RKS Wine: “Christmas in April” Part Two: Stag’s Hollow “Tragically Vidal”

Vidal is an unremarkable grape that can shine as a second Icewine cousin to Riesling. It is by acreage the number one white grape in Ontario and #15 in British Columbia. When I saw the Vidal wine sent to me by Stag’s Hollow called “Tragically Vidal” I winced hoping the results in the bottle wereContinue reading “RKS Wine: “Christmas in April” Part Two: Stag’s Hollow “Tragically Vidal””

“Travels to a Different Time” : Latest Song in the Czech 1975 Hit Parade

The Latest Song on the 1975 Czech Hit Parade I love those Russians like my mother but even morethey prevented us from being a capitalist whoreWe love them so ooh ooh ja ja ja!I want to be a star for The PartyLike my deceased comrade Uncle Marty The Russians liberated us in 1945and since thenContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : Latest Song in the Czech 1975 Hit Parade”

:Travels to a Different Time” : 11June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Bartering a Cesar Chavez Farmworkers Button for 4 Beers

Woken up by the maid thinking I was leaving today. But that is not the case. At least clean sheets and towels out of the inconvenience. What a luxury but I am paying for it so enjoy. I walked around the factory district many of these factories are old and dingy looking. Czechoslovakia has alwaysContinue reading “:Travels to a Different Time” : 11June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Bartering a Cesar Chavez Farmworkers Button for 4 Beers”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 10June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia:

As I was in bed at 20:00 up at 07:00 woken up by workmen banging in the hall. I dressed and washed my face and headed down to the breakfast room for ham, cheese, fresh rolls and mineral water. It was a delicious breakfast. As it looked like rain today I booked another day atContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 10June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia:”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 9June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Propaganda Blaring from Loudspeakers in the Street: Where are the Brain Police?

Up at the usual time to the 22cnd cloudy day in a row. I seriously wonder if the weather is going to cause crop failure in Eastern Europe. I packed up and bought a full breakfast at a supermarket and ate in my room and headed out on the road. Gruelling after gruelling walk. Fortunately,Continue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 9June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Propaganda Blaring from Loudspeakers in the Street: Where are the Brain Police?”

“Travels to a Different Time: 8June1975: Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Russian “Friendship”

Had a nice warm sleep and a good one until 09:30. Bread, honey, chocolate wafer cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I washed after and lamented there is no hot water in this place. I am overdue for a shower. Everywhere you go in this town it is coated with propaganda. Those disgusting Russian pigsContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time: 8June1975: Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Russian “Friendship””

“Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer

I woke up early and it was so cold I just wanted to stay in a warm sleeping bag. I forced myself up, packed and dismantled my tent. I had some salami, chocolate cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I took the bus to Mikulas and wanted to get off at the highway but theContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer”

RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1

Imagine driving the other half to downtown Toronto and heading back after the drop off to buy ¾ of a tank of gas for $90. Then a package at the doorstep from Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine district. Unexpected as if Santa was pleased at me for being such a good boy notContinue reading “RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1”

“Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing

As I head into the Tatra Mountains it is getting increasingly cold. Went to the train station and took a train heading up towards the Tatra Mountains. An incredibly beautiful ride and it was snowing when I reached my destination. Took a quick look at a couple of hotels but pricey at $8 so IContinue reading ““Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing”

RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival

“Geographies of Solitude” features Canada’s Sable Island which is 20 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is some 100 miles off Nova Scotia. It might be described as barren and lonely as there is no residential population and no place to stay for potential visitors. Zoe Lucas has been living on Sable Island forContinue reading “RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival”