@ervin-lemark,

Every time I hear Europeans talking about the World Cup, I start to giggle inside. You guys are obsessed. I'm a Canadian living in the US ... we just don't get it.

Make no mistake ... I'm happy for Europeans and Brazilians and Argentinians. Maybe I'm even a bit envious. Passion is potent.

But you've got to admit, the World Cup engenders a quality of 'madness' that is hard to fathom for those of us on the outside looking in.

EVERYONE has an opinion ... often based upon the flimsiest of data.

On occasion, I have tried to inject a bit of humor. I'd make up some stupid assertion like, "France won't win because they can't play in the shade." People would just stare at me with a look of disgust. "What an idiot." No one ever thought I was funny. It's the World Cup ... no joking allowed.

Quill. :-)