From: ???????????????????????? (Jon Erik Penvose)
Subject: A few thoughts regarding Pipes Digest #210...

Greetings,

A few various and sundry items hopefully of general interest.  First,
I was impressed by Mark Peterson's rather complete tutorial relating
to the use of oversized pipes.  I personally dislike very large pipes,
as they make my jawbone hurt from the weight.  However, his
suggestions on smoking technique would certainly help those who are
not gaining full enjoyment from their pipe smoking experience.  I am
not clear though, on what Mr. Peterson meant by inhaling smoke.  Does
this mean inhaling into the lungs?  Whenever I inhale pipe smoke into
my lungs, it is by accident and it is not at all pleasant.  I have
been under the impression that almost no one inhales pipe smoke into
the lungs.  I wonder, is the practice more prevalant than I thought it
was?

Second, regarding the question of commercial advertising in the
Digest.  Please cast my vote against advertising that is not related
to the subject of this publication.  I realize everyone has to make a
living, but this is not the place for it.

The real driving force that caused me to write this time regards the
submission by Jason C. Helmick regarding the unfortunate experience
suffered by his wife and her friend.  Here is a situation where a
paying customer is treated like dirt by a salesperson for no better
reason than the fact that he can not put his predjuces aside long
enough to conduct a business transaction.  When I read Mr. Helmick's
letter, I was impacted; I felt an emotional response (this is unusual
for me, I normally have a very detached view of things).  As I
reflected upon it, I found that I felt ashamed and embarrassed by the
clerk's actions to the ladies.  You see, I believe that pipe smokers
are a distinct class of people.  I assert that, more often than not,
pipe smokers are people who have resolved certain basic problems
dealing with life.  A pipe smoker is someone who is and should be the
voice of reason, calm, and balance.  I found that the feeling of
embarassment I felt was the fact that these salesclerks and I are
supposed to be part of the same niche in society.  Their inexcuseable
actions reflect not only on myself, but all pipe smokers as a whole.
And that, my good friends, is a terrible shame.

I myself was once made to feel unwelcome by the owner of a smokeshop.
Last year, I learned that a Tinder Box location was opening in nearby
Harrisburg, PA.  I had frequented a Tinder Box when I lived for a time
in Tacoma, WA, and I was satisfied with my dealings there.  I had a
Friday off, so I braved the crushing Friday afternoon city traffic to
pay a visit.  I soon learned that this Tinder Box was tailored for the
suit, tie, and cufflinks crowd; which does not include me very often.
Although the owner was not openly rude, he made it crystal clear that
I was not a welcome guest in his store.  What a dissapointment.

Well, I suppose I've lectured long enough.  Keep up the good work,
Steve.  It does not go unnoticed.

Regards,

Jon Erik Penvose (???????????????????????)

[ Thanks, Jon!  I also was wondering what readers thought about Mark
Peterson's suggestion on inhaling smoke.  I've known people who did,
but personally I agree with you. -S. ]


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