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.
Of course, Venezuela is closer to you & that makes a difference.
I’m not against a change in the government & there is no argument that Maduro was a complete jerk but it is NOT the USA’s job to affect his leave-of-state & “arrest” him & put him on trial here in the states ~ on the most absurd charges ever.
The truth is ~ Maduro refused to lick Trump’s boots & everything is personal with Trump ~ everything. He only wanted to run for president in the first place because Obama made fun of him at an event.
Hey Polly, thanks again for your opinion on the delicate and polemic subject. I appreciate it.
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.
Of course it was about the oil. I always found it confusing why we bother getting oil from anywhere else when we have one countless deposits off the coast. So we are going to have the military over there indefinitely now? Also I heard Trump made some statements about how Columbia was next? I do not know if yall heard anything like that down there?
All that on top of all the people rising up in Iran and Trump making it seem like he would get involved if any innocent bystanders get killed over there. Apparently people have gotten killed so that is another issue we have gotten kinda involved in. It is a bit scary seeing how military dipping their hands in everybody else’s cookie jars. It makes you fear for the future a bit.
Of course! I do not mind at all Matt lol
I will say, I’d rather see the oil and its extraction points managed by the US and benefiting “the West” (and, most importantly, Venezuelans!) than by Iran, China, or Russia.
Colombia has an election this year, and the current ex-guerrilla radical leftist president is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea (very few people’s, in fact). So I expect a swing back to a more conservative government—fingers crossed come August.
I presume that if Trump were to go after anyone here, it would be the drug traffickers (and perhaps the socialist revolutionaries) who operate across—and effectively control—large swathes of land, meaning much of the country remains off limits. That’s what I hope the US can help do: free up these territories from these monsters, who currently occupy and threaten mostly innocent people, so resource-rich Colombia can finally thrive.
The same goes for Venezuela. We’ll see what happens.
I will say I am glad the oil is out of those hands as well. I just have a hard time trusting the US government as well which is why I questioned why we are not using our own oil and have been purchasing it from overseas this entire time.
I will be praying for the coming up elections for sure, it is always hellacious during those years. Particularly with all the ads and campaigns. It always leads to tempers on the rise for everyone.
This is probably an odd question but what are the gun laws like over there, if there are any? Perhaps this is my 2nd amendment having blindness talking, but I have always wondered why the people allow these crazy groups to take over but I guess if you have no means of arming yourself, there is literally nothing that can be done. Sorry if that came off as incredibly out of touch, I am just curious with how things are elsewhere, particularly with the self-defense debate.
Oh, I am sceptical too (as most would be) regarding how the US will deal with the whole Oil issue. I see your point about the US using it’s own oil reserves, but to be honest, I am totally ignorant on the matter.
The upcoming Colombian elections are scary to think about since it is forecasted they will invoke lots of violence. All elections have typically done that to a more or lesser degree, but this one is supposed to be particularly egregious for obvious reasons. I do hope of course there is none of that stuff. Fingers crossed.
I am also pretty ignorant about the gun laws here and how strict they are – comparatively. Regarding the crazy groups which besiege Colombia – they include broadly speaking – Paramilitary (right wing), Radical Marxists on the left (FARC, M-19 which Petro – President was a member – and ELN) and Drug Traffickers (ie Pablo Escobar – who went on a terror campaign in the 80’s and 90’s).
What remains to me perplexing as well, is how for decades and after hundreds of thousands of lives lost (don’t even mention those displaced) these groups have been able to – in large part to run amok. I understand it’s easy to hide deep in the Jungle forests where many of these thugs persist, but how they haven’t been located with technology, say, Satellite etc and been engaged on mass by the Colombian military (with US assistance) is anyone’s guess. I know of course many thousands have been caught, thank goodness, but, by and large – it’s like the Wild West out there, to use a not so applicable term – but you get the gist..
As a hypothetical question as you more or less put it – Would this have happened if Colombia had a comparable second amendment? – I couldn’t say. But I can understand you raising it. Nice.
I understand. Oil is one of those things that seems to bring out the absolute worst in people.
I will be praying for the political unrest that may come from the elections. Lord knows, we have seen our fair share of that crap up here. It truly can be terrifying.
Its like either the government is a part of it, or feels so insecure (either because they are lacking, or they themselves are aware of how much man and fire power these groups have) that they do not get involved. Similarly with Mexico. Who knows man.
I mean who could really tell? There is a difference between having the right to bear arms and actually using and benefitting from that right. There are tons and tons of people up here who live in a gun friendly state that still choose not to take advantage of or even use their voice to try to take that right from everyone else. It is like they are government plants or something. While I can understand the weariness of some people when around guns, I cannot get behind the desire to take the right of self-defense from those with the faculties to do so. I would LOVE to say having the people armed would actually get crap done but alas, Texas is still letting these bad actors in and almost 50 percent of our population have multiple guns.
Happy Saturday afternoon to you, Ashley. I hope this message finds you and your family well and in good spirits. I regret not having replied to your messages earlier, but I got lost in other things, and there is just so much to stew over. I had some writer’s block yesterday and found myself stuck on today’s article. I went too cheeky in my draft and had to rewrite it.
Yes, I understand your negativity and scepticism about oil. I’m glad Trump’s Navy has apprehended the tankers engaged in illegal trade. Venezuelan oil is located in “the Americas,” so ideally that’s where it should go – and most importantly, it should benefit the Venezuelan people. What I’m afraid of is that Venezuelans may be left high and dry once again. I really hope Trump ensures this does not happen. It’s their oil.
Thanks for your prayers and well wishes about the upcoming elections.
You’re talking to the wrong person about guns and the whole debate surrounding the right to bear arms. Although I’m ex-military, I’m the least bit a “gun guy”… hehe – just like I’m the least bit a car guy. When we did rifle practice in my induction training decades ago, I hated it, and I even wrote a poem at the time about my pacifist leanings and objections to the whole practice – although, of course, it is necessary for all military members.
In Australia, hardly any households own guns, and there are very strict laws around gun ownership – and I’m happy about that. Australia also has one of the lowest violence and crime rates and is renowned for its relative peace and laid-back style. But Australia is Australia, and I can’t compare it to Texas- it’s like comparing apples to oranges. You guys are in the Wild West, kinda 😄
Still, I appreciated reading your perspective and totally respect that people should have the right to possess arms if they wish.
All good Matt! It takes me a while sometimes to respond to you, so no sweat!
The oil should definitely go to the Venezuelan people first for sure as who knows where else they can get it. The US is fine lol I can see oil rigs up and down Texas every time we drive and out in the coast. We are not hurting here.
AH I getcha! I used to have a similar feeling about guns. The noise is what really gets me. However, we grew up understanding what a gun was and how crucial it is to know to at least how to use one if you ever needed to. I actually have my own revolver that I got from my grandad. It is not my favorite by any means, but it’ll do.
I know here, Texans have an estimated almost 2 guns per person, with households having multiple typically. We also have constitutional carry so as long as you have a proper holster, you can carry it with you in certain public areas. I think it’s cool lol I am not a rifle person myself, but I like seeing what people have honestly. Most of my family open carries themselves which is why I am more comfortable with it. It has gotten so much more expensive buying ammo so shooting for fun has become more of a commodity unfortunately.
We’ll see what happens on the oil front. More broadly, the global shifts we’re witnessing – the ongoing crises in Venezuela, Iran, Ukraine, and elsewhere – are deeply concerning. That said, I sometimes think one of the problems with modern society, and with technology in particular, is that we’re oversaturated with information that neither does nor should directly concern us.
If you don’t mind, I’ll send you something interesting related to this – a rat experiment conducted by a behavioural psychologist – and how it connects to what we’re talking about.
The behaviourist psychologist B.F. Skinner did a rat experiment of extended awareness. The interpretation of its findings which I heard recently is that it exposed the danger of being conscious of too much, especially relatable now in a globalised society with social media.
Rats which were put on a table of perspex floating on water and didn’t know of the danger just ran around randomly, and the perspex continued to float. When human beings were put under the same test conditions, they lasted to float for just seconds because they would run to the same side to ensure equilibrium and in so doing topping themselves over.
Knowing too much and oversaturated with too much stimuli can be a detriment to our human-race commensurate with extreme political polarisation since the advent of social media and systemic information dissemination problems associated with the Pandemic.
When we were living in clans – hunter gather or Agrarian societies we just went about making the most of life and living simply and locally. We weren’t conscious or inundated with how terrible human beings can be or the quantity of world problems. Sometimes knowing less means we can float.
Pretty interesting huh.
Thanks for expanding on the possession of Guns where you are. I can’t really relate to it, since I’ve just never known anyone civillian literally who had a Gun – although funny enough for 3 years at the Academy we had a rifle bolted our bedroom by the door – it was a Steyr SSG 69 – used in countless wars – I think they came out in the Die Hard movies too. Anyway’s that that.
The Iran uprising in particular is insane. My heart goes out to all those people who literally just want to have freedoms you know? I am curious to see how Trump puts his money where his mouth is when he threatened action on the regime if any protester was killed. Apparently, many have been murdered so I am waiting with bated breath for sure. Such an atrocity what has been going on there, but I am glad to see the people coming together, I just pray for their safety.
Ooh we had to study BF Skinner for psych so I am familiar with his experiments. That experiment was basically the ignorance is bliss mentality for sure. When you are so worried about everything, you cannot use deductive reasoning as you should. YOu do not pay attention to your surroundings like you should. It is as if we are being degenerated into our most basic behaviors, like rats in cage. For sure. That is one of the main reasons COVID happened as well. Just adding to the never-ending feedback loop of the cabal. Forcing our senses to go into overdrive so we cannot just focus on the quieter things that actually matter in our physical lives.
I understand your stance on guns. It is interesting to see how people around the world have such radically differing opinions and histories with firearms. Quite an in-depth study is somewhere there.
I couldn’t agree more with your concerns and sentiments surrounding the current protests in Iran. It’s a very precarious situation and seems to be getting worse by the day. I can’t help but feel for the Iranian protesters and what they’re facing at this time.
Your comments on the B.F. Skinner experiment, and how it connects to our overexposure during COVID—the mandates and the more draconian policies—were illuminating.
And thanks for your understanding of the different stances on guns in general, and how these often relate to an individual’s background and the political and socio-economic environment they live in or are accustomed to.
I wish you a wonderful week, Ash. Cheers.
I have so much respect for those that are cementing their roles in this Iranian revolution. I have seen videos of women burning their hijabs in the street and people destroying the flag and burning pictures of Khamenei, very powerful stuff.
There is truly so much you could say about Skinner’s experiments and of others as well, and how they all signify what is and has been happening to all society. It is eye opening.
It is always interesting to see how people’s upbringing effects how we see topics such as guns and stuff for sure.
Have yourself a good week as well!
Another song I thought you would like is Soon After Midnight’ from Dylan:
I love that one as well Matt! I am turning a bit more into a Dylan fan than I originally thought I would lol
That’s great to hear you’re appreciating more of his music. Don’t worry – I won’t make a habit of sending you songs willy-nilly. There’s already more than enough music in our worlds without being besieged by recommendations from others, hehe.
Lol all good Matt.
WELL NOW ~ Trump now says he’ll remove Colombia’s president & invade that country. This is being reported on major news outlets here, with video of him saying just that. So I might rethink my admiration for Trump. Jus sayin
Hey Polly, on this point and many others about the whole matter, can I point you to my ongoing discussion with Ashley where I hope you find some good stuff to fill you in.
Btw, I hope that doesn’t come across as patronizing – since that isn’t my intention in the slightest.
I hope you are having a great day.
Cheers,
Matt