Working Girl/Faire du football

Since I work in the Alumni Affairs Undergraduate office of fundraising, I have to work all of the major fundraising events here at the College. I don't mind, really...it's not brain surgery and I get paid. This weekend was Columbia Reunion- for classes who graduated in years ending in '6' or '1'...and a few in between. There were around 800 people, maybe more including spouses and families- attending lectures, tours, dinners, clambakes, a casino night, and many parties in between. I spent my days doing registration and my nights working dinners. Although I would have much rather been enjoying the great weather, I ate pretty well and drank for free. Can't complain!
In other news, the World Cup has begun. Why is the United States the only country who could care less? Every other country in the world anticipates this once-every-4-years event, but not us. After asking a few fellow Americans their thoughts on our (practically) disregard for this major sporting event, I came up with this answer- soccer isn't rough enough for Americans. No tackling, no ball possibly hitting someone in the crowd, no sticks or flying pucks. If there isn't a chance of someone breaking something, loosing a few teeth, or commiting statutory rape, we ain't interested. I also remember a former co-worker telling me that her husband always referred to the soccer players in high school as being "gay", whereas the football players were seen as the macho, Roid Rage types. Funny- I always thought the soccer players (along with lacrosse players) were the hottest of the athletes. Two words- David Beckham.
So I will definately be watching some of the games. I'm not really sure who to root for. Brazil is always the favorite, no? I'm going with England and (for home court advantage sake), Germany. I remember being in Paris the night that France won the World Cup in 1998. Insanity. Celebration. Pride. Three things you never see with the Superbowl...