When I was a kid, “tonic wine” in Britain was stuff that respectable old ladies drank “for their health”. I think it was some sort of North African rotgut, probably sweetened with glycerine and fortified with iron. One brand was called “Wincarnis Tonic Wine” and was respectable enough to advertise in magazines like “Home Notes” and “Woman’s Own”. The monks, as i mentioned, sold Mead, in long slim bottles (like the ones some Rhine wines are bottled in)—it was clear and pale golden coloured.  I never drank that, either (i couldn’t afford it). 

How times have changed. Well, the monks appear to have changed with them. Of course, it’s not their fault if people abuse their product.

I recall in the 60s the vinous tipple of choice for alcoholics was VP Wine, cheap plonk which was labelled as sherry but was as far from a true sherry wine as London is from Spain.

What’s the word? Thunderbird! How’s it sold? Good and cold. What’s the price? Thirty twice.

"What’s the jive? Bird’s alive!” The inventor of Thunderbird, Ernest Gallo, just died this past 6th of March.

Don’t forget:

Will they have Mogen David in heaven? Sweet Jesus, If they don’t, who the hell wants to go.

Mogen David 20/20 -> Mad Dog 20/20.

God disturb his soul.  Ever since the United Farm Workers boycotted his family firm I haven’t had a drop of their wine.  Not that it was so hard to avoid.

Now that brings back memories. I used to go on protests where we inspected shops for Gallo wine and non-union lettuce and demonstrated outside the offenders. And though I agree with the sentiments, I’m somewhat surprised at hearing them expressed by a member of the clergy.

Especially almost 30 years after the UFW cancelled the boycott. Is it time to let go of that grudge?

(Checking, I see there was another brief boycott in 2005, but that, too, has been settled.)

Aw, crum!

Jim, please, I didn’t mean to give offense and I’m sorry if I did.  I really value your contributions to this board.

And all I did was post a link to a map site that I thought was interesting ...

I’m somewhat surprised at hearing them expressed by a member of the clergy.

Luckily you’re not a member of our congregation, where the minister has some rather alternative views and is not afraid to express them.

Jim, I sincerely hope you’re not serious.  Please reconsider if you are.

Hear, hear! Please don’t go away, jimgorman. Guys like you improve every place they’re at—and that includes wordorigins.org. Stick around --- you’ve got friends here.

Second the request to stick around.  As a fellow sufferer from the Syndrome, I’m pretty confident in asserting that the Good Doctor meant no harm, and the board would be the poorer for your absence.

That goes threefold. I see Jim’s post has vanished. I do hope that means he’s reconsidered. We really don’t want to lose you, Jim.

I see Jim’s post has vanished. I do hope that means he’s reconsidered.

I wish it were true, but I fear not.  AFAIK, only Dave can completely remove a post, though why he would have done so (unless at Jim’s request) I can’t imagine.  But I note with great disappoinment that Jim’s name is no longer in the Member list.

Thankfully, I think Jim is still with us. See Dave’s post in the Metadiscussion forum.

Whew!

*wipes brow*