• Well what's your take on why the ABC PLUS the MSM refuses to investigate the Ashby affair; you know where a federal justice adjudicated that an LNP candidate in concert with Ashby conspired to bring down the government by fraudulently claiming sexual harassment by Slipper. Is this left wing bias? Who gains from non investigation of this issue? Furthermore why won't any journalist including our truth seeker Alberici, ask Pyne why he lied when asked about his dealings with Ashby. What about when Hockey denied meeting with Brough and Brough denied the number of times he had met Ashby. Gee this isn't about left or right wing bias, this is about the truth. Given that Limited News' 70% monopoly is dedicated to bringing down the government how does a citizen learn the truth about any issue confrronting this nation? - Kel
  • Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individually but we are part of a community and as such, we have responsibilities to each other, so my son'a vaccinations are up to date. The reality is that no one knows what will happen to us or our children, whether we are talking about injury by vaccine, or injury by preventable disease, or running in a marathon where a terrorist is in wait, or getting in a car and being wiped out by a drunk driver. We all do what we can for our kids and we can try and protect them as much as we can - but none of us escape misfortune. I have a friend whose son has shocking tumours and a limited life span. My own son has a platelet disorder which means we have to be constantly vigilant that he doesn't injure himself lest he bleed internally. Let's do what we can for our own - but let's not harm others in the process. - Alice Smith
  • What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! Sonya, I look forward to tomorrow night's documentary. Thanks for taking (what sounds like) a rational approach. - Misty
  • Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversation she's hoping for. Be very interested to hear your response after viewing the doco. - Wendy Harmer
  • As someone who doesn't follow the Australian Vaccination schedule, I already feel like I am risking ridicule and worse posting here. We have been hassled and hounded by doctors, nurses (one of us is a nurse) and other parents. Blamed for the resurgence Whooping cough and related deaths, etc. Our stance is that we immunise based on our own needs and intelligence. As a for instance, we are not convinced that our children needed to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B at birth, especially given that the vaccine contained Thiomersal when it was recommended to us. I'm not sure how aware you are of the Japanese experience with the DTP vaccinations in the mid 1970's, but as a result of many adverse reactions and over 30 deaths as a direct result of the vaccine, the schedule was altered and children were vaccinated later. I am aware that the vaccine is no longer a whole cell vaccine, however it is worth considering the delicate balance of the immune system in infants below 6 months of age. So we immunise roughly to the Japanese schedule. There is no Hep B or vericella. And MMR is given as MR and Mumps separately. We will make the call on Japanese when we visit next month. I note that the tone in the promotion of the doco appears to depict the non vaccination school as driven by emotion with the pro vaccination argument being driven by Science (which is a pretty broad concept). Our decision to vaccinate alternatively has been based on a lot of careful research and is based on risk mitigation considering that vaccinations do carry a percentage of risk, however small. We have the advantage of also being Japanese citizens, (myself a spouse resident) and can access the differently combined vaccines and scheduling. When recently discussing this on a facebook post I was branded an anti Vaccinator. Abused and blamed. My response is that I think there is a better way. A much better way. And the heavy handed pressure to Immunise to schedule, which then elicits a strong anti response from those who question, but are discouraged strongly and frowned upon for questioning, has created a climate of 'for or against', emotion or science, us against them. All pretty narrow reductive way to explore a whole collection of different diseases, risks, and vaccines (including their varieties of compositions, combinations and timing). So we have attempted to immunise the best way that we can ascertain. It's a tricky time consuming task to get all the info on each different vaccine from the manufacturers, to research each and every disease to ascertain the risks of actually contracting it and then what the risks associated with the disease are, but it has been worthwhile. I think that the community could benefit from a less doctrinal approach to the current immunisation schedule and regular review of disease risks and the vaccination schedule response. - Jackdan
  • I'm an E cup. When I was younger and skinnier I was only a C cup and could handle underwires. Then I got pregnant and discovered the bliss of maternity bras. Post babies and breastfeeding I went back to the wires only to find they poked me and now I've got 'birdseyes' in my cleavage. I cannot fathom the underwire. Obviously the person who designed it has never had to wear one. Having big boobs we're all encouraged to wear them, but now I'm old and fat they're far too uncomfortable to contemplate. I'm happy with my 'wirefree' bras. I figured that if manufacturers could make a maternity bra without wires that fitted perfectly and provided excellent support to lactating breasts, they could do the same for large, non-lactating breasts too. I found the perfect fit for me at a large chain store and bought the same type for years. Not terribly sexy, but comfortable and serviceable. Now I've discovered same large chain has a moulded cotton bra in large sizes. Better still, you can order them online when the sales are on and collect them from the store. Bliss! - BeansGran
  • Well put Sonya. I am so glad that you have created this documentary. Also, you have put forward a voice of reason backed up by compelling evidence & your own credibility. I am pro-vaccination, but I understand why it is an delicate decision for many parents. I haven't come across the anti-vax theories (I'd never even heard of the AVN until Mamamia kept writing & tweeting about them). I'd always just followed the immunisation schedule. But I have come across a lot of pushy pro-vaxxers and I have to say, it is a turn off. I understand that it's a passionate issue. But is it an effective way of increasing immunisation rates? Of course not. Some pro-vaxxers make it their full time job to name, shame & harass people opposed to vaccination. Is harassment going to change their position, heck no! Is it going to galvanise their anti-vac position, quite probably! I just think we need to be smarter about this. I know it is not a "debate" in the sense that the science is in on the benefits & general safety of vaccines. But it completely normal to feel uneasy about purposely injecting your child with something most of us know very little about. And then watching their every breath that evening as they process that vaccine. Sonya, I hope that your documentary is the beginning of the change in the way we talk about immunisation. Well done. - Kasey
  • I am very impressed by what you've set out to achieve and how you've come about it. Much of my work these days is in vaccination and I work hard to break down the myths and false beliefs people have about vaccines. I find listening to concerns, empathy and responding with good evidence based information has been the most successful manner I've had so far. I also reassure parents that it is always their choice, but I also share that I am a mum too and that I choose to vaccinate my child fully. And funnily enough that's usually the clincher. Respect, good information and empathy can go a long way. I really hope that many people watch your documentary and help absolve the many concerns and myths surrounding vaccination that are out there. You must be proud of your work :) - The Huntress
  • Not everyone has access too or any interest in the internet, you cannot drive a tractor and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot drive a car and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot wash the dishes, the clothes, yourself and watch the internet but you can listen to the radio, you can also lie in bed with Phillip Adams, half my University of the Third Age students go to bed with Phillip. Australia's best journalists were trained by the ABC. What I don't understand Gee is your palpable hatred, how can you be so angry all the time, just relax and learn that we are all different and some of us prefer the quiet nature of the ABC compared with the ranting and rage of radio shock jocks and commercial TV. Your phrase 'slash and burn' is shocking to me, no one I know hates anything, no one I know wants to destroy things or institutions, not even the IPA, why such violence of language? - sue Bell
  • [...] Science says vaccinate! [...] - LET'S TALK (NOT SHOUT) VACCINATION
 
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Categories:  Harmer's Hoopla, Must see, Wellbeing

WINE WANKERY & 50% OFF PLONK FOR YOU

By Wendy Harmer
December 11, 2012

SPONSORED POST*

 

This time of year they’re as common as reindeer antlers on a 4WD…  and about as useful. Wine wankers.

They breeze in to your festive occasion – just back from a tour of the Hunter/ Yarra Valley/ Barossa – and loudly announce that all the wines on offer are barely drinkable.
Instead they’ve sniffed out some terrific, limited run tipples made from rare varietals you’ve never heard of.

So why don’t you just have a sip of this cheeky, insolent Viognier/Brachetto/Carmenere and tell me… Can you detect traces of freshly cut grass/calico/unripe pineapple and singlet?

My advice?

Reach for your favourite screw top bottle of cheerful Chardy made out of crushed grapes, leave this tosser in the corner to bore for Australia and party on!

Don’t let any wine wanker tell you the wine you like is out of fashion, too cheap, too common, too… well anything really.

There a just a few things you have to know about wine.

  • Do you like the taste of it?
  • Does it compliment the food you’re eating?
  • Can you afford it?
  • And that, my wine-loving friends, is about it.
  • That said, this is the time of year when we’re often off to sit-down dinner party and it’s good to come up with something that surprises and delights your hosts.

I’ve got a few rules I follow as a dinner party guest (and I’d love to hear yours!)

If you’re offering to bring wine it’s thoughtful to ask what’s being served and bring something suitable.

Pretty simple: Red wine with meat and white wine with fish or seafood. If you’re having Italian or French, you could bring along something from that region.
However, if you’re like most of my busy friends and aren’t able to offer a clue, just bring along something you enjoy.

And if you like Chardonnay? Don’t be worried that everyone’s moved onto Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. Be a rugged individualist. Although don’t expect everyone to exclaim: “Blue Nun! Marvellous. Haven’t had that since I was at uni!”

If you know your friends are French champagne lovers, don’t bring a bottle of domestic sparkling and insist it tastes “just as good”. 

Let them show off with the real stuff. They’ve probably broken the bank to buy it because they think you’re special.

Be suitably appreciative. Oooh and aaah over the delectable treat!

And NEVER take a glass of wine that you know is expensive and leave it half-drunk. This is a pet hate of mine. The hostess (if it’s me) will probably neck your left-overs later in the kitchen and that’s not fair because flat, warm Veuve Cliquot is a crime against humanity.

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30 Responses to this article

  1. Glen December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I think it is the height of rudeness for a guest to sniff and swirl and judge a glass of wine you give them. If you’re a guest, accept the wine as part of your hosts hospitality – if you don’t particularly care for it just drink less – put up and shut up in other words. That bottle you brought over yourself is a kind gift to the host and does not need to be seen or mentioned again for that night.

    All that said, my tip is to grab hold of a friend who knows their wine and where to get it cheap. Stock up on what they recommend (if you like it too) and you can’t go wrong really. Lovely wine – even wine found at wineries in the hunter etc – can still be cheap (less than $30) so there’s no snobbery involved.

     
  2. Aleta December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You can’t go wrong with the old adage: eat, drink, be merry. Not sure if I agree with the ‘don’t get pissed’ rule though – that’s a bit harsh!

     
  3. claudette MacDonald Lopez December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Wine and other booze Etiquette! You are a champion on the truthful telling. Just too many can afford to buy but don‘t have a clue on the graces. Well Said Harmer‘s Hoopla.

     
  4. robyn cheah December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Wendy, my sentiments exactly , there are so many wine wankers out there that pretend to know alot about wine . Their just repeating what they hear and really have no …….idea what there drinking. French sav/blc a must in my fridge, or spanish rose, Mmmmm my mouth is watering… Ummm is it too early for a glass??? Never!

     
  5. Bec December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Well said!!! I swear some people just sipple on tipples that they don’t even like. Mmm… wet hay.. delish. Give me a well oaked chardy any day and save your judgement for the people who insist they detect notes of burnt tar in their grape juice.
    Love it.

     
  6. annabelle December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    So guests taking home the partially consumed cleanskin that resided in front of them at the table [and reluctantly shared] is right out?

     
    • Wendy Harmer December 11, 2012 Reply
       
       

      Hahhah! Pretty much, you cheapskate. Merry Christmas!

       
  7. Rose December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Great read! So true. But I’ve got a friend who shows up with that cheap, sweet low alcohol stuff that looks like Ribena and she serves white wine at room temperature. Room temperature! I’m not a wine snob but come on… I’m also not a hobo.

     
  8. Caroline B December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Another great article Wendy! Can’t agree more, especially re not leaving half glasses of the expensive stuff!

    One more thing that gets up my goat? The wine hog who hoovers up the expensive bottle that you bring to share while everyone else is on the 1st glass – leaving their own crappy $10 bottle on the table for everyone else. You people know who you are – bad form!!

     
  9. Gwen December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I have had one guest not only wander into the kitchen to get the corkscrew to open the wine he had brought (I thought as a gift for the hosts!), but he then proceeded to pour it into the wineglasses on the dining room table while we were all still sitting around the lounge room having an aperitif. When his bottle was finished, the wine we had carefully chosen and decanted before the meal was then passed off as “not really much good” by our guest. Not very gracious guest behaviour methinks.

     
    • Wendy Harmer December 11, 2012 Reply
       
       

      OOOOH, deserves throttling. WINE WANKER ALERT.

       
  10. Miss brown December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    My girlfriends and I could never be accused of being wine wankers- ricadonna ruby or a nice moscato goes down a treat every time!

     
  11. MichelleP December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    When did sav blanc become the latest ‘thing”, pass me a chardy please and dont try to convert me!

     
  12. MichelleP December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Just spotted your wine poll: When is the best wine time?

    Why isnt there a button for ‘All of the above’? ;)

     
  13. Johnny December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    What’s a “corkscrew” Gwen? :-) . Geez I have a relly like that, takes home the 1/3 of a bottle of his homemade crap if we have moved on. Actually he’s the only one who will drink the pain stripper anyway, so I guess it’s not wasted.
    Can’t stand room temperature pinot noir, unless the room temperature is 10C or less :-(

     
  14. Simon McInerney December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Wine etiquette: “Bring a bottle.” As with “bring a salad” it must be served. If it’s crap, open a selection of bottles allowing guests to help themselves. If wine is brought unprompted it’s at the host’s discretion to serve. Wine brought in a gift bag or wrapped means do not serve, enjoy it yourselves at a later date.

     
  15. Nat December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Please chill your reds a bit!!! Any drink at 30C ++ is horrid, including red wine. Much nicer when chilled a little.

     
  16. Johnny December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Unless its coffee Nat, I totally agree.

     
  17. Pseudonym December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Thank Deity that I grew up in a family of teetotalers. Less nonsense to put up with at family parties.

     
  18. ro.watson December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Before the age of the screw top….I thought opening a bottle of wine with a cork screw was being helpful…..I have now been put right (again).

    On the subject of champagne~ did you know about how to open? After removing the cage, holding the cork, and turning the bottle?

     
  19. ro.watson December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    On the subject of alcohol etiquette, giving the gift of alcohol to someone suffering alcohol dependance is probably not a good idea. Why not take along some lovely sparkling mineral water?

     
  20. ro.watson December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Or white tea?!

     
  21. ro.watson December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Just in case you didn’t get it~ I was joking…as much as I like sparkling mineral water with a dash of lemon~ it is not O.K to demonise others~ especially at this fragile time of the year.

     
  22. Sharon December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I’m with Michelle P, ” All of the above” answer for the wine poll :)

     
  23. Christine Gates December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Roll on Christmas lunch with friends and see who brings what wine with the Glazed Ham and Roast duck – red white pink is all ok !! Here in Hanoi any Oz wine is welcomed

     
  24. Will Marshall December 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Hahaha, Wine wankers! glad I will never be one of them, as I’m a bundy man!!

     
    • Mick Turner December 12, 2012 Reply
       
       

      Wine wankers v Bundy Bogans – think I’ll stay home.

       
  25. Brie Wiessner December 12, 2012 Reply
     
     

    How about wine with dinner?

    Hoopla articles and opinions are excellent.

    Thank you….Brie

     
  26. gabii p davis February 15, 2013 Reply
     
     

    WENDY, i share similar views about wine wankers! check out my blog post at http://gabbish.com/?p=56 and lets spread the word!

     

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Comments

  • Kel: Well what's your take on why the ABC PLUS the MSM refuses to investigate the Ashby affair; you know where a federal just...

    Reply|Read all

  • Alice Smith: Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individual...

    Reply|Read all

  • Misty: What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! ...

    Reply|Read all

  • Wendy Harmer: Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversati...

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