10/26

Hey y'all!

I completed another Hang Out with my good friend Bubbles while I was in Vegas this weekend, specifically on 10.26. We ate wings at the Hooters Casino Saloon and visited the Erotic Heritage Museum.  It was great fun.

I haven't totally processed everything but you can find out about this Hang Out and a million other little pieces by the weekend if you visit:

www.mlh38.blogspot.com

I hope you will.

Best,

M

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Days since the end of the Sojourn: 60

DSA Hang Out Complete! : D [NSFW]

Hey y'all!

See? I told you Hang Outs would continue to happen. And this one was great fun!

Sam asked me to got the 42nd Birthday Party for the Pleasure Chest, the so-called Gloryhole 2013. We weren't sure what to expect, but it was packed!

And after I tell ya a bit more I'm sure you'll understand why.

The events featured included: an extra-tall stripper pole, several spanking exhibits (including a "Spank and Shine" station), complimentary adult beverages like the "the Bootie," Disco Light hoopers, my friend Amy Amnesia swallowing a sword, a food truck, stilt walkers, a DJ Ice Cream truck, demos, demos, demos, Lapdance Roulette, freaks of all varieties and inside a giant white furry box riddled with - you guessed it! Gloryholes.

Sorry some of these are so blurry . . . hard not to get jostled here . . .

Last night was also the launch of SexIsBack.com, a neat sex-positive story aggregation project. Worth a look!

My companion needed a pit stop right as we entered the event and the White Furry box labelled "Fun Factory" (a vibrator/dildo manufacturer it turns out) caught my eye.

It was exciting and mysterious and inside was created to look like a sleazy bathroom. The people who built it obviously had a great time with graffiti anywhere from "Does this look infected?" to a large pair of eyeglasses around two holes and my favorite vantage below.

As I worked my way into the mass of people to see what was happening, I was lucky enough to find April Flores prancing around. When I realized the hole was big enough for my arm to go through I was rewarded with the weight of one of her pendulous bosoms in my palm.

Then I wandered the store seeing a little bit of every aspect of the community in evidence, but not too much of anything. I reunited with my compadre and we decided to check out the outside thinking we'd return to the Fun Factory later as they had different performers every hour.

We lost each other for a bit, but there was plenty to see and then we spotted each other across the bar as we both had figured separately but at the same time, "we're already sort've in line, let's get drinks."

Reunited we wandered to the dance area and watched a few shows and then the music had to be turned down at 10p. Luckily a little dancing got done first.

Over the course of the evening, we both ran into a couple of other folks we know from around the block and as the night was winding down we made our way back inside to find the one and only Nina Hartley taming and teasing a young spank-obsessed couple who were amazingly vociferous about their enjoyment.

I was this close to Ms. Hartley. Kind of awesome.

Also I made you this to give you an idea of what was going down . . . 'cause I thought you might enjoy it. Pervie!

After quite some time watching Nina and friends I got overheated (there were a ton of people in that place!) and we wandered back toward the car.  Sam suggested burgers.

I was excited as I'd never had the chance to eat at Astro Burger and being a self-professed "lightweight" she needed to sober up a bit. ; )

Astro Burger was good. I liked it a lot. AND though they have a greasy diner thing going on - decor, menu, vibe - the grease itself was super-clean and all the ingredients were fresh and delicious, especially the avocados. Yum!  Not terribly priced either. Big selection. Clean store. I'd recommend it.

In addition to all the fun the ancillary benefit was that we got to catch up after having both had long involved summers - though I do need to hear more about hers! You got all my stories, eh?

All in all it was a helluva Thursday night, a good solid Hang Out and then fun to boot.

This summer and all of you keep feeding my soul.

Thanks Sam!

Who's next?

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Days since the end of the Sojourn:  27

NorCal Hang Outs

Hey y'all!

I got a couple of $9 Megabus tickets and headed North for the weekend to handle some bidness. Megabus is a bit of all right. Outlets and questionable wifi, but if you've got the time to spare and a cheap ticket, it's not a bad way to go. *And* you can pack liquids in your toiletries.

Yeah!

I had the opportunity to see Nettie, Eddie and the gang, met a potential new LA amigo, threw out my first Vine from fruitvale station and then got a mega full Hang Out with some donors who wish to remain Anonymous, but who are truly wonderful. Trust me on this one kids.

We chilled, ate, drank, drunked, played and worked hard. It was important to me on so many levels. Thanks!

Sonoma Sky 9.13

I figger I still owe Nettie the 6 hours of duets she's requested, but other than that it was nice to give some positive paybacks after this very eventful, insightful, incomparable summer.

: )

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Days since the end of the Sojourn:  11

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 Bonus: 

Hydrant Wears a Cone 

at a Jaunty Angle; 

Fisherman's Wharf - 9.13

THANK YOU ALL! [Sojourn's End]

Wow!

I'm not really sure where to begin. Please bear with me and forgive what I anticipate will be a somewhat scattered and rambling document.

Oh and if you contacted me over the last little bit and I haven't responded and you are in want/need of a reply, please hit me up again. I took my radio silence pretty seriously and am loath to go back and "see what I missed" as it were.

*shrugs*

In order to help you navigate this mess, I'm gonna follow these bullet points insofar as it is convenient.

Enjoy!

*pew*pew*pew*

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• The Blog
• Hang Outs
• Stats
• Kindnesses
• Calm
• The Next Step

---

I've taken a couple of days to veg out and re-connect to my (overly hot, un-air conditioned) life here in Los Angeles. Weird. I've been to a couple of movies in search of AC and haven't accomplished as much as I might have hoped in my re-insertion.

Heh.

Still I have high hopes for today. It's ten degrees cooler for one. Score!

***

THE BLOG

This, as you might have surmised, is the last of this regular series of blog posts. If you'd like to keep up with the intermittent follow-ups that will occur (no doubt for years) sign up for the email notifications. I promise to continue to post anything relevant on Twitter with the #ssssmlh2013 hashtag, but I won't post in the event page after today.

Thank your lucky stars.

The business I have to which I must attend today is to report that in a completely unexpected move Johnny V decided to pitch in to "the cause" in hopes that it will help in my "rehabilitation" back into this town. I am certain that it will.  Thank you sir!

This was, I would guess, the ultimate donation of the SSSS and brings the total up to 115.3%! Incredible.

Of course that number only includes people who specifically donated hard currency toward this endeavor. If I count all the in-kind, places to stay, good will, groceries (looking at you Dad), rides (i.e. gas $), drinks, meals, and most importantly, time you all contributed, I'd be hard-pressed to produce a specific figure, but I'd guess it would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 400%. At least!

Because you are all that generous and that kind.

Thanks. I'm a lucky bastard!

What would I blog about in the future you may well ask. Simple. Hang Outs.

***

HANG OUTS

As you have no doubt heard me say many times over, Hang Outs which are owed are valid until redeemed. And yes, I have a spreadsheet. Except for those of you who specifically asked me to donate time to other parties (mainly my folks - which got used believe you me!) - you have time on the books and I will fulfill it in any way that I can.

And then I'll talk about it. 'Cause you deserve the recognition. : D

Just let me know when t's going on (whatever "it" is) and we'll get to it!

***

STATS

You may recall the Half Time Report on July 1st, but in the spirit of wrapping up, I, of course, have to "run the final numbers" for some sense of closure, no?

So here goes . . .

As I write this I have had:

• This is my 179th post in this forum
• 9413 page views (1097 in the last month)
• 90 Benefactors have backed the Summer Shakespeare Sojourn Subsidy
• $4036.33 of the required $3500 was received
• Ultimately every single day was sponsored - Amazing!
• Travel Days were sponsored from LAX -> DAY, DAY -> CHI and MDW -> LAX
• Benefactors were mostly from LA (46) and California in general, including LA (54)
• There were 13 Benefactors from Chicago and 13 from Ohio with 23 people contributing from outside of those centralized markets
• Most of my computer viewers use Windows (47%)
• Most of my mobile viewers now use Androids (11%)
• The most used browser to see the blog is again Firefox (30%), Chrome was 2nd holding steady (26%)
• 80.5 hours (3.35 days) of 194 hours (8.083 days) owed to Benefactors have been completed (41.49%) - not bad, but miles to go . . .
• The first blog post (2/25/13) is still the most popular with 981 views and 2 comments

Stats with no change

• People from 10 different countries have viewed the blog, overwhelmingly from the US
• The furthest benefactor donated from Dubai 
• The most popular donation method remained PayPal with over 50% of backers choosing this method 

***

KINDNESSES

You've all given me a *lot* to think about.

I suppose there's only so many ways and times I can say thank you, but let me put out a few statements I heard from people this summer that stuck with me. I'm sure there are more, so if you didn't make this list, don't think I didn't hear you. This soup is still churning and all that information is steeping in a beautiful burbling pile of yummy.

So Good.

(Please forgive any paraphrasing.)

Some memorable conversations in no particular order:

SH: "Do you hate acting?!? You're a good actor but you don't act."

MZ: "It warmed my heart to know you were performing this summer. You're a huge talent."

EW: "What's always frustrated me about you is that you're so good at so many things but you don't focus."

BJM: "You're fignerprints are all over my life."

TWH: "Many successful people have made their fortune retooling failures. I think you'll be successful."

And *so* *many* more!

Phew . . .

***

CALM

I think the biggest reward from this summer has been a sense of calm. I have a couple of more hurdles to jump (or blast through) before I'm completely on my own time, but that will all be quickly resolved - one way or another. That feels good.

The epiphanies I've had through time to reflect, conversations, advice, challenges and general staring off into space have been simple, profound and very helpful.

I will hold this awarded time close to my heart.

***

THE NEXT STEP(s)

I have many plans in mind. Some of you know some of them. Some of you will be part of them. Some of you will fall out of my life. Some of you will fall out of my life again. Some of you will become more important. Some of you will become important again. But regardless of future outcomes, all of you have influenced my entrance into what I'm calling the "Fourth Act."

And I'm good with that. It could be so much worse. You all could've left at intermission and given up or just flaked out in the first place. But you didn't. The fact that your'e still reading this proves that to me.

And like a broken record, I thank you for it!

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Do not underestimate your contribution to this journey, whether it was financial, material, spiritual or simply speculative, you have had a positive impact on my life in a period where I was in desperate need. I try not to spew my emotions all over the internet, but let me be as effusive as I can when I express my gratitude.

My deepest thanks to you all.

Wherever you are, know that it is my heart's wish to see you soon.

Best,

M

PS    The next blog to follow if you've been enjoying this one is here. And if you can find a way, please do
         join me in Vegas this October. Let's be hella-silly! : D

         And don't forget the dates have moved to 10/23 - 29 - ish . . .

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***BONUS***

Here's a few of the Polaroids I snapped this summer . . .

Harding Boys circ 7.13 

Zaradich BirthGAY Crew circ 8.13 

The Haskin Family circ 8.13 

I also found my favorite bookmark which I thought I had lost on the Metra back from Naperville!

As you can imagine, that pleased me greatly!

I'm sure I will find more things i.e. the adventure continues . . . and I've got my pith helmet!

Ha ha!

Radio Silence!

Loyal Readers, Friends and Fans:

I have one request.

Don't knock on my door before the 1st of September.

I am home friends, but I am not home to anyone for the next two days.

(This includes: texts, emails, phone calls, &tc . . .)

I do hope you understand.

Thanks for a great summer.

Regardless, let me give you a brief re-cap of yesterday and then I'll be back in the mix soon.

I feel like my life is one transparency over another but everything has been shifted from 1/2 an inch to 2 feet in an awkward direction. Got to get my bearings.

So.

I got up in the morning and rented a Zipcar so I could get a pizza puff from the Jewels.

No really, I was showing the G's the mechanics of the thing and helping them to run a few last minute errands before Sarah headed to the burbs. Below you can almost see where she left a bum print in the frozen food aisle.

She also did her impression of MegaMan for us. Well the Brown Bagger anyway! Ha Ha!

Tony was a true gent and helped me hump my bags to the top of the Irving Park station one last time and I had a pretty uneventful trip from the Blue to the Orange.

I even got a skyline pic through the dirty train window. Not bad for a last second decision, eh?

After the train, I gave the end of my 7 Day pass to a young fella in the tunnel that takes forever to the airport itself. I got through ticketing fairly quickly and then hit security. *That* is a true CF at Midway. Of course I forgot it was a holiday weekend and I seldom fly the same time as regular citizens so those were contributing factors.

I got a wing seat and besides the 3rd-to-last-sat asshole sitting in the middle seat elbowing me all the way to LAX, it was a quick flight.

I liked this image as I de-boarded and headed for the luggage. I missed the Flyaway by about a minute and found an outdoor plug to siphon some power before catching the next one a half an hour later.

I waited a bit at Union Station for the next train but then caught the 217 (!) at Hollywood and Western and made a pit stop at Quick Stop for a couple of tall boys before trudging across the Beaches at Hollywood and Normandie, encountering the idiot neighbors that live below me as my homecoming crew (ick).

One of the most surprising things to me was the monster tree on the corner with the tripping sidewalk trap is gone and it looks like any other old regular corner now. : )

Oh and our elevator smells like piss now. Hooray!

But it was nice to get home, kick off the shoes, wander around, open mail and quaff a bevie whilst sitting in my chair and looking at the Observatory. I missed that.

There's much to do, but the Sojourn is done. And I couldn't have done it without you.

Look for my synthesis in the coming days, but not today. And not tomorrow.

It's HOT! *phew*

This is what I actually meant to post last night (stupid mobile youtube!) . . .

See you all SOON!

Best,

M

Later On

Hard to believe I've been gone for 109 days. Harder to believe I'm going back to Cali today.

Yesterday was nice and easy.

After breakfast I got the chance to check out Pete's Barber Shop. I got a trim and some Beard Oil. Here's some of the swag Pete has adorning the place.

I probably should've taken more pix but I was too interested in beer and convo with my old pal.

I decided to head back the G's and decide what to do next. I ended up scrapping plans to go to Q and see Ben as many people had ducked out for various reasons and got an unexpected nap in for my trouble. That was nice.

I did go meet Pete and Amber on the patio of the Orbit Room and Steve, happening to be in town for a show, stopped by and hung out, as did Ben. I felt better about ditching dinner and ultimately lunch today because of it.

And it was exactly the kind of low-key "see ya wouldn't wanna be ya" that I had hoped for before leaving.

Thanks folks!

I'm gonna run a few more errands with the G's before the little one heads out to the burbs for Sheetal's wedding prep and then I'm gonna hit Flight # 461 Southwest 5:15pm  MDWY to LAX and I'll be back in the arms of heat by 7:30p tonight.

Crazy.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:    15

Days Away:           109

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Today travel is underwritten by Loyana Maria Garcia Vodicka

Thank You and Good Night!

I spent much of yesterday recovering from the previous evening's Northside hijinks. Woof.

Beautiful day though. Check out the sky. And the tracks. Mmmm

Once I got it together I made my way to Belmont and as I was a touch early I stopped by the Alley and got some (unfortunately ill-fitting) socks. Beers and bottles of beer on the wall.

I headed straight for the bar at Cesar's and ordered a Mega Margarita. I was soon joined by Shelly Brewster and we talked about old times until Laura showed up and then we talked about everything under the sun over dinner and more Margaritas. Yum!

We should have tipped stronger, but I didn't realize we'd been comped a couple of 'ritas til we were already on our way to Clark and Wisconsin.

We got there early and talked up Mr. Crowley behind the bar while Chris the Karaoke master set up his rig.

There were some characters in the bar and at least half of them belonged to us. : )

We were visited by Mr. Morphis and many current or former Q employees. We also had the pleasure of singing with Matt Roben, Ellen, Kiel and we all got onstage alot.

 Love Shack, Baby, Love Shack!

Costumes for the K-Rock

And we met the owner of Drop, who was awesome and generous. We got comped some stuff and basically brought the party.

Good times.

I found this morning that I didn't have to run the errand I thought I might so after a lovely late breakfast at Anne Sather I'm headed into what I hope will mostly be a low-key day/evening before I head back West.

Ay yi yi!

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   14

Days Away:          108

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Today is sponsored by Steve Haskin

Adventure Time!

It was Sarah's birthday so after she got her mani/pedi together for the coming weekend wedding situation she and I headed over to Lakeview. We rode the Irving bus over and walked down Clark to Strange Cargo.

I don't know how many times I've taken pictures of this fucking sign, but it's always made me giggle. Still does. Obvs.

I found a few things at the store and then we walked toward Belmont. She was hungry so we stopped at a gluten-free shop, Cassavas, and had some excellent balls and empanadas. It was all delicious though it took long enough to bite into our walk-around time as we hoped to meet up with Tony after work. So I'd say check it out, but not if you're in a hurry.

After eating we stopped and I snapped a pic of the old Bar San Miguel spot. It's for sale again. Miss that spot. It needs a paint update. As time was running out we hoofed it over to Reckless where I had been taking Sarah as a surprise. She's a vinyl head. She didn't find anything immediately so I got her a gift certificate for later Sarah-speed shopping and we stopped at the L&L for a birthday shot of tequila before grabbing the train down to meet up with Tony.

They left me at Dick's Last Resort where I spent a pleasant time nattering with Nate and had the bonus of Miss Sara Linker's company as well. Nate got cut early like he had hoped and invited me over to his Monday night tradition of WWE and beers &tc.

That weird liquor store at Wilson and Sheridan had this going on.

Nate's mustache is out of control.

I've known Evan longer than most of you. He was a student at Pre-College Programs when I worked there a million years ago, so I met him when he was 12. Yep.

And then there's Zack. Great to see ya buddy!

I talked Nate and a few of the guys into visiting the Uptown as I hadn't seen it yet. Lawrence looked the same. The view across from the bar was too.

They finally removed the wall permanently from the VIP room, but the staff in there really sucks now. The bouncer was trying to tell me the wall was taken out 10 years ago and that he's a doorman not a bouncer and the 'tender was just *bo-ring* - a far cry from the fun I used to have there. As far as I'm concerned, RIP Uptown Lounge.

I wouldn't bother people.

I then decided since I was up I might as well check out the Oasis as it was on my list. Lewie and Ally met me out and we had a little more beer. That place looked the same, but just didn't feel as awesome without Gigi shouting everybody down. Still it was fun.

Look at those little faces. So. Cute.

I stumbled back to the Loyola stop and then caught the train downtown to switch to the blue, all in fairly short order until I fell asleep and rode the train to O'Hare. Oops.

I crawled in to the G's around 6 after torturing a few too many of you with texts (sheepish grin) and inexplicably joining snapchat. *shakes head*

Hope that was a fun read for y'all.  Now I'm going back to sleep.

Tonight's Shorthand:

7p - Cesar's (killermargaritas.com)
3166 N Clark 60657

9p ish - Drop (dropchicago.com)
1909 N Lincoln 60614

Costume Karaoke starts at 10p

Later on.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   13

Days Away:          107

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Today is sponsored by Steve Haskin

Old Friends

In a surprise 11th hour donation, Steve Haskin came through to bring our percentage up to 114.6% *and* I got to see him yesterday! 

I know I said early on in this process how great it was to re-connect with old friends and I'd like to say that again. Not only did I get another donation, I got another Hang Out and I get to brag about somebody else. Awesome!

I've known Mr. Haskin for 20 years. We met at the Muse Machine production of Oliver my junior year of high schol and also worked together in Peter Pan the following year. Steve went to Stebbins so was from further into Dayton than I was, but we saw each other a lot as he took the spot as the bassist for Zodiak, our high school band. 

This was the cover for the one EP we released: Acid Baby

Someday maybe I'll get around to the other material I have, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Steve and I have different memories of that time though we both agreed it was a fun thing to do.

We re-connected in Chicago many years later. Steve had gone to film school at Tisch at NYU and I had landed here after Northwestern and we had many friends in common. I even played Jorel for him for a short film he worked on with the Chicago All Stars. My first green screen work! Heh.

Steve worked for a company in the 'burbs for many years as a Staff Producer and Production Manager, but since going solo as the owner of DikDik Productions he's picked up largely Audio and Producing jobs as well as the occasional editing gig. He's dong well. I'm very pleased for him.

I not only got to see Steve, but his wife Maggie and their son Oscar showed up for dinner at Moody's with me and the G's. I hadn't seen miss Maggie in quite some time and I had never met the boy, so it was a fun night of new and old.

In case you've never been, Moody's has great burgers and an excellent outdoor area. We enjoyed our visit and then Maggie took the kid home and we went with dad to Carol's Pub, one of my old hang outs.

The Haskin Family 8.25.13

My Polaroid is getting close to empty (not sure how many shots are left) so this is a great 70's style vacation shot with closed eyes and half heads. Hee hee. Love it. Y'all look great.

Carol's was a typical mess with a drunk lady telling us "That's why everyone hates white people" when we refused to give her money or buy her drinks. Tony found this particularly funny. We talked over a few pitchers and generally disrupted Diamondback from filling the empty room. 

(They really are quite good. Have a listen if you're ever in the area.)

CJ wasn't in but I got to bandy a few times with Jimmy, so I got my fix. 

Thanks for making the time Steve. It was *great* to see you.

On another note, this is the shorthand for tonight: 

Dick's Last Resort - 6 ish 
315 N Dearborn 60611  

*Note: This party may move depending on when my buddy gets cut; let's keep it low key!

AND Happy #Birthday Sarah! : D

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   12

Days Away:          106

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Today is sponsored by the Griffith-Garcias

#Birthgay

Oh my my my. Yestergay was Fabuloso! Ay Papi!

In the a.m. the G's made breakfast using Sarah's gluten-free mixer which trapped me in a corner for some time. But it was worth the breakies. Yum yum!

Then we all got it together to ride the bus over to the Jewels. I bought a bucket of wings and beers and stuff. The G's got snacks and liquids and ices. We caught another bus and made it to the USGAY CroGAY party at Winnemac Park! Yeah!

Ultimately I didn't manage to play but saw many good old friends and met many new and drank in a nearly empty beautiful park a few blocks from Matty's house. Great day!

Great group of people!

Cool ass croquet mallets!

Super funs!

Michael Henry and Dr. Funkywheels!

Lil G on the FlAG!

After drinking we made a pit stop at Matty's house before heading to Garcia's in Lincoln Square for mucho Margaritas and good fundido. Some of the same company! Some others. The G's (ironically) went out to celebrate Sarah's incoming birthday, but I missed it. Sorry kids.

Big 20 top table!

Birthday snot! I mean, flan! Ick.

After dinner (which was well-served and well-priced if not all that delicious) we hit up Huttenbar across the street and had a few drinks and I doled out a few ass-slaps at the request of our birthday queen. He even got a little sparkly lip-gloss for his troubles. Pretty Princess Funkywheels!

A small cadre made it back to Homo Sweet Homo and rocked out to Matty's new bluetooth speakers until the girls had to go and we left our hostess thusly, setting alarms so she could get to the church on time!

I think it was a good birthday for him.

I was glad to be there.

Hameen and I headed back to the G's and had some Subway and some convo with the G's when they got back. We all finally got to capacity sleepy and conked out.

This partially explains why I'm so late in getting this blog out.

Please forgive. Or just accept. It's really just easier that way.

Oh and if you're in Chi and want to catch up with me over the next few day, check this out and show up or see if we can schedule some other time together.

I've got the same cell number I've had since 1999.  Use it.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   11

Days Away:          105

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Today is sponsored by the Griffith-Garcias