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    marye
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  • #1471
    Klangstone
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    In closing....
    Spent Sunday show with Jaleel, super cool cat and he was extremely appreciative of my offer for the extra ticket. When the last show was over we sat for a bit, had to soak it up as much as possible. Did not want to leave. So much to absorb and take in. I ran into a few SD peeps here and there at the shows. Fitting I would see Tami and Brad 1 last time Sunday night downstairs. What a trip man! You 2 are the coolest! What a musical magical journey I went on and it wouldn't even have been possible (or nearly half as enjoyable) without this fine group they call the Sunshine Daydreamers! I am very humbled and honored to have been elected mayor. I hereby retire as mayor but plan to be an active member of the group 'til the end of time (or my life) whichever comes first. P.S. Even on the plane flight home I would sit next to a young couple who were totally cool deadheads and we had a nice flight back together joking and remembering the shows.
  • #1472
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    Besides Trey...
    ...the rest of the band? Well, they kicked my ass those old farts! They can still put on a great show (or 5). Bobby sounded fantastic; Phil thrilled us with his bass work; and the Rhythm Devils were on the top of their game (that in itself worth the price of admission). Bruce was great, wish he would have sung more (like on Terrapin) but what can you do? Fireworks Sat. and Sun nights, the break music and images were outstanding. The light show was unlike anything I have ever seen for dead show and was totally top-notch. Shapiro put on an amazing set of shows and really did it up big. Like him or not, forgive him or not (for the ticket debacles), he put on a major spectacle and did it right in the end.
  • #1473
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    The music (my take)
    I think the shows were awesome. They really were Grateful Dead shows! The stage and the lighting, the screens and the images that were displayed. I mean, how could you not be moved by all of it? I was incredibly moved, Trey did a great job at attempting the impossible. He can't be Jerry and we all know that. He had some amazing moments and some not-so-amazing moments. He gelled with the band though, and it was a wonderful run of shows. I don't know how he pulled off learning all those songs. What a true performer and consummate professional. Trey embraced his role and really shined as lead guitarist for the dead this time around. I felt this was the best we have heard from this band in any iteration since Jerry left us. And there were some moments of brilliance where he was channeling Jerry and it was (again) pure magic. Those moments will last a lifetime and I will remember these shows always and appreciate the wonderful gift the band gave us by doing these shows....
  • #1474
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    My brother!
    ...my bro comes up to meet me on Sunday which was unbearably cool. He lives in St Louis and I don't get to see him very often. The magic continues. I overslept and barely made it to the train to make it to the River Architecture cruise. My bro was supposed to meet me at hotel but he was late and got lost. He made it down to the boat dock by 11, though, and watched me leave in the boat. I had to run from the train to a cab then ran to the boat. I don't know how I made it (credit the magical guardian angel). Me and my bro spent the mid-day together and had an early dinner laughing and reminiscing to the point of happy tears. Truly special time we had and what a surprise. I didn't think he was coming but was super happy to see him. Then he drops me off downtown for Sunday's show and what a finale it was...
  • #1475
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    One more Saturday night....
    ...Tired from the museum I trucked on and found something funky on the way to Shakedown street. So I ate it, and it was good. More Magic: I go up and visit Tony up in the nosebleeds as he asked me to come up and say Hi. That was so cool to meet up with Tony at his seat both Fri. and Sat. nights! When I arrived back in my sec. 324, a guy asked me to trade for a seat down in sec. 125. No brainer! Right place right time. My only complaint from that night was it was real smoky down there and I had some issues breathing. Lots of cigarretee smoking, and other stuff. Took my sandals off and wandered around the stadium looking for air. None of the concession stands had any. HMMMM? I did find that very odd (at the time). Had great people around me to help me get through the night alone as I had no seatmates other than the other 70,000. My neighbors were instrumental and of monumental help to me that night...
  • #1476
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    the picnic
    ...I was bit hungover as I had a REAL GOOD time at Friday's show. Super energetic rock and roll show that was. Hung out with Chris and Jeff (Mortatone), had a fantastic time! Feeling not so special I made it to the picnic about 20-30 minutes late. What a great feeling it was to go around and meet the group. What a great group of people we are! It truly was an amazing time and what a highlight for me personally. I never did anything quite like this before, meet people I have chatted with on the internet. It felt like home and I had known these people all my adult life. It really was a special moment. The field museum with the Jazz and Colors was off the hook (right after picnic). One trio had a sax that sounded like Stan Getz I shit you not (a personal jazz favorite of mine)! I told him that and he was very humbled by my compliment. can't stop smiling. Huge museum, amazing! GD50 exhibit mindblowing also with the tiger guitar (tears) and the envelopes and memorabilia! Sensory overload...
  • #1477
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    The magic that was my trip...
    (I am not saying good-bye more of a "'til next time" from me.) From the moment I sat down at the airport bar in Sacramento, waiting to come to Chicago, it had already begun. A very nice fellow who saw my dead shirt came up and sat next to me and we chatted, talked about SC and the upcoming shows. The magic was just beginning for Chicago for me (SD meet, magical show and rainbow had really started the whole thing June 27). I guess the magic was just on hold for a few days. But boy did it really kick in. Got in to CHI on time from my non-stop flight, caught a shuttle,got to the hotel and checked in half hour early. Got to the gig in time no problem. Let me say if anyone had a doubt about the staff at Soldier Field, that idea was squashed immediately. They were honestly the nicest people I have ever patronized at any concert or stadium event. I was completely blown away by their professionalism and customer service. Had great customer service at my hotel as well. Everyone I met along the way was just awesome, I couldn't stop smiling, laughing and having a great time....
  • #1478
    StellaMoon
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    Visions
    Got me through those early years - way to go out... Holly is right - I do not believe there is an exit on this thing, but maybe a window. We'll leave it open for all y'all who are saying "goodbye." "Never Say Good Bye" Twilight on the frozen lake A north wind about to break On the footprints in the snow Silence down below. You're beautiful beyond words You're beautiful to me You can make me cry Never say goodbye. Because my dreams are made Of iron and steel With a big boquet of roses hanging down From the heavens to the ground. The crashing waves roll over me As I stand upon the sand And wait for you to come Grab hold of my hand. Oh baby, baby, baby blue You'll change your last name too You turned your hair to brown Love to see it hanging down.
  • #1479
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    Official mayor retirement :-(
    I am back and still recovering. Back to work yesterday. WHEW! I still can't believe what I experienced in Chicago (and Santa Clara). Sorry it took so long for my return. I have so much to say but it will have to come in increments. It was a daunting but exciting task to undertake alone, but of course I know oh so well that I was the furthest thing from being alone with all the dreamers and other kind folks I met along the way. Had the trip been for any other reason I might have really felt alone in Chicago. Meeting some of the dreamers in SC and then more (wish I could have met you all) in Chicago I felt a "strange" sense of belonging in this community (yes that's what we are a mini community inside the deadhead community) that is pure magic. I don't have any other explanation. The kindest friendliest people in the world are the deadheads and I saw this kindness and comfort throughout the entire trip. Thank you everyone in SD for the mayoral red carpet, and thank you to the entire deadhead community for the crazy kinship we all have and that was so evident in all these shows during my travels...
  • #1480
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    Holly, you are da briver.....Torch has been passed.... Make us proud..... You have been groomed and are ready to carry the load..... And let Stella sleep, she needs her sleep and her water..... were they ever here at all?.... but they kept on dancing.....
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Submitted by marye on
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By request, a gathering spot for Chicago-bound folks to connect and plan!
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Submitted by Totem on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 06:06

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Rise and Shine Sunshine Daydreamers! Get out of bed and play some Grateful Dead. Only 99 days to show time. Patch those sails and shine those rails! p.s. the countdown includes "the" day of the first show. "The" day deserves it's own countdown! Oh yeah!
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Submitted by motoman615 on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 06:03

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Yeah I'm a local. Stick with the 3 mentioned clubs and Rosas for blues.other spots a bit too "touristy". Myself , whichever day I don't go to FTW I will hit Fitzgeralds. There talent lineup is usually outstanding.
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 10:23

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so glad you made it.... enjoy the company, no furniture here, settle up to the fire...cold ones in the fridge, hey Poobah need another beer run?
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Submitted by geomeister on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 10:29

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....better pass the hat...I spent my money on Phish VIP seats.........for my worst enemy...
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 11:03

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For all new comers... First the obligatory...so glad you made it...yadayadayada.... Youse guys gotta BYOB and roll yer own...We are short on cash.... And thanks for the reminder Phish are swimming back upstream after the Chicage run.... But at least the fires still goin.... Hey Foghorn! stop pissin on the fire, we are outta matches too!!! Maybe we'll have a Fire on the Mountain!
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Submitted by SoCalDeadFan on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 12:50

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lifted from facebook post. "Fare The Well" Pre/ Post Shows: 7/1 - {Milwaukee SummerFest} Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams & Infamous String Dusters $19 7/2 - moe. @ House Of Blues $45 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Vic Theatre - Terrapin Flyer @ TBA - Leftover Salmon @ Park West $35 7/3 - {Pre Party} Grass Is Dead @ Hyatt Regency Hotel - Details TBA - {Pre Party Cruise} Terrapin Flyer ft. Melvin Seals & Mark Karan - $100 - moe. @ House Of Blues $45 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Vic Theatre - Mr. Blotto @ Reggies Rock Club - Jazz Plays Dead @ Velvet Lounge/Jazz Showcase - New Riders Of The Purple Sage @ Bottom Lounge - {Grateful Ball} Old Shoe @ Congress Plaza Hotel - {After Fare} Stu Allen & Mars Hotel @ Red Moon Theater 7/4 - {Pre Party Cruise} Terrapin Flyer ft. Melvin Seals & Mark Karan - $100 - {Pre Party} Grass Is Dead @ Hyatt Regency Hotel - Details TBA - {Pre Party} Stu Allen & Mars Hotel @ Red Moon Theater - 2-4pm - {Pre Party} Pink Talking Phish @ Reggies Rock Club - 3-6pm - moe. @ House Of Blues $45 - Pink Talking Phish @ Reggies Rock Club - Runaway Gin: Tribute to Phish @ Hard Rock Cafe -New Riders Of The Purple Sage @ Bottom Lounge - {Grateful Ball} The Mantras "Talking Dead" Set @ Congress Plaza Hotel -{After Fare} Stu Allen & Mars Hotel @ Red Moon Theater 7/5 - {Pre Party} Grass Is Dead @ Hyatt Regency Hotel - Details TBA - {Pre Party} Stu Allen & Mars Hotel @ Red Moon Theater - 2-4pm -New Riders Of The Purple Sage @ Bottom Lounge - Jazz Plays Dead @ The Store Lincoln Park - {Grateful Ball} The Shwagg @ Congress Plaza Hotel - {After Fare} Stu Allen & Mars Hotel @ Red Moon Theater ART SHOW/FAN VENDING: 7/3-7/5 - Phanart Presents: All In Good Company PhanArt Show. Fan based art and lot goods will be showcased and sold here. 7/2 Grateful Glass Gathering: ft Snoddgrass and other well known glass blowers. Glass will be showcased and sold here. Zane Kesey has something planned as well... ya i know fb is evil. i'm only on fb to follow the 50th so please vent your negative vibes somewhere else.
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 13:17

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SO GLAD YOU MADE IT.... Btw got your backstage pass your beers are comp'd per Poobah Still gotta roll yer own... Come sing around the fire and tell Foghorn to stop pissing on it..... It's not funny Fog...gonna get a chicken hawk on yer ass!!! This space is officially getting HOT! Poobah said so..... Carry on children.... As you were...
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Submitted by mkav on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 15:09

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good luck with the interviews and talk to my wife when we're all in Chicago:)
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Submitted by tfonts on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 16:02

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She's focussed.... Dead Geek closing the the deal that she won't let go down. ABC.....always be closing !! Because you can not win, if you do not play.
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Submitted by jambo on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 16:12

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Love the Vic, love DSO. tix go on sale tomorrow. its a nice warm up or main thing or hedge for those of us who are in ticket limbo still
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Submitted by tfonts on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 16:34

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But the spreadsheet is full !! NO BLANKS !!! THANK YOU SD'ers !!!! Back of the T-Shirt name doc??? That's another matter...but let's not go there now...you know who you are :-) And appreciate your attentiveness because this had defined, "labor of love!!" :-)
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 16:36

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So glad you made it.... Scootch on up to the fire bro.... Plenty of room in the house of the Dead....
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 16:38

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I represent that remark..... Get down and row, row,row, row!!!! Tie dye khakis bro!!!!
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Submitted by BobLoblaw on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 17:21

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I see a t-shirt with Jake on it somewhere.... I just filled out the spreadsheet. Cookie! Take it easy.
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Submitted by High-Desert Dweller on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 18:15

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Notice is hereby given that this train may be subject to stopping in a small desert town and boarding two east bound tye-dyed passengers. If you should witness this, it is your responsibilty to report it immediately to the Monkey and the Engineer. This advisory is lifted for all destinations east of Chicago.
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Submitted by ASL on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 18:44

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I know this is a bizarre question since most of us are STILL Chicago orphans...but is anyone considering a trek out to Cali at the end of June if the "official" announcement is made??? Just wondering since there is so much time, effort, positive energy, etc., put into our Chicago soiree...that's where I want to be...but I'm just thinking...might be a fun trip, too? I mean, when is going to California ever a bad thing? Totally asking too much, right?
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Submitted by mkav on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 18:47

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Sadly, not me. Can't swing the time nor $ for both.
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Submitted by seeing red on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 19:18

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Yes ASL, I'll be treking to the California shows. Though it's only a 45 minute trek for me :) Now to hope that there are any shows :)
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Submitted by ASL on Thu, 03/26/2015 - 19:35

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45 minutes - we could probably all crawl that far! I really hope it happens for you guys out There. Would so love an excuse to go back, but the Midwest beckons...
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Submitted by tfonts on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 03:55

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I had a hotel res at the Hilton in Santa Clara (literally adjacent to the parking lot of Levi's) but cancelled it yesterday. To have seen the look on my wife's face when I suggested a second Dead sojourn to compliment Chicago, well, let's just say a man knows when and when not to bark up a tree... I have a personal relationship with a Sr. Executive of a very large company HQ'ed down the street from the stadium. His company has a super-box there and we've already been in communication re the show and getting me some tickets. I think it seats 20. Absolutely zero guarantees, but if the shows are announced, I do believe I can/should be able to proxy some tix to our SD family here. They won't be comped, but guarantee won't be scalped. If anyone has a potential interest, please drop me an e-mail (not a PM here) with the subject line "Santa Clara tickets." This would classify as a "miracle" but hey now, it's still worth a shot :-)
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Submitted by esvbbv on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 04:06

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Suite tickets are awesome. Use to run Suites at MSG NYC. Remember very pricey. Around $600 per plus. Have to say the best way to see any show or event. Peace out.........
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Submitted by KristineD on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 05:35

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Has anyone mentioned these yet? http://www.divvybikes.com I haven't used them myself, yet, but I plan to. Divvy Bikes offer bike rentals with stations all over town. You buy a 24 hour pass for $7, that allows you pick up a bike at one place, ride it to where you want to go, and drop it off when you get there. For as many 30-minute trips in a day as you wish. So, for less than $25 bucks, you've got wheels for the entire weekend! From their web site: Divvy is a new bike sharing system featuring thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations from Andersonville to Hyde Park, available 24/7, 365 days a year. Each station has a touchscreen kiosk, station map, and a docking system that releases bikes using a member key or ride code. Sounds perfect for getting around town in July.
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Submitted by tfonts on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:04

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Thanks, KristineD - that's a great idea and post. I've seen those in NYC and d'town SF too. Cool concept. For the Touch of Gray "senior" heads like me, who's bodies have taken a pounding over years of self-neglect and extreme abuse, well, Uber to the rescue baby !!!
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Submitted by spascarella on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:17

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I plan on going to California if I can get tickets. I already made a hotel reservation close by and have frequent flyer miles to use to get out there. Just have to see how hard tickets are to get. Steve
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Submitted by KristineD on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:20

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Just the idea of pedaling up a SF hill makes my butt hurt.
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:28

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So glad you made it, coffee is on have a cup...
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:30

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My little red rooster been too lazy to crow for days... TGIF yo!!!
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 06:34

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So glad you made it...Got some fresh bagels n cream cheese to go with the coffee, Poobah was gonna get some lox to go with it if interested.
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Submitted by Graceful_Dead on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 07:24

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.. when you welcome new ones to the party with your familiar "So glad you made it", do you also whisper in their ear the next line of that song?
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Submitted by kurt009 on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 08:37

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Hello all and thanks for the add! So glad I could make it! Hope to meet some of you in Chicago!Eternally Grateful!!!
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Submitted by KristineD on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 08:43

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them day's gone, kiddo! we're fully invested, nowadays. i prefer to think of it as silver.
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Submitted by High-Desert Dweller on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 09:12

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Hi All, I am looking for an oppertunity to get a room closer to Soldier Field and/or Union Station. Someone posted that they had extra reservations they made right after the shows were announced. Interested in reservations that are either closer or easily accessed by CTA bus or train. Don't mind short travel, just looking to leave the driving to someone else. I can transfer reservation to my name and plastic card. PM me if you can help. Thanks
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Submitted by KristineD on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 08:56

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In light of the recent passage of the so-called "Religious Liberty" law in Indiana -- please give some thought as to whether or not you want to spend your money there. Thanks. (ha -- maybe, instead, I should have said "In darkness of the recent passage...")
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Submitted by tfonts on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 08:56

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Welcome, Kurt!! Although I'm not the official welcomer... He'll greet you soon I'm sure :-)
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 09:33

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Sorry T, burritos burnt, made enchiladas instead, with green chili... Damn tasty.. Got distracted there... So Kurt you are here.....So glad you made it.....!!!! Have an enchilada, got dos Equis Amber in the cooler, paid outta pocket, Poobah's runnin low on change, heard he pawned his walker today for some polygrip.....
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 09:40

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I'm quite old fashioned... depends on the mood I'm in...and whose ear I'm whispering in... Know what I mean? In the meantime grab some grub and help yourself to a cerveza mas frio! But at the end of the day in Chicago it's gonna be Love fest for all who venture.... They call me..... rrrrrgrrrrr
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 09:52

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Right back atcha ...two times over! Hey, just got a Doritos and double stuffed Oreos delivery, Thanks Totem.... munch em if ya got em
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Submitted by mkav on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:03

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I have relatives in Chicago who use these all the time weather permitting. They love them.
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Submitted by Totem on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:09

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Unless there is a beer holder I dunno if the prostate ache will be worth it. Are these everywhere 24 hrs or just along the waterfront?
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Submitted by tfonts on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:12

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Wow, I was watching this bad boy and had emailed the seller 2x but never received a reply (I wanted a lower price). Two PL'1's (the $214.50 lower bowl seats) closed and sold for $1,825. Do the math, $912.50 a pop - ouch! http://www.ebay.com/itm/251889009484?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPag… This same seller has two other similar PL-1 postings for Sat and Sun, FYI: Sat: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grateful-Dead-July-4-Mail-Order-Fantastic-Seats… Sun: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251889018079?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPag… G'luck, peeps !!
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Submitted by Totem on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:12

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The Chicago Style Pizza Pie is on the way.
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Submitted by KristineD on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:27

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24/7 365, from what their web site says. Outlets all over town. p.s. we got a LAKEFRONT, not a waterfront. Jeez, next thing ya know, you'll be putting ketchup on yer hot dog. :-)
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 03/27/2015 - 10:19

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Hooooooooohah! In my best Pacino voice.... Glad you have our backs mofo!