This is the first post in a new series. I’ve been smoking cigars now for about two years. I’ve grown to like certian ones and not like others. At one point, someone had mentioned to me that it might be a good idea to start writing about my cigar experiences. I offer these posts as a reflection on the cigars I try out. A good cigar is like a good wine; they can be judged by aroma, taste, pallet, body, and other charactoristics. Cigar topic image provided by foll_cedric. Source Image is licensed under Creative Commons.
The image on the left is not the picture of the actual cigar. I will start taking pictures of the actual cigars in the future. The cigar I smoked was a maduro and slightly longer. The cigar had a nice smell. The wrapper was slightly flaked but the filler was firm.
Upon closer inspection, the filler looked like chopped tobacco. This is important to note since it had a major effect on the draw as well as taste. The ash produced was a dark gray, not white. The smoke was also a dirty white verses a nice white. This indicates the quality of the tobacco used.
The Montesino had a medium body. It had a bit of a tang on the drag, but had a tart after-taste. Initially, it was refreshing; however, by the 3-4th drag, the after-taste lingered a bit too long and affected the taste of the cigar.
Overall, the cigar was not what I had expected to be. The filler was a disappointment and I would have hoped for a better quality. The cigar is hand-made in the Dominican Republic and costs about $8.00. I would not purchase this cigar in the future.
Akeelah and the Bee is about a young girl who can spell by simply remembering the words. Using her hand as a metronome as a beat, she spits out letters to the most complex words. With a doctor of English as her coach, she makes her way to the National Spelling Bee.
Overall, this movie is a great inspirational story. It jerks tears, and gives hope to those who’s best friend is the spell check. Any movie of this genre is predictable and, of course, Akeelah has her moment in the spotlight. However, its the ending that shocks and amazes.
The story is simple, yet moving. There are no fight scenes, car chases, or bloody knives. But the drama is captivating. If it’s still in your theatre, I highly recommend spending a rainy afternoon watching this film.
This movie receives a B+ for great direction, moving story, and wonderful acting. I still can’t get over Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus (which, ironically, is a similar character in this film).
February 11th, 2006
Linus
I went to go see a free showing of Rumor Has It… at the Hoff Theatre. I went to see it, well, because of Jennifer Aniston. I actually thought it was pretty good. The writers did a great job expanding on The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman.
I found it to be a rather delightful film.This film does something pretty original. It took an existing film and expanded the concept into a whole other movie. It wasn’t a sequel and it wasn’t a remake…more like a retelling continuation.
The principle characters (Mainly Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine) are wonderful. In fact, the chemistry between most of the characters is great…the only actress I couldn’t stand was Mena Suvari. (If you don’t remember her, she’s one of the characters in Amercian Pie.)
Warning!!! SPOILERS FOLLOW!!!
The plot begins with Aniston’s character Sarah going home to see the wedding of her only sister. During which time, Sarah tells the spectators via voice-over that the graduate was rumors to be based on a true story…Surprise, surprise. It’s her family.
But what’s truly amazing is how the story unfolds and how Sarah’s love, as well as her fiance’s, is tested after she ends up sleeping with Beau Burroughs. In the end, she does the right thing and goes back to her fiance and gets married.
I suggest you see it. Great "let’s hang out" movie….not a date movie. I give it a B-.
December 31st, 2005
Linus
Unfortunately, this movie doesn’t offer much to those who want to see the relationships between two people. (Or in this case, between an ape and a woman.)King Kong is overtly repetitive and offers the spectator very little in the form of content. Instead, they are left with stunning graphics that tell a story about a huge beast that gets angrier and angrier, except on the occasions he happens to be near Ann to rescue her.
The film does not explain why King Kong even climbs the Empire State Building, something so unbelievable that it requires an explanation. Love, as some suggested, is not enough.
While the film’s direction was exceptional, Jackson fared much better in the Lord of the Rings. King Kong watched more like a animal rights propaganda film than a recreation of the classic 1933 film.
The film offered minimal laughs but excellent talent, with the exception of Jack Driscoll (played by Adrien Brody). His motivation was lacking, even unbelievable at times.
It’s not worth the $9 dollars I spent to watch it or the 3 hours it took to get through it.
Cross-posted on yahoo! movies