Welcome to Monday’s News on the March – The week that was in my digital world.
It’s an honour to share these topics with you at the commencement of what I hope turns out to be a fantastic 2026 for everyone.
Niall Ferguson: Trump Was Right to Overthrow Maduro
Video interview at The Free Press
I could watch Niall Ferguson talk all day about history and politics – and it’s not just because he has one of the coolest Scottish accents I’ve ever heard. So when this interview popped up in my feed on Saturday, amid all the clatter of news about the reported capture of the Venezuelan president, I sat down and gave it my full attention.
I live in neighbouring Colombia so I just hope it’s a smooth and peaceful transition, with open and democratic elections, and not the installation of a stooge to manage oil interests for the US. Above all, this needs to be for the Venezuelan people. I imagine the majority of Venezuelans would be elated by the capture of the president and his wife, and by (what I hope is) the effective overthrow of the Maduro (Chavinista) regime.
The Day Anthony Hopkins Quit Drinking | The Interview
Video interview at The Interview
This video interview felt like a breath of fresh air – not just because Anthony Hopkins is one of my favourite contemporary actors, but because I have struggled with alcoholism for most of my adult life. As I embark once again on what I hope will be a permanent state of recuperation – or, as Anthony so poignantly puts it, “to choose life” – I find myself reflecting on the words I wrote a few days ago to my friend Ashley over at The Gentle Chapter, to remind myself of the true profundity of my addiction.
My mother used to tell me from an old ryhme – ‘When You’re good, you’re a very very good, when you are bad you are horrid’. That coincides with my own ups and downs – that’s how it is for me. I am either really good to myself, treat my body like it’s a temple for months straight and feel good and I’m good to others and family and then I have relapse and I’m back into a quagmire of pure self destruction and I’m bad to myself and everyone around me. My relapses are that bad – that my only way out of them is to literally run out of money where I just have enough to buy food and that’s it. Which is where I’m currently at.
Anyhow, I went back to the gym yesterday (perhaps inspired by your post – so thanks!) and felt really good, so here I go, starting all over again. However, each renewal is more difficult than the last breach of the “cave.” I totally get the “silent nothingness” expression, and it’s uncanny how I feel this too. But we have to try to be brave and step into the uncomfortable zone, because there’s really no other way out. We can’t slumber in that nothingness – at least that’s my take on it.
I’m way past thinking if I’m okay. I’m not okay, and I need serious personal care and attention. I need to look after myself as carefully as I’m looking after someone close to me who needs it 24/7. I’m that delicate and vulnerable – and that’s okay.
The Odyssey by Homer | Audiobook with Full Text
Audio book at Chillbooks
One of my main goals for 2026 is to read more books. In this case, I didn’t read – I listened, but I hope it still marks the beginning of a perpetual reading “Odyssey,” if you’ll excuse the pun.
Over the course of a few nights recently, I found myself listening to the audiobook of Homer’s classic epic, The Odyssey. Mind you, I didn’t get much deep sleep on those nights – the story was simply too engaging. There’s certainly not a dull moment in this action-packed saga; it moves from one engrossing scene straight to the next.
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek story that is usually credited to the poet Homer and was first told as an oral tale around the 8th century BCE, long before it was written down. It follows the hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War, a journey that should take weeks but instead lasts ten years. Along the way, he faces storms, monsters, angry gods, and dangerous temptations, while his wife Penelope waits for him and tries to protect their home from unwanted suitors. At its heart, The Odyssey is a story about patience, loyalty, clever thinking, and the long struggle to find one’s way back home.
Here “The Odyssey” by Homer is translated into prose by Samuel Butler and read by Mark Nelson. This audiobook also features full on-screen subtitles.
That is all. Thank you for reading.
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Venezuela ~ this is not going to end well. As for the people being happy about losing their president, I remember being told that the people of Iran would view the Americans as “liberator” when Saddam Housein was toppled ~ this was FAR from the truth.
This is an illegal venture by the USA & I am ashamed of my country.
We are far from agreement on the Venezuela matter, but I’m not going to debate you. But I encourage opinions of course and appreciate your own feedback on whats happening. Cheers.
Yikes, I forgot how close you are to Venezuela Matt. We will be praying for you during this whole process, along with the people. Ultimately, I am hoping the changing of control goes smoothly for everyone. I personally feel like it was bound to happen due to the tight knit relationship Venezuela has with the likes of Russia, China and Iran. I would be more worried about Taiwan now and how China could feel emboldened by Trump’s move. I feel like the US is spread thin as it is. I just want drugs and militia to keep out of our borders for sure man.
I appreciate the shout out and I enjoy Anthony Hopkins work as well and have heard that interview with him before, very powerful stuff right there.
I am also glad you are keeping to the reading! The Odyssey is such a great epic, so I am glad you are enjoying it!
Unfortunately it doesn’t look like being a changing of control exactly with the deputy leader of the Maduro regime running the show with US oversight. Trump wants access to the Oil resources which were nationalised by the Chavez regime. We’ll see what happens.
Yes, I’m surprised how there hasn’t been more talk about how this may embolden the Chinese to go after Taiwan (as you alluded to), although Marco Rubio did say the capture of Maduro and his wife was strictly a law enforcement engagement and the mission itself was not an invasion of any sort. Although they have not ruled out boots on the ground if the existing leadership doesn’t tow the line.
Anyways, Ashley, thanks for all your encouraging words. I’m really grateful that I had somewhere to process my thoughts, and your blog has been a real conduit for that. Poor you! Haha.