I decided yesterday morning that now might be a good time to grow a beard. Struck by curiosity (and, frankly, laziness) I decided to skip shaving, and did so again today. By now, I’ve accumulated just enough stubble to look vaguely haggard, and to determine that my beard becomes redder with each passing year (a genetic gift from an apparently red-bearded great-grandfather). The plan is to keep it up until (as happened the last time I attempted this exercise, on approximately the fifth day) most of the women I know tell me to drop everything, head to the bathroom, and shave immediately.