To beard or not to beard. That is the question

[fred]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/fredhosley/fred-1.gif

Clearly ... one of the sexiest men alive. But the question remains: should I shave or let it grow (yeah)? I'm on the fence.

[iSteve]

Let it grow, man, let it grow.

[luthor]

I think the recent beard trend to to hide the fact that everyone is a Skrull...especially Fred and Paper.

[paper]

Beard!

[iSteve]

Luthor, bearded Fred needs Skrull eyes.

[darron]

Go grizzly, good sir.

[k33k3r]

I shaved mine off and then realized the playoffs started three days later.... duh!!!

[niceguyeddie]

you know i'm currently on day 3 of a beard and it's getting kinda thick already... i'm a quick grower with the beards... and i already want to shave mine.
it's hella itchy. the only reason i'm keeping it around is because if i let it grow a bit when i shave it comes out a lot smoother for me. i work thurs and i want to have a clean shave by then.

i'd shave but it's up to you.

[labor_days]

Beards are never a bad idea for a dude.

[fred]

I voted on behalf of my wife. I am torn as I said.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[xyzzy]

I just don't think beards look professional.

[iSteve]

Beards are never a bad idea for a dude.

I wouldn't go quite that far. I'm a beard-wearer myself, but I've seen some ugly ass beards in my time.

[labor_days]

I wouldn't go quite that far. I'm a beard-wearer myself, but I've seen some ugly ass beards in my time.

True.

Let me amends that;

Beards are never a bad idea for a dude, provided he can grow it out and trims it properly.

[luthor]

Luthor, bearded Fred needs Skrull eyes.

Mid change:
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8445/fred1wc9.gif

[dave-accampo]

I just don't think beards look professional.

Heheh, it's all personal opinion, of course, but there was an article in Time a couple of months back about how the beard was "in" again among executives/professionals. Specifically, the close-cropped Steve Jobs beard (said article includes "beard" fashion timeline).

Of course, there's always a changing mindset on what looks professional anyway. I work a corporate job, but I wear jeans to work. :)

[dave-accampo]

I vote beard, of course, but... your wife voted no, right? That carries more weight than a bunch'a fanboys on a message board. ;)

[kahunablair]

I think he voted for "Yeah" so that mean she likes it... Right?

My vote: Grow it out!!

[labor_days]

I beg to differ, Dave.

My vote weighted heavily on the soul of Fred.

Fact, I'd hazard a guess Fred was really waiting for my vote to come in. The coveted Labor Days demographic.

[fred]

I've got the Labes vote LOCKED DOWN bitches. I'm like Hillary Clinton with white women in retirement communities. OK, forget I said anything.

And @Dave - the wife likes it.

@The Professional Angle - I used to wear a shirt to work that said "Short Bus Window Licker" on it ... on the days I wasn't wearing "Ron Jeremy for President". So in other words ... doesn't really mean much to me where I am now.

[labor_days]

"The Labes vote".

LOLercoaster.

[iSteve]

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8445/fred1wc9.gif

Question: Can Skrulls grow beards?

[xyzzy]

Heheh, it's all personal opinion, of course, but there was an article in Time a couple of months back about how the beard was "in" again among executives/professionals. Specifically, the close-cropped Steve Jobs beard (said article includes "beard" fashion timeline).

Of course, there's always a changing mindset on what looks professional anyway. I work a corporate job, but I wear jeans to work. :)

Sure. I mean, it depends on what you do, too. Beard seems appropriate for an academic or maybe a tech job, but they seem to be a rarity in the legal community. I hear that tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted in the corporate world, too, though they will still close some doors (like the aforementioned legal community) to you.

[paper]

I've always said I'd never want to work in a place like that. So it works out. It's not about selling out or anything like that. It's just about knowing what environment you're comfortable in.

[dave-accampo]

Sure. I mean, it depends on what you do, too. Beard seems appropriate for an academic or maybe a tech job, but they seem to be a rarity in the legal community. I hear that tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted in the corporate world, too, though they will still close some doors (like the aforementioned legal community) to you.

True. And... it may be a rarity in the legal community now, but it was also frowned upon once-upon-a-time in the corporate world. So I wouldn't be surprised if it changes elsewhere, over time.

That was really my only point. What is deemed "professional appearance" changes not only by industry but over time as well.

[labor_days]

Well, guess there goes Fred's career as a hot shot lawyer.

[dave-accampo]

I've always said I'd never want to work in a place like that. So it works out. It's not about selling out or anything like that. It's just about knowing what environment you're comfortable in.

Totally. I love my company because they're consummate professionals but they've got a very laid back vibe at the same time. I wouldn't do well in a rigid corporate scenario. Although -- most corporate scenarios I've been in have been pretty relaxed, to be honest.

That said, to xyzzy's point -- I wouldn't have a problem if my lawyer showed up in jeans and a tee-shirt. It would depend upon how he carried himself. So I don't have that stigma. HOWEVER, if I was on trial in court, I WOULD worry that the judge and/or jury would not take him seriously because they WOULD have that stigma. So tee-shirt and jeans lawyer loses for that fear.

Thus, I can see the point, particularly in the legal community.

A doctor wearing jeans and a beard wouldn't bother me. But only if he had the white coat on over it. :)

[xyzzy]

Totally. I love my company because they're consummate professionals but they've got a very laid back vibe at the same time. I wouldn't do well in a rigid corporate scenario. Although -- most corporate scenarios I've been in have been pretty relaxed, to be honest.

That said, to xyzzy's point -- I wouldn't have a problem if my lawyer showed up in jeans and a tee-shirt. It would depend upon how he carried himself. So I don't have that stigma. HOWEVER, if I was on trial in court, I WOULD worry that the judge and/or jury would not take him seriously because they WOULD have that stigma. So tee-shirt and jeans lawyer loses for that fear.

Thus, I can see the point, particularly in the legal community.

A doctor wearing jeans and a beard wouldn't bother me. But only if he had the white coat on over it. :)

I've worked in very casual law offices, but when you meet with clients or go to court, it's suit and tie. A judge might even sanction you for not being appropriately dressed. And you're right. Juries notice and care about appearances. There have been studies that show that people, in general, find beardless men to be more trustworthy than bearded men.

I think that dressing professionally to meet with a client is a sign of respect. I certainly would feel like I wasn't being taken seriously if my attorney met me wearing his workout sweats or whatever.

[casually-drowned]

Grow the beard! I believe that pretty much everyone looks better with one (not that you look bad without one).

[labor_days]

The CD, Dave, Paper and Labes vote. All Fred needs now is California*.

*Becca.

[paper]

It's called Fuzzy Typewriter for a reason.

[kahunablair]

The CD, Dave, Paper and Labes vote. All Fred needs now is California*.

*Becca.

...... sniff sniff.......

[paper]

You're like that irrelevant foreign vote. Oh, Europe endorses the beard. That's nice to know.

[kahunablair]

I know. I feel like Tony Blair over here.

[itsbecca]

I am all for beards. If they are well managed. I'm looking at mountain man and wooly willy.

[paper]

Who?

I thought Blair was your first name?

[paper]

I aspire to the Mortensen beard.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/fuzzytype/v1ln8.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/fuzzytype/v3uc1.jpg

[niceguyeddie]

good gosh it ITCHES the hell out of me... i can't wait for tomorrow so i can shave.

[paper]

There's a point where you don't even notice it anymore. And then after weeks of not noticing, it really gets in your way.

[luthor]

I went three months without shaving this summer(August to October) and by the time it was over, people I've known my whole life didn't recognize me. It was awesome. If given the opportunity, I'd jump at the chance to do a 'Cast Away' like stint of no shaving.

[casually-drowned]

I aspire to the Mortensen beard.



= the Captain Morgan.

[iSteve]

http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/09/27/colonel_zoom.jpg

[fred]

Well, guess there goes Fred's career as a hot shot lawyer.

That was the one thing holding me back.

[fred]

I am all for beards. If they are well managed. I'm looking at mountain man and wooly willy.

Who are mountain man and wooly willy?

[paper]

= the Captain Morgan.

But he proves you can do it in real life. It's magnificent!

[itsbecca]

Who are mountain man and wooly willy?

Paper and Conor. At least at one point in time. I believe they're both somewhat tamer atm.

[casually-drowned]

But he proves you can do it in real life. It's magnificent!

I concur. In fact, Mr. M does have a particular shape to his that is not too common these days. I am sure after that pic the style will trickle down into pop culture and people will be sporting them left and right. Beat them to it, Pol.

[itsbecca]

I concur. In fact, Mr. M does have a particular shape to his that is not too common these days. I am sure after that pic the style will trickle down into pop culture and people will be sporting them left and right. Beat them to it, Pol.

Oh god I hope not.

If it's long enough to run your fingers through it, it totally grosses me out.

[iSteve]

Fred's beard may soon aspire to status of Z.Z. Top:

http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/zz-top-american-idol-season-5-grand-finale-arrivals-14t5cg.jpg

[fred]

Paper and Conor. At least at one point in time. I believe they're both somewhat tamer atm.

There's no such thing as tame atm. I'm just sayin'

[itsbecca]

There's no such thing as tame atm. I'm just sayin'

Eugh.

I try to be positive. I'm not anti-beard. But ugh.

[iSteve]

Fred in a few years:

http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndirs/collections/photography/Folio131.jpg

[fred]

Eugh.

I try to be positive. I'm not anti-beard. But ugh.

Are you objecting to the beard or the innuendo?

[itsbecca]

Are you objecting to the beard or the innuendo?

Oh beard. I guess my head was in the wrong place for innuendo. I'm thumbs up on that. Thumbs way up.

[fred]

Fred in a few years:

http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndirs/collections/photography/Folio131.jpg

There's a very good chance that I won't let it go to the point where I no longer need to wear pants.

[fred]

Oh beard. I guess my head was in the wrong place for innuendo. I'm thumbs up on that. Thumbs way up.

So you're saying that you like atm, but hate the beard? I'm really lost.

[casually-drowned]

Leave it to Fred to start up with the pants jokes. I think the root of this comment lies in the Great Pant Incident of 2008 from the other day.

[fred]

It runs so deep.

[paper]

I concur. In fact, Mr. M does have a particular shape to his that is not too common these days. I am sure after that pic the style will trickle down into pop culture and people will be sporting them left and right. Beat them to it, Pol.

He's doing this whole wild west steam punk rasputin thing lately. I remember seeing him on the SAG awards this year and going, "yeah...that's IT. That's the look, man." I am, after all, the crown prince of iFanbase anachronism.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/fuzzytype/screenshot3.jpg

[luthor]

I feel this thread slowly but surely drifting to Giant Cupcake Land...

[fred]

It's descent isn't so slow.

[paper]

If you guys put together 20 bucks, Fred and I will grow out our beards until Christmas and apply for jobs as department store *Santas Claus.



*proper pluralization of jolly olde elf

[iSteve]

I feel this thread slowly but surely drifting to Giant Cupcake Land...

Yeah. But I love it when a decent thread devolves into utter silliness.

[labor_days]

There's a very good chance that I won't let it go to the point where I no longer need to wear pants.

Huh. I thought that was the point of beards in the first place.

Shows what I know.

[fred]

If you guys put together 20 bucks, Fred and I will grow out our beards until Christmas and apply for jobs as department store *Santas Claus.



*proper pluralization of jolly olde elf


Or I'll at least become a proper flasher.

[fred]

Yeah. But I love it when a decent thread devolves into utter silliness.

Yeah, I do too. I stopped apologizing for it like a year ago.

[iSteve]

http://itrocks.biteus.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/beard5.jpg

[fred]

that's just silly. It looks like an octopus made entirely of pubes landed on his face.

[itsbecca]

http://itrocks.biteus.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/beard5.jpg

I've seen him on those beard award thing! That man rocks the house.

[fred]

I've seen him on those beard award thing! That man rocks the house.

See now .. that man gets a clear answer. I get muttering about atm.

[itsbecca]

See now .. that man gets a clear answer. I get muttering about atm.

I'll lay it to you straight.

1)Your oliver queen goatee thing is growing faster than your cheeky poos. So it's kind of messy. I say shave the cheeks, let the goatee get a little fuller and then keep it trimmed. That or shave the goatee, grow out the cheeks and have a burns off with Ron.

Edit: There is no 2.

[fred]

ok. cool.

[oceanblue]

Do you usually wear anything? I think the goatee would look pretty hot but I don't know about the full beard. I am not a huge fan...it isn't something I would want on my skin and so that is why I say no to the whole beard.

[valoharth]

Its a statistical fact that men are 120% more rugged when they sport the beard. Trust me, I live in Wyoming and there are a lot of ruggednessy out here. I'm an expert in this feild, that and mullets...

But really, I think you should give it a go man! itsbecca did point out a problem that your hair will probably look spochy for a while but you're just going to have to give it a bit and buy yourself a trimer set and you'll be set.

[enragedostrich]

Do it for all of us whom have not him puberty yet. The hair on top of my head flows like a river un monsoon season but my facial hair grows at about a rate of 2 inches a year. Seriously, my hair length is about down to my waist now. It's my superpower.

Oh, and I have 22, soon 23.

Still waiting for my boys to drop, not really.

[adeepercut2k]

Stick with the beard for awhile. I've had mine for 3 years now. I've had it the bushy, "I sail and am Norwegian" look, and I've had it neat. I prefer it neat but next up, for possibly the summer, it'll be a van dyck. I'm a little tired of having a full beard and I want something striking. I'm thinking of combining it with black-blue clairol hair.

Here's a pic of Jack White with his van dyck:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q193/adeepercut2k/white_stripes_wideweb__470x365.jpg


Here's the traditional cut:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q193/adeepercut2k/vandyck.gif

[humphrey-lee]

Shave your head. Do it. Doooooo iiiiiiiiiit!