“On the inside, all a man thinks about is getting out. Night and day, it’s always there, like an unfulfilled promise-that always indistinct point of time somewhere in the distance when he is no longer in stir. It occupies a man’s head when he is thinking about it, and it occupies his head when itContinue reading “RKS Literature: Inside Jail Thinking About Getting Out (Brad Smith)”
Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)
RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo
Monsaraz is a brand from CARMIM a Portuguese co-operative founded in 1971 by a group of 60 wine grape growers in the Alentejo which has grown to close to 800 growers cultivating over 3,000 hectares. CARMIM is the largest winery in the Alentejo and exports wine to 34 countries. This wine is 50% Alicante Bouschet,Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo”
RKS Literature: The Power of Money (Brad Smith)
“The man in the mackinaw didn’t know Sonny, but he’d already decided Sonny was a stand-up guy. And it had nothing to do with his appearance, or his manner, or his reputation. It had everything to do with his money. It was a wonderful thing, Sonny thought; he’d recommend it to anyone who could swingContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Power of Money (Brad Smith)”
RKS 2025 Hotel Review: Eurostars Monte Tauro, Taormina, Sicily
The Eurostars Monte Tauro is a beacon of excellence for brutalist architecture strongly and creatively favouring concrete matching the rocky cliff it is carved into. A socialist twist to the Yugo brutalist architecture; Your balcony offers no privacy. You may be forced to converse with your fellow proletarians! Unroll your patio awning to avoid birdContinue reading “RKS 2025 Hotel Review: Eurostars Monte Tauro, Taormina, Sicily”
RKS Literature: Lawyers Immune to Chainsaws! (Brad Smith)
“You telling me your word is no good?” Sonny asked. “I thought that was a big deal to you people.” “You got a lot of nerve,” the old man said, and he took a step towards Sonny. Sonny raised his cane instinctively. The man looked plenty strong in spite of his years. “It’s your choice,”Continue reading “RKS Literature: Lawyers Immune to Chainsaws! (Brad Smith)”
RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero D’Avola From Sicily: Coste a Preola
Aroma: Brooding yet concentrated black cherry and blackberry. Lesser notes of cactus pear and dark chocolate. Palate: Peppery blackberry with saline influences. Tart with some fine acidity (or spiciness if you prefer that term) lending itself more for food than sipping. Tannins build in intensity with a brackish short finish. Personality: A lean Nero D’AvolaContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero D’Avola From Sicily: Coste a Preola”
RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic
In Southern Sicily on 13May2025 we visited the Villa Romana Del Casale, home of some of the most superb Roman mosaics in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villa was constructed by a prominent Roman aristocrat between the third and fourth centuries. This large countryside villa represented the height of luxury.Continue reading “RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic”
RKS Literature: The Getting and the Anticipating (Brad Smith)
“Pete sat across the table, flopped his hat in the chair beside, and took a long drink of beer. Ray sipped at his and adjusted the ball cap on his head. Cold beer was one of the things he’d dreamed about these past two years, that and firm breasts, smooth buttocks, thick steaks and clamContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Getting and the Anticipating (Brad Smith)”
RKS Travel: When in Rome Do You Want an Authentic Italian Eating Experience?
Perhaps visiting Rome this year with its Jubilee is not advisable (unless you are on a pilgrimage) as massive crowds clog main touristic sites whether it be the Vatican, the Spanish Steps and an out-of-control mob scene at the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Americans appear to be leading the pack but all in all aContinue reading “RKS Travel: When in Rome Do You Want an Authentic Italian Eating Experience?”
RKS 2025 Wine: Firriato 2023 Etna Bianco
This wine was purchased and reviewed in Taormina, Sicily on May 2025. Aroma: Lemon, lime, coal, licorice, anis and pineapple. Palate: Licorice, white pepper, charcoal and honeydew melon. Well integrated acidity. Silky and smooth with a slight jolt of a peppery finish. Personality: I am grown in volcanic soil hence my charcoal and coal characteristics.Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Firriato 2023 Etna Bianco”
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