From: Jason Alexander Catania <?????????????????????????>
Subject: New Member Introduction

Dear fellow smokers:

I have just recently joined the list and am already impressed with what
I've seen.

Please allow me to introduce myself.  I am a 25 year old seminarian
studying at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  I've
been smoking pipes only for about 7 months, and cigars for over 2 years.
My favorite cigars are Arturo Funete, especially the 858.  Unfortunately,
they are difficult to obtain (as I'm sure any cigar smokers out there
know), and I'd be interested in any suggestions for any cigars of similar
price and flavor.  I began smoking pipes at the suggestion of the father
of a friend of mine in Chicago, an older gentleman who has smoked pipes
regularly since he was 17.  He owns several hundred pipes!  At his
suggestion, I purchased my first pipe, a La Strada Ultima (bent stem) and
some Brindley's Mixture tobacco.  This is still my favorite tobacco; I
like the dry, woody flavor.  I've experimented with some aromatic blends,
but don't care for them.  Unfortunately, Brindley's is also hard to come
by.  Does anyone have any suggestions for similar blends?  I now owe 3
pipes, having purchased a Hilson Bolero and received another pipe (I can't
find the make and model) as a gift.

In additions to suggestions about tobacco blends, I'd be interested in
finding out about any bars, clubs, etc. in Washington that are pipe-cigar
friendly.  I recently visited the Capital Grille, but it's a little too
pricey for my budget.  I usually just smoke alone in my room at the
seminary, but would like to find a place where I can enjoy a bowl (and
perhaps a single-malt Scotch) in the presence of other pipe smokers.

One of the things I enjoy about pipe and cigar smoking is the
old-fashioned, politcally-incorrect image of this activity.  I am
politically quite conservative, and am increasingly iritated by the
efforts of the current adminstration to supress smoking.  While the main
target is obviosuly cigarettes, it can't be long before the
puritanical Health Police go after pipes and cigars as well.

At any rate, I'm glad there's a place in cyberspace for those of us who
enjoy fine tobacco products.  Happy Smoking!

Jason A. Catania
Washington, DC

[ Definitely check out the Capitol Area Pipe Smokers (CAPS), c/o
Dr. John Weinstein, NSS (703) 273-5737, ????????????????????????????? -S. ] 


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