Bu-hu for Hulu...

I'm not quite sure how I stumbled upon it. One day during my constant search for technological enlightenment, I discovered a site called Hulu. This site is one of the many new services that offers high quality video streaming of some of the best TV shows available. Nearly any TV show I ever have a hankerin' for is there. And, it's all free. The interface is nice. The selection is good. The service is speedy. What's not to love?

I send in my request to be part of the exclusive membership. I was approved and rushed to the URL of new opportunities. I filled out my customer number, added my zip code and viola! I was on.

Oh the selection! What to watch first? Classic Simpsons humor? Edgy Family Guy moments? Gripping Prison Break suspense? How about exploring new shows like "Total Recall 2070"? In less than five minutes my decision making efforts proved fruitless.

Attempt after attempt brought the same result: "Unfortunately, this video is not currently available in your country or region. We apologize for the inconvenience." Quothe the Simpsons, "D'oh!"

Just as I think I can enjoy some of the perks of American ingenuity my locale stops me short again. As usual, I had to send an email to support explaining that Guam is in fact part of the very same United States that they know and love. My email is below.

I live in Guam (96913). It is part of the US and is American soil. We have 110 power, use the United States Postal Service, drive on the right side of the road and even hate our local DMV as much as any US city. But often we are the forgotten "little guys" that appear not to be on the fringe of the US, but rather, part of some foreign entity. Sadly, Hulu is part of the mistaken many. The elation of my recent registration was quickly hampered by the denial of service for each requested video. Oh the humanity!

Please, do what you can to ensure that us red-blooded Americans who enjoy Hollywood hilarity and dicey drama get the privilege of joining you in the mirth and merriment of the small screen.

Sincerely,

Jared Bodine, Guam resident and true American.

I haven't heard back yet, but I hope my creative writing and light tone might just win over enough hearts to get the job done. I have had to explain the situation of Guam's political alignment so often that I've decided to prepare a form letter that may be used for any occasion.

I figure by the time I have it completed and succeed in getting all major US enterprises to recognize Guam, I'll have left the island, created my own company, and will have left "GU" off the pull down list for "State."