“They could have been a medium for love and friendship. However, they are dominated by hate, aggression, and fake news” (Byung-Chul Han, Princess of Asturias Award 2025 regarding smartphones)
Last night marked the arrival of the Virgin. La Chinita is now among us, ready for her annual homage from the faithful. In two weeks, on Friday, November 7, the lighting of Bella Vista will take place, featuring an artistic program of exceptional quality. Maracaibo welcomes the fair season, ushering in the Christmas festivities that will last until January. As an old advertisement used to say, amidst the devotion, Marian sentiments, and bursts of joy: “Let’s celebrate, kids!!!”.
Speaking of the Bella Vista lighting, I wonder what the PSUV spokespersons will say today, especially those like Jessy Gascón, who harshly criticized Rosales year after year when the event was scheduled and announced.
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What mood will Mister Trump wake up in today? It’s essential to know, especially regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as he has suggested various options despite his friend Putin ignoring them. For now, the military option (fortunately) is not the one being prioritized; rather, the economic aspect is. He’s heading to speak with Xi Jinping, who seems to hold the key to the conflict. This comes before arming Zelensky with the requested Tomahawk missiles. Interestingly, this week it was revealed that the military support given to Ukraine by the Trump administration thus far is what was previously approved by the Biden administration. No new initiatives have been introduced.
Regarding Venezuela and Colombia, many folks are pleased with the deployment of the fleet in the Caribbean Sea, which fuels dreams for some while unsettling others. The addition of the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford has many salivating. When desperation prevails, consequences are rarely measured. Nearly a hundred lives lost, people who couldn’t defend themselves or prove their innocence, without any physical evidence of wrongdoing—none of that matters. Why are they navigating those waters where the emperor decides their fates with a thumbs up or down, akin to the Circus Maximus? As he pointed out yesterday while aboard Air Force One heading to Asia, he told journalists willing to listen that “he didn’t need permission from anyone” to act as he does, and that the pursuit of alleged drug traffickers would now shift to ground operations.
With such naval power, some arrests could have been made, allowing passengers to be held for investigation, questioned with due legal assistance, and physical evidence of the crimes in view as proof of their flagrant acts.
That being said, the regime is facing significant challenges, and it’s logical for them to be overwhelmed, especially when their communication channels are shut down. The pressure is relentless. The economic crisis is worsening, and there are no short-term solutions in sight. Nicolás, no matter how much he tries to downplay the situation, knows—as do we—that this moment is delicate and he’s losing sleep over it.
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Cardinal Porras has been in the spotlight lately for being included in Nicolás’s list of daily conspiracists. He seems to have one for every occasion. It’s known that thanks to Baltazar’s closeness to Pope Francis (yes, the so-called communist pope), the path was cleared for the canonization process of José Gregorio Hernández. Francis had it ready, but time ran out for him. The long-awaited celebration, which even had a date, was postponed due to the passing of the Roman pontiff. As always, Nicolás is left out, much like when he announced plans for the TSJ to strip Leopoldo López of his nationality, a proposition that itself is absurd (similarly for that claim made by Luis Ratti against María Corina).
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Step by step, the path is being paved. The year 2026 is being projected as the date William and Kate of Wales are expected to ascend to the British throne, according to unofficial reports. The abdication of Charles III due to health reasons is becoming a rumor in the corridors of Buckingham Palace. His recent decisions hint at this. Recently, he severed ties with his brother, Prince Andrew, stripping him of all titles, including the Duke of York, culminating in Andrew’s relocation from Royal Lodge, the mansion in Windsor where he resides. He has elevated his nephew, the youngest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, James, Earl of Wessex, to prince, a title rightfully his, which his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Edward and Sophie), chose not to assert in hopes of offering him a normal life, like any other British child. Now that he is of legal age, his royal highness, Prince James, Earl of Wessex, is expected to play a pivotal role with so many vacancies in the future reign of William and Kate.
Quick notes
Within the city’s gastronomic calendar, Friday and Saturday mark the second annual Chori Fest, an event that has consistently garnered followers among diners and sponsoring brands. As usual, it will take place in the open spaces of the Tibisay Hotel.
The Route of Bread will continue until Friday, the 30th, according to its promoters. It will likely have some extra offerings until Sunday.
For those inquiring, the Davinci Group will have its renowned Pan de Jamón available starting November 15. There will be a special version for cafés affiliated with Maraplus. The front of the Ristorante is being remodeled to align with the “Gastronomic Zone 11,” which will proceed as previously announced once all legal reviews of contracts and expenditures have been completed.
Meridiano Television has secured the broadcasting rights for the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, both tournaments promoted by the Spanish Football League. By the way, today at 11:15 AM is the first leg of the Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. It will be held at the Bernabéu (no longer Santiago while waiting for a strong sponsor), and both teams arrive with several doubts after their performances from August to now. Barcelona, in particular, is missing 7 key players due to medical issues. Good luck to the blaugrana.
In the World Series, there are no surprises. The Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling against the Toronto Blue Jays, lacking a solid bullpen. Yet, as always said, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.
The arepa, a fundamental dish in Venezuelan cuisine (Colombia says the same), has made its way to the food outlets at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Orlando. They serve them filled with chicken, pork, beef, avocado, mayo, and cheese pearls. Tons of flavors, we’ve heard.
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In Madrid, Venezuelan emigrants are sharpening a billiard ball. They work in whatever way they can, still managing to find time each week to indulge in their true passion—their musical training from academies and conservatories. Under the direction of Manuel Jurado, they’ve formed the “Carlos Cruz Diez” Orchestra, inspired by the Venezuelan maestro of kinetic art. They’ve achieved artistic success across much of Spain, recently performing in Alcobendas, Torrejón, and San Sebastián in celebration of Spain’s national day. They were also finalists in Spain’s Got Talent. Last week, they participated in various events, and they’ve even served as the house orchestra for the musical “Malinche,” produced by Nacho Cano. Kudos to them for not letting their dreams fade away, albeit at a very high cost. Hopefully, their music and their story reach ABANCA (@somosabanca) and its leader, Juan Carlos Escotet (@jescotet) in Galicia, among others. Investing in them will yield great benefits in terms of branding and human satisfaction. These talents, originating from every corner of Venezuela, enrich the soul and are on the path to becoming a self-sustaining orchestra, a challenge in a country filled with art and musical competition. Follow them on Instagram: @orquestacruzdiez
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Over coffee with friends, we discussed the full house at Pozon del Saladillo during the shows of Neguito Borjas and the Zagalines del Padre Vilchez in honor of the Virgin’s arrival. We also talked about the immense effort to stay active year-round with a solid activity program. The “Zulia picks the gaita of the year” contest, organized by the Municipal Gaita Institute (IMGRA) led by Ricardo the “Pelón” Aguirre, who now has his finalists, was also a topic of discussion. Municipal fans of gaita recalled the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Ponne (2009-2010) for the socioeconomic improvement of gaita artists and the significant role gaita should play in public shows, especially during the Feria de la Chinita, which should be equally promoted alongside foreign artists. Additionally, Ponne (again) worked to legally establish an assistance fund for IMGRA’s regular activities, especially for training schools, so they wouldn’t be left to the whims of council members or the current mayor. The ambition and desire of Daniel Ponne (also proposing to name Road 43 after Danello Badell) and other council members who helped make this happen are now evident in the partial reform of the Public Shows Ordinance of February 2024, specifically in Title XI, which establishes the creation of the aforementioned fund from 10% of the revenue generated in public shows featuring foreign artists and groups within Maracaibo, with the fund being administered by the Municipal Gaita Institute. At Pozon del Saladillo, programming will continue with a special focus on Fridays and Saturdays until December when, as per tradition, we will celebrate the “Great Zulia Reunion” on the 24th and 31st.
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This week in Spain, the decibels are raising. At the request of the Popular Party, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez – Castejón is going to the senate to be questioned regarding the corruption cases involving his wife, brother, and several other PSOE officials. Additionally, there are accusations of illegal financing related to the ruling party. We’ll see how he handles this challenge, as his rival, Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo, suggests either way, Sánchez could end up in prison. Meanwhile, November will be significant around the 20th, as the government plans a major event to commemorate 50 years since the death of Francisco Franco and the 50 years of the restoration of the constitutional monarchy under Juan Carlos de Borbón. The complexity here is that this could mean the official return of Juan Carlos from exile, along with an attempt to redeem himself amid the accusations from the Spanish left (where Sánchez is aligned) regarding his behavior during the final years of his reign. To add to the intrigue, Felipe VI, the current king (with whom Sánchez has tensions), has awarded the highest honor of the Crown, the “Toison de Oro,” to Felipe González, a former Prime Minister and a key figure in the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, a direct opponent of Sánchez. At the same time, Juan Carlos has announced he will be releasing his memoirs soon, as he has hinted he won’t let anyone steal his legacy. The end of October and the coming November promise to be eventful in the motherland.
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Today, Sunday, October 26, is the feast day of Saint Joseph Gregorio Hernández in the Catholic Calendar. This is the day chosen by the Holy See for his specific veneration.
@ellibrero
PS
To my readers, contacts, and friends. My WhatsApp has been hacked. I’m not asking for money nor selling dollars.