Replies To Comments #1

In working on my reply to selected comments posts, I found that I was getting far TOO LONG in my overall post length.  So, I have decided to break up this week's return to "Replies to Comments" post into two different posts.  The first one (below) focuses on my replies to comments related to my recent.... a) pipe smoking posts, b) lack of focus post, and c) food preferences post.  Tomorrow (or perhaps Friday) I will finish up with replies for this batch from my recent a) retirement posts, and b) my liquor store posts.   

As was my usual, I list comments alphabeticallly by author who wrote the comment and my reply is below that.

From Pipe Smoking Posts:

AC

I know that I must have told you this before, but is sure to have been a long time ago. I tried it early in my university career, I couldn’t keep the damn thing lit. Rather than continue to struggle, I decided that it was too important to me.

No…. you had never mentioned that before!  I am a little surprised, given your more “fundamental” sort of upbringing (fundamental may not be the correct word to use, but I mean… the faith you were brought up in seems to be one that is rather against things like tobacco usage and alcohol consumption… Catholic folk are rather neutral about moderate tobacco or alcohol indulgence).  The lament that you mentioned about not being able to keep the pipe going….. is a common statement by many folks who try out smoking a pipe.  I have read about it frequently on various of the pipe forum groups I read.  Strangely, perhaps, for me…. I never experienced any sort of “difficulty” in learning to smoke a pipe when I was a kid….from the very first try of a pipe, it seemed wholly natural and actually rather innate to me…. not sure why.  The biggest challenge I actually faced, was not really knowing how to light matches when I was a kid.  I often failed at that initially… breaking off the heads of matches etc….. but if I had a match successfully lit, I never had any real difficulty igniting the pipe tobacco in the bowl….and it always felt so magical a transformation for me to do so.  

Margaret

I know you're not tempted by cigars like you are with pipes; I'm wondering if you could impose a similar schedule on yourself: one pipe a week, perhaps on a certain day. A    on Thursday and a pipe on Saturday? I like how you encourage your students, but also gently warn them of consequences. Nowadays it's also good to transmit those expectations in writing.

“From your lips to God’s ear!” is what I can say.  I ultimately WOULD RELISH being able to figure out such a schedule for me with my beloved pipes.  I simply have not figured out how to accomplish this….or perhaps more accurately…. I do not feel a whole helluva lot of confidence in myself that I would maintain such a schedule….. I can see so many avenues where I so easily and eagerly morph back into my traditional ways.  

Thank you about the teaching aspect in your comment too…. I TRY to guide students on suggested ways to get the success they want….while giving them the freedom to pursue their goals as they ultimately choose.

Pat M

How strange it is, Professor, to see such words coming from a regular cigar smoker who has chosen to abandon his pipes on all but the rarest of occasions. The disjunction must be weighing on you heavily!

Ouch!  I find it a bit unnerving to be referred to as a “regular cigar smoker”.  I have never envisioned myself to be such.  However, it is regrettably true, that from the outside, what you have stated would be a designation put forth by many about my current state of affairs.  In the recesses of my mind, however, I do not see myself in this way.  I probably should write a more complete post about this, and will try to do so…. but the once weekly cigar I do now indulge in is not REALLY about the cigar itself (although it is pleasant)… but really about the a) camaraderie, and/or b) about having a “destination”…. a “home-away-from-home” so-to speak….. my own variation of a “Cheers” type environment, where I can be an accepted member, albeit probably a “Norm” the postman type.

“Chosen to abandon” my pipes also feels brutal to hear.  And, again, from the outside of myself…. looking at my actions, this would appear as true.  In my own psyche, though, I see myself keeping my pipes and pipe tobaccos near, and never packed away or given away or destroyed.  I try to keep in my mind that I am in the midst of a type of “fast” with my pipes and pipe tobaccos….. but take solace in that they are near.  

Yet, I cannot deny the externally appearing “truths” of your statements.  It is indeed a difficult disjunction.  It feels akin to a battling of the id, the ego, and the superego.  I do not know who the ultimate “victor” is….. nor if there can/could be a victor…. other than perhaps if each…. the id, ego, and superego were to return to harmony with each other.  Perhaps THAT would be a victory?  

Focus Post:

Margaret:

Sometimes solitude and a good book are what we need. I love my friend groups, but also enjoy my alone time, either reading or walking.

I very much agree with you!  I have times frequently where I need solitude of some sort in order to find my “center” my “balance”.  “Alone” is not the same as “lonely”.  I can often find joy in groups and also find joy when alone.  But, sadly, I can also sometimes feel “lonely” in a group…. and sometimes “lonely” in an undesired (or poorly focused) time of being alone.

PepperLady

I was like that yesterday, the 20th. Could focus. After I heard how our primary went in here Idaho.

When my mind is poorly focused, it tends to get me feeling rather “edgy” unless I can figure out a way to occupy myself.  

Food Preferences:

AC

Tastes are weird. Mine are probably close to opposite of yours. Beans and particularly lima beans are not favoured at all. Eating a lima bean is akin to eating a velvet curtain.

Haha!  Even though I love lima beans….. I really like your analogy!  I will remember it!!!!  It is a great analogy.  

Even at lunch, I eat a chewy bagel and Sue eats a different brand that is crispier. We had scrambled eggs tonight. I cook them properly,, after which she tends to burn and blacken hers.

Like you, I prefer chewier textures rather than crispy…. And I like my eggs to be delicately cooked….. not brown at all.  

Margaret:

I'm with you on some of these--I hate being around the frying of food although I do eat some of it. However, I dislike fried chicken which John finds strange. I also love all beans, including lima beans. However, I strongly dislike melons, especially cantaloupe. I can choke down watermelon if I have to but it's not enjoyable for me. Food likes and dislikes are interesting to me; I always wonder why so many people love a food that I hate and vice-versa.

Truthfully, the only fried foods I will occasionally WILLINGLY eat would be French Fries, or perhaps Tater Tots.  Sometimes at events, I “have” to eat other fried things….. to “fit in”….. but I try to avoid those sorts of situations whenever possible, or sometimes pretend I am not hungry (technically….. I am NOT hungry for the fried food, but may be hungry overall).  It is interesting that compared to both my side of the family and my wife’s side of the family….. most of our relatives only like what I would consider “bland” (unspicy) foods of the more “meat and potatoes” style foods.  My wife and I and our kids all relish all sorts of spices and flavors….. and eat more “exotic” foods compared to our relatives.  

Pam J:

I've spent some hours now trying to think of any food (other than okra) that I dislike. Didn't come up with much, except liver and pizza with ham and pineapple.

Haha!  Your pizza dislike had me chuckle!  I do not mind pizza with ham and pineapple, although ham is not a huge draw to me.  For both my wife and me, our FAVORITE pizza would be one that has Italian Sausage, onions, and green (Bell) peppers…….. and if my wife isn’t around, I would also add black olives (she sadly abhors olives of ANY sort, much to my olive-loving chagrin).  

That is for today.  Again,  more replies coming in a day or two.

PipeTobacco

Ticked Off

I knew of this long ago, but had not thought about it in a while, and now it has me riled up again.  It came into my consciousness again due to an e-mail I received from my veterinarian.

The letter sent by the veterinarian was concerning Lyme Disease.  The letter was touting a relatively new vaccine for DOGS that can prevent Lyme Disease.  I would love to get this vaccine for my dog, but I have to check first if it is advisable for my elderly dog

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to various mammals (including dogs and we humans) through the bite of infected deer ticks. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the US and Canada.  .Symptoms may take as much as a month following a tick bite.  Symptoms range from initially flu-like symptoms… fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and muscle or joint aches.  If left untreated, the pathogen can spread throughout the body leading to severe joint pain and swelling, facial palsy, neurological issues (like pseudo-meningitis), and heart palpitations and chronic fatigue.  These symptoms may persist for very long, long periods of time.   The condition can often (not always) be successfully treated with antibiotics IF it is identified early, but if it is not identified early enough, antibiotics are less effective.  And far worse is that a percentage of people (with or without antibiotic treatment) may have a persistent form of the infection that is quite debilitating, including chronic fatigue, chronic joint pain, and mental “fog”.   This chronic, persistent form that ultimately does not respond to treatment is medically called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).  And everything I have read about this condition, is that it destroys a person’s quality of life.  

SO….why am I riled up, you may ask?  I am angry because currently, there is NO human vaccine for Lyme Disease.  Folks might say…. “Oh well, it must be easier to make for dogs for some reason.”  but that is INCORRECT.  This letter from the veterinarian had me remember the idea that there WAS once an FDA approved HUMAN Lyme vaccine…… but it was removed from the market about 25 YEARS AGO (technically 2002) due to controversy from the newly developing “anti-vaxx” crowd.  

The anti-vaxxers are gullible, foolish folks who do not understand science, and it appalls me that we no longer have this vaccine.  Of course, in the modern-day things have grown progressively WORSE, with the Kennedy MAHA movement and all their new, even more prolific lying.  I never thought I would see a day where a viable, valuable vaccine was discontinued due to misguided, public fear…. Let alone what we have now where political “leaders” spread b*llsh*t about science they themselves know nothing about that has direct, negative effects on a huge number of us.   

With global warming, the taxonomic range for Lyme Disease bearing ticks is EXPANDING into more northernly areas than it had ever previously been seen.  Back in 2002 I was very  alarmed at the loss of the vaccine for friends and relative who lived in that tick zone, but I lived outside of the Lyme Disease threat zone.  Now, I am WITHIN the Lyme Disease tick zone….. due to the tick expansion from global warming.  

PipeTobacco

In Memory

Even though Memorial Day is meant for recognition of military service, in my family we have remembered both those of our relatives who have passed and served in the military…. but also loved ones and friends who have passed broadly.  

With that idea of a broader remembrance, the following helps me to especially focus on on those who have passed that were especially significant in my heart and mind today:

Agatha (Aggie)

Arthur

Buelah

Charles

Chester

Danny

David 

Dennis

Donald

Earl (Bobby)

Edna

Edward

Elva

Gilbert

Grace

Harold

Kasper

Kay

Louis

Lynwood

Myrtle

Orville

Rachael

Ralph

Raymond

Richard

Robert

Tamara

William

Thoughts on Smoking a Pipe

I spent most of the day at home, working in my office here on the computer, grading the first sets of papers and quizzes and other things.  I also sent out e-mails to ( the very small cadre of ) students who have missed submitting two or more assignments ALREADY this semester, to let them know of my concern.... and to encourage them to SHAPE UP!  I actually did not say "shape up"...  I talked instead about encouraging them to take some time this weekend and evaluate the causes for them to MISS submitting two or more assignments ALREADY this semester.... and also encouraged them to work this weekend to determine a better schedule for their work efforts so that they do not miss any further submission opportunities.  I provide to all students, before the class starts, with a document that outlines EVERY due date across the semester, and their LMS provides them listings of due dates as well.  My e-mail was mostly to let them know I am seeing they are struggling to meet goals and if they do not make some changes, they will be very unlikely to be able to obtain the grade they want and need for their program.  Their lack of completing and submitting assignments also suggests that they may very likely be underprepared for their first lecture exam.... which is fast approaching.  I tell them that they REALLY need to act now.

But, that particular kind of grading work, and the gentle guidance and gentle reprimanding was something that... until the "sad fast" started.... was a time where I would inevitably work with a beautiful, friendly pipe clenched between my choppers as I forged through these rather mundane tasks.  The pipe was always a welcome friend and companion. 

Pipe smoking is a practice with a, beautiful and long history, and has always been associated with a variety of cultural traditions and a methodical approach to both work and leisure. For us pipe smokers, the avocation revolves around both the craftsmanship of the pipes and the gentle beauty of ingesting of the pipe tobaccos.  In the modern day, this activity (infrequent as it now is in society) is viewed through an optics of tradition, whereas back in much better, earlier times.... it was more of just a common method of simple pleasure in all its facets. One aspect that is commonly shared in almost all pipe smokers are that they can be patient.  Of course, not that we always ARE patient, but we do have that ability.   Part of this perception may stem (semi-pun intended) from the truthful statement that smoking a pipe is at its very BEST when it is accomplished with a slow and steady pacing.  This slower pace often leads to promoting a contemplative "thinking" type of environment.... hence why (at least in the good-old-days) the endeavor has been firmly and frequently associated with us "professorial" types.  And, I can attest at least from MY own reading over the decades, a pipe has OFTEN served as a symbol of the thinker or the scholar in a whole helluva lot of the fiction I have read.  

The sensory aspects of pipe smoking also play substantial roles in its appeal for me. Tobacco blends  each possess distinct profiles of flavor, texture, strength, and dare I say, meditativeness.  From the many blends I have, I recognize several that I prefer when wanting to enhance tranquility, whereas I know of others that are well suited towards action and activity. The complexity of aromas in each blend, and the visual element of the sanguinely moving smoke further impact and shape sensory perceptions.  But, actually, I would say ALL senses are enhanced by pipe smoking.  Tactile senses of the shape and temperatures of the bowl are varied and pleasing to discern. Olfactory aromas and gustatory flavors too are varied and rich.  The gentle, hazy drifting of the smoke is visually akin to a kinetic art piece to the eyes, and even nuanced, auditory components can be discerned in the experience. 

Such beauty, such grace.  Pipe smoking is both a whole sensory experience and simultaneously a substantially internal experience of joy.  The dichotomy of how it is both a wholly external AND wholly internal experience is a part of its magic to me.  There is so much more I could write, of course…. but I should probably end here for today.

I do miss them.

PipeTobacco

I Wish for Profound, But....

I wish I had something "profound" or at least "interesting" to say today.  But, alas, I do not.  My mind is probably in a bit of a "free-wheeling" mode where I am NOT thinking about much of anything...... no particular plans, no particular things to try to work through.  I have plenty of those things I COULD do.... but, I am just going to drift through the day, and complete my 9 hours of teaching, and perhaps think about the giant "taco" feast I will have tonight.  All my ducks are currently in their proper rows so I do not even have to troubleshoot things at the moment.  

I did go to the shoppe yesterday.  None of the guys were there, unfortunately.  I know that Jerry said he often came on Wednesday's as well as the normal "Old Guy" Retiree's Cigar Group.... but he told me LAST WEDNESDAY when I was chatting with him, that he would not be able to be there on the Wednesday of yesterday.... due to an appointment his wife had made for him.  

So, I sat up on the second floor, indulged in a 7X60 house cigar, and finished up "Hidden Valley Road".  I cannot adequately describe how very interesting and intriguing this book was.  Eventually, now, I have to find a new "great for me" book to read.  

PipeTobacco

Plantains

 

I have some proclivities about food that my family often comments on as being "odd".  I am not sure "odd" is an appropriate term, but perhaps you can judge.  Some of these things I have said before:

• I dislike fried foods.  I especially dislike... even more... being around the COOKING of fried foods.  
• I dislike "seared" meats.  I especially dislike... even more.... being around the process of searing meats.
• I dislike shrimp in any form.
• I dislike plantains in any form (to me their odd mix of flavors and textures... of being akin to a very starchy banana is  unappealing).
• I dislike cooked bananas (banana bread is an exception).
• I much prefer to eat cooked foods at room temperature or slightly warm..... never "hot off the grill".  If served "hot" I typically wait until the food approaches room temperature before eating.
• I do not like to drink hot beverages.... but instead let them cool to room temperature (coffee, tea, mulled ciders, etc).  
• In terms of meats, I most prefer turkey or chicken, then fish, and last would be beef.  
• I have not eaten much pork for most of my life..... I do not really like bacon, I am not fond of ham...... but in the last 2-3 years I have found I have now developed a growing fondness for pork roast, "pulled pork" and pork chops.  
• Compared to average consumption rates for folks, I tend to not eat a lot of meat.... currently, probably 2 or 3 meals a week have a meat component.  
• I relish all forms of beans.... and probably have some form of beans nearly every day.  Probably my FAVORITE beans would be the kidney bean, then the garbanzo bean, and then the pinto bean.
• I relish all forms of lentils.
• I really like Lima Beans.
• I cannot think of a vegetable I do not like (yes, I DO like okra).
• I tend to not eat many oranges..... not because of the flavor, which I like a lot.... but because oranges feel very acidic in my mouth.... but grapefruit does NOT feel acidic to me.... and I even more enjoy their flavor (grapefruit is by FAR, my favorite citrus fruit) and eat them quite frequently (at least 4 times a week).  
• I really enjoy ALL melons..... but especially enjoy cantaloupe (we also call them musk melons).

PipeTobacco

Wonderful

I just got back late yesterday afternoon from the Conference I and a big cadre of my students were at this weekend.  When I arrived home, my wife and I hopped on over to the pool, had a quick swim together and then I scurried home to get dressed up in my band attire to go and play at the last concert of our season.  The tradition is that after the last concert of the season, the band members go out eat and/or have a few drinks afterwards.  I felt a bit too bushed and begged off this time, even though I would have enjoyed a beer or two.  I knew I needed more the time to try to get enough sleep so I could get up at 5:00 to do my run, so that I could get that in before I had to start lecturing at 8:00am this morning (until 5:30pm, other than my two 15 minutes breaks (like this one)).  

The conference went really well!  Six project were presented.... one rat, two nematode, and three fruit fly research strands presented their findings.  Twelve of my student researchers were able to go to the conference to be actual co-presenters of their findings.  They really enjoyed the academically fun experience, and a few were also eager to go visit several of the schools who had tables talking about their various graduate and medical school programs as well.  All their presentations went really well, and they (and I) received a considerable number of complements about our projects and our presentations.  Two different faculty from two different schools also approached me to inquire about possibly seeing if we could form a collaboration of some kind as well.  So, that too was very nice.  

My culinary highlight was being able to eat some absolutely delightful Ethiopian food at a restaurant near the conference site.  Ethiopian food is SO GOOD.  I had not had Injera Bread in a LONG TIME.

I am thinking this week I am going to likely restart my reply to comments post.... and try again to do this once a week.  I think it is good for me to do so, as it helps clarify things in my mind to things that are discussed and asked.  I also have a few other ideas about trying to have at least one post a week focus on my thoughts..... positives.... and also worries..... about a potential retirement.  

PipeTobacco