May 26, 2006
Last night I made tacos for my son Tomas, and as we waited for his mother to come home we talked about his life in New York City. One of the latest trends, T. told me, is that he has a female friend who is a bartender in Hell’s Kitchen and she says, that more and more young women are turning their noses up at Merlot wine. Why? Because they’ve seen the movie Sideways. Isn’t that hilarious? A guy in a movie, plays a wine snob and speaks lines he didn’t write, about hating Merlot, and it catches on in the culture and actually affects wine sales. There’s a PR problem I’m glad I don’t have. Scary really, the power of popular culture to steamroll semi-innocent people.

Tommy and I were drinking a fine Merlot at the time, and I told him when I was growing up in Kingman, my family being Lutherans, the only wine I was ever aware of being in the house, was Mogen David. I didn’t even know there was any other wine (well, besides Thunderbird). Now track that time period to now and it’s quite an arc, no?

Having been in many a band, I’ve seen many a bar fight, both by fist and feet (oh, and don’t forget tire iron!). Since I’ve become an Old West author and editor, I’ve seen more than my share of fights, all by mouth. If you think your world is petty and juvenile, get a load of this:

Public Kid Fight Heats Up
"Hated by fools, and fools to hate,
Be that my motto and my fate."
—Fred Nolan

Fred sent the above quote to me and to new Billy the Kid author Mr. Jim Johnson, which resulted in this response:

“What gives you the right to personally attack me? I have done nothing to you. Your childish little slogan and actions don't impress anyone. If you have a bone to pick with me, get it out on the table. I have always thought you to be a man of honor and integrity. But, your recent actions make you look like a jealous back stabber. What made you want to stoop that low? Your little slogan is only half right. I am not a fool and I don't hate you!
—Jim Johnson

If Nominated, I Will Not Run, If Elected I Will Not Serve Department
“Bob I think you do a great job with the True West Magazine and I enjoy your True West Moment segments I only wish someone like you could program The Encore Westerns channel. Take Care!!!”
—Allen

Yesterday’s Snide Comment By Ex-Employee Tickles Longtime Friend
“Gus Walker's response was brilliant. I am still chuckling.”
—Charlie Waters

Favorite Onion Headline de Jour
Dry Wall Worker Plastered

“Learn to see in another’s calamity the ills which you should avoid.”
—Old Vaquero Saying