Barbershop

The idea of the Barbershop is fantastic. A place where guys can be guys, in an otherwise un-guy like setting. Chatting it up about the local sports teams, sleazy politicians, and the real reason we need viagra. Most of all it is a place where everybody knows you and the fabulous way you like your hair did, without having to say fabulous.

I have never been to a barbershop. Living in suburbia I was always trimmed in a sterile chain of Hair Cutterys or Fantastic Sams'. I'm not a girl and I don't really care that much about my hair, so it was never an issue. Then I moved into the city. The closest thing to a chain, Chop Shop, I gravitated to out of habit and things went well.

I got the same homosexual hairstylist who chatted with me when I felt like it and kept quiet when I was not in the mood. He actually told me about the phenomenon that is Making Time, and consequently he owes me many many brain cells. But we could never rap about babes, baseball, or beer. It left me with a hole in my soul.

Enter Sulimay's Barbershop on Girard Ave. Another local joint, across the street from my abode, this place was the real deal. Spirally candy striped spinning things, no receptionist, two chairs, two barbers. I entered and stood there not knowing if I should sit in the open chair or wait until someone yelled at me for being weird. I opted for the second.

The barber waved me over. I sat and began my tryout. Requested my usual trim-up and let Tim do his thing. Along the way Tim, myself, and the owner talked about how fat kids are these days (parents are too blame for all the sugar-intake) and why men cheat on their wives (because they are fat also). That's also why we need viagra. Not because our aging bodies are too blame. No, no, it is the damn women!

The best pizza joints in the area, McNabb's departure, and our shared hatred of the Yankees rounded out the conversation, ending with a classic shave with a single blade razor. I felt like I was about to get whacked by Tony Soprano.

Haircut - $13.00, Tip - $5.00, Doing what men do - Priceless.

Barbershop, check.