Armchair Diplomat » Sweet Movember Rain (or "For What It's Worf")

Sweet Movember Rain (or "For What It's Worf")

Written on November 1, 2009 by Matt

Well it’s that time of the year again, folks. Yes, it’s November, or as it’s been better known for the last five years or so in Australia: ‘Movember. Movember is a very special time where men from all walks of life band together to raise money for men’s health. How? By growing themselves a bad-ass moustache.

Now traditionally I’ve never been fantastic at acquiring facial hirsuitness, by over the past few years (you know, that special time in a man’s life when he reaches the tender mid-twenties) my stubble has become more and more prominent. So where as in previous years I may have heartily cheated by beginning to grow my mo’ in June and sculpting the results in October, this year we’re going the whole hog.

Or perhaps I might say the whole Boqrat, because to make up for my previous lack of honour, soup-strainer-wise, my moustache this year will be modelled on none other than everyone’s favourite short-tempered Chief of Security: Lieutenant Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here’s what we’re working with:

It's going to go from bad to Worf

As of today, I’ve shaved off my usual “because it’s easier than shaving” facial accoutrement, leaving my chin chilly and upper lip bereft of honour. From here, I’m going to be growing a traditional “reverse Hitler” or “catfish” style moustache, which is to say something quite akin to Worf’s set-up only without the snazzy goatee (and pointy forehead).

My ugly mug will be updated every couple of days in the sidebar to show off any progress I’m making, in what we’re dubbing: Movember: From Bad To Worf. Alternate names included: Klingon For Dear Life, Stroll Along The Worf, Always Darkest Before The Dorn and Facial Hair Before Hegh’bat.

What’s the point of all this? Well the entire idea for Movember was cooked up here in our home town of Melbourne. Here’s a snip from the “About” page:

The idea for Movember came about in 2003 when a few mates were having a beer in a small bar in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Inspired by the women’s health movement, it was recognized that men were lacking a way to engage and actively involve themselves in their own health. During a conversation about fashion and past trends, the idea came up to bring the moustache back for one month, and in doing so, have some fun, raise a small amount of money and hopefully encourage men to talk about their health with each other.

You can read more about Movember over on the official site, but suffice to say that I’m simply looking to raise awareness of the event, and hopefully get a few people to donate during the month. All donations from Movember go towards men’s health organisations around the world, so if you do have a few spare dollars I’d urge you to donate.

Apart from that, it’s just damn good fun, ain’t it?

Check for updates throughout the month in Armchair Diplomat’s sidebar to see just how the mo’ growing is going! And here are some official Movember links: