Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)

The Futility of Virtual Wine Tastings

Prior to COVID-19 life for a wine writer in Toronto was a busy one. Wine shows, tutored tastings, lunches and dinners with winemakers and trips abroad. First let me dispel a myth that all these events are a glorious fun filled romp. Not so. It takes time to get to and from your destination. YouContinue reading “The Futility of Virtual Wine Tastings”

Virus #26: Chapter 5 welcome to COVID-19 Plus

Chapter 5 “welcome to COVID-19 Plus” COVID-19 Plus appeared in 2025. It originated near a pork processing plant in the state of Virginia so it can be honestly said to be an American virus. It was not in the slaughterhouse that it was born but rather from a pork feces holding tank near the porkContinue reading “Virus #26: Chapter 5 welcome to COVID-19 Plus”

Possible Benefits of CBD on Certain Neurological disorders

Published online 2020 Nov 7. doi: 10.3390/molecules25215186PMCID: PMC7664437PMID: 33171772 Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Serena Silvestro,†Giovanni Schepici,†Placido Bramanti, and Emanuela Mazzon*Francesca Cardona, Academic EditorAuthor informationArticle notesCopyright and License informationDisclaimerGo to: Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid known for its beneficial effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, CBD is a compound with antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsantContinue reading “Possible Benefits of CBD on Certain Neurological disorders”

Poetry Corner: “Good-bye former President Trump”

Good-bye Former President Trump Good riddance to Donald J. Trumpwith two impeachments you are getting a kick in the rumpYou promised many times if you lost the election the United States you’d leaveand not even your deceived supporters will grieve Please go far away I’m sick and tired of your cruditybullyingcajolinglack of mannersrudenessarrogancerecklessnessstirring up ofContinue reading “Poetry Corner: “Good-bye former President Trump””

Virus#26: Some of the path of destruction of COVID-19

Chapter 4 “some of the path of destruction of COVID-19” So you now know it originated from Wuhan, China with the co-operation either knowingly or innocently with the American presidential administration. We know that it gave China a relatively tame go but ravaged Italy and Spain initially and gradually took a severe first wave tollContinue reading “Virus#26: Some of the path of destruction of COVID-19”

“The Strong Ones” (Los Fuertes)

I have reviewed a couple dozen LGBT films and like any film they run from terrible to superb. I have never really endorsed a film being categorized as LGBT. Do we categorize films as being “heterosexual”? However as the LGBT community has been oppressed for so long it is no surprise that such a genreContinue reading ““The Strong Ones” (Los Fuertes)”

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario $15 and under corner: Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2018

Viognier when done right makes me think of peaches and honey. This Viognier is from a well-known producer of moderately priced wine. On the nose a solid hit of apricot, peach and mango. On the palate almost silky and restrained acidity. It has a full mouth feel with notes of apricot, peach and of courseContinue reading “The Liquor Control Board of Ontario $15 and under corner: Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2018”

Virus#26: Chapter 3 where did COVID-19 originate?

Chapter 3 “where did COVID-19 originate? The “Big Daddy” as we now call COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China. Well sort of. There was some manner of fallacy when the late President of the United States Donald J. Trump called COVID-19 the “Wuhan Virus” or the “Chinese Virus”. Time has since renamed him the “Lysol President”.Continue reading “Virus#26: Chapter 3 where did COVID-19 originate?”

COVID POETRY CORNER: “COVID ANGER”

COVID ANGER Entirely frustratedcivil rights have been castrated The state has put a lockdown in placemy hair looks like a creature from space Blitz the big boxso only groceries we can buyso very slycommerce and freedom good-byemanipulate me like a goat turdand you want me to smile along with the rest of the herd itContinue reading “COVID POETRY CORNER: “COVID ANGER””