Cigar smokers are a highly intelligent group, but so are cigar rollers, especially in Cuba. To help the rollers make it through their monotonous workdays, many Cuban cigar companies employ Cigar Readers, who read out loud from newspapers and books for all workers in the factory to hear, and learn. According to a story reported by the BBC, Cuban cigar workers are among the most educated and politically active groups in their country. Read more and even watch a video from the BBC.

Michael Coates, 48, of Hawthorne, NJ is the grand prize winner in the Macanudo Millionaire contest, but will he actually win $1 million? To get his shot, Michael beat out more than 2,000 contestants by submitting the winning essay about why he deserves to win the ultimate Macanudo cigar smoking buddy trip to Las Vegas. Coates and two guests will now fly to Las Vegas for a three-day, two-night trip at the Palms Hotel and Casino, where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates. On Saturday December 12, Coates will have the chance to spin a roulette wheel in the Playboy Club to win $1,000,000, courtesy of General Cigar's Macanudo brand.

Video footage and photos chronicling Coates' trip to Vegas and his VIP evening at the Playboy Club will be featured on macanudomillionaire.com during the weekend of December 12. On Saturday, the company will also provide frequent updates on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Video footage and photos of the Big Spin, as well as the winner's VIP trip to Vegas, will be available beginning late Sunday evening. Check it out!

In addition to their Operation Hope, which will now continue into January 2010, Altadis U.S.A. is sponsoring many local in-store cigar events this month in various cities across the United States. To see which event(s) may be coming to a cigar shop near you, visit altadisusa.com.

Cuban Crafters Medina 1959 cigars are made in Miami by Manual Medina, a notable cigar maker from Havana. These cigars are mild-to-medium bodied, and have a naturally sweet, smooth and creamy flavor - just right for newer cigar smokers. The Torpedo that I smoked was very well constructed, had an even burn and a great draw, and lasted for just over an hour. I rate it 4 stars. Read more...