Self-composed

It seems like Maltese Falcon was just released - I guess it has been about six months. Now Key Largo has been released, according to C&D. I’m looking forward to trying this one.

I dig the new art deco label design. I hope he sticks with that.

Greg’s description:

Deep, earthy and creamy. A distinguished broken flake of red Virginia tobaccos, small leaf orientals, and a measure of Cyprus Latakia, spiced with velvety cigar wrapper leaf. Key Largo develops throughout the bowl, offering a satisfying and sturdy smoking experience, with beautifully balanced, richly textured layers of cocoa, dark roasted coffee, leather, and a lively, lingering finish. Available in 2oz tin only

Surprisingly, cigar leaf does give a nice Latakia laced blend a creamy sort of feel. I love Robusto. Robusto is probably my favorite of Pease’s blends, so I’m obviously anxious to see how this one works for me. Red Virginias and cigar leave make a nice combo - I know this becuase I’ve smoked enough McClelland’s Dominican Glory Maduro to be sure. Add the Latakia….

More later….I need to go get this on order.

In a Rueters article fawning over Obama’s “call to service” the writer inserts this small paragraph smack dab in the middle:

He also would offer more service opportunities to retirees and set goals for middle- and high-school students to serve 50 hours a year of public service, and for college students to serve 100 hours a year.

The speech was part of a week-long campaign focus for Obama on values and patriotism in the run-up to the Independence Day holiday on July 4.

Obama, who would be the first black president, has been dogged by Internet speculation about his patriotism and criticism from Republicans about his liberal voting record.

“Loving your country shouldn’t just mean watching fireworks on the 4th of July,” he said. “Loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it.

First off, why the attention to his race in this article? Completely out of place. The reason it’s there is to attach his race to any and all criticism from the right. Of course, no one is questioning his patriotism because he is black - maybe its because of the things he has said, done, and the behavior of the anti-American angry extremists who have existed in his orbit the last few decades?

Second: No thanks to the “you will serve…” stuff. I did my 20. That’s enough. The last thing I need is a president who is going to draft me, my kids, or anyone else. Let’s keep this country free.

I see nothing in the constitution that empowers the federal government to put people to work. To make them “serve,” to “set goals” for them, etc. Whether he has progression towards some sort of totalitarian system or not, (and he probably doesn’t) this is still the camel poking his nose in the tent. It is still a stepping stone for future fascists.