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Newcastle 3 cards Celtics 11-15 margin Steelers o42.5 5+ sacks

What’s everyone’s scoring rubric like? - Is it more of a feel? Like “thats 94 points” or “thats 90 points”? - do you deduct a certain amount of points for flaws or other things and keep a mental tab? i feel like my methodology may be too strict - Here’s what I came up with and have been using when I actually want to sit down and think about scoring. I end up with good smokes in the 80s and an exceptional rarity breaks 90. Most points are lost in flavor, finish, and enjoyment. 1. Appearance (5 pts) • 5 = Flawless, oily, uniform • 3–4 = Minor imperfections • 1–2 = Blemishes, cracks Score: /5 2. Burn & Draw (15 pts) • 13–15 = Perfect resistance, even burn • 9–12 = Mostly fine, minor corrections • ≤8 = Relights, tunneling, major flaws Score: /15 3. Flavor (Balance & Complexity) (25 pts) • 21–25 = Rich, complex, transitions • 16–20 = Balanced, mostly linear • 11–15 = Muted or simple • ≤10 = Harsh, bitter, muddled Score: /25 4. Body & Strength Integration (10 pts) • 9–10 = Perfectly balanced • 6–8 = Slight imbalance • ≤5 = Harsh or flat Score: /10 5. Finish / Aftertaste (10 pts) • 9–10 = Long, pleasant finish • 6–8 = Clean but unremarkable • ≤5 = Short, bitter, harsh Score: /10 6. Enjoyment / X-Factor (15 pts) • 13–15 = Memorable, box-worthy • 9–12 = Solid, but not standout • 6–8 = Average, forgettable • ≤5 = Disappointing Score: /15 7. Aroma (Pre-light & Retrohale) (5 pts) • 5 = Rich and engaging • 3–4 = Light but pleasant • ≤2 = Flat or acrid Score: /5 8. Consistency Across Thirds (15 pts) • 13–15 = Steady or improved • 9–12 = Minor dips • ≤8 = Major decline Score: /15 TOTAL: /100

Gonna list a few of each CC: Montecristo no. 5 from 2018: This one really blew my socks off and made me fall in love with the No.5. Sadly only 12 left from that 2018 box, hope to track down some more soon. Connie A from 2022: I’ve had a few really great ones from my current box, lots of Cuban twang mixed in with chocolate, cream, leather, cedar. Very thankful a friend made that box available to me. Bolivar Belicosos Finos from 2023: If I had more than one box these would be a staple in my rotation. I’ve had zero issues with this cigar and box 🤞🏻 NC: MOFOH Robusto Trinity: I believe it was the third one in from a 5 pack. Really opened my eyes and convinced me to buy a 25 bundle. Can’t wait to dig into those! Davidoff The Late Hour: I know Davidoff has been catching some heat from the NC cigar people but I really enjoy that cigar a lot and it’s my favorite one from the brand. Oliva Serie V Melanio: This is my number 1 go to NC cigar. Always gives me lots of sweet chocolate flavor with some leather in there. For me it’s a perfect cigar.

Salaries are getting stupid at a rapidly expanding rate. I couldn't even spend someone else's money on the top tier. I'd rather let the kids play and see what they can do. $30+ mil for a guy who's going to be under-performing for the last 4 or 5 years just to have a shot now blows my mind. I'm glad the contract runs into next Dec as I hate the thought of a stoppage during the season or a season ending one. The Expos had a great team in 94 despite the corruption and incredible cheapness of that market - two points which were essentially ignored in their Netflix documentary. They lost the magic permanently after that. Cheers!

I suspect the proportion of core MLB fans who’d support a labor stoppage to get a salary cap is close to 50% already, maybe higher. Any team trading for him is gonna give him a contract, and if it’s the Dodgers you’re going to start seeing fans demanding a salary cap not just supporting one. Maybe I’m wrong above and the Dodgers want to maximize their spending advantage while they can, or maybe this is reverse collusion - the owners encouraging one team to spend an ungodly amount of money to make sure they get a salary cap.

I think the “stick” is that if you’re caught you’ll probably never get a visa again. I feel like it’s easier to just delete your old posts. Unless you are a public figure of some kind they really serve little purpose but to create trouble for you.

#1 without a doubt was the first Bond Roberts Linea D #1 I smoked that I got as a single from iheart. That one was right up there with the best of the historical greats I've been lucky enough to sample. I've been chasing that experience and trying to figure out what made that first one so incredible while subsequent attempts haven't -quite- panned out to the same caliber yet. I would pay 10x the price for another of the same caliber as that first one and consider it a bargain. Well over 94+. #2 was a Montecristo #2 that had been aging for who knows how long. Quite a few years certainly, but I don't recall how many and I'm terrible at keeping track of my inventory. Superb indeed, but that first BR was better. I've had some others that were quite enjoyable. I had great fun smoking through all of the Fabrica005 cigars, many of which were solidly in the 89-92 range even with just a few months of aging. I pulled out some of my 100+ year old Spanish Joy cigars and old Dunhills to share with a very good friend and those were excellent. A bit too faded to reach into the 90's on a straight up taste scoring, but still a memorable experience to smoke.

This is the first year in a while I’m having trouble staying engaged. The Phillies seem snake bit in October, and it’s hard to get excited when the “big fish” you’re hunting are mostly players who were on your team two months ago. The Phillies overpaid for Schwarber, in my opinion. If they get another season or two like last year it’ll be a good signing, but I’m very wary of sluggers with huge seasons in a contract year, especially late in their career. The Orioles, intentionally or not, have successfully bid up several of the contracts signed thus far without landing anything. The word in Philly is that Schwarber was prepared to accept a deal similar to what the pirates offered (4/$125M), but then were forced to match the Orioles unexpected bid at the last minute. Phils fans born before the late 90’s still have painful memories of Ryan Howard’s albatross of a contract hanging around the team’s neck for years. The game admittedly has changed since then, and Schwarber isn’t helpless against breaking balls. To me the big story to follow over the next few months is going to be what players and owners opening bids are for the next CBA. It is likely to prove to be the most intense labor battle since 1995, unless there’s a short extension (unlikely). The next CBA could fundamentally change the economics of the game. I don’t know what my prediction on the salary cap issue is, but Dodgers ownership seems to think the owners will cave given they’re pushing payroll over $400M. Either that or they assume the terms for getting compliant will reward teams that overspend now.

Couldn't said individual, legally and truthfully, create an additional social media and if it's asked their social media handle, simply give that one? Haha people will always try to find the loopholes!

I full stop hate any intrusion of privacy, but I do have to say this......tons of countries have policies related to sharing of information at border checks, seems USA is wanting to enforce a 'check' prior to arrival. Even Australia can tell you that they're refusing you entry unless you unlock your phone right in front of them and let them have free rein of your device messages/photos, I had a friend experience exactly this SOLELY because he was wearing a shirt that had an American flag on it (veteran). Not kidding, pretty wild situation.

Event 1 ⚽ Sunderland vs Newcastle (Sun Dec 14th) Q1. What will the game result be? - Options: Sunderland win Q2. How many total cards shown in the game (yellow & red combined)? - Options: 2 Event 2 🏀 Pistons @ Celtics (Sun Dec 14th) Q1. What will the game result be? - Options: Celtics win Q2. What will the winning margin be? (Note: This result is coupled to Q1 - i.e. you must get Q1 right for this answer to count) - Options: 11-15 Event 3 🏈 Dolphins @ Steelers (Mon Dec 15th) Q1. What will the game result be? - Options: Steelers win Q2. Total Points Over / Under 42.5? - Options: Under ⚖️ Tie-Breaker (if needed): How many total QB sacks in Event 3? 3

@El Presidente I came back to FOH before bed specifically to edit my last post - it’s been a very long day dealing with contractors. Appreciate the light touch 😉

I find it short in stature, but not in smoke time…they’re 60 mins+ for me

Just like the Phillies…with their lineups propensity to go ice cold when the pressure is on, they go and do…exactly the same thing again.

Newcastle 7+ ——————— Celtics 21+ ——————— Steelers Under ——————— tiebreaker: 4

Reminder re the US politics rule. I have given some leeway within this thread but don't push it too hard. This policy, should it come into effect in the manner that has been proposed, will likely have some potential downsides for many within the international CC industry when it comes to visiting the US. Let's see how it plays out. ESTA visas are live for two years. Mine expires 1/4/26. I would be loathe to apply for a new one under the current requirements.

Our mate Nick Hammond has another book PRESS RELEASE: The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is proud to announce a collaboration with renowned British author and journalist Nick Hammond to create Around the World in 80 Cigars – The American Dream, a new literary work that will shine a global spotlight on the people, places, and stories that define America’s vibrant premium cigar culture. “Around the World in 80 Cigars – The American Dream” continues Hammond’s celebrated literary series, following his internationally acclaimed Around the World in 80 Cigars – Travels of an Epicure and There and Back Again. Together, these works have refined a new genre — that of cigar literature — which celebrates cigars not merely as products, but as vessels of culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and community. “Education and storytelling are two of the most powerful tools we have in advocacy to preserve and advance cigar culture and industry,” said Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association. “Through Nick’s extraordinary narrative voice and the PCA’s deep engagement with our members, this project will elevate our collective appreciation of what cigars represent in America and the world— artistry, heritage, and human connection. This is not just a book; it’s part of our educational mission to inform, inspire, and strengthen the industry for generations to come.” Spanning sixteen chapters and an introduction, the book will take readers on an evocative journey across the United States and cigar-producing nations — from historic cigar heartlands to contemporary lounges that embody the heritage and the modern renaissance of premium tobacco. Each chapter will feature a PCA member — from manufacturers and retailers to industry innovators — highlighting their local culture, community, and contribution to the broader tapestry of cigar life in America. The narrative will blend travel writing, cultural reflection, and personal storytelling, painting a portrait of the people and places that keep the cigar tradition alive. The book’s final chapter will culminate at the 2026 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to have been asked to work with the PCA on this new Around The World project,” said Nick Hammond. “America is the beating heart of the cigar world — diverse, passionate, and deeply rooted in tobacco history. This book will celebrate that history and the people who have made it extraordinary. My goal is to take readers beyond the smoke — and into the heart of what makes this culture so meaningful and so enduring.” Available in print, digital, and audio formats, Around the World in 80 Cigars – The American Dream will be accessible through multiple platforms, including the PCA’s website. The project will feature special presentations and member events across the United States throughout 2026 and 2027, with the official pre-launch at the 2026 PCA Trade Show.

Yup. And they want everyone to make a scene about it - now and when someone is denied. After all, the primary point of the policy is to make news. Now imagine this - the AI that ultimately destroys humanity does so not because it perceives us as a threat, but because it has been driven utterly insane by having to catalogue and assess the public’s social media accounts. Maybe not a novel length idea, but could make an interesting short story someday!

My team no longer has Bochy. My team no longer has my two favorite players, Jonah and Adolis. My team no longer has Marcus Semien. My team has a very expensive retractable roof that will probably be open for 10 games all year, tops. At the end of the season, they will have some losses and, probably, some wins. That's all I know for sure.

Event 1 ⚽ Sunderland vs Newcastle (Sun Dec 14th) Q1. Draw Q2. 6 cards Event 2 🏀 Pistons @ Celtics (Sun Dec 14th) Q1. Pistons win Q2. 6 -10 Event 3 🏈 Dolphins @ Steelers (Mon Dec 15th) Q1. Steelers win Q2. Under ⚖️ Tie-Breaker (if needed): How many total QB sacks in Event 3? 4 sacks

The curse of Marge 😞 I tell my kids about it everytime we go to Burger King. Truely fit for kings. Cheers!

Periodic patina updates please

Not sure on the year but I had two QD52’s this year and they were both 94+!

The intended date to conduct this episode is Sunday NY 8PM the 14th of December/Monday local. Gents, I have come down with a lurgy after my travels and will need to delay this one a week or reschedule post Christmas. Longshot, but let's see if we can reschedule for 21st Sunday NY 22nd local. if not then Sunday 11th NY/ 12th Local. I will PM the guest reviewers now.

A lot of Jays rumors going round, both additions and subtractions. Berrios' elbow injury in Sept caused him to slide down the order, but his refusal to play out of the bullpen in the playoffs definitely didn't sit well with some. He's capable of a bounce-back year or two and I hope he's able to land somewhere in a starting rotation. Who knew Yesavage would have that kind of impact in a few short weeks after starting the season in A ball. Santander is a big question mark after missing the bulk of his first season with the team. His defense could be better in RF, and it's either platoon him with Barger, or move him and go for Tucker. I guess there's also the chance they hang onto him and move him to DH after George is done. Will Bo stay? Rumors of him staying in the division are getting loud. Glad he seems good moving to 2nd as most teams are solid at SS but could use his bat. No matter what happens, it's tough to make it out of the ALE, so luck will be a necessity. Cheers!