My cousin is a senior journalism major at Penn State and is considering writing an article on cigars, but is having a tough time pinpointing an appropriate topic. I would have to be one that a non-smoker might possibly be interested, but not be too vast at the same time... Suggestions for my buddy?

aj
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What will happen if/when the embargo on Cuban cigars is lifted; specifically the brand name ownerships.
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I got nothin.

I was going to say the history of cigars, but that is too broad.
Then I thought - why are some cigars dark colored and other light? But that is probably too specific.
.....
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Maybe something about the "new generation" of cigar smokers. Dispel the myth of old men sitting around in suits and top hats.
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Who You Calling "Old"!:-):-)
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Cello on or off? :-)


Sorry. Just too easy to resist. I think the socio-politic-economic impact of lifting of the embargo is a great topic. Broad in one sense but the subject could focus on one facet of impact. :-)
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How about the cigar lifestyle, why we smoke them, the comraderie of fellow stogie nuts, etc.,etc. Might give non-smokers an insight into why we are the way we are.
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How about the evolution of the cigar boom and its decline?
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All great ideas! Thanks everyone. Keep 'em coming.
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+1

or maybe tobacco being a "New World" crop. And how it saved the Jamestown
Colony
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I hate to admit it, but a story about the large grey market of Cuban cigars that make their way to the US would be a fascinating story, both for smokers and a casual reader. You could really go in a lot of directions. Do a little research into the vendors who are willing to bend the law and reap big profits. You could speak bit on the other side about the outlaw cigar enthusiasts who are also willing to bend the law in order to have the world's best tobacco.

Much has been written about the end of the embargo and what that would mean for the industry. Instead of covering worn territory, write about the large segment of smokers/collectors who actually don't look forward to the end of the embargo and are currently stocking up in preparation. Most people probably don't realize that the end to the embargo, though wonderful for Cuba, would be bad for Habanos enthusiasts.

You could also go into to the various recent circumstances that have led to a rise in grey market cigar imports, such as the internet and changing world politics. and for the icing on the cake, actually buy a quantity of Cuban cigars and describe the experience throughout the article, starting with placing an order, all the way to the box showing up in the mail. Finish with the author lighting up and reviewing the contraband goods:-)


Of course, this is also a terrible idea, and smokers everywhere would hate you for writing it, but I think it would make for an interesting read.
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Since he's at Penn, how 'bout the growing use of PA tobacco in good cigars?
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I think that "flavor profiling" would be an interesting topic. Most people can relate to it with regards to wine, and very few people understand that we're actually tasting the cigars as we smoke them.
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I think that an article on what the Cuban cigar industry is doing now to prepare for the opening of the US market would be of broad appeal. Have heard some rumors that there could be entire warehouses in Cuba holding product in anticipation of a reversal of the embargo in the near future. I'd think that pulling together information from the Canadian and European press as well as Cuban sources would be well received.
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