From: Craig Stewart <????????????????????>
Subject: First post to the digest

Dear Sir,

I would like to submit my first post to the pipe digest, as a manner of
introduction.  All in all, I have found it wonderful reading.

I've been smoking a pipe for only a matter of months.  I discovered
pipes one day when the tobaco shop that I buy my cigars from was out of
my favorite Cubans.  Oh, by the way, I'm Canadian, so no laws were
broken.  Anyway, I decided, on the spur of the moment, to purchase a
pipe.  On the recomendation of the saleswoman, I bought a Brigham.  Now,
I must say that I was impressed with this pipe before I lit it up for
the first time.  So far, my choice in tobaco has been limited to a Dutch
blend that is popular around here, Sail.  I have no idea where it ranks
on the greater scheme of greater tobacos.  My father smoked it, so I
thought that was a good one to try for starters.

The only mishap that I have had is getting a filter stuck in the pipe.  
This was mostly through my shear ignorance of the how to's of my pipe. 
It uses a maple tube, and I don't actualy see how it filters anything. 
Anyway, it got stuck, because it swelled up from the moisture of my
mouth.  This also softened the wood.  You can guess what happened when I
tried to remove it.  Most of it stayed in the pipe.  Anyway, Brigham is
going to replace the pipe, free of charge, so there is something good to
say about a lifetime waranty.  It's just the wait.

As for myself, I'm a 23 year old engineering student, so I guess the
pipe fits the immage.  The only discouraging remarks that I have ever
got from my pipe and my age are from those my own age who smoke coffin
nails (cigarettes).  Older folks have nothing but praise for my
willingness to do something that is generally considered "old".  

If anyone has any tips on tamping the bowl, or suggestions on blends to
try, please feel free to e-mail me.  I enjoy the hobby, and I want to
learn all that I can.

Thank you.
-- 
Craig Stewart
Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Saint John
?????????????      ----> School
???????????????????? --> Home

[ See above for tamping advice. -S. ]


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