EM Fever

I thought I didn't like soccer. Or rather, I never gave soccer a chance because I assumed that it was a sport only to be enjoyed by those who at one time or another experienced a political dictatorship. But I'm wrong, I do like soccer, and even I wouldn't call Jesse "The Body" a diktator.

On Saturday the European Championship begin. Europe's 16 best national teams play each other in brackets of 4 over the course of 3 weeks, winnowing down to a final game. So far, there are two games (each bracket) played per night.

I am rooting for Germany, but only marginally. The Swedish fans wear very funny little hats with blue feathers, and I feel my loyalties pulling me northward. Anyway, what I like about these games is what I like about the Olympics or the World Series: They contribute to a national conversation, nay, a continental conversation that takes place on the streets. On Sunday I was alone at home during the Germany game and before I turned on the TV I heard my entire neighborhood burst into cheer. The Germans had scored, and a mere open street-facing window told me that! How great.

Besides soccer, this past week has been exciting because my great friends Ben and Megan came to visit us in the 'Furt. They were the easiest guests to have, and not only did they bring up Oreos and Real Simple magazine, they brought Cribbage. I am walking around saying "15 for 2."

Must go watch soccer.