The pursuit of greatness, a sporting trifecta ...

Many readers of this here blog - me included - believe Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, if not the world. But after spending a week here in South Florida, I have conclusive evidence that Miami could lay claim to such an important title. More renowned for its humidity and hurricanes, the place has recently been a whirlwind of sporting activity. Billed as a smorgasbord of sport, Murf Man and yours truly have spent the last three days watching the world's best exponents of golf, tennis and basketball strut their stuff.

Top left? That's the dynamic duo after watching Roger Federer at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne on Saturday. Towering American teenager Sam Querrey provided Federer with some tough opposition at times, but the real foe was Florida's fickle weather. Yet the lengthy rain delays of more than two hours just delayed the inevitable for Querrey who lost the second-round match in straight sets.

But Federer wasn't the only numero uno in town. Top right? That's us again at Doral Country Club And Spa on Sunday, the final day of the World Golf Championships - CA Championship. Like many of the throng, we were chasing the tail of a tiger named Woods. While eight Australians battled the blustery conditions - the fast-finishing Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy tied that spitting Spaniard, Sergio Garcia, for third place - all interest was on Woods. I've been to many sporting events in my time, but being just a metre away from the closest thing to God with a golf club was amazing. The weather, too, was awesome. I have few pictures to show of this event, as cameras and mobile phones were banned. I avoided checking mine in upon entry but wasn't game enough to take any shots until the very end. After all, no-one wants an angry Tiger.

I was just thankful about seeing two athletes in their prime, both on the same weekend. Woods, 31, has won 12 major championships, and Federer has 10 grand slam titles at 25. With the entree and main course already served, the little matter of dessert involved the larger-than-life Shaquille O'Neal and his Miami Heat, who hosted the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Aged 35 and regularly battling injury, the self-proclaimed ''Big Aristotle'' may no longer be spoken in same breath as Woods or Federer, but in this city he is, literally, huge. On a multi-storey poster bearing his likeness to promote his company, The O'Neal Group, he says he is glad he met Miami. After leading them to their first championship last year it's hard to find anyone around here who disagrees.

Shaq Diesel and the Heat rolled their way to an easy victory. Afterwards, it was the Murf Man's watchful eyes who spotted the Hawks' centre from Uruguay, Esteban Batista. Needless to say, it was a coup for The Life And Times Of JB to briefly meet the big fellow. He's not good enough to earn a spot on my fantasy basketball roster, so in order to honour this cult figure, pictured right, I renamed my team Esteban Batista Rulz. That's because, quite frankly, he does.

So fun in South Florida ...

I disagree with the views of Poppa Blog that my correspondence here has been "light". I will say, however, that I am having a lot of fun here in South Florida with Murfuoso and The Jeweller's parents, King and Queen of The Porch, who have put me up in Hollywood's newest but as yet unnamed hostel. I have enjoyed their lodgings, their hospitality and their very friendly neighbours. And the beer always tastes better when it comes out of a vintage Coke fridge but can be hazardrous when given no choice but to drink it from Murfuoso's Collingwood stubbie holder, as pictured. More pictures of the whole gang, "living on the porch", on the next post. Like me, Murfuoso arrived from Austin, Texas, on Tuesday. He doesn't have a blog, but when you basically get paid to hang out with musicians and then write about it, who needs one?

I ditched grandiose (and some would say short-sighted) plans to drive to Key West yesterday, opting to sleep in then kicking back and relaxing after a whirlwind week in Hawaii. K-Beezer asked me via text message whether I liked the place. My answer would be an overwhelming yes. I am also amazed that Poppa Blog, after more than five years of owning a mobile phone, has magically managed to discover the advantages of text messaging since I've been away. That deserves public applause.

I said mahalo to Hawaii on Monday with a further look around the Big Island. Firstly, I escorted Jo, a lovely journo from England, who I met at the hostel in Hilo on Sunday night. She was hesitant to rent a car, so I offered to show her around and we talked shop and I saw some more lava flows. I said farewell to my best Big Island friend, Barry Buick alias Hilo Silver, and to English Jo before catching a rickety old bus to Kona. The three-hour ride was pretty much free, save for my generous $US5 tip, but to travel the 7 miles to the airport from the closest drop-off point cost me $US25. I still haven't figured that one out.

Despite having a great time, I thought I had missed the real Hawaii experience - traditional music, dancing and, of course, a lei. But then, as if by some devine intervention at Honolulu International Airport, I saw those same musicians and dancers who offered me a lei (not a lay, get your minds out of the gutter if it's there) after swinging my hips to the sweet tropical tunes in front of the many arriving and departing passengers. I'll do anything for a lei - or a picture opportunity - and the boys here were happy to oblige. I was just hanging loose, before visiting Captain Morgan at Parrot Bay and then boarding the second of four flights.

I managed to sleep most of the way from Honolulu to Oakland, but the trip from that latter city to Nashville wasn't much fun. With little leg room and being unable to get any sleep, my body clock was rocked as I travelled through North America's various time zones before touching down in the country music capital of the world and getting a picture to show for it. Now if I can only work on my guitar skills and/or yodelling. A fashion overhaul may also be required as these stinky yellow socks from my native Australia are just not going to cut it apparently.

I had a local favourite of barbequed pork, collared greens and potato salad - washed down with a local beer known as Yazoo - at the airport with a couple of paramedics from the Pacific Northwest. They had attended a conference and were returning to Seattle and my beloved Portland respectively. A defibrillator was on standby in the case of an emergency. Before I saw them, I met another guy at the bar who, with his business partner, owned 83 Subway stores in North Florida. He was also attending a conference for the fast food giant where their "mascot", the sub hungry Jared Fogle, was in attendance. Apparently he was at the airport but having lost all that weight from those delicious sandwiches, I didn't see him. A few hours later I was greeted at nearby Fort Lauderdale by Murfuoso and King Porch, the newest subscriber to this here blog. I hope he likes his moniker.

So it's around noon here in Hollywood, Florida, and the Murf Man and I will see what we can get up to this afternoon. There's no shortage of activities happening in the Miami area - the CA Championship golf tournament, the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament, the Miami Heat basketball team minus Dwayne Wade, the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino where Anna Nicole Smith breathed her last air. We'll just see where it takes us.

Far from being a dead end ...

This picture here is quite symbolic, because a few days ago I literally thought I was going nowhere. Having just arrived in Hilo, I had no wheels and the car rental companies were giving me no love. But then I met Barry - my 2006 silver Buick Lacrosse CX for three days - and I have never looked back. I have made small work of the Big Island, but that doesn't diminish of what I have seen over a short period of time. Talk about a land of contrasts! One minute you could be overlooking rolling green hills into an expansive and deep blue ocean. Next thing you see is the brightest pink plant growing from a lava flow. Death Valley would take a beating but I'm sure the Big Island can live up to its name.

Life with Barry started on Friday afternoon and we travelled to the beautiful Akaka Falls on the way to Waipio. That's me at the lookout, above left. I managed to get there just before sunset before driving back to Hilo. On Saturday, I drove to Kona and was again mesmerised by what I saw on the way. Fortunately for me (and perhaps you) I only have 20 minutes left on the Internet - for today at least - so I'll spare you the details for now. I had a swim at Hapuna Beach State Park and I saw my name spelt out in white stones against the backdrop of a blackened lava flow. Breaking all blog convention, I'll just show you the picture. It's above right. I saw the sunset at Kona from my car in a traffic jam along the coastal road and I luckily secured accommodation in nearby Captain Cook.

I drove back to Hilo from Kona today via the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is another story in itself if time permits. Earlier today, I went to the lowest point in the United States. I always thought that was at Key West, which I hope to visit when I'm in Florida. It was so windy and I didn't want a repeat of Dover, so I made sure my Jordan bucket hat was closely fixed to my head. Next stop? Florida! It's just via Honolulu, Oakland and Nashville. Insert sad smiley face here.

Aloha and mahalo from Hawaii ...

Believe me, there's plenty of material from JB's three days in Hawaii. In short, I arrived here very early Tuesday morning, courtesy of Jetstar. More about them and their friendly staff later. I walked up-and-down Waikiki Beach before having a few beers overlooking the same stretch of sand. Then I went back to the hostel nearby where I met my roommate, a Texan named James. Consequently, we went back to the same bar that I ventured into earlier that day and drank, wait for it - Steinlager - before the barmaid joined us in having tequila shots. That's where my night went a bit hazy. I remember stumbling home around 3am. As Tenacious D's Jack Black would say: "Off to a bad start."

On Wednesday, Texan James and myself bumped into a couple of air hostesses who were on my flight and, in short, we hung out for most of the day, catching some rays on the beach but not daring to open the six-pack of Coronas I had bought from the ABC Store - no, not the national broadcaster - and risk a $US500 fine. I got a picture with Hawaii Five-O but they are a money grabbing organisation. Apparently the fine for jaywalking is around $US400. So we went down the other end of the beach to the aptly named Sand Bar and had a few drinks. After Texan James left, the girls and I tried to recreate the Jetstar starfish pose, similar to the television commercial, but without luck. Then we went out for dinner before they had to go, a very early night denying them the chance to hang out with me, JB, for another big night on the town. Despite missing out on going to Diamond Head or the North Shore in a hire car, it was well worth it in this humble man's opinion.

I did Pearl Harbor today as I figured I'd cop a bit of grief from Poppa Blog had I not gone. The overnight rain must have scared many away, as there is always, apparently, a long line to get in from very early in the morning. But when I arrived I just walked right in. It's hard to get excited about a war memorial. I mean, more than 2000 people died on December 7, 1941. It was very enlightening though. Never mind the fact that I'm smiling in this picture.

It seemed like I spent all day on the bus, going from Pearl Harbor to possibly the worst sporting arena of all time, Aloha Stadium, where the NFL plays their Pro Bowl every year. I know Montreal's Olympic Stadium might give it a run for it's money, but I'm not sure. The only reason I went was because it was very close to Pearl Harbor, but I shouldn't have even bothered! I had a look at downtown Honolulu before catching a shuttle bus back to the airport, which isn't that far from Pearl Harbor. Go figure.

So where to next? Well, I'm hoping to go on a tour of the volcanoes tomorrow before hiring a car and driving around the Big Island, as it is affectionately known. I'd love to get a game of golf in, although my playing partner, the defending Nedloh Cup holder isn't here, so maybe that will have to wait until next time. But I've had a great time already and hopefully you'll hear from me soon. Florida anyone?

And I just saw mouse run along the floor of this hostel in Hilo where I arrived this afternoon. But it's a pretty nice, albeit quiet, place. Even with me in town. Perhaps this little hamlet will give a brother a chance to have rest up for when I catch up with Murfuoso and the Captain in less than a week's time. Both have allegedly been on fire in Austin, Texas.

What Greg Norman and I have in common ...

Today's the day! Believe me, with a little over an hour before I leave High Town to go to the airport, I have a lot more things of importance to do ahead of updating this here blog. But it was such a great long weekend that I feel compelled to tell my 812 readers about it who have followed me over my past 150 posts. It's been a great ride and there's more to come.

The Murray River may be dying but the border between Victoria and New South Wales - the areas of Yarrawonga andMulwala to be exact - are thriving, at least with regard to tourism. Everyone arrived on Friday night before some people went water skiing and tubing and nearly broke every bone in their body on the man-made Lake Mulwala before the first of four rounds of golf. To cut a very long story short, Cameroon won the inaugural Nedloh Trophy with some sensational and consistent play. Accused of dogging the Callaway handicapping system, I had a bad opening round of 132 on Saturday afternoon which gave me a handicap of 51 for Sunday morning's round of 111, bringing my score down to a very low 60. Similar to my weight, I'd like to get my golf game down between 95 and 105 and with that score in the book, I believed I was on target to give "Neddy" a new home. But on Sunday afternoon and yesterday morning my scores blew out handing the perpetual trophy to Cameroon. A big shout out also to PH Levels for winning the NAGA trophy. I'll let you Google that one. Congratulations to everyone for making the weekend a great success. We hope to do it again soon and I hope to give Neddy some better accommodation than he is getting at the moment.

Anyway, keep up to date with my travels right here. It should be a blast. I hope to be giving it four thumbs up, similar to yesterday when Cousin Davis and I saw this cool sign on the Hume Highway. I'd driven past on many occasions and always wanted to stop to a picture. I'm not sure what all the other drivers thought we were doing.

Who likes to party? We like to party ...

Not much to report here. I attended a couple of parties on the weekend. One was a joint "warming of the apartment" for Murf and The Jeweller. The latter was also celebrating her 26th birthday. It was a great evening and we devoured not a glass-and-a-half of full cream dairy milk, but a bottle-and-a-half of Captain Morgan's famous spiced rum. It didn't seem that long ago that Murf took yours truly down to Dan Murphy's in Prahran to buy a case of the stuff for $420. I remember it well, it was January 12. Having left the treasured cargo at his apartment since then, I'm sad to report that there's almost none left. Bugger the water shortage. We need more Cap'n!

On Saturday, Murf and yours truly did some planning for Florida. We're both going to see some Spring Training and hopefully meeting up with The Jeweller's sister in Atlanta. Peace up, A-Town down! Then I went to another party. Needless to say, all I did was rest yesterday.

There's only eight days left! In fact, there's only four days of work remaining. Then the golf trip and then Hawaii. Aloha to that!

I can speak to you of memories and dust ...

Not much to report here. Really. I'm getting ready for my trip, which is coming at a good time in the scheme of things. But it's always a good time to go on holidays, right?

We played poker last week and I got knocked out very early, my bluff fooling no-one. Unfortunately, not everyone was as radical as I was, so at 12.41am, the game was suspended after almost five hours with Cameroon and Poppa Blog due to recommence at another time. I'm sure there's an easier way to earn $45.

Played golf on Saturday and blitzed the front nine at 13th Beach, a beautiful links course that has become my weekend home this year. I also spent $250 on a putter that looks more like a space station than anything else. Cousin Davis followed my lead and that of Cameroon and also bought an Odyssey 2-Ball putter, so I'll take a picture of that during next week's golf trip and put it up right here.

You might see that I changed "The Song Of The Moment". Nothing against The Crayon Fields, who I saw with Peter, Bjorn and John (and Murf) on Tuesday night. I had just returned from covering a court case in Morwell and listened to Josh Pyke's album up and back. By George, it's a great CD. I also saw Snow Patrol last week. And that's about it, although you don't really believe me, do you?