Festivities

Well, other people have made fun of soccer in general and of the World Cup in particular sufficiently for Desultory Eclecticism to leave it well enough alone.  That said, the upcoming tournament has precipitated its share of arguments.  In a frighteningly autobiographical twist, Desultory Eclecticism has been selected head chef and junior concierge for a the upcoming visit of several out-of-town friends-of-friends.  As he protested to the lead hostess, this will interfere with his ability to watch a team of 7th-tier American professional athletes battle the most revered heroes of the English nation to a thrillingly glorious draw.

"John likes sports," the lead hostess protested, "you two can sneak off to the bar and watch the game."

"No, no," the head chef/junior concierge retorted, "this isn't a sporting event; this isn't something Cowboys fans even know exists.  It's a cultural event, more like a ballet or an opera or any other European custom you'll endure once just to be able to say you enjoyed it."

"I don't understand," the lead hostess continued, furrowing her brow in a vain attempt to understand the situation.

At least there's the consolation of philosophy: