Robert K Stephen (CSW)

RKS 2023 Hot Docs Films: “Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun”: I Can’t Believe I Am Saying This!

As a reviewer of films prior to taking up this all-consuming habit I often laughed years ago with a review or two of a film that trumpeted, “You’ll Stand Up and Cheer!”. I laugh no more as with this documentary I found myself standing up and cheering not physically but mentally. Why? Firstly, as aContinue reading “RKS 2023 Hot Docs Films: “Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun”: I Can’t Believe I Am Saying This!”

RKS 2023 Wine: Yet Another Excellent Chilean Carmenère: Morandé 2020 Gran Reserva Carmenère

At $16.95 this wine is a steal. How long can Chilean red wine competitors stand in the face of such reasonable prices for full bodied red wine? The wine has spent 18 months in French oak foudres. Aroma: Freshly picked raspberries and raspberry jam shine through. Also blackberries and a bit of mocha. Palate: RelaxedContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Yet Another Excellent Chilean Carmenère: Morandé 2020 Gran Reserva Carmenère”

RKS 2023 Wine: More Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile: Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon from Errazuriz

There is no mistaking Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon has upped its game over the past decade producing some very worthy examples. Fair to say they have not reached cult status as many Californian Cabernet Sauvignons have. Why is that? Could it be “over fascination” with those Cali Cabernet Sauvignons? Could it be the length of timeContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: More Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile: Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon from Errazuriz”

RKS 2023 Films: “Living with Chucky”

I have lived all my years without Chucky. I am uncertain what thrill there is in these slasher films. Ooops sorry wrong horror genre! Slash and hacker doll genre? Sounding like a preacher and a geezer but how depraved to watch the murder of human beings and get a thrill out of it. Sorry IContinue reading “RKS 2023 Films: “Living with Chucky””

RKS Literature: The Duel and Manhood

“The duel my friend, is not just any ‘arrangement’. It is the final arrangement, a return to the primal state of nature, only slightly moderated by certain chivalrous, but purely superficial rules. The essence of the situation remains what it has been since the beginning, a physical struggle, and it is each man’s duty, howeverContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Duel and Manhood”

RKS Literature: Individualism a Word for All Seasons

“Individualism was romantically medieval in its belief in the infinite, cosmic importance of each single creature, from which came the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, the theory of geocentrism and astrology. On the other hand, individualism was a matter of liberal humanism, which tended toward anarchy and wanted at all costs to protectContinue reading “RKS Literature: Individualism a Word for All Seasons”

RKS Literature: Both God and Nature Unjust (Thomas Mann)

“God and nature were both unjust, they had their favourites, chose to be gracious at random, adorned one man with precarious honours and the next with an easy, but ordinary fate. And for the man that would act? For him justice was, on the one hand, a paralyzing weakness, the very essence of doubt, andContinue reading “RKS Literature: Both God and Nature Unjust (Thomas Mann)”

RKS 2023 Wines: Syrah from Chile’s Limarí Valley

The Limarí Valley has a rich archaeological heritage and was prized for its agricultural significance since pre-Hispanic times. The topography creates the unique “Camanchaca” fog that brings moisture in the valley each morning and is blown away by cooling ocean breezes in the afternoon. The Limarí has proven itself for its quality Syrah, Chardonnay, SauvignonContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wines: Syrah from Chile’s Limarí Valley”

“The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous” : Chapter 54 Meeting with Bernie Maggot and Fleece-Em Investment Management Company

The Greyhound Montreal to New York midnight bus is always a bizarre experience. Invariably Mennonites or Amish are denied entry into the United States. Then that rest stop at Saratoga Springs in New York is like a trip back to a 1950’s diner and the apple pie is almost worth the trip! I arrived inContinue reading ““The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous” : Chapter 54 Meeting with Bernie Maggot and Fleece-Em Investment Management Company”

RKS 2023 Wine: Can’t Go Wrong Carménère from Chile?

While Malbec may be Argentina’s signature wine Carménère may be Chile’s although why peg a country having a signature wine? It just might create stereotypes. Look at New Zealand’s “signature wine” Sauvignon Blanc. Yet should it eclipse Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Merlot from New Zealand? What I can say so far this yearContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Can’t Go Wrong Carménère from Chile?”