Two world wars and a world cup

I am suffering from football fever. The World Cup has seriously distracted me from writing and almost every other endeavor. There was a moment in the Algeria/US game Wednesday that wasn't certain I would survive.

I'd love to be in South Africa right now. Even if I couldn't get tickets to the matches, just being in a host city is a fantastic experience. I was in Frankfurt just prior to the 2006 World Cup for a business meeting. Not only was the airport mayhem, but football fever ran high throughout the city.

The pictures are of an impromptu pep rally on the medieval city square. The English contingent was strong and loud. The lads were singing song after soccer after song, including "Never Surrender, Never Give Up." I was waiting for the banned song (the one where they sing, “If you won the war, stand up.” All the English then stand up, hold their arms out like an airplane and taunt the Germans.)

A number of police officers were enjoying the festivities, but they were also waiting around to see if the banned songs were sung.

Fortunately, everyone behaved--at least that day.