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May 31, 2007

Bears at Frameline

Sunday, June 17, 3:00 PM
Castro Theatre

Bears

Frameline31

 

Reviews from attendees of a screening of the film have come in, many of them some notable and well-respected bear-community icons:

"There is a time and place in the development of a community when the true essence and spirit of that community is captured on film. Marc Klasfeld?s new and engaging documentary BEARS does just that for the expanding Bear Community. Whether you?re a bear yourself, a bear admirer or just bear-curios this is the film you don?t want to miss in Frameline31."

 

Michael Lumpkin, Frameline Artistic Director

"The movie "BEARS" goes where no other film has gone before to capture the true essence of the fastest growing part of the Queer community.

The film is funny, touching and at times a downright scream! Director Marc Klasfeld gets it right on his depiction of Bears in their natural habitats in addition to the BIG contest finale. If this movie ever opens in West Palm Beach, I am forcing my mother and her mahjong group to see it! Hell, I'll even buy their tickets!"

Harry Lit

Castrobear Presents

Lazy Bear Weekend-founder/producer

"Marc Klasfeld's film "BEARS" blissfully captures the playfulness, sexuality, and brotherhood that uniquely binds the bear community together. As a former BOSF Board and IBR Committee member (but never a

contestant) it was a great pleasure and privilege to follow the emotionally diverse journey of six contestants to International Bear Rendezvous 2004. You may already know who wins, but you'll thoroughly enjoy seeing what it takes to win the title "International Mr. Bear!"

-- Jeffrey Glover

"I laughed, I cried, I cringed. An emotional ride to say the least!

Very entertaining and very real. And a few surprises for those that know me!"

--Dave Hayes

"Dave Hayes needs to get his own imdb credit for his last shot on camera alone. I'm not spoiling it, but it's hilarious."

-- Donovan Whitehurst

"The movie IS entertaining-it's funny, there?s some drama, and oh yeah lots of eye candy. LOTS. And hell, I'll take this film over Ms Congeniality any day of the week!"

-- Kevin Murphy


Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 04:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 29, 2007

Cigar 101

Cigar BearsWe asked, you told us . . .

What Five Cigars Should Everyone Try?

If you were asked by a novice cigar smoker this question, what five cigars would you tell them to try? What reasons would you choose those cigars?

 

Howdy, Brawny!

You ask a very good question.

I was 10 years old when I started a tobacco habit. I picked up chewin. At 11, I started pipe smokin, an 13 with cigars. Back then (early 70's) I was limited to what I could get at the PX, and later at the local drug or grocery store, when Pop retired from the Marines. I Chewed Levi Garrett (still do) smoked Borkum Riff Whiskey pipe tobacco, and Garcia Vega English Corona cigars.

At 15, I visited my first honest-to-god tobacco shop. I was treated like an adult, which impressed me. I later found out that the guys there were impressed that a high school freshman (In 1976) was interested in pipes, an NOT to smoke weed in them, as well as a good cigar or two.

I went to work there as a senior in high school. The most important thing they taught me was to ask the customer some general questions regarding their taste in food an drink, activity and current smoking habits. From these answers, you could base some recommendations, for either cigars, pipes, or both.

From there, I worked in tobacco shops off an on up to my mid thirties. That don't make me an expert, but I am strongly experienced.

For the majority of men, I usually had them start with Dominican cigars. If they didn't smoke at all, I would have them try Macanudo as one of the first. It has a tight draw / low smoke output, to not overwhelm them. Typically, nothing smaller than a 44 ring, nor shorter than 6 inches, to give them as much smoke color an coolness as possible. Others would be Partegas, Upmann, Arturo Fuente an perhaps a mild Honduran like Santa Rosa. The trick being to keep the sizes an shapes the same, to eliminate that variable.

So...

Classic Churchill sizes in standard run, not premium (unless requested) from

Macanudo
Partegas
Upmann
Arturo Fuente
Santa Rosa

From this selection, when the customer returns, find out which he enjoyed the most, and go from there.

Since the cigar boom, and my bein out of the biz for nearly ten years now, there are a myriad of new cigars that I'm not privy to.

BEAR

Cigar M4M

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May 22, 2007

A day at the beach

SunscreenThis past weekend I was in Tahoe. The dog and I wandered off the beaten path in search of a quiet spot for him to roam untethered, when we stumbled upon a nude beach. If you haven’t been to a nude beach lately, it is an interesting exercise in body acceptance.

It takes a lot to let it all hang out – literally. Initially, a self consciousness makes one very aware of one’s flaws. However, you look around, realize no one cares and then it’s just another day at the beach!!

Ultimately, it is you that needs to be comfortable in your own skin – clothed or not. Sure you might have some flaws, but who doesn’t? I am not suggesting you seek out a nude beach to build self esteem – but consider the freedom. Not caring what others think. Not worrying about covering this or hiding that. Just being you.

Oh, and if you do elect to go to the nude beach, bring sunscreen!! Trust me!!!

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May 21, 2007

Team Bear

Team BearFrom June 3-9, 2007, Team Bear is bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle . It's a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Help us support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center by giving what you can. We'll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past. . .

Want to support the Team? Have a beer!

Join the boys at The Lone Star Beer Bust on Saturday, May 26th between 3-7. Proceeds from the raffle, massage, auction, food and donor bucket go towards a donation to the AIDS Lifecycle on behalf of a Team BEAR rider in need.

Can't make the event? Then buy a T-shirt!!

The Complete Bear is offering Team Bear T-shirts designed by Frisch to support the team. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts are to support Team Bear in this year's LifeCycle.

Get Yours Today 

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May 10, 2007

Bear, Bath & Beyond


Bath Black Bear Lodge Bath Accessories for every log cabin bathroom! Capture the beauty of the great black bear and feel the mountain forest in your cabin or home bathroom.

Makes a perfect housewarming gift for the discriminating bear.

Black Bear Lodge Bath Accessories

Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 03:37 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 09, 2007

I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)


 

Toothbrush OK, we know some of the nasty places you bears have put your mouths, but . . .

We asked a bunch of our bear friends - What won't you share with your partner?

Here's what they told us . . .

  • 27% said they won't share a toothbrush
  • 20% said they won't share their credit cards
  • 18% said they won't share their Bear411 screen name
  • 12% said they won't share their last names
  • 10% said they wouldn't share deodorant
  • 6% said they won't share their car

Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 03:36 PM | | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

May 08, 2007

Bear Travel


 

For some it's a gay and lesbian campground such as Sawmill Campgrounds for others it's sailing the high seas with Lazy Bear Out To Sea.

Whatever your needs, we have the resources for you. Gay accommodations, home swaps, cruises, camping - it's all here.

Why does cruising on the Queen Mary II seem so redundant?

Bear Travel 

Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 03:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 07, 2007

Don't Tease the Bears

I was chatting with a guy online yesterday (yes, looking for love in all the wrong places. . .) who told me he would never date a bear because obviously they don't care about their bodies.

I found it amazing that in IM exchange of less than three lines or so, he was able to sum up my entire body regime. Later, I went to the gym - Gold's here in SF - pretty much Muscle Bear Central - and enjoyed all the eye candy of those silly bears that don't care about their bodies imagining them stomping the crap out of that tired online little queen.

Yup, it's the fantasies on the treadmill that keep me going - LOL!!

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May 06, 2007

Happy No Diet Day

International No Diet Day (INDD) is an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity. It is observed on May 6 each year.

Dieting represents a huge money maker to the industry, despite is high failure rate. Only 5 to 10 percent of us succeed, but we all contribute to the staggering $40 billion in revenue amassed by the weight-loss industry annually. By the year 2006, revenues are estimated to top $48 billion.

According to Bankrate’s “10 things the Diet Companies Don’t Want You to Know”: All three of the largest national weight loss chains -- Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and LA Weight Loss -- continue to make millions in revenue. In 2003, Weight Watchers' revenue was approximately $943 million, while Jenny Craig saw $280 million and LA Weight Loss climbed from revenues of $105 million in 2001 to $250 million and counting in 2003.

According to the Marketdata's John LaRosa, costs of these programs vary regionally (franchises have latitude in what they charge) and individually. On average, joining Jenny Craig will set you back between $199 and $299 initially, plus $70 per week to buy its meals. Weight Watchers charges $29 to join and between $8 and $12 per week for meetings. LA Weight Loss sells a year's program in advance and averages $575 for a full year's service. Costs could go higher, depending on how many of the company's bars and supplements you buy. Marketdata Enterprises, Inc., is an independent Tampa-based market research firm.

There is big money in making you feel bad about yourself. Advertisers have a vested interest in selling you an unobtainable ideal. Since, you can never actually reach you goal, you keep buying. Beyond the financial costs are dieting are the true costs to your health and self-esteem. One of every 11 commercials has a direct message about beauty (this isn't counting the indirect ones).

So, today get off the diet roller coaster. Stop doing that to your body. Restrictive diets deprive the body of much needed nutrients and the weight tends to come back once you resume normal eating habits.

Instead of dieting, why not vow (and what better day than “No Diet Day” to do so) to eat healthier. Most of our diets could be a little healthier (Ok, mine could be a lot healthier). Eat more green things (and I’m not talking about the moldy donut you found rolling around the backseat), drink more water, and get out there and move.

If you’re not exercising, think about a walk in the park at lunch. Take the dog to the beach or the woods – whatever is nearby (he’ll thank you, too!). Go out and buy yourself a nice pair of walking shoes, and treat yourself to a little fresh air.

Finally, most diet ads are about making us feel bad because we are not supermodels. C’mon, you’re not really buying that are you? Appreciate your body – it has done a lot of wonderful things for you. It is you – uniquely you – embrace it. Find time to pamper it. Be nice to it. Don’t deprive it!! The cliché is that it’s what’s on the insides that counts, well – I can promise you until you start to feel good about you, it won’t matter what shape you’re in.

Stop, think about all you’ve accomplished. What have you done today to make yourself proud? We’ll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.

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May 05, 2007

Acceptable Behavior

This is a repost from last year, but I thought you might like it . . . 

This past weekend was Dore Alley.  For those of you out of the area, Dore Alley is an annual leather street festival that features mild to wild, with everything in between.  My business partner recently broke her ankle and attended the event in a wheelchair – which you may be interested in knowing is about at cock level – “You might want to put some sunscreen on that . . . .”

The next day, I was driving to work listening to the radio and the local gay radio jocks were bitchin’ about Dore Alley.  “It’s stuff like that that sets back the gay movement.  Don’t they know that the media loves that kind of stuff, which hurts our chances with gay marriage . . .” According to these two (who will remain nameless), we are supposed to be respectable and passable. 

WHAT?

Ok, so I nearly drove off the road yelling at my radio (which is not as productive as you would think).   These are the types of gay men who scare me.  The whole idea of acceptance is accepting oneself for who you truly are and not being defined by the media or political agendas or simply by others.  It’s about living life on your own terms.

And to borrow heavily from the Laurel Thatcher Ulrich quote – Well-behaved gays seldom make history.  Those that could fit in have always retreated to the safety of their closets.  Let us not forget - Stonewall was a bunch of pissed off drag queens. 

So, you are going to tell me what is acceptable gay behavior?  Oh No Miss Thing – You did not go there!!  Once you start to define “the norms” by which I am supposed to live – you’ve started down a very slippery slope.  I don’t what to be acceptable; I don’t need to “pass” as straight and I surely don’t need you to tell how to act.

Am I threatening our chances for gay marriage?  Well - if I am, then I don’t want it on those terms.  “If you promise not to act gay . . .” Marriage is a right afforded to most couples in our country and I as a citizen deserve that basic right.  I am not a second class citizen, and no “straight” couple has to adhere to guidelines on what is acceptable “straight” behavior.

So, I will continue to be different.  I may be the 7 foot tall drag queen in stiletto heels and I will get media coverage - because I am fabulous and I am interesting.  Why don’t “average” folks get the media spotlight – Well, because you’re not interesting, you are average.  So, we are officially putting the gay community on notice – We will not be clones.  We will wear leather - We will be a bears - We will wear drag - We will be Dykes on Bikes - We will be tranny kids - but we will not try to pass just to fit in.

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May 04, 2007

In Celebration



Ah, domestic bliss. Sharing your life with that one true love. You know the one who slurps his morning coffee, leaves towels on the floor, and let's not even talk about the hair in the drain. It must be love, otherwise you'd kill him.

We want to hear your stories. Civil marriage, domestic partnership, whatever it's called where you live. The coming together of two souls.

Separate is never equal. We believe all couples deserve the right to publicly declare their love for one another, and all the protections that marriage affords. Click here to view the list of 1138 rights provided under marriage.

Tell us your stories, show us your pictures, and send cake!!! Damn, we love cake - LOL.

Oh yea, and by the way. I am not wearing that lime green taffeta dress with the giant bow on my ass . . . again!! It makes my butt look big!!

Celebrating Marriage 

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May 03, 2007

Bear Troubles . . .

It's been a week.  After any big bear run there is always a buzz on the message boards about what it means to be a bear.  Is it an attitude?  Is it a look?  Big? Small?  Muscles?  Chub? 

It's a volatile question with many personal interpretations.  And like any group, cliques are formed and feelings are hurt.  "The muscle bears snubbed the chubs . . ."  I am not pretending to have the magic answer for this.  It's the nature of the beast.

I do however have some unsolicited advice.  "Don't let others define you! Live life on your own terms and be the "BEAR" you want to be."  It's about being happy in your own skin and finding friends and lovers who accept you for who and what you are. 

I could lose 10 pounds, hell I could lose 20 - but if I do it's because I want to, not to strive for some other's ideal.  And for me that’s the genesis of the bear movement - being genuine!  It's not about a look, it's not about size - it's about being you.  Quirky, sometimes dysfunctional, always lovable, true to the end - YOU! 

I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favorite bears -

"No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent" -Eleanor Roosevelt

Have a great weekend,

WOOF!

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May 02, 2007

Couch Potato

 
 Somebody pass the remote

For the bear in your life who is a big TV lover. American Idol? Golden Girls, or froday Night Smack Down? It's all good.

We carry the full line of these adorable little critters. Cowpoke, Harley, Fireman - There's bound to be one to put a smile on the face of your favorite bear.

Shop Today

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May 01, 2007

And you wonder why there aren’t more bear maulings . . .

Hmm, I must have a friendly face because you wouldn’t believe the things people say to me.  They probably don’t mean any harm, but  . . .  (Hint – When speaking consider engaging brain before opening mouth).

I was at an event last night when I was approached by a guy in his late 30’s or so – I’d say 5”11 170 lbs or so.  “John said you have a bear site,” was his opening line.  We exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes, he was disappointed we didn’t make porn, and basically it was small talk until  . . .  “Isn’t being a bear just an excuse for being fat?” he asked.  The fur on the back on my neck stood straight up!!   “Excuse Me?”  “Well you know- they become bears, so they can eat whatever they want.”  Ugh, I hate small talk.

He had known me for all of 5 minutes or so and according to my new friend a) all bears are fat and lazy, b) it’s simply a matter of self control when it comes to weight and size and c) we like being critiqued by strangers at cocktail parties.  And you wonder why there aren’t more bear maulings . . .

I’m a big guy and like Oprah – I have tried every diet that has come along - Cabbage Soup, Atkins, Mediterranean, South Beach, eating meat but not swallowing – no, wait that wasn’t a diet.  I have run a marathon, I have completed 5 AIDS rides and yes – I even darken those doors of the local gym.  And, yes I am still a big guy.

Somewhere along the way, I realized this is my body.  It’s not perfect, but it’s done right by me.  Being healthy is not about measuring body fat.  It’s about acceptance and happiness.  It’s about healthy self-esteem. 

And now the bear part.  My new friend had incorrectly assumed that one decides to be a bear and then get big.  Many larger guys connect with the bear community because it’s a place of acceptance.  It’s a place to fit in and be appreciated the way you are.  Yeah, I know it’s not perfect – we don’t all get along.  We form our own cliques – just like any other group.  But in general, it’s a warm, furry community of men – big, small, hairy, whatever – who love and support one another.

Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 12:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)