World Cup Observations

June 14th was the two-year anniversary of my Dad's death. The World Cup reminds me of him. He always said it was his most reliable soporific(though he always enjoyed watching his grandsons play).

I'm one of the few Americans my age who actually played the game as a youth, but I don't remember Dad ever attending a game. He may have been there, but since he worked swing shift at the factory he was often sleeping or working during the day. I know he was a lot more enthusiastic about my basketball games, even when I was playing in a rec league in high school. But I digress.

I watch a lot of sports, but there are a few aspects of the WC that make it a truly unique experience.

1) Close enough
In soccer approximations frequently come into play.

Ball out of bounds? Okay, just throw it in from somewhere around in there.

How much time is left? Well, about five minutes. Only the referee really knows, and he may not have decided yet.

Was that player just fouled? Well, yeah, but his teammate got the ball so we'll just ignore it.

2) Amusing English translations
"Group of Death" sound like something kids made it up in a treehouse.

3) Stoppages of play
Compared to the primary American sports, there are almost no stoppages of play. Unlike baseball or football, it's impossible to read and watch a soccer game at the same time. It means you have to stay engaged in the game or miss one of the one or two goals that are suddenly scored. And staying engaged increases the enjoyment.

Of course, soccer ain't perfect. All the exaggerated flopping to get a call seems unabashedly European and thus, somewhat effeminate. I know this is jingoistic, but I can't help it.

So celebrate the World Cup for what it is. It's only on every four years, and has yet to be completely Americanized (in stark contrast to the Olympics).

And, Dad....enjoy your nap.

My seat back is already upright....

My first post. I have a strange urge to get out the video camera.

I guess this first foray should be on some weighty, topical matter, like the death of the American dream, or the ethics of biotechnology, or the designated hitter rule.

But what I really want to talk about is air travel.

For the past few years, my job has required air travel about once a month. When I was younger, airports seemed exciting and exotic. All these interesting, well-dressed people traveling to attend to urgent matters. Now it just seems like drudgery, a chore to get through that involves frequent contact with rude large people. I hate to sound like a crank, but.....

Issue 1...carry-on baggage
If you're going to insist on carrying on as much as possible to save that critical ten minutes at baggage claim, please do it quickly. And if you can't lift it unassisted, you should probably check the damn bag. Don't get pissy if your Panama hat gets crushed by a laptop. Next time either wear it or leave it at home, Mr. Valdez.

Issue 2....personal space
I know the seats are cramped. But they're cramped for me, too. Don't stick your elbows into my side so you can be comfortable. Respect the armrest, for cryin' out loud. It's the DMZ of coach fare.

Issue 3....the gate stand-up
If you're too tired or weak from the flight to support yourself on your own two feet, why do you feel the need to leap up as soon as the seat belt sign is off, rip your bag from the overhead and block the aisle while leaning against my seat?

Issue 4....the baggage claim
Why in the hell does everybody feel a need to rush up next to the carousel? If everybody would just stay back ten feet, nobody would have to elbow their way through people standing with their arms folded with one foot up on the carousel, blankly staring at bags passing by. Other people's bags.

These are just my complaints about other passengers. My beefs with the actual airlines will await another day.