The Video Round Up: February 14th 2016

By Austin Parker February 14, 2016

The Video Round Up — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Video Round Up is a new series highlighting videos and multimedia content that caught our eyes. Getting stoked on travel, good food, and extreme sports is best when shared with friends, so we’ll be posting a bi-weekly series on our favorite videos we find from every corner of the web. Have a tip or some awesome footage? Shoot an email to support@themanual.com

Just Passing Through: Bali

For a little travel inspiration – and to remind us that spring is finally coming – Reef Sandals just launched their first episode of the Just Passing Through series. Reef athletes are constantly discovering new countries, crissing time zones, and passing through new locales. In this first episode, they track surfer Rob Machado as he explores the island of Bali in Indonesia.

Just Passing Through Bali: Episode 1

Zion 8k

Zion is one of our favorite National Parks. From death defying canyoneering and hiking routes, to pristine waterfalls and pools, it is truly an oasis for adventure in the Southwest desert. Whether you are a desert rat who makes a pilgrimage every year, or debating your first trip, this short video (shot in ultra high 8k hi-def!) will leave you inspired to explore the red rock canyon country.

ZION 8K

Arc’teryx Presents: WKND

Too often we get caught up in the idea that a real adventure takes months of planning and then days or travel. Arc’teryx’s new video WKND reminds us that there is adventure to be had right out your back door. We don’t all have the Rockies of British Columbia within a short drive of the office, but with a little research and exploration, finding a weekend “micro-adventure” between your daily 9-5 grind should be up on your bucket list.

Arc'teryx presents: WKND

Distiller’s List: MTN MIX

Last year the team at Distiller’s List gave us their holiday picks for good booze. This time around, they’ve crafter a series of “MTN Mix” recipes for a twist on some of our favorite drinks. Our favorite is the Bumps-a-rita, a clever, ski culture infused margarita. If you could have a couple waiting at the lodge for us at the end of the day, we’d appreciate it.

MTN MIX | Bumps-A-Rita | Dec 2015

MTN MIX | Daff-uiri | Dec 2015

Mtn MIX | Bowl•Vardier

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

Culture

The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

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

Culture

This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer