Saikou Sendai!

Went to Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture with "the Hero of Oirase"—a man they call James—and our office hosa (sub-chief; not-to-mention, my favorite person in the office) Izumiyama-san and his wife during the first weekend in February. We took in an 89ers bj-league basketball game, and then some. It kicked more than a bit of a donkey's ass! Don't believe me…?

On the subway in Sendai, the Hero of Oirase catches me grinning in anticipation.

Great shot mid-game as one of the Sendai 89ers' forwards tosses up a tough leaner. 

The 89ers' starting center slams one home with authority.

Here are some court-side highlights:

Final score. Sendai 91, Okinawa 90. Clutch free throws indeed!

Our post-game meal was at a great little izakaya where we ate too much and laughed just enough. The sake came served to us as you see above, traditionally overflowing the shot glass into the square wooden container, or masu.

Then we went out to fool around and shoot some "ghost-image" photos. I've fallen over stiff at the sight of Mikiko-san's light-speckled, huggable spirit.

"River Spirit"

"My Spirit Climbing"

"I'M PALED by The Twilight"

"Spiritual Hi-5"

"Put 'em Up"

"Spirit Punk'd"

"Spirit Crossing"

I think I'm headed in the Wright direction. What do you think?

Goran Zef

Born on the agriworld of Garqi in the Outer Rim, this sometime freighter pilot, sometime spacer scout, and onetime ex-con plied the trades along the Braxant Run, somehow managing to veer clear of the Imperial Remnant and the encroaching forces of the mysterious Yuuzhan Vong, (and pick up a few droids to "experiment on" along the way). Courtesy AvatarArt and the imagination of my old pal, Aaron.

"Anybody need a new ashtray?"

An Aussified Christmas - Crickey!

Now, let me take you into the wild side of my trip to Australia.

I gave the koala a little back rub to help ease his digestion.

Here's one without that big-nosed creature.

The kangaroos at the Symbio Wild Life Park were left to wander an open paddock where people could touch and feed them at their leisure. Considering how much the 'roos enjoyed the shade, I'm surprised none of them mistook me for a tree.

A peacock rests on its regal perch, surveying both sides of the fence.

A pair of sweet little birdies captured in all their colorful splendor through the mesh of their enclosure.

Okay, so it's not a real animal. Still cool, though! Found it outside the Sydney Hospital in the downtown area.

Now, here are some party animals! (from left to right) It's Wendy, her brother Scott, and his girlfriend, Jess, gathered here before we went out for a little fine dining and drinking.

The Holy Grail of Margaritas! (Thing's the size of my head!)

Miiiight need a little help here.

Atta' girl! What a trooper!

Was someone conducting nuclear tests to the left of me while I was eating again? 

"Aww, shucks!"

Our New Year's digs at Club Menai.

The live band rocked the dance floor with a who's-who of Motown covers including everything from The Pointer Sisters to Lady Gaga.

While tearing up the dance floor, I got close enough to snap this shot of the three lead singers for the band. It was hot stuff! Literally. Like, I was sweating so much my shirt was practically see-through. At one point, a fellow dancer asked me if I was part of the show. I smiled big but said nothing; let my moves do the talking.

So few identifiable pictures of this creature exist, and some even say it can only be seen once a year when enough imbibed wine coaxes its unchecked nature into being. (Needless to say, when I wasn't wearing my tie around my forehead with my shades on, this is how I looked on New Year's. At least, I think that's me. ;)

"Dachou Game"

Sung to the tune of "Macho Man" by Village People (short version).

Hobby … wanna know my hobby?
Hobby … such a thrill my hobby
Hobby … cannot touch my hobby
Hobby … it's too much my hobby
Hobby … check it out my hobby
Hobby … don't you doubt my hobby
Hobby … talkin' 'bout my hobby
Hobby … check it out my hobby

Ev'ryone wants to play the dachou dachou game
To have that kind of hobby, always in demand
Play it in the mornings, go class go
Works out for the 6th-years, no problo'
You can best believe that, it's the dachou game
Ready to get down with, any class it can

Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
Dachou, dachou game (dachou game)
I've got to play, the dachou game
Dachou, dachou game
I've got to be the dachou! Oww!
[repeat]

Hobby … hobby … hobby, wanna try my hobby?
Hobby … hobby … hobby, come and try my hobby
Hobby … hobby … hobby, never stop my hobby
Hobby … hobby … hobby, it's the top my hobby

[break it down]

Ev'ryone ought to play the dachou dachou game
To play the game of dachou, you should never stand
Have your hands behind you, and dodge quick
Possess the moves and confidence, card's a steal
You can best believe that this is dachou fun
No special skill needed, just, run-run-run

Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
Dachou, dachou game (dachou game)
I've got to play, the dachou game
Dachou, dachou game
I've got to be the dachou! (dig how I use my chest)

Dachou, dachou game (see my card?—no you can't)
I've got to be the dachou, man
Dachou, dachou game
I've got to be the dachou! (bounce off shoulders)

Dachou, dachou game (dig my hustle)
I've got to be the dachou, man
Dachou, dachou game
I've got to be the dachou!

Dachou, dachou game (I've got to be the dachou, man)
I'm really such a mucho, mucho, dachou, dachou fan
All right! Now you're a fan, YEAH!