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January 30, 2008

Small Town Gay Bar

 Small Town Gay Bar
Recently, there have been many editorials of the demise of the need for “a gay bar” in our urban centers.  Do we need to segregate ourselves?  Why not simply congregate whenever, wherever with whomever we please?  This is a luxury our rural brethren don’t have.  And “Small Town Gay Bar” reminds of those we left behind as we fled for gay Meccas like San Francisco and NY.  The film chronicles their struggles to carve out a place where they can “be themselves.”
 
If you ever needed a reminder of why we fight so hard for equal rights, a trip to Deep South provides constant reminder of the cruelty, ridicule, and even violence faced by gay men and women who simply want to live a honest and open life.  And for many, the only chance to do so is the local gay bar.  Local being a relative term as many travel far and wide to find an outlet of acceptance in the midst of the Bible Belt.
 
It is in these small towns that a true LGBT community is created.  It’s not about bear bars, it’s not about lesbian bars – it’s about “the bar.”   The only game in town or in the county or . . .
 
Drag queens mix with dykes who mix truckers who mix with . . .  and they get along, because each understands what it’s like to be alone in a small town.   They put their differences aside to create a “safe” place, a community, a family.
 
The film opens with the song “You Gotta Move” played over images of a small town gay bar.  One has to wonder if this is the message for those in the film.  What we never get is why they stay.  Is it the rural lifestyle?  Is it a connection to their birthplace and family?  We just don’t know.
 
Overall, Small Town Gay Bar provides a slice of the community not often viewed.  It is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. 
 
 

January 26, 2008

BRRR


 It's cold out there . . .


Whether you're freezing your butt in Sheboygan or shoveling snow in Buffalo - it's cold out there!

Softer and warmer than fleece, these unique throws are made from an innovative fabric twenty years in the making. Called Microplush®, this hi-tech pile fabric is knitted with a very fine denier acrylic fiber making it light, soft and comfortable to touch. Machine washable, Microplush® is naturally water resistant, colorfast and stain, odor and mildew resistant. Denali Microplush® throws are said to "feel like a hug".

Denali's fine acrylic MicroPlush bedding is machine washable and made in the USA. Denali uses a 60" center of patterned fabric with coordinating solid color drops on each side. Our bedspreads are then backed in a coordinating solid fabric.

What a wonderful way to end your day...in the warmth of Denali bedding.


Well that and a fuzzy husbear!
 

Denali Throws 

January 25, 2008

Doom and Gloom

Feeling a little down? You’re not alone. According to MSNBC.com, a British psychologist has determined this is the most depressing time of the year. He has derived a calculation that determined January 24th is the worst of the worst.

The model is: [W + (D-d)] x TQ/M x NA

The equation is broken down into seven variables: (W) weather, (D) debt, (d) monthly salary, (T) time since Christmas, (Q) time since failed quit attempt, (M) low motivational levels and (NA) the need to take action.

In my mind, the January Effect is a combination of broken resolutions and a post-holiday letdown.

Ok, so we understand the depressing effect of January 24th. Let’s explore the factors:

Post Holiday – For many of us, holidays are a tough time. Parties, dinners, holiday treats – and the result? Expanding waistlines. We also got to spend quality time with your family. Nice to see mom can still push all our buttons. And, now the Visa bills are showing up. Great!

Resolutions – if you’re like most folks, your resolutions have already been broken. Ugh! Personally, I had planned to get so much done during a traditionally quiet period between Christmas and New Year’s. Guess what? It didn’t happen. I had such high hopes, but it isn't going as planned.

Ok, so we’ve identified why this time of the year is tough – now, what? First of all, realize you are not alone. It’s a tough time of the year!! Secondly, the magic about a new year is you have a fresh slate. You can’t change what happened in 2007, at least not without a little revisionist history. So look forward.

What do you want to accomplish in 2008? Are these goals realistic? What are the plans to achieve them? What changes need to implemented? Struggling? Maybe consider a personal coach or support group. Get outside your routine. Talk to others, and listen to what they have to say. Talk to your friends and ask them what they like about you. You’ll be surprised. You can build on your strengths and work on the challenges.


Oh yeah, and if you are reading this – you’ve survived the most depressing day of the year!

January 24, 2008

Kendall - Bear on the Run

Kendall

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?

 

KendallYes, 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!

January 23, 2008

RustySpot Design

 

RustySpot Design

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

 

January 22, 2008

BearWatch 9

Bearwatch 9
UH-TEN-HUT - Recruits for BearWatch 9!

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!

January 21, 2008

Dining at Great American Lodges

Dining at Great American Lodges
Dining at Great American Lodges includes full-flavored recipes from lodge chefs, luscious food photography, and photos of each lodge. Home cooks will enjoy making Roast Duck Breast from Lake Placid Lodge, Roasted Beet Salad from Sundance, and Marionberry Crisp from Timberline Lodge. Quotes about the beauty of nature by Thoreau, John Muir, and Teddy Roosevelt will inspire hearts and imaginations.

On the companion music CD, instrumentalists of the Big Sky Ensemble blend bluegrass, country, western swing, slack key, and jazz. Inspired by traditional American songs, their music is a cross-country journey to enjoy while cooking, dining, and relaxing at home.
 

January 20, 2008

Setting Goals

“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 . . .

January 18, 2008

Bearapalooza Nation

Bearapalooza Nation brings Gay Bear identified performers across the country

Bearapalooza Nation 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! 

January 15, 2008

JUST THE FACTS

by Buzzed Beef

Greetings Bears!  This week's blog is gonna about as long as a mini-skirt:  long enough to cover everything, but short enough to be interesting.
 
My schedule is such now that I only four afternoons free to get all my workouts done...so, I am having to get a lot done in 4 days.  And that is just what I did this past weekend.  Friday was devoted to just legs.  On Saturday I worked my back.  Sunday gave my shoulders a great pump, and Monday took care of my chest and arms.  I may have to tweak this as bit as the weeks go along, but I like the routine. 
 
I threw myself into it heartily as well---no panty-wasting, no namby-pamby light weight bullshit.  True, I haven't lifted much in a couple months, but my muscles haven't wasted to nothing.  It was time to get back down to business and I did:  heavy weights and moderate reps.  It felt great and my arms and shoulders and back feel tighter than they have in months.  This bear's journey is back on track.
 
I'd like to use the rest of this blog to answer Vince from the London Bears Movie Club.  Vince was kind enough to contact me regarding my request in last week's blog.   Vince, thank you for your comments and kind words.  I must tell you that I don't know if I can call myself a boxing bear anymore.  I actually gave up the boxing lessons several months ago due primarily to economics and scheduling, and secondarily due to an uncomfortable confrontation with one of the trainers at the boxing gym.  I miss it....it was simply one of the greatest cardio workouts I have ever had in my life.  I'd like to take it up again (I do think I look pretty good in the boxing gloves).  I've heard they've opened a second gym location here in the city that is more centrally located.  Perhaps a second chance is in order.   I hope your boxing workouts are going well, Vince, keep up the great work.

 
Until next time,
 
 
 
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)
 

 

January 13, 2008

I give up coffee – Casualty report at 10

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!

January 12, 2008

Leather Party Supplies

Leather Party Pack 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.

 

 

January 10, 2008

Is this normal?

 

Hot & Heavy 

 

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.
 

Send your questions to Hot & Heavy

January 09, 2008

GRINDSTONES

by Buzzed Beef

Greetings bears!!  Welcome to BuzzedBeef's first blog of 2008.  The holidays are over.  My tree and decorations have been taken down and stored.  My holiday vacation is over and my regular work schedule resumes....back to the grindstone, so to speak.
 
I start off the year with some unsettling, but not hopeless news.  Since mid-October (when I started working two jobs) I have gained some weight back---20 lbs to be exact.  I'm disappointed but not discouraged.  I gotta take the thorns with the roses.  The positive news is I have already begun my steps to get that 20 pounds off again and go even further.  I've spoken with two different trainers and they have given me some basic recommendations regarding exercise and diet.  I've decided to hire one of them to train me starting later this month.  He is a different trainer from the one I used before.  I have nothing against my old trainer and I thoroughly adore and respect him.  But sometimes a bear needs a second opinion, a fresh perspective.  So I have decided to give this trainer a try and see what he can do for me.
 
On the exercise front, this past week has been focused on cardio work:  Forty (40) minutes of fast walking on a treadmill set at a 10-degree angle (trainer recommendation).  I wanna get the blood pumping and the juices flowing and start ridding my body of all the rich and sugary damage I did to it over the holidays.  As I saunter into the first full week of 2008, I will be incorporating weight work as well.
 
Before I wrap up this week's blog, I have some questions for you.  What would you (any of you) like to read about in these blogs?  Are you enjoying just reading about my exercise and diet regimens?  Would you like to know more personal stuff--more feelings and thoughts?  Please help me design my blog to better inform and entertain you.  Contact Mike at The Complete Bear via email feedback and he will forward your thoughts and suggestions to me...I look forward to hearing from you.
 

Until next time,
 
 
 
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)

 

 

January 08, 2008

10 Tips for Better Health

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.

 

“Someday your face will freeze like that . . .”   

January 05, 2008

So You Wanna be a Porn Star?

Recently, I sat down with the founders of CyberBears – Ken Slater and Mike Zillion.  I asked them for their tips for becoming a porn star.  (No honey – I'm not considering a career change).  Here's what they told me -

Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Porn Stars

  1. The Internet is Forever – If you don't want it out there, don't film it and don't post it on the Net.  Think Paris Hilton (Not that her sex tape hurt her career).  Make sure you really want to do this - it may have an impact on you future political career – think "wide stance."
  2. Brutal Honesty – Ask 3 of your friends - you now the ones that are oh so brutally honest (did someone same bitchy?).  They'll be happy to offer an opinion on your career move.  Better to hear it from loving (?) bears, than from some producer.
  3. Don't Be Shy? –If Mr. Happy is camera shy, this is not the career move for you.  But if you were the main rides at last year's Bear Pride, and feel comfortable with your body, your sexuality, whatever. . .  Bring It, You Stud Muffin You! 
  4. Own It – Power Bottom?  Pig?  Daddy? French Maid?  Ok, maybe not the French Maid – though I'm sure there is a studio for that kind of thing.  Whatever you like and excel at, go for it.  This is about you and having fun.  Who cares what others think . . .
  5. Practice, Practice, Practice – You really don't want your first orgy scene to as the cameras are rolling.   If you're gonna do it on camera, make sure you're good at it.  No one likes surprises.
  6. Don't bite off more than you can chew – Like we said in #4, you might want to try this at home first.  Yea, we know your costar is hot – but Mr. Meat of Death isn't gonna be that hot, if he can't hit his mark. 
  7. Not that again – Mix it up a little bit, put those Julliard skills to work.  We've all seen the suck, lick, stick repeat video – yawn!  If you have a special skill – what are you waiting for?
  8. Honey, Guess What? – Maybe husbear shouldn't find out about your new career at the release party. 
  9. Play Safe – Yes, Mr. Bear Stud is hot, but you don't where he's been.  Better yet, we know where you've been – you little pig you.  If you use it, wrap it up!
  10. Just Say No – If you're not comfortable with something – just say no.

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!!

January 04, 2008

2007 Best of the Bears

Your votes are in . . .

These are the best of the bears for 2007!

 

Best Bear Website – www.Bearciti.com 

 

Best Bear Blog – Got Fur?

 

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

 

January 02, 2008

Soft balls?

Can I be the towel boy? 

 

Sweaty woofy bears in jock straps swingin big bats - bear porn?  Nope.  It's softball! 

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.

Most teams came and went as soon as the season was over.  Not until recently has there been a stable presence in the CMSA Summer Softball League.  
 Bears Softball is now a leader in not only CMSA, but also in the gay community at large. 
 
Bears Softball Chicago is committed to providing an atmosphere where a player can come out and enjoy a day out at the park with friends and family.
 
Win or Lose they always have fun.
 

Bear Cookin'

Bear Cookin' by PJ Gray

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.

 

BOOKs/DVDs