This gradual mutation and dissipation of lounge life seems to reflect our periodic need to trim the extracurricular fat. But damn it, lounging is practically our national pastime, and, in a sense, that lifestyle of idling and consumption epitomizes our international identity. Everyone the world over knows that Americans are lazy fatsos who take our excess for granted, and we're darned proud of it. It's our constitutional right to sit around on our bulbous asses and suck down pretentious cocktails made with trendy global ingredients and named after tired pop-culture references. How dare the stupid economy take that away from us?
Alas, who knows what lies in store for us next, once we've said good-bye to the indulgent lethargy of lounging, and hello to a more sensible, pragmatic, good-for-you-type of nightlife. Tofutinis, anyone?
Sara Faith Alterman is lying around feeling sorry for herself. She can be reached at salterman@phx.com.
