From Mike:
Brigitte was one of my first followers, and has been a constant source of inspiration since. She’s one of the sweetest bloggers out there, a tremendous writer, and not a Monday goes by where I don’t head over to her site Brigitte’s Banter to read her Monday’s Musings. These habitual Monday stops provide perspective, reflection, and a sense of zen. She’s been Freshly Pressed twice (deservedly so), and has an legion of followers.
Brigitte won the first Roam About Contest, and has a shrine built in her house to the great Scott Baio (the prize was a poster of Chachi), to the dismay of her hubby. Seriously, follow Brigitte; it’ll make you a better person. – Mike
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Mike, whom I’ve followed for many months now, asked me to write a post for him while he’s traipsing around Japan. On a Saturday, a day I never usually post, but I will for Mike because he and his better other half, Marti, are good people.
I’m not sure why he’s there other than “work,” as he let me know in a personal email. Sources in Japan tell me Mike is revisiting a dream, nay, a date with destiny.
Mike, in case you’ve not surmised for yourself, is truly a purveyor of awesome, a jack of all trades. He’s traveled all over the globe. You may ask yourself, How can a guy do so much, how does he have the time? How can he be that awesome?
Read on.
Before leaving for Japan, Mike’s spirit guide visited him in a dream. This was after a bad beer and sushi episode.
Gas Station Sushi. Just say no.
“Mikey-san, when the student is ready, the Hasselhoff will appear.” — Lemur Master, Mike’s Spirit Guide
Mike asked himself, “What could this mean?” During the plane ride to Japan, Mike was on copious amounts of NyQuill and the Lemur Master spoke to him once more:
Translation: The talented hawk hides its claws or Hide your expertise and prowess until it is requested. Or so says the Lemur Master (and Wikipedia).
It was time for Mike’s claws to hide no more.
Young Mike, crafting cocktails, flipping bottles.
Years ago, Mike went down the path of many talented guys in their twenties, living the dream — modeling, acting and such, bartending probably.
But unlike other guys, he never let go of that dream. That’s Mike.
In case you missed it, here’s a picture of him when he was this:
Here’s Mike today:
Obviously, Mike still has “IT.”
He’s doing this:
He is and he’s bringing it to Japan. En route to his destiny Mike met David Hasselhoff, the legend who took Germany by storm, and The Hoff, as Lemur Master predicted, has agreed to mentor Mike. All these seemingly “accidental,” precarious (as precarious as this post), have culminated to bring Mike his dharma.
Here are a few shots of The Hoff mentoring the student, Mike.
After a grueling schedule, Mike and The Hoff take a leisurely jog near the Sea of Japan.
Under Hoff’s tutelage, Mike’s been entertaining Japan in a major way, making a name for himself at a rapid-fire pace. Parades, sumo wrestling, advertisements and game shows — no Westerner has come close to this kind of popularity in Japan since Cher.
Take a look:
Mike pauses during a parade for a fan to snap a picture.
Engaging in some sumo frivolity to the delight of the crowd!
Mike’s favorite new beer.
Negotiations are in the works for a co-host spot.
The quintessential ambassador of peace welcomes everyone!
Soon you’ll see Mike’s app.
The Buch™ App. Coming soon with tons of fun games!
He goes by “The Buch.™ (pronunciation — “Booche,” rhymes with…uh…swoosh. The Hoff thought it best if it sounded French, because after all, everyone loves the French).
Mike’s up for a part in a Japanese soap opera next week. As he lies in bed in his feng shui’d hotel room, he sings softly to himself:
‘Tis your destiny, Mike
No harm was done to lemurs, the wonderful Japanese people/culture or The Hoff in the writing of this rambling fictional tale.
If after reading this, you want to visit me, please do so at Brigitte’s Banter. Sayōnara, y’all.
ROAM ABOUT MIKE 
Reblogged this on Brigitte's Banter and commented:
I’m guest posting on Mike’s Roam About Mike’s blog today. Mike is a talented writer who roams the world, sharing his adventures. I’ve been following him for a long time because he makes me laugh and that’s always a good thing. Please go over and read my post on his blog and have a great weekend!
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Fantastic piece of pop culture examination, Brigitte!
Mike has the best friends on WordPress!
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Hi Jackie — thank you — glad you enjoyed. Mike is just a great guy and this was fun to write.
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Lol! Love the pictures! I think he’ll be very pleased.
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Thanks, Lisa. If he can take time out of his whirlwind schedule to read, I’m hoping he will. 😉
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It is not often I am at a loss for words but this has left me so congratulations, great writing & happy travelling.
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Hi Chris, thank you! I’m sure Mike will have plenty of adventures to share once he gets back.
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
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Cheers Brigitte,
Sent from my iPaddy, if you are scratching your head
as to what that is Mike will explain!!!!!!!!!!
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Hilarious, Brigitte! And a great tribute to Mike. One question: how long did you spend playing with Photoshop to get these? And lemurs are perfect for this. They’re so Zen!
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Hey Cathy, yes he is indeed an awesome dude. I used GIMP and as it’s obvious, I’m still learning….thanks, C. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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Very Funny Stuff Ms. B… Love this side of you :0) and loved reading you on a Saturday morning.
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Hey Audra, it was fun putting it together and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Nice to see you here and thanks for stopping in. 😀
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Always enjoy your writing….always.
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Right back at you, my friend.
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Haha Brigitte – love this! Glad you broke with your tradition of not writing on Saturday!
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D, so glad you did and so glad you stopped by. Thank you!
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My pleasure!
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Brigitte!
This is hilarious! Love the photos and the lemur! Hey, I met the Hoff in Denver a while back. He’s quite a guy, but I didn’t realize he was such a great mentor! He sure got Mike whipped into shape for that beach scene.
Gosh Mike, you’ve been a busy guy so far! Can’t wait to see your adventures when you’re back!
So funny Brigitte!
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Thanks, Susie. The lemur comes from Mike — that is his spirit guide. So you’ve met the Hoff? Wow. He was tough on Mike but you know, he had to be in order to reach the heights he did. Thanks again, Susie – so glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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This is excellent and very creative. It was funny as well and very cute. Thanks for posting this article. Susana the Deaf Lady http://deaf47.blogspot.com/
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Hey, you’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed.
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Fun post, Brigitte! Good to see you on a Saturday. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed JM. Thank you, good to see you. 😉
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
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Hilarious! love it, Brigitte!
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Hey Marti — thanks, glad you did and hope you guys are having a good time.
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It is hard to believe, but I am actually not with him. I decided to hang back on this trip because I own a small business and it would be hard for me to spend that much time away right now. Soooooo, I have packed our entire apartment by myself. Quite and awesome accomplishment, if you ask me. He is going to come back and be shocked!
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That’s very nice of you, Marti. I bet he will be! How exciting that you’re moving to a new place and I wish you and Mike the best. Thanks so much for your very kind comment and support.
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Love the blog. I also have few loyal followers. I am a huge fan of Knight Rider.
Cheers
Vishal
http://www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com
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Hey thanks. Glad you enjoyed!
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Brigitte,
Obligatory comment.
Le Clown
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I have no idea what that means. You’re not obligated to comment at all. Take care.
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Brigitte,
It was humour, but anyway.
Take care.
Le Clown
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Oh, okay. That’s what I was attempting as well. With this post. Anyway, obligatory response. and thanks — ? I would put a smiley face. Oh what the heck. 😀
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Brigitte,
It’s all good. Have a great one.
Le Clown
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word.
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This is really funny, Brigitte.
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Hey Mike, coming from you, that means a alot — thank you and love your blog.
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Um Brig, is it true about you and Chachi? Did I tell you that I think I saw him in a coffee shop on the Upper East Side in December? The cashier wouldn’t let me take pictures, I think it was him.
Origami!
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Yes it’s true. That’s too bad about your not being able to get a pic. Let me know the next time you’re in NYC and I’ll put in a good word for you.
Popsicle shoebox!
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This was my first visit to The Buch’s blog. Based on these pictures, I must visit again soon. Intriguing stuff.
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Hope you do, Anita! Mike’s a great guy and very funny. Thanks for stopping by to read.
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Very entertaining! Now I have to go over and see what the girl behind the cartoon is all about… Now that I’ve seen The Lemur. And heard the sound bytes.
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Hi Laura! so glad you enjoyed. Mike is a fun person to write about. And thanks for the follow!
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Hahahaha! Brigitte, this is so effing amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to superimpose my ridiculous mug everywhere. I really appreciate it, and think you should take over my blog permanently. 🙂
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Hey Mike — you’re welcome and welcome back! Thanks for allowing me to write about you — I’ve gained some new followers. I had hoped for more comments but I think it was the Saturday/Easter weekend thing. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway. :).
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Thank you thank you – good to be back.
Ohh crap. Totally forgot about Easter! I missed the annual ‘eat ham until your fingers swell’. Damn! Looks like you had some good interaction though.
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