As in keeping with the usual course of events, chaos ensues here at the Smokingpipes offices. Our last word from Ted had him trapped somewhere in the vast Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, on his way (eventually) to Japan where he'll be working a new pipe show in Tokyo, alongside Ryota Shimizu. Ryota, an American who originally relocated to attend Keio University, and avid pipe aficionado, is the latest addition to our staff; our one-man customer service foreign office. You may have already noticed that we've begun on a Japanese translation of the site. Katie has moved from shipping to photography, while Pam and Cassidy were last seen moving furniture down the hallway. Yesterday, for some reason, a box of roughly eight feet in length arrived for Sykes - Adam guessed it was some manner of antique halberd, because Sykes has a degree in Medieval history, but it turned out to be a projector screen... as I said, "for some reason".

Honestly, I'd estimate that I spend approximately 80% of my time here at the office either in a confused state, or in the course of investigating a source of confusion. Why was Adam blasting Bill Withers when I came in this morning? What's this about Lisa hating pillows? Where has the last Rolando Negoita gone off to? Is there coffee? What is that unpredictable beeping? Yes, Adam, that is indeed a nicely-made brass compass. - and that was just within my first hour here this morning. The reality of the matter is, however, that on the whole I enjoy it. If nothing else, a perpetual state of bemusement does help keep the mind limber.

Fortunately, we have still managed to once again pull ourselves together in time for another update, and quite a large one at that. Today you'll find fresh briars from Stanwell, Savinelli, Nording, Neerup, and Brebbia, as well as a massive batch of Petersons; artful Ascortis, and stylish Ardors; artisanal beauties by Rad Davis, and Matzhold; finally, and as ever, a sound selection of estate briars as well.

Eric Squires: Copywriter