From: ?????????????????????????? (Steve Masticola)
Subject: NYPC on August 1, matches, etc.

Well, as anyone who saw the last posting knows, a few of us got together at
the New York Pipe Club's monthly meeting and had a really enjoyable time. If
you're in the NYC area on Tuesday, August 1, why not plan on dropping in for
some soup, a good smoke, and some interesting and friendly chatter? The event
will occur at La Bonne Soupe, 48 W. 55th St., at 6:00 P.M. This time I'll
try to leave enough time to check out the Wilke shop, also on 55th St. Hope
to see you there!

Ami Silberman asked, awhile ago, about matches for pipe smoking, and
recommended Swan Vestas. Well, after 3 or 4 boxes, I really have to say that
I like Diamond Safety Matches (the kind in the pocket-size boxes) better,
because they're both longer and less expensive. My only gripes with Diamonds
are that they're _hard_ to find (finally tracked them down at an Acme
supermarket in Flemington!), and they are a bit hard to keep lit initially,
especially in a breeze (though I think Vestas have the same problem). For
those who are coming to NYPC, La Bonne Soupe _gives away_ some very good
quality wooden matches!

Oh, yes - one fellow at last month's soiree' offered me some tobacco, which
I accepted. When I scratched a match to light it, he retorted, "Forget that
stuff!" and produced a lighter, which I accepted out of politeness. I have
to say that I'm philosophically opposed to lighters - they burn the lip of
the bowl if they're up too high or if you're lighting a fresh pipe. Also,
there's something much more aesthetically pleasing about lighting a pipe
with a match (they don't hiss, for one thing!) But to each his own.

The _ne plus ultra_ of pipe smoking is, of course, to pick up a coal from a
wood fire and use that to light your pipe - you taste the wood and tobacco
smoke, and it just feels so comforting. (Make sure to use tongs, or it
won't! :-)

We've been adding a few new members here and there - always glad for a
bigger audience, and some new voices and new info! Speaking of which, Tom
Dunn promises us a mention in the next _Ephemeris_, so we should hopefully
see some more people aboard soon through those channels. In the meantime,
pleasant living to you all!

					Smoke in peace,
					~\U Steve.

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( Pipe smokers will rule the world!      *   ??????????????????????	 (
 ) (if they don't run out of matches...) *   Steve Masticola, moderator	  )
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