As we fast approach the end of yet another exciting year, let's take the time to count our blessings and review the hightlights of the year: the cigar tax roller coaster comes to mind; thanks to the effort of all cigar aficionados (and President Bush's veto) we came out on top, but we must continue the fight until a reasonable proposal is put through because this is not over yet. On the local front, we have seen new cigar shops prospering and perennial favorites continuing to do well, new cigar blends and new brands have successfully entered the market, and a plethora of cigar tasting events in the area provided a full calendar for all of us. The Tampa Cigar Heritage and the Thompson's Cigar Artisans events offered an opportunity to meet and greet many major players in the cigar industry and taste a variety of cigars from the local factories. All in all, a very good year!