What a shitty company when it comes to customer service and providing resolution to problems.
I've trekked across several countries in Europe by car, train and bus.
Taking the bus is one of the cheapest methods of going from one country to another in Europe. If you can put up with sitting there for long periods of time. I have purchased and road on Flixbus buses three times in the past.
The positive side of most of Flixbus is it's cheap and it gets you where you need to go. It's warm inside the bus. Moderately spacious, not cramped. There's a slide up food tray. The bathroom is functional. The Wifi didn't work well. The power outlets works fine. The luggage seems managed fine, even on stops of boarding during long trips (I don't know how the bus driver managed all that).
There have been no problems in the past but this most recent booking was a small nightmare. The type of nightmare you get when you a certain type of food and forgot to brush your teeth before sleeping.
I booked the ticket in the United States a week ahead and the last several rides had no problems. On that day I was at the bus station waiting with everyone else. I have been at this station before. I am here 35 minutes ahead of the "arrive 15 minutes before departure" time. I spoke to a little guy wearing glasses who spoke little English (each big city Flixbus station has an attendant...so far that I've been to) about my booking on the app and printed paper. He says "wait here". Done. I stroll about the area a few feet but not too far. I never left the station platform. So, it's half an hour later and I have been checking the front of each bus for a sign indicating for my trip to Hamburg. None. It's now departure time and I speak to that little guy wearing and he says wait. I just assume the bus is late. 15 minutes and I ask for a third time. He now says "he called, it go". Meaning the bus already left. This is bullshit. I am now upset and a little distraught. One, it is now an onset that I missed my trip to Hamburg. Two, will I get my money back? Three, I am stranded in the little German city I am currently in. It's cold and I did not make a booking for a night(s) stay here. I had booked a stay in Hamburg that night...Thereafter...Four, I was lucky enough to get a few nights booking, I paid for, in the same place I slept in the night before, lucky they accommodated me because in this cold, a night outside is death-rimental. Five, I did not get to go to Hamburg and it ruined all the places I meant to visit after; basically like a domino effect it screwed up my trip schedule and all the plans I paid for ahead of time.
What did I do after the little guy wearing glasses who spoke little English (as a Flixbus attendant) screwed up? I went to their little booth. Not all or any stations have them but this one did. It's like a little shed, like a little newspaper stand. I spoke to this German guy after waiting on a slow attending line. I was told first I had to re-book with a paid ticket, he can't reschedule another bus. He then said call customer service, he will not do it. Kicked me out of the booth, into the cold after waiting on the long line, nothing more. My phone can't call European numbers. Back in a warm place where I could use my laptop I sent them an email and 2 days later, no response. Can't get a refund via their automated rescheduling website because it is a -past booking- I cancel all my thereafter Hamburg trips and I get a voucher minus a dollar for the trips I paid for for my next booking with Flixbus.
I am livid.
I will never use Flixbus again. Even if I do not get my money back which is not a big deal. I'm going to try and issue a chargeback. I have never issued a chargeback before on anything, ever.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Papa John's Pizza just lost a customer
Not that it matters much to the profit margins or growth of their business (unless this becomes a wide spread and viral issue) because it's not about the (mediocre to bland tasting) pizza but the experience. Papa John's Pizza just lost me as a customer and in the future when a friend or family wants pizza or anyone remotely suggest Papa John's I will suggest anything else except Papa John's Pizza.
When I was younger, our go to commercial pizza place was Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut has a better crust in my opinion and tastier ingredients though Papa John's offers a better variety and their pizza's taste lighter. There are light taste differences so I use to be able to go for either or but if one was next to each other I would go for Pizza Hut.
Lately, in the past few years there have been a few Papa John's opening in my area, especially around where I work. So, co-workers and I would sometimes order from them. When you make purchases at Papa John's on your account with them you get points for free pizza for your next order. 15 to 25 points will get you a pie. So, my account racks those points up and so does my co-workers. I also get promotional points from marketing here and there. I've gotten a few free pizza pies from Papa John's this way. I have a few expired on me. I mean who keeps track of pizza points?
The other day Papa John's sent me a promotional offer with a few points. I login the account and I saw I had a free pie available. But I didn't want pizza then. Today, I had a couple teenagers hanging out in the house and what better way to keep them happy with some pizza! I remember those points and made my online order like before. So, we drive to the Papa John's 10-15 minutes away. I showed the cashier my order on phone. He checked the order and denied me my order. I asked why. What was the reason? He said there was some kind of fraud with my account and I had to make a purchase online to get the order. Correct, that made no sense. Basically, I did not get my order even speaking with the manager. Confused at the explanation and agitated. I sent a letter about my issue to Papa John's via Twitter, Facebook, their Customer Service Email and I called their Customer Service number. Being on hold for 10 minutes after my explanation while the representative I spoke with called the location inquiring why? The answer was still fraud, something wrong with my account. So, the representative escalated the issue to a team that will contact me in 24-48 hours with another rambling excuse.
What's the moral behind the story?
In the past I have come to realize a companies marketing team is not in good communication with the chain of operation. Oh, give customers points when they buy something so in the future they can come back as return costumers. Like a little game, it is a sale booster but it isn't always honored. A: It is somewhat false advertising.
B: I use to be a light fan of Papa John's (not so much for the food quality, just the branding) but not any more. The experience of the douche bag employees that handled my denied order in comparing with the advertisement just seriously lost them a good customer. I unsubscribed to their emails and in the future whenever I see anything related to Papa John's I will think of this experience.
When I was younger, our go to commercial pizza place was Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut has a better crust in my opinion and tastier ingredients though Papa John's offers a better variety and their pizza's taste lighter. There are light taste differences so I use to be able to go for either or but if one was next to each other I would go for Pizza Hut.
Lately, in the past few years there have been a few Papa John's opening in my area, especially around where I work. So, co-workers and I would sometimes order from them. When you make purchases at Papa John's on your account with them you get points for free pizza for your next order. 15 to 25 points will get you a pie. So, my account racks those points up and so does my co-workers. I also get promotional points from marketing here and there. I've gotten a few free pizza pies from Papa John's this way. I have a few expired on me. I mean who keeps track of pizza points?
The other day Papa John's sent me a promotional offer with a few points. I login the account and I saw I had a free pie available. But I didn't want pizza then. Today, I had a couple teenagers hanging out in the house and what better way to keep them happy with some pizza! I remember those points and made my online order like before. So, we drive to the Papa John's 10-15 minutes away. I showed the cashier my order on phone. He checked the order and denied me my order. I asked why. What was the reason? He said there was some kind of fraud with my account and I had to make a purchase online to get the order. Correct, that made no sense. Basically, I did not get my order even speaking with the manager. Confused at the explanation and agitated. I sent a letter about my issue to Papa John's via Twitter, Facebook, their Customer Service Email and I called their Customer Service number. Being on hold for 10 minutes after my explanation while the representative I spoke with called the location inquiring why? The answer was still fraud, something wrong with my account. So, the representative escalated the issue to a team that will contact me in 24-48 hours with another rambling excuse.
What's the moral behind the story?
In the past I have come to realize a companies marketing team is not in good communication with the chain of operation. Oh, give customers points when they buy something so in the future they can come back as return costumers. Like a little game, it is a sale booster but it isn't always honored. A: It is somewhat false advertising.
B: I use to be a light fan of Papa John's (not so much for the food quality, just the branding) but not any more. The experience of the douche bag employees that handled my denied order in comparing with the advertisement just seriously lost them a good customer. I unsubscribed to their emails and in the future whenever I see anything related to Papa John's I will think of this experience.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Orange Is the New Black compared to Attica
It's been about 8 months since I've published a blog because of my environment. Last blog was an anticipation to post about my latest adventure to Europe. I did it. I spent a month traveling from New York to Boston then to Iceland, The Netherlands, Germany, The Czech Republic and then to Copenhagen before my flight home back to the New York City. I will likely write about my adventures on that another day.
There are a few topics that interest me. Traveling and culture are of course two subjects. Another two would be survival as a homeless person and the inner system of the prison culture. I'm going to talk about the latter subject.
This topic of the television show Orange Is the New Black comparison to Attica brought up by a friend raises a few interesting topics. My first thought was there must be some correlation between the two. She also mentioned in the subject the book to compare the television show by: Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson.
Orange Is the New Black plots about a Caucasian lady (Piper Chapman played by the actor Taylor Schilling) going to prison from an average, what seems to be middle-class lifestyle. She does some money laundering for some drug dealers/smugglers and is sent to prison. She then has to adapt to prison life and there comes the rest of the cast of female inmates and what happens in Litchfield Prison. Ok, fine, the topics from scenes illustrate properly as the shows category: Comedy-Drama. At some points it will highlight on Lesbianism, violence, race, hierarchy, power struggle, mental health, survival and other prison life subjects BUT here's what makes the show Award Winning: it turns those very real subjects into a huge spin on satire. It turns those real subjects to the point of soap opera in prison for a show based on a non-fictional story line.
In season five one of the episodes during the riot a couple of prisoners started shouting Attica! But briefly after they did that they discussed why they were shouting it. They had no clue, they were just following along with others shouting it. They're not stupid, just a lack a knowledge I guess. I defend their ignorance for a few reasons. I too lacked that knowledge. I didn't know anything about Attica Correctional Facility, until I read the book Blood in the Water, except it was a well known prison. I figured something big went down there but never sort to research it's history. And it happened 47-48 years ago. It being in history is one thing I learned, the date of it's occurrence. I also learned that what put it in history is the riot and why the riot occurred. I learned that it's still in operation. I had assumed it was closed down for such an old prison.
Does the show compare similarly with the book Blood in the Water or the Attica uprising? I can't compare it the television show with the actual memoirs the show is based on from Piper Kerman's Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.
Yes, the television show Orange is the New Black has a light similarity to the book Blood in the Water.
-Piper Chapman is sent to prison for a somewhat considerable low-level non-heinous White-collar crime compared to some of the prisoners serving jail time in Attica before the Attica riots were also doing low-level non-heinous Blue-collar crimes. They were sent imprisoned for reasons other than their crime.
-Some of the actions and themes taken place in the show did also occur in Attica prison based on the comments from prisoners in the book such as abuse and sexual misconduct.
-The book and the show sort of give a little story line or description of prisoners and their life inside and out. I like that the show gives scenes relating to the prisoner's earlier life before they were imprisoned. The book gives a very light why prisoners are in jail.
-Racial and hierarchy between prisoners and guards did play a major factor in culture life in both prisons.
-In the show the riot began when one or more (with her associates) of the prisoners lead by prisoner Taystee started a sort of stampede. She was upset over a briefing by the warden defending a guard that killed her other prison friend. In the book, it was stated that the Attica riot began when one of the guards was struck in fear or sort of defense. A certain block of prisoners were being rerouted from one part of the jail to another when one gate had been locked the prisoners were trapped and for one reason or another fear of being trapped in a sort of tunnel caused a prisoner to assault a guard and that's when a single action from a circumstance caused a chain of chaos.
Warning: Spoiler Alert!
-In both themes, negotiations were not fruitful in the immediate future. In the show who knows what will happen if there is a season six. In real life or that is in the aftermath of the Attica riot there were questions on why the outcome with such as forceful raid actually necessary and lawsuits.
-In both there were negotiations (of course different demands). The show had a list of comfort and entertainment negotiation demands while the actual Attica prisoners of 1971 wanted amnesty and fairer treatment.
-In both story lines there was raid or that is a storming of the prison by force. The actual event is said to have had 49 prisoners/hostages lives lost. In season five of the show besides, Poussey dying in season four, two died.
-Both gave a look inside what prison life is like but probably not the whole story, one I would gladly never like to experience.
There's probably more and some details slightly off or not written but just an update on what's currently on my plate.
There are a few topics that interest me. Traveling and culture are of course two subjects. Another two would be survival as a homeless person and the inner system of the prison culture. I'm going to talk about the latter subject.
This topic of the television show Orange Is the New Black comparison to Attica brought up by a friend raises a few interesting topics. My first thought was there must be some correlation between the two. She also mentioned in the subject the book to compare the television show by: Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson.
Orange Is the New Black plots about a Caucasian lady (Piper Chapman played by the actor Taylor Schilling) going to prison from an average, what seems to be middle-class lifestyle. She does some money laundering for some drug dealers/smugglers and is sent to prison. She then has to adapt to prison life and there comes the rest of the cast of female inmates and what happens in Litchfield Prison. Ok, fine, the topics from scenes illustrate properly as the shows category: Comedy-Drama. At some points it will highlight on Lesbianism, violence, race, hierarchy, power struggle, mental health, survival and other prison life subjects BUT here's what makes the show Award Winning: it turns those very real subjects into a huge spin on satire. It turns those real subjects to the point of soap opera in prison for a show based on a non-fictional story line.
In season five one of the episodes during the riot a couple of prisoners started shouting Attica! But briefly after they did that they discussed why they were shouting it. They had no clue, they were just following along with others shouting it. They're not stupid, just a lack a knowledge I guess. I defend their ignorance for a few reasons. I too lacked that knowledge. I didn't know anything about Attica Correctional Facility, until I read the book Blood in the Water, except it was a well known prison. I figured something big went down there but never sort to research it's history. And it happened 47-48 years ago. It being in history is one thing I learned, the date of it's occurrence. I also learned that what put it in history is the riot and why the riot occurred. I learned that it's still in operation. I had assumed it was closed down for such an old prison.
Does the show compare similarly with the book Blood in the Water or the Attica uprising? I can't compare it the television show with the actual memoirs the show is based on from Piper Kerman's Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.
Yes, the television show Orange is the New Black has a light similarity to the book Blood in the Water.
-Piper Chapman is sent to prison for a somewhat considerable low-level non-heinous White-collar crime compared to some of the prisoners serving jail time in Attica before the Attica riots were also doing low-level non-heinous Blue-collar crimes. They were sent imprisoned for reasons other than their crime.
-Some of the actions and themes taken place in the show did also occur in Attica prison based on the comments from prisoners in the book such as abuse and sexual misconduct.
-The book and the show sort of give a little story line or description of prisoners and their life inside and out. I like that the show gives scenes relating to the prisoner's earlier life before they were imprisoned. The book gives a very light why prisoners are in jail.
-Racial and hierarchy between prisoners and guards did play a major factor in culture life in both prisons.
-In the show the riot began when one or more (with her associates) of the prisoners lead by prisoner Taystee started a sort of stampede. She was upset over a briefing by the warden defending a guard that killed her other prison friend. In the book, it was stated that the Attica riot began when one of the guards was struck in fear or sort of defense. A certain block of prisoners were being rerouted from one part of the jail to another when one gate had been locked the prisoners were trapped and for one reason or another fear of being trapped in a sort of tunnel caused a prisoner to assault a guard and that's when a single action from a circumstance caused a chain of chaos.
Warning: Spoiler Alert!
-In both themes, negotiations were not fruitful in the immediate future. In the show who knows what will happen if there is a season six. In real life or that is in the aftermath of the Attica riot there were questions on why the outcome with such as forceful raid actually necessary and lawsuits.
-In both there were negotiations (of course different demands). The show had a list of comfort and entertainment negotiation demands while the actual Attica prisoners of 1971 wanted amnesty and fairer treatment.
-In both story lines there was raid or that is a storming of the prison by force. The actual event is said to have had 49 prisoners/hostages lives lost. In season five of the show besides, Poussey dying in season four, two died.
-Both gave a look inside what prison life is like but probably not the whole story, one I would gladly never like to experience.
There's probably more and some details slightly off or not written but just an update on what's currently on my plate.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Ice
I'm on day one (a pre-prep) before a minimum two week travel plan from New York City to Europe. Connection is Iceland to Amsterdam then by bus to Frankfurt (and another city in Germany) then hopefully and maybe Prague. I was going to head to Paris but I decided to leave that for another time. As per Paris has only three things to do and this trip does not favor these three things: sightseeing like museums (The Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower + Etc...), French food (I never had Foie Gras, only similar, would like to try Foie Gras), Romance.
I can't wait to be back in Amsterdam to smoke some Indica and eat a fried piece of mush from a Feebo. And I can't wait to be back in Frankfurt for some German food. My last trip to Prague was short and I can't wait to be back to explore some more.
I actually came on to post about a topic relating to my anticipated trip. Just some differences in leaving the comfort of my home where I have almost everything for paying more for everything in seek of something different and adventure.
Ice is something I really enjoy. It makes my beverage cold. A cold beverage gives me an exuberance of joy, just like a sugary treat hits the brain to some adults or a child. That joy is seldom seen by Europeans I have read. Europeans are not big on ice. And when traveling I have to give up that joy just a little. I mean, yes, you can get ice in Europe. But there's nothing like the ease of reaching into my freezer and getting it for almost no cost.
That topic along with a few other minor differences such as paying for the restroom in fast food places/chains and paying for ketchup at most McDonald's in Europe are just some things to be appreciated in the comfort at home as an American. But who constantly wants the comfort of home?
I can't wait to be back in Amsterdam to smoke some Indica and eat a fried piece of mush from a Feebo. And I can't wait to be back in Frankfurt for some German food. My last trip to Prague was short and I can't wait to be back to explore some more.
I actually came on to post about a topic relating to my anticipated trip. Just some differences in leaving the comfort of my home where I have almost everything for paying more for everything in seek of something different and adventure.
Ice is something I really enjoy. It makes my beverage cold. A cold beverage gives me an exuberance of joy, just like a sugary treat hits the brain to some adults or a child. That joy is seldom seen by Europeans I have read. Europeans are not big on ice. And when traveling I have to give up that joy just a little. I mean, yes, you can get ice in Europe. But there's nothing like the ease of reaching into my freezer and getting it for almost no cost.
That topic along with a few other minor differences such as paying for the restroom in fast food places/chains and paying for ketchup at most McDonald's in Europe are just some things to be appreciated in the comfort at home as an American. But who constantly wants the comfort of home?
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Ice Cream Review #1 - Friendly's S'mores versus Turkey Hill Double Dunker
I'm not normally an ice cream eater. But this summer has been full of ice cream. I been buying it practically every week this summer. So, with summer just ending and autumn in it's beginning by just three days, might as well put in my second ice cream review, well actual first, the original was for gelato. So many to share, from the newly tasted JC's Pie Pops to my top choice: Unilever's Magnum Infinity Chocolate Ice Cream Bar.
If I had to put two flavors from the mainstream commercial market from the frozen section to represent a highly favorable choice it would be the Friendly's S'mores and Turkey Hill Double Dunker as choices. I'm sure there are others. But for now I chose:
1) Friendly's S'mores is one of my favorite choices. It being a "Limited Edition" flavor, heck, why not give it a go because being limited edition I might not get to try it again. When you think S'mores you think of camp fire sandwiches of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. I think I done that in an actual camp once and couple more times at a home backyard BBQ and over the stove. Does Friendly's S'mores ice cream live up to the name "Toasted marshmallow flavored ice cream with dark chocolate flavored flakes and a graham cracker swirl"? Yes, it does to one main aspect and not on the other two ingredients. It does well as an ice cream overall, a swirl mix in of an ice cream with those ingredients.
I thought the marshmallow aspect was lacking. I've tasted other ice cream with marshmallow highlighted as a main ingredient and I got a marshmallow presence in that other ice cream but not the S'mores flavor from Friendly's.
The chocolate factor was disappointing. It contained tiny bits of chocolate chips, not very pleasing to a chocolate lover. Friendly's could have done a better job on the chocolate aspect to cater to the chocolate lover in this flavor.
What gave it the favorable choice? The brown sugar like taste for the graham cracker aspect. That is what gave it it's A+ factor. There was a lightly soft creamy, but not liquid-like, almost caramel smooth-like brown sugar-graham cracker in a light crunch that gave it a "oh yeah, sweet" Japanese term: Unami in an American style campfire sweetness in the ice cream.
2) Take that last paragraph's light crunch factor, triple the crunch factor and make it chocolate instead, no make it cocoa flavor like an Oreo cookie. Yeah, the kind you might get from a chocolate crumb cake made of Oreo cookie crumbs. Add cookie dough in parts to the ice cream and tiny chunks of chocolate and you have Turkey Hills Double Dunker. When I read "Double Dunker" I think of dunking something in my cup of coffee: dunk two things?, dunk something twice? A donut? A cookie? No. The description: "Mocha Ice Cream swirled with chewy cookie dough and crunchy chocolate cookie swirl". Well, damn, someone slap me twice.
Only problem is that the entire batch in the container of ice cream is not fully of the brown sugar-graham cracker sweet crunch or the Oreo cocoa-like crumbs. These little chunks of goodness all mixed in with the regular tasting ice cream.
You gotta randomly be patient to hit those sweet pockets of goodness, sort of like finding the red or pink Starburst in the pack.
If I had to put two flavors from the mainstream commercial market from the frozen section to represent a highly favorable choice it would be the Friendly's S'mores and Turkey Hill Double Dunker as choices. I'm sure there are others. But for now I chose:
1) Friendly's S'mores is one of my favorite choices. It being a "Limited Edition" flavor, heck, why not give it a go because being limited edition I might not get to try it again. When you think S'mores you think of camp fire sandwiches of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. I think I done that in an actual camp once and couple more times at a home backyard BBQ and over the stove. Does Friendly's S'mores ice cream live up to the name "Toasted marshmallow flavored ice cream with dark chocolate flavored flakes and a graham cracker swirl"? Yes, it does to one main aspect and not on the other two ingredients. It does well as an ice cream overall, a swirl mix in of an ice cream with those ingredients.
I thought the marshmallow aspect was lacking. I've tasted other ice cream with marshmallow highlighted as a main ingredient and I got a marshmallow presence in that other ice cream but not the S'mores flavor from Friendly's.
The chocolate factor was disappointing. It contained tiny bits of chocolate chips, not very pleasing to a chocolate lover. Friendly's could have done a better job on the chocolate aspect to cater to the chocolate lover in this flavor.
What gave it the favorable choice? The brown sugar like taste for the graham cracker aspect. That is what gave it it's A+ factor. There was a lightly soft creamy, but not liquid-like, almost caramel smooth-like brown sugar-graham cracker in a light crunch that gave it a "oh yeah, sweet" Japanese term: Unami in an American style campfire sweetness in the ice cream.
2) Take that last paragraph's light crunch factor, triple the crunch factor and make it chocolate instead, no make it cocoa flavor like an Oreo cookie. Yeah, the kind you might get from a chocolate crumb cake made of Oreo cookie crumbs. Add cookie dough in parts to the ice cream and tiny chunks of chocolate and you have Turkey Hills Double Dunker. When I read "Double Dunker" I think of dunking something in my cup of coffee: dunk two things?, dunk something twice? A donut? A cookie? No. The description: "Mocha Ice Cream swirled with chewy cookie dough and crunchy chocolate cookie swirl". Well, damn, someone slap me twice.
Only problem is that the entire batch in the container of ice cream is not fully of the brown sugar-graham cracker sweet crunch or the Oreo cocoa-like crumbs. These little chunks of goodness all mixed in with the regular tasting ice cream.
You gotta randomly be patient to hit those sweet pockets of goodness, sort of like finding the red or pink Starburst in the pack.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Sunflower Seed Addiction
I remember when I was younger someone in my family grew a single stalk of sunflower in my yard and eventually when it bloomed seeds, I tasted the rawness of it. Not so great without it being roasted, salted and commercialized.
A few years ago I got addicted to the leading David brand Jalapeno Hot flavored ones. I ordered a 12 pack online had them delivered and started giving packs out to my co-workers and they got addicted to them also. But it's been a few years since that epidemic has calmed itself.
Recently, I was just browsing my local Rite Aid drugstore and saw packs of the David brand sunflower seeds. Since they were on sale for just one dollar (normally Rite Aid without a discount has them for a bit over two dollars) I decided to buy a few packs. My choices of only two to select from are Original or Ranch. I chose all Ranch flavored.
And that begins the tale of me snacking on a variety of different sunflower seeds everyday now for the entire month of August.
I'm not alone! One day I'm snacking away and a neighbor tells me she has been doing the same. So, the next day she gives me a pack of the ones she's been snacking on. Wow! The brand she gives me is totally better off based on the first few samples I ate. I've always known David because it's the most popular brand around in the United States. I mean I've seen other smaller brands but the David brand has always been the to go to sunflower seeds.
In the photo below, in the middle are the David brand sunflower seeds (do a Google search and you can find what the packaging looks like) and on the right are the ones she gave me. The seeds she gave me in terms of shell size are almost double the size of the David brand. The difference in taste of the shell since both are roasted is the David brand is Ranch flavored with it's natural and artificial ingredients consisting of: the Trans Fat Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Buttermilk, Corn Syrup Solids, Spices, Whey, Yeast Extract (MSG replacement), amongst other ingredients, mmmmm Ranch; I guess I could have chosen Original flavor and some of these bad ingredients won't be in there? I don't know, I didn't look at the ingredients in Original.
The package for the brand she gives me is photoed below and says Mongolian Sunflower Seeds. Each pack cost about four dollars for a 408g bag. Everything else is in Chinese. The ingredients, labeling, details about the company are 99% in Chinese. I can't tell you the ingredients. 'In a nut shell' :] to compare the taste of the outer shell: David taste like Ranch flavor & salt since I chose that over Original. The Mongolian Sunflower seeds comes in two flavors: Caramel and Five Fragrances. The Mongolian brand seems to be also roasted, sweet instead of salty, has spices including what I can detect as a hint of Star Anise. Both outer shell have in their own respect a good flavored shell. Both have a good crack when split open.
Inside the kernel: The Mongolian brand is a bit bigger just like the shell compared to the David brand. The David brand is less roasted so you get a more of a whole body kernel and a softer chew but I'm not tasting much of a sunflower flavor, just a neutral taste. While the Mongolian brand has a crisper kernel, it loses it's whole body kernel sometimes on varying seeds being eaten because I guess the extra toast factor takes away that soft chew. And the sweetness on the shell seems to have infused inward to the kernel. The flavoring overshadows the natural taste of sunflower. I can't detect much sunflower flavor in the Mongolian brand.
That's it, not much except I had the pleasure of enjoying experiencing differences in sunflower seeds. And wondering, as in all grown plants, does one brand producer allow the plant to just grow longer?, use better fertilizer?, does the region they are grown in make a difference?, are there different genes?, is one brand organic without the organic label? The flavor chosen definitely impacts the ingredients in what you consume.
In the first image above, the sunflowers all the way to the left is a product of Taiwan and come from a packaging shown in the photo below. The cost is two dollars for a 7.4oz bag. The shell is longer than the David brand just like the Mongolian brand. It's shell a tad smaller than the Mongolian brand and lighter. The Mongolian brand is the darkest. I guess it's in the process in adding flavor to the raw product. The Taiwanese sunflower seeds include salt (even though it's five times less salty than the David brand), Milk Flavor, Sweetener (Liquorice Extract), MSG and Anise, that's all. The taste of the shell is bland (lightly salted), cracks open a bit more natural and the inside has a more natural sunflower taste. It's kernel is crisp but not as crisp as the Mongolian and has a whole body but not as full as the David brand. The Taiwanese brand is the second most natural tasting sunflower seed.
According to a Google search and The Linus Pauling Institute:
A few years ago I got addicted to the leading David brand Jalapeno Hot flavored ones. I ordered a 12 pack online had them delivered and started giving packs out to my co-workers and they got addicted to them also. But it's been a few years since that epidemic has calmed itself.
Recently, I was just browsing my local Rite Aid drugstore and saw packs of the David brand sunflower seeds. Since they were on sale for just one dollar (normally Rite Aid without a discount has them for a bit over two dollars) I decided to buy a few packs. My choices of only two to select from are Original or Ranch. I chose all Ranch flavored.
And that begins the tale of me snacking on a variety of different sunflower seeds everyday now for the entire month of August.
I'm not alone! One day I'm snacking away and a neighbor tells me she has been doing the same. So, the next day she gives me a pack of the ones she's been snacking on. Wow! The brand she gives me is totally better off based on the first few samples I ate. I've always known David because it's the most popular brand around in the United States. I mean I've seen other smaller brands but the David brand has always been the to go to sunflower seeds.
In the photo below, in the middle are the David brand sunflower seeds (do a Google search and you can find what the packaging looks like) and on the right are the ones she gave me. The seeds she gave me in terms of shell size are almost double the size of the David brand. The difference in taste of the shell since both are roasted is the David brand is Ranch flavored with it's natural and artificial ingredients consisting of: the Trans Fat Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Buttermilk, Corn Syrup Solids, Spices, Whey, Yeast Extract (MSG replacement), amongst other ingredients, mmmmm Ranch; I guess I could have chosen Original flavor and some of these bad ingredients won't be in there? I don't know, I didn't look at the ingredients in Original.
The package for the brand she gives me is photoed below and says Mongolian Sunflower Seeds. Each pack cost about four dollars for a 408g bag. Everything else is in Chinese. The ingredients, labeling, details about the company are 99% in Chinese. I can't tell you the ingredients. 'In a nut shell' :] to compare the taste of the outer shell: David taste like Ranch flavor & salt since I chose that over Original. The Mongolian Sunflower seeds comes in two flavors: Caramel and Five Fragrances. The Mongolian brand seems to be also roasted, sweet instead of salty, has spices including what I can detect as a hint of Star Anise. Both outer shell have in their own respect a good flavored shell. Both have a good crack when split open.
Inside the kernel: The Mongolian brand is a bit bigger just like the shell compared to the David brand. The David brand is less roasted so you get a more of a whole body kernel and a softer chew but I'm not tasting much of a sunflower flavor, just a neutral taste. While the Mongolian brand has a crisper kernel, it loses it's whole body kernel sometimes on varying seeds being eaten because I guess the extra toast factor takes away that soft chew. And the sweetness on the shell seems to have infused inward to the kernel. The flavoring overshadows the natural taste of sunflower. I can't detect much sunflower flavor in the Mongolian brand.
That's it, not much except I had the pleasure of enjoying experiencing differences in sunflower seeds. And wondering, as in all grown plants, does one brand producer allow the plant to just grow longer?, use better fertilizer?, does the region they are grown in make a difference?, are there different genes?, is one brand organic without the organic label? The flavor chosen definitely impacts the ingredients in what you consume.
In the first image above, the sunflowers all the way to the left is a product of Taiwan and come from a packaging shown in the photo below. The cost is two dollars for a 7.4oz bag. The shell is longer than the David brand just like the Mongolian brand. It's shell a tad smaller than the Mongolian brand and lighter. The Mongolian brand is the darkest. I guess it's in the process in adding flavor to the raw product. The Taiwanese sunflower seeds include salt (even though it's five times less salty than the David brand), Milk Flavor, Sweetener (Liquorice Extract), MSG and Anise, that's all. The taste of the shell is bland (lightly salted), cracks open a bit more natural and the inside has a more natural sunflower taste. It's kernel is crisp but not as crisp as the Mongolian and has a whole body but not as full as the David brand. The Taiwanese brand is the second most natural tasting sunflower seed.
And last but not least and without a photo I personally took to show for it (because I ate them all before I could take a photo of them) is a brand I bought from Whole Foods. Their 365 Everyday Value brand. It is the best value for the money at two dollars for a 12oz bag. It is the most natural one of them all. And the smallest shelled of then all. The shell is a natural lightly salted flavor. And the kernel is the smallest of them all. Just like the David brand, it's a full but smaller bodied kernel with a soft chew. The 365 Everyday Value brand has the most natural sunflower kernel taste of them all. It's ingredient is simple: Sunflower Seeds (Dry Roasted), Salt. The shell is a light grey color shell sort of dusted.
According to a Google search and The Linus Pauling Institute:
"Sunflower seeds provide a rich source of vitamins E and B-1, as well as copper. Adding nuts and seeds to your diet benefits your health.
Individuals who consume these foods on a regular basis enjoy a lower
risk of developing cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, according
to the Linus Pauling Institute."
And more health benefits such as Anti-Inflammatory, Cardiovascular Benefits and "...a good source of magnesium" can be found at one of my favorite vegetable and fruit benefits website: the world's healthiest foods - Sunflower seeds.
I will most definitely be sourcing other brands.
I'm curious, are there any other sunflower addicts out there?
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Talenti Tiramisu Gelato Review
I saw this brand of gelato on the shelves and thought nothing of it. I noticed it looked nice and assumed it be just another high end expensive ice cream but it is gelato. Then two of my female friends raved about it. And when I asked a third female friend she said yes she had tried it and said it was good but nothing too grand. So, it's summer and I am buying ice cream every week. There's so many flavors to choose from Talenti; I could barely decide on my decision for one.
In addition to my female friends positive enjoyment for Talenti I also looked up a couple reviews on the brand. The first flavor I read about was the Sea Salt Caramel. Every review or comment said it was good so I was going to grab Sea Salt Caramel until I saw Double Chocolate and Belgium Milk Chocolate. I was going to grab one of the mentioned but then I saw Tiramisu. That's my pick and will be the first flavor of Talenti I tasted.
Talenti is not a major brand but it has it's small fan base. I like it for it's design. A small, slightly hardened plastic one pint container with a twist close and open lid. Enough of design, I didn't buy the gelato for it's design but like it, yes.
Remove the clear wrap off the outer cap and twist open the lid stands the top layer of the gelato, like an ice rink. I can see a light swirl on top just like from the outside.
I highly enjoy Tiramisu and Chocolate and Coffee. The reason I chose this flavor was because it trumps Double Chocolate as something special because Double Chocolate is in everything. As a cake, I really like Tiramisu. I had it only a few times but each time it was great.
With a big table spoon I dig in and I get no wow factor. It's smooth but not very creamy or milky as the vanilla Breyers in my fridge or even less so than the Friendly's I have in the fridge. Does it have a Tiramisu taste? Not very much so, no. It has a strong taste of coffee with a very light milky/cheese taste that comes after the coffee flavor. They should have called this Talenti Coffee with hint of milk.cheese. That was my first impression and every other time after I tasted it. It's not too soft either. It's kind of dense. It is good gelato but nothing to rave about. I have had non-commercial gelato in Europe and in Manhattan and Talenti Tiramisu flavor is a bit of a let down in my experience. I should have chosen another flavor maybe unless the other flavors are like this. I wish I had read this review linked below before buying it.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Racism
On my Facebook page I wanted to post a simple remark "I wasn't racist before but now I am." Racism isn't a born trait, it's learned. You get that disease from your parents, those around you, the media, or just living. Stereotypes and statistics has to do with it also. What other factors impede unity? Is it just as simple as our brains not liking a color that doesn't go with another color?
Where do I begin with this topic. Let's start with a personal one before I move onto the one that is higher on the media advocated level. I am Chinese...American. Being Chinese due to my genes before you even hear me speak or do anything is exactly that, you see my Asian traits: eyes, skin tone, hair. Don't even go forth with hearing me speak or how I think. Someone racist would not like me, again based on one factor or another: parent influenced, lack of dealing with other nationalities, stereotypes from what they've heard of Chinese people, doing the same taunts as other people around them have done or as simple as not liking anything different than what that racist person's nationality is. I have been slandered at in a racist manner by in it's highest in this exact order: African-Americans less so those from Africa, Hispanics, Caribbeans, Europeans, Americans, Asians.
Not as much now but when I was younger in the 80s and 90s the most racist came from African-Americans and Hispanics in the city of New York where I grew up, less so Caucasians, well I wasn't in the Mid-West. Then I encountered more the same as I grew older from other nationalities. I mean almost everything has been thrown my way: imitating of the slanting of the eyes, small penis jokes, being called a dirty "chink", to being accused of eating dogs. My eyes are not that narrow, my parents nor I have ever eaten a dog or cat and my penis is of a decent size. Why do people put something done by a group of people and label all people of that nationality with the same racist stereotypes? So with that comment, not all African-Americans and not all Hispanics were like that to me. That's the thing about being racist, not everyone is or grew up with that trait. It's terribly learned. Every nationality has people who are racist.
There's no greater "shame on you" than to point a finger at someone else unless you're 100% immune from truly not being prejudice. If you defend your own race solely and say another race is at fault, you are part of the problem. So thus, I'll asking am I racist? Yes, slightly. I'll explain some factors. My view towards white people (I'll stop being politically correct for a bit, please don't be offended) is 99% non-prejudice unless you declare yourself KKK. Even if you are racist and call me a "chink" and slander whatever racist crap toward me I will have no bad view toward you because from my experience I have been fortified with thinking that one of the reasons mentioned earlier caused you to hate my race; maybe someone in your racist track of mind someone told you "foreigners have taken your job and invading your country." Maybe that is your trigger mechanism for being racist. Here's my slight prejudice toward black people besides my experience of racial taunts toward me as a youth: many are strongly opinionated to the point of being loud, I understand overcoming slavery was a great revolution with it more equal racial advances and one must advocate continuing that advance but must it be in my face? Blacks can be just as prejudice as any other group. I see so much hateful and prejudice post and remarks on my Facebook page toward white people as well as in person, especially around groups, and especially in urban settings. These reasons for my, apologetic reasons for being slightly prejudice toward black people. But not for a person's skin tone. I don't dislike blacks because of a skin tone but for the majority behavior. So, I am racist? No. But I do exhibit racial profiling and stereotype views because like you see me as having Asian traits before I act or speak, I will see your skin tone before you act. I'll judge first by your nationality first before I can tell how you think and behave based on your majorities actions in society.
Statistics: From my perspective I view more crime committed by African-Americans as a majority, then Hispanics, then Caucasians, then Asians, then Other Nationalities. Is that a perspective that if I were in the woods isolated from media? No. It's media streaming inward toward me. In my mind African-Americans cause a higher crime rate, bam!, third reason I stereotype some African-Americans. So, before I can judge your good nature, in the back of my mind that's where another reason a prejudice addition might come from. It is based on society for sure as I have read crime statistics are real but they come with a reason: possibly black communities are heavier policed and racial profiling is very real.
In the News Now: another African-American, Alton Sterling, killed by a Caucasian police officer. #BlackLivesMatter supporters and alike question if the deceased had a weapon and is it race motivated. The second African-American killed, Philando Castile, by a police officer also making headlines. In the latter incident, the girlfriend of the deceased broadcasted live part of the incident on Facebook. In part she stated a Chinese man had shot her boyfriend. Wrong. The officer, Jeronimo Yanez, who shot Philando Castile is from Hispanic ancestors. I'm not trying to blame Diamond Reynolds (she has suffered a lost) or any group, but can you see how from a Chinese standpoint her view of traits to mistakenly accuse a Hispanic police officer as a Chinese police officer. I am reading remarks from African-Americans on Facebook racially hateful remarks towards Chinese people. And then what's worst is Micah Xavier Johnson snipes to death 5 police officers in Dallas. "An eye for an eye will make the world blind"
What's the Problem:
---Police Over Powering Enforcement and Racial Profiling but they have to be aggressive and on their toes and make judgement also, it's the line of work. They can't say oh sir please put down your gun or or be too light when someone is being unruly. If someone exhibits signs of being a criminal, police just can't ignore the activity, they have to check.
What's the Solution:
---It's hard but better police management or training and less brotherly blue garbage but that's too concrete.
What's the Problem:
---It took decades of progress to have racial equality and acceptance of different nationalities through a unity type advocacy. That breaking out of slavery or bondage isn't 100% about freedom from slavery, it's about breaking out of being a race being lower class. It's a wound, an injury and over the years it became a scar that never fully really healed. Guess what, no one forgets history, they shouldn't. Police killing African-Americans are opening that scar and those who feel very passionate about the past are rising up, again, continuing the fight.
What's the Solution:
---It's not all police officers. It's not all African-Americans. It's not all Caucasians. It's not all Hispanics. It's not all Asians\Indians. It's not all Muslims\Christians\people that believe in God and labelled. I see all nationalities marching along side these #BlackLivesMatter protest along with #AllLivesMatter, yes and yes...Black Lives Do Matter and so Do All Lives. Stop learning from prejudice influences, listening to prejudice in the media/mobs/even people in the spot light. That oh I fight for my race and I blame yours and overly strong advocacy in the wrong way is rotting the lot of growing good apples. On my Facebook page I saw Russell Simmons page post a meme:
Yes, African-American profiling and the killings is the focus and #AllLivesMatter takes the spotlight away from the focus. I guess Russell Simmons is making the point that as an individual group, African-Americans advocating and protesting the killing of their own should be the sole focus and no other reasoning should take the spotlight away from #BlackLivesMatter. Which is fine but that perspective is also causing further division in that solely aspect. Segregation did not end with blacks alone, white folks marched and aided in ending segregation also, know your history. In a way, the meme is correct, #AllLivesMatter takes the point away from #BlackLivesMatter but I think #AllLivesMatter is also about #Unity
Yes, I can see an African-Americans standpoint. If police officers were killing my people I would have a fit also. Maybe all this outcry, protest and violence like it was back in history, decades ago in Martin Luther King's day, is needed in order to bring back some peace. But Martin Luther King didn't spew hate, he advocated equality for his people.
Where do I begin with this topic. Let's start with a personal one before I move onto the one that is higher on the media advocated level. I am Chinese...American. Being Chinese due to my genes before you even hear me speak or do anything is exactly that, you see my Asian traits: eyes, skin tone, hair. Don't even go forth with hearing me speak or how I think. Someone racist would not like me, again based on one factor or another: parent influenced, lack of dealing with other nationalities, stereotypes from what they've heard of Chinese people, doing the same taunts as other people around them have done or as simple as not liking anything different than what that racist person's nationality is. I have been slandered at in a racist manner by in it's highest in this exact order: African-Americans less so those from Africa, Hispanics, Caribbeans, Europeans, Americans, Asians.
Not as much now but when I was younger in the 80s and 90s the most racist came from African-Americans and Hispanics in the city of New York where I grew up, less so Caucasians, well I wasn't in the Mid-West. Then I encountered more the same as I grew older from other nationalities. I mean almost everything has been thrown my way: imitating of the slanting of the eyes, small penis jokes, being called a dirty "chink", to being accused of eating dogs. My eyes are not that narrow, my parents nor I have ever eaten a dog or cat and my penis is of a decent size. Why do people put something done by a group of people and label all people of that nationality with the same racist stereotypes? So with that comment, not all African-Americans and not all Hispanics were like that to me. That's the thing about being racist, not everyone is or grew up with that trait. It's terribly learned. Every nationality has people who are racist.
There's no greater "shame on you" than to point a finger at someone else unless you're 100% immune from truly not being prejudice. If you defend your own race solely and say another race is at fault, you are part of the problem. So thus, I'll asking am I racist? Yes, slightly. I'll explain some factors. My view towards white people (I'll stop being politically correct for a bit, please don't be offended) is 99% non-prejudice unless you declare yourself KKK. Even if you are racist and call me a "chink" and slander whatever racist crap toward me I will have no bad view toward you because from my experience I have been fortified with thinking that one of the reasons mentioned earlier caused you to hate my race; maybe someone in your racist track of mind someone told you "foreigners have taken your job and invading your country." Maybe that is your trigger mechanism for being racist. Here's my slight prejudice toward black people besides my experience of racial taunts toward me as a youth: many are strongly opinionated to the point of being loud, I understand overcoming slavery was a great revolution with it more equal racial advances and one must advocate continuing that advance but must it be in my face? Blacks can be just as prejudice as any other group. I see so much hateful and prejudice post and remarks on my Facebook page toward white people as well as in person, especially around groups, and especially in urban settings. These reasons for my, apologetic reasons for being slightly prejudice toward black people. But not for a person's skin tone. I don't dislike blacks because of a skin tone but for the majority behavior. So, I am racist? No. But I do exhibit racial profiling and stereotype views because like you see me as having Asian traits before I act or speak, I will see your skin tone before you act. I'll judge first by your nationality first before I can tell how you think and behave based on your majorities actions in society.
Statistics: From my perspective I view more crime committed by African-Americans as a majority, then Hispanics, then Caucasians, then Asians, then Other Nationalities. Is that a perspective that if I were in the woods isolated from media? No. It's media streaming inward toward me. In my mind African-Americans cause a higher crime rate, bam!, third reason I stereotype some African-Americans. So, before I can judge your good nature, in the back of my mind that's where another reason a prejudice addition might come from. It is based on society for sure as I have read crime statistics are real but they come with a reason: possibly black communities are heavier policed and racial profiling is very real.
In the News Now: another African-American, Alton Sterling, killed by a Caucasian police officer. #BlackLivesMatter supporters and alike question if the deceased had a weapon and is it race motivated. The second African-American killed, Philando Castile, by a police officer also making headlines. In the latter incident, the girlfriend of the deceased broadcasted live part of the incident on Facebook. In part she stated a Chinese man had shot her boyfriend. Wrong. The officer, Jeronimo Yanez, who shot Philando Castile is from Hispanic ancestors. I'm not trying to blame Diamond Reynolds (she has suffered a lost) or any group, but can you see how from a Chinese standpoint her view of traits to mistakenly accuse a Hispanic police officer as a Chinese police officer. I am reading remarks from African-Americans on Facebook racially hateful remarks towards Chinese people. And then what's worst is Micah Xavier Johnson snipes to death 5 police officers in Dallas. "An eye for an eye will make the world blind"
What's the Problem:
---Police Over Powering Enforcement and Racial Profiling but they have to be aggressive and on their toes and make judgement also, it's the line of work. They can't say oh sir please put down your gun or or be too light when someone is being unruly. If someone exhibits signs of being a criminal, police just can't ignore the activity, they have to check.
What's the Solution:
---It's hard but better police management or training and less brotherly blue garbage but that's too concrete.
What's the Problem:
---It took decades of progress to have racial equality and acceptance of different nationalities through a unity type advocacy. That breaking out of slavery or bondage isn't 100% about freedom from slavery, it's about breaking out of being a race being lower class. It's a wound, an injury and over the years it became a scar that never fully really healed. Guess what, no one forgets history, they shouldn't. Police killing African-Americans are opening that scar and those who feel very passionate about the past are rising up, again, continuing the fight.
What's the Solution:
---It's not all police officers. It's not all African-Americans. It's not all Caucasians. It's not all Hispanics. It's not all Asians\Indians. It's not all Muslims\Christians\people that believe in God and labelled. I see all nationalities marching along side these #BlackLivesMatter protest along with #AllLivesMatter, yes and yes...Black Lives Do Matter and so Do All Lives. Stop learning from prejudice influences, listening to prejudice in the media/mobs/even people in the spot light. That oh I fight for my race and I blame yours and overly strong advocacy in the wrong way is rotting the lot of growing good apples. On my Facebook page I saw Russell Simmons page post a meme:
Yes, I can see an African-Americans standpoint. If police officers were killing my people I would have a fit also. Maybe all this outcry, protest and violence like it was back in history, decades ago in Martin Luther King's day, is needed in order to bring back some peace. But Martin Luther King didn't spew hate, he advocated equality for his people.
Chinese Thinking
I was walking past a Local Union a while back and read a poster that said "Buy American, Support American Jobs, Don't Sell Out To The Chinese". And the same was emphasized by a recent broadcast by ABC World News anchor David Jason Muir.
I am Chinese American, an American with Chinese ancestors. These days I'm not sure which comes first. Being born in the United States says I am American or so I am told. Actually, the term "Anchor Baby" comes to mind as I heard in a politician's speech also fits in the definition where I am more Chinese patriotic rather than being American patriotic. I speak and write in English clearly, somewhat, from being schooled in America, but nothing changed heritage or genes. What do you think goes through my mind as I read that statement, the concept above? It's true in a partial concept, economics leads to believe that the writer of that message is correct, purchasing American goods leads to the circulation of jobs within America. That itself only speaks for a small part of the chain. In order for that concept to work, meaning using that concept to bring up America's economy it has to be a solid unbroken chain. That's not possible unless there is some type of strict code of conduct behind Americans dealing with Americans. Let me broaden racial trade in a smaller concept. I use to work for a Jewish employer and in a Jewish community and I notice a bit for Asians also, more so Koreans. Keep it in the community or in the broader trade philosophy: deal with your own and it keeps the economics of the community flowing. Concept one has been established and the notion does hold true and would help America's economy but it's trade discrimination.
I'm not a big fan of hearing "The Chinese". Sometimes I hear that and it's a context of hearing "every and all Chinese are the same." It's a term that sounds like if, specifically, China or a group of Chinese people does something it means every other Chinese person in the world does it like a robotic uniform military salute. China was or is currently in an slight economic growth but it doesn't mean that every Chinese person falls under this economic growth, not true. In further elaboration, just because the economy has shifted to growth in China, every Chinese person doesn't gets a piece of the pie. In further, further, elaboration, just because the economy has shifted to grow in China, every Chinese person is not sipping Dom Perignon like water and eating Osetra Caviar for breakfast.
China has been known for some sketchy production practiced. It's one of the worst reputations to be a shadow of. If a manufacture were to produce goods in a clean effort, that manufacture would still fall under the stereotype. What if a manufacture produced a decent product out of China as it equaled the quality of an American made product. The cost factor is the most important decision in buying now because both are equal in design and quality. There you have it, that is your answer. The buying factor is an important factor, cost versus quality, not where it's made and which supports your economy. On the business level, the manufacture owes it to the investors to make it as cheap as possible for the buyer and if the quality is equal or close to it, that's the reason for buying from "The Chinese". Concept two has been established.
Let's look at a family man working in one of the old GM manufacturing plants in Detroit sweating to install the new chassis for a truck. The same thing is being done by a Japanese/Chinese family man half way across the world in their own country. That man is not thinking about the economy, he just wants his salary to take home to feed their family, both do. That man counts on the decision of management and management owes their focus to investors and investors need buyers to buy their product. So, back to the topic: why not buy a product made by "The Chinese"? The question is what makes the same sweat and skill pushed off by the American a more higher leveled standard than a person doing the same work? Nothing, except American Pride and wanting a higher American Standard.
Before I go off further topic on what I wanted to elaborate on. I was thinking if I were an American manufacturer and I started making say tires that went on cars. I would need to buy equipment, hire a few workers, pay my taxes and craft the tires very well and that means higher cost material, correct? Yes. And what would I charge the car maker that I sell my tires to? Top dollars? Trying to get the most profit I can to make for my quality of work? The American Standard. That's the American way of thinking, making your business top profit, enough to pay off the equipment, taxes, employees that work so hard to make that quality. Let's look at China's thinking...there's cheap labor because Chinese workers in China are willing to accept less for China's living Standards. That offset allows for cheaper production. How far is this American Standard coming close to greed, wanting that top dollar? The answer is not straight forward. Employees want a good salary for their families. Business owners want top profit margins and to cut cost. The buyer doesn't want to pay more. It's cheaper to be made in China. The average person who works hard for their "Lower Income" or "Middle Class" salary will have cost foremost on their mind, not "The American Standard". Americans can complain and try to be a David Jason Muir campaigner but it doesn't change the buying and making factors. America needs to fix it's operational standards.
-Just a thought
Originally Started: Late 2014 - Mid 2015
Published: July 2016
I am Chinese American, an American with Chinese ancestors. These days I'm not sure which comes first. Being born in the United States says I am American or so I am told. Actually, the term "Anchor Baby" comes to mind as I heard in a politician's speech also fits in the definition where I am more Chinese patriotic rather than being American patriotic. I speak and write in English clearly, somewhat, from being schooled in America, but nothing changed heritage or genes. What do you think goes through my mind as I read that statement, the concept above? It's true in a partial concept, economics leads to believe that the writer of that message is correct, purchasing American goods leads to the circulation of jobs within America. That itself only speaks for a small part of the chain. In order for that concept to work, meaning using that concept to bring up America's economy it has to be a solid unbroken chain. That's not possible unless there is some type of strict code of conduct behind Americans dealing with Americans. Let me broaden racial trade in a smaller concept. I use to work for a Jewish employer and in a Jewish community and I notice a bit for Asians also, more so Koreans. Keep it in the community or in the broader trade philosophy: deal with your own and it keeps the economics of the community flowing. Concept one has been established and the notion does hold true and would help America's economy but it's trade discrimination.
I'm not a big fan of hearing "The Chinese". Sometimes I hear that and it's a context of hearing "every and all Chinese are the same." It's a term that sounds like if, specifically, China or a group of Chinese people does something it means every other Chinese person in the world does it like a robotic uniform military salute. China was or is currently in an slight economic growth but it doesn't mean that every Chinese person falls under this economic growth, not true. In further elaboration, just because the economy has shifted to growth in China, every Chinese person doesn't gets a piece of the pie. In further, further, elaboration, just because the economy has shifted to grow in China, every Chinese person is not sipping Dom Perignon like water and eating Osetra Caviar for breakfast.
China has been known for some sketchy production practiced. It's one of the worst reputations to be a shadow of. If a manufacture were to produce goods in a clean effort, that manufacture would still fall under the stereotype. What if a manufacture produced a decent product out of China as it equaled the quality of an American made product. The cost factor is the most important decision in buying now because both are equal in design and quality. There you have it, that is your answer. The buying factor is an important factor, cost versus quality, not where it's made and which supports your economy. On the business level, the manufacture owes it to the investors to make it as cheap as possible for the buyer and if the quality is equal or close to it, that's the reason for buying from "The Chinese". Concept two has been established.
Let's look at a family man working in one of the old GM manufacturing plants in Detroit sweating to install the new chassis for a truck. The same thing is being done by a Japanese/Chinese family man half way across the world in their own country. That man is not thinking about the economy, he just wants his salary to take home to feed their family, both do. That man counts on the decision of management and management owes their focus to investors and investors need buyers to buy their product. So, back to the topic: why not buy a product made by "The Chinese"? The question is what makes the same sweat and skill pushed off by the American a more higher leveled standard than a person doing the same work? Nothing, except American Pride and wanting a higher American Standard.
Before I go off further topic on what I wanted to elaborate on. I was thinking if I were an American manufacturer and I started making say tires that went on cars. I would need to buy equipment, hire a few workers, pay my taxes and craft the tires very well and that means higher cost material, correct? Yes. And what would I charge the car maker that I sell my tires to? Top dollars? Trying to get the most profit I can to make for my quality of work? The American Standard. That's the American way of thinking, making your business top profit, enough to pay off the equipment, taxes, employees that work so hard to make that quality. Let's look at China's thinking...there's cheap labor because Chinese workers in China are willing to accept less for China's living Standards. That offset allows for cheaper production. How far is this American Standard coming close to greed, wanting that top dollar? The answer is not straight forward. Employees want a good salary for their families. Business owners want top profit margins and to cut cost. The buyer doesn't want to pay more. It's cheaper to be made in China. The average person who works hard for their "Lower Income" or "Middle Class" salary will have cost foremost on their mind, not "The American Standard". Americans can complain and try to be a David Jason Muir campaigner but it doesn't change the buying and making factors. America needs to fix it's operational standards.
-Just a thought
Originally Started: Late 2014 - Mid 2015
Published: July 2016
Friday, June 5, 2015
Paintball Barrel Threading
I been playing paintball since 2004. Barrels can be changed, upgraded, swapped if using the same threading or an adapter. I had to learn this the hard way sort to say because I bought a marker (paintball gun) a couple years ago without a barrel and in my hunt for a barrel I purchased the wrong threaded barrel. A barrel's threading is the end where it screws into the marker. The part of the barrel that screws into the marker comes in different sizes or different shaping depending on the marker, meaning not all markers have the same threading. This is what I know about Paintball Barrel Threading:
Autococker threading is one of the most popular used by the Planet Eclipse Ego(s), Planet Eclipse Geo(s), Empire Axe, Empire Invert Mini, Dangerous Power series and other markers.
---DLX Luxe markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Tippman markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Angel markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Spyder markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---You can buy an adapter to use an Angel threaded barrel on an Autococker marker, per say maybe because you really like that Angel barrel.
---Inserts: inserts change the bore size of the barrel, smaller/larger due to the bases on temperature/humidity and basic size of balls being shot. You don't need Physics class to understand this concept. Just think about a projectile shooting out of a tighter or looser valve.
-----The Stiffi barrels cant fit Inserts, you have to buy the Stiffi Switch, it has different twist on and off threading
-----Carbon Fiber is the way to go, another popular one is the Deadly Wind
-----Not all barrels will take inserts
Autococker threading is one of the most popular used by the Planet Eclipse Ego(s), Planet Eclipse Geo(s), Empire Axe, Empire Invert Mini, Dangerous Power series and other markers.
---DLX Luxe markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Tippman markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Angel markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---Spyder markers have it's own threading and is not Autococker
---You can buy an adapter to use an Angel threaded barrel on an Autococker marker, per say maybe because you really like that Angel barrel.
---Inserts: inserts change the bore size of the barrel, smaller/larger due to the bases on temperature/humidity and basic size of balls being shot. You don't need Physics class to understand this concept. Just think about a projectile shooting out of a tighter or looser valve.
-----The Stiffi barrels cant fit Inserts, you have to buy the Stiffi Switch, it has different twist on and off threading
-----Carbon Fiber is the way to go, another popular one is the Deadly Wind
-----Not all barrels will take inserts
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Alec Bradley Black Market Cigar Review
It appears I haven't written in my blog since January of this year. And it's now May. I've seen many authors abandon their blogs. It is possible that I will one day stop writing or maybe I'll just kick the bucket and it will end that way.
Summer 2015 doesn't official begin until June 21st, 2015. So far for Spring I have had my second trip to Germany and smoked three cigars. More to elaborate on Germany but this post brings those who have interest in cigars: a review for the Alec Bradley Black Market. Ooh, the "model" name sounds so underworld.
I have quite a few Alec Bradley cigars in my humidor, the Black Market was on top and I just decided to pick it up smoke it.
(With the Band Removed)
Vitola: Robusto (5.25" x 54RG)
Price: $6 stick
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Four Countries
Aged in Humidor: The cigar has been in my humidor for two years and six months. And unknown time frame from those who sold it to me and manufacturer.
The wrapper is a dark with lighter tones and veins very apparent. It was firm with no flaws and only 10% softness. After two years and six months of aging it, it has probably changed construction due to humidity from it's solid shape when it was -new- but that's okay and gives the cigar character.
Tasting Notes:
The scent of the cigar has a deep aroma, strong yet not bold smell of aged tobacco with tea.
Lighting it with the butane lighter gives off a decent bold burning aroma.
1cm in brings notes of light leather and fresh ground bold coffee with a hint of light sweetness (sweetness not in the sugar sense but light caramelizing) on the back mix.
First is pretty much that with basic cigar notes. Ash falls at end of first.
Burn: Mild
Strength: Medium, hinting on Bold
Fumes: Medium
Ash: White Grey
Harshness: None unless the smoker does not enjoy leathery notes
Aromatic or Oder: Light to Medium
Begin second of third: Charred tobacco as if off the grill. A basic smoke like any cigar, still notes like the first. Mellow to on the rustic side. On the second think: char, less leathery, a bit of spice, peppery, a basic smoke.
Pretty much the same leading to the middle of the third with darker notes.
Average cigar, not worth $6. Worth a $4-$5 on a chill day with coffee, grilling chicken or with the morning coffee. Smoke time is a bit over an hour and I would rate it a 83.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Community Television Show Characters
I'm a good judge of character. I'm actually very good at interpreting certain traits and a person's character. But everyone has a side where they hide or behave differently when not around them. For example, you wouldn't behave the same way around your mother or boss as you would your childhood best friend would you? Maybe you would/could but sometimes people behave with a better control or show a little respect, depending how the relationship is. Besides the latter point a show I've been watching for the past year are reruns of Community the television show. Community is centered around a study group in Greendale Community College. It is a comedy and one reason I like the show is not so much for it's humor because it has it's hits and misses. But for the characters. The characters and the sociology behind it
Not the protagonist because each their own but the focal point is in how they socialize with one another based on the script but the leader of the pack, the alpha male, the numeral uno, the captain of the ship, the header nigger in charge, El Jefe, not really but sort of is Jeff Winger. He is a tall, athletic white male. He used the gift of gab, word or persuasion to be a good lawyer but didn't have the actual degree. So being ousted as a lawyer, he went back to Community College to see if he could get his degree. What makes Jeff a good lawyer? Again, he is the alpha male type but it's because of his strong 'Id' (Sigmund Freud's psychic) but his Super-Ego is in check to save him. His rational keeps the group together when there are arguments. He has Father issues and his persona comes from lack of attention when he was younger.
What are the key points in the way we behave in general in society: reward, acceptance (with that popularity or class status from friends, family, people we associate with). What if the last criteria does not matter, if a person is selfish or hedonistic prioritized and lacks a proper Ego...madness.
The second characters are Troy and Abed..."in the morning" (inside joke/pun for those who watch and are a fan like myself). Troy was a football star in High School but he faked injury in order to avoid the stardom or responsibility or whatever the reason, basically he avoided change or growing up, he was afraid of something. What is it about this psychological effect that we procrastinate? We put off things and are scared to handle/act on things we want or need achieving. Abed is Troy's right hand man, they compliment each other very well. It would seem Abed's character is like Spock from Star Trek, or like a humanoid robot. His fundamental actions are based off movies and television shows. That is also what many of the show's plots and references are based off of. Abed's brain switches into fantasy land sometimes: cartoons/animation. Between the two, they are like kid's, adult portraying characters that have not grown up and adapting to Community College life and those around them while still playing scenarios in their own fantasy world.
The last male character in the group is an old Pierce Hawthorne (played by Chevy Chase). He has good amount of money from a family business. He's old school racist and that's where the jokes come in. They use his old age to play old people jokes like faking a heart attack to get out of situations he doesn't want to be in. The group will exclude him from activities because he does terrible things and not very politically correct. He is not really the antagonist because he doesn't play the center villain in the show but he does sometimes and other times the outcome is that he is the hero.
I don't believe either females in the group play a center role, they all have their own important social importance in the group but Annie Edison is the supposedly innocent member of the group played by the super sexy Alison Brie. Her character is of a young semi-naive Jewish Caucasian girl. A girl that has the characteristics of an achiever. In studying this concept, certain children are brought up in a Eugenic family, usually parents that emphasize or use guilt to make their offspring achieve high status as adults. Being Asian myself, I know many Asian parents that emphasize on this principal. But Eugenic parents fall under all races because all parents want their kids to grow up with a better class status, some just are stricter at emphasizing than others. It's really a personal goal to achieve but it can also be pressured to.
The second female character in the study group is Britta Perry, the actor who portrays Britta is also very attractive. Britta is a rebel, fight the power, green peace, animal saving, environment activist loving character. In one episode she is depicted in her younger self with purple hair. In another episode she helps support Abed in fighting his father who is pushing Abed to study some form of medicine, I believe dentistry instead of Abed's focus on videography. What makes a person a rebel against society? I am. I can answer a few of those questions. I don't like conformity. I just don't fit in some formal structures. I never had parents that were strict. I don't like limits. I believe limits set safety and rationality but hinders growth and development. Those are my reasons, what are yours for breaking the law or not following the rules?
The last character of the study group to describe is Shirley Bennett. She is a highly devoted Christian woman. She values the Christian religion highly with acting on principals that resist the sins that surround her. I know these characteristics first hand for I was a devoted Christian myself with friends and family just like Shirley Bennett. I am not going into details on theology or religious thoughts here. However, I will state that religion is mostly inherited or marketed. Depending on where you're from, the type of religion is not a choice. And how strong your belief is is like love, how strong you feel about it, it can be built from hate, sorrow or need. It is a way of life because it is part of ones life. God is not a being that just pops into an average person's day (that would be a miraculous moment, it takes a miraculous reason to devote) and then word spreads, a believer will pass the word on. You are either the first hand person to encounter the miraculous or the one inheriting, being marketed the word, how far you take it is your own. Atheist rely along the lines of the Big Bang theory (not the television show, the scientific theory) or Quantum Mechanics. Life defined by a deity or science, what controls the creation or movements of the universe, the things in it including people. I pray and I believe in science. Who's to say God didn't make science. Who's to say due to lack of understanding science we believe in God, prove it. God has never appeared before me nor has science of man fully been discovered. I know where I stand in faith. Everyone has the right to their opinion. Only in lack of mutual acceptance and understanding will these Holy Wars never end.
Nothing to summarize, just pointing out Characters in a Community.
Not the protagonist because each their own but the focal point is in how they socialize with one another based on the script but the leader of the pack, the alpha male, the numeral uno, the captain of the ship, the header nigger in charge, El Jefe, not really but sort of is Jeff Winger. He is a tall, athletic white male. He used the gift of gab, word or persuasion to be a good lawyer but didn't have the actual degree. So being ousted as a lawyer, he went back to Community College to see if he could get his degree. What makes Jeff a good lawyer? Again, he is the alpha male type but it's because of his strong 'Id' (Sigmund Freud's psychic) but his Super-Ego is in check to save him. His rational keeps the group together when there are arguments. He has Father issues and his persona comes from lack of attention when he was younger.
What are the key points in the way we behave in general in society: reward, acceptance (with that popularity or class status from friends, family, people we associate with). What if the last criteria does not matter, if a person is selfish or hedonistic prioritized and lacks a proper Ego...madness.
The second characters are Troy and Abed..."in the morning" (inside joke/pun for those who watch and are a fan like myself). Troy was a football star in High School but he faked injury in order to avoid the stardom or responsibility or whatever the reason, basically he avoided change or growing up, he was afraid of something. What is it about this psychological effect that we procrastinate? We put off things and are scared to handle/act on things we want or need achieving. Abed is Troy's right hand man, they compliment each other very well. It would seem Abed's character is like Spock from Star Trek, or like a humanoid robot. His fundamental actions are based off movies and television shows. That is also what many of the show's plots and references are based off of. Abed's brain switches into fantasy land sometimes: cartoons/animation. Between the two, they are like kid's, adult portraying characters that have not grown up and adapting to Community College life and those around them while still playing scenarios in their own fantasy world.
The last male character in the group is an old Pierce Hawthorne (played by Chevy Chase). He has good amount of money from a family business. He's old school racist and that's where the jokes come in. They use his old age to play old people jokes like faking a heart attack to get out of situations he doesn't want to be in. The group will exclude him from activities because he does terrible things and not very politically correct. He is not really the antagonist because he doesn't play the center villain in the show but he does sometimes and other times the outcome is that he is the hero.
I don't believe either females in the group play a center role, they all have their own important social importance in the group but Annie Edison is the supposedly innocent member of the group played by the super sexy Alison Brie. Her character is of a young semi-naive Jewish Caucasian girl. A girl that has the characteristics of an achiever. In studying this concept, certain children are brought up in a Eugenic family, usually parents that emphasize or use guilt to make their offspring achieve high status as adults. Being Asian myself, I know many Asian parents that emphasize on this principal. But Eugenic parents fall under all races because all parents want their kids to grow up with a better class status, some just are stricter at emphasizing than others. It's really a personal goal to achieve but it can also be pressured to.
The second female character in the study group is Britta Perry, the actor who portrays Britta is also very attractive. Britta is a rebel, fight the power, green peace, animal saving, environment activist loving character. In one episode she is depicted in her younger self with purple hair. In another episode she helps support Abed in fighting his father who is pushing Abed to study some form of medicine, I believe dentistry instead of Abed's focus on videography. What makes a person a rebel against society? I am. I can answer a few of those questions. I don't like conformity. I just don't fit in some formal structures. I never had parents that were strict. I don't like limits. I believe limits set safety and rationality but hinders growth and development. Those are my reasons, what are yours for breaking the law or not following the rules?
The last character of the study group to describe is Shirley Bennett. She is a highly devoted Christian woman. She values the Christian religion highly with acting on principals that resist the sins that surround her. I know these characteristics first hand for I was a devoted Christian myself with friends and family just like Shirley Bennett. I am not going into details on theology or religious thoughts here. However, I will state that religion is mostly inherited or marketed. Depending on where you're from, the type of religion is not a choice. And how strong your belief is is like love, how strong you feel about it, it can be built from hate, sorrow or need. It is a way of life because it is part of ones life. God is not a being that just pops into an average person's day (that would be a miraculous moment, it takes a miraculous reason to devote) and then word spreads, a believer will pass the word on. You are either the first hand person to encounter the miraculous or the one inheriting, being marketed the word, how far you take it is your own. Atheist rely along the lines of the Big Bang theory (not the television show, the scientific theory) or Quantum Mechanics. Life defined by a deity or science, what controls the creation or movements of the universe, the things in it including people. I pray and I believe in science. Who's to say God didn't make science. Who's to say due to lack of understanding science we believe in God, prove it. God has never appeared before me nor has science of man fully been discovered. I know where I stand in faith. Everyone has the right to their opinion. Only in lack of mutual acceptance and understanding will these Holy Wars never end.
Nothing to summarize, just pointing out Characters in a Community.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Trinadad the Cigar Review
I have quite a bit of association with individuals from Trinadad, not sure why but I know that Chinese culture and food has incorporated into the country in the way of emigration to Trinadad. I don't know much about the West Indies except sugar caning, slavery, food, and that accent.
Wrong!
After a little more research, the cigar was named after a city in Cuba. I have had my taste of really good (the Behike 52) and a few lackluster (Cohiba Maduro) Cuban cigars including from ligitimate sources including Casa del Habana. The Trinadad (from 1998) did not fail in quality.
Vitola: Fundadores (7 1/2" x 40RG)
Price: Rare
Wrapper: Cuban Habano
Binder: Cuban Habano
Filler: Cuban Habano
Aged in Humidor: Unknown from it's source, but certainly over 2 years in my humidor
Appearance and Construction:
The entire cigar is thin and has a dark brown with a a bit of an oily wrapper showing it's almost crinkling tobacco leaf it came from reminiscing old school philosophers who smoked thin pipes. I would call it a old man cigar because of it's appearance and the image from those old schoolers that smoked it. It is still very intact and well off, not dried, not loose and no overly tight. The band is so simple.
Tasting Notes:
Pre-light: I like the way this cigar smells out of the humidor: light woody. I always say this but in this case it is exceptionally true: you can smell the fine refined rustic soil it comes from. The cold draw is of a floral spice.
I cut the pigtail and light with the butane lighter circling and it lights easily.
The initial lighting brings out a medium notes of dark roast of cocoa and coffee beans on wood.
1cm in comes an aged refined sweetness of tobacco.
The first inch gives an aroma of dark coffee that brings a scene from old guys sitting in a Cuban coffee or liquor spot smoking one of these discussing the economy or politics. Somewhere in the first third I get a cool like airy tea like softness but that's a short note. And the cocoa/coffee notes are still present. There's a cinnamon reminder and spice on on the intake. The ash holds for two inches.
The beginning of the second has the note of over roasted coffee.
The third does not change much but the notes from the second and third are still there: dark roast, spice, light floral, coffee aromas.
Overall status of each category:
Burn: Mild
Strength: Mild with Points of Boldness
Fumes: Light
Ash: Dark Grey
Harshness: Only one or two points midway giving a reminder of burnt coal
Aromatic or Oder: Not heavy, medium
2 and a Half Hour Smoke
Recommended: Yes, excellent: 98 rating just like it's year. The description alone does not represent it's quality. It was my privilege to smoke you Trinadad.
Wrong!
After a little more research, the cigar was named after a city in Cuba. I have had my taste of really good (the Behike 52) and a few lackluster (Cohiba Maduro) Cuban cigars including from ligitimate sources including Casa del Habana. The Trinadad (from 1998) did not fail in quality.
Vitola: Fundadores (7 1/2" x 40RG)
Price: Rare
Wrapper: Cuban Habano
Binder: Cuban Habano
Filler: Cuban Habano
Aged in Humidor: Unknown from it's source, but certainly over 2 years in my humidor
The entire cigar is thin and has a dark brown with a a bit of an oily wrapper showing it's almost crinkling tobacco leaf it came from reminiscing old school philosophers who smoked thin pipes. I would call it a old man cigar because of it's appearance and the image from those old schoolers that smoked it. It is still very intact and well off, not dried, not loose and no overly tight. The band is so simple.
Tasting Notes:
Pre-light: I like the way this cigar smells out of the humidor: light woody. I always say this but in this case it is exceptionally true: you can smell the fine refined rustic soil it comes from. The cold draw is of a floral spice.
I cut the pigtail and light with the butane lighter circling and it lights easily.
The initial lighting brings out a medium notes of dark roast of cocoa and coffee beans on wood.
1cm in comes an aged refined sweetness of tobacco.
The first inch gives an aroma of dark coffee that brings a scene from old guys sitting in a Cuban coffee or liquor spot smoking one of these discussing the economy or politics. Somewhere in the first third I get a cool like airy tea like softness but that's a short note. And the cocoa/coffee notes are still present. There's a cinnamon reminder and spice on on the intake. The ash holds for two inches.
The beginning of the second has the note of over roasted coffee.
The third does not change much but the notes from the second and third are still there: dark roast, spice, light floral, coffee aromas.
Overall status of each category:
Burn: Mild
Strength: Mild with Points of Boldness
Fumes: Light
Ash: Dark Grey
Harshness: Only one or two points midway giving a reminder of burnt coal
Aromatic or Oder: Not heavy, medium
2 and a Half Hour Smoke
Recommended: Yes, excellent: 98 rating just like it's year. The description alone does not represent it's quality. It was my privilege to smoke you Trinadad.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Camacho Havana Diademas Cigar Review
Macho, Macho man!
So I bought a 10 pack of these Camacho Havana Diademas...
I am so exited because the box is crafted so nicely, in yellow with gold lettering. I open the box and wowed even more because each one is wrapped in a golden snake patterned outer material. There are two bands, the one that holds the golden snake skin material and the one on the cigar itself. I take the band off the golden snake pattern wrapping and under there is a second white paper wrapping. I finally get to the cigar itself there's the second band on the cigar. So these cigars are double banded and double gift wrapped. But before even that, when I first opened the box I got hit with a strong whiff of spice and cinnamon as a tobacco scent. Each one smells like very nice aged sweet cinnamon tobacco leaf. The scent from the whole box is a combination of each cigar.
This cigar looks a little like a slimmer club that a cave man back in the day used or like a submarine. The end where you light it has a nipple (I like nipple shaped cigar ends, it makes it easier to light it: one center point to get it going rather than like cigars where the ring gauge is evenly shaped throughout the cigar). The cap where you cut off and the end where you light is not the ring gauge they call a 60. They must refer to the fattest part of the cigar right below the end. The cap's ring gauge is small, I would say the diameter less than a dime.
It is a Salomon shaped cigar
My first was on December 2012 and I had smoked a handful between now and then. It's now June 2014 and I believe from what I can recall is my fourth one. I had gifted a couple away. There are three more out of the original ten in the box.
Tasting Notes:
The aroma that emits off the wrapper is very nice, sort of like a refined light scent of cinnamon stick with a light hint of pepper or spice. The cold draw is loose and of wood-like and a hint of spice. The most recent cold draw is of the same but also comes with a light sweet cinnamon spice. Lighting it with the butane lighter is easy with the nipple as a fuse.
With the above introduction to what I would consider one of my top ten cigars is a sweet (aged) cinnamon like spice on the aged tobacco, a well refined taste of the tobacco leaf it's made from. Another one of those cigars you can feel the soil it comes from. It's very toasty with a coolness to the puffs. The last of the first is a bit dark toast but not too dark, it has a very nice grilled tobacco note on the last of the third.
The second is less refined, some of the profile from the first dies down and it gets rather toasty with puffs of a cool airiness. The black cherry hints remain lightly now and then and with rotation of toasty dark coffee.
The third has a toasty dark coffee note also, less of the spicy cinnamon and dark cherry notes, more so of toast and dark coffee bean. No harshness of tannin, but deep and dark. There are cigars that do not have good ending but this cigar didn't. I had no problem savoring to the very last inch or savory darkness.
Besides the presentation I like these, they are enjoyable to smoke because of it's smoothness, no harsh spots, it's strong and has a good character. I rate them a 97.
So I bought a 10 pack of these Camacho Havana Diademas...
I am so exited because the box is crafted so nicely, in yellow with gold lettering. I open the box and wowed even more because each one is wrapped in a golden snake patterned outer material. There are two bands, the one that holds the golden snake skin material and the one on the cigar itself. I take the band off the golden snake pattern wrapping and under there is a second white paper wrapping. I finally get to the cigar itself there's the second band on the cigar. So these cigars are double banded and double gift wrapped. But before even that, when I first opened the box I got hit with a strong whiff of spice and cinnamon as a tobacco scent. Each one smells like very nice aged sweet cinnamon tobacco leaf. The scent from the whole box is a combination of each cigar.
This cigar looks a little like a slimmer club that a cave man back in the day used or like a submarine. The end where you light it has a nipple (I like nipple shaped cigar ends, it makes it easier to light it: one center point to get it going rather than like cigars where the ring gauge is evenly shaped throughout the cigar). The cap where you cut off and the end where you light is not the ring gauge they call a 60. They must refer to the fattest part of the cigar right below the end. The cap's ring gauge is small, I would say the diameter less than a dime.
It is a Salomon shaped cigar
My first was on December 2012 and I had smoked a handful between now and then. It's now June 2014 and I believe from what I can recall is my fourth one. I had gifted a couple away. There are three more out of the original ten in the box.
Vitola: Salomon (8.0" x 60RG)
Price: $11.00 to Sold Out/Limited Supply per cigar
Wrapper: Honduran (Cuban Origin) Criollo
Binder: Honduran (Cuban Origin) Corojo
Filler: Honduran (Cuban Origin) Corojo
Aged in Humidor: 1 Year 6 Months
Appearance and Construction:
A little uneven with noticeable veins with a dark complexion yet not too dark.
I made one mistake with these, I kept them in the box instead of a humidor.
They have dried a little but not a bad dried out, luckily I keep up with the humidity the best I can.
Draw: Just Right
Aroma: Medium
Ash: Medium grey, a little flaky but it held in a uniform cone to about 2 inches
Fumes: Medium
Burn: Perfect with a speckle of uneven
Boldness: Just Right
Harshness: I didn't notice any, not at all even to the bitter end, none
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: It does have it's points where the notes change but not overly so, yes, a little
Harshness: I didn't notice any, not at all even to the bitter end, none
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: It does have it's points where the notes change but not overly so, yes, a little
Tasting Notes:
The aroma that emits off the wrapper is very nice, sort of like a refined light scent of cinnamon stick with a light hint of pepper or spice. The cold draw is loose and of wood-like and a hint of spice. The most recent cold draw is of the same but also comes with a light sweet cinnamon spice. Lighting it with the butane lighter is easy with the nipple as a fuse.
Initial light: A spicy dried black cherry on wood.
1 cm in: It's like a toasted brownie with wood notes
1 cm in: It's like a toasted brownie with wood notes
With the above introduction to what I would consider one of my top ten cigars is a sweet (aged) cinnamon like spice on the aged tobacco, a well refined taste of the tobacco leaf it's made from. Another one of those cigars you can feel the soil it comes from. It's very toasty with a coolness to the puffs. The last of the first is a bit dark toast but not too dark, it has a very nice grilled tobacco note on the last of the third.
The second is less refined, some of the profile from the first dies down and it gets rather toasty with puffs of a cool airiness. The black cherry hints remain lightly now and then and with rotation of toasty dark coffee.
The third has a toasty dark coffee note also, less of the spicy cinnamon and dark cherry notes, more so of toast and dark coffee bean. No harshness of tannin, but deep and dark. There are cigars that do not have good ending but this cigar didn't. I had no problem savoring to the very last inch or savory darkness.
Besides the presentation I like these, they are enjoyable to smoke because of it's smoothness, no harsh spots, it's strong and has a good character. I rate them a 97.
Monday, June 16, 2014
My Father by Don Pepin Garcia No. 1 Cigar Review
Happy Post-Father's Day!
I didn't have time to photo fresh cigar photos, maybe when I get the chance but I have a simple snapshot off my phone when I was puffing away...so without further ado, this is the Garcia family "My Father" cigar, supposed named in honor by Jaime to his father Jose Pepin Garcia. My father has always been a very basic person, work (save to support the family), eat simple, gamble a little in Mahjong, watch sports and love the family, so I try to honor him when I can. He doesn't smoke cigars. But for all the dad's that do take care of their kids well...
The
background of the father's cigars, Jose Pepin, has a good reputation
and the name just brings enthusiasm in wanting to try such an honor. I
tried this cigar when I first got it, didn't take notes like so many
cigars. I just enjoyed them without a thought but I remembered it being
good and then again yesterday on Father's Day, I'll bring you the notes
for the second cigar.
I had a five pack of the No. 1
Tasting Notes:
Before I leave it in the humidor out of the clear wrap for a few months, I take a whiff of the foot while still clear wrapped is if of caramelized/aged almost sweet tobacco. One of the cigars you can taste the soil it comes from. The cold draw is a light spice especially a little tingle when touching the tip of my tongue.
(1) Grassy
(2) Sweet in a aged tobacco leaf
(3) Just to throw it out there during it's first impression from a smell of the wrapper before even lighting it is like a sweet potato pie (I think the aroma has been building up)
The first half is as described with a toasty, aged sweetness of tobacco leaf, hints of caramel, a nice sweet buttery aroma and occasional hints of spice, woody (cedar) and tobacco.
Up to the second of third half and the fumes are a gentle, slowing down a bit as I let it rest with a nice calmer profile in taste than the first. Still toasty, lighter in the caramel-like notes and a airy buttery profile to compliment. This is where I notice the speckle of uneven burn midway through the second and I touch it up and after a few more minutes at about 2.5" the ash drops, I am being gentle.
Forgive me for adding some notes because I'm also reflecting on life as I sit back and enjoy each puff... Like a bonsai tree to know where to cut, know the things in life to keeps things at bay or as they are when they are beautiful or at it's joy. I'm also reminded of a quote that without knowing harshness there's no sweetness in life. This cigar has very little harshness and that little speckle of uneven burn is part of life's beauty.
I'll end the last part of the second with dissipating caramel sweetness, still toasty but it gets a feeling like I'm smoking a average cigarette or cheap cigar now. I'm losing interest.
I leave it alone to rest for a few minutes then bring the butane lighter and bring it back to life as it dies out a bit.
On relighting the third I get a a deep charcoal toast and then as I let it burn a tranquil buttery toasty profile comes back with the a dark toasty caramel on tobacco. It has a different aroma this time, a little less enjoyable. It's the same profile but faded and more rustic. It's profile is bolder with a tannin note. It's complexity is somewhere in between liking and not liking. It comes and goes with blandness of an average cigar to bits of dark toast. Down to a little less than 2 inches left and I'm not really enjoying the cigar any more. It's dark almost like toasting wood charcoal. Overall I'd rate this a 91 cigar, enjoyable, no real harsh spots but be aware of upper medium to dark boldness.
I also have much respect for the positive things that outshine the negative things my father does, in the same naming honor
I didn't have time to photo fresh cigar photos, maybe when I get the chance but I have a simple snapshot off my phone when I was puffing away...so without further ado, this is the Garcia family "My Father" cigar, supposed named in honor by Jaime to his father Jose Pepin Garcia. My father has always been a very basic person, work (save to support the family), eat simple, gamble a little in Mahjong, watch sports and love the family, so I try to honor him when I can. He doesn't smoke cigars. But for all the dad's that do take care of their kids well...
I had a five pack of the No. 1
Vitola: Robusto (5.25" x 52RG)
Price: $10.00
Wrapper: Ecuador (Cuban Origin) Habano
Binder:Nicaragua (Cuban Origin)
Filler: Nicaragua (Cuban Origin)
Aged in Humidor: 1 Year 6 Months
Appearance and Construction:
It's built well not too tight though. The cigar looks like any other cigar similar to the others from Esteli.
The wrapper is a tan color.
Draw: A bit on the loose side but it's right
Aroma: Medium aged sweetness with hints of a buttery scent
Ash: Light grey with a little flaking, no black burn rings, there are ripples but rolled evenly
Fumes: Medium
Burn: A speckle of uneven
Boldness: Medium
Harshness: Only light bitterness at the end
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: It does have it's points where the notes change but not overly so
Harshness: Only light bitterness at the end
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: It does have it's points where the notes change but not overly so
Tasting Notes:
Before I leave it in the humidor out of the clear wrap for a few months, I take a whiff of the foot while still clear wrapped is if of caramelized/aged almost sweet tobacco. One of the cigars you can taste the soil it comes from. The cold draw is a light spice especially a little tingle when touching the tip of my tongue.
(1) Grassy
(2) Sweet in a aged tobacco leaf
(3) Just to throw it out there during it's first impression from a smell of the wrapper before even lighting it is like a sweet potato pie (I think the aroma has been building up)
Initial light (circling with butane lighter): Toasty caramel-like creamy air of well aged tobacco leaf, smooth.
1 cm in: notes of dark candy
1 cm in: notes of dark candy
The first half is as described with a toasty, aged sweetness of tobacco leaf, hints of caramel, a nice sweet buttery aroma and occasional hints of spice, woody (cedar) and tobacco.
Up to the second of third half and the fumes are a gentle, slowing down a bit as I let it rest with a nice calmer profile in taste than the first. Still toasty, lighter in the caramel-like notes and a airy buttery profile to compliment. This is where I notice the speckle of uneven burn midway through the second and I touch it up and after a few more minutes at about 2.5" the ash drops, I am being gentle.
Forgive me for adding some notes because I'm also reflecting on life as I sit back and enjoy each puff... Like a bonsai tree to know where to cut, know the things in life to keeps things at bay or as they are when they are beautiful or at it's joy. I'm also reminded of a quote that without knowing harshness there's no sweetness in life. This cigar has very little harshness and that little speckle of uneven burn is part of life's beauty.
I'll end the last part of the second with dissipating caramel sweetness, still toasty but it gets a feeling like I'm smoking a average cigarette or cheap cigar now. I'm losing interest.
I leave it alone to rest for a few minutes then bring the butane lighter and bring it back to life as it dies out a bit.
On relighting the third I get a a deep charcoal toast and then as I let it burn a tranquil buttery toasty profile comes back with the a dark toasty caramel on tobacco. It has a different aroma this time, a little less enjoyable. It's the same profile but faded and more rustic. It's profile is bolder with a tannin note. It's complexity is somewhere in between liking and not liking. It comes and goes with blandness of an average cigar to bits of dark toast. Down to a little less than 2 inches left and I'm not really enjoying the cigar any more. It's dark almost like toasting wood charcoal. Overall I'd rate this a 91 cigar, enjoyable, no real harsh spots but be aware of upper medium to dark boldness.
I also have much respect for the positive things that outshine the negative things my father does, in the same naming honor
Monday, June 2, 2014
Arturo Fuente - Short Story Cigar Review
I've been trying to layoff cigar reviews due to the fact that I have not been indulging in smoking because it's bad for ones health, so since January 2014 until today-the fresh start of June, I had decided to enjoy a sunny day with a smoke I had a year back: Arturo Fuente's Short Story.
Arturo Fuente had an connection and esteemed respect for the way Earnest Hemingway lived. It would seem as I am reading they knew each other. Or at the very least crossed paths with one another. Hemingway's stories have cross my path and I also have esteemed respect or a high interest in Hemingway's stories, especially his short stories, for example: 'A Clean Well-Lighted Place' is my favorite. So it would be no absence of good marketing or honor in me grabbing a smoke named in such.
The cigar lives up to it's name because just like a short story, it's short.
Tasting Notes:
Normally I would break down the first, second and third profile but I don't believe the Short Story needs that for it is a short smoke like it's name with a tasting profile that does not change throughout the cigar. It is pretty much it's name a short story, one hour of your time for strong tobacco notes and a bit of raisin notes in the mix.
I would not buy any more of these for it's price tag. Don't get me wrong it's a solid, smooth, smoke from very good tobacco but the profile was just too plain for my taste. Rating: 79
Arturo Fuente had an connection and esteemed respect for the way Earnest Hemingway lived. It would seem as I am reading they knew each other. Or at the very least crossed paths with one another. Hemingway's stories have cross my path and I also have esteemed respect or a high interest in Hemingway's stories, especially his short stories, for example: 'A Clean Well-Lighted Place' is my favorite. So it would be no absence of good marketing or honor in me grabbing a smoke named in such.
The cigar lives up to it's name because just like a short story, it's short.
Vitola: Perfecto (4.0" x 49RG)
Price: $5.80 to $6.60 per cigar
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Aged in Humidor: 1 Year 6 Months
Appearance and Construction:
Well the complexion does look Cameroon, a well wrapped, uniform, tight in the cap, all around down to a nice rolling to the nipple end. There are highly noticeable veins. It's band is like a red ribbon awarded to best of show. The question is it?
It's still packed tight after being in my humidor for 6 months over a year. I begin as usual by taking in the aroma of the wrapper and it gives off a aged sweetness like most decent cigars should. The cold draw is a leafy tobacco. As I light it easily with my butane lighter: the initial scent is a medium aroma of dark burning tobacco.
Draw: Loose but not too loose
Aroma: Medium to Light
Ash: Grey and White, rippled like a cone of Shawarma meat
Fumes: Yes, quite a bit especially on puffing but not like a chimney
Burn: Uneven
and inconsistent, it never gave out
Boldness: Bold but not heavily
Harshness: It's point of view, do you like a deep, sort of burnt note occassionally, some call it chard. Do you like a raison, not so sweet taste in your cigar occasionally?
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: Not much
Harshness: It's point of view, do you like a deep, sort of burnt note occassionally, some call it chard. Do you like a raison, not so sweet taste in your cigar occasionally?
Strength: Medium to Lightly Strong
Complexity: Not much
Tasting Notes:
1 cm in: I get a bit of a raisin along with a medium dark tobacco note.
Normally I would break down the first, second and third profile but I don't believe the Short Story needs that for it is a short smoke like it's name with a tasting profile that does not change throughout the cigar. It is pretty much it's name a short story, one hour of your time for strong tobacco notes and a bit of raisin notes in the mix.
I would not buy any more of these for it's price tag. Don't get me wrong it's a solid, smooth, smoke from very good tobacco but the profile was just too plain for my taste. Rating: 79
Red Savina Pepper Review
As a followup to the previous article on Hot Sauce, the day after an unknown pepper was brought in. It is a Red Savina pepper (350,000-580,000 Scoville) variety of the Habanero. It is rated on the Scoville chart hotter than the Scotch Bonnet (100,000-350,000 Scoville) and below the Ghost pepper aka Bhut Jolokia - Naga Jolokia (About 1,000,000 Scoville).
Pop it in my mouth like if it were nothing, like a cherry with 350,000 to 580,000 Scoville(s) of heat behind it. Now, I haven't done this in a long time (over ten years), pop a whole Habanero pepper and just chew on it with the rind, seeds, veins and all, well I tossed the stem.
I give it thirty seconds and nothing, I'm waiting because I know the heat will be there in another minute, BAM! It's stinging thirty seconds after the first thirty seconds of nothing. It is like a someone brushed some lighter fluid around my mouth and lit it with matches. And it intensifies gradually and stays on the tongue, on the roof and around the mouth for about five minutes even after drinking a few cups of water and a cup of milk. I had let it sit for two minutes of burning trying to be a tough manly man, I finally gave way and drank those few glasses of water and a cup of milk to dissipate the scorching feeling. The heat is like a bell curve on a graph gradually going up and stays stinging for a little over five minutes before it goes down but afterwards my eyes were wide awake. The whole ordeal is ten to fifteen minutes of whoohoo! During, my eyes were a little red and so was my face, I had watery eyes.
Flavor: Peppery Gas
Heat: 5 Points
Affect: Over five minutes of a burning linger
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