You’ve heard the stories. People aren’t speaking to each other because of political or 
religious differences, and entire relationships are destroyed because they can’t agree on certain points. They think that the other person is evil, even if it’s a loved one.
I’m happy to say that in my small group of wine lovers, that’s not the case at all. We accept each other’s foibles and eccentricities, because, deep down, we respect and care for each other very much. Even if we’re arguing about the current state of politics, trade, religious beliefs, and – believe it or not – food, when it’s all said and done, we still get along. Naturally, we still think the other person has lost his/her mind, but that’s okay too.
And then there’s the whoosh.
If you recall, a few posts ago I did my annual rant on the whooshes performed by the special effects sound technicians for the “Chairman” on Iron Chef America. The whooshes harken back to his primary claim to fame, martial arts. He even took a series of breaks a few years ago to play Wo Fat on the remake of Hawaii Five-O. Which, of course, has nothing whatsoever to do with cooking. Much less at the Iron Chef level.
I was feeling very smug as I posted my snarky commentary, and then my balloon got punctured.
Jarlene, as it turns out, actually likes the whooshes? What?!? How is that possible??
Jarlene is the wife of Richard, who does occasional wine reviews and travel posts on Vegas Wineaux. And she likes the whooshes. She even likes the “Chairman.”
Naturally, I’m horrified. I mean, why would you like him?!? Other than bowing, the whooshes, and the questions about the chef’s approach to the secret ingredient as he sits down with the judges (remember that last season, Alton sat with the judges and engaged them), he doesn’t do anything that contributes to the nature of the program that I can see. Yes, I’m still bitter that Alton isn’t the new Chairman. (no quotes) He should be because he knows more food stuff than most people I know.
Despite the fact that she likes the “Chairman,” (throwing up in my mouth even as I type those words), she’s still one of my closest and dearest friends.
Argh. I can’t even blame politics.
