The Lonely Lebanese; Château Ksara

Lebanon is not exactly a hopping wine destination. However as a former French colony, like Algeria, it does produce a limited amount of wine. Two of its wines are available at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

Château Ksara is perhaps one of the best-known labels at least here in Canada. And not surprisingly we have a wine from a French grape Carignan from the Bekka Valley.

Chateau Ksara was founded in 1857 by Jesuit monks and the wine is from 60-year-old vines wild fermented in the Jesuit’s original concrete tanks. The grapes were grown at an altitude of 1,200 metres.

First comment here is that it needs time to breathe as initially its nose can be a tad corky which is not always fatal but might spell trouble in a year or so. Decant for half an hour prior to serving. On the nose red cherry, dates, beet juice, cherry pie and blackberry jam.

On the palate tannins are low. There are notes of prunes, red cherry, red plums with somewhat of a peppery long finish. It is a wine of simplicity and would pair well with roast or grilled lamb or roasted butternut squash, carrots, potatoes drizzled with olive oil and some maple syrup and crushed almonds.

I would say drink this year.

(Château Ksara Old Vines Carignan 2018, Bekka Valley, Lebanon, Château Ksara, Bekka Valley, Lebanon, $20.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 18221, 750 mL, 13%, Robert K. Stephen, A little birdie told me Rating 89/100).

Beyond Me Mindfulness: What is it?

After practicing mindfulness over the past few years I am coming to the conclusion that much of it is about the self.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a technique used to control and manage your stress. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is about managing psychiatric issues one may have. It seems to be a “me game”.

Many of its values are about you and you only. Even compassion-based meditation where you send good wishes, hopes for safety and health to third parties seems designed to make you feel better about yourself.

Perhaps one might say mindfulness is about technique. Meditation is for you. It improves your health.

Surely mindfulness is about more than the individual.

We should investigate a concept of “value based mindfulness” where one takes into consideration those about you more than simply you.

Using the publication “16 Guidelines for Life” we can try and bring some values into a mindfulness practice if that helps you become a better person. Of course, if mindfulness is working for you and you are happy with you no need to push the boundaries. But mindfulness should be more than “a practice” but a way of life and a Buddhist secular approach might give us some guidance.

Beyond Me Mindfulness: Principles

While politics are often driven by ideologies human life is guided by principles or a personal ideology if you like. Your principles can be misguided and fallacious or they can be evil and entirely selfish somewhat like former President Donald Trump where his principles were staying in power and threatening and bullying those who have principles that differ from his.

You can be mindful only as regards yourself and that may work out well for you. But practitioners of mindfulness often emphasize compassion and reduction of human suffering as some of their key goals which means regard for the world beyond me. One can only hope your principles extend to how you interact with others.

Just about all the features of beyond me mindfulness focus on how we treat those around us. Those with no principles can be subject to third party manipulation but even those with principles aligned with those they admire can equally be subject to manipulation. Principles can be a double-edged sword.

I would argue there is a sense of universally accepted goodness that enables one to determine if principles are to be admired or shunned. I do not wish to be flaky on that point but an ability to detect goodness is really an innate ability we all possess. The key is to be able to identify your principles and implement them consistently. Hypocrisy is close relative of a lack of principles.

For example, only 42% of Canadians according to a recent poll, remained in their bubble over Christmas and New Years. 58% did not and over 20 politicians (and still counting) left the country on vacation despite the fact these politicians and their medico allies were urging everyone to stay in their bubble of the holidays. The principle of trust was sadly abused and exposed the politicians warming their toes in warm water in holiday destinations and the 58% as having little regard for their fellow citizens and their super spreader behaviour blazed away brilliantly in front of all Canadians as people with no care about decreasing human suffering. I suspect many of these selfish people were at one point criticizing the Trump super spreader rallies are really no different than Trump and his campaign advisers. Their principles are the same selfish all about me.

As Allison Murdoch and Deyki-Lee Oldershaw write in their “16 Guidelines for Life, “Principles help us make friends and work together for good causes. They are a message, a badge of identity, which inspires confidence about who we are, how we operate and what we represent. If we know someone will never tell a lie, then we also know we will never be deceived by them. If we know they will never resort to physical force, then we are not at risk of violence. Our principles can make a refuge for everyone around us.”

Mindfulness: Compassion as a key foundation and compassion vs. empathy

Practitioners of mindfulness soon realize compassion is a key component of mindfulness. There is self-compassion and compassion for others. If you can’t be compassionate with yourself how can you be compassionate to others?

In fact there are even specialized meditations that focus on compassion.

I would argue if you can’t exercise compassion for yourself you may be setting yourself up for undue misery. Assume a terrible event has occurred in your life and you are bothered with it. You can be bitter and resentful if you react to that terrible event leading to emotional upset. Or you can respond to that event by showing some compassion to yourself. Through showing this compassion you may overcome the event, learn to accept it and believe it or not you might even be thankful for the event or it may be a combination of all three. You can’t truly escape sorrow but you can “manage” it so it does not become self destructive.

I refer to the “arrow story” for a bit of analogy. You are shot with an arrow and are in pain. If you start criticizing yourself for a myriad of reasons for being an easy target you are heaping fuel to the fire accomplishing little but adding to your pain.

Assuming one is not a psychopath or sociopath compassion is infinite or can be infinite.

It is as simple as closing your eyes and giving yourself or anyone else compassion. Recognize the sadness, anger or whatever the negative emotion is swirling in your head and send kind wishes of health, safety, understanding and in some cases forgiveness. Compassion has become so important there is actually a companion to mindfulness called compassionate cultivation training. Compassion does lead to a degree of neuroplasticity.

Empathy can be somewhat tricky in mindfulness. Empathy is in essence connecting with yourself or a third party and can be painful and draining. Perhaps instead of feeling for yourself or that third party send out thoughts of compassion.

Listen to the following short talk by author Paul Bloom on compassion vs. empathy. https://mindfulnessexercises.com/empathy-compassion/

Beyond Me Mindfulness; “Service”

Service means a giving of yourself to others for the purpose of helping their purpose and goals. The mere fact you are giving yourself immediately enables you to traverse the “me” barrier.

One hopes humans have the ability to determine if the service is for a worthy cause. In this regard there are bad purposes and ambitions you can give service to and increase human suffering. Determining if you are offering service to a “good cause” involves a value judgement not all individuals can readily make. Like if you are offering your services to the anti-abortion movement is this a good cause? What moral code can we adhere to determine the validity and decency of our service? We are at the mercy of reliance on individuals to assess what is good service. Quite frankly beyond me mindfulness characteristics may often be used for evil so at the end of the day you have to decide if your service is for promoting suffering for humanity or reducing it.

In simplistic terms you are making someone’s life better. In the easily recognizable forms it is giving someone or organization your time as a community service. It can be volunteering as a hockey coach, sorting food at a community foodbank or volunteering at a charitable organization.

Your giving of time to third parties shows you are interested in more than yourself. This giving has the ability to make you happier as you feel better about yourself. I can only hope it is a genuine act of your heart and not simply a sense of duty. As Martin Luther King stated, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

As Alison Murdoch and Deyki-Lee Oldershaw say in their “16 Guidelines For Life”, ‘The people who serve most deeply and sincerely seem to be those who can expose themselves the most fully to another person’s needs and problems. It can be painful and difficult to open up to the suffering of someone else. Our minds recoil, seeking a more pleasurable focus of attention. Yet if we can stay open and aware, we may find the answer for many of our own needs and dilemma.’

Beyond Me Mindfulness: Delight

Do you notice when you are delighted much of your anger, frustration, jealously and all sorts of bad emotions get shunted aside. Delight is a powerful tool. It is rather up to you how you want to feel. Of course, you can’t be like a zombie with glazed eyes walking about in a state of delight but equally you can’t dwell on the negative and be a raging bull.

Let’s take a look at COVID. Anywhere from toilet paper and sanitary wipes hoarding can make you frustrated and angry but being in the present moment if those supplies are gone and appear on Amazon at 4 times their normal price what can you do about it? What is the use of getting steamed up about it?

On the other hand if you express some delight at the person shopping that gives you a 36 pack of toilet paper as that person sees how disappointed you were at not snagging one as you were in the back of the crowd why not express some delight to yourself and that person. Why not be delighted that grocery stores are open so food is on your table

Poetry Corner: “Donald J. Trump: The Far Right Joan of Arc”

Donald J. Trump: The Far-Right Joan of Arc

It could be very well true that Trump is responsible for the attempted overthrow
of the United States Government or at least inciting a riot
whatever the case history will label him a bumbling fool
perhaps even a Russian tool
to the far-right in anticipation of his command they started to drool
their minds saturated of jargon and lies with brains indicating they emanated from a cesspool

The United States courts will fully prosecute the Capitol Building marauders
quite frankly no one will mind the clean-up of these open carry morons
one particularly bright one carrying a Confederate flag
the logical result is that the Orange Toad’s popularity will sag
and rightfully the Democrats will brag
but with a successful impeachment may cause a little snag

Yes those calling for accountability
of this Mar-a-Lago piece of pity
make a good point as don’t we all like law and order
and justice dealt to a twit of a farter
but hey for a starter
the more you ruffle the man’s feathers
there is the unintended fact for starters
you may have created a martyr
let’s not denigrate Joan of Arc
for this sneaky shark
and unleash a storm trooper militia bark

Robert K. Stephen

Poetry Corner: “DDR (East Germany) Circus Memories

DDR (East German Democratic Republic) Circus Memories

My feelings debased on the circus ring
subordinated to DDR beer breath mouths
soon the master with the whip and the back ripping brush
but I’ll look so pretty
shiny fur and gleaming coat

They came to see the untamed beast
ruffian and uncouth champion of the jungle
I attempt a roar
the tears choke
i should be laughing
but the whip exclaims “NO”
I attempt a roar
the tears choke
not here for my public currency declines
my worth depends on them
the ugly crowd, judge and jury
rather mimics the enslaved DDR citizenry penury
guilty is the animal without the big clap

God help those whose cage has no bars
and they so slowly strangle their pretensions of dignity
while I at least have none
that being the dignity they will never see

Robert K. Stephen

“Anna”: Greek Short Film Has You Wondering Who Anna is?

Poor Papou ( translated in English as grandfather), Michalis Maratheftis, (Spiros Stavrinides) is an aged Greek famer apparently in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s. Being unable to care for himself his family has hired Maria (Imee Lysandrou), a Filipina domestic, as live-in caregiver.

Papou is often in an agitated state as Alzheimer’s patients can be. He sits watching Greek soap operas whose unreality rather matches his lack of reality.

But he continually repeats the name “Anna” and thinks Maria is Anna.

Maria is not treated well by Mrs. Melpo (Elena Efstathiou), who is Papou’s daughter. Melpo calls Maria “girl” and has her also working in the fields with other domestic workers who are rudely treated by the farm’s manager.

Maria suggests to Melpo that it might be good if Papou could get into the fields for some fresh air as he is confined inside all day. Melpo retorts that Maria should mind her own business and Papou’s life is not worth living and he’s better off dead. A daughter with a heart of gold.

Maria discovers a box of old photographs and who Anna is revealed. Through great effort Papou reveals all. He is haunted by a lifetime of regrets that despite his demented state he has the power to retrieve.

A touching story of devotion and caring countered by a selfish, rude and crude daughter. The only true affection and concern shown is by Maria yet it is in no way reciprocated.

I can’t reveal Anna’s identity. I will leave that up to you!

A powerful short film about growing old and being cast aside and the shabby treatment of foreign workers in Greece.

Stavrinides gives a strong performance and an unpleasant reminder of the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Lysandrou gives a sensitive and compassionate portrayal of a dedicated domestic. Efstathiou is the epitome of the “evil stepmother” of Cinderella fame.

This 23-minute short is brought to us through the Hellenic Film Society USA and feel free to check out their website for purchase film views the first Sunday of each month running for the entire month. Their website can be accessed here https://hellenicfilmusa.org/

“Anna” is a freebie though and you can see it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQBSdflW8OI

The film is 23 minutes long and is directed by Spiros Charlalambous in Greek with English subtitles.

Ontario Extends Lockdown….yet again

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order across Most of the Province to Save Lives

Public Health Units to Gradually Return to the COVID-19 Response Framework

February 8, 2021

Office of the Premier

TORONTO — In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the government is moving to a regional approach and maintaining the shutdown in the majority of the public health regions in Ontario, including the Stay-at-Home order and all existing public health and workplace safety measures. When it is safe to do so, the province will gradually transition each region from the shutdown measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the “Framework”).

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“Our number one priority will always be protecting the health and safety of all individuals, families and workers across the province,” said Premier Ford. “But we must also consider the severe impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses. That’s why we have been listening to business owners, and we are strengthening and adjusting the Framework to allow more businesses to safely reopen and get people back to work.”

To support the province’s economic recovery, the government has updated the Framework to allow for a safer approach to retail. Limited in-person shopping in Grey-Lockdown zones will be permitted with public health and safety measures, such as limiting capacity to 25 per cent in most retail settings. In addition, public health and safety measures in retail settings will be strengthened for other levels of the Framework. Individuals will also be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distance when indoors in a business, with limited exceptions.

Other measures include a requirement for individuals to wear a face covering when attending an organized public event or gathering (where permitted) if they are within two metres distance of another individual who is not part of their household (both indoor and outdoor). All other requirements for gatherings and organized public events would be maintained.

Based on the improving local trends of key indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, improving hospital capacity, and available public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, the following three regions will be moving back to the Framework at the Green-Prevent level on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and will no longer be subject to the Stay-at-Home order:

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health;
Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and
Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

Due to the fact that public health trends are improving in some regions faster than others, the current Stay-at-Home order will be amended and individual orders making it applicable to each public health region will be made except for the three above. It is proposed that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply to 28 public health regions until Tuesday, February 16, 2021. For Toronto, Peel and York regions, it is proposed that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply until Monday, February 22, 2021. Final decisions will be subject to review of the trends in public health indicators at that time.

“While we have seen some progress in our fight against COVID-19, the situation in our hospitals remains precarious and the new variants pose a considerable threat to all of us,” said Minister Elliott. “As we cautiously and gradually transition out of the provincewide shutdown, we have developed an emergency brake system giving us the flexibility to contain community spread quickly in a specific region, providing an extra layer of protection.”

Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province’s pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an “emergency brake” to allow for immediate action if a public health unit region experiences rapid acceleration in COVID-19 transmission or if its health care system risks becoming overwhelmed. If this occurs, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, may advise immediately moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission.

“While we are seeing our numbers trend in the right direction, our situation remains precarious as the variants of concern remain a serious risk,” said Dr. Williams. “This is not a re-opening or a ‘return to normal’ and we must continue to limit close contact to our immediate households and stay at home except for essential reasons. By continuing to follow all public health and workplace safety measures, we can continue to reduce the number of new cases and the strain on our health system.”

In addition, the provincial emergency declared under s 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) will be allowed to terminate at the end of February 9, 2021. While the provincewide Stay-at-Home order will cease to apply in some regions as of February 10, 2021, everyone is strongly advised to continue to stay at home, avoid social gatherings, minimize travel between areas with different rules, and limit close contacts to their household. Employers in all industries should continue to make every effort to allow employees to work from home.

Enforcement of residential evictions will remain paused in the public health unit regions where the provincial Stay-at-Home order remains in effect. This will ensure people are not forced to leave their homes. In regions where the Stay-at-Home order is lifted, the regular process for residential eviction enforcement will resume.

Orders currently in force under the EMCPA have been extended to February 23, 2021 and will be extended further if necessary. O.Reg.55/21 (Compliance Orders for Retirement Homes) is currently in effect until February 19, 2021.

“While the declaration of emergency will be ending, the risks posed by COVID-19 and the new variants remain serious concerns,” said Solicitor General Jones. “That’s why extending the stay-at-home orders for most of the province is necessary to protect our communities, our most vulnerable populations, and stop the spread of COVID-19. We continue to urge all Ontarians to follow public health guidelines and stay home, stay safe, and save lives.”

The Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to consult with public health and other experts, review data, and provide advice to the government on the appropriate and effective measures that are needed to protect the health of Ontarians. Municipalities and local medical officers of health may have additional restrictions or targeted requirements in their region.

Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order across Most of the Province to Save Lives

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