Hells Kitchen Season 5 Week 4

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

After a dismal dinner service last week sending Charlie home, the men and women went back to their bunks to relax.  In the bunks the men became belligerent, fighting amongst each other.  It looked as if the team was in a complete self-destruction mode and the women planned on taking advantage of it. 

For the challenge, the men and women were to prepare breakfast for a pee-wee football team and some pee-wee cheerleaders. The team that served eggs and bacon (the breakfast) to all their tables first, would win.  The men were out and running.  Seth said he knew Chef Ramsay’s special recipe for eggs and wanted the station; however, he would completely screw it up which would cost the blue team the win.  The men’s punishment was to prep both their kitchen and the women’s kitchen for dinner service, and clean Hell’s Kitchen.  Meanwhile, the women would go camping Beverly Hills style.

When the women returned from their shopping spree, got dressed and came down, they saw that hardly any of their food was prepped like it was supposed to be.  They had to prep their own food, and mentioned this to Ramsay.  The chef was NOT happy about that and called it an act of sabotage.  

The dinner service was a complete disaster for each team.  Just about every plate came back; one of the men let a salad go out with the butt of the lettuce in the plate.  Seth used a towel to wipe the sweat off his face and blow his nose, then used it on a pan for cooking. Ramsay looked on with disgust, finally shutting down the dinner service after an hour.  

For the first time in Hell’s Kitchen both teams were losers and both had to nominate two people for elimination.  For the men, they chose Ben and Seth; and for the women, they chose Lacy and Colleen.  Ramsay decided to send Ben back to the line, clearly he didn’t deserve to be down there.  However, he warned him that trying to impress at the speed of sound doesn’t accomplish much.  That left Lacy, Colleen and Seth up for elimination; it really was a no brainer for Ramsay who sent Seth home.  That made the men lose three out of four times.  Ramsay told Seth he had enough of him and couldn’t let it go on.  Seth walked out the door, then Ramsay sent Lacy to be on the men’s team.

That move made the women very happy, but made the men disgruntled.  Lacy said this makes her want to show the women up even more.  Last year Jen said the same thing, and was eliminated two weeks later.  After the fourth week, I am shocked with the fact I can’t find one person I feel could win this thing.  I have a feeling it’s the silent people that will emerge much like Petrozza did last year.  My prediction is that the men will lose again this coming week, sending Lacy home.  The women will lose the following week after that, sending Colleen home.

Cleopatra Stratan- Romanian Wonder

The Expressionist is always on the search for amazing talent; things that make you smile and feel good. We found it in this story for sure, brought to me by a friend in Egypt. She urged me to check this out and then sent me a video on YouTube. What I saw floored me; I have never seen anything quite like that before.  It gave new meaning to “great things come in small packages.”

What my friend sent me was a video of Cleopatra Stratan, an amazing singer who is not only cute but talented beyond her years. She hails from Romania and speaks three languages. This young talent has a bubbly personality that you will fall in love with, and she’s only four. That’s right, she isn’t even in kindergarten yet and she already has a music video out.  Stratan is one of the most demanded singers across the pond and sells out arenas for her concerts. Nobody can believe this little girl can sing the way she does; quite frankly, neither can I. Most four year olds can barely speak well in their native language; however, Stratan can speak three languages fluently. Most four year olds have no idea what a concert is, while Stratan sells them out.  In 2006, Stratan became the youngest musician to win commercial success with her album, “La vârsta de trei ani.”  She also holds records for being the youngest artist that performed live for two hours in front of a large audience, the highest paid young artist, the youngest artist to receive an MTV award and the youngest artist to score a #1 hit in a country.  Oh yeah, did I mention she even has her own doll! 

Stratan got her start from her father Pavel Stratan, who happens to be a professional singer. One day he was sitting around playing some music on his guitar, when his daughter started to sing with him. He couldn’t believe what he heard. He realized he couldn’t let her talent go to waste so he worked with his young daughter and helped her blossom into what she is today, a superstar.

He realized his little girl was going to go far, so he started taking her on tour with him.  Stratan’s charm and voice, mixed with her innocence, captured the hearts of the audience.  Word spread quickly, and Cleopatra Stratan became a household name over night.

Today, many people applaud Stratan and adore her, but they do question the father. Many have accused him of trying to profit off his daughter. Some people have even criticized him for the choice of adult content songs that this young superstar sings. Since her songs are mostly in Romanian, I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. I did find an English translation and then, I understood.

Her hit “Ghita,” is a cover song about a woman who waits around for her lover. Sure, it’s a mature theme, but would adults come to listen to Stratan sing nursery rhymes? I seriously doubt they would, so I wouldn’t change a thing. I also don’t believe that Stratan’s father is trying to live off of her success. Her father realized she has an enormous talent and thought it would be a shame not to let the world enjoy it. As a musician himself, I’m sure he knows the limits and takes into consideration his daughter’s age. Plus, he adores his little superstar and wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize her.

Stratan has never come to America as far as I know, even though she speaks English. For us Americans, we can only enjoy her music through YouTube. We may not understand what she’s actually saying because it’s in Romanian, but if she sang in English and took away the romantic Romanian language her songs are typically sung in, it just wouldn’t have the same effect. I don’t care that I can’t understand the story; the language is beautiful and it’s what makes the song. 

Once you see this cute and amazing young lady, you will see why she’s sweeping Europe by storm. You’ll probably have to watch her video, “Ghita” a few times before it sinks in to what you just saw. You’ll swear she is older than she is by the way she conducts herself in the video and how she performs. Stratan’s so good, you won’t be able to get the song out of your head and you’ll probably sing it out loud when you least expect it. This talented child star will make a fan out of you in the first few seconds of her priceless video.

Ted Mikulski- Abstract Expressionism

The title of our magazine is The Expressionist, because art is a form of expression.  This artist considers himself a New England Abstract Expressionist, in other words, a phenomenal abstract painter who expresses himself through his work. That man is Ted Mikulski, an artist and professor in New England, Connecticut.  Mikulski is a teacher at the university in which my parents graduated from, and hails from my home state. 

With abstract art, there are no “defined lines”  and there are no “rules.”  It is completely how the painter wishes to put the subject on the canvas.  If they want to draw a line a half inch thick, and draw an eye on the top and call it a human, then it’s a human.  Abstract art is, in turn, the rawest form of art and is growing more popular each and every day.  Abstract art also brings another great quality to the table which is simply the fact, everyone sees it differently.  Ten people can look at the same painting, and ten people can come away with a completely different meaning.  Though abstract art doesn’t necessarily have to have definition in it, it does pack a punch of ideals the artist may bury in the art which are there for you to hear if you only take the time to listen.

Ted Mikulski has this down to a science.  He first got his taste of art when he was in architecture school, stating he would often find himself in the library researching 50s and 60s art because it fascinated him.  Some of the work that really caught his eye and drew him to the love of art were Warhol, Pollock, and Stella; also known for their industrial art, which makes sense since he was studying to be an architect.  Mikulski, however, decided to go into the arts professionally; it had too much of a pull to ignore.

In his own work, Mikulski draws his inspiration from Post-War American Art, which ranges from 1945 to today.  He credits the following artists as those that inspire him most:  Helen Frankenthal, Frank Stella, William Ronald, and Norman Bluhm.  Mikulski recently stated that he is collaborating with other abstract expressionist artists such as Peter Smolenski.  Mikulski says that when he paints he tries to avoid negativity, which is not following the path of the traditional abstract expressionism ways.  This truly shows in his work, with the bright colors and free flowing designs that accent a full of life expression.

One of his awesome techniques he applies in his work is the ability to blend. It’s truly what caught my eye when I first saw his work. “I like to work with a series of blending techniques that allow you to lose sight of where my hand was during its creation.  This creates a disconnection between me and my work, allowing the viewer to connect solely to the painting.  It also gives the work a sense of urgency, like it is forever in motion.”

Mikulski is a true artist at heart.  Not only does he paint, but he teaches art at Tunxis University in Connecticut and he has his master’s degree in Architecture from Norwich University.  This artist is also writing a book to apply his talents in the Literary Arts field as well. That book is entitled,  Art is Dead.  It is a discussion about art in a society that is surrounded by technology and desensitized youth.  The book will feature several professional artists’ contributions as well.  It is scheduled for release in the middle of this year.

His work is not just for his students to see or for his peers; currently Mikulski has his work in a few galleries around New England for all to see.  Those galleries include the Pump House Gallery, Union Station Hartford, PD Gallery, Gallerie Vivace, and the Middle River Gallery.  If you are looking to view some of his great work, we suggest going to see them live in person at any of these establishments.

So how can I tell that Mikulski is a “true” artist?  Simple, besides his great work filled with amazement and feeling, he has the best statement of his experience that shows his profound love for this field. “Often times 3 A.M. will roll around in my studio and I’m exhausted.  I’ll take a look at my hands covered in paint and can’t do anything but smile and remember not to take life too seriously.” If you’re an artist, you will understand that statement and smile with him.

If you want to contact Mikulski, his web site and e mail are:  www.TedMikulski.com, e mail: contact@tedmikulski.com 

Work Interpretation

I thought it would be fun to add my interpretation of one of Mikulski’s works.  This is something I haven’t done previously, but with his work you can sit down and see something different every time.  So without further ado, here is my interpretation of “Winter Series 3.”

When I look at this painting, it reminds me of the frigid winters of New England because it looks like the formation of ice over the tar.  If you ever sit down and look at ice closely you will see the glassy surface, but throughout the ice you will see its impure with lines, the small vein looking lines from the impurities of the water as it froze.  You will see the ground below the ice surface, and if there is a high spot in the ice, the tar may even stick through and the ice will surround the small wave in the pavement. 

That is what I see in this painting.  As a child, I loved walking on ice despite my parents fright.  I had no fear.  I would sit and study the ice, to see the rocks caught inside and maybe a bug or two if they dare come to the surface during the snow.  I would love to watch the spidering of the ice, and I would try to discover patterns and pretend it was a map of a city. I never did find any bugs, but it was a calming experience and something I looked forward to every year. 

This painting has some of the most unbelievable details inside of it.  Generally, it’s an off white and black, typically the colors of winter.  There is even a slight wash of purple or light blue throughout the painting, not enough to stand out, just enough to accentuate the piece.  A real nice effect as it gives it a small hint of color. It is something you could see in a New England winter among the barren trees and snow covering the grass; a small splash of blue or purple in the snow.  The painting also has the finest feathering, spider like lines.  This to me shows incredible control and painstaking detail.  The big blobs of black (noir) could be the unleveled pavement that sticks up through the surface of the ice.

Despite the fact winter is a time of hibernation, death and cold, this painting is full of life and imagination in preparation of what the world will look like once the snow melts.  It represents one of my favorite times in the year and makes me think of my fascination with the winter as a child.  This truly shows the detail Mikulski puts into his work and how much talent this artist displays.

The 80s Music- Foundation For Today

Each decade of music defined their own sound differently. They each brought out something new that the world had never heard before, and took some of the success of the past and evolved it to fit today. These rules have never failed and can present no exception. Though, while each generation is different, none stands out so boldly than the 80s.

The 80s had an impact unlike any other music had before. In 1984, the world got a taste of MTV. This television network actually allowed people to live the music, not just listen. Sure, throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s we had “American Bandstand,” “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Solid Gold,” which allowed you to see the bands play live, but it came on only once a week.  MTV was on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It not only incorporated the music and live shows, but it showed a different artistic view to these videos. MTV took music to a whole new level, and showed how this industry was revolutionizing with the times.

The 80s gave us a huge mix of music. It was the time when Rock ‘n’ Roll split to become rock and heavy metal. Rock was more your typical sound like Phil Collins, Billy Joel, and Michael Jackson which stuck to the typical sounds of 60s and 70s rock. Heavy Metal is a more intense rock where you would see wild hair; hence the name “hair bands.” You would see these rockers in wild outfits, trashing their guitars on stage and incorporating wild pyrotechnics. Bands that fit this genre would be Twisted Sister, Poison, Warrant, Bon Jovi, Def Leopard, Van Halen and similar bands.

The rock version, even though it stuck to more of the 60s and 70s sounds, had their own unique flare in itself. It wasn’t uncommon to see some of these guys dressed in drag with flamboyant make-up. This was typical with Boy George, and Dead Or Alive. It brought out some of the greatest hard rocking women in history like Pat Benatar, The Bangles, Joan Jett, Heart and other powerful voiced, yet sexy women of the time. While talking about the rock sound, we can’t forget the strange sounds that swept the “electronic” age of America.

The 80s also brought into play some great names like “The Material Girl” Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper who helped define the “punk” fashion that made Soleil Moon Frye, better known as Punky Brewster, a huge success from 1984 to 1987. Punk was a fashion that completely branded the 80s, and is still talked about today.

The 80s gave birth to some of the most unforgettable music videos. For one, probably the most expensive video created in the 80s was Paula Abdul’s “Opposites Attract,” where she sang side by side with an animated cat. Michael Jackson came out with small movie videos. One of Jackson’s most well known was “Thriller,” where he teamed up with Vincent Price to make a well choreographed, pop horror flick. We can’t forget Madonna’s cone bra that shocked the world and when she had her music video banned in countries across the world. Another stand out video was “Land Of Confusion” by Genesis. This music video was a mix of live Genesis concert footage and some amazing puppets. Last but not least, there was Dire Straights’ amazing video that became an icon video of MTV, “Money For Nothing.” This video looked like a walking 3D video game, and at the time, the graphics were state of the art.

Today, most of these bands and videos have disappeared, as sad as it is. Some of the big 80s stars like Madonna, Phil Collins, Heart and others still perform, while some are now just dust in the wind. The years of these great videos are over; they took an evolutionary turn as well. MTV is now more news and reality shows, while music videos have taken a back seat. However, with great sites such as YouTube and the Internet, general artists can publish their music videos right on their own sites and they don’t need these channels anymore. YouTube actually has many of these great old music videos that designed a whole generation.

The 80s have never really died, instead they have evolved into some of the great music we have today. Sure, it may not be the same as it was back then, but if you listen hard you can still hear some of the influence the 80s had in our music today. The 80s music is so unique that it’s definitely worth looking into and learning more about.

Franco Mirenzi- Composing Italy

Europe is known for its music and art; there is no doubt about it. Music in Europe goes back to the dawn of time, especially from the 1300s to 1800s when some of the best known composers emerged such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, just to name a few.  Those names are synonymous with classical music and compositions that have lasted for centuries.

Before the dawn of big band and rock music that emerged in the late 20s and was mostly an American music tradition, there were operas and symphonies. This was the entertainment back then, and it was the dream of these composers to make beautiful and elegant music that would someday earn them a spot to play before the royal family.

Classical music is the grandfather to most modern music today, but I find it far more challenging than today’s music. It involves knowing multiple music styles from different instruments, and blending them into a harmonic tempo. The skill and time it takes completely amazes me, and Franco Mirenzi from Rome, Italy does it with ease.

I came across this great composer from Italy while searching my MySpace account for music. Classical music is not readily available on MySpace, so it was refreshing to see. Franco Antonio Mirenzi has dedicated his life to composing great works of musical art, and we had the chance to interview this amazing musician and let him tell you his story in his own words.

 

How old were you when you started composing?

I started composing in a systematic way around 20 years of age.

What kind of music inspired you to compose?

Classical music of our time; a music to gratify the mind, heart and soul. I like to give my listeners a different sound than the so-called trade and consumption, but also different from the contemporary music of today. I think that the public should be respected and be able to understand and enjoy good music. For the moment, I compose music for traditional acoustic instruments (piano, organ and all the instruments that make up the symphony orchestra) and the human voices.

What kind of music have you composed? Is it mostly classical in nature?

My first experience in playing and composing has been in the rock and pop music genres.

What’s the hardest part of composing music for you?

I must say that the most difficult part is composing the music in the absence of a destination. It is very difficult for me to compose music without the certainty of how it will be played or recorded, then you know what your music is going to be.  That makes it much easier to write and is more stimulating.

Living in Italy, has this had any impact on your music?

I do not think so. I have always listened to and studied a lot of music that is not Italian.

Tell us about a few of your projects.

Currently I am trying to work on pieces for a piano solo. In the future I would like to approach acoustic instruments including sounds produced with electronic means. I’d also like to write pieces with electronic sounds. It’s also been a dream of mine to write music for a wonderful film.

Where has your music taken you across the world? Tell us about some of your adventures.

I wish that my music can cross the world and can be listened with pleasure by a lot of people. I have realized that in the world there is are a lot of desire for music. I wish I could tell you all the curious adventures…. (laughing)

How important is classical music in today’s society?  Do you think it has impacted music as we know it today?  

If we went classical music to music that is not influenced by fashion and the market…what survives over time is the music that always provokes a desire to be heard, then the classical music is very important. It helps us to understand that art music can have a value that goes beyond the consumer product and opportunity. I think the classical music circuit should expect to apply to a wider audience but to succumb to the lure of the market.  The public has the maturity to understand the good music, but we must create opportunities for larger numbers to hear.

Do you play any instruments?  If so, what kind?

I studied the organ for the first part of my professional career for which I held many solo concerts. Of course I play piano, but put my hands also on the guitar. I know the operation and the technique of all the instruments except where this is useful for me to write music for instruments that do not play so physically.

Do you have any CDs out?  If so, what are the titles and where can people buy them?

I just finished my first CD entitled,  ”Al ritorno” and I expect to put it up on sale in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, your curiosity can be satisfied by going to this link http://www.mirenzi.it/CD…al% 20ritorno/cd% 20al% 20ritorno% 20inglese% 20.htm

What was the most impressive show you’ve performed at or had your music performed at?

I’m very impressed with the fact that my music also receives appreciation from people not involved in the work; from people who are not accustomed to attend the academic and musical environments where you do not expect a trial immediately positive. Recently, the first execution of my work for chorus and orchestra, I was really struck by the fact that the long applause of the public has joined the loud beat of the feet on the wooden stage of the 50 musicians and 80 singers.

Have you worked with any celebrities or famous people in your life?

Claudio Scimone and the Solisti Veneti were used in July 2008 with my first run composition, “Celeste.”

What’s your greatest accomplishment to date?

If I understand the question, my biggest aspiration is to be able to reach a growing number of listeners happy to listen with pleasure and to listen to  classical music that is written in their time.

 

What advice can you give young composers trying to make it in the business?

Advice to young composers: Find a way to express what is personal but at the same time, take account of how much music there is especially for people who do not forget.  This has always historically been of great encouragement to the so-called academic composers. This is one way of expression that goes to the heart of listening and not just to his mind. A way of expression that is full of lightness; we all have a great need.

 

 

http://www.mirenzi.it

http://www.myspace.com/mirenzi

http://it-it.facebook.com/pages/Mirenzi/47383978463

One Life To Live 2-24-09

As expected, the DNA test showed that David is not Asa’s son.  Dorian is in complete disbelief, and refuses to leave the mansion; she’s staying because she insists in Asa’s will that he gave everything to David.  The will is legal, however, Asa thought David was his long lost son.  This battle is going to get ugly, and I know Dorian will lose, because a month ago Delphina predicted money problems would come between Moe and his wife.  That money problem I feel will be the fight Dorian will bring to get her fortune back.

A mist the confusion over David, the DNA test did prove something strange.  David is Rex Balsom’s father, or is Rex his father?  David knows he never slept with Roxy, so there is no way he could be the father of Rex that way.  So lets go back to 1968, when Rex and Bo were transported back in time.  Remember when Rex slept with that girl who looked like Gigi… Even though Bo slept with her, or so we think, Rex was completely convinced he would not see Gigi again and slept with her.  She was David’s mom.  This could get VERY crazy, I would expect to see David either the real father, but Rex has another mother; or Rex is the father from altering history when he traveled back to 1968.

Vanessa told Christian and everyone in his loft that she set up and took advantage of Ray, to get his money.  She still believes he killed his wife, but again has no proof of it.  In turn, Ray spent 635 days in prison for no reason.  Christian is now baffled, angry and lost the love of his life because of deception.  He is alive though, Ray did not kill him… 

The next few weeks are going to be crazy, I can’t wait to see Dorian out on her butt because of greed.

One Life To Live 2-23-09

WOW, WOW, WOW… Lots of unbelievable stuff has happened since Friday.  Today I will talk about the two most important things.

Buchannan’s

At the Go Red Ball, Dorian announced her marriage to David Vickers, who is Asa’s biological lost son.  Within moments Beaver Calhoun, told David he was actually a Buchannan.  David was furious that Dorian married him only for his money, but forgave her and went to claim his fortunes, to Dorians delight.

They wasted no time going to Clint and Nora’s house and booting all his brothers, Nora and Bo’s son to the street.  Upon a small celebration, David answers the door to find Addy, who smashes a pie in his face.  Addy is very upset with the both of them.  She said Karma will come back and haunt those two, and she wanted nothing to do with it.  Dorian pleaded, for her to reconsider but Addy stuck her ground.  As she went to leave, the entire Buchannan clan was at the door and walked in.

Dorian begged,this is our house, you must leave.  Clint replied, we did a DNA test on the hair that we took from David’s head.  He is NOT Asa’s son.  Now Dorian is in shock, David is in shock, because she gave up all her wordly goods thinking this was a fool proof plan.  This also causes Langston, Star and Blair to be on the street.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Montez/Vaga

On Friday we found out that Ray Montez escaped from a Columbian prison and attacked Christian knocking him out at his home.  He proceeds upstairs to Lola, with a knife saying he vows revenge.  Christian comes upstairs to protect Lola, and they tussle down the spiral stairway.  Right before Ray regains control over the knife, Tea and his daughter bust through the door, and she begs her father not to kill Christian.

Lola, Tea, Ray,  Christian and Ray’s daughter are all downstairs on alert.  Christian is demanding answers, Ray swears he is innocent from killing his wife, his daughter and Tea are backing him up.  Christian screams, throws his chair and grabs Lola, demanding she explain.  She confesses, she killed Ray’s wife.

What will happen now?  Its been rumored Ray will get a contract with OLTL, so who know.  Christian gave up the love of his life for this woman, now he has nothing, and Ray will probably get his daughter back and immunity.

Up in Smoke

You can walk down just about any city street and smell them.  No, I am not talking about overfilled garbage cans.  Instead, it’s the heady, distinct smell of cigar that is becoming the signature scent to most downtown districts these days.  Cigars have always been associated with distinguished, older gentlemen and pompous businessmen, but nowadays cigars have found their place in a younger, more hip generation, including some of whom are female.  

Cigars have been around for many years, perhaps even thousands of years.  Some say that explorer Christopher Columbus observed the local natives smoking their very own version of a cigar.  They were often seen smoking a mysterious substance which was either rolled up inside a large leaf or through a tube called a tabago, hence the name tobacco.  When Columbus and his crew traveled back to Spain, they took with them some of their newly found tobacco.  Here, cigar and pipe making methods were perfected.  Smoking tobacco in cigars and in pipes quickly spread throughout the European countries and later on, throughout the world.

Closer to home in a place called Ybor City, which is near downtown Tampa, cigars have been a staple since the late 1800s.  In 1886, cigar manufacturers Vincent Martinez Ybor and Don Ignacio Haya were lured to Tampa by its tropical climate, land offers and good wages.  The men purchased land in the Tampa area, built a cigar factory and soon developed an entire cigar making town. Many Cuban cigar producers migrated to the area during this time.  Ybor City eventually lost its title as the top cigar producing town in the 1950s; however, the Tampa district is still smoking.  On any given day, you can take a stroll down Ybor City’s main drag, Seventh Avenue, and look inside one of the many cigar shops.  Some of the shops feature cigar rollers who you can watch from the window, while other shops offer walk-in humidors and delicious cafe’ con leche.  El Sol Cigars is Ybor City’s oldest cigar shop, dating back to 1929.  El Sol features a 350 square foot walk-in humidor, shelving 40 different cigar brands.  Next door, a roller sits at an antique table with a chevato (cigar maker’s blade), cutting wrappers and displaying his cigar rolling craft to all who pass by.  Many of Ybor City’s old cigar factories still stand proud, casting their shadows onto the historic avenue below.  

One needn’t go to Tampa or down south to its rivaling city of Miami to find a good cigar.  There are plenty of cigar shops popping up in virtually every American city, including the rise of the ever hip and classy cigar bar.  Although cigar bars have been around for years, they have recently become more popular than ever before. Most cigar bars are furnished in rich mahogany woods and jewel tone colored walls; stately couches and armchairs are upholstered in dark brown leather or in deep red velvets.  The lush and upscale decor at these modern cigar bars have begun to attract female smokers as well.  Patrons who come to these establishments are able to enjoy a cigar, grab a delicious appetizer and sample a fine beer or liqueur.  

Central Cigars is located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida and is a local favorite.  This state of the art cigar shop features on-site cigar rolling done by Felix Marerro.  Marerro is from Cuba and has been rolling for many years. Central Cigars offers an extensive cigar selection and in its bar, known as The Havana Room, you can cozy up on the overstuffed leather furniture while sipping a cognac and puffing on a fine cigar.  St. Petersburg cigar aficionado Charlie Richards knows Central Cigars and The Havana Room well.  According to Richards, this downtown hot spot is the perfect place to buy and smoke a cigar.  ”They have everything you need at a fair price.” Richards has been smoking cigars for fifteen years and definitely is an expert.  Some of us may not realize that a cigar is an art form.  Each cigar is carefully crafted and has its own shape, texture and flavor. Cigars can be as unique as the person smoking them.  Most are kept in expensive humidors, carefully checked by their owners for proper temperature and humidity readings.  Sometimes the longer a cigar is kept in its humidor or is “aged,” the better it will taste; much like a bottle of fine wine.  Cigars are no doubt highly respected and therefore, treated appropriately so.

Richards says that he acquired his extensive knowledge of cigars by reading as much literature as he possibly could.  One of his favorite magazines is Cigar Aficionado.  Richards has learned much about cigars through this magazine as well as the website, cigaraficionado.com.  ”There is a great section for beginners,” the cigar enthusiast claims.  

There is a peaked interest in cigars right now and some people who have never smoked before, are wanting to learn more and possibly pick up a new hobby. According to Richards, humidors are a necessity when getting started.  A humidor is any kind of box or room with constant humidity and temperature that is used to store cigars.  They can come in a variety of sizes and some are quite decorative and ornate.  Richards says that if you want your cigar to smoke properly, you must invest in a reliable humidor.  ”A cigar left out in an air conditioned room for more than one or two hours could damage your cigar permanently; any cedar lined humidor will work.”  You will also need a humidifier (using distilled water) and a hygrometer (measures humidity), preferably a digital one.  Richards continues on to say, “The humidor must read somewhere between 68-72% humidity.  If it goes any higher than say 75% humidity, pull the humidifier out of the humidor temporarily. ”  The temperature must also be cooler than 78 degrees; heat will destroy a cigar.  So, be sure to not ever leave a cigar in a hot car.  This is especially key in Florida’s warm summer months.  If you don’t have a humidifier, Richards suggests putting your cigars in the refrigerator, in a Ziploc bag.  In addition to a humidor, other necessities for beginners include a cutter and/or punch, which is sometimes called a bullet.  This is used to open up the cigar in order to smoke it.

As previously mentioned, there are many different types of cigars.  How would you possibly know which one to choose?  Richards states that picking out a cigar depends on various factors.  For instance, if you just finished eating lunch, you should choose a medium to full bodied Robusto.  This kind of cigar is considered to be a “power lunch cigar” and is known to get you going after a hearty lunch.  In addition, it only takes 30 minutes to smoke.  Perhaps a good choice of cigar for the businessman on the go.  For a dessert cigar, or one that follows a nice dinner, Richards suggests trying a Churchill.  This type of cigar takes longer to smoke (about an hour) and is full bodied.  Since women are beginning to take interest in cigars, a good recommendation for these smokers would be a Panatela, which is a long, thin cigar.  The Panatela is perfect for a lady smoker because it is a mild/medium bodied cigar with a classy look.  Then, there are some of us who may just want a fun and casual smoke.  In this case, try a flavored cigar.  My own personal favorite is an Acid Blondie, a sweet and aromatic cigar.  The taste is described as honey-clove and the scent is like burning incense.  Another recommendation of mine for a flavored cigar is a CAO cigar.  These cigars come in a variety of scrumptious flavors.  Smoking one is like eating ice cream or a chocolate brownie.  The CAO Gold Honey contains some of the highest quality orange blossom honey in the world.  Eileen’s Dream is another one of CAO’s speciality cigars.  This cigar features a decadent combination of Irish cream and white chocolate truffles.  The rich flavors of superior Irish whiskey, frothed cream and coconut milk are mixed in with subtle hints of hazelnut, ground almonds, cocoa and vanilla extracts.  Talk about a dessert cigar!  Richards favorite cigar is undeniably a Cuban Montecristo, No. 2.  One may ask, where do you get a Cuban cigar?  Richards jokes, “I’ll plead the fifth on that one!”  In case he can’t get a Cuban, Richards chooses an Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic.  So, what’s the best cigar for your money?  ”Any cigar in the Padron collection,” claims the St. Petersburg aficionado.  ”For approximately $4.00, you can buy an excellent cigar that will draw and burn perfectly.”

So, if you bought a cigar, could it immediately be smoked or does it need to be aged in a humidor?  Richards says that some cigar enthusiasts believe in something called a “dumb period.”  This is the period between the time a cigar is made and one year afterwards.  ”It is best to smoke it right after it is made or more than a year later.”

Who would’ve ever guessed cigar smoking could be so complicated?  Needless to say, cigars are popular.  You could literally sample a new cigar everyday with all the different varieties available.  There are enough delicious flavors to satisfy even the most hard-to-please palates and with such affordable prices, this enduring and well-respected hobby is sure to retain its popularity for years to come.

 

El Sol Cigars:  1728 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605/813-248-5905/www.elsolcigars.com

Central Cigars and The Havana Room:  273 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701/727-898-2442/www.centralcigars.com

81st Academy Awards 2009… Who Won?

Last night, all the biggest stars on the silver screen came together for a night of glamour and prestige.  Many would come in hopes of winning the coveted Oscar, but only one would win.  20 Oscars were presented last night at the Academy Awards, and the winners are:

 

 

Best Picture:   “Slumdog Millionaire”

Director:   Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Actor:    Sean Penn, “Milk”

Best Actress:   Kate Winslet, “The Reader”

Best Supporting Actor:   Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”

Best Supporting Actress:   Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

Best Original Screenplay:   Dustin Lance Black, “Milk”

Best Adapted Screenplay:   Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Foreign Film:   “Departures,” Japan

Best Documentary Feature:   “Man On A Wire”

Best Documentary Short:   “Smile Pinki”

Best Animated Feature Film:   “WALL-E”

Best Art Direction:   “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Best Cinematography:  ”Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Score:   A.R. Rahman, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Song:   “Jai Ho,” from “Slumdog Millioniare,” A.R. Rahman, Sampooran Singh Gulzar

Best Costume:  ”The Dutchess”

Best Makeup:   “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Best Animated Short Film:   “La Maison En Petits Cubes”

Best Visual Effects:   “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

So the glam is over, its off to work towards next years awards.  After all the dust has cleared, “Slumdog Millionaire” was the big winner last night.  Now that the awards are presented, do you agree?  Discuss by adding comments to this post and see if people agree with you.

Ice Age – Age Of The Dinosaurs

 

ICE AGE 3, is coming this summer!

The sub-zero heroes from the worldwide blockbusters Ice Age and Ice Age: The Meldown are back, on an incredible adventure…for the ages. Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while, maybe, finding true love); Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs; and Diego the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he’s growing too “soft” hanging with his pals. On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world, where they have some close encounters with dinosaurs, battle flora and fauna run amuck – and meet a relentless, one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck…

ICE AGE 3, to be fully produced in 3-D, is the latest instalment to the hit ICE AGE franchise, which has grossed more than $1.2 billion around the world.

ICE AGE 3, will be directed by Oscar®-nominated Carlos Saldanha, who directed ICE AGE: THE MELTDOWN and co-directed ICE AGE. The film is being produced by Academy Award®-winning Blue Sky Studios, the creative force behind all the ICE AGE films and the upcoming DR. SEUSS’ HORTON HEARS A WHO. The crazy animated cast are voiced by stars including John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary and Ray Romano.

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