CigarFox

A few years ago, in 2006, the Nevada legislature imposed a public smoking ban.

The new rule doesn’t apply – as yet – to the storied casinos of Las Vegas, where smoking is still allowed on gaming floors. And of course Nevada is hardly the only recent state to impose restrictions on public smoking. Indeed, it joins over thirty states (at this writing) with such laws on the books. If you are reading this from the United States, it is likely that a similar law applies to your area: half the country’s population is currently under the jurisdiction of a public-smoking regulation of some kind.

But the idea of a smoking ban passing the Nevada legislature seems almost like a kind of spiritual defeat for cigar smokers: after all, what could more epitomize “cigar cool” than the mental image of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, cigars and drinks in hand, finger-popping their ways through the floor of a Vegas casino?

It just symbolizes a fact that’s made passionate smokers’ lives a little more difficult over the past decade: in the interest of public health (and out of consideration for asthmatics and others), more and more city councils and state legislatures are choosing to ban public smoking outright, or are limiting it to certain licensed facilities.

Arguments about the effectiveness or appropriateness of these bans to one side, we can all agree that they mean that smokers have to put a little more energy into planning vacations. For a person who loves the taste of a good cigar, for whom relaxation doesn’t become meaningful until there’s a stogie involved, there’s no point in a vacation where you can’t even smoke in your hotel room. With smoking bans underway in Atlantic City (and this ban extends to casinos) and similar one-time bastions of cigar culture, frustrated cigar smokers are turning to a new option: the cruise ship.

And why not? Cruise ship vacations offer the ultimate chance to “get away from it all,” a continuous expanse of blue water, and the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the country (and world). Few cruises are completely smoke-free, with most offering, at the very least, designated smoking areas that might include cigar bars or lounges. So it’s hard to go completely wrong – wherever you book your passage, you’ll almost always have at least some chance to smoke.

More and more luxury cruise lines don’t allow smoking in living quarters – that’s one downfall. After all, the next person using your room might be a nonsmoker, and it doesn’t make economic sense for cruise ship directors to designate permanent “smoking” and “nonsmoking” rooms; such a move would involve logistical nightmares during booking. But luxury quarters often include balconies, where smoking is sometimes still allowed.

The recent case of a cruise line headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida gives smokers an indication of what they can expect. The cruise line, according to some reports, lost millions in bookings after instituting a partial smoking ban in 2007. But compared to those bans that have caused smokers such dismay in Atlantic City and Ottawa, the Florida-based cruise line’s smoking ban doesn’t even apply to the on-ship bars and casinos.

Indeed, the cruise ship industry seems to be following the opposite track of most US states and municipalities – as they grow more restrictive toward smoking, cruise lines are growing more permissive. One completely smoke-free cruise ship line went out of business awhile ago; another once-smokeless line changed its policies to allow some smoking on the boat.

Smokers will likely want to evaluate cruise line policies prior to booking as there are has examples of ships with almost smoke-free policies. Smoking on such lines may only be permitted in two designated areas – and if you light up anywhere else, you could be kicked off the boat! (That presumably doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to walk the plank, but it’s probably not worth finding out.)

Another rule of thumb mentioned by several travel writers: if you’re looking for company as you smoke, go for a cruise line with a high number of European and Asian clientele. Citizens of many of these countries often still smoke in higher numbers than do contemporary Americans, and there is a Spain-based cruise line that currently sports the least restrictive smoking policy out there.

About the Author:

CigarFox provides you the opportunity to build your own sampler of the finest cigars that include cigar brands like Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, H Upmann, Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Gurkha and many more. Choose from more than 1200 different cigars! Other cigar products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo Lighters.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – A Smoke At Sea: Cruise Ships Offer Smoking Vacations For Cigar Fans

Cigar Shop Expansion

Put This in Your Pipe and Smoke It – Top 5 Nicaraguan Cigars

Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tom Cruise. Mel Gibson. Harrison Ford. Sylvester Stallone.

 

What in the world do all of these high-octane megastars have in common? No, they’re not all starring in Mission: Testosterone, this summer’s most muscled blockbuster. But, they do share a unique bond. In fact, they share the same connection with such historically notable folks as Fidel Castro, W.C. Fields, and even King Edward VII.

 

How could kings, comedians, and revolutionary leaders have anything in common with the Terminator, Rambo, and Braveheart?

 

It’s simple: They all love a good cigar! No, actually, they all love a great cigar!

 

And, when it comes to great cigars, arguably there are none better today than those coming from rich soils and humid mountain hillsides of Nicaragua. Long having taken a backseat to the Cuban cigar-making dynasty, Nicaragua is making its mark on the international scene with the finest cigars found anywhere on the planet.

 

Just like its booming real estate market that has rebounded after natural disasters and political unrest to become one of the best places in the world to invest, the Nicaraguan cigar industry is benefiting and experiencing a renaissance as well. From the center of it cigar revolution in Esteli to Condega and all the way out to the Jalapa Valley, Nicaragua is home to the world’s best cigar makers, tobacco, and established and up-and-coming brands.

With so many great cigars to choose from, the problem for the cigar aficionado and the newbie alike becomes not “How can I find a good Nicaraguan cigar,†but where should I even start? To help you make your way through the jungle landscape of choice, let’s take a look at five all-time favorites.

 

5. Plasencia Organica Nesticos

 

Profile: small cigar, mild, but rich taste

 

Big things come in little packages! The world’s first 100% Certified Organic cigar, the Plasencia Organica Nesticos are pure handmade tobacco magic. These little cigars take advantage of Plansencia’s renowned three-year-aged, organically-grown Nicaraguan tobaccos and serve it up in a smoke-able size that allows you to enjoy big cigar flavor even when you don’t have a lot of time.

 

4. Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970, Robusto Grande.

Profile: strong, robust, earthy, woody, big, heavy-bodied…you get the idea, this cigar ain’t messing around!

 

This hefty all-Nicaraguan tobacco cigar was crafted to appeal to an American clientele who could no longer puff their favorite Havanas after the Cuban revolution. Let’s just call it like it is: The Robusto Grande is a big daddy of a cigar – both in size and flavor. There’s no getting around the fact that it packs a seriously rich blow with that characteristic Nicaraguan metallic twang. If you like your cigars to knock you out with a power-packed punch, this is your choice.

 

3. Felipe II Fat Boy

 

Profile: medium-bodied, earthy, spicy coffee bean aromas, roasted butter finish

 

Rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado, this ridiculously rich tasting cigar by Felipe Gregorio is definitely round and robust, but has a seamlessly smooth quality that makes it a definite contender. The Fat Boy’s small, but stocky size (3.5 x 55) gives it a definite “Don’t Mess with Me†attitude. When you’re feeling like a fine fatty at a reasonable rate, find yourself a Felipe II and get ready for a taste explosion.

 

2. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series

 

Profile: medium to full-bodied, long finish, perfectly balanced.

 

If you want to feel like a celebrity, then you’ll want to take a pull on any cigar from the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series. Made to celebrate their 30th anniversary, this line is crafted from only their best tobaccos and is often quite difficult to find. However, when you do get your hands on one, you’ll experience a masterful cigar from first spark to final ash tap. Despite the price, this is a must-have in your collection.

 

1. Perdomo Edición de Silvio

 

Profile: robust, delicate tones, perfection

 

This exquisite cigar is considered by many to be one of the best in the world bar none. With a secret blend of the finest tobaccos, this is the holy grail of cigars. And, although it is by far the most exclusive (read: expensive) cigar on my list, it’s not to be missed. So, when you start making huge profits with your Nicaraguan real estate investments, you can experience a little decadence with a Perdomo Edicion de Silvio.

 

As you can quickly see, the Nicaraguan cigar revolution is in full swing – a rich variety of flavors that is unmatched anywhere in the world. With its fascinating history, the Nicaraguan cigar story is one that can’t be missed. When you light up any of the above cigars, you’ll know that you’ve found a new favorite in Nicaragua.

 

About the Author:

Originally from San Diego, California, Scott Taylor is an extreme adventure-loving world traveler and international real estate expert and investor living and working in Panama City, Panama. With years of experience investing in countries around the globe, Scott has a particular affection for the land, people, and—of course—real estate of Nicaragua.www.LiveAndInvestInNicaragua.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Put This in Your Pipe and Smoke it – Top 5 Nicaraguan Cigars

Oliva V Double Robusto

This year, more than 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Five years from now, less than 60 percent of those diagnosed will still be alive. While these figures seem alarming, it is important to realize that when oral cancer is discovered early, treatment is 90 percent successful.

About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth or oropharynx (back of your throat). A majority of oral cancers originate in the tongue and floor of the mouth. Nearly all cancers begin in the flat cells (called squamous cells) that cover the surface of the tongue, mouth and lips.

The most common sites for this cancer, called “Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)” are on the:

• Lateral border of the tongue and/or lip
• Floor of the mouth
• Soft palate (including the tonsillar pillars)
• Retromolar trigone (small area behind the wisdom teeth)

Importance of Early Detection

Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is detected early. The problem with oral cancer is that around 70 percent of the time it is not visually noticeable until it has reached an advanced stage. That is why the Vizilite exam was developed.

How Vizilite Works

Vizilite technology helps a dentist to recognize abnormal tissue in the mouth, before it is visible to the naked eye. This simple device scans your oral tissue after it has been treated with a special rinse. Normal, healthy tissue will absorb the light and appear dark. A “Visilite lesion” will appear distinctly white. The Vizilite exam is best performed in low light conditions. Once the Vizilite is activated, the exam is completed in 10 minutes.

The purpose of using Vizilite is to identify tissue changes at their earliest stage. If abnormal tissue has been identified, it is up to your dental professional to decide what the next step is.

Risk factors

Scientists and medical professionals cannot always determine why one person develops oral cancer and another does not. Researchers do know that the disease is not contagious, so you can not “catch” oral cancer from someone else.

Certain lifestyle habits create a higher risk for oral cancer than others:

• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use accounts for a majority of oral cancers. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, chewing tobacco and dipping snuff are all related to oral cancer. Heavy smokers who use tobacco for a long period of time are at the greatest risk. Tobacco users who drink heavily are at an even higher risk.
• Alcohol Use: Individuals who drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than people who refrain from drinking. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol you consume, and is even higher if you drink and use tobacco together.
• Sun Exposure: Lip cancer can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. By wearing a brimmed hat and using a lotion or lip balm with sunscreen, you can reduce this risk.
• Family history of head and neck cancer: If head and neck cancer runs in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, a type of head and neck cancer.

The primary reason for the consistently high death rate of oral cancer is that it tends to be discovered in late-stage development. By having routine dental exams followed by a Vizilite exam, you can reduce your risk for this potentially deadly cancer.

If you would like to learn more about Vizilite screenings and you live in the Denver, Colorado area, please visit cosmetic dentist Dr. Greenhalgh’s website today.

About the Author:

You could even schedule your initial appointment today.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Oral Cancer and Vizilite

The Robusto Room Drew Estate Cigar Event