the chaser blog
Bears, runs, news, and gay life from a bear chaser.

I am not a hipster.




6.07.2010

NYU Student Busted For Contacting Patients

An NYU resident was busted for contacting her boss' patients about the dire risks of lap band surgery.


Pal filed a whistleblower lawsuit against NYU, claiming she was compelled to expose her bosses, now-married weight-loss surgery pioneers Drs. George Fielding and Christine Ren-Fielding, because they weren't explaining risks or giving proper post-operative care to patients.

One patient about to have lap-band surgery -- which uses a belt to cinch the stomach -- recalled that Pal, posing as an operating-room nurse, said she "had watched many patients die from the procedure."



While it is definitely an unethical way to go about things, I can understand both sides.

Lap band and other "get thin quick" surgeries have tons of complications and side effects, along with many risks. It is only meant as a last resort, not a get out of being lazy.

Even once it's done, people need to gradually lose the weight with diet and exercise. Other than the initial complications, it can also cause saggy skin, and looking like a mutant disease.

People need to remember that rapid weight loss can be unhealthy, not to mention hurting peoples' vision. Working out and eating well also contributes to your health, and also leaves your body much more balanced.

Bear City The Movie: Premier This Friday



Bear City premiers in New York City this Friday, June 11, and yours truly will be there with bells on (and by bells I mean a skinny tie).

Hope everyone in the city can make it, and if not, maybe you will check it out in one of the many other cities it will be venturing off to in the near future.

For tix to the NYC showing

Oh and PS. look for me in the trashy Eagle scene. I may or may not be shirtless.

DJ Earworm's OMG Baby Mashup





DJ Earworm is back with a pop mash up that is Bieber themed. Oh and Ke$ha. And other people I recognize but am too lazy to list their names!

BP Oil Spill: Best Explained By Cats





I want expensive Marmalade!

iPhone 4 Announced



The iPhone 4 was announced today, and with it comes F2F video chat, the previously announced software upgrade with multitasking, a flash and 5 MP camera, etc etc.

WANT. Preorder June 15. Arrives June 24.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hollows





I actually forgot this was coming out this year. And then I wet myself a little. In 3D? Not that it needs that gimmick, but I can deal with that.

Walmart Is A Victim?

We all know that Walmart has some shady labor practices, and they are basically a Chinese supermarket, but I don't see how specifically hiring a consulting firm to damage their reputation and to try and paint them as this evil empire, is any worse?

The WSJ today had an account of Saint Consulting Group. They basically get hired by Wal-Mart's enemies to fight against new stores. They start anti-Walmart groups, and provide "expert" reports on negative effects Walmart may cause on the community, pushes "opposition speakers", etc.


Mr. Saint, a former newspaper reporter and political press secretary, founded his firm 26 years ago. It specializes in using political-campaign tactics—petition drives, phone banks, websites—to build support for or against controversial projects, from oil refineries and shopping centers to quarries and landfills. Over the years, it has conducted about 1,500 campaigns in 44 states. Mr. Saint says about 500 have involved trying to block a development, and most of those have been clandestine.

For the typical anti-Wal-Mart assignment, a Saint manager will drop into town using an assumed name to create or take control of local opposition, according to former Saint employees. They flood local politicians with calls, using multiple phones to make it appear that the calls are coming from different people, the former employees say.



I actually worked for an anti Walmart campaign in Austin, TX years ago, and really actually "believed" in it at the time.

Now I am curious if Saint was any way involved with the people I worked for, and maybe there was some higher power calling the shots. I am pretty sure they weren't and we were "hired by the city," but regardless, it is interesting to see that a lot of these community campaigns are just a big smoke screen for big business retailers whining about the competition.

Walmart definitely has a lot of enemies, but I don't see how resorting to these tactics makes them any better.

Lady Gaga + Newsises = Joy





Combining two of my favorite things, The Newsies and Lady Gaga, is definitely the perfect way to make me smile.

The Joys Of Marriage





Awww the joys of marriage. Genius. <3 Justin Long. Oh and Tom Arnold is still a cute bear, even with some weight loss, and hipster glasses.
5.10.2010

Zach Galifianakis Needs A One Man Show

I know this is a bit old, but I just finished clearing out the DVR and can't believe I missed this.




Zach Galifianakis on SNL was not only hilarious, but his monlogue was actually quite beautiful as well.

He is on another level than most comedians.

I really think he could pull this act off in a one man show. It's nice to see someone just booming with his kind of talent. Especially when it's a bear with a perfect beard.
5.04.2010

2010 Tony Nominations


The Tony nominations were announced today, and no surprise, Kevin Chamberlin from The Addams Family was nominated for his third Tony.

Other nominees included ScarJo for A View From A Bridge, Christopher Walken from A Behanding in Spokane, and Sean Hayes for Promises Promises.

The full list is here.

Congratulations to all the nominees, and here's to a great season on Broadway.
4.28.2010

Dear 80 Degrees:

You and I haven't seen each other in a long time. But I hear you are going to be in town this weekend. Let's do brunch? KThxBai.
4.23.2010

Last Night Kidnapped And Murdered Me

Got home at 4AM. But had a blast. Definitely a memorable NY night. Met new people. Drank a ton. Got to hang with my buddy. It was legendary.

But today? Today hates me.

Alas, I am 25. We youngin's survive these things. Only for the next one. Smallville and froyo kind of Friday. I eat my feelings. :)
4.22.2010

But Veronica, You're Just Not My Type


Archie comics will be releasing their first ever gay! The blonde bombshell named Kevin Keller will be coming to town as the new hunk. And of course, Veronica will plea for his big wang. But unfortunately for that little minx, he's only into boys.



[Comics Beat]
4.21.2010

Chandi The Dancing Dog Makes My Heart Melt





Insert cute rescue dog that does amazing tricks and really sweet English lady and you've got a recipe for a smile.
4.19.2010

Those Were The Days Of Tri-Ball

I keep wondering where the road I am traveling will take me. I have to constantly remind myself that I am only 25. I am not 35, or 45, and it is not too late. But I just don't know what direction I am heading in.

Do I go to law school? Do I keep writing and try to make an actual career out of it? Do I stay in advertising?

NYC is such an amazing place, but it's also a lonely place. As much as I hated Dallas, and wanted to be in a magical city like New York, New York, I really miss those Tri-Ball games. I miss the beer cart Fridays where everyone got together and played Rock Band.

Working in advertising eventually the like minded people come together. It just takes time.

I have always found that I have more fun with advertising people over the gays as a general whole because our common interest isn't just who you sleep with. They seem to understand me a lot more than most of the gay people I meet.

I went to this cabaret last night, and being around all those broadway people just reminded me of how much I miss my whole ad agency crew from back home. A big group of friends who loved each other at work, as well as after. We were a family.

And although a lot of them have moved onto other agencies and positions, as I did, we still reconnect every time I am back home. And it's like I never left.

We would do amazing work during the day, challenging each other, arguing over minute details, laughing at whatever prank we pulled on Rob (because he pitched big hissy fits).

Then afterwards, we would drink, drank drunk, go out on the field and heckle the shit outta some other agency team filled with super athletes that always destroyed us. But it didn't matter, we had the last laugh. Because we had a blast, and no matter how many times we lost by double digits, we always had a smile on our faces.

That's what I want in New York. And hopefully I will find it. Somewhere.

We might live like never before





First Bright Eyes, now Damien Rice. It's like my musical taste lately has taken a time machine to my sophomore year of college. But these songs meant something then, and get new meanings as life progresses.
4.16.2010

'The Addams Family' Musical And Me: A Love Story




When I learned that The Addams Family had made a leap from the Chicago stage to Broadway last month, I was surprisingly excited. Although theater isn't exactly my forte, who could pass an opportunity to see these iconic characters that span every living generation dancing and singing songs of dismemberment and death on a Broadway stage?

With the likes of Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth leading the cast, the show started selling like mad, even getting second place to the constant Broadway juggernaut Wicked.

Anticipation was soon clouded by comments a friend had made. I am one who loves the modern pop musicals like Spring Awakening, Avenue Q, Wicked, Rent, etc. Anything that comes any where near the words "classic" or "old fashioned," and I am instantly snoring before the curtain opens. So when someone told me it was very "old fashioned," I quickly regretted the $300 I had paid for two tickets.

But boy was I glad to be wrong. The Addams Family musical may have it's camp and old fashioned charm, but it definitely has a happy mixture of modernish-pop, especially when it comes to Wednesday (played by Spring Awakening vet Krysta Rodriguez) who has quite a few charming numbers filled with good old teenage angst.

As great as the headliners are, the definite standout has to be Tony nominated actor Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester. Not only is he an adorable bear (out and proud bear at that), but he also has the best number in the entire show. "The Moon And Me" has been lauded several times as the crowd favorite, and I can't blame them.

While I loved the Addams Family for it's quirky dark comedy and interesting set design, the intimate love song between Fester and the Moon is by far the cutest, most heart warming scene. Chamberlin is hoisted in the air with some interesting leg puppetry as he journeys through the sky singing a sweet and tender love song. Total points for the banjo-lele as well. I would not be surprised if "The Moon And Me" finally won him the Tony.

Other notable parts of the show would be Jackie Hoffman as the hilarious grandma, whose ad libs and corny jokes always kept the audience laughing in unison. Be sure to watch out for some surprise cameos at the beginning and middle of the show.

Honestly, there were very few weak links. While it may have a fairly predictable plot, the performances create a fantastic joy ride through the ghoulish home of the Addams. The set is quite ornate with lots of moving and lifting, and showcases some pretty clever puppetry (see the monster under the bed).

Rarely do I absolutely love live theater, but I can say you won't be talking about anything else but how much you love The Addams Family.

----

To Find Tickets & Schedule go to official The Addams Family Musical site.
4.15.2010

We Might Die From Medication But We Sure Killed All The Pain

and i know you have a heavy heart i can feel it when we kiss, so many men stronger than me have thrown their backs out tryin to lift... it... but me im not a gamble, you can count on me to split... the love i sell you in the evening by the morning wont exist




so true.
3.30.2010

Rain... Rain... Go Away...

Winter is almost over here in the city that never sleeps, but unfortunately we are experiencing the cold wintery rain that Canadia has decided to bless us with before we can enjoy the sun and fun of the spring and summertime.

As everyone knows the bears decide to hibernate in the winter, and this chaser is ready for the wild rompus to start. I even have my wolf suit ready to find out where the wild things are in the big apple.

Hope everyone has had a nice winter of rest and reflection, because it's time to have some fun. I made a new friend this weekend, and am excited to announce I have a new roomate moving in with in a couple of weeks.

The spring is going to bring a lot of new possibilities to explore, and I will be right in the middle to experience what this great place has to offer. <3

Sammy
3.02.2010

Life Through TV: Is Sex Love?



Been watching a lot of Big Love lately, and as fucked up and crazy twisted that show is, occasionally it makes me think about real life and different scenarios we may get ourselves into.

And one of the things that really kind of took me back was when Bill started seeing this waitress as a possible fourth wife. Margene found out and became BFFs with the girl, and was excited at the possibilities.

But when Bill was staring at Margie in the yard, and saw Nikki and Barb working with the kids, he soon realized, this, this what I have here is love. This other girl is lust.

So he ended his secret relationship. But at the same time, he has a shit ton of sex with all of his wives, and crazy sex with Margene, the youngest.

And I was sitting there thinking about sex and love and lust.

And to me, sex is love. Having someone you can explore sexuality with and feel comfortable in knowing that it's always good, that is a part of love.

Of course meeting someone new and having that "spark" of newness is sex, but to me, that's lust.

Love to me is knowing that you love them, in your heart and mind, and also knowing how much you love having sex with them. They go hand in hand.

I see all of these sexless gay and/or straight relationships and I wonder, is that love? Maybe it was at one time, but now, is it more comfort and convenience? Because without sex how do you have real love?

To me it becomes more like the way you love a best friend or sibling. Uncompromised unconditional love. But without sex, that's all it is.

That's what makes someone your significant other, or partner, or spouse. You have that kind of bond AND you have the more intimate kind of bond.

Some people find it once in their life, some find it more. But either way, we are sexual beings, and without sex, can you really have love?
2.24.2010

Ophelia Is A Stupid Bitch





Don't be goin and killin yourself over no man missy. Sassy Gay Friend has it right gurl!

France's New Anti Smoking Campaign Makes Me Want to Smoke More


Nice big bellied tobacco exec in a suit. I'd smoke his "cigarette" any day any time. Then I'd smoke one after.

"Fumer c'est etre l'esclave du tabac = Smoking is like being tobacco's slave"
2.23.2010

If This Blog Could Sing...

http://www.codeorgan.com/?url=thechaserblog.com

It would play this song. Nice and chill.

NYC Makes You A Hipster

2.10.2010

Snowpocalypse

Here in the New York we are getting feets and feets of snow. It is supposed to pour down for 24 hours, so my ass is working from home.

Not sure what I should do with this here blog thingy, should I refocus my attention, should I convert to Word Press? Any ideas lemme know.

PS> I deleted all my online profiles, I got sick of the whole drama he said/she said community as a whole. It's much nicer to meet people in public at a bar or something anyways.

That's about all the news I have.

Vegas this weekend! Wish me luck!
1.05.2010

New York In The Winter


Made it through the first half of my first winter in the great state of New York. Luckily in the city, the temps are a bit higher and the snow is less deep.

But it has been a cold one. So far I have survived with just my sturdy Ralph Lauren hoodies and some sweaters.

Unfortunately my cons have taken a back seat to the NB because the cold ass concrete against your feet is about as friendly as a drunk guy from Staten Island who just ran out of coke.

The burrs in NYC are a fine bunch, and have definitely made some wonderful friends from New Jersey. I know, I am being judged, but hey, they are fun and they like to go out.

January is probably the worst month to get though, but luckily that means only 2 more months til nicer weather. And then spring and summer will make me happy every day. Warm weather in NYC is the best.

I grew up in Texas, we love the heat. And slowly, the bears come out of hibernation, and are ready to prowl again.

Looking forward to the next couple of months, hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season or vacation and a happy new year.

2010 will be much better than 2009, it's the start of a new decade, and a time for real lasting changes.
12.08.2009

Chub Scene In San Francisco Gets Tv Show Spot










Some of the guys in this video are pretty damn hunky bears, but the main focus of the interview is just too big for me. Everyone deserves some lovin, though, so more power to him.
10.26.2009

New York vs. Dallas: Nightlife

Soooo I know I have been neglectful but here's a nice thought I just had.

New York's nightlife couldn't compare to Dallas. The bars here are much, much smaller, and there's much, much more.

Anytime people ask me "what's a good bar in NYC to go to?" I always say, "what kind of guys do you like? Big, small, young, old, black, white?"

Cause that's how NYC is. The bars are very compartmentalized and spread out, depending on what "scene" or crowd you want to visit.

Dallas has such a huge gay bar scene because there are fewer bars that are bigger, so the crowds get meshed a lot more.

But the best part about this way is that you don't have as many "cliques" or "scenesters," because there are just too many people always going somewhere different for that kind of setting to take place.

No one knows you, with exception of certain bearish events like Sunday beer bust, and even then no one here cares who slept with who or who did what.

It's just a much more positive community I have found, and it's nice to be welcomed into the fold so readily.

There are definite things about Dallas that I may miss, but New York is now where I call home, and thanks to some wonderful people and some wonderful places, it has made the transition so much easier.
10.22.2009

Improv Everywhere: Grocery Store Musical





My fav one in quite a long time. Let's squish our fruits together!!