IBR Affinity Groups

• Bear History Project: For anyone interested in assisting or helping lead the non-profit group that has run the Bear History Project and the Bear Icons exhibits. General information available at www.bearhistory.com. Host: Les Wright, Drbearlove@aol.com.

• Ye Olde IBR Affinity Group, or "Faire Bears": For bears interested in or involved with Renaissance Festivals. "A forum for other Faire Bears to meet each other, make connections, learn about Ren Faires across the country and swap stories about sexy guys in KILTS!" Meets in the host hotel (room TBA) at 9am on Saturday morning. Host: Gene Landry, Fuzzystud@aol.com

• Interplay for Bears: "InterPlay is a technique and philosophy that integrates Body and Spirit together again. By using improvisational forms and tools we will share stories, move our bodies, use our voices and have contact with each other. The bear community is already based in physicality, InterPlay is a great way to express more physically, emotionally and spiritually...and a whole lot of fun! Anyone is welcome to come in comfortable clothes and be prepared to take a deep breath and enjoy!" Host: Jonathan, asinnavy@aol.com

• 12-Step Meeting: "For any member of a 12 Step program who wants to participate and share their experience, strength and hope.... We will be meeting at 8 A.M., Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Ramada. There will be signs posted in the lobby identifying the room. You do not have to be registered for IBR to attend the meeting." Host: SLVRLKBEAR@aol.com

Bear Run Updates: Bear Pride, GXB Weekend, TBRU, Spring Thaw

The Great Lakes Bears have just set up their first online registration system, provided via Paypal. No more lickin' stamps to join the club or sign up for Bear Pride! By the way, the early registration discount for Bear Pride ends on February 15. See www.glbears.com for more info.

The Gen-X Bears of New York have extended the first registration deadline for their New York City gathering on April 20th. The price is $50 for registrations received before February 15th. [As of this writing, the registration form on their website still lists the old deadline of 1/31.] John Snyder can be reached at JCBearNY@netscape.net with any questions.

Meanwhile further south, we eagerly await the sixth Texas Bear Roundup on March 29th. Their discount registration deadline is February 28th for $75. Registration after that date costs $90, and no registrations will be accepted after March 16th. They have online registration available through Paypals. Check out the TBRU 6 website for all the good info: <http://www.tbru.org>

And out on the left coast, the Northwest Bears of Seattle are gearing up for their annual Spring Thaw weekend from April 19th to 22nd. Early registration is $95 before February 17th and $110 afterward. No registrations accepted after April 1st. Their website doesn't have many details as of this writing, but it does mention that an online registration tool will be available soon. In the meantime you can email st2001@nwbears.org or call their hotline at 206.781.7720 to get more info.

Two Bear Web Sites Are Down

As of this writing, two notable bearsites are down.

On February 9th, "Carey Bearshaw" posted to the BML that some files were accidentally deleted from www.bearsinthecity.com and the site's content is temporarily unavailable. If you need to get your paws on Carey's series of bear-oriented sex tales, the old episodes are available from <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsinthecity>. [Requires free registration with Yahoo.]

We've also noticed the absence of TheBearExchange.com, a bear-oriented travel resource. No further information was available as of this writing.

Site Updates: Orsi Italiani, Woof! and HuzBears.com

We hear from RoughCub that a new issue of Woof! is now available on their site, <http://www.bearland.com/woof>. The magazine is "dedicated to the amateur male exhibitionist" and features pics and erotic fiction.

The folks at Orsi Italiani Magazine have solved some nasty web server problems and brought their fine publication back online last Thursday. The site says that it has no fee or Adult Check restrictions, and features personal ads, fiction, and artwork. [Lots of banner ads though - Ed.]

Finally, Huzbears.com has introduced several new features on its site. These include email service, web hosting, personals, galleries, and a couples resource section.

New at Resources for Bears

• New BearPoll: What's the best Valentine's Day gift for the bear you love?

• We've brought back our occasional column about bear sightings in TV and movies. It's called "Fur On the Screen". The latest article spotlights the new Fox TV show "Grounded for Life," and the movies "Attila" and "Snatch".