RKS Literature: A Furious and Bewildered Rage in America (James Baldwin)

“I am not one of the people who believe that oppression imbues a people with wisdom or insight or sweet charity: though the survival of the Negro in this country would simply not have been possible if this bitterness had been all that he felt. In America life seems to move faster than anywhere else on the globe and each generation is promised more than it will get: which creates in each generation, a furious, bewildered rage, the rage of the people who cannot find solid ground beneath their feet.”

James Baldwin, “Notes of a Native Son”, 1955.

RKS Literature: The Negro and the Jew in The United States (James Baldwin)

“It seems unlikely within this complicated structure any real and systematic cooperation can be achieved between Negroes and Jews. (This in terms of the over-all social problem and is not meant to imply that individual friendships are impossible or that they are valueless when they occur) The structure of the American commonwealth has trapped both these minorities into attitudes of perpetual hostility. They do not dare trust each other-the Jew because he feels he must climb higher on the American social ladder and has, so far as he is concerned, nothing to gain from identification with any minority even more unloved than he: while the Negro is even in the less tenable position of not trusting anyone.”

James Baldwin, “Notes of a Native Son”, 1955.

RKS 2024 Wine:  Frogpond Croaker of an Ontario Gamay! Colonoscopy Memories

Generally speaking, organic wines are cleaner tasting than non-organic. How many dead wines do we encounter? Probably too many. Spray and spray and eventually kill the soil. God help you if you have any vegetation growing between rows of vines. Why would you want to have sheep munching on the growth between the vines? Forget sheep poop as a fertilizer when we have chemicalized fertilizer pellets? Dead wine has little vibrancy and almost no taste but so much cheaper to produce than organic.

Can a Frogpond Farm 2019 Organic Gamay Noir from Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario be deserving of a round of applause?

Aroma: Vibrant cherry, raspberry, strawberry and forgive me for saying this very clean and pure.

Palate: Light, perhaps too light, bits and flecks of cherry, strawberry and raspberry streaming by like on a colonoscopy monitor. Aaargh!!! Nasty acidity kills the appeal of this wine. Should I have known better when the LCBO Vintages catalogue (17Feb2024) described in part the wine as “tangy”. Tangy perhaps a polite excuse for fierce acidity reminiscent of a Vinho Verde white or dare I say an oxidized wine? Funny that I recently tasted a Gamay from a god of Niagara winemaking. It had indigenous yeast and was close to a pre-admission to wine heaven according to gurus of this winemaker god. It was, in my opinion (for whatever that is worth) seriously compromised by acidity.

Personality: Leave me alone as I am on an acid trip man! Who needs, cannabis, shrooms or LSD when you have this acidic wine to groove on?

Food Match: Green tomato pasta in late October here in Ontario. This wine will be a fizzy as root beer by then.

Cellarbility: Stay out of your cellar as the acidity of this wine might cause major damage in any Chernobyl spill.

Price: $18.95 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 82/100. Wine Align 86.

(Frogpond Farm, 2019 Organic Gamay Noir, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Frogpond Farm, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 750 mL, 12.1%).

RKS 2024 Wine: Côtes-du-Rhône Preferred to Côtes du Moan

You won’t be emitting moans when imbibing most Côtes du Rhônes. That is not to say you won’t encounter tastelessness or excess acidity but rarely. Expect Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault in the mix for a Côtes-du-Rhône red.

We try La Croix de Beauliac Creation 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône. 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.

Aroma: With a sizeable influence of almost overly ripe strawberries Grenache is obviously hard at work here. There are black cherries, raspberries and a touch of coal.

Palate: Full bodied with substantial power. Moderate tannins initially but they increase in intensity. Medium and mildly chalky/peppery finish. Some blackberry and blueberry.

Food Match: A Bucky Burger for me from my favourite bistro in New York Les Deux Amis at 356 East 51st which is a stone’s throw from the United Nations. A charming mix of 1970 New York and traditional French neighbourhood bistro.

Personality: A great bistro wine for beef! I am firm and muscular and delightfully simple.

Cellarbility: Drink by 2024-year end.

Price: $15 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 89/100. Natalie MacLean 95.

(La Croix de Beauliac 2021 AOP Côtes-du-Rhône, Florian Mathieu, Valros, France, 14.5%, 750 mL).

“Travels to a Different Time” :17July2005 Estoril, Portugal: A Visit to Guincho Beach: A Real-Life Rick’s Cafe

Packed up the Megane and off southbound to Estoril. Uneventful drive although finding the entrance to the Hotel Palacio was a bit tricky. Alex and Andrew had a suite beside ours. Two levels and three bathrooms in each suite. We are right beside the Orson Welles Suite. He stayed here when in Estoril. We face the ocean.

Orson Welles Suite next to ours!

The Palacio is one of Portugal’s top hotels. During World War Two Portugal was neutral and the hotel was a Rick’s Café like in the film Casablanca. Spies and displaced aristocracy and gold, jewelry and diamonds were often used as “cash”.

I spoke to the concierge Mario and he recommended a restaurant Beluarte a short distance away. He also recommended Guincho Beach as the best beach in Portugal. I went for a brief walk after chatting with Mario. There is a large park directly fronting the hotel. There was some sort of youth festival there including skateboard ramps and an air force recruiting centre. Just across the park was a Pharmacia and a pasteleria. Bought some wine and huge Spanish peaches. Before dinner a glass of red Casa de Colheria a Vinho Regional Ribatejo lighter and fruiter than a Douro red.

At 16:00 off to Guincho Beach. Parking was difficult but found a spot on the side of the road. Guincho Beach is huge with enormous waves and much wind hence its reputation in Europe as its best wind surfing beach. Typically freezing water. We stayed a couple of hours. A traffic jam arriving and leaving. Had a shower and put on a plush bathrobe and felt just like not going out but made a reservation at Beluarte so off we went. A delicious meal starting with a platter of cheese, ham, spiced olives with some paté. I had the sea bream and Andrew the shrimp and squid kebab while Alex and Fotini the mixed shellfish grill. Went to the youth festival at the park and a suspicious bunch of youth were hiding in the shadows smoking some weed. The band playing seemed to lack energy so we headed home after a few numbers.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog” : The Final Cut: Poofy the Poodle and Penny on Saltie Patrol: Chapter Sixty Five (65)

You may recall Poofy the Poodle we used for backup security at a Mr. Gordon Lightfoot concert in Toronto. Nicole Kidman was concerned about the safety of the multitude of dogs on the set considering the amount of Saltie attacks on and near the beaches of Darwin where the film “The Life of Dogs” is being filmed. “Salties” are what Australians call saltwater crocodiles. They are huge, fast and like coyotes in the suburbs of Los Angeles prefer dogs on their plate.

Are you joking! Can Poofy defend the cast against a huge Saltie?

Cognizant Team Reggie has previously used Poofy the Poodle, Nicole has contracted with Poofy’s owner Virgil Cowala for Poofy the Poodle to provide special Saltie security on the film sites. Are you laughing? How can a 9-pound miniature poodle provide security facing a 400-pound Saltie? Poofy the Poodle has been trained by Virgil Cowala and his Gatorboys in Saltie management. In her hometown of Perth she is known as “Speedy Piranha”. This dog is so fast at full speed she makes Mad Max look slow. Agile and deadly if need be. Her tiny teeth are so sharp they are akin to those to that of Piranha. Combine speed, agility and razor teeth Poofy can and has taken out a few overly aggressive Salties before they know what hit them. Team Reggie has difficulty understanding this little toughster’s Australian accent. WELCOME TO THE RATPACK POOFY!

I should add Penny has volunteered to do an hourly aerial sweep of the sets and surrounding beach to spot rogue Salties. With her mini rocket weaponized Oodlecopter she can take out a Saltie no problem. Of course that will never happen!

RKS 2024 Film: “ Praying For Armageddon”: The End of the World…..Again

Watching “Praying For Armageddon” what struck me was the look of the Christian fundamentalists in this documentary. I thought for a moment these were the same faces and personalities as in the “Freedom Convoy” which descended in Ottawa on 22January2022. Ostensibly their protest centred on COVID governmental restrictions on individual liberty but were much broader so the event resembled some right wing Trumpian rally of the disaffected Canadian style. There was also that same “look” of the militias storming about Washington on January 6th. A failed coup attempt? A Christian threat to democracy? Bible thumping akin to pounding on the war drums?

“Praying for Armageddon” follows or better said exposes Christian fundamentalist power in the United States attempting to shape U.S. foreign policy particularly in Israel and the Mid East. “Christian Zionists”, as they are referred to, cherry pick the Bible, believing there must first be a unified Israel threatened by hordes of non-believers wishing to exterminate it leading to a final battle where Christ will appear on a white horse and brandishing a bloody sword to deliver all good Christians from the barbarians. The blood shed will be up to the bridle of a horse! Those accepting Christ prior to the final battle will be “enraptured”.

Fundamentalist Christians desire Armageddon for their selfish salvation. And they exert tremendous influence in Washington attempting to have Biblical prophecy be United States foreign policy. Could this be why the United States refuses to support a ceasefire in Palestine? That would delay Armageddon. Could this be why the Trump administration infuriated Palestinians by agreeing to the relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv?

The reach of Christian fundamentalists in “Washington” and in the United States military is frightening. Politicians rub elbows with John Hagee a fundamentalist Christian and founder of “Christians United for Israel”. Then there is Ralph Drollinger with his Capitol Ministries in Washington giving “biblical clarity” to politicians, holds bible studies with members of Congress and at one point with the members of the Trump cabinet. That omnipresent fear, or is but a rallying cry against the LGBTQ community, abortion and just about any liberal thought in a goal to establish a theocracy. Yes the biggest component of the January 6th were Christian fundamentalists. 

The Crusades are upon us again!  Biker Gary Burd of the Mission M25 Ministry knights a rag tag group of those Crusaders. Yes I am becoming familiar with the Christian fundamentalist manner of thinking and dress. There is incredible similarity to the Trump nation!

Enough said. Worth a watch. Somewhat of a dramatic beginning with scenes of violence, war, civil disturbances, and natural disasters initially annoying but in the mindset of these Christian fundamentalists their imperative reality.

Directed by Tonje Hessen Schei and Michael Rowley.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 93/100.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog” : The Final Cut: Cast and Crew Party for “A Dog Saved My Life”: Meeting Mel Gibson: Croc Protection and Poofy the Poodle: Nicole Kidman wants the Rat Pack to Meet Julian: Chapter Sixty Four (64)

Outside our villa by the pool is where the cast and crew party will be held. The menu will be steak, chicken, rabbit and saltwater crocodile filets. The Australians in Darwin call the saltwater crocodile “Salties”. Dylan the Westie, Penny, Bosco and I think we will score some meat! “We Dogs Love Meat!”. There are salads, lots of vegetables and Australian desserts one with a strange name “Impossible Pie”. There are many hot appetizers too.

Before the party 6 cases of Malivoire Wine arrive. 3 of Niagara Gamay and 3 of Niagara Chardonnay. It would be apparent that Martin Malivoire, the special effects guy for the film is behind this.

So the guests arrive rather quickly at 19:00 with Tasmanian sparkling wine flowing in great quantities.

Wait a minute do I see Mel Gibson coming through the door? His “Mad Max” film put Australian film on the world’s radar. Both Dylan the Westie and I love the rawness and stark reality of that film. In our film Mr. Gibson is playing Percival Digger, Alice’s third husband who smacked her around. Us dogs run over to Mr. Gibson and we give him a gentle bark. He compliments Dylan the Westie’s and my Hamilton Tiger Cats jerseys we are showing off. As Dylan the Westie and I are in the film he wishes us to “break a leg”!

Nicole is a beautiful woman but so far she has been in old jeans and a ratty T-shirt but now she is wearing a fancy dress with her make up on and she looks like a real movie star. I become a wee bit apprehensive thinking I’ll be her co-star. Can I do it? I hope she is not dressed all fancy when I act with her. I would like to think of her as a regular person not a movie star.

As the barbeques are heating up Nicole Kidman asks for attention and says, “Please Welcome Canada’s Gordon Lightfoot”. Mr. Gordon Lightfoot performs “Sundown”, “Carefree Highway” and “Early Morning Rain” to wild applause. He will be doing a 5 date Australian tour in a couple of days with shows in Perth, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane and Melbourne and Bosco will be staying with us during his tour.

Big clouds of aromatic smoke drift over our heads. Us dogs are getting a special meal of chopped steak, crocodile filet, green beans, mashed potatoes and carrots. No chicken kibble tonight!

I am meeting so many interesting people many of whom have seen the two Disney films about me. The party wraps at 11 as the crew wants their beauty sleep!  Dylan the Westie had fallen asleep under the dessert table. Nicole and Fay take us for a walk. Bob has another piece of Impossible Pie with a “stickie” wine from Eradus winery in New Zealand. He is in deep discussion with Mr. Gibson about the brilliance of “Mad Max”.

By the time we return from our walk the caterers are packing up. I give increasingly focused attention about the dog bite in Cairo that sent me to the animal hospital. It was no coincidence as it is why I am in Darwin now having the time of my life. Allah, Buddha or God works in mysterious ways.

Man the Rat Pack is back! Bosco, Penny, Dylan the Westie and I are sleeping in the same room! I immediately crash out in my Winnipeg Blue Bombers doggie bed dreaming of giving the performance of my life with Nicole Kidman!

Nicole is out by the pool smoking a cigarette and calls me over. She advises me Poofy the Poodle will be arriving tomorrow for “Saltie protection”. The insurance company insuring the production of “A Dog’s Life” is demanding it. She also adds in a few days I would like you to meet Julian. Who is this Julian?

RKS 2024 Wine: Greek Wine from Monemvasia Winery

The 2014 Monemvasia Red is a blend of 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Mavroudi. We do see some Agiorgitiko in Canada but Mavroudi is a grape I am not familiar with.

In Greek, at least that which I am familiar with, “mavros” means black. It is no surprise that Mavroudi grapes are nearly black in colour. It is used in the production of dark red wines as a blend or on its own. It is relatively rare. It has a somewhat heavy aroma, a sweet rich taste and rather hefty tannins so some mid term ageing as a minimum is required. The cunning Ulysses is said to have offered wine from this variety to the Cyclops.

The wine is designated Protected Geographical Indications of Lakonia which is located in Sparta so it is no surprise the winery has a white wine called “Three Hundred White”.

One year oak ageing 75% new and 25% second fill.

Aroma: Very rich black cherry with ripe blackberry.

Palate: Despite being 9 years out the tannins are evident but not ripping to the extent I would say food is not mandatory to enjoy the wine. A long penetrating black cherry and blackberry finish. This Greek wine really flashes its fruit like the man opening his raincoat to sell stolen watches.

Personality: A forceful Spartan warrior. Precise, meticulous and deadly,,,deadly delicious that is.

Food Match: Souzoukakia (Greek Sausages in Tomato Sauce).

Cellarbility: Drink by 2026-year end.

Price: $23.95 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 92/100.93 Olly Smith decanter.com.

(Monemvasios Tsimbidi 2014 Dry Red Wine, PGI Lakonia, Monemvasia Winery, Tsimbidi, Greece, 750 mL, 13%).

“Travels to a Different Time” : 16July2005 Nazaré/Obidos/Albacoca, Portugal:

I was the first to wake up at 08:00 so while the rest of the crew was sleeping I caught up on my diary while sitting outside on the veranda overlooking the town and the ocean. Good to hear the rooster crowing as it has been sometime since I had heard that sound. In the town below you hear dogs barking. Portugal has many stray dogs. Thank goodness no aggressive ones have lunged at us. I saw a part Dalmatian walk by us yesterday. Breakfast was fine but not up to pousada standards we have encountered. The breakfast room is very plain. The hotel has a cookie cutter feel and at 190 Euros overpriced. Drove to Obidos a walled town with a castle. There was some type of “fair” occurring with local merchants in medieval garb selling ye olde souvenirs. Main street full of tacky souvenir stores. The real charm of Obidos are the narrow cobbled side streets, white washed homes with red tiled roofs. No tawdriness.

Having the appropriate footwear Andrew and I walked along the top of the castle walls. One wrong move and over you topple! The walls encircle the city and since it is on top of the hill you have a spectacular view of the town below. Fields with crops are seen in the distance. Tried some of the town’s famous Ginja cherry liqueur. Sweet but delicious. Bought a bottle of it and a bottle of Obidos red wine. Just a snack of water and juice as we ate such a big breakfast. Andrew amused himself by taking a few photos of a billy goat that was tethered nearby. Stopped at a couple of local churches. Interesting here in Portugal many of the churches have blue tiled walls.

Off in the car to Albacoca which we were trapped in some construction detour but managed to visit the Mosterio de Santa Maria. Returned to Nazaré and Alex and I went into town to pick up an entire grilled chicken, fries and a side of ribs. I went to the corner store to buy some Sumol and a bottle of cold white wine. The chicken was superb. The meal cost 20 Euros. Alex and I went out for an after dinner walk and encountered a church service that had just ended in a nearby church.