Happy Halloween!!

I’m going to put an empty bowl at my front door with a sign that says “Take only ONE!!” Even the first kid is too late.

pumpkin carving

Jim Says:”I’ve killed 13 zombies so far. Why do they all have candy?”

If you haven’t heard, on August 25th, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Michael Vick to be their back up quarterback. This has caused an uproar in Pittsburgh with several people speaking out against the decision. I count myself as one of them.

I vehemently disagree with the team’s decision. So this is it, I’m voting with my dollar. I’m not going to be supporting the Steelers until Vick, Rothlisberger, and Tomlin are gone. (I haven’t been a hardcore fan since the days of Bradshaw and Noll anyway.)

It’s amusing to me that people have chosen to argue with my decision by pointing out bad behavior and criminal activity of other players. That only serves to validate my decision further. I am saying that I don’t want to support criminals, or people of low character, so listing the crimes of others in the league further reenforces my resolve.

And while we’re on the subject, let’s shine a light on the elephant in the room. Ben Rothelisberger has been accused of sexual assault in Reno [1]Source: Huffington Post in a civil case (interestingly not criminal) that was settled, and again in Georgia where no charges were filed. [2]Source: CNN Therein lies a very important difference, that of “accused” versus “convicted.”

Continue Reading

Footnotes

Footnotes
1 Source: Huffington Post
2 Source: CNN

Let me preface this by saying, I don’t think Donald Trump is presidential material. But, I don’t believe any of the other declared participants in the current campaigns are, either.

Of all the “candidates,” I suspect Donald Trump actually believes what he is saying. He will try to build the “hugest, most excellent, wall at the Mexican border,” he will try to get Carl Ichan to be the point person to deal with China and Japan. He will push for extreme immigration reform.

While Trump believes what he is saying, I suspect the others know that they are lying to our face. And that’s what angers me. I’m tired of being lied to, blatantly and constantly. From BOTH sides of the aisle!

politcs statue

I’m also sick of cronyism. Such as how Caroline Kennedy “earned” her appointment to the position of U.S. Ambassador to Japan..

Caroline Kennedy: Well, I was in Washington talking to people in the White House about how I might be able to serve the president. And so, they said, “Well, what about ambassador to Japan?” And so I was like “Japan?” So anyway, I said, “Well, I would love to do that.”  [1]Source: CBS News

So what are we to do?

I think there is a real chance for a very serious and much needed change in American politics. He has already shaken things up, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This could provide the stark relief we need to reset our perspective.

Even though running as a Republican candidate, he doesn’t follow party lines. I like that. As I find “group think” to be dangerous and unproductive.

But, look at what’s happening. Neither party knows how to respond to him. There is a panic in the air as a “non-career politician” is stealing the spotlight. The parties are trying to make him appear inappropriate for going after Megyn Kelly, as an example.

Continue Reading

Footnotes

Footnotes
1 Source: CBS News

Somewhere along the way, I developed an affinity for shaving gear. I ran the gamut of cartridges and disposables, shave creams, gels and lotions. After many years of experimentation, and hundreds of dollars, I’ve finally found my kit.

I’ll begin with the gel. I’ve found Somerset’s Shaving Gel to be about the best I’ve ever used. I’ve tried the foaming shave creams and gels from various manufacturers, but this takes the cake. It’s a blue gel that, when applied, does not lather. It’s best used after softening the whiskers with hot water.

Somerset's Gel

Somerset’s Shaving Gel

 

Applied sparingly, Somerset’s will lubricate the skin and allow for a very close shave without nicks and cuts. It’s relatively fragrance free (which I greatly appreciate), and doesn’t dry out my skin. After shaving, a cold water rinse, and you’re good to go.

The other part of this equation is the razor. About the time I went to college, I discovered Wilkinson Sword (Schick in the USA). I found their blades to be about the best I’ve ever used, sharp and durable. I eventually settled on a cartridge system that they no longer make. That forced my hand, and I started doing some research. Lo and behold, I found the Wilkinson Sword Classic.

 

wilkinson classic

Wilkinson Sword Classic

I’ve been using the double edge blades in the Wilkinson Sword Classic handle, modeled after the “safety razors” of our fathers and grandfathers. AND LOVING IT!

It does take some practice to get the proper angle when using a safety razor, but the shave is really worth it. Also, blades are roughly $1.50 for a 5 pack. Can’t beat that.

I do want to give honorable mention to C.O. Bigelow Shave Cream. I really like this, and use it from time to time. The eucalyptus soothes the skin, although the fragrance can be a bit strong.

bigelow

C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream

 

Jim Says:”It ain’t skydiving, but it’s important.”