Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CCXIX

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) A new report from the U.S. Surgeon General is being challenged by a renowned member health community and the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR). The report claims that brief exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to cancer, DNA damage, and heart trauma. But Prof. Michael Siegel of Boston University’s School of Public Health says, “It is simply untrue to assert that brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause such results. If there is no safe level of exposure to any carcinogen, that would include exposure to automobile exhaust, the sun’s rays, benzene, radon in homes, arsenic in drinking water, and many other everyday items.” Chris McCalla, legislative director of the IPCPR, also points out a key conflict of interest in a recent press release: Dr. Regina Benjamin (pictured), the current Surgeon General, previously worked for a foundation that supports smoking bans and anti-tobacco groups.

2) Inside the Industry: Despite the partnership between Drew Estate and Illusione being severed, The Cigar Feed reports that Drew Estate is offering Nosotros “seconds” to a handful of retailers who will sell the cigars for $4-5 each in bundles.

3) Around the Blogs: Illusione and Tatuaje are currently dominating the top 10 at Your Cigar Ratings. Cigar Fan fires up the Don Diego Fuerte. Tiki Bar kicks back with a La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco. Smoking Stogie smokes the Viaje Holiday Blend 2010. Stogie Review reviews the Casa Fernandez Arsenio Maduro.

4) Deal of the Week: Looking for a last-minute cigar gift? This holiday sale features deals on some excellent boxes, including the Cuban Crafters Cameroon, Miami Medina 1959, Cupido Tuxedo, and J.L. Salazar.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: SurgeonGeneral.gov