Going to the barber shop is an entirely different experience in 2023 than it was as a kid in the 1950s and 60s. Back then, it was a man's world with calendars, magazines, and conversation. It was all male-centered. There was one barber who specialized in cutting women's hair, but I only saw him do that a few times in my first 20 years. Today, I go to what I like to call, "my hipster barber shop." Depending on the time of day, you can sip a beer or some good whiskey while waiting. There are a few coffee table-type books but most folks just amuse themselves on their smartphones. Those phones are used for obtaining appointments and making payments, including tips for the work done. In my barber shop today, the haircutters are both men and women. An equal number usually. But what I like most is the conversation I enjoy with my favorite barber there. He's young, 26, and loves to chat. He's also very good at what he...
Personal observations of one writer. Frequent references to pop culture, blues music and lifetime truths.