The Holy Month

Fashion tv is on and there are all these beautiful women on display (we can argue what beauty really is, but that is a whole other discussion). I have it on for the amazing music they play. But all I can think about is what begins on Friday June 9th, 2006 at 2pm GMT. For some of you, that date will automatically register and a smile will cross your face. For others ( avery small percentage of the world and lots of Americans), it does not mean anything. Im talking about the World Cup and football is one of the most beautiful things in this universe.

The Wcup only happens once every four years and is watched by a huge number (i could check the statistics but too lazy) of viewers. Let us not get into the details of the game but look at how the whole world comes together in the name of football for one blissful month. This is not just a sporting event for men, but means so so much more. Countries will come to a stand still. Productivity levels will go down and televisions around the world, from Rio to Tokyo will be scorching hot. Streets will empty during games and get filled when victory is achieved. How appropriate, that as i finish that sentence this intense drum beat is blaring from my television. Yes, I get goose bumps just thinking about it. The colorful sights and sounds that will be witnessed in Germany this summer are truly a beautiful picture of cultures and nations coming together. You will have african drums beating against English chants, Dutch orange shining against Italian blue. The stadiums will ring of oooohs!! and aaaahs!, as well as many sear words from around the world.

Some nations will mourn and some will celebrate for days and days. Players will become heroes, villains, national icons and have a place in hostroy forever. When Zidane, an ALgerian immigrant literally won the cup for France in 1998, his face covered the Arc de Triomphe. A nation that only recently had problems with its racism against north-african immigrants, stood together and united. If only there were more Zidanes in the world to bring peace and unity to nations. When England and Argentina meet, the battles of the Faulkland islands are ignited and national pride erupts like Vesuvius. But no arms (maybe a few elbows) are raised and no blood is shed during this battle. It is only up to the players to win one for their nation.

You cannot get away from it this summer. Enjoy it and svour the moments. I know I will get emotional when i watch that final 'summary' clip of the all the events (with a dramatic soundtrack) that occured during this holy month and the commentator says 'see you in 4 years'.