It's Movember: Stache for cash

Posted by Pat Bolland on November 13, 2009

I was recently interviewed for a Queen’s University student publication called Coach’s Corner (I coach women’s varsity lacrosse) in celebration of Movember ... a month to raise awareness of prostate cancer ... of which I am a survivor.

Here's the interview:

Describe your first experience growing a moustache.

I grew a beard during football season (we won the national championship that year) when I was on the Queen's cheerleading team ... I guess in part to hide my identity ... lol ... At the end of the season, I chopped it down to a Fu Manchu. Nobody liked it, so I shaved it off.
 
How long have you had your current moustache?

1987 ... shortly after my first son. I had grown a beard again, but this time trimmed it to the current handlebar. My grandmother said that it reminded her of her father and asked that I keep it for a while. She died a short time later, so I keep it in her memory.

Have your kids ever seen you without a moustache?

Not that they remember. They were pretty young. I'm almost afraid to shave it though ... a buddy shaved his, only to discover he had a curled upper lip. He grew it back right away.

What does your moustache-grooming regiment entail?

I trim it occasionally. The daily routine involves glue ... the white glue that comes in a lipstick-style container. I use it to curl the stache. I used to use moustache wax, but under hot TV lights it often drooped on one side. One hot summer day on Queen Street in Toronto I saw a punk guy, all leather and such, but also sporting a spiked tomahawk pointing straight up. I asked him what he used ... "White LePages glue ... works great and it washes-out a night"... I've never gone back.
 
Under what circumstances would you shave your moustache?

Wow ... hard to say ... it's part of my job and identity. CNBC even had it insured when I worked there. Perhaps a charity ... if they raised enough money.
 
Who's moustache do you admire?

Burt Reynolds ... it defines his smirk.

What is the best/worst comment you've received about your moustache?

It tickles ... usually from young nieces and nephews that are afraid to kiss their uncle.

Who has the better moustache -- Tom Selleck or Burt Reynolds?

Why's my name not included in the list? ... lol

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