RKS Literature: The Distinction Between Nationalism and Patriotism (George Orwell)

“By “patriotism” I mean a devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best place in the world but has no wish to force upon other people. Patriotism by its very nature is defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.”

George Orwell, “Notes on Nationalism”, 1945.

RKS Literature: International Sports Mimics Warfare (George Orwell)

“At the international level sport is frankly mimic warfare but the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators and behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests, and seriously believe-at any rate for short periods- that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.”

George Orwell, “Notes on Nationalism-The Sporting Spirit)”, 1945.

“Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom”: “FROM THE WHITE ROCKET TO THE WHITE TURTLE”

FROM THE WHITE ROCKET TO THE WHITE TURTLE

Bob has noted my speed when chasing squirrels. I can run like the wind and have great dexterity. My winter walks were always brisk and we could always get from A to B Lickety Split.

Now our walks have slowed down. The snow is shrinking exposing wonderful patches of grass. For some reason I must sniff here, there and EVERYWHERE leaving little time for walking. I don’t know what I am searching for. Like that U2 song “I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For”. When I find it I will let you know.

RKS Poetry Anthology: “The Attraction of High Fashion”

The Attraction of High Fashion

Beautiful people

Beautiful bodies

Beautiful faces

Anorexia inspiration!

Old rich vampirish geezers google-eyed fixated on the runway

Being and watching the sirloin cuts of life

But another photograph away but

For now

Clicking and whirring

Anemic furiousity

All for the new fall line

Fabricating the New Lifestyle

For all to enjoy to suffer

Robert K. Stephen

RKS Literature: International Sports and an Orgy of Hatred (George Orwell)

“I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill between nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or cricket, they would have no inclination to meet on the battlefield. Even if one didn’t know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of violence, one could deduce it from general principles.”

George Orwell, “Notes on Nationalism-The Sporting Spirit)”, 1945.

RKS Poetry Anthology (All We Get Are The Coffee Grinds): “WARD 23 A”

WARD 23 A

Eating burgers and sipping Fanta

An entire ward of men gone banana

We watched the idiot (did you have to say that word so loudly) box

Lawrence Welk (or was it Bert Parks) jumped out and grabbed me

But I pushed him back into the tube

Ed Sullivan used to stroll out in the old days but now he is gone

We said

Hello

Shared our smokes and went our different ways

But look out

Johnny is out and beating up old Merv

Thank God the men in white kicked them out (no visitors allowed here)

But shit they just broke the television and we’ll miss Captain Kangaroo and the Brady Bunch

But they have a heart we now have a colour one

Oh wow! Golly no!

Where did that Dick Nixon go

But that’s OK Gerry Ford is for me

Tomorrow we have him for tea

Golly Gee

I don’t think you believe me!

Robert K. Stephen

RKS Literature: Freedom Compared to the Poor Female Cousin in Certain Middle-Class Families (Albert Camus)

“Among us, for instance, in Western Europe, freedom is officially approved. But such freedom makes me think of the poor female cousin in certain middle-class families. She has become a widow, she has lost her natural protector. So she has been taken in, given a room in the top floor, and is welcome in the kitchen. She is occasionally paraded publicly on Sunday to prove that one is virtuous and not a dirty dog. But for everything else, she is requested to keep her mouth shut.”

Albert Camus, “Bread and Freedom”, 1953.

RKS Literature: The Death of a Lying and Comfort Loving Europe (Albert Camus)

“Let us rejoice, indeed, at having witnessed the death of a lying and comfortable Europe and being faced by cruel truths. Let us rejoice as men because a prolonged hoax has collapsed and we see clearly what threatens us.”

Albert Camus, “Create Dangerously”, 1957.

RKS Literature: The Justification of a Writer (Albert Camus)

“We must know that we can never escape the common misery and that our only justification, if indeed there is any justification, is to speak up, insofar as we can, for those who cannot do so. But we must do so for all those that are suffering at the moment, whatever may be the glories, past or future, of the States and parties oppressing them: for the artist there are no privileged torturers.”

Albert Camus, “Create Dangerously”, 1957.

RKS 2026 ITALIAN WINE: A Primitivo from Tommasi not a Zinfandel from NAPA!

To assuage those North Americans intimidated by the name Primitivo why not simplify and say it is Zinfandel.

The wine is from the Apulia region of Italy.

It is 100% Primitivo grape grown in limestone soil rich in iron.

It was fermented in stainless steel and spent 12 months in oak casks.

Aroma: Black cherry predominates with blueberry, cactus pear, dark chocolate and a tiny bit of cherry Jello. Well integrated oak.

Palate: Robust. A bit brackish. Blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and dates. Moderately long finish. Acids and tannins in complete balance.

Personality: I may be robust as can be expected from the wines of Apulia but you may enjoy me as a sipping wine although best consumed with food.

Food Match: Pesto encrusted leg of lamb. Traditional turkey dinner provided lots of cranberry sauce on the table.

Cellarbility: Consume in 2026.

Price: $20 CDN.

RKS 2026 Italian Wine Rating: 90/100. Wine Enthusiast 90.

(Masseria Surani 2021 Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Tommasi, Viticoltori, San Pietro in Cariano, Italy, 750 mL, 13.5%).