The American Spectator

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Stay in the Shower

2.16.06 @ 12:01AM

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Re: Subscribing to The American Spectator:

Just started subscribing to your excellent magazine -- full of inspiration, intelligent comment, insight. When I compare it to what passes for political analysis and opinion over here it makes me cringe with exasperation and bewilderment. I am particularly impressed with the genuine passion of other readers for the defense of such worthy values such as freedom of speech, loyalty and duty to one's country, etc. Sadly there is no similar body of opinion on this side of the pond and if there is, it is very quiet unless you look up certain blog sites. So, can I say that I'm ashamed and embarrassed of this country's so-called stance in the war on terror? My country prides itself on its inflated delusional sense of self-importance as it preens and moralizes self-righteously like a despicable coward hiding behind the protective curtain of that contemptible organization, the UN. I pray daily that the great American men and women sacrificing their lives will prevail -- whether on the battlefield or through the media. When that day comes I will take satisfaction at observing lefties in Europe trying to square things in their befuddled little heads. If they are alive, that is -- because Europe will be the big loser as this struggle plays out.

God Bless America. And Martin N. Tirrell from New Hampshire.
-- Fionbar Lyons
Dublin, Ireland

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Re: Mark Gauvreau Judge's Shaving Like a Man:

Great article! I'm still using an old Gillette that I have to disassemble in order to change the blade. Colgate still makes good shaving soap. And a shaving mug is any old coffee mug you no longer use, but don't want to throw away. I also, on occasion, use a Rolls Razor. Now that is Old School. Please remember not to bang your new razor on the sink to clear it.
-- Jim
New Providence, Pennsylvania

Thanks for the humorous essay. I'm 55, and still use a straight razor. Mostly, I suppose, as a quiet protest against disposable consumption, and because I take pride the skills required to maintain the edge. But also as a link to the past -- I remember my father shaving with one in Pullman car bathrooms at 65 mph between Chicago and Denver.
-- Steve Huntley
Florida

I have been a blood donor in two locales. I periodically go to the local blood bank, and, in the past, I would dribble the precious red stuff down the bathroom drain as I shaved with my "safety" razor. I gave up on the self-inflicted wounds, and, using the advantages of the free market, bought a Braun electric razor. I'm now on my second one, and I love it.
-- Vincent Mohan
Englewood, New Jersey

I enjoyed Mr. Gauvreau's column on shaving. Having started with a classic Gillette safety razor in the 1960s I can say that I have used the full the range of available devices ranging from the cheap disposable to the high end electric razor. However, I have to vehemently disagree with his assessment of shaving tools. There is nothing manly about taking the hair off your face with an implement that irritates cuts and scratches you face.

Shaving technology is not about manliness, it is about efficiency. I have recently switched to the dreaded five-blade razor and find that it gives a clean, comfortable close shave. If you want to appear more manly play hockey. It will eventually produce some nice masculine scars.
-- Jerrold Goldblatt
Arlington, Virginia

Mr. Judge is almost spot on. Where he erred was in stepping out of the shower before shaving. For the best possible Real Man's shave, mount a mirror on the shower wall and shave right there, enveloped in your personal cloud of steam.

(Once one gets the hang of it, one comes to understand that having at least a 50-gallon gas water heater is absolutely necessary for civilized living.)
-- Doug Welty
Arlington, Virginia

Maybe you can deal with the safety razor, but my poor son in the Army -- he has tried EVERYTHING (including safety razors and electric) and nothing alleviates the skin irritation he suffers day after day after day, having to shave every day in a place whose very air is full of sand and grit.

In case you think he's a muffin, he stands over 6 feet tall, weighs about 190 pounds and is a welder/metal worker, building everything from steps to vehicle armor to other things he can't tell us about. He spends his days lifting, hauling, sweating and exuding essence of MAN. Don't p*** him off and bump into him in a dark alley -- he has great patience, but will eventually react.

Personally, I laugh every time a new razor comes out with more blades. I recall a TV show in which they showed a razor with 32 blades and it was HUGE and I thought that was probably where all this was going.

But to assume that this is a feminization of men is rather absurd.
-- Anastasia Mather
Staten Island, New York

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