THE WOOFINGTON POST

TONIGHT! DADDY

2009-12-28T18:43:00.001-05:00

TONIGHT!
It's the last DADDY party of 2009 and we hope you can stop by and give Daddy some love!

Last week was a night filled with a growing crowd of men in all shapes and sizes from cubs to bears, Daddies to Boys and everything in-between. The backroom video lounge is open and available as well as many dark corners and couches to get to know your new friend better while Chauncey delivers a sexy, predatory soundscape to keep you in the mood...

Every Monday night upstairs @ Vlada Bar in Hell's Kitchen
331 West 51st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
Free!
9pm until late

See you there?

Robert and Chauncey

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-20T13:18:00.013-05:00

Happy Holidays!

For some time now, I've been wanting to create a website and weekly newsletter that caters specifically to the gay masculine male, aka, THE BEAR. The Woofington Post was created to do just that. My goals with it are many, but primarily what I would like to see this become is the hub for all things of interest to Bears, however self defined, be it Muscle Bear, Chub, Cub, Otter, Wolf, chaser etc., and those who appreciate us.

In time, I hope to grow The Woofington Post into a full scale on-line magazine, or e-zine, keeping us all informed about what's going on Bear-wise both nationally & internationally, with special focus on building the NYC/East Coast Bear Scene.

I'm a strong believer in the saying "It Takes a Village", so with that in mind I'm asking all of you to participate by keeping others informed and sending in events or anything you think would be of interest to us Bears, ultimately building our community bigger & stronger (pun intended).

Over the next few weeks, I will be shutting down this site and will be moving to it's new location at thewoofingtonpost.com, so please visit there soon.

If you'd like to be a contributor, have something to say or have something you'd like to see posted, feel free to contact me at rvalin@leatherinvasion.com, and don't forget to join The Woofington Post Facebook Page at
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=86942153041&ref=ts

Till then,
Holiday Hugs to All,

Robert

_______________________

This Holiday Season, Get Trucked Twice!

TRUCK STOP's ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BLOWOUT
& COAT DRIVE To Benefit New York ! Cares
SUNDAY DEC. 27
with DJ Gustavo
Doors Open 6pm
Free before 7/$5 after

Come Sit on Santa's Lap (he'll be with Rudolf in the hot tub) and get what you really wished for this year! With so much Christmas Cheer, Hot Men & Merriment it'll make you sick!

NEW YORK CARES COAT DRIVE at TRUCK STOP
Did you know that 90% of homeless adults need a new, warm coat each winter because they have no place to keep one over the summer months? But it's not just homeless people who need our help; thousands of New Yorkers each year are forced to make a choice between buying a winter coat and putting food on the table, or meeting other basic survival nee! ds.

Please consider bringing a gently used coat to Truc! k Stop i f you have one on Sunday, Dec. 27th to help someone stay warm. You may save a life.

__________________________

THIS NEW YEARS EVE WILL GET HOT & STEAMY!

TRUCK STOP & THE BANA POOL PARTY presents

FIRE & ICE

3 Levels of:
Dancing
Jr. Olympic Swimming Pool
Giant Jacuzzi
Cold Dunk
VIP Lounge
Russian & Turkish Saunas
Locker Room
& Smoking Lounge
AND OPEN BAR ALL NIGHT LONG!!!

Hosted by Robert Valin, Dave & PJ, Paul Short, Duane Roggendorff, Ricardo Studmuffin
& DJ Gustavo

GAMES! GAMES! GAMES!
Pick a Side, and Play to WIn!!
As in life Losers must serve the Winnersâ€¦
As SLAAAAAVES!!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!

Relay Races, Tugs of War, Balancing Acts and Staring Contests
Test your Nerves against Hot, Horny Pervs. Whoâ€™s got what it takes and can take what they win?
An evening of Tense Suspense Where only one element can remain kingâ€¦
with MC Referee Paul Short!

Midnight "Virgin" Sacrifice!
All that and hourly shows!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!
VIP Tickets SOLD OUT! Limited Discount Tickets still available at $50, which includes open bar all nite long!

For tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/92783 or truckstopparty.com
______________________________

RIDE / Asbury Park

The Bikers, Bears & Leather After Party at THE STONE PONY

Thanks to all involved & all who came out for RIDE. With over 450 men joining us at The Stone Pony it was a fantastic debut. Here's the video, and we'll be back next Thanksgiving!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfTgNHEGR3o

Read more about it here at
h ttp://www.newyorkqnews.com/2009/11/600w_300w_ride-Gelbert/_w600.html

_________________________________

FEATURED ARTIST: ERIK HANSON

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/arts/design/04guidelower.html?src=tp
Works on Display through Dec. 31.
L.E.S.
237 Eldridge Street
(212) 243-2663
http://erik-hanson.blogspot.com/

____

DADDY
This Monday,
Upstairs at Vlada
331 West 51 St
9pm

Backroom & Video Bar FOR MEN
___________________________

KNOW YOUR BEAR CODE

Wanting to finally make sense of it all? Check out this video and feel free to post your findings...
For those interested, here's mine: B4 d+ e+ f g k+ m q r t+ w

_________________________

T Shirt of The Week:

BEAR vs. TRACTOR TEE

_________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
URBAN BEAR WEEKEND NYC
MAY 13-16, 2010
www.urbanbearweekend.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Robert
www.robertvalin.com

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

2009-11-27T15:35:00.005-05:00

BRAD HURTADO (ROAD TRIP & SAND BLAST)
RIDE/ASBURY PARK
SATURDAY NIGHT NOV. 28

THE STONE PONY ASBURY PARK, NJ 9PM-2AM
HOSTED BY:
ROBERT VALIN (TRUCK STOP, DADDY)
MARK NELSON EVENTS
FOLSOM STREET EAST

JOE FIORE (FURBALL, MUSTACHE GARAGE)
WOOF! PHILLY
& JOE OPPEDISANO
music: dj meatandmore

MAKE IT A WEEKEND: $89 King/Queen Delux rooms at the gorgeous 1930's Berkeley Beachfront Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. Ask for the RIDE rate. Call 732-776-6700 for reservations.

STUFFED!
TRUCK STOP'S POST THANKSGIVING BLOWOUT!

Sunday, Nov. 29 Penthouse at The Park 10th Ave @ 17th St Music by Gustavo doors open 6pm Free before 7/$5 After truckstopparty.com

Special DADDY this Monday Night! (see our ad featured in this weeks NEXT magazine)

DADDY'S BACKROOM UPSTAIRS at VLADA 331 West 51 St Btw. 8th & 9th Ave Music: DJ Chauncey D $3 Bud Bud Lite / $5 Vodka Shots 9pm/Free

THE FUR AGENDA 11/7/09

2009-11-08T09:36:00.018-05:00

OLD TRADITIONS DIE HARD

ROCK BAR BEER BLAST
WHAT BECOMES A LEGEND MOST?
BEARS & BEERS ON CHRISTOPHER STREET

OWNERS ERICH COURAGE & FRIENDS ARE KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE IN THE REVAMPED SPACE FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE DUGOUT WHERE BURLY BEARS, ROWDY ROCKERS & WEST SIDE ROOKIES PACK THE HOUSE WITH OLD SCHOOL ROCK, VINTAGE VIDEOS, $3 DRAFTS & BLOODY MARYS, EVERY SUNDAY BEGINNING AT 3PM.

ROCK BAR
185 CHRISTOPHER ST (AT WEST ST)
NYC
ROCKBARNYC.COM

____________

MONDAYS BELONG TO DADDY

MISSED LAST WEEKS LAUNCH PARTY?
DON'T FRET, AS WE PLAN TO PACK THEM IN AGAIN THIS (AND EVERY) MONDAY
AS WE UNVEIL
DADDY'S BACKROOM VIDEO LOUNGE

UPSTAIRS AT VLADA
331 WEST 51 ST (BTW 8TH & 9TH AVES)
9PM/FREE
HOSTED BY ROBERT VALIN & DJ CHAUNCEY D
$3 BUD/BUD LITES $5 INFUSED VODKA SHOTS
www.vladabar.com

____________
WOOFY WOODSTOCK...

BEARAPALOOZA RETURNS

FRIDAY, NOV. 13
9:30 SHARP
@
THE CENTER
208 WEST 13 ST, NYC
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT
www.bearapalooza.com

____________

An autumn celebration of all things Leather & Fetish featuring:
Vendors, Artists, Demos, Discussions, Community Groups and more

LEATHER STIMULUS PACKAGE 2009

SATURDAY, NOV. 14
3pm-9pm
THE LGBT CENTER
208 West 13th Street

Space still available for Vendor, Artist & Community Groups by contacting KevinB@nyc.rr.com For Volunteer Opportunities, contact Alex at theresadaisyonmytoe@gmail.com

____________________

NYC's MOST FUROCIOUS BEAR DANCE IS BACK!
THE FUR BALL

SAT NOV 14
THE CENTER 208 W 13th ST
SPECIAL START TIME 8PM (TILL 1AM)
DJ COREY CRAIG in Fur-Room
DJ MAN PARRISH in Mustache Ballroom
$10/$6 NY AREA BEAR CLUBS ALL NIGHT
$8 IN ADVANCE GAYCENTER.ORG

____________
BLOWOFF

FRI NOV 20
NEW LOCATION! CANAL ROOM 285 WEST BROADWAY, NY
MUSIC: BOB MOULD & RICH MOREL
$15 / www.blowoff.us

____________

THE BUCKS COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB PRESENTS THE 36th ANNUAL
SANTA SATURDAY

SATURDAY AFTERNOON NOV 28
OVER 2000 BEARS ANNUALLY!
DOORS OPEN AT NOON
AUCTION & SHOW 1:00-6:00PM
PARADISE 101 ASBURY AVENUE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
$15 / www.bucksmc.org
____________

BRAD HURTADO (ROAD TRIP & SAND BLAST)

RIDE/ASBURY PARK
SATURDAY NIGHT NOV. 28

THE STONE PONY ASBURY PARK, NJ 9PM-2AM
HOSTED BY:
ROBERT VALIN (TRUCK STOP, DADDY)
MARK NELSON EVENTS
FOLSOM STREET EAST

JOE FIORE (FURBALL, MUSTACHE GARAGE)
WOOF! PHILLY
& JOE OPPEDISANO
music: dj meatandmore

MAKE IT A WEEKEND: $89 King/Queen Delux rooms at the gorgeous 1930's Berkeley Beachfront Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. Ask for the RIDE rate. Call 732-776-6700 for reservations.
____________

(identities concealed to protect the perverted)

Rub-a-dub-dub...
TRUCK STOP

SUNDAY NOV. 29
Leather Daddies, Muscle Bears, Furry Pigs and a Hot Tub
NYC'S HOTTEST TEA DANCE WITH OVER 300 MEN MONTHLY

Penthouse at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th Street
MUSIC BY GUSTAVO
free before 7/$5 after
For more, visit truckstopparty.com

_________________________________________________________
HELP BUILD OUR COMMUNITY BIGGER! STRONGER! FURRIER!
_________________________________________________________

KNOW OF AN UPCOMING EVENT
Or something of interest to the bear community?
Send us your copy & artwork and have it posted here FOR FREE!

ARE YOU A WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, FOOD CRITIC, THEATRE OR FILM BUFF?
Got an opinion on what's going on? We're seeking (unpaid) contributors, writers & photographers who want to capture the scene.

SPOTLIGHT: BEAR OF THE WEEK
Know someone who's doing something notable in the community?
Tell us why and we just may feature them here in the weeks ahead!

Submissions for the above can be sent to rvalin@leatherinvasion.com

__________________________________________________

LOOKING TO GET THE WORD OUT ON YOUR BUSINESS OR PRODUCT?
WHY NOT ADVERTISE TO THE BEAR COMMUNITY!
_________________________________________________
THE WOOFINGTON POST IS GROWING FAST AND NOW REACHES OVER 5,000 MEN WEEKLY THROUGHOUT NYC, THE UNITED STATES & ABROAD.
CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON PLACING YOUR AD HERE OR ON OUR WEBSITE AT THEWOOFINGTONPOST.BLOGSPOT.COM
Design services also available upon request. For more information, contact rvalin@leatherinvasion.com

DADDY SAYS THANKS!

2009-11-03T17:48:00.001-05:00

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU for a great night at the DADDY Launch party last night upstairs at VLADA. We can't thank you enough for the support you've all shown us!

For all of you who asked, next week we'll be starting earlier at 9pm and yes, the (ahem) " backroom" will be open and we'll be showing videos, so bring your night goggles and libidos!

Looking forward to another fantastic night next (and every) Monday!

Robert & Chauncey

DADDY
Mondays at 9pm
Upstairs at VLADA
331 W. 51St (btw 8th & 9th Ave)
NYC
$3 Bud/Bud Lites $5 Infused Vodka Shots

THR FUR AGENDA 11/01/09

2009-11-01T13:56:00.007-05:00

POST HALLOWEEN BLUES GOT YOU DOWN?
COSTUME DIDN'T GET YOU LAID?

THEN GET YOUR ASS DOWN TO

ROCK BAR'S
SUNDAY BEAR BLAST!

Come celebrate the rebirth of NYC'S FAVORITE FURRIEST BEER BLAST Every Sunday!
$3 DRAFT BEERS 3PM TO CLOSING
185 CHRISTOPHER ST @ WEST ST.
(FORMERLY THE DUGOUT)

_______________________________

DADDY LAUNCH PARTY
MONDAY NOV. 2 @ 10PM

DADDY

RETURNS TO IT'S NEW HOME
VLADA
MONDAYS STARTING NOV. 2
331 W. 51 ST (BTW. 8TH & 9TH AVES)
MUSIC: CHAUNCEY D
10PM/NO COVER

CHEAP DRINKS, CHEAPER MEN—DADDY
___________________________

THE FURBALL NYC

DANCE:208
FURBALL

SATURDAY, November 14 2009
8pm-1am
$10/$6 Bears All Night (NY Area Bear Clubs)
$8 online gaycenter.org
208 West 13th Street
www.gaycenter.org

DJ Corey Craig (Pier Dance, Saint-At-Large) on the main floor in the Fur-Room
DJ Man Parrish (Sperm, Hustlaball) upstairs in the Mustache Ballroom
HOST: Joe Fiore
MUSTACHE BALLROOM HOSTS: Metrobears
GO-GOs: Jonny Mack, Torez, Joe P, Jase Woodruff, Greg and more!
FURBALL DESIGN: David Aviles
Photo by: Manny Goyannes
Join Dance:208 as we celebrate everything furry and fuzzy. There's 2 floors of dancing, go-go bears, cheap beer, bear art, hangin' out in the garden, and warm warm fur...and over 700 furry friends...Get ready to shake it out before hibernation! And it's a fundraiser for the Center! Sponsored by Next, Mark Nelson Events, Robert Valin, Will Clark World & Beartopia, The Bear Den, NY Metrobears, A Bear's Life, Bear411, bearwww.com, The Complete Bear, the Ultimate Bear Links, BearParty.com, Bearfilms, and Max Scott Events! Cheap beer! Hot Guys! Go-Go Bears! Great sounds! And you.

_______________________________________________________

ON SATURDAY NOV. 28
2,000 BIKERS & BEARS WILL DESCEND ON
ASBURY PARK, NJ
FOR THE RIDE OF THEIR LIFE

RIDE /Asbury Park, NJ

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28th
The Stone Pony 9pm - 2am
$15
Produced by Brad Hurtado
Hosted by Folsom Street East, Robert Valin (Truck Stop, Daddy), Mark Nelson Events, Woof Philly, Joe Fiore of FUR BALL & Joe Oppedisano
Music by DJ meatnmore

When you've sated your appetite for Thanksgiving turkey & gravy and are ready to sink your teeth into something ELSE join the men of Asbury Park, Folsom Street East, Robert Valin's Truck Stop, Daddy, along with WOOF! Philly and Joe Fiore's FUR BALL men for the RIDE of your life.

Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend has become the hottest night of the year thanks to the thousand men who pour into Asbury Park for a daytime benefit at Paradise from noon to 6pm. After dark join all those randy men next door at The Stone Pony for a night of sweaty, sexy fun, $3 drafts, porn cubs and music by Asbury Park’s own sexy daddy DJ meatnmore.

Brad Hurtado, the producer of Sand Blast Dance on the Beach, Lost At Sea, the Road Trip Kickoff Party, and the Hedda Lettuce’s Camp Movie Classics at the Asbury Lanes, now welcomes the leather / biker / daddy / bear communities to the Stone Pony with RIDE, the testosterone-laden After Party for Thanksgiving Weekend. Don't miss and an eye popping performance/photo shoot in the middle of the party by photographer Joe Oppedisano, who created the hot RIDE image for his book UNCENSORED.

MAKE IT A WEEKEND:

$89 King/Queen Delux rooms at the gorgeous 1930's Berkeley Beachfront Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. Ask for the RIDE rate. Call 732-776-6700 for reservations. www.AsburyParkEvents.com
______________________________________

PHOTOS FROM TRUCK STOP RUGBY DRINK UP:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28919910@N06/sets/72157622551716321/

PHOTOS FROM TRUCK STOP'S RUGBY DRINK-UP

2009-10-27T14:45:00.003-04:00

Can be viewed here at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28919910@N06/sets/72157622551716321/

NEXT TRUCK STOP:
Thanksgiving Weekend
SUNDAY, NOV. 29
truckstopparty.com

DADDY MOVES TO MONDAYS!

2009-10-25T09:03:00.009-04:00

DADDY MONDAYS AT VLADA
JOIN US ON MONDAY, NOV. 2 AT OUR NEW HOME
TO CELEBRATE THE RELAUNCH OF DADDY AS WE MOVE WEEKLY TO MONDAYS AT VLADA IN HELL'S KITCHEN

DADDY @ VLADA
LAUNCH PARTY
MONDAY, NOV. 2
331 W. 51 ST (BTW. 8TH & 9TH AVES)
10PM/NO COVER

CHEAP DRINKS, CHEAPER MEN—DADDY

______________________________

ON SATURDAY, NOV. 28
JOIN OVER 1,000 BIKERS & BEARS IN ASBURY PARK, NJ

RIDE/Asbury Park
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28th
The Stone Pony
9pm - 2am
$15
Produced by Brad Hurtado

Hosted by Folsom Street East, Robert Valin (Truck Stop, Daddy), Mark Nelson Events, Woof Philly, Joe Fiore of NYC's FUR BALL & Joe Oppedisano
Music by DJ meatnmore

When you've sated your appetite for Thanksgiving turkey & gravy and are ready to sink your teeth into something ELSE join the men of Asbury Park, Folsom Street East, Robert Valin's Truck Stop, Daddy, along with WOOF! Philly and Joe Fiore's FUR BALL men for the RIDE of your life.

Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend has become the hottest night of the year thanks to the thousand men who pour into Asbury Park for a daytime benefit at Paradise from noon to 6pm.

After dark join all those randy men next door at The Stone Pony for a night of sweaty, sexy fun, $3 drafts, porn cubs and music by Asbury Park’s own sexy daddy DJ meatnmore.

Brad Hurtado, the producer of Sand Blast Dance on the Beach, Lost At Sea, the Road Trip Kickoff Party, and the Hedda Lettuce’s Camp Movie Classics at the Asbury Lanes, now welcomes the leather / biker / daddy / bear communities to the Stone Pony with RIDE, the testosterone-laden After Party for Thanksgiving Weekend.

Don't miss and an eye popping performance/photo shoot in the middle of the party by Joe Oppedisano, who created our hot RIDE image for his book UNCENSORED.

MAKE IT A WEEKEND:
$89 King/Queen Delux rooms at the gorgeous 1930's Berkeley Beachfront Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. Ask for the RIDE rate. Call 732-776-6700 for reservations.
http://www.AsburyParkEvents.com

GRAND OPENING OF ROCK BAR THIS FRIDAY 9PM

2009-10-20T21:03:00.005-04:00

SPREAD THE WORD...

Come Celebrate The Beginning of a New Era
The Unveiling of
ROCK BAR
(formerly the Dugout/Ramrod, now under new ownership)
This Friday Night, Oct. 23
9PM
185 Christopher Street @ Weehawken St.

2009-10-14T17:20:00.012-04:00

http://tinyurl.com/rugbydrinkup

TRUCK STOP teams up with the men of Gotham Knights Rugby to celebrate their end of season victory & the release of their first (and totally hot) calendar (with Truck Stop's own Robinson Muir cover boy behind the bar), shot by the incomparable Joe Oppedisano.

Drinking Games, Raffles, Lap Dances, Carousing The Infamous Hot Tub and more all night long.

TRUCK STOP Rugby Drink-Up
Sunday, October 25
Penthouse at The Park
10th Ave @ 17th Street
Doors open 6pm
Free before 7pm/$5 after
truckstopparty.com

I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR YOU....
(I can't stop watching this video!)

So You Want To Be An A-List Bear?

A Cub's Guide to Deportment
http://bill.torque.net/alist/abear01.htm

LEATHER & BEER BEER BUST & BBQ
PHOTO ESSAY BY TIME OUT NY
http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/tonyblog/2009/10/leather-bear-beer-bust-barbecue/

THIS WEEKEND'S GOING TO BE A BLAST (LITERLLY!)

2009-10-09T08:27:00.008-04:00

CELEBRATE BEAR & LEATHER PRIDE ALL WEEKEND LONG!

FIRST, ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

Come join us atop the Delancey Lounge with special guest appearance by Project Runways "Letha" Barbarella, Stella Zotis!

Roof Deck of The Delancey Lounge
168 Delancey St (at Clinton St)
Saturday, Oct. 10
1 pm-5 pm
$10 includes BBQ (cash bar)

(Rain or shine, as the roof top retracts!)

THEN, ON SUNDAY...

Join every0ne at Ty's for a special Leather & Bear Community Beer Blast beginning at 3pm with Drinks specials ALL DAY LONG!

Ty's Bar
118 Christopher Street (btw. Bleecker & Hudson)
NYC

you look like you need a hug...

2009-10-08T03:10:00.005-04:00

DJ Chauncey D presents
The Third and Final "Bear : Hugs"!!

management is changing and so is the sexual orientation of the customers...but nonetheless...
DJ Chauncey D is preparing a funky and sleazy sonic soundscape to provide you with a unique dancehall experience and guaranteed to make you boogey....if boogey is what you do...otherwise the retro, yet space age tinged bar has tons of nooks and crannies to hang out with your honey in. So come by and celebrate the end of a new party that had bearly begun!

Chauncey will give a hug to everyone that walks in that wants one...and if you ask nicely...he may do more than just squeeze...

10:00 pm No Cover
Hugs in Williamsburg
108 North 6th Street
between Barry and Prince
First stop out of Manhattan on the L Train
(Bedford Stop)

check out the facebook event page here

What is a Bear?

2009-10-02T18:38:00.007-04:00

A Bear Identity Workshop
with Jack Bethke, MSW

Since the late 1980s the Bear subculture has emerged from obscure party nights and a few publications to a bona fide cultural phenomenon, and now includes multiple generations of gay men who are as diverse as the gay community itself.

But what does the term Bear mean today? More importantly, how do we fit as individuals within the larger community?

This eight-week conversation will address and question various issues from a mutual aid perspective, such as: identity, body image, sex, attraction, community and career.
As a group we’ll explore trends, wellness issues, increase self-esteem, build confidence and forge stronger relationships as members of this dynamic community.

Please join us - all are welcome - bears, non-bears, cubs, chasers, admirers, etc.

Tuesday Evenings
October 12 – December 1, 2009
$25 per session (x8)

In order to ensure comfort and intimacy, space is limited and a full 8-week commitment is necessary.

To schedule a brief telephone interview, please contact Jack Bethke via email: jack@jackbethke.com or by telephone: 917.309.1163.

Further information regarding Mr. Bethke and his practice can be found at www.jackbethke.com.

BAD (& GOOD) NEWS FOR BEARS & LEATHER IN NYC

2009-09-30T20:14:00.016-04:00

Sept. 30
NEW YORK MAGAZINE, pg. 18

The following is from The Villager, Sept. 24, 2009

Bad news for bears: It’s been a punishing several weeks for the bears as they’ve been on tenterhooks not knowing whether they would be able to throw their annual bondage-themed bash in the Meat Market. On Tuesday, Robert Valin, director of the West Village Leather and Bear Street Fair, broke the news to us that he planned to call the whole thing off. Valin said, after weeks of being left in limbo, the Mayor’s Office last week O.K.’d their annual street fair for Little W. 12th St. between Washington St. and Tenth Ave.

But with just three weeks before the event, slated for Columbus Day weekend, Valin said — even with the offer of the alternative street — there wasn’t time to whip everything together for a top-notch BDSM bear fair. Community Board 2 initially recommended approval for the leather fest for W. 13th St., next to Andre Balazs’s new Standard Hotel, back in May or June; but then Valin heard from the Mayor’s Office that the fetish fest clashed with the “image” of the hotel — whose exhibitionistic guests have been getting naked and flashing folks on the High Line. But eventually it became clear the real issue was that the bears were unwanted by the four-day Wine and Food Festival, which has the Standard as its hotel H.Q.

Valin said he’s not looking to blame anyone for the bad news for the bears — not the Mayor’s Office, Balazs or Annie Washburn, executive director of the Meatpacking District Initiative, who has been organizing the effort behind the foodie fest. He said the bears just hope to get Little W. 12th St. next year. “It really hurts that it’s the Meat Market,” Valin reflected of this year’s snafu. “The gay leather men put that place on the map.”

Washburn said of the bear fair’s fate, “I’m really sorry that happened — and I had nothing to do with it.” Asked if the bondage bears can use the street next year, she said, “We’ll definitely be here — [the Wine and Food Festival] is an annual event. But we will welcome [Valin] to be here on Little W. 12th St. — next year, definitely. I hope that next year we can all work together and coordinate.”

Washburn, who is on C.B. 2, said it slipped by her in the spring when the board unanimously approved the leather fair for W. 13th St. Valin said Leather Weekend won’t be a total wash: There will be a Rooftop Bear Barbecue and Beer Blast at The Delancey, 168 Delancey St. at Clinton St., Sat., Oct. 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
______________________

______________________________

COME HELP US CELEBRATE!

LEATHER & BEAR BEER BUST & BBQ
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCT. 10
ROOF DECK OF THE DELANCEY LOUNGE
168 DELANCEY STREET AT CLINTON ST.
1PM-5PM
$10 INCLUDES BBQ • CASH BAR
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT AS THE ROOF TOP RETRACTS

Please help spread the word by cross posting this invite to your lists & groups.
We're already expecting a few hundred bears at this event! Thank you all for all your emails & support—Robert

__________________________________

ON THURSDAYS, THE BEARS GO DOWNSTAIRS...

Robert Valin & DJ Chauncey D present
DADDY
THURSDAYS in the basement at ELEVATE
390 8th Ave @ 29th St
$4 Heinekens, Coors Lite, Jaeger & Tequila shots
10pm/Free

BEARS INVADE ASPEN COLORADO. RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO FIGHT BACK

2009-09-27T10:07:00.003-04:00

THIS JUST IN!

By BERT RUDMAN

9/26/09, 12:23 PM EDT

Famously dubbed the Rodeo Drive of the Rockies, Aspen, Colo., is home to gourmet restaurants, fine jewelry stores, luxury hotels and, for a few months in the summer, bears.

"Bears are emblematic of the Aspen community," said Aspen resident Mark Goodman. "They are wild, beautiful, fabulous creatures that are awesome, yet you keep your distance ... the beauty and the fear is what makes it so fascinating."

Fascinating, but this year, it's a dangerous problem. Aspen police report a nearly tenfold increase in the number of bear sightings in town. Wildlife experts think that a moist spring caused a berry shortage, forcing hungry bears to wander into town in search of food.

"Once a bear gets into a human environment they quickly realize the fried chicken you or I had for dinner last night and may have put in the trash can is highly caloric," said Colorado Division of Wildlife spokesman Randy Hampton.

Bears need nearly 20,000 calories a day to bulk up before hibernating and feed for 20 hours a day to get it.

Officials are now concerned that across Colorado too many wild bears have developed a tasted for human food and are getting used to people. They are now actively telling residents to be, literally, mean to the bears. Yell at them, throw rocks and if they charge you, stand up to them.

"You want to be as big, as large as possible, and you always want to fight back with a black bear," said Hampton. Black bears tend to be timid and are generally not aggressive.

"When they are utilizing our environment as their habitat in that manner, they are also very likely to defend that territory, " said Hampton. "And so it can be a dangerous situation when bears get to the point where they are breaking into homes to get food."

In Aspen, three people this summer have been attacked in their own homes, including Maureen Hirsch. A bear came into her house through locked French doors.

WEST VILLAGE LEATHER & BEAR STREET FAIR CANCELLED

2009-09-25T15:13:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEST VILLAGE LEATHER & BEAR STREET FAIR CANCELLED
http://www.thevillager.com/villager_334/scoopysnotebook.html

We may be defeated, but we're still gonna celebrate!
Please join us at:

HOT ASH
Leather & Bear Beer Bust & Bar-B-Que
THE DELANCEY ROOF DECK
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCT. 10
1pm-5pm
168 Delancey Street
$10 (INCLUDES BBQ)
(corner of Clinton St.)

**Please help spread the word by cross-posting to your friends, pages, and lists. Thanks!

DADDY DOES THURSDAYS

2009-09-22T19:13:00.002-04:00

Join all the men at NYC's newest weekly party where hipsters, bears, east village boys and Chelsea queens get groovin' towards the weekend with old school rock by DJ Chauncey D every Thursday at DADDY

$4 Heinekens, Coors Lite, Jaeger & Tequila

Doors open 10PM
No Cover

TRUCK STOP SUNDAY SEPT. 27

2009-09-20T12:58:00.003-04:00

MuscleBears, Leather Daddies, Furry Pigs & a HOT TUB?
TRUCK STOP
The Monthly Tea-Dance for MEN
Sunday, Sept. 27
Doors open 6pm/$5
Hosted by Robert Valin with Music by Gustavo
Bar: Robinson & Carmine

Check out Mike Diamond's visit to last months TRUCK STOP here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc1rkP-bCaY

SUNDAY, FURRY SUNDAY: BRUISER HITS JERSEY CITY. BIG BOYS REACT

2009-09-19T07:27:00.009-04:00

BRUISER, the new bear party at Star Bar in Jersey City was launched last week and the place was packed with guys from all over NYC and NJ.

Check out their weblink at http://www.gostarbar.com/bruiser.htm

THE BEAR REPORT: Sept. 12, 2009

2009-09-12T13:45:00.017-04:00

Balazs or Bloomberg: Who's Really Anti-Bear?
WEST VILLAGE LEATHER & BEAR STREET FAIR SLATED FOR SUNDAY OCT. 11 STILL HOMELESS!

http://curbed.com/tags/andre-balazs

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/09/04/eaterwire-balazs-chases-b_ws_277789.html

http://gothamist.com/2009/09/07/the_standard_1.php http://mobile.gothamist.com/2009/09/11/the_bears_are_back_in_town.php

http://op-ed.outprofessionals.org/2009/09/11/it%E2%80%99s-not-wise-to-rile-bears-%E2%80%94-especially-the-leather-bears/

________________________________________________________

TIME OUT NY MAGAZINE: BEARS TAKE MANHATTAN
http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/nyc-in-pictures/78144/robert-valin-producer-of-urban-bear-weekend

________________________________________________________

ROBERT VALIN + DJ CHAUNCEY D PRESENT

DADDY
LAUNCH PARTY THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
390 8TH AVE @ 29TH ST.
DOORS OPEN 9PM/NO COVER
THIS PARTY IS RESTRICTED TO GUEST LIST ONLY
OR THOSE WITH AD
TO GET ON THE GUEST LIST, E-MAIL DADDYSLIST@GMAIL.COM

________________________________________________________

MORE FUR! MORE FUN! SIX FLAGS!
Sept. 18th 6-11pm

Mark Nelson, Robert Valin, and a sihtload of other promoters GAY DAY at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson NJ
A private event for the Gay & Lesbian Community to Benefit The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund & The Center Friday,
Music by Seth Gold & Justin Ryan
Live Performances by Ultra Naté, Sylvia Tosun, Colton Ford, The Daisy Spurs, Telling On Trixie , Cheer New York
TICKET PRICES $60 (plus tax) at the gate $45 (plus tax) Advance Tix

COME RIDE THE BEAR BUS WITH US!
$40 Round Trip Bus Tickets from NYC to Six Flags, NJ (These sell out fast!). Buses depart and return 208 W. 13 St (between Greenwich Ave. and 7th Ave, NYC).
Bus Tickets need to be purchased in advance, in person at Wear Me Out or The Gay Center by Sept 10. For more information visit outinevents.com or marknelson.biz

________________________________________________________

WHAT HAPPENS AT SEA, STAYS AT SEA... (YES, THE RUMORS ARE TRUE)
RAUNCH ON THE RIVER
MUSCLEBEAR SEA TEA 2: THE FINAL VOYAGE
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
BOARDS AT 6PM, SAILS AT 7:30PM RETURNS AT 10 PM FROM PIER 40 2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF CHRISTOPHER ST

ONLY 100 TICKETS LEFT!

THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT
CONTACT ROBERT FOR $20 DISCOUNT TICKETS (INCLUDES BUFFET DINNER) AT RVALIN@LEATHERINVASION.COM

________________________________________________________

NEXT TRUCK STOP
SUNDAY SEPT. 27
Check out Mike Diamond's Video from August's Party!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc1rkP-bCaY

________________________________________________________

come get your bear hug tonight!

2009-09-10T08:19:00.002-04:00

dj chauncey d returns to williamsburg again this month with 'bear hugs' @ hugs!

check out the facebook event here

The Standard Hotels Double Standard

2009-09-07T10:27:00.002-04:00

http://gawker.com/5353716/the-standard-hotels-double-standard-exhibitionism-on-our-terms-only

Standard Hotel Boots Bear & Leather Fest

2009-09-03T12:07:00.005-04:00

http://www.thevillager.com/villager_331/scoopysnotebook.html

TIME OUT NY GETS HAIRY

2009-09-02T19:43:00.003-04:00

They Shoot New York

Some of you may remember about a month ago, TIME OUT magazine sent me (as well as 83 other New Yorkers) a disposable camera to capture 'My New York'.

Well, here's mine, as well as Drew Barrymore's, Tim Gunn's, Justin Bond's and lots of other cool New Yorkers. Can you guess my theme?

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/nyc-in-pictures/78131/they-shoot-new-york

Hope you enjoy,

Robert

TRUCK STOP: GRRRRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

2009-09-01T10:33:00.001-04:00

Here, Mike Diamond pays TRUCK STOP a visit and the Bears will never be the same...

FOR ALL YOU BIG BOYS WHO HAVEN"T A THING TO WEAR

2009-08-31T11:45:00.000-04:00

Found this site amusing... http://fatguyshirts.com/

BARBARA WALTERS, MICHAEL MUSTO, BEARS & BARS

2009-08-28T08:35:00.000-04:00

One of the things I'd like to see happen with this blog is commentary. Commentary from anyone who wants to share their thoughts on our community. Whether it be a movie you've seen (or that's being filmed), a new restaurant or vacation spot, articles or photographs you've come across, gatherings, or even stories from a guys night out, I'd like to have you post it here. Contributors are welcome too. I'll be glad to post it. Just send it to me at rvalin@leatherinvasion.com.

With that, I'll start by getting the ball rolling on my bar escapades on any given week, here in NYC...but before that, make sure to read Michael Musto's "Why Bears are the New Twinks", which follows below.

Okay, here goes:

I'll admit it. I like to go out.
A few times a week.
Okay, every night.

Generally spending my days working from home, I feel the need for social stimuli—as well as a beer or two—once six o'clock rolls around. And while I love going out, I tend to be a creature of habit and frequent the same watering holes weekly. I like to support as many of the bear related events I can, and like I said, I do like my beer.

I'll start with Tuesday:

BUDDIES (Nowhere Bar 322 East 14th)
Damien Cote hosts & plays an alternative blend of music in this basement-esq (and crowded) party with a fun mix of Bears, cubs, East Village & Billyburgh types with a sprinkling of local lesbians, hipsters & fag hags. The energy is very laid back & unpretentious and Sonny keeps the draft flowing from behind the bar till the wee hours. When I've had enough (or when my friends have told me I've had enough), I venture next door to Artichoke for my weekly indulgence, a slice of their spinach & artichoke pizza of which words can't possibly describe. Then it's back to Chelsea to walk Benny & fall bissfully into a beer & cheese induced coma.

Wednesday
What I miss most about Wednesday's is Paul Short & Mike Grime's monthly party, SPIT! at Uncle Mings (now called The Hose). New York has not been the same since it's departure & we miss all your sick, twisted creative energy. Bring it back guys! Enough said.

I've recently begun frequenting JOCK STRAP WEDNESDAYS at The Eagle. While I don't go each week, and you'll never see me in a jock strap (insert collective sigh of relief here) I really hope to see this party take off as it's got what it takes. Mirch, the Eagle's resident Bear bartender (and eye candy for all you aficianados) plays host & DJ to this scantly clad crowd cruising to The Cure.

What I like most about the night, besides the collection of men parading around in next to nothing, is Mirch's rarely heard selection of old school rock (think Rush meets Styx meets Blondie), most of which I haven't heard since the late 70's/early 80's when my sister & I had our daily after-school brawl as to who'd be at the helms of the turntable till mom got home and demanded her ABBA.

He's currently my favorite DJ & his music takes me back to a time of easy living & hard cruising at The Spike and the old Eagle. I look forward to hearing 'Atomic' once again when I return (and without the inevitable kick in the balls from my sister).

Thursdays
have become a regular bar hopping night for me, with my friends Richard & Liam, who taught me the term "let's bounce". What starts off as a quick drink at GYM Bar for happy hour (8th Ave @ 19th St. packed daily, but Thursdays are ludicrous) is then followed down the road at our favorite dive bar, RAWHIDE (8th Ave @ 21st St), a great old bar, held together by duct tape & a prayer, celebrating it's 30th year in business.

Rawhide is my local standby, and I love the staff there (Michael, Jay, Cliff, John & Roger). Rawhide boasts "Go Go dancers nightly" and Richard & I take great pleasure in our pastime of critiquing their ensembles as if we're celebrity judges on Project Runway. I'm personally perplexed how they have all ended up with identical boots, none of which I've seen on a sole (intentionally misspelled) since seeing Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

The bar has a great jukebox and the booze is super cheap with drink specials every day. I recently had a Bloody Ceaser (Google it) and much to my surprise, enjoyed it. I think Rawhide should start a bear night on Mondays. Tell them I said so.

Following that, we'll sometimes head over to The Eagle for CODE, but that all depends on whether I'm geared up or in my white Converse skids and Prada (oh, who am I kidding), as the regalia is strictly leather/rubber/fetish. Last night was packed on the roof deck. I wore sneakers and didn't get laid...do the math.

TY's
I'm not much for watching television, but having worked in publishing over the past 10 years, I admit being addicted to Ugly Betty, which thankfully is shown as a prelude to Thursday's Bear night at TY's (115 Christopher St). Rumor has it the show moves to Friday's this Fall...but be it Ugly Betty or reruns of Joan River's Celebrity Roast, Ty's is undoubtedly my home away from home. I love the place & my dog Benny is welcome there with open arms (there's been talk how they'd rather he came alone. Don't think I haven't hear the rumors).

There isn't a friendlier bar in NYC and Ty's has supported the Bear & Leather community year after year & continues to do so. I especially love the shenanigans of Gary & Donny (pictured above), and am convinced they should have their own comedy hour on LOGO. I can't say enough good things about this place, which locals and tourists have dubbed "The Gay Man's Cheers".

Ty's is crowded throughout the week as well, in addition to having a monthly Fireman's Night (don't forget those matches) but especially on the weekends where I tend to stop by early Friday nights before heading home. To wrap it up, TY's is the optimal bar to catch up with friends and meet new ones.

Fridays
After a months hiatus, SNAXX returns to The Westside Tavern next week (23rd St @ 9th Ave) where DJ's Gustavo & Rich King cater to a wall to wall basement of musclebears & fashionistas with their unique signature spinning styles.

DADDY RETURNS FRIDAY SEPT. 18TH
in collaboration with DJ Chauncey, I'll be relaunching DADDY due to popular demand in the basement of an undisclosed Chelsea venue.

The opening night party will be strictly guest list only (no cover), and due to capacity requirements, we're keeping the address under lock & key for now. If you'd like to get on the guest list, send an e mail to "daddyslist@gmail.com". Stay tuned for more details.

Saturday
Deemed by many as amateurs night out, I tend to stay in, as I like to go biking early Sunday mornings, and usually with a clear head. I think pretty much everywhere is busy, but The Eagle is usually a safe bet if there isn't a special party like BlowOff or Cruising happening.

Sundays
WTF happened to The Dugout (oops! I mean The Ramrod!)?
Sunday had always been my favorite day of the week and for years I looked forward to the beer blast at The Dugout (DEVIL! I said it again!)

Note to management regarding decor: If you're going to change the name, the least you could do is change a light bulb.

Why they changed the name to The Ramrod is beyond me. I'm not sure what's happened there, but I miss how it once was. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Dugout (despite it's new name, I refuse to refer to it as anything other than The Dugout) and I've not given up hope just yet, but the Sunday beer blast has been off kilter the last few months. I miss arriving at the corner of Christopher & Weehawken seeing the bar overflowing with bears, especially outside, where, as pedestrians pass, the hirsute hommes seemed more like our caged counterparts at the Bronx zoo. The temptation to place a "Please Feed The Bears" sign on the iron fencing out front overwhelms me at times.

Not that I think the Dugout is in any jeopardy of closing, but the place is an institution, and I'd like to see it bustling again as it once was. Where have you all gone? Papa awaits. Please come home.

BARBARA WALTERS & ONE LESS BEAR

Mondays
For over 5 years, my friends Liam, Richard & I as well as others have religiously gone every Monday night to support a friend who hosts a once popular bear night in Chelsea featuring hairy porn stars, Go-Go Daddies & free give-aways. Lately however the only fur visible is that on the domes of toupee'd trolls drenched in the stench of the free fried chicken & hot dog jus. We've sat by and watched as this party has spiraled to a near death, now entering stage 1 of rigor mortis.

Was it the hot dogs that have gone bad? Could it be we grew bored of the same 12 songs of Heart, Huey Lewis & The News and Duran Duran being played in a predictable succession week after week (after week)? Or is it because we can watch all the free porn we want on the internet while at home or at the office without being sexually accosted by the likes of Grandpa Munster & Sy Sperling?

No, it's not that at all. We've grown to love what this party had become & reveled in it's trashy ora, embracing it for what it was (and for what it wasn't), finding it all too endearing.

However, we've been watching & hearing over the past few months as friends stopped showing up claiming they've ceased patronage of the bar (not the party, per se), named after a popular morning talk show. The culprit: "That tired old, unfriendly bar tender/manager with the miserable attitude and scowl".

Well, I too finally came upon its wrath last Monday after being told not to return due to what he deemed as "inappropriate behavior". While my memory may get fuzzy at times, even under the influence I am always a lady and don't recall doing anything there that I wouldn't do at my local Duane Reade. (or haven't done at my local Duane Reade for that matter). But come on! We're talking about a gay bar, not the pews of St. Patricks!

In any event, I turned to the door with my head held high and proudly exclaimed how I've been banned from bigger & better places (as most of you know all too well). I only hope for the sake of my friends who work there that this fire breathing dragon gets some prozac and an attitude adjustment so the place gets hopping again. Until then, I will miss my free porn & drumsticks.

Finally, thanks for reading. I'll end with some noteworthy events coming up this week & the weeks ahead. Hope to see you out & about.

Till then,

Robert

___________________________________________________________

TRUCK STOP's End of Summer Fur Fest
Sunday August 30
PENTHOUSE AT THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th Street
Doors open 6pm/$5 Cover
Music by Gustavo
Robinson & Carmine behind the bar
Dress to get wet!
truckstopparty.com

__________________________________________________________________

MORE FUR! MORE FUN! SIX FLAGS!
Mark Nelson, Robert Valin, and a sihtload of other promoters

GAY DAY at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson NJ
A private event for the Gay & Lesbian Community to Benefit The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund & The Center
Friday, Sept. 18th
6-11pm
Music by Seth Gold & Justin Ryan
Live Performances byUltra Naté, Sylvia Tosun, Colton Ford, The Daisy Spurs, Telling On Trixie , Cheer New York
TICKET PRICES $60 (plus tax) at the gate $45 (plus tax) Advance Tix

COME RIDE THE BEAR BUS WITH US!
$40 Round Trip Bus Tickets from NYC to Six Flags, NJ (These sell out fast!).
Buses depart and return 208 W. 13 St (between Greenwich Ave. and 7th Ave, NYC).
Bus Tickets need to be purchased in advance, in person at Wear Me Out or The Gay Center by Sept 10.
For more information visit outinevents.com or marknelson.biz

______________________________________________________________________

You asked, we answered!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Muscle Bears, Firemen, Cops! Oh My!
RAUNCH ON THE RIVER
The MuscleBear Sea Tea Returns
for it's final voyage to benefit FireFlag Fire Fighters & EMS
Sunday, September 20 (Board at 6:00pm, Sail at 7:30pm, return at 10:00pm)

June's MuscleBear Sea Tea SOLD OUT with over 400 of NYC's Beefiest Men.
$20 Discount tickets (includes buffet dinner) available only through Robert Valin at next weeks TRUCK STOP or at rvalin@leatherinvasion.com. Please include quantity of ticketswhen e mailing. This event will sell out fast!
______________________________________________________________________

SAVE THE DATE!

HOT ASH ROOFTOP BBQ & BEER BUST • THE MR.& MS. NYC LEATHER CONTEST•WEST VILLAGE LEATHER & BEAR STREET FAIR! visit newyorkleatherweekend.com for details

______________________________________________________________________

Why Bears Are The New Twinks!

By Michael Musto

Tuesday, August 25th 2009 at 2:08pm

Are twinks gradually becoming the world's most endangered species since the kangaroo rat? Sure, their trim forms, asymmetrical hairstyles, and piercing squeals whenever a Lady Gaga song comes on are as adorable as ever, but it seems it's bears that are currently rising with a fiercer bullet in the hierarchy of gay body types. Bears are trumping chicken!

The chubby, hairy gays are way better organized as a community and, as gym fascism wanes a bit, they've ratcheted up their acceptance as available sexual objects (which is good news for my own trajectory, especially if I gain just five more pounds and a hint of taint stubble). They're more in tune with the earthier, less narcissistic era we're apparently entering (though their occasional distaste for effeminacy makes me fear for just the kind of internal LGBT oppression they're supposedly running from). And now, they're heading toward the big screen in BearCity, a fictional feature co-written by entertainment journalist Lawrence Ferber and director Douglas Langway who are shooting everywhere from the Ramrod to the Eagle..

DESIGNER BEARS GROWL

2009-08-16T15:34:00.000-04:00

Taken from an article published Oct. 2007 by John Koblin in the NEW YORK OBSERVER,

http://www.observer.com/2007/design-bears-growl?page=all

On a recent Thursday afternoon on 34th Street, a burly 28-year-old named Rob Seroka was examining some denim samples in his office at Liz Claiborne. Mr. Seroka, who runs a man’s fashion line there called RSRV, gestured his right index finger—a thick, meaty right index finger—at one swatch.

“Well, this is a six-dip denim,” he said. “A vintage six-dip wash with a light blasting on a crosshatch denim.”

He caught his breath. “But I’m not as into denim,” he continued. “My specialty is wovens.”

Mr. Seroka was speaking pure fashionese, but in his ripped jeans, lime button-down shirt and white sneakers, he looked nothing like most of the delicately shaped boys and girls circulating on his floor. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Mr. Seroka has always had a name for himself in the gay world he patrols in his off-hours: He’s a bear (or a “bear cub,” since he’s only 28). A bear is not unlike a lumberjack: big, hairy and favors plaid. And that has never been a particularly popular image in the design community, which tends to favor the black-clad and slender.

Until now. Meet the Design Bear, the furry antithesis to the foppish clique of fashionistas, furniture makers and artists: a clique filled with skinny jeans and tight-fitting T-shirts (think the French designer Hedi Slimane), a clique among which one bear, the artist Nayland Blake, said he sometimes feels like nothing so much as the neighborhood garbage man.

“Some guys say they are metrosexuals,” Mr. Blake said. “I call myself the hobosexual.”

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

‘A Certain Shape and Size’

The thing about Design Bears is that while they may prefer a shleppy outward appearance—“We have a closet of plaid shirts and some of them are from high school,” said Robert Tagliapietra, half of Costello Tagliapietra, 2007’s answer to Dolce & Gabbana—what they create is as beautiful as what their more cosmetically refined peers create. In other words, their bearness is a purely personal style, not a professional one.

“The way we look doesn’t have a typical gay sensibility,” Mr. Tagliapietra said, “but we love the woman’s body and that’s where we do our work.”

“I would consider myself definitely atypical,” said Patrik Rzepski, who himself carries a bit of extra padding, even as he dresses sylphs like Sienna Miller and Maggie Gyllenhaal in ethereal frocks. “But sometimes you fit in a fashion crowd by sticking out.”

The Design Bear does many of the things you might expect from a typical queen: making people over, cooing over shoes, fondling fabric. (“This is twisted-yarn plaid,” said Mr. Seroka with particular glee. “This makes it wrinkled, the yarn gets twisted in there.”) But he’s more likely to prefer gay bars like the Dugout and the Eagle to tanorexic hangouts like G Lounge and Vlada.

You might say he’s been hiding in plain sight for years—but poised to have a coming-out party. During Fashion Week last month, Mr. Tagliapietra and his longtime partner, Jeffrey Costello, both gray-haired bears, captured the imagination of style commentators, including The Observer’s own Simon Doonan.

“With Jeffrey and Robert in the forefront of the public eye, it’s changed the perception of what a gay man is,” Stevo Harris, the editor of the niche magazine A Bear’s Life, a catalog of all things bear, said approvingly. “They can’t believe the man sitting next to them is gay.”

The more you look for Design Bears, the more you find them. Mr. Rzepski, a 25-year-old who has had his own label for six years, was recently in Paris to show his collections. “You want people to remember you, and you hope it’s because I’m really approachable and nice,” he said, with a bear’s generous spirit. “But if they remember me because I’m a certain shape and size, then go for it.”

And the publishing industry has pounced. Recently, a book named Bear Flavoured, a 256-page account of bears in fashion and the arts, was released in London.

“We felt that it was the right time,” said Aki Choklat, the editor. “There have been so many emerging bear-identified designers and art coming out we felt we had to do it now.”

Lest you think this is just a silly trend: “We wanted the book almost to be like a bear design directory of sorts—maybe volume one?—since we feel we only scratched the surface so far,” Mr. Choklat said.

A Bear’s Life’s next issue will also be dedicated to designers and artists.

Paws on the Persian Rug!

On a recent Sunday night at the Eagle, a bearish-leaning gay bar on 28th Street, conversations with the clientele present revealed a surprising intensity of interest in good design.

“I mean, I’m a modernist,” said Andrew Magnes, a 36-year-old architect, describing his favorite style. He had a full, untrimmed beard and was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. “I’m into as much clean-cut architecture as possible.”

“I have a design mind,” said Brian Reus, a tall, big-boned 54-year-old with an untidy goatee and an oversized nylon jacket. “I just do it to create, you know? I’m creating things all the time. I like to design by what presents itself to me, like if a chair presents itself to me, then great! I love simplicity, like a real simple design. With design, influence comes from everyone—a little Frank Lloyd Wright, a little of somebody else!”

One shirtless bear, a 53-year-old psychiatrist, stood in the corner of the ground floor of the bar, the black hair on his belly, torso and shoulders and back fully exposed. He disagreed that bears were getting into fashion … but then started talking about his apartment in Hell’s Kitchen, where he’s lived for 14 years.

“I have the best furniture that money can buy,” said the shaggy shrink. “I only buy from the best antique stores in the city. I have lots of Persian rugs, including this one 50-year-old Iranian carpet. In fact, the City of Knickerbocker—this antique dealer—really wants to buy this one bronze lamp from me.”

Attention to detail is especially, if incongruously, important to the Design Bear. Take Mr. Blake, the artist, who showcases his works at the iconic Matthew Marks gallery in Chelsea. On a recent trip to his studio in Crown Heights, his bearness was overwhelming. He has a long, wild gray beard and wore a sleeveless shirt under overalls with the logo “Big Ben.” There was a slight tear on the backside of his overalls, exposing a furry bottom.

But as with his fashion counterparts, Mr. Blake’s actual work is the epitome of elegant beauty. “So that’s a small, very tiny wire abstract sculpture with beads and buttons,” he said, showing one of his creations. “That chain is about four feet long, and these are various kinds of glass beads and there’s some feathers. It’s all very kind of delicate.”

Delicate! It’s not a word you’d associate with bears, who’ve been defined as a gay sub-community since—depending on who you ask—either the 1970’s or the 1980’s. But only now, it seems—post-Queer Eye—is the culture at large ready to expand its notion of homosexuality to include not just limp-wristed nancy boys but, well, men. Big men. Who, heck, might just know their way around a bias cut.

“I think at this point in the game there are bears in whatever profession it is,” Mr. Blake said. Still, he added, “the straight people who I know who have not had a lot of contact with the gay world are fascinated by the idea that there is something called bears. They are, like, shocked by it and it’s still kind of a joke to them. Look at the couple on the Sarah Silverman program—they’re a bear couple and the joke is that they’re this gay couple and do all this gay stuff but they are heavy, video-game-playing, bearded guys.”

Mr. Costello admitted the design world has not been entirely accepting of his bearness. “It’s still a very visually oriented business,” he said. “We’ll get comments, or whatever: ‘Don’t you guys wanna eat those hors d’oeuvres?’ You know where they’re coming from, but you know what it is and you laugh them off. You have to be comfortable with yourself. That’s really the bear mentality: being comfortable with who you are.”

IT'S HIP TO BE ROUND

2009-08-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

Interesting article from the Style section of this weeks NY Times
by Guy Trebay

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/fashion/13POTBELLY.html

A MESSAGE FROM JOAN RIVERS

2009-08-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Robert here. Please take a moment and read this important message from Joan Rivers about the NYC Gay Men's Chorus which, after 30 years, is in serious jeapordy of shutting down.

While I am not a member ( I only do solos ;-), I have experienced their magic over the many many years they have performed here in NYC, throughout the United States and abroad. I have had (and still have) countless friends in the chorus and NYC would be at a terrible loss without them. The Gay Men's Chorus has always been a huge supporter of the Bear Community (amongst many others), and were instrumental in this past May's success of NYC's first Urban Bear Weekend. I hope you will consider helping by making a donation today & spreading the word.

Thanks,

Robert

A MESSAGE FROM JOAN RIVERS:

Can we talk?

I haven't been this depressed since Paris Hilton picked somebody else over me as her new BFF. Since those crazy kids Jon and Kate couldn't make a go of it. Since the Octomom refused to adopt me. Since....well, you get the picture. I'm UPSET!

Why, you may ask? Because my beloved New York City Gay Men's Chorus is having a tough financial crisis and there's a very real chance that they may have to shut down the organization. That simply cannot happen.

I love these guys. I've performed with them at Lincoln Center. They've been in my living room and, believe me, it isn't often that I have 250 men in my living room. Well...OK, but that's another story...

This is serious stuff, my friends. This economic downturn is hurting everybody. And, we all know that so many important causes are asking for our support. I'll tell you why I think the New York City Gay Men's Chorus deserves OUR support.
The Chorus gives a beautiful voice to important initiatives such as marriage equality and non-discrimination. And even today, there are always people looking for role models, for the courage to come out - and these guys stand proudly as out, accomplished, proud and committed gay men. We cannot lose their influence on our culture, our community and the very pulse of New York City.
For 30 years, the Chorus has been making beautiful music and changing lives. There are young gay men new to the city, founding members, even a few women - who knew? - for whom the Monday night rehearsals are a ritual and a touchstone, providing a creative outlet and supportive family, sometimes when their own families have kicked them out.
The Chorus has offered comfort to the community after the tragedy of 9/11, fought in the battle against AIDS, and mourned the loss of over 100 of its own members. And they do all this, while sounding TERRIFIC and being just ADORABLE as all get out.
Make a donation. Host a party in your home (don't worry...all 250 of them don't have to show up!). There are all sorts of ways to help.

Please do it today. Don't make me beg. It's not pretty. Many thanks! Joan Rivers

You can help by donating what you can to help the cause, $10, $15, $25, $100, whatever you can do, will be greatly appreciated

http://www.firstgiving.com/tedcastiglia

Donating is safe and easy, and tax deductible. Donate what you can, it all adds up!!!!!

BEAR : HUGS is tonight!!!

2009-08-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

Hot off of the success of "Beetlejuice" @ Nowhere Bar, a fun and frisky look back at the late 80's and early 90's that takes place the first Sunday of every month, DJ Chauncey D kicks off his newest monthly party tonight in Williamsburg! The newest hunky habitat to be is Hugs on North 6th Street...just a short walk from the Bedford stop on the L train. Tonight, August 13th marks the debut of Bear : Hugs, Chauncey's pre-weekend bash for dancing bears and their admirers! For more info please visit the facebook event page here

BEAR HUGS THIS THURSDAY!

2009-08-12T17:23:00.000-04:00

Bear Hugs @ Hugs in Williamsburg
a new monthly party for dancing bears...

	Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 10:00pm
	HUGS
	108 North 6th Street, Williamsburg
	Brooklyn, NY

BEAR HUGS is the newest monthly party to hit HUGS in Williamsburgh and an exciting adventure that Chauncey is delving into...the most exciting part is that HUGS has a dancefloor! Finally, DJ Chauncey D's brimstone beats will be heard properly and he has been saving up some major artillery to blow you away sonically!

This is the premiere of the party featuring underground electro, nudisco, indie electronic and some classic house thrown in for good measure to keep the bears, the boys and their admirers antsy on the dance floor...sweating it out together in primitive fashion.

You won't hear Lady Ga Ga...but will perhaps meet a few lady grrr grrrs here...

no cover
$4 absoluts
$2 selected draft beers
skee ball
buck hunter
photo booth
free snacks
and more to come!

And for all of you NYC snobs...
it's only one stop out on the L train to Bedford so it's a teeny bit longer than going to 1st avenue

Chauncey wants to give you a Bear Hug...will you return the favor?
check out chauncey's favourite songs of the moment on his blog
http://thecerebraljester.blogspot.com/2009/08/definite-eleven-august-2009.html

BEAR T-SHIRTS

I LOVE the people down at LIVE FAST! They love us bears & are even designing shirt for us now!!!

"Just arrived fresh today!! Scooter LaForge Bear T-Shirts!
Its amazing size XXXL,XxL and XL. —love you big boys!"

Please support them & artist Scooter LaForge by getting one of these cool T-shirts!

KAKE ON A BREAK

KAKE is on hiatus and will resume in September once all you boys get back from summer camp & vacations, so STAY TUNED!!!

PINUPS

PINUPS ISSUE #10

Pinups is getting ready to release its 10th issue in September. It's a special issue that is a reaction to ideas and expectations about the magazine being porn. Issue 10 opposes the traditional porn story by featuring Scott's morning routine. Scott wakes up, yawns, goes to the bathroom, showers, shaves, and gets dressed.

Issue 10 features 27 black and white images over 56 pages, half of which can be made into a 32" x 70" image.

www.pinupsmag.com

Tuesday, August 11

2009-08-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

TOO DARN HOT

Cool off tonight mixing it up with Rock-n-Roll fags, hairy men, BillyBurgh boys, East Village freaks, plus an assortment of funky dykes & great music at this popular Tuesday night party hosted by DJ Damian Cote

BUDDIES
at Nowhere Bar
322 East 14th Street
9pm till/no cover
Cheap beer & drinks, pool & popcorn all nite long

100 BEARS For TIME OUT MAGAZINE

2009-08-07T15:03:00.000-04:00

PHOTO OP for TIME OUT MAGAZINE This Saturday

For those of you who don't know, I was asked to partake in a project for TIME OUT NY magazine's annual photography issue, where they sent me (as well as 99 other New Yorkers) a camera to fill with photos of the subject of my choice. I've decided to make the NYC Bear scene my muse.

This Saturday afternoon, I will be taking a photo of as many bears as humanly possible on The Highline. So if you're a bear, cub, otter, musclebear, furry chub or fuzzy hipster, please come out and be counted for! We'll all probably go grab beers right after at GYM bar. (We will meet on the Highline at the large seating area on West 17th Street overlooking 10th Avenue)

BEAR PHOTO SHOOT For TIME OUT NY
on The Highline
Saturday, August 8
4PM at West 17th St Seating Area

RAIN OR SHINE!

Please help spread the word!!!

KAKE TONIGHT!

Robert Valin & DeMarko! present
KAKE Burly Boys, Butch Bears & Beers Tonight (FRIDAY) at The Star Lounge 222 W. 23rd St. under the Chelsea Hotel 10pm/No Cover *Free vodka shots with your first beer!

Stay up to date on everything Big & Furry in NYC with
The Woofington Post
http://www.thewoofingtonpost.blogspot.com

DaddyHunt.com - Real men. Right now.

I have a great offer for you courtesy of DaddyHunt.com. DaddyHunt is the premier online community for men who dig real men and Daddies of all ages, with close to 200,000 members worldwide. If you are not a member already, then you need to join today!

The great guys behind this site are offering TRUCKSTOP fans a no-risk, 30 day trial Premium Membership. To take advantage of this special offer just sign up for their Basic Membership, go to the "support" tab and enter Promo Code: daddyrobert.

As a supporter you will be able to:
- View all public X pics
- View private XXX pics other members unlock for you
- Use advanced search and unlimited "who viewed me" lists

You will also get a Supporter logo on your profile.

To take advantage of this offer you have to activate it by August 20th and you must actively cancel before the 30 day trial ends or your credit card will be charged. You may cancel the trial at any time before the end of the trial period and you will not be billed.

Join today and happy hunting!

P.S. Feel free to pass this offer on to all your friends!

VOTE FOR BENNY!

2009-07-31T11:14:00.000-04:00

Hey Bears!

Please take a moment and vote for my pup Benny in The Cutest Dog Competition.
You can see his photo by clicking the link, and the best part is I can really get him A LOT of tennis balls with the $1,000,000 prize!

What has this got to do with Bear culture you ask? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
(except I’d have a hell of a lot more money to throw parties with!!!)

If you think he’s super cute (as I do), feel free to share this with friends as well!

http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=7D9B15B89A7F6602AD2B3A4652225B0A

Licks & sniffs,

Robert

HI GUYS,

NYC has slowly developed a scene catering to the gay masculine male—aka, THE BEAR!
My goal for this blog is to create a "Central Hub" where guys can post & find listings for NYC events, outings & gatherings, articles of interest as well as random thoughts (my own & others) on the lifestyle and just about anything related to NYC's Bear Community.

Bears & Musclebears, Cubs & Chubs, Otters & Wolves, Hairy & Smooth and those who love them are all welcome.

For those who don't know me, I throw TRUCK STOP (truckstopparty.com), a monthly tea-dance at The Park with DJ Gustavo. I also produced this past May's first Urban Bear Weekend NYC (urbanbearweekend.com) as well as New York Leather Weekend (newyorkleatherweekend.com) celebrating it's 3rd year this October. I am a former Mr. Eagle NYC (2005), born & bred here in NYC and general lover of just about anything large & furry ;-)

I hope you enjoy this site as it grows. Please check back often & help spread the word. With your help, together we can build our community bigger...stronger...furrier!

If you have an event or photo(s) you'd like to post, or If you'd like to become a contributor, please send your submissions to rvalin@leatherinvasion.com.

I look forward to getting to know you.

GRRR!

Robert Valin

Friday July 31

Hi Guys,

We're so sorry about last weeks last minute cancellation.
The Star Lounge, who had to turn over 200 of you away due to a double booking last week (we felt it best not to mix Hip-Hop & Bears) will be giving us a 2 hour OPEN VODKA BAR, so get there early & drink up boys and help us celebrate our new weekly party!

KAKE
the new weekly party for men

Hosted by DeMarko! & Robert Valin
THE STAR LOUNGE 222 W. 23rd Street
Just below The Chelsea Hotel
10pm/FREE

THIS JUST IN FROM EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE GO-GO BEAR, JONNY MACK!

SATURDAY AUGUST 8

BEAR PARADISE
PARADISE, Asbury Park, NJ (www.paradisenj.com). Join us at Shep Pettibone's legendary Jersey Shore club where the fur will literally fly tonight. I've hand selected two new dancers for this furry fest, so you really want to come out, check out the MEN on the boxes and let me know if either of them should return on a regular basis. I'm sure you're gonna love them both. Just remember who brought them to you!! TONIGHT'S DANCE ROSTER: JONNY MACK, MICHAEL X and NAJIM... Dancers go on at 11:30 p.m.

SUNDAY AUGUST 9

FUZZY LUAU
PARADISE, Asbury Park, NJ (www.paradisenj.com). Fur on the water! Spend some time with some real men poolside at PARADISE. Hirsute habibi NAJIM joins me on the box poolside for your hair-raising pleasure. See you there from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MONDAY AUGUST 10

FUZZY LUAU
VIEW BAR, Eighth Avenue at 22nd Street, NYC (www.viewbarnyc.com). Chicken, hot dogs, salad, peanuts everywhere, Max Scott and his porn raffles, 70s rock and a whole lotta me. What more need I say? Expect me there by 7:30 p.m. Dancers on the box by 9:30.

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

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

Hope to see you out there!

Jonny Mack
http://web.me.com/jonnymack
http://www.twitter.com/jonnymack2

THE NEW YORK BEAR DEN

Upcoming NY Bear Den Gatherings:

August 2nd 2009, 2:00-5:00 at the Queens Pride House
September 13th, 2009, 2:00-5:00 at the Queens Pride House
For more information, visit our website:
http://NY-Bear-Den.com/

Come join the New York Bear Den
on Wednesday, September 9th at 8:00 PM
as we team up with
Will Clark's Porno Bingo
for a special fundraising event!

Will Clark's Porno Bingo benefitting NY Bear Den
PIECES BAR, Christopher St (just west of Greenwich & 6th Ave.)
Wednesday night, September 9th at 8:00 PM
Fabulous Prizes - Famous Porn Stars - Fun For All!

Wednesday, September 9th from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM!
(Following Porno Bingo), join the NY Bear Den at
DRIP!
DRIP! is a huge gay pool party at the Grace Hotel's Pool Bar!
ocated on W 46th between 6th Ave and Broadway
The fun goes from 10:00 PM 'til 2:00 AM!

new party alert!

2009-07-28T01:05:00.001-04:00

more info to follow...

2009-07-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

THIS WEEKEND IN NYC...

DJ DEMARKO! & ROBERT VALIN cordially invite you for

KAKE
THE NEW WEEKLY PARTY FOR MEN
Launch Party this Friday, July 24th
in celebration of DeMarko's 44th Birthday!

THE STAR LOUNGE
at the Chelsea Hotel
222 West 23rd Street
Open Vodka Bar & Cupcakes (courtesy of Diverse Desserts) 10-11pm
No Cover

BEARS ON THE BEACH
WATER TAXI BEACH AT GOVERNORS ISLAND
SUNDAY, JULY 26
11AM-5PM/ FREE EVENT!

Join hundreds of NYC's hottest & hairiest as we descend upon NYC's newest Water Taxi Beach at Governor's Island, complete with Beer Garden & Cafe!

“Offering spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines and the East River Bridges; Water Taxi Beach/Governors Island will be accessible from Lower Manhattan on the Governors Island Ferry departing on the hour from the Battery Maritime Building and by New York Water Taxi from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.”

For more information, visit http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2009/07/water_taxi_beac_3.php
or http://govislandblog.com/2009/06/26/water-taxi-beach-haiku/

THE HOT TUB IS BACK!
THE HOT TUB IS BACK!!!

Musclebears, Leather Daddies and Furry Pigs... in Speedos?

TRUCK STOP's
Annual SPEEDO PARTY
THIS SUNDAY JULY26
(following Bears on the Beach)
Penthouse at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th Street
Doors Open 6pm
$5 cover
Music by Gustavo

Metro Bear Watch

2009-07-22T00:40:00.000-04:00

What are The Metro Bears up to this weekend? Well the fun starts on Friday night @ View Bar...

Metro Bears NY celebrate their new event home in true Summer Style. Speedos and beachwear encouraged

Summer jams by DJ Chauncey D

$5 non members
$3 members

a portion of the proceeds will be donated to GMHC

2 for 1 Drink Specials from 8pm-9pm
Ribs & Wings

and then on Saturday afternoon head on down to Jing Fong on Elizabeth Street for a bite of some Dim Sum Bears

Saturday, July 25th
12pm-3pm
Jing Fong
20 Elizabeth Street (@ Canal)

Bear Week 2009 On The Go...

2009-07-16T16:23:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you can't stop having a good time. And sometimes you can't stop long enough to let everyone know just how good a time it is you're having (and what they're missing). So with love we give you a fine little taste of the good time we're having here in Provincetown, MA, for Bear Week 2009.

Don't be shy. Say hello! And work up that grrreat smile of yours for a photo-op. Might just find yourself online with the rest of them burly men we like so much.

PROVINCETOWN BEAR WEEK CONTINUES...

2009-07-14T08:45:00.000-04:00

BONFIRE OF THE BURLIES
Thursday, July 16
Herring Cove Beach
Fire starts at 8pm
BYOB

SUMMERSNAXX BY THE SEA
at The Crown and Anchor
Thursday, July 16
with DJs Rich King & Gustavo

BLOWOFF
Tuesday, July 14
at The Boatslip
DJ's Rich Morel & Bob Mould

BEARS ON THE BEACH SUNDAY, JULY 26

2009-07-08T14:31:00.000-04:00

WATER TAXI BEACH
AT GOVERNORS ISLAND
11AM-5PM

Join hundreds of NYC's hottest & hairiest as we descend upon NYC's newest Water Taxi Beach at Governor's Island, complete with Beer Garden & Cafe!

“Offering spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines and the East River Bridges; Water Taxi Beach/Governors Island will be accessible from Lower Manhattan on the Governors Island Ferry departing on the hour from the Battery Maritime Building and by New York Water Taxi from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.”

For more information, visit http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2009/07/water_taxi_beac_3.php
or
http://govislandblog.com/2009/06/26/water-taxi-beach-haiku/

THIS IS A FREE EVENT
followed by...

TRUCK STOP SPEEDO PARTY
MuscleBears, Leather Daddies, & Furry Pigs in Speedos?

SUNDAY JULY 26,
following 'Bears on the Beach'
PENTHOUSE AT THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th Street
6pm/$5
MUSIC BY GUSTAVO
for more, visit truckstopparty.com

IT'S THE REAL THING
DJ DeMarko & Robert Valin
present a new kind of party...

KAKE

Fridays, beginning July 24th
THE STAR LOUNGE
at the Hotel Chelsea
222 West 23rd Street
Open Vodka Bar 10-11pm
No Cover

2009-07-01T10:09:00.001-04:00

Bank Offloads HX Magazine

Putting to rest rumors that long-running New York-based HX Magazine was on its way out, New York Press confirmed with owner-founder Matthew Bank on Tuesday that the magazine had been sold.

Bank, who built the magazine from a publication he distributed for free into a multimillion-dollar business, released the following statement to New York Press:

"HX Magazine and the website hx.com have been sold. The new owners of HX Magazine will be releasing details and information on their plans for the future of the title shortly. In the meantime, Bank and HX Magazine publisher Gary Lacinski will be assisting them in the transition. HX Magazine issue 931 dated July 10th, which will be released on July 3rd, will be the last one produced by HX Media and its staff.

"We've had an incredible time creating what we feel is the best local gay magazine the world has ever seen," says Bank, "and I am proud that even in this difficult economy we were able to ensure that this magazine that is dear to the hearts of so many readers will be able to continue under capable new ownership."

The terms of the transaction remain confidential.

HX Media LLC still owns and operates the New York Blade newspaper and its Expo division, which produces the HX Gay and Lesbian Travel Expos, HX Gay Life Expo, and HX Gay Erotic Expo. These businesses were not part of the sale. —theadvocate.com

Thank you to Matthew Bank & the entire staff at HX for a great run. Here's hoping the new publisher gives recognition to the growing Bear community. —Robert

WHAT DO BEARS WANT?

2009-06-30T09:55:00.000-04:00

METRO BEARS NY SURVEY:

In an effort to improve events & functions to meet the needs of the Bear community here in NYC, the MetroBears are asking everyone to take a few moments to complete this survey. Once all the information is collected, they will be sending their findings to all community groups & leaders, so I will post it here for everyone to see.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229D78WBGZZ

If you can forward this to your friends and people on your email list. The more responses we get the more details and improvements the bear community can make.

Thank you for your time and enjoy the survey.

Mike
MBNY Chair

__________________________________

LET'S GET THE CONVERSATION ROLLING HERE AS WELL....

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE HAPPEN FOR THE BEAR COMMUNITY HERE IN NYC? Post your ideas, thoughts & suggestions right on this blog!

And for those of you who attended Urban Bear Weekend NYC...

1.What did you enjoy about the weekend?

2. What did you dislike or what needs improvement?

3. What do you feel was lacking this year?

4. What do you feel could change or enhance Urban Bear Weekend NYC for next year?

5. For those of you who didn't come, please tell us why & what would make you come next year.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts,

Robert

SUPER SNAXX 6 PRIDE SUNDAY!

2009-06-26T11:34:00.001-04:00

PRIDE SUNDAY
CIELO, 18 Lil' West Twelfth
10 pm
$25
DJs Gustavo & Rich King

HAIRY PRIDE BEGINS TONIGHT

2009-06-25T16:19:00.001-04:00

PIN-UPS PARTY TONIGHT AT NOWHERE!

Pinups will kick-off Pride Weekend in New York by celebrating the latest issue at The Phoenix Bar.

Thursday, June 25, 2009
10:00pm–4:00am
The Phoenix Bar
447 E 13th Street
New York, NY

Special Appearance by the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck from 11:00pm–1:30am
Music by DJs Jeff Jackson and Half Chemical
All draft beers $3

FRIDAY GETS XXXTRA FURRY...

ANOTHER FURRY DANCE PARTY JUST IN TIME FOR PRIDE
FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU FURBALL...

SUMMER FUR
FRIDAY JUNE 26

THE CENTER
208 W13th STREET
7:30pm-Midnight
$10 at door/$8 at gaycenter.org/$6 for Bear Club Members with ID

DJ BARNEY PHILLY
WITH GO-GO DADDIES JONNY MACK, TOREZ & J.G. RUFFCUB

HOSTED BY THE METROBEARS NY.
SPONSORED BY HX, MARK NELSON & WILL CLARK & BEAR DEN, THE COMPLETE BEAR, MAX SCOTT EVENTS, BEARWWW.COM, BEAR411, BEARFILMS, BEAR PARTY, RAINBOW & TRIANGLES, A BEAR'S LIFE, MBNY

BLOWOFF

	BLOWOFF

	Friday, June 26, 2009 at 10:00pm
	Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:00am
	HIghline Ballroom
	431 W. 16th Street
	New York, NY

Phone:

2124145994

Note: This Blowoff starts at 10:00 PM, as opposed to the usual 11:30!

Tickets $15.00 in advance
$25.00 day of party.

SAVE $10 when you buy advance tickets!

Advance tickets:
http://www.highlineballroom.com/bio.php?id=893

Also available at Nasty Pig, 265A West 19th Street.
http://www.nastypig.com

This is the last NYC Blowoff until Friday, September 18, so don't miss it! Next East Coast Blowoff is Saturday, July 14 at The Boatslip in Provincetown. Check the event pages for more info.

SATURDAY:
THE MUSCLEBEAR SEA-TEA
GAY PRIDE CRUISE

LIMITED AMOUNT OF $20 TICKETS AVAILABLE
AT TY'S BAR
114 CHRISTOPHER STREET
($30 AT GATE IF CRUISE IS NOT SOLD OUT)

TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

2009-06-24T12:52:00.000-04:00

DADDY
The Rough & Hard Gay Pride Ball
Special Appearance by Jonny Mack
The Red Room at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 18th St.
10pm/$10 ($5 with printout of this invite)
DJ Chauncey

All Leather/Levi/Uniform/Rubber/Fetish Gear Encouraged

Looking For Buddies This Tuesday Night?

2009-06-21T19:33:00.000-04:00

We like to keep ourselves busy here at Woofington Post even when we're still recovering from a Folsom packed weekend. While we may be resting our merry souls this Monday night, it certainly doesn't mean we aren't making plans. And planning we are!

So what's a bearded boy to do with himself on a Tuesday night in the big city? Well... trimming your beard isn't what we have in mind. Neither is spending the night alone.. Instead, spend it with Buddies at Nowhere Bar!

You can never have too many buddies at Buddies with DJ Damian Cote bringing back the old school. Remember all your mixtapes from back in the day? Remember when Suzy was spelled S-I-O-U-X-S-I-E? Bauhaus wasn't an art movement? And Robert Smith wasn't your best friend wearing lipstick and big hair for Wigstock, but instead fronted your favourite band in the whole world; The Cure? We remember! We remember it every Tuesday night at Buddies. Cheap drinks, hot folks, and cool tunes. Can't go wrong (even if you did trim your beard just a little).

Folsom Street East Redux... Circa 2002

2009-06-21T14:09:00.000-04:00

Folsom comes.
Folsom goes.
And the masses keep coming back for more year after year.

While some of you gents are polishing the last of your leather wears on the heels of today's Folsom Street East, we went digging through the photo archive of Michael Alexander and found some nostalgic classics to share with you. Think of it as a Woofington Post exclusive.

Remember the Meatpacking District when the only jewel-encrusted high heel sporting beauties were prostitutes? Or when the meatrack meant last call at The Lure? We do. Those were the old days and here are some oldies from 2002 for you to enjoy.

REMINDER: Folsom East Street Fest & TRUCK STOP this Sunday

2009-06-20T10:11:00.001-04:00

FOLSOM EAST BLOCK PARTY
SUNDAY JUNE 21
West 28th St. (btw. 10th & 11th Aves)
2pm-8pm
$10

TRUCK STOP TEA DANCE
Penthouse at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 18th Street
Doors open 6pm
$5 in advance/$10 at the door
Advance tickets on sale at the New York Leather Weekend/TRUCK STOP booth at Folsom
for more info, visit truckstopparty.com

Erik Hanson Open Studio

2009-06-19T23:51:00.000-04:00

Erik Hanson open Studio

One Day Only

Erik Hanson

Saturday, June 20, 2009

12:00pm - 6:00pm

151 Norfolk Street Cellar Doors on the left

New York, NY

I'm opening the cellar doors to show off the wall of 30 portrait paintings that I've made in the last 2 months. Come on by and take a look. June 20th from 12 til 6pm... or later depending on the mood.

Drinks will be served, BYOB is encouraged

It's in the basement of 151 Norfolk street, down the cellar doors on the left...and watch your head!

http://erik-hanson.blogspot.com/

HAIRY BEAR(S) NEEDED FOR MUSIC VIDEO

2009-06-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

For music video to be shot in a lower Manhattan loftspace on Tuesday from 2-6pm (plus fitting on Monday at 1:30PM). Premise of video is guy gets dumped by girlfriend, then imagines all the furniture in his apartment is made of naked men. The Bears will play a Lazy-Boy and wearing furry underpants (hmmm). Pays $150 bucks

If interested send shirtless photo and availability (which I will forward to producer) to rvalin@leatherinvasion.com
(and no, this is not my atempt at getting free jerk-off material)

BEAR IS BETTER

2009-06-18T13:28:00.000-04:00

BOY vs. BEAR

Email your boy/bear photo diptych, matched pose if possible (mine above, shown for example) together or separately, to further prove that bear is better! Check out LOVEPAW at http://lovepaw.blogspot.com/ to see (and be a part of) this fun installation on. To submit your own boy vs. bear photos, send an e mail to deanmorris_nyc@yahoo.com

Reminder: TY'S BEAR NIGHT Launch Party TONIGHT!

2009-06-18T12:17:00.000-04:00

SEE YOU TONIGHT AT THE BEAR BAR!

NINETY-NINE BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

2009-06-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

Q: WHAT'S BETTER THAN A BARRELL FULL OF MONKEYS?
A: A BUS LOAD OF BEARS!!!

INTRODUCING THE PROVINCETOWN BEAR BUS
Everyone knows how difficult (and expensive) it is to get to Provincetown, but thanks to Gabe Zichermann, there's finally an affordable (and fun!) solution to getting to the furry mecca this July.

Join me as thousands of other bears descend on Provincetown at Bear Week, July 11-18.

The bus departs from Penn Station on Saturday morning July 11th & drops us off right at McMillan Wharf in the center of P'Town, returning to NYC the following Saturday...and all for just $129 R/T . (Save 10% by booking now with code EMJFL)

So if you're planning to go, book your seats as this will undoubtably fill up fast.

I just did!

See you on he bus,

Robert

http://ptownbus-rvln.eventbrite.com

TY'S 'BEAR THURSDAYS' LAUNCH PARTY THIS THURSDAY!

2009-06-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

Ty's is truly my favorite bar in NYC.
The staff & management continuously give back to the community and on Thursday nights, Gary & Donny behind the bar will keep you in stitches. Come help support them as we KICK OFF BEAR THURSDAYS THIS WEEK.

Tell all your friends & HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

"REFERRED TO AS ‘THE GAY MAN’S CHEERS’, Ty's has been serving the community since 1972. This Christopher Street landmark offers super-friendly service with an even friendlier clientele. Comfortable and relaxed, this watering hole is the quintessential Bear bar, located in the heart of NYC's historic West Village. Happy hour & recession friendly drink specials offered daily."

Carmine, NYC

2009-06-14T18:21:00.000-04:00

photographed by Shaun Fletcher

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2009-06-12T14:57:00.000-04:00

THIS WEEKEND...

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The MetroBears Annual Mr. Metrobear/Mr. Metrocub contest!
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Friday, June 12th
8pm - 1am
"Meet The Contestants"
Ramrod (formerly The Dugout)
185 Christopher Street corner of Weehawken
$5 entry (proceeds donated to Heritage Of Pride (HOP)

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"The Contest"
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Saturday, June 13th
8pm - 1am
View Bar 232 Eighth Avenue (between 21st & 22nd Streets)
$5 entry
DJ Chauncey D
Free Pizza & Drink Specials!

for more information and/or to become a member please visit www.metrobears.org

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LEATHER PRIDE WEEKEND 6/20-21
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25th Annual Leather Pride Night
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Saturday June 20 2009
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Splash! at 50 W. 17th Street
$15 advance/$20 at the door
www.leatherpridenight.org

Leather Pride Night Auction is an annual event and charity auction that raises
money for NY/NJ area organizations. New York's entire leather and
fetish community works all year to produce the event. SPLASH!'s doors
will open for LPN at 6:00 PM, and the auction will run from 7 PM until
10:00 PM. Liquor, beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided at a cash
bar. Light finger food will be served and bootblacks will be on hand
(or foot) to keep your boots looking sharp. All tips go toward the
event's total for the beneficiaries.

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FOLSOM STREET EAST
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Sunday, June 21, 2008 from 2 to 8pm
West 28th Street between 10th & 11th Avenue, NY, NY
www.gmsma.org

Folsom Street East is New York’s premiere s/m-leather-fetish themed street
festival. Folsom Street East is the largest outdoor event of its kind
east of the Mississippi and attracts nearly 10,000 visitors.

Performances already schedule this year will feature Billboard Top Ten recording
artist Sylvia Tosun, as well as Peppermint, Reina, Guy, the Johns,
Kissy Kamikaze, The Imperial Court of New York, Noa Tylo and Fredrick
Ford. Porn producer extraordinaire Chi Chi LaRue will return as the
event’s emcee. And there will be lots of entertaining antics on stage
and along the street all day long

The street will once again be lined with some 50 community groups and vendors that appeal to the LGBT and the kink communities and mobs of leatherclad musclehunks. A one-stop shop for leather gear, porn, and toys. And no throw pillow, magic mops, or tube socks – promise!
Proceeds benefit he LGBT Community Center, the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
(AVP), the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and GMSMA.

Admission $10 at the gate.

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TRUCK STOP (Following the Folsom Block Party)
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Musclebears, Leather Daddies, Furry Pigs & a Hot Tub

SUNDAY June 21
PENTHOUSE at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th St.
Doors Open 6pm
Music by Gustavo
$5 Advance/$10 at the door
www.truckstopparty.com

Advance Tickets available at our booth at Folsom East Street Fair
For more info on Folsom East, visit gmsma.org

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DADDY: ROUGH-N-HARD PRIDE BALL
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WEDNESDAY, June 24th
at THE RED ROOM at THE PARK
10th Ave @ 17th Street
10PM/$5 advance/$10 at the door
www.truckstopparty.com

Advance Tickets available at our booth at Folsom East Street Fair
For more info on Folsom East, visit gmsma.org

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GAY PRIDE WEEKEND 6/27-6/28
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THE MUSCLEBEAR SEA TEA CRUISE
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MUSCLEBEAR SEA TEA CRUISE
New York's Gay Sailing Tea Dance

SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Hosted by Robert Valin & Michael Fesco
Featuring Scott Spears & Jonny Mack
Music by DEMARKO
ADVANCE TICKETS: $25/$30 AT THE GATE**
Includes free gourmet buffet dinner catered by East of Eighth
Sailing from Pier 40 (2 blocks south of Christopher St)
Boarding at 6pm, sails from 7:30-10pm

This event will sell out, so get your tickets asap!

**LIMITED AMOUNT OF DISCOUNTED ($20) TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE WHO CONTACT ME AT rvalin@leatherinvasion.com

Provincetown Bear Week July 11-18

2009-06-09T16:11:00.001-04:00

Photos from Urban Bear Weekend May 7-10 2009

2009-06-09T15:45:00.001-04:00

Click on the ketchup for more photos from Urban Bear Weekend!

MONDAY, JUNE 8

2009-06-08T14:14:00.000-04:00

PINUPS MAGAZINE

Pinups is a triannual publication that features one to two nude male models. There are no words—just an exaggeration of the classic centerfold. The magazine exists in book form but can be taken apart and tiled to reveal a life-size image. The magazine is printed in New York. Created by Christopher Schulz.

"A coyly elaborate one-image publication"—AA Bronson

"A beautiful art book that you dismantle to make a huge pin up poster of a naked sexy man."—Joe Pop

http://www.pinupsmag.com

And if you're in the San Franciso Area...

ISSUE 9 LAUNCH PARTY 06/20/09
Issue 9 launch at Silverman Gallery Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:00–10:00pm. 804 Sutter Street (between Jones and Leavenworth) San Francisco, CA 94109. After party hosted by DJ Bus Station John 10:00pm–2:00am at The Cinch 1723 Polk Street.
http://www.silverman-gallery.com/

WOOF!
The View Bar
8th Ave @ 22nd Street

Join Max Scott and the Men of View Bar tonight as they turn up the heat with fan favorite Jonny Mack & the debut of Jersey shore smokin' stud Eder, plus tons of raffle prizes to go around as you make your way down the Eighth Ave. strip to the Den of Men destination.

$2 Bud Light Drafts/ $3 MGD Cans
Free Grub/ Great Music/ Raffles
7pm $5 cover

IMPROMPTU BEAR INVASION TONIGHT (SATURDAY)

2009-06-06T13:56:00.000-04:00

IMPROMPTU BEAR INVASION TONIGHT (SATURDAY)
At
THE RAMROD
185 Christopher Street
(formerly the Dugout)
11pm - Midnight

Spread The Word!

Photos from Urban Bear Weekend

2009-06-06T13:16:00.000-04:00

I'm slowly figuring out this flickr thing, so bear with me. Below are some photos from TRUCK STOP during Urban Bear Weekend. The next TRUCK STOP will be Sunday, June 21st, following Folsom East.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28919910@N06/sets/72157619333149086/

WELCOME!

2009-06-05T19:55:00.000-04:00

NYC is developing a reputable scene catering to the gay masculine man—
otherwise known as THE BEAR

My goal with this blog is to create a central "hub" where guys can post & find listings for events, outings & gatherings, articles of interest, as well as random thoughts and rants (including my own) regarding the Bear/MuscleBear community, with special focus on NYC and it's surrounding areas.

However you identify, be it Cub, Chub, MuscleBear, Otter or Wolf, hairy or smooth, I'm hoping you'll find refuge here and enjoy reading whatever this blog has to offer as it grows.

If you have an event or photo(s) you think would be of interest to the community, feel free to post, or If you'd like to become a contributor, I welcome all submissions and can be contacted at rvalin@leatherinvasion.com.

Please check back regularly & help spread the word!
Together, with your help & info, we can build our community bigger, stronger, furrier!

I look forward to getting to know you in the months ahead.

Robert