There Will Be Beards

By Virginia Prescott on Thursday, February 21, 2008.

The beard, it seems, is back. Men who once flirted with the floating goatee and the soul patch have thrown out the razor in exchange for the full-on beard. That’s not big news here in New Hampshire, where many men sport a beard for extra warmth. But facial hair is now "in" for the urban set.

Sean Donnelly and Chris Rubino of the website Bearduary joined Word of Mouth host Virginia Prescott to discuss the phenomenon. Their slogan? "In times of inclement weather when the wind bites and snarls, the landscape turns into bleak unforgiving tundra and the sun sets before the start of happy hour, a true gentleman grows a beard."

Visit Bearduary

Visit the World Beard and Moustache Championships

Learn about famous beards at Beard Revue

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Can I just mention that beards are not some sort of extension of skin? I like my beard but it is something you actually feel at times--when it gets too long, or scraggly-or too short and the sharp feel of cold air brushes your face.

This might seem obvious but you don't really feel hair on your heard. But a beard--you do. I do. It is a strange beast, almost a living appendage.

Why grow one? It saves a lot of time shaving in the morning

I also have heard the old wive's tale--that men who grow bears cannot be trusted because they are obviously trying to hide something.

I just wanted to look older.

Submitted by barthjg on Fri, 02/22/2008 - 13:59.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYuOurhglz8

Here's a humorous sketch about this very thing, someone whose beard overtakes them...a beard with a mind of its own.

Submitted by abbyg on Fri, 02/22/2008 - 15:18.

I think John makes several good points. However, I have to admit, I actually AM trying to hide something -- namely, my double chin.

I shaved my beard for a Halloweed costume this October, and I looked younger, but I also looked fatter. I grew it back as soon as I could.

(PS -- I was Dwight Schrute for Halloween, and everyone said I was a dead-ringer.)

Submitted by Andrew Walsh on Fri, 02/22/2008 - 14:31.

I'd like to see the beard guys team up with Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers for a "Beard of Bees" tour. The possibilities are endless. Really.

Submitted by Brady Carlson on Fri, 02/22/2008 - 21:57.

Idea Smackdown: Round III

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.