Did You See That?

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 29, 2013

Did You See That?

131220140821-1c718e8a2c8548ef90b050a487e45219-0-single-image-cut.jpg — Victor R. Caivano/AP

Welcome to another festive installment of <italics>Did You See That?</italics> the gallery that starts off with a bang like the one in Buenos Aires where Lanus beat Ponte Preta 2-0 to win its first international title.

The world's basketball diplomat endured a security check at Beijing Capital International Airport on his way to yet another visit to North Korea. Alas, The Worm turned and left without ever seeing his "awesome" friend Kim Jong Un. It seems the country's mercurial leader had been too busy ordering the execution of his own uncle and having accused traitors shot with anti-aircraft guns. Vigilant security staff at the airport wrestled Rodman to the ground after discovering his idea for an exhibition hoops game featuring former NBA stars in North Korea on Un's birthday (Jan. 8).

If you've never seen it, you'll probably flip over Sepak Takraw, the world's favorite kick volleyball game. Here we have a dramatic demonstration by Indonesia and Burma during the men's team doubles final at the Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma, which is not to be confused with Burma Shave.

Paul Pierce of the Nets and Brandon Davies of the 76ers got uncomfortably intimate during their game at the Barclays Center.

The host of Bravo's <italics>Top Chef</italics>, at the center of a recent racism kerfuffle with Questlove, shared a more tender moment with her daughter as the Washington Wizards engaged the New York Knicks in a little basketball contest at Madison Square Garden.

Yes, it's summer Down Under where global football icon Alessandro Del Piero of Sydney FC got into a scrum with maidens in swimwear as the Hyundai A-League launched the first of its 16 matches in 17 days during the holidays in Australia and New Zealand. The big bash took place at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The third edition of the yearly shindig in Lagos. Nigeria, had its share of eye candy.

Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images

Tessa Worley of France was caught on camera taking a snootful of white powder during the women's slalom event in Courchevel, France.

Warmed by baseball's hotstove, the Yankees hurler engaged in video games with his kids Jaden and Lil' C. at the CC & Amber Sabathia Holiday Party at MLB Fan Cave in New York City.

Buddhists traditionally walk barefoot on fire during the Hiwatari (roughly translated as "walking on fire") ritual at Japan's Akihasan Entsuji Temple. The annual ritual is thought to remove bad luck and aid prayers for good health, though on that last point, it seems a little counterproductive.

In other hazardous activities, here we have a sulfur miner carrying a goat's head in a bag on his way to bury the noggin in the Mount Ijen crater, one of the world's largest. It's all part of a ceremony performed by miners on the volcano in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to ward off potential disasters in the coming year, though this trek appears to be inviting one. You might be interested to know that sulphur mining is a major industry in the region, thanks to an active vent, but the acidity of the water in the crater is enough to dissolve clothing and cause breathing problems. It is also hazardous to goats, as you can see.

131220140814-09ed3e934ea446a78185e3b59f719ad8-0-single-image-cut.jpg — Shizuo Kambayashi/AP

She was framed! Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker presented her national costume during the contest's final in Tokyo.

All this and Tootoo, too, at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.

Long suffering Army fans got a Christmas present after seeing their Black Knights torpedoed by Navy, 34-7, in their annual meeting. Rich Ellerson was fired out of a cannon after a 3-9 season and fifth straight loss to those evil Midshipmen, and former Navy assistant Jeff Monken was hired as the new head coach at West Point. If you can beat 'em, hire 'em.

131220140906-5b5889352b9d4415bc1ea80d1a76b937-0-single-image-cut.jpg — Alex Brandon/AP

The Redskins' head coach, whose uncomfortably warm seat has been moving toward the curb at a fairly brisk pace, revealed that he had received a lump of coal for the holidays from team owner Dan Snyder, who hasn't taken kindly to the team's 3-13 season or all the hoo-hah about QB Robert Griffin III.

His holiday work done, ol' St. Nick went back to his day job resurfacing the ice at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, home of the Blues.

A couple leads the way through an illuminated tunnel to celebrate the holidays in Gapyeong, South Korea and show you the way out of this gallery. We thank you for your patronage.