Despite his giving up of cigars over 20 years ago, humidors autographed by Cuban president Fidel Castro are to be auctioned again at Havana’s Habanos festival this March – with the proceeds going to cancer research.

An annual event, Habanos’ gala banquet last year raised €610,000 from Castro-signed humidors, despite being without its traditional guest of honor, el Comandante. Obviously, poor health (is there a superlative form of poor?) will again keep the dictator from attending in 2007, the fourth consecutive year he’s been absent from the event.

While we actively advocate the smoking of cigars (and wouldn’t mind any Latin benefactors putting in a bid for us), we have to ask: is this the most blatant example worldwide of a potential carcinogen being auctioned off to raise money for cancer? It’s like drag racing for motor safety or boxing for Parkinson’s research. Both of which we’re also up for, if anyone wants to forward us the invite.

Castro signing cigar humidors for big Habanos fest [Reuters Oddly Enough]

How do we describe one of our favorite cars in so few words?

Launched in 2001, the Aston Martin Vanquish quickly ascended to classic status. The Formula 1-style paddle transmission, the growling 5.9 L V12 and, above all else, the exceptionally beautiful hand-crafted styling have all been of such a standard as to set it apart from it’s lesser cousin, the DB9 (oh, and so has the price).

Being replaced this year by the revived DBS, however, the Vanquish S is going with a bang rather than a whimper – a limited “Ultimate” edition of 40 farewell models. And the color?

The Ultimate Edition centres on changes to the Vanquish S’s renowned colour and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ - a striking new colour which will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings.

For those as moved as we are, be sure to pop your £182,095 check in the mail today. With only 40 being made, we can see this release being very ultimate indeed.

Aston Martin’s Bon Voyage Vanquish S “Ultimate Edition” [Jalopnik]

In October last year, when Wallpaper* founder Tyler Brûlé launched his new magazine Monocle (the first issue of which ‘hit the streets’ today), he had a specific demographic in mind – himself, and people like him.

Based in London, with small editorial setups in Zurich, New York and Tokyo, Monocle is printed on luxurious stock, features high-brow journalism and intelligent feature pieces, is exquisitely designed and carries the kind of healthy cover price that will restrict it to the carry-ons of the affluent jetsetters it’s targeting.

As its website attests, Monocle’s mission is obvious:

Focused on informing and entertaining an international audience of disillusioned readers, listeners and viewers, it is our intention to create a community of the most interested and interesting people in the world.

We’d like to think that’s us. Who wants to spot us the $150 for a 10-issue subscription?

Monocle [via Cool Hunting]