Day 5: Cheat Day

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts - Albert Einstein.

Like a diet everyone gets a cheat day - Bloggers included.  Today is my cheat day and there is going to be nothing of substance posted.

Have a good weekend everyone!

My Bro. Mo.

** Picture up sometime today**

Beard is in full force today.  It is almost to the soft stage and I am a few days away from the appearance of the mo.  Stay tuned - same blog time, same blog channel.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Albert Einstein - the smartest man ever to sport a lip rug.  Look at that hair!  I guess when you're one of the smartest men on the planet you can look like whatever you want because people will still listen to you.

What can we learn from Albert Einstein?  Smart guys wear sport a mo.  Be a genius.  Donate today.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Day 4: Laugh It Up

Today is Friday... You should laugh on Friday.

I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death. What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch and you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities. You become a little baby, you go back into the womb, spend your last nine months floating... and you finish off as an orgasm. - George Carlin

I truly believe the poets of modern day are comedians.  They may not get the accolades of Shakespeare or talk in prose with romantic words most high school students don't understand; but, comedians do understand human emotion.

When fighting prostate cancer one of the treatment options is chemotherapy.  This painful procedure can take weeks or months to show progress and finally irradiate any cancer.  During this time peoples bodies go through intense punishment and ones will to fight the disease will often be tested.  A simple way to keep your spirits up is to smile, laugh, and momentarily escape from your situation.  The quote above perfectly describes the way we should all be able to live our lives and for moments when we listen to someone like George Carline we do.

For everything comedians do for us.  I salute you funny men and women.

My Bro. Mo.

The morning came way to quickly today. I was up late last night after having got home from volleyball at 10:30 and then staying up to watch the Oilers win their 6th in a row. My 5 o'clock shadow is in full force and by tomorrow my beard will be long enough to not be sharp any more.  I'm going to sport the beard for a few days to get some good girth before the mustache makes its debut.  I'm still open to suggestions, right now the only vote on the board is for handle bars.  I'm not sure how good my connectors are going to be but I may give it a shot.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Richard Pryor who passed away in  2005 after a long battle with heart disease.  He is best known as a standup comedian, social critic and actor... although his quality of acting wasn't always the best (have you seen Superman 3? do your self a favor and don't) his spirit was never in doubt.  Richard was known for pushing the limits of creed and color in his stand up and he often used very vulgar language.  Despite this he could make anyone of any race laugh, all while sporting one of the best French Dusters Hollywood has every seen.

What can we learn from Richard Pryor? Funny men wear mustaches.  After we have a few beers we all think we're funny.  Grow a mo.  Be a bro.  Donate today.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Day 3: A Bridge Over The River Mo

It is quite understandable; it's a very natural reaction. But one day - in a week, a month, a year - on that day when, God willing, we all return to our homes again, you're going to feel very proud of what you have achieved here in the face of great adversity. What you have done should be, and I think will be, an example to all our countrymen, soldier and civilian alike. You have survived with honor - that, and more - here in the wilderness. You have turned defeat into victory. I congratulate you. Well done.
- Alec Guinness as Colonel Nicholson - Bridge Over The River Kawi, 1957

For those who don't have a father who is obsessed with World War II movies or have never lost their channel changer while their TV is suck on the History Channel; the Bridge Over The River Kawi is a movie of grand proportion.  It follows the story of British POWs in WWII who have been ordered by their captors to build a bridge over the River Kawi so a railroad supply line could be complete between Burma and Siam.  Under the direction of Colonel Nicholson the construction of the bridge becomes a symbol of pride for the POWs to display British resiliency.  In the climax of the movie the bridge comes toppling down and the POWs are freed by allied forces.

The Handlebars, Magnums, Dirty Burts, and Mario mustaches we are all growing this month are much like the bridge the British Forces Built in WWII.  They are symbols, nothing more, nothing less, and when they reach their climax they will be wiped off our faces but what they represent will not be forgotten.  Hope, support, pride, and comradery amongst men.

November may be prostate cancer awareness month but it should not be treated as the only month of the year where prostate health is a priority.  Clinics across North America are busy with patients because of what Movember stands for but it is important to remember you do not need to get tested in November.  Consult with your family doctor as to when your annual physical exam should occur.  The important thing is you go get checked. Period.  If you have been following my blog and you've taken the quiz and you feel your at risk now, then go now, if not consult with your physician and develop an annual health plan.


My Bro. Mo.

The 5 o'clock shadow is in full force today.  I really hate this stage of facial hair growth.  It's short, stubbly and irritating around my neck.  I'm going to let it grow until I have a full beard and then I'll shave in my bro. mo.  I'm going to consult with a few members of the fairer sex as to what type of stash would look the best, if you have any suggestions please comment below.

Happy growing everyone.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Alec Guinness in 1957 in the Bridge Over The River Kwai.  For you young bucks out there, he is better known as the original Obi-Wan Kenobi from episodes IV-VI of Star Wars Saga.  Alec had the force with him long before the 1977 movie was ever released.  What was the source of his force powers?  You guessed it. THE STASH.  Check out that beautifully maintained "business man" mustache!  If he managed that in a POW camp, imagine what you can do with a mirror.

What can we learn from Alec Guinness?  The key to obtaining Jedi powers is to grow a stash.  Be a Jedi.  Grow a mo. Donate today.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Day 2: Wavin' Your Banner All Over The Place

Buddy you're a young man, hard man
Shoutin' in the street, gonna take on the world some day
You got blood on yo' face
Y' big disgrace
Waivin' your banner all over the place
We Will, We Will, Rock you!

We Will Rock You - by Brian May, Performed by Queen in 1977

Today is day 2 of Movember and fairly soon there will be Mo banners waiving loud and proud all across North America; the goal is to rock prostate cancer into extinction.  Thank you to the anonymous person who donated $100 yesterday.  It was probably my mother, if it wasn't my mother and mom you are reading this, you now need to put up at least $100 to match this kind person.

Yesterday I talked about who is at risk to contract prostate cancer.  Today we are going to talk about what The PSA test the medical community uses as early detection and what you can expect from the test.  I think one of the biggest fears we all face is walking into a doctors office with no idea of what is about to happen to us.  I hope to shed some light on the experience.

Besides the dreaded rectal exam which forces us to drop our drawers and swallow our pride *cough... and cough again*, the most common test is the PSA blood test (prostate specific antigen).  PSA is an antigen which is found in the blood stream that is produced by the prostate.  PSA is always in the blood and will be produced at various levels depending on the health of ones prostate. The PSA test tells doctors when patients have higher then normal levels of PSA in their blood, which does not necessarily mean he has cancer, men who have a prostate infection or non-cancerous growth may also have high levels of PSA.  Blood is drawn from the patient and sent to a lab for screening.

So how accurate is this test?
 For every 100 men over age 50, with no symptoms, who have the PSA test :

• 10 will have a higher than normal level of PSA. These men must then go through other tests and examinations. At the end of these tests :
• Three of the men with a higher than normal PSA level will be found to have prostate cancer
• Seven of the men with a higher than normal PSA level will be found not to have prostate cancer at the time of screening.

If you do not have a family doctor and would like to book a PSA test please contact the BC Cancer Agency and they can further point you in the right direction.  On the Island call toll free: 1-800-670-3322

My Bro. Mo.

Day two and I have nothing to report.  I think I may have shaved a bit to close around my neck and my dress shirt is a bit irritating today.  5 o'clock shadow is coming in nicely.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Freddy Mercury, he was the lead singer Queen from 1969 to 1991 at which time he ultimately died from bronchopneumonia brought on by AIDS.  Past this classic cookie duster mustache some of the greatest rock operas the world has ever heard have been performed... The Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Fat Bottom Girls and We Are The Champions are all timeless pieces of rock and roll history.

What can we learn from Mr. Mercury?  Musical Legends Love Mo's.  I know you've rocked out to some Queen on Rock Band.  Be a living legend.  Donate today.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Day 1: Gentlemen, Start Your MOtors!

Gentlemen, Start your MOtors!!!

These are almost the most famous words in motorsports and are spoken at the majority of race tracks across the world every Sunday.  The fight with prostate cancer is nothing like the 2 hour race you see at your local short track on a Saturday night; rather, the fight with prostate cancer is like competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 24 Hour race through the French country side is punishing and for all of those involved can bring out emotions of anger, joy, exhaustion, disappointment, happiness and jubilation.  All of these emotions can be experienced in the process of finishing the race.  Those best prepared and equipped have a chance at victory and those who win the 24 hour marathon forever have their name engraved in history.

The fight against prostate cancer is much like the fight to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans and those diagnosed with the disease will experience all of the same emotions race teams and drivers do within that 24 hour period.  Those best prepared will win the race and those best prepared to fight prostate cancer will have a greater chance at beating the disease and winning their own personal race.  Those who conquer the disease do not have their name's engraved in history, just in the hearts and minds of the loved ones they get to see for another day.

Knowing who is at risk of developing prostate cancer is the first step of preparation.  There are a variety of factors which can contribute to the disease which are controllable such as diet and weight, while other factors such as age, ethnicity, and family history are out of your control.

• Family history has a great deal to do with your risk of developing the disease. 10-15% of men with prostate cancer also have family history of the disease and those whose family's have this trend are more likely to develop the condition before the age of 55.
• Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 40, 80% of men diagnosed are age 65 and older; 90% of men in this age group dying from the disease.  As a result early detection is very important as the disease is curable if diagnosed at the right state. - Book your yearly physical ASAP and go get checked out.

Want to know if you are at risk?  Take the Risk Asssessment Quiz Here - The quiz is provided by Prostate Cancer Canada, for more information visit http://www.prostatecancer.ca/.

My Bro. Mo.

I started the day with a clean shave.  I had been growing a beard throughout the weekend to make sure I got the cleanest shave possible this morning.  I prefer the classic Mach 3 Razor, why do I need 4 blades of death to cut my face when 3 will do the job just as well!

I managed to knick myself shaving this morning despite my best efforts.  Shaving when you're 1/2 awake at 6:45am is never a good idea, take it from me kids.  Shave Safe - Shave Awake.  Happy growing everyone!

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember


Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Richard Petty aka The King.  Between 1960-1984 he recorded 200 wins in what is now NASCAR's premier series, the Sprint Cup.  Petty was fearless on the racetrack and a fierce competitor.  The King recorded an impressive 27 wins in 1967 which he attributed to Dodge's dedication and preparation in the fall of 1966 to provide him with the best possible equipment for him to succeed.  He is also known for his cowboy hat and classic Texas Longhorn stash.  While his teeth might not be real, the stash is.  What can we learn from the King?

Champions Wear Mustaches long after their teeth are gone. The way to win a race is to have the best preparation and equipment possible.  Be prepared.  Get your equipment checked.

Donation Link Now Live!http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Mo-Eve - 'Twas the Night Before Movember. T mius 1 Day.

'Twas the night before Movember,
And all across the land,
Eager faces waited for that hand,
A razor so sharp, for one last shave,
A month of Mo's, prostates to save.

Tomorrow marks the start of Movember.  Often lost in the shuffle of manly Mo's, sweet handle bars, and french gentlemen is the reason why we are sporting such wonderful face rugs.  It is a badge of support for our brothers in arms in the fight against prostate cancer.

I would like to give a shout out to the Prostate Cancer Canada Network.  For those who have not heard of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network it is Canada's largest single organization dedicated to supporting those with prostate cancer.  The network is comprised of 70 support groups coast to coast.  These groups provide peer meetings, educational events and outreach programs to community health fairs.

Education is the main goal of the PCCN with the overwhelming desire to help educate men about the need for early detection and provide support who have been diagnosed.  Members of the PCCN do not provide medical advise but freely share their personal experiences and battles with the disease to let those currently fighting that they are not alone - we are all on their team.

Do yourself a favor and click on over to the PCCN website http://www.prostatecancer.ca/ for more information. Tune in tomorrow for information about who is at risk to develop prostate cancer.

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Glenn Anderson in the fall of 1981, about 15 days before he made his NHL debut.   He was 21 years old when this picture was taken; that was back at a time when men were men and NHL rookies could actually grow facial hair (see Sidney Crosby's attempt at a playoff beard).  He would go on to score more then 1,099 points and rack up 1120 penalty minuets in his Hall of Fame career.  Glenn sportted his stash for more then a decade and he didn't do it because "it was the trendy thing to do", no he instead wore his mo like a badge of honor all the way to 6 Stanley Cups.   He was hard nosed and stuck up for his teammates and wouldn't back down from a fight. What lesson can we learn from this?

CHAMPIONS WEAR MO's.  Be a teammate.  Be a champion.  Donate today.

Donation Link Now Live!
http://mobro.co/KageDoesMovember

Mo-season is upon us and mustache rides are free!

Tuesday marks the start of Movember.  Every man, woman, university student, and awkward prepubescent teenager's favorite time of year.  This is the one month of the year you can grow a dirty mustache and not only is it socially acceptable but it is encouraged because it is a fundraiser for a great cause.  Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 7 men in Canada; about 26,000 are diagnosed with the disease every year, let's raise some money to help make it history.

I'll be using this blog to document my first Movember experience and daily updates of my mo.  Yes, you read that right, even if you're not in Victoria you'll get to see my stash from birth it's ultimate demise by a Mach 3 razor on December 1st.  I've never sported a stash before so this is uncharted territory for my upper lip.

Through out the month I'll be sharing information about how prostate cancer has affected my family, the latest research, and the mustache of the day.  I will post a link to my online donation site shortly with the goal of raising $500.  That's about ~$15 per day so open your wallets people!

Famous Bro. Mo. Of The Day

This is Rollie Fingers - he may have the most famous ever stash to step on the diamond in the MLB.  In the spring of 1972 Oakland Athletics owner Charles Finley, who would do anything to sell tickets, offered a $300 bonus ($1550 in today's dollars) to the player on the team that could grow the best mo.  Rollie accepted and dominated this challenge much like he did major league baseball in 70s and 80s.  Not only did Rollie have the best mo. in baseball but his list of personal  accomplishments is longer then those beautiful curls: AL MVP, Cy Young winner, World Series MVP, 3x World Series Champion, and first relief pitcher to be introduced into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

For everything you've done for the world of mustaches and baseball, I salute you.