#cigar box humidor

[cezarhuminon]

What Are the Chemical Changes that Occur During the Aging Process?

[lecigaro12]

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[cinnbar-bun]

The Heartless Giant Pt. 3

Pairing: Crocodile x GN! Royal! Reader

Rating: SFW

Word Count: ~3.9k

Summary: You try to get the cigar for the giant, and uncover a few tidbits from the past that leave you with more questions than answers....

Notes: Smoking. Uhhhhh don't smoke if you don't want to I know I made it sound cool here but do recognize they're not that cool and also that you don't need to smoke. Reader is kinda convinced to try it once.

Part 1 Part 2 AO3

Taglist: @gingernut1314 @fanaticsnail @leafyturtle @pookiesnatcher @lolom

Procuring a cigar would not be difficult to achieve. Procuring a cigar that your father would enjoy, however,  was a different matter. You had heard your brothers discussing the outrageous costs of them before- they were so expensive and special that other royal or noble families had presented them as gifts or tributes to your father. He rarely ever smoked, but on the few occasions he did, it was always with those expensive cigars. 

You knew where he kept them, in a small, cedar humidor in his study on the third shelf. That was the easy part but taking them from the box would be difficult. The humidor was locked with a tiny key, a fact you knew after your brothers attempted to steal from his stash when they were young teenagers. Considering your father was almost always in his study, it would be hard to sneak in and look for the key.

For a moment, you thought about just giving the man in the cell a cheap cigar to stave him off. Surely, he wouldn’t know better, would he?  

You sighed and shook your head at your own foolishness. The man was in the lowest cells and could kill you without flinching. Why were you going to test his patience by giving him an obvious fraud? You walked past the door to the study, contemplating what to do next when your father stepped out of the office with a raised brow. 

“Ah, (Y/n), good afternoon,” he smiled as his eyes met yours. 

“Father, good afternoon,” you smile back, before the gears in your mind start spinning as an idea forms in your head. “What are you doing?” 

“Oh, I was just thinking of taking a stroll around the gardens. Care to join me?” He asked politely. 

“Sorry, I have to decline today. I was going to read,” you fib to throw him off. “May I see one of your diplomacy books?” 

Your father shrugged and motioned toward the door. “Feel free to, the books are always for you to enjoy.” 

You grin and thank him, waving him off as he begins to descend to the gardens. You close the door to his study and breathe a sigh in relief. What good fortune you had to have gotten the study clear so easily. You wait a brief moment to make sure your father doesn’t come back before you grab the humidor from the shelf and then rummage through his desk. On top is a bunch of files and reports talking about budgets and possible forecasts- rain should be expected soon as well as a bountiful harvest- and his “lucky” pen he adores so much. 

In the drawers is nothing but mementos of you and your brothers. Stationary. More pens. Clips, stamps, ink, folders, and old papers. No key. 

You sigh and get frustrated as you open the last drawer, gasping as you see only a flintlock pistol inside. The pistol is shiny, obviously well-kept and maintained. You’ve been into this office many times, yet you never knew such a weapon would be kept here. 

It made sense, you tried to assure yourself, but the fact your father always had this pistol and maintained it made a shiver run down your spine. You closed the drawer without a second thought, not wanting to think of the implications of such a thing being in there. 

Still, no key. You frantically looked at the shelves for any sign or hint of a key. Nothing. You glanced at the humidor and angrily tried to pry it open with force. Barbaric? Perhaps. It was similar to something your brothers would do, but you knew you didn’t have much time to waste if you wanted to get the answers your mind was screaming for. 

Damn that man and his need for expensive cigars!

As you were continuing to scuffle with a box, the door to the study opened wide as your father stood at the door. 

You gasped and flung yourself back, accidentally bumping into an armored statue that he had near his desk. You knew you had been caught, your hands were all over the crime scene and the guilty look on your face did nothing to give you even a semblance of plausible deniability. You nervously raised your eyes from the ground to look at your father, but instead of an angry or accusatory expression, he seems quite amused. 

“My, my, I didn’t expect you would be so bold as to snoop through my office like that,” he said with a low chuckle. 

“I’m sorry,” you apologize, knowing your cover has been blown. He hadn’t been gone long at all, barely even a few minutes, yet the way he snorted seemed to confirm everything he needed to know. 

“You were that desperate to smoke?” He asked. 

“No…” you begin. 

“Ah. Were you attempting to get them for your brothers?” Your father questions. Your eyes widen when you realize you couldn’t deny it, since he’d get more suspicious of your intentions. 

“Maybe,” you lie. 

“I didn’t take you for someone who wanted to smoke,” he rubbed his chin. “Then again, I guess it would be silly for me to assume you would remain the same as when you were a young child. Although, lying to me to sneak in did hurt me a bit.” 

“How did you know?” You ask. Your father chuckles again. 

“You and your brothers have been acting suspicious all day. I figured something must have been going on. I also know that you have plenty of books on diplomacy, many of which I already own here. You would not gain anything new, so I wanted to see what you were really planning.” 

You sigh, forgetting that your father- although a noble and gentle man- could be so observant and calculating in his plans. “Well, you weren’t called the ‘Hero King’ for nothing, I suppose.” 

“Now, now, I may be your father, but even when I was a young lad, I too liked to indulge in some bad behavior,” your father says, walking over to his shelf. “If you would have looked a bit closer…” 

He pulls out a red book titled A Key to Diplomacy and hands it to you. The book is rather light despite its size. 

“I don’t really need this-” 

“Just open it,” he sagely nods. You’re confused by what he’s trying to do before you open the book and find the inside of it is hollow. In the hollowed book, there is a small key. You pull it out and your father nudges his heads towards the humidor. 

“I had it hidden in there since I doubted your brothers would ever try to open a book like that.” 

You laugh at the absurdity of this situation as you open the humidor. Your father leans over to grab two cigars and a cigar cutter. 

“Two?” You comment, while your father begins to light one up. 

“I figured since you were so curious, I could allow you the chance to try one. Lord knows I need one.” 

He brings the cigar to his mouth while he hands you the other one. You watch as he inhales the tobacco and exhales a large puff of smoke. The smell is strong, wafting and covering the room in a short amount of time. It’s a bit intimidating, but you continue to watch. 

“Do you really feel better after smoking one?” You ask curiously. 

“I think I do. Maybe it’s the fact I’m doing something else besides paperwork that eases me. Or maybe I put it in my head that it does. I can’t be certain, but I can assure you that a nice cigar does relax me when times are tough,” your father admits, tapping the cigar against the ashtray. 

You look down at the cigar in your hands as your thoughts drift to the man in the cellar. Is that why he was desperate for a cigar of all things? Does it really ease his mind? 

“You’re off thinking again,” your father comments. 

“What?” You ask, focusing back on your father. 

“You’ve had a dazed look on you since the morning. Are you troubled by something?” He asked with a gentle and sympathetic look in his eyes. 

“Oh… no, I just was thinking of… things,” you try to say. 

“Do you wish to speak of these ‘things’?” “No, father. I’m sorry. I’ll get over it soon,” you reply. After all, once you get the man’s name then… perhaps you can rid him in your mind. Your father shrugs casually and smiles. 

“I understand. Do know that I’ll always be there to help you, dear. You are my precious child, a gifted one that I am lucky to have,” his face softens. The compliment makes your cheek flush and your lips curve upwards. 

“Thank you, father. I appreciate it.” 

“Anytime, my child. Now, since we have a few moments to spare, why not catch up with me?” 

The talk with your father lasts for a while, with you two discussing random topics of interest. He muses on his rebellious youth, admitting he was a troublemaker. He says he once enjoyed fighting anything and everything, a habit he was lucky to have grown from. 

“It might seem strange to admit, even whilst I charge headfirst to battle, but the best weapons one can wield… it is your mind and your heart.” 

“Mind and heart?” You say, unconvinced. You do value your mind, but something about the way he said that makes you curious. 

“Yes. If I had no conviction or love for my people and kingdom, there would be no kingdom left standing. If I was simply a violent tyrant who enjoyed blood for the sake of blood, there would be no happiness or joy in here. That is what separates humans from beasts. I love with all my heart, proudly and without fear.” 

You let his words sink in and mull over them. 

The giant below… does he count? Is he worthy of love? Can he love? 

“Do you think everyone is worthy of love?” 

“Now that’s a good question,” your father hums, looking less like the wise king and more like a regular man with every second of this conversation. “Perhaps they do. Perhaps they don’t. As the king, I make tough choices every day. I would love to be able to forgive and pardon everyone. I would love to have no enemies, no strife, no war- I would love for my position to simply cease from existence as we explore what the world has to offer.” 

Your eyes widen as you hear your father’s admission. “You don’t wish to be king?” 

“It is a heavy burden, my dear child. It weighs down on you constantly. And deep down, no matter how much I dream of being the ideal king, the best ruler, the kindest and noblest man in the world…” he stands up, pushing his cigar into the ashtray as he has his back face you while he looks out the large window behind his desk. The shadow of his figure covers you, shielding you from the bright light of the evening sun. He reaches his hand out to caress the suit of armor. 

“But you are that king, father. You are that- to the people, to me-,” 

“You do not understand, my child… once in a while, I think back to those battles, to those wars I’ve fought. I’ve slain and nearly been slain countless times,” he sighs. “I think of the way I was near death, near exhaustion, bleeding, bruised, broken. Sometimes…” 

He glances back to you, with a somber smile and blank eyes that sends a chill down your spine. “I miss it.” 

You gasp as your father’s eyes return to the warmth it once had as he sits back down. 

“I am not the perfect man. That has always been true. But I can do good, and as such, I choose to do so, no matter how the monster within me screams. I am a father, a king, and a leader- I no longer work for myself. I work for my people. And that means I must be stricter with myself.” 

Your hands tremble as you grip the cigar and look down at your lap. You don’t know what to think of what your father just said, admitting to the fact that deep down, he enjoyed battles and killing. The gun in his desk, was it for protection, or was it possibly for his desire to return to the days of his old glory? You try to exhale. Your father wasn’t so careless and bloodthirsty. Even though he admitted this, he had also said he restrained himself for his duty. 

And yet… why did the thought of his true nature repeat over and over in your mind? 

“(Y/n), are you alright?” Your father asks sweetly. 

“Y-yes. I am. I asked a question and you answered,” you try and force a smile on your face. “I never knew you thought that way.” 

“It does run through my mind on rare occasions. But I do not let it stop me from doing my duty. I truly do love what I do and my life. That is why I fight for it.” 

You nod along, eager to take a break from here. “Thank you, father. I think I’ll be leaving, now. I’ve taken up enough of your time.” 

“Oh, dear, you’ve made my day better. I enjoy talking with you and listening to you. It makes me feel I’ve done right as a father,” he grins. You feel guilt inside your heart as you glance at the cigar in your hand, knowing you only talked to your father in order to give this to his sworn enemy. 

“Father, here,” you give the cigar back to him, not feeling worthy of the smile he has given you. After what he discussed with you, perhaps it was best to drop the subject entirely. Your father, however, pushes your hand back to you and shakes his head. 

“I’ve no need for all of these cigars. Please, keep it, whether you intend to light it or not. At least as a memento of my trust for you.” 

Your heart clenches in your chest as you nod feebly. 

“Thank you. I’m happy you trust me.” 

Your father chuckles and hands you a cigar cutter and lighter. “For whenever and whatever you decide to do. I will always support you.” 

You grip the items in your hand and thank your father again before leaving to your room. 

Guilt, guilt, guilt- it eats away at your heart while your mind screams for you to not continue with your plan. There is no point, no worth, no use to seeing that man. Oh, but your heart… but what if he is different than what once was assumed? What if he was simply in need of love? What if all he ever needed was just one more chance? 

Do it. No, don’t. We don’t need to be in more trouble. 

But can’t we? Why would we? 

Oh, damn you! Don’t you see this is difficult? 

The two sides of you disagree and argue, until you huff in frustration and grab the items. 

Forget it, we’re going. 

You sneak back into the dungeons, not even noticing the chills due to your anger at your torn feelings. 

You’re an idiot, (Y/n). What good is this? Father said he trusted us, and now look what we’re doing!

“You think too loud,” a voice cuts through your inner thoughts as you look up to come face to face with the giant. He’s smiling, eyeing the things in your hands. 

“What do you mean?” You ask in an accusing tone. 

“You look as if you’re in a fight, dear. Are you always this lost in thought, your highness?” He mocks you. 

“Oh, quiet you, you’ve put me in a rather big bind. You should be thankful I’m even giving them to you,” you frown, holding the singular cigar and cigar cutter to him. He waves his hook dismissively while his one hand expertly cuts the cigar. 

“Yes, yes, thank you very much. My… your father really must have an eye for quality. These are perhaps the best cigars out there,” he says as he examines the cigar. He curls two fingers in a repeating motion. “Lighter,” he commands. 

You fumble with the lighter in your pocket and shakily try to ignite it. The man rolls his eyes at your incompetence and guides your hand with his hook to the cigar. The flame slowly roasts the cigar as he takes a deep inhale of it. He immediately throws his shoulders back and lets out a pleasured sigh. 

“Ah… oh how I missed this,” he mumbles, his body relaxing. 

“Well, are you going to keep your end of the bargain?” You fold your arms. 

“Patience. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were desperate to get to know me,” he teases, the smell of tobacco invading your nose. You grimace at the scent while the man revels in your disgust. His hook reaches through the bars again and tilts your chin up. He gazes down at you with half-lidded eyes and a wide smirk. “You look so stressed, your highness. Why don’t you relax?” “I’m not worried about that right now. Besides, I’m fine,” you huff. 

“Nonsense. Here, let me help,” he twirls the cigar around to you and holds it in front of you. You glance between it and him while he hums. “What? Never smoked before?” “No,” you admit to him. 

“What a shame,” he bemoans, going back to take a puff of his cigar. “And here I thought we were bonding something special. Although, perhaps it’s good you haven’t taken up such bad habits.” 

“Really?” “Yes,” he eyes you. “I wouldn’t want you of all people to end up like me.” 

“True. Why do you like to smoke so much? You could’ve asked me for anything, yet you chose a cigar of all things.” 

“It’s a hard vice to let go of. I once was free to do as I could. Forcefully being unable to pick up one whenever I chose drove me a bit… mad,” he laughs humourlessly. “I find it clears my mind. You look as if you desperately need that.” 

He faces the cigar to you once more. You feel your previous conviction falter when he gives you that eager look and nods his head for you to try it. 

“I guess once could not hurt…” you begin as you grab the cigar and put it to your mouth. You inhale a large amount of the smoke before you feel your lungs screaming. You remove the cigar quickly and cough out puffs of smoke, wheezing while the man pinches the bridge of his nose. 

“You really are too much, sometimes. You don’t breathe it in to your lungs,” he chastizes you, grabbing the cigar from you. “You breathe it in, hold it in your mouth, let the taste settle on you for a few seconds, then exhale. This is expensive stuff, not a cheap joint.” 

He shows you the motions and hands it back to you. You cough once more before trying it again, just the way he did it. You exhale some smoke, thankfully not choking, but not enjoying the taste. 

“I don’t get it. It tastes like crap.” 

“It’s an acquired taste. Maybe you should bring me another, and we could try again.” 

“Absolutely not, I’m not going to do all that again to try and smoke some lousy cigar. You still haven’t told me your name.” 

“Crocodile,” he casually states. “Hah, hah, how funny. Be serious,” you frown. He shrugs and continues to smoke. 

“Oh well. You don’t believe me.” 

“There’s no way you are named Crocodile. That’s a ridiculous name. Not to mention, that was once from the hero of-” 

“Alabasta?” 

“Yes! Alabasta! And that…” your eyes widen as you see his shoulders bounce due to his laughter. “You can’t be serious.” 

“I am. It’s not my fault you don’t take my word.” 

“Then why is a hero in this jail?” 

“Reasons. Reasons you will not know or understand,” his voice evens out, looking down at the floor. 

“What, am I supposed to give you something, then you’ll tell me?” “I’m afraid my motivations can’t be bought, my dear,” Crocodile admits. “Entice me with something, though, and I may change my mind.” 

“I don’t think I have anything ‘enticing’ to offer.” 

“Oh, that’s where you are wrong…” he leans in closer to you and eyes you up and down. “Perhaps another time.” 

“What? What are you-” 

“Mmm, nothing. It’s just a thought came to mind.” 

You roll your eyes at his vague words. “Never mind, I can see how someone as cruel as you ended up here.” “And yet you keep coming down to talk to me, dear. Why don’t you give me your name as well, since it’s obvious you are interested in me.” 

“I am not. I am just repaying the favor from before,” you quickly correct him. 

“My mistake, yes, that’s what’s going on.” 

“I don’t like your attitude!” Your face flushes as you fan yourself. “It’s (Y/n).” 

“(Y/n)...” Crocodile repeats, like a prayer. “I will admit, it is definitely a beautiful name. Far better than Crocodile, wouldn’t you agree?” 

“You think so?” 

“Mhm. (Y/n), it sounds like royalty. It fits you well, your highness.” 

“Thank you,” you mumble, unsure of why your heart is elated he was complimenting your name. 

“Would you look at the time, your highness,” Crocodile states after a few quiet moments. “You should be getting back upstairs. I’m sure your father would be wondering where you are. He wouldn’t want to find you messing around down here, now would he?” 

“Right,” you shake your head, pushing aside all the strange feelings inside you. However, despite him saying you should go, you find yourself reluctant to move from your spot in front of him. Crocodile chuckles and this time, reaches to you with his right hand. He strokes your cheek with his thumb and looks down at you. 

“You don’t need an excuse to visit me, your highness.” “Who said I wanted to?” you lie. 

“Perhaps I’ve mistaken your feelings again,” he plays along. “Although, you could always keep me company. It’s very lonely down here.” “No. You have nothing else you wish to share with me,” you retort. 

“I did say if you entice me, I might change my mind. And what is more enticing to a prisoner trapped here for life than a companion?” 

You shouldn’t do this. But then you see those dark eyes and you feel tempted to try and learn. 

“I can see that…” “You’re very kind, (Y/n),” Crocodile says as he removes his hand from your face. “Now run along. But don’t keep me waiting too long, dear.”

[pipezngarz]

Tanks Has Opened a Second Location!

Last weekend, Tank opened a new location: Tanks Cigars-Westtown. The grand opening was a pretty big deal. Food, booze, discounts and a ton of customers checking out the vibe. Tank knows that I am sort of an amateur photographer (I have done a lot of pics for the social media at his original location) so he asked me to go over and do pics for the grand opening. Knowing the type of customers his store generally attracts, I wasn't going to say no.

When I got there (a half an hour early) I spent a little time with the new general manager and some of his staff. Here's a pic of the staff I took before the store opened:

(L) Humidor Mgr Bull (M) General Mgr Rick (R) Humidor Staff Carl

Tanks wanted a lot of pics of customers that he could use on social media and there were a ton of guys that were willing to let me get some great shots. The place was packed all day: Tanks was offering some great discounts and your discount was based on what you were wearing. We all know that Tanks is named for the thing that Tank likes best (big round tanks on hot men) but you might not know that Tank has a special place in his heart for shirts riding up over those tanks.

So for the grand opening, Tank set up a discount he called Ride Up with Tanks and Save. There were different levels based on what you were wearing:

No Shirt: 10% Off

Open Shirt: 15% Off

Tight Wife Beater: 20% Off

Tight Wife Beater Riding Up: 25% Off

I managed to get a lot of pics of the customers showing off their assets and discount levels:

Tank also asked me to be on the lookout for a person or two that I thought would be right to use in his advertising. Since he and I pretty much have the same tastes, I had a good idea what he was looking for...and when they walked in I knew I had found just the right men.

These are the Axton brothers: Max on the left and Pete on the right. A lot of people think they are twins but Pete is actually a year older than Max. The brothers live together out on the old family homestead and pretty much have always kept to themselves except for the occasional trip into town for supplies. They are men of few words, but after I bought them each a box of their favorite cigars they warmed up a little and agreed to let me take some pics and to talk to Tank about work in his advertising. Here's one of the pics I took and I think you can see why I think that they will be perfect for the job.

I took a lot more pictures that day, especially after Rick kicked off the Tanks tradition of locking the doors at closing with select customers and staff still inside. I can't really post those pics here unfortunately but I am thinking of starting a NSFW blog on here sometime soon, so keep an eye out for that. I think you are gonna like what you see.

[youngcigarsmokingguys]

You want to be pissed but there’s no way you can stay mad at him. He and his family had lived next door to you for years. Hell he and your daughter and he were born within weeks of each other at the same hospital. You had watched young Flynn grow up and tried to be as good of an influence as you could. It’s not the his Dad was a bad guy he just wasn’t much of a man and had no clue how to mold his Son into a man of quality. So for years you’ve kind of taken him under your wing. Taking him to the gym and showing him how to properly take care of his body and the right way to lift and build mass. He was now a starting defensive lineman on his schools football team thanks to your guidance. You had even had been sneaking young Flynn sips of your beer or puffs on your cigar at the neighborhood picnics your Wife kept organizing as he grew up and he was always appreciative. Y’all just connected unlike he and his folks. You were the one that he called for help when he got caught stealing a few dirty magazines from the local newsstand a few years back, telling the guy you were his Dad. You had played it off and on the ride home gave him a key to the ammo box full of porn you kept in your workshop and told him not to stick the pages together and you hope this would keep him out of jail. He chuckled at the last remark and replied with a wink. You and he shared a kinship that you both really enjoyed.

You and your family were headed out on your annual trip back East to visit your in laws. Now that Flynn was older you and his folks thought it would be a good chance for him to housesit for y’all by himself. A few days before you left you had him over to go over your expectations. Your wife and daughter were out when he came over so you handed him a can of beer and said pretty much your only instructions were no visitors, no parties and he had to make it to school each morning of the two weeks you were gone. When you told him that you would be locking your humidor and bar the look of visible disappointment was evident on his face. What you didn’t tell him is that you were leaving a small bottle of whiskey, and box of cigars in the ammo box with all of the porn out in your workshop. You knew that if you were a young man alone for the first time you too would have gone exploring. So when you received this pic your first night of being away, it brought a big smile to your face. You wonder if he had found the bisexual porn that you had left out there. Had he discovered the new magazine you’d recently added to your collection that showed the young stud and his beer bellied, bearded, Daddy Bear puffing away on cigars and sucking each others cock. His next picture he sent you of him with his cigar clamped in his jaw and his fat, young cock in his hand answered your question. Man you couldn’t wait for this vacation to end so you could get back home to your boy.

[bosskie]

Molluck Sketching Book

Last night, I had yet another urge to draw Molluck and I wanted to draw to a bigger paper since I have done those two previous sketches to my lil A5 sketchbook. I looked at my 'paper collection' (I have about 20 different paper pads and sketchbooks, most unused...) and I realized that I have this unused book-like sketching book and I could dedicate it to these Molluck sketches but maybe also make it be like a book about Molluck. So that second picture kinda 'illustrates' it being like a book and how to enjoy it! Yeah, I just had to have some fun with my stuff.

And yes, that's the cigar I have in its tube. I have seen some photos of really big cigars and man, I wish to have that kind of cigar but that was the biggest one I could find from the special closet they were in a tax-free store, behind a lock, but also the most beautiful one. I also got one cigar tin box I once bought, empty, and it decorates my kitchen, next to that Gametee's RuptureFarms tin sign.

Yes, the cigar is still there since I don't smoke but maybe one day... Cigars are just something more elegant than 'basic cigarettes' since they need some special treatment, meaning storing conditions. Yes, Molluck made me read about cigar smoking stuff and I wonder how he has stored his... Sometimes I just imagine him having like a big storage room for his cigars, a room full of humidors or the room itself being the humidor.

But yes, I wasn't really sure about the cover but I think that it looks somewhat fitting. I drew it with white gel pen, permanent type ink marker and paint marker, and I can say that it was kinda messy too... But I think that I succeeded fine enough since drawing with ink kinda requires that you do no mistakes and draw straight away. I used to enjoy drawing with marker pens, drawing straight away, but it can be stressful too since like I said, you shouldn't do any mistakes. But well, pretty many traditional art supplies can be quite unforgiving anyway, so that's kinda 'the spirit' of traditional art. I have like hundreds of markers, too... I should count them. I'm just saying this kinda to myself that I should really use the stuff I have, I have so much art supplies...

And yeah, that spine of the book has a lil RuptureFarms logo. I have been also just wondering more Molluck's role and power, for what he was truly responsible for since he was the CEO of both RuptureFarms and SoulStorm Brewery. I really wish that OWI (Lorne) reveals more stuff about this! And I wanna say that all this love I give for Molluck and wishing all the best for him doesn't mean that I support his doings. I don't love him for his actions and I see that inside of him is a beautiful Gluk. He can seem like the meanest boss in the world but he can also be sweet, just like his cigars.

For me, Molluck just doesn't feel 'evil' and well, I'm a 'Gluk-hugger', meaning that Glukkons are my favourite Oddworld species and I just love their certain greediness and selfishness... But well, it's also a part of my dark humour... Like one of the biggest reasons why I love Oddworld is that dark humour, I just love it! But also just dark themes in general there.

And well, yes, I still do support Molluck but in a way that I don't care about moral stuff when I say that. When it comes to this Oddworld/Molluck stuff, I just like to throw my moral to the trash can and play around. And the main reason why I started to love Molluck was that I saw myself in him; he just felt like a me as a Gluk...

I just cannot help myself with Molluck... I just wish to give all my love to him and that I could make him feel good and loved... Oh, and I do actually like to play around with Molluck being that 'angry jerk' kind of Gluk the Sligs said him being like. I mean, my image of Molluck has different shades and I love them all.

[typingtess]

After three-days at Camp Pendleton running down a pair of ex-Marines who were working with a washed out SDSU chemistry professor selling synthetic steroids on and off-base, Sam decided to spend the weekend in San Diego.  Aiden was in town and a weekend with his son was exactly what Sam needed.

Callen wanted to go home.  After a life of living alone, playing good husband to Anna stopped being playing about a month after being married.  She was great.  He felt better when she was around.  And for the first time in his life, he was happy, truly happy. 

Walking into the house just after 10PM, he found Anna on the couch watching “Die  Hard” – her favorite Christmas movie.  He was a little stunned she wasn’t watching “Dr. Zhivago” since their home looked like a Russian Christmas card.

“I can explain,” she started.

“I’m guessing it is a one-word explanation,” Callen looked at the six foot tree with lights, ornaments on every branch and a red and gold ribbon wrapped from the tree-top to the base.  The green star on the top of the tree looked like it was frosted on the star’s points.  “Arkady.”

“He dropped by last weekend while you were jogging and was unhappy that we didn’t have a tree yet.”

“So he brought this one over.”

“And there is one in the backyard.  And one in the guest bedroom that faces the street.”

“Three trees.”

“I made him take down the ten-foot pole with lights that made a tree.  He put it up on the front lawn.”

“Thank you for that,” Callen looked at the tree.  It was beautiful, just an awful lot for their small living room. Same with the holiday knick-knacks that covered every flat space in the living room.

“He wants us to come by on Christmas Eve.”

“When did he become so ….Christmas-y.  A couple of years ago I saw him on Christmas.  He was smoking a cigar on a float in his pool, drinking some tequila, calling in NBA bets to his bookie. Spoke about making new holiday traditions in his new home country.”

“He said the wedding was so understated that he wanted to do up our first holiday together.”

“We got married in May,” Callen was shaking his head.  “Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving are all holidays.”

“He saw Christmas as more a holiday the whole world shares.  So, Christmas Eve?”

As if he would ever say no.  “Sure, of course.”

“If you think this is a lot, wait until you see his place.”

“Again, he was on a float in his pool, smoking a cigar, drinking tequila and taking the under on a Lakers-Clippers game a few Christmases ago.”

“You remember Carmen?”

Callen thought for a second.  “The housekeeper.”

“Her husband is Arkady’s groundskeeper.  He also has a side-business decorating homes for holidays.  Arkady hired Jose to make the place festive and then sent Jose here.”

“Are we going to have to buy him a gift?”

“I’ve already taken care of it.”

She really was the perfect wife for Callen.  “Tell me.”

“Joelle did me a favor.”

“Joelle, Joelle?”

Laughing, Anna said, “I know her by one name but yes, Joelle is back with the CIA.  She’s riding a desk, coordinating travel for agents in the Caribbean, South and Central America.”

“She never struck me as a travel agent.”

“The CIA wants her under their watchful eye, she knows she has to play good company officer to keep her career.”

“So if she’s moving people in and out of the Caribbean, that includes Cuba.”

“And sitting in Don Medina’s Cigar Lounge humidor is a box of Montecristo No. 2 and a box of Cohiba Behike 52.  I’m picking them up on the 24th at 4PM before we show up for dinner.”

“The Russians were always big on Cuba.”

“And I picked up some Don Julio 1942 so when we leave, he can sit on a float in his pool, smoke an expensive Cuban cigar and bet on the Celtics-Lakers game Christmas Day.”

“How do you know about the Celtics-Lakers game?”

“Merry Christmas,” she said with a smile.

[tergridguy]

Cigar of the Day: Taino Heritage by Serino Cigar Co.

This is 6" by 47RG, which Serino calls Yocahú, with the smaller Hamaca and larger Manicato also available for this offering. It is a Chestnut cigar of ordinary, albeit flawless construction. Cold draw, I get sunflower seeds in their shells, little league ballpark, a dusty dug out. My first puff I am greeted with a bright harmony, angelic choir as the light comes down from heaven.

It is workmanlike, sepia tone; old, well-worn tools, sawdust, a clean, newly sanded wooden barn or workshop interior. Underlying all of this for the first third is the faintly dull bitterness of licking a varnished wood banister (familiar from childhood maybe).

The bitterness takes on a more strident note as the first third goes on and the initial brightness consolidates into a dry note, evocative of hay ride; dried straw alongside some hot bitter tea.

Tea or maybe Yerba Maté on a brisk August day in the southern hemisphere somewhere. Towards the end of the first third, this umami ombré emerges, blossoming.

It feels gourmet, rich, like some French cookery coming out of an oven. It fades into the background after a glorious moment, leaving behind a wake of cardboard boxes and communion wafers.

The second third begins with another chord, downshifted an octave into the medium-body range. So far I would describe this as mild to medium--pretty comfortably in that liminal space between mild and medium body.

I should mention that I received a five pack of these through the mail only one week ago. I have had them resting for seven days, did not even have an opportunity to unshell them. So this was in the cellophane until I cracked that open this morning. Typically, I don't rest or age my cigars in cellophane. It's a decision I made about a year ago, which I'm very happy with but occasionally when I get new stuff, I don't have time to peel it all right then so I'll throw it in one of my humidors until I get a chance to unshell them.

This is mostly for aesthetic reasons but also I like the idea of cultivating my own mélange by allowing my collection to intermingle. I let them touch each other, breathe each other's air, soak each-other in.

I know this can be a contentious subject, some people have strong opinions one way or the other. I always disliked the appearance of cellophane, but I was nervous about removing it. As time went on, I realized how important aesthetics are to me in this hobby. Also the general consensus is that it really doesn't make that much of a difference, so that being the case (and certainly I can't tell much difference) then I am happy going with the option that I find more aesthetically pleasing.

As I get about halfway through the cigar, I decide to let it go out and save the rest for later in the day. I think some rest for six to twelve months will probably yield a more distinctive character. I don't dislike this, and I will probably finish it later, but it just wasn't super compelling. I felt like I could see where it was going, getting a little bit more bitter and fuller towards the end. But it wasn't exciting me, so I'll probably give these a little bit of time.

[katb357]

Falling for Hogan’s Heroes

16. Prank War: Klink Pranked

No one knew exactly how it got started, but start it did. Somebody suggested a prank war, or more accurately, a prank competition, to see who in Barracks Two could pull off the best prank on Commandant Klink. There were very few rules to the game, other than a time limit, (one week), one prank per participant, and no ratting out your fellow prisoners. The best prank would be voted on by general consensus.

The opening salvo was fired by LeBeau…who snuck into Klink’s office and stuck a sour pickle on the spike of Klink’s precious pickelhaube. Klink was, of course, out of the office at the time, and Schultz, naturally, saw absolutely nothing. Klink was not amused.

Next up, Carter let himself into Klink’s quarters while the Commandant was in town and swiped all his socks… and replaced them with a batch of bright red knit socks he had made when he was bored over the winter. The hand dyed yarn was so bright it practically glowed. It was fun to see Klink show up for roll call the next day wearing his uniform and the red socks. Klink was irritated.

Kinch was next in the prank war. He had gotten his hands on a bunch of balloons and he recruited Baker and Olsen to help him blow them up and transport them in sheets over to Klink’s office, again while Klink wasn’t there. Hilda was a willing participant, as she played lookout for them as they loaded the balloons into his office, completely filling it from top to bottom and front to back. Kinch handed Hilda a pin, and told her to give it to Klink once he had opened his office door. She obliged once Klink got back from his meeting. Kinch enjoyed the popping sounds. Klink was angry.

A couple of days went by before a prankster struck again. That was because it took Newkirk a little time to perfect the formula for his prank. But at last he was ready. He traded cleaning duty with Andrew and while he was cleaning the offices, he switched Klink’s pens for the ones he had specially loaded with disappearing ink. It took Klink over an hour of signing paperwork to realize what had happened. Klink was furious.

Hogan loaded his pockets with his prank. He had decided to do his with Klink right in the office. He figured that way he would be the winner for sure. He sat across from the commandant and rambled and raved about nothing in particular, just to wind the man up. Eventually he was able to slip the rod out of the back of the cigar box without Klink noticing. He pulled the back of the box up and slipped all the regular cigars out of the humidor. He dropped them into his jacket pocket. He then replaced them with the pink bubble gum cigars he’d brought with him. He shut the lid quickly so Klink wouldn’t notice the smell and slipped the rod back into place. He then smiled and made some excuse about needing to be back at the barracks, and he left. An hour later, Klink reached for a cigar and got bubble gum. He was livid!

Klink headed over to Barracks Two, ready to take Hogan’s head off. Hogan was standing just inside the door, with the cigars in an identical box that Carter had carved. He stepped outside and handed the box of cigars to Klink, asking him how they had gotten in the barracks. Klink stood staring at Hogan for a long moment as he took the box. Hogan shut the door. Klink was confused.

The boys in Barracks Two talked it over, and it came down to the disappearing ink and the bubble gum cigars. They took a vote and the cigars won. Hogan was going to be impossible to live with for a while… but no less than Klink.

The End

[boxpressd]

With an intensely dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro leaf surrounding savory Nicaraguan tobaccos, the box-pressed @olivacigar Serie G Maduro delivers a medium-to-full bodied smoke bolstered by bursts of earth, cedar, coffee, cocoa and spice flavors. - Have you tried this cigar? Hop on to the @Boxpressd App and share your review! Plus you manage your cigar inventory with your own virtual humidor, find cigar shops, bars & lounges near you, read hundreds of cigar reviews and SO MUCH more. Link in bio. - #boxpressd #cigarapp #cigarsnearme #cigars365 #cigarreview #olivacigars #olivaserieG — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/HZoOSK4

[lecigaro12]

How to Find the Right Cigar Shop in Dubai?

Dubai is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and high-end activities, and cigar devotees will have numerous opportunities to enjoy the finest cigars. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or new to the cigar market, selecting the right cigar shop in Dubai will significantly enhance your experience. In this post, we'll discuss how to choose the best cigar company, the worth of a quality cigar cutter, the benefits of a leather cigar travel humidor, and other essential aspects to ensure a fantastic cigar experience.

Understanding Your Cigar Preferences

Before searching for the best cigar shop, you must establish your tastes. Do you enjoy robust, full-bodied cigars or prefer something milder? Knowing what you appreciate can allow you to make more educated judgments and choose a shop that caters to your preferences.

Choose the Best Cigar Company

Dubai has various cigar shops, but not all are created equal. Researching and identifying the best cigar company is a beautiful place to start. Look for organizations with a strong reputation, a large selection, and outstanding customer service. Online reviews and forums might reveal which businesses are highly recommended by fellow cigar fans.

Evaluating the Cigar Selection

A high-end tobacco shop will stock diverse cigars from several regions, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. When visiting a store, take note of the options available. A broad range of cigars demonstrates that the shop is dedicated to serving all types of tobacco enthusiasts.

Importance of Knowledgeable Staff

The staff of a cigar shop can significantly impact your buying experience. Employees knowledgeable about cigars can make essential recommendations, explain the differences between brands, and assist you in choosing the best cigar. Don't hesitate to ask questions and engage with the staff to assess their knowledge.

The Importance of Ambiance in Cigar Shop

The environment of a cigar shop can improve your whole experience. Look for stores that provide a warm and welcoming environment to relax and enjoy your purchases. Many high-end cigar shops in Dubai provide lounges to relax and enjoy your cigar in luxury.

Evaluating the Accessories Available

A good tobacco shop will offer a diverse assortment of cigars and high-quality accessories. Must-have items include luxury cigar cutters, leather cigar travel humidors, and leather cigar travel cases. These accessories are necessary for maintaining the quality of your cigars and boosting the smoking experience.

Exploring the Best Cigar Box Options

The type of box you use is critical when storing cigars at home. The best cigar box alternatives offer ideal humidity and temperature control, ensuring your cigars stay in top condition. Many cigar shops in Dubai offer premium cigar boxes, so explore these options during your visit.

Benefits of a Leather Cigar Travel Humidor

A leather cigar travel humidor is a must-have for individuals who travel regularly. This portable humidor keeps your cigars fresh and protected while you're on the go. When choosing a cigar shop, look for one that offers high-quality travel humidors that combine functionality with luxury.

Selecting a Luxury Cigar Cutter

A Luxury cigar cutter is an indispensable tool for any cigar aficionado. The appropriate cutter produces a clean, precise cut for a smooth draw and a pleasant smoking experience. Many premium cigar shops in Dubai provide a variety of luxury cutters, so invest in a high-quality one.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cigar shop in Dubai requires study, personal preference, and investigation. Consider elements such as cigar selection, knowledgeable personnel, ambiance, and available accessories to ensure an enhanced cigar experience. Remember to look for businesses that provide high-quality accessories, such as premium cigar cutters, leather cigar travel humidors, and the best cigar boxes. By following these recommendations, you may comfortably traverse Dubai's dynamic cigar market and enjoy the products of prestigious brands like Le Cigaro.

[tyjkkvape]

What Is The Best Way To Store Cigars For Later?

now let's talk about ways to keep cigars fresh after they have been opened out of their boxes. Often they are wrapped in glassine paper, cardboard or wooden boxes. However, once these wrappers have been broken the environment’s equilibrium is lost and so is temperature and humidity control efficiency.And here is the fact – most people don’t smoke a box of cigars in one sitting. The remaining cigars however need to be kept at a constant temperature and humidity. Also some cigars are so big that one may want to enjoy them bit by bit on several occasions.So What Is The Best Way To Store Cigars For Later? Know that our main goal is to ensure that these cigars are kept at the optimal temperature and humidity levels to preserve their freshness and rich flavor. Don't worry, let's get started now!

1.cigar humidor room

For smokers, a cigar humidor is the best place to keep their goods. This chamber is especially meant for keeping and maturing luxury cigars; its control systems precisely manage temperature and humidity to provide the best conditions for our cigars. Usually keeping temperatures between 68–70°F (around 20–21°C), these temperature control systems also keep humidity between 65–72%. This steady temperature and humidity keeps cigars from molding over too lengthy of storage.Some opulent cigar humidors even have premium furniture and conveniences that let us savor great cigars in a pleasant environment.

But what really makes cigar humidors popular is the Spanish cedar used in their production. This aromatic wood plays an important role in cigar preservation: you don’t need to do anythingThe natural insect-resistant properties of these cedars can resist beetles that bite cigars. Secondly, it can perfectly regulate the humidity of cigars by absorbing and releasing moisture to keep the humidity stable, which is very interesting. Finally, the pleasant aroma of cedar can also help the aging process and enhance the aroma of cigars. Therefore, if you buy high-quality cigars, I recommend that you must use storage products made of cigar wood. This is label

2.electronic cigar humidor

For cigar connoisseurs seeking a smarter, more convenient way to store and age their stogies, electronic cigar humidors are the way of the future. These electronic cigar humidor contain a humidifying tray (for your preferred solution or beads) and an elegant analog hygrometer to monitor ideal humidity levels.At their core, semiconductor chips and semi-heat temperature controls precisely regulate the internal climate, maintaining stable conditions with super quiet operation under 38dB. The dual-glazed design effectively blocks UV rays, while the thick inner glass retains heat beautifully. It can be stored in a controlled temperature and humidity range of 64-74°F and 55-65% RH.

Compared to regular refrigeration, the thermoelectric cooling technology in electronic humidors evaporates less moisture during cooling, better retaining that all-important humidity. This climate stability not only prevents potentially ruinous mold, but also reduces drying out of the tobacco leaves during aging. This is much more accurate than regular humidors, which is why I highly recommend it.The interior contains Spanish cedar wood framing and drawers, naturally emitting cedar oils to moisturize the tobacco and fend off insects. And, unlike run-of-the-ordinary humidors, these electronic cigar humidors not only ace the test of keeping and maturing your valuable cigar but they also have an easy-to-use LCD display on the outside to conveniently monitor and change temperature and humidity levels within the humidor. That's rather awesome! Just a few button clicks will let you exactly adjust the temperature for your stogie collection. For every enthusiast of cigars, there is not more handy than that!

3.wooden cigar box

This next humidor has a very cool history.In days of old, around 1800s in Cuba, brands like H. Upmann were already boxing their stogies in redolent wood from Spain. And why? Well, wooden boxes became mandatory tax-wise for America as early as 1865. Hence these small casings turned into an overnight sensation!Personally speaking, I find some of the vintage designs of cigar boxes absolutely stunning. The classic flat-topped 13-counters and the cabinet-style ones with sliding lids are among them too.These cigar boxes are made of high-quality Spanish cedar. Its warm red color and softness exude a luxurious atmosphere, making the wooden boxes made of it more luxurious.Apart from being fashionable they are made for another thing or two also. The flavor of the cigar is gently improved over time by those cedar oils that smell so good!Moreover, optimum aging conditions can be achieved through increased airflow in cabinet boxes. It won’t be something you can get from an ordinary container! Are you very excited to hear this? But please don’t be in a hurry. Before putting the cigars into the new box, you still need to properly condition the new humidor to achieve the best effect.On top of everything else, painted or plastic containers are less expensive options though not always popular due to their odor-causing characteristics according to some people’s opinions on them. True vintage feel is brought about by nothing else but a genuine Spanish cedar box! Read the full article

[bidandsold]

Humidor Cigar Box 10" x 9" x 32”Cedar Lined Cherry Color Stained Smoking Box https://bidandsold.com/humidor-cigar-box-10-x-9-x-32%e2%80%9dcedar-lined-cherry-color-stained-smoking-box-135164325673-0.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[hello-chloe]

The Art and Culture of Cigar Humidors: A Blend of Function and Heritage

cigars are not merely tobacco products; they represent a rich culture and a distinctive way of life. For true aficionados, cigars and their associated accessories are more than just tools—they are works of art, symbols of status, and collectors' items. Among these, the cigar humidor holds a special place. This article delves into the significance of cigar humidors, particularly travel humidors, and explores their roles in aesthetics, collection, and culture, offering insights into selecting and appreciating these exquisite objects. A cigar humidor is much more than a storage solution. It is a symbol of craftsmanship, where functionality meets artistic value. High-end humidor cigar boxes are often crafted by the world’s most skilled artisans, using rare materials like exotic woods, metal inlays, and ivory decorations. Each detail, from the wood grain selection to the metal part polishing, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved. The result is not just a storage box but a piece of art that offers visual and tactile pleasure to the cigar enthusiast. The variety of design styles in cigar humidors is vast, ranging from classical to modern, and from minimalist to luxurious. For instance, a classic humidor might be adorned with rich solid wood and intricate carvings, exuding an air of tradition and opulence. In contrast, a modern portable humidor might feature sleek lines and smooth surfaces, reflecting contemporary aesthetics. Regardless of the style, these humidors are more than functional—they are decorative pieces that add a unique touch of elegance and charm to any room. For many cigar lovers, the appeal of a humidor goes beyond its exterior. The opportunity for customization allows them to create a leather cigar case that reflects their personal style and preferences. Personalized humidors can be made from special materials and feature unique designs, often engraved with the owner's name, family crest, or other meaningful symbols. This level of customization not only enhances the humidor’s aesthetic appeal but also increases its value as a collectible item.

[qualitycigarboxes]

La Aurora 115 year Anniversary Edition. A classy place to store your watch or jewelry or make it into a diy humidor 😎

@amazon

[tergridguy]

Cigar of the Day: Mad Minnow by Big Sky Cigar Co.

The Mad Minnow is a pint-sized figurado, coming in at 4.75” long with a ring gauge of 44 at its widest point (pictured against a standard 5” x 52 Robusto for comparison).  It looks like nothing if not a fishing lure, complete with a petite band adorned with a stylized fisheye.  The men who made this want you to know they’re from Montana, and they like fishing.  If you take a look at some of Big Sky’s other offerings, you will get the distinct impression they like hunting a lot too.

That Rocky Mountain aesthetic is what attracted me to Big Sky’s Mad Minnow in the first place.  It stands out in more ways than one; Montana, after all, isn’t really where we expect cigars to come from.  We have come to expect that our cigars mostly come from the new world south, and with a few exceptions for Cameroon or Connecticut wrappers, our palettes are not nearly as international as, say, pipe smokers, who are regularly treated to blends from north and south, new world and old.  It seems incongruent that fine cigars should come from some northerly mountain, but then again, tell that to the Swiss.

Montana, as it turns out, has a legacy of cigar rolling dating back to the early 20th century, and Big Sky is a modern-day product of that legacy.  No, they don’t grow the tobacco there, they never did, and from what I can tell, these present day offerings are mostly rolled in Esteli, Nicaragua, rather than Billings, Montana where Big Sky calls home.  That’s probably for the best, though, because Esteli is the blazing sun at the middle of the cigar world right now, with more cigars being rolled there than probably anywhere else in the world.  That means that producers there have access to the most experienced cadre of torcedors as well as supply lines that lead everywhere that’s anywhere in cigar tobacco, a claim that Billings surely cannot match.  Billings, Montana sure does look good seared into the box though.

I bought a box of 30 Mad Minnows about a year and a half ago—then as now I was always on the hunt for some interesting small cigars that I could enjoy on a typical dog walk without feeling like I was rushing or wasting the experience.  They were weird, which always gets my attention, and seemed to fit the bill, so I took a chance on them.  In the ~18 months since, my opinion on them has varied widely.

When they first arrived, I smoked two or three of them and failed to find many redeeming qualities.  They were harsh and bitter, the draw was a bit too loose, and it was hard to enjoy the experience.  They last a bit longer than I expected, typically clocking in at an unhurried 35-40 minutes, a burn time which seemed to last a lifetime when they were initially so unpalatable.

There was something interesting underneath there, a full bodied experience in a small package hiding under the roughness and static that hit me at first.  These sticks were just entirely too green, and maybe a bit dry, so I laid them down to rest hoping they would eventually improve.

It was slow going, and the next few times I tried them over the following months they were a continuing disappointment.  Eventually, I gave up on them and buried them in the bottom of one of my humidors as filler.  Then three or four months ago I decided to give them a try one more time.

This time, it was different.  All the potential that I knew was waiting there in the wings was front and center; they were still strong, but with a more moderate pull, and the influence of a year’s rest mellowing the palette, they were pretty damn good.  From then on, I started to think of them as the kind of box I’m happy I got once but would probably never buy again.

Since then, every time I have had one, my opinion of the Mad Minnow has gone up.  I have smoked about 15-20 of these, give or take a few I’ve given away, and the last 5 were just golden.  Yesterday I took the dozen or so I had left in their box along with some other assorted selections as my contribution to the spread at a good friend’s wedding.  Their stock rose so much in my eyes I felt proud to put them out alongside other premium sticks at a major affair, and having smoked so many of them, I felt like I was ready to let the rest go.  As I left the reception, I wound up hitting the bar one last time to pocket one of the few that were left.  I wanted one last one!  Now, with the prospect of finally being finished with them, I’m starting to think this is one box of cigars I might well purchase again.  I wouldn’t expect to smoke them any time soon though.