From: ??????????????????????

Just a few notes I've accumulated over the past few weeks:
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Andre's Pipe Gallery in Los Gatos was, as Norm speculated, closed by the
earthquake.  Its building is red-tagged, meaning that for the time being
people aren't allowed.  There's a strong preservationist feeling in L. G.,
though, and the building might be restored.

Locals should be aware that most of Los Gatos in open for business and could
use your support.
___
As long as I'm on quaky ground, I should mention the late lamented Union
Cigar store, formerly of Santa Cruz.  It was around since early this century.
At the front it had magazines on the left and tobacco on the right.  Deep
in the back was a section dealing in fishing tackle, including high-quality
custom-made rods.  One charming feature was an open gas jet at the front,
to light your cigars at.

Four or five years ago, the fire-insurance boys shut down the gas flame.
About two years ago, the store closed.  Last month, its building was destroyed
by the earthquake.  Sic transit gloria mundi.

___
During the 60's, I smoked some eucalyptus a few times.  The idea was to
smooth out the smoking qualities of some (ahem) other stuff that was popular
in those days.  

Didn't work, though.  Imagine smoking Vapo-Rub.  Imagine smoking Vapo-Rub while
in a giggly mood anyway.  Imagine giggling away all that expensive smoke...

___
Most of us, particularly when stoking our pipes from plastic bags, have been
teased about the possibility of our using non-tobacco products. ("No wonder
you look so happy," etc.)

According to the San Francisco Examiner, a bailiff in Sacramento wasn't kidding
last September.  When passing lawyer stubbed out his Honduras Repeater cigar,
the cop got suspicious and told the judge that the attorney was smoking weed.

Further study of the butt exonerated the barrister.  Last I heard, he
was asking for a mistrial.

___ 
I have tried Thompson cigars.  The cheapos are just that.  They also
have decent long-filler cigars for reasonable prices.

Their service is excellent.  I sent some cigars back; the refund was prompt and
included postage.


__
Till next time,

							phil


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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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