Girls & Boys

DON'T YOU DARE call me a “misogynist”, or even “male chauvinist” or a “sexist”. I’ve gone on record here and other places with my sadness and disgust for the distorted view of the role of women held by the most conservative of the church of my youth. I'm a firm believer in Girl Power.

Just try to tell me these girls can't be anything they want to be

But is it really too crass to say that boys will be boys sometimes, and maybe even need to be? And why does it have to be that if, when boys are boys, it necessarily follows that girls are less than human? It’s not a zero-sum game is it?

I’m 65. Right or wrong, sometimes I will say what’s on my mind. It’s one of the few perks of old age. Cut me some slack.

So I’m going to say this: guys need to be virile (or feel like we are) and a little primal, occasionally. Humor us.

This brings us obviously to the topic of gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Affirm his dudeness. Get him something to gnaw on like some gourmet jerky, or take him out for a plate of ribs and a refreshing beverage. Speaking of cows and pigs, something leather is always a good choice. My favorite place is Saddleback Leather. The quality is outstanding, oh, and the smell of the leather when dad opens his gift… Their stuff isn’t cheap in any sense of the word, but you don’t have to break the bank to buy him something great. I use everyday and highly recommend the ID Wallet.

If you’re unsure of what to get him, let me offer this advice: don’t pretend you’re going to find something for him at Bed, Bath & Beyond, or Kohl’s, or Hobby Lobby, or Target.

If you’re within a day’s drive of Oklahoma City, there is a store where you can’t go wrong. It’s called Weldon Jack. It is the amazing concept of my good friend and the proprietor Jerrod Smith. This little shop is part motorcycle store, part “candy store” for guys where you’ll find leathergoods, knives, hatchets, hats, helmets, and amazing grooming products for guys. And as if this wasn’t enough, there’s a barber shop where you can even get a straight razor shave.

Jerrod named his shop after his grandfather, Jack Weldon Smith

Father’s Day shopping can’t be any easier than a trip to Weldon Jack at 36th and Western Ave. Or better yet, get Dad a gift card for there and let him go hang out with the boys and get a haircut and a shave. Then take him up 36th street a few blocks and feed him at Iron Star BBQ.

While we’re on the subject of food, here’s another gift idea for you. Even the stereotypical Dad likes to think of himself as Master of the Grill. Go with some grilling accessories or maybe even a few big steaks to throw on his grill. If he’s all set when it comes to goods for the grill, check out another option for outdoor cooking—cast iron dutch oven cooking. This is something I’m trying out right now. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. It’s bound to be good—there’s fire and knives and meat and potatoes involved.

Here's just a taste of what you'll find at Weldon Jack.