dhammer's and squeakr's tributes are true testaments to the type of person Michael was. The line about him being a food and drink connoisseur but equally happy with microwaved hot wings is a perfect illustration of his character--he had a palate that was as sensitive as anyone I'd ever known (his ability to pick out flavors when wine tasting was unparalleled) but he was absolutely and utterly unpretentious about it. He was the most down-to-earth sophisticated person I've ever met--full of incredible stories and life experiences both travel-related and not but yet able to relate to others wherever they were in life. He was as much an institution of our Alaska Dos as anyone, and the next one will undoubtedly feel that much more empty without his physical presence. To Michael--one of the finest FlyerTalkers ever to grace our forums with his friendship--rest in peace, friend.