Lodo Grdzak's Japanese Story (Part 1):

As an investigator I probably interview at least 10 people a week. In-depth. Its a good job if you like people, but unlike David Letterman or Terry Gross, I don’t get to interview the Johnny Depp’s or Kanye West’s of society. I get to interview the guy who got his arm stuck in the combine or slammed the gas pedal instead of the brake.

In the course of my years as an investigator, I’ve discovered I’m not a huge fan of the human race. Sure I get some good stories; but I deal with too many stupid people on both sides of my assignments. And I’ve seen the consequences of their stupidity too many times. Being at the Trade Center on 9/11 didn’t help; and America’s subsequent response only added to my disappointment in my fellow man.

So for the last decade its been nothing but talking-animal movies for me. Fuck you humans and smell ya later. I’m sick of your stories anyways.

Yet I have to say that this Japanese-quake thing has gotten me down. I kind of made light of it a few posts ago; but I’m a little sorry about that now. I actually feel bad for Japan. And especially the Japanese people.

I like the Japanese tourists I meet in New York. They’re big jazz fans--definitely more knowledgeable than Americans. And their girls are cute. They usually have little pixie bodies that they doll-up in bobby-socks and pig-tails. Or maybe they’ll dye their hair pink and where it with bangs. A pedophile’s wet dream.

But most of all, they’re just real friendly. Quick to smile, easy to make giggle or laugh. And always wanting to take pictures! They love that kind of stuff.

Last summer I met a pair of Japanese gals at a jazz club. Smalls. They didn’t speak more than a dozen words of English between them; but they were eager to have a good time and meet people. I bought ‘em a round of drinks.

“What your name?” the darker-haired girl asked me.

“Lodo.”

“...Lodo?” she asked with a confused expression.

“Yeah, Lodo “ I said with a laugh, “...no one gets it the first time.”

* NOTE: Due to certain time constraints, I'll have to split this post into at least another part. I'll have Part 2 in a few days.

** ADDL. NOTE: Any and all pics seen in this post have been included simply to enhance the story. Don't assume the girls depicted are the one's from the story.

*** FINAL NOTE: Photographs of the 2011 Japanese Tsunami are copyrighted. They're not mine to give away.