Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)

RKS 2024 Film: “And So It Begins”

Complimenting Ramona S. Diaz’s 2020 film “A Thousand Cuts” introducing Maria Ressa’s struggle in the Philippines to assert the rights of a free press through her media outlet Rappler, Diaz returns this month to 2024 Sundance with “And So It Begins” which chronicles the 2022 Presidential campaign of Leni Robredo affectionately known as “Leni”. FacingContinue reading “RKS 2024 Film: “And So It Begins””

Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: Reggie on Probation!: Chapter 11

Here I am after two glorious weeks with Bob, Fay and their West Highland Terrier Dillie. I wake up every morning and say my prayers to Allah and thanking him for taking care of me and I express my gratitude for being alive. Dillie is puzzled by this as Fay and Bob raised and trainedContinue reading “Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: Reggie on Probation!: Chapter 11”

Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: 13February1970: Amsterdam, Holland: How Cultural Can I Get!

Dear Boys: This morning I got up at 9:30 and had breakfast with a Japanese stewardess with KLM. She was very cute. She may come with me to the symphony concert with me tonight. I went through a museum today full of Dutch and Chinese art. Then I picked up tickets for a concert. OneContinue reading “Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: 13February1970: Amsterdam, Holland: How Cultural Can I Get!”

Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: My New Life Begins with Bob and Fay and of Course Dillie the Westie! Evening Time and Prayers to Allah: Chapter Ten

Evening time is the time after our afternoon nap. Dillie stands by his bowl at exactly 4:30 p.m. waiting for his chicken kibble. Oh what a happy time of the day. Food in a shiny bowl I don’t have to beg or fight for like in the streets of Cairo! And that Canadian water isContinue reading “Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: My New Life Begins with Bob and Fay and of Course Dillie the Westie! Evening Time and Prayers to Allah: Chapter Ten”

Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: 12February1971: Amsterdam, Holland: Hippies at Heineken

Dear Barb: Last night was Ex Lax night so today I stay fairly close to the hotel. They don’t serve many vegetables here. I have been eating too many starches. Although so tasty they are hard to refuse. The most incredible pastry. The boys would go wild. I have been to the symphony. The concertContinue reading “Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: 12February1971: Amsterdam, Holland: Hippies at Heineken”

RKS 2024 Film: “After the Fire” (Avant que les flames): Tired Old Plot Barely Saved by Fresh Talent

The French film “After the Fire” suffers from tired old plot syndrome perhaps more common in the news of the day or in documentaries than in a feature film. Minority member brutalized and killed by the police. It happens ubiquitously in almost all countries. In this film Karim El Yadari of Strasbourg dies after aContinue reading “RKS 2024 Film: “After the Fire” (Avant que les flames): Tired Old Plot Barely Saved by Fresh Talent”

Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: ? February1971: Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Red Roses from British Film Director!)

Dearest Barbara: I am leaving here tomorrow. I think I can stop over in Nice. I will see if I can. I will write at once. I would like stay a week there. Diane, bless her heart phoned me yesterday morning. She will phone you upon her return. She is a very thoughtful girl. IContinue reading “Travels to a Different Time: Travels of My Mother: ? February1971: Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Red Roses from British Film Director!)”

Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: My New Life Begins with Bob and Fay and of Course Dillie the Westie! Mornings and Afternoons: Chapter Nine

So you remember my arrival In Toronto from Cairo. A big Rottenwhiler attacked me when I attempted the theft of the food in his bowl. That big guard dog ripped my leg open and I remember losing much blood and I understand a policeman picked me up and carried me to an animal hospital whereContinue reading “Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog: The Final Cut: My New Life Begins with Bob and Fay and of Course Dillie the Westie! Mornings and Afternoons: Chapter Nine”

RKS 2024 Film: “Double Down South” Meets “The Hustler” and Oliver Twist

Iconic films are shunted aside, but never replaced, by successors. In this case “The Hustler” (1961) is complimented by “Double Down South”. There are so many hustlers in this keno film I am not sure who is hustling whom but the “pool hustle” has been upgraded most enjoyably to the modern era by “Double DownContinue reading “RKS 2024 Film: “Double Down South” Meets “The Hustler” and Oliver Twist”