RKS 2023 Film: “The Battle for Chile” (La Battala de Chile): Part One: “The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie”

If you were alive in 1973 you may have been aware of the leftist coalition Popular Unity winning the March 4, 1973, Chilean general election under the leadership of Salvador Allende. Unfortunately the opposition Christian Democrats and various national parties controlled the Chilean Congress. From Congress they attempted to block progressive legislation, remove Allende appointedContinue reading “RKS 2023 Film: “The Battle for Chile” (La Battala de Chile): Part One: “The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie””

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: How I Matured

The average lifespan of a male West Highland Terrier is 13.9. I made it to 15. So how did I become a senior West Highland Terrier? One of most important factors was discipline and training. I am uncertain if puppy school had a definitive role but as a pup I learnt who was boss. ItContinue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: How I Matured”

RKS 2023 Wine: Stag’s Hollow Tragically Vidal: Can They Elevate the Vacuous Vidal?

Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia has shown it can do wonders with Vidal. Much is grown in Ontario primarily for ice-wine. As a table wine it is about equally uninspiring as Muscat. Cloying without personality. Wine snobs might point to Vidal as a lowly French Hybrid grown in marginal wine climes. I am no suchContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Stag’s Hollow Tragically Vidal: Can They Elevate the Vacuous Vidal?”

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Sweet Emotion and Understanding a West Highland Terrier

Do you know the song “Sweet Emotion” by the American boy band Aerosmith? Many humans think a dog is just a dog. In my mind that is hateful ignorance. Master Robert had two dogs before me Suzy and Ginny. Both were French poodles. Suzy was the daughter of champions Pierre of the Studio and Josephine.Continue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Sweet Emotion and Understanding a West Highland Terrier”

RKS 2023 Wine: Is Ontario Chardonnay Any Good?

Chardonnay from Ontario can compete globally with any country’s Chardonnay. The same goes for British Columbia Chardonnay by the way. Let’s try an Ontario Chardonnay from 13th Street Winery called June’s Chardonnay. It is unoaked. 350 cases were made. Aroma: Many a Chardonnay has aromatics of apple and pear but this Chardonnay is positively tropicalContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Is Ontario Chardonnay Any Good?”

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Surviving the Black Walnut Tree!

One of the homes backing the house where I lived in before my final sleep was an old farmhouse. They must have planted a few black walnut trees in their back yard over a hundred years ago. Black walnut trees are well known for providing shade. But they also have walnuts growing in their branchesContinue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Surviving the Black Walnut Tree!”

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Could Have I Handled Another Dog?

More than other dogs one sees double Westies with a master. I am not sure why? We West Highland Terriers are independent dogs and manage quite well on our own in a human family. I will admit I was a singleton meaning I was the only pup in the litter. Perhaps this made me comfortableContinue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Could Have I Handled Another Dog?”

RKS 2023 Wine: South Africa Can Do It All!

Red, white, sweet and sparkling wine which South Africa can do and some very well. We try a Graham Beck Brut made in the traditional method i.e. the way that Champagne is made. It is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Aroma: Peach, apricot, wet stone and Challah Bread. Palate: Classic Champagne “bite”. Peach,Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: South Africa Can Do It All!”

RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Chardonnay From Itata Valley

Chilean Chardonnay encountered this year has been less than impressive. Before writing it off it deserves a couple more chances. We try a Pandolfi Price Larkün 2018 Chardonnay from Chile’s Valle Del Itata. The Itata Valley is Chile’s oldest viticultural region which has been producing wine for more than 450 years. Its abundant rainfall andContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Chardonnay From Itata Valley”