"tomkanpa" > wrote in message
> This item just has to warm the cockles of Jonathan Newman's heart.

<Seinfeld>...Newman...</Seinfeld>

> Newman is chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and a
> connoisseur of fine wine. He's been trying to get Pennsylvanians to buy
> more wine -- better vintages, some at higher prices -- from state-owned
> liquor stores. He's taken the lead at stocking fancy red and white
> wines from California on state store shelves.

And, from what I hear, taking trips to California and getting stroked by
wine makers.

> So he was cheered this week by news that, for the first time since
> Gallup began tracking American beverage preferences in 1992, wine has
> surpassed beer as America's alcoholic drink of choice.
>
> In a July poll, 39 percent of people said they preferred wine, while 36
> percent liked beer better and 21 percent chose liquor.

Even though beer continues to outsell both, in volume and in dollars spent.
Conclusions? Americans are liars.

> As recently as 2000, beer topped win by a 43 to 31 percent margin. In
> 2004 beer won by a 39 to 33 margin.
>
> "We're seeing more customers with a genuine curiosity and eagerness to
> try new things," said Newman. "The preconceptions of wine as a 'fancy'
> beverage are being broken down. People are beginning to recognize wine
> as something they can enjoy in many of the same situations where they
> once enjoyed beer."

Luckily, I'm starting to see people beginning to recognize beer as something
they can enjoy in many of the same situations where they once enjoyed wine.
The preconceptions of beer as a "lowbrow" beverage are being broken down.

> Oh yeah? Try telling that to thirsty fans at a Steelers game.

Word.

--
Lew Bryson

"As for talking shit in this NG, Lew, you're the undisputed king, and
that's no SHITE." -- Bob Skilnik, 1/31/02

www.lewbryson.com