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April 29, 2008

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

by Buzzed Beef
 
Greetings Bears!!
 
I am literally in the door from my workout today.  I haven't even showered - you should smell my (fill in the blank with your body part of choice).  Please forgive my forwardness, but I am a little high -on life that is!  I'm still feeling the rush from a great workout this afternoon.
 
I got the week off to a bang with 10 minutes on the elliptical machine to get my heart pumping and then followed that with a great biceps and abdominal workout.  To round out the workout, I did another half hour on the elliptical machine.  All in all, it was a great gym session that really pumped me up both physically and emotionally for the day.  When I left the gym, I was greeted with an absolutely stunning San Francisco afternoon.  Even my walk home was a delight.
 
I think the beautiful turn of weather here has been a boost to my attitude and energy levels.  It has really jazzed me and put me in the mood to really up the ante at the gym.  I hope those of you reading this, wherever you are, are enjoying a beautiful spring.  I also hope you are finding inspiration, in whatever form, to push yourself in your workouts and make some great changes.  Remember, beach and bikini weather is right around the corner!
 
Until next time,
 
 
 
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)

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April 28, 2008

Mama Bear

Mother's Day is Sunday May 11, 2008

Turquoise Skies Strand Bracelet

With over 2000 items (and growing!), you’re bound to find something from Big Sky Silver Jewelry that is a perfect addition to her collection.

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April 25, 2008

We thought you were reading . . .

 

Gsy Blogging According to a recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive®, gay and lesbian adults online are reading more blogs than their heterosexual counterparts. When asked, just over half (51 percent) of the gay and lesbian respondents reported reading some type of blog, compared to 36 percent of heterosexual adults. A similar question on blog readership also was asked in November 2006, and at that time 32 percent of gay and lesbian adults then reported reading blogs.
 
Bears have always been early adopters (remember Compuserve and IRC chat?) when it comes to the Internet.  The Bear Code was deirved as a means to identify a few bearish characteristics for our fellow cyber bretheren.  So keep reading, keep positing and support your bear bloggers.  Here's a list of a few you might want to check out - Bear Blogs.
 
 
 
 

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April 24, 2008

A year's worth of Beef!

Prime Cuts availalbe in June

  Coming in June!


 

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April 23, 2008

Looking for a new den?

 

frank martini

 

Frank Martini - Herth Real Estate SF

 

San Francisco, CA

 

Herth Real Estate is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the

Bear Business Directory

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April 22, 2008

Cythian Bear Pendant

 
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-97971472767885_2006_4442278Cythians or Scyths were horse-riding nomads originally of Iranian stock, who dominated the northern steppes of the Black Sea.

Cythian art represented their common life, warfare and popular games, sports and so on. A significant place in cythian art was occupied by the images of wild animals (lions, snow leopards, panthers, indomitable horses) representing the Cyth's dominance over his domain.

This iconic tribal piece reflects the quiet strength of the bear and is designed to be worn by the modern warrior.

The sterling sliver Cythian Bear measures just about 2 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall and is handsomely displayed on a braided leather cord.

Cythian Bear Pendant 

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April 21, 2008

As The Gym Turns

by Buzzed Beef
 
Greetings Bears!!  Hope everyone is having a nice Spring...enjoying the weather wherever you are.  My original topic for today is getting shelved this week because I want to share something with you that is out of far left field.
 
As a member and employee of my gym, I get to see it from all sides.  I get a little different perspective than most of the members.  Most of what I see, 99% I would wager, is good--it adds to the whole experience.  But there is that remaining 1% that has, on occasion, gotten under my skin--an irritation.  You can already guess where this is going.
 
Yes, recently I have found myself tussling with a certain 1% that has made me the brunt of some unnecessary and childish drama.  Obviously, I can't go into specifics or name names here, but it does NOT involve my employer or the gym facility itself.   It stems from my "perceived" failure to do something for someone that is not part of my job description.  As such, the party(ies) involved have taken great delight in causing me some discomfort:  being ignored, snubs, and insulting phone calls.  Suffice it to say that the situation has really gotten in my craw.  Sometimes drama is justifiable, but here in this case, it is not.  It's petty and immature.  And it reeks of impaired judgment brought on by illegal drug use.
 
Ah, who knew the gym could be such a hotbed of drama?  Stay tuned for exciting developments.  Seriously, I'll keep you posted, but I intend to return to fitness topics next week.
 
Until next time,
 
 
 
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)

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April 19, 2008

Spring Thaw 2008

Selling raffle tickets at spring Thaw"Neither rain, nor snow, nor dark of night shall keep these bears from having a furry good time . . ."

A big thank you to Tom Swanton and all the NW Bears for being such great hosts this past weekend.  We came, we played, we sailed - we even stayed for the Beards, Bellies and Butts contest - WOOF!

Click here for more pics from Spring Thaw Cruise on Puget Sound

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April 17, 2008

¿Hablas español?

Osito 
¡El Oso Completo lo habla!

Queremos reconocer la diversidad de nuestra comunidad y comprendemos que la hermandad entre osos atraviesa muchas culturas y países. ¡Visítanos!.

Además, hemos lanzado "Osos Y Ositos" - un foro en línea para osos hispanohablantes y sus admiradores - para que se puedan poner en contacto, compartir imágenes, y demás.

¡WOOF!

 

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April 16, 2008

Introducing "Bearing In Mind"

by Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas - Hotel Mark Twain SF Kevin Thomas of San Francisco's Hotel Mark Twain will offer tidbits and tips on restaurant, shows, hotels and travels - all from the bear's point of view.

Kevin has worked in hospitality for over five years, offering special rates to bears. He studied film and theatre in school. He has written articles for "Film Month" and online reviews for reel.com. Recently, he has provided some movie reviews and restaurant tips for the listener's of San Francisco's Alice Radio.

------------------

A few tips to make your travels bearable!

PRIVACY PLEASE
If you don't want to be bothered, please leave "do not disturb" sign on your door and bolt it from the inside so no one accidentally tries to enter your room.
 
SAFETY
Do not leave "maid okay to clean" sign on the door as that's another way of saving "I'm not in my room with my valuables!".
 
BEST RATE
Those .com companies may advertise that they have rooms with savings up to 50%. But saving nothing is still saving up to 50%. So especially with boutique hotels, feel free to call them to make the reservation directly with figures you say on the internet. Calling direct also might give you some money saving packages like a parking package in a big city, breakfast package or upgraded rooms. Additionally, it's easier to change or cancel your reservations when you book directly and they don't charge your card until you leave.
 
BEST DATES
If you can be flexible with your dates and want to save money, avoiding conventions with over 5000 room nights will greatly save you money. If you go to the city's Convention & Visitors Center website, you will likely find conventions coming to the cities you want to travel too.
 
SECRET THIRD PARTY WEBSITE
To look at all of your hotel options, there is one site that seems to including more options than anyone, but hasn't caught on in the US really. It's called Kayak - check them out at kayak.com for comparisons of airlines and hotels.

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April 15, 2008

The Core Four

by Buzzed Beef 
 
Greetings Bears!
 
In my last article I indicated that I would fill you in on my ab routine; specifically, the exercises I employ in the abdominal portion of my workouts.
 
It's really simple.  First, I eschew all the gimmicks, contraptions, and contrivances that are advertised on TV and elsewhere.  Second, I use 4 core exercises for the 'heart' of my routine, with a few "benchwarmers" to throw in now and then to break up the monotony.
 
The Core Four (I just came up with that) that I use are Roman Chair Crunches, Standing Side Crunches, Lying Leg Lifts, and Incline Bench Side Raises.  I believe the first three exercises are fairly self-explanatory, so I won't waste a lot of time detailing them.  I do want to explain the last exercise, Incline Bench Side Raises.  That's what I call them....they may have an "official" name in exercise magazines and whatnot, but I don't know it.
 
The most important part about this exercise is that you are going to need someone to help you with it...a buddy, a workout partner, or some hottie at the gym you been wanting to get a little closer to.  Trust me, asking someone to sit on you at the gym is a GREAT ice-breaker.  You'll need a standard incline bench and said hottie.  Climb up on the bench and place your feet flatly where your derriere would normally be seated.  Now, please ask your new friend to sit on your feet for ballast.  Straighten out your legs so that you are "lying" up the length of the bench.  Remember, you are going to be lying on the SIDES of your legs, not the front or the back.  Now, your upper body will be off the bench.   You are basically going to do side crunches.  Place your hands behind your head and bend towards the floor as far as you comfortably can and then 'crunch' back up.  Please do this slowly and with control for safety and effectiveness.  I perform 8 reps on one side, then turn over and repeat 8 reps for the other side.
 
This is actually my favorite abdominal exercise after standing side crunches.
 
Until next time,

 
Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)

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April 14, 2008

Day of Silence

Day of Silence

This year’s Day of Silence will be held in memory of Lawrence King, who friends say was murdered in a California school February 12 because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. The event brings attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students observe the day in silence to echo the silence LGBT and ally students face every day.

Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence® has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence® at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 1,900 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2002, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.

Many right-wing groups have protested schools supporting DOS.  The list of schools observing the Day Of Silence is mighty, awe-inspiring, and particularly satisfying to see unfurling for page after page on the a right wing's own site. Please write or call these schools and praise their support.

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April 12, 2008

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

 Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
 Chatting with Sister Barbi

DJ Reed - Maximus Cigar Socials I asked Rich Tramontozzi of the Bears of San Francisco to describe Sister Barbi - "Tireless, hard-working, inspiring, and fabulous! All the qualities of Mother Theresa, Moses, and more - but much sexier and no burning bush!"

Recently, I dragged poor Sister Barbi to the docks for our little get together. For those of you that know Sister Barbi - you might be wondering "Sister Barbi working the docks, what's so unusual about that?" Actually, we met at the Ramp in Dogpatch - far, far away from the Castro. So far, one might have to renew their gay visa upon returning to the Land of Oz.

Sister Barbi Mitzvah is the Board Chairnun, Sexytary and Bingo Chairnun for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. She is in the main motherhouse in San Francisco. The San Francisco Order is the largest and oldest Order in the world. Starting in 1979 with just four nuns, 29 years later the Order has risen over $1.0 million dollars for AIDS/HIV, Breast Cancer, LGBT causes and our furry friends - no not your husbear - the four legged kind.

Currently there are numerous Orders around the world with over 600 members. The Sisters provide a "Voice for the Voiceless" while continuing to educate our community on safer sex practices and general harm reduction - sex, drugs, alcohol.

Bless me Sister, for I have sinned!

Read the Interview 

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April 10, 2008

Do you ever think that you are nobody's 'type'?

We asked our readers, and here is what they told us –
 

  • You know... I think I’m just the right one for some guy... BUT - for a middle class income living a small fishing village in Wisconsin, I don’t have the luxury to travel and meet new friends.
  • Good question...I have been feeling like that for some time. I have been single for over seven year. I have met a few guys that were of quality, but no one has been that special someone also...stopped looking in hope that it will just happen.
  •  I do.  Can't get a date, let alone find a long term relationship. I've been looking since my last ex, which is soon to be going on 8 years now. 
  • You know what? I used to think that it was true. As i thought about it, I decided that maybe the men I was meeting were too shallow and in-to-themselves that they couldn't envision themselves with anyone but them selves. Rather than feeling sorry for myself, I go out with friends and meet new people. My friends know others and we introduce each other. When the "right man" comes a long, we will be friends first and I know all else will follow. The emphasis needs to be on being a friend and the other person will follow. Who knows where it may lead?
  • Focusing on getting a date only makes you feel bad and depressed. Have confidence in your self that you are your own person and that those who dismiss you are missing something. You need to look at it as an "inside" joke with yourself.
  • There is someone for everyone.  It’s about being out there, so that you are in the right place at the right time.

Sometimes, you gotta kiss a lot of frogs.  But, know that you are not alone.  We all struggle with self image and confidence.  Looking to meet new friends, step outside the bars and find community.  Maybe it’s volunteer work, or a bear social – but trust me there a men out there waiting to meet you.

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April 08, 2008

OMG - Could this be gayer?

Playbill Radio streams showtunes 24/7.   Ladies Who Lunch?  Yup.  Dream Girls? Of Course?  Gypsy 1959 Original Broadway Cast - Duh!


Chorus Line

 

OK, my gay meter is so pegged.  But, I've already started singing "One Singular Sensation"

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April 06, 2008

Living in the Cave

Gay bear (GB) meets a really nice handsome straight bear (SB) at work… and because SB is really nice (Physical and Personal), and because a bear is a bear, GB falls in love with the SB. SB welcomes the GB’s friendly gestures, however, keeps flirting with women (Ewww). GB realize that there is no way he is going to get his hands (or any other limbs) around SB, but cannot help being too friendly with SB. Now, GB is in tight spot: he does not want to scare SB away by being too close, but at the same time…he cannot hold himself back, as when he sees SB, he jumps around him like a dog wanting to play Frisbee… WHAT DO YOU THINK GB SHOULD DO?

PS : GB IS STILL IN THE CAVE... I MEAN CLOSET… and single
 

Hot & Heavy

Hot: Unrequited love, don’t they movies about this stuff?

Heavy: Yea, on Llifetime.  Either that or you just end up on Jenny Jones or Springer. NEVER PRETTY!

Hot: Reminds me of the Countess – “Oh, l'amour, l'amour, how it can let you down.”

Heavy: GB leave SB alone and go find a good man, a true man – but most of all a GAY man. Unless, SB has some inclinations we are all unaware of – he’s not likely to be changing teams anytime soon. This one has heartache written all of it – if not a sexual harassment lawsuit. Oh, honey – not where you eat!!
 

Hot: And about the cave thing? – it’s spring, time to come out!!!

 

Send your emails to Hot & Heavy 

 

Resource Guides to Coming Out

Do you have questions about the coming out journey? The Human Rights Campaign has a set of resources to help you along the way. Download a copy of the newly released Resource Guide to Coming Out, or read it online. Or download Resource Guide to Coming Out for African Americans, the Spanish-language Guía de Recursos Para Salir Del Clóset or the guide to Living Openly in Your Place of Worship.

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April 03, 2008

Bear Arabia

LebTour Tours

 

Mr Bear Arabia 2007

 

The first and only LGBT guide in the

Arab world.

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April 02, 2008

FRAILTY, THY NAME IS.....ARMS

by Buzzed Beef

Bear Fitness - ArmRoutine Greetings Bears!

Ah, who but The Bard could have said it better?  Of course, when he had Hamlet speak of frailty, it was about his mother and not arms, but I think it works.  No?

My arms (and let me assure that I mean from my shoulders to the tips of my fingers) have always been a particular frailty of mine.  Oh, they were thick like the rest of me, but fleshy...soft.....not hard, defined muscle.  At least, that's how they used to be.  <GRIN>

Oh sure, I'd LOVE to tell you that from all my workouts I have towering, snow-capped mountainous biceps and thick, striated triceps, and round, cannonball shoulders.  But, I don't.....YET!  And let me stress yet.  Because for the first time in my life (no exaggeration), I am getting some arms!!  YAY.....yes, I am starting to really see the definition in my different arm muscles and see a noticeable difference between my arms and shoulders.

I'm convinced that my current arm workout is going to help me take the next steps into more size and definition.  It's simple and effective.  Here it is:

Overhead Military Barbell Presses (shoulders), Side Dumbbell Raises (shoulders), Preacher Curls, and Forearm Curls.  You may notice there are no exercises singling out my Triceps.  The trainer who is consulting me advises they get enough from my other workouts.  I haven't totally bought that, so I may incorporate some dedicated triceps work in the near future.

Again, just as my other workouts, I start with two warm-up sets, followed by two sets of each exercise.  The workout is followed with abdominal work and cardio.  To break up the treadmill monotony, I've added the stationary bike into my cardio regime.

Next week, I'll discuss the varied abdominal exercises I use in my workout.

Hey, don't you like how I announce what next week's topic will be?  Really stirs up the anticipation, huh?  Almost like the wait for the next installment of a popular sci-fi movie series, yeah?

 

Until next time,

 

Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)

Posted by SFBrawnyBear at 03:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)