Good Life Diaries

Ignoring once again the crippling financial burdens facing New York’s small businesses, the newest proposal by Governor Paterson to increase the Other Tobacco Products (“OTP”) tax from its current 46% of wholesale to 75% is outrageous, irresponsible and revenue negative for the State. Just over a year ago, the State of New York implemented an OTP tax increase from 37% of wholesale to 46% of wholesale. This increase put New York State’s OTP tax significantly higher than the OTP tax of neighboring states. Comparing the first quarter of 2010 to 2009, Professional Tobacconists across the state of New York lost a devastating 20-30% in customer transactions. But don’t be fooled, these customers have not quit enjoying their premium cigars or pipe tobaccos, rather they simply buy their tobacco elsewhere, either in a neighboring state or online. Further increasing the OTP tax will only continue to drive customers away from New York, resulting in a loss of not only OTP tax but also sales tax...

The Dominican Republic is known as cigar country. If you have any doubt in the merrits of such a nickname, than clearly you have never visited. Located on the island of Hispanola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic produces some of the finest cigars available anywhere in the world. In a continuing effort to drive this message home ProCigar, a consortium of 6 of the leading Dominican manufacturers, hosted its third annual ProCigar Festival. This year also marked the 3rd year I was fortunate enough to host a group to experience this incredible trip. The Festival begain on February 14 in La Romana with tours of Tabacalera de Garcia (home of Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo) as well as a golf competition. Unfortunately I was unable to participate in the first couple days, but the reviews from folks who attended said it was first class. Having had the pleasure of visiting Tabacalera de Garcia myself on prior trips and spending time with the great Jose Seijas, I'm sure ...

And Miami Cigar Company present… A Nicaraguan All Star Cigar Party Each guest will enjoy:                                                                            Presidente Beer                                                                          ...

Join us for a very intimate evening to of The Good Life at Davidoff Madison Avenue. The evening will begin with the very limited Davidoff Colorado Claro. Followed by a 2009 Avo Limited Edition "Companero". Dinner prepared by Rothmann's Steakhouse, including tiered seafood platter , porterhouses for two served family style w/ creamed spinach and mashed potatoes paired with Fine Wines. At the completion of dinner, guests will be served the 2009 Davidoff Limited Edition <<702>> Toro Especiales.                        Dessert will be served paired with a selection of the Finest Glenmorangie Scotch Whiskeys, as well as the Zino Platinum Crown Series 2009 Limited Edition Emperor Edition.      Tickets are $300 per person. Seating is very limited and tickets must be purchased in advance Monday, November 9, 2009 @ David...