A journal of a Cajun's life wet shaving

[cajunrph]

300+ Shaves in 2024 166 of 300+
June 2024 GRUME 25/30
Shave Date 6/27/2024
Razor: 1957 US Fat Handled Tech
Blade: Kai (3)
Pre-Shave: Leaf Pre-Shave Oil
Soap RE Heritage (38)
Brush: Yaqi Caramel 26mm Two Band Badger
Post-shave: Alum Bock, Thayer's Witch Hazel, Mother Bear Winter Balm, Heritage balm, Noble Otter Lonestar
Rating: 28/30 10 for Comfort, 10 for cuts and weepers(0), 28 for smoothness, neck stubble, BBS on the face, and DFS+++ neck.

Notes:

As suspected, the Tech delivered a fine shave on the last outing for the Kai, with this shave I have retired the tuck and joined Boris' TaaT club. The shave featured a bit more touch-up work, I did some work on the cheeks this time as I felt some stubble popping through in the latter parts of the afternoon yesterday on the cheeks. All in all, it was a fine shave, Lonestar is a great scent, a leathery, outdoorsy scent that paired well with the Heritage scent.

The next TaaT is going to be a GSB for a few reasons. It's another low-lying fruit as I only have 1 blade in the tuck, and I'll pay my temple dues so @lasta won't start excommunication proceeding on me. I have two blades left, but my Son's DE blade has been in his razor since I changed it out last time, which was months ago. I've been giving him GSBs from the start so it was time for a fresh blade. A win-win situation as in 5 days I'll 3017 another tuck. Then I'll decide what tuck to move to, maybe one of the lesser ones for 3 shaves a piece to knock them out.

Work is presenting challenges and I am not sure about the new company. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it is one thing after another, at least they continue to make payroll, which is a positive. I sorta thought this would be the last company I worked for, retiring with them, but dunno know. Pharmacy jobs are tricky now, it's best to keep the one you have or make certain you have another one before quitting, as there's a surplus of pharmacists now and the job availability isn't what It used to be. At one point a Pharmacist could go anywhere in the nation they wanted to and find a job, save for some college towns. That all changed when the pharmacy schools exploded when all the federally backed student loans started. It had the unintended effect of driving up tuition and some kids are getting out with $160k+ in debt without any job prospects. I remember my first year at LSU in 1985, room, board, and 15 hours of classes cost about $1700. The first year of pharmacy school with room, board, and 20 hours was about the same. 30 years later my daughter's 14 hours alone was north of $5k. I am not certain what the future will hold, but I have faith it will work out for the best, maybe not what I envisioned or intended to be, but it will be for the best. Gotta have the faith of a mustard seed.

That is all for today, I wish all a blessed Thursday, and may all your shaves be the best.

 

[blethenstrom]

That all changed when the pharmacy schools exploded when all the federally backed student loans started. It had the unintended effect of driving up tuition and some kids are getting out with $160k+ in debt without any job prospects.

This always happens when more money is made available, whether it be in the form of loans, credit or hand outs. It "fictitiously" and quickly increases prices of things and drives up inflation.

 

[cajunrph]

This always happens when more money is made available, whether it be in the form of loans, credit or hand outs. It "fictitiously" and quickly increases prices of things and drives up inflation.

The housing crisis is a similar thing, cheap money for so long can only lead to hyperinflation. It's like they never learn from history, or maybe they do and their end goal is for their enrichment, not worrying about who will have to foot the bill.

 

[lasta]

I was enrolled in pharmacy during my freshman year.

Heard that the suicide rate was second only to dentist!

 

[blethenstrom]

The housing crisis is a similar thing, cheap money for so long can only lead to hyperinflation. It's like they never learn from history, or maybe they do and their end goal is for their enrichment, not worrying about who will have to foot the bill.

Indeed it is the same situation. Actually just allowing you to finance/borrow money for something will do this. If I have these type of discussions I usually ask this question. Do you think that the car prices would be what they are if you were not allowed to finance/borrow money to purchase it?

Also, when something increases in cost faster than inflation over a longer period of time there will be a bubble burst at some point. This is true for housing, but also student tuitions and loans will eventually get there.

 

[cajunrph]

I was enrolled in pharmacy during my freshman year.

Heard that the suicide rate was second only to dentist!

My pharmacy school days were way back in 1988-1990, I don't recall any suicides at the time but then again it was not as prevalent back when I was in school. That is a sad statistic. I can understand the pressure some are under to perform, and professional programs are difficult to get through.

 

[cajunrph]

Indeed it is the same situation. Actually just allowing you to finance/borrow money for something will do this. If I have these type of discussions I usually ask this question. Do you think that the car prices would be what they are if you were not allowed to finance/borrow money to purchase it?

Also, when something increases in cost faster than inflation over a longer period of time there will be a bubble burst at some point. This is true for housing, but also student tuitions and loans will eventually get there.

Vehicle prices are another one that cheap money caused inflation.

 

[BigAlVista]

300+ Shaves in 2024 166 of 300+
June 2024 GRUME 25/30
Shave Date 6/27/2024
Razor: 1957 US Fat Handled Tech
Blade: Kai (3)
Pre-Shave: Leaf Pre-Shave Oil
Soap RE Heritage (38)
Brush: Yaqi Caramel 26mm Two Band Badger
Post-shave: Alum Bock, Thayer's Witch Hazel, Mother Bear Winter Balm, Heritage balm, Noble Otter Lonestar
Rating: 28/30 10 for Comfort, 10 for cuts and weepers(0), 28 for smoothness, neck stubble, BBS on the face, and DFS+++ neck.

Notes:

As suspected, the Tech delivered a fine shave on the last outing for the Kai, with this shave I have retired the tuck and joined Boris' TaaT club. The shave featured a bit more touch-up work, I did some work on the cheeks this time as I felt some stubble popping through in the latter parts of the afternoon yesterday on the cheeks. All in all, it was a fine shave, Lonestar is a great scent, a leathery, outdoorsy scent that paired well with the Heritage scent.

The next TaaT is going to be a GSB for a few reasons. It's another low-lying fruit as I only have 1 blade in the tuck, and I'll pay my temple dues so @lasta won't start excommunication proceeding on me. I have two blades left, but my Son's DE blade has been in his razor since I changed it out last time, which was months ago. I've been giving him GSBs from the start so it was time for a fresh blade. A win-win situation as in 5 days I'll 3017 another tuck. Then I'll decide what tuck to move to, maybe one of the lesser ones for 3 shaves a piece to knock them out.

Work is presenting challenges and I am not sure about the new company. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it is one thing after another, at least they continue to make payroll, which is a positive. I sorta thought this would be the last company I worked for, retiring with them, but dunno know. Pharmacy jobs are tricky now, it's best to keep the one you have or make certain you have another one before quitting, as there's a surplus of pharmacists now and the job availability isn't what It used to be. At one point a Pharmacist could go anywhere in the nation they wanted to and find a job, save for some college towns. That all changed when the pharmacy schools exploded when all the federally backed student loans started. It had the unintended effect of driving up tuition and some kids are getting out with $160k+ in debt without any job prospects. I remember my first year at LSU in 1985, room, board, and 15 hours of classes cost about $1700. The first year of pharmacy school with room, board, and 20 hours was about the same. 30 years later my daughter's 14 hours alone was north of $5k. I am not certain what the future will hold, but I have faith it will work out for the best, maybe not what I envisioned or intended to be, but it will be for the best. Gotta have the faith of a mustard seed.

That is all for today, I wish all a blessed Thursday, and may all your shaves be the best.

View attachment 1869013

Good luck with the new company, John. My kids are both done with college, my youngest graduated in May of 2020 (no graduation ceremony). Took him two years to find a job. If I remember correctly, tuition, room, board and books ran about $24 to $28k/year (for in-state residents). When the kids were in high school, my message to them was clear. Either get yourself into one of the top 10 schools in the country, get a scholarship, or go to a state school..."SUNY or Ivy...The choice is yours".

The first went to SUNY Oneonta, the second went to SUNY Binghamton.

 

[cajunrph]

Good luck with the new company, John. My kids are both done with college, my youngest graduated in May of 2020 (no graduation ceremony). Took him two years to find a job. If I remember correctly, tuition, room, board and books ran about $24 to $28k/year (for in-state residents). When the kids were in high school, my message to them was clear. Either get yourself into one of the top 10 schools in the country, get a scholarship, or go to a state school..."SUNY or Ivy...The choice is yours".

The first went to SUNY Oneonta, the second went to SUNY Binghamton.

It's been 7 months since the purchase, it seems to be getting worse. But I am blessed. Thanks for the well wishes.

I am not too sure if I'd go to college now, with the need for qualified trade and craft technicians one could start earning 6 figures without a 4-year degree in no time. Some are avenues to start their own business, plumbing and electrical are just a few.

 

[BigAlVista]

Did I have any viable job skills coming out of college? Nope. Struggled for a few years before figuring that out.

But I had a much better appreciation of the world.

Going to college was a bit like Bill Murray's experience serving as a caddy for the Dalai Lama in Caddyshack:

"So we finish the eighteenth and he’s gonna stiff me. And I say, 'Hey, Dalai Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.' And he says, 'Oh, uh, there won’t be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice."

 

[huck1680]

Did I have any viable job skills coming out of college? Nope. Struggled for a few years before figuring that out.

But I had a much better appreciation of the world.

Going to college was a bit like Bill Murray's experience serving as a caddy for the Dalai Lama in Caddyshack:

"So we finish the eighteenth and he’s gonna stiff me. And I say, 'Hey, Dalai Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.' And he says, 'Oh, uh, there won’t be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice."

Yeah, I graduated Art college, worked in commercial art for a while and then branched out into different fields and ended up in car sales for 25 years. At times I wonder if I had stayed the course as far as my artistic endeavours were concerned where I might have wound up.

 

[BigAlVista]

Yeah, I graduated Art college, worked in commercial art for a while and then branched out into different fields and ended up in car sales for 25 years. At times I wonder if I had stayed the course as far as my artistic endeavours were concerned where I might have wound up.

But Don, then we'd have to come to a big gallery to see your work and sample canapés, duck confit and glasses of Crystál served in disposable plastic flutes

Come to think of it, that wouldn't be so bad...

Get to work, Don!

 

[Osyri]

It's been 7 months since the purchase, it seems to be getting worse. But I am blessed. Thanks for the well wishes.

I am not too sure if I'd go to college now, with the need for qualified trade and craft technicians one could start earning 6 figures without a 4-year degree in no time. Some are avenues to start their own business, plumbing and electrical are just a few.

Miss you Uncle Cajun!

 

[cajunrph]

Miss you Uncle Cajun!

What's up Corey, we miss you as well. I was thinking about you the other day. I hope all is well with you.

 

[cajunrph]

300+ Shaves in 2024 167 of 300+
June 2024 GRUME 26/30
Shave Date 6/27/2024
Razor: El Grande De Fat Tip
Blade: GSB (1)
Pre-Shave: Leaf Pre-Shave Oil
Soap RE Heritage (39)
Brush: YZenith Unbleached Boar.
Post-shave: Alum Bock, Thayer's Witch Hazel, Mother Bear Winter Balm, Heritage Balm, PAA Good Vibrations
Rating: 29/30 10 for Comfort, 10 for cuts and weepers(0), 9 for smoothness, neck stubble, BBS on the face, and DFS+++ neck.

Notes:

GSB in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!, Or is it the temple??? Anyway, I am paying the temple dues for the next 5 shaves. El Grande made his return to action, only the second razor made in this century that I've used since the start of Vintage April, the other was the 'Merica. El Grande did a fine job paired with the GSB, a close and comfortable shave, the sea lions are off the dock in the bay water. The problem line of fur on my right jawline, which is usually the reason my smoothness score is in the 8 range, is plumb gone today, smooth as can be. I did see one weeper on the neck after it was all said and done, but I didn't deduct for that. Good Vibrations is a barbershop'ish scent, but a very weak one, it is all but gone now.

I'll have another notch in my TaaT belt when I finish the 5 shaves on this blade, as it is the last one in the tuck. Low-lying fruit to build momentum. After the GSB I may tackle some of the lesser-liked blades and eliminate those tucks, like the Tigers. Whether I do the full 5 shaves will depend on the blade's performance. I have a tuck of PAA blades to knock out too, those may be a one-and-done type of thing depending on how they shave. Last time I just got 2 shaves out of the blade before binning them.

That's all for today, I wish all a blessed Friday and weekend, and may all your shaves be the best.

 

[BigAlVista]

300+ Shaves in 2024 167 of 300+
June 2024 GRUME 26/30
Shave Date 6/27/2024
Razor: El Grande De Fat Tip
Blade: GSB (1)
Pre-Shave: Leaf Pre-Shave Oil
Soap RE Heritage (39)
Brush: YZenith Unbleached Boar.
Post-shave: Alum Bock, Thayer's Witch Hazel, Mother Bear Winter Balm, Heritage Balm, PAA Good Vibrations
Rating: 29/30 10 for Comfort, 10 for cuts and weepers(0), 9 for smoothness, neck stubble, BBS on the face, and DFS+++ neck.

Notes:

GSB in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!, Or is it the temple??? Anyway, I am paying the temple dues for the next 5 shaves. El Grande made his return to action, only the second razor made in this century that I've used since the start of Vintage April, the other was the 'Merica. El Grande did a fine job paired with the GSB, a close and comfortable shave, the sea lions are off the dock in the bay water. The problem line of fur on my right jawline, which is usually the reason my smoothness score is in the 8 range, is plumb gone today, smooth as can be. I did see one weeper on the neck after it was all said and done, but I didn't deduct for that. Good Vibrations is a barbershop'ish scent, but a very weak one, it is all but gone now.

I'll have another notch in my TaaT belt when I finish the 5 shaves on this blade, as it is the last one in the tuck. Low-lying fruit to build momentum. After the GSB I may tackle some of the lesser-liked blades and eliminate those tucks, like the Tigers. Whether I do the full 5 shaves will depend on the blade's performance. I have a tuck of PAA blades to knock out too, those may be a one-and-done type of thing depending on how they shave. Last time I just got 2 shaves out of the blade before binning them.

That's all for today, I wish all a blessed Friday and weekend, and may all your shaves be the best.

View attachment 1869567

Have a great weekend.

 

[cajunrph]

Have a great weekend.

You as well my friend.

 

[Eric_75]

Have a great weekend.

@cajunrph Likewise, John.

God bless you and the family.

 

[cajunrph]

@cajunrph Likewise, John.

God bless you and the family.

Thanks my friend and likewise, wishing you and yours a blessed weekend.

 

[cajunrph]

300+ Shaves in 2024 168 of 300+
June 2024 GRUME 27/30
Shave Date 6/29/2024
Razor: Yates 'Merica
Blade: GSB (2)
Pre-Shave: Leaf Pre-Shave Oil
Soap RE Heritage (40)
Brush: Zenith 507-IF Italian Flag.
Post-shave: Alum Bock, Thayer's Witch Hazel, Mother Bear Winter Balm, Heritage Balm, PAA Good Vibrations
Rating: 28/30 9 for Comfort, 10 for cuts and weepers(0), 9 for smoothness, neck stubble, BBS on the face, and DFS+++ neck.

Notes:

A disappointing shave today, the 'Merica was doing a great job of knocking down the stubble, the problem for me and my style lies in the design of the razor and how you are locked into a more steep angle of shaving, whereas my shaving style has morphed into riding the cap mostly. I found it difficult to find the right angle to get the 'Merica to cut after my months of cap ridding, resulting in more pressure being used and quite a bit of irritation in the form of red bumps on the neck. On the other hand, the neck was shaved closer than it has been in a while. Unfortunate turns of events at this point in my journey, and I am unsure of the future of the 'Merica in my lineup. On the one hand, I want to keep it as it is one of my few modern razors, along with El Grande. But it isn't being used and just taking up space. I think I'll hold on to it for now, it won't fetch a large sum on the BST here, as it wasn't that expensive to start with. The neck sure is shaved close, durn irritation messing things up.

'Tis all for today, I wish all a blessed Saturday and weekend, and may all your shaves be the best.