Meet Jonny. Jonny is a self-confessed "design wanker". He lives in London Village, but comes from Manchester, so we'll let him off. He also works for BBC news (he's responsible for the news graphics on BBC breakfast which make you think you're watching The Day Today) and is therefore not allowed to express political opinions. Oh well ;)

Jonny writes:

"George Michael reworked Faith for the war, and I salute him for it."

And we, in turn salute you sir.

Growing a beard? Then for crying out loud show us!

So far we have been pleasantly suprised with the banner adds that have been appearing above us (up there stupid!). That was until yesterday when this wonderfully apt piece appeared;

We disagree, and so does our good friend 100% Kitten from b3ta and twohundredpercent. So she kindly altered the offending image for us.

Kudos to you Ms Kitten.

Beard update! We've only been up for 3 days, but Beards for Peace is already going from strength to strengh. New members coming over the weekend, as well as other wonderful beard related madness, so stay tuned.....

You'll be pleased to hear that 6 days on from the making of the pact our beards are flourishing nicely. I am having some coverage issues, but more about that tomorrow. Guy however is veritable poster-boy for the hirsute pacifist;

Meanwhile, something of a debate has sprung up here at Beard towers. As our carpets develop, we are increasingly noticing previously unheard of traces of ginger. No, we're not distraught and running for our razors, we are made of sterner stuff. After some soul searching we have decided to take pride in our carrot-like tendencies and glory in their magnificence. We would like to appeal to all the ginger peace-lovers out there to get growing, snapping, and sending.

Where do you stand on the ginger debate? Mail us and let us know.

A quick thank-you to GR££DY from b3ta who has given us a plug in his wonderful weblog, Distaste.

We have another recruit! His name is Boz, and he goes to Leicester Univeristy. His likes include Stella and Man City, not to mention beards. He looks like this pre-beard;




Boz writes:

"if the most famous bearded man in the world (Craig David) is against the war, then thats a good enough reason for me to oppose the war. It should also be a good enough reason for everyone else. The bearded one is a big hero in our house, he currently adourns our wall, reminding us all to give peace a chance and to not shoot school children."

Indeed Boz, couldn't agree with you more. Don't forget people we still need you to mail us your beards. Peace.

On a random google search for "beards for peace" I came across this man;



his name is $teven Ra$pa (apparently), and this is what this site has to say about him;

$teven Ra$pa's work permeates every level of his life as he grows, projects, wears, eats and inhabits his thoughts, words and identities -- creating entirely new and interesting versions of himself and reality. His beard is patented, his thoughts have thoughts of their own, and he has been known to wear whatever is within arm's reach to illustrate a point. What he is going to do and who he is going to be next is anyone's guess! Born in Queens, he cut his teeth as an artist and poet at venues like the Gas Station, St. Mark's Poetry Project, Save the Robot and the lead paint chips of the Lower East Side and SoHo. Now living in San Francisco, his art, performance, mental installations, collaborations and work as director, producer, and artist organizer -- have been widely featured. But he is best known for being unapologetically himself! Impresario of the absurd, he throws legendary art HOPpenings, produces special events for Burning Man, and is a founding member of international media super group, HAPPY, Bunny Jam and Beards For Peace.

If anyone could furnish me with this man's e-mail address, I would be eternally grateful.

Here we go

Well, before we get rolling, I think it should be known we already have our first convert to the way of the beard in the from of semi-infamous underground disco DJ Tayo. He's had a bit of a semi-beard on and off for a few years now, but this is his first attempt at growing a beard as a matter of principal. We salute him!

Now then, onwards!

A Pact is Made

Guy, Me, Tayo, sealing the pact with time honoured hand salutes

This is Guy, as you can see, he has a headstart in the beard department.

This is Tayo. Let's hope his beard turns out better than his hair eh?

And this is me on day 1. Bit of a five o'clock shadow, but well behind the other two.
I am surounded by the refuse of inspiration

Watch out for more photos, and hopefully our first "guest beard" in the Thurday update.

Remember, if you would like to grow a "Beard for Peace", then mail us

How it all began

As with all great ideas, it all began in a pub. It was the glorious first sunny Saturday of the year, and obviously we had celebrated in time honoured fashion. Anyhow me and my friend Guy from 44media were arguing with our mate Sam about the war in Iraq. I'm not sure quite how it happened, but the debate ended with Gut and I making a vow not to shave until peace breaks out.

Now this is a project I can really get my teeth into. The next day it was decided that the world needed to know, and "Beards for Peace" was born. Not only will we be sharing the progress of our beards with you, but we'll be inviting you to join us by e-mailing us your notes of support and pictures of your budding facial foliage.

We await with interest.

Greetings, and welcome to Beards for Peace!