Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Final Days of Movember 2011

The final days of Movember were fairly eventful and definitely memorable.  First and foremost, after 27 days of growing a mo, it finally occurred to me I've been spelling moustache as mustache.  Although considered an acceptable spelling, I feel the need to amend my chosen (American accepted) spelling based on the title of the campaign.  Hence the change in title of the blog. 

Glad that's out of the way.

Next came the final push to make my fundraising goal.  I had a hard time setting an amount for fundraising when I first began to grow my mo.  I chose $3k because of the immediate and generous outpouring of support shown from the start.  With just three days left I was $344 short.

Finally, the conclusion of the campaign was to be celebrated with the Movember Gala on Saturday nite.  As with most events I like to attend, the Gala would require a costume.  My sister in law thinks I wear a costume every where I go.  I was dressed up as something in every pic she saw of me prior to our meeting for the first time.  It's a rep I don't think I'm ever going to shake.  That being said, considering some of my costumes from the past, what I had in mind for this should be a step up. 

Here we go...

The last few days of the month were just flat out fun.  Here you see a co worker of mine named Bill Gronberg.  When I first sent out a fundraising letter, Bill responded with resounding support.  He's had a few buddies go through Prostate Cancer and knows all about it.  Despite the fact his wife can't stand it, he decided to grow a mo' as well.  It's a little hard to tell in the pic because it's the same color of his light hair!

Me and Bill G.


Next you have my friend Jesse.  Jesse also chose to show his support with his upper lip.  While I can't explain the pic of Dwight Schrute in his cube, I can tell you that Jesse has a tattoo the says "Rock and Roll."  That's because Jesse does THE best Axl Rose impression, particularly to the tune of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."  I've seen it done with a live band twice.  Keep in mind he was not the lead singer of either, or actually in the band for that matter.  He just owns it.
Thanks Jesse!
In the meantime, the $344 I was short my goal was evaporating quickly as the moustache market was looking quite "bullish."  My brother Alex and I were doing our best to out raise each other and after a slow start he was gaining quickly.  Although I would pass our goal first, he would join me quickly and move right ahead.  If it weren't for the last minute miracle donation from an anonymous source, he surely would have won.  As luck would have it, in the end we would tie.  $3940 each.  We would finish in the top 100 out of 144,433 people in the US.    

I want to thank everyone who donated to our cause.  It was an amazing amount of support from so many friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.  In thirty days, the Movember campaign raised over $106 million.  Can you believe that?!?!  ONE MONTH!!!!  It just goes to show you the power we possess when we band together to accomplish something.   

Now that all the work was finished, it was time to get back to the serious stuff.  Like figuring out a proper costume.  Now before you find out who I went as, keep in mind some of my costume history.

The first here is Cal Naughton Jr. from Talladega Nights.   I enjoyed this costume thoroughly and even grew a mo' for it.  Shocker, I know.
 
Cal Naighton Jr.
Next we have Chuck Noland from Castaway.  This is my 2011 Halloween costume.  Wore shorts, shoes with no toes, a real beard, and a wig.  No shirt.  It was not a warm night.

Chuck Noland
 Finally we have the Halloween 2009.  This was part of a long hatched plan to go as the Purple Cobras from the movie Dodgeball.  Someone had to do it and I knew I could pull it off.  We did win the group costume contest that year.  Kate and I had only been dating for a couple months when I wore this to Halloween. 

Fran
Needless to say, I thought it was time to bring some sophistication to a costume for once.  If you've never seen Inglorious Bastards and you don't mind some gratuitous (albeit justified) violence, I highly recommend the movie.  Below you see Aldo Raine from the film.      

Aldo Raines

It was time to make it up to Kate for the dodgeball costume.  That being said, I probably look more like the dodgeball girl than BP.


The Gala would be held at The Nomad in Minneapolis.  Awards were given for a variety of accomplishments from Best Mo, Lamest Mo, Best Mo Sista, Best Mo in Character, etc.  Yes they even give an award for Lamest Mo.  So for all you dudes out there that think this campaign doesn't speak to your facial hair strength, think again.  Even the weakest of mo's has its place.  I'm talking to you, Lee. 

Walter White







For all you "Breaking Bad" fans, you may find it inexplicable how Alex only took second place in Best Mo in Character.  I know I do.  Unfortunately the raucous crowd thought more highly of a mo bro dressed as an adult film actor.  Alex even had samples of "Sky Blue" for the crowd.  You would have thought that alone would have induced victory. 














There were plenty of mo's to admire as well as some hilarious costumes and outfits.  Here you see Jeff Bridges from Tron.  Very solid. 









Mario and Luigi







There were alot of a good costumes.  It felt more like a Halloween party than anything else. 






The dude in front of me in the vest and hat was voted Ultimate Mo.  The cell phone pic doesn't sell it but he had a pretty sick mo and knew how to work the crowd.  50% mo/50% showmanship. 

The night was a blast and it ended late enough to feel it in the morning.  We will look forward to next year.





So as we close on this wonderful month, I again want to thank all those who donated to the cause.  I am so proud of everyone who stepped up and showed thir support.  I am very thankful to have such wonderful people in my life.  Especially my father Jim.  I echo his gratitude as well.  His fight will continue as well as ours. 

With that in mind, you men out there get ready for next year.  We're starting a team and I'm going to be soliciting for mo bro's like it's going out of style.  Ladies are included for fundraising as well.  The top fund raiser in the U.S. this year was Sandy Goodman who raised $48,130 and SHE'S A GIRL!!!! 

In conclusion, it's now Decemeber 6th and well past that month of facial hair love.  It must be done.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 29 - Movember 29th, 2011 Mustache Mania

Just take it all in.  Don't be afraid to stare.  This is what we've been working for and it's all paying off. 

Fresh back from Thanksgiving break with the extended Knopick family in Indiana and I have alot to share.  My father Jim has been the inspiration for this entire campaign.  It's the reason my brothers and I decided to grow our mo's. I was looking forward to Thanksgiving for a variety of reasons but especially because this was the only time all of our mo's would be together.  Little did I know, James and Alex were not the only mo's with which I would bask in glory. 


Ryan
 Here you have my brother in law, Ryan.  His father has had a stache for most of his life and Ryan is the spitting image. 

The difference between Ryan and I is that he grew this in about a week.  I'm not kidding.  I'm pretty sure he's a wookie.






Riley




Next you see Riley.  Riley is the youngest member of my brother Alex's family.  I didn't even know labs could grow a mustache, not to mention that it would be above his nose.  I don't understand how it works, but I don't care.  It's glorious and it defies all logic.  You would think that this would have been the biggest surprise of the weekend and normally you would be right.  However...




Det. McHugh


My father in law, Greg McHugh, was expected to join us for Thanksgiving, but surprised us all by arriving adorned with this beauty.  Greg spent his career with the Chicago Police Department but swears a stache was never part of the uniform. Kind of tough to believe when you see how natural he rocks it.  It was a huge show of support for my father and we are so happy to have him on the team.




Leo




The final shock of our mustache convention was little Leo.  As the youngest son of Ryan, you would naturally expect him to have the genes for some superb facial hair.  However this kid is 16 months old.  I didn't want to raise to much of an alarm but I think he should see a doctor immediately.  This can't be normal. 


Barney


Participation in the weekend was not limited to just those of us in Indiana.  From Florida, my step father in law Barney sent his support via the web.  Here you see him doing his best Panama Jack impression, with my mother in law Mary highlighting his beautiful mane.

I'm not sure what's worse, his taste in hats or football teams.  Regardless, his support from a far means the world to us and I really appreciate it.



We couldn't leave without gathering the mustache mafia around the man we honor.

My father Jim Knopick.


Ryan, Alex, Dad, James, Greg, Andrew
 With today and tomorrow remaining in the month of Movember, I am just $334 short of my goal of $3000.  Thanks so much to all of you who have helped me get this far.  Anyone still wanting to help, please visit http://mobro.co/apk

For those of you still looking for mustache rides: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWaxrjhnJfQ




Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 17 - Movember 17th - I'm done being selfish.

I want to apologize to all of you right now.  For the past nine days, I have neglected to share my mo.  Only my non-internet based friends (which are few) and acquaintances have had the pleasure of witnessing this...

Shame on me.
These days, it's all envious stares from (lesser) men and declarations of love from wishful ladies.  I'm not kidding.  I walked out of a customer's house the other day and I'm half way to my car when she hark ens, "I love you!!!"  I was...taken aback.  Nothing in my stache experience up to this point had prepared me for such an exclamation.  In my embarrassment I replied, "LIKEWISE."  It was about as awkward of a moment as I've ever had in my life.  I just didn't know what to do.  I had no idea the effect my mo was going to have on people. 

I guess it's like they say in the Spiderman movies, "With great power comes great responsibility."   

I should probably mention at this point that the customer I am referring to is a grandmother and mother of four.  Needless to say, I think my wife can rest easy knowing the bewitching spell of my mo only seems to work on the elderly...

With that being said, it's time to let him out. 

It's been long enough. 

You knew he was coming and HERE HE IS!!!!!

Mustached Hero of the Day:

Tom Selleck
a.k.a
Magnum, P.I.
   
Now there are few who are synonymous with the mo but none more legendary than Tom.  He donned the mo like few before and I'm gonna say it, like none since.  The simple fact is, his mo is just on another level.  If it were a painting, it would be the Mona Lisa.  A song?  Easy, Stairway to Heaven. 

I doubt many of you are even reading at this point.   You're probably still lingering on Tom's mo.  I don't blame you.  I'm changing my desktop as soon as I get done with this entry...

Starting to feel guilty you like Tom's mo more than mine?  Make it up to me.  Donate here: http://mobro.co/APK

Historical Facts(ish) for the day:

"...Taking note of the resurgence of the Mustached American community, the administration of President John F. Kennedy became concerned, looking at means to curb mouth forest growth, and initiated an organized campaign to turn the country into a bare-lipped, cat-loving, utterly weak society filled only with clean-shaven men and women lacking the intestinal fortitude, strength, 38 percent better looks,  and manhood which had become synonymous with mouth brows throughout the history of mankind..."

                                                                       American Mustache Institute

Health Facts for the Day:

Prevention

Following a vegetarian, low-fat diet or one that is similar to the traditional Japanese diet may lower your risk. This would include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Finasteride (Proscar, generic) and dutasteride (Avodart) are drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Urological Association (AUA) recommend that doctors discuss the pros and cons of these drugs with men who:
  • Have a PSA score of 3.0 or below
  • Are being screened yearly for prostate cancer
  • Do not yet show signs of prostate cancer
Not all experts agree with this recommendation.

In closing, I've raised about $1800 which puts me $1200 short of my goal.  For all those that have donated already, thank you so much.  It means the world to me.  For those who haven't, anything you can do to help is appreciated.



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Day 8 - Movemeber 8th, It's happening...

Today, my mo took it's first step toward adulthood.  My wife came home and upon me greeting her at the door, she says,

"Oh my god, you have a mustache."

Keep in mind, we have seen eachother everyday since Movember began.  This moment just confirms that my mo is maturing.  This also means (hopefully) my step father-in-law, Barney, may stop referring to my mo as my "third eyebrow" but I doubt it.  Barney has decided in solidarity to grow a mo of his own which is pretty bad ass.  As soon as I have my hands on a picture of him, I will be posting it as well. 

My brother (Alex) posted a pic of his mo on FB today and I'm pretty sure he's using some MED's or mustache enhancing drugs.  Either that or he started growing it a little early.  It's looking pretty sick after only one week.  So sick in fact I won't be posting a pic here out of mustache insecurity.  After the IMC committee has a chance investigate and determine the legitimacy of his mo, I may post a pic.  We'll see.

Help me rise more than my big mo bro Alex, go here: http://mobro.co/APK


Historical Facts(ish) for the day:

"... As this somewhat sad, mustache-free culture moved into the early 1960s, peace-loving beatniks high on acid and Colt 45 revolted against varying policies and acts of military aggression from the U.S. government. Hippies began randomly copulating in public spaces, and round-house kicks to the necks of midgets, large animal masturbation, and facial hair growth in the form of lower nose gardens were used as tools to rebel.
Thus, U.S. citizens began to rediscover the sexually dynamic Mustached American lifestyle. Americans began to again wear lower nose accoutrements in great numbers. Indeed, “Labia Sebuculans” (direct translation: “Lip Sweater Wearers”) were returned to their rightful place in the U.S. hierarchy..."

                                                                                    American Mustache Institute

Health Facts for the Day: Signs and Tests

Prostate biopsy is the only test that can confirm the diagnosis. Tissue from the prostate is viewed underneath a microscope. Biopsy results are reported using something called a Gleason grade and a Gleason score.
The Gleason grade is how aggressive the prostate cancer might be. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 - 5, based on how different from normal tissue the cells are.
Often, more than one Gleason grade is present within the same tissue sample. The Gleason grade is therefore used to create a Gleason score by adding the two most predominant grades together (a scale of 2 - 10). The higher the Gleason score, the more likely the cancer is to have spread beyond the prostate gland:
  • Scores 2 - 4: Low-grade cancer
  • Scores 5 - 7: Intermediate- (or in the middle-) grade cancer. Most prostate cancers fall into this category.
  • Scores 8 - 10: High-grade cancer (poorly-differentiated cells)
There are two reasons your doctor may perform a prostate biopsy:
  • Your PSA blood test is high. See also: PSA
  • A rectal exam may show a large prostate or a hard, irregular surface. Because of PSA testing, prostate cancer is diagnosed during a rectal exam much less often.
The PSA blood test will also be used to monitor your cancer after treatment. Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms. An abnormal digital rectal exam may be the only sign of prostate cancer (even if the PSA is normal).
The following tests may be done to determine whether the cancer has spread:
Mustached Hero for the day:



Mike Ditka
More often pictured in a Chicago Bears sweater harking back to his coaching days,
this photo just shows how much range Ditka's mo has.  Striking, really.  Enjoy

Help me fight prostate cancer by contributing here http://mobro.com/APK

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 4 and 5 - Movember 6th, Lombardi wedding...

I know.  It's distracting, right? 

Unfortunately, my mo had to play second fiddle yesterday to the bowtie you see below it.  My friends Mike and Meredith were married in Minneapolis and I had the honor of being an usher in the wedding party.  I was charged with tyng the groom's bowtie which I was able to complete in about 30 seconds.  Mine however took approximately 30 attempts.  I was sweating by the time I was done.  Not exactly the shape you want to be in before the wedding even starts.  Needless to say, my mo knows how to party and we had a ball.  By the end of the night I was once again sweating, but this time because of the dance floor and not the bowtie. 

Do you want to party with my mo?  No?  How about you donate instead.  Visit http://mobro.co/APK if you would prefer to donate to my mo instead of partying with my mo.

A million thanks to Meredith and Mike.  Mike by the way grows one of the most solid and creepy staches' you have ever seen.

My friend Mike


Historical facts(ish) for the day:

"...An after-effect of World War II’s popularity was clean-cut U.S. soldiers returning to create a new America. They were free of not just the “toothbrush” or “dictator” style mustache worn by German figure skating champion Adolph Hitler, but seemingly, and very sadly, America became devoid of flavor-saving upper lip garnishes altogether..."

                                  American Mustache Institute

Health Facts for the day: 

As much as I am trying to provide a little humor with a very serious subject, we still need to keep in mind what is at stake here.  This campaign is about increasing awareness around prostate cancer and mens health in general. 

The PSA blood test is often done to screen men for prostate cancer. Because of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.

The symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer (Most of the time these symptoms are caused by other prostate problems that are not cancer):
  • Delayed or slowed start of urinary stream
  • Dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating
  • Slow urinary stream
  • Straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out all of the urine
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones (only when the cancer has spread)
Mustached Hero for the day:


In honor of the newlyweds who were announced and walked in to "Let's Go Crazy"
Prince

To donate, visit http://mobro.co/APK

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 4 - Movember 4th - Classin' it up...

Day 4.  Instead of a white v neck under shirt, I rolled the dress shirt and USC.  In layman"s terms, that's an Uneccessary Sport Coat.  Yeah, I'm taking it up a notch.  Mike and Meredith are getting married tomorrow.  Stay classy...

Healthy Facts for the day -

Symptoms

The PSA blood test is often done to screen men for prostate cancer. Because of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.
The symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer (Most of the time these symptoms are caused by other prostate problems that are not cancer):
  • Delayed or slowed start of urinary stream
  • Dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating
  • Slow urinary stream
  • Straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out all of the urine
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones (only when the cancer has spread)
Historical Facts(ish) for the day-

"...One of President Taft’s last acts in the Oval Office, in fact, was to provide Mustached Americans with complimentary in-home prostitution visits and allow the slaughter of felines by people bearing lower nose accoutrements..."

                                                                    American Mustache Institute


Mustached Hero for the day-

Yeahhhhhh...YANNI!!!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 3 - Movember 3rd, High Expectations...







Day 3.  Fully committed.  Foundation laid.  As the picture shows, the skin of my upper lip is being invaded.  Slowly but surely, my mo is starting to take shape.  I'm just a couple of days away from the second glances that indicate curiosity;

"Is he growing a mustache???   Did he lose a bet????   Are his friends putting him up to this????  Does he own a full set of leather bound encyclopedias???"

Fortunately, my mo has already proved it's mettle.  Only tonight I heard a shriek from my wife.  As I came bounding up the stairs she was distraught over the discovery of one of these on our ceiling...

Naturally, I remain calm and collected.  I have an image to maintain.  After all, I have a mustache. 

I move in to make the kill.  With a swing of a Nautica flip flop, the bug is dead.  As mentioned, the centipede was on our ceiling.  As the flip flop found it's mark, some centipede "shrapnel" was cut loose...falling through the air...on to my mustache.  No joke.  It was gross.  But I felt protected.  This thing is like a bullet proof vest for my lip...

On a more serious note, I really want to thank everyone who has already donated to my Movember campaign.  In only two days, we've raised $1101.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the generosity and support of everyone.  I have set no limit and intend to raise as much as I can before this thing is said and done.  With the start we're off to, I feel like the expectations are high and I promise my mo will not disappoint.  For those who haven't and wish to, visit http://mobro.co/APK to make a donation. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Health Facts for the day:

People who are at higher risk include:
  • African-American men, who are also likely to develop cancer at every age
  • Men who are older than 60
  • Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer
Other people at risk include:
  • Men exposed to agent orange exposure
  • Men who abuse alcohol
  • Farmers
  • Men who eat a diet high in fat, especially animal fat
  • Tire plant workers
  • Painters
  • Men who have been exposed to cadmium
Historical Facts(ish) for the day:

"...from Civil War generals like Lew Wallace to the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft (the last Mustached American President), people of Mustached American descent were chainsaw wielding men of power, good looks, martial arts abilities, and long-lasting virility."

                                                                                                 American Mustache Institute


Mustached Hero for the Day:


Billy D. Williams
a.k.a.
Lando Calrizian



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 2 - Movember 2nd, 2011 - Where's my stache???


So today went pretty smoothly.  No inquiries as to why I'm celebrating facial hair embraced mostly by police and firefighters, and occasionally men who drive window-less vans.  At this point in the mustache life cycle, my mo is basically an infant.  Cute because it's small but more or less insignificant.  Most people won't even take note yet.  It's not ready to walk into a room and say, "Look at me in all my glory."  Not yet. 

It's kind of strange because for the first time since I was a sophmore in high school, I'm wishing I could grow facial hair faster.  That all goes away as soon as you start shaving on a daily basis.  It REALLY goes away when you start buying your own razor blades. 

Health Facts for the day:

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.

Historical Facts(ish) for the day:

"Mustached Americans first came to the United States in chains to serve as gunsmiths, shoemakers, midget impersonators, and cattle ejaculators. But in the early 1800s, a sea change of acceptance and stature began for people of Mustached American heritage which would last until 1944, and during that period, the U.S. embraced the sexually adventuresome, round-house kick to the face, Panda bear steak eating Mustached American way of life."

                                         -American Mustache Institute

Mustached hero for the day:


Terry "Hulk" Hogan

C'mon guys, I said mustached hero.  Like there's a better choice.


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day 1 - Movember 1st, 2011 - My Mustache is born




Approximately 3 1/2" in width and showing little to no evidence of actual growth, today my "mo" began life.  In the next thirty days we shall see just what my mo is capable of doing.  Having the experience of varieties of facial hair of the years, i.e. sideburns and beards, I feel very qualified to handle the duties and responsibilities that will come with donning such a glorious mane.  

As a sales rep for Andersen Windows, on a daily basis I will get to share the growth and development of my mo with co-workers and clients.  I also have like 70 facebook friends and I'm sure they will be super stoked to follow me on here....

Check back to see it grow!