Appalachian Massage
Hey Bears
I finally moved to West Virginia close to Charleston, the Capitol.
I changed my website name to www.AppalachianMassage.com
Thank you so much,
Arno
December 11, 2008
November 27, 2008
September 14, 2008
Lyric Cafe
Lyric Cafe
(Silverlake, CA)
The Lyric Café is now open!!!!
The Lyric Cafe is run by a bear friend of ours -
Tell Joe SFBrawnyBear sent you!
August 14, 2008
The Twisted Bear
The Twisted Bear provides the bear and leather communities the single source they need for fine bear leathers and toys. We offer leathers for the bear - full sizes and custom work to meet all of your leather needs.
Want to follow along on our twisted little adventure? Check out Twisted Ramblings
This isn't your daddy's bear site - you have been warned.
Look for us at Folsom!
Want to follow along on our twisted little adventure? Check out Twisted Ramblings
This isn't your daddy's bear site - you have been warned.
Look for us at Folsom!
July 18, 2008
Bear Hotel
For those of you who are making their Northern California visit a little longer than Lazy Bear, you might remember our friends and sponsor Hotel Mark Twain in downtown San Francisco for your pre or post Lazy Bear experience.
Call the hotel directly at 415/673-2332 and ask for the BEAR rate and you'll be offered standard rooms for $105* Sun-Thurs and $115* Friday-Saturday. Or you can take $15 off your deluxe room at whatever price it is selling for.
And while these are the hotel's high season bear rates, they always have a discount for us.
The 3-star hotel is near Union Square and all rooms have ceiling fans, flat screen TVs, refrigerators and coffee makers. The deluxe rooms also have free wireless, iPod docking station, laptop computer pillow, superior bedding and robes.
You're also likely to get a gay pocket guide at check-in. And if you ask for our friend Kevin, the sales director and bear, he'll likely give your restaurant tips or other bear info! Check them out at www.hotelmarktwain.com.
* rates are net per room per night, single or double occupancy, subject to 14% hotel tax and room
availability.
availability.
June 23, 2008
Incline Village Cabin - North Lake Tahoe
We welcome you to our home in the woods. Incline Village is a vibrant community located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe close to shopping, the lake and many ski resorts. Lake Tahoe ski facilities are world renowned with many new and renovated amenities, steep vertical drops and long, winding trails.
Incline Village - North Lake Tahoe
is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the
May 23, 2008
Bark and Ride
Welcome to Cody's Bark-and-Ride, San Francisco's new leader in quality, individualized care for your best friend - Member of BOSF.
Bark and Ride is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the
April 23, 2008
Looking for a new den?
frank martini
San Francisco, CA
Herth Real Estate is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the
March 23, 2008
Desert Bear Resort
Desert Bear Resort
Palm Springs' only resort that caters exclusively to Bears and those who enjoy them.
Afternoons around the clothing optional pool, expanded continental breakfast (included) warm and inviting rooms; all in a location that grants easy access to all the Palm Springs area has to offer.
The Desert Bear is but one of many bear businesses that can be found in the
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!
January 23, 2008
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.
December 22, 2007
Rubbed the wrong way?
Not a chance . . .
These professionals will rub you the right way . . . WOOF!
Check out these and many other services in the
Bear Business Directory.
September 19, 2007
To paraphase Sally Fields - "You Like Us, You Really Like Us!"
Here's what the customers at The Complete Bear are saying:
- My den mate's birthday was yesterday and I recently shopped at the Bear Store for those essentials for our den. I truly appreciate the calendar, the notes and John loved his gifts. Thank you very much. We will decorate the house with future gifts.
- The folks at the Complete Bear are personable, personalized, and proficient, al in all a very enjoyable shopping experience!!!
- 1 happy camper!!
- BEST customer service I have received in a VERY long time. What a treat and a delight. I have already shared this many friends and will most definitely do business with them again.
- Great Merchandise, best customer service I have received in quite some time, I will definitely do more business with them again. My purchases arrived quickly, in tact and with a very pleasant Thank You card for my business. This is a company that knows the true meaning of GREAT customer service.
- I like the fact that you do carry to the larger Bear. We are all not 200 lbs and buffed.
September 07, 2007
Bear Professionals
| Meet other Bear Professionals. Discussion with like-minded individuals about anything from coming out to politics to careers! Our mission is to provide a social, career and business development channel for the bear professional community. Networking events, speakers, workshops, summertime fun, and a newsletter serving the gay bear professional community. Our members represent a diverse array of industries and professional experiences. The group has five purposes: 1. to provide opportunities for members of the bear community to meet in a supportive, professional atmosphere to exchange ideas and information; 2. to further the professional development of bear professionals; 3. to provide like-minded individuals the opportunity to chat about anything from coming out to politics to careers!; 4. to empower members of the bear community by improving access to the business resources, networking opportunities and sponsoring education programs; 5. and to promote diversity in the workplace. Check out The Bear Business Directory!
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April 06, 2007
Why Shop Gay?
We have amazing buying power. We can throw it away, or we can harness it and effect change.
Do the companies you buy from support diversity in the workplace? Do they make political contributions to candidates that oppose marriage equality? Do they extend partner benefits to all their employees? If these issues are important to you, then spend wisely.
LGBT owned independent businesses return a percentage of each dollar you spend back to our community. For example, bear businesses put that dollar back into the community through bear runs, bear media, and contributions to local non-profit organizations and political organizations.
By supporting these businesses, you insure that they - along with the diversity they provide - don’t disappear.
But I can get it cheaper somewhere else - It's time to consider the real costs to our community when we lose our LGBT business base. Independent LGBT businesses employ members of the community, who in turn shop in our community.
They also retain the services of LGBT service providers. They hire gay architects, lesbian graphic designers, and bear-owned contractors for construction. The multiplier effect creates opportunities for LGBT accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, and advertising agencies.
Ensuring Choice and Diversity - A local LGBT shop may have a smaller selection than a big chain outlet. But remember, it sources products for its target audience, thus creating a demand for specialized merchandise. This makes accessible controversial products or services from new vendors with the expectation that there will be a market somewhere within a variety of stores.
Our freedom of choice is imperiled when we grant a limited amount of corporate buyers the power to choose what reaches consumers. This may be only mildly disturbing for most consumer goods, but truly frightening when you consider the impact on our choice of news sources, books, music and other modes of expression for the LGBT community.Investing in Our Community – LGBT business owners invest much of their life savings in their businesses. They have a natural interest in the long-term health of the community. Community-based businesses are essential to charitable endeavors, frequently serving on local boards, and supporting a variety of causes important to our community.
LGBT business leaders understand the challenges faced by community members. They have walked in their shoes. With a passionate commitment to diversity, they advocate to ensure all of their customers get treated with respect and dignity.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH A FEW SIMPLE STEPSMake a decision to find and patronize LGBT-owned business, whenever possible. Dine at a local, independent LGBT-owned restaurant and treat yourself to a unique and personal dining experience. When you shop online, look for LGBT businesses. Use the Member Directory or Search Box of your local LGBT Chamber of Commerce to find businesses offering goods or services to our community. Tell your associates, family, and friends to support these businesses, as well.
November 14, 2006
Why don’t you come up and see me sometime?
If you’re in San Francisco or just visiting - Why don’t you come up and see us sometime? We welcome all furry, little (and not so little) gay woodland creatures!! WOOF!!
The Complete Bear is located in San Francisco’s Dogpatch (east of Potrero Hill), just a few minutes down 3rd Street from the Giants Ballpark. Our address is 2339 Third Street, Suite 21 between 20th and 22nd streets. Here’s a map to all things bear. From the 1860's to the end of World War II, the central waterfront was San Francisco's main industrial-economic engine, employing thousands of skilled and unskilled laborers at its peak.
The neighborhood has a rich history of longshoreman, brothels, haunted docks, runaway cows, and the stockyards of yore. Rumor has it - Dogpatch got its name from the feral dogs that used to scavenge scraps of meat and waste at the slaughter houses. Well, isn’t that special?
Our offices are located in the old American Can Factory, which was built over a forty year period (1915-1955). The American Can Company employed thousands of men and women in the manufacture of cans and bottles for West Coast canneries. The plant was shut down in 1969.
Today, Dogpatch is a mix of light industry and residential. We are located along the new 3rd Street Light Rail , which when completed will connect Third Street to the Embarcadero, BART, and the Ferry Building. We are proud to be part of this rich heritage and welcome you to come visit us and our neighborhood. Oh yeah, you might want to call first to make sure we haven't stepped out to Mabel’s Just for You Café - the beignets are to die for!
November 04, 2006
In the News
Bears get style thanks to new business
by Katharine Holland
Bay Area Reporter - Published 11/02/2006
Armed with a sense of humor, a good friend and co-founder (Liza Sibley, mistress of procurement) and years of experience, Mike Doherty has started a bear merchandise and communication portal called The Complete Bear just in time for holiday shopping. . .
---------------------------------------------------
Katharine and her partner, Janis are long time bear friends. To learn more about Katharine - visit www.katharineholland.com.
November 02, 2006
Mistress of Procurement
So what exactly do you call a Lady Bear? – Mistress of course . . .
Liza Sibley is the Mistress of Procurement at The Complete Bear. Along with her business partner - Mike Doherty – she scours the forest for cool stuff for all of our friendly wooded creatures – bears, cubs, otters . . .
Whether it’s Ornaments for the Tree or a Denali throw for the Den – it has to get past the Mistress – no easy task. She recently sailed the high seas – OK, it was Puerto Vallarta! – with over 200 bears on the Lazy Bear at Sea Cruise. She was the one with the T-Shirts.
Liza brings a unique blend of professional and life experience. She spent 20 years being a homemaker, raising two children and three Guide Dogs for the Blind puppies. Most recently, Liza had been working in both the medium and maximum security county jails as a literary outreach and high school teacher.
Liza met her business partner when they were both volunteers for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network – a group that challenges the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies.
Born in Rochester, New York, Liza attended Skidmore College and the University of South Carolina where she received a B.S. in Chemistry with a math minor. She moved to California (where she always knew she should be) in 1975 to attend graduate school at UC Berkeley. She graduated with a Master’s of Science studying organo-actinide chemistry.
Liza lives in San Francisco with her partner, Jody and career change guide dog - Espresso. She enjoys riding her retired racehorse, Utah Beach.
October 30, 2006
A Community of Bears
Hilary Clinton talked about community in her book "It Takes a Village" . The title comes from an African proverb which states that "It takes a village to raise a child." This oft- repeated adage expresses the belief that it takes more than parents to raise a child. Grandparents, friends, pastors, teachers, coaches, Scout leaders, and many others in the community all have a role in the lives of our children.
We believe this concept holds true in all aspects of community. While it is important to have the support of family and friends, it is equally important to find support from those we can identify with. These include those who have shared and overcome the same daily trials and tribulations that we face and those who are willing to expose their darker moments and share what allowed them to carry on. Often, all we need to hear is the simple phrase, "You felt that way, too?" By hearing someone else tell our story, we realize that we are not alone.
At The Complete Bear, we want to be the conduit to that community. We want to create a safe space to be exactly who you are, to share your joys, to commiserate over challenges of day to day living and to exchange helpful and productive hints. Our mission is to:
- provide space & programs that welcome the entire bear community & our allies;
- unite our community across lines of age, race, gender and economics;
- give visibility to the history, culture and diversity of our community;
- nurture new content, products and programs to meet emerging community needs.
Our goal is not to duplicate existing services, but instead to enhance them, promote them, foster connections among them and make sure people can find them. Here's where you come in. Got a great solution to an everyday challenge? Tell us, so that we can share it. Know a great service provider to the community? Tell us, so we can profile their business. In return, you can expect to find resources you never knew existed, vendors selling products you need and ultimately a community to call home.
We will serve the community based on our core values of business:
- VALUE ADDED RESOURCE - We apply our knowledge, talent and resources to be the premium resource for hard to find solutions for the bear community. Our customers enjoy service from one single value-added source. And when a solution doesn't exist - we strive to create an avenue to develop one.
- QUALITY, COMMUNITY AND RESPECT - Our goal is to provide the highest quality solutions and a sense of community - either via content, services or products - to bear consumers, which are non-judgmental, helpful, inclusive and respectful of individuals for who they are.
- COMMITMENT TO THOSE WE SERVE - We measure our success by how well we enable people to live their lives fully. Our customers, vendors and colleagues deserve our best. Our customers are individuals, we must never forget that.
October 22, 2006
Our Measure of Pride
Fulfilling what a man can be has become a lost art, but not anymore. We combine the sensibilities of a weekend at the cabin with the sophistication & style of a night-on-the-town. Our Company restores and updates the lost ambiance and service that used to be traditional in fine Men's Stores. At our Company, you can measure our intent by our actions not merely by our words. For example, if you ever have to return any of our fine selections, we guarantee it will never be a problem or a bother for you.
The Complete Bear is committed to outfitting the modern bear with solutions that acknowledge his discerning tastes and busy schedule. The comfort of service is what we provide.
WOOF!!