From: ?????????????????????
Subject: Pipe exploration report no 2

I'd taken the standard route into Pipeville: straight down Amphora St in a
overheated Czech Briarmobile. Got the hang of cruising slowly with only
minimal stops for relighting. Time, I thought, to upgrade. I had my eye on
a BC Commander. Heavy, even masculine, but still French. Only NZ$45. "It's
a very good pipe", the tobacconist said nervously. (Next on the purchase
list: a Dr John English briar.)

Looked about the shelves. In my two-bit home town, you can only get about a
dozen different kinds of tobacco in 50g pouches... but wait - on the top
shelves - tins of Dunhill! Ultra-light, Aromatic, and Dark. "Hmmm", thinks
I, "Aromatic might be the one to follow from Amphora". It smells like
Grandma's Christmas fruitcake. Will try it out tonight.

ObTobak: I keep seeing mentions of various brands of tobacco. Now owing to
punishing sales tax here (NZ), pipe tobacco is too expensive to experiment
with on a budget. Could we compile reviews of common pipe tobacco brands,
aiming at something like Laszlo's amazing cigarette survey (see the
alt.smoker's FAQ)? It would make those first forays into different tobaccos
just that little bit more secure.

ObPipe: International price comparisons are very interesting. Seems that
pipes are rather cheaper here than in the US, while tobacco is
mega-expensive. Anyone got any thoughts on where globe trotters should buy
their paraphernalia ("Smoker's requisites" is the old phrase, isn't it?)?
I'm not going anywhere soon, but I could always give a travelling friend
some money.

Wishing you contented smoking,

Stephen Judd               "Wie ihr's immer schiebt, und wie ihr's immer dreht
?????????????????????       Erst kommt das Fressen, und dann kommt der
Moral."
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