Options and Alternatives: Slush & Smoke
-
Kevin Godbee - Dec 11, 2014
- 13 min read
Steve Morrisette
This time out I thought I’d discuss some timely choices, alternatives or options that could be useful or appealing to you, dear readers. The first of these involves footwear and a bit of a seasonal introduction.
Snow, Hills, RWD, and Loafers: Recently folks living in the central plateau of Tennessee (properly known as the southern portion of the Cumberland Plateau) were warned by the National Weather Service of an approaching winter storm and the strong possibility of receiving a substantial snowfall.
Nashville, my current place of residence and business is smack dab in the middle of said plateau.
Three years ago, the winter I arrived here, it snowed every four days for about three weeks. It was "very unusual to have this much snow here". This I was told, every three or four days, during that entire period.
Nashville, though situated upon a plateau, is actually quite hilly – far more so than the flat Tidewater area of Virginia, my birthplace and home for the preceding 50 plus years.
Snow and RWD: I drive a high performance, great handling, rear wheel drive (RWD) car. I know how to drive on snow because, though Tidewater gets little snow, some does fall every year and I would practice skid pad driving, stopping and turning and skid recovery in empty parking lots when ever it did snow. I still do this every chance I get. It is a practical skill, safety insurance and, well, great bloody fun.
I can even coax my RWD car up a fairly steep hill in the snow. The basic skill involves maintaining a slow and steady momentum, gentle steering and brake input and never coming to a complete stop on an incline. Never. Ever.
This is because without effective snow tires, you have essentially no dependable traction or grip.
Snow and Hills in Nashville: Now it seems a very large percentage of folks here in hilly Nashville seem to lack this knowledge and these skills. After a moderate snowfall of say, two inches or so, it is quite common to see vehicles in our numerous ditches, overturned on interstate approach ramp embankments or several that have skidded into trees, poles and parked cars. These drivers just don’t have the skills, I guess.
So, … that first snowy winter here in Music City, I found myself wedged backward in a curbside snow bank, unable to free my car. I had been calmly trundling up the final long steep hill to enter my neighborhood when I came upon a genius at the crest of the hill, stopped dead at a flashing yellow light.
I had no choice but to begin gently tapping my brakes while frantically honking my horn. There was no movement from the SUV, stopped, still stopped, on top of my last hurdle towards home and a warm toddy and a nice pipe. Since clouds of exhaust and vapor were pouring from the tailpipe and the brake lights were illuminated, I could only assume they were not going to move in time, so I slowly came to a halt a couple of lengths behind.
I was about to launch into a very long, passionate and quite profane tirade about their parentage when my faithful ride began a slow, sickening downhill slide – backwards.
Quickly shifting into reverse and from profanity to prayer, I hit the emergency flashers, threw my right arm over the seat back and began to reverse-reverse steer backward down the hill avoiding the on coming traffic and honking like a goose on speed. Thankfully, I came to rest softly in the snow bank without hitting or being hit by the other drivers.
So there I was, a mile or more from my warm toddy and pipe, stuck fast along with several other hapless cars and trucks.
Snow and Loafers:
The snowfall that day was sudden and much heavier than anticipated, and this is how I found myself in six inches of fresh snow, far from home, wearing a nice pair of black loafers. Though a lovely pair of shoes, they are most ill suited for a long hike in ankle deep powder. Fortunately, I was rescued by someone with a four wheel drive vehicle. I retrieved my car the next day.
Alternative Footwear:
This experience flashed through my head when I heard the forecast for a possibly heavy snowfall. Somehow in my recent move I lost track of my snow boots, so I am currently without appropriate footwear for snow and slush. The past two winters were fairly mild snow – wise, so I haven’t yet acquired the requisite foul weather boots.
I would like to share with you some discoveries and ideas that I hit upon in my recent quest for these oh-so-handy items.
No Laces and Waterproof:
I ruled out all footwear that employ laces. I know that there are many fine snow worthy and waterproof boots and shoes that have laces, but I just can’t convince myself that they remain really waterproof, unless they are truly heavy duty pack boots or full on Arctic or hunting boots. So, for me, no laces.
Snow, Slush and Style:
I ruled out any footwear that was cut below the ankle, as I want to avoid snow, slush and water spilling into a low cut shoe. That leaves boots as my only choice. I also want to avoid anything that is overly large, clunky, brightly colored or camo clad. I am not a fireman, commercial fisherman or hunter. I just want a boot that is comfortable, effective and stylish. Finding comfortable, well made, warm and waterproof boots is not difficult. Finding all these qualities in a stylish boot was beginning to seem a futile quest.
My Finds:
I did, after trips to several shops and a few hours online, find some likely candidates. As usual, I recommend that one purchase the best quality one can practically afford. Well made footwear ( or any garment ) will last long enough to be economical in the long run if fairly conservative and well maintained.
All foul weather boots will require at least annual maintenance, especially if they haven’t been worn. In fact, going for a season or two without use is a guarantee for serious deterioration as materials harden up, dry out and crack producing weakened seams, fading leather and rubber, and leaks. So, look after your investment.
Light duty and Stylish:
Several well known brands produce boots that will serve in moderate to light snow, slush and rain. I show here two moderately priced Chelsea style boots by Cole-Haan and Blondo as they claim to be waterproof and look well enough to be worn with a suit and not draw curious glances. Though termed waterproof, I would definitely take them to a reputable shoe repair craftsperson and have a waterproofing treatment applied. Do this every fall, as even the best treatments benefit from a booster treatment. These are not purposed for prolonged cold weather protection.
Cole Haan Chelsea
Blondo Cordovan
Blondo
Medium to Heavy Duty:
There are several offerings by brands such as Muck Boots, Bogs, LaCrosse and Red Head that seem quite comfortable, reliably warm and waterproof and still avoid looking too clunky and ugly. It may be a stretch to wear these with a suit though, unless you are in the middle of a very nasty snow fall period or you live in a true metropolitan slush belt. The advantages of these boots are true waterproof protection, reasonable traction on slippery sidewalks and very easy cleaning and maintenance.
LaCrosse Hampton
Red Head Jobber Boots
My Favorite Candidate:
The one offering I thought would be the best compromise of style and function is a boot by Muck Boots with the unlikely name: Refresh Round Up Boot. Muck Boots is a well known brand with a good reputation for making a comfortable and durable boot. They don’t have quite the low temperature rating I’d prefer, but I don’t plan on taking any long hikes in the snow in such a boot. No, these are to protect my feet from water, moderate snow and slush for brief periods and still have the stylish look to work with almost any outfit. And no laces!
Muck Boots – Refresh Round Ups
Still, a Dilemma:
I must decide between something like the Red Head Jobbers and the Muck Boot Round ups. The Round Ups look well enough to wear all day and the uppers are leather. When a streak of snow or foul weather settles in, they would be a good "go to" choice.
The Red Heads are much less attractive and stylish and would probably live in the car for service as needed, or be move about much like one would an umbrella. They are also significantly less expensive than the more up scale looking Round Ups. I must decide which two legs of the stool are most important among quality, convenience or price.
Alternative Smokes:
Blenders and retailers tell me that aromatic tobaccos far out sell all other types and also that the majority of pipe smokers, world wide, are aro smokers. I fall into this category, so when I want a change of taste from my usual blends I go for a Balkan blend, a Vaper or some of the English blends. As an artisan pipe maker I have noticed it appears most of my (extremely intelligent and good looking) customers and collectors, friends and readers prefer anything except aromatics. This is also born out at pipe shows as well.
Seeking a change:
Recently I have been asked by a few non – aro smokers to suggest some aromatic blends they might try as a change of pace to their usual English and Virginia blends. (I swear I’m not making this up!) They have already tried the usual choice of a hybrid type aromatic – as I inaccurately term them – such as the Frog Morton blends from McClelland and are truly seeking a sweeter, fruiter or nuttier smoke: something more in the mainstream aromatic realm.
No Goop in the Bowl:
As I said, I frequently smoke aros, but I detest the stereotypical blends that seem to be a cross between a bad Christmas fruitcake and the cloying, smothering perfume favored by every elderly lady I meet ( it seems ) riding in an elevator. There are good quality, clean burning and subtle aromatics available from a number of fine blenders.
Some Suggestions:
I will offer just a few blends that have found favor with those asking for recommendations. Ok, for those of you heretics still with me, here are three blends, all from McClelland as it happens, that you may find agreeable.
The first is my current favorite: Penman’s Choice
This is a ribbon cut with a mild flavor of coffee, nuts and a hint of caramel. When I open the tin, I am immediately craving some fine pastry or baked goods. Of course my impressions are subjective regarding flavor notes and such, but it does burn clean and dry and smokes easily without bite. It seems milder and richer in a larger bowl, although it is still very nice in my smaller chambered cuttys and acorns. I do not know the components of the blend.
My second recommendation : Master Penman
The second blend of the Penman Series from McClelland, this is also a ribbon cut and in most respects very similar to Penman’s Choice. The difference seems to be that it has a somewhat more robust flavor profile and leans more to a spicier taste and less like fine baked goods and pastry. It, too, has a lovely tin aroma and burns clean and dry. Master Penman is advertised as having a pecan flavor and Penman’s Choice as having that of the filbert nut. Both do have a nice, crisp and nutty, but not too sweet flavor.
My Third Choice is Tastemaster:
This is a coarse cut blend of Black Cavendish, Burley and Cavendish. It is flavored with cocoa. Tastemaster has been in the McClelland catalog for quite awhile and it is rather a sweeter and somewhat heavier smoke than the previous blends. It does have a trend towards some of the infamous bad habits that dog the reputation of aromatics. It is too moist, for me, right out of the tin and I believe it benefits from an overnight, spread out thinly on a white paper towel. It can also become somewhat bitter and hot in the last third of the bowl and may leave a rather moist dottle at the end. Judiciously smoked, it is quite good though and it has a great room note and delicious tin aroma. I have had good luck with it mixed 2:1 with a very plain black Cavendish that is well dry.
A Different Cigar:
For those cigar smokers or pipe smokers casting about for an injection of variety in their smoking diet, Mark Ryan, of Daughters and Ryan has an interesting trio of choices: Rimboche Blue, Rimboche Red and Picayune.
These filtered "large cigars" come twenty to the hard pack, just like Marlboro in the box. They are actually high grade Virginia pipe tobacco with a dash of Perique added and I love them. They differ by the percentage of Perique in each blend with Blue having the least and Picayune having the most, putting Red in between the other two. All are most enjoyable.
Personally, I notice little difference between Blue and Red, both are great. The Picayune is certainly the most robust and boldest and I prefer them after a meal, as I would a more robust cigar. Mark has really hit a home run with these, as literally everyone I know that has tried them likes at least one blend and most like them all. They are also quite reasonably priced. Way to go Mark!
the Gentleman Smoker’s Tip:
Now that the weather’s turned cold, many of us face the challenge of staying warm and comfortable when having a smoke outside. Nothing destroys the serenity and peaceful benefit of a good smoke like chattering teeth. Thus, I recommend this prosaic addition to your al fresco smoking routine: bring along the paper. Not to read, to sit on. Newsprint – ordinary pages from a newspaper, are a very effective insulator.
Just four pages (two complete sheets) of normal newsprint can insulate your posterior against the cold of the metal, stone, wood or any other surface you plant yourself upon for your smoke. And the more paper the better.
Why do you think the homeless make such extensive use of newspapers? It is the insulating property. They may be homeless, but that doesn’t mean they are stupid. So take this tip from the homeless – via the Gentleman Smoker – and keep warm with this simple, elegant method.
And, as it is the Christmas Season and winter cold as well, why not return the favor and donate time, food or money to a homeless shelter?
Or, if none is available, give a homeless person some older warm garments or a blanket. Remember, "There but for the Grace of God …"
Cheers and Merry Christmas,
Steve Morrisette
the Gentleman Smoker
|
Steve Morrisette is an artisan pipe maker, relentlessly snappy dresser, and self-confessed Virginia gentleman. He makes artisan pipes for discerning collectors, and scours the internet and shops of all types seeking information and fine garments, hats, watches, shoes, and jewelry – anything related to the gentleman’s lifestyle. Steve also spent several decades as a working drummer and photographer/photojournalist. You can find his pipes at www.smpipes.com, and catch his style photos and latest pipes on Facebook and Instagram. |
Written by Kevin Godbee
More Pipes and Tobaccos Articles
6 Responses
Recent Posts
When I first started with the pipe as a quirky and precocious teen, the only tutelage I had at my disposal were scenes from old movies in which a well dressed chap would stick his pipe into a pouch, scoop tobacco into the bowl and press it down unceremoniously with his thumb. Then, with great flourish, he’d strike a match and light the thing with all manner of cinematic excess, puffing up vast clouds of smoke falling just short of completely obscuring his visage. While it may look good on film, it’s a terrible approach to actually enjoying the thing. Somehow, though, this “technique” seems to have survived in the contemporary vernacular, at least to some extent, even with bit-loads of information handily at our fingertips that should dissuade us from the practice. But, at the time, this misguided approach was all I had; it’s no wonder my early days of puffing were fraught with difficult lighting, harsh, bitter smokes and tongue bite, all culminating in a fireproof mass of ye old soggy dottle in the bottom of the bowl. Ultimately, the resulting frustration made me give up the pipe, at least for a while. While the idea of it was still very appealing, the practice of it was not. It wasn’t until a few years later when, still full of curiosity and romantic notions of pipe smoking, I wandered into a real tobacconist’s shop, and learned my “method” was a long way from the techniques that would bring me to any sort of pipe smoking bliss. So, after my poor start, and under the guidance of someone who actually seemed to know how to do it right, I was given the opportunity to approach the process anew, this time with much greater success. It was only because I was both perseverent, and fortunate to have a local shop staffed with knowledgeable people, that I’ve been able to enjoy the experience ever since. At least mostly… How many fledgeling pipe smokers have simply given up on an enjoyable pastime because of similar early mis-starts? Fortunately, today, it’s not hard to find helpful guidance at the press of a key or ten. But, at the same time, not all roads lead to Valhalla, and sometimes the advice offered might well be labeled with, “Here be dragons.” The other day, I came across a short video on-line in which a well-meaning tobacconist suggested packing a bowl of an “English” mixture “nice and tight.” Perhaps somewhat ironically, I was smoking, or trying to smoke a bowl that I’d filled on auto-pilot, packed too tightly, and not only was having the devil of a time trying to keep it lit, I really wasn’t enjoying the acrid smoke the tobacco issued during the brief periods in which it was actually burning. “No, no, NO!” I found myself muttering at my pipe, and at the figure on the screen, my protests joined by the guttural growling noises that sometimes accompany my discontent. Defiantly, I grabbed a pipe nail, shoveled out the dense, asbestos-like clog from the bowl, swabbed out the shank with a pipe cleaner, more out of habit than need since I hadn’t actually smoked enough of the mass to foul the shank, and started over, this time paying proper attention to what I was doing. (For as long as I’ve been doing this, I still screw it all up sometimes.) Much better. This got me thinking about a couple things that are so important to the maximal enjoyment of our pipes, yet not often enough discussed, namely how different tobaccos respond to variations in filling density, and moisture content; two separate but related parameters. Once I’d been shown the proper way to fill the bowl, or at least a proper way, everything had changed for me. I also began drying my tobacco down as a matter of course. Suddenly, there was greater cooperation between leaf and flame, the smoke was rich and flavorful, and it burned mostly to the bottom of the bowl with few relights. Given that, at the time, I smoked latakia mixtures almost exclusively, there didn’t seem to be a reason to explore beyond my “new” approach. It wasn’t until my attention turned in the direction of Virginia blends that I had to look a bit deeper. The same technique that worked so well for me with latakia mixtures resulted in bland, and often harsh smokes with Virginias. I attributed this to the tobaccos, convincing myself that I just didn’t like the stuff. At one of our pipe club meetings, I was talking with a friend who smoked Three Nuns exclusively. When he offered me a bowl. I thanked him, and told him that I just didn’t seem to get along well with Virginias, that they weren’t for me. “Maybe it’s the way you pack them. Here, let me fill your pipe for you.” I watched as he rubbed out a few coins to fine ribbons, moister than I was then accustomed to, and filled the bowl carefully in stages, pressing it tighter than I would have. Prepared for a nightmare, I was instead treated to a pipe dream. The tobacco smoldered slowly and almost continuously, delivering a rich, cool, sweet and delicious smoke. After that, I spent some time exploring the impact of these two variables, moisture content and packing density, on different mixtures and blends, always with similar results. Latakia mixtures, and to a lesser extent, those with a high percentage of oriental leaf, taste and smoke better when they’re on the dry side and the bowl is filled loosely, while Virginia blends tend to work best with a little more moisture and a denser fill. Burleys seem to work best somewhere in between, except for cube-cuts, which don’t like to be packed with much pressure at all. (Gravity fill, tap the bowl to settle the cubes. Repeat until full.) For such a simple act, pipe smoking is filled with undefined complexities! The point behind all this? Often […]
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 604. Our featured interview tonight is with Jon David Cole. JD is the Owner/Tobacconist at The Country Squire in Jackson, MS, and he is the former co-host of the podcast, Country Squire Radio, which ended their 10-year run last year. We’ll have JD with the “From the Country Squire” segment talking about all the new things happening at the store and in the business in general. At the top of the show, we’ll continue our audio tour of Brian’s pipe collection.
Before we begin, I should tell you: this tobacco review is being written by an A.I. Not the fancy new GPTs or their ilk; no, this is last century’s meat-and-bone, all-organic model. To be fair, a large part of what we call knowledge is merely the accumulated perceptions and impressions gathered from a life wandered through, synthesized into a spongy mass of what-it-is-that-we-think-that-we-know. The algorithm for this prompt is simple enough: pump thousands of bowls of smoldering plant matter into a gaping maw, cross-reference the chemical sensations with all other matter previously ingested or inhaled, sieve it all through the diffuse and fractal twin lens of memory and emotion, and churn out a panoply of adjectives that attempts to convey the sensations to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet. Odds are that a diligently trained monkey could succeed half the time; if this reviewer nears fifty-one percent then that would qualify as an unrivaled success. There must have been some similar musings perambulating through the mind of Per Jensen when he began his mad scientist routine at Sutliff with the Pipe Force project, which brings us to the current mixture under the microscope—Sutliff’s Pipe Force: Episode I. Here again are the unusual ingredients that engendered the series, with the stoved Rustica being the defining voice in this composition. From the tin: The Latakia-forward English mixture offers plenty of smoky flavor from the fire-cured leaf, which is artfully harmonized with floral, earthy Stoved Rustica. A mixture of high-grade Virginias imparts a natural sweetness. Katerini, the sole Oriental component, offers herb and spice notes bringing complexity and nuance to the flavor profile. It’s certainly Latakia-forward, with the stoved Rustica doubling up on the rhythm section like a second bassist. A first whiff from the tin releases the aromas of shoe leather and hide glue in a base of clay soil with a campfire wafted over it like last night’s beach party. Once it’s been accustomed to oxygen again, subtle hints of sweetness poke through from the Virginias: lemon rind, light milk chocolate, the dregs of a peaty Scotch, and muddled cherry. Old regulars like fresh-sawn oak and tilled earth are there, of course, with distinct notes of truffle, creosote, damp peat, and pine bark mulch. As an aside, I’ve been re-potting my camellias and the similarity of aroma to the ericaceous soil mix is notable; the Katerini really brings the unique depth of its vegetal complexion when supported by the Rustica and afforded more voice in the mix. The smoky Cyprian Latakia, in turn, is backed by equal earthiness from the Rustica, which overall exhibits a profile similar to dark-fired Kentucky; it leans more toward the woody and vegetal end of that spectrum, echoing and amplifying those traits of the other constituents. The tobacco is presented pressed and cut into a couple of thick, hearty flakes in the tin, lightly moist and easily crumbled to prepare—I prefer mine with a bit of drying time. The out-of-this-world tin art for this episode in the series is Major O’Meara smoking a cavalier. In the absence of confirmation, I’m going to hazard a guess he’s of the Ithklur species. The first taste from the light is sweet, with hints of that milk chocolate dancing around the edges. The Virginia leads the smoke through the top of the bowl, and orchestrates it well. Thoroughly smoky with lemony, grassy highlights from the Virginia spectrum, it soon segues into the mid-bowl profile: heartier, smokier, with the flavor leaning to the mildly acrid and tangy tinge that is the campfire-esque signature of English blends. Caution advised, it can turn overly bitter if pushed—this is where one’s sipping technique is required to maintain the fullness of flavor through to the heel. I did tend toward a lot of relights, though it may have as much to do with technique as with the blend. Pacing is also important as the nicotine starts to manifest; though the Rustica’s contribution has been tempered well by the stoving, it can certainly upend an empty stomach. At the end of every bowl, the mouthfeel somehow gets better. The balance of sugars in the tobaccos would seem to be spot-on in this regard. I started out my tasting in cobs, then cut short an unpleasant bowl in a meer, and finally landed on my best instrument with the lovely Dunhill 4427 pictured, a quaint group 4 shell briar with a gentle curve and Cumberland stem supporting a perfectly executed acorn bowl. It surprised me here, as I’ve learned through the years that I generally have the best experience with English blends in large, wide bowls. With this blend it seems that to get the best out of the Katerini’s somewhat diaphanous influence the smaller bowl fared much better. Room note is very English, so the company you keep will either love it or hate it, and it doesn’t linger too much. I find it paired best with a strong coffee; Sumatran beans complement the flavors well, as do Ethiopian if a lighter brew is preferred. Overall impressions of the blend are that it’s a curiously interesting take on the English genre, almost a reductive reconstruction of the theme using the unique components. This blend, if nothing else, expanded my vocabulary of sense perceptions with the uniquely treated leaf. While the average human can distinguish approximately one trillion (1,000,000,000,000!) different aromas, multiplied by seven basic tastes, and wholly dependent on variables from body chemistry to atmospheric conditions, our overworked and underpaid simian brains can’t effectively catalog them all. Our pet adding machines are exceedingly good at this, however, and someday soon they’ll be the ultimate and unequivocal authority on what something tastes, smells, looks, or even feels like. Until that time, friends, revel in the moments that can be stolen to savor over a bowl of Pipe Force: Episode I.
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 603. Our featured interview tonight is with Rick Newcombe. Rick is a well-known author of several pipe books, and he is currently working on his third book. He is a prominent collector of Danish pipes, and vintage tobaccos. He has traveled the world visiting pipe makers, and learning their different techniques. He is also the founder and chairman of Creators Syndicate, which currently represents more than 200 writers and artists. At the top of the show we’ll have a Pipe Smoking 101 segment discussing best pipe shapes and sizes that are best suited to certain types of tobacco.
You know the olde saw: April’s showers bring May flowers.” Just to let you know, Pundit is all in on May and the flowers. Not that Pundit is a knowledgeable horticulturist, but walking about the woods on a bright sunny May day with wildflowers blooming and blushing whilst puffing a particular pipe is what spring is all about. So, to properly prepare in April, Pundit begins cleaning up several pipes that will make the wildflower walks this year. And never mind that I receive strange looks and snubs as I lean over to view up close and personal a beautiful wildflower and snap a photo. Pipe firmly clenched, natch. For good reason, spring brings to mind a couple of notable characters. First is the poet Robert Frost and his poem Birches. One could do worse than be a swinger of birches, is the last line of this wonderful poem about young boys climbing birches and bending them down to nearly touching ground. This lovely poem by the four-time Pulitzer Prize winner brings back memories of a crew of ragtag barefoot country boys swinging tall, spindly pine trees to earthly experiences. Yes, and falling from said pines, as well. Now, Pundit is uncertain whether or even if Frost was a pipe smoker. The history of this is a bit confusing. The other great original is one Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees, who played 18 seasons with the Bronx Bombers. He was a 15-time All-Star, a three-time American League MVP Award winner, and a 10-time World Series champion as a player. It is fairly well documented in photos that the great Yogi smoked cigars from time to time. The Baseball Hall of Fame calls Yogi “a cultural icon whose fame transcended the baseball diamond. “Yogi-isms” such as it ain’t over till it’s over and a nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore have found their way into everyday vernacular for baseball fans. This neatly brings us to Pundit’s favorite Yogi quote this time of year: When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Let’s just call Yogi baseball’s Phrase Laureate. I take the forks along the trails, looking for the rarest of wildflowers. Getting lost in the woods away from the madding crowds keeps dirty looks and slights shielded as I walk, huff and puff. That’s precisely what a pipe-puffing Pundit does on his May wildflower walks. You never know where you are likely to wind up, but you will know when you get there. My best Yogism, doncha know. You can thank me later. And the best pipe that takes me along on these nature walks? Why a White Spot, a Northern Briar, an Ashton, or a Cavicchi. At times I also attempt my best Holmesian pipe look with a Peterson Calabash shape with its iconic flared rim. Or all of the above, and then others tossed into the camera bag for good measure. It’s a big camera bag! And now that we have had a nice walk in the woods, it’s time for some Pipe Smokers of the Past. Starting things off is not a personality so far back in the past, J. Robert Oppenheimer, was born April 22, 1904, in New York and died Feb. 18, 1967, in Princeton, N.J. The famed so-called “father of the atomic bomb,” the Oppenheimer movie just walked off with a plane load of Oscars in this year’s tinsel town extravaganza. The biopic won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. Oppenheimer, celebrated pipe smoker and theoretical physicist, was director of the Los Alamos Laboratory in the thick of the Manhattan Project in World War II. The atomic bomb was fully enabled by July 1945 and dropped on Japan in August. It was the first nuclear explosion in history, created by bombarding neutrons with plutonium and uranium which resulted in a nuclear fission explosion. Uh, Pundit doesn’t profess to know fission from fizzling. Allegedly, one of Oppenheimer’s most famous quotes, Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds, was either around the time of the first bomb test in 1945 or shortly after. Another, softer quote from the great scientist, is Genius sees the answer before the question. And finally, author, Gunter Grass, winner of the 1999 Nobel Prize in literature, was born Oct. 16, 1927, in Danzig, now Gdansk, Poland, and died April 13, 2015, in Lubeck, Germany. Grass, also a poet, reportedly smoked Stanwell Extra Fine, an old Danish pipe tobacco popular in Germany, as well as W.O. Larsen Classic, Three Nuns, Mac Baren Navy Flake, and Dunhill Early Morning Pipe. I’m always astonished by a forest. It makes me realize that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn—Gunter Grass. And a parting shot: Pipe smokers are the mind workers of the world!
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 602. Our featured interview tonight is with Kevin the Hobbiton Piper. Kevin was originally on the show in August 2021. The Hobbiton Piper YouTube Channel has 9.24k subscribers and over 120 videos with pipe and tobacco reviews, box openings, food, drink, and more. Kevin’s interview was one of our early novice pipe smoker features, so we’ll check in and see how his pipe smoking and YouTube channel have progressed. At the top of the show, we’ll have an “Ask the Pipemaker” segment with pipe artisan Jeff Gracik.
I used to practice spinning out the car in iced-over parking lots too!
I keep a pair of rubber slip on shoes, aka “Galoshes” in my car, that can pop over my dress wingtips as needed. They are rubber, so they need replaced every few years. Less than $20 at your local Walmart and quite effective for a couple inches of snow/slush.
When you do arrive at your destination, office, etc., pop them off and walk around like a gentleman in a good pair of shoes.
http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Storm-Rubber-Overshoe-Galoshes/dp/B002LKSZD6
Winter driving in the country is definitely more challenging than in the city, yet high top boots are a must for urban drivers who park along street curbs. There is no feeling worse than stepping out of the car into the ankle-deep slush that accumulates in snow-choked gutters. Thanks for a nicely written and illustrated article.
In ’76 while I was living in Nashville, a snowfall Occurred that dumped about 3-4″ during the early afternoon during the work week. People went nuts. Work at my office ended early at about 3:00PM to let everyone get home safely.
I lived about 4+ miles from the office. Traffic became so snarled that it took me about 4 hours to get home. People seemed to go nuts. Thank goodness for empty secondary streets and empty parking lots for allowing me to get home safely and the one bridge I managed to cross without mishap. I arrived home safely only to have my car sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver who left no contact information.
I now live in a city northwest of Nashville where the people don’t seem to know how to drive in snow or icy conditions.
Our population is comprised of people from all over the world due to a large military post nearby. And they all seem to know one speed. Fast.
My father always said that all the idiots turned out on the streets whenever the weather got bad. They don’t seem to understand that slow and careful with minimum braking, if possible, is the word.
Us city folk aren’t entirely helpless! Nonetheless, a great article Steve, reminds me I need to upgrade my winter footwear before the solid precipitation arrives.
Enjoyable article, Steve, covering several subjects. Here in Missouri, we get enough snow that MOST people drive in a reasonable manner since we get several chances during the winter/spring to drive in snow. Ice is bad no matter where you are.