Bear Pride shout-outs

• The Hipster Stoner Cub in the hotel lobby: Yeah, your random greetings were pretty much the equivalent of a fish spewing his milt upon the waves and hoping some of it impregnated a female, but all the same your youthful enthusiasm was charming and affirming. Keep doing your thing, buddy!
• The Sweet Man Who Bought Me Dinner: Yeah, I bought you lunch. But (a) dim sum hardly counts and (b) I wasn't expecting any payback for that. Also, thanks for putting up with me using you as a sofa cushion afterwards. All that Greek food makes a man sleepy!
• The Couple Who Lent Me the Coat They'd Just Bought: I know there were probably moments there where you actually feared I might walk off with it, it fit and suited me so well, but you never let your good humour flag. It was a lifesaver when that patio got chilly!
• aadroma: For taking my morning freak-out in stride, for introducing me to the SMWBMD, and generally being and all-around solid guy to have a round. Oh, and special thanks for sharing the Angry Dwarf Story.
• sfopanda: For dragging yourself out of bed and all the way to North Chinatown for brunch. And for your consideration.
• Diego, Uncle Betty, and Nuphy: Such a pleasure to have you with us Friday night. And it was very generous of you all to split the cost of the whole meal, including the spendy bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape--especially Nuphy, who already showed me up by bringing that bottle of fine cognac. I couldn't ask for better friends.
• Our Former Houseguest: You may be a flake and a half, but the guy you dragged along to the Leather Mart is a total charmer. Just so as you know, if you do not deliver him to our house for cocktails next weekend as promised I'm coming after you.
• clintswan: Every bear event is more fun with you along. See you at Sidetrack tomorrow?

And, of course, most of all to monshu, for letting me neglect you on this, your birthday weekend, in order to run around with strange men with unsavoury reputations. I hope you know what kind of treasure you are.