OFF TO THE RACES (cigarfest 2012)

The day arrived for the main event and we arrived at the big top tent. I had VIH tickets(very important herfers) that would get us in at 12:30,at 11:30 the line was well established. The weather was here and the brown polo shirted,black ball caped herfers were in full effect. I am always amazed at how something like a cigar can bring people together and in line we met some Federal law enforcement officers who had all come from the same office for the weekend. we quickly struck up a conversation with them and every one around us. the event was held inside split rock and also inside some very large tents. It wasn't long before the smokes came out and every one was puffing away and having a great time.The sites weren't bad either!

As the time drew near the anticipation of what was to come was something every one felt, Then the gates opened and we all started moving.I have to give allot of credit to C.I. the event was well planned and organized.The staff of C.I. were all friendly and help full and that's not easy when your looking at three thousand people descending on you at an event.We arrived at the gate and had our tickets checked and received a nice embroidered gym bag (I'll use mine for my motorcycle.perfect size). Inside was a selection of gifts for the event,a black ops lighter,colibri event cutter,ashtrays,and yes a boat load of cigars to start off with and additional cigars and goodies for the wearing the event shirt and ball cap.

Once inside you met with an array of vendors,the who's who of the cigar industry was there and not just the cigar companies; but all facets of industry.You were given a coupon booklet with your goody bag and the object was to visit each vendor and get a sample of their products.It reminded me of a scavenger hunt and added to the festive smoke filled atmosphere. Along the way I ran into a friend of mine I didn't know would be there. Mr "oliva" mike staiber at the oliva booth. Mike and I met a while back at Gary Griffith's (Emilio cigars) flagship cigar store.He was working the show that weekend and with all those cigar enthusiasts there I'm sure he had "pitchers arm" before it all ended.

Next up Is a guy I was suppose to meet the day before at the C.I. flagship store but due to circumstances had not been able to make it (see previous post). I made my way to the Perdomo booth and took the man himself a bit by surprise;Nick Perdomo.He and his team were busy handing out samples of his champagne nior and Exhibici'on sungrown (more on those blends later). Nick was gracious and invited me into his booth for a picture and a short chat. It goes to show the caliber of people who are in this buisnes.It was a sea of people at the Perdomo booth all looking to nab one of nicks sticks(see how many of you get that one). He still took the time out to say hi and let me grab a picture for this article. it says allot to me about the man. That in in all this craziness he took some time out for me. thanks nick.

(no.really I am as happy as he is)

I have to take a time out and note to the readers that at times this event was a bit overwhelming and to see the masses of people from the vendors end is really something. With that I headed off to collect more cigars and swag. My wife and I had worked out a system. I was the pack mule carrying the bags we had gotten and she had the coupon books and handed me the cigars.We were racking up a haul. Taking a break I noticed two things. One was the site of all those brown polo shirts.From prince to pauper we were all here enjoying the same thing and all of us were on equal footing. All one big happy group of BOTLS and SOTLS enjoying each others company and the loot we here to get! Once again I'm reminded of how cigars bring people together who otherwise would never have a reason to meet.

The other thing I noticed was this guy!

he was smoking the biggest damned cigar I've seen smoked.His name was George and he had come up from Tennessee for the event.He had decided to take a breather from all the vendors like I had. Another funny and great guy to meet.that is one GI-Huge-ic(my word for it) cigar! Rounding a corner I ran into an imposing figure all" tatted" up who had the biggest grin I had yet seen. None other than Pete Johnson from Tatuaje cigars of El Rey de los Habonos Miami and Tabacalera esteli'. Pete is a reminder of the old adage "never judge a book". The  friendliest guy you could meet. once again I was invited into his booth for a quick chat and picture. Just a great guy and very genuine.

As a whole we spent about 2 hours in the vendor booths and decided to head out to grab something to eat in the food tent. On our way there C.I. made an announcement that they were building a new super store bigger than the one they had now and this would be next to cabellashefers like me.It was quite an experience. I'll be back next year!

NOTE TO READERS: I'll be reviewing some of the newest blends I was given at the event. There is some really good stuff hitting the shelves in next few months.I  also want to tell you of the only downer of this trip. I feel so strongly about this and how wrong it was  that I have to pass it on. On Saturday the day I was leaving Pete Johnson had his personal bag of goodies stolen from his booth. Inside were some prototype cigars.This is about as low as it gets,and I have a real problem with thieves who ruin it for every one! these guys and gals openly invite people in to their booths and often times(as Pete did with others that week end. to clarify this I wasn't one of them ) handed out bundles of cigars from their personal stash to herfers who were there. this generosity was trampled on by some one and he/she only knows who they are. In my book your thief and a dirtbag. and you in no way represent the thousands of BOTLS and SOTLS who attend that event where you were GIVEN a boatload of cigars.In the end i think every one should try to get this one at least once. it worth the trip and  the area is an outdoors mans dream.ALL THE BEST-SMOKINJOE

NEW YORK STATE SUSPENDS SMOKING BAN ON ALL PARKS,BEACHES AFTER SMOKERS GROUP OBJECTS

Looks like we may have finally caught break......

ALBANY (AP) – The Cuomo administration is suspending its restrictions on smoking in parks, pools, beaches and historic sites after a smokers' rights groups objected.

Instead, the administration says Tuesday the measures will be voluntary for at least two months while a full rule-making process including public comment is concluded.

The state parks department issued its order in April after the Legislature failed to approve laws that would restrict smoking to some areas of the public facilities this summer. Failure to obey could have resulted in a disorderly conduct arrest.

Smokers' rights advocate Audrey Silk had threatened to sue the state, saying the administrative action tried to overrule the Legislature and failed to consider opposing views.

Signs prohibiting smoking have already been posted

AND THIS ALSO FROM NEWS WIRES.

May 29, 2012 (MMD Newswire) -- Acknowledging that it acted without regard for an opposing view in rushing through a smoking ban in state parks, pools, beaches and historic sites, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has suspended the ban it announced in early April, its Associate Counsel Kathleen Martens telling NYC C.L.A.S.H. founder Audrey Silk that now "this season, nonsmoking will be on a voluntary basis."

In other words, New Yorkers and other visitors to state park facilities can volunteer to not-smoke but cannot be stopped from smoking and cannot be fined or hassled by any law enforcement officer.
So far, the Parks Department is still hoping to intimidate would-be smokers with signage that's already been posted at many spots that reads SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. Silk says the statement on the signs is now false and that leaving the signs in place, as Ms. Martens indicated they would be, would be intentionally misleading.
"There is only one way for the public to interpret this language," Silk says, "as meaning that smoking is prohibited by law. There's nothing to imply that the 'prohibition" is unenforceable, which it now clearly is. The Office of Parks' behavior goes from bad to worse -- from at least the facade of official policy-making to settling for simply fooling people with unofficial signs."
Silk's group is now pressing for the signs to be removed.
NYC C.L.A.S.H. had officially challenged the Parks Department policy in a letter of May 1st, which pointed out that not only had it acted badly in putting the cart before the horse by announcing the ban to be in effect nine days prior to the state prescribed submission of a notice of proposed rule, but that the Parks Department exceeded its authority anyway in bypassing the legislature.
Since writing to the Office of Parks, NYC C.L.A.S.H. has uncovered more instances of arguably inappropriate behavior:
- The consensus rule notice eventually published in the State Register failed to include required statements as per NY Law Chapter 210: "Such notice shall include a statement setting forth a clear and concise explanation of the basis for the agency's determination that no person is likely to object to the adoption of the rule as written."
(Consensus rule making is also only allowed when it's "otherwise noncontroversial." Is the revocation of civil liberties now considered "noncontroversial?")
- Office of Parks publication, "Policy on Smoking in State Parks & Historic Sites," dated November 29, 2011, stating, "This policy is effective immediately." The language is identical to the policy laid out by the agency on April 9, 2012, with an effective date of "April, 2012" (though the rule was not filed until 9 days later). Which is it? Ms. Martens volunteered that there was "already" a policy in place prior to the April 9th announcement.

A Sergeants walk

Richard stood in the mirror, making sure his hair cut was proper high and tight, as it has been several years since the last time he wore that cut. He was one of five of his old friends that could still fit into their old uniforms, and today he wanted to make sure all was squared away. His wife walked into the bedroom as he looked in the mirror, placing his white cover on his head to make sure all still fit. He stood motionless as his wife walked up behind him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. He turned to see her, lifted his head and gave a halfhearted smile as she opened his hands to place his white gloves in them. She picked up her purse, and they both left their home without saying a word for she knew all too well what he was thinking. Driving to their destination, his mind wandered back through the years to a time of his youth, when he and four friends served together in Vietnam. They were young, proud, and many times though out their tour scarred but putting fear aside, did what was needed to survive. Of the five, three had purple hearts, one a bronze star and the fifth came home a Sergeant. Memories flooded his mind, event after event of their time there, so long ago but fresh still today. He remembered a fire fight at night, tracers piercing the air to and from their position, mortar rounds that sounded as if the exploded next to him, the sounds of yelling, of orders being given, and the jump of his M-16 in his hand each time he pulled the trigger. It was a night they thought lasted a week before it ended. Two days later, he and his friends were laughing at each other about C-rations they were getting, about a bullet hole punched canteen that made one think he had wet himself, and somber talk of one friend that earned his purple heart that night. Driving up to their destination, he parked his car and opened the door for his wife, and putting her arm though his, they walked across the green neatly cut grass to wear others were standing gathered. Three of his old friends were already there; wearing their uniforms as well as it was a promise that was being kept. Walking up, they greeted each other, shaking hands and making comments of how age was showing on each while a long vehicle parked just yards away. Their talking stopped as their fifth friend arrived, the door of the long vehicle swinging slowly open as he and the other three stood at full attention, while younger men dressed the same helped their friend out of the hearse. As the young Marines approached them carrying their old friend, they saluted, starring each other eye to eye. The friend had won a purple heart so long ago, and today would be placed among so many white head stones, with his name, rank and branch of service carved in. Throughout the service memories continued to flow in his mind, but not once showing expression. When all was complete, when the flag was given and the sound of the trumpet was fading away, those gathered together slowly parted. He and his friends shook hands again, and he and his wife turn to walk to their car, but some few feet away, one friend called out in a voice that seemed to whisper in the breeze, "Thanks Sgt. Rick". He turned to see who spoke but saw no one, so looking at the resting place of his friend; he stood again at attention, saluted, and whispered something that his wife could not hear. Once in the car, he reached in an old shoe box that he brought along and retrieved from it a canteen that showed its years, with a single bullet hole through it. "Was that his?" she gently asked, "Yes" he said, "I was so scarred that night that when this got hit, I thought I wet myself. Kenny kept us laughing for days about it and whenever I was worried, he would hand me this as a joke not to lose control.” His wife, hesitantly, asked, "What did you whisper out there, a moment ago?” Talking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, he stared straight ahead and answered softly, "I said,......tell Father and Mother Hello for me older brother.” The sun was beginning to set as their car drove back to their home.

　

G.C.

Gator Nation is born

The articles of beliefs as defined in the constitution of Gator Nation

1.      We are One Nation, Under God.

When those in power choose to say that our country is no longer a Christian nation, we take offense to that premise. Although there are people in our country of every race, creed and color as well as many different spiritual beliefs, we are still a nation that was founded in the belief of an all mighty sovereign God. While there are those who try to dispel that fact and offer biased explanations, we believe in the Pledge of Allegiance; One nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.     

2.      We believe that government intervention into our lives and rights has become extreme. The Declaration of Independence states that:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Our own government has become such that laws are passed to take away the very freedoms that so many fought and died for.

3.      We believe in the right of free speech. The First Amendment states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

We have the right in our country to tell those in power that we are tired of the government invading every area of our lives and passing laws that take away our freedoms.

4.      As cigar smokers, we have seen the attempt by areas of the government, be it state, local or national, to pass laws restricting the use of, banning the use of or over taxing the product of cigars.   

We believe that a legally owned product, legally sold, and legal for use should not be infringed upon. You own a product (the cigar), you are legally allowed to possess (private property), and you however are not being able to legally use it in on and around both public and personal private property.

5.      We believe in the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

“A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Listed above are the five basic beliefs of the Gator Nation. What is the Gator Nation? Before answering that, let me ask you if you agree with the following:

What has happened to our country when our morality is judged by those who live by an immoral code?

When politicians no longer listen to the people who elected them.

When politicians listen more to their special interest groups than what is right and just.

When those who do not have any idea of the reality of living today want more from you than you can give.

What has happened to our country, founded in a belief in God, makes it illegal to post the Ten Commandments in public?

When a people no longer respect God, no longer fear Him but instead slander the name of God?

When those who call themselves Christian, find excuse after excuse to not be in His house on the sabbath?

When we have come to the point that our own wants and self righteousness cause us to look away from those in need to our own self centered lusts.

What has happened to our country, when children are having children, young women who are looked at as objects than a person.

When there is a total lack of self respect among so many, that life is taken so easily by street gangs and thugs.

What has happened to our country, when "We the people" have become We the diversified.

What has happened to our country, when we attempt to prosecute our own service men for doing their duty in combat?

When those who never saw a day in service tell our military how to fight in a conflict.

When we are afraid to tell other countries to leave us the hell alone or we will retaliate, because we have leaders who lack any human backbone.

When we have leaders who are so entwined with the liberal agenda that we would rather bow to other leaders than stand tall as a united land.

What has happened to our country when liberalism has come to a point that it intrudes on the daily lives of people yet those who invoke such ridiculous ideas have no intention of doing the same thing.

What has happened to our country, when we allow those who and their extreme liberal views take more and more of our freedoms away while we sit and do nothing?

WE ARE AMERICANS, A free people, a strong nation, but for how much longer?

People have fought and died for our country, do we reay them and show respect to them and our young men and women in service today by tearing apart the very basic ideals and laws we were founded on?

The Gator Nation is people of like minds who have had enough of over regulation, government intrusion and the risk of our freedoms declining. WE ARE AMERICANS, no matter your race, nationality nor religion, we stand and believe in the United States of America and that freedom and equality are the same for all.

We believe that the Constitution of the United States should be followed to the letter and not picked apart by special interest groups or those that want to re write it.

Ronald Reagan said,

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.”

Our United States Constitution is not just a document of our right, but what the government will NOT do against them.

Soon a page will be set up on our site for Gator Nation and on that page you are free to state your thoughts, opinions and beliefs. We also ask that on that page that when you see or read of instances when rights of our people or cigar rights are being attacked, that you post those as well.

How do you join Gator Nation? Simply join TrulyGC as a member and copy the alligator logo and place it on your page, site or where ever you wish.

Join the Gator Nation today and speak up.