Currently I'm sitting here with my trusted Xacti out of commission and traveling in it's home country of Japan-local company I deal with sent it back for some warranty work. It decided to stop letting me use view finder...ack...tragedy. Good news is I took some shots before that happened and they are below.

This spot is at the end of one of my favorite stretches of road nearby. A stretch of farm land at the edge of the city and county. I love cruising through there especially when the rice is tall as in picture. This one has the added beauty of red lanterns to contrast.

Kevin forlorn? Hardly-just a lull in the action. He had one close call on a ball thrown up into bleachers by Giants player.

Local Taichung pitcher playing for Giants now.

Getting ready to start the festivities-exhibition series between Taiwan La New Bears team and Japanese Yomiuri Giants "B" team.

Hmm, what does he see?

Outfield can be a pretty lonely place.

Getting closer view

Looks kind of like the "crane" kung fu position...or not.

Let's see that "whip."

Blue Girl, oh why are you so blue... if you had tea I would have bought 1 from you...

I kick a***es and take names-because that's how I roll!

Thanks to all-nba-all-basketball.com for graphic

Full disclosure-I was a major basketball jock as a kid in Brooklyn and played quite avidly until college. One of my major sources of inspiration was the NY Knicks. My home team. The NY Nets didn't count (even though they had Dr. J.) because they were from Long Island, some foreign country nearby and physically attached to the Brooklyn of my youth.

I do have some fondness for some other teams-the Phoenix Suns, because I lived in Arizona for 11 years but I am a Knick fan. There hasn't been much to root about or get excited over these last few years. I give big props to my homeboy Spike Lee who still supports the home team heartily and still makes great films. When I found out Mike D'Antoni, the same coach that made the Suns a contender and fun to watch had taken the job as Knicks coach I was quite intrigued. There are so many differences in team culture, fans, etc.

Anyway, the Knicks got off to a great start winning the first game of the season against the Miami Heat. I hope this signals that there is some hope in the Apple for the boys in Orange and Blue again. It's way premature to be talking playoffs and such but one can hope right? Anyhow kudos to Mike D and team and wishing continued success to harmonious team play for the season.

Before I close I'd liek to share a personal Knick moment from back in the day:

I lived next to Brooklyn College as a kid and would often go and play on their indoor courts. One time Iwas heading there and just about to the entrance when I spotted some Lincoln Continental pull in to park ahead of where I was walking. The driver got out-one tall black dude in fact. Lo and behold it was my beloved Willis Reed-the captain of my Knicks. A true warrior and one who's "big heart" style of play and dedication inspired me to play harder in my own game. Any way I was walking a little bit behind him and as an 11 year old fan was so tempted to get gushy and such with my hero. I however played it cool being a Brooklyn kid and not wanting to be uncool. After a little ways Willis turned to me and asked me if I knew where such and such a room was. I answered, "It's over that way Willis." The friendly giant of a man smiled at me and said , "thanks."

Full disclosure-even though Willis was way cool Dave Debusschere was my idol-us forwards have to stick together.

Big props to my son Kevin who's enthusiasm and passion for sports has got me taking some notice again.

This offering will be a little more eclectic than usual...or maybe not.

This bowl of roosters was spotted down on a recent trip to ChienKuo Market for some things. Fresh doesn't get any fresher....

The pattern that leaves make is one of my favorites.

Took this shot during break from father and son football toss in nearby park.

This old chap was quite good about getting his exercise regimen in.

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Thought this was a nice shot of another father and son-hanging out by stream and pond that run through park.

This almost feels Mediterranean to me-maybe it's the color palette or the soft light?

A couple of ladies stopping dueing lunch breeak for guava purchase while I run for lunch.

"Plush" clear out sale across from my noodle stand choice of the moment.

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Kevin and Reggie check out the mini paper model postcards on lively Lukang 9 Curve Alley.

Some guy gets ready to do his Chinese top throwing.

Pretty bloom growing along busy alley.

At the famous lantern shop on Lukang's main drag.

Reggie checking out the tile murals-enjoying his first Lukang vist.

Mountains above the clouds from my bedroom window.

Kevin and Reggie hanging in Taichung park towards the end of Reggie's visit. Couldn't ask for better fall weather.