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...

Out of the Humidor: Room101

It's that time again for my annual birthday party/fundraiser event. This is the 6th year I'm raising money for my high school Alma Mater, Killingly High School in Danielson, CT. Since 2005, my birthday event has raised over $70,000 for the Learning for Life Fund, which helps supplement, the costs of KHS's School-to-Career program. http://www.killinglyschools.org/ It's a small town public school that's funded by a very limited education budget financed by generous yet maxed-out taxpayers, many on fixed incomes. This past year has been incredibly challenging for them to maintain programs, and even provide adequate resources like computers. They were only able to do so because of the funding this event generates through your support and generosity. The Killingly High School "Learning for Life" Fund directly supports the "Career Pathways" program and "School to Career" program that helps in the transition from high school to the ne...

Out of the Humidor: Padron Family Reserve No. 45

Out of the Humidor: Liga Privada T52

Out of the Humidor: 7-20-4

Out of the Humidor: Avo Limited Edition 2010