CigarBanter

Cigar Banter => Daily Cigar Deals Discussion => Topic started by: CigarBanter on February 19, 2025, 12:06:52 AM

Title: 2/19/2025
Post by: CigarBanter on February 19, 2025, 12:06:52 AM
Any hump day deals on the various internet sites that are worth talking about? Join in this discussion and perhaps learn something along the way. Warning: don't proceed if you have thin skin but don't be afraid to post either... And welcome aboard.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:12:31 AM
Morning, humps. Happy PayDayWednesday.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:13:09 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:14:01 AM
Sis:

Door #1 - Rocky Patel The Edge Habano Toro - 10/39.99

Door #2 - La Perla Habana White Pearl Robusto - 10/29.99

Door #3 - Gurkha Beauty (Gordo) - 15/64.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:33:52 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:34:21 AM
Gettin' ABs in the rotation early.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 06:34:29 AM
Morning, humps. Happy PayDayWednesday.
Woohoo! Good morning, Dave.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 06:35:31 AM
Gettin' ABs in the rotation early.
We're humping and jamming, it's gonna be a great day.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 06:42:26 AM
We're expecting a bunch of snow tomorrow, but it's damn cold today. Sheesh.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/f7eb85b4f8190e86b4feaa2a7fe68b6b.jpg)
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:43:35 AM
We're expecting a bunch of snow tomorrow, but it's damn cold today. Sheesh.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/f7eb85b4f8190e86b4feaa2a7fe68b6b.jpg)
Same here, another day we won't crack 20.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:43:45 AM
Many extras

Strands #353
“Pick your own prefix”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:44:05 AM
Connections
Puzzle #619
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 06:46:05 AM
 Connections: Sports Edition
 Puzzle #149
 🟣🟣🟣🟣
 🟢🟢🟢🟢
 🟡🟡🟡🟡
 🔵🔵🔵🔵
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 06:54:09 AM
I missed playing the Mini crossword yesterday. I hate the fact that the game switches at 10:pm EST during the week and 6:pm on the weekends.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 07:08:51 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 07:08:59 AM
I missed playing the Mini crossword yesterday. I hate the fact that the game switches at 10:pm EST during the week and 6:pm on the weekends.
That's just stupid.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 07:23:40 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:05:48 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 08:14:04 AM
Commute was a breeze this morning. I give credit to the jamming ABs of earlier.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 08:16:48 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 08:22:01 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while.
Sorry, brother. You must have a lot on your mind.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:23:46 AM
Commute was a breeze this morning. I give credit to the jamming ABs of earlier.
No question.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:24:04 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while.
That sucks. Morning, Page2Raz.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:24:31 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 08:36:55 AM
We're expecting a bunch of snow tomorrow, but it's damn cold today. Sheesh.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/f7eb85b4f8190e86b4feaa2a7fe68b6b.jpg)
Same here, another day we won't crack 20.
Still cold, but it looks like the big storm is going to miss us. I'll take it.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:40:15 AM
We're expecting a bunch of snow tomorrow, but it's damn cold today. Sheesh.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/f7eb85b4f8190e86b4feaa2a7fe68b6b.jpg)
Same here, another day we won't crack 20.
Still cold, but it looks like the big storm is going to miss us. I'll take it.
That's good news. I'm hoping the big storms are over now. The lake is mostly frozen over, so lake effect snow shouldn't be a thing anymore. The last one kinda came from the southwest, which is unusual, but the shovel doesn't know the difference.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 08:56:31 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:14:24 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:14:56 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
Hard to beat a good discount. And you don't have to look like some sort of trendy douche hanging out at Starbucks.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:15:42 AM
♫ And he's got the biggest, hauls of them all! ♫

https://www.cigarpage.com/big-brands-stacked-up.html
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:25:35 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Camacho Ecuador Robusto - 5/22.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:26:17 AM
Company results for January look very good. That usually means a huge drop in the market, for some reason. I'll be curious to see how it looks when the markets open.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:31:25 AM
We're expecting a bunch of snow tomorrow, but it's damn cold today. Sheesh.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/f7eb85b4f8190e86b4feaa2a7fe68b6b.jpg)
Same here, another day we won't crack 20.
Yea only 44 here currently.  Enough of this winter!
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:33:28 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while.
Sorry, brother. You must have a lot on your mind.
He just knew there would be a jam today.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 09:35:10 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while.
Sorry, brother. You must have a lot on your mind.
He just knew there would be a jam today.
He couldn't wait to move on from the twofer mess they gave us yesterday.

Morning, NoLongerAPNewsDave.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:47:55 AM
♫ And he's got the biggest, hauls of them all! ♫

https://www.cigarpage.com/big-brands-stacked-up.html
Did I ever mention how much I enjoy the cut and paste alphabetical order of their listings?
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:48:44 AM
Morning, Muchachos. 

Insomnia.  Haven't had it in a while.
Sorry, brother. You must have a lot on your mind.
He just knew there would be a jam today.
He couldn't wait to move on from the twofer mess they gave us yesterday.

Morning, NoLongerAPNewsDave.
If Trumpf is gonna ban them, so am I !
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:49:36 AM
Things rolling along here, missed page two and almost page 3.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:52:34 AM
Today is Wednesday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2025
with 315 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.



On this date in history:


In 1878, Thomas Edison patented the first gramophone. Edison, who also invented the incandescent light bulb and motion picture camera, died in 1931.

In 1922, vaudeville star Ed Wynn became the first big name in show business to sign for a regular radio show.

In 1942, as a security measure during World War II, the U.S. government began relocating Japanese-Americans living in coastal Pacific areas to internment camps in remote areas of several states. They were allowed to return to their homes in January 1945.

In 1945, U.S. Marines landed on the island of Iwo Jima, opening one of the major battles in the Pacific during World War II.

In 1981, the United States blamed insurgency in El Salvador on communist powers arming leftist guerrillas.

In 1986, the Soviet Union launched the Mir space station. It was occupied for 10 of its 15 years in orbit.

In 1997, China's "paramount leader" Deng Xiaoping died at age 92.

In 2003, all 275 people aboard an Iranian military transport plane were killed when it crashed in a mountainous region of southeastern Iran.

In 2005, U.S. Roman Catholic officials said they received 1,092 charges of clergy sex abuse, most involving boys.

In 2008, Cuban President Fidel Castro, 81, who temporarily handed power to his brother, Raul, in July 2006, because of illness, stepped down permanently after 49 years in power. Raul, 76, then formally succeeded him.

In 2020, a gunman opened fire at multiple locations, including two bars, in Hanau, Germany, killing 10 people, then himself. Authorities said the perpetrator was a far-right extremist who targeted hookah bars frequented by Turkish-Kurdish customers.

In 2023, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the Daytona 500 in double overtime after a slew of late wrecks that pushed the race to a record 212 laps in Daytona, Fla. Former NBA player Brad Daugherty became the first Black owner to win the Daytona 500 and part-owner Jodi Geschickter became the first woman.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 09:54:44 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
I had a Nespresso and liked it. One day it seized up on me and I am no longer able to put pods into it. It's currently sitting in my appliance cemetery in the basement. My plan is to attempt to repair it. I bought my wife a new machine that matches the appliances we put in when we updated the kitchen. Turns out it makes a good cup of coffee.

This is the new machine which grinds the beans before brewing the coffee (no pods).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/44af816f083a26bb24caeff39ade8622.jpg)
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 09:55:32 AM
♫ And he's got the biggest, hauls of them all! ♫

https://www.cigarpage.com/big-brands-stacked-up.html
I got that AC/DC reference.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:56:33 AM
Today's Birthdays

Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include:

 astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1473;
artist Constantin Brancusi in 1876;
actor Merle Oberon in 1911;
writer Carson McCullers in 1917;
actor Lee Marvin in 1924;
filmmaker John Frankenheimer in 1930;
musician Smokey Robinson (Miracles) in 1940 (age 85);
musician Lou Christie in 1943 (age 82);
musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) in 1948 (age 77);
writer Amy Tan in 1952 (age 73);
actor Jeff Daniels in 1955 (age 70);
actor Leslie David Baker in 1958 (age 67);
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 1959 (age 66);
Britain's Prince Andrew in 1960 (age 65);
musician Seal in 1963 (age 62);
musician Jon Fishman (Phish) in 1965 (age 60);
actor Justine Bateman in 1966 (age 59);
actor Benicio Del Toro in 1967 (age 58);
actor Bellamy Young in 1970 (age 55);
writer Jeff Kinney in 1971 (age 54);
actor Eric Lange in 1973 (age 52);
musician Daniel Adair (Nickelback/3 Doors Down) in 1975 (age 50);
actor/musician Haylie Duff in 1985 (age 40);
actor Arielle Kebbel in 1985 (age 40);
actor Sam Reid in 1987 (age 38);
actor Victoria Justice in 1993 (age 32);
tennis player Katharina Gerlach in 1998 (age 27);
musician Chappell Roan in 1998 (age 27);
musician Jungwoo (NCT) in 1998 (age 27);
actor David Mazouz in 2001 (age 24);
actor Millie Bobby Brown in 2004 (age 21).
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 09:58:09 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
Hard to beat a good discount. And you don't have to look like some sort of trendy douche hanging out at Starbucks.
The atmosphere at the Nespresso Boutique is more geeky than trendy, so I fit right in, other than I'm old. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 09:58:30 AM
Today's Over/Under is 11
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 10:01:23 AM
Today's Birthdays

Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include:

 astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1473;
artist Constantin Brancusi in 1876;
actor Merle Oberon in 1911;
writer Carson McCullers in 1917;
actor Lee Marvin in 1924;
filmmaker John Frankenheimer in 1930;
musician Smokey Robinson (Miracles) in 1940 (age 85);
musician Lou Christie in 1943 (age 82);
musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) in 1948 (age 77);
writer Amy Tan in 1952 (age 73);
actor Jeff Daniels in 1955 (age 70);
actor Leslie David Baker in 1958 (age 67);
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 1959 (age 66);
Britain's Prince Andrew in 1960 (age 65);
musician Seal in 1963 (age 62);

musician Jon Fishman (Phish) in 1965 (age 60);
actor Justine Bateman in 1966 (age 59);
actor Benicio Del Toro in 1967 (age 58);

actor Bellamy Young in 1970 (age 55);
writer Jeff Kinney in 1971 (age 54);
actor Eric Lange in 1973 (age 52);
musician Daniel Adair (Nickelback/3 Doors Down) in 1975 (age 50);
actor/musician Haylie Duff in 1985 (age 40);
actor Arielle Kebbel in 1985 (age 40);
actor Sam Reid in 1987 (age 38);
actor Victoria Justice in 1993 (age 32);
tennis player Katharina Gerlach in 1998 (age 27);
musician Chappell Roan in 1998 (age 27);
musician Jungwoo (NCT) in 1998 (age 27);
actor David Mazouz in 2001 (age 24);
actor Millie Bobby Brown in 2004 (age 21).
Ten, and a bunch of faceless names.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:02:37 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
I had a Nespresso and liked it. One day it seized up on me and I am no longer able to put pods into it. It's currently sitting in my appliance cemetery in the basement. My plan is to attempt to repair it. I bought my wife a new machine that matches the appliances we put in when we updated the kitchen. Turns out it makes a good cup of coffee.

This is the new machine which grinds the beans before brewing the coffee (no pods).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/44af816f083a26bb24caeff39ade8622.jpg)
Purdy!

I have a Keureg and use it occasionally in a pinch, but to me all K-cup and pod coffee tastes like K-cup coffee.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 10:04:08 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
Hard to beat a good discount. And you don't have to look like some sort of trendy douche hanging out at Starbucks.
The atmosphere at the Nespresso Boutique is more geeky than trendy, so I fit right in, other than I'm old.
Perfect. I'd also accept nerdy over trendy.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 10:04:28 AM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
I had a Nespresso and liked it. One day it seized up on me and I am no longer able to put pods into it. It's currently sitting in my appliance cemetery in the basement. My plan is to attempt to repair it. I bought my wife a new machine that matches the appliances we put in when we updated the kitchen. Turns out it makes a good cup of coffee.

This is the new machine which grinds the beans before brewing the coffee (no pods).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/44af816f083a26bb24caeff39ade8622.jpg)
Looks very fancy, I like it.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 10:05:10 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Camacho Ecuador Robusto - 5/22.50
Diesel Wicked Witches Brew Figurado - 10/42.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 10:17:26 AM
Today's Over/Under is 11
12
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:29:22 AM
La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press Robusto
(5.5"x50)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $8.99 per cigar

In Stock
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.50
per cigar
$34.99 total price
Save 61%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 10:30:02 AM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:30:58 AM
Better get the birthday ladies up before we get to page 5...
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:31:29 AM
and...
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:32:04 AM
with...
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 10:47:22 AM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
Sounds like a good plan to me.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:53:02 AM
Diesel Unlimited Maduro d.5
(5.5"x54)Pack of 5
| MSRP: $9.15 per cigar

In Stock
4.61 out of 5
BUY 5+ CIGARS
$4.00
per cigar
$19.99 total price
Save 56%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:54:39 AM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
You haven't bought a guitar or a gun in quite a while.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 11:28:20 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Camacho Ecuador Robusto - 5/22.50
Diesel Wicked Witches Brew Figurado - 10/42.50
Espinosa Habano No. 4 - 10/44.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 11:46:29 AM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
You haven't bought a guitar or a gun in quite a while.
It's become an issue of space.  The gun safe is crowded, so it's been over two years since I last bought a firearm. I've been stockpiling ammo, some.  I still want to get a Colt Python in blued finish.  But I've been so focused on music that I haven't spent much time with the firearms. 

I spent a lot of money on guitar gear last year.  Four amplifiers, two guitar builds, three preamps, two speaker cabinets, a couple of speakers, and five or six pedals that I can recall offhand.  Some tubes and various maintenance work.  A tape echo unit in January.  I was a bit off the hook, celebrating no longer having to pay tuition bills.  But, again, it starts becoming an issue of space. So I've called a moratorium.  There's only one guitar-related purchase left on the bucket list - an heirloom-quality acoustic guitar.  The retirement guitar.  It'll be spendy.  I'm saving up for that.

This year I'll focus on the studio, and get back to shooting more. Hence my focus on financial goals, and doubling the amount of money I put into investments. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 11:55:31 AM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Camacho Ecuador Robusto - 5/22.50
Diesel Wicked Witches Brew Figurado - 10/42.50
Espinosa Habano No. 4 - 10/44.99
Alec Bradley Black Market Vandal Belicoso - 10/37.50
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 11:56:03 AM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
You haven't bought a guitar or a gun in quite a while.
It's become an issue of space.  The gun safe is crowded, so it's been over two years since I last bought a firearm. I've been stockpiling ammo, some.  I still want to get a Colt Python in blued finish.  But I've been so focused on music that I haven't spent much time with the firearms. 

I spent a lot of money on guitar gear last year.  Four amplifiers, two guitar builds, three preamps, two speaker cabinets, a couple of speakers, and five or six pedals that I can recall offhand.  Some tubes and various maintenance work.  A tape echo unit in January.  I was a bit off the hook, celebrating no longer having to pay tuition bills.  But, again, it starts becoming an issue of space. So I've called a moratorium.  There's only one guitar-related purchase left on the bucket list - an heirloom-quality acoustic guitar.  The retirement guitar.  It'll be spendy.  I'm saving up for that.

This year I'll focus on the studio, and get back to shooting more. Hence my focus on financial goals, and doubling the amount of money I put into investments.
I saw a new billboard in the area recently about bullet engraving and thought of you. :D
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:02:33 PM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
You haven't bought a guitar or a gun in quite a while.
It's become an issue of space.  The gun safe is crowded, so it's been over two years since I last bought a firearm. I've been stockpiling ammo, some.  I still want to get a Colt Python in blued finish.  But I've been so focused on music that I haven't spent much time with the firearms. 

I spent a lot of money on guitar gear last year.  Four amplifiers, two guitar builds, three preamps, two speaker cabinets, a couple of speakers, and five or six pedals that I can recall offhand.  Some tubes and various maintenance work.  A tape echo unit in January.  I was a bit off the hook, celebrating no longer having to pay tuition bills.  But, again, it starts becoming an issue of space. So I've called a moratorium.  There's only one guitar-related purchase left on the bucket list - an heirloom-quality acoustic guitar.  The retirement guitar.  It'll be spendy.  I'm saving up for that.

This year I'll focus on the studio, and get back to shooting more. Hence my focus on financial goals, and doubling the amount of money I put into investments.
During the hiatus, you can always work on cigar inventory .
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:03:36 PM

Ave Maria Crusader
(5.0"x52)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $9.68 per cigar

In Stock
4.5 out of 5
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.50
per cigar
$34.99 total price
Save 64%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:16:32 PM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
Hard to beat a good discount. And you don't have to look like some sort of trendy douche hanging out at Starbucks.
And 100% discount is great.  Heck, I even bought AB's when they were free.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 01:18:34 PM
Today's Birthdays

Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include:

astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1473;
artist Constantin Brancusi in 1876;
actor Merle Oberon in 1911;
writer Carson McCullers in 1917;
actor Lee Marvin in 1924;
filmmaker John Frankenheimer in 1930;
musician Smokey Robinson (Miracles) in 1940 (age 85);
musician Lou Christie in 1943 (age 82);
musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) in 1948 (age 77);
writer Amy Tan in 1952 (age 73);
actor Jeff Daniels in 1955 (age 70);
actor Leslie David Baker in 1958 (age 67);
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 1959 (age 66);
Britain's Prince Andrew in 1960 (age 65);
musician Seal in 1963 (age 62);
musician Jon Fishman (Phish) in 1965 (age 60);
actor Justine Bateman in 1966 (age 59);
actor Benicio Del Toro in 1967 (age 58);
actor Bellamy Young in 1970 (age 55);
writer Jeff Kinney in 1971 (age 54);
actor Eric Lange in 1973 (age 52);
musician Daniel Adair (Nickelback/3 Doors Down) in 1975 (age 50);
actor/musician Haylie Duff in 1985 (age 40);
actor Arielle Kebbel in 1985 (age 40);
actor Sam Reid in 1987 (age 38);
actor Victoria Justice in 1993 (age 32);
tennis player Katharina Gerlach in 1998 (age 27);
musician Chappell Roan in 1998 (age 27);
musician Jungwoo (NCT) in 1998 (age 27);
actor David Mazouz in 2001 (age 24);
actor Millie Bobby Brown in 2004 (age 21).
Today's Over/Under is 11
13!
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:20:50 PM
♫ And he's got the biggest, hauls of them all! ♫

https://www.cigarpage.com/big-brands-stacked-up.html
I kinda wondered previous times about the CPage lists, but this one definitely changes over the course of the day.  I was going to buy some Southern Draw that I saw earlier and when I went back for them they were gone.  Went back a bit ago and they were back, but Java , Perdomo and EPC were gone.  Guess that's a contributor to the F'd up alphabetical order as well.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:22:46 PM
Today's Birthdays

Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include:

astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1473;
artist Constantin Brancusi in 1876;
actor Merle Oberon in 1911;
writer Carson McCullers in 1917;
actor Lee Marvin in 1924;
filmmaker John Frankenheimer in 1930;
musician Smokey Robinson (Miracles) in 1940 (age 85);
musician Lou Christie in 1943 (age 82);
musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) in 1948 (age 77);
writer Amy Tan in 1952 (age 73);
actor Jeff Daniels in 1955 (age 70);
actor Leslie David Baker in 1958 (age 67);
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 1959 (age 66);
Britain's Prince Andrew in 1960 (age 65);
musician Seal in 1963 (age 62);
musician Jon Fishman (Phish) in 1965 (age 60);
actor Justine Bateman in 1966 (age 59);
actor Benicio Del Toro in 1967 (age 58);
actor Bellamy Young in 1970 (age 55);
writer Jeff Kinney in 1971 (age 54);
actor Eric Lange in 1973 (age 52);
musician Daniel Adair (Nickelback/3 Doors Down) in 1975 (age 50);
actor/musician Haylie Duff in 1985 (age 40);
actor Arielle Kebbel in 1985 (age 40);
actor Sam Reid in 1987 (age 38);
actor Victoria Justice in 1993 (age 32);
tennis player Katharina Gerlach in 1998 (age 27);
musician Chappell Roan in 1998 (age 27);
musician Jungwoo (NCT) in 1998 (age 27);
actor David Mazouz in 2001 (age 24);
actor Millie Bobby Brown in 2004 (age 21).
Today's Over/Under is 11
13!
Yea, you would know Copernicus if you ran into him at a Starbucks.... ::)
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 01:24:09 PM
Number 2 son works at a Nespresso Boutique in the university district in Seattle.  So we got a Nespresso machine for Christmas - not one of the fancy ones - and we regularly get bag-loads of capsules delivered to us.

I was skeptical.  I like fancy coffees as much as anyone, but for daily consumption, the Mr. Coffee and fresh-ground beans from San Francisco Coffee Roasters that we get at Costco produce terrific coffee - and are cost-effective.  If I want an after-dinner espresso, we have a Moka pot.  Espresso machines have to be really expensive and take up a lot of space before the results beat a Moka pot, and in my opinion Keurig offers a sliver of convenience at too high a cost with too average a result. 

So Nespresso wasn't on my list either. But the machine and capsules didn't cost me (if you don't factor in the amount of money it cost to raise and educate the boy).  So...what the hell.

It makes good coffee.  Many of the capsules leave me asking, "WTF?"  But some are really good, and others are really good if you heat some milk in the microwave and make it cafe au lait.  This morning I'm having the Cafe de Cuba, and it's exceptional.

Would I recommend it?  Well, if you're snobby enough about coffee to turn your nose up at a drip maker, but not snobby enough to bother with pour-over or a French Press, but you don't want to shell out more than a grand for a coffee maker, then sure.  I think it makes better coffee than a Keurig, and it matches any sub-$1000 espresso machine I've encountered without the hassle.

Would I do it if I had to pay for machine and pods?  Nah. 

But I do occasionally visit the boutique.  I think it's a cool place.  More my speed than hanging out at Starbuck's. And I get a discount.
Hard to beat a good discount. And you don't have to look like some sort of trendy douche hanging out at Starbucks.
And 100% discount is great.  Heck, I even bought AB's when they were free.
We need another deal like that!
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 01:24:13 PM
Bueso's Up!

Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project Robusto
(4.8"x52)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $7.92 per cigar

In Stock
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.00
per cigar
$29.99 total price
Save 62%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 01:26:13 PM
Bueso's Up!

Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project Robusto
(4.8"x52)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $7.92 per cigar

In Stock
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.00
per cigar
$29.99 total price
Save 62%
Think I'll put a couple of these in my cart just in case.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 01:45:41 PM
Most of my money is passively invested - no-load, low-cost mutuals in the Roth, the HSA, and the state investment fund.  Mostly ETFs in the brokerage account. I've been trying to learn about evaluating individual companies and stocks, but I haven't been that diligent about it. 

But in December I started a "spare change" portfolio.  A collection of individual stocks that I could purchase fractional shares of.  I followed recommendations from Motley Fool. They seemed as good as anybody.  I usually drop about $50 per paycheck into it which is an approximation of what I'd net by rounding up my normal monthly expenses to the nearest dollar.  Other small windfalls get dropped in, such as credit card cash back or whatever.

It's been entertaining. It's like gambling, except in the one casino where the odds are historically in my favor. Two months in I've dropped $425 and I'm up 4.62%.  I was up 6.8% yesterday, but today the market is down.  I figure I'm winning if the return stays ahead of the 4.43% interest I get on my emergency cash. 

I don't know what I'd do with it.  Maybe if it adds up enough, someday I'll buy a guitar with it.  Somethin'.
You haven't bought a guitar or a gun in quite a while.
It's become an issue of space.  The gun safe is crowded, so it's been over two years since I last bought a firearm. I've been stockpiling ammo, some.  I still want to get a Colt Python in blued finish.  But I've been so focused on music that I haven't spent much time with the firearms. 

I spent a lot of money on guitar gear last year.  Four amplifiers, two guitar builds, three preamps, two speaker cabinets, a couple of speakers, and five or six pedals that I can recall offhand.  Some tubes and various maintenance work.  A tape echo unit in January.  I was a bit off the hook, celebrating no longer having to pay tuition bills.  But, again, it starts becoming an issue of space. So I've called a moratorium.  There's only one guitar-related purchase left on the bucket list - an heirloom-quality acoustic guitar.  The retirement guitar.  It'll be spendy.  I'm saving up for that.

This year I'll focus on the studio, and get back to shooting more. Hence my focus on financial goals, and doubling the amount of money I put into investments.
During the hiatus, you can always work on cigar inventory .
I haven't been hoarding cigars.  When I left the church, I cut ties with most of the people that used to frequent my lounge.  So it's been more cost-effective to drop by the local B&M to pick up a couple of cigars if I'm going to a herf.  And I've been smoking the pipes more.  I'm trying to find someone worthy to pass the big humidor on to.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 02:02:13 PM
Jammin' Joe:

ACID Opulence 3 Torpedo - 10/39.99
Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto - 10/32.50
5 Vegas Gold Churchill - 10/29.99
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo - 10/37.50
Gurkha Beauty - 10/39.99
Diesel Rage Toro - 10/37.50
Aging Room Quattro Nicaraguan Maestro - 5/32.50
Camacho Ecuador Robusto - 5/22.50
Diesel Wicked Witches Brew Figurado - 10/42.50
Espinosa Habano No. 4 - 10/44.99
Alec Bradley Black Market Vandal Belicoso - 10/37.50
Rocky Patel Decade Robusto - 10/123.99
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 02:02:26 PM
Hope this RP price is an error.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 03:28:08 PM
Nub by Oliva 460 Connecticut
(4.0"x60)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $9.33 per cigar

Only 5 Left
4 out of 5
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$4.00
per cigar
$39.99 total price
Save 57%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 03:30:05 PM
Sheesh....quick trip to the grocery and the banter stuck in neutral 
.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 03:51:48 PM
Smiley's Summer Lovin' Mega-Sampler
20 Cigars
| MSRP: $8.52 per cigar

In Stock
BUY 20+ CIGARS
$3.50
per cigar
$69.99 total price
Save 59%

Smiley’s Summer Luvin’ Mega-Sampler includes:

5 - Romeo y Julieta Viejo 'R' (5.0" x 54)
5 - Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua Robusto (4.9" x 48) – 90-rated
5 - AVO Classic Robusto (5.0" x 50) – 90-rated
5 - Gilberto Oliva Reserva 550 (5.0" x 50) - 90-rated
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 04:33:21 PM
Today's Birthdays

Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include:

astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1473;
artist Constantin Brancusi in 1876;
actor Merle Oberon in 1911;
writer Carson McCullers in 1917;
actor Lee Marvin in 1924;
filmmaker John Frankenheimer in 1930;
musician Smokey Robinson (Miracles) in 1940 (age 85);
musician Lou Christie in 1943 (age 82);
musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) in 1948 (age 77);
writer Amy Tan in 1952 (age 73);
actor Jeff Daniels in 1955 (age 70);
actor Leslie David Baker in 1958 (age 67);
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 1959 (age 66);
Britain's Prince Andrew in 1960 (age 65);
musician Seal in 1963 (age 62);
musician Jon Fishman (Phish) in 1965 (age 60);
actor Justine Bateman in 1966 (age 59);
actor Benicio Del Toro in 1967 (age 58);
actor Bellamy Young in 1970 (age 55);
writer Jeff Kinney in 1971 (age 54);
actor Eric Lange in 1973 (age 52);
musician Daniel Adair (Nickelback/3 Doors Down) in 1975 (age 50);
actor/musician Haylie Duff in 1985 (age 40);
actor Arielle Kebbel in 1985 (age 40);
actor Sam Reid in 1987 (age 38);
actor Victoria Justice in 1993 (age 32);
tennis player Katharina Gerlach in 1998 (age 27);
musician Chappell Roan in 1998 (age 27);
musician Jungwoo (NCT) in 1998 (age 27);
actor David Mazouz in 2001 (age 24);
actor Millie Bobby Brown in 2004 (age 21).
Today's Over/Under is 11
13!
Yea, you would know Copernicus if you ran into him at a Starbucks.... ::)
I mean, he's been decomposing for about 500 years, but if you showed me this photo, I'd recognize him.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/c5a62d21f3672c50964d9450914b3c3c.jpg)
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 04:42:55 PM
Sheesh....quick trip to the grocery and the banter stuck in neutral 
.
Work happens.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 04:45:39 PM
Sheesh....quick trip to the grocery and the banter stuck in neutral 
.
Work happens.
If you're lucky.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 05:21:19 PM
Wordle 1,341 5/6

⬛⬛⬛⬛🟨
⬛⬛🟨🟩⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟩⬛
🟨🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 05:33:06 PM
For David...

https://www.nytimes.com/badges/games/mini.html?d=2025-02-19&t=119&c=1ddbe4951966426548f033a4645cd8fc&smid=url-share
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 07:22:23 PM
 Connections: Sports Edition
 Puzzle #149
 🟣🟣🟣🟣
 🟡🟡🟡🟡
 🔵🔵🔵🔵
 🟢🟢🟢🟢
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 07:45:13 PM
Connections
Puzzle #619
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 07:58:38 PM
Only one extra.

Strands #353
“Pick your own prefix”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 08:09:38 PM
Some Mark Twain's for Dave.

Mark Twain The Press No. 2
(6.0"x60)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $11.25 per cigar

Only 2 Left
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$2.75
per cigar
$27.50 total price
Save 76%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:28:56 PM
Wordle 1,341 5/6*

⬛⬛🟨⬛⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟨⬛
🟨🟩⬛🟩🟩
⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: LuvTooGolf on February 19, 2025, 08:30:42 PM
Some Mark Twain's for Dave.

Mark Twain The Press No. 2
(6.0"x60)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $11.25 per cigar

Only 2 Left
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$2.75
per cigar
$27.50 total price
Save 76%
If I hadn't been bringing the middle kid back from her college class, I might've jumped on them.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:23:24 PM
With the start we had, I thought for sure we'd make 8.
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:24:10 PM

Alec Bradley The Lineage Robusto
(5.2"x52)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $10.19 per cigar

In Stock
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.25
per cigar
$32.50 total price
Save 68%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 10:41:04 PM
F**k.  One of my staffers went to the hospital this morning with a UTI and a kidney stone, but by 7pm he was in surgery for a brain bleed.  Not a good night. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: razgueado on February 19, 2025, 10:41:45 PM
With the start we had, I thought for sure we'd make 8.
I got us to seven. 
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: Travellin Dave on February 19, 2025, 10:57:18 PM
Rocky Patel Imperial Gordo
(6.0"x60)Pack of 10
| MSRP: $11.00 per cigar

In Stock
4.6 out of 5
BUY 10+ CIGARS
$3.75
per cigar
$37.50 total price
Save 66%
Title: Re: 2/19/2025
Post by: A Friend of Charlie on February 19, 2025, 11:17:58 PM
F**k.  One of my staffers went to the hospital this morning with a UTI and a kidney stone, but by 7pm he was in surgery for a brain bleed.  Not a good night.
Hope he's ok. That sounds like a tough row.