I saw this one and several others like it before this post. I admit my reaction was negative. Now I wonder
why. I don't want to over-think this. Still, it's an interesting question, like a one of those ink blot tests
used to get free-association responses in psychology. When I sit down with a pipe, I want comfort, solace,
contemplation, and serenity. Or I want to wrestle with a challenging or interesting intellectual problem or
challenge (like Sherlock Holmes did). Maybe this pipe and the others like it have a role in this second mode
of pipe smoking. Maybe this is the one you get out when you want to develop a really bizarre chord
progression in a piece of music you're doing, or really get outside the box on some management or writing
problem you're solving. I'm not sure I'd want to smoke this pipe in front of someone else. It's a bit
Dr. Strangelove to the onlooker, I would think. But the fact the pipe's design sets me to thinking is some
sort of credit. This pipe would be a big step for any pipe smoker, a special kind of leap. So I kinda like
it ... but not on my pipe rack. Ha.