Furry and fine studs team up for the Dallas Eagle Bear-of-the-Month calendar to raise money for AIDS Services of Dallas
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| Vincent Duncan: Dallas Eagle Bear of 2008 |
Hails from: Northwest Arkansas.
Arrived in Dallas: In 2001. I was always visiting a friend’s cousin who lived in Dallas. I always said I’d never go to the bars in Dallas, because if I did, I knew I’d want to move to here.
Then we came down one weekend and went to the bars. And for the next two months, I was in Dallas every weekend. Then I moved here.
Line of work: Human resources division for Whole Foods Market, at Preston Avenue and Forest Lane store.
Age: 38
Furry identity: In my youthful days — when I had a 28-inch waist and was hairy as all get out — some called me an "otter" or a "wolf" due to my body type. Then I gained weight, and was considered a "cub." And since then, I’ve grown into a bear. That was about six or seven years ago.
Favorite menu item: The restaurant is now closed, but my favorite dish was Australian beef tenderloin with a wonderful sauce that the chef prepared especially for me. Dang, I can’t remember the name of the place. It was on Abrams Parkway.
But one of my favorite local chefs is Jamie Sanford, who used to work at Lola. Jamie makes an excellent Osso Buco, which is a slow-cooked veal shank.
Celebrity I’d like to appear on the cover of A Bear’s Life magazine: Hugh Jackman.
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| Duane Johnston: Mr. Dallas Eagle 2009 and ‘Mr. February’ |
Grew up: Near Houston. Moved to Dallas in 1982 to go to school.
Occupation: I work in the mortgage industry.
How did you become Mr. Dallas Eagle 2009? I’m 47 years old, and I wanted to have fun. One night, I competed in the February contest and won. I was eligible to compete in the Bear of the Year contest, and thought, "Why not go for it?"
Now I’m a community bear ambassador for a great neighborhood bar.
What was your competition strategy? We just have to answer questions. They asked me if I had slept with any of the judges.
And had you? No. But my response was that I wanted to.
Favorite menu at a local restaurant: Any good, fried shrimp at, like, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
Favorite celeb you’d like to see on the cover of A Bear’s Life magazine: An older, sexy man like Sean Connery.
What makes a bear? It’s an attitude — not worrying about being in shape all the time. Being able to let loose and let go. Also, being hairy helps. I’ve always identified as bear. I was never a "cub" "wolf" or "otter."
Any plans during your month, February? None.
Not even on Valentine’s Day? Not at this time.
SATURDAY CALENDAR CELEBRATION
Dallas Eagle Bear-of-the-Year 2009 calendar signing and presentation.
Calendar photography by Brett Vander.
Calendars are $10, proceeds benefit AIDS Services of Dallas.
Jan 10 at 10 p.m. at the Dallas Eagle, 2515 Inwood Road, #107. 214-357-4375
MEN OF THE MONTHS
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January: Jody Billeaudeaux
February: Duane Johnston, pictured
March: Joe Praznik
April: Oscar Espinoza
May: Jim Harrington
June: Jim Merklein
July: Tony Arnold
August: John Vaughn
September: Eric Shaberg
October: Brandon McGimsey
November: Jason "JD" Kimmell
December: James Winchester
Also featured in calendar: Dallas Eagle "Cub," Anthony Morris; and Dallas Eagle "Daddy," Steven Thomas.
Vincent Duncan appears on the "Thank You for 2008" page.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 9, 2009.