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QD50 post a Saturday morning run. Happy weekend all

How does your BBQ vent?

We all can agree that recent production has been very good, this noticeably started around 2019 +/- a year. However we do not know how current production will be in 5, 10, 20 years time. Because of that this may need to be broken into two categories as certain years were less than enjoyable when fresh but have blossomed into amazing cigars. So quality for fresh vs quality for aged. Then there is quality as construction and quality as flavor/nuances. Also, certain runs of specific brands or even specific cigars were phenomenal while others less then ideal. LUB 14' HU#2 comes to mind. I know I added pretty much nothing to this topic regarding your question but am highly interested in what everyone thinks.

My oh my — that is one helluva a lineup!

My general idea for this thread is that looking at the current lineups for PCs and Robustos, if you could only have one set of cigars for the rest of time, which would you go with and why. I think this is a difficult question which is not as simple as just saying you prefer one size to the other, because there is also the question of which specific cigars are available in each range. From Cuban Cigar Website, I have pulled out all regular production CCs plus Habanos Specialist and LCDH Exclusives. For PCs / Coronas, I am counting anything between 40-42 RG, 110mm minimum length and 142mm maximum. In other words: Minutos, Coronoitas, Petit Cetros, Marevas, Cremas, Emintentes, and Coronas. I think most people would group these general vitolas together. There are currently 43 total CCs in these sizes. For Robustos, I am counting everything from from 46 to 54 RG, and length-wise everything from a D No. 5 (100mm) to Coronas Gordas (143mm). Again, I think most people would think of all the cigars listed as "Robustos". There are 37 total CCs in these sizes. Many may look at these two lineups and think it's a slamdunk for the Robustos, but I am not so sure. The PCs / Coronas selection has some excellent cigars. Within marcas, for example I'd take a Monty 3 over any Monty Robusto, I'd take PLPC over the the Picadores. I'd probably take the Boli PC over the Royal Coronas too. Party has some very underrated PCs, I like those Aristocrats, for example. R&J arguably has a better PC lineup than its Robustos. Upmann Majestic is not a bad C&C. On balance though, I'd still take the Robustos just because it's hard to imagine being without my workhorses like JL2, RASS, PD4, Epi2, Connie 1 etc, but I find myself on many occassions reaching for a PC rather than a Robusto. What are your thoughts?

My first Monte ever. The no.1 love the size but not sure I enjoy the flavour profile. Dark cocoa, bit earthy. I have a handful more that I will give another shot in a few months

Ken, the images have been downloaded, converted to jpg and uploaded into your initial thread. Go ahead and edit the thread as you desire. I'm happy to clean this thread afterwards.

It’s now 2024 in Cigarmegeddon… How do the years through ‘23 rank for quality of the past ~20 years? 2014 2015 2008 2009 2013 2012 2010 2011 2017 2016 Where would you place 2018-2023?

thanks so much John. very much appreciated. no idea why suddenly things don't work. suspect my computer has given itself an upgrade and now can't do what it did. i will put up the links etc and if you can do that then great. i will then add a few notes. yalumba 175th plus plus 209.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 191.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 206.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 204.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 199.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 199.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 194.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 189.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 183.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 183.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 184.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 190.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 187.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 192.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 205.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 210.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 196.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 202.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 186.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 201.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 203.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 198.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 193.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 188.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 182.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 182.HEICyalumba 175th plus plus 185.HEIC

China’s growing love of luxury watches remains strong, despite economic headwinds By Leona Liu, CNN According to event CEO Matthieu Humair, 40% of Watches and Wonders' 49,000 attendees travelled from Asia, with a significant portion coming from China. Cyril Zingaro/WWGF/Keystone Geneva (CNN) — When the luxury Watches and Wonders fair closed its doors in Geneva earlier this week, it had hosted an estimated 49,000 luxury watch enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, all eager to be inspired by the best new designs and complications. According to a report by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS), mainland China and Hong Kong combined spent over 5 billion Swiss francs (5.49 billion) on watches in 2023, meaning luxury consumers in greater China are the biggest clients when it comes to the 26.7 billion franc (29.3 billion) watch exports business. But one region’s visitors stood out among the crowd — 40% of this year’s attendees hailed from Asia according to the event’s CEO Matthieu Humair, with a significant portion coming from China. Watching your wealth It’s not surprising. Despite economic challenges looming large — including prolonged downturns in both the housing and stock market — China’s fascination with luxury watches remains undiminished. In fact, luxury watches are seen by many affluent Chinese as a compelling alternative investment avenue during times of financial uncertainty, when diversifying away from “traditional” investments such as real estate or stocks is seen as prudent. At Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Switzerland, the leading names of the watchmaking and luxury industries put their new wares on display to potential clients, collectors and enthusiasts. Cyril Zingaro/WWGF/Keystone Certainly at this year’s fair, well-dressed, well-accessorized Chinese customers appeared unfazed by economic uncertainties. Mostly invited by brands, these high-spending VIP guests often pay millions for timepieces or jewelry, either at home in China or during overseas travels. Accordingly, Chinese brand ambassadors were also front and center at this year’s fair, with appearances by actors such as Jackson Yee at Jaeger Le-Coultre, Zhu Yilong at Chopard and Wang Yang at IWC. Other personalities including actor and singer Xiao Zhan conducted livestream sessions that enthusiasts could tune into. David Sadigh is CEO of Digital Luxury Group, a digital marketing agency in Europe and China whose clients include Patek Philippe and Van Cleef & Arpels. After more than 20 years working in the region, he believes China’s economic slowdown is just a temporary phase. “The higher-end price point brands are not concerned (by the downturn),” Sadigh told CNN during an interview at the fair in Geneva. “The situation may be slightly (more) challenging for mid-level luxury brands (whose clients’ disposable incomes are potentially more at the whim of market forces). But I’m confident that in the long run, China will be the biggest market for luxury watches.” Many executives of the 54 watchmaking brands that CNN spoke to at Watches and Wonders echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in China’s ongoing passion for luxury timepieces and underscoring the resilience of this market segment amid the broader economic headwinds. Chinese watchbuyers are renowned in the industry for their discerning approach to both the design and complications of a watch. Valentin Flauraud/WWGF/Keystone Sales at Hublot, a prominent luxury watch brand in the LVMH stable, have this year rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, although growth rates have slowed compared to the peak of post-pandemic “revenge spending” (a phenomenon whereby customers rush to spend more than they usually would on something after being deprived of the ability to do so) in 2022. Despite commanding price tags sometimes into the millions of yuan, the brand continues to attract discerning consumers, with US and China as its biggest clients. “It’s understandable that people wait and see how to spend their money when the market is down,” said Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. “For the Chinese consumers, once they consume, they will come back, because they appreciate luxury watches from the bottom of their heart.” Indeed, despite being a relatively new market for watchmakers, wealthy Chinese customers are already regarded as discerning clients alongside buyers from more mature markets like Europe and the US, who have long appreciated the artistry, elegance, and craftsmanship in haute horology. “We’ve seen in Asia — China in particular — average consumers are younger, around 35 (and) have an eye for unusual designs,” said Guadalupe. Unlike volatile financial markets, watches can offer tangible value combined with emotional attachment. Pierre Albouy/WWGF/Keystone Carson Chan, a timepiece expert whose previous titles include General Manager of Richard Mille Asia, Bonhams’ Head of Watches and Chief Advisor of Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), is also a collector. “In Asia, where collecting large items like cars can be challenging, watches offer a compact alternative for collectors,” Chan told CNN in an email interview from his home in Hong Kong. “The strong learning culture and understanding of mechanisms in Asia further support a sophisticated market, evidenced by the rise of independent brands across the region,” he added. Raphael Young, who also lives in Hong Kong and works in financial services in the IT industry, has just returned from the fair in Geneva. “As a watch collector, the five main criteria I look deeply into (are) value, craftsmanship, history, innovation and the people behind the timepieces and the brand,” he told CNN via a phone interview and added; “There is a lot of learning, researching, meetings and almost scholarly pursuits involved in cultivating my collecting hobby.” Timeless designs A. Lange & Söhne, a smaller independent watchmaker producing just 5,000 pieces globally, maintains a distinctive niche in the market. The brand’s CEO Wilhelm Schmid also remained unperturbed by China’s economic conditions. “A. Lange’s customers are real collectors; it’s very niche. Though our price is not low, there are groups of clients whose finances are not affected by the market fluctuations, who just appreciate the best timepieces,” he told CNN in an interview at the event. The house’s new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen, for example, integrates a flyback chronograph, a jumping minute counter, perpetual calendar with outsized date and a tourbillon with a stop-seconds mechanism. Some watchmakers appear to be courting Chinese buyers through unique design flourishes and Chan has observed that smaller case sizes are trending. Eleven years in the making, Vacheron Constantin’s record breaking one-piece-only giant pocket watch The Berkley has been designed to celebrate cultural fusion by combining traditional Chinese lunar calendar functions with Western horological complexities — for example a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and tourbillon. Luxury watchmakers are appealing to groups of clients whose finances may not be affected by the whims of financial markets. Valentin Flauraud/WWGF/Keystone “The Berkley features the first Chinese perpetual calendar which, given the particularities of the complex and irregular cycle… is a feat of horological genius,” said Young. “China has the longest continuous history of any country in the world (with) 3,500 years of written history, and it is only now we have a mechanical timepiece for the Chinese perpetual calendar. As a Chinese, I would find it useful and would be very interested in having such a complication.” Meanwhile, renowned Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis created another novelty in celebration of the new Year of the Dragon, on display in Geneva earlier this week. Limited to eight pieces, it is expected to appeal to Chinese collectors and enthusiasts. Among some of the most popular luxury fashion brands in China — which also include Dior, Louis Vuitton and Gucci — Chanel and Hermes have joined the traditional watchmakers at the fair, expanding beyond fashion watches into the universe of high watchmaking. Hermès unveiled the Arceau Duc Attelé watch, featuring a sapphire dome top and new minute repeater; and Chanel debuted a 55-piece limited edition Mademoiselle J12 Couture watch featuring a dial adorned with the silhouette of Mademoiselle Chanel in a black and white suit, finished with 46 baguette-cut diamonds. Unlike volatile financial markets, watches offer tangible value combined with emotional attachment. Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship, rarity, and heritage associated with luxury timepieces, which can hold or increase in value over time. “In a world where everything is so connected, there’s nothing more beautiful than a wristwatch powered by mechanical movement. It’s timeless, a piece of art, something to pass down to generations.” explained Humair. “We’re very excited to see younger generations in Asia, especially China, show a lot of interest in watchmaking.” Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/19/style/china-luxury-watches/index.html

Plants that can cause damage to your garden, home and willpower, according to horticulturalists ABC Lifestyle - By Anna Chisholm AB Bishop says many popular plants have weed potential in the wrong garden. (ABC News: Alice Pavlovic) Have you found yourself in battle with expanding backyard bamboo? Coming to terms with a clump of yuccas? Or venting over the growth of an invading vine? You may have become the victim of a problem plant. Yuccas grow natively in arid areas of North and Central America and the Caribbean.(Wikimedia Commons: Tomas Castelazo) While some plants live indefinitely in harmony with other plants, fences and house foundations, others require more work and can damage their surrounds. Horticulturalists AB Bishop and Tammy Huynh say the line between a plant being a friendly neighbour or a rogue is often context dependent. Ms Huynh, who is also a Gardening Australia presenter, says we need to "be careful of what [we] do put in the ground". Common culprits Ms Bishop, who is the horticultural editor of Gardening Australia Magazine, says plant species with running roots or that sucker excessively are "often destructive forces in your garden". These plants, like Robinia Mop Top, which "is renowned for suckering", grow new plants from their roots. Yuccas also fall into this category and can multiply and overtake a space. "I'm convinced that people don't realise how tall they're going to grow," Ms Bishop says. Plants that drop things should also be carefully considered, says Ms Bishop, depending on how much time you have for maintenance. This can include varieties of palms that drop fronds, and varieties of gum trees that might drop seeds or bark. White cedar trees "also have those little fruits that when they fall can be very, very slippery." Beware of letting your indoor plants outdoors What makes a good indoor plant, does not always make for a good outdoor plant, according to Ms Huynh, "like the monstera and the rubber plant — or rubber tree." "Just a warning that if people were thinking 'it's getting too big for my home, let me throw it outside' — unless you keep it in a contained environment, those plants grow like monsters." Monsteras are "actually quite adaptable" so "don't underestimate that", Ms Huynh warns. Rubber plants can grow into "a large tree" with the potential to "ruin paving or fencing or infrastructure." Tradescantia or spiderwort trailing plants are also common indoors, but "its stems break off quite easily, which then in nature allows it to root quite easily." Ms Huynh says it "can then take over your garden bed and then when you do go and try and pull them out, they break off so easily." "Then the vicious cycle continues." Some plants will require management and maintenance Ms Bishop says "always check the weed lists of your local councils, because what is going to be weedy in one area isn't going to be weedy in another." She says species of fox gloves –mainly clump-forming plants that flower in a variety of flowers around a tall stem – have spread into the Tasmanian bush. Be mindful of anything that could escape your garden and "create havoc", she warns. Agapanthus also have a reputation for tricky expansionism, according to Ms Huynh. "The older varieties seed very easily, and birds also pick up the seeds and then distribute them." Tammy Huynh says it's important to select the right plant variety for your space. "Bamboo gets really bad rap," she says, but "choosing the right species will ensure … you don't end up lifting your neighbours' pavers". Controlling a variety of "running bamboo" – the kind that multiplies quickly – can involve a bit of work but "you can manage bamboo by cutting back new shoots of bamboo and painting them with weed killer." Depending on your budget, you can also install a physical barrier to contain running types of bamboo. "Digging down like 600 millimetres into the ground and putting either concrete or some sort of barrier so that the bamboo can't run." Plants can damage indoors too If you're a renter with a bond you're keen to reunite with, be mindful that plants can cause damage indoors too, Ms Huynh warns. She says a lot of popular indoor plants fall into the 'aroid category', which includes devil's ivy for instance. "They all have developed aerial roots, because in nature they like to climb up trees as they're searching for sunlight." This comes with a risk – especially to paintwork – when plants are pried away from skirting boards and walls. Ms Huynh recommends moving these kinds of plants away from any surfaces they risk damaging or giving them something to "cling to". Picking problem-free plants AB Bishop says gardeners could opt for native alternatives to agapanthus plant varieties. (Wikimedia Commons) Ms Bishop says council weed lists usually include alternatives to potentially problematic species. "Always consider native alternatives, especially indigenous ones — they're ones which have evolved in your area." They'll also attract more native wildlife to your garden, she says. If you've bought a house with an unwanted population of problem plants, her advice is to "bite the bullet and get rid of them and start afresh". She also recommends taking the neighbours into consideration when planting. Ms Huynh says there's also some great resources online for finding the right plants for your garden but speaking with your local nursery is another great option. "Most of them have trained horticulturists who will be able to advice," she says. "The more information you're able to give them, the better they're able to advise you." Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-18/plants-that-can-cause-damage-to-your-garden-home/103690400

Coro and Keeneland today. Cigar was great. Racing was entertaining but not profitable. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks better than a lot of the fakes you’ve posted 😁

So,this happened @BigGuns.🤣😵‍💫

I wonder if brands like Aroma de Cuba will be next in line.

I stole this from here, so I’m returning it here.

Stupid people are unable to analyze and run proper research. They always want a lazy way: someone should put something in their mouth and HELP them to swallow.

Apple Pulls Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads From App Store in China After Government Order BY MARK GURMAN AND SARAH ZHENG / BLOOMBERG - APRIL 19, 2024 12:50 AM EDT Jonathan Raa—NurPhoto/Getty Images Apple Inc. said that it removed Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp and Threads from its China apps store after an order from the country’s internet regulator, which said the services pose risks to the country’s security. The order comes on the heels of a cleanup program Chinese regulators initiated in 2023 that was expected to remove many defunct or unregistered apps from domestic iOS and Android stores. The action against the American tech services comes as the U.S. government is taking steps toward a ban on TikTok, the hit video app from Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. U.S. politicians have also cited national security concerns in their push to force the company to either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the U.S. market. “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree. The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said in a statement. “These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.” Foreign social media platforms like WhatsApp were already largely inaccessible from China without tools to circumvent Beijing’s Great Firewall, such as virtual private networks. The removal of these apps will make it more difficult for users within the country to view content on these international platforms. In August, China asked all mobile app developers to register with the government by the end of March, a move that Beijing painted as a bid to counter telephone scams and fraud. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that it would carry out supervision work on those filings from April to June, and to take action against apps that were not registered. App developers would also be required to set up and improve mechanisms to handle “illegal information.” The MIIT move was another step by Beijing to tighten controls across its cyberspace, forcing domestic and foreign companies to block off information considered politically sensitive. Beyond apps, websites and large language AI models have also been subject to greater content curbs. China’s action comes as TikTok divestiture legislation is expected to be included in a fast-moving aid package for Ukraine and Israel that Congress is expected to vote on this Saturday. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the removal. A Meta spokesperson referred Bloomberg News to Apple’s statement. China is a key nation for the iPhone, its largest consumer market outside the U.S. and its primary production base. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook visited the country earlier this year and emphasized its importance to his business. Apple has long said that it needs to follow local laws as part of operating its app store effectively in different countries. Source: https://time.com/6968950/apple-whatsapp-threads-china-app-store-government-order/

Legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher’s watch collection is going on sale Michael Schumacher won seven Formula One Driver's World Championships, and some of his luxury personalised watches uniquely celebrate these victories. Paul Gilham/Getty Images CNN — Eight of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher’s luxury and personalized watches are going up for auction – and they could sell for more than $4.8 million in total. The rare timepieces will be exhibited in New York from May 3 to May 5, the weekend of the Miami Grand Prix, ahead of the auction in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 13, according to auction house Christie’s. Schumacher’s family holds an array of watches collected by the champion driver over the years and, “more recently, they decided to part ways with specific watches of the collection, where they believed watch collectors would be able to appreciate the true value of the pieces,” Christie’s head of watches Remi Guillemin told CNN Thursday. “We’re really just extremely happy to have these watches and to have been able to collaborate with the family,” he added. The Rolex stainless steel Paul Newman Daytona watch was named after the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, according to auction house Christie's head of Watches Remi Guillemin. Christie's Images LTD. 2024 The collection will form part of Christie’s traditional rare watches auction, consisting of vintage and modern pieces of high-caliber watchmaking from brands such as Audemars Piguet, F.P. Journe and Rolex. Standout pieces include Schumacher’s platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1, which holds almost half the estimated value of the entire collection, with an expected sale price of up to $2.2 million. Meanwhile, a Rolex stainless steel Paul Newman Daytona watch is expected to sell for up to $440,000 and Schumacher’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is expected to sell for up to $280,000. The Rolex watch was named after the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, according to Guillemin, who described the timepiece as “one of the most iconic watches that Rolex ever made.” Schumacher's white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was gifted to him by his early mentor and former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt at Christmas 2003, according to Christie's. Christie's Images LTD. 2024 The white gold Royal Oak chronograph was commissioned as a personalized gift for the seven-time F1 World Championship winner from his early mentor and former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt, according to the auction house. Presented to Schumacher at Christmas 2003, its features celebrate the six Championship victories he had achieved by that time, Christie’s said. The 30-minute register dial is surrounded by six stars, and there are depictions of Ferrari’s famous prancing horse emblem and Schumacher’s red racing helmet. “It’s a unique watch,” said Guillemin. “When you see the watch from afar, you just know that it’s something special and that it speaks to Michael Schumacher.” Schumacher's platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 features a striking red dial and features that celebrate his seven F1 Driver's World Championships. Christie's Images LTD. 2024 The platinum Vagabondage 1 watch was also a gift from Todt, but for the following Christmas. So, while it has similar features, its striking red dial hosts symbols that represent the seventh Championship Schumacher won for himself and Ferrari. A prototype of the watch was sold in 2003 to benefit the Paris Brain Institute (ICM) Foundation, of which Schumacher and Todt are founding members, according to the auction house. “These watches (are) for people who are following Formula One, who have followed, like I have, Michael Schumacher when he was racing. It’s just a true piece of memorabilia and history – and, on top of that, these two watches are important for watchmaking,” Guillemin added. Schumacher sustained a brain injury after suffering severe head trauma during a skiing accident in 2013. He has not appeared in public since, but his wife Corinna said in a 2021 Netflix documentary, “We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable.” Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/19/style/michael-schumacher-watch-collection-auction-intl-scli/index.html

Upmann Connoisseur 1 I love the marca and love this stick. Connie A are a bit too much for a daily but these while lacking some of the complexity give you all that toasted tobacco, shortbread Upmann goodness. It’s not stellar about a 89/90, just lacks that development to be a top top cigar but for a random Friday night smoke it’s everything I want.

From what I understand OAK is being underutilized because people don't realize how close it is to SF. Including SF in the name will prompt people to realize it's just as close as SFO. And seriously, who would want to be associated with SF right now unless they had to be?

San Francisco sues Oakland over new airport name that includes ‘San Francisco’ FILE - Travelers prepare to enter Oakland International airport Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. San Francisco has sued Oakland after officials there voted in favor of changing the name of the city’s airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. San Francisco officials say the change will cause confusion and is already affecting its airport financially. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco on Thursday sued Oakland after officials there voted in favor of changing the name of the city’s airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, saying the change will cause confusion and is already affecting its airport financially. Last week, the Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland voted unanimously to move forward with the name-change and scheduled a second vote for final approval on May 9. The airport is currently called Oakland International Airport. “We had hoped Oakland would come to its senses, but their refusal to collaborate on an acceptable alternative name leaves us no choice but to file a lawsuit to protect SFO’s trademark,” San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said in a statement. San Francisco is asking the court to prevent Oakland airport from moving forward with its name-change and rule that the new name violates San Francisco International Airport’s trademark. “The renaming plan appears intentionally designed to divert travelers who may be unfamiliar with Bay Area geography and lead them to believe OAK has a business relationship with SFO, which it does not,” Chiu said, adding that the renaming would be particularly confusing for international travelers who don’t speak or read English. Oakland airport officials said they plan to implement the name-change and defend their right to do so in court. “OAK’s proposed renaming does not infringe upon SFO’s mark,” the Port of Oakland said in a statement. “We will vigorously defend our right to claim our spot on the San Francisco Bay.” Source: https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-oakland-airport-name-change-lawsuit-d4cf4197fa484b5321d4523b6757d19b

The last band I put together was in 2011. It took about 3 months of 3 nights a week rehearsals before I thought we were ready to play out. Talented players, present company excluded. 😬 5 months later, I was already sick of the drama. .. Can you imagine being trapped in a hotel room with 3 other guys for 8 years? “You sniffled, @JohnS. You know how much I HATE the sound of your sniffles?!!!” Ugh. The Liverpool lads were much better men than I could ever be.

No doubt you are aware that Peter Jackson, the director who brought us the Lord of the Rings Trilogy to the silver screen in the early 2000s, and who spent nearly four years editing the original video and audio from the documentary footage of the Beatles rehearsing and creating songs for a live concert and album initially titled, 'Get Back'. That undertaking by Peter Jackson became a near 8 hour, 3-part documentary series, released in 2021, that was much better critically acclaimed and received than the original 80 minute film by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, released in the aftermath of the announcement of the break-up of the Beatles in May, 1970. I watched Michael Lindsay-Hogg's film in an independent, retro movie theater near the CBD in Sydney, Australia in 1992 and I remember thinking that it didn't make the band members look as 'jovial' as the comedy film from the mid-1960s, those being 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'Help!'. I suppose Lindsay-Hogg was hampered by the cut he was instructed to release by McCartney, Harrison and Starr who all objected to the extra footage of John and Yoko in the initial cut of the film in July 1969. That initial cut was 1 hour longer. According to Michael Lindsay-Hogg: "There was much more stuff of John and Yoko, and the other three didn't really think that was appropriate because they wanted to make it a 'nicer' movie. They didn't want to have a lot of the dirty laundry, so a lot of it was cut down." Peter Jackson's documentary series famously put the conflicts in the project into a larger context, and so it showed a lot more camaraderie amongst the band members than Lindsay-Hogg's original film. “LET IT BE” – AT LAST Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s Original 1970 Film About The Beatles, Meticulously Restored by Peter Jackson’s Team at Park Road Post Production to Launch Exclusively on Disney+ May 8, 2024 BURBANK, Calif. (April 16) – Today, Disney+ announced that “Let It Be,” director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles, will launch exclusively on Disney+ May 8, 2024. This is the first time the film is available in over 50 years. First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, “Let It Be” now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award®-winning docuseries, “The Beatles: Get Back.” Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history. “Let It Be” contains footage not featured in the “Get Back” docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their GRAMMY Award®-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award®-winning title song, and perform live for the final time as a group. With the release of “The Beatles: Get Back,” fan clamour for the original “Let It Be” film reached a fever pitch. With Lindsay-Hogg’s full support, Apple Corps asked Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production to dive into a meticulous restoration of the film from the original 16mm negative, which included lovingly remastering the sound using the same MAL de-mix technology that was applied to the “Get Back” docuseries. Michael Lindsay-Hogg says, “’Let It Be’ was ready to go in October/November 1969, but it didn’t come out until April 1970. One month before its release, The Beatles officially broke up. And so the people went to see ‘Let It Be’ with sadness in their hearts, thinking, ‘I’ll never see The Beatles together again. I will never have that joy again,’ and it very much darkened the perception of the film. But, in fact, how often do you get to see artists of this stature working together to make what they hear in their heads into songs. And then you get to the roof and you see their excitement, camaraderie and sheer joy in playing together again as a group and know, as we do now, that it was the final time, and we view it with full understanding of who they were and still are and a little poignancy. I was knocked out by what Peter was able to do with ‘Get Back,’using all the footage I’d shot 50 years previously.” “I’m absolutely thrilled that Michael’s movie, ‘Let It Be,’ has been restored and is finally being re-released after being unavailable for decades,” says Peter Jackson. "I was so lucky to have access to Michael’s outtakes for 'Get Back,’ and I’ve always thought that ‘Let It Be’ is needed to complete the ‘Get Back’ story. Over three parts, we showed Michael and The Beatles filming a groundbreaking new documentary, and ‘Let It Be’ is that documentary – the movie they released in 1970. I now think of it all as one epic story, finally completed after five decades. The two projects support and enhance each other: ‘Let It Be’ is the climax of ‘Get Back,’ while ‘Get Back’ provides a vital missing context for ‘Let It Be.’ Michael Lindsay-Hogg was unfailingly helpful and gracious while I made ‘Get Back,’ and it’s only right that his original movie has the last word...looking and sounding far better than it did in 1970.” “Let It Be,” directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, stars John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with a special appearance by Billy Preston. The film was produced by Neil Aspinall with The Beatles acting as executive producers. The director of photography was Anthony B Richmond. “Let It Be” will debut exclusively on Disney+ May 8, 2024. Source: https://www.thebeatles.com/let-it-be-last

I partly agree. NC's are not inferior imitations but taste-wise I am not aware of ANY NC's that comes close (not even a bit) to a CC, so I kind of agree with the German court.