Beards are back in fashion around the world. To be sure, beards have gone through many fashions. Just think of the handlebar mustaches of the 19th century, the clone look of the 1970s or the permanent growth fancied by the bear community. But I think this time is different.
In the late 17th century, Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, ordered men to shave in order to bring Russia closer to modern Europe, and went so far as to collect a tax on beards. There is no shortage of opinion on beards today.
The smell of beer and mustache wax was in the air last night at the first annual Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Competition. Hundreds packed into a ba...