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I’d bet the hardest part was getting the building permit from his wife

Got tix for their first show in a long while. Might be the last. Here for the 'Drag, especially at a great spot like SubT. If it is the last one, here's to that Knoxville sound one more time.

The Reds went from being on pace for 162-0 to not on pace for 162-0 very quickly. 😩

Why sell? I can’t imagine he could ever need money. And that Rolex is beautiful

Given the provenance of the Rolex Daytona and the rarity, I could see it going to at least $750k. It’s a beauty!

Had a lot more paprika on the one I had earlier and the honey note I mentioned above was less pronounced.

Omega made the majority of the Schumacher watches until around 2007 I think. AP was his last watch sponsor. I have heard that Schumacher normally signed lifetime endorsement deals so the money is still rolling in.

True, but the problem persists. They have to get more people into OAK. If hands have to be held to do it then so be it. Although I don't know why the market isn't solving this issue. If SFO is clogged it should be more expensive to fly in there than OAK. Also the airlines should be reducing flights to SFO and increasing to OAK.

Fair enough, though the court isn’t judging them on taste. It’s strictly a trademarking issue. Ultimately NC are not for everyone but they have certainly attained a level of quality now that allows them to compete with CC and stand on their own two feet.

Stogie needs more bands 😆

I’d like to see all included average year ranking. It may be too early for 2023 and 2022. But I’d like see what everyone feel about 2019, 2020 & 2021 would fall for production and quality.

thanks John. but what i failed to mention was that it was, of course, all work.

Great stuff, Ken. Living large!

This is why I always eat double meat. I'm canceling out whatever one vegan is trying to accomplish.

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.

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?

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 😁