Discount Cigar Store & More

Cigar smoking is all about shared pleasure. After all, it swept Victorian England and became a national pastime in part because it gave men something to do with their hands while they talked after dinner. And it took off during the so-called “cigar boom” of the 1990s in part because new publications, online forums, cigar clubs, and other social venues allowed cigar smokers to talk about their passion.

So it’s no surprise to find cigar-related events all over the social calendar of smokers around the world. In addition to the lavish, expensive Big Smoke conventions put on by Cigar Aficionado magazine – at least two a year, in Las Vegas and New York City – there’s the Ybor City festival in Tampa, Florida, free and open to the public. And that’s just November. Check out a few other, more-exotic possibilities from all over the globe.

The Dominican Republic is the world’s largest source of premium cigars, surpassing even Cuba (from which many of the country’s cigar-making families and technologies emigrated during the years after Castro). La Aurora, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, and La Gloria Cubana, among many others, all operate there, and as of 2007, it has its own yearly cigar festival as well! Taking place in Santiago, the two-day Procigar Festival (the first of which took place March 5-7, 2008) featured cigar factory tours, visits to tobacco fields, chances to hobnob with some of the world’s greatest cigar makers, and cigar-and-liquor matchups. Companies such as La Aurora, General Cigar Co., and Tabacalera de Garcia, among others, participated, and the inaugural bow was successful enough to motivate a second – to be held February 16-20, 2009.

While you’re there, if you go, you may want to check out some of the other sights offered by this important Latin American cultural capital. The Dominican Republic was the first place permanently settled by Europeans anywhere in either American continent – the oldest cathedrals, universities, and European-made roads can all be found there. Santo Domingo, the country’s capital, butts up against its southern coast, offering breathtaking views (the Procigar Festival takes place far further north, in Santiago, but the country is not super-large in total area). Four mountain ranges decorate the country; the Cordillera Central (“Central Mountain Range”) approaches Santiago, so visitors to the Procigar Festival could also schedule a day trip to see Pico Duarte, the jewel of the Cordillera Central and the highest peak in the West Indies (over 3000 meters). And, of course, Santiago is itself located in the Cibao valley – between the Cordillera Central and Corillera Septentrional (“Northern Mountain Range”), which run parallel to each other – and it’s this rich and fertile area that houses most of the country’s farms, including its tobacco farms.

Or you could follow in author James Joyce’s footsteps and visit Zurich, Switzerland, where the expatriate Irish modernist polymath-writer completed large sections of his surreal novel Finnegans Wake, and where the Whiskyship sails every November. (What is it with November and cigar events?) This whisky-tasting event, which also offers three hundred premium cigars for the sampling, allows those with sharp noses and tastebuds to enjoy single malt whiskies from all over the world, and to enjoy the companies of folks with similar tastes. The 2008 Whiskyship will be the tenth such event. Switzerland, of course, features all sorts of other attractions – among other things, there’s the James Joyce Foundation, but also, you know, mountains and pristine lakes and thousands of years’ worth of European scenery – and would be worth a visit regardless.

Another possibility – albeit somewhat closer to home, at least for North American smokers – is the Nebraska Cigar Festival in Lincoln. Taking place in late November (which pits it against the Ybor City Festival and the two CA Big Smokes in drawing the attention of Midwestern cigar fanatics who don’t feel like going to Zurich), the one-evening event brings in cigars, munchies and a pair of drink tickets for those willing to shell out the admission fees and deal with early-winter Midwestern cold.

Newton’s third law puts it this way: For every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. But the old ’70s soul song says it all much more colorfully: You always have to pay for the fun you’ve had.

No matter what your hobby or pet pastime, there’s always some undesirable aspect that has to be dealt with. If you’re an athlete, you may have to spend the occasional Monday morning icing a pulled muscle. Sports spectators have to deal with hard bleacher seats, cold weather, and possibly obnoxious bellowing from the guy in the next row-unless you catch the game on TV, where you just have to put up with odd camera angles. Or let’s say you like reading: Obsessive readers may end up with slight vision problems-in fact, graduate students in literature are often advised that they should expect (and be checked for) increased nearsightedness with each year of study. Too much TV can induce apathy and is positively correlated with depression and obesity (and with infomercials, a far worse fate). And most everybody enjoys video games, but if you enjoy them too much, you may-there are documented cases of this-incur a repetitive stress injury to your thumb. As for pet owners, well, let’s not even talk about all the poop-scooping that becomes part of your life.

And cigar smokers have their own result of fun to consider. Specifically, the aromatic scent of their favorite cigar may attach to unwelcome places such as clothes. In fact, back when cigar smoking was the universal habit of Victorian gentleman, many of these smokers would maintain a separate outfit to wear when smoking, which would absorb the fumes. (Thus the terms “smoking jacket” and “smoking cap,” which we still use.)

But it’s the effect of a cigar scent settling on breath that some cigar smokers may find troublesome. The considerate cigar smoker is aware of this and plans accordingly. Here are some suggestions to help you pay for the enjoyment you’ve had-without paying too much!

1) Choose good cigars. This may seem like an obvious point, but the better-made the cigar, the less chemical the odor. Buy well-made, hand-rolled, long-filler cigars from a quality cigar outlet or online store.

2) For while you’re smoking: Drink tea, or eat. (Mild-flavored teas are most recommended; as for foodstuffs, consider dark chocolates or other simple, strong-but-not-too-strong tastes.) “Cutting” your cigar with food or drink can help absorb both the aftertaste and the effects on breath.

3) Keep some fresh parsley on hand-or even a parsley plant in your kitchen or living room, or whatever room is nearest to the place where you smoke. This herb has traditionally come recommended for its odor-killing powers.

4) Chew gum. Mint-flavored gums are recommended, the stronger the better.

5) On that note, try chewing raw mint. As with parsley, you can keep it around in its herbal form and chew it undiluted after a cigar. You can also keep strong breath mints on hand.

6) Mouth sprays, as well as mouthwashes specifically intended for cigar smokers, are available commercially, and can be purchased from cigar stores or online cigar retailers. These are highly recommended. They’re made by people who understand. Some of the anti-cigar-breath mouthwashes have the side benefit of clearing away the tar that might otherwise stain your teeth. If these mouthwashes aren’t available, a typical mouthwash and a good tooth-brushing will be a lot better than nothing.

7) To avoid breath problems the next morning after a smoke: After a smoke, never go to bed without eating something. Even if it’s just a tiny, simple snack, it “cuts” the cigar and reduces breath problems while seeming to absorb and clear away the odors in your mouth.

So, to recap: enjoy good cigars. Drink tea or eat while you smoke, or after you smoke. Brush your teeth like Mom said, and use a good mouthwash-perhaps especially a mouthwash intended for cigar smokers. And mint and thyme help too, especially for those days when you have to rush from your smoke to a work meeting or a date.

Starting up a new hobby can be intimidating. Going golfing for the first time with a bunch of guys who have been doing it for years can make a beginner feel self-conscious about his lack of prowess on the links. People just learning to play guitar will go for years refusing to play in front of others. Even someone learning to cook might be embarrassed to share a less than savory meal with his family.

Some people might not consider smoking cigars a hobby, but it certainly is a pastime and it has its own intricacies just like anything else. There are traditions and faux pas when it comes to smoking cigars that any old puffer at the country club will notice and call you out on in a heartbeat.

Good-natured as the ribbing may be, it can’t hurt to brush up on some cigar “do’s and don’ts” before you have a cigar among the aficionados. Included are some suggestions for classy cigars and accessories that will show off your sense of refinement and good taste.

1. It is not a race. Smoking a cigar should be a leisure activity. The best way to start is to smoke as if it is no big deal. Take your time and enjoy it.

The Ashton Magnum is a smooth and creamy cigar that is perfect for new smokers. The aroma and flavor is remarkably consistent so you won’t ever get a bad draw. Ashton Magnums are made from Dominican leaves and shade-grown Connecticut wrappers. It is truly a cigar to be savored.

2. Trim the end of your cigar with a cigar cutter. Don’t try to bite it off with your teeth. This may look cool in the movies but it will just leave you with an unsightly and decidedly uncouth mouthful of tobacco.

The Double Blade Stainless Round Cigar Cutter from Orleans is an inexpensive yet fully functional cigar cutter. In other words, it is perfect for beginners. It works with a dual-blade guillotine action, which ensures a shred-free cut. It is housed in a durable stainless steel case for a long lifespan.

3. Don’t grind out a cigar in an ashtray. Let it go out on its own. This is a handy technique for being able to re-light a cigar later on. It is also polite to not leave the smudged out remains of tobacco scattered around in an ashtray.

In your own home, it is also nice to have a relatively clean ashtray. The Flor De Gonzalez Ashtray is made of simple black porcelain with the company’s logo in the center. It is square with resting places for your cigar in all four corners.

4. If there is less than a quarter left, let it go out in an ashtray. When a cigar starts to get that short, it will begin to lose its flavor. Nothing gold can stay. When it gets to the ¼ mark, it is time to let it go.

Another practical and stylish ashtray is the Hexagon Crystal Cigar Ashtray from Orleans. It looks incredibly luxurious for its modest price. It has wide stirrups (that’s where the cigar rests) to accommodate bigger cigars and a deep bowl for plenty of ash.

5. Don’t show off. Nothing screams amateur more than someone who makes a big deal out of smoking a cigar. Cigar holders and fancy smoking techniques are the antithesis of the cool guy casually smoking a cigar. You are allowed to blow smoke rings though. That’s a cool trick that’s not overtly flashy.

The best way to look natural smoking a cigar is to find one that you enjoy. In the beginning, it is best to start with a milder cigar and work your way up to fuller flavors. The Montecristo #1 is a legendary Cuban-inspired cigar that is made in the Dominican Republic.

6. Don’t chew on it. You are not Peter Parker’s grizzled boss at the newspaper. You are not a grunt in World War II. Unless you are being shot at or trying to ruin Spider-Man’s good name, chewing on a cigar is just plain gross.

Fine cigars can be works of art and the Griffin’s Robusto Natural is not something that you chomp away at. It has a rich and mild taste that smokers of every level can enjoy.

7. Don’t ask for a light. Seriously, you are a cigar smoker now. You should be carrying your own lighter around. In the worst case scenario, ask the bartender for a pack of matches.

The refillable Xikar EX Windproof Flame Cigar Lighter is far more practical than it sounds. It looks good and is affordable without appearing cheap or flashy. It is a functional, fantastic lighter that gets your cigar lit. What else could you want?

8. Don’t be afraid to let it go out and re-light it later. If you have spent some money on a nice cigar, there is no need to smoke it all at once and no need to waste it. Just scrape the ash off and rotate it over a flame for a moment to catch it again.

The Davidoff Millienium Churchill is a full-bodied, hearty, Dominican cigar that you won’t want to let go to waste. These cigars are top-notch and have a complex blend of aromas and flavors. Don’t be afraid to let it go out and enjoy the rest later.

9. Take your time warming up the end before you light it. This prevents you from charring the tobacco.

The Vector Vulcan Triple Flame shoots out a powerful trident flame that will allow you to perfectly light your cigar without over-toasting it.

10.  Don’t smoke one after another. You are not chain smoking cigarettes here. Cigars are meant to be savored. Take your time and enjoy it. When it’s done, it’s done. Get on with your life for a while before having another.

If you find yourself enjoying your new pastime of smoking cigars, you are going to want to eventually invest in a humidor to keep them fresh. The Capri Humidor is a lovely, affordable way to keep your cigars tasting fresh for a long time.

Smoking cigars isn’t like smoking cigarettes. It is a hobby, not a habit. It is the difference between enjoying a fine glass of wine and slamming whiskey before noon. Take to heart these tips and smoke in moderation and you will be on your way in no time.

For those who do a lot of entertaining, it’s hard to come up with new party themes. But the recent popularity of cigars offers a great creative party idea for stressed-out would-be party hosts.

Putting together a good party is hard – and gets harder as you grow older. In college, it’s easy enough to satisfy your guests with, say, a bowlful of pretzels and a keg of beer, but friends burdened with adult responsibilities – a job to get up for, a child to raise – may not want to drive out to your place just for some stale salt-heavy snacks and a can or two of average quality beer. So you’ve got to come up with fun new ideas. But this gets stressful, complex, and sometimes expensive as well. After you’ve tried out your first two or three great inspirations, you may begin to burn out on entertaining all together.

But there’s hope. Try throwing a cigar-sampler party.

Cigars aren’t just your grandfather’s chosen indulgence anymore – they’ve grown increasingly popular during the past fifteen years or so. After bottoming out during the 1980s, cigars became the break of choice for a well-educated, younger demographic, even as other forms of smoking went into decline. They’re just luxurious enough to feel like the break you deserve, but, since they’re designed to be smoked slowly, one at a time, and in moderation (unlike cigarettes), they won’t break the bank. Their infinite differences in taste offer the pleasures of connoisseurship as well: experienced smokers learn to enjoy the differences between double claro cigars (light and generally dry-tasting, with very tan outer wrappers) and maduros (dark brown in color and sweetish), between the great cigars of Nicaragua and those of the Dominican Republic or Turkey. A cigar-themed party makes sense if your friends are smokers, and it also makes sense for those who aren’t (as long as, you make sure not to invite anybody who’s passionately anti-smoking or allergic to tobacco).

Here are some tips on throwing a cigar-themed party:

1) Buy a sampler or two of premium cigars, until you have enough to cover the number of planned guests. (Keep the guest list small – you’ll have better-quality interactions, and you’ll keep the party affordable.)

2) Cigar samplers are easy to buy online, but be careful. Some cigar stores “lead off” with a too-good-to-be-true deal – an inexpensive sampler labeled “premium.” Usually these cheap “premium” platters actually contain only a few top cigars, and are then rounded out with cigar pawns – cheaply-made knockoff cigars. Make sure that your sampler comes from a high-quality cigar shop or online store, and that you know what you’re getting.

3) Once you have your premium-cigar sampler, assign one cigar to each guest.

4) On the night of the party, serve simple snacks before you serve the cigars. (Cigars tend not to go well with ultra-creamy or rich foods.) Hard cheeses, dark chocolates, fruit, coffee, and fine red wines or beers are recommended. Remember – avoid anything too rich!

5) After folks have eaten and had a few drinks, bring out the cigars. Have everyone head outside with his or her assigned cigar and a drink; light everyone’s cigar, and tell them to smoke up. You’ll have given all your guests something new to talk about.

6) If desired, encourage your guests to bring their own cigars, which can be collected and served as part of a “second round” later. Guests could compare the tastes of their two assigned cigars. You could even encourage one of your guests to bring some non-premium cigars, even off-brand gas-station cigars, as a gaga – though only if you’re going for a second round of smoking!

Experienced cigar smokers will enjoy the chance to share their enthusiasm with others. New smokers and nonsmokers will be trying and enjoying something new.

Remember when lighting to cut the cap of the cigar, then, using a wooden match or a zippo lighter or other full flame (not a paper match), turn the end of the cigar in the flame a full 360 degrees until every part of it is lit. Remind your guests who haven’t smoked cigars before that they shouldn’t inhale – this isn’t a cigarette! Pull the smoke into your mouth and taste it thoroughly without allowing it into your lungs. Remember, it’s about the taste.

Any time I talk about writing articles, I hear people say things like “I don’t have the ability to write” or “I’m a really good writer but I have a hard time with procrastination.” Now, I don’t have a problem with the writing. I know I can write pretty well but I do have a problem with getting started and then finishing.

Of course, staring at my computer screen all day isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. Certainly, I’d much rather be carving waves or mountains. What would you rather do: toil away all day on your computer writing article after article or simply rewrite some high quality articles, tie them together, make them look like your own and then do whatever it is you like to do?

If any of the stuff above reminds you of the person that you see every morning in the mirror, then these four ways that you can profit from private label content are for you as are the other four in Part 2.

Here are four ways in which you can use private label content to easily make money:

1. Take the content, plug your affiliate links into the content and compile them into a spectacular little eBook.

I just love to use this little strategy Now, for instance, let’s say that you have a website that sells cigars. You buy private content about cigars that cigar aficionados would like then compile it into a mini eBook. Then load the eBook with links back to your website and encourage your customers to pass it along so that it will spread like a virus.

And you can take it a step further if you have a rebrander program. Don’t know what a rebrander is? With a rebrander, your affiliates can take your eBook and place their affiliate link to your store in it. This really is the essence of viral marketing because now it is easier and more profitable for your affiliates to promote your web site.

2. Make a solid report by culling some of the articles together and then give it away to promote your site. Also, if you use a rebrander, you can rebrand the report and allow your affiliates to promote your website by giving it away for free.

Of course, most salespeople know that it takes an average seven contacts with a customer before they will place an order. A few people will order the first time, but more often than not, you will have to contact them 4+ times before they will order. The small problem is that you need their email address because they’re not going to just hand it over… that’s way you give them the free report.

Well, the better the report the more trust you build with your customer and the more likely they become to open their wallet. I mean, let me ask you this: would a report with 25 articles in it make you happy? Damn straight you would!

3. Simply create a small niche content site and make money by placing Google Adsense on your website’s pages.

I love Google Adsense… it’s the easiest way to make money! Why? Because even a small little website with only five pages can make me $5-10 per day. You can make $36,000-73,000 by simply creating twenty little 5-page websites. A 25-page site can make me $25-50 per day… 365 days per year!

You do the math. A small little website + submitting your articles to article directories = $$$$. Simple. Awesome. Extremely lucrative. And with private label content… very little work!

4. With private label content packages, you get hundreds of articles across various niches every month so you can load up your articles to go out once a week and have a newsletter set for a year in advance.

Are you like me? Do you like to spend time setting something up all at one time so that you don’t have to deal with it for a year or two? Just so I never have to buy any for the rest of the year, I always buy two cases of toilet paper at Costco. Well, with private label content packages, you get hundreds of articles each month so you can do the same basic thing.

I mean, wouldn’t it be great to take the articles and put them together as an newsletter that goes out every single week like clockwork? Wouldn’t that be spectacular? Every day, money will flow into your bank account for work that took you one day months or years ago.

If you want to make money with private label content, then these four ways are an excellent starting point. Of course, these are not the only ways to make money from private label content. In fact, if you haven’t already done so, check out part 2 of this article. Just click on one of the links in the resource/bio box below!

Car Rental Dubai Airport

Dubai has a fantastic assortment of international-standard restaurants catering to all budgets and tastes. With a large expatriate community from the Sub Continent, it’s little wonder there are some truly world-class Indian restaurants among the top-billings.

As Dubai is a Muslim city, many restaurants, especially at the cheaper end of the market, are not licensed to serve alcohol. In contrast, restaurants in tourist and business hotels almost always serve alcohol.

The restaurants below have been classified into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over Dh500)
Moderate (Dh150 to Dh500)
Cheap (under Dh150)
These prices are for a three-course meal for one with a bottle of house wine or equivalent, including tax.

Sales tax at 10% is added to all bills. Service charges at 10 to 15% are also frequently added but, if they are not, a 10% tip is expected.
Expensive
Al Mahara
Making a fair stab at being the most expensive restaurant in Dubai, the Al Mahara often divides local opinion. Some say it is overpriced for what you get, but others swear by it, especially if someone else is paying. The experience begins with a three-minute mock submarine ride to the restaurant, located alongside a giant aquarium. This puts diners in the mood for savouring the high-quality seafood that has won the restaurant numerous awards, including the What’s On category for Best Seafood Restaurant in 2008.

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 301 7600.
Website: www.burj-al-arab.com
Al Muntaha
Al Muntaha, meaning ‘The Ultimate’ or ‘The Top’, in Arabic, has the best location in Dubai, suspended 200m (656ft) above the Arabian Gulf, at the top of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Service is immaculate and the slanted glass windows give the restaurant the feel of a great ocean liner heading out to sea. Al Muntaha also delivers on the plate: try the roasted prime beef rib with mustard crust. Reaching the restaurant in one of the world’s fastest panoramic elevators is almost – but not quite – enough to put you off your dinner.

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 301 7600.
Website: www.burj-al-arab.com
La Baie
This fine dining restaurant would not be out of place in a major European capital, with its mellow piano music, unfaltering service and elegant table settings. One of the most exotic starters is the marinated sturgeon carpaccio with caviar and yoghurt sauce, while a highlight among the mains (and rumoured to be the chef’s favourite) is the grilled hammour fish on a bed of green lentils.

Ritz Carlton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 399 4000.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Verre
Gordon Ramsay’s Dubai venture has proved a resounding success and is firmly established as the best place to eat in Dubai. The minimalist décor might not suit all tastes but the simple surrounds and the well thought-out lighting help focus deserved attention on the food. A nice touch is the chef’s specialities – tasty morsels of food that come between the impressive courses. Mains include ravioli of lobster, salmon with a fricassee of peas and horseradish or poached chicken on a bed of tagliatelle. The desserts are divine. The three-course lunch specials offer excellent value.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road
Tel: (04) 212 7551.
Website: www.gordonramsay.com/dubai
Moderate
Café Chic
Top quality ingredients, smooth service and a menu that cuts deftly between the classics and some daring variations make this is a top dining choice. Relax afterwards in the cigar bar for supreme decadence.

Le Méridien Hotel, Garhoud
Tel: (04) 217 0000.
Website: www.dubai.lemeridien.com
India Palace
The emphasis at this popular restaurant is on Rajasthani cooking backed up by themed décor and artefacts shipped in from the region. The open kitchen is a nice touch, as are the family booths upstairs, with privacy available at no extra charge. The excellent-value menu features starters such as lentil soup and prawn bisque with fresh vegetables, while mains include chicken and vegetarian kebabs and a range of delicately spiced curries. Alcohol is not available but the lassis (yogurt-based drink) are excellent, especially the unusual lassi seasoned with salt.

Opposite Dubai Marine Hotel, Bur Dubai
Tel: (04) 286 9600.
Pierchic
Seafood-loving trendies are flocking to Pierchic, in the glamorous Madinat Jumeirah development, the place to be in Dubai at the moment. Located on a wooden pier, with views of the expansive Arabian Gulf, the venue is perfect for trying some local and international seafood dishes. Mains include the likes of poached Atlantic lobster with snow peas, enoki mushrooms and passion fruit dressing, or Arabian chilled seafood platter laced with Iranian caviar.

Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 366 6730.
Website: www.madinatjumeirah.com
Cheap
Cactus Jacks
It may never win any culinary awards but Cactus Jacks seldom disappoints a hungry stomach. A Mexican theme for the décor includes Aztec fabrics and bright designs, as well as multicolour tiled pillars. The restaurant has a live DJ at weekends and things can turn quite wild after 2300, when the spicy Tex Mex food and the tequila kick in. Parties of eight diners or more receive a 30% discount on their bill.

Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud
Tel: (04) 282 3464.
Website: www.millenniumhotels.com
Deira City Centre Food Court
Of the many food courts that are dotted all around Dubai, this is one of the most popular. On sale is the full smorgasbord of international foods, with the only unifying feature being that all the stands are cheap. The most popular stands serve up simple Chinese and Indian specialities accompanied by boiled rice. They also have a play area for kids.

Deira City Centre Mall, Deira
Tel: (04) 295 1010.
Thattukada
The excellent South Indian restaurant at the Palm Beach Rotana Inn serves great-value food. Diners sit on long, wooden benches and are surrounded by film posters on the walls. The Kerala-influenced dishes include kappa erachi (tapioca and chicken curry) and karimeem porichathu (fish fry) and are guaranteed to fill diners up without breaking the bank.

Palm Beach Rotana Inn
Tel: (04) 393 1999.

Car Rental In The UAE

The Colibri lighter has had a long and illustrious history ever since its start in 1928, it was founded by Julius Lowenthal  who started with the idea of a lighter which would help people avoid the contact of the thumbs to the flint wheel. From this idea came the Colibri Original, though there were technical difficulties to the original design, it was eventually overcome and some of the Colibri Originals are still serving their owners until today.

In 1933, Julius was able to establish Colibri Lighters Ltd in London, and after the war, the company was able to establish its own Development Department that produced and are still producing a wide range of lighters until today.

With the Colibri lighter, one can always expect functionality with quality, and added to that, lighter designs that would fit any personality. Just to name a few of their lighters, there are Colibri Cigar Lighters, Colibri Windproof Lighters, Colibri Women’s Lighters, Table Lighters, and All Purpose Lighters. And that’s not even a complete list, to say that their Development Department have been busy since its founding is quite the understatement. It was even Colibri who produced the ingenious design for the golden gun in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”; this was assembled from a Cobliri 88 lighter, cigarette case, cuff links and fountain pen.

Pricewise, these lighters can range from the under $25 to $200. The choices presented would be from your All Purpose Colibri Lighter priced at $8.99, to the Colibri Miata Lavender Silver Lighter at $32.99, then there’s the Colibri Wellington Basket Silver Lighter at $50.99, then the Colibri Hybrid Lighter with brushed chrome finish at $84.99, to the Colibri Carbon Fiber Humido 3-Piece set at $148.99. Needless to say, the Colibri Lighter doesn’t just present a wide-range of designs; it also gives choices depending on the budget.

With that said, the Colibri Lighter is a definite must-have for lighter aficionados, and for people who can appreciate quality design and engineering. It’s history is also one guarantee of any Colibri lighter as a keeper and one that will definitely live up to expectations that only this brand can deliver.

Author: Ali Zanjani

Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Chauffeur & Limousine service providers. Read reviews, compare offers & save. It’s free!

Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/san-diego/san-diego-limousine/Articles/Here-are-a-few-tips-for-renting-a-limo-wisely

Tags: Taxi Service , Personal Car Driver , Limo / Limousine Service , Corporate Chauffeur Services, Chauffeur Service , Airport Taxis , Airport Shuttle Service , Airport Limousine / Limo , Airport Car Service , Wedding Limo / Limousine

Limo Rental Tips

1. It’s always best to have the limousine service co. provide proof of insurance before you rent a limo.

2. What credit cards are accepted?

3. After booking of the limousine is complete, ask the limousine service co. send you a confirmation letter with all the details via email or fax.

4. Ask the limousine service co. about their late change or cancellations policies.

5. Are there any discounts for weekday limousine rental rates?

6. Are there any special rates available for renting a limo from the airport to your hotel and back? Many hotels have special arrangements made with the local limousine service providers.

7. Does the limousine service co. offer corporate discounts?

8. Does the limo service co. have a deferred payment plan at %0 interest for 30 days?

9. Does the limo service co. have any discount coupons or promotional rates to offer?

10. What make and model is the limousine? Make sure you’re not renting a limousine from an old fleet.

11. Ask about the seating capacity of the limousine, In some cases, it would be more cost effective and more enjoyable to rent one high-capacity limousine, instead of two standard-size stretched limousines..

12. Ask about free champagne in the limos.

13. Is smoking allowed or prohibited in the limousine? Will there be residual odors of cigars or cigarette in the limo?

14. Is the limousine driver’s uniform formal or casual?

15. Where will the limousine driver meet you?

16. If you rent a limo will the driver assist you with your luggage?

17. Can you rent a limo with special packages for weddings, bachelor(ette) party, birthdays, etc?

18. If the airplane does not arrive on time, how long will the limousine driver wait for you and how will you be charged for the extra time?

To learn more or if looking for limo service coupons please visit us at

www.urroyalty.com

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Here Are A Few Tips For Renting A Limo Wisely!

Overcoming objections is not hard. It is a simple matter of assuming the customer is going to buy and then solving their problem. In this article, I am going to give a true example of how a salesperson walked right past a sale they could have easily gotten using a some simple techniques for overcoming objections.

First, let’s set the scene for the true life example for overcoming objections.

Last Monday, which was the 31st day of August (I mention the date for a reason you will see) my wife and I decided to buy a new car and went to a dealership. The salesperson showed us three vehicles that would have been acceptable. One was the most luxurious model and we really liked it but said it was we couldn’t afford it. That left two vehicles. One of them had a bad order and we rejected it. But then…out of the blue…came the final crushing objection. My wife said that she doesn’t like the color of either of them. The salesperson tried to find other inventory in his computer and kind of lost our interest while he was lost in working the computer for a long time. Then, he brought his manager to see us. The manager was nice but also made no attempt to close us. When we left, my wife said she was disappointed that they didn’t try to sell us as she would have bought any of the three vehicles if they had made it easy for us to make the purchase. Let’s look at some of the approaches they could have taken that could have easily turned a disappointed hand shake into a sale.

It’s The Last Day Of The Month

As I mentioned, it happened to be the last day of the month. What if the salesperson had asked if we really liked the luxury model we thought was out of our budget? If we said yes, he could have said. “Look, today is the last day of the month. Our expenses for the month are all paid. Any money we make now is just gravy. Now is the time to make an offer and see if you can get the luxury model to fit in your budget. Pick a number in your heart that will make you happy and I’ll get the paperwork started.” You can also adapt this to the beginning of the month and the middle of the month, to Saturdays, evenings and mornings.

Let’s Talk About The Color

My wife didn’t like the color, but what if the salesperson had said, “I know you don’t like the color but let me ask. Is there a price that would make the color acceptable? I mean if you saved enough would you accept a color that is different than the one you were hoping for? How much would you have to save? I doubt it but let’s see if we can get it in that range. I’ll get the paperwork started.”

Let’s Talk About The Odor

One vehicle was rejected due to a string cigar odor. The salesperson just agreed with us that it was overpowering. What if he had said, “Carl, we have a great reconditioning department and we are great at odor control. In fact, we do all the police cars for the city. I am confident we can get that odor to completely disappear. I am going to write on the order that this purchase is subject to us getting the odor to you satisfaction or the purchase is null and void. I’ll’ get the paperwork started.”

The Loyalty Bonus

“Carl, normally you couldn’t get that luxury model in your price range but I see you bought your current vehicle here. I am going to try to get you a loyalty bonus that will make this vehicle affordable. I’ll get the paperwork started.”

Let’s Talk Paint

Carl, I understand that you wife dislikes the color, so I’m going to write here that the vehicle if to be repainted in the color of your choice at no additional charge. I’ll get the paperwork started”. Now this may or may not be possible but it will get the buyers to sign a contract and get the negotiations rolling.

The Coin Flip

A last ditch “Hail Mary” approach is to find out which one they are “leaning towards” and then say, “Tell you what, I’ll flip you for it. Heads you buy it, tails you walk away”. You flip a coin and you have a 50% chance.

If Your Daughter….?

“Carl, let me ask you, if your daughter was looking for a good vehicle from a good dealer and she saw the ones you saw today, what would you advise her to do?” Many customer will say, “I’d advise here to take the XXXX”

Would These Methods Work?

We have discussed seven ideas to get the sale. Would they work? They will work on some people and not on others. But we know for sure that they won’t work if they are not tried. In our true example, the salesperson and the manager failed to try and lost the sale. Be sure you have lots of ways to solve the customers’ problems and always assume that they are buying. It is easy to overcome objections if you just don’t give up and if you try to solve the customer’s problem.

Perhaps the movies are to blame. All those scenes where the powerful businessman or politician says to the ingenuous hero, “May I offer you a cigar,” then-without missing a beat-brandishes a gold-embossed cigar case. A case with no humidity controls. A case that is not a humidor.

Whatever the reason, many casual cigar smokers-and even fairly committed lovers of premium cigars-don’t realize how important it is to store your cigars in a humidor.

In fact, if you’re like many smokers, you’re asking yourself what a humidor is, and why you should use one. A humidor is, basically, a box that’s designed to maintain your cigars at a certain level of humidity (near seventy percent) and a proper temperature (seventy degrees or below) when you’re not, you know, smoking them.

Why exactly is that near-seventy-percent humidity figure so important? To answer this question, we have to remember what a cigar is-a set of cut, dried, cured, fermented, rolled-together leaves. When the cigar maker picked these leaves, allowed them to dry, and cured them, etc., it put those leaves on a process that ends in the death of the leaves, and the death of their flavor. In the open air, these leaves can easily dry out completely, and the cigar loses its taste. In a too-humid environment, on the other hand, they get moldy. Basically, the moment you purchase a cigar, you are in a war with the elements; your job is to keep the cigar’s flavor alive, while the elements (air, bacteria, etc.) want your cigar to be spoiled.

Humidity is your ally in that battle. The tobacco plant has evolved to thrive in an environment near seventy percent humidity-the condition in which you’ll most often find it in nature-and if you can replicate that humidity, your cigars are in good shape. The best humidors use Spanish cedar or Honduran mahogany to trap that moisture, and they have a hygrometer-a device that controls and allows you to monitor moisture levels.

Now that you know why you need one, here are some tips on the care and feeding of humidors. First of all, new humidors need to be “seasoned.” When you buy your humidor, before using it, wipe the interior wood with a moist cloth, then leave a small, closed container of water inside the humidor for 12 hours. After those twelve hours are up, check to see how much of the closed vial of water the humidor has “drank.” If it’s nearly empty, then repeat the process for another twenty-four hours. Repeat this process until the water stops evaporating; now the humidor is ready for your cigars!

You’ll also need to fill the hygrometer (the device controls humidity levels). Use distilled water-or a humidifying solution (the humidor should come with instructions regarding this choice). Let the excess water drip from the hygrometer into a sink, and wipe off the outside of the device. Put it in the humidor. Another option should you choose not to use a hygrometer, is a new product that many veteran keepers of the stick have turned to: Bóveda Packs. Bóveda Packs are an amazing invention. Each pack is rated for a certain humidity level, either 72%, 69% or 65%.

Simply place the correct number of Bóveda packets inside your humidor to maintain a precise relative humidity. Each Bóveda packet consists of a specially prepared saturated solution of pure water and natural salt. This saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane. Within a closed desktop humidor Bóveda maintains a predetermined level of (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor-as needed-through the membrane. Boveda Packs are only to be used once, they are not refillable. They become very stiff when the contents are spent. These amazing packs last around 2 months in an average humidor.

Another recommendation: don’t keep your humidor near any home appliances that tend to affect home humidity, or any places in the home where these appliances tend to be stored. These might include heaters, air conditioners, vents, fans, and windows. Keep it away, also, from sustained direct sunlight; pay attention to the way that sunlight exposure changes throughout the seasons, too, because some “safe places” in your home might be less safe during the summer, when the sun’s rays creep further in and stay longer.

And lastly, know what to do if, in spite of all your preparations, your cigars suffer an attack of tobacco beetles. This irritating species preys on tobacco and, in some cases, can bore through a humidor. First of all, remember not to let the temperature in your humidor go too high-tobacco beetles flourish at temperatures over 75 degrees. (So a tobacco-beetle infestation means you haven’t monitored that humidor carefully enough!) Take out the cigars that have been infested and keep them in your freezer for 48 hours. Refrigerate them for another day after that. Now they should be safely returnable to the humidor-which, in the meantime, should be thoroughly cleaned, checked for structural integrity, and if necessary, replaced. Spanish-cedar humidors, by the way, are slightly better for keeping these nasty beetles out in the first place.