Finally a Solution

After several days of emailing and posting - a solution was arrived at for the AfterGlow.

It was decided that we would rotate from a commercial venue, where smoking is permitted (albeit hard to find in the Nanny state we find ourselves in), to the home of a member (i.e. Matt's Garaj Mahal, Frank's Tent of Meeting or the Key Speakeasy).

So now we find ourselves at the end of the summer. Since this discussion was going on, we've alternated between Callahan's Pub, Tres' Hombres' and Frank's Tent. It seems to be going pretty well. Heck, we've even seen an increase in the "drop in" folks making it all the way over the Frank's.

The website is finally updated - check it out at http://www.thedepressedmen.org. Will try to update the meeting location(s) information weekly and post any other announcements. Keep the suggestions, photos, poetry, jokes, cigar reviews, etc. coming.

Thanks for watching.

Frank Chimes In

Not to be outdone, Frank decided to add his own rhyme to the mix - sent on the heels of Tony's message on May 4th, 2008.

Such wisdom Tony chose to impart
We eat, we drink, we smoke and we fart,
We tell our jokes on Thursday night,
You know, it really feels right.

Objections for our tent of meeting
Some ideas do seem fleeting
Now our colleague Dr. Clark.
Claims the backyard is too dark.

Other folks, they won't come
Makes him feel like a bum.
Now we cater to the crowd
Meet somewhere that does get loud

Let's not get mad and in a lather
What's the reason for us to gather
But to enjoy our fellowship.
What the heck happened to our Chip?

Tres Hombres, Melange or Callahan's
The State got us with their smoking bans
Or Frank's backyard with smoking tent.
'member BBQ'n where we went?

Where shall we go, what's our solution
Some consider cigars the big pollution
Smoke outside far from the table
Involved conversation, we're not able

Watch the waitress bring us beer
Frank says, "You don't get that here."
We eat good and it is free
Then out back we have to pee

What we do is anyone's guess
I don't mind to clean the mess
Go to the tavern pay the price
Think I've said that twice or thrice

Stay at home and smoke cigar
Spend my money at some bar
Have a talk or fight with Pepper
Hang with Terry be a stepper

What to do let me know
If I don't like it I will go.

Let's Let Ralph Speak for Himself

Here is the actual writing - entitled Smoking Spiritualized by Ralph Erskine (1685-1752).
Note - you will see no reference to "moo moo dog face banana patch"...

Part I

This Indian weed now wither'd quite,

'Tho' green at noon, cut down at night,

Shows thy decay; All flesh is hay.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

The pipe so lily-like and weak,

Does thus thy mortal state bespeak.

Thou art ev'n such, Gone with a touch.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when the smoke ascends on high,

Then thou behold'st the vanity

Of worldly stuff, Gone with a puff.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when the pipe grows foul within,

Think on thy soul defil'd with sin;

For then the fire, It does require.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And seest the ashes cast away;

Then to thyself thou mayest say

That to the dust Return thou must.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

Part II

Was this small plant for thee cut down?

So was the plant of great renown;

Which mercy sends

For nobler ends.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

Doth juice medicinal proceed

From such a naughty foreign weed?

Then what's the pow'r

Of Jesse's flow'r?

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

The promise, like the pipe, inlays,

And by the mouth of faith conveys

What virtue flows

From Sharon's rose.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

In vain th' unlighted pipe you blow;

Your pains in inward means are so,

'Till heav'nly fire

Thy heart inspire.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

The smoke, like burning incense tow'rs

So should a praying heart of yours,

With ardent cries,

Surmount the skies.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

Courtesy of www.puritansermons.com

Prose for Pondering

Our resident Pastor, Tony, shared the following - a bit of prose from a 1600-1700's theologian, combined with some classic Steve Martin, and his own twist. This came during a long discussion thread as to where the Depressed Men should hold the AfterGlow portion of the meeting (i.e. the part where we drink beer, smoke cigars, and relax). Sent via email on May 4, 2008.

Here goes -


A few thoughts...
First, if we are going to call this thing an "after glow" shouldn't we be speaking in tongues?
Second, if we have it at Frank's, may I moo moo dog face banana patch?
Third, regarding smoking, consider the following:

This Indian weed now wither'd quite,
Though green at noon, cut down at night, Show's thy decay All flesh is hay.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when the smoke ascends with glee,
Then thou behold'st the vanity
Of worldly stuff,
Gone with a puff.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when my cigar grows foul within,
Think on thy soul defil'd with sin;
For then the fire,
It does require.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco

And seest the ashes cast away;
Then to thyself thou mayest say,
That to the dust
Return thou must.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco

My name is Tony and I'm full of baloney
but one thing I know
about our after glow
we must be free to think,
and smoke tobacco

Thanks to Tony for sharing of his writing talents, and er um creativity.