Revelations from newbies

I’ve been a football fan since, well, my boyfriend in high school played on the team. In Canada, I’d cheer for the Als in the CFL and occasionally watch American football. And, mainly because it provided a good excuse for a party, I’d watch the Super Bowl. The next day, I’d watch the ads online because the ads in Canada suck. So, during the commercial breaks I’d talk with friends, go to the washroom, fill up the bowl of chips, and complain about the ads being crappy.

Not this year. I kept reminding myself to pay attention for the ads and the whole Super Bowl watching experience was taken to the next level (even though I missed the onside kick because I had to pee).

Live in a city where alcohol is only available at the liquor store and the liquor store seems to be closed whenever you want to buy beer, wine, or liquor at the last minute (e.g., Sunday before the game, Sunday before a dinner party, anytime after 11pm)? Welcome to California:

Safeway never looked so good.

When ordering online (as one is likely to do if living in the US):

1. Browse
2. Add item to cart
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 (optional)
4. Begin check out
5. Enter shipping and billing information (which includes selecting a country from the drop-down menu)
6. Confirm and place order

All very straightforward. Except maybe #5. Especially when the list in the drop-down menu reads: Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

My initial reaction: How do they not ship to the US!?

My next thought: Oh, right. United States must be listed at the top. [Scrolling up] And there it is.

Moral of the story: Capitalism trumps alphabetical order in America.