Cigar Compañero Premiere Editon 2008 Editor's Page

Editor's Notes

      I have a huge fascination with history and genealogy ever since I was young. In school, I loved history, although today I have forgot most of what I learned. Part of my family origin came from Greece, by my great grandfather coming by ship through Ellis Island to America. He brought with him the ways of the Greek Mafia and bought up land in Boston. At one time he owned a restaurant in what now is known as the most prestigious property in Boston, the Boston Plaza. So whenever I meet somebody with a bit of famous history to them I am in awe.
      In this issue, I had the chance to interview Arturo Fuente Jr. His voice was mesmerizing as if I was talking to the original Arturo Fuente a decade ago. The building in which Arturo Funete Jr. works is the same building in which Grandpa Fuente worked. Some things change but stay the same. And the importance of family still resides today in the family. What is most impressive is the idea is still alive. From my understanding it is Grandpa Fuente whose idea it was to sell his specialty cigars in the Tampa area only. Today Arturo Fuente Jr. sells the same specialty named cigars in the Tampa area only, except now with the power of the internet which allows Tampa Sweethearts to sell nationwide, even worldwide I imagine.
     When we look at some of the famous Cigar Family's, family is the key word. Last issue, we did a interview with Carlos Diez, grandson of Rolando Reyes Sr, there is the Camcho Family, the Padron Family, and many others who lives intertwine throughout the cigar business. Family is key, in business and in cigar making, or in the cigar making business.
Marc

Co-Editor on Smoke, Lies, and the Nanny State by Joe Jackson

Smoke kills…. Says who? Throughout the past decade, there has been ever-increasing statistical data which proves that cigar and cigarette smoke kills! So, where is this data coming from? Who are all these scientists who promulgate these claims? And, where are the rebuttals? So have we been taking the researchers word for it, without researching the researchers? Well, I came across a fantastic thesis that explores these issues. It is entitled: Lies, Smoke, and the Granny State written by renowned Singer/Songwriter Joe Jackson. We received permission to reprint his dissertation in its entirety! It's a bit of a read, but worth every minute spent!
     It won't be long before entire cities go "smoke free." In fact, that is already happening!! It has become criminal to smoke in a variety of public places! And, more and more government officials desire to expand these criminal laws into your private life as well. I encourage each and every smoker to challenge these skewed studies and statistics. If not, well, I'll meet up with you on the rocks of Malibu….
Jeff Winton