Today would have been Gregory Blake's 38th birthday. Even now, nearly five months after his passing, I often think "Boy, I can't wait to talk to Greg about this," as I watch an anime episode.

I recently watched a series that I think Gregory would've enjoyed. Kashimashi ~ Girl Meets Girl ~ is a high school romance with a twist; two girls are in love with the same guy, but the guy gets hit by an alien spacecraft (it is anime, after all) and the aliens rebuild him as a girl.

Although there are elements of the show I could have done without, namely the Annoying Teacher and Lecherous Father, they didn't distract from the real essence of the show, which is the interactions among the three girls as they learn more about each other and themselves. It was a tender little story, and I would have loved talking with Gregory about it.

So here's to you, Gregory, on your birthday!