My small talk with Emilio deteriorated to the point where he was mumbling and staring straight ahead. He was carrying three big, flat boxes of various sizes, piggybacked with packing tape and with a packing tape handle so he could carry them like a briefcase. Beyond the picture window, tourists gathered 'round the mini Statue of Liberty all done up in St. Louis Cardinals red.

Emilio has one of the best shots in foosball; a violent, wrist-snapping event that usually sends the ball down the gullet with a nasty bang. When it doesn't, the ball ricochets crazily about the table and Emilio says, "Good block, good block!" with a jovial sigh.