The Martin P12 Jetpack

By Drew Prindle September 30, 2013

No matter how ridiculously advanced technology becomes, it still never quite feels like we’re living in the future. We have supercomputers in our pockets, autonomous robotic vacuums, and can control our surroundings with nothing more than our brainwaves – but in spite of all these incredible advances, I still don’t feel like I’m living in that Jetsons-style technological utopia we were promised. Why? Because no matter how many Roombas I’ve got cleaning my floors, it just isn’t the future without hovercars and jetpacks.

Plain and simple, we are not living in the future until we can all zip around in our own personal gravity-defying contraptions, but thanks to the good folks at Martin Aircraft Company in New Zealand, that sci-fi dream may soon come true. For the past few decades founder Glenn Martin and his company have been developing, testing, and refining an experimental aircraft that they’re touting as “the first practical jetpack.”

The word “practical” seems like a bit of a stretch considering that one of these badboys will cost over 150K, but the machines do appear to be pretty capable. Inside the P12’s snazzy carbon-fiber composite frame sits a gasoline-fueled, 200-horsepower engine that powers a pair of carbon-Kevlar rotors. These engines can reportedly take a pilot up to 5000 feet high and will run for up to 30 minutes – and it’s even got a parachute built in just in case the whole thing craps out on you mid-flight.

Find out more at MartinJetpack.com

Drew is our resident tech nerd. He’s spent most of his life trying to be James Bond, so naturally he’s developed an…

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Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

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Alan Ritchson in Reacher.

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Prime Video didn't waste any time before renewing Reacher for a third season last year. And while new episodes are still several months away, we're sharing everything we know about Reacher season 3.
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