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“How The Feds stole my lighter” - One Man's Story
Readers give their cigar tips and more!
(Posted November 25, 2003)
*** IN THIS ISSUE ***
1.
Feature Story: “How The Feds stole my lighter” - One Man's Story
2. Survey Says: You write the headline
3. Smoker's Ed (Cigar Terms & Tips): Cold weather cigar smoking; Cubans; Aging cigars
4. Site Improvements: Cigar shape now shown in search results
5. Rating Lunatic: Value Line cigars; Don Tomás Dominican Belicoso
6. Cigars in the News: Ex-Wife Helps Feds Nab Cigar Smuggler
COMING SOON! "The Women of Famous Smoke Shop"
*** FEATURE STORY ***
“How The Feds stole my Lighter” - One Man's Story
SINCE MANY OF YOU will be traveling by air in the weeks ahead, I thought
this story about one man’s recent experience with the TSA (Transportation
Security Administration) was apropos. I did a little editing, but all the
words are those of the writer, who by request, I refer to only as "Mike"
and the TSA.
It all started with the following email:
Wed, 12 Nov 2003
Gary,
I'm a long-time fan of your newsletter, and thought that your readers
who "take to the skies" would be very interested in what happened to
me two weeks ago.
I was flying from Los Angeles to Minneapolis on November 2nd. I brought
along some of my favorite cigars as carry-on luggage, but packed my
Colibri lighter and cutter in my checked luggage to preclude any problems.
When I arrived in Minneapolis, I found out that my $35 Colibri lighter
had been confiscated back in Los Angeles.
What upsets me is that the new Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) officers confiscated my lighter, made no attempt to notify me that
they were confiscating my lighter and left no notification in my luggage
that this confiscation took place (there was simply a TSA card in my
suitcase that said the contents of the suitcase were inspected).
To date, all of my attempts to recover my lighter (a gift from my brother-in-law) have gone ignored.
Best regards,
"Mike"
FYI: You can go to the TSA website and
download a copy of their Prohibited and Permitted Items list. Go to
TSA website, go to Travelers & Consumers, then click on prohibited and
permitted items link.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sent 10 November 2003 to TSA:
TSA,
The purpose of this email message is to inquire into what TSA does with
the cigarette lighters that they confiscate from Checked Baggage?
I DID NOT KNOW that any policy was changed to prohibit cigarette lighters
in Checked Baggage. As a matter of fact, I specifically packed my lighter
in my Checked Baggage to preclude any problems.
On November 2, I flew out of LAX, at 6:55 a.m., on Northwest Airlines to
Minneapolis. My $35 Colibri Quantum Talon lighter (a gift from my brother-in-law) was taken out of my luggage, and there was NO NOTICE of this
Confiscation. And no attempt to notify me of this confiscation at the
time of removal, or later.
I can identify my lighter if given the opportunity. However, I do not know
if these items are saved, destroyed, or given to the TSA employees to take
home. I would appreciate any information on this issue. I would like to
do whatever I can to recover my Colibri Quantum Talon Lighter.
Regards,
"Mike"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Received 12 November 2003 from TSA:
Thank you for your question about TSA disposal of items left at security
checkpoints. As a U.S. Government agency, TSA must comply with General
Services Administration rules governing the storage and disposal of items
in TSA's control. TSA also must comply with Environmental Protection
Agency rules when disposing of hazardous materials. As a general rule
items under a certain dollar value may be discarded after a set time.
All others are subject to advertisement and sale under GSA rules.
TSA Contact Center
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sent 12 November 2003 to TSA:
TSA Contact Center,
Thank you for replying to my initial email message. I am still interested
in recovering my cigarette lighter (again, a gift from my brother-in-law
and has much sentimental value).
*** Please advise me on how I can recover my lighter. ***
Regards,
"Mike"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Received 12 November 2003 from TSA:
Your e-mail has been received by the Transportation Security
Administration's Contact Center. You will receive a response promptly.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Received 13 November 2003 from TSA:
"You may attempt to contact the LAX Lost & Found at: 310-665-7382.
TSA Contact Center
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 8:48 AM
To: Gary
Subject: Confiscated Cigarette Lighter
Gary,
I wanted to give you a status on my efforts to recover my Colibri lighter
that was confiscated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
on November 2 out of the Los Angeles International Airport. The latest
reply that I received from TSA pursuant to this situation essentially
said that I may attempt to contact the Los Angeles International Airport
(LAX) Lost & Found Department. I'm not sure why TSA would direct me to
the Lost & Found Department for something they confiscated, but I will
follow up on this suggestion.
Your readers need to know that they risk having their Lighters confiscated
when they travel via air and, if confiscated, there is little chance of
recovery. My lighter cost $35, but I know that many of your readers own
lighters that range into the $100's of dollars and a loss like that can
be devastating.
Furthermore, if my recent experience is a TSA Standard of Action, then
there will be no attempt to contact them at the time of Lighter confiscation, and no notice of confiscation left inside their baggage. There will
only be a 3 1/2" X 8 1/2" card titled "Notification of Baggage Inspection"
within.
Best regards,
"Mike"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Received Sun, 16 Nov 2003
From: "TSA-Contact Center"
To: "Mike"
Subject: Re: Confiscated Cigarette Lighter
For individual use non refillable liquefied gas (Bic-type) and absorbed
liquid (Zippo-type) lighters are allowed to be carried on one's person
- NOT IN CHECKED BAGGAGE.
The limit is 2 lighters or 4 books of matches per person. Lighters with
unabsorbed liquid fuel, containers of lighter fluid, lighter refills, and
matches (safety or strike-anywhere) are NOT permitted in checked or carry-
on luggage.
TORCH LIGHTERS ARE PROHIBITED IN CARRY ON AND CHECKED LUGGAGE.
There are no provisions for returning banned items. As a U.S. Government
agency, TSA must comply with General Services Administration rules
governing the storage and disposal of items in TSA's control. TSA also
must comply with Environmental Protection Agency rules when disposing of
hazardous materials. As a general rule items under a certain dollar value
may be discarded after a set time.
TSA Contact Center
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003
From: "Mike"
To: Gary
Subject: Fwd: Re: Confiscated Cigarette Lighter
Gary,
Well I think that TSA's final email reply to me sums it up.
1) There are no provisions for returning banned items.
2) As a U.S. Government agency, TSA must comply with General Services
Administration rules governing the storage and disposal of items in
TSA's control.
3) TSA also must comply with Environmental Protection Agency rules when
disposing of hazardous materials.
4) As a general rule items under a certain dollar value may be discarded
after a set time.
"Mike"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
[I was about to put this story to bed, ending it with the above message,
until I got this late email from "Mike."]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003
From: "Mike"
To: Gary
Subject: Fwd: Re: Confiscated Cigarette Lighter
Gary,
Here's the last word I got from the Los Angeles International Airport
Lost & Found:
"There is no way you will get your lighter back. We have thousands and
thousands of prohibited items that cannot be returned to their owners.
All of these items will be disposed of, or processed through a Government
branch out of Washington DC. Those processed items will be donated to
various organizations. We have no control over the donations of these
prohibited items."
I guess this is the end of my story... Major bummer.
"Mike" ¶
SURVEY SAYS DEPT.
You write the headline!
How would like to be me for a day? (OK, I heard that!) Think you can
write a headline that SIZZLES? Here's your chance to play copywriter.
Smoke a cigar that moves you to inspiration and come up with a headline
for it. If it's a keeper, we'll put it in the February catalog and give
you full credit!
Send an email to: and in the SUBJECT line,
type or copy & paste "Headline" followed by the headline, or write it
in the message portion of the email.
For example: Headline: "They laughed when I told them it was a bundle
cigar - then they smoked it."
Please LIMIT your submissions to NO MORE THAN 3 HEADLINES and to only
ONE EMAIL per response. Go for it.
Survey Results for November 11th: What are your Top-3 cigars?
I will be posting the results for the Top-10 cigars as chosen by You,
the readers, in the December 9th issue.
Cigar Terms & Tips (Collect and trade em'!)
Torpedo -One definition describes a Torpedo as "a cigar shape that has
a closed foot, a pointed head and a bulge in the middle. However, most
"torpedos" are uniform in width for the entire length of the cigar, except
for the pointed head and have an open foot. The style name "torpedo" is
also used at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Cigar Tips From Our Mail Bag
Here are some emails I received over the past several months that I've
been holding on to. This first one is a reply to our survey on smoking
in the house:
There's a solution to the weather turning cold and not being able to
smoke in the house. I also hunt and ice fish, so I have a thick, bulky
camouflage jump suit. I make my mixed drink (Jim Beam and Ginger Ale on
the rocks), suit up, go out on the deck and light up. The suit is warm
enough that you could fall asleep in it, even in the worst cold weather
we have in the Poconos. With the hood pulled up and my winter beard, I
look like a Sasquatch smoking a big fat stogie and I probably scare the
neighbors at night. The only problem I've had is my drink freezing. I've
had to punch a hole in the ice that forms on the top during the coldest
of evenings. You can increase the alcohol content of your drink to lessen
the freezing problem, and give some beneficial side effects. So, old man
winter doesn't stop me from enjoying a Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra in
January. Bring on the cold!
- "Goody," Lehighton, PA
This email came in response to a question about Cuban Cigars:
To Whom it may concern,
I just finished reading today's newsletter, in which someone asked about
bringing Cubans cigars back to Cuba. My wife went to Cuba on a Medical
Visa in 1999. Her paperwork actually stated that she was allowed to
bring back 50 cigars, signed by Madeline Albright. We were still dating
at the time, and she brought me back 25. If I had known how good they
were going to be, I would have asked her to bring back more. I don't
care what the popular opinion is, they are still the best there is.
- Robb Manning, Milwaukee, WS
The following opinions were sent in response to the subject of aging
cigars at home:
Can't speak to aging cigars for years etc since I haven't been smoking
them that long. I do know that as little as two months will make a
tremendous difference in some cigars. Turns an otherwise hard drawing
or plugging bitter gar into a delightful easy drawing flavorful
experience. My suggestion to others is try a cigar from each batch as
you receive them. If they are hard-drawing or uneven burning or even a
little bitter, age them for a few months trying one every three or four
weeks. You'll find in all but a very few cases that those "bad" cigars
suddenly taste a lot better, burn more evenly, and draw much easier.
- Larry in Nebraska
------------------------------
There are some cigars that are "young" and need a little aging to bring
them to their peak. The Don Tomas regular (or Value Line 200 Honduran)
come to mind. 3 months in a humidor does wonders for these.
- Bill in Shrewsbury, MA
------------------------------
Actually, some cigars will never get any better with aging, and I don't
know why. Others do. Specifically, the Partagas 10. Years back, the 10
was my all time favorite cigar. Then, during the late cigar boom, it
seemed to suffer a little in both construction and taste. I took several
boxes and aged them between 18 and 36 months. What a difference. I shared
them with a couple of friends that I consider knowledgeable and long time
cigarists and it was unanimous. The aging improved the Partagas 10
immensely...There, my 2 cents worth.
- J. Hanlon
------------------------------
The first box of cigars I ever bought (from Famous, of course) was a box
of Hoyo double-maduro, double coronas in Feb '99. I love both Hoyos and
Excaliburs, but the Hoyos can be a bit rough around the edges at first.
So I put them in my humidor and, quite honestly, forgot about them. In
the meantime smoked everything on the spectrum - Perdomo Reserves,
Hemingways, foreign Monty #2's and Bolivars when I was overseas, etc.
Earlier this year I came back to the Hoyos, and my friends and I were
AMAZED at the cigars. They maintained the nutty, earthy core that Hoyo
fans smoke them for, but had mellowed into a well integrated, completely
smooth cigar. Even non-Hoyo smokers now fight with each other when I
don't bring enough to go around - I never thought I'd see this from an
Hoyo when held against a Fuente or Padron (which of course I'm also a
big fan of).
Coincidentally, I had a similar experience with a Bahia El Tesoro #4
bundle that I've had for a few years - an average cigar turned into a
great one.
For cigars, I think the ones that age best are the ones that are fuller
flavored and/or might be a bit young. Aging milder cigars for a little
while might take away from any 'green' characteristics, but I've found
the flavor can fade a bit if left too long. Laying down a monster cigar
can change it's character quite a bit... if there's enough core flavor
to begin with and the rough edges are removed through aging, the result
can be a great shock!
- Andy in Lexington, MA
------------------------------
Hi Gary,
I just wanted to drop you a note.....
I have been tending 7 humidors for a few years. Some cigars I have had
for two to three years. I don't recall having an unworthy smoke out of
the batch. I don't understand how a cigar can "go bad" if properly cared
for.
- Guy Manwaring, Tecumseh, MI
*** SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION DEPT.***
Have a question about the care and feeding of your cigars or another
cigar-related topic? Send your questions and comments to me at: . I will try to respond as quickly as possible, but some replies may take a few days.
Subcribe To Famous Smoke Shop-Talk
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“Shop-Talk” Archives
Want to catch up on your Famous Smoke "Shop Talk" reading or reference an article, tip, or other bit of information that appeared in a past issue? Go to our Famous Smoke “Shop Talk” archives page.
FAMOUS-SMOKE.COM HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
Cigar Shape Now In Search Results
The content on the cigar search results page and cigar statistics pages
will now also show the "Shape" (e.g. Robusto, Churchill, etc.). Please
note that some sizes may not be shown correctly, but we're working on
getting them all "in-line" as quickly as possible. Thanks in advance for
your patience.
RATING LUNATIC DEPT.
Value Line 100H "Corona Gorda" (Honduras)
Medium / 6" x 52 / Ecuadorian Natural wrapper
Not bad. This is the second Value Line Corona Gorda I've smoked. The
200 Honduran was the first I had. Both have been great cigars for the
money. Granted, they don't have all the flavor of name brand cigars,
but for $1 - they are a steal. Smooth draw, good flavor, and lasted
a long time. I would buy this one again.
- Mike in California (11/9/03)
Value Line 400H "Perfeccion" (Honduras)
Medium / 7" x 48 Pyramid / Indonesian wrapper
Nice smoke for a good price. Smoked a few from the bundle so far. Very
nice smoke for not a big price. Nice draw and ash. Great for a quick
smoke so you don't have to feel guilty about the price.
- William S., New York, NY (11/10/03)
Don Tomás Dominican Selection "Belicoso"
Full / 6" x 52 / Talanga Cubano wrapper
Absolute joy. A solid 9... Received a sampler pack on B'day and got
my first taste of the DM selection. After tasting this reddish gem I
ordered a box. Perfect draw with a nice cloud of billowing smoke. The
box press fits nicely in hand and watering mouth. Burn was a bit uneven
but I don't get much joy from watching it burn. A Cedar taste and aroma,
finish notes of almonds and toffee. Even taste through the stick, not
really getting acrid until about a 1" butt. I would buy more of these
great priced smokes in a heart beat.
- Tabac Mac, WA (11/8/03)
Customer reviews are selected at random and may be edited for length, not content.
AGREE/DISAGREE? Your opinion may be similar or completely different and is also appreciated, so don't be shy. Rate the cigars you smoke on our web
site. What you say can help others make a more informed decision, even you!
CIGARS IN THE NEWS
Ex-Wife Tells How She Helped Feds Nab Cigar Smuggler
By Dave Newbart, Staff Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times
November 22, 2003 - The ex-wife of a lawyer convicted of smuggling Cuban cigars testified
Friday that U.S. Customs Service agents encouraged her to "get friendlier"
with him in order to collect incriminating evidence against her ex-husband.
The ex-wife, Nicole Chakalis, said she threw valuable documents into the
trash so the customs agent -- who was monitoring the lawyer's garbage -
could collect evidence he could not get without a search warrant.
The convicted lawyer, Richard "Mick'' Connors, of Skokie, argued before
U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Guzman that the actions amounted to an
illegal search and seizure and therefore his conviction last year should
be thrown out.
Connors, a former Cook County assistant public defender, was found guilty
of smuggling, trading with the enemy, conspiracy to trade with the enemy
and lying to a passport officer while bringing back thousands of cigars
from Cuba by way of Canada and Mexico. Connors is awaiting sentencing.
To read the entire story click here.
*** GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! DEPT.***
Cigar tasting events in our retail store at 1100 Conroy Place, Easton, PA
Please call 610-559-8800 for more info and the special offers associated with these events.
Thu, Dec. 4: Helix & Vega Talanga Corojo Tasting - 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Fri, Dec 12: CAO Criollo Tasting - 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.
COMING SOON!
* Punch Photo Shoot - Star in your own Punch cigar ad
* Appointed Davidoff Merchant Grand Opening
* Cigar rolling
*** EYES ON THE PRIZE DEPT.***
Cigar Sightings
Cary Grant the *ultimate* suave guy lights up repeatedly in 'Walk Don't
Run,' a comedy about the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This was his last film.
Regards,
Joe Wexler, Lake Park, FL
Other Famous Cigar Smokers Caught “Infumare Delecto”
Three friends enjoying a smoke on the occasion of our two son’s 2nd
birthday celebration May 2003. Tim’s (right) son Ian and Jeremy’s (left)
son Aiden turn two which give us cause for celebration and the smoking
of an enjoyable cigar.
- Timothy L. DeLaughter, Winchester, VA
Live to Ride, Ride to Eat and Smok'em if you got'em"
- Larry G. Jones, Knightdale, NC
[I've got another of Larry, I'm saving for a special occasion.~ G.K.]
WANTED! Cigar-smoking photos of you and/or your friends. (See next paragraph for details.)
Have You Made A Cigar Sighting Recently?
It can be from a movie, TV show or a celebrity you've seen elsewhere or in-person puffing on a primo. If you can name the brand of the cigar, even better! Or send in a herfing photo of you and your friends to me at
and please put "Cigar Sightings" in the subject line. Limit: 1 sighting or photo (preferably, a JPEG) per email.
That's all folks. Until next time, Happy Smokes!
Gary
(_{@}_______{{{
Copyright © 2003 Famous Smoke Shop - PA, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Portions or all of this information may be reprinted freely, provided this
link, http://www.famous-smoke.com, remains intact.
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