My Stogie Mystagogy

This Week: Virtue and Vice

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

 

This Week: Prophets of Doom – the death of rational debate

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: Cigars and Drink – What we were smoking and drinking:

Don stepped outside his comfort zone AGAIN, and had an Arturo Fuente Short Story, Best Seller – does it even matter – something from the Hemingway Series… Kevin had a Dan Kruse Classic, first reviewed in our episode on Friendship, and Mark had a Drew Estates Undercrown Shade – first reviewed in Episode 39. Don and I drank the Nine Banded whiskey we reviewed last week.

Segment 2: Stop Being Played!

In 1975 a new segment aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes” news/opinion program. It was called “Point/Counterpoint” and featured Shana Alexander and James Kilpatrick as a sort of liberal vs conservative debate venue. They “debated” topics of the day – but you wouldn’t know that without a deep dive into Mr. Google. The “60 Minutes” segment was completely overshadowed by Jane Curtain and Dan Aykroyd’s lampooning of the CBS show.

The above picture is from possibly their most famous confrontation. Some say it was the beginning of the end for the CBS show. No one could take Shana and James seriously. Jane and Dan took sides on the Michelle Triola Marvin palimony suit in 1979. It began with Jane giving her side of the debate and was met with what had become his opening catch phrase, “Jane you ignorant slut.” If you have never seen it, it is worth watching – Aykroyd’s clipped machine gun like delivery is something to behold.

But it was a classic ad hominem attack and didn’t address any of Jane’s arguments. Most would say Dan “won”. But all he did was insult and name call. Sound familiar?

They were making fun of the CBS show – not trying to set the standard for debate for the future. They are tame in comparison to what gets smeared on Facebook and Twitter today. And, this is not a good thing. People, and we assert especially those who call themselves Catholics, should be at the forefront of reasoned debate. Let’s show people how a search for truth trumps simply trying to win.

Catechism Reference: CCC:2241

Don blogs at Joe Catholic

Mark sort of blogs at Truth vs Reality and at The Global Exclaimer

 

This Week: Response to Listener about Adam and Eve, also Father’s Day

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: Cigars and Drink – What we were smoking:

Don stepped outside his comfort zone and had an Arturo Fuente – something from the Hemingway Series… Kevin and Mark had a Montecristo Monte.

We rather enjoyed this offering from Montecristo – The story about Montecristo is that the cigar rollers in Cuba used to have someone read classics to them while they were at work – and apparently The Count of Montecristo was a favorite. This cigar was rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado, and is a little different in that it employs two different leaves for the binder.

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

Binder: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

Filler: Dominican Republic

I found this to be robust and flavorful – found a bit of molasses, and – I know this is not saying much, but strong tobacco notes. Best way I can describe is maybe if you remember what a cigarette pack smelled like when first opened, before it is lit – that’s what I experienced. Now, I’ve never smoked cigarettes, but have been around people that do, and always found that raw tobacco smell pleasant. The smoke and ashtray – not so much.

Don and I had something completely different – Nine Banded Whiskey.

It was tasty – it had a sweetness which I think I have learned is a result of the corn in the mash. It blended well with the molasses I was experiencing from the Monte. Kevin had a coke.

Segment 2: A listener asked, “Is it Catholic Dogma that all humans came from Adam and Eve? I ask because I read that humans have Neanderthal DNA in our genes. I am wondering what that means regarding the first humans, and how it impacts the idea of original sin.”

Great question – the science/evolution/natural selection/DNA conversation is basically outside our respective areas of expertise, but we didn’t let that stop us. We referenced Scripture, and document named Humani Generis and our own brains while wrestling with this question.

Segment 3: Father’s Day is this Sunday. We talked about fatherhood and the fatherhood of God, and what that means relationally, and what that suggests for us fathers.

Enjoy! Please like us on Facebook, Instagram, iTunes, Google +

This Week: Deadpool 2 – Does This Movie Have Any Redeeming Qualities? (Spoiler Alert!!!)

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: We all smoked something we’ve never tried before – and Don is not happy with his favorite cigar maker. Kevin smoked a Bolivar Dominican. He thought it was “OK”. Don gave up on his Ashton ESG made by… Arturo Fuente. Would not buy it again. Mark smoked a Monte Carlo Torpedo, and he was the only one actually happy with his cigar.

We were drinking standard issue Jameson Irish Whiskey. Except Kevin. He had a coke. a cola.

Segment 2: We review Deadpool 2. We talk about everything – so, if you haven’t seen it, and don’t want to know who wins, then go see the movie and then listen to the podcast. Or, maybe, listen to the podcast, then you might want to see the movie.

Caveat: As Deadpool says, this is a family movie, just, don’t bring your family. Rated R for language and violence and cartoonish drug use. Did I mention profanity? There is a lot of profanity. And violence. And gore. Hysterical Gore at times.

 

This Week: What does it mean to be well in a Catholic context? What is the root of wellness? Listen and find out!

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

What is “wellness”? What does it mean to be well? Is there a Catholic position on this? It seems clear that wellness is not simply being healthy, though that is certainly part of what most would consider being well. But, from a Catholic perspective, wellness is more than simple physical health. It is also mental, spiritual and emotional. But, these are not necessarily ends in themselves.

We all seek happiness. Our ultimate happiness is found in ultimate truth – Jesus. Wellness may very well be a by-product of living a moral life – that is a life ordered to grow closer to God. Growing closer to God necessarily means strengthened personal relationships with friends and family, balance, moderation, etc. Join us as we explore Catholic Wellness.

Cigars in this podcast: Arturo Fuente Short Story, Rocky Patel 1992 Anniversary seconds.

Spirits in this podcast: coffee beans and Dewar’s 12 year old blended scotch.

Tell us what you think about this podcast in the comments. Please like us and follow us on Facebook!

This Week: Cultural Appropriation. Also, advice to young Kevin – and Cigars!

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: Don was smoking a new cigar for him, the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Sun Grown

 

Kevin and I each had the Drew Estates Undercrown Shade. We discussed that in Episode 39.

* Segment 2: Cultural Appropriate, What it is, what it be like. Whoops, that was cultural appropriation! So, what is the difference between honoring and acknowledging and making fun? I think we know – but then we also have to deal with America’s Pastime: Being Offended. Needless to say, making fun of people is sad and silly, and can be hurtful. But, not everyone is trying to harm another, and some things are ironic – such as the Vietnamese student shaming the cafeteria into dropping the banh mi from their menu – claiming cultural appropriation. The banh mi appropriated from France…

Segment 3: Kevin, utilize your God Given Gifts (G cubed). And focus on God and Faith.

This Week: Alfie Evans and End of Life Issues. Also, advice to young Mark – and Cigars!

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: Arturo Fuente Añejo Robusto, Undercrown Shade

Segment 2: Alfie Evans, and the ending of a life

Segment 3: Mark, go ahead and study what you want, and it is OK to beat people at chess.

This Week: How we respond to the fact of death and a new segment – Advice to our younger selves.

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

Segment 1: Arturo Fuente Rosada, Cohiba Red Dot Churchill, and JR Alternate 858

Don enjoyed another Arturo Fuente Offering – the Gran Reserva Rosado

Mark had a Cohiba Red Dot – Churchill size

 

Kevin had a JR Alternate – supposed to be an alternate to the Arturo Fuente 858.

Segment 2: Death – it’s inevitability, how we respond, the resources some have and some don’t.

Segment 2: Don advises his younger self.

 

Recorded at the Theological Armory, Carrollton Tx. Tip of the had to Blue Yeti microphones and Audacity.

This Week: Cigars and Star Trek TNG and Catholic Social Teaching

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

In our poll, the Star Trek Universe was the clear winner, with a nod to Firefly. So, Don and I have a discussion that goes where no man has gone before. Or no one. Or something. But, also as always, we talk about What are You Smoking Now!

1st. Segment: What are we smoking now?

Hemingway Classic, Rocky Patel Anniversario 1992, Gentleman Jack

Review of this very fine cigar from Cigar Obsession

Another review from Cigar Obsession.

2nd. Segment: Star Trek TNG won the poll with 42% of vote, and we compare and contrast their galactic world view and the galactic world view of Catholic Social Teaching. Below is an outstanding book on Catholic Social Doctrine with a link to Amazon.

 

Recorded at the Theological Armory, Carrollton Tx. Tip of the had to Blue Yeti microphones and Audacity.

This Week: Cigars, Surprise Segment (at least for Mark), and Discussion about Life’s Big Questions

YOUR HOSTS: Don Gonzalez, Mark Connolly, and Kevin Gonzalez

(CARROLLTON, TX – Cradle of Civilization) Almost live from the Broadcast Studios of the Theological Armory.

1st. Segment: What Are We Smoking Now? Drew Estate Undercrown Connecticut Shade Gordito

This is a 6″ x 60 Ring Gauge cigar – and when I cut it, the wrapper split – and I thought, “Well crap, I’ve been had.” But, no, I smoked it down to where the ashes were falling off behind my teeth. My attempt at a flavor profile was ruined by liberal application of Listerine due to a tooth ache. However, anytime you are done before you are ready to be done, it is a good cigar.

From the Cigar Bid website:

Undercrown Shade is flavorful and balanced, with an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper atop a Sumatran binder and Dominican criollo 98’ and Nicaraguan corojo and criollo long-fillers. Mellow to medium-bodied, the blend is rich, complex, and balanced, bringing flavors of toast, nuts, subtle spice, and cream with an enjoyable sweetness with the finish. This is a mellow cigar that will surprise and fascinate the full-bodied enthusiast.

Undercrown Shade was recently honored as a fantastic cigar with a 91-rating.

Don stepped way out of character and tried a brand he’d never heard of. Arturo Fuente!! LOL. This was the Hemingway Signature.

We severely under-guessed the ring gauge on this beauty – this is 6″ x 47. Don said it was OK, that he preferred Swisher Sweet Grape. Actually, that is a misrepresentation, unless there is no absolute truth, in which case, who knows, or cares, what he said? Of course, he did in fact like this cigar a great deal and did discuss in the podcast.

Mark drank Infamous Goose and Don had the Bulleit Rye.

2nd. Segment: Nicknames!

3rd. Segment: Kind of a big picture philosophy corner and a discussion of the void in education, where the big questions are not pursued, in favor of creating low-cost drones to do the bidding of Big Corporations.

Also, please take our Poll to shape our discussion for next week!

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