Happy International Pipe Smoking Day!

My friend, Nathaniel, has said it well. What else can be said?

Light up and enjoy!

Edifying Thoughts of a Tobacco Smoker

On land, at sea, at home, abroad, / I smoke my pipe and worship God."

Here's a little poem I discovered that is believed to be written by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach, illustrating the contemplative nature of pipe smoking and Bach's right understanding that all of life--even the most mundane parts--is an act of worship.

Whene'er I take my pipe and stuff it
And smoke to pass the time away
My thoughts, as I sit there and puff it,
Dwell on a picture sad and grey:
It teaches me that very like
Am I myself unto my pipe.

Like me this pipe, so fragrant burning,
Is made of naught but earthen clay;
To earth I too shall be returning,
And cannot halt my slow decay.
My well used pipe, now cracked and broken,
Of mortal life is but a token.

No stain, the pipe's hue yet doth darken;
It remains white. Thus do I know
That when to death's call I must harken
My body, too, all pale will grow.
To black beneath the sod 'twill turn,
Likewise the pipe, if oft it burn.

Or when the pipe is fairly glowing,
Behold then instantaneously,
The smoke off into thin air going,
'Til naught but ash is left to see.
Man's fame likewise away will burn
And unto dust his body turn.

How oft it happens when one's smoking,
The tamper's missing from it's shelf,
And one goes with one's finger poking
Into the bowl and burns oneself.
If in the pipe such pain doth dwell
How hot must be the pains of Hell!

Thus o'er my pipe in contemplation
Of such things - I can constantly
Indulge in fruitful meditation,
And so, puffing contentedly,
On land, at sea, at home, abroad,
I smoke my pipe and worship God.

From "The Second Little Clavier Book For Anna Magdalena" by J.S. Bach

Oppressive Tobacco Tax

Congress is currently considering jacking up the federal tax on tobacco again. This time it will result in an increase of over 20,000% on cigars, as well as an equally oppressive increase on pipe tobacco.

There is no other product or transaction in the IRS code with anywhere near the oppressive and punitive levels proposed in this increase. Even if you don't enjoy a good cigar now and then, oppose this tax on principle. Because once the greedy legislators run out of revenue from tobacco (and this increase will probably force domestic tobacconists, manufacturers, and growers out of business), they'll feel compelled to come after your hobby.

Follow this link. At the site you will find a form that enables you to quickly and easily send a message to the President, your two Senators, and your Congressional Representative. Do your part to prevent oppressive taxation! (h/t Nathaniel)