We're checking in with an early check out today. It's actually a vacation day, and we're taking dead aim at a golf course in a little while, but there was too much fun content to fully slack off. So we leave you with an update on the RandBall/Pavano Mustache Growing Contest (to cure nothing but bare upper lips). Rocket e-mailed a few days ago to say he's growing a fast and furious mid-face banner, but there is no visual evidence. He claims he is going to win the contest, and that "the prize better be good" or some such thing. Lip service at this point. All we know is some people are actually sending in photos of their progress. That photo is from reader Aaron. It's a shot of his friend Clayton. Aaron sets the scene:

Attached are some pictures of my Pavano-esque compadre, Clayton. The pictures with the hot dog trophy come from our Hot Dog Derby competition, which takes place on Baseball Day. Baseball Day is a made-up holiday/excuse for us to drink all day and celebrate baseball's mystique, culture and traditions. As you can see, Clayton won the competition. He also shaved his beard into a Pavano-esque mustache before we tapped the keg at 7 a.m. This all happened last Saturday when Pavano threw his one-hour 52-minute masterpiece. He wishes Carl was more of a dirty blonde but is honored to continue rocking it at work. I nominate Clayton into your beloved competition.

Have you ever imagined there was a baby, and Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer and Carl Pavano were the fathers? That's Clayton.

In any event, keep the mustaches growing and the pictures coming. There are still nearly four full weeks of growth ahead.