Jeremy Long

The history and ingredients of the El Presidente cocktail

The El Presidente is a decidedly Cuban cocktail, perfect on cool days in the Spring or Fall… or hell, whenever.

Like the telephone, Model T, or cassette tapes, it’s a cocktail whose best days have passed. There are very, very few bartenders who can make it anymore. Most wouldn’t even try, instead meeting you with a blank stare and a beer menu.

A moment of truth: I’ve had variations of this drink, but who can know what the authentic taste is unless you find yourself in an old throwback bar in Havana? For that reason alone, Cuba just moved up my travel list.

It became the preferred drink of the Cuban upper class and those Americans who could afford to skirt the laws of Prohibition (1920-1933) by visiting the Las Vegas of the Caribbean: Havana, Cuba.

Author Wayne Curtis, who wrote an excellent article on the disappearing act of correctly mixed cocktails, called Prohibition the dark ages for drinks in America where “Americans not only lost the knowledge of making sophisticated drinks, but they forgot what a good cocktail tasted like.”

“Americans not only lost the knowledge of making sophisticated drinks, but they forgot what a good cocktail tasted like.”

Wayne Curtis, “El Presidente” for LostMag.com

Most attribute Eddie Woelke with the creation of the drink, but like all good legends, no one is completely sure. Woelke supposedly named the drink for Cuban President Gerardo Machado, who reigned during most of the Prohibition years.

It made its way stateside and had a fun run where, I’m positive, most serious bartenders would have known this drink like he back of their hands. At least they would have known it as well as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

As noted, like any well traveled legendary drink, there are many variations depending on taste.

Some garnish with a twist of orange peel or a cherry or both. Some call strictly for Curacao. Others say Grand Marnier.

All I know is if you get the basics right, you’ll have one hell of a good cocktail, a story you can share at a party, and a call back to all lost and forgotten things.

The History of Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos is the area located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula and is made up of two towns: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.  Today it is home to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, world-class restaurants, and private VIP getaways. It’s come a long way from its humble and often violent … Read more

Sit Ligula Metus Sem. Eget Elementum Amet Tellus

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Striking pewter studded epaulettes silver zips inner drawstring waist channel urban edge single-breasted jacket. Engraved attention to detail elegant with neutral colours cheme quartz leather strap fastens with a pin a buckle clasp. Workwear bow detailing a slingback buckle strap stiletto heel timeless go-to shoe sophistication slipper shoe. Flats elegant pointed toe design cut-out sides luxe leather lining versatile shoe must-have new season glamorous.

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The History of Rhyolite, Nevada

Nevada. The Battle Born State. August 9, 1904. 

One hundred and twenty miles northwest of present day Las Vegas.

Euphoric cries of joy spring from legendary old time prospector Frank “Shorty” Harris’ lips! 

“Ed, we’ve got the world by the tail, or else we’re coppered!” he hollers at his befuddled partner Ed Cross.

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Whoa Nellies!

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When … Read more

First Time’s a Charm

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When … Read more

Travel Quotes: 20 Quotes that will INSPIRE you to get GOING!

It’s said that inspiration is a temporary thing. We’re incapable of being or feeling “inspired” every hour of every single day. Daily life fills up with appointments, obligations, family time, work time, dog walking, cable company phone calls, internet surfing, social media posting. Before we know it a day has become a week, a week … Read more

Top Extreme Attractions and Thrill Rides in Las Vegas 2023

This list was last updated on Nov. 27, 2023.


Las Vegas was built on extremes.

All day, and each and every night, you can get your fix of gambling, booze, and just about anything else.

Beyond the gilded golden towers, mobs of tourists, and 99-cent margaritas, there are attractions waiting for those who live life with their adrenaline pedal pressed firmly down on the floor.

The list seems to be growing with each passing year, so this list will no doubt expand along with it, but for now, here are our votes for the top extreme attractions in Las Vegas in no particular order.

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Video: LOS CABOS for FIRST TIME visitors

Mexico’s growing tourist destination offers plenty of natural beauty, history and… sales opportunities? What’s the best way to get around? How does the money conversion work? Is it safe? Questions answered.

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Culture & Cuisine

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When I get to these places, I like to kick back and enjoy a good cocktail. But not just any cocktail. An Old Fashioned. In fact, fair or … Read more

Just Taaaap It in

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When … Read more

The Lights Fest Review

I always imagined that if I ever found myself sitting in the middle of an empty field, under the blazing sun, outside of Las Vegas, that something had gone horribly wrong and I was going to be the next occupant of one of the many talked-about but rarely found “holes in the desert.”

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at this particular occasion, because I was at the 2019 Las Vegas Lights Fest. (It’s actually in Littlefield, Arizona, which is right outside Mesquite, Nevada, which itself, is an hour north of Las Vegas.)

There is plenty to love about this event and a few improvements that desperately need to happen if it’s going to be held in the same place any time in the future.

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Review: Clear

If you’ve traveled to or from a major airport in the U.S. within the last two years you’ve probably noticed the signs for “CLEAR” as you’ve stood in line wondering what you did wrong to deserve the TSA screening process.

Then, just when you’re about to lose it because you can’t figure out how much 3-ounces is and if you need to throw your half-eaten Chipotle burrito away, you see some jerk walk to the front of the line and head straight to the not-invasive-at-all pat downs and shoe inspections.

That particular jerk? Yeah, that’s me.

No, I didn’t bribe anyone and I’m not special in any way.

I just use CLEAR.

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Dreamin’ at the Top of Vancouver

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When I get to these places, I like to kick back and enjoy a good cocktail. But not just any cocktail. An Old Fashioned. In fact, fair or … Read more

Cool River; The restaurant, not the cologne

I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. I like to travel to places I find interesting, fully believing that not every trip needs to be an Instagrammable mountain pose followed by copy-and-pasted inspirational quote. When … Read more

Afternoon Adventure: Christmas time on the Las Vegas Strip

When most travelers think of Las Vegas they picture blackjack tables, roulette wheels, flashing lights and 24/7 liquor stores.

Every year nearly 40 million tourists arrive in Las Vegas from all corners of the world ready to drop their hard earned cash on the plethora of restaurants, shops and casinos that keep Vegas kicking.

Most folks probably don’t give much thought to Sin City around Christmas time, but the city really comes alive with beautiful scenes in each casino.

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A Work Trip – 2 Days of Denver sunshine, Uber and Rugbytown USA

I’m always pleasantly surprised when fun business opportunities cross my desk.

Top it off with a place I’ve never been before and you’ve got one happy traveler.

This time a client I’ve previously worked with came calling once again, and once again the backdrop would be rugby, but the location changed to gorgeous Denver, Colorado. I guess technically this would be my second time to Denver, but the first time I touched down in the Mile High City I was 17 on my way to a skiing trip. I only really remember the airport how it looked almost two decades ago now.

Yikes. Insert old person joke here. Werther’s Original anyone?

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Review: the Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible Backpack

There was a time, not too long ago, that I didn’t give two thoughts about what bag I brought with me on my travels.

That’s mainly because I didn’t do much traveling. None, in fact.

As I’ve ramped up my solo and work travels, I’ve found the need for something a little more flexible. Something like the Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible Backpack.

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