the game for either side. Thorrington’s cutting ball from the right side of the field found an open Rolfe waiting just outside New England’s box. The forward took one touch with his left foot to set up the shot for his right, and he turned toward goal and fired into the lower left corner of the net, giving Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis no chance.
TomC
Huge Win Helps Celtis Title Hopes!
Scottish Premier League
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Fir Park, Motherwell
MOTHERWELL… 1
(Porter 60)
CELTIC… 2
(McDonald 62, Samaras 79)
MOTHERWELL (4-5-1) Daniels; McLean, Reynolds, Craigan, Hammell; Smith (McCormack 74), Malcolm, Lasley (Murphy 87), Fitzpatrick, Clarkson (Hughes 82); Porter.
Subs: Smith, McGarry, Lappin, Meechan.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Balde, Caldwell, Naylor (Wilson 76); Nakamura (S Brown 65), Hartley, Robson, McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 65), McDonald.
Subs: M Brown, O’Dea, Hutchinson, Pressley.
Celtic FC turned up the heat in this enthralling title race with a late 2-1 victory over Motherwell that extends their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
Georgios Samaras was the matchwinner after coming on as a second half substitute in this scrappy, nerve-ridden affair.
But Celtic once again had to pass a test of character in this match, with Scott McDonald levelling just two minutes after Chris Porter had fired Motherwell into the lead.
Gordon Strachan was forced to make one notable change to the side that beat Rangers 3-2 in last weekend’s thrilling derby, with Bobo Balde stepping into the centre of defence in place of the injured captain, Stephen McManus.
But the manager stuck with the on-form midfield partnership of Barry Robson and Paul Hartley, who more than repaid his faith with driving, committed performances over the course of the ensuing 90 minutes.
Motherwell were meanwhile approaching this game with their own ambitions, still pushing for the third place finish that would guarantee UEFA Cup football next season.
The match, played out once again on a pitch that is embarrassingly unfit for Premier League football, thus enjoyed a fairly tempestuous start, with Robert Malcolm pushing Shunsuke Nakamura early on and the Japanese midfielder uncharacteristically responding in kind when hit by a poor challenge by David Clarkson.
Article.
An epic win by the bhoys, even though they weren't necessarily the best team on the pitch today. Way to keep the heat on a floundering Rangers side!
'Mon The Hoops!
TomC
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
TeAmo World Selection Series Nicaraguan Blend
Size: Robusto 5" X 54
Wrapper: Criollo
Binder: San Andres
Filler: Nicaraguan
Appearance: This cigar looked decent enough. A bit on the rustic side it was a bit toothy. It had a faint box press to it, and was evenly packed with no noticeable veins of soft spots. Overall, it looked like a cigar. Heh.
Pre-Light: Along with looking like a cigar, this stick smelled an awful lot like a cigar. Amazing huh? It didn't smell rancid, or over moist, or bad in any way. That said, it really didn't smell particularly good either. Yeah, I got to say, the pre light wasn't much to rave over. Well, the clip was easy, and the pre light draw seemed okay. I guess I should add that. Yeah, it clipped and the draw were just like a cigar.
Burn/Draw: The burn and draw on this cigar were pretty good. The burn, as shown in the picture above was pretty straight, and never really wandered that much from there. The draw was appropriate, and allowed for a decent amount of smoke without too much effort. Unlike other reviews I have read about this cigar, mine had a relatively firm ash that held pretty well.
Flavors: Well the first third of this cigar was rather intriguing, with some interesting notes. There was a bit of smoky woodiness, and a delightful tanginess. For the first third of this cigar I found it slightly reminiscent of a cigar I really enjoy, the Hoyo Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight. Like that cigar, this one wasn't the most refined or smooth, but the stinkyness was kinda fun! Alas this was not to continue. It was almost like, about a third of the way in, it remembered that it was a TeAmo, and magically turned itself into a dog rocket. It got in turns, sour, then bitter, and then too harsh to continue smoking. It really was rather revolting at the end. I threw it in the toilet, where it belonged, at about the two thirds mark. I read that Cigar Aficionado gave this pile of crap a 91 (or something like that). This is why I do not read that publication. My recommendation? Do not even approach this cigar without a Haz-Mat suit. Vile, I tell you, V-I-L-E!
TomC
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