City Cigar Store Brand Hand-Rolled Cigar – Connecticut Shaggy Torpedo

City Cigar Store Brand Hand-rolled Cigar – Connecticut Shaggy Torpedo

No, this is not a review on the store itself; rather, their hand-rolled cigars by an employee. I did not have the opportunity to inquire a lot about the cigar roller, but what I do have to say is, check this place out!

During a weekend vacation, in which I usually frequent a local cigar shop, I stopped by this very small, cigar shop near down town Dallas. The cigar shop was packed with strangers watching the final minutes of the NBA game (no idea who was playing), but I weaseled my way to the back where the tightly, cram packed, walk-in humidor laid. My first impression was not promising in the least, but I notice one of the walls was decorated with freshly rolled, nicely groomed, unmarked cigars. They only labeling was on the box, offering their wrapper and their strength. (My philosophy is to grab one or two store brand cigars at every store I go to. It shows the value that the cigar owners gives to his selection) Read more…

Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 (50 year) Short Churchill (6×48)

Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 (50 year) Short Churchill (6×48)
(scroll down for cigar info)

Well, I’ll be honest. My history with a Torano cigar has not been the best. I have never counted them as a “no-go” smoke, but past sticks did not hold up to my standard for a good smoke. However, trustworthy smoking buddies have constantly brought them up in conversation; so, when I was handed one by Steve, the only salesman I trust with my tobacco needs, I thought, “Why not give it another shot.”

I was not expecting much out of it, initially. That is why I chose to smoke it while working on an assignment for class – I did not have to pay much attention to it. Yet, at the first strike of the match, I was intrigued. (read more…)

The $300 Belt

“No Excuses!”

Well, that is what I hear as I try to convince myself of a worthy reason as to why I haven’t written in almost three weeks. Honestly, I have no excuse. However, during my stint of laziness, I’ve been meditating on an article which I read a while ago.

The article titled, “Who Are You?” (by Roy S. Johnson, Editor in Chief, Men’s Fitness/March 2011), presses the reader to take a look at ourselves completely stripped of the stuff and things that control our identity; such as what we wear, drive, eat, etc.. Then, when all else is gone, who and what is left?

      Ultimately, who we are is what we leave behind. Sure, you might have a will crammed with all kinds of stuff to leave your family and loved ones. But even if your estate is worth millions, it won’t be as valuable as you and how you touched those around you, how you taught those around you – by your actions and words
      Make sure you like you when there’s nothing else around.

Well put! But why bring it up? Because, in essences, this is the heart of the Modern Gentleman. Too many times am I needing constant reminders of what it means to take pride in “me.” Everyday, I have to ask myself, “What am I doing to invest in me?” And this question is the foundation of The Modern Gentleman.

(Read more, click here…)

Perverted Manliness

Found in The Modern Gentleman articles.

Let’s take a moment to talk about manliness. For the past several months, I’ve been consumed with this idea that men should become better at being men. And much of theses ideas have encapsulated itself into the new project, The Modern Gentleman. But, I dare say that the issue plaguing the fowl mouth, insecure, hedonistic society and culture of today (and most of history) is the lack of emphasis we have on raising boys to be well-defined, justice driven, confident, self responsible men.

Let’s face it. Our culture has bastardized the definition of men, and the values that are naturally written in the DNA of every male. God forbid society raises any more men that qualify for a spot on The Jersey Shore.

The Modern Gentleman

See above page link for more information

Let’s be honest. We can officially state that chivalry is dead. Some men are still known for there morals and presentation of self, but the world has killed the gentlemanly trait of chivalry. Yet, even though such a thing may no longer exist in the circle of men, or has made it absurdly unaffordable for most, there is an urge in most men to be something better.

If there is one thing that a man might be known for is his persistence. If a man is to develop a passion in something or someone, and his attention and absolute focus were to be consumed by this then there would be nothing to stand in his way from completing the objective, or obtaining the object. But, hidden in the deep complexities of a man’s passion and focus, and going deeper into the inner workings of a man’s soul is a trait by which the entire core and existence of man’s being is fueled, honor.

And, within this trait is a self-determined and God-written code by which a man survives and lives, consciously and subconsciously. Many men will fail at crossing over the rite of passage of boyishness to manly disciplines, and die a prideful, convoluted, wanderer lost in his disability to find himself.  However, the other few will continually search out perfection as their understanding of self is saturated with humility and respect. And they will die fulfilled and pleased with their journey as they have tried and tested themselves, understanding the meaning to live. This is concept of the Modern Gentleman.

Enjoying the Seventh Day

See above page list to keep up to date with Enjoying the Seventh Day…

Just recently (January 2011), my wife, Cassie, has created her own little project (you can check it out here) which is quite an extraordinary project, I might say. Her project is named, Project Seventh Day. It includes a mixture of changing life styles, disciplines and dieting, while also, taking a day off to enjoy food, fun, family, and… well, sanity.

While I was there when this concept was contrived, I had no idea what my involvement would be. Maybe a little encouragement here and there. Maybe the need to endure a salad more than I necessarily want to. But, then the first Saturday (seventh day) came. All of her hard work from the week of exercise and dieting would pay off… for me.

My wife wants to cook, try out new recipes and dishes, and enjoy food in such a way that hedonist would be jealous, and I am the guinea pig. The meal that she has spent all week thinking about, creating a recipe, preparing the groceries and spending hours to cook, involves me pulling up a chair, grabbing a fork and indulging my taste buds.

Now, I’ve never recieved a free meal at a 5 star restaurant due the article I am to write the next day. Heck, I’ve never been to a 5 star restaurant. However, Project Seventh Day is a 5 star idea! I’m no food critic, but I am a lover of food. I know what tastes good… and also, what my dog wouldn’t even eat.

I’m not saying I will critique my wife’s cooking (no, that would be a mistake of tremendous proportions). However, I will enjoy the benefits of having a wife with such passions that it overflows to my waistline. And, I will let you know a non-food critic’s point of view on my most favorite restaurant in town, my wife’s kitchen.

I hope you enjoy! I hope you find the information useful. And I hope that one day you could experience the same glorious thing that I do every seventh day. Cheers!

READ TODAY’S POSTS:

Week One

What better way to start off Project Seventh Day then to bring home some comfort food from the south, fried goodness! Now, I have to be honest. I “like” fried food, but don’t “love” fried food like many people do. I hate to feel greasy, or gooey, or gross; and fried food does just that for and to me. Yet, I was intrigued when Cassie told me that the secret to her fried chicken was “double dipping.” (Read more…)

 

Week Two

Imagine this: sitting in the living room while your wife is in the kitchen composing her masterpiece for this week’s project, and then you hear her say, “Dang it! This is going to be a disaster.” (Read more…)



ADHDeriffic!

2011. Everyone is taking time to write there new goals and resolutions down. So, I began thinking the other day that maybe I should do the same. Here it goes:

 

Curtis Thomas’ New Years Resolutions for 2011

1. Make a resolution

 

Pretty anti-climatic, huh? I’ve never been one for resolutions to be honest.  However, a new passion that has sparked within my wife over the Christmas season has developed into her 2011 pet project, Project Seventh Day. And watching this new-found passion and motivation has really convicted me.