Ursofelik - El Abrazo del Oso
We has a chance to chat with the artist know as Ursofelik. He is the artist behind the new El Abrazo del Oso line. The artist works and lives on Monterrey, Mexico.
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February 29, 2008
February 28, 2008
Bears at home
OK, I am not saying you routine is predictable, but there’s more mystery to a Golden Girls episode.
You and husbear have been together for what? A few months? Years? Eternity? You may have been once catted like Blanche, but now you are starting to sound a lot more like Dorothy and Sophia.
We asked our readers for tips they had for keeping their relationships fresh – here’s what they told us:
After 25 years together, having buried his parents, gone through step children problems and illnesses, and being a 30 year age difference, its not so much about being fresh as its being supportive, caring and honest.
As for the relationship, it takes work, but he is my best friend. I would rather spend the evening at home or out with him that with anyone else. I think this is the key to any successful relationship.
Three years together, adding a few more bears into our colony once in a while doesn't hurt at all, just play safe.
Try things neither of you have done before....go do it together...it'll help you learn more about each other which may help other areas too:)
Duh, manscaping! Shave that back into the state of Florida baby! LOL
Random acts of kindness . . .
February 26, 2008
TBRU 13 – “CIRQUE DES OURS”
This year, the Dallas Bears are preparing for the thirteenth TEXAS BEAR ROUND UP – CIRCUS OF THE BEARS. The bears expect to welcome over 850 participants. As in previous years, guests come from nearly all 50 states as well as Asia, Europe and South America to attend this great event from March 20-23, 2008. Registered attendees enjoy a wide array of events and activities scheduled for their participation. For more info visit www.tbru.org
TBRU is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country and its success over the years has allowed The Dallas Bears to return over $200,000 to local gay and lesbian charities.
2008 TBRU 13 major beneficiaries include:
- AIDS Interfaith Network who provides services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and offers support to the people who care for them.
- AIDS Services of Dallas provides housing, health, meals and transportation to people with HIV/AIDS
- Youth First Texas is the only nonprofit organization in Dallas exclusively committed to providing services to GLBT youth through age 22.
February 25, 2008
I'm a man, dammit!
"There's something inherently virile and masculine about growing a beard. It kind of evokes a mountain climber, an explorer, a warrior. I'm a man, dammit, and I'm not going to be coiffed, and I'm not putting on moisturizer, and I don't need toner and exfoliant and all that crap..."
GQ STYLE EDITOR ADAM RAPOPORT ON THE CURRENT POPULARITY OF BEARDS, CHICAGO TRIBUNE | 2.17.08
Hmm, sounds like a bear to me!
February 23, 2008
Bear Business Directory
Your trusted source for businesses and services recommended by bears. When compiling the Bear Business Directory, we only include businesses which have been personally recommended to us. We talk to bears, go to runs, surf community websites and bear publications to bring you the very best.
These are not paid inclusions, these aren’t paid for listings. These are bear businesses run by bears supporting bear causes. And, they appreciate your business.
Know a good bear business? Tell us. Visited one of these businesses? We’d love to get your feedback.
WOOF!
February 22, 2008
Bearly Edible
Bearly Edible is a recipe, entertaining and kitchen tips blog. The explosion of blogs and social networking sites has taken the internet to a new dimension over the past few years. It only seemed fitting that there be a community for gay bearish men who love to cook and entertain. The contributors of this site identify themselves as members and friends of the bear community.
We sat down with the man behind Bearly Edible – Chef Tom.
February 21, 2008
A Bear in the Garden
Bear Stonecast Planter
The nature of the stone has a number of advantages, it has the appearance of carved stone at a fraction of the cost, and it ages much like natural stone, developing a rich patina quite rapidly.
He'll be a welcome addition to your garden.
February 20, 2008
BEAR RUNS AND NOSE RUNS
by Buzzed Beef
Greetings Bears! I haven't much to say this week as last week was spent mostly in bed fighting off a horrible cold. I don't get sick very often, but when I do, I make up for lost time.
I used every bit of available energy I had to just make it to work and back. Thus, I did not engage in any gym exercise last week---not one single weight was lifted--not one foot was walked on the treadmill.
Being sick also put a major hitch in my IBR plans--they were all canceled. By Saturday, I did feel well enough and had enough energy to trek up to the host hotel and check out the vendor fair. I was there 15 minutes and went home. I saw some lovely merchandise and said hello to a few friends. And THAT was my involvement in IBR 2008.
I've still got a tiny bit of cold lingering and nagging me---just some sniffles and a little tickle at the back of my throat (insert innuendo there). I find I am still a bit winded at times and too much exertion gives me a terrible coughing fit. Hopefully, I'll kick this and be back on the treadmill by the end of the week.
Until next time,
February 19, 2008
2008 International Bear Rendezvous Titleholders
February 18, 2008
The morning after . . .
Well, another IBR has come and gone. The bears came, they played, they shopped the Vendor Maul and Kathy Griffin made us laugh.
Where to begin? First and foremost, a big ole bear hug to Rich, Jim, Cody, Chuck, Mark, Pookie and all the wonderful BOSF Bears who worked day and night to make sure we all had a great time. Only 363 days until the next one.
IBR (or any bear run for that matter) is about connecting with friends and meeting a few folks that we only know from long distance chatter to finally put a face to the screen name. Despite chatting and working with a lot of folks in the bear community, sometimes it’s only online or on phone. This weekend, I had a chance to finally meet Nard of Bearpodcast, Joey Manetti, Brent Marr of Brent Marr Art, Ron Brundige – Mr San Diego Bear and many more.
It’s also a chance to catch up with friends. NoelBear has a new video on YouTube. Harry of Castro Bear Presents and Sweat was working hard for a merit badge, or was he just working a Boy Scout or two? There was Bingo with the Sisters, naughtiness at Bears, Bath & Beyond. And I think they threw in a little contest thingy (more on that later).
And then there was Ms. Griffin. She toured the Vendor Maul with a complete entourage. Jessica, Tiffany and Tom were in tow. Tom was a little disappointed he was not sufficiently lusted after. “Sorry Tom, there were a lot of hot furry men in SF this weekend that sort of had us distracted . . .” Kathy left the Maul with plenty of Bear Porn and lube.
As the limo rolled up to the Castro Theatre – the line was around the block, down the alley all the way up to Starbears – this was a sold out show. We were treated to a video montage of Kathy’s career – who knew? She took the stage and the bears couldn’t have been happier. And she worked it. She even managed to squeeze Celine and Liza into act. She was pulling out the big ole furry gay cards!!
So a bunch bears came together, had a party, took in a show, ate Dim Sum and came together as one. Pretty cool, eh?
February 16, 2008
Bound in Ink
Robert Harmon aka JrBear is the artist known as Bound in Ink. His work was been featured at Bear Albany last November. Another show coming up in April 2008 with the Liberty Bears. He'll be displaying 20-25 pieces. He primarily works in Pen and Ink but, lately has been experimenting with splashes of color with water colors and acrylics.
February 14, 2008
Looking for Love
A Guide to Online Dating
“Oh, l'amour, l'amour, how it can let you down . . .” The Countess DeLave in the screen classic “The Women” knew the piercing pain of Cupid’s arrows. And she never had to deal with Internet chat rooms and online personals. She had it easy. So what, if Crystal stole her third husband? It was worth the look on Crystal’s face when she found out that the cowboy’s money belonged to the Countess.
Today, many of us find that the quest for that special someone seems to feel the old country/western tune “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places.” In the old days, we met one another at church socials or through personal introductions.
Now, we meet folks via online personals, chat rooms and message boards. The Internet appears to be here to stay. Many people have found it a good way to meet people, but you have to be careful.
Dating Sites
There are many dating sites out there. Some are for everyone and some are just for large people. Do some research to see which one will best meet your needs. . If you know someone who has used one of these sites, ask for a recommendation. Many offer free memberships, but often encourage you to upgrade to a paid membership. The advantages of doing this will vary by website. Sometimes the upgraded membership will allow you more services or put your name at the top of someone’s search list.
Your Privacy
Many sites offer the ability to have an anonymous email address. If someone wants to contact you, they email your anonymous email address and the response is either sent to you or you are notified that a message is waiting in your mailbox.
Your Profile
Here is your chance to describe who you are and who you want. Do a little soul searching and answer the questions honestly. Many services have very specific questions for you to answer (or not answer if you choose). You also often will have a chance to write short (or long) answers on certain topics. Spend some time on this to make sure you are giving a true picture of yourself. It is up to you to decide if you want to include a photo. If you do not want to post one for the world to see, you might want to have a nice digital one to send to someone you are considering meeting.
The Search
Often you can search by a variety of factors. Consider how large a search area you want. If you choose a larger search area, you will get more hits but you may have to travel more than you want. If you are looking for an email only relationship, then you can use a much larger search area. Give some thought to what is most important to you and define your search using those criteria. If astrological sign is important, then by all means search by that. Be careful not to limit yourself too much. You might be surprised at what comes up.
The Contact
If you find a profile that is interesting, by all means send them a message. Don’t be disappointed if they don’t respond or respond to say they have a partner or aren’t interested. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince (or princess).
The First Meeting
After a few email interactions, you may decide to meet in real time (and in real person). Use some common sense. Meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop. Arrange a short first meeting so if the chemistry is not there, then you haven’t given up a lot of your day. This is another advantage to the coffee date. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. A useful tool is to have someone call you on your cell phone during the date. If the date is not going well, you can use this as an excuse to leave early.
Use your common sense to on how to go forward. Different people will have different time lines for the next and following dates.
Be Careful
As with anything else on the Internet, you have to be careful. The anonymity of the Web lends itself to scams. Don’t be a victim. Use common sense when online, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember a few basic guidelines:
- NEVER send money to people you have met online.
- Be very suspicious of anyone of starts talking about money, when you’ve only chatted with on the Internet.
- Never give anyone personal financial information bank account numbers, social security number, credit card information, driver’s license, home address or phone number.
- When placing a personal ad, consider using a free email account. This protects your own email account and personal information.
- Think very carefully before arranging a meeting. Always meet in a neutral, public place. Tell a friend or family member where you are going, how long you will be and when to expect to hear back from you.
Happy Valentine's Day
February 13, 2008
Bitter Ball
Ugh, with Valentine’s Day looming and all your coupled friends planning sweet nothings, are you feeling a little bitter? C’mon – admit it – just a tad?
Good, now relish it. I’m not suggesting wallow in it, but once a year (how about the Day before V-Day?) just let it all out. Think of all the things you can do that your “coupled” friends can’t. Eat cereal on the couch while watching Golden Girls? Let a variety of gases escape your body without apology. Stay up late watching bad Lifetime movies, again.
And, let’s not forget those potential mates. . . OMG – does he ever shut up? Doesn’t he know Aramis died in the 80’s? Don’t forget - 500 feet – it’s in the restraining order! Does he really still live with his mother? And my all time favorite – Dialing Drunk. You know when your ex gets the urge to call you after a pitcher of Margarita’s to express his/her undying love.
So gather a few friends tonight, go out heave a little fun, dish the dirt on all your “married” friends and just cut loose.
Now, don’t you feel better you got that out of your system?
Good, now relish it. I’m not suggesting wallow in it, but once a year (how about the Day before V-Day?) just let it all out. Think of all the things you can do that your “coupled” friends can’t. Eat cereal on the couch while watching Golden Girls? Let a variety of gases escape your body without apology. Stay up late watching bad Lifetime movies, again.
And, let’s not forget those potential mates. . . OMG – does he ever shut up? Doesn’t he know Aramis died in the 80’s? Don’t forget - 500 feet – it’s in the restraining order! Does he really still live with his mother? And my all time favorite – Dialing Drunk. You know when your ex gets the urge to call you after a pitcher of Margarita’s to express his/her undying love.
So gather a few friends tonight, go out heave a little fun, dish the dirt on all your “married” friends and just cut loose.
Now, don’t you feel better you got that out of your system?
February 12, 2008
Getting Buff for IBR
by Buzzed Beef
Greetings Bears!
I don't know about yall, but this bear is buckling down in the weight room this week. For in four days, thousands of bears will descend upon San Francisco for (what in my opinion is) the big mama of all bear events. While I personally will not be attending or participating in most of the weekend's events (I prefer to leave it to the out-of-towners), I do want to put my best pec...er, foot forward. For me, part of my quest for fitness includes exuding self-confidence and self-esteem. I also want a great follow-up to last week's incredible workout.
For the time being, I am focusing on compound movements that work the entire muscle group I am training on any particular day. I am currently working out on a 4-day split schedule:
- Monday - Cardio, Chest, Abs
- Tuesday - Cardio, Back, Abs
- Wednesday - OFF
- Thursday - Cardio, Legs, Abs
- Friday - Cardio, Arms, Abs
Over the next four weeks, I am going to devote each week's article to one of my training days to give you a full review of what happened that day. I'm considering keeping a running stats tally once a month with body weight and measurements and so forth so you can follow along with my progress.
For those of you in attendance this weekend, be sure to stop by the vendor fair at the host hotel and visit The Complete Bear's booth. Mike is going to be offering some great merchandise to help complete your den or something for that special bear in your life. Have a great time and be safe.
Until next time,
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)
February 11, 2008
Lazy Bear
The Complete Bear is honored to be chosen as the official outlet for Lazy Bear merchandise. 100% of the proceeds from Lazy Bear merchandise goes to the Lazy Bear Fund.Lazy Bear Weekend, founded in 1995 (the Lazy Bear Fund was officially founded in 2005), is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping and supporting a diversity of outreach and educational programs which benefit our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community.
The Lazy Bear Fund is committed to raising much-needed funds for these programs through a variety of fun, inclusive and spirited events geared towards celebrating our brotherhood and unity. LBW challenges participants and the bear to take responsibility to help those most in need while keeping the "fun" in fundraising.
February 10, 2008
IBR 2008 - Bears on Patrol
IBR 2008: Bears On Patrol - Bears in Uniform celebrates just that- police, fireman, army, etc.
And now for some updates:
Your IBR package includes non-showtime access to FOUR draft beers in our hospitality suite Friday to Sunday. A 40% bigger Bear Den (lounge area) open to 4 AM Fri-Sun !
There are tons of guys signed up for all of our optional activities, and although some things have sold out, we still have room at:
- Beach Blanket Babylon (get tickets at HQ)
- Bears Bath and Beyond (walk-up at event)
- Golden Gate Experience(pay bus wrangler outside hotel)
- Blow Buddies (pay at event)
- Crusin' the Castro Historic Tour: meet outside hotel at 9AM, pay on tour
Here's some highlights:
Thursday:
IBR's Welcome Fuzz Ball, sponsored by A Bear's Life: Enjoy complimentary draft beer, snacks and h'orderves as you meet new and established friends. Stevo and the staff from A Bear's Life will be
doing a one-night-only subscription special, which gets you a raffle ticket to some GREAT prizes like mountain bikes and items from LOGO TV network!! At 5:45 IBR will do it's first live-auction (of eight!): A morning live on the air on Energy 92.7 FM! At 6pm, the lights will go down and the BEARatones will perform their wonderful songs for you.
Check out their new website: www.bearatones.com . Then there's the raffle drawings and more fun, and then time for the BOSF Annual membership meeting. At 7:30 we start pre-registration and will-call for "An Evening With Kathy Griffin", and then you can enjoy the Welcome Fuzz Ball, or prepare for FOUR different IBR Partner welcome parties!:
- Lone Star Welcome Party
- Eagle Tavern Welcome Party with "BEHR", the Whoa Nellies, and FutureVillain Band
- Dirty Hearts and Broken Wings: Viva La Basket
- Bearracuda's Underbear Patrol Party
And our IBR shuttle buses can take you to them all safely and without having to pay for taxi's. When you're done for the night, our Bear Den will be waiting for you and open until 4AM !
Friday:
- Bears's Bath and Beyond- An even bigger response this year, DJ Jeb Edwards and rolling bus service!
- Golden Gate Park/ De Young Museum- Explore one of the best parks in the US, with tons to see, and/or the De Young Museum
- B'EROS- Enjoy our first year at this wonderful spa
- Jail House Rock Bingo- The biggest-planned Bingo ever, with an Iphone and an Itouch as some of the raffle prizes, and we will do IBR LIVE
AUCTION 2
- Pantheon jock strap model auction, and the Sisters are going to rock the house with this one !!
- SWEAT 1: Castrobear Presents' first of three Partner dance events, atthe famous EndUp.
- Kandy 3: SugarKRASH: KuMa SF's hot party, presenting Tiffany !!! Busesrun till 4AM for this event!
- The IBR Contestant Introduction- At the Eagle Tavern
- Bearfilms.com's screening room- Accessible through the HospitalitySuite, and including your favorite stars!
- Cyberbears.com's screening room- Enjoy Cyberbear's debut at IBR!
Saturday:
- Cruisin' the Castro Tour- See the brand-new retro signage of the Castro Theatre and businesses as "MILK" finishes filming in the Castro. Get a wonderful historic tour you won't forget.
- Squares for Bears: Enjoy this fun community group and get your dancingfeet on!
- Eagle Tavern Beer Bust- can you say FUN? Meet the contestants as theyget on their knees for a good cause !
- Dinner and Show- Featuring Mark Alan Smith ! And 2 more live auctions!
- Midnight Madness: "An Evening With Kathy Griffin"- BOSF presents KathyGriffin in a one-night sold-out show at the Castro Theatre, filmed forher Emmy Award-winning "My Life on the D List"
- BEARRACUDA: DJ Rotten Robbie, and three floors of fun !
- SWEAT 2: SWEAT after Kathy: The official Saturday night Bear/Muscle Bear dance !
Sunday:
- Dim Sum gobble- Need I say more? Back at the spacious Canton restaurant. Enjoy !!
- Beach Blanket Babylon- 30+ years and a must-see show!
- Play Party- The guys at Blow Buddies throw on another great afternooner
- PLAY T-dance- Susan Morbito spins for a wonderful Partner dance event!
- Eagle Tavern Beer Bust- The Sisters are hosting a terrific beer bust, and come see Bearfilm.com's America's Next Top Bear Model !
- SWEAT 3- A great way to end the weekend, dancing your butt off with theofficial closing night dance party of IBR !
- International Mr. Bear Competition- Who will win the titles- come andfind out, as we also recognize our service award winners, and areentertained by the famous San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' LollipopGuild.
- And THREE more live auctions!!
Did we mention there are over $12,000 face-value in live auctions this year? That's right. Trips to Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, and packages for the Four Seasons Hotel Spa, Lazy Bear, Kathy Griffin tickets,Russian River B&B, and a chartered private boat cuise for 6 !! You can see more details on our website under "Auction", and place a proxy bid starting Friday at the IBR HQ/Store.
All of the Committee, Sponsors, Partners, Vendors, Holiday Inn Golden Gateway and IBR optional event staff, are looking forward to welcoming you for a weekend that we hope you'll enjoy and remember for a long time. And our IBR Beneficiaries thank you for your generosity by supporting IBR and making their mission statement dreams come true. We'll see you in just a week and if you're coming from afar we hope your journey is a safe one!
February 08, 2008
Muriel's Wedding
Some movies you can just watch over and over. Muriel's Wedding is such a film.
This is the story of a ‘battler.” "Battler" is an emotionally charged Australian term, referring to someone (usually, but not exclusively, of the working class) who struggles continually and with great perseverance against heavy odds. Such is the life of Muriel (Toni Collette of "Connie & Carla") and thus begins her escape from small town Porpoise Spit and its dull, dreary existence to the fairy tale wedding of her dreams. Ah, but do fairy tales come true?
This movie is moving, funny, dark, sad and ultimately redeeming. But then life can be quite complicated. It is not until Muriel's search for self-esteem through getting married starts to collapse, that a true sense of her self-worth begins to emerge.
My favorite scene is where one of the "pretty" girls is amazed that Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) would pick the ever plain and chubby Muriel over the former beauty queen and her coven. This results in perhaps one of the best movie lines ever - Tania's hoarse and affronted shriek of "But, I'm beautiful . . ."
In a world where it seems pretty girls get whatever they want, Muriel learns the truth and discovers herself along the way. She finds her own strength and beauty from within. And for all you closeted “Dancing Queens” there is a special ABBA tribute you won’t want to miss.
Goodbye, Porpoise Spit!
February 07, 2008
Happy New Year
Chinese New Year 4706 starts with the New Moon on February 7th and ends on the full moon 15 days later. This is a very superstitious time of the year. Many believe that whatever you do on the first day of the year will dictate the year's fortune.
In other traditions, by this time in the year, most resolutions - made on December 31 - have been subtly forgotten. However, all hope is not lost, as there's a second chance to start afresh with the celebration of Chinese New Year.
So, you have been granted a second chance. While most of your family and friends have long since forgotten their healthy goals, you have a fresh start. How will you use it? Is this the year you start a new walking program? How about an apple a day?, or orange?, or something green on your plate?
Scientific studies have shown that routinely including fruits and vegetables - which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals - along with exercise can promote better health and reduce cancer risks.
Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends.
The Complete Bear wishes you much peace and happiness in the New Year. . .
February 05, 2008
Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras, the festival New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for. "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday.
Fat Tuesday always occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday. The parties and parades will continue until Lent begins at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday.
Fat Tuesday is something of a "last call" before the expected reflection and abstinence of the Christian Lenten season. Lent is the forty day period leading up to Easter.
Now, where can I get some beads?
February 04, 2008
Where's the Beef?
by Buzzed Beef
WHERE'S THE......BUZZEDBEEF?
Greetings Bears! After a self-imposed hiatus, BuzzedBeef is back to bore you with more of my fitness saga: cardio, weights, diet, cardio, weights, diet, cardio.......actually, I'm very excited about some recent changes and developments and would like to share those with you.
Waxing eloquent in my last two blogs, I vowed to make 2008 an incomparable year for me in my fitness goals. Pretty words, yes, but the reality had quickly begun to fail my expectations, primarily due to scheduling. Thus, I had to make a difficult decision and leave one of my jobs. I'm back to working one job and chose to stay with the gym. The gym is where I want to be and the gym can help me reach my goals. The job I left is a fine job with a great employer; however, it had become much too much of a source of stress for me, so I had to let it go. Almost immediately, (the same day in fact) my energy levels lifted and I found myself jazzed to hit the gym hard. I hadn't realized how stressful the other job had become, how tired and beat-down I was from it.
As a result, I now have LOADS of time to workout and I am taking advantage of it to the full. I am now working out each day after I get off work. I start with 40 minutes on the treadmill, then I move into my weight training. I am following this routine on advice from a personal trainer. On the treadmill, I set the pace just short of a running pace and I elevate the treadmill at a fairly high incline. This combo is a sweat maker. In addition to the cardio benefit, I also get some leg and glute work due to the 'climbing' motion on the treadmill.
For my weight routine, I am going to try to work everything into a 3 or 4 day split, again following the advice of a personal trainer. Now that I have a lot of free time to workout, I can really take my time and focus on form and technique to get the best from my training.
In the coming weeks, I'll let you know more details of my revised weight lifting program and keep you updated on my progress.
Until next time,
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)