Poetry Corner: “Reflections on the evangelical convention”

Reflections on the Evangelical Convention

The identical airwaves
not even blushingly
ineptly bilingually
majestically Christinacally present
36,000 starving Ethiopians
beg sickly bibles hidden
struggling with
the desire to brandish
meanwhile
the political arena presents
chinless wonders
cheered on by fat funeral supplier salesmen
with mistresses in mink
ex-wife’s in trailer camps
all guzzling pilsner
dancing to the wrong WASPy beat
and bare breasted skeletons sway
emaciated and ready to collapse
without the $9.99 diet drink
the sun gleams off the bones
white as miracle toothpaste
here in our own tropical destitution
the cat ravaged pigeon
limps at 30 below
the cancer nibbled janitor
tosses in his urine soaked bed
the woman twitches uncontrollably
people attempting not to gawk
and the bible failed on them
so export it
and you tell me it is time to be an optimist
well
at least the cockroaches agree
with a grin
you don’t even require a microscope
to view

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COVID Poetry Moment: “Will you kindly Shut Up!”

Will you kindly Shut Up!

Living a COVID imprisoned life is not exactly pleasant
with too many thinking these bloody statistician medicos are heaven sent
but the “public service messaging” is beginning to make my mind bent
should we not follow your incessant messaging you say we will all be dead by Lent

These public pronouncements quite frankly are excessively irrelevant and boring
dear governments with what advertising agency are you whoring?

Tonight a new public service “announcement” as we are all is this together all patriotic bullshit
get the Blue Angels soaring overhead
because your creativity and compassion has long been dead
as you run your numbers
my mind sickens and slumbers
treating us with your messages like idiotic imbecilic fools
you might as well be talking to mules
we are getting sick of your repetitive rules
you think you are on the side of some sort of divine right
I’m going to say FU and throw a big party tonight
being sure those next door neighbours are COVID snitches
the COVID police will come and cart me away
a big fine I’ll pay
and you cruel and heartless number crunchers will smile at the yahoo you caught
sorry I have put a little upward curve on your graph
As me and my Proud Boys will have a laugh
while you public health officials will put on candles and have a lonely spa bath

Chilling with some wines from Chile

Chile is the sixth largest wine producing country in the world. The average consumption is 17 litres of wine per person.

We start with a Echeverria Gran Reserva Pinot Noir from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Pinot Noir often is seen as a bit of a cash cow as Europe and North America search for inexpensive Pinot Noirs therefore plantings of it have increased in Chile. It’s reputation is not that hot but there are a few good producers to note. My favourite is Domaine Villard which produces a real whopper.

In this case I would not say the wine has what we might call “classic” Pinot Noir aromas but a reasonable semblance thereof. That’s certainly not fatal but perhaps indicative of a different terroir. There is raspberry, black cherry and perhaps a bit much oak. On the palate low on tannins. And as for fruit some blackberry and raspberry but it lacks intensity. I don’t agree when the label says the wine is rich and elegant. I would say it is thin and lacklustre.

(Echeverria Family Wines Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2018, Viña Echeverria, Molina, Chile, $15.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 485284, 750 mL, 13.5%, Robert K. Stephen Set The Bar rating 85/100).

Carmenère was thought to be Merlot for some 145 years until DNA established it was in fact Carmenère. It is becoming known as Chile’s signature grape as Malbec is for Argentina. The word Carmenère comes from the Latin carmin (crimson) which is the colour of the leaves at harvest time. This one comes from Viña San Pedro.

The nose is full of big fat and ripe black cherry along with hints of blackberry and cedar. On the palate noticeable tannins. There is black cherry, plum and raisin pie as well. I wouldn’t say that there is much complexity in the palate. I notice good minerality and earthiness to the wine. A good simple wine great with a platter of grilled meats or grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce! I would bet it will improve in the next 3-4 years.

(1865 Selected Vineyards, Carmenére 2018, D.O. Valle Del Maule, Viña San Pedro, Molina, Chile, $19.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 249201, 750 mL, 14.5%, Robert K. Stephen Set The Bar Rating 91/100).

We finish off with a Viu Manent Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley and for a bargain price of $16.95. But is it any good?

On the nose blueberry leads the charge but there is black cherry and blackberry. In comparison to Australia and Californian Cabs this wine is far more guarded. It was aged in French oak for 12 months but any detection of oak is difficult which indicates the oak barrels were old oak and subject to previous fills.

On the palate moderate and fleeting tannins. The fruit is tightly wrapped but tear the paper, so as to speak, and there is some black cherry and a tad of chocolate. On the palate I would say I am disappointed as the fruit seems imprisoned. I mean it is well made and balanced but it simply lacks the stuffing a little more fruit on the plate might give it. I reminds me of an Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon which generally speaking is nothing to be proud of.

(Viu Manet Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Valle de Colchagua, Viña Viu Manet, Santa Cruz, Chile, $16.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 569673, 750 mL, 13.5%, Robert K. Stephen Set The Bar Rating 85/100).

Poetry Corner ; “The unwitting Hitler within parents”

The unwitting Hitler within parents

Two sisters
some 40 years ago
a purchase by mother and father of a gleaming red tricycle
for the Other
with the victim despite salty semi-professional whining receiving nothing
as parental government doles out it favouritism
contracting with the grey matter commandant to supervise the laying
of the barbed wire
and land mines against Viennese
schooled underground fighters
who tack exit lights in the surrounding woods
once a week for thirty minutes

Robert K. Stephen

Virus # 26: Chapter 49: “information or propaganda?”

Chapter 49 “so what did we learn from all these plagues? Information or propaganda?”

Repeat a message incessantly whatever its intent then at some point it becomes propaganda. We think of propaganda as a necessary tool of dictatorships that think they can maintain power through the use of propaganda. However, it is used in democratic countries in times of a crisis. Look at all the propaganda spewed out by the Allied countries during the two World Wars. Posters, music, movies and speeches to name a few modes of its delivery. Even old John Wayne in the “Green Berets” carried on the propaganda tradition into the Vietnam War.

In the plagues particularly the COVIDs when money was plentiful governments became best friends with the advertising industry with 24 hours a day “advertising” “public health” announcements. The media rather played along singing the same old tunes about social distancing, wearing face masks, hand washing and the idolatry of “front line workers”. I am a physician and a front-line worker but the sappy media segments made me gag and then made me angry. Why weren’t I or other front-line workers paid for the risks we were taking. Why did it take so long for the governments of the world and corporations to jack up the pay for front-line workers? Why did hazard pay for grocery store workers terminate in the midst of the pandemics? Where was the life insurance, short term disability and long-term disability offered to front-line workers who did not have that benefit? This is the reason dear readers I became angry with the maudlin features by the media about front-line workers. Quite frankly why didn’t society demand front-line workers be treated like real heroes instead of being used as propaganda to shame the public into compliance with the governmental messaging?

I recall one day driving into work listening to my favourite classical music station and the announcer drivelled on about staying calm and moving on and how we will all get this through this together. I just snapped and started swearing and insulting this clown. I was furious at the never-ending platitudes about this pandemic. I’ll stop here before I get into a rage.

Did this propaganda work? Sadly it did. I say sadly because I am disappointed so many people sucked it up with a happy glazed smile on their face. However a small group of intellectuals and right wing open carry Yanks didn’t buy in. What an unholy alliance. And then not to bash the Millennials but they would rather drink and party on the beach and in the park super spreading themselves and their family to death. I suppose their sadly lacking college education, nose rings and tattoos somehow imparted an above it all attitude until of course their March Break and Memorial Day antics ended up killing the boozed-up segment of Millennials. This Bud is for you.

Canada puts the pressure on China against its treatment of Uyghur ethnic minority: China Canada trade and political relations continues to deteriorate

Measures Related to the Human Rights Situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

From: Global Affairs Canada

Backgrounder

Canada is gravely concerned with evidence and reports of human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China against members of the Uyghur ethnic minority and other minorities. These violations include repressive surveillance, mass arbitrary detention, torture and mistreatment, forced labour within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), and mass transfers of forced labourers from Xinjiang to provinces across China.

In coordination with international partners, Canada is adopting a comprehensive approach to defending the rights of Uyghurs and advancing measures to address the risk that goods from any country produced using forced labour from any country enter Canadian and global supply chains. This approach includes the following measures:

Prohibition of imports of goods produced wholly or in part by forced labour

Effective July 1st, 2020, the Customs Tariff Act and the Schedule to the Customs Tariff were amended to include a prohibition on the importation of goods from any country that are produced wholly or in part by forced labour. This legislation provides a basis for enforcement against goods produced by forced labour originating in or transferred from Xinjiang. This amendment enshrines in legislation the labour obligations that Canada signed on to as part of CUSMA, which apply to imports from all countries.

Xinjiang Integrity Declaration for clients 

Canadian companies that are 1) sourcing directly or indirectly from Xinjiang or from entities relying on Uyghur labour, 2) established in Xinjiang, or 3) seeking to engage in the Xinjiang market, will be required to sign a declaration when engaging with the Trade Commissioner Service, beyond receiving a briefing about the risks of doing business in this market. The declaration  acknowledges that the company: is aware of the human rights situation in Xinjiang; abides by all relevant Canadian and International laws, respects human rights, and seeks to meet or exceed OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights.

Companies are required to affirm that they are not knowingly sourcing products or services from a supplier implicated in forced labour or other human rights violations and committing to conduct due diligence on their suppliers in China to ensure there are no such linkages.

Not collaborating in good faith could result in the withdrawal of trade advocacy support and future Export Development Canada financial support.

Business Advisory on doing business with Xinjiang-related entities

Global Affairs Canada issued a business advisory to caution Canadian businesses about the risks of supply chain exposure to entities that engage in human rights abuses, including forced labour in Xinjiang and involving Uyghur ethnic minorities, with a view to helping Canadian firms  to understand the legal and reputational risks posed to companies whose supply chains rely on doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour. While these risks are not limited to Xinjiang or China, the Canadian Government considers that risks are higher in Xinjiang given conclusive evidence of human rights violations.

Enhanced advice to Canadian businesses

The Trade Commissioner Service is working with partners and private sector stakeholders to assist clients by providing enhanced advice on due diligence and risk mitigation related to supply chains and forced labour. Since July 2020 new guidelines have been shared across the Trade Commissioner Service network regarding the specific risks that Canadian firms operating in and doing business with China should carefully consider.

Export controls

In accordance with the Export and Import Permits Act, Canada will deny export permits if determined that there is a substantial risk that the export would result in a serious violation of human rights or international human rights law, including serious acts of gender-based violence. Particular scrutiny will apply to exports of advanced Canadian technology and services that could be misused or diverted towards government surveillance, repression, arbitrary detention or forced labour, in light of the evolving situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region.

Increase Responsible Business Conduct awareness linked to Xinjiang

Global Affairs Canada will convene discussions with businesses and nongovernmental organizations to raise awareness about the risks of doing business in Xinjiang, with a specific focus on ensuring the integrity of their supply-chain so they operate in accordance to relevant laws and ethical standards.

Study on forced labour and supply chain risks

Global Affairs Canada is seeking a comprehensive third-party analysis of areas of exposure to forced labour involving Uyghurs. This analysis is intended to contribute to the body of knowledge on these issues, with a view to providing Canadian companies with further advice on the risks of doing business in the region, supporting deliberations and decision-making and helping Canadian organizations to act against human rights violations.

“My Sweet Canary”: Documentary on Legendary Greek Songstress

No, this documentary is not about Greek opera star Maria Callas but a woman by the name of Rosa Sarah Eskenazi who was born in either 1897 or 1898 in the Jewish quarter of Istanbul.

Eskenazi was known in the 1930’s as the Queen of Rebetiko which can be roughly equated as the Greek blues. She was also an excellent singer of Smyrneiko. Rebetiko is greatly influenced by Anatolian music before various borders sliced it up. I see Turkish, Greek and Persian tinges to her music.

You might want to call this documentary her biography but being so dear to the heart of many Greeks perhaps the documentary might be called a tribute.

We follow three musicians skilled in Greek music from London, Jerusalem and Istanbul as they visit Istanbul, Athens and Thessaloniki trying to follow in the footsteps of Eskenazi and hook up with local musicians and play and sing as she would have done. Rest assured if you like Greek music you’ll enjoy the music you will hear in this film

Having visited Greece numerous times and been to many a Greek wedding including a couple in Greece I have had an earful of what I thought was “traditional” music but in fact was Rebetiko. Rebetiko petered out after the Second World War and subsequent “Europeanization” of Greece but was revived by students in Greece in the late sixties and early seventies.

Understanding some Greek might help you understand Rebetiko but the music and lyrics are truly soulful and sentimental often about the different aspects of love. And when most Greeks hear this music they too are transformed and swept away by it. If you see Greeks dancing to it is more than dancing but almost a melting into the music.

We hear from her biographer, family members and musicians that have worked with her. She only made one television appearance in the 1970’s. As her biographer says she has a special place in the heart of Greeks.

“Sweet Canary”, a huge success for Eskenazi, was recorded in 1934. In 1932 she was the first female to sign an exclusive recording contract with Columbia Records.

Her last appearance was in 1977 and she died in 1980 of what we today call Alzheimer’s.

When I next run into a Genie with a magic lamp I want to see Eskenazi perform in the late 1930’s!

This Israeli-Greek 2011 film was produced and directed by Roy Sher and is in several languages with English subtitles.

You can catch this film streaming at the Hellenic Film Society USA through February 6th.  In fact, the Society streams a couple of Greek films for a month starting on the first Sunday of the month. It is accessible to viewers throughout the world so check out their website https://hellenicfilmusa.org/.

You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KSRaB9Pseg&feature=emb_logo

Poetry Corner: “In the interests of productive behaviour”

In the interests of productive behaviour

Motivation
goals
group dynamics
profit sharing
job enrichment
mindfulness
tasty tidbits to woo the middle class
bribery for the otherwise belligerent
soothed with technocratic brews and of course group meditation
psychological trickery
blessed in the holy catacombs of management classes
where the ambitious
grovel at the swill bucket of possible social mobility
fed by Harvard Business School priests
sacrosantly selling communion to the highest bidder
of course

Robert K. Stephen

Poetry Corner: “It’s mainly because of the meat”

It’s mainly because of the meat (a day at the hospital)

Defying fate
the numbered pieces of meat are kept tender by the singing of the dart laden
Nightingales
they lie glistening
some in cellophane wrap
fresh and clean
for the bug eyed greedy fate regulators and their machines
white clad techno princes
sounding the charge armed with reams of slaughtered trees
and sticks that relentlessly scratch
knives or forks?
needles or thread?
charting with sage chants the ringmasters of pain
whip the remnants of human dignity
for the hungry audience of apprentices
gawking at the wisdom of the teacher
all believing
who perhaps
one day will know the power of their
Pharisees

Robert K. Stephen

Poetry Corner: “Hysterical Silence”

Hysterical silence

Majestic craggy mysticism
awe inspiring
timeless
proud
towering over the Ken and Barbie dwarfs
with the $599 I Phone imaginations
snapping like spoilt poodles
(which were left at the 5 star kennel)

Soon their blind eyes tire
such strenuous activity!
they can see the damn massifs on the home screen anyways
now its off to air conditioned retreats
with pleather seats
deodorized compartments of the living dulled

down the road another scenic lookout
more innocent corrupted children
chocolate smeared faces
stuffed at a simulated logger’s camp
“all you can eat buffet”

Belly protruding leader of the pack
bermudaed intelligence office instinct
hunter of the high dividend
decked his wife with gold and diamonds
that mean so much
and even more to the neighbours

and all gather at the lookout
object of mockery they are
the craggy mountains laugh
in hysteria
kings and queens of it all

Robert K. Stephen