Congratulations IBR Title-Holders!

Another year, another fun-filled International Mr. Bear Contest. The event was held during last week's International Bear Rendezvous in San Francisco. We're proud to report that our own Hal Hillman, an RfB News contributor, brought home the title of Mr. International Grizzly Bear. Way to go, Hal! The other title recipients were Scott Perry (International Mr. Bear), Dave Ward (Mr. International Daddy Bear) and Scooter Garoutte (Mr. International Cub). Our best wishes to them and everyone who participated.

Help a Fellow Bear: the Lurch Assistance Fund

This year's IBR attendees no doubt missed Lurch, the traditional MC of the International Mr. Bear Contest who's been involved with the local gay and bear communities for many years. Here are a few posts made to the BML that explain Lurch's situation and how you can help:

Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001 09:23:27 -0800
From: "Mark Katzenberger" 
Subject: Lurch could use your help

Hey guys,

You may not be aware, but a month ago, Lurch had quadruple bypass heart
surgery. Two weeks ago he was readmitted to the hospital with complications
due to infection. As of this morning. he's still there.

He will be laid-up and unable to work for at least 6 months. Insurance is
covering his medical bills, but he could use some help with his basic living
expenses during this stretch.

We've set up an account at the Castro Cal Fed Bank for him. If you wish to
contribute, you may send checks to:
  LAF - The Lurch Assistance Fund
  acct# 961-0082118
  Cal Fed Bank
  444 Castro St.
  San Francisco CA 94114

I know as a bear and a member of the SF community, I owe him so much -- he's
been out there for years and has brought me much joy. I'm sure that there
are hundreds of bears all around the world out there who feel likewise.

Thanks!
Mark Katzenberger
mkatzenb@sirius.com

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

Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001 21:04:27 -0800
From: "Mark Katzenberger"
Subject: More info on the LAF

Thank you.
A couple of BML subscribers sent emails with suggestions on how send money
to the Lurch Assistance Fund (LAF) without actually mailing a check to the
bank branch.

If you want to use PayPal to quickly send money, go to PayPal and login (or
register for a free account) at  http://www.paypal.com and select "Send
Money" I've used my old "sfbear@sirius.com" email address to link to the
account. [...]

If you want to wire money to the account, the bank routing number is
321070007

Lurch Assistance Fund
Acct# 961-0082118
Cal Fed Bank
444 Castro St.
San Francisco CA 94114

[...]

Before you ask - no these contributions aren't tax deductible. The fund is
simply an account we've set up as a way to help him out.

Thanks guys!
Mark Katzenberger
mkatzenb@sirius.com

Update 2/25: Mark tells us that Lurch is due to be return from the hospital early next week, perhaps Monday.

Update 2/26: Resources for Bears is collecting cards for Lurch. If you'd like to send him a card, you can mail it to the address below and we'll forward them to his home address.

Cards for Lurch
c/o Resources for Bears
PO Box 440235
Somerville MA, 02144

Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Pics

Seumas from Harbour City Bears in Sydney, Australia has posted dozens of pictures from the city's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day. There's lot of fur to be seen! The pics can be found at: http://www.hcbears.com/be2001/fairday1.html. Of course Mardi Gras is only the beginning of the fun for the bears Down Under, since Bear Essentials 2001 continues afterwards. Tickets for some of the events are still available (at press time). More info available at http://www.hcbears.com/.

Online News: Volunteer and Webhost Needed

Over at BearYouth, Brian Kearns has put out a call for a volunteer to help with running the website:

I'm looking for someone to help out with the Bear Youth site who has a good grasp of webpage design. That is to say someone who knows how to edit html and any other more advanced web media formats. CGI and Java script knowledge is great bonus, so is Flash knowledge and familiarity with bitmap web graphics.

Meanwhile, Giambattista at Orsi Italiani is looking for a new webhost for his site, a bear-oriented erotica magazine. Apparently his current hosting company makes a lot of banner ads appear on his web pages. The problem is, these banners are aimed at a heterosexual audience. (Real bright advertising, huh? - Ed.) To make matters worse, lately they've been embedding spoken ads in the web pages -- done by a female voice. Since the site is free, Giambattista is looking for a free hosting arrangement. He can be reached at carlomolinari@tiscalinet.it.

South Florida Bears Have a New Name

The South Florida Bears have changed their name to Bear Naked South Florida.
The Club Website is at: www.bearnakedsouthflorida.org

Bear Naked South Florida is a club for Bears and their admirers who want to
PLAY NAKED with other gay men.  The Club will have monthly play parties
beginning in March.

Please visit the web site:  www.bearnakedsouthflorida.org
If you want to be invited to the party, complete the Invitation form.

Bear Run Updates

Next week is LUEY Weekend, a bear-friendly leather run in Houston, TX. Bear Hunt 2001 (Las Vegas) and Texa Bear-Round Up (TBRU) are coming up at the end of March. We hear that the host hotel for TBRU is filling up fast, and the deadline for the discount registration is approaching (Feb. 28th). See the BearCalendar for details.