Mission Imposible

Archive for July, 2009

Everyone knows that Cuban cigars are the most coveted cigars, renown worldwide for their smoothness and rich flavors.  Indeed, Cuban cigars are so prized that many illegitimate dealers have been known to sell fake Cubans to unsuspecting cigar smokers.  How do you tell if what you have is a fake or the real thing?  First, make certain that you purchase your cigars from a legitimate dealer.  Buying from your local tobacconist or a reputable mail order business can protect you from forking your money over for a box of fake cigars.

If you have an opportunity to purchase a box of purported Cuban cigars, but have your doubts, take the time to examine the box before purchasing it.  Here are a few tips to help you spot the fakes from the real thing.

The most important thing to examine is the box.  Authentic Cuban cigars will contain a green and white warranty seal on the left front side of the box.  The seal will contain an insignia that has a picture of a shield and a hat.  On the upper right hand corner of the box, you should find a white sticker that is placed diagonally with the word ‘Habanos’ printed on it.  The overall appearance of the box should be neat and clean.  If the box appears damaged, smudged, frayed, or marked, avoid it.  If the color of the box is dull, don’t buy it.  Even if the cigars are the real things, their quality may have suffered in transport.  If you are in the market for Cohiba, Trinidad, or Q’dorsay brand cigars, know that all authentic Cohiba’s will contain the green and white warranty seal on the right hand side of the box.  Read more...

Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list?  Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one?  Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to give to a friend.

Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream.  Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar.  Of course, you probably won’t be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face.

First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection.  Avoid ‘drugstore’ cigars.  Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality.  They may contain, at minimum, saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants.  You should make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco.  If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask the salesperson.  An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will be able to tell you extensive information about the ingredients.  Read more...

If you have decided to start fly fishing, one of the most difficult steps is the selection of your first outfit. To be a successful fly fisherman it is essential that each piece of your outfit works together in a comfortable and efficient way. When all the pieces work together, an outfit t is said to be balanced. The five essential pieces that make up an outfit include the line, rod, reel, leader, and fly.

Many people that are beginning fly fishing chose their line first. This is because it is necessary to choose the line weight. There are dozens of different types of lines for fly fishing. Picking the correct one is very important One of the main things to remember is that it is critical that the line weight designation in the code matches the one on the rod that is used. The most common type of line used by beginning fly fishermen is the double tapered line.

There are many types of lines including weight forward, shooting taper, level line and tapered line. The function of the line chosen for your first balanced outfit should be floating. About 95% of the time a floating line will fit your need when fly fishing. The weight of your first line will depend mostly on where you are going to fish.

When choosing you first fly fishing rod there are three main things to consider. These are the material the rod is made from, its length and its action. Fly fishing rods can be made from fiberglass, bamboo, graphite, or baron. Fiberglass is the least expensive material used to make a rod. However, it is losing some of its popularity because of its weight and required diameter. Bamboo, or cane, fly fishing rods are hand crafted works of art. Because of this they are very expensive. They also require a lot more care then a rod made from a synthetic material. The most popular fly fishing rod today is made of graphite. They are very light weight, durable, and are designed to provide the fisherman with any type of needed action. Rods made from baron are the most expensive of all the synthetic rods.  Read more...

The sport of fly fishing consists of many specialized skills that come together in a delicate balance of rhythm and precision.  Setting the hook is one of those specialized skills.  Many times the techniques for setting the hook are neglected by  fly fishermen who spend many hours practicing and reading about casting and fly tying skills. Unlike many of the skills of fly fishing,  it is almost impossible to practice setting the hook without a live fish on the end of your fly  line.

The first step in a successful hook actually begins when you tie your fly, either at home or on the river bank.  It is very important to make sure that your hooks are razor-sharp. A dull hook doesn’t have a good chance of finding its mark in the mouth of the trout.

In most fly fishing techniques it is important to set the hook as quickly as possible.  If the water is fast, the trout usually strikes the fly very quickly and with a lot of force. It won’t take long for the trout to realize that he has an artificial fly in his mouth, and he can, and will spit it out in a split second.  Read more...

There are a lot of great gifts that you can give to cat lovers, although photo frames are among the most popular.  Photo frames are very affordable, and make a great gift for anyone who owns a cat or other pet.  Those who own more than one cat will truly appreciate photo frames – as it gives them a chance to show off their pet.  Cat lovers can also frame pictures of their pet for memories as well – and keep them forever and ever.

Before you give a cat lover a gift, you should take into consideration what type of cat the person owns.  There are several breeds out there, including tabby, pure breeds, calico, Persian, and of course the infamous Siamese breeds.  Someone may own several cats as well, which is why you should know a little bit about the breed or breeds someone owns before you get them a gift.

You should take into consideration whether or not the cat lover has an outdoor or indoor cat.  Cats, unlike dogs, are more than happy to spend all of their time outdoors.  Outdoor cats can be a lot of fun, especially if the owner spends a lot of time outdoors.  Cats have a natural urge to go outside, even if the owner has an indoor cat.  Read more...

Before going deeper into the technicalities, make sure that a fishing license is secured.  To be an amateur fisherman there are basic pieces of fishing equipment needed to complete your exciting journey in the fishing world.  Knowing the line type and matching the right rod and reel to the fishing technique is just basic common sense.  Match these tools appropriately and expect a more enjoyable experience for a more comfortable fishing.  There are several things that causes the reel to turn into a bird’s nest, don’t worry, even experienced fishermen encounter this every now and then.

The main objective is to match the rod, the reel, the line and the lure.  These will only cost a newbie around $25 to $40 and they could last for years.  The 3 main issues when shopping for a rod are:  Guides that are attached to the rod; Grip or handle holds the rod and could come in either cork or foam.  They come in different lengths so the comfort to the user must be considered; and the reel seat where the reel is connected.

Dealers make a lot of fishing rods that could either be single or consist of two or more pieces when assembled.  The connection is very simple; just connect the male and female ends together to make sure the guides are lined up.  This would only last for a minutes.  Sometimes, lubricants are needed.  When shopping for a rod, slightly bend it to get the feel of it.  Again comfort should be considered when using the equipment.  Read more...

Many people love to go fishing, instead of playing tennis or golf. Others make it their primary sport activity together with their families and friends to relieve boredom and stress. Surveys say that more than 50 million Americans love to go fishing and make it their lifestyle option instead of other sports.

In Alabama, fishing represents a substantial impact on the state economy. Hundreds of millions of dollars are represented and about 20,000 people list fishing as their source of livelihood. However, most people consider it as a form of relaxation and a family activity. In general, it is a lifestyle option.

In the book titled “The Incomplete Psychology of Everyday Fishing;” psychologist Paul G. Quinnett dedicated an entire chapter about fishing as a source to relieve stress. In the chapter, “Ethics of Fishing” he points out that a person must appreciate and enjoy the benefits of nature. He also highlighted that fishing correct is a way for an individual to become more disciplined in his lifestyle.  Read more...

Smoking cigars may be a great source of pleasure in your life, but the courteous smoker knows that not everyone enjoys the taste (or smell!) of a good Cuban.  With the fervor of anti-smoking campaigns still in full swing, the importance of enjoying a good stogie while not offending others cannot be stressed enough.  Simply remember that while you are smoking a cigar, it can be difficult to gauge the smell that others are experiencing.  And don’t forget that cigar smokes can leave a mighty strong residue on clothing, furniture, and even the walls!  In order to enjoy your stogie without a heavy conscience, learn to become a considerate and courteous cigar smoker.

If you live with non-smokers, try to find a well-ventilated area of your residence where you can smoke comfortably.  Although it may be tempting to lock yourself away in an office or bedroom, it’s probably not a good idea to smoke in an enclosed area unless it has a window.  Make sure you have easy access to the window.  Never smoke in a closed area!  You are more likely to inhale the toxic air from your own cigar.  If possible, go outside to smoke.  Pull up a lawn chair; relax on the porch, or any other open area where you can smoke comfortably.  Get as far away as possible to non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.  Remember that cigar smoke contains many carcinogens that can be easily inhaled by non-smokers.  Read more...

Are you confused about old cigars versus fresh cigars?  What does this mean, exactly?  If you’re new to the world of cigar smoking, these terms can be a little perplexing.  Basically, know that cigars are never really fresh.  That is, you generally can’t purchase a cigar just after it has been produced.  Most tobacconists store their cigars at the proper temperature and humidity before they are stored.  Also, the tobacco in most premium cigars is usually aged for about one to two years before it is rolled into a cigar.

Many smokers prefer old or vintage cigars.  Why?  Older cigars are not inherently better than newer cigars.  This is simply a matter of personal taste and preference.  How long can vintage cigars last before they lose flavor and integrity?  Cigars that are properly stored at a constant temperature of approximately 70 degrees, and about 70% humidity, can be stored indefinitely.

What happens if an old cigar is not stored properly, and begins to dry out?  Although the integrity of the cigar will probably be damaged, it can be restored significantly by re-humidifying it.  This process must be done slowly and with great care to restore the cigar’s flavor and consistency

Do you yearn to blow smoke rings with your cigar like a pro? Stogie aficionados often speak of the ceremony-like deliberateness of smoking a good cigar. Blowing smoke rings is the mark of a smoker who enjoys the smooth and relaxing effects of smoking. But how do you blow a good smoke ring? Some argue that it cannot be taught—that it will simply come to you with time and practice. Regardless, here are a few tips to get you going.

Veteran smokers note that in order to blow a good smoke ring, you will need to create dense smoke. Draw a deep, dense smoke puff into your mouth. Hold the smoke there and then open your mouth slowly and deliberately. Open your mouth, shaping your lips into a rounded ‘O.’ and pull your tongue back as you expel the smoke.

Keep in mind that you are not exhaling the smoke, but simply pushing it out of your mouth. Also keep in mind that this maneuver will not work if there is even a slight breeze in the air. Make sure you try it in a location with still calm air.