Happy Port Tuesday.

In honor of Port Tuesday I am posting this banner that were used as event reminders via social media outlets. For the uninitiated, Port Tueday is a celebration that originated as the brain child of the storied A-Team (also referred to as "the seven madmen") at Jon's Pipe Shop in Champaign, Illinois. This local tradition was meant as homage to the spirit of generousity and the culture of sharing that had been long cultivated in the shop. However, it is also well-know amonst the regulars that the tradition also began as a joke. The very first Port Tuesday was held to spite shop employee, Michael LaDue, by enjoying his favorite adult beverage and having a good time while he was away and unable to partake.

Beginning in 2004, every Tuesday by 5pm a bottle of port would be shared amongst the Jon's Pipe Shop patrons and from that gesture a grand celebration would develop. In the years that followed, the Port Tuesday celebration would grow to include: food, events sponsored by tobacco companies, events held at local bars, etc. The original members of the A-Team may only rarely make appearances at Port Tuesday, but the recognition of the day and ensuing tribute goes on regardless. This day is the lasting legacy of Jon's A-Team and the culture specific to that shop. No matter where we go, every Tuesday is Port Tuesday. Starting in 2004, Tuesdays in Champaign have made Saturday look like just another day of the week.

Salute to all who can't be here with us to celebrate today. For some reason today I was thinking about the time when Family (aka Panda, aka Fruit, aka The Big Homie) so graciously passed me my first Lusitania (or "loosies" as we so affectionately call them). I will never forget that day he "traded" me for a La Aroura 100 Anos (possibly my hands down favorite cigar) in order to give me the opportunity to smoke what would become one of the best sticks I have ever experienced. It was only a trade on face value though. He had received a package containing an exquisite selection of cigars and let me choose the one I wanted. In return, I gave him what I had.

I remember taking my time with it and accompanying the flavor of the aged tobacco with a strong cup of coffee. I smoked it like it would be my last. It strattles two worlds as it is both a delightfully complex cuban and truely full-bodied. Family is a true friend not just for that but for many years of trust, compassion, and loyalty. On this Port Tuesday I raise my glass to you homie, to the seven madmen, and to our institution that seems to have taken on a life of it's own, ching-ching.