Robert K Stephen (CSW)

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?”

“The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous”: Chapter 52: Back to New York to Work with Bernie Maggot

It took two years out of my life with the class action lawsuits resulting from the “disturbances” at the Queen Fairy Hospital for Veterans and the Mugless Mental Hospital. The biggest victory was against the United States Government for conducting covert LSD experimentation on certain Mugless patients. The judgment was for $120 million USD dividedContinue reading ““The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous”: Chapter 52: Back to New York to Work with Bernie Maggot”

RKS Literature: What is Love?

“Love is simply itself, both as a subtle affirmation of life and as the highest passion: love is our sympathy with organic life, the touchingly lustful embrace of what is destined to decay-caritas is assuredly found in the most admirable and most depraved passions. Irresolute? But in God’s good name, leave the meaning of loveContinue reading “RKS Literature: What is Love?”

RKS Literature: The Russian Kiss

“It was one of those Russian kisses, the sort that are exchanged in that vast, soulful land at high Christmas feasts, as a token and a seal of love. But even as we record this kiss exchanged between a notoriously ‘subtle’ young man and a charming, slinking, and still equally young woman, we cannot helpContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Russian Kiss”

RKS 2023 Wines: An Aussie Barossa Blast?

Barossa Valley wines are seldom tame. Most often they are concentrated and bold and every once and awhile can be most enjoyable. But isn’t that true of most wines. Different wines constantly rotated should be the name of the game unless you are stuck in a rut and happy as a pig in mud withContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wines: An Aussie Barossa Blast?”