In Louisiana you can buy the stuff ANYWHERE (well pretty much any gas station or grocery store...most places you can buy non-alcoholic beverages you can buy alcoholic ones too).

Not to mention all of the drive-through Daiquiri Shoppes.

I remember well when I first moved to Mississippi from New Orleans, and encountered the liquor stores. Whereas in New Orleans I would shop at high-end wine shops, in MS I felt almost illicit going to the liquor store ... would find myself looking around to make sure no one I knew saw me there.

Kitty, attempting a few somersaults

umm yea, we can buy beer at stores, hard liquers it's called ABC

to which about every shopping center with a giant has one.

In maryland though, you have to go to a liquor store for everything.

The whole purpose of the separate ABC style liquor stores is to do exactly what you folks are saying they do to you: Make you feel dirty going there. It's a good old Christian method to curb the imbibing of unpure spirits (in other words a lasting remnant of blue laws).

Not to mention all of the drive-through Daiquiri Shoppes.

LOL, exactly!

I remember well when I first moved to Mississippi from New Orleans, and encountered the liquor stores. Whereas in New Orleans I would shop at high-end wine shops, in MS I felt almost illicit going to the liquor store ... would find myself looking around to make sure no one I knew saw me there.

haha, yep, that's exactly how I felt too!

Kitty, attempting a few somersaults

Kitty taught me how to do somersaults the other day, everyone!

Have an awesome day and take care!

Kevin

umm yea, we can buy beer at stores, hard liquers it's called ABC

to which about every shopping center with a giant has one.

 

In maryland though, you have to go to a liquor store for everything.

I was actually born in Virginia

My mom told me all about ABC

personally I really think there ought to be some kind of consistent federal policy. It's just confusing when you go from state to state...I guess it's not that big a deal though.

Anyway have a fantastic day and take care

Kevin

The whole purpose of the separate ABC style liquor stores is to do exactly what you folks are saying they do to you: Make you feel dirty going there. It's a good old Christian method to curb the imbibing of unpure spirits (in other words a lasting remnant of blue laws).

LOL, well it's certainly working!...which I guess is ashame really.

One brightside is that the specialty liquor stores really do have a much better selection of things.

Anyway take care and have a teriffic day!

Kevin

Oh Kevin.

After I read your blog posts I keep smiling for hours. Some of your happiness rubs off on me. Take your time with the writing, don

By the way, have you ever considered having a corner on GA called

[GA's very own advice columnist? .... I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

Wow, that DOES sound like a good idea!

Hey Kevin, I think you should do it, but if you don't, *I* will!!!

Let me see..

Fashion advice!

Yes, Plaid flannel shirts are "in" this season, especially when graced by a well-used baseball cap.

This ensemble works best when worn with levis 501's and good Western Boots (what city people call cowboy boots, but NOT the gaudy "fashion" kind!).

Personal skin and hair-care advice!

OK, Shampoo is a good thing to wash your hair with. The generic stuff at wallmart for 99 cents works just fine.

I did try a hair conditioner, once. A little bottle of it was in the hotel room, so I tried it. My biggest gripe: they don't put instructions on the stuff: How the heck am I supposed to know if I am supposed to put it on before, or after shampooing?

Keep looking sharp: get a haircut every six months whether you need it or not!

For skin care, use a bar of soap. If you want to be really fancy-shamancy, use a name brand like "Dial".

<CJ checks his bathroom cabinet> Yep, one bottle of cologne (old spice), one anti-perspirant, and one generic mouthwash.

OK, Kevin, what do you think? You gonna do this, or should I be the fashion and grooming guru for GA?

[GA's very own advice columnist? .... I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

 

Wow, that DOES sound like a good idea!

 

Hey Kevin, I think you should do it, but if you don't, *I* will!!!

 

Let me see..

 

Fashion advice!

Yes, Plaid flannel shirts are "in" this season, especially when graced by a well-used baseball cap.

This ensemble works best when worn with levis 501's and good Western Boots (what city people call cowboy boots, but NOT the gaudy "fashion" kind!).

 

Personal skin and hair-care advice!

OK, Shampoo is a good thing to wash your hair with. The generic stuff at wallmart for 99 cents works just fine.

 

I did try a hair conditioner, once. A little bottle of it was in the hotel room, so I tried it. My biggest gripe: they don't put instructions on the stuff: How the heck am I supposed to know if I am supposed to put it on before, or after shampooing?

 

Keep looking sharp: get a haircut every six months whether you need it or not!

 

For skin care, use a bar of soap. If you want to be really fancy-shamancy, use a name brand like "Dial".

 

<CJ checks his bathroom cabinet> Yep, one bottle of cologne (old spice), one anti-perspirant, and one generic mouthwash.

 

OK, Kevin, what do you think? You gonna do this, or should I be the fashion and grooming guru for GA?

James, what about hair removal products? I was curious if any of those "permanent hair removal" ointments work, and what are the side effects?

Hugs,

Michael.

Fashion advice!

Yes, Plaid flannel shirts are "in" this season, especially when graced by a well-used baseball cap.

This ensemble works best when worn with levis 501's and good Western Boots (what city people call cowboy boots, but NOT the gaudy "fashion" kind!).

 

Personal skin and hair-care advice!

OK, Shampoo is a good thing to wash your hair with. The generic stuff at wallmart for 99 cents works just fine.

 

I did try a hair conditioner, once. A little bottle of it was in the hotel room, so I tried it. My biggest gripe: they don't put instructions on the stuff: How the heck am I supposed to know if I am supposed to put it on before, or after shampooing?

 

Keep looking sharp: get a haircut every six months whether you need it or not!

 

For skin care, use a bar of soap. If you want to be really fancy-shamancy, use a name brand like "Dial".

 

<CJ checks his bathroom cabinet> Yep, one bottle of cologne (old spice), one anti-perspirant, and one generic mouthwash.

 

OK, Kevin, what do you think? You gonna do this, or should I be the fashion and grooming guru for GA?

 

 

James, what about hair removal products? I was curious if any of those "permanent hair removal" ointments work, and what are the side effects?

Well, Michael, I don't know much about hair removal ointments. Ummm, actually, I've never heard of such a thing? I have heard of Laser hair removal, but I know nothing about it. Personally, I don't mind shaving my face in the morning, plus sometimes I like to grow a beard for the winter, so it wouldn't be for me. But, to each, their own.

I assume we are talking about getting rid of a beard? If so, I use plain old shaving cream and a razor. I find that canned shaving cream works just fine, so I buy the generic stuff.

I suppose a surgical alternative might work too. Just amputate at the neck. The side effects might be messy, though.

Best Wishes;

CJ (The self-appointed fashion and grooming consultant of Kevin's blog, at least until Kevin finds out).

Well, Michael, I don't know much about hair removal ointments. Ummm, actually, I've never heard of such a thing? I have heard of Laser hair removal, but I know nothing about it. Personally, I don't mind shaving my face in the morning, plus sometimes I like to grow a beard for the winter, so it wouldn't be for me. But, to each, their own.

 

I assume we are talking about getting rid of a beard? If so, I use plain old shaving cream and a razor. I find that canned shaving cream works just fine, so I buy the generic stuff.

 

I suppose a surgical alternative might work too. Just amputate at the neck. The side effects might be messy, though.

 

Best Wishes;

CJ (The self-appointed fashion and grooming consultant of Kevin's blog, at least until Kevin finds out).

I was actually talking about products like "Hair No More". These are supposed to be used for the following areas:

* Chest & abdomen

* Back & shoulders

* Hands, arms & underarms

* Legs, feet & toes

* Face, chin & upper lip

* Bikini line

* Eyebrows

I guess we need Kevin's expertise after all

But maybe you can run the column together.

Hugs,

Michael (a candidate for a makeover by fashion and grooming consultants James and Kevin)

Well, Michael, I don't know much about hair removal ointments. Ummm, actually, I've never heard of such a thing? I have heard of Laser hair removal, but I know nothing about it. Personally, I don't mind shaving my face in the morning, plus sometimes I like to grow a beard for the winter, so it wouldn't be for me. But, to each, their own.

 

I assume we are talking about getting rid of a beard? If so, I use plain old shaving cream and a razor. I find that canned shaving cream works just fine, so I buy the generic stuff.

 

I suppose a surgical alternative might work too. Just amputate at the neck. The side effects might be messy, though.

 

Best Wishes;

CJ (The self-appointed fashion and grooming consultant of Kevin's blog, at least until Kevin finds out).

I was actually talking about products like "Hair No More". These are supposed to be used for the following areas:

* Chest & abdomen

* Back & shoulders

* Hands, arms & underarms

* Legs, feet & toes

* Face, chin & upper lip

* Bikini line

* Eyebrows

 

I guess we need Kevin's expertise after all

 

But maybe you can run the column together.

 

Hugs,

Michael (a candidate for a makeover by fashion and grooming consultants James and Kevin)

Wow, they really do have stuff like that! I thought you might have been pulling my leg... I know a lot of guys (gay and straight), especially the fit ones, will shave their chests (I happen to like that look) but I had no idea creams and such were available.

OK, makeover time! Shifting into fashion consultant mode here!

So, how do you feel about plaid flannel? Nice and warm in winter. Or a concert T or NASCAR T for summer. Levies plus A belt with a buckle that has the name of your favorite beer on it, and don't forget a baseball cap or maybe a nice, subdued Stetson. Work boots or Western boots are always a good choice, but if not, there are always the generic sneakers at Walmart.

Also, part of a makeover is a haircut, right? So, go high-end. Don't go for the $5 special at the local barbers (unless they are good), go for the $11 cut at the Wallmart barbers.

Speaking of wallmart, If I absolutely have to go clothes shopping (something I enjoy as much as trips to the dentist), I start there first, and then go to a local feed and grain store (I live in rural Arizona) that carries shirts, hats, jeans, and boots in addition to the stuff for horses.

Sound like a good makeover plan?

CJ (Who is out to make Kevin's blog the go-to place for fashion advice!)

I was curious if any of those "permanent hair removal" ointments work, and what are the side effects?

Ummm .. baldness, perhaps?

So here is my "Before" picture so you can see what you have to work with.

Hugs,

Michael.

Hi Michael!

The cowboy pic cuts off, so if anyone wants to see it, just save it to your HD and then view it.

Nah, that's a city-slicker version of a cowboy!

But, work with me, and I can have you looking like this

in no time at all! (and no, that isn't me!!!) And you will owe it all to Kevin's blog!

Kevin, you will soon be famous for hosting fashion advice of this calibre! It's a first, I tell ya!

Hey!!! Don't you be making fun of my cousin.

Hi Michael!

 

The cowboy pic cuts off, so if anyone wants to see it, just save it to your HD and then view it.

 

Nah, that's a city-slicker version of a cowboy!

 

But, work with me, and I can have you looking like this

 

in no time at all! (and no, that isn't me!!!) And you will owe it all to Kevin's blog!

 

Kevin, you will soon be famous for hosting fashion advice of this calibre! It's a first, I tell ya!

OMG, this is a great look

So far we haven't heard from Kevin yet, but unless Kevin suggests something better, I'll go for this look. I am sure my students at San Francisco State University will love their new professor.

Hugs,

Michael.

:wacko:

***rushes in to save the day!!***

GOSH! I leave for one evening and you all rob Jed Clampett's closet!

LOL so here's my slightly different take on personal grooming

I use a mild exfoliator on my face every morning, then I use a combo moisturizer/SPF 15 (or 30 if it's a bright day or I plan to be exposed for long periods of time). Moisturizers and sunscreen are generally considered to be the surest bet for anti-aging and general skin protection. In the evening I'll use either a moisturizing face was OR a more heavy duty exfoliator (depending on what day it is - I alternate). After my main bath/shower of the evening I usually apply a beta-hydroxy firming cream.

When it comes to the rest of my body, I either use a moisturizing body wash or a heavy duty exfoliator in the morning while scrubbing with a loofah. It's best to exfoliate the day before, or a few hours before hair removal (I usually remove the hair from my arms, chest, stomach every other day thus I moisturize on the day of - usually right after - and exfoliate on the day between). In any case after the shower I apply moisturizing lotion ALL OVER. I usually have a bath at the end of the evening during which I soak in moisturizing bath salts/beads, then once again afterwards I apply lotion either firming or moisturizing.

My hair regimen is more...random. Generally my cycle is to wash my hair with an anti-frizz/straightening shampoo (my own specific hair needs), rinse with cold water (it improves shine and is less damaging to the hair), then condition it with a heavy-duty 3 minute conditioner and once again rinse with cold water. The next day I rinse with a milder, fairly standard CONDITIONER, then the next day repeat the process. I have quite a few different shampoos and conditioners though and I'm fairly random with them. My reasoning is that mixing them up prevents build up, but there's evidence/opinion both ways.

For hair removal I typically shave with a shaving gel designed to slow down hair regrowth, then afterwards apply a moisturizing lotion (body not face) also designed to slow hair regrowth. I typically use a regular razor (it's important to change them often to prevent bacteria etc. and to maintain maximum sharpness). I've tried electric razors but overall I didn't like the results as much. I personally am a poor candidate for waxing or hair epilators (Nair etc.) because I have extremely sensitive skin so I tend to get chemcial burns from the epilators and severe brusing, burning, blotchiness from the waxing. My lazer hair removal treatments are every six weeks and after the 6th treatment it's supposedly permanent, I've already seen some general hair reduction on my arms and face after three treatments. There's a difference between "lazer hair removal" and "Lazer hair reduction" with the former allegedly being the permanent one. After hair removal of any kind it's good to moisturize as often as possible. Tweezing and waxing SHOULD NOT be done in conjunction with lazer hair removal.

LOL, okay so I'll stop there

Have an awesome day everyone!

Kevin

:wacko:

 

***rushes in to save the day!!***

 

GOSH! I leave for one evening and you all rob Jed Clampett's closet!

Why, shure!!

It wasn't all Jed Clampet styles, though! I did suggest Walmart a lot too.

So, Kevin, does this mean that you don';t want me to be the voice of grooming and fashion on your blog? Don;'t you want to get in touch with your inner redneck?

OK, time to fess up: Yep, I hardly exaggerated at all (except for the red-neck picture!) in my descriptions and recommendations. Basically, I was describing my own methods and tastes to a very large extent. I have used hair conditioner more than once (maybe three times over the years), but I was serious: I couldn't remember whether the darn stuff goes one before or after a shampoo.

Yes, I really do sometimes clothes shop at a feed and grain store. However, that is for normal clothes like Levis, range jackets, and boots, not overalls (seriously, if your are going for practical western boots, you can't beat the selection at a feed and grain store). I only own one pair of overalls and it's a mechanics style, and I wear it only for working on my vehicles or similar extremely messy jobs like painting. (I doubt even Kevin is a fashion plate when changing an oil pump, but I could be wrong! )

Most of Kevin's post is WAY over my head. I haven't even heard of most of what he described. I did catch one bit though that I heartily endorse: Sunscreen! That I do use as I spend a lot of time outdoors. My interest isn't cosmetic as much as avoiding cancer, but it does both. Use it, it could save your life.

CJ

Most of Kevin's post is WAY over my head. I haven't even heard of most of what he described. I did catch one bit though that I heartily endorse: Sunscreen! That I do use as I spend a lot of time outdoors. My interest isn't cosmetic as much as avoiding cancer, but it does both. Use it, it could save your life.

 

CJ

I now realize just how much sunscreen is important, after having a surgery last Thursday to remove a skin cancer on my forehead. I'm afraid I'll have a nasty scar on my forehead.

So yes, definitely put sunscreen when you are working outside.

I do hope that the fashion column will be a success.

Hugs,

Michael.

I have used hair conditioner more than once (maybe three times over the years), but I was serious: I couldn't remember whether the darn stuff goes one before or after a shampoo.

That's not so bad though, CJ, I used to always mix up the order when I was a kid and first started using it. You could try thinking about it this way you want to LEAVE your hair in good CONDITION so use the conditioner last.

Yes, I really do sometimes clothes shop at a feed and grain store. However, that is for normal clothes like Levis, range jackets, and boots, not overalls (seriously, if your are going for practical western boots, you can't beat the selection at a feed and grain store).

When I was in my teens I used to help out on the family farm as a result I too have bought work boots at a feed store before. They do hold up!

I now realize just how much sunscreen is important, after having a surgery last Thursday to remove a skin cancer on my forehead. I'm afraid I'll have a nasty scar on my forehead.

aww I'm so sorry, Michael. That must have been really scary, did they get all of it? Which type was it? take care

I did catch one bit though that I heartily endorse: Sunscreen! That I do use as I spend a lot of time outdoors. My interest isn't cosmetic as much as avoiding cancer, but it does both. Use it, it could save your life.

So yes, definitely put sunscreen when you are working outside.

YES! Definiely everyone use sunscreen! It's very important! Remember that some UV damage can STILL occur on a winter day or a general overcast day. You won't get a sunburn but your skin can still be damaged, so use sunscreen anytime you're going to be outdoors for long periods of time!

Have an awesome day all!

Kevin

Hehehe! Kevin! I love it! You should apply to be one of the Queer Eye guys! (I bet they make a lotta money....)

I might take some of your advice. Back in the day I used to actually try and groom and all that, but nowadays I shave once or twice a week, and other than deodorant and body spray I don't do much... although everyone I hug always tells me I smell great.

Hehehe! Kevin! I love it! You should apply to be one of the Queer Eye guys! (I bet they make a lotta money....)

 

I might take some of your advice. Back in the day I used to actually try and groom and all that, but nowadays I shave once or twice a week, and other than deodorant and body spray I don't do much... although everyone I hug always tells me I smell great.

Hey Jamie

Glad you liked the blog

I'm sure ya do smell great , I got that the other day when someone hugged me too. Maybe gay people are just naturally more pleasing to the nose

Have an awesome day!

Focus is very important for CD players, and a challenge to them when moving around, such as in a vehicle.

As for hair removal, what is good and safe and cheap to use on ears? I find that as I lose hair on the top of my head, more of it grows in and on my ears (and not just during full moons), but not long enough to comb over where I need the hair.