Cigar Musings

Musings of a Cigar Smoker

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  • Insidious Pumpkins?

    Its Monday Night, I am not at all interested in tonight’s Football game between Pittsburgh and Miami. Now that I am writing about it, I just have to check the score. No surprise, Pittsburgh won. Instead, I am watching basketball. I did end up watching Insidious Chapter II and Pumpkin 2: Red Wings or was it Blood Wings. It doesn’t matter. I must admit Insidious II was a much better movie. Though, I was surprised Pumpkinhead II’s cast consisted of Andrew Robinson, I remember him from Hellraiser. If memory serves me correctly Mr. Robinson played the Dad in Hellraiser. Punky Brewster, Soliel Moon Frye was also in it. I didn’t recognize her in this movie. She looks completely different to me.  What I did like about Pumpkinhead II was how the Sheriff utilized detective work. That is all I am going to say so as not to ruin for anyone who may feel inclined to watch it. It is a very predictable movie but, what do you expect with Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings.

    I really did enjoy Insidious Chapter II, I don’t want to say too much more than that so, I don’t ruin for someone who hasn’t seen it. I love whom I termed the Ghostbusters in Insidious movies, Specs and Tucker. I don’t know why but, I just find the two characters to be cool and interesting. The only time, this movie had me sitting on the edge of seat is when I was thinking the character of Barbara Hershey was going to be seriously injured or worse. I kept yelling, “NO!!! Not Barbara!” I have a crush on Barbara Hershey. She is still Smoking Hot. I wish I could say more about the film but, like I said I don’t want to spoil it. Like Insidious I, Insidious Chapter II felt like another movie mashup. If you watch it, comment on which movies you feel were “used.”

    Only a few days left until Halloween and I want to watch a few more “scary” movies in honor of the day but, tonight I am in the mood for some basketball. Milwaukee just won and now,  I am watching the LA Clippers. Maybe I will do another “movie review” or not.

    Anyway, that is all I got for now. Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and your beer chilled.

  • October Tradition

    Many decades ago during this time of year I love to watch “horror” movies. I use the term loosely due to the fact I will watch any monster, horror or thriller movie during the month of October. The movies range from the old Vincent Price movies to the modern day thrillers. So far, this month I have watched WaxWorks (1988), Pumpkinhead (1988), and Return of the Living Dead III. I remember watching the first Pumpkinhead film when it was first released and I enjoyed it but, I had to watch a second time due to the fact I forgot it. The second time watching Pumpkinhead I had to ask, “Who was truly guilty of the crime?” Sorry, if you haven’t seen Pumpkinhead, I may be spoiling it for you. I feel the Dad in the movie is guilty of the death of his son. I mean, what kind of Father leaves his little boy alone with a bunch of strangers. Anyway, I digress.

    So, the other day I read an article listing out the top scary movies on Netflix to watch in October and I noticed Insidious was on the list.  So, I thought what the heck… Insidious will be my ‘scary” movie for the night.  I fired it up on the old Firestick. 🙂 I don’t know why it took me so long to check it out but, that is how I roll. It can take me years before I decide to watch a particular movie. Anyway, is it just me or is this a movie mashup? I felt like I was watching three movies in one. It was a mixture of the original Poltergeist meets Nightmare On Elm Street with a sprinkling of Ghostbusters. I must say, Barbara Hershey is still Smoking Hot! I don’t know how old she is but, she is gorgeous.  And the, there is Patrick Wilson, good actor, who plays the Dad in the movie reminds me of Joe Bob Briggs. Joe Bob use to host TNT‘s Saturday Night MonsterVision. Which brings me to my confession. Instead of staying up all night scared, cowering under my blankets while clutching my Teddy Bear, Sparky, I ended up in a corner weeping silently while reminiscing the Good Ol’ Days of Joe Bob Briggs and MonsterVision. 

    I liked Insidious. Was it scary? No. Entertaining? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes. It is a fun movie. I really liked the characters in the movie whom I termed The Ghostbusters, Specs and Tucker. A friend of mine recommended Insidious Chapter 2, he said it is a much better film as it explains more of what occurred in the first film. Now, I need to set a night for Insidious Chapter 2 and I am dying to check out Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings. I mean with a title like that, Blood Wings, it has to be Awesome. And, maybe I will rewrite a “review” on the two movies. Maybe.  Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and your beer chilled.

    Side note, as I was looking up Joe Bob Briggs, I noticed he has a website, https://joebobbriggs.net/, I have to spend time checking it out. God Bless Joe Bob Briggs. I am a big fan.

  • Watching From Sidelines

    Earlier this year, we decided to cut the cord. We were paying way too much for our television entertainment and if you include the NFL Sunday Ticket, it was getting ridiculous. One day I ordered up a few Amazon Fire Sticks, downloaded the PlayStation Vue app, called the satellite provider to cancel their services and never looked back. I can only watch the Packer games by tuning into the RedZone, which isn’t that great but, it sure is good for the pocket book. I really wanted to watch the Raider–Browns game yesterday; however, I wanted to see it in all of its glory. I didn’t want to see just small clips when either teams hits the RedZone. I checked our local channels and the only game that was showing was the Chargers–49ers and I forget what the other game was. Not important because, I really wanted to see the Raiders and Browns. So, my Wife suggested we go to a local tavern or pizza joint. Our first stop was to our favorite local Mexican restaurant, Casa Jimenez but, they don’t have the NFL Sunday Ticket, next we tried Maxx Pizza. Great place to watch football but, for some reason the Raider game wasn’t on. Place was loaded with Raiders fans but, the game was being broadcast? Very odd. My Wife said maybe Sidelines will have it on. We haven’t been to Sidelines in many, many years. I believe since the first year they opened. I don’t know why it has been such a long time since we visited the place. Anyway, I am glad we did stop by to enjoy a few beers and watch the Raider–Brown game. Sidelines is awesome and I highly recommend the place. There were a lot of people there on a Sunday afternoon but, it wasn’t overly crowded. Just enough people cheering on their favorite football team. My Wife and I had a blast. We need to visit Sidelines more often. I forgot how awesome that place is and I plan on stopping by there to watch future NFL games.

    Oh by the way, while watching the game… I started to think that Maxx Pizza must have had the Raider game on, they must have switched the TV’s to another game because it was during half time. I will need to go back to Maxx some time as well. I just really wanted to experience watching a Raider game surrounded by fans. I love fans, they make watching a game more fun. Hearing a bunch people cheer when a team scores or groan when the team makes some mistake. It is as good as being in a stadium. Yes, it is cheaper to watch a game at home but, not as fun as being surrounded by others. Anyway… Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and your beer chilled.

  • Cleveland Rocks!!!

    The Browns Won! THE BROWNS WON!!! I know, I am not a Browns fan and it was one game against the Jets; however, I don’t see why not celebrate if you are a Browns fan. I watched the game and I was excited for the Browns victory. I only wish I was at the stadium especially, when Baker stepped onto the field. What an incredible game. I believe the Browns will win more games this year. I don’t know if they will make it to the playoffs, I am not a football wizard or soothsayer. All I know is that the Browns did good last night. The Defense did the stops when needed to and the Offense scored to take the lead. I am a huge Packers fan but, now I feel like watching as many Brown games as possible. They seem like the exciting team to watch this season. From my perspective they came real close to beating the Steelers and the Saints. Its not like the Steelers and Saints had an easy time tying or beating the Browns.

    So far, it has been a crazy NFL season with bad calls, missed kicks and tied games. In my opinion, the hit Clay Matthews did on was a crappy penalty. I know it went against my team but, now I am starting to think the NFL is getting a little carried away with some of the hits on a QB. This is tackle football, not flag or touch football. Last year, the hit on the Rodgers from the Vikings was legit. Yes, it ended the Packers chances of reaching the Super Bowl or at least the playoffs but, it was a legal hit. We have to remember, playing tackle football can cause a serious injury. I don’t like seeing any player on any team get hurt; however, I have watched the game for as long as I can remember and I have even played it at a High School level, I know there is a risk of someone getting hurt. Don’t get me started on determines a catch in the NFL because, I don’t know what it is even more. I am sorry, but the catch Dez Bryant did against the Packers in the playoffs two years ago or however long ago it happened… it was a catch. That is my opinion, I can’t state it as fact because, like I said, when it comes to the NFL I don’t know what is a catch any more.

    Anyway, here is hoping your favorite team gets a win except for the Redskins. They are playing the Packers, so I am hoping this week the Redskins lose.

    Until next time… Keep your stogies humidified and the beer chilled.

  • Gotta Catch’em All!

    Pokemon Go
    Pokemon Go

    Great! Just great! I am not officially trying to catch’em all. Yes, I am an old man who is having fun with Pokemon Go. I remember when I was kid I loved going to the local arcade to play some of the games for about an hour or so. I didn’t make a habit to go every day but, at least once every other week and I remember playing the old computer tennis table game Pong on my friend’s Atari system back in the day. Later on through the years, I enjoyed playing the old Jurassic Park video game and the original Tomb Raider game. I would play for about an hour every other week or so. As the years went by I stopped playing video games. I just never had the time. If I am going to shell out a bunch of money for a system and games, I feel I should have time to spend to actually enjoy them. I never felt that I would ever get into any type of video game whether it is on a PC, gaming system or phone. Until one day, my Friend asks me to download Pokemon Go onto my phone to sign up and become a friend with him to assist him in getting more points or whatever it is after he builds up his buddy list on the game.

    I have a confession, I love this game. Not only am I having fun playing this stupid game with my friends but, with my teenage son as well. It is an excuse for us to take a nice long walk after I get home from work. We take out our Doberman as well to get her some exercise. I mainly use to track my steps and from what I can tell you reach certain goals by taking long walks every day. I don’t walk around staring at my phone, I simply hold it in my hand and wait to hear my phone buzz alerting me to a near by Pokemon waiting to be captured. Or, I will do a quick glance at my phone screen to locate any distant Pokemon Gyms or Pokemon Stops. I know, it sounds ridiculous for an old guy like me to be playing a juvenile game but, what the heck. I don’t know how much longer I will be playing it but, for now, I am having a blast. What is also cool is the different “gyms” and “stops” have taken me to places in my town that I never knew where in existence. Anyway, if you are an old guy like me, give it a try. It only hurts the first time and then, it is turns into some fun.

    Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and the beer chilled.

  • Never Forget 9/11/01

    I can’t believe it was 17 years ago. God Bless the people we lost and those who survived. I don’t know what else to say about this Tragic day. Stay safe people.

  • Philly Special?!

    Since, I talked about how excited I was about the first NFL game of the 2018 Season I decided to ramble on about it again today. Was it a GREAT Game?! In my humble opinion it was a Great Game down to the last 3 minutes or so. The rest of the game I felt like both teams just couldn’t get anything on the offensive side of the ball until Philly decided to the Philly Special. Now, I am not an Eagles Fan nor am I a band wagon fan; however, I just had to stand up and cheer for such an awesome, successful play. I was tired while watching the game so, I can’t say the game bored me. I was tried from a long day at work and trying to fight through the typical 5PM California traffic to get home in time to catch most of the game on TV. Thank goodness I was able to tune into the LA Sports Station 570AM to listen to it.

    And, while listening to the game on the radio one thing struck me as odd, the commentator asked why aren’t the Falcons utilizing Julio Jones more? it sounded like Jones wasn’t being utilized like he should be. He is an awesome player. But, whatever, I am just a schmuck with a keyboard. Atlanta could have and in my opinion, should have won it. Like I said in my post yesterday, there is something about the Eagles and I can’t wait to see Wentz back on the field. He was on my Fantasy Football team last year and I loved having him until he got injured. I hope he has a speedy recovery and gets back on the field as soon as possible. He is fun to watch. Anyway, that is all I have to say for now.

    Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and the beer chilled.

  • Life Is Just A Fantasy

    20180903_171759-140089638.jpgYay!!! Another Football Season begins today! Today should be treated like a National Holiday. We shouldn’t have to be stuck at work, we should be at some type of Kickoff Party. I can’t wait to rush home after work to watch Philly duke it out with Atlanta. It should be a good game. I am hoping right up to the last few seconds, we are all on the edge or our seats waiting to find out the final outcome. I placed my money on the Eagles. Don’t get me wrong… I have much respect for Atlanta’s team and I know Foles is QB-ing tonight but, I just have this gut feeling. I really hope it is a nail biter, the first game of the season has to be a great close game no matter who wins or loses.

    20180903_165836-1372896502.jpgSpeaking about losing, my Fantasy Football Team The Scheisskopfs doesn’t look too good. I was struggling during our League’s draft this past Monday night while enjoying a smooth smoking Arturo Fuente Rosado Gran Reserve and slurping down an ice cold, delicious Sam Adams Octoberfest beer. I wasn’t able to get the Running Backs I wanted which is strange because I was the second one to select my pick. So, I ended up with a Running Back who decides to hold out. What the…?! But, then again I was rather distracted with bbq-ing up some grub on the old grill and my Brothers were in town to stay the night. I envy my Brothers because, they are leaving for a nice, long road trip. I love to fly and flying is faster than driving; however, there is an excitement of being on an open road and being able to stop at different locations to see and experience. Not sure if that makes sense but, anyway… Before I ramble on about road trips,  I am not too happy with the players I selected for my Fantasy Football team. I believed I over analyzed each player this year, when I should have just stuck with my old method that I used the past few seasons and ended up with a pretty good crop of players. So, maybe renaming my team from the D-Holes to The Scheisskopfs is appropriate. If you don’t know the word scheisskopf, feel free to Google it. Some days, I feel like a scheisskopf.

    As I am writing about my Fantasy Football team, I now have that old tune stuck in my head, Life Is Just A Fantasy by Aldo Nova. I LOVE that old song. When I was a Kid it was my favorite.

    Anyway, I hope all of your Fantasy Football dreams come true this year and the Green Bay Packers at least make it to the playoffs this year. I don’t expect the Pack to make it the Super Bowl but, that is a whole other blog post.

    Until next time, keep your stogies humidified and your beer cold.

    Go Pack Go!!!

     

  • It Lives! Not Again!

    WOW!!!! I need to clean up the old cobwebs and dust that have settled down on this useless blog of mine. My last post is back in 2015? Over 3 years ago? I don’t why I am bothering with trying to bring this dead blog back to life. For some reason I envision my self being this great adventurer and journalist. Well, that’s not the case, I am just a schmuck with a keyboard who likes to write once in a while. When I was a little lad, I used to write stories with pen and paper to past th time away. Back when I was a kid we didn’t have access to a computer or the internet. Spent my time reading, writing and playing outside. All we had was a record player and an old black and white TV. My Dad only bothered with bringing a TV into the household as long as it was free or dirt cheap. I believe he didn’t get a color TV until after I had joined the Army. When I was a kid I remember sitting in front the old TV to watch my favorite shows, Star Trek (The Original Series), Doctor Who, The Brady Bunch, the 1960’s Batman TV Show and the Three Stoogies, just to name a few.

    I am just now looking over this old blog and remembering I started this thing back in ’07 and it was intended to be a cigar review blog. Yeah, that didn’t go very far did it? I may post a cigar review here and there from time to time or a review about a location I visited or just comment on some random article I found. So, if you are interested in reading a blog that is created by someone who can ramble on feel free to stop by. If you have a comment feel free to leave a comment. I am not sure how often I will check the comments but, I will try my best to respond. I am not sensitive so, feel free to critize as well or if you have better information on a subject I have listed on my blog please let me know.

    I am half tempted to remove some of the old posts on this blog but, then I thought, no. Number one reason why I don’t want to remove the old posts is because, I am too lazy and don’t care. Number two reason, it is actually kind of cool seeing what I wrote on this thing in the past.

    Until next time, stay cool and stay in school. If you aren’t going to school, just stay cool.

  • Sweet 16!

    Bucky-Duck-HuntingSweet 16! No, it isn’t by 16th birthday… The Wisconsin Badgers went Duck Hunting last night and they are in the Sweet 16. I am really hoping they will make it to the Final Four. I saw this image on Facebook and just to post it on my blog. Too funny in my humble opinion.To celebrate their victory, I decided to light up an Oliva G Series Churchill. The G Series is boxed pressed with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, I just love how a box pressed cigar feels. This cigar is an awesome toasty, rich flavored, medium bodied smoke, perfect for a celebration.  Next, my Badgers will face North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen. I don’t know why but, I am not worried about North Carolina, I am more concerned if Wisconsin ends up facing Arizona. Arizona looks tough to me. Hoping your favorite team is advancing and if not, Light’em up!