I just wanted to play video games and stay out of politics. The other side ruined gaming, and then the comic characters of my youth, and my hero Luke Skywalker. Some people might roll their eyes, but I think that started the ball rolling for people.
Then I started looking closer at President Trump. Though I was a Republican, I didn’t vote for Trump in 2016. I believed the media smears and didn’t do my own research.
Then Kavenaugh happened, and then Covington. I realized how far the media went to make things up. I looked into Trump and realized he wasn’t going to destroy the world like so many were sure of in 16. Instead, he was the only good president in my lifetime.
After that, I listened to Tim Pool, Crowder, Razorfist, and others, becoming aware of what was going on around me and getting me involved politically. I may not be the most knowledgeable person on politics, but the left has only themselves to blame for waking me up to what they’ve been up to. Unfortunately for them, I’m not going back to how I was before.
Ah, you’ll find it’s an enjoyable challenge once you get going. I had no experience with tobacco at all when I took up a pipe (and I’m still only experienced in pipe tobacco), but you’re beginning a fun journey.
Give C&D’s Stovepipe a look, as it’s a mix between a Virginia blend and an aromatic. Amphora Full Aroma is a solid pouch tobacco that I’m quite fond of, and St. Bruno Flake Rubbed in the pouch is a nice introductory Brit tobacco.
No doubt about that. I tend to be a 3-5 pipes a day guy. While my preferences are more towards blenders like C&D and Sam Gawith, I always keep a few codger blends on hand, as a lover of pipe tobacco and the classics. I also point newbies to trying them, because as I believe you mentioned, they’ve stuck around for a reason.
It’s my favorite cob. I’m a Yank, but even I’m won over by it’s charms.
One word of advice about cobs. The first two or three smokes will not taste great near the end. This is just the breaking in process. Once you get past that, you’ll be very happy with it.
Cobs are great, and come in such a variety of shapes that you’re bound to find a number of favorites. I personally recommend the Country Gentleman, the Emerald, and the Charles Towne.
For Virginia blends, I would recommend Orlik Golden Sliced, Stokkebye Bullseye Flake, and any Navy Flake.
If you have more questions, feel free to message me. I love helping other newbie pipers out.
Pipe smoking pede here. Definitely invest in a good cob. Some people look down on them, but I find that once you buy a cob, more start joining your rack.
It’s true there are tobacco snobs out there, but I’ve found that the pipe community is one of the friendliest and most helpful ones out there. Likewise, the vast variety of pipe tobacco is fantastic. Codger blends are great, but give bulk/tin blends a look too. They all have their appeal, and you’ll find what you enjoy.
I was hesitant to check out T_D when I was on Reddit. Once it was kicked off and became .win, it perked my curiosity to give it a look. Now I barely even look at Reddit and spend a good portion of my day checking and occasionally posting here. That wouldn’t have happened had T_D not been unjustly removed. This is a way better place anyway.
Put anything that has the internet on it away and put on a half hour show or pick up a book and read for a good half hour to hour. Focus on taking clear and deep breaths, and think about something that brings you peace. I know it’s not easy, but you can do it.
For me, it was a slow build over the past four years. I’ve always been a Republican, but Trump was the last one I wanted as the candidate. I didn’t hate Trump, but I didn’t like his conduct. I did laugh at the TDS people after the election, but never thought I’d vote for him.
I softened to the idea after listening to a lot of Trump supporters and realized they weren’t this cult that the media portrayed him out to be. I remember when Trump was elected, and his haters presented him as someone who was going to destroy the world. Two years pass, and Trump was nothing like that.
The first moment that truly turned me towards voting for him was the Kavanaugh debacle. I watched as Congress tried to ruin a man over what I could clearly see were false and ridiculous allegations. I got into long and frustrating conversations with loved ones that couldn’t believe there could be people lying about being assaulted for their own gain. That really opened my eyes, and I started veering towards Trump.
Then came the Covington incident, and that pushed me over the edge. Seeing so many people try to ruin a kid’s life over lies caused me to say, “No matter what, I’m voting Trump in 2020.”
I haven’t looked back since, and Trump has only strengthened my confidence in him. I don’t care if friends or family look at me differently, Trump is fighting for this country, and I’m behind him 100%.
I feel the same way. I believed all the negative hype about Trump in 2016 and voted for Johnson (I’d never vote for Hillary). But over the past four years, the TDS, nonstop negative news, and seeing Trump’s actions as president not only changed my mind, but he’s become my favorite president. I’m gladly and proudly voting for Trump, and doing my best to get others that I know to listen.
As a new parent, I can’t stomach these stories. It just sickens me to no end. People can be so vile.