BANG! Aaaaaand the race is off! Gentlemen start pushing those upper lip hair follicles as far as they can go. Movember has officially started. And don’t forget to donate to the cause (prostate cancer, not just mustaches) and get other people to sponsor you as well.

Video by the fine women of Asylum.com, orginally posted on the AMI blog.

As you Stachist followers already know, November 1st marked the beginning of what is world-widely known as “Movember.” Where men put down their razors to let all visibly be known what it is to be Man, while raising money and awareness for prostate cancer. This year I’ve decided to join a team and participate in the only way I know how; to beg for money. For sadly, I myself cannot grow a mustache, nor can I even directly benefit from the donations of this cause, for I also lack a prostate. But hey… it’s just nice to be a part of something.

So here comes the fun interactive part for you, the readers. You will give our team money. At least that’s my hope. And in exchange I’ll be posting periodic updates throughout the month of our team member’s “growth.” A pictorial diary if you will. Sweet deal huh? Before you say no, meet the team.

The Team: Labii superioris pili eximus

translation: Excellent upper lip hair

Ryan, the Captain

Ryan cannot be satisfied with a mere still photo of himself, so he created this little charming vignette. That is why he is our captain.

See the rest of the team after the jump.

Jared aka. Jared Selleck

Self nicknamed for obvious ironic reasons, he is by far our team’s most follically challenged for reasons twofold: he doesn’t grow much hair and what he does manage is almost invisible to the naked eye due to his pigment deficiency. We even gave him a weeks head start, and this is what he looks like.

Erik

Originally Erik gave me a more recent photo of himself. Unfortunately for him, I have about 8 yearbooks worth of pictures and found this one to be more suiting. Quite frankly he looks the same… maybe even a little taller back then.

Phil aka. Jesus

He’s in a band. Therefore cannot start with a blank slate and risk losing his cool musician edge. He will just be getting harrier. If you’re in the SF area you should go check them out. (plug)

Andrew

Andrew clearly the only one out of all of us that follows the rules… as here is a true “before” shot. Not to worry, he’ll be looking like the video store creepster in no time.

Stacy & Lina, The Jock Straps.

Not really much to say here. We can’t really play, but our purpose is for athletic support.

So that’s our team. A donation would be greatly appreciated and can be done by clicking here. Either way, enjoy the show.

If you’re growing a mustache for Movember, this is a must-do. I can’t wait to check it out on Movember 30th when we’ll be able to see all the staches grow from peach fuzz to cookie dusters in a matter of seconds.

TOMS, the social-conscious purveyor of hipster footwear, is helping out the Movember cause. They’ve crafted a limited edition Movember branded shoe. It features dark brown corduroy and the Movember mustache logo.

I you’re a Mo Sista, this is a great way for you to support the fight against cancer.

It started in Australia, that upside-down land where they call mustaches “Mos.” The great part about Movember is that you’re growing your stache for charity, not for vanity, the usual reason. It’s also a great way to test the waters if you’re a little shy when it comes to facial hair.

So don’t wait any longer. Start growing your mo and donate!

So far, his team, Magical MOments has raised $2,046.33. Click the link to donate. Keep up the good work, James!

This is my favorite pick from their selection because it highlights the dual preconceptions that people have of men with ‘staches. Are they gentlemen? Are they criminals?

Whenever I have a moustache there are always two camps… those who think it makes me look like a gentleman, and those who make me think it looks like a criminal.

To be honest, it makes me look like both.

More Ts after the jump.