"At Last, the Mysteries of Life I Have Found You!"

Man, I've been way too busy lately. There's been lots of family and friends visiting. Lots of work. Went to Lollapolooza. Etc....


STYX! This is an outfit worn by one of the members of STYX!!!


One of the tall ships in town!


I live in the most beautiful city in America! It's not even up for debate.


Cousin Conner outside of Wrigley Field


My cousin Conner at IO


My paw, Ken at IO


Conner and myself at IO


LOLLAPOLOOZA!


Sparta


The Hold Steady


Ben Kweller


People kept coming in like herded cattle

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The Shins


The rest are 70,000 people watching the Red Hot Chili Peppers!


I'm not a Pepper fan really, but it was a decent show. And Flea has no idea where or what he is doing at any given moment...


ROCK!


There were people in all directions as far as you could see...


This is the backstop to a baseball field covered in people.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b37/hfipublishing/chicago02/Lolla19.jpg
More pepper action


You know what was weird? They didn't play a lot of songs I knew. ROLLERCOASTER!!! COME ON YOU BASTARDS!!!


The end of the palooza...


70,000 run into Michigan Avenue. About 180,000 people attended over three days.


By the time my dad, Conner, and Suzanne were about to go home, Chicago had worn them out...

That's it for now. XOXO

Mike

So damn hot...

Man, it's like a thousand degrees outside today. I can't believe there are actually people who purposefully move to places that are like this all the time. This reminds me of my trip to Death Valley, California when I was 17. I vowed then I would never live in a place without water. Thankfully, my girlfriend has air conditioning...


The new Pink Line Train!


Wicker Park Festival. Look at the size of that Guacamole (sp?) bowl!


Wicker Park Festival. They were missing two things for a good fair. Good cheap beer and Chicago sausages...


Wicker Park Festival from Damen Stop Blue Line


Streetwall just off of Congress


One of the tall ships in this week for the festival downtown


Alley behind my work


Wabash Streetwall between Adams and Jackson


Moose made of bumpers from that artist in Evanston


Frances who know lives in Evanston. We went to a few too many bars and had about a 5th too much Rum. Arg!


Twisting TV at ABC studios on State and Lake


Frances and I at Snickers on State


Nick Nummerdor and Lloyd


FENN!!!


Frances and Matt.


Murder House neighbor, Christine (I believe)


Classified ads in Chicago


Matt is in awe


Frances and I somehow woke up at 7:30am sick to our stomachs, hungover, and trying to take the bus home. I didn't even get a nap in. Frances may be dead...


France Close. Intern, freelance artist, friend. R.I.P.

That's it from Chicago. I'm going to lay in front of the air conditioning and eat chips and cheese today. Much love.

xoxo,

Mike

Diaries of An Ex-Punk

First of all, thanks to everyone for your support with the 'zine. I'm looking to put out another one in a few months and you are more than welcome to make submissions. To view the 'zine, please go to:

A New Tomorrow No. 22

To view the website for the 'zine, please go to:

HFI Publishing

This is the Chicago First Lady. This is the boat I have to make sure nothing happens to. If this boat sinks, it is my responsibility to pull it out of the water.

Lower Wacker Drive.

I suggest we official become the "United Chirp of America." Although, our symbol is an eagle. And eagles don't chirp; they shriek!

Pretty Frances loves being in Chicago!

And the Amazing Amanda wants to come too!

Moments before some douchebag pissed under a table starting a bar brawl. For real...

Can you believe we use to be roommates? Maybe we will be again someday...

The face of horror. "PLEASE GOD NO! MAKE THAT MAN STOP PISSING UNDER THE TABLE! I'M TRYING TO GET DRUNK!"

After 100+ years of great service, the Fullerton stop is being rebuilt. They are going to widen the platform and make it ADA compatible.

This is about a $500 million project that is expected to take about 6 years to complete. Not only this station, but the renovation of the entire Brown line.

Too bad this picture is so fuzzy. But, this is a camoflauge (sp?) jumpsuit. It's urban warfare attire for the classy lady.

This is a free dance class they do in Grant Park.

George W. Bush, you have been warned...

Cliff dreaming...

This is my new bike. It will be mine... Oh yes, it will be mine!

Weegee's, a new classy bar in the slums. Nice atmosphere and affordable beverages. What a great combo. Plus, a great selection of Michigan's finest beers.

Mike and Matt at Weegee's.

SME and Cliff at Weegee's.

Another bar shot of Weegee's.

Mr. Andrew Morgan. I hope you feel better now that your lung is re-inflated. Kate, sorry about not seeing you during the Lagwagon tour. I'm lame and went to bed somewhat early because of a job interview. Um, that's about it. Another busy week next week.

xoxo,

Mike!