7 Months of Sleep? Here’s How Bears Do It.

Morning dudes. Did you know a grizzly bear can run faster than Usain Bolt? Yeah, these 800-pound beasts can hit speeds of 35 miles per hour. So, if you ever find yourself in a footrace with one, just hope you’re not the slowest dude in the pack. But don't worry, no bears here—just some good old-fashioned dude stuff to help you wrap up your work week. Let’s dive in!

Dude of the Week

Paulie Veneto

This week's “Dude of the Week" is our friend, Paulie Veneto from “Paulie's Push”.

"Paulie’s Push" is a tribute to the flight crews who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. As a retired flight attendant who narrowly missed working on one of the tragic flights that day, Paulie became inspired to push an airline cart in remembrance of those who were lost. This push—a 220-mile journey from Boston to New York, and later pushes to other memorials—symbolizes his way of honoring their heroism, making sure their sacrifices are never forgotten

The idea for "Paulie’s Push" came after he overcame a 15-year battle with opioid addiction, which stemmed from the trauma of 9/11. Once sober, he saw the push as a meaningful tribute, using the airline cart he had worked with throughout his career.

Along the way, Paulie is met with support from flight attendants, first responders, and communities. His journey is both a tribute to 9/11 heroes and a testament to his own recovery and resilience. 

Please consider donating to Paulie's inspiring endeavor by checking his website.

Animal Stuff

The Ultimate Nap – How Bears Crush Hibernation

Bears have hibernation down to a science. They spend months in a deep sleep and somehow wake up lean and ready to roll, no sweat. It's like nature's version of hitting reset, and honestly, it's kind of mind-blowing.

Bears, the Kings of Chill

When winter rolls in, black bears, grizzlies, and polar bears head into hibernation mode. It’s not just about taking a break from hunting; it’s survival at its finest. With food sources scarce, they conserve energy by slowing down their heart rate, metabolism, and body temperature. Their body basically runs in power-saving mode—think of it like your phone when it’s down to 1% but somehow lasts another hour.

A bear’s heart rate slows way down during hibernation, dropping from a steady 80-100 beats per minute to a relaxed 8-12. Even more impressive? Their body temperature barely drops, staying stable while other animals get ice-cold. And here’s the wild part—they don’t eat, drink, or even use the bathroom for up to 7 months. Yes, 7 months without a single bathroom break. That’s some serious survival skill!

Muscle Power Without Moving a Muscle

Here’s the kicker: unlike humans, bears don’t lose muscle mass during their months-long nap. Normally, when you stop working out, you lose strength fast. Bears, on the other hand, wake up just as buff as they went in. Scientists are scratching their heads over this one, hoping to figure out the secret, which could be a game changer for space travel or long-term bedrest patients.

Let’s talk about the hunger. After months of hibernation, a bear wakes up starving, ready to devour anything in sight. They can lose up to a third of their body weight while they sleep, so they need to pack on those pounds fast. Whether it's berries, fish, or anything else they can find, their appetite is unstoppable, and they'll spend the next few weeks eating as much as they possibly can to recover.

The Bear Who Does It Best

Grizzly bears are the ultimate hibernation pros. These guys can clock out for a solid 5-7 months, depending on where they call home. The Alaskan grizzlies? They’re the real MVPs, toughing it out through some seriously harsh winters. To get ready, they go on a massive eating spree in the fall, downing up to 60,000 calories a day. That’s the equivalent of scarfing down 120 Big Macs daily. Respect.

Bears take resting to the next level. These guys are the ultimate pros at conserving energy, shutting down for months, and waking up ready to tackle their surroundings—or at least raid the nearest stream for some salmon.

Fun Fact: Bears Can Give Birth While Sleeping

Female bears go the extra mile during hibernation. They can give birth while still in their cozy dens, all while fast asleep. When the cubs are born, they rely on mom’s stored nutrients until springtime when everyone’s ready to head back out into the world.

Live action stream of brown bears feasting on salmon at Brooks Falls in Alaska's Katmai National Park

• Tired of that sad excuse for a chair in your living room? Time to level up—because your butt deserves better.

• The closest Hollywood has ever gotten to a real bear attack

Got some good Dude Stuff ideas? Tweet at us (or maybe just reply to this email, that works too).

Frames

Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)

• Director: Mixed - Mainly Vince Gilligan

• Director of Photography: Michael Slovis

Buy it For Life

Leatherman Multi-Tool

If there's one tool that deserves a permanent spot in your EDC, it's the Leatherman multi-tool. This isn’t just some gadget—it’s a powerhouse of durability and function. The brainchild of Tim Leatherman, this tool was born in 1983 after Tim found himself stranded in Europe with a busted car and a flimsy pocketknife. Frustrated, he knew there had to be a better option. Eight years later, the ultimate multi-tool was born, combining pliers, screwdrivers, knives, and more in one sleek package.

The Wave model is a fan favorite, packing 17 tools into a pocket-sized design that opens with one hand. Whether you’re fixing something around the house or getting out of a tight spot in the wild, this tool’s got you covered. It's like having a whole toolbox in your pocket.

Need a tool that’s ready for anything? The Leatherman is basically the Swiss Army knife’s cooler, more reliable cousin. Always prepared, never backing down.

🥣 Stuff to Do This Weekend