I too have had my life changed by my new Merkur Futur.

We should probably just get a goddamn thread already.

I might have to get one for me!

So pleased on the shaving developments.

phildodd, earlier, wrote:When using a straight razor, it is good to do a three pass shave: first with the grain, second at 90 degrees to the grain, thirdly against...this gets your face so smooth it is quite disconcerting...I have done it a couple of times a a double edge saftey razor and it works fine, but you have to be really aware of how keen the blade is and change it when it gets dull...

This works.

I think the 90deg pass is maybe all I will do on the sides of the neck. Shaving against the grain on the neck, I don't know if I recommend it.

But I tried a hybrid of this and H-GM's method today.

Normal shave w/the grain.

Partial rinse.

Relather (a little less than at first).

90deg on sides of face and neck.

Against the grain everywhere but sides of neck.

It was a very satisfying shave, and more in tune with what you deserve if you spend the money on a good razor.

Sharpness of blade, however, is more important than if you are just going w/the grain.

Thanks, Phil and Randall.

Tim,

Hello. Why have I ignored bands like Thin Lizzy and The Kinks for so long? Brian O. has been after me for several years about Thin Lizzy and I finally listened. So good. Can you think of any widely popular bands today, really main stream stuff, that are making equally good music?

I think the 90deg pass is maybe all I will do on the sides of the neck. Shaving against the grain on the neck, I don't know if I recommend it.

But I tried a hybrid of this and H-GM's method today.

Normal shave w/the grain.

Partial rinse.

Relather (a little less than at first).

Coincidently, I just finished a very similar shaving process about 30 minutes ago. I believe that this closer to the correct way to shave. Salut EA forum for your collective wisdom.

This Merkur Futur, might have to shave off my beard for her!

Hey Tim, I have another SKWM related question if you don't mind:

I noticed that the vinyl and cd of Italian Platinum have different track listings. On the cd, the second track is "The Third", while on the vinyl this doesn't come up until the second side of the record.

Was this a concession made to the times of the two sides for the vinyl? Or is the vinyl track order the "real" one?

Hello. Why have I ignored bands like Thin Lizzy and The Kinks for so long? Brian O. has been after me for several years about Thin Lizzy and I finally listened. So good. Can you think of any widely popular bands today, really main stream stuff, that are making equally good music?

I typed a bunch of stuff, having misunderstood the question.

I just reread it and deleted all that stuff. I put emphasis (bold) to the word that I think is most important.

The answer is "no."

The last popular record I bought is probably Basement Jaxx, Rooty. Was that popular?

I bought Kylie Minogue, Fever also, but it sucked except for the single, so I sold it.

Hey Tim, I have another SKWM related question if you don't mind:

Of course not.

I noticed that the vinyl and cd of Italian Platinum have different track listings. On the cd, the second track is "The Third", while on the vinyl this doesn't come up until the second side of the record.

Was this a concession made to the times of the two sides for the vinyl? Or is the vinyl track order the "real" one?

It was a concession for the vinyl. Side lengths were weird otherwise.

I think that sequence works well on vinyl, though, given the side break.

Hey Tmidgett, which Silkworm songs were the toughest for you to sing? From a sing-along-in-the-car point of view, "Couldn't you wait" is very difficult, but maybe it came easy for you.

Get dog costumes wrote:Hey Tmidgett, which Silkworm songs were the toughest for you to sing?

Physically difficult?

The Third
Bar Ice
Int'l Harbor of Grace
Slave Wages
Raging Bull
Drag the River

The Third was the hardest.

I wrote too many words and out of my range a lot. I don't know why. But it worked out.

From a sing-along-in-the-car point of view, "Couldn't you wait" is very difficult, but maybe it came easy for you.

It came easy for me, but I know it's not particularly easy for other people. Lot of spew there.

Hey Tim,

For some time now, I've been considering getting a barbecue smoker and I've heard through "certain channels" that you're a good person to ask for advice on this.

Basically, I want to be able to do small to medium pieces of meat: spare ribs, brisket, maybe chicken or fish. I'd also like to be able to make jerky and even smoke grains for use in making beer (have you ever tried a rauchbier? it's a German smoked beer. It's delicious with ham or grilled meats).

What kind of device should I get? I'm looking to go as inexpensive as possible, yet be able to get good results. Is that 55-gallon drum -type of smoker a good option, or are there better or less expensive options?

I'd like to find one that can serve double-duty as a regular grill, if possible.