Movember: The Story Behind the 'Stache and Why the Movement Matters

As I write this blog post it is a cold, windy, and overcast day in Marquette. A "typical" fall day as most would consider it. While many are making Halloween plans or thinking of last minute costume ideas the thing that keeps invading my thoughts is that November 1st is just a few short days away. This means that all across the world men are prepping their razors and shaving cream for that important day. The day that marks the start of Movember.

You can check out the Movember website here.

Long story short, Movember is a month of raising funds in the name of men's health. Specifically, the funds go towards prostate and testicular cancer research, and programs for men who have cancer or have survived it. The rules are extremely simple: November 1st those participating must shave their face clean, and for the next month must grow a moustache; beards and goatees do not count. We grow our 'staches because the moustache stands as a symbol of all that is man. From Clark Gable to Hulk Hogan, history has been full of moustaches that we associate with the "man's man". Cool individuals that men everywhere grew up idolizing.

Now, throughout this month some may grow a great 'stache while others struggle mightily. Yet the quality of 'stache is not really important. What matters is that you are standing in solidarity with others, making the sacrifice of your personal looks in the name of men's health. As you grow that 'stache it is a conversation piece, and the more awareness there is for this often overlooked issue the better.  As the month progresses participants share their growth journey on social media and by word of mouth and encourage people to donate to the cause. I personally have been participating for three years, with my journey starting when the issue hit close to home.

A very close friend of mine has had testicular cancer twice. His name is Brandon, and we have known each other almost our entire lives. By the grace of God he survived both battles like a champ. He remains cancer free today (Homer Simpson voice- WOOHOO!), but that's not to say he doesn't carry scars. In an attempt to lighten the mood I will put it this way: He's only got half a nut left. While it's easy to makes jokes, which we routinely do, the truth of the matter is he doesn't really know if he can ever have kids (he was told that the odds are extremely low). Also, let's not forget the emotional and mental scars that come with having cancer. The entire process takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit as you essentially have to do battle ever day. Now earlier, I said my friend survived both battles like a champ. I say this because through his perseverance and legendary sense of humor he's pushed on. I can't even begin to name all of the different organizations he has been a part of or raised money for in the fight against cancer. You can read more of his story here.

Truthfully, our relationship has had peaks and valleys over the years, and it pains me to say that while he went through his ordeal we weren't really even talking. I recall sending a few messages of encouragement, but that really was the extent of my support. It wasn't because we had any sort of issues, it was just that we were at separate colleges living separate lives. It's a fact of life that sometimes friendships drift, but it still is a regret that I carry that I wasn't there for him more. Life has funny way of coming full circle, and in the years since college my friend and I have grown close again. He even stood in my wedding! To think that cancer may have taken away the chance for him to do that or even for us to rekindle our friendship is very scary one.

Brandon and I on my wedding day.

What I've done now is used that regret and turned it into a positive, because it is the reason I participate in Movember every year right by friend's side. I've never specifically told him that, but it is my way of making up for not being a better friend during a tough time. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it and hopefully make a better future, and that's what the Movember Movement offers me.

By now you are probably thinking, "Ok, neat story, but why should Movember matter to me?" It really boils down to two main things.

The first is awareness, because the fact of the matter is there's a really good chance a man you know has dealt with cancer. You may have a story about it or you may not have even known they were dealing with it. Men aren't exactly a fan of sharing emotions or issues, especially medical ones. We usually "poo poo" everything and avoid the doctors. I know I've been guilty of it! Sadly, this leads to many men not surviving cancer, because they don't know they have it until it's too late. Movember is a great way to increase awareness and promote men regularly getting screened and being open to discussing things. 

The second reason is that men's health issues are just as important as women's. I say this in response to the "pink washing" that is the month of October. By that I mean everywhere you look for that whole month all you see is pink ribbons on everything from professional athletes to the products you purchase at stores. This is a great thing that I am in support of, but where is the love for the fellas?! It is no secret that cancer knows no age, race, or gender, so in that regard I feel very strongly that there should be just as many blue ribbons out there as pink ones.

The Movember Movement might be largest organization waving that flag, raising $22.9 million last year alone. They allocated 83% of that money towards men's health programs and research. Sadly, this pales in comparison to the $263 million that the Susan G. Komen Foundation raised last year, and that's only one of the many women's health organizations. The good news is that Movember has gained momentum every year it has been in existence. We just have to keep things going in the right direction. By we I don't mean just my fellow Mo' Bros as we are called. Women are encouraged to become Mo' Sistas as well, and no, you don't have to grow a moustache! You can raise funds, get conversations going to raise awareness, and encourage the men out there growing their 'stache for the cause. So with that, I encourage you to get out there and get involved, or if that's not your cup of tea please consider donating to the cause. Whether it is your time or your money that you donate you are helping men's health take big steps in a positive and very necessary direction. Until next time my friends...

**If you wish to donate to my Movember just click here. Thank you in advance for your support of the cause.

Yooper Food Spotlight - Pat's Bar

I have a regular lunch date with a good friend of mine. About once a month we meet at a local spot to chew the fat (pun intended) and enjoy some good food. We both are "foodies" in our own respective ways, so quality is a must when picking a locale. We always take turns who picks, and this month it was on my friend to do the honors. Normally, we toss a few ideas back and forth and see what sticks, but when we spoke last week that didn't happen. Instead he texted me two magic words, "Pat's Bar."

Pat's Bar has been a staple in Marquette practically forever. It carries with it a reputation for good food, and more notably that you aren't allowed to swear. No seriously, if you curse out loud they will ask you to leave. I was unable to come up with the year that Pat's opened in my research, but I know my father frequented the place during his college years in the early 70's. From the minute you get there it is obvious that this is a place that has stood the test of time. From the classic neon signage on top, to the old school brick architecture, Pat's Bar is vintage head to toe. Yet, this isn't done in the way that many places are doing now to try and get the "retro" look. This establishment IS the definition of retro. If anything, other places try to emulate what this place does naturally.

Photo courtesy of Pat's Bar Facebook page.

I've lived in the Marquette area for four years, and I'm almost embarrassed to say this was my first true trip to Pat's. I had been there one other time for a quick beer, but it was later at night so let's just say I wasn't exactly focused on my surroundings at the time. As we walked in the door this time and I looked around I made sure to soak it all in. At first glance I first see two middle age gentleman sitting at a table. One is of course in a flannel coat and they are deep in conversation. We make it in a little farther and I notice cribbage boards behind the bar just begging for a game of "fifteen two" to get started. The last thing I spy is an older gentlemen sitting at the bar slouching over a beer in his American Legion jacket.Vintage Yooper bar indeed!

We sat down at a high top table along the wall opposite the bar and instantly fell into our familiar banter of fantasy football and recent dealings. Suddenly, the owner/waitress/bartender yells from behind the bar, "Coke with Ice?!" My compadre replies with a quick yes. As I order myself a Sprite I can't help but be impressed that she remembers his usual order and does so with gusto.

**Sidenote: I would have ordered a beer, but were on our lunch hour during the work week.

The woman quickly brings our pops over in short mugs and brings her order pad with her. She starts in with my friend like they have been friends for 40 years. "The usual? Fried onions? You want the deluxe this time?" This retort with my friend catches me off guard, as I start having multiple thoughts all at once. Where are the menus, and how the hell does she know what he orders so well? I ask if there is a menu and she shoots me a quizzical look."First timer?" she quips as she glances back at my buddy. Before we can answer she quickly explains to me that a deluxe means lettuce, tomato, mayo on whatever burger you order. I inquire about a mushroom Swiss and get a quick reply that they don't have mushrooms and Swiss isn't an option. "You want cheese, we have American." is the answer that I am given. She mentions that I can get the usual toppings: onions, pickles, bacon, relish should I so choose. She also explains you can get fries with or without gravy (holy wah!), onion rings, cheese sticks, or poppers, which I assume are the Jalapeno variety. Based on the vast amount of info I'm given in a short period of time it is obvious that while other options are available, made to order burgers are the standard here. I have basically been guided to the promised land! I know now that the menu would be a waste of time because this place is no muss and no fuss. Things are short, sweet, and to the point. I quickly realize that this is definitely my kind of place! My friend recommends the onion rings, so I get those and order a bacon cheeseburger deluxe. Our server takes off with our order and it doesn't take long for delicious smells and the sound of sizzles to start creeping out of the small kitchen area. I have a strong feeling that patience will certainly be a virtue...

In no time flat our burgers are brought to us and we dive right in. This isn't a food blog so I will spare you that play by play, but simply put, everything about my burger was "just right". It was the same as the ordering was: simple and to the point. Most importantly, you could taste in every juicy bite that it was made with TLC. In my opinion, that's what makes places like Pat's Bar all across the UP special. Quite frankly, it's what sets them apart in an age of chain restaurants and fast food service. Mention Pat's to anyone who is from Marquette or knows the area and they all say the same thing, "Oh man their burgers are awesome!" After experiencing it for myself I'm definitely a believer! If you want a low-key meal that's high on flavor and full of Yooper heart and soul, Pat's Bar truly is a must stop.

Taste Explosion

As we were finishing our meal the bartender/server/owner stopped by and dropped off the bill. We turned it over and I was pleasantly surprised to see it was $20. You can't go wrong when an establishment has vintage prices to go with a solid vintage vibe. We got up to leave and I once again looked around and took in my surroundings. I couldn't help but feel nostalgic being in a cozy Yooper bar with great burgers. Mostly because it reminded me of another favorite spot of mine: The Woodward Bar in Kingsford. We will leave that great Yooper experience for another blog post. On our way out the door my friend asked the owner "You think he's allowed back?" in regards to me. She looked me up and down quickly, and with a grin and a chuckle said, "Sure, at least now he knows how to order." I guess for now my Yooper Man Card is safe. Until next time my friends...

The Beauty of Plaidurday, and why it's Important

Today is the first Friday of October, which marks the holiday known as Plaidurday. Started four years ago by Yooper afficinado, Bugsy Sailor, it's premise is simple: Wear plaid as a celebration of your love for it. Yet digging past the face value of this "holiday" shows the true importance of it all.

The history of plaid is a surprisingly long one, so much so that is has it's own Wikipedia page dedicated to it. While it's birth and rise to prominence belong to Scotland, it's current foothold belongs to the northern portions of North America, as well as to hipsters all around the world by way of flannel shirts, hats, backpacks, etc. Even the holiday itself is a sign of the growth of plaid. Simply check out Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and you'll see the reach that #Plaidurday has. It's the lumberjack look that is cool and appealing. Personally, I think it's because it represents a strength, endurance, and masculinity; amongst many other things. Yet for many it is simply a "look", or an image they are trying to achieve.

Yoopers or Hipsters? Photo courtesy of here

In the Upper Peninsula it is so much more than that. It is a lifestyle. You, your family, and everyone in between has been rocking that plaid as long as you've been alive. You haven't been wearing it to look cool or because it's trendy. You are wearing it because it's functional for our lifestyle. It suits the needs and day to day grind that is the Upper Peninsula. It is within that sentiment that lies the reason that Plaidurday is important. It is a great commonality of the UP and its people. We don't all like the same sports teams, we all come from different areas and backgrounds, and we for damn sure don't all have the same political ideals. But we all have that favorite flannel. The one that is weathered and oh so cozy. It shows character and carries a history from actual use, not because it came off the rack and was advertised that way. So my friends, when you wear that plaid today wear it with pride, the way your Yooper forefathers have done for decades before you. Because just as the weave of both the pattern of the plaid and the material it's on, Plaidurday weaves us all together. Cheers to the weekend everyone...