The pipe

[BlackHoleSon]

To accompany the cigar thread... Any older folks here still into the pipe? You don't see it much these days, if at all. Maybe a couple times a year you will spot an older gentleman puffing a pipe.

A few days ago I broke down and bought one (cause of the great price and flavors the tobacco comes in) and am happy about it for sure! Coming from cigars (and always have despised cigarettes) it was a lot more calm, gentle, and took a lot less long to properly puff on. The smell and flavor are to die for... I can smoke it indoors and it leaves the room smelling better than it did before.

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/1707/pic12142011002.jpg

(posting picture knowing good and well I'll take a hit or two for the hair and the shirt... I don't mind, I ain't a sissy!)

It's made in Italy, I think the bowl is cherrywood but I might be wrong.

Anyone else around here tangle with the pipe still, or used to?

[Triumph Rider]

Nice looking pipe. I can almost smell the tobacco. I used to smoke a pipe regularly, but don't smoke anything now. I love the smell of almost all pipe tobacco and enjoyed the feel of the warm bowl in my hand - comforting somehow. I can't remember the last time I saw someone smoking one. Properly filling the bowl, tamping it just right so it will stay lit may be becoming a lost art. Good for you for keeping it alive.

And I won't say anything about your shirt or hair as long as you have the Remington. :rolleyes1:

[BlackHoleSon]

. Properly filling the bowl, tamping it just right so it will stay lit may be becoming a lost art. Good for you for keeping it alive.

And I won't say anything about your shirt or hair as long as you have the Remington. :rolleyes1:

I feel the same way... What happened to men?

Yeah it's right over here, right beside me.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/6885/870cha.jpg

[Dorkface]

Get a haircut hippie!!! :drillsergeant:

You knew I had to say it lolol.

[WalkerAK74M]

Love the shirt.... Last time I smoked a pipe was at my last Civil War reenactment... Twas a corncob pipe with cherry flavored baccy...

[BillyOblivion]

To accompany the cigar thread... Any older folks here still into the pipe? You don't see it much these days, if at all. Maybe a couple times a year you will spot an older gentleman puffing a pipe.


Put it down and walk away. Unless you're already a nicotine addict there's not a fucking thing a pipe will do for you that you need.

It doesn't make you look older, wiser, more distinguished or smarter. It does make your mouth taste like an ashtray, so most women who don't smoke will kiss you good night and not return your phone calls. Unless you're hung like an M1 tank, and if you are, why bother with affectations.

I smoked for 20 years. Pipes, Cigars and cigarettes. I quit almost 8 years ago and *still* miss them about once a week. I promised myself when I stopped that it was only until I retired, that when I got "old" I would start up again and I'm *still* looking forward to that day. That's how bad nicotine has it's hooks into me.

And yes, as a pipe smoker you will get nicotine in your system. You will get to the point where you go outside (because you can't smoke inside a lot of places) in pouring rain and freezing weather for a puff. Your clothes and your house (and your car if you smoke in it) will reek of tobacco smoke.

Note as this point I haven't said ONE WORD about what it's going to do to your body. You're 19, and you're invincible. You're not going to worry about mouth and lip cancer (and lung cancer if you wind up being one of those pipe smokers who inhales) and that's fine as most smokers don't get cancer. Most *do* get chronic bronchitis, which severely cuts down on your wind, but that's mostly from cigarettes, and you won't inhale, right?

But you *do* get lots of nicotine. Nicotine is great. It suppresses appetite, so you stay skinny. You also don't get enough protein (unless you work really hard at it) to build the musculature you're going to want and need when you're in late middle age and still want to be able to fight. Also it fucks up your spine, neck and joint cartilage making your knees hurt and causing back and neck problems.

Nicotine, pharmacologically, is a seratonin (and IIRC opate) uptake inhibitor, meaning that while you're on it you feel a LOT better, and when levels drop in your body you're moody and a bitch to live with--because you're fucking around with your brain chemistry. If you're ADD, or have other problems that one would normally get prescribed an SSRI for, this may be a way of managing the problem for a while, if you're a marginal or borderline case. OTOH, it means that when for some reason you have to quit you're going to have it twice as bad until your chemistry gets straightened out.

Oh, and nicotine is a vascular constrictor (this is how nicotine fucks up cartilage, it reduces capillary blood flow into the areas surrounding the cartilage which "starves" it of fresh fluid and nutrition--as cartilage doesn't have much/any other transport mechanism) meaning that it also reduces the flow of blood (and nutrients) to your extremities (your hands and feet will get colder quicker etc.).

Ultimately, unless your brain chemistry is fucked up, there isn't much upside, and the downsides are pretty serious. I'd REALLY suggest you not go there.

I'm not really that anti-smoking overall--I intend to start again some day, at the end of my life. If you want to smoke go for it, it's your life.

But it is a really dumb thing to do.

[WalkerAK74M]

Put it down and walk away. Unless you're already a nicotine addict there's not a fucking thing a pipe will do for you that you need.

It doesn't make you look older, wiser, more distinguished or smarter. It does make your mouth taste like an ashtray, so most women who don't smoke will kiss you good night and not return your phone calls. Unless you're hung like an M1 tank, and if you are, why bother with affectations.

I smoked for 20 years. Pipes, Cigars and cigarettes. I quit almost 8 years ago and *still* miss them about once a week. I promised myself when I stopped that it was only until I retired, that when I got "old" I would start up again and I'm *still* looking forward to that day. That's how bad nicotine has it's hooks into me.

And yes, as a pipe smoker you will get nicotine in your system. You will get to the point where you go outside (because you can't smoke inside a lot of places) in pouring rain and freezing weather for a puff. Your clothes and your house (and your car if you smoke in it) will reek of tobacco smoke.

Note as this point I haven't said ONE WORD about what it's going to do to your body. You're 19, and you're invincible. You're not going to worry about mouth and lip cancer (and lung cancer if you wind up being one of those pipe smokers who inhales) and that's fine as most smokers don't get cancer. Most *do* get chronic bronchitis, which severely cuts down on your wind, but that's mostly from cigarettes, and you won't inhale, right?

But you *do* get lots of nicotine. Nicotine is great. It suppresses appetite, so you stay skinny. You also don't get enough protein (unless you work really hard at it) to build the musculature you're going to want and need when you're in late middle age and still want to be able to fight. Also it fucks up your spine, neck and joint cartilage making your knees hurt and causing back and neck problems.

Nicotine, pharmacologically, is a seratonin (and IIRC opate) uptake inhibitor, meaning that while you're on it you feel a LOT better, and when levels drop in your body you're moody and a bitch to live with--because you're fucking around with your brain chemistry. If you're ADD, or have other problems that one would normally get prescribed an SSRI for, this may be a way of managing the problem for a while, if you're a marginal or borderline case. OTOH, it means that when for some reason you have to quit you're going to have it twice as bad until your chemistry gets straightened out.

Oh, and nicotine is a vascular constrictor (this is how nicotine fucks up cartilage, it reduces capillary blood flow into the areas surrounding the cartilage which "starves" it of fresh fluid and nutrition--as cartilage doesn't have much/any other transport mechanism) meaning that it also reduces the flow of blood (and nutrients) to your extremities (your hands and feet will get colder quicker etc.).

Ultimately, unless your brain chemistry is fucked up, there isn't much upside, and the downsides are pretty serious. I'd REALLY suggest you not go there.

I'm not really that anti-smoking overall--I intend to start again some day, at the end of my life. If you want to smoke go for it, it's your life.

But it is a really dumb thing to do.Woo.... Great speech. :sarcasm:Lets just cut out all of our vices... Booze, tobacco, fast cars, cool guns, tasty food... I mean every single one of those things can kill us. Who cares? This is the Warrior Bon Vivant thread... We aren't talking chain smoking a pipe full of meth here... Live a little. That's what separates us from the liberals and PC sheeple types... Need versus want, Rolex vs Timex, Marlboro vs Romeo y Julieta, Moonshine vs Cognac, Yugo vs Ferrari, Etc....

[Shdwdncr]

Put it down and walk away. <snip> It doesn't make you look older, wiser, more distinguished or smarter...
I couldn't agree more.

Sebastian, you seem to be a smart and mature young man. I usually enjoy reading your posts and I believe that you have a good head on your shoulders.
But if I didn't know you and you came to me looking for employment or wanting to date my daughter I would show you the door in half a heart beat.

Brother, get a freaking haircut and lose that ridiculous t-shirt and I'm sure more people would take you seriously.

S.

[Netpackrat]

I agree entirely with BillyOblivion and Shdwdncr... It's just not worth the risk of saddling yourself with a nasty addiction at such a young age. The various cancers that can result are pretty %^*$ing horrible, too. As for the hair, it almost looks as though you are trying to look like Che Guevara... Is that really what you want?

[SPQR476]

On the tangent: Ditch the shirt, get a haircut. Anyone who doesn't summarily dismiss you based on the totality of that "look" isn't worth talking to.

On the original topic: Yes. I have a flat panel Dublin Meerschaum. I only smoke about a half dozen times a year, give or take. I prefer a mix of roughly 1/2 Virginia bright and 1/2 Cavendish, usually with a touch of Perique thrown in, depending ony mood and the nature of the accompanying spirit, if any. Meerschaum has some drawbacks to a briar or other wood pipe, but you don't have to "cake" or break it in, and it allows you to switch tobaccos without any residual flavors from the previous batch.

I find myself adding more Perique with something on the sweeter side like a mccallen or balvenie, and less with the smokier, peatier scotches, like talisker on the light side or laughvalin on the heavier side.

Pipe smoking leaves a much improved "after taste" the next day over cigars, but it teaches you patience....smoke too fast, and you can burn your tongue.

[Horsehide]

The bowl of your pipe is probably briar burl... On the subject of bowls, how about getting those dishes done after your haircut! :laughing:

[PERVADER1]

You're 19 bro, there's a lot of worse things you could be doing, although there are also many better things for you to be doing as well. Stop telling yourself you're gtg because you're invincible, later on you could find yourself turning 30, but feeling instead like you're 45...

Nobody is trying to be hard on you, we're just trying our best at being a good influence is all.

Good luck, and please think seriously on it, will ya?

[AlexSpartan]

About the haircut and shirt. Looking professional goes a long way towards helping your career, amd with the ladies as well.

Think of it this way. Short hair is WAY better for fighting than long hair. So easy to get it snagged or have a bad guy grab a handful of it. It may seem girly to go for someone's hair when fighting, but does it ever work.

I do like the smell of pipe tobacco, but ive never tried. I enjoy the occasional cigar so I imagine I would like the pipe. As for the dangers for tobacco, treat it more carefully than alcohol: once or twice a month at most. If you find yourself doing more than that, then cut back or quit.

[lightfighter]

I enjoy smoking a pipe perhaps a dozen times a year, mostly in the fall. It is quite relaxing and contemplative. At that frequency I'm not worried about the health consequences but I would be extremely wary about being a daily smoker.

I like the blends of Greg Pease which can be found at www.glpease.com.

Sebastian, as far as your hair goes, I say let your freak flag fly.

That said, you must realize, and as you can plainly see in the posts above, your appearance does have an effect on how you're perceived. Obviously, if you want to be an investment banker that haircut isn't going to work but if you're going to be a graphic designer or in some similar creative field it really doesn't matter.

Do as you please but just be aware that there are always consequences and that people may not receive you as you have intended.

[BlackHoleSon]

I actually appreciate that all of you had something to say... Although I'll try to explain myself the best I can here. Around the time I turned 18, I tried a cigar on a whim, and it continued. Sometimes once a month, sometimes twice a month. I don't really intend the pipe to become any more than that. Occasional relaxation and flavor sampling.

I'd like to set myself apart from others my age, despite how I look. I don't own a cell phone, I never have. Most of my belongings I was never given, I earned them. I saved up the money for my computer - I ordered the parts and built it myself. I don't get clothes, I either buy them myself or get them as a gift. The shirt seen here, was a gift from my sister. However, to job interviews I wear my only button up shirt and a Tie. I always have.

The hair... Yeah, it's an issue. My hair grows really quickly. I cut it and a month later it looks like what you see. The problem is, only one person cuts my hair, my mother. She's an out of work hairdresser. But she's also an alcoholic and a stay at home grandmother... She (along with the rest of us but by far mostly her) watches my 1 year old nephew while my sister goes to work and school. It would break her heart if I got my hair cut by someone else, yet if I ask her to cut it she puts it off for several weeks and then forgets about it. I can be aggressive and bring it up again but she either continually puts it off or rants about how much she has going on. So my hair gets long.

As for health... I may look like just another skinny punk, but I take my fitness seriously. When I was 14 I weighed 129 pounds. From 14 to 18, I only gained 5 pounds. I lived in fairly bad conditions at these times, and at the age of 17 I actually lost a few pounds from lack of food. And that was 18 just a few months back, in August. Since August I started lifting weights, riding a bicycle and running or walking. From August to late november, I put on 6 pounds and run a mile in 8:30. I can lift more than my 23 year old brother who outsizes me, greatly outweighs me. I'll also add I didn't buy the pipe as an alternative to an illegal substance, I simply don't do that, no way in hell.



I couldn't agree more.

Sebastian, you seem to be a smart and mature young man. I usually enjoy reading your posts and I believe that you have a good head on your shoulders.
But if I didn't know you and you came to me looking for employment or wanting to date my daughter I would show you the door in half a heart beat.

Brother, get a freaking haircut and lose that ridiculous t-shirt and I'm sure more people would take you seriously.

S.

I really appreciate that.


The bowl of your pipe is probably briar burl... On the subject of bowls, how about getting those dishes done after your haircut! :laughing:

Hah. It's my friend's place.


You're 19 bro, there's a lot of worse things you could be doing, although there are also many better things for you to be doing as well. Stop telling yourself you're gtg because you're invincible, later on you could find yourself turning 30, but feeling instead like you're 45...

Nobody is trying to be hard on you, we're just trying our best at being a good influence is all.

Good luck, and please think seriously on it, will ya?

Appreciate the kindness. I recognize I'm not invincible. Both my parents are alcoholics, my brother was addicted to pain medication and then eventually started shooting it into his arm... My sister did meth and crack. I see the way people get with substances and I firmly express moderation with my tobacco smoking.



As for the hair, it almost looks as though you are trying to look like Che Guevara... Is that really what you want?

If you knew me, that's probably the most offensive thing I've heard in a while to me. No disrespect taken of course. I consider myself a bit of a Historian, I read up on history (primarily 20th century history) all the time. I learned about the terrors of communism and socialism from a number of sources, one of which happened to be my Russian language teacher. She is almost 60 years old and lived in the USSR and Russia until the late 90's, and she came to America as a political refugee. Not only that, but her and her family are Jews and suffered some tough hate during communism. Both her parents fought in the great patriotic war. She taught me things that no history teacher could have and it opened my eyes to what all people who felt that some kind of socialism was good for our world.

I have no respect for Ernesto Guevara. He was a murderer, communist, rapist, and believed in the execution of people without trials. I am an incredibly pro-free market libertarian. If you knew me you'd know how much I believe in it, despite being poor for the simple fact that only without government in our lives can poor people be as free as anyone else, and have the opportunity to prosper based on their own hard work. I apply for jobs all the time, but all I get is an odd job here and there because I lack formal experience. I've done roofing, fixed up someone's old gun, done landscaping, etc... But never for a business so I have to leave my work experience as blank. But I can walk into a gun shop and tell you more about a gun then the older gentleman working there... I have before. But that doesn't instantly qualify me for a job these days.


I'll finish to say that there's a lot more to me than most of you may assume. If you don't believe me or would like to know more, add me on facebook(Im friends with mr. WalkerAK74m) or PM me and I'll have a nice intellectual conversation with you. Economics, politics, history, current events, guns, and similar topics... I go out of my way to research and study them personally. I feel as though I was born in the wrong generation... While I use matches for pipe and cigars, I own a zippo. I have a large collection of knives, one or two of which I ALWAYS have on me. I own three beautiful weapons which I cherish wonderfully. I own several books and was an avid reader before I became more busy. I can definitely shoot a gun to save my life, in fact shooting is my favorite activity of all, as are outdoors activities like camping or fishing. I plan on getting into hunting very soon, although my mother seems to have a bigger problem with that than anything.

I'll apologize to all of you. I didn't make the thread to raise eyebrows start a discussion. I just wanted to see if any other men around here smoked the pipe. My demeanor turned it into something else, which I apologize for. I realize, most of you are family men who have already built their lives and had children, and when you see me, at 19, with a pipe in my mouth, you possibly see your own child doing the same and disapproving. I understand that to the extent that I can, since I don't have children. Again, I apologize. But either way, it is what it is and I am who I am. Who I appear to be on the outside doesn't reflect who I am on the inside. Walking down the street I may look like a punk to you. If any of you met me you'd have your first impressions of how I'm just another street kid, which to an extent I am, who is going down the wrong path. But an hour or so talking to me and I think I can convince anyone that my true self is nothing of it. I'm a rough street kid because I live in a bad neighborhood, live on low income, don't wear nice clothes, and have a rough appearance... Which actually helps me get by. I was once walking down a street in my neighborhood. I hadn't shaved in a while so my cheeks were scruffy, I was wearing my sunglasses, and I was puffing a cigar. A few scary looking guys on bikes rolled up around me and eyeballed me. They were definitely thugs and didn't have good intentions. My assumption is they saw my demeanor and left me alone.

This is in contrast to when I joined WT... I joined just after I turned 17 because I had been mugged by 3 people on a bridge. My good friend Dorkface always told me I should join up but I never had the interest until that happened, it over the last two years it has changed who I am. I've been around scary characters a number of times since then but I've remembered what I learned here and what i've taught myself as a result of it. Nobody has messed with me, simply because I carry myself like a warrior and I intend to fight bravely and fiercely in any situation I might find myself in! Simply having the will of a warrior has given me a better chance and more secure feeling in life. The mindset to know that if someone messes with me, I will pull my knife and give them one of the worst days of their life for attacking me. And I can say this attitude has helped pave my way to a more self reliant, fearless path.

[Netpackrat]

If you knew me, that's probably the most offensive thing I've heard in a while to me. No disrespect taken of course.

FWIW, it wasn't meant with any disrespect or to be offensive. It's just that when I saw the picture of you with the wild hair and facial hair, that's who I thought of. Figured it was better to say something than not. I wouldn't expect you'd want that to be people's first impression of you, but there it is.

[ZMB HNTR]

You clearly have a lot going on, hopefully people in your life take the time to get to know you; I would continue to seek ways that might encourage others to not write you off at first glance - which, let's face it is an epidemic for someone your age.

As for pipes, I enjoy them; only about 3 or so times a year, there are clearly worse vices you could have.

[TACC]

Never smoked a pipe but I do move the smell of them.

I echo everyone else's concerns and or advice in this thread.

I chewed tobacco for 20 years went cold turkey and quit 7 years ago, thanksfully no cancer as of yet.

It was the greatest choice I ever made to quit, and start following a Warrior lifestyle.

[Heywood]

I enjoyed a cigar every so often then switched to a pipe and smoked more often. But was able to put it down and not smoke it at all when ever I wanted to, ( regardless of what people say, some people just don't get addicted). I havent smoked it in about a year and have found myself going back to cigars, still been about 5/6 months.
Pipe smoking is much cheaper than cigars ( if you like good cigars). I say, have fun with it but don't let it get hold of you.

[PistolWhipped86]

Don't smoke 'em (yet), but had a few uncles that did. God but that stuff smelled wonderful. Not like some of the family's f**king Marlboro Reds.

If I ever did pick up tobacco, it's be a close battle between pipe and good cigars. Got plenty of friends who smoke cigarettes, but cancer sticks were never my cup of tea. That said, between them and my last job working at a bar, I've inhaled enough second hand that tobacco smoke is a pretty regular exposure.

Don't take life to seriously. You'll never make it out alive.

[Winchester67]

Impressive you can recognize addiction and take steps to avoid it, esp at your young age. Seems to me you have everything in perspective, and the occasional cigar or pipe won't kill you. My old man used to smoke a pipe, only during the winter. Used to sit in front of the fireplace so the smoke would not get in the house...I always enjoyed the smell, probably because of the stories he used to tell in front of the fireplace. To my mind, that is an acceptable vice.

[mudthang]

Dear Sebastian/BlackHoleSon

What you decide about your pipe *research* is totally your choice (don't let any grumpy old timers grind ya down). Expect some folks to give you a tough time, asking if you're trying to look wiser or more intellectual than you are. Be gracious if you can. Every now and again you'll bump into someone who really loves the smell, it takes them back in time to a good place remembering a father, husband or favourite grandfather. And the women pipe-smokers I've met are always entertaining story tellers.

I do enjoy cigars. And I love my pipes. Tobacco (as you're no doubt discovering) is a case of personal choice, much like red wine and single malt whisky (or Irish whiskey and bourbon if you prefer) and in time you'll keep returning to a taste and aroma you love.

I relish the smell of cherry-flavoured tobacco but it still punishes the back of my tongue some. Virginia tobacco is a firm favourite in my part of the world (southern Africa) and the smell of a jar of rough-cut Virginia flakes takes me way back in childhood to seeing rows and rows of leaves drying in curing barns as far as my small eyes could see. Some of the variants I've also enjoyed are vanilla "admiral flakes" (rolled out flat in thin sheets) and even a mix flavoured with a touch of liquorice. Who woulda thunk?

If you find a good pipe, look after it. But even more-pricey bowls (Peterson, Savanelli) can burn out on ya at unexpected times! And my Italian cheapie is still going strong...

If you find a good tobacconist, you might pick up a beauty as an estate pipe - bought as part of a departed smoker's collection.

Enjoy your pipe research and next time you're puffing away in contemplaltion, know there are a few of us sniffing the air in appreciation.

[BlackHoleSon]

Dear Sebastian/BlackHoleSon

What you decide about your pipe *research* is totally your choice (don't let any grumpy old timers grind ya down). Expect some folks to give you a tough time, asking if you're trying to look wiser or more intellectual than you are. Be gracious if you can. Every now and again you'll bump into someone who really loves the smell, it takes them back in time to a good place remembering a father, husband or favourite grandfather. And the women pipe-smokers I've met are always entertaining story tellers.

I do enjoy cigars. And I love my pipes. Tobacco (as you're no doubt discovering) is a case of personal choice, much like red wine and single malt whisky (or Irish whiskey and bourbon if you prefer) and in time you'll keep returning to a taste and aroma you love.

I relish the smell of cherry-flavoured tobacco but it still punishes the back of my tongue some. Virginia tobacco is a firm favourite in my part of the world (southern Africa) and the smell of a jar of rough-cut Virginia flakes takes me way back in childhood to seeing rows and rows of leaves drying in curing barns as far as my small eyes could see. Some of the variants I've also enjoyed are vanilla "admiral flakes" (rolled out flat in thin sheets) and even a mix flavoured with a touch of liquorice. Who woulda thunk?

If you find a good pipe, look after it. But even more-pricey bowls (Peterson, Savanelli) can burn out on ya at unexpected times! And my Italian cheapie is still going strong...

If you find a good tobacconist, you might pick up a beauty as an estate pipe - bought as part of a departed smoker's collection.

Enjoy your pipe research and next time you're puffing away in contemplaltion, know there are a few of us sniffing the air in appreciation.
I do enjoy research, very much. That's how I get into things, I learn all about them and continue doing so as I go.

I'll definitely have to try some kind of vanilla flavored blend next... Anything vanilla is my absolute favorite.

[Ratt]

Nice looking Churchwarden. I have one myself. And enjoy a cigar once in a while.

As long as it doesn't become a habit, don't sweat it....... enjoy!

[Sho Kosugi]

Has anyone ever switched to a pipe from smoking cigarettes? How hard was it?

[rikkitikkitavi]

Nothing wrong with an occasional GOOD cigar or smoke on the pipe.....as the father of a very good looking, smart, christian, daughter close to your age, trust me CUT YOUR HAIR and try a pair of jeans with a plain solid color tee or gasp...a button down collar oxford shirt...

You might find a good woman that way ;) by the way she is a Krav girl and could /would use your mop against you, my tribe dont fight fair, especially the womenfolk.

As someone now working EP and being around lots of former and current LEO types, the look can and will get you extra scrutiny,

Rikki

[ten beers]

Had one for years and smoke it maybe once a month. I prefer Hambletonian which is available at most of the better tobacco shops.

[DiamondD]

I enjoy smoking a pipe perhaps a dozen times a year, mostly in the fall. It is quite relaxing and contemplative. At that frequency I'm not worried about the health consequences but I would be extremely wary about being a daily smoker.

I like the blends of Greg Pease which can be found at www.glpease.com.

Sebastian, as far as your hair goes, I say let your freak flag fly.

That said, you must realize, and as you can plainly see in the posts above, your appearance does have an effect on how you're perceived. Obviously, if you want to be an investment banker that haircut isn't going to work but if you're going to be a graphic designer or in some similar creative field it really doesn't matter.

Do as you please but just be aware that there are always consequences and that people may not receive you as you have intended.

+1 Anyone razzing you about your hair is jealous and follicle challenged or doesn't remember being 19. And if a pipe in moderation is your worst vice you are doing well in my book. My dad smokes a pipe every now and then and I love the smell. Really gets my mother mad that I don't allow her to smoke cigarets in my house but I will puff on a pipe in there sometimes.

My advice would be to continue getting your body and character in outstanding shape and don't sweat what anyone thinks about your appearance.

On the other hand, if you wear your pants belw your ass Pull Them Up! 8-)

[PERVADER1]

Man, as a whole, we do sound like some royal hall pass monitors, don't we?

And BHS isn't even in school...

[BlackHoleSon]

I got my hair cut finally. Long by some standards but quite short.

I keep my use of the pipe minimal. A couple small bowls a week at maximum or less. It's real nice. But something I've learned that's not to be rushed! Take your time with your pipe and it treats you well back. It's calming but I don't find it addictive, and I'll keep it minimal to avoid any problems. It's a nice way to spoil myself from time to time.