Chicago Excitement Continues - Gregor Lobnik

Gregor sent photos of some of the pipes he will be bringing to Chicago. I may have to knock over a gas station on the way to the show! -T

Continuing Excited Anticipation!

It happens every year at this time. I get increasingly excited about the upcoming Chicago Pipe Show. In another month I'll be in such a state that I will have to carry a paper bag with me so I don't hyperventilate. I've decided to post an occasional photo from Chicagos past to help alleviate some of this tension ...I doubt it will do any good.... -T

photo above- Mark checking out a pipe maker's wares in the smoking tent.

For Sale

I got carried away recently while doing a couple of commissions and made a third variation of the Executive Pipe Rack. This one has a drawer w/ a nice crackle finish. I think it turned out well. It's for sale for $195. Email me if you need more details. -T

tim@twocousinspiperacks.com

Death and Taxes

I'm sure everyone (at least here in the US) has heard about the 775% tax increase on pipe tobacco that has been proposed in Congress recently. Apparently it is aimed at closing a loop hole that the RYO folks have been using lately. By calling their cigarette tobacco pipe tobacco they can avoid the huge cigarette tax. There have been several calls to "write your Congressman" and I advise the same. You can do it easily by going to PipesMagazine.com . Who knows what good it will do, but at least Congress will know people are watching their actions. I've written my Congressmen and so far have received one reply from Senator Corker -

Dear Mr. Crowder,

Thank you for contacting my office about opposing H.R. 4439, the Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010. Your input is important to me and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

I understand your concern that such a proposal would result in a dramatic cost increase for products that many Americans enjoy every day and could potentially negatively affect small businesses who sell tobacco products. The Tobacco Tax Parity Act is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means. Should the bill be introduced into the Senate, the insights you have provided will certainly help my staff and me as we look into the issue.

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

The silver lining to this possible tax is it provides a great rationalization for my huge tobacco order today! -T

Variations on a Theme

It's odd. Mark and I both have had this happen several times. A pipe rack in the Two Cousins catalog goes completely ignored for a couple of years and then suddenly we get 2 or 3 orders for it from different points on the globe. Synchronicity? Coincidence? Weird chance? Who knows? It's always kind of fun whatever the reason. Here's a couple of Executive variations I'm working on now. This is another fun part of this phenomenon - taking the original pipe rack and making changes that are custom tailored for a client. T

Chilly Fingers and a Red Nose

Orders for pipe racks are starting to pile up. It's cold and there is still snow on the ground. I have to work outside (Mark has the luxury of working in an unheated shop that is sort of like a meat locker - but at least there's no icy wind blowing on him, so he has it good.). I don't want to be a whiner. I just want to let you know how committed the Two Cousins are to business. We don't ask for pity- just keep those orders coming. Thanks! -T

I guess I've stalled as long as I can- time to go back out ....

More Snow!

Snow again. Nothing to compare w/ our friends on the east coast, but it's a good bit for us. 3-4" so far and maybe more coming. I had planned to go get wood and supplies for the next pipe racks that I have to do ... but, I think they will have to wait a couple of days. -T

1st Friday w/the Guys

Another great 1st Friday with my pals. The usual complaining about politics, talking about family and friends and of course plenty of pipe smoking. We also got to make our plans for the Chicago Pipe Show. Mark, Chuck and I will be there. Unfortunately David can't make it this year. -T

photo above - Chuck, Mark and David