Hey...remember that guy who safely landed the disabled jetliner in New York's Hudson River back in January?  Chesley Sullenberger  is his name (affectionately known as "Sully") and his calm demeanor is accentuated with his neatly groomed white mustache.

Well, that 'stache has put the hero pilot among 18 finalists for the American Mustache Institute's top honours this year....and their "Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year."  It's a  tongue-in-cheek St. Louis-based institute.  The winner will be selected through an online vote and announced at the "'Stache Bash" on Oct. 30.

While I've neglected to put a razor to my face for a a few days at a time while camping, I've never grown a mustache myself.  But, maybe we should pause for a moment today, and recognize some of the Dandiest Dusters of All Time!  Pencil Lines....and Walrus styles - - we salute them all.  Here's my list of faves.  Please feel free to add more:

Best Music Mustachio:  The cover of the Beatles "Sgt. Peppers" album comes to mind.  John Oates (of Hall and Oates) has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for his grooming efforts.  Can't forget Sonny Bono and Jim Croce.  But, I'll have to go with the late Freddie Mercury of Queen in this category.

Best Hockey Mustache : Hey, Sidney Crosby -  sorry kid, that little fine line above your upper lip at play-off time just doesn't hit the mark.  I'll give honourable mentions to Wendall Clark, Eddie Shack and Harold Snepts...but the clear-cut winner has to be Lanny McDonald.

Best Baseball Handlebars:  Who could forget Oakland A's ace Rollie Fingers back in the mid-70's. That wax'n'curl job would make former Peterborough councillor Paul Crough green with envy.

Best Sports Reporter Soup Strainer:  Gino Reda (circa 90's) and Jim VanHorne...both of TSN. It's a tie.  They'll have to share the award in the office.

Best Movie Star Stache: Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds...maybe.  But, great-grandma always had a thing for Charlie Chaplin.

What Is The Best Mustache Grown By A TV Game Show Host:  I'll take Alex Trebek for $100.

Best Political Duster:  Dangerous territory for an aspiring politician (given the reputations of say...Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein)...but Jack Layton goes where few politicians have gone before...and sports the 'stache.