Here's a bit of news from the ever incessantly cute Joe Falconi (articles): "My fellow Bear model friend Anthony (we are both in Issue 5 of All Bear magazine - pic) is flying all the way from the UK to support HIV/AIDS charities! I will be flying out to Los Angeles to meet him and support him when he comes to America to volunteer to do the AIDS Charity Ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles next year,  in June 2011!
 
I look forward to promoting the amazing work that Anthony is doing. His goal is to raise at least $3,000! After flying all the way out to help the community in California, USA I hope that all of us do everything that we can to help him reach his goal and even go beyond it! Please, spread the word and support Anthony for this amazing volunteer work he is doing to help people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in California, USA!".

California... go get married.

Here in Canada, where I live, Roger and Bob (me) can get married. We're one of the few countries on this beautiful planet that allows marriages between couples of the same sex. We are one of the few countries that live in the year 2010.

I believe marriage should be between adults. Simple as that.

Once we define - as a global nation - what age is considered legally an adult (is it 18... is it 19... is it 21...?)... once we can define that globally - then we should simply permit marriage to adults only - so no weird 50 year olds marrying 13 year olds anymore anywhere - all over the world... as in no more pedophile shit.

Let's say - adults are 18 and over... so any 18 year old and over can marry anyone else who is over 18 as well. If people are destined to be married, then they wait until they are adults.

Ah... but of course... the world does not dance to Bob's beat - however this recently overturned prop 8 is something interesting to watch, and in that CNN article, they state that this might go to the Supreme Court, so nope, this prop 8 thing isn't going away quite yet, and shedding light on news articles like these will allow us all to start redefining the meaning of marriage as well as family as we all head into a much more enlightened and brighter future.

Cute and huggable Joe Mannetti aka Falconi (articles - TubeBear) will be at IBR in San Francisco, CA (from February 11th thru the 15th). Joe will be stepping down from his International Daddy Bear 2009 title.

If you like to get to know Joe a little better then check out this post on Daddy Lover: "For Joe, it’s not age alone that defines a Daddy Bear, but a capacity for and possession of a ‘paternal’ or ‘caring’ nature that marks a true Daddy Bear. His own role as a social worker and counselor means he can be seen as a Daddy figure already, and he is proactive in helping to take care of people in his professional and personal life".

DJ Chris Bowen - created of Bears in Space (website - article) is teaming up with DJ Victor Rodriguez for Cub Scout - a brand new Friday monthly party on the first Friday of every month at Eagle LA  (website - articles) Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Cub Scout begins February 5th with Lady Bear as their host. This looks like an excellent way to finish off one's week

Awhile back, PlanetBears mentioned about a couple of talented guys who are out in Sacramento, California by the names of Richard and Ray (website - TubeBear), and in that article it stated that any and all who are interested in having their photographs taken in that area to give these gents a holler since they do impassioned work.

Well now Rich and Ray have crossed over into the 'erotic' zone as they've started to take adult photos as well as taking standard stills. They have also opened up a second site to showcase their new works, and one of the sets you'll find there includes their first bondage session which they said was a real good first experience. Give these guys a call (I'm thinking of a possible theme you can work on 'Sexy 'n Santa'). It's high time for you to update your photo collection of yourself, and if you have no photos, then it's time to start one.

BearFilms have sent us some pics from their most recent photo shoot. The model's name is Patrick Montana from San Francisco, California. He's 46, 5'11'' tall and weighs 235 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. From Patrick: "I enjoy rimming a musky hairy hole, sucking a thick meaty cock, getting wet and fucking like wild animals. GRR... I love it hot, sweaty and intense!". Click here to see the previews and check out their sites for much more.

The following is from Joe Mannetti (aka Joe Falconi - articles - TubeBear): "Well, I guess I cannot criticize anyone who calls me a sash queen! This is my third step-down before the final big one at IBR in February 2010. I said goodbye and thank you for the Mr. Long Beach Pride Bear/Cub 2008 & Mr. Bear LA 2008 titles, and now it's time to say thank you and goodbye to the Mr. SoCal Bear 2008 title. What a year it has been!".

The Bears Ventura (website) are inviting you to their Bear Bust (poster) BBQ and fundraiser on Sunday, October 11th at the Eagle LA (website - articles) on Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. Silent auction, raffles, wet underBear contest and other surprises.

Joe Manetti will be hosting 'Make Room for Daddy Bear!' an event which will be taking place at the Eagle LA (website - articles) on Friday, August 7th (and that would be on Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. This is a Community Health Clinic Campaign (website) fundraiser.

The LA Band of Brothers (website) will be there, the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (website - article) will also be gracing the court and the International Imperial Courts of Los Angeles (website) & Long Beach (website) will be there as well too. And what's even more fun? You get to meet up with Joe Mannetti aka Joe Falconi (profile) from all those great porns you've whacked off too... come on, admit it... I have... sigh why do I have to live 3000 miles away... check it out, it sounds like it's going to be one good time.

BearFilms have sent us some pics from their most recent photo shoot. The model's name is Cameron Stuart from Palms Springs, California. He's 44, 5'9'' tall and weighs 200 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes. Stuart's Likes: "Rimming! Having my nips played with. Kissing. And of course getting fucked and fucking". Click here to see the previews and check out their sites for much more.

Hope you don't scare easy because there's an event that promises to raise the fur off your back. It's the 1st Annual Beary Scary Weekend which is going to take place in Palm Springs, CA from October 29th thru November 1st.

"A four day weekend leading up to the last gay pride of the year in the United States. Starting with the famous Bear Koffi on Thursday night, a costume contest and dance Friday evening at Fur Friday at Hunters Patio Bar and a late night after dark pool party, the spooky splash pool party on Saturday at The Canyon Club Resort & Hotel with a BBQ lunch, and pumpkin carving contest".

One of my favourite Bear activists Joe Mannetti (aka Joe Falconi - photo - articles - profile) travelled all the way from one end of the US (California - his hometown) to go to Connecticut to be with the Northeast Ursamen (photo), one of the oldest Bear groups around (founded in 1992).

Joe had nothing but good to say about these guys. From Joe: "The Northeast Ursamen were selected by the public as the 'Best Bear Club/Organization' in the 'Best of the Bears' poll conducted by The Complete Bear website, and after this weekend I can see why very clearly. This is a group of Bears who are as dedicated to brotherhood and supporting each other and the community. The positive energy and warmth that the Ursamen exude is genuine. There was never a shortage of hugs or team spirit. Whether we were gathered together for a fundraising event, outreach, or a great meal the loyalty and dedication towards achieving the best outcome was always there! Kudos to their A-list Board and an outstanding collection of members who always put their best foot forward with everyone they meet and everything that they do for the community".

Pinups (website - articles - profile), the magazine that "exists in book form but can be taken apart and then tiled together to reveal a life-size image", is releasing their latest issue #9 (cover - and wow is their cover model uber duber cute) and are planning a launch on June 20th at the Silverman Gallery in San Francisco, CA, followed by a party at The Cinch.

Run... it's  Bears in Space ... yes, run after the Bears, not from the Bears!... This is a new monthly Bear dance party run by Chris Bowen at Akbar on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. The event is going to start off during the Gay Pride LA Weekend - June 14th, and then they will be gathering every 2nd Sunday of the month. There is no cover this time and they have a 'Beer for a Beard' at the door ~ if you have a beard, well the first beer is on them (hint - stop shaving now).

It's time to make your plans for the first ever Big Bear Adventure Weekend. A Bear's Life and Tony M, in association with CastroBear will be hosting this event which will be happening at Big Bear Lake, California from August 27th thru the 30th, 2009. Enjoy the beaches, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, hiking, and parties. Check out their site for all the registration info and contacts. Looks like fun.

A very cute and cuddly couple by the name of Rich & Ray (profile) from Sacramento, California have turned their passion into a profession. They have started up their own business called Rich & Ray Photos. "They provide a mobile photography service to accommodate the needs of their clients. They cater to seniors, clients with pets, families as well as requests for special settings and effects. They can come to your home or any other location of your choice".

As well, they also do 'Bear' photography which is great for us. To see some of their Bearish work, check out this fine Bearotic article. High quality, and lotsa heartfelt too, very good.

The extremely handsome Joe Mannetti aka Joe Falconi (articles - photo - profile) has been very busy of late. I asked Joe if he could let us in on what he's up to, and this is what he sent. From Joe:

"After winning the Mr. International Daddy Bear 2009 title at IBR in San Francisco, I have been keeping busy with outreach and fund-raising events. I do have a few issues that I consider top priority. One of my main concerns is the HIV/AIDS situation. As an HIV Testing Counselor, I got to witness that people testing HIV-Positive are getting younger and younger. We are losing an entire generation of teenagers and 20-something-year-olds to HIV/AIDS who are getting infected. Older people who are living longer with HIV/AIDS are also experiencing the combination of medical side effects from long-term HIV medication use, living with HIV/AIDS long-term, plus the health issues that many of us experiencing from simply growing older. None of this is good for anybody. I think that we need to start a dialogue with our LGBT youth. We need to listen to them, and we need to do a better job of mentoring them as adults. Ignoring or avoiding a frank discussion about sexuality with youth that are showing high rates of teenage pregnancy and HIV infection is ludicrous! Clearly, they are sexually active! Deal with it! So far, I have given three public speaking presentations in which I got to address youth about homophobia, the importance of diversity, sexuality and LGBT issues. One was at Bienestar La Casa LGBT Center in East Los Angeles at their 15 year anniversary reception on March 20th. The other two were at W University High School in Los Angeles and Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA, where I met with their campus GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance).

I have a few fund-raising events planned for the future. My first event will be my very first step-down from one of my Bear titles. On May 2nd (Saturday), I will be co-emceeing the Mr. Bear/Cub Gay Pride Long Beach contest at Pistons Bar in Long Beach, California! This marks the first event co-hosted by The International Imperial Court of Long Beach and BearsLA ! It is also my step-down as we announce a new winner. On May 8th (Friday), I will be co-hosting an event called Saddle Up LA  with Mr. Long Beach Leather (Matthew McLean) and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at The Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, CA.  The money raised goes to support The Life Group which provides outstanding support services for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I am leaving for Connecticut in June to be there for their Gay Pride Weekend. At the end of July, I will be in Columbus, Ohio for their Bear Camp Christmas  in July event which should be a lot of fun. I am organizing a fund-raising event tentatively scheduled for August to promote and raise money for the Community Clinics Campaign . I feel very strongly about making this event a success since it is about supporting much needed improvements in clinical care provided to our Transgender friends in Los Angeles. Life is good! More to come!".

"Come rafting with 100 Bears on the American River! Step out of your normal routine and go on a rafting adventure for two days and 21 miles down the American River just a few hours outside of San Francisco! Enjoy the sun and watch your friends scream like a girl on the Class III rapids. And FYI, these are not intimidating rapids. They are a fun time without being too dangerous. There will be Friday and Saturday night camping at our own private 40-acre campsite with hot showers, flushing toilets, horseshoes, volleyball and more! You can show up Friday night or early Saturday morning. 2 breakfasts (Saturday & Sunday), 2 lunches and Saturday night steak and chicken BBQ, fresh desserts, wine and beer! Sign up soon. This trip will fill up fast! Tents are not included in this trip. The campsite does have tent rental, though. We can set this up for you, just let us know when you sign up. See you on the river!".

Press Release: "The GayVN Awards were held very recently at the Castro Theater in San Francisco, CA and ButchBear won the 'Best Bear Site' award. Other nominees were BearFilms and CyberBears. Never wavering from its original concept of showcasing iconic Bear men, ButchBear has evolved into one of the most recognized Bear sites, expanding into video and print media such as calendars, greeting cards and a coffee table photo book 'Muscle + Fur'...".

Press Release - Showtime Networks and Executive Producer Bryn Freedman (A&E's 'Intervention') are developing a new TV documentary series about gays and lesbians coming out to important people in their lives. Our aim is to create a show that not only helps the people we profile and the LGBTQ community in general, but also uses television's vast reach and power to enlighten and increase understanding of what it's like to feel compelled to hide an essential part of oneself.

We were alarmed by the recent San Francisco State University study about family response to a teen's coming out and its conclusion that "teens who experienced negative feedback were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide". The glimmer of hope the study offered however was that "parents who take even baby steps to respond with equanimity instead of rejection can dramatically improve a gay youth's mental health outlook". By raising awareness and visibility, we hope to help people take those 'baby steps' or better.

Our production team includes film & television producer Todd Shotz whose online video campaign against Prop 8 in California was honored on March 14th with the first-ever Human Rights Campaign E-Hero Award.

Freedman, Shotz and the rest of the team will treat the people we profile and their loved ones with the utmost care, dignity and respect, and will provide a support system of counselors and therapists throughout the process.

We are currently casting for the series and want to get the word out as far and wide as possible. To learn more about the show and/or be a participant, please visit our website Way Out Documentary or our Facebook group or check out the interview that 'The Advocate' did with Adam Drucker, our Casting Producer (please note that 'The Advocate' piece is a month old and we are now casting nationwide. We'd like to reach every corner of America, from urban centers to the smallest of towns where it is rare to live openly as a LGBTQ person).

Please don't hesitate to email with any questions or concerns. All inquiries and information will, of course, remain confidential.

Is that Joe Mannetti aka Joe Falconi (articles - profile) sporting some bunny rabbit ears...? Why yes it is...! Actually, you can actually meet up with Joe as he will be attending the BearsLA's fundraising event Bears & Bunnies which will be taking place at the Pistons Bar in Long Beach, California on April 4th. They have some contests lined up such as 'Best Easter Bonnet' and 'Ms. & Mr. Easter Bear'.