Not that we need more proof on the popularity of beards in our culture, but a recent infographic focusing on Kim Kardashian's $2 million dollar wedding ring used the length of beards (and proper coloring) to determine just how long it would take the average man to save up enough money to purchase this monster if he didn't shave.
So if you are hoping to score a ring the size of your ass as well - best to focus on CEOs and surgeons.
Berlin first caught our eye back in 2005 (before this blog was born), for the World Beard and Mustache Championships that were held in Germany - and hosted by the Berlin Beard Club (founded in 1996). But more recently, in 2011, Elmar Weisser, a German hairdresser, scooped the title of World's "Best Beard" after impressing competition hosts in Norway (his beard sported a moose and the Norwegian flag).
Not surprisingly, Weisser has a long history of winning - taking the title in 2005 in Berlin with his beard in the form of the landmark Brandenburg Gate, and 2007, dominated in England for his recreation of the Tower Bridge. Not to be outshone, Karl-Heinz Hille - also of Germany - won a 5th straight gold medal in 2011 for rocking the Imperial Partial Beard category.
Germany and the United States have traditionally dominated this eccentric contest - but beyond the world of competitions, Berlin has also made headline news in fashion. Remember in 2010 when German designer Patrick Mohr decided that his female models should be bald and sport molting beards? It was the most talked about show in all of Berlin Fashion Week.
So with all this intrigue, does it come as any surprise that Bab co-founder, Riss, is going to be heading over to Berlin for a few weeks to see if this capital can hold up to its reputation as the premier city that exudes God-like hirsute powers?
If you're living abroad, please show her the best bärte in Berlin!
(Photo: Elmar Weisser)
So, Spotify has finally hit the US... The award-winning music service that’s taken Europe by storm has now come to U.S. shores. Millions of tracks ready to play instantly, on your computer and your phone. the site boasts it's awesomeness by this tagline gen: Any track, any time, anywhere. And it's free!
That's cool and all, but what's cooler is this 'about' video who's lead role is a stached drummer! From this day forth, to us, you will be known as Stachify. Way to prove it brethren.
BaB has covered the tech 'stache & beard scene for a while intervewing such media notables as Dan Patterson, Twitter's Trammell, TWiT's Tom Merritt, etc. etc. But what really made us smile was an article in The Wall Street Journal that discussed perks in hot start-ups highlighting Airbnb's "Mustache Monday" office policy - where employees can feel free to sport some follicle fierceness.
Know any other start-ups with "pro-hair" office mantras? Hit us up! 
(Photo credit: Airbnb Flickr Page)
Back in January, BaB reported on the spotting of fabulous "mustached" curly tags being drawn on billboards in NYC subways. Sad to say that NYC police have caught the 26-year-old graffiti artist who had a way with a black Sharpie. Joseph Waldo was arrested on charges including felony criminal mischief and possession of a graffiti instrument. Estimated damage for his "artistic touch" is estimated at about $1,500.00.
Interestingly, it was through Internet bragging that this Gray Line tours employee was busted.
(Photo credit: New York Daily News)
Sad news today, beardos. Ryan Dunn, best known for his antics on "Jackass," has died in a car accident this morning in Pennsylvania. He was 34 years old and provided numerous laughs on the show along side his friend, Bam Margera.
Further details are still coming in.... You'll recall that in May, Build-a-Beard also had to report on the car accident that took the life of Randy Savage.
BaB's thoughts are with Dunn's family.
Our good friends at Carstache alerted us to the fact that they now have a "new" 'stache in their arsenal known as "Glorystache." And from the looks of it, for $39.00, you too can own a piece of America... in a mustache.... for the front of your hotrod.
(Pic credit: Carstache)
Thanks to our friendly scout Peter Ha from The Daily, we have been alerted to signs from the above and the many greater forces than man (and some women) in suport of facial hair. If you had any reasons to doubt that there is something greater out there, somewhere, consider this your pie in the face.
First came this from Peter:
Followed by this via the Googles:
Then this...
Then THIS:
And finally this gem:
Way to #proveit Stache Gods... beard Gods, you're on next.
As you may or may not know, we love both kiwi folkers Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, of Flight of the Conchords fame… we love them each for different reasons. Jemaine for the burns and Bret for the beard; Jemaine for his classical guitar skills and Bret for his steel string strumming; Jemaine for the baritone and Bret for the shrieks... but now, well... honestly, we're just confused.
This was the beard god of FoftheC:
Now, thanks to the kind consent to share this shot from a few days ago from our good friends Pearl and the Beard, this may be the new beard god of the duo, judge for yourself...
Photo credit: Marianne Ways
For a mere $12 on June 10th - you can see for yourself as well, but trust us that we're already sitting here aching.
"Josh T Pearson is a wonderful solo artist who came to prominence with his legendary, incendiary trio Lift To Experience (1996); highly regarded by all of us who know our shit from our shine-ola. Pearson is a fully bearded gentleman from Texas who now lives in Berlin, and sometimes hangs about in Paris too." - Bella Union Week
Check out Josh on SoundCloud.
Conan O'Brien featured Beardyman last night - a musician from London renowned for his beatboxing skills and use of live looping technology - but of course his name caught our attention. And although his goatee is not as incredible as we'd like to see (nor does he have an actual beard), his talent for creating audio mixes is truly something to admire.
The BBC has called him the "King of Sound" and "Ruler of Beats." You can listen for yourself on SoundCloud. Also, he was given the nickname "Beardyman" because a name was quickly needed for a flyer for an early show, and at the time he had a beard.
Our advice - grow it back!
(Pic: Judd Nelson)
(Pic: Emilio)Sorry to bring you sad news on a Friday, but we have to recognize and commend a fallen beardo... a macho beardo, a beardo so macho that he wrestled dudes for over 4 decades every day in spandex pants and tassels, a beardo who's trimmed beard spoke for himself, that is when the mouth wasn't screaming OH YEAH!
That's right, you got it... we are sorry to report that Randall Mario Poffo, better known by his ring name "Macho Man" Randy Savage, died today in a car accident in Florida (as reported by TMZ)... his black (turned snow white beard), will be remembered for years to come... definitely saddened by these news, he was an early inspiration for me to grow a beard, and to eat slip jims...
We would like to posthumously award Randy the title of Beardo of the Month. OH YEAH!
(November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011)
Do these two quotes by the fabulous Jack Passion have your attention? Great! It's just a tid bit of what's in store for IFC's upcoming Whisker Wars.
The rules of attraction still might come down to the physical features of men and women, but here are two solid ways to capture an onlookers attention:
For $59.00 GothamSmith is selling stainless steel mustache cufflinks.
It's ok. Be the talk of the party & dare to twirl multiple mustaches. 
(Photo: GothamSmith)
You already know we know, we know that you already know... we all know what's going to happen, but most importantly WHO will make it happen for US at the World Beard and Moustache Championships?
Phil Olsen, founder and self-appointed Captain of Beard Team USA, has announced the starting line-up for this year’s World Beard and Moustache Championships taking place in Trondhjem, Norway, on May 15, 2011. The line-up includes five current and former world champs. While we are told to expect additions as the big day approaches, we wanted to showcase the confirmed sampling of the heroes on whom shoulder the hopes of America.
Godspeed beardos and stache-mates, we are with you even if not right by your side... make us proud, and we know you will. USA USA USA USA!
Starting Line-Up brought to you by Beard Team USA:
I am huge fan of Etsy. My brother (who rocks scruff) is on the site. I've purchased items from the online marketplace and a future money maker needs to be highlighted - The Bearded Bloke Brooch.
As featured on Etsy: "While he may appear to be a little rugged the bearded bloke is a friendly, laid-back, loyal kind of guy. He is always there for those he cares about and is up for a good laugh and hanging our with his mates. He loves searching for old records on Sunday afternoons and he takes his coffee extra strong."
Or do you have a bearded athlete you're fond of? Check out what Evie, the creator of these adorable brooches and blogger/founder at HandMadeRomance, can do for you:
According to HandMadeRomance: These two Bearded Blokes are a special custom order for two friends who are fans of the San Francisco Giants and in particular player, Brian Wilson.
Personally, I am a big fan of "The Traveling Circus Ringmaster." 