Member Name: Charles Rubino
Location: Hanson MA
Beard Type (style): Full Beard
Member since:I would say I'm the Godfather of Bearduary since I started with just a mustache in the late 60's and went to the full beard shortly after that and never looked back.

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
I don't think I am. Fortunately my wife likes my beard. Generally she's not into beards.

Who are your beard heroes?
I would say Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top. Those are the best two beards I have ever seen.

As a long time Beardo, have you noticed any changes in Beards over the years? What was the popular style in the 1970s?
I would say the beards in the 70's were bushier and more out of control especially in the early 70's Since then men seem to take care of their beards with all the different styles you now see. Big Papi (Dave Ortiz) is a good example.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Never be afraid to try something different. You only go this way once. So, make the best of it.

Member Name: Robert Ruggiero
Location: Up in the Bronx
Beard Type (style): Magic in the middle, trim on the side.
Member since: Before it even started

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
Women always like the beard better, I'm sort of pretty without it. As for pets and the general public: You establish dominance much faster when you have a beard.

Who are your beard heroes?
My dad, Lincoln, Darwin, any angry and wrathful god, everybody who made the the bronze age happen, 15-year-old me for growing a goatee in 1990 even though I'd never seen it done (see figure above).

In your studies have you noticed any genetic differences between bearded and shorn men?
It's not really a matter of genetics, it's a matter of style.

Could a beard exist at the molecular level?
DNA methylation is sort of like a beard. A mature DNA helix is decorated with methyl groups, each one being sort of like a hair on the face of the DNA. When DNA replicates the helix spits into two strands that will serve as templates to be copied, and the presence of methyl groups tells the cell which strands are the originals (i.e. the beard tells everybody who's the OG).

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Just trust the beard and ignore all the cliché reasons not to have one: The beard is itchy? No, your beard just isn't long enough--grow out the beard and the itching goes way. Your girlfriend/wife won't like it? No, she'll love it or you'll get a new girlfriend/wife. You drink too much? No, you drink just enough. Shaving makes your beard grow in thicker? No, not shaving makes your beard grow in thicker.
Just trust the beard.

Member Name:Cornelius Maher
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Beard Type (style): Full Growth
Member since:The beginning

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
Absolutely. You know who grows beards? Men. With a beard you are treated like a man.

Who are your beard heroes?
Karl Marx. Tim Harrington. Billy Gibbons.

Does a burly beard aid or hinder getting a dance party started, while DJing? Explain your reasons why?
Oh. The beard is a firestarter. When the party looks up and sees a full beautiful beard behind the decks, they know they are in the capable hands of a real man. Beards are for grown ups, and they make people think about doing other grown up stuff.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
A gentleman grows a winter beard. I am no gentleman, but I can look like one every winter.

Member Name:Michael Buchino
Location: Portland, Oregon
Beard Type (style): Freestyle
Member since:Had a beard since: 2001 (with lacunas in 2004 and 2009 for handlebar moustachery)

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
Men and women have crossed busy streets and crowded bars to compliment my beard. I've only had one negative reaction to it from the fairer sex. And my friend has a cat who likes to sniff it suspiciously, then give it a chomp or two.

Who are your beard heroes?
My father, George Harrison and the founders of Portland, Oregon, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove.

Beard Revue has been around for 2 years now. Who was your most challenging review? Explain your reasons why?
Hitler was a tough one. And you can see that I struggle with it throughout the review. As a graphic designer, strong branding is important to me. The man branded everything so scrupulously with the Nazi party he even created his own brand. That moustache infamously carries a lot of meaning in an area just larger than a square inch. Michael's Review of Hitler.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Use your beard for good. If you're feeling saucy, try a Franz Josef—that style is awesome. Straws are your friends, ice cream cones are not.

Member Name:Ted Donnelly
Location: Providence R.I.
Beard Type (style): Full on!
Member since:Year 2-2006

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
My daughters hate the scratchiness; but I get a 50/50 reaction from others. Some say I look good and "Distinquished" and others say I look better and younger without it (Guess it is all the greys and whites!)

Who are your beard heroes?
My brother (I remember vividly seeing the 2005 beard for the first time at Penn Station-surreal!), My uncles Jimmy and Paul had some wicked beards back in the 70's, Kevin Youkilis, Grizzly Adams and Jesus (at least that is what the paintings show)

In 2010 you are raising money for "The Race for Grace", please describe the charity?
The Race For Grace is a fundraising event to raise funds for research for Rett Syndrome, which Grace Reddington suffers from. I find the disease, in reading about it, has similarities to what afflicted my mother with PSP, except that Grace is 5 years old. Take a look at Grace's picture, that smile brightens even the worst day. Grace's mom let us know that this will be the last year for the walk-a-thon or race for Grace, so I want to try and make it the best!

Side question: Which action attains grace quicker, running or growing a beard?
I hate to admit it; but running seems to attain grace quicker as you have the itchy phase and then the food stuck in the beard phase with growing a beard which is followed by the beer foam stuck in beard phase, all of which is not so graceful.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Grow long, grow far, grow straight!

Member Name:Craig A. Platt
Location: Los Angeles
Beard Type (style): Landscaper / Folk Singer / Mountain Man
Member since:I think since the beginning

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
It goes in waves, the first stage people think you just look messy, then they get into the beard, and by the end of bearduary it gets completely out of hand. I go for the completely unshaven meaning a razor will not touch my face until March 1st. Hence, by then end, no one wants to go out in public with me, especially not my girlfriend. She'll stay a few steps away from me when we go to the movies, etc... You just start to look like a mad man.

Who are your beard heroes?
Cat Stevens, Happy Gilmore's Caddy, The Piano player from The Band and Walt Whitman

In Los Angeles is there overwhelming pressure on men to copy the beard styles of celebrities? If so who's the most influential beard in Hollywood?
I don't know if there's pressure, but certainly Brad Pitt's beard has been all the rage this year. Celebrity beards are rarely a dictator of beard style for me personally. It's more a result of my ennui.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Just keep at it. A beard becomes another member of the household. It influences what you eat, how you dress, even what music you decide to listen to. It's a state of mind and you need to just listen to your beard.

Member Name:Vince Trotter
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Beard Type (style): Full-facial
Member since:2007

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
My wife occasionally uses the word "professorial" to describe my beard -- or, more specifically, the gray IN my beard. I choose to believe that this is intended as a compliment and maintain the facial hair year-round. As for the rest of my fellow inhabitants of this fair, blue marble, I would have to say that I have noticed some animals express a strange affinity -- a certain brotherhood, perhaps -- for me and my beard. Specifically, a Brussels-Griffon named Bruno, a Brazilian Mastiff named Duke and most recently, two donkeys named Blackjack and Flapjack. The word "nuzzle" generally figures in the encounter.
Next week, I will audition for a Disney remake of the film Dr. Doolittle set in New York City.

Who are your beard heroes?
First and foremost, my father, whose beard was my earliest and most inspiring example of facial hair. I still aspire to his level of quality. After that, the entire male cast of the 1984 made-for-TV production of A Christmas Carol. (Check out Edward Woodward as The Ghost of Christmas Present.)

You were the largest single money raiser from Bearduary '09, bringing in $1376.00 for JustFood. How did "The Dr. Watson" change your outlook on facial hair?
The clothes make the man ...and the beard. Dr. Watson really shone when I wore outfits reminiscent of the 19th century, and every guy should consider his own beard each morning when he selects the day's attire. How does your face speak to you?

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
As if it even needed to be said -- Always use your beard for good. Never for evil..

Member Name: Paul R Fronckowiak
Location: Brokelyn N.Y.
Beard Type (style): The Bluto/Jihad?
Member since:2007

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
Yes very much so. People [mostly friends] feel the need to tell me I look like a terrorist. Maybe its the olive skin, but it's still offensive. You wouldn't tell someone in a wheelchair that they look like a cripple. I noticed upstate N.Y. residents approach me with fear (as if I really am a terrorist), even as far as to guard their children from me. It gets old, c'mon people it's 2009 for craps sake. It's just hair. I'm agnostic. My friends cat didn't like my handlebars.

Who are your beard heroes?
I wouldn't necessarily call him a hero but Tom Hanks in castaway. I heard somewhere that he spent 4 years growing his beard for that role. Gotta have respect for that. Abraham Lincoln, its a classic & it fits his face well. Plus he took one to the head. When will the beard persecution end? Fidel Castro, more so when he was young. His beard works great with Battle Dress Uniforms and velour Fila suits. The perfect accessory.

We have noticed that you are a fan of disguises. What disguises do you feel are most helped by your facial hair?
Well as i stated the olive skin as well as my eclectic background, [Polish/Ethiopian/Sicilian] i have become a bit of a chameleon, or chamelonairre if you will. Which has its good and bad parts. I was actually pulled off of an international flight by 6 Federal U.S. Marshals and NYPD officers while sporting a full beard. The other day a gas station attendant became giddy and asked if i was from "his country". He is from Pakistan. When I first moved to NYC and walked into a deli i was spoken to in spanish. There is a vast group of ethnicities that i can pass for. I wouldnt mind working for the C.I.A., infiltrating criminal empires in the far north, south, east, and/or west.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Anytime someone [usually drunk girls] reaches out to grab your beard or mustache you have to nip it in the bud. You firmly grab their hand and explain [or shout] "We ask first"! You will find that with a beard or handlebar people think its a novelty or some kind of free for all. We need to educate the weak. When eating hot dogs, put the condiments in the bun before the dog. This saves on napkins. It's a good thing!

Learn the creed:
This is my beard.
There are many like it, but this one is MINE.
My beard is my best friend. It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.
My beard without me is useless. Without my beard, I am useless.

Member Name: Brian Holoubeard
Location: Milwaukee
Beard Type (style): Lumberjack
Member since:2004 or 05? I forget. I never did get a membership card.
My first beard was the spring of 1997.

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
People think I'm older and fatter then I am. I know this because once I shave it off in spring, people tell me I look like I lost weight. My wife doesn't mind it, as long as I shave my neck cheese. The BC connection, that is the beard-chest hair connection, is frowned upon in my household as well the general female population.

Who are your beard heroes?
Darwin, Haile Selassie, Fidel Casto, Karl Marx had a good beard, Ivan Pavlov

Which kung foo beard, was the best in your opinion? And would Chuck Norris make the top 100?
Sorry I can't support Chuck Norris for anything after that whole Huckabee thing. My favorite Kung Fu beard is the type that is super long, white and has eyebrows that are almost as long as the beard. I always thought, "How do they grow their eyebrows long?" It must be some sort of beard meditation I am yet to learn.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Lesson 1. Don't question it, just grow a beard, it might save your live one winter. Every year I debate if I should grow a beard. December hit, it starts to snow, and I find myself living in -5 degree weather. At this point, there is no question it's almost a necessity here is Milwaukee.

Lesson 2. The winter gods are watching, keep your beard till the last possible day of cold. At the end of the season, you guys are have fun beard shaving party. I see the pictures and think, "Are you kidding me? We still have 2 months of this weather". Then I debate when I should shave it, March turns to April, turns to May. I call this beard growing stage my winter protest beard. I think keeping the beard till the last snow fall or freeze somehow pleases the gods of winter.

Words of wisdom lesson 3. Beard Combs are important When we had our first child last year, I stole one of his baby combs and used it as a beard comb. It worked great. He didn't need it, he didn't even have any hair.

Member Name: Erin
Location: Portland, the beardiest city in the US
Beard Type (style): Faux Lumberjack, at times leaning toward refined pirate.
Member since: 2009

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend/boyfriends, the public, your pets etc)?
Of course, but I've found most people really dig the beards after they've tried one on themselves. The most common reaction to my beards is an excited giggle. Ladies are often more drawn to my beard, perhaps because we've been excluded from beard society for so long. As for the boyfriend, he's mostly jealous because my beards are more luxurious than his... he's got some uneven cheek patches... poor kid.

Who are your beard heroes?
How about my top three bearded artists: Edward Gorey, Vincent Van Gogh, and Auguste Rodin.

If a dream material could be created for which you could work on your craft, what would that material be & would there be a negative side to it (devil at the crossroads type thing)?
Hmm, that's a tough call. I have deliberately chosen to use more goofy craft materials in creating the beards, and I really love that they don't look very realistic, so I wouldn't want a material that looked too much like a real beard. I've recently started experimenting with using more natural fibers, like roving (unspun wool), which looks delightfully rediculous. I'd say that's pretty close to my dream material.

Any words of wisdom for your girls, that may or may not appreciate the beard?
Give the beard a chance! Keep an open mind: there are some real beard masterpieces out there, on the faces of both ladies and gents. Let's work for beard equality, to improve the lives of cold cheeks everywhere!

Member Name: James Moore
Location: West Hollywood, CA
Beard Type (style): Short Boxed Beard
Member since: 2006

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
It is very possible. Since becoming a member of Bearduary, several of the items you have listed in parenthesis, are often hard to keep around me for extended periods of time. It could just be a coincidence.

Who are your beard heroes?
Without question, Technoviking. No need for others.
CHECK OUT TECHNOVIKING

Which beard is cooler? West coast or east coast?
That sounds like a hater bait question. Hate the beard, don’t hate the bearded.

With my answer now properly prefaced, I have to say that the beard represents very different things on each coast, making a ‘coolness’ determination difficult.

For example, in the NorthEast a beard is almost a natural thing during the winter months. It’s a sign of masculinity, a source of warmth, and hopefully a distraction to others from how pale and pathetically out of shape you are.

In LA on the other hand, a beard can often be a thing that is feared. (Understand that Bearduary itself, often runs several weeks longer than winter. ) You need to put yourself in the shoes of that person who sees an A-list star in the local trades sporting a facial follicle exhibit, and can have the strength of character to say to themselves, “If that star can be so daring and unique letting hair grow on his face, well then, so can I!”

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
If you are trying to get across town (Hollywood) during rush hour, the natural instinct or even the instruction from your navigation system may tell you to take Santa Monica or Sunset Blvd., but a wise man listens to the words of the late Bette Davis, “Take Fountain, Darling.”.

Member Name: Ant Geernaert
Location: Sydney
Beard Type (style): Bush man style
Member since: Member since last year I think...

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
I have lived my whole life modestly with only 10% of a personality. Now bearded, people treat me as though I have 110% personality, and think I am a cool guy. The downside is to some people I assimilate homeless bum because of my look, but I make a point of paying with $100 bills, even when buying just one can of Schlitz at a bar.

Who are your beard heroes?
Ned Kelly beard hero. Australian Bushranger turn outlaw turn folk hero of the 19C.

Collectively who can grow a better beard, Genesis or Gnemesis (Australia's best Genesis cover band)?
Well I certainly like to appreciate that Gnemesis made great the songs that Genesis fluffed up. But when it comes to the beards, can't beat the novelty of seeing Phil Collins with long hair and a big beard, maximum respect to all beards.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?

Member Name: Nick
Location: Colorado
Beard Type (style): Classy
Member since: When did it start? 05? 06?

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
When I first started growing beards I got a lot of terrorist/Russian/Jesus comments. I also stopped getting my ID checked. Maybe beards are more common now but now I just get the secret head nod known only to other men with beards.

Who are your beard heroes?
My Dad, Serpico and billy goats.

If sang while bearded, can "Rocky Mountain High" be a tough song?
I only know four words so probably. I heard that your hair never stops growing after you die so when the day comes, I bet John Denver's bearded zombie could pull it off.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Find a woman who likes beards and stick with her, you wouldn't want to spend your life with someone who doesn't like beards so don't waste your time. Also always remember that you are the envy of every non-bearded man, even if they won't admit it.

Member Name: Jay Dean
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Beard Type (style): Red, Paul Bunyan-type
Member since: 2008

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
People say I look more refined and take me more seriously. Sometimes people move to the other side of the street when I’m walking toward them. So, it depends.

Who are your beard heroes?
Certainly Rip Van Winkle. Otherwise, I think Harrison Ford looks pretty tough in The Fugitive.

Which presidential beard do have the most in common with Ulysses Grant or Chester Arthur? Explain your decision.
I was on the treadmill at 24 Hour Fitness thinking about this very question, when an elderly woman hopped onto the treadmill next to mine and began furiously flossing her teeth. Yes, flossing her teeth. On a treadmill. I got totally distracted and lost my train of thought. Thus, I have no answer to this one.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
It’s like a long-distance race. Some days you’re going to feel frustrated with your beard and you’ll feel like you can’t make it to the end. Take it one day at a time. Use conditioner. Treat your beard as an extension of yourself. If you embrace your beard, others will follow. Show off your beard with confidence

Member Name: Ryan B
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Beard Type (style): Year round: Petit Goatee. Bearduary Goal: Van Dyke
Member since: 2007

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
I've had the goatee for a few years now (my wife has never seen my chin!), so I don't really notice a difference. Now that I'm going for the full beard, I do get some looks wondering I'm going for more, or am just lazy.

Who are your beard heroes?
Pretty much everyone who competes in the World Beard Championships. Their level of commitment is just awe inspiring. Sam Elliot has a pretty sweet stache too.

If you had to be in one of the cars in "Cannonball Run" the movie, which would it be and why?
The Subaru. Two words: Rocket Engine.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Just to stay strong - It'll grow in full and luxurious before ya know it!

Member Name: Vin
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Beard Type (style): Slick Chinstrap
Member since: 2005

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
I'm a stranger, in a strange land without.

Who are your beard heroes?
Doug Martsch. Can't you hear the teen angst behind that beard?

In a fist fight who wins, Glenn Danzig or a Manatee?
Well a Manatee has whiskers as opposed to Danzig, so my guess, Danzig would trap the manatee in his underground basement dungeon, starving them slowly so the skin would be loose enough to make a bodysuit.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Keep on truckin yow!

Member Name: Ben Nabors
Location: New York City
Beard Type (style): Pre-Conquistador (red tint and clean around the collar)
Member since: 2006

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
Yes. I sometimes suffer with my beard. My girlfriend hates the initial stages, complaining of scratches and rashes. I tell her that this is what love is, but she still wants me to shave. Employers complain about the beard sometimes. Once I was told that my beard made me look dirty. That's probably because my coverage was sparse, which made me look a little dirty. Family members give me doubting looks. But once it's in, the beard is really in, and doors slide open like a sci-fi film set.

Who are your beard heroes?
ZZ Top, R. Kelley, Kenny Loggins, Bob Ross, Michael McDonald, Father Yod of the Source Family, Kenny Rogers, and Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom. I'm noticing that most of my beard influences are musicians. I guess great things are happening with beards in song.

In a fist fight who wins, Glenn Danzig or a Manatee?
I actually saw this fight a few years ago. Sean Connery won.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
A beard can be a bridge between you and your future with a mustache. If the time comes to shave, why not leave the beard lid on for a few days and see how it works out? John Oates was never so right.

Member Name: Jonah Kagan
Location: Los Angeles by the sea
Beard Type (style): whatever grows (apparently a chin curtain with a cholo-stache if i'm not careful)
Member since: 2008

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
Of course. Considering not many high schoolers have the dedication, desire, or the ability to grow facial hair, my beard tends to draw more attention than the average adult's. So far, everybody's been really supportive. Most people just like to say, "Hey look it's turning orange!" (I think the sun is bleaching it). The only other notable reaction was being offered a prostitute in Honduras. And pets? The family of chimpanzees that live in my backyard keep trying to pick fleas out of it, but other than that nothing...

Who are your beard heroes?
Yu Zhenhuan (world's hairiest man), Wolverine, Merlin

Being only 16, what do you attribute your impressive growth to?(your parents lying to you about your age, excess hormones in the milk and meat supply, the fact that you are a recent cuban baseball defector, etc).
I'm lazy. I have Jew genes. I have to have a beard in order to become a Kung Fu master. On a science field trip in eighth grade I was bitten by a radioactive tarantula and instead of developing spider powers I grew hair all over my body, which I then trimmed down to a modest beard. (I was also able to shoot web out of my...um...yeah...but everybody seems to attribute that to puberty)

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
They should be giving their wisdom to me. I'd say I'm a bit inexperienced in this field. That being said, I do get asked a lot "Why do you have a beard?" Here are some answers that work for me:

It's Bearduary!
Why don't you? (especially good for girls)
Because your mom likes it.
Beard?! What beard?! (pause, then reach up and touch face) Oh, I guess I forgot to shave this morning...
And my last words of wisdom: Don't take your mustache growing abilities for granted. Not everybody is blessed with full coverage.

Name: Phil Olsen (founder and self-appointed captain, Beard Team USA)
Location: Lake Tahoe, California
Beard Type (style): Garibaldi
Had a beard since: 1998

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
Yes, but always in a positive way. People seek me out of crowds and compliment me on my beard. Also, sometimes to my embarrassment, people I meet casually will remember me long after I have forgotten them. It's the beard they remember, not me.

Who are your beard heroes?
The geniuses who invented the World Beard and Moustache Championships for making beard wearing competitive, social, and respectable.

Being the captain of BTUSA, what secret weapon would you love to posses in order for the team to reign victorious in every category, forever.
Human Beard Growth Hormone. So far it has not been discovered, but if we do discover it, we will keep it secret and use if only for ourselves. Until then, beer will have to substitute as our substance of choice.

Any words of wisdom for our members?
By all means make Bearduary permanent. The mere fact that it is March is no reason whatsoever to shave. Beard Team USA needs you at the next World Beard and Moustache Championships in Anchorage, Alaska, May 23, 2009.

Member Name: Ian MacManus
Location: Currently living in Manhassset NY (long island)
Beard Type (style): Traditional New England Lumberjack
Member since: 2007 (2 years strong!)

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
I absolutely am treated differently due to having a beard. Some say I look younger, some older and some simply ask me to "stay the hell away from them" (Especially my wife). But all in all, I have been given alot of praise and respect for the beard I have grown by women and men alike.

Who are your beard heroes?
My Beard heros are as follows: Jesus, Kevin Youkilis, and the New England Patriots offensive line!

Is there a form of therapy that has been found to help men improve their growing ability?
I find that the best therapeutic approach to growing the fullest of beards is to have some of the biological attention normally given to the top of ones head and refocusing that will and desire to the face and jaw-line. Some sacrafices have to be made, so what better way than to take from the top and spread the wealth to other needed areas.

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
"Every forest began with a single sappling, so always be true to your beard and your beard will be true to you. Stay the course!"

Member Name: Louis Caldarola
Location: Brooklyn
Beard Type (style): Hollywoodian
Member since: birth and all 3 Bearduarian years

Do you feel like you are treated different with a beard (by:girlfriend, the public, your pets etc)?
That's definitely an interesting one to answer because having had a beard for most of adult life I get quite the opposite reaction. I usually have people treat me differently when I don't have a beard. My dog was never bothered by my beard only troubled when I would wear masks and dance around the house. Girlfriends never seemed to mind the beard and really,(no offense) I don't think I would have shaved it off if they didn't like it. The only negative reaction I believe I've had due to my beard was from my nephew, who asked me to hide my beard when I was walking him to the bus stop one morning. Granted, it was a more unusual beard in the Hulihee style, however it sparked a wonderful morning conversation and life lesson about not worrying or being concerned with what others think and going with what makes one feel good. Other than that, I think people treat me the same whether I know them or not and they mostly treat me strange.

Who are your beard heroes?
I can't say that I have heroes but I do admire the beard. There are so many with good beards, however, these are a few that I have been recently admiring. Daniel Higgs - full bohemian beard, Alfred Jarry - the Anchor, Franklin Rosemont - full beard, and Albert Ayler - goatee with a wicked white streak down the side.

What powers of persuasion did you use to get out of shaving your entire beard on the today show?
Yes, I did get out of there with my beard. However, it was more revolt than persuasion. After realizing that we had been mislead, miscommunicated to, and manipulated by the TV media (and those horrible t-shirts) and obviously seeing that "they" clearly had no idea what Bearduary was about, I had to make a stand and not become their spectacle. I told the remaining Bearduary members that had not "gone under the knife" that I would not let them shave off my beard, and that I would make a stand for bearded men everywhere, even if I was on national television. When it was my turn in the chair, I clearly and maybe a bit abruptly, disregarded introductions and stated that I was not ready to separate with my beard. Of course, the kind gentleman (Victor) was taken aback by this and said calmly, "how about a trim then". I said I would agree to a trim of my beard and perhaps a new style and if time permitted a haircut. Victor confirmed our agreement with a sweaty handshake and we began. I did apologize to Victor. I proceeded to start over and introduce myself and explain that we (the bearded guys) had been mislead into this charade. He was shocked but understood my agitation and did a fantastic job on my beard, sculpting it into the Hollywoodian style that I will be sporting at the year end event. I was pleased to see that others followed suit afterwards and held strong to their beards. VIVA LA BEARD!

Any words of wisdom for your fellow members?
Wisdom doesn't come from words or people, it comes just minutes before death. Be good.