From: Steve Masticola (??????????????????????????)
Subject: Pipe stands, accidents, and longevity

As it happens, I've had a couple of accidents this week. The first was to
my cherished old Ben Wade "Hand Pipe."

I'd inherited a pipe stand from a friend whose father hadn't used it for
years, and who had in fact given up pipes :-( The stand may have been the
reason... In any case, it's sitting on top of my credenza, and the Ben Wade
(a large freehand with at least four different comfortable hand positions
built in) was on the end, precariously poised above empty space.

Well, Friday, the inevitable happened. The pipe took a swan dive off the
stand and landed stem-first on top of my desk. End of stem. Searching
through my back issues of P.D., I located the "Pipes Unlimited" address that
Elias had posted, and will be sending the pipe to Utica, NY for repairs. By
the time it gets back, I may even be able to smoke again...

Because, the very day after the pipe broke, I had an accident on my bicycle.
Crashed the sucker into a car. My fine old Raleigh Gran Sport was totalled,
as was my helmet (thank G*d it was on!), and I have chips out of four teeth
and a very sore neck. So I haven't been smoking since, for fear of damaging
the stem or my teeth. Sigh.

But I have been looking up a reference about pipe smoking and longevity,
which might be of interest... Apparently, pipe smokers live about exactly as
long as those who don't indulge (according to "The Health Consequences of
Smoking," published by the US. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
in 1973). There are other rumors out that pipe smokers may actually live up
to 18 months _longer_ than nonsmokers! (Maybe the Latakia fumigates the
germs...) I'll post as I learn more.

In any case, this represents conclusive proof that bicycling is a greater
health risk than pipe smoking (though I wish I hadn't been an experimental
subject!) After all, most people are tolerant enough of pipes that they're
not going to try to run you over just for smoking - I hope!

Anyway, please light up for me in my involuntary abstinence, and we hope to
hear from you soon.

					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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