There is Blaufränkisch galore in Austria and Germany but when encountered in Canada think of Monty Python’s “And Now For Something Completely Different”. Thank goodness for that incessant Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Ontario becomes boring. Three cheers to Rosewood for a Blaufränkisch. Cool label art by Liam Goslett. Don’t panic as itContinue reading “RKS ONTARIO WINE: And Now for Something Completely Different: Rosewood Blau”
Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)
RKS Literature: Revenge of the Tramps for Their “Free” Tea at the Evangelical Church (George Orwell)
“It was a queer rather disgusting scene. Below were the handful of simple, well-meaning people, trying hard to worship; and above were the hundred men whom they had fed deliberately making worship impossible. A ring of dirty, hairy faces grinned down from the gallery, openly jeering. What could a few women and old men doContinue reading “RKS Literature: Revenge of the Tramps for Their “Free” Tea at the Evangelical Church (George Orwell)”
RKS Literature: The Night is the Devil’s Black Book (Thomas Nasche)
“As touching the terrors of the night, they are as many as our sins. The night is the Devil’s Black Book, wherein he recordeth all our transgressions. Even as, when a condemned man is put into a dark dungeon, secluded from all comfort of light or company, he doth nothing but despairfully call to hisContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Night is the Devil’s Black Book (Thomas Nasche)”
“Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom” : THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: A DAY OF REST AND SHOPPING SINGAPORE STYLE BEFORE THE SINGAPORE WESTIE OF THE YEAR CONTEST
The Singapore Times Exclusive: A DAY OF REST AND SHOPPING SINGAPORE STYLE BEFORE THE SINGAPORE WESTIE OF THE YEAR CONTEST The penultimate day prior to The Singapore Westie of the Year contest! Bobby Jr. had explained to me the events of the competition and as for Vermin and Rat Hunting you may recall Bobby Jr.Continue reading ““Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom” : THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: A DAY OF REST AND SHOPPING SINGAPORE STYLE BEFORE THE SINGAPORE WESTIE OF THE YEAR CONTEST”
RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Three) (Thomas De Quincey)
“Thus, for instance, opium, like wine, gives an expansion to the heart and the benevolent affections; but then with this remarkable difference, that in the sudden development of kind heartedness which accompanies inebriation, there is always more or less of a maudlin character which exposes it to the contempt of the bystander. Men shake theirContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Three) (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Two) (Thomas De Quincey)
“But still, wine constantly leads a man to the brink of absurdity and extravagance, and, beyond a certain point, it is sure to volatize and to disperse the intellectual energies: whereas opium always seems to compose what has been agitated, and to concentrate what had been distracted. In short, to sum up all in oneContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Two) (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part One) (Thomas De Quincey)
“But the main distinction is this, that whereas wine disorders the mental faculties, opium, on the contrary (if taken in a proper manner), introduces amongst them the most exquisite order, legislation, and harmony. Wine robs a man of his self-possession; opium greatly invigorates it. Wine unsettles and clouds the judgement, and gives a preternatural brightness,Continue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part One) (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: Natural Courage and a Sudden Influx of Money (Thomas De Quincey)
“…that vast power and possessions make a man shamefully afraid of dying: and I am convinced that many of the most intrepid adventurers, who by fortunately by being vey poor, enjoy the full use of their natural courage, would, at the very instant of going into action news were brought to them that they hasContinue reading “RKS British Literature: Natural Courage and a Sudden Influx of Money (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: The World as a Stage is Badly Cast (Oscar Wilde)
“Actors are so fortunate. They can choose whether they will appear in tragedy or in comedy, whether they will suffer or make merry, laugh or shed tears. But in real life it is different. Most men and women are forced to perform parts for which they have no qualifications. Our Guildensterns play Hamlet for us,Continue reading “RKS British Literature: The World as a Stage is Badly Cast (Oscar Wilde)”
RKS British Literature: Who Are the Opium Eaters in England? (Thomas De Quincey)
“Reader, I am sorry to say, a very numerous class indeed. Of this I became convinced some years ago by computing at that time, the number of those in one small class of English society (the class of men distinguished for talents, or of eminent station), who were known to me, directly or indirectly, asContinue reading “RKS British Literature: Who Are the Opium Eaters in England? (Thomas De Quincey)”
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