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10Qs with Myk O'Connor, Hairy Sage of Coney Island BMC

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When I went to the 3rd Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition I'm still not sure what i was expecting, but as i noted in my round up and Wrap Up of the event it definitely helped to see some of my friends from The National Beard and Mustache Championships take home the Fez in categories nearest and dearest to our heart (aka NATURAL).

One such awesome person was Myk O'Connor an awesome natural beardo we first met at Magnificent Specimens exhibit by Dave Mead in NYC, and we haven't been able to untangle us from his beard. Myk took home the Natural Beard championship title at Coney Island, and for the 2nd straight year... as such we sat down with this awesome Brooklyn Beardo... whom, truth be told, can give Mark Krayenhoff - The Brooklyn Beard King a run for his money, and title.

Before we dive into the 10Qs, directly below are Myk's invaluable top 3 tips for beardos everywhere... heed his word!

1. Be true to yourself- if it doesn't look good, then don't keep it.  If your hair grows patchy, try a different look.  Don't let anyone, girlfriends/boyfriends, wives/husbands or job sway what you want to do with your face.  It's yours!

2. Take care of it-  Make sure you are setting aside time to groom your beard.  Wear it proudly.  People are already apprehensive about dudes with beards, at least make the first thing they notice look good.  Trim those split ends and DON'T LET ANYONE LIGHT A CIGARETTE FOR YOU!

3. Be patient- a great beard takes time.  Yeah the first few months suck because its super itchy.  Grab a bottle of Jajoba oil and make sure you are getting to the dry skin underneath your beard.  Don't give up...even during summer months. 

1) How long have you been bearding? Are you competitive by nature or does it increase as your beard grows?
My conscience decision to enter the world of competitive facial hair was in Jan of 2009.  I was told about Beard Team USA by a colleague of mine and thought, "hey this is something I could get into."  By nature I am pretty competitive.  With each competition I have been in I have felt the need to win...there is something special about winning a beard competition.  It's not like winning the Super Bowl...more like winning World War 2. 

 
2) What's people's first reaction when they meet or see you? I think mine was, "hey can i take a picture of you"?

I definitely feel all eyes on me when I walk into a bar or the subway.  I've been told I can look a little intimidating... but then I smile and all preconceived notions of badass-ness are lost. I get the usual reaction of "Hey ZZ Top!", which I can't fucking stand...because they aren't the only dudes with beards and their music sucks.  I've had little Hispanic women bless themselves ad hold their rosary because they think I look like Jesus.  First off if Jesus existed, he wasn't a white dude and second of all, my beard is better than his.  He didn't have a boar hair brush.

3) How long have you been growing your beard and what's your process (if any) in up keeping that massive chin mane?

I've had some form of facial hair at all times, but this is the first time I have let it grow fully without trimming.  I am working on a little over a year and a half.  One thing I have learned is to definitely take care of it, since it's part of your body.  Make sure to get enough vitamin E and keep away from open flames. 

Shower everyday, rinse out all the pollutants and never brush when wet.  I have 2 brushes that I use, one to detangle and the other (boar hair) to shape.  I apply JaJoba oil for shine, moisture and the skin underneath....do a once over with both brushes and I am good to go.

4) Tell us about taking home the local gold in Coney Island... you're from Brooklyn and so that fez must mean a lot...

The Coney Island Competition is a lot of fun.  Drinking and sideshow freaks go hand in hand...but it's even more fun when you throw a Beard and Moustache Competition into the mix.  This is the 2nd year I have competed and taken home the coveted Best Beard.  It's an honor, because honestly you never know how the competition will go.  Ben Davidson had to arm wrestle in order to win....

5) Our thinking the CIBMC was too heavily slanted on the stache side... what are you feelings about the stache as facial hair, being a devout beardo.

Moustaches can either make you look really good, or really creepy.  I tried a moustache once, it wasn't for me.  A lot of people grow one for the "irony"..whatever the fuck that means.  Some dudes look bad ass with a moustache, others look goofy.  It all depends on your attitude and your personality.  If your an asshole, the moustache makes you look like a even bigger asshole.

6) How does such an uber local event compare to your experience at National's?

Local events are always hit or miss with me.  Sometimes the judging is a little bizarre.  If the audience is the judge then the criteria may be "longest" beard...instead of the "best looking".  Size doesn't matter, it's girth...right ladies???

But I also find the local events have a charm about them, where we are all packed into one space, meeting new people and making real connections.

7) How'd you like Bend? could it ever replace Brooklyn for you?

Bend is fucking gorgeous.  I love Oregon period.  Honestly I am not really cut out for big city life.  I wanna live in the outskirts of a small town surrounded by mountains or the ocean.  Bend also has a shit load of breweries...and I love beer.  Who knows...maybe one day.

8) You've competed in the World's as well, what's it like? How can you face (THE) Jack Passion, or even share a stage with him (when he's not MCing that is)?

The World Competition of 2009 was my first introduction to facial hair competitions.  I didn't know what the fuck was going on...except that I was having the time of my life.  After meeting those dudes for a week, we all made lasting relationships.

Now competing against Jack...we haven't had that opportunity yet.  But I've told him many times that I have the ability to take him down.  I know a lot of dudes want to, but I have the stamina and my beard grows really fast. 


Myk, Burke and Jack at National's9) What'd you think of Dave Mead's exhibit and launch party? I believe that is where we first met... and what was the deal with your 'brother'?
Ha!  Honestly, I was drunk before we even arrived.  I was doing interviews with a documentary crew ad they followed me around all day and I just kept drinking...by the time we arrived I was all emotional because I saw all my friends pictures hanging up all over Chelsea Market and was just in awe.  The pictures tell one side of the story...but no one will ever know all the great times we've all had together. 

My "brother" Kris Payne is truly my brother in a lot of ways.  When I met Jack and Burke in Alaska they told me I reminded them of him and that we would get along well.  During our parade in downtown Anchorage this dude comes up behind me and says..."You must be Myk."...and I said "You must be Kris." and right then we became long lost brothers.  From loving BBQ, beer, hardcore and shit talking, we get along like no other.

10) You've now been immortalized in art from Annie Hunter (of www.octodream.com)... it's very zombie-esque... does your beard crave brains?
My beard craves the beards of lesser men, both alive and dead.  It's like highlander...damn that sounds familiar...I hope Jack didn't already say something like that....fuck it, my beard will rip the pouch off a kangaroo if given the chance...that's better.  


Annie is so talented and I am very honored to have her immortalize me in that manner. 

Any parting words? loose hairs, split ends worth of sage advice you want to bestow onto our hairy readers?

If you come out to a local beard event, get ready to party.  I am putting together the NY Beard and Moustache Competition in the next few months to benefit The Feal Good Foundation....details to come soon!

Don't vote for a president until they have a beard. 



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Does Your Mustache Bring All The Girls To The Yard?

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Build-a-Beard is starting a new weekly column - interviewing gents and ladies about their thoughts on dating a guy (and in rare cases a woman) with some facial fuzz.  First up, Ms. Amy Wright, a NYC resident who lives by the motto "there was really no excuse, except that I felt lucky."  We talked to Amy about her life growing up with a stached father (kick ass proof below), how Johnny Depp is her favorite everything, rules on dating those with facial hair, her luck (if any) with beardos, and how she resists the urge to cut a man's stache 1/2 off for a laugh... 


BaB: How old were you when you 1st realized your dad was rocking that sweet stache?
Amy: When I was born, Dad had the handlebar/beard combo with hair down to his waist, so I guess its fair to say Ive always been aware. I've heard stories that I liked to grab at it as a baby, and I remember as a child my Dad liked to scratch my face and belly with his beard to tease me. I called his beard “Billy Goat Scruff," thinking that I was cleverly citing the fairy tale. 

Did you like it?
I cant say that I liked being scratched by his bristly beard, no, but I did like the attention the hair/facial hair combo seemed to get. Growing up in the south, mustache/beards have been in style since the civil war, but he was obviously a hippie/biker/Willie Nelson type, so he would get some looks. I liked feeling like my Dad was mysterious and cool, and that he scared teachers and boyfriends sometimes. To be honest, he looks better with the face hair than clean shaven.

How do you feel about facial hair now?  What's acceptable to you vs. not?
I generally don’t like it…. It doesn’t feel good against the skin, it chaffs places, and it makes me break out (wow... I just totally made other people's face hair all about ME!). It looks good on some dudes, like it belongs there, but as far as romantic partners go I can't do a full beard/stache because it's weird to make out with someone that feels like you're making out with your Dad.

Also, there's this epidemic of novelty face hair- where people act like they are doing some sort of magic trick if they wax their mustache - that’s a bit annoying. I do think it's cute when guys get lazy and haven’t shaved for a few days - and I have dated a few guys that have the permanent weeks worth of scruff on their face. I guess I take it on a case-by-case basis.
 
If you HAD to kiss someone with a goatee, stache, beard, or handle bar mustache - which one would you pick - and why? 
Famous dude- Salvador Dali when he was like 25 or so, cause he was cute. I would name a not famous dude, but I might get myself into trouble…

Have you ever dated anyone with a full face of hair?  If so, have you ever felt the urge to cut it off while they slept?  
Yes, I have… a fellow who grew a very thick beard and mustache for a play. I didn’t have the urge to cut it because the discomfort I endured during the production was offset by the promise of a shave after the show closed (and for the record, I think he does look better without it). I do sometimes have the urge to cut a big patch out of those really long, ZZ Top-like beards when I see someone that has one, or one half of someone's mustache just because I think it would be funny. I will admit certain face hair can be a deal breaker for me… I'm sure it doesn’t feel awesome to shave your face, but since I basically shave from the neck down, I don’t feel like its an outlandish request for a fellow to not have a crazy beard that hangs to his belly button.

(Miss Amy Wright)

What's your favorite movie star with facial fuzz?  What star do you think would look better IF they shaved?  
My favorite movie star with facial fuzz is Johnny Depp. He doesnt grow much because he’s part Cherokee, but hes been rocking the bit that he can grow for a few years now. There is nothing that could make Johnny Depp look better, except if he was sleeping next to me... I think that would make him look better, although I'm sure many women would beg to differ. He is pretty much my favorite everything, not just movie star with facial hair. I also like George Michaels Diablo look, and think he looks better with than without.

Anything else you'd like us to know/share..... 
I recently saw a guy that was about 75 years old wearing a t-shirt that said “my mustache brings all the girls to the yard” and nearly fell over laughing. Frank Black has an awesome song about growing a beard called “My Fu Manchu” that you should add to this site, if you haven’t already.

(You got it, Amy) 

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The Beard Song (ode to a beard) LIVE

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Last night was amazing. Very cool culmination of the Sophie Madeleine bearded goodness... and just like I like it too: tender, soft, humorous, lengthy... like a good beard.

By all means you should get Sophie's record so that to bask in her musical hairiness, however watching her play live (and dedicate the last song to B-a-B) is a whole 'nother lovely experience.

The love the Sophie so kindly showed B-a-B reverberated throughout the evening; which included an EP release party for Pearl and the Beard and was also amazing in and of itself (more news on that at a later time).

We are humbled and appreciative of the transatlantic proveit from a dispatch of Rocky and Balls themselves... So, without further ado, Build-a-Beard is proud to present LIVE from NYC, The Beard Song (Ode To A Beard). Enjoy!

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Award Entry Open: Mustached American of the Year 2010

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Bravo to The Atlantic,  who recently ran a feature on Aaron Perlut, chairman of the American Mustache Institute, and one of the leading 'stache experts in the country.

As reported (and Williamsburg & Greenpoint should take note): "This week the AMI announced it is accepting nominations for the third annual "Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year" award, to be doled out at the annual 'Stache Bash' in St. Louis, where Perlut resides and works as a public relations and social media consultant, and where the AMI is based."  

Tip: Get your votes in by 10/8 if you want to be considered.  

Key quotes from Aaraon Perlut on his top 20 picks: 

  • "Hulk Hogan, really, while wearing a mustache, brought wrestling into the mainstream, made it much more a part of the American sports entertainment landscape and was looked upon, beyond just his wrestling ability, but as an idol to many young children for his work ethic, and of course his Fu Manchu."
  • "Ron Burgundy reminded us of the greatness of the 1970s and how people we looked up to, to bring us and deliver us the news, were mustached Americans."
  • "We are a very celebrity-driven culture, and Tom Selleck, during the '80s, was one of the few mustache stalwarts who was at the same time considered one of the most handsome men in America."
  • "Since 1970, really since he finished 'Deliverance,' Burt Reynolds has been a leader in American mustache culture and a consistent idol for young mustached Americans. 

 

Looking good, Tom.  

Our Favorite Salt & Pepper Squatter

Cousin Eddy's antics from National Lampoon's "Vacation" or (my personal favorite) "Christmas Vacation," runs more parallel to Randy Quaid's personal life than previously suspected.  Just as Eddy was a fun loving, mooching, self-absorbed, and often times "mistaken" character, Quaid is not far behind.   

A salt & pepper bearded Randy Quaid (we love it!) and his wife, Evi, were arrested this past weekend - with a $10,000 bail - after they were found living in a guest house on a million-dollar property Quaid once owned. 

The couple was booked for investigation of felony residential burglary and misdemeanor entering a building without consent.

The Quaids were released on bail early Sunday.

Guilty or not, we support Randy's rockin' beard!  

 

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ATL's Best Local Celebrity: THE BEARD of Kevin Gillespie

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It's been brought to BaB's attention by the fabulous Dr. Zachary (PhD in scruff & duck fat) that Kevin Gillespie's beard won Atlanta's "Best Local Celebrity" by Creative Loafing Magazine. Forget that Kevin is a James Beard finalist, and not to mention a favorite on Top Chef, it's his red, flaming facial hair (and his eerily similarity to Yukon Cornelius) that has the country in total awe of him.

Oh and impart to his nearly 8,000 Facebook fans, which is exactly why I called the good Doctor (co-founder of Fans of Kevin Gillespie's Beard on Facebook) to ask him his thoughts on this tremendous accomplishment. 

Here's our exclusive interview:

Bab: What does this award mean to you?
Scruffmaster:  It means a lot to me, but it means a lot more for all of us.  It means a lot for freedom.  If anyone had beaten Kevin's Beard, it would have been explicit proof that the terrorists had won, that God doesn't exist, and that Good never triumphs over Evil.

How do you feel that your FB fan page helped to propel Kevin into the national spotlight?
The Facebook page "Fans of Kevin Gillespie's Beard" certainly helped propel Kevin into the spotlight, but you're looking at it all wrong.  We simply provided the conduit for the message of the Beard.  Truth be told, the Beard is what propelled Kevin Gillespie into the zeitgeist.

Do you think Kevin should compete in a beard tournament?
Kevin owes it to his Beard to physically bring it before the eyes of a wider audience, so yes!

Has Kevin contacted you directly to say thanks for the beard support?  Have you even touched his beard?
I spoke with Kevin briefly at the Party for the Fans of Kevin Gillespie's Beard at the W Hotel.  As for touching his beard: are you completely insane?  Didn't you see what happened to the Nazis at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark when they opened the Ark of the Covenant?  Everyone at the party was (gratefully and reverently) averting their eyes.

Anything you'd like to add, Dr. Z?
A parting message: Kevin's Beard loves you and wants you to be happy.  Even more so, it wants you to be bearded.  Grow, grow, grow! 

 

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The Balls Perspective: Keep it hairy

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Back in March, when I wrote the Q&A with Rocky and Balls, I didn't actually meet up with Sophie Madeleine and Hannah Rockcliffe to do the interview... B-a-B staffers don't get an expense account (yet) to fly transatlantic... I did the interview not in person but via the Internets. There, I said it... So, when finally having an opportunity to meet half of the duo on my own turf, aka Brooklyn, I jumped at it.

Still groggy from a crazy night in Coney Island, I stumbled to breakfast with the full intention of impressing our fair neighbor to the east, as well as her local beardo by wearing my newly acquired Rocky and Balls T-Shirt (number 2 of 50, #justsaying). Yes, I was THAT guy, but so be it, it was the right occasion... besides, my wife told me I looked very cute 'in that little T-shirt,' so there.

What followed was a great lunch with even greater people. Sophie, Sonya, Tim and I talked beards, scruff, music, Brooklyn, Lady Gaga (yes, really), relationships, England and US geography, and much much more. Distilled below are some key findings.

  • To my surprise, the UK and Brooklyn facial hair scenes are very similar. Sophie wasn't going to indulge me with "Brooklyn is SO CLEARLY so much better"...
  • Like me, Sophie does not listen to the radio and preferrs the countryside to the metropolis. However, very much unlike me, she does not drink coffee.
  • Understandably, both Rocky's and Balls' boyfriends are beardos. More over, Sophie's beard is also her guitarist.
  • On September 24th Sophie has her 2nd NYC gig. 7pm at The Living Room (154 Ludlow St.)
    • Also playing that night, at 9pm, are Pearl and the Beard who aparently have fake beards for sale at the show.
  • Honorable mention: Sophie and Sonya played footsies while Tim and I blabbed on about music and media.

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3rd Annual Coney Island BMC Wrap Up

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As you know by now (given the myriad of live postings and up to the minute results updates), El Beardo went to the 3rd Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition... presented by the lovely Joanna Firneno and the curly Donny Vomit.

Unfortunately, because my suit was at the cleaners, my suspenders lost and the briefcase back in my father in-law's possession... I was unable, or unwilling, to compete my Championship Corporate Beard. Regardless what follows is a complete recounting -- to the best of my ability, given the copious amounts of beer that surrounded the event -- of the festivities, the beardos, the staches, and overall hairy awesomeness that last night's party down on the shore came to be... and what an event it was!

 

What really warmed our heart was the 'show must go on' perspective of the organizers, competitors and judges... there were ample hiccups (4 total competitors for natural mustache? no problem, we'll make do), issues regarding facial hair standards (OH: "well that's what happens when your categories have no concrete standards, they are learning as they go...") and so on... but not to be fazed, Donny and his motley crew of characters (which also included Cowboy and World Champion Trick Roper, Chris McDaniel; Jennifer Miller, The Lady with a Beard; and sword swallower Heather Holliday).

All in all, I really enjoyed the raw debauchery of said competition... it was a welcome break from the many rules, standards, and guidelines that we've heard and seen in other competitions, even the mostly freewheeling National's in Bend earlier this summer. However, the natural category winners were B-a-B friends from National's and Magnificent Specimens (i.e. returning champ Myk O'Connor), which  wholeheartedly  vindicated the results and gave full credence to the event in our books.

All in all, a great job done by all... especially the styles mustache category entrants... clearly, and by far, the most fully loaded category with nearly 15 contestants in the first round alone... the Hipster stache movement was and is alive and well by the beach in Brooklyn. So, without further ado... the select awesome photos from last night are below, other can be found in the Hairy Pics tab for your hair enjoyment.

Also check out the Competition's fan page on Facebook, goodies galore.


The Crowds, Setting and Judges

   

    

   

Natural Mustache Finalists


Natural Beard Finalists


Sideburns Finalists


Styled Mustache Finalists


Styled Beard Finalists


Fake Female Beard Finalists


THE WINNERS! (and judges)

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Scott Hutchison Keeps His Face Warm

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What makes for the best day ever? For starters, when Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit tweets back at you that he would happily partake in a Q&A on your blog. 

Confession: I screamed, danced around the room, IMd three of my friends in all CAPS, tried to keep my hands steady and not drool all over my keyboard (I failed), and not gush over the fact that one of my favorite concerts of all time was when Frightened Rabbit played this past April at Webster Hall (#FAIL).  But despite all my failures, I somehow summoned the courage to focus on what was really important - it wasn't Scott - it wasn't the band - it wasn't the lyrics - it was THE MOUSTACHE.  

The following is one of the best Q&As to ever result on BaB.  So without further ado... 

Scott, you've written a lot about keeping yourself warm... is that why you decided to grow a moustache?  Tell us what inspired you to rock facial hair...
Scotland does get cold, and it's a secondary benefit.  The main reason is simply to try shit out.  I think it's a blessing that we, as men, are able to change the shape of our faces with varieties of hair growth and clipping.  Originally I grew it out of laziness, but over the years and miles on the road I've met many a finely constructed beard/moustache, and that encouraged me to do something new.

How long have you had facial hair?  What age did you 1st start experimenting with the growth process?
I remember my elder brother telling me when I was 17 to 'just let it grow out'.  So I did, and it was initially quite poor (a fact I am reminded of every time I open my passport (see photo below: barely visible fluff on the chin)).  But I persevered, and have pretty much stuck with it in one form or another ever since.

Growing up, what's the beard scene like in Scotland? Or Selkirk specifically?
It's not great.  There is a handful of cracking ones down in the Borders region, due to the large farming community.  But there are a few too many 'metal' styles emerging in the youngsters.  Long goatees and such.

Is this new moustache an extension of your growth as a songwriter or is your growth as a songwriter an extension of your moustache?
The songwriting came first, but I'm hoping to turn a corner in every way with this new moustache.  I feel more artistic already, and the longer it gets, the more progressive (aka 'prog') the music shall become.  Capes and wizard hats have already been ordered online.

Tell us the truth - did you get signed to Fat Cat because of your facial hair?
You would have to ask them, but I do suspect that it was a very big reason behind the label picking us up.  There is a clause in the contract that forbids me to have "facial hair shorter than 1cm in length".  If I shave, I get sued.

Will this mustache ignite a rivalry with former Hold Steady multi-instrumentalist Franz Nicolay?
I don't think of us as rivals.  It's a brotherhood.  Hopefully, I can now get access to the famously exclusive 'Super Lenin Hot Nightz' club in downtown Manhattan.  That's where I have heard all the good 'staches go to share stories and dance.

Does your girlfriend love your stache? 
She does.  If Sally didn't approve it would be a non-starter, but I am still surprised as to how encouraging she has been...  It bodes well for the future of my growth.

Thoughts on the current hipster/moustache handle bar movement?
Well, I can't really take them to task, as I am now involved in the scene.  I dunno, I guess mine is an honest moustache, grown organically and by sustainable means.  I feel like there are a few fakes out there who are hiding behind it, thinking it can detract from their essentially mundane existence and terrible stories.  A good moustache can only be an extension of your character, not your raison d'être 

Does wax make you a real man?
No.  Twirling does.

Would you cite Salvador Dali as a principal influence?
He was an absolute groundbreaker in so many ways.  I actually hate his paintings, but rather like his 'tache.  My main influence is an English artist named Billy Childish.  Now there is a man...

Scott's passport photo:

BEHOLD.  Scott's sweet 'stache:


Many thanks to Scott for participating in this interview.  We will see you on October 30th in NYC, and readers go support Frightened Rabbit.  

Oh and follow this blog: Cock Robin

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Fistful of Beards

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This past weekend I watched King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters that highlights Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell, along with other diehard video gamers, as they compete to break World Records on classic arcade games.  

Billy Mitchell caught my eye due to his obvious beard.  Not his laughable stance.  His beard.  Not his narcissistic and patronizing attitude highlighted in the documentary, but his beard. 

On that note, dear readers, keep your facial hair growing, but always remember to trim the ego.  (Queue: Rainbow)
 

 

Coco For Beards

With Conan O'Brien finally announcing the name of his new show (properly titled, Conan) on TBS, we wanted to make sure real fans were ready for October 8th.  Not only are we hoping he debuts with a full beard, but that each member of the viewing audience has with them their very own bearded Coco Doll.  

Yes, that's right, thanks to the wonderful world of Etsy, a few lucky buyers who were fast enough to click "Add to Cart" purchased their very own king of late night.  

BaB was slow on the draw, unfortunately.  Did you buy one?  If so, how much do you want for it?


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Coney Island, Here We Come!

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In association with Coney Island USA, Donny Vomit presents the 3rd Annual Coney Island Beard & Moustache Competition taking place on Saturday, September 11th, with pre-show/registration from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and judging/show to follow.  Tickets are $15 at the door.

It's a celebration of facial hair - all lengths and orientations, artistic stylings, and unkempt scruff - highlighting our local favorite beardos and 'stache supporters.  Contestants have the opportunity to enter their furry faces in the following follicle categories:

  • Best Moustache styled
  • Best Moustache Natural
  • Best Beard Style
  • Best Beard Natural
  • Best Fake (or real!!) Female
  • Best in Show
  • The coveted Worst in Show

Jennifer Miller, the lady with the beard, will also be in attendance cheering on the contestants and scratching her own facial fuzz.  In past interviews, Jennifer has been quoted as saying: 

"You’ve got Hair Club for Men: they all want it! It goes all the way back to Samson and his big mane of power. That’s why men don’t want women to have too much of it in too many places. So, here I am, a gal with a beard, prancing around the streets of New York.”

Rock on, Jennifer.  BaB realizes that September 11th is a tough date for our precious city, but this competition full of shock, awe, pride, and amusement, might be a much-needed distraction that offers some sort of relief for how heavy the city feels on that day.

Consider going - and growing.  

 

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Rocky and Balls and Beards and Shirts

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You've seen their tongue in (hairy) cheek folksy goodness... you've read their fuzzy thoughts... and now, you can wear their shirts too. Of course I am talking about The Beard Song creators themselves Rocky and Balls.

The exclusive "Ode To A Beard" T-shirt is a short run of only 50 and is available to the world. The shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, screen printed by hand with eco-friendly ink by greenteeprints.co.uk The price is £16.00, plus shipping... sizes Small and Large only.

The shirts go on sale promptly at... like, well somewhere within 2 hours, or so. In the meantime feel free to check out the reworked and in fact brand new video for The Beard Song from the duo by clicking on the bearded chin man below.

 

Here is the sustainably awesome design:

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U.S. Open - $7.75 Isn't Worth A Shave

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Embrace the beard.  

That's the cry of R. A. Dickey of the Mets in response to Tina Taps, the U.S. Open’s director of ball persons (yes, you a) read that correctly b) this job exists) when she told him that in order to be a ball boy for Nikolay Davydenko’s misses, he would need to shave.  

According to The New York Times, Dickey was asked if he would be willing to shave for the opportunity to crouch by a net, sweat, and field balls.  As of now, he is unsure.    

“I would prefer that they embrace me with beard.  Especially for $7.75 an hour.”

BaB agrees.  $7.75 per hour vs. a month (or two) of real dedication and manhood does not add up.  Plus, if R.A. shaves and his record (9-5) with the Mets begins to deteriorate, Major League Baseball might have some choice words for the U.S. Open.

When Taps (Director of Ball Persons) was informed that Dickey loves his beard, thankfully, she stated that she would not rule out the possibility of a "one-time whisker waiver."

We will hold our breath and hope that R.A. keeps his bearded awesomeness growing. Oh and U.S. Open, go beard or go home.  

 

Trying Harder To Score Chicks & The Mustache

Ever since Rushmore, I have adored Jason Schwartzman, but this adoration increased ten fold when I caught him on Jimmy Kimmel Live! rocking a sweet 'stache.  

The reasoning for it?  

"I have this mustache, and the reason I have this mustache is, when I was young, my father had a mustache.  Growing up, it embarrassed me.  I'm expecting a child in December... I decided to grow out this mustache, so when we take photos…my boy or girl, whatever it is ... they will be embarrassed. So I am now thinking of ways to embarrass my unborn child."

Whatever the reasoning, Jason, you look sophisticated & saucy.  


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The Hair Behind The Great Food Truck Race

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"Hey!  That truck has a mustache!"

It takes a lot to get my attention, but when someone yells that a truck is sporting a mustache, you bet that my head is turning to see it.  If you're late to the game, The Food Network has a new show called The Great Food Truck Race (GFTR for the savvy readers), which premiered two weeks ago.    

Let's sum this up quickly - the competing food trucks are eliminated based on which one makes the least amount of money each week.  Each week, a new city, a new challenge, and some bizarre twist to keep it interesting with the hopes of winning $50K. 

Here's our favorite food trucks (ranked in order of appeal):  

Austin Daily Press
Reasoning: Cory Nunez

Grill 'Em All
Reasoning:  Couple of scruffy dudes, making burgers, & using a megaphone.  Oh & they're LA-based... and you know how we like them LA boys.

Crepes Bonaparte
Reasoning: They sport a freaking 'stache on their truck.  Need I say more? - Of course not.

Spencer on the Go
Reasoning: Not Chef Katgely, but one of his truck cooks has a long white wizard goatee that is sure to make anyone who orders the food question if his hair was dipped into their meal.  It's pretty bad-ass. 

Tune in on Sundays, Food Network, 9:00 p.m. ET sharp