Drusso, I use the approach from the back of the ISIS book, it works well. Square the endplates and bring the needle almost straight down in AP (or maybe just a few degrees of caudal tilt) to the superior pole of the midline of the pedicle, then swing to the oblique. I had great success using the contralateral oblique view like you describe, but you really are almost lateral (80 degrees contralateral oblique) to best visualize the facet. You will see on the lateral that if you come in too far caudal you won't get in the joint. Adjust the needle to the inferior recess on the lateral, go back to AP, then shoot your dye. Much easier than I would have imagined. I'll see if I have some pics.