Peppermint Witch Hazel Aftershave

Peppermint Aftershave

On those days when I want an unpretentious but soothing after-shave splash, I use a simple home-made concoction.

From my local pharmacy I purchased a bottle of generic witch hazel. I have to admit that though witch hazel is soothing and sanitizing due to its minor alcohol content, I really have no special fondness for its generic smell.

So to that generic witch hazel I added peppermint oil. I don't recall the exact amount, but I kept adding drops and shaking the bottle until I could clearly smell the peppermint and not the natural witch hazel. It didn't take much.

Now I enjoy that hint of peppermint when I apply witch hazel after my shaves for a cooling, soothing splash.

Happy shaving!

Eye On the News

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "Expect a circus when you elect a clown." You may take that as you will, but it made me think not only of recently-elected politicians, but also of the appalling number of American voters who distrust the news media.

It seems to me that many of those media-distrusting persons during the last election cycle got their "news" from social media. This, of course, is unfortunate because social media as a news medium is highly susceptible to propaganda intended to misinform.

Many U.S. voters lacked the discernment to distinguish between reliable news sources and those that merely disseminated propaganda that reflected the desired perspective of certain readers rather than the actual truth.

It is no accident that our U.S. constitution specifically calls for a free and unencumbered press. The framers of our government knew that transparency is the enemy of corruption and deceit. It is the job of professional, honest journalists to help ensure that transparency. Yet now we have politicians and partisans disparaging the professional, reliable news reports that help in large measure to keep our republic free -- despite the efforts of corrupt politicians.

Just in case you are one of those readers who is both susceptible to propaganda in the form of fake news and a distrust of news media and journalists, the following is a list of just a few of the professional, reliable news sources that you might revisit and learn to trust:

• The New York Times
• The Washington Post
• USA Today
• ABC News
• NBC News
• CBS News
• PBS News

This, of course, is just a small sampling of the many fine broadcasts and publications that endeavor every single day to bring you the truth. 

As a result of a significant disbelief of these type of accurate, responsible, professional journalistic organizations, we now have a national government that is at best suspect. Had more Americans paid greater attention to the objective reporting and separate opinion pieces offered by these and other responsible, trustworthy news outlets, we wouldn't have our national government in the hands of a president that has been accurately labeled "profoundly ignorant." I would also add that he may have a personality disorder as many have speculated, and he clearly has a weak understanding of the difference between truth and falsehood. He also is clearly corrupt, and it is to be determined in the future as to whether he is also a criminal.

I urge you, dear reader, to make sure you are accurately informed and not just seeking to believe "news" that is basically a reflection of your opinions, fears and wishes.

Sincerely,

Grandad

Razor Garage Sale Continues!!!

I'm continuing to offer my few remaining redundant razors, seeking a win-win solution. I win because I simplify my shaving gear, and you win because you get a good razor at a reduced cost.

Many have already taken advantage of the offerings. Don't wait or you may miss a good bargain.
Keep in mind that there are a few dollars of packaging and mailing costs embedded in the prices of my DE garage-sale razors, and there really isn't a lemon in the bunch.