C. Lee McKenzie

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AtoZBlogChallenge:C is for Cigar Factory and Hats Off Corner Welcomes Alex Cavanaugh

April 3, 2015 By C. Lee McKenzie 69 Comments

Join in the fun! 
It only takes a minute to sign up or visit more AtoZers on the Linky.

My theme this year is Burma AKA Myanmar. I used to live in Laos, so this was a return to Southeast Asia that I looked forward to. I spent a little over three weeks exploring this country, learning about its culture: its history, religion, and language. I thought others might enjoy a bit of what I learned and see some of what I saw.  

I’d never seen tobacco like this.

The Cigar Factory seemed to be women’s work, and while they worked, some enjoyed a cigar. 

The woman wearing pink took a lot of smoking breaks.

See what I mean?

I don’t smoke, so the aroma in this building wasn’t all that great for me.

Answers to B: What do you know about Began, Burma?

F 1. Began is a landlocked city in the middle of Burma. (It’s on the Irrawaddy river.)
F 2. Began was founded in 1942. (It was founded in the 2nd century.)

NOW what do you know about cigars?

T/F 1. The Burmese facial feature is called a cheroot.
T/F 2. Some Burmese cigars are rolled in dried banana leaves.

Answers tomorrow. 🙂

Hats Off Corner Welcomes Alex Cavanaugh 




Curious About the Kargrandes?
What are the Kargrandes? This has been the ongoing question for the past twelve weeks. Ever since I launched the website http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ and started sending out Tweets with #whatarethekargrandes, people have been trying to guess. What are they? What role do they play in my book Dragon of the Stars, coming out April 7?
We’ll focus on their inspiration. One of the hints states that the Kargrandes are suited for a harsh environment. I needed a life form that could withstand extremes and adapt to new surroundings. Believe it or not, there is a real life creature like that – the Tardigrade. It can survive being frozen and boiled. It can live without water and has even survived space radiation. While not quite as tough, I did take inspiration from the Tardigrade, down to giving the Kargrandes a similar name.
What are the Kargrandes though? For more hints, visit http://whatarethekargrandes.com/. Otherwise, you’ll just have find out on April 7 when Dragon of the Stars is released!
Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
Print ISBN 9781939844064 EBook ISBN 9781939844057
The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter. But when the Alliance declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray and told he won’t make captain. One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
Pre-order:
Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo 
Chapters  
Amazon UK 
Goodreads  
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm.
BLOG  IWSG  TWITTER    

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Arlee Bird, AtoZChallenge2015, Letter C

Comments

  1. Toinette Thomas says

    April 16, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Nice photoes. You learn something new all the time; who knew about Tardigrade.

    Reply
  2. J Lenni Dorner says

    April 8, 2015 at 4:48 am

    Love the post. Great work!
    I never knew cigars came from there.

    Reply
  3. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 6, 2015 at 11:45 pm

    Thanks, everyone!! Tomorrow is the big day.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Wallace says

    April 6, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Well, I'm super-late!
    I've been sooooo pressed for time, but hopefully I'll get back into regular A to Z blogging mode by tomorrow…
    Great C-post!
    Alex's book comes out tomorrow!
    *waving*

    Reply
  5. C. Lee McKenzie says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    I'm reading all of your comments each day, but, as you can tell, I can't get back to each person to tell you how much I appreciate your stopping in to say hi. I can't even respond to some of your thoughtful comments. But I do enjoy reading them. Here's to another letter and another day.

    Glad Alex shared this space on C day. Hope you've pre-ordered his book.

    Reply
  6. Nadine_Feldman says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    God, I hate the odor of cigars! Funny, I seldom think about women smoking cigars, yet here they are. So interesting.

    Reply
  7. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    April 4, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Hi Lee – how fascinating to be able to see a cigar production unit – I suppose the workers could so easily get hooked on cigars … and that smell must have been a shock to you – I wouldn't like it much now ..

    I too think probably both are true … cheers Hilary

    Reply
  8. Mark Koopmans says

    April 4, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Hey Lee,

    I never knew you lived in Laos 🙂 WOW!

    Have you ever blogged *that* adventure??

    PS… I'm guessing both questions are true 🙂

    Reply
  9. Scribbles From Jenn says

    April 4, 2015 at 6:29 am

    Great pictures. Everything I know about cigars I learned from this post. 🙂 Sounds like it was a wonderful trip.

    Scribbles From Jenn – Visiting from the A to Z Challenge

    Reply
  10. Tammy Theriault says

    April 4, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Wow. Some wacky tabacky. Cheers Alex!

    Reply
  11. Shannon Lawrence says

    April 4, 2015 at 5:32 am

    Too funny that she enjoyed the cigars so much. Hey, if you're smelling them all day, anyway, why not imbibe?

    Reply
  12. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger (大哥) says

    April 4, 2015 at 5:31 am

    I reckon number 2 would be true. But yeah, I can't stand cigarette smoke so I wouldn't hang around long in a place like that either!
    Dan Brown A-Z

    Reply
  13. worddancewoman says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:44 am

    What a nice foray into a land I have never seen and know little about. Thank you, I will definitely be back to see what else I can glean. (Plus I have to find out if I'm right about the banana leaves)). The photos are so nice…. happy A to Z! Jeri visiting from storytellingmatters.wordpress.com

    Reply
  14. Suzy says

    April 4, 2015 at 2:26 am

    No idea about the questions I guess I could cheat and find out but I'll just take a guess 1=F 2=T
    Interesting theme and love how you present it.
    Dropping by from the AtoZ Challenge
    Suzy at Someday Somewhere

    Reply
  15. Shooting Stars Mag says

    April 4, 2015 at 1:48 am

    Oh gosh, I'm not sure I could stand the smell for long either. But interesting post!

    Reply
  16. Heather R. Holden says

    April 4, 2015 at 1:30 am

    I don't blame you for not liking the smell of that cigar factory. I wouldn't like it, either!

    Reply
  17. Matthew MacNish says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:54 pm

    Whoa! Crazy cigar factory photos.

    Reply
  18. Arlee Bird says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    I have never associated Burma with cigars or tobacco for that matter. I'm going to guess the banana leaves answer since I associate cheroot with something else that I don't rightly remember.

    Alex is on fire for April! And I don't mean like a cigar.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    A Faraway View

    Reply
  19. Beverly Fox says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    I'm with you- I wouldn't have been up on the smell in there, either!

    Congrats to Alex on his forthcoming release!

    Reply
  20. Helena says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    Hello, Lee. And Alex–I am so looking forward to the release of Dragon of the Stars. You also made me check out the tardigrade. Talk about a freaky creature!

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 4, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      Helena, isn't it wild?

      Reply
  21. Birgit says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    I don't think I could take it in there either. I think I tanked at the last quiz:) So this time I say False to the first question but true to the 2nd. I have to look up this animal as I have never heard of it. Glad to know more about the Kargrandes and how nice to see Alex being talked about here:)

    Reply
  22. Nicole says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    I vote True for #2 about them being rolled in banana leaves. If that turns out to be so, I think it's kinda cool. In all my life so far, I've rarely seen a women smoking a cigar. It's always something that's been associated with (or at least I've associated with) old, rich men on Yachts, lol. Needless to say, the photos are an interesting sight. The factory looks peaceful and comfortable….if all factories and workplaces were like that, we'd probably have a happier, more productive population 🙂

    ~Nicole
    A to Z Challenge Co-Host
    The Madlab Post

    Reply
  23. Susan Gourley/Kelley says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Lee, I'm guessing here but I'll say. #1 is false and #2 is true.
    Alex, I've never heard of that creature but the scientists must have tortured it to learn all that.

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 4, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      Sadly, I'm sure they did, including sending it into space.

      Reply
  24. Lexa Cain says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    I had no idea they made cigars in Myanmar. I love the pics! I think #1 is F; #2 is T. Great feature on Alex and his new book. Those Kargrandes have whetted my appetite for SF – it's amazing they were based on a real creature that can live through being frozen and boiled. Yikes! Wishing Alex much success! 🙂

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 4, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      Lexa, just amazing such a creature exists.

      Reply
  25. J.H. Moncrieff says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    I'm allergic to tobacco smoke, so I wouldn't have lasted a second in there. It's always interesting to observe other cultures and the way people make a living, though.

    Reply
  26. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    Thanks, everyone!!

    Reply
  27. AJ Lauer says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    I know nothing about cigars! Other than that they sometimes smell pretty good, and other times absolutely awful. That's cool that you toured the factory. I do love to explore different countries.. 🙂
    ~AJ Lauer
    an A-Z Cohost
    @ayjaylauer on Twitter

    Reply
  28. Empty Nest Insider says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I never knew that cigars were rolled in banana leaves. My grandpa looked like George Burns, and never went anywhere without a cigar in his mouth. He even went swimming at the beach in Miami once, and when he came out of the water his cigar was still miraculously lit! Great photos! Yay for Alex!

    Julie

    Reply
  29. DEZMOND says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    I didn't know you lived in Laos! How very exciting!

    Reply
  30. T. Drecker says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Interesting pictures, and I had to laugh about the lady in pink. Guess she has the right job.
    I'm going to google Tardigrade now – my son is going to love this! Good luck, Alex!

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 3, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      It's a freaky creature.

      Reply
  31. David P. King says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    Interesting! I wasn't aware of such a creature.

    That factory is smoke'n busy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 3, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      Now you know! And yes, we will give Jo full credit for the inspiration.

      Reply
  32. Peaches D. Ledwidge says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    Don't like the smell of cigar, either.

    Congrats to Alex.

    Reply
  33. Caffe Maggieato says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    LOL on the pink lady always taking cigar breaks. She must love her job a lot and the perks that come with it! I'm gonna hazard a guess and say it's rolled in banana leaves.

    Didn't know about Tardigrade. Lovely trivia/tidbit. Just a few days to go. Good luck with the release, Alex!

    Reply
  34. Spacerguy says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    Dragon of the Stars sounds awesome. I'm so curious now.

    Reply
  35. DMS says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I have never seen tobacco like that either.

    So excited for Alex! Wishing him the best of luck. 🙂
    ~Jess

    Reply
  36. Tyrean Martinson says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    Love your theme, C. Lee! I've never seen tobacco like that, either.
    Way to go to Alex!

    Reply
  37. Medeia Sharif says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I'm looking forward to Alex's books.

    I don't smoke, but cigars smell better than cigarettes to me.

    Reply
  38. J.L. Campbell says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    Never seen tobacco like that either.
    Hey, Alex. You and the Kargrandes are making your way around the blog world!

    Reply
  39. Chrys Fey says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Smoke always gets to me, so I don't think I could go in there.

    Reply
  40. A Tarkabarka Hölgy says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    I don't smoke or like smoking at all, but I think cigars do smell better than cigarettes. Not great, but better.

    @TarkabarkaHolgy from
    Multicolored Diary – Epics from A to Z
    MopDog – 26 Ways to Die in Medieval Hungary

    Reply
  41. Patricia Lynne says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    I think I'll pass on the cigar factory. Family with lung cancer and all, ya know.

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

    Reply
  42. Stephanie Bird says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    Thanks for sharing this new information from your personal experience and travels. I can't help but feel badly for the women. Cigars? Ugh.

    Reply
  43. Stephanie Bird says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    Thanks for sharing this new information from your personal experience and travels. I can't help but feel badly for the women. Cigars? Ugh.

    Reply
  44. Helen Hollick says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    That was really interesting – thanks for sharing! My post today is C for Cider With Rosie…. and Cats… ( I'm number 590 on the list) and so far enjoying the fun!

    Reply
  45. Jeremy Hawkins says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Cigars and Alex' books for everybody!

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 3, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      That made me laugh!

      Reply
  46. Jennifer Hawes says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    How exciting to live abroad at one time. The pics are so intriguing. Can't wait to see more!

    Reply
  47. Mina Burrows says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    The aroma would be too much for me too.

    And I'm totally curious About the Kargrandes! Go Alex!

    Reply
  48. ~Sia McKye~ says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Some cigars have a nice smell but for the most part, ugh. I know I couldn't work in or be around a factory like that. Would drive me nuts.

    Tardigrades are weird looking but they sure are survivors. 🙂

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

    Reply
  49. Natasha Duncan-Drake says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    Cigars put me off smoking for life – tried an old butt I found in an ashtray at a young age and was absolutely positive I never wanted to try that again 🙂 I've never been as put off by cigar smoke as I am by cigarette smoke though – it doesn't smell quite so bad – not great, but not quite so hideous.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

    Reply
  50. Haneen I. Adam says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    I can't handle cigar smoke too. I feel sorry for the women. Huh! what Alex said about smoking banana made me crack. And I'm over excited about his book, the premise is so good 🙂 besides I never heard of Tardigrade, wow!
    "Haneen/I Will Never Give you Up (479)"

    Reply
    • Alex J. Cavanaugh says

      April 3, 2015 at 3:15 pm

      I am here to amuse!
      Glad you are excited about the book.

      Reply
  51. Mary Aalgaard says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    Cool photos. The smell must be overpowering.
    Play off the Page

    Reply
  52. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Thanks, everyone!
    Jo, they are freaky looking creatures. But they made for great inspiration.

    Reply
    • Jo says

      April 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      I am claiming original inspiration. I blogged about them in 2013 and you commented "And that creature is bizarre! I wouldn't have believed it was for real either." Just emailed you.

      Reply
  53. Jo says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Interesting about Burma. I don't think I would want to visit the cigar factory either. Not very healthy.

    Alex, I blogged about the tardigrade a while back, a fascinating critter but ugly, boy are they ever.

    Reply
  54. Bish Denham says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Well, I know #1 question is false. But #2? Personally I can't imagine smoking a banana leaf, though of course in the 60s there was something about smoking banana peels (they call it mellow yellow…) so who knows, maybe they DO roll cigars with banana leaves.

    The Kargrandes sound very interesting, indeed.

    Reply
  55. Donna McDine says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I definitely would not be able to handle the cigar smoke. Awful smell.
    Congratulations to Alex! Lee, Great BIG shout out to our fearless leader of the Muffin Commando Squad. I sent an email to Alex about a suggestion for the A-Z bloggers check in with him. I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm in Boston the next two days completing a whirlwind of six college visits and will be checking-in off and on. Catch up with you later.

    Reply
  56. L. Diane Wolfe says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    That would be an overdose of tobacco.

    That is the best clue yet about the Kargrandes.

    Reply
  57. Beverly Stowe McClure says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    Interesting. Looking forward to the answer to your questions, because I haven't a clue. And soon we'll know the answer to the Kargrandes. Yay.

    Reply
  58. Sarah Foster says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:49 am

    I don't like the smell of cigars, either! Great pictures, though. 🙂

    Reply
  59. Christine Rains says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Great tidbit about the Kargrandes. Alex's book is fabulous! Have a happy Easter. 🙂

    Reply
  60. Natalie Aguirre says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Too bad the women smoke and have to breathe that in all day. Loved seeing your pictures.

    Reply
  61. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:20 am

    Thanks, Lee!
    I couldn't stay in that building long either.
    And I believe they are rolled in banana leaves. Smoking bananas is a joke, but there it might be real.

    Reply

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