tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post113190405177292835..comments2024-02-25T02:50:53.858-08:00Comments on HoseMaster of Wine™: Sage Blogging Advice From the HoseMaster After 199 PostsRon Washam, HMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-82198681321460098372012-07-20T14:16:48.736-07:002012-07-20T14:16:48.736-07:00Trriley,
Journey-free blogs are their own reward....Trriley,<br /><br />Journey-free blogs are their own reward. And Journey-free playlists are also better by definition. Say "journey" fifteen times in a row and it's one of those words that loses all meaning. "Terroir" only takes twice.<br /><br />Thanks for commenting, and even more thanks for not doing it anonymously.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-2420152075637573612012-07-20T13:06:15.033-07:002012-07-20T13:06:15.033-07:00When will the prizes for journey-free blog bios be...When will the prizes for journey-free blog bios be mailed out? And thank you for scaring me into rereading, very closely, my own write-up. And, I promise never to use journey again. Ever. For any reason. I won't even mention that music group.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-86637321075597229072012-07-18T16:41:16.160-07:002012-07-18T16:41:16.160-07:00John.
Yes, I know, I've disappointed everyone...John.<br /><br />Yes, I know, I've disappointed everyone by being a Poodle Nominee. I knew I shouldn't have nominated myself! Damn, shit just backfires.<br /><br />So do you think it would be poor taste to make fun of my fellow nominees?Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-14079470895744606712012-07-18T16:27:04.563-07:002012-07-18T16:27:04.563-07:00Ron - a day late and $0.31 or $0.40 short here, bu...Ron - a day late and $0.31 or $0.40 short here, but I have not had a lot of time to keep up with your work lately - I've been breathlessly waiting to see who got WBC finalist. <br /><br />Imagine my disappointment when I saw you on that list! Oh well.John M. Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18343670865804216103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-62515296906241855382012-07-15T17:53:52.461-07:002012-07-15T17:53:52.461-07:00Lior,
It's one thing to take your writing ser...Lior,<br /><br />It's one thing to take your writing seriously and another to take yourself too seriously. Thank you for knowing the difference, and for taking time to comment.<br /><br />I cannot imagine I'll do 200 more posts. But, as they say about any addictive and life-threatening behavior, like blogging, I'll take it one post at a time.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-57231250187683941772012-07-15T17:19:56.347-07:002012-07-15T17:19:56.347-07:00Ron,
On behalf of those who read and don't co...Ron,<br /><br />On behalf of those who read and don't comment, which may include people other than myself, depending how many Napa merlot bottles one consumed while making this assessment - please keep going.<br /><br />I read everything, laugh like a limo driver missing the turn to Opus, and get some perspective about my own writing and taking oneself seriously.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />I'll raise a magnum of Petaluma late vintage tempranillo for the success of the next 200 postsLiornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-83842506101205593342012-07-14T16:23:42.619-07:002012-07-14T16:23:42.619-07:00Beau,
I was speaking to a winemaker Thursday, who...Beau,<br /><br />I was speaking to a winemaker Thursday, who, to his dismay, is a fan of HoseMaster, and we were speaking about the creative process. As much as I love wine, and I love wine a LOT (I often wish more people strove to love wine rather than know wine), I am far more enamored of the creative process. So starting this blog was always about re-exploring that process as it works in my twisted mind. It's almost an accident that it's been focused on wine and wine bloggers. That the HoseMaster is often seen as an "enemy" of wine<br />bloggers is both validating and peculiar at the same time.<br /><br />It's not much of a secret, but it bears repeating; when I insult bloggers I do not exempt myself from that category. I've never denied that I'm just another attention-barking Poodle worthy of the HoseMaster's contempt.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-82330636342216707212012-07-14T15:48:34.740-07:002012-07-14T15:48:34.740-07:00Ron, While you needn't explain your motives or...Ron, While you needn't explain your motives or writings, I appreciate it nonetheless, as it illuminates the Hosemaster just a little bit more.<br /><br />As far as Trader Joe's, I recall some of your previous comments about the wine selection. I spent a frustrating 4.5 years working the wine section of a store in Southern California, lamenting the plonk that is now sold there. I vaguely recall the late 90's/00's when you could still get delicious wines there for reasonable prices.<br /><br />I suppose when the company makes around 9 billion dollars a year at 360+ stores, something's got to slip.<br /><br />Thanks for keeping us bloggers in check.Beauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05835422435318171027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-89079351627872581332012-07-14T15:07:46.353-07:002012-07-14T15:07:46.353-07:00Beau,
Thanks, I guess.
I've talked about th...Beau,<br /><br />Thanks, I guess. <br /><br />I've talked about this previously in the comments section of my blog. I do this nonsense for fun, and for the odd, pure and inexplicable joy of writing comedy. If I make people laugh, if I make them angry, if I make them profoundly weary, if I make them think, I'm not sure I care. I can't control reactions. I can barely control what I write.<br /><br />Many of my posts are written as etudes of tone. I get an idea for a post, and then I decide what sort of tone I want to use. Angry, whimsical, pedantic, weird, satirical... I try to vary the tone as much as possible all in the context of the character of the HoseMaster. I expect that everyone who shows up here regularly will like certain posts and hate others. I'm not trying to be 1WineDoody (and I like him) or Alderpated or Tom Wark (like him too). I'm trying to be odd, unpredictable, occasionally offensive and funny. So your reaction is one I appreciate, and I thank you for your honesty and candor. <br /><br />And, by the way, Beau, when I was learning about wine back in the 1970's, Trader Joe's was THE place to buy wine in Southern California. I bought the best California wines there as well as First Growth Bordeaux, Chateau d'Yquem, and great Rhone wines. No one could touch their selection and quality and price in the day. Lots of crap has mad me angry in my life, but not shopping at TJ's.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-87941264856960023652012-07-14T14:32:44.300-07:002012-07-14T14:32:44.300-07:00At first, I didn't like this blog, it seemed l...At first, I didn't like this blog, it seemed like the bitter rantings of an angry old dude who was forced to buy wine at Trader Joe's. <br /><br />Then, I read more posts, some of the short stories. I laughed my ass off. I began to see the humor that is at once self-flagellating but also self deprecating. And the myriad little hooks thrown into all who dare take themselves too seriously, glorious!<br /><br />Sadly, now I too am hooked, awaiting each new post with the same eager anticipation that I await my dog's morning turd.<br /><br />Keep up the good work, Hosemaster. Here's to at least three more posts, before you retire once more.Beauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05835422435318171027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-29546275158393426052012-07-14T09:39:36.523-07:002012-07-14T09:39:36.523-07:00This comment is about me. This post was inspired b...This comment is about me. This post was inspired by you-<br /><br />http://www.comeforthewine.com/2012/06/five-stages-of-wine-blogging.html<br /><br />You'll have to break rule number one if you read it.Marcy Gordonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10200603652963262211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-75520924518019511442012-07-14T08:16:17.318-07:002012-07-14T08:16:17.318-07:00Hey Dean,
Hell, I haven't even renewed my own...Hey Dean,<br /><br />Hell, I haven't even renewed my own subscription to HoseMaster. The whole damned blog has expired, or is, at the very least, in a coma.<br /><br />Doody,<br /><br />Mick and Keith? More like Captain and Tennille. And if you have groupies, man, you don't need hookers. Only bloggers pay for it.<br /><br />Alfonso,<br /><br />Yeah, I know. I hate it when I wade into the ocean and my balls get wet before my trunks do.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-8802429895318636612012-07-14T07:50:42.481-07:002012-07-14T07:50:42.481-07:00Ron
Sage blogging advice from one sagging blogger...Ron<br /><br />Sage blogging advice from one sagging blogger to anotherAlfonso Cevolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16983431475848714789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-7932051889274951332012-07-14T07:25:34.955-07:002012-07-14T07:25:34.955-07:00Ron... Give it time, STEVE! and I will get back to...Ron... Give it time, STEVE! and I will get back together at some point, sort of like Mick & Keith only with less coke and a LOT less hookers and groupies...1WineDoodyhttp://www.1winedude.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-35775347285286935482012-07-13T14:42:45.773-07:002012-07-13T14:42:45.773-07:00Ron, my subscription to your blog ran out today. p...Ron, my subscription to your blog ran out today. please tell me how I can renew and what it now costs, plus an address where I can mail you my cheque in US dollars (or, is that "check in US dollars" ?).<br /><br />Funny that you do not send out renewal notices.<br /><br />We really appreciate your blog in Canada, which, as you know, is a wine-free zone.<br /><br />Maybe someday the Middle East Spring will arrive in Canad and we can overthrow the tyranny of state booze monopolies...<br /><br />Power to the people!! <br /><br />Let me know where I can send the cheque/check. This time it will not be a letter bomb.Dean Tudorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027150351344396656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-89071253547934307062012-07-13T14:20:46.474-07:002012-07-13T14:20:46.474-07:00Sophia,
Yes. Seriously.
Now THAT'S social m...Sophia,<br /><br />Yes. Seriously. <br /><br />Now THAT'S social media.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-52547205308464841282012-07-13T14:10:36.003-07:002012-07-13T14:10:36.003-07:00You had me at "bunch of black guys who gangba...You had me at "bunch of black guys who gangbang white girls." Seriously?Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02388407217932849765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-33408295073297135992012-07-13T12:57:47.679-07:002012-07-13T12:57:47.679-07:00Thomas,
Only if you think your time is worth less...Thomas,<br /><br />Only if you think your time is worth less than the postage and the check put together.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-6076804932607190772012-07-13T12:52:42.049-07:002012-07-13T12:52:42.049-07:00Joe,
Now you see that us old print pros get the b...Joe,<br /><br />Now you see that us old print pros get the big coins.<br /><br />Ron,<br /><br />I meenieweenietized the old blog.<br /><br />It did not cost them 45 cents to mail the check--they have a First Class Permit, not to be confused with a First Class Ticket to Ride.<br /><br />But--big Butt! They did have to pay for the paper and the printing, not to mention the UPC Code rental fee.<br /><br />I'm thinking of sending the administrator an email to ask if this is for real and to thank him/her for all the work he/she must have done to get this sum of money out to so many of us worthy bloggers. Then, I'm going to ask how he/she made out on the deal.<br /><br />Do you think that's a good plan?Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322028233207741737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-63749060947598864252012-07-13T12:35:17.543-07:002012-07-13T12:35:17.543-07:00Marcia,
Don't forget regurgitate, which is wh...Marcia,<br /><br />Don't forget regurgitate, which is what I generally make readers do.<br /><br />Kathy,<br /><br />As ever, thank you. I haven't gone through menopause but I have gone through my old posts, which definitely gave me night sweats. And I love you too. Samantha can share.<br /><br />Joe Dude,<br /><br />First of all, now I'm mad I never used Adsense. Let's not forget it cost them 45 cents to mail the damned checks for 40 and 31 cents. Just my two cents.<br /><br />And I rarely see you mentioned on STEVE! any more. I assumed it was an ugly breakup, like Tom and Katie, and just let it go. I use you a lot because between us we have the two coolest and best recognized nicknames in the wine blogosphere--1WineDoody and HoseMaster. Well, that and you deserve it...<br /><br />Thomas, <br /><br />Way to go, you monetized your old blog!Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-50659141373559434732012-07-13T12:18:45.922-07:002012-07-13T12:18:45.922-07:00Thomas - HA! Well, I will cash it I think, once I ...Thomas - HA! Well, I will cash it I think, once I have real checks to cash along with it...1winedudehttp://www.1winedude.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-39522890016386697942012-07-13T12:14:28.019-07:002012-07-13T12:14:28.019-07:00Joe,
Are you going to cash it?
I figure that if ...Joe,<br /><br />Are you going to cash it?<br /><br />I figure that if we don't, that's more money for the attorneys to keep. The only problem is: it costs me $2 to drive to the bank...Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322028233207741737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-91851044387236302502012-07-13T11:27:30.483-07:002012-07-13T11:27:30.483-07:00Thomas - my check was $0.31, so beers are totally ...Thomas - my check was $0.31, so beers are totally on you next time.<br /><br />HMW - Me not being able to read about 1WineDoody on other blogs fundamentally eliminates 80% of the content here and on STEVE!'s blog. C'mon, man, what the hell am I supposed to do with all of that free time, taste more samples of $12 Argentine Malbec?!?? Have you no humanity??!????1winedudehttp://www.1winedude.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-4591261963360061642012-07-13T10:56:56.946-07:002012-07-13T10:56:56.946-07:00Nothing much to add but admire your writing (would...Nothing much to add but admire your writing (would love you but there is only one truly wonderful Samantha). <br />And you are right, Marcia. I started thinking about writing a blog way before I went into menopause. Ron isn't menopausal and we are better for it. <br />Since Brad Pitt (from Springfield, Mo, corporate home of the Assemblies of God and BassPro) isn't doing Billionaires Vinegar he is obviously available, Ron. How's the screenplay going?Kathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-33274001141961363832012-07-13T10:48:25.310-07:002012-07-13T10:48:25.310-07:00pontif...pontificate...
Do the latter regard them...pontif...pontificate...<br /><br />Do the latter regard themselves as the former? <br /><br />I'll give odds.Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322028233207741737noreply@blogger.com