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It's cold out there . . .
Whether you're freezing your butt in Sheboygan or shoveling snow in Buffalo - it's cold out there!
Well that and a fuzzy husbear!
The Complete Bear: 2007 Best of the Bears – Bear Performer. Congratulations!
Kendall: Thanks. I am really flattered that people like what I do. There are so many people doing great things, it’s an honor to be out there working with them.
The Complete Bear: You were part of last year’s Bears on the Run tour. How was that?
Kendall: It was an amazing experience. We played 13 venues over three weeks.
The Complete Bear: How did the tour come together?
Kendall: A bunch of us were at Bearpalooza and thought “Gee, we should take this on the road!” Really, Shannon O’Grady and Mathew Temple did all the heavy lifting. Mathew temple is amazing. We call him Dad on the tour; he is a mesmerizing folk artist. This year we will be back with a slightly shorter tour of 9-10 venues wrapping up with a benefit concert for Bear Café NYC. And there’s a Bears on the Run CD on the way. I don’t want to give too much away, but Bobaloo sings. LOGO is co-sponsoring the next leg of the Bears on the Run tour and will be running commercials for the tour.
The Complete Bear: Speaking of LOGO, tell us about Bears.
Kendall: I wrote Bears and immediately thought there has to be a video. So, I gathered a few of my bear friends and next thing you know it’s a youtube phenomenon. One of the producers over at LOGO saw it, (he’s a bear BTW) and they wanted to run it. It will premiere on LOGO this week on NewNowNext. I can’t believe it.
The Complete Bear: And is there a Mr. Bear at home?
Kendall: Yes, my partner Tim. We’ve been together eleven years.
The Complete Bear: And what does he think of all this?
Kendall: He’s the down to earth one. He always asks “Are you making money?”
The Complete Bear: What does he think of your touring?
Kendall: He’s just calls and asks me when I’m coming home to cuddle.
The Complete Bear: Aww, so what’s next?
Kendall: There will be a new CD this year, hopefully LOGO loves Bears and we do more with them
The Complete Bear: We look forward to it. We’ll say we knew you before LOGO!
One of the great things about The Complete Bear is all the cool folks we get to me. Scott was introduced to me by Harry Lit of Lazy Bear. Scott is responsible for many of the graphics and ad copy you see here. Prices are reasonable, turn around is amazing and he always is happy to help.
If you are looking for the ultimate professional for your graphic needs tell em SF Brawny Bear sent you.
Scott is a graphic designer and desk top publishing professional, as well as the editor/designer and co-owner/publisher of 100% Beef Magazine.
Scott is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the Bear Business Directory.

The Corps has done an outstanding job this year readying the barracks, mess hall, and shore leave for all you hot bears, chasers, cubs, admirers, and anyone else who likes a man in uniform!
The Inn at the Waterpark in Galveston, Texas will be affectionately dubbed Fort Booty. The hotel rate is the same as last year ($89.95/night) and they are taking reservations now!
New this year is the Groove Bar - our new host bar. It promises to be even better than before - with more free time to meet a soldier or four to take back to your bunk.
The pool will be open for business on Friday night and you'll be able to take your own drinks Friday and Saturday nights. Oh...and there'll be a soldier manning the hospitality suite where you can pick up a drink, watch a few minutes (or more) of some grade A adult movie entertainment, and who knows, maybe even torpedo a Rear Admiral, if you are lucky!
Of course, we'll do our best to fatten you up with breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.
On Saturday afternoon, we're off to the beach for a little RnR where you can see all those scantily-clad furry men, bathing in the sun and having a drink or nine.
Come on down to Galveston and show us your Booty, May 16-18, 2008.
This ain't yo' daddy's Army!
“He went about his dull routine, as if all the days of the world were still to come . . .”
Mitch Albom, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"
I am guessing that anyone who has made it to their 40th year has at least once in their life time wondered where the time went. Over the holidays, I was talking with a relative and realized we were talking about things that had occurred 30 years ago. How can that be when I don’t feel a day over . . .
If you are like me you have a laundry list of things you will do when you have a few free moments. The problem is there never is time and all of a sudden – well, time has slipped away. Remember those 10 pounds you were going to lose? Well, now they are 30. Remember when you were going to quit smoking? That’s back when cigarettes cost a $1.75 a pack and you swore you would never spend $2.00 a pack.
I don’t mean to be harsh, so please forgive my directness – but, you’re not getting any younger. What are you waiting for?
Many of us dream of better lives, but figure there is always tomorrow. How many of us have made the same resolutions – year in and year out – only to promise ourselves to do better next year?
“This is the year that I . . .”
How do you want to finish that sentence? In order to achieve that goal, you need to take action, what is it? Let’s talk about your goal:
• What you want and why? - Many of us grumble we want things to be better. This vague notion has no concrete meaning, thus how can we possibly move towards it. Instead decide what you want (the goal) and why you want it (if it’s not personal it won’t motivate you).
• Set a measurable, obtainable goal – A very common resolution is “I want to lose weight.” Without a measurable objective, it’s a wish not a goal. A clearly defined objective allows us to plan for its success.
• Develop an action plan – You’ve set your goal, now how do you get there? An action plan is a roadmap: it helps us turn our dreams into a reality.
• Set a deadline – Not unlike the vague goal of losing weight, without a deadline there is nothing pushing us towards our goal. Set a time frame to accomplish your action plan in stages. Reassess your goal on a weekly basis.
• Bite size steps – If you are having trouble accomplishing any goals by the specified time frames, are the time frames too strict or is the goal not at a small and manageable level?
• Don’t give up – Acknowledge that you will have successes and failures in achieving any worthwhile goal. It is in our nature to oppose change. If you fall off the proverbial horse, dust yourself off and climb right back on. Remember it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Be patient with yourself.
• Keep track of what (and how well) you've done - Always keep track of what the group has actually done. If the community change (a new program or policy) took significant time or resources, it's also a good idea to evaluate what you have done, either formally or informally.
• Celebrate a job well done! Celebrate your accomplishments; you have worked hard, and you deserve it. Celebration helps keep you excited and interested in continuing.
Change is possible, but only if you personally want it. Understand, change means giving up our old ways, way in which we’ve grown accustomed. But as we close doors to our old self, we open doors to a wonderful new life . . .
6 years ago, singer-songwriter Freddy Freeman put together a concert of musicians and performers of the Bear community, and called it Bearapalooza. Since that first show in 2002 in New York City, Bearapalooza has grown into a national musical celebration of ursine brotherhood, with successful music festivals in New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Nashville, and Florida. After six years and twelve festivals showcasing the incredible talents of Bear artists like Yolanda, Max Christopher, Tommy Johns, Kendall, The Future Villain Band, Bigg Nugg, Nekked, Charlie Brown, the Bootlickers, Elijah Black, Martin Swinger, Bobaloo, Andy Northrup, Freddy Freeman, Dave Montana and many others, the magic continues as we plan to celebrate the music, the family, the history and the phenomenon that is, Bearapalooza! Founder Freddy Freeman and co-producer Michael West once again are taking this celebrated concert event nationwide in 2008. With shows all around the Country, an upcoming feature in "A-Bears-Life" magazine, a documentary film in the works, and much more, it looks like 2008 will be the year of Bearapalooza Nation.
First up is The Bearapalooza Roadtrip, which will take this truly home-grown festival of independent bear entertainers across the northeast May 1-10th. A group of Bearapalooza artists are piling in a van, heading to the Northeast and joining local artists along the way for 8 exciting shows! Bearapalooza will be a featured part of two wildly popular Bear events, which is the best way to see Bearapalooza and get a full bear event experience all at once! Bearapalooza will be at Bear Trek - International Bear Jamboree", in Rye NY with the Bearapalooza Brunch on May 4th; and a joint event in Philadelphia as part of the Liberty Bears' Bears on Liberty weekend and the Liberty Gay Rodeo Associations' Liberty Stampede on May 9th. Bearapalooza will also be producing independent concerts in Boston, New York City, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Raleigh. This exciting trip will feature, Bigg Nugg, Charlie K. Brown, Don Harvey, Gordon Michaels, Freddy Freeman, Kendall, Martin Swinger, Max Christopher, Michael West & Derek Flodin, Grady Challis; Nekked, Roger Mapes (formerly Yolanda), Swin Dunbar & many more. (Check their schedule on their website for lineups and venues in each location.) 2008 will also see a new Bearapalooza event at The Timberfell Lodge; Tennessee's Premier Private Men's Resort & Campground in March and of course their big annual show in Bearapalooza's Hometown of Nashville, Tennessee as part of the Music City Bears' Bear Jam. Shows are also in the planning stages for Los Angeles, Seattle and West Virginia for 2008.
Founder Freddy Freeman says "Bearapalooza has something to offer everyone whether you are a bear or not, because we celebrate diversity, positive body image, and positive attitudes about gender. Plus the music is top notch quality work by amazing artists crossing all genre lines. I am proud to once again be showcasing these talented artists and celebrating this diverse community" Be a part of the Bearapalooza Nation. You can learn all about the individual shows at their new and improved website www.bearapalooza.com featuring a photo history, video, artist links and much more!
by Buzzed Beef
I decided to give up coffee. I had been toying with the idea for several months, as my stomach was not happy. I have tried several times and the headaches always drove me back. This time I decided was going to be different. And I am happy to report there have been no casualties . . . yet!
Having made up my mind, I engaged the services of a hypnotist that had cured a friend of mine of his Starbucks addiction. The process is about convincing my sub-conscious it doesn’t really want coffee. Yes, yes it does!! I am happy to say I no longer crave coffee, nor do I cluck like a chicken. I hope!
The first few days were typical. I would get a headache mod afternoon and have no energy. Surprisingly, despite these symptoms – I didn’t crave coffee. But something was definitely missing. My routine had been messed with. My day typically stated with the dog and me stopping at our local coffee shop for a cup and a muffin. That was gone. So was the banter with the woman who served me coffee every morning for the last three years.
Around 10 am every morning, Liza and I would go venture out to the local Starbucks. By 10, we had put out any fires from the night before and waded through a plethora of emails for Viagra and people wanting to send of money from foreign countries. It was an interlude before we ventured into meetings, conference calls and such. It gave the dogs a stretch and us a chance to regale in the previous night’s adventures. Try as we might, going for hot water and lemon just isn’t the same.
About a week or so into the caffeine free lifestyle, it happened - A crappy day. Nothing dramatic, just a blah, grumpy kind of day. It was the end of the day, I was running errands and I walked past a coffee shop. God, I wanted a coffee. So, I stopped and thought about it. I wasn’t craving coffee actually. I was craving comfort. Coffee was one of my comfort foods - Coffee, cream, sugar (ok. a lot of sugar) and cinnamon. I resisted the urge and moved on begrudgingly.
As I think about failed attempts at trying to live a healthier life these two factors have been huge obstacles – comfort and routine. When I am not happy, I want to eat something – usually sweet, usually carbs. Often, filling a need with a chocolate croissant. I live a somewhat urban existence whereby my life and routines revolve around social interactions and food. The morning trip to the coffee shop to exchange pleasantries and chat up the neighbors. Business meetings over coffee and danish. Lunches at the local pub that serves the best french fries. Dinners out with a cocktail or two.
Until we figure out why we do what we do, we will never be able to confront our habits. So if you want to adopt healthier habits, you have to consider what needs are being met by the old habit. Don’t underestimate the strength of the needs. If they are not addressed, the old habit will worm its way back into your routine. Be conscious of your needs and be mindful of how you choose to meet them. Take control.
But, just as I have adjusted to the absence of coffee, I can still make healthier choices in my routines. Is it easy? Oh, heck no! Do I feel better? Yes, I rode out the headaches and my stomach is much happier. And surprisingly, I haven’t killed anyone!
Maybe, the Hello Kitty plates left over from your last birthday doesn't quite send the message you were hoping for.
Wanna butch it up a bit? Check out the leather themed party accesories.
Now, if someone could just tell us how to get lube out of the carpet. Sigh.
Hot: Well lookie here, we’ve got a question from one of our reader’s. And, go figure he has signed it anonymous. Hmmmm, “Come Out, Come Out – wherever you are. . .”
Heavy: Be nice and read the question already.
Hot: Just like a man in such a hurry, have you ever heard of foreplay?
Heavy: Foreplay? Yea, that’s the part where I beg, right?
Hot: Pretty much, well moving on . . . Our secret writer asks, “My husbear likes to suck my toes, is that normal?” Hmmmm, NO! And for the record, he needs to travel a lot further north if he’s gonna rev the engines, if you know what I mean.
Heavy: Wow, Dr. Ruth – you are not. Our reader’s husbear has a little foot fetish, we like to call “shrimping.” Please, no Bubba Gump jokes. Shrimping is when one enjoys sucking the toes of his/her partner. Feet are very sensitive and ticklish. This can be some light hearted fun. Think “this little piggy went to market…” May you go wee-wee all the way home.
Hot: Wee-wee, oh that's another column to itself.
by Buzzed Beef
10 Tips for Better Health
We are constantly bombarded with mixed messages. Don’t eat carbs. Eat good carbs, not bad carbs, huh? Mediterranean versus South Beach versus Sheboygan? 30 minutes twice a week versus 90 minutes a day. No wonder we are confused. Want to be healthier?, then listen to your mother.
Here are 10 tips she taught us that actually are good for you. Mother knows best.
1. “Eat it, it's good for you.” - Listen to your mother and eat breakfast every morning. People who eat breakfast regularly are 5 times less likely to put on weight.
2. “How do you know you don't like it, if you haven't tasted it?” – Remember to add fish to your diet. The omega 3's found in cold water fish can cut your risk of heart disease and decrease symptoms of depression.
3. “I can't believe you can sleep in this filth!" - Get plenty of rest. People who sleep less than 7 hours a night on average are 2½ times more likely to die prematurely.
4. “You can say just about anything about anyone, as long as you "bless their heart" somewhere in the sentence.” -Remembering those social skills come in handy when meeting new friends. Elderly people who are more involved in communal activities live longer and have less medical problems.
5. "If you're going kill each other, do it outside” - Get outdoors and experience nature. It raises brain serotonin (the feel-good hormone). It’s easy, start with a daily walk.
6. “Don't put that in your mouth, you don't know where it's been.” – Brush your teeth and floss already. Studies have shown that practicing good dental hygiene can add 6.4 years to your life.
7. “You WILL eat it, and you WILL like it!" - Eat your vegetables, your mother was right, again - bless her soul (or heart!). Fruits and vegetables are chock full of good things - fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Remember fiber keeps things moving.
8. “Why didn’t you go before we left the house?”- Another of life’s mysteries. Remember peeing is good, so drink lots of water. For every ounce of coffee or soda pop you consume, ½ ounce of water is siphoned from your tissues.
9. “Why? Because I said so, that's why!” - Need to think about the logic of that one? Maybe a little meditation is in order. Take time for quiet reflection and prayer-- it is shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
10. “A little soap & water never killed anybody.” - Wash your hands. Yup, we are channeling mom, again. By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated surfaces, or from animals and animal waste. One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus.
Basically, it boils down to listening to your mother. See she really was looking out for your best interest. Now, if we could only figure out how she always knew when we were making that face.
Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Porn Stars
These helpful tips should launch your way to Cyber Stardom. And we can say we knew you when you were just an unknown little cub!!
Best Bear Website – www.Bearciti.com
Best Bear Nonfiction Book - The Bear Book
Best Bear Fiction Book - Bear Like Me
Best Bear Podcast - Bearpodcast
Best Bear Porn Site - Bear Films
Best Bear Video – Bearforce 1
Best Bear Porn Star – Jack Radcliffe
Best Bear Business - The Complete Bear
Best Bear Celebrity – Richard Karn (Al Borland of Home Improvement)
Best Bear Club/Organization – BEARS OF SAN FRANCISCO
Best Bear Run - International Bear Rendezvous
Best Bear Bar - Lone Star Saloon
Best Bear Fundraiser – Lazy Bear Weekend
Best Bear Campsite - Hillside Campgrounds
Best Bear Accommodations – The Desert Bear, Palm Springs
Best Bear Publication – TIED - 100% Beef/A Bear’s Life
Best Bear Play Party - Steamworks' Bears Bath and Beyond
Best Bear Resource – www.resourcesforbears.com
Best Bear Artist - Bearfighter
Best Bear Performer – Kendall
Can I be the towel boy?
Bears Softball Chicago is proud to announce the formation of a the BEAR CUBS SOFTBALL TEAM.
The Bear Cubs will be entered into the Chicago MSA Open D2 Division Summer Softball League for 2008.

BEAR COOKIN': THE ORIGINAL GUIDE TO BEAR COMFORT FOODS takes a good-natured approach to good eating, presenting home-style recipes with a lighthearted touch. Aimed at bears and their admirers, this book presents convenient and satisfying recipes for anyone who likes to cook-and eat!
From lip-smacking snacks to belt-loosening main courses, BEAR COOKIN' focuses on comfort foods collected from family and friends of the co-authors, P.J. GRAY and STANLEY HUNTER.