JULY Volume 1, Issue 2 MMXII
Inside this Issue: • Evanescence: Back for Blood PAGE 4 • Negativity; A Continuing Plague PAGE 5 Online Poll: What are some of the stereotypes of Bears? PAGE 6 Jason Sokody; From model to body builder PAGE 8 • Hearts & Iron Comics PAGE 10 Bear Therapy PAGE 11 Out & About Pics PAGE 13 DIRECTORY PAGE 14
The Fuzz By The Bear Society
Furry news. For furry guys.
2 - The Fuzz
FROM THE EDITOR So far so good… So already a couple of days after the launch of the newsletter, and we’re already getting really good reviews and comments about it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the newsletter, and who played an important part in making this happen. It’s not an easy project, but it’s something that we’re really excited about! Without a doubt, we’re very thankful to have the friends and family that we have, and who have shown tremendous support through it all. We couldn’t do it without all of you! I have to definitely recognize my partner, not just as a part of my life, but also as a business partner. You’ve shown me that regardless of how tough things can get, if I set my mind to something, I can achieve it, and I’m glad you give me that extra push to not throw a bear tantrum and quit. With that being said, our fellow bears, cubs, otters, chasers, daddies, and bulls; I welcome you the 2nd edition of our newsletter.
I’ve had quite the interesting couple of weeks after the publishing of the 1st issue. It’s almost the end of summer, and the unfortunate part about it, is that at my other job, I’m running on an exhausting summer schedule. I don’t mind the 3-day weekends, but it’s those 10 hour days that are extremely long, and tedious. I keep reminding myself that it’s almost over, but then I look at the wall clock in my office and it’s barely 2:00 PM. I never thought that 6:30 PM could be so far away! I have to take a walk or even a stretch every hour, or god forbid I fall asleep one of those times. But all of that time being there, makes me think about things that I could do for this newsletter, and think of people that I would like to contribute as well. If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, or know of someone who would like to give it a shot, please let me know. We could use a little help in making this easier for all of us.
I have to say that last issue, Chris’s column turned out pretty well! Everyone kept asking on Facebook when the answers/advice would be posted, and we just had to keep telling everyone to be patient! Another great thing that we like, was the social scene pictures. Everyone responded pretty well and was excited as well to come out in a newsletter like this. For the long run, we’ve made a couple more bear friends, thanks to this newsletter, we’ve gotten requests on Facebook about the Bear Society, and I’ve also had people wanting me to add them to our mailing list. This is all happening too soon! It’s great though. Without a doubt my friends, I leave you to ANOTHER great issue of The Fuzz, redesigned, with more pages, and with no other, than one of my favorites on the cover, Jason Sokody. Thank you all for your continuing support to the newsletter, and The Bear Society. Cheers!
Alejandro Ortiz, Editor In Chief
The Fuzz - 3
THE FUZZ Volume 1 – Issue 2 July MMXII
Editor In Chief Alejandro Ortiz Managing Editor Christian Gonzalez Contributors Anthony Gongora Stefan Hall Ivan Torres Tracy Von Maluski Creative Director Sergio Nuñez
To advertise in The Fuzz:
thebearsociety@gmail.com
Photo credits: Go Figure Photo Nicholas Piccillo Vince Gallione Photography
About Our Organization… The Bear Society is a social activity group for gay men and their friends in El Paso and surrounding areas. Events include cookouts, pool parties, dinning out, Sunday brunches, poker/game night, live DJ sets, movie nights… Anything that can bring a group of bears and their friends together for a good time, and another way to make long term friendships and memories. We will be including fitness, travel, as well as fund raising and a baseball team pretty soon! For a complete list of events, visit: http://thebearsociety.weebly.com/events
4 - The Fuzz
Evanescence: Back For Blood! By Anthony Gongora
E
vanescence is an alternative rock band from Little Rock, Arkansas which was founded in 1995 by singer/songwriter Amy Lee and Guitarist Ben Moody. Led by Lee’s operatic, passionate vocals, Evanescence has sold close to 25 million albums since its 2003 debut, “Fallen.” The bands premiere single, “Bring Me To Life,” snagged the band a Grammy for best hard rock performance. Other massive hits followed, including “My Immortal,” “Going Under,” and “Call Me When You’re Sober,” establishing Evanescence as worldwide tour headliners. The band released a live album entitled “Anywhere But Home” the following year and in 2006 they released their second studio album called “The Open Door” which sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.
more than 5 million copies worldwide.
In 2007 with band member changes, and their record label, WindUp Records, which was going through “uncertain times”, caused a hiatus on the release of their third studio album. Evanescence entered the studio in 2010 to record their self-entitled album “Evanescence” which was released in October 11, 2011. The break between “The Open Door” and “Evanescence” provided the band with much-deserved rest, but also some clarity as to how important what they had created meant to them. Lee spent her time away from the band with her new husband and learning how to lead a “normal” adult life in her adopted hometown of New York City. “Evanescence is my life’s work. I’ve been working on it since I was
a young teenager,” Lee says. “By the time we
finished touring “The Open Door”; I just wanted to nest a little bit... and build a life that didn’t revolve around my being in Evanescence.” But then the muse came calling, and Lee and her band mates felt an urgent need to express what was building inside of them. “The reason our music is epic and dramatic is because the biggest emotions that I ever feel, the music is the only way to get them out of my heart,” Lee says. “Words alone Lee performing in Antwerp, Belgium aren’t enough. It heals my heart to make Stops along the way include music.” Boston, Baltimore, Chicago, Making the return all the Detroit, Milwaukee and Boston, as well as El Paso at the Don sweeter are the fans. “I Haskins Center on August 18. can’t describe how great it feels to have It has been almost ten years their support. I love so since Evanescence has been in much meeting them the Sun City and five years since before and after the they performed in 2007 at the show. If feels like they’re Pan American Center. "We're growing with us,” says really looking forward to the Lee. Carnival of Madness tour this As of July 20, 2012 Evanescence has scheduled to appear at the Carnival of Madness tour, with performances by Pennsylvania hardrockers Halestorm, Cavo, New Medicine, and Chevelle. The tour kicks off July 31 in Springfield, IL, and finishes Sept. 5 in Evansville, IN.
Evanescence in Nashville, TN recording their third studio album
summer. “We love Chevelle and haven't hit the road together in years, and I'm really stoked to finally be playing some shows with Halestorm. Naturally, I'm a fan of strong women in music and Lzzy's voice is spectacular”, says Evanescence front woman Amy Lee, referring to Lzzy Hale, who is the lead singer of Halestorm. The Carnival of Madness tour promises a night of hard rock performances that shall be talked about months after the tour has ended.
The Fuzz - 5
Negativity; A Continuing Plague by Alejandro Ortiz oon enough, or from time to time, we’ve all had that negative friend, lover, or family member that just clings on to being pessimistic about EVERYTHING. I know that in the past, yes, unfortunately, I’ve been this character that sometimes people don’t even want to be around, and now I understand why. I was the negative one for almost everything. As much as I tried to keep a clear and positive mind for almost anything that I would do, it seemed to backfire on me and I would end up being pissed off about it and give up.
“ t was I easier to be negative with the rest of them!”
For some odd reason also, I seemed to surround myself with people that were like me. It wasn’t really on purpose, just people seemed to cling to me. It’s true what they say though, you are what you hang with. When I started having problems with people, even at work, and just plain shitty luck for everything, I decided that I needed to make a change in my life. I needed to be surrounded by positive people who won’t drag me down with them.
A friend of mine on the other hand, has made quite the impact on me when it comes to feeling down about things like this.
easy road. If it were, everyone would be doing it and this would be a perfect place – don’t give in to that ugliness”.
She’s been teaching me ways on how she doesn’t let anything bring her down. Just recently, I was telling her how I had been having bad luck and dragging myself to get up in the mornings, so then she texts me back: “When you get up, pep talk yourself and know that you are not going to let anyone break you down or break your spirit! Remember we are all surrounded by negative things, but it’s how YOU deal with it. Dust yourself off and get back up with a fighter’s spirit”
I’ve been doing better, I have to say. It’s been helping me quite a lot, that I surround myself now with great people and good friends, and that I receive good feedback about stuff.
Of course, I had to tell her that it wasn’t easy, since people would come to me with their drama, their negativity, and being unresponsive to my friendship as well, so I ended up telling her that it was easier to be negative with the rest of them! To which she clearly slapped me across the face with her final response: “That is definitely easier, but then it makes you one of them… This is not the
This newsletter is helping me much, since it’s part of who I am. A writer, a designer, a photographer, a partner, a lover, a friend. If you’re feeling down like me sometimes, and you just don’t quite know how to get rid of this “plague”, trust me on this; It too shall pass, and everyone else that had or has or IS infecting you with their negativity, won’t make it. I’ve promised myself that I would not fall victim to being one of them anymore, and believe me, it’s incredibly hard. It’s hard to not judge someone when they look awful in what they’re wearing, but you just need to say something. It’s hard to say something nice about a person you dislike, or even look at.
6 - The Fuzz
(Continued from Page 5) Overall, whatever you choose to make out of it, will define you later on in life. If it helps, here are a couple of things that I’ve changed about myself and my lifestyle: 1.- As much as someone tells you that they hate their life, or how much drama they have, in reality it’s THEIR drama. The only thing you can help with is being there for them, but not getting involved too much to the point where they drag you along with them. 2.- I don’t judge people on how they look, because I don’t have an amazing body to show off, but the little
Here we go with our monthly online poll. We asked what are some of the “stereotypes” of bears, and what some of you thought about them.
that I do have, I want to show off with pride, and I encourage you to do the same. We’re not perfect. PERIOD. 3.- If people are mean to me or to my partner or friends, I step away. There’s no need to add insult, since this is only going to grow into something that needs to end. 4.- People who don’t appreciate your friendship are primarily the ones who you shouldn’t even be trying to be friends with. Hence the word TRYING. 5.- Don’t tell people how miserable you are or lie about it.
The problem with this, is that now YOU are doing what they’re doing to you. It’s better if you try to set some sort of boundary in to what you should and shouldn’t tell people. The more positive you feel about yourself, the better your life can be.
Regardless of whether you did something wrong in the friendship, or if you apologized and they still won’t take matters into their hands, in the end, it will fall back on them, and they will be the ones who will be asking for your friendship.
Last and not least, probably the most important one of them all:
I’ve been witness to it, and I’m still not looking forward to having a conversation with them.
6.- If you are constantly surrounded by people, family, or friends that CLEARLY show no interest in your life, perhaps your career, or your friendship, don’t even bother.
It’s a hard journey, but in the end, who matters most? YOU and YOUR happiness.
What do you like about a Bear? (You‟re obviously curious, since you visited our website;))
4% - Bulky Body 8% - Friendliness 19% - Hairy body Here are the results, with 50% - Masculinity 19% - Muscles some interesting answers!
What do you usually think of when you think of a Bear in the gay community? 85% - A butch & masculine Man 15% - A big, fat, & hairy man
About how many bear friends do you think you have?
GOOD & BEST OF LUCK!
“A combination of food lover, thickness, and masculine aura” - J.P. “Just guys who are or like hairy guys, big or small” - C.O. “Older furry manly guy with a beard” - A.G.
8% - None 23% - 1 or 2 38% - More than 5 less than 10 “A sexy older man” 31% - More than 10 - A.R. “Bears are hot hairy guys who like other hot hairy guys. Their motto is „Don‟t pluck it, fuck it!‟” -Margaret Cho
Graham Bear, anyone?
The Fuzz - 7
8 - The Fuzz
From model to body builder; Jason Sokody By Alejandro Ortiz His main concern and what makes him sick to his stomach, is that some people have misrepresented him, stole his pictures from his ModelMayhem.com profile, and posted them in ways that he would never represent himself.
Alright, well, there you go. You obviously got interested in the article, since the cover page, right? Abso-fucking-lutely! What do we really know about this big bear? Well, we know that he’s 32 years old, he’s from Buffalo, New York, and we also know that his body is amazing. His last name is probably one that we haven’t heard very commonly. The nationality of Sokody is often very difficult to determine in cases which country boundaries change over time, making the original nationality a mystery. The original ethnicity of Sokody may be in dispute depending on whether the surname came about organically and independently in different locales; for example, in the case of names that come from a craft, which can crop up in multiple places independently (such as the last name "Brewster" which refers to a female brewer). I chose this big bear for our cover, since he’s been one of my favorite ones, since I got a glimpse of him on my Tumblr.
“Trust me, I’ve made mistakes that I cannot get back and I had no idea I was making them until later in life. Please be careful”, Jason comments on one of his model portfolios. The New Yorker can bench right now 425lbs and says he can be a real problem to those who do not reciprocate respect. Currently, he’s living in western New York, and enjoys being the professional that he is. No drugs, and no alcohol. Good for you, Jason! Jason is a pleasant dude to work with, and he believes in taking direction very well. Although he also warns us to watch our words with him. As a long term model, he has always lived by his credo of telling other models: “… beware, there are few sick people out there that don’t care about your well-being. Anyone can be taken advantage of without even knowing it”. Jason has been traveling so much, that he hardly has time for a relationship. He’s been to Hoboken, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Tampa Bay to name a few places. He’s done a couple of TV appearances as well, and in his most current one, he put together a concert to raise money for donation to the Red Cross in honor of his Haitian friend and his lost family members.
fitness, editorial, and character.
For Yahoo! Sports, he’s done a commercial too, in which he starts a fight with a total stranger. Of course, it’s a set up, but who would want to get in a fight with this big guy?!
Jason has also been profiled in various publications, such as Inside Out by Lauren Dane, Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke, to name a few. As far as the model being a member of the gays, or the straights, he doesn’t tell. The simple fact that a person like him can be SO attractive, makes him worthwhile being on the cover of The Fuzz!
The Fuzz - 9
10 - The Fuzz
Hearts and Iron Comics
The Fuzz -11
Bear Therapy We all need it… From time to time, we’ve all needed to let things go, and get some advice to deal with it. Who better to disburse this advice, than our wisdom seeker, Chris. “I just got out of a relationship and I am now finally getting used to being single and fully on my own with no bf/partner to answer to or deal with. My question revolves around meeting guys. I go on dates and that sort of thing for fun and to meet new people... But some of these guys want to get married right away and I know I am not ready to jump into another relationship so soon after ending one. How do I convey this message to guys that hit on me and want to take me out without dumping out all my baggage? Or at least tell them to calm down so we can get to know each other first? Thanks!” -Gym Bear Dear Gym Bear, You have by far one of the hardest tasks ahead of you. Not only do you want to play the dating card, but you want a single life too. Think about what your main goal is with yourself first. If finding a relationship is not your priority then focus on that, and make it very clear to everyone around you. The hardest task in life is giving into temptation. A word of advice though, don't play the man whore either. It's quite a turnoff for the next partner to come along and hearing you've had your share of bed hopping. That my friend, is the biggest turn off ever. Keep a low profile on your relationships and maintain your image to the fullest. The most attractive men are right around the corner, if you portray the same image of yourself.
”I keep getting grief from friends about going commando. Especially during the week. My question, is it unprofessional to go commando at work?” -Feeling Free Dear Feeling Free, Going free and out of control is like an acquired taste. Either you like it or you don't. It's always fun to try something new even if you don't like it. At least you know you gave it a shot. Keep in mind though, when it comes to work, you don't want to do anything which can jeopardize your work ethics. So if it's your friends who give you grief, ask them if they are paying the bills?! Ultimately, it's all about your comfort level. If you’re a comfortable guy and with the upmost confidence, then go for it! I'm sure sooner or later you'll find out the feeling of hanging free ;) “I’m working in a place that I used to love in the beginning, but now it's the opposite. I don't like the hours I have, some people don't like me, and I feel like calling it quits and moving somewhere else, but this is home. I have my parents and my partner here, and I know he doesn't want to move anywhere just yet. What can I possibly do so I can get back to being myself again? Thanks!” -Career Crisis
Dear Career Crisis, Seems like you're in a dilemma that I'm sure we've all been in at one time in our career. It's always important to target your priorities first. We all know family comes first above anything, however; your job whether you like it or not, pays the bills at the moment. Patience is definitely going to be your best friend in your short and long term goals. Focus on absorbing as much knowledge and experience from your current job, while you target what's required to get to your dream job. It's always best to apply as many of your qualities to a new job, which can be an asset to a new employer, and not just throw the towel in on the current one. Remember your goals are to leave in good terms with your superiors as they may very well be your bridge to the next career move. As for your partner, if he's as loving and patient as he should be, verbalize your plans to him. Regardless of where you end up, your partner will support you no matter what you decide as long as you have a plan in action. Hope my comments are helpful and good luck to ya!
“How can you train someone into being able to get fisted?” -Gambit83 Dear Gambit83, Your question has to be one of the most challenging I have ever had to answer, but not impossible. For starters, you need to communicate that with your partner if you haven't done so already. Generally, when someone is exposed to something they are not familiar with, it can be a bit of a difficult time for both sides. Try to make a compromise with your partner, so that it's a lot easier for him to open up in this sense, and for you also. Sometimes even exposing them to new heights, might require some sort of compromise from us to change gears in the direction we are seeking. Being open minded from both sides always makes a huge difference. Hope this helps you Mr. Gambit83!
Got a burning question or need advice on something? Send your thoughts to Christian: blueboyzz2001@yahoo.com
12 - The Fuzz
The Fuzz - 13
Out & About Photos by Anthony Gongora & Alejandro Ortiz
THE FUZZ ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT US: E-MAIL: thebearsociety @gmail.com
Robert, Tracy & Andres @ 8½
Vianka & Christian @ Hyde
Hyde Patio Crowd
Alejandro, Christian, & Anthony @ Hyde Patio
Bear Society Pride!
Sir Reginald @ Hyde
Alejandro Danilo @ 8½
Darlina & Christian @ 8½
Oscar & Paulo @ Underbear @ 8½
Full house for Underbear!
Marcos & Frankie @ Underbear @ 8½
Claudia & Jesus @ Underbear @ 8½
Gabe & Stefan @ 8½
Corey, Ross, & Michael @ 8½
Cisco & Sergio @ 8½
We’re on the Web! See us at: thebearsociety.weebly.com
“What do you like about The Bear Society?” “That it is a sight to meet other bears and to be able to see what other bears are doing. Helps keep up with activities that are bear oriented” - Bearpaws1969
14 - The Fuzz
DIRECTORY We always encourage everyone to support local businesses and other local community groups. ACCESSORIES & HOME Gold Canyon Candles Lorenzo Sias, Jr., Representative Lorenzo.SiasJr@goldcanyon.us www.mygc.com/wicktacular K.L.A.Y. Impressions Jewelry Molded & Customized For You Karla Montoya, Artist Dealing in: Swarovski Crystal, Sterling Silver, Wire Work, & Natural Stones
BARS/CLUBS 8½ Bar 504 N. Stanton Street El Paso, TX 79901 915.351.0262 eitenahaff.weebly.com The Toolbox 506 N. Stanton Street El Paso, TX 79901 915.351.1896
DESSERTS Desserts By Iris Iris Argueta, Cook/Baker 915.740.2501 dessertsbyiris.weebly.com
FLOWER SHOPS Las Violetas Vanessa Alanis, Owner 3617 Montana Ave, Suite B El Paso, TX 79903 (915) 564-1040
SALONS/SPAS Color Amp Salon Angel Walker, Owner 3617 Montana Ave, Suite A El Paso, TX 79903 (915) 564-0277
PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS Alejandro Ortiz Photography & Graphic Design Alejandro Ortiz, Owner/Photographer 915.667.7813 alejandro.ortizjr@gmail.com alejandroortiz-pgd.weebly.com
If you would like to get added to this directory, or get advertised, please contact us on our website or shoot us an email at: thebearsociety@gmail.com
SERVICES WE OFFER HAIR CUTS WOMEN MEN KIDS BASIC STYLING UP DO
20 15 10 15 30
CHEMICAL SERVICES SINGLE COLOR DOUBLE COLOR HIGHLIGHTS CARAMELIZING BASIC PERM SPECIALTY PERM MIZZANI RELAXER HAIR EXTENSIONS FEATHER HAIR EXTEN.
55 70 75 90 40 60 50 60 15
NAILS BASIC ACRYLIC SCULPTURE ACRYLIC GLITTER/COLOR TIPS PINK & WHITE CUSTOM DESIGN SETS IMAGINATION ART RHINESTONES GLITTER BASIC MANICURE FRENCH MANICURE SPA MANICURE PEDICURES HAND TREATMENTS
25 35 30 30 45 15 5 10 15 20 25 35 25
SKIN CARE BASIC PRETIKA FACIAL UPGRADE FACIAL EXTRACTION
25 35 15
WAXING FACE BROWS,UPPER LIP, CHIN CHEEKS, HAIRLINE BACK LOWER BACK ARMS – HALF ARMS – FULL HANDS & FEET LEGS – FULL LEGS – HALF BIKINI BRAZILIAN BRAZILIAN TOUCH UP
Information Technology Solutions
40 10 50 25 20 40 15 65 45 30 65 50
HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY CLOSED TUESDAY – SATURDAY 10 AM – 7 PM SUNDAY 11 AM – 7 PM 3617 MONTANA AVENUE
*ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
EL PASO, TEXAS
79903
915.564.0277