Early Prep for Football’s Big Game

It’s football season. I’m in awe of those who spend every Sunday shouting at the TV, drinking too many beers, and eating too much fatty food. I wish I could do it, but I just can’t seem to find the time. Nor, frankly, do I have the physical stamina. The best I can do is to try and engage in these kind of manly rites at the final game of the post-season.

But it’s a big deal for me. That is my one annual shot of something approaching manliness. And I want to make it count.

Funny how the universe works sometimes. Just yesterday I was writing about the majesty of pizza and wings, which are de rigueur for my annual fete. Then I get a crazy email about a local company that’s trying to get a commercial spot in the national broadcast. And on top of it all, I just cracked the code about what may be the perfect food to eat for the big game.

So today, I’m going to share all my hopes and dreams for my February football fat fest, and you’re going to have the chance to make the hopes and dreams of someone from our community come true.

First, the community part.

I knew that Death Wish Coffee came out of Saratoga Coffee Traders, but I just read the whole story about how this now-national coffee brand came to exist. Wow. It’s fascinating. I still haven’t tried the stuff which is said to have twice the caffeine of normal coffee, but I’m looking forward to putting it through the paces.

Who knows, they may even send me some.

But that’s not why I’m writing this post. This is all about a contest to see which small business can win a commercial in the Super Bowl. Death Wish Coffee has made it down into the final ten in Intuit QuickBook’s annual promotion.

The way it works is that this small business services company will buy the media space for one deserving small business that could never afford this kind of exposure. Amazingly, when I look over the list of finalists, Death Wish Coffee is the only brand that makes sense for this audience.

Think about it. Yes, everyone watches the big game. But who is watching it closely, and what kind of mindset are they in? This is all about America. And what could be more American than supercaffeinated coffee to make you more productive, and push the boundaries of human capacity?

The other contenders are (and I’m not making this up):
– a company that makes cute BPA free baby placemats
– a handbag company started by two sisters
– a food wrapping that helps slow spoilage and reduce waste
– a retro fashion company hoping to bring back the 80s
– sexy clothes for breast cancer survivors
– a liquid that un-shrinks fine woolen clothing
– a fitness studio for uncoordinated kids
– the local five and dime in East Aurora, NY
– packaged cookies made with real butter

The tone of the above list makes me feel like a total dick. All of those are great small businesses, and it would be amazing if they could find some kind of magic bullet to launch their enterprise into the next level. But here’s the deal. The Super Bowl is a tempting media vehicle for many many advertisers who have no business pursuing the mass market. It’s a huge audience, and even for most paid advertisers, it’s a huge mistake.

But coffee? Men and women are into coffee. It’s a product for the young and old. It appeals to those who are practical by giving them two cups of the caffeine they desire, in one delicious cup. It appeals to those who are risk takers and don’t mind pushing their physical limits of endurance.

Death Wish Coffee is clearly the best choice. Plus, it would be great to see this local company grow even more. So click on this link, bookmark it if need be, vote daily, and spread the word to your friends and family. Because even though our local coffee roaster is the best choice, DWC will only win if it gets the most votes.

I really hope to see their ad when I’m watching the Super Bowl.

Which, by the way, I plan to enjoy with a buffalo chicken pizza from DeFazio’s. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. For starters, it’s amazing. But it combines the buffalo chicken and the pizza in one convenient form. Also, and this is just as critical, it reheats gloriously.

The game happens in February. So as far as I’m concerned, I can just keep the oven set to 500 degrees for the bulk of the game. Then whenever I’m peckish, I’ll pull a slice from the fridge, slap it on some foil, and set a timer for five minutes.

So easy. So delicious. And since it’s going to be reheated, the pizza can even be picked up the day before. Then I won’t even have to miss any of the pre-game shenanigans doing my usual hunting and gathering.

This must be the wisdom they say comes with advancing years. Because I think this is my greatest football eating plan yet.