¡Cuarto feliz de Julio!

Since its founding, the 1st & 4th Subbuteo Club has used its notoriety prestige to champion various causes (the noblest among them being the discovery and extermination of cryptids, of course.) The Club shies from political movements (although every Joe Politco should fear the wrath of an enraged Subbuteo club--just wait 'til you see the strongly-worded letters hit your desk, Mr. Senator!), and instead rallies behind humanitarian causes that can be rather obscure. However, with our support, we raise incredible awareness of such causes, which to some is almost worth more than a financial contribution ... almost.

Now, with the 4th Tourney on the horizon, it's time to introduce what we're all playing for.

Subbuteo Goes South: an Argentine Adventure

For two weeks in April, I had the honor and privilege to serve as the ambassador of the 1st & 4th Subbuteo Club to the football-mad country of Argentina. In the course of my duties, I crossed the country--from its capital to the heights of the Andes--all while enduring pleasant weather, hearty portions of native food & drink, a bout of diarrhea, and the complete inability to understand a single word anyone said to me.

Sure, Argentina is more aware of Subbuteo now, but whether our sport will replace their passion and talent for soccer remains to be seen. When shall riots break out in the stands between Subbuteo-rabid fans? When will a finger-flicking equivalent of Messi arise to the delight of the Argentine masses? And when will Maradona--the Liliputian Legend--swagger down the Subbuteo sidelines?

Or will this be the beginning of a cultural exchange and soon we'll be playing a table-top version of polo (Argentina's second-favorite sport)? 

Until then, please enjoy some highlights from my diplomatic adventure. (The full album can be found on The Facebook.)

Art!

The budget didn't cover a room at the Sheraton, but the view was nice.

St. Michael: original cryptid hunter

Anyone up for a game of pick-up Malbec-grape Subbuteo?

Mt. Aconcagua: tallest point in the W. Hemisphere

Surveying the vines

Finally! Something at my scale!

Just hanging with some 300 million year old fossils.

A Chat with the Champ

HBT, a modest champion

The 2013 First Tournament, the inaugural event of the 1^st & 4^th Subbuteo Club season, featured a first-time champion, HBT. (If you were thinking Firewrists, then I suggest you go back to the beginning of this blog and review the archives.) Your correspondent caught up with the champ at an authentic New York coffee shop, Starbucks.