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Subtext and Culture, Young Royals, Season 3, Episode 3

Episode 3 picks up the day after the camping trip, and Wilhelm calls his mom to check on her. She dumps a massive guilt trip on him, maybe unintentionally, and Wilhelm is feeling a little bit down.

Culture: These are Swedish studentmössor. They originated in the 1800's among Nordic university students and they wore them as a common marker. Later, they were adopted as graduation caps for high school students, signifying that they were now allowed to begin studying at a university.

Culture: Valborg, April 30th, is a traditional Swedish holiday where you celebrate the coming of spring with bonfires. It is also the start of graduation season for high school students, and graduates are allowed to start wearing their caps.

Cinematography: This season they started writing most on-screen social media commentary in English, despite those users being pretty obviously Swedish. I suspect it's because it saves them having to subtitle all of them, it makes it a bit easier for all the viewers to follow along.

Subtext: No, keeping up appearances is more important than mental health for the royal family, which is why this is new behaviour that Wilhelm has never seen before.

Subtext: As a reminder of the increased interest, here's a paparazzi intruding on school grounds. Also, where the hell is Malin? Isn't it her job to shoo away photographers?

Culture: Vintern Rasat is a classic Swedish song celebrating spring that's often performed by student singers at Valborg.

Subtext: Boris cleverly offers August individual therapy, something he sorely needs.

Subtext: It's of course a bit ironic that pretty much the entire fandom hates August and has decided that he can't be forgiven or redeemed. Yes, you, dear reader. But Boris lays out a way for August to start his redemption arc. Will it work? Tune in for next week's episode!

Culture: These usernames reek of white supremacy. Norse mythology references are very popular, and 88 means H*il H*tler, so that's the kind of people we're dealing with. The show is also foreshadowing what's gonna happen at the end of the episode.

Blink and you miss it: Linda made Pabellón, a Venezuelan dish. In season 1 we didn't know where Linda was from, but in season 2 she was canonically made as being from Venezuela, just like Omar is in real life.

Subtext: I think August actually cares, Kristina is family to him too, but Wilhelm refuses to treat him as family, so he lies about how she's doing. Not very convincingly, though.

Cinematography: This is an absolutely hilarious shot with a bunch of students anxiously peering out through the windows as the dreaded enemy arrives: Skolinspektionen! Dun-dun-dun!

Blink and you miss it: There's a rainbow flag on the board to the left.

Subtext: Vanessa totally knew she interrupted a makeout session between our boys. Oh, and there's a lot of purple in these two scenes, colour theory exploded with joy.

Subtext: Simon will be proven wrong, someone will be honest.

Subtext: It's also ironic that Simon joins the rest of the Forest Ridge boys pretending to have a great meal together that is totally not stiff and awkward at all, absolutely not.

Lost in translation: Simon Walter says that May 1st is a "röd dag" - a red day, which is how Sundays and public holidays are usually marked in a Swedish calendar. "Bank holiday" is the term used in the UK for public holidays. There are 13 public holidays in Sweden each year.

Culture: Första Maj is the name of the International Workers' Day in Sweden, because it always occurs on May 1st. In defence of Henry and Walter's shared braincell, most Swedes actually don't participate, but it's a bit weird to not even know what it is.

Subtext: This entire sequence shows how Felice's dad tried to stick up for himself, but quickly learned to keep his head down instead and conform and roll with it. And it wasn't just the other students who were racists, the staff was in on it too. This goes for all the shit the students are doing, the partying, the booze, the alcohol, the bullying: The staff is in on it. They know. They're complicit.

And despite all of this, Poppe's immediate answer when asked how his time at Hillerska was, is that it was the best time of his life. This is why schools like this stay the way they are, why they never change, because they're very good and very bad at the same time. Trauma-bonding works, the kids will all get friends for life, they'll forget the shit and remember the good times. They'll become like him.

But when Felice learns what the school did to her dad, she decides to help shut it down, to stop the cycle of abuse. The reason she goes in alone is because she now knows she can't trust her dad, he's gonna defend the school, and she also doesn't want him to know that she snitched.

Subtext: In official surveys, students from schools like this generally rate them very highly. Student satisfaction is very high. Maybe they're lying, maybe they're delusional, but they sure care more about their schools than public school students.

Blink and you miss it: REAL SUBTLE THERE, SHOW.

Subtext: Keeping with the school theme, this is how students defend the shit that goes on. Outsiders are kept in the dark, you don't tell them anything, because they "wouldn't understand", they're missing the "full context", etc. Oh, I don't know shit about fashion, but Fredrika's jacket smells very expensive.

Blink and you miss it: While Wilhelm pinned a polaroid of himself and Simon prominently on his wall, August keeps a similar polaroid of himself and Sara hidden.

Subtext: Micke's redemption arc is in full swing, so why not play a song that reinforces the idea that people can change?

Subtext: August's redemption arc is in full swing, so let's cut to him nervously waiting outside Micke's place for Sara to come home, while the same song is playing. Is he gonna be a villain forever?

Blink and you miss it: Micke introduces himself as Micke af Eriksson when August introduces himself as August Horn af Årnäs. The English subtitles for some weird reason went with "Micke Eriksson of Bjärstad", but that's actually not what he says.

Subtext: Sara is pretty realistic about her expectations of her dad because she's seen this before, but this also applies to her expectations of August, because she knows that he can also slide back into his normal shitty self. Also, she's wearing a purple sweater.

Subtext: In case you forgot, August's dad also struggled with addiction, and died from it, so he and Sara actually has that in common. Maybe there's hope for this redemption arc thing?

Cinematography: I don't fucking know why they included this baking scene. It serves no purpose, and I suspect quite a few people in the production have a serious hand fetish, because what is this? What is this? Also, why are Simon and Wilhelm joining what appears to be a Manor House thing with the rest of the girls? How? Why? This makes no sense! It's very cute, though!

Subtext: Oh ok, we got a social media pic that Sara could see and feel bad for her lost friendships. But man, those Hillerska aprons! On point!

Subtext: This is unfortunately a very common thing for people on any kind of psychoactive medication. How can you tell if you need medication if you feel good right now? Is it lasting or temporary? Can you trust your own brain? Either way, fantastic conversation between Micke and Sara, which starts her on her journey to reconcile with Felice at least.

🎵 I can change, I'm not the same, not forever. 🎵

Culture: The official hat-on-putting ceremony where all the third-year students put on their hats, set to another traditional Swedish spring celebration song: Vårvindar Friska.

Culture: It's Valborg, so Hillerska has their own little bonfire. We saw some students with torches pretending to light it, but it's actually floating in the middle of the fountain so, uh, how did they do that? Normally, your local bonfire or Majbrasa is just a huge heap of wood that you set on fire.

Cinematography: Man, this is a pretty show. Look at that shot. The fire, the sunset, the pool reflection. The end of April is over a month after the spring equinox, so the days are getting longer, and the sun now sets at about half past nine in the evenings.

Subtext: Ok, let's do one more on-the-nose lyrics thing for when August sees Sara back at school. Yes, yes, he needs her.

Culture: I had to post about it immediately after watching the episode, because setting a sex scene to Uti Vår Hage is hilarious. Everyone in Sweden knows it, most people have sung it at school, it's a cute little song about enjoying your garden, flowers, and giving your loved one a wreath of flowers. I can now never hear this song without thinking about this scene. Thanks a lot, show.

Blink and you miss it: Simon fucks Wilhelm. Yay! Versatile supremacy!

Subtext: Sara is still so suspicious of her dad's behaviour, she can't make herself trust that his current good period will last.

Subtext: Even though this dialogue is about how Simon and Sara are so different, it of course also applies to how Wilhelm and Erik were different, because Wilhelm struggles with not being able to handle his duty the same way Erik could.

Culture: Alright, it's time for the actual local Första Maj event in Bjärstad. The town is probably a bit small to have a proper demonstration parade, but there's people with banners and socialist slogans, and a bunch of local organisations have joined in, including Bjärstad BK, the football club Rosh plays in.

Culture: Meanwhile, the absolutely not socialist rich kids at Hillerska are nursing their hangovers and enjoying the day off, and they're doing some yoga and playing some padel instead. As you do.

Subtext: Drugs. He looks like he's selling drugs.

Culture: These apparently confused a bunch of viewers, but they're just raffle tickets. It's one hundred numbered, rolled up, paper tickets stuck on a metal ring. When you buy a ticket you just tear it off at the perforation, and when all tickets are sold you can just break the seal on the ring and pour all the stubs in a bag or whatever so you can draw winners.

Blink and you miss it: Cute kiddo has a pride pin on his jacket.

Lost in translation: The show waited a bit with showing what it says on the banner behind them in the photo, but if you can read Swedish you immediately saw that it says KROSSA ÖVERKLASSEN - CRUSH THE UPPER CLASSES. Oh no, Simon, what have you done?

Blink and you miss it: Like a pack of rabid wolves, the social-media starved Gen Z kids rush to their phones for an hour of glorious feeding on Instagram and TikTok.

Blink and you miss it: I love Vincent so much, he's terrible, but he's just so much fun! The little fist he makes as he says "kampen" just seals it.

Subtext: The show still hasn't revealed the banner text to the non-Swedish audience, but Wilhelm immediately sees it and knows how bad it is and why Farima tried calling him seven times. Also, Vincent is just on a roll here.

Cinematography: Man, this is a pretty show. Look at that shot. Look at how they perfectly aligned the hole in the window with Simon, the police car, and the entrance to their house, as he discovers that someone decided to vandalize it.

[gadriezmannsgirl]

Sister's Best Friend -P.G

I have been dreaming a lot of doing Latina!Reader, I am a bit afraid tho, because I don't know if you guys will like this. I made this with a Venezuelan!Reader in mind, since there aren't a lot of fics of venezuelans!reader, I always see mexican, argentinian, colombian, brazilian (american and european as well) and I wanted to give this a try.

It isn't too much tho, I just put reader a nationality and played with her accent, maybe in the future go in deeper with Gavi's reaction of having a Latina girlfriend. Hope you guys like it! I would appreciate if you leave some feedback!

This is a bit shitty

°°° °°° °°° °°°

Summary: You're Aurora's best friend and Gavi is crazy for you

It all had started when Aurora invited you over at her house for a college project. It wasn't the first time Aurora invited you over. But it was the first time Gavi was around.

Gavi was crazy to meet you mostly because nine out of ten times, his sister and parents were talking about you and stories the fourth of you had shared. Gavi's not gonna lie, he felt desplazed for a bit.

You having inside jokes with his family, made him want to get to know you and see what's the fuss about. He was confused, he knew and get along with all of his sister's friends. You must have been someone knew.

And you were.

Aurora confirmed his suspicion when he suddenly asked who you were.

"She's the new girl on college I talked about" She replied "Se nota que me escuchas cuando hablo" (It shows you do listen to me when I speak) Aurora complained

"Ajá... ¿Y?" Gavi rolled his eyes a bit ignoring his sister statement "¿Qué más?"

"She's new here, in general. She comes from Venezuela, moved in ten months ago, she has been my friend ever since I met her, she's so cool, Pablito. You'll like her"

"Yeah? Sure" Gavi raised his eyebrows and walked away

And that's how we came into the meeting day. You were laughing with Belén, Aurora's mother about a funny anecdote it happened to you while younger back home.

"Y naguará, no" You covered your face with your hands while Aurora and her mom laughed "I can't..." You were blushing of embarassement a bit when you heard footsteps

"Mamá, que-" Gavi had came in, just in a Barcelona shorts and a white shirt, his phone in his hand as he stared at you with wide eyes

You shut your mouth, looking at the boy as well with a light smile on, meanwhile his face was covered with a frown

"Hi" You had said shyly waving and Gavi swore he had never heard something more angelic than your voice

"Pablito!" Aurora exclaimed coming over to you and hug you "She's Y/N Y/L/N. My new best friend!" She squeezed you making you smile and hug her back "Y/N/N, this is my lil bro, Pablo"

"Un placer" You said extending your hand to him

He quickly got a hold of himself, grabbing your hand and stepping forward to give you two kisses on each cheek, his other hand rested lightly on your waist

"Igualmente" (Likewise) He had said with a smirk "Aurora doesn't stop talking about you, I'm happy I finally got to met the amazing Y/N" You blushed

"Thank you. I can say the same thing, you know... I think I already knew you before meeting you" He laughed

"Sólo le dije como te orinaste los pantalones en tercer grado" (I just told her how you peed your pants in third grade)

"Sabemos que jamás hice tal cosa... No en tercer grado por lo menos" (We know I never did such a thing... Not in third grade at least) He said making the three of you laugh

"In second grade too, right?"

"Oh c'mon, girl. Leave your brother alone and let's go do the project. I feel like it's going to be demasiado largo para nuestro gusto, so ¡vamonos!" You grabbed her shoulders and pushed her into her room

"¡Y/N!" Pablo called you before you could dissapear from the room

"What?" You turned around

"You like Doritos?" You nod several times "I'll take you some in a few" He smiled and you smiled back at him

"Gracias" You said softly

"There are no Doritos for me?" Aurora asked in disbelief

"There are" He said "But you have to look them for yourself, I won't bring you anything" Pablo replied as if it was the most obvious thing ever causing you to laugh

"Why?!" She asked as you pushed her onto her room

"Because she's pretty!" He said from downstairs as you stood there impressed and Aurora laughed at your shocked expression

And that was the beggining of you and Gavi.

You couldn't lie, el chamo was truly beautiful, he always took up on making you laugh and chatting with you about anything. Mostly of your life, he wanted to get to know you and everytime you tried to bring the convo onto him, he'd answer your questions but eventually turn it around to you, ending into telling him stories from your time in Venezuela, what you did as little and going as far to ask for your Uni stuffs even if he doesn't understand anything about Statistics

"La malta con una empanada de carne mechada y con salsa de ajo es lo mejor de la vida... Y ni hablemos de la arepa con suero" (Malta with a shredded meat empanada and garlic sauce is the best thing in life... And let's not talk about the arepa with whey) You always tell him making a smile appear on his face

He has been spending every time possible off with you, he even stole your phone number from Aurora's phone, winning a smack from his sister and watching you give a little pinch on Aurora's arm

"¡Ow, bruja!"

"Let him" You had said smiling

Because yes, you were also gone for your best's friend's brother, but you couldn't help it. It has been four months since you've met Pablo and they were the best four months ever.

Aurora often liked to make fun of the two of you, obviously into each other but not making any move. Instead of being mad, she definitely liked the idea of you dating her little brother.

You ignore her comments, even tho he gave you the impression, you didn't know if he liked you back. And you weren't going to make things awkward in between the two and currently three of you because of that.

You were chatting with Aurora and some of Pablo friends like Pedri, Ansu, they have came from training and all decided to spend a nice evening and also two of Pablo's childhood friends, meanwhile you were studying and chatting around with Aurora.

You laughed at something Ansu had said

"¿Qué? Mano, ¿Que webona' es esa, ah? La coña 'ta burda e' loca, 'sie carajo" (What? Bro, what the hell is that, eh? The girl is out of this world, fucking hell) You reply shaking your head

"For real, Y/N!"

"Pero explica bien la vaina, que fue lo que pasó. Pasito a pasito" (But you've got to explain yourself properly, everything that happened. Step by step)

"¿Suave, suavecito?" One of Pablo's friends, Diego, chimmed getting a smile out of you

"Well, I didn't say it with that purpose but it does go well" The guys laughed.

As Ansu started telling once more from the beggining his story with this girl, you felt an arm wrap around you waist and the other under your knees.

You turned your head to the side and looked to find Pablo, lifting you from your spot that was next to his, to pull you right next to him, without any kind of space. He also grabbed the chair and pulled it closer to him.

"Why?" That's all you asked softly

"You were too far away" Pablo replied audible enough for the two of you, you blushed and leaned a bit into him.

You kept on listening Ansu, the guys sharing your statement and telling him it was the best if he left her.

"Y/N/N" Aurora called for you "Go and bring us some snacks?"

"This isn't my house" You replied.

"Of course it is! Just go inside and grab some snacks for us to eat"

"Why don't you just go?" You ask "I'm way too comfortable here"

"You're younger!" She exclaims as you roll your eyes, standing up

"I'll come with you" Pablo said "I can help you with the drinks"

Both of you entered the house, you went to grab the snacks as Pablo grabbed a Coca-Cola and a few vases, when his phone dinged.

"Aurora asks if you can do the bread and Nutella thing" He asks as you sigh

"Tú hermana jode mucho a veces" (Your sister is annoying sometimes) You said making Gavi laugh.

You went to look for the bread and the Nutella, cutting them and filling them up with the cacao. You were done with your job but you filled a spoon full of Nutella

"¿Quieres?" (Want some?) You offered him a light smile as he shook his head

"Cómelo tú" He smiled putting the Nutella away and helping you clean the little utensils you used.

Once you were done, you washed the spoon and faced Gavi only for him to laugh a little

"Please don't tell me I have chocolate all over my face" You begged covering your mouth with your hand

"Only here" He pointed at his lips the place

"Here?" He shook his head "Here?" He shook his head once more "Here?" He shook his head "Ajá, ¿Y en dónde es la vaina pues?" (And where's the thing then?) You ask making him laugh

"Can I?" You nod watching him step closer to you, he lifted one of his hand in your cheek lightly, caressing it with his thumb, your eyes locked with his.

His other hand came up to your face as well with this one, he swept his thumb over your bottom lip "Done" He whispered licking his thumb quickly.

But none of you bothered to move away from the other, instead you keep leaning in "Can I?" Pablo asked once more this time with different meaning.

You smiled and nodding soon you feel his lips locking yours in a kiss.

"You taste like cacao" He whispered above your lips and pecking them several times, you laughed looking down at the floor but felt how Gavi's hands lifted your head making you look at him once more "I loved that"

You smiled, this time leaning up to kiss him wrapping your arms around his torso

"You don't know how much I wanted to do this ever since I met you" He whispered once more in between kisses

"Glad to know feeling was mutual" You giggled

"Go out on a date with me?" Kiss "Please"

"Joder, claro que sí" You kissed him once more

"¡Ay, Ave María purísima!" You heard someone say instantly separating from each other. Aurora was standing there with a big smile on "First kissing picture, I love it!" She said excited "Took you long guys!" She said coming over and grabbing the Coca-Cola, the bread and the snacks. "Leave you guys alone to keep doing your thing" she winked

"That was awkward" You murmur feeling Pablo smile and nod

"So.... When are you free?"

°°° °°° °°° °°°

@gaviypedrisbride

[space-morningstar]

VENEZUELA NEEDS SUPPORT

I know I don't normally talk about this and I don't tend to post about it either. So I want you to try to understand how important it is that not even in the worst of times have I come here to vent about it, but this time I need attention and support, no matter how or from where.

Share news, videos, posts, whatever you can find. Let there be no hidden evidence of everything that is happening.

Support and help Venezuelan artists and writers, either by sharing your pots, buying them or helping in any way.

Talk about the issue, so that all the massacre and injustice that is happening today July 29th, 2024 in Venezuela does not remain a secret.

Send messages of support, advice on how to survive or defend ourselves from the military, any kind of help will be good.

[marxistcomedy]

Anyone working in counter-propaganda can testify to a curious experience: we’ll put in hours of careful research collecting an impeccable set of resources that undermines some warmongering narrative, and we’ll eagerly share it with someone who claims to despise racism in all its forms — say, an outspoken opponent of the West’s so-called “War on Terror.” Unexpectedly, we are met with a response that is somewhere between chilly reticence and downright hostility. What’s going on?

From our perspective, we’re offering water to a person who’s self-identified as thirsty, and yet they react as if we were trying to poison them! They turn on a dime to defend the same institutions whose lies they were denouncing just moments before. At this point the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from seeing through propaganda and putting puzzle pieces together into a satisfying historical account gets brutally transformed into its exact opposite: a sense of crushing defeat. In response to this bitter experience, many researchers — serious people, with plenty of experience reading and writing, and sometimes even of being published! — lash out. They decide that people have been “brainwashed” beyond the point where they can be reached by words or rational appeal. They “realize” that the masters of propaganda have been far more successful than we first imagined: it turns out we’re not David fighting Goliath, we’re more like an ant facing an asteroid.

The same inquisitive nature that first led them to unravel war propaganda narratives begins to feed an even larger psycho-historical narrative, and nihilism takes hold. The tragic cycle begins to appear eternal: innocent, well-meaning, hard-working folks are, time and again, viciously tricked by the scapegoating of a new rogue in the gallery — Indigenous, Black, Spanish, Jewish, Soviet, Vietnamese, Cuban, Serbian, Muslim, Libyan, Syrian, Korean, Venezuelan, Russian, Chinese. Due to the sheer power of propaganda and mass-media, the masses helplessly fall for hatred and volunteer for war, even though it comes at a very high cost to ourselves, our loved ones, and our ideals (religion, environmentalism, etc.). Sadly, the innate human propensity to “hate the Other” seals our fate as a society… or something along those lines.

I am going to argue that this narrative is nonsense. It tries to pass off as universal and eternal something that in reality is particular and ephemeral. In short: Westerners aren’t helpless innocents whose minds are injected with atrocity propaganda, science fiction-style; they’re generally smug bourgeois proletarians who intelligently seek out as much racist propaganda as they can get their hands on. This is because it fundamentally makes them feel better about who they are and how they live. The psychic and material costs are rationally worth the benefits. As for those anti-imperialists who don’t participate in this festival of xenophobia — and here I include myself — we have our own elitist consolation: we accept the tragedy of masses of gullible sheeple falling for cunning propaganda because having overcome it flatters our own intelligence. The more we condemn society’s stupidity, the smarter we feel in comparison.

But am I not just worsening the problem, aggravating our hopelessness, by criticizing the critics in a way that suggests that no one escapes ideological self-flattery? I don’t think so. Paradoxically, it brings us all back to a more even and possibility-rich playing field.

The prevailing populist narrative grants the People (of the West) moral innocence by attributing to them utter stupidity and naivety; I invert the equation and demand a Marxist narrative instead: Westerners are willingly complicit in crimes because they instinctively and correctly understand that they benefit as a class (as a global bourgeois proletariat) from the exploitation enabled by their military and their propaganda (in Gramscian: organs of coercion and consent). We’re not as stupid as we’re made out to be. This means that we can be reasoned with, that there is a way out.

[emphasis mine]

[warningsine]

The Colombian Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, who spent some of his happiest years chronicling life in Caracas, once declared journalism “the best job in the world”.

Not so if you are reporting on today’s Venezuela, where journalists are feeling the heat as the South American country lurches towards full-blown dictatorship under President Nicolás Maduro.

In the four weeks since Venezuela’s disputed election, local journalists have come up with a distinctly 21st-century tactic to avoid being arrested for reporting on 21st-century socialism: using artificial intelligence avatars to report all the news Maduro’s regime deems unfit to print.

In daily broadcasts, the AI-created newsreaders have been telling the world about the president’s post-election crackdown on opponents, activists and the media, without putting the reporters behind the stories at risk.

Carlos Eduardo Huertas, the director of Connectas, the Colombia-based journalism platform coordinating the initiative, said far from being a gimmick, the use of AI was a response to “the persecution and the growing repression that our colleagues are suffering in Venezuela, where the uncertainty over the safety of doing their job … grows by the minute”.

Huertas said the increasingly authoritarian climate under Maduro meant that “being on camera is no longer so sensible”. The solution was to create virtual journalists to conceal the identities of the real reporters who were making the news.

The initiative involves about 20 Venezuelan news and factchecking outlets and about 100 journalists who share content, which is turned into daily newscasts presented by avatars called La Chama and El Pana, which roughly translate as Bestie and Buddy.

In the debut broadcast this month, the female presenter, Bestie, explained how they hoped to spread the word “about what is really happening in Venezuela”.

“But before we go on – in case you haven’t noticed – we want to let you know that we aren’t real,” the avatar added, before announcing the latest, all-too-real statistics about Maduro’s crusade to stamp out dissent. “In less than two weeks more than 1,000 people have been detained and at least 23 killed during protests,” Bestie said. The numberof detained now stands at more than 1,400.

The name of the AI journalism project, Operación Retuit (Operation Retweet), is partly an ironic reference to the name Maduro’s regime has given to his harsh crackdown on opponents: Operación Tun Tun (Operation Knock Knock).

At least nine journalists are among the prisoners, according to the Venezuelan journalist’s union, SNTP. One of them – the 26-year-old sports reporter and photographer Paúl León – was taken by police while filming peaceful protests and later accused of terrorism, a crime that carries a sentence of up to 30 years.

On Sunday, the prominent entertainment journalist Carmela Longo was taken from her home in Caracas by police after being sacked from her pro-government newspaper, Últimas Noticias.

The need for virtual-reality newscasters is easy to understand given the political chill that has descended on Venezuela since Maduro was first elected in 2013, and has worsened in recent days.

“Sources are not talking. Journalists are forced to work anonymously, sometimes in hiding, concealing their identities out of fear of government retaliation. Social media accounts have gone silent … vital parts of the news ecosystem, like X, have been blocked,” the Venezuela-focused website Caracas Chronicles reported last week.

This month the former head of the state-controlled broadcaster VTV, Vladimir Villegas, claimed about 100 of its employees had been sacked after messages considered hostile to the government were found in their WhatsApp chats.

The second episode of Operation Retweet tackled a particularly dangerous topic given the severity of the government clampdown: it questioned official attempts to blame the opposition – which Maduro accuses of trying to launch a fascist coup – for many of the post-election deaths.

Contrary to government claims, Operation Retweet’s collective investigations suggested state security forces were largely responsible for the body count.

“All of the victims were killed with firearms and, according to witnesses, the suspected culprits were police officers, soldiers or paramilitary groups which here in Venezuela are known as colectivos,” the male avatar, Buddy, told viewers.

His female co-host said most victims were under-30, while a 15-year-old teenager had also been killed. “They came from working-class communities and they had ordinary jobs such as barbers, caretakers, students, construction workers, street hawkers, motorcycle taxi drivers and sports coaches,” the avatar added. “In just a few days … at least 15 children were orphaned.”

Huertas, the Colombian journalist, likened his Venezuelan colleagues to firefighters who were risking their lives for democracy.

“If there’s a fire, you want to see firefighters at the scene. Well, now there’s a fire [in Venezuela] and there are many firefighters present,” he said, celebrating Venezuela’s talented and committed press corps.

Despite the dangers, “[they] are there on the frontline, doing the work that society needs them to”, Huertas said.

[beardedmrbean]

The video begins with loud bangs on a door that leads to a dimly lit stairwell.

“They are entering my home arbitrarily. They are destroying the door,” a woman can be heard crying.

It is the voice of María Oropeza, a campaign co-ordinator for opposition coalition Vente Venezuela, who is live streaming her detention on Instagram.

The bangs increase in intensity as she tells her followers that she has done nothing wrong: “I am not a criminal.”

Officials from Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency then burst through her door and the video cuts to black.

Ms Oropeza is the latest opposition figure who has been detained following the announcement in the early hours of 29 July of Venezuela’s disputed presidential election result.

In the days since, members of the security forces have seized Freddy Superlano and Roland Carreño – both of whom worked for the opposition party Popular Will – and Ricardo Estévez, a technical adviser for the same opposition movement as Ms Oropeza.

Targeted arrests

Amnesty International told the BBC they had “well-founded reasons to believe [the detained people's] lives and integrity are at risk”.

The pressure group says that they have been seeing a new pattern of more targeted arrests by the Venezuelan authorities since the election.

Many of those detained have reportedly not been told why they were being arrested.

In the live stream of Ms Oropeza’s detention, she can be heard asking those banging on her door if they have a search warrant. She receives no answer.

Tension has been high since Venezuela’s National Electoral Council declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner of the election - a declaration that was immediately dismissed by the opposition, which said it had proof that it, not the government had won. Mass anti-government protests quickly followed.

President Maduro accused the opposition of instigating a “coup” and announced plans to build two new maximum-security prisons to house protesters it accuses of being “criminal fascists”.

The government says more than 2,000 people have been detained, some of which it accuses of “terrorism”.

Clara del Campo, Amnesty International’s Americas senior campaigner, said the arbitrary detentions had followed a “two-pronged trend”.

“On the one hand, they have been massive and indiscriminate when it comes to protesters who took to the streets to support the opposition’s claim to election victory and, on the other, targeted and selected towards human rights defenders and opposition members,” she explained.

According to Ms del Campo, the mass detention of protesters is aimed at punishing and dissuading people from publicly expressing dissent.It is an observation echoed by Venezuelan human rights NGO Foro Penal, which told BBC Mundo that it had witnessed an unprecedented “escalation of repression”.

Foro Penal has received reports of people who had their phones checked arbitrarily while they were walking down the street, with the security officials stopping them citing social media posts or messages as the reason for their subsequent arrest.

The NGO told the BBC that people arrested in this manner have typically been held in detention centres without access to independent lawyers.

These detentions have led to a culture of fear, with some people now worried about sharing information on social media, attending protests, or even raising the alarm about people who have been seized for fear of punishment.

President Maduro himself has spoken of a strategy he called “Operation Tun Tun” (Operation Knock Knock).

Rights groups say it consists of the authorities going door-to-door to detain those with links to the protests or the opposition.

More than 2,000 have been detained since the election, according to government figures. Amnesty International says that among them are more than 100 children aged between 13 and 17 and at least six people with disabilities.

Ms Del Campo said those detained were “largely accused of ‘terrorism’ and related crimes, denied legal defence, remain disappeared and incommunicado, and are at high risk of ill treatment”.

She also said that human rights defenders and members of the opposition had been specifically targeted so as to “curtail political participation and the protection of rights”.

One of them is Kennedy Tejeda - a young pro-bono human rights lawyer with Foro Penal - who was arrested as he was trying to assist other people detained for protesting.

As well as implementing its “Operation Knock Knock”, the authorities have also targeted activists and opposition members in other ways.

The BBC has been told about dozens of people, including journalists and activists, whose passports have been revoked.

Edni López, a university professor and humanitarian worker who assisted many NGOs in Venezuela, was detained on the morning of 4 August at the international airport in the capital, Caracas.

She was planning to board a flight to Colombia from where she was going to fly to Argentina for a holiday with friends.

She last contacted her friends and boyfriend from the airport. In Whatsapp messages seen by the BBC, she told them that the migration authorities claimed her passport was “expired”, despite it being in date. They then lost contact with Ms López.

The airport later informed them she did not board her Avianca airlines flight.

A close friend of hers told the BBC that Ms López’s case was not unique: “Many people with no ties to any political cause have stated that their passports have been cancelled as well.”

The friend, who asked to remain unnamed, said that there were apparently “no clear criteria” for deciding whose passports were void and called the detentions “unconstitutional”.

'Give me back my daughter'

The BBC has approached the Venezuelan government and Avianca for comment. Avianca said it could not comment on specific passenger cases unless ordered to by an authority, but added the airline only allowed passengers who in addition to meeting travel requirements had been approved by the country’s authorities beforehand.

We have not yet received a reply from the government.

Talking to reporters, Edni López’s mother made a plea to the country’s authorities: “Give me back my daughter, it’s not fair that a Venezuelan mother has to go through this.”

She also said that her daughter had a health condition that required daily medication.

After two days in which they visited several detention centres, her family finally learned that she was being held at one of them and told she would be taken to court in the city of La Guaira.

They have so far received no information about the charges being brought against her.

Her friend described the situation as “overwhelming”. “We don’t know the conditions of her captivity.”

Another person close to Ms López told the BBC: “The only reason we think this measure was taken is because she works in the humanitarian sector and because she is a university professor.”

The friend added that they had heard that the charges against Ms López were of a political nature.

“I can attest and testify that Edni has not participated in any political event, much less that she has issued or made a political publication on any [social] network or platform,” the friend insisted.

Ms López is not the only person to be detained at the airport.

A day earlier, prominent LGBT activist Yendri Omar Velásquez was also seized at the same airport as he was trying to leave Venezuela to report human rights violations to the United Nations.

He was told his passport was cancelled and was held for six hours before being released.

The impact of these detentions is immense, not only on those who are seized by the authorities but also on those close to them.

Ms López’s friends and relatives asked not to be named, fearing they could face repercussions for simply highlighting her plight.

Human rights groups say that this fear is exactly what the authorities are trying to achieve.

They argue that by targeting rights activists and lawyers - the very people that those swept up in the mass arrests may turn to for help - those already in detention are further isolated, and those who may think of speaking out will be deterred.

[practically-an-x-man]

Okie Dokie! We all love talking about our blorbos and OCs and MCs...

... what about the "secondary" or Supporting Cast? Jace and Emily come to mind, any non Main OCs that you think deserve a moment in the spotlight?

Should I have saved this for tomorrow? Maybe? If you wanna wait and answer it tomorrow (or whenever you have spoons to spare, no rush) that's cool, but I will forget it if I wait to ask it tomorrow.

Oooh thank you!! This is an interesting question!

Talk Shop Tuesday

I definitely do think about the supporting cast when I write, both in terms of the story itself and simply for the sake of rounding out my main OCs with more connections - their friends and family are just as important to their stories, if not the story told in the fic, as anything else in their lives, so it's important to me to have those connections formed whether or not they show up often in the story itself.

And, by contrast, the lack of a defined friend or family circle is something that can be very telling, I think: Kestrel mentioning the family they were raised in but otherwise sticking with the social circle Warren brings them reflects how getting close to others doesn't come easily to them, while Warren's more outwardly-social nature means he brings in those connections for them. Other characters, like Jimmy and Vivienne and Eris, don't talk much about their family much at all because of how distanced they are from it, both temporally and emotionally.

But with that out of the way, let's talk about some of those supporting characters that do make significant appearances in the story!

Emília Mendoza and Jace Scott: you mentioned them because they really are important to WWFA? in a lot of ways, and that's true! Jace is Katherine's roommate, a trans man who's currently pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship. Emily is Venezuelan-American and met Katherine through their shared art school classes, and wants to go into commercial illustration in the future! They're more than just Katherine's best friends, they're her family while she's away from her blood family in Memphis, and they're her number one support system through any hard times she goes through. They support each other in a lot of ways, and Katherine wouldn't have made it through her struggles without them to help her.

Anna Fischer: Rae's best friend and roommate at the start of A Love Once New. She plays a similar role to Emily and Jace in WWFA?, the family-away-from-home that Rae can rely on through the tough times. She's the one who first brings Rae to the place where she meets Warren, and often acts as a sort of mediator or second perspective to a lot of the first act of the fic - halfway between Warren and Rae in a way, since she's both a mutant (Rae was human at the time) but is outside the fighting ring Warren was trapped in. From a literary perspective, she also reflects Rae's openminded personality, as she's a mutant who reflects Rae's irrational fears (being a telepath, when Rae has a phobia of having her mind affected) but is still one of the people Rae trusts most. I do wish I'd utilized her a bit more as the story went on, I did bring her back into the story later in the game too but I could have done more

Hope, Hazel, and Honesty Woodard: triplets, and Madison's adoptive sisters in Smoke and Mirrors. Hope has the ability to heal others by transferring their injuries among a group of people, Hazel can control plants, and Honesty can compel people to tell the truth. Madison encounters them shortly after leaving the X-Mansion, and they later become a firm part of her family. In the story, they reflect Madison's "tough shell/heart of gold" personality and how much love she really does have to offer, as well as providing a bit of closure: they each were separated from their parents as young teens, but Madison made sure that the girls didn't fall into isolation like she did.

Lita and Jules: Indigo's closest friends while on the Steadfast in Bolts and Blasters. Lita remains a friend and supporting character to the end of the story, though Jules is unfortunately lost due to a reconditioning session earlier in the piece. They're meant to be a reflection on how love and friendships can develop even in a hostile place, and they once again fill that role of the found-family and support system to Indigo.

This isn't anywhere close to all of them, and I could make a whole separate post about all the villains I've created for my stories, but this is getting long so I'll leave it here. You'll see that theme of the incredibly close, found-family type friendships in many of my stories, and that's because I care incredibly deeply about my own friends and I feel like a strong friendship can be an incredibly close bond for a character to have.

[usafphantom2]

RAF chooses UK-made Sting Ray torpedo for its Poseidon fleet

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 12/02/2023 - 15:00 In Armaments, Military

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense chose the British-made Sting Ray torpedo as its future torpedo capability, along with the continued use of the U.S. Navy's Mk54 weapon in the RAF's Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The program to integrate the Sting Ray Mod 1 with Poseidon is underway and will give the United Kingdom a powerful and sovereign torpedo capability, providing flexibility to the Poseidon fleet.

In service in the Royal Navy, the Sting Ray Mod 1 is capable of integration into aerial and surface platform mission systems. The Sting Ray Mod 1 is a light anti-submarine war torpedo launched from the air, launched from frigates, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft against submarine targets of all kinds.

It has a sophisticated acoustic return system and a high-precision navigation system. The torpedo can detect, classify and attack targets autonomously. It has low costs over its useful life and does not require intrusive maintenance throughout its useful life.

Taking advantage of the investment in the original Mod 0 variant of the torpedo and its support infrastructure, the improved Mod 1 weapon sustains the position of the Sting Ray as the world's leading light and autonomous underwater weapon in the coming decades.

The Sting Ray Mod 1 is designed to defeat the double threats of fast and deep double-hull submarines operating in the ocean environment and the silent and conventional submarine in coastal waters. The improved performance of Sting Ray Mod 1 is supported by the development of a new acoustic and tactical software, taking advantage of the knowledge acquired in extensive water tests with the Mod 0 weapon.

The RAF P-8 Poseidon is a multifunctional maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapon systems for anti-submarine and surface warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions.

Tags: weaponsMilitary AviationP-8A PoseidonRAF - Royal Air Force/Royal Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[dayanaveve]

A new way to share Dayana news with all, come join the Dayana Fandom Whatsapp channel! Click the link when you are on your mobile WhatsApp enabled device.

[xtruss]

Latin America’s New Hard Right: Bukele, Milei, Kast And Bolsonaro! Crime, Abortion and Socialism, Not Immigration, Are The Issues That Rile Them

— April 1st 2024| Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱

A montage of right-wing Latin American leaders on a red and blue background with Donald Trump throwing maga hats at them. Illustration: Klawe Rzeczy

“Mr president!” Javier Milei could barely contain himself when he met Donald Trump at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington in February. The pair embraced and exchanged slogans, with Mr Trump intoning “Make Argentina Great Again” several times and Argentina’s new President yipping “Viva la Libertad, Carajo” (“Long Live Freedom, Dammit”) in response.

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s Popular Autocratic President, had already addressed the conference. “They say globalism comes to die at CPAC,” he told enraptured Republicans. “I’m here to tell you that in El Salvador, it’s already dead.” Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s Hard-Right Former President, was a star guest in 2023. He, like Mr Trump, claimed without evidence that his bid for a second term was thwarted by fraud. His supporters also attempted an insurrection.

These scenes suggest a seamless international alliance between Mr Trump and the leaders of Latin America’s hard right. Its members also include José Antonio Kast of Chile, who has spoken at cpac in the past too. This new right basks in Mr Trump’s influence. It has turned away from a more consensual form of conservative politics in favour of an aggressive pursuit of culture war.

Its ascent began with the surprise victory of Mr Bolsonaro in Brazil in 2018, followed by that of Mr Bukele in 2019. In Chile Mr Kast, the founder of a new hard-right Republican Party, got 44% of the vote in a presidential run-off in 2021 and his party won an election for a constitutional council in 2023. Mr Milei won his own surprise victory in November. Would-be leaders of the radical right jostle in the Politics of Peru and Colombia.

Unlike its older European and North American equivalents, the Latin American hard right does not have roots in the fertile soil of public anxiety about uncontrolled immigration (although this has become an issue recently because of the arrival of millions of Venezuelans fleeing their country’s rotten dictatorship).

The new group shares three hallmarks. The first is fierce opposition to abortion, and gay and women’s rights. “What unites them is an affirmation of traditional social hierarchies,” as Lindsay Mayka and Amy Erica Smith, two academics, put it. The second hallmark is a tough line on crime and citizens’ security. And the third is uncompromising opposition to social democracy, let alone communism, which leads some to want a smaller state.

There were common factors in their ascents, too. They were helped by a sense of crisis—about corruption and economic stagnation in Brazil and Argentina, gang violence in El Salvador and the sometimes violent “social explosion” in Chile.

Cousins In Arms

But each leader has adopted a different mix of these ideological elements. The hard right in Latin America are “cousins, not brothers”, says Cristóbal Rovira of the Catholic University of Chile. “They are similar but not identical.”

Mr Bolsonaro’s constituencies were evangelicals, to whom he appealed with his defence of the traditional family, and the authoritarian right in the form of the army, the police and farmers worried about land invasions and rural crime. But he was lukewarm about the free market and fiscal rigour. Mr Bukele made security the cornerstone of his first presidential term, overcoming criminal gangs by locking up more than 74,000 of El Salvador’s 6.4 Million Citizens. His economic policy is less clear and, despite his claim at CPAC, is not self-evidently “anti-globalist”.

Mr Milei was elected for his pledge to pull Argentina out of prolonged stagflation and to cut down what he brands as a corrupt political “caste”. A self-described “anarcho-capitalist”, he is a fan of the Austrian school of free-market economics. Unlike Mr Trump, he is neither an economic nationalist nor protectionist on trade. He has only recently adopted his peers’ stance on moral issues. His government supports a bill to overturn Argentina’s abortion law, and says it will eliminate gender-conscious language from public administration. Mr Bukele followed suit.

Mr Kast attempted to put conservative morality in the constitutional draft his party championed, which was one reason why it was rejected in a plebiscite. He wants tough policies on security and against immigration. “We should close the borders and build a trench,” he says. He wants to “shrink the state and lower the tax burden”. Whereas Mr Bolsonaro is a climate-change sceptic and anti-vaxxer, Mr Kast is not.

Democracy For Thee, Not For Me

Right-wing populists also have differing attitudes to democracy. With his attempt to subvert the election result, for which he is under police investigation, Mr Bolsonaro showed that he was not a democrat. Mr Bukele is contemptuous of checks and balances. His success at slashing the murder rate made him hugely popular, allowing him to brush aside constitutional term limits and win a second term in February.

Mr Milei’s “disdain for democratic institutions is clear”, says Carlos Malamud, An Argentine Historian, citing Mr Milei’s break with convention by giving his inauguration speech to a crowd of supporters, rather than to Congress. But, Mr Malamud adds, Mr Milei may yet learn that he needs to include the parliament in government.

“I’m a democrat,” insists Mr Kast, and his opponents agree. “On security and shrinking the state, we share views with Bolsonaro,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean that we are the same as Milei or Bolsonaro or Bukele.” As Mr Kast notes, policy choices are shaped in each country by very different circumstances.

So are the prospects of the various leaders. Mr Bukele is by far the most successful, with would-be imitators across the region and no obvious obstacles to his remaining in power indefinitely. In contrast, Mr Bolsonaro’s active political career may well be over. The electoral court has barred him as a candidate until 2030 (when he will be 75) for disparaging the voting system at a meeting with foreign ambassadors. He may be jailed for his apparent attempt to organise a military coup against his electoral defeat; he denies this and claims he is a victim of political persecution.

Mr Milei’s future is up for grabs. Succeed in taming inflation, and he could emerge strengthened from a midterm election in 2025. But if he refuses to compromise with Congress and provincial governors, he may be in trouble before then. In Chile, Mr Kast seemed to overplay his hand with the constitutional draft. The election in 2025 could see the centre-right take power. One influential figure of that persuasion argues that Mr Kast is unable to represent the diversity of modern Chile.

Ultimately, the group is bound by an international network built around common political discourse and cultural references. Mr Kast chairs the Political Network for Values, an outfit previously led by an ally of Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Populist Leader. Vox, Spain’s hard-right party, organises the Foro de Madrid, a network of like-minded politicians mainly from what it calls the “Iberosphere” in Latin America.

These gatherings offer a chance to share experiences and sometimes a bit more. Mr Bukele has advisers from Venezuela’s exiled opposition. Mr Trump’s activists have shown up at Latin American elections. Recently, Mr Bolsonaro took refuge in the Hungarian embassy in Brasília for two nights when he feared arrest.

But there are no signs of central direction or co-ordination. The right in Latin America has long claimed that the Foro de São Paulo, a get-together of Latin American left-wingers, is a highly organised conspiracy. All the evidence is that it is a loose friendship network. That seems to be true of its right-wing peer, too. ■

— This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline "The Anti-communist International"

[mr-laveau]

The similarities between our freelancers (name, things they do) is slowly scaring me

Call me Penny-wise cuz I'm apparently scaring the hoes/j

I do seem to get that a lot tho😅. Fern is typically a pretty common name choice for enby peeps so I get where that comes in but in terms of what they do... I'll need elaboration on that cuz fern does a lot. If anything, I could this opportunity to talk about things I've done for my FL that I don't think many other people have if it calms the nerves!

My FL is in fact of Caribbean descent, they're Trinidadian! Their mother is Columbian/Venezuelan and their father is afro-caribbean, born and raised in Trinidad! This makes fern afro-latine/Hispanic! They speak with a Trinidadian accent and they're a pretty fast talker at that.

They're (I'm sure this isn't new to the fandom) is polyamorous! While canonically FL does date Gavin, my FL just skipped that route and grabbed all the boyfriends in DAMN and dates anyone else I ship them with (Sam, Darin, Lovely and etc)!

Fern is a cheerleader at DAMN! While I'm not entirely sure there would even be a need for cheerleaders at DAMN, I just like that because it makes their dynamic with Hux even sweeter and I feel like they could use the extracurricular doing something else that isn't staring at a book.

They also have a huge thing for the vintage aesthetic! They walk around with older stuff they got from their family like cassettes, walkmans, they use two phones, a regular smartphone and an older button phone + etc! They're very curious about things that were around long before them and are a history buff!

I dunno, these are just a few fun facts and nothing deep just cuz I saw the chance and I felt like sharing em! These probably aren't new either but I do like them and I don't think many people have these kinds of hcs so;

fuck it, we ball!

Anyways, have a great day!

[hsr-texts]

I apologize in advance if this comes across as offensive in any way!!! (And apologies for my basic English)

After saying the first thing, uhm,,, is saying all this about the war and the crimes surrounding it really going to help? The war has been going on for decades, many spoke and practically no one cared... I don't think talking about this is bad, that's too extreme,, it just seems to me that it will end up forgotten like dozens of other things (Mexican drug trafficking, Venezuelan crisis, attacks on civilians in Colombia, Chilean social movement, etc). And perhaps my examples are not the best because I am from Latam, but in Latam the problems *usually* have more space on television than countries with English speakers,, I really don't see anything wrong with talking about this, I just don't see the purpose anymore, because I can't contribute a single grain of sand.

It may be that I perceive it this way due to personal factors (I partially lost the vision in one eye due to the attack by the police in my country, missing relatives and more, really more) But because of everything I've been through and I've seen the people I know go through, I just don't see any way to help, not just by talking or writing, no one can do it alone from their chair or the comfort of your home, You can only do it by committing yourself and achieving much more, in my case, that meant partially losing my vision... Sorry I aired some things, but I really want to know someone else's opinion on this.

Ah, alright, I understand your view on this. My condolences for your experiences. It must've been difficult and I too might share the same views if I were in your position.

Yes, I agree it would be far more helpful if you could do something more substantial for the people. If it were any other case, I would've been more than happy to donate money to support Palestine. (Trust me, I tried to look for local organisations that would support the people in Gaza but only found news articles)

However, Israel is bombing humanitarian aid. They threatened Egypt that they would bomb the trucks they sent to help evacuate the people in Gaza. They're essentially trapped with no food or water.

I'm simply doing this because I believe part of my duty and responsibility as a person, a human being, is to understand our history and bear witness to it.

We mustn't allow Israel to rewrite history by believing their lies and propaganda.

This can only happen if we make this information of what's truly going on spread like wildfire.

It's easy to feel helpless and hopeless but I am a firm believer that giving up and becoming apathetic is what helps these evils prevail. Nothing will change if everyone stopped learning, stopped trying to help, stopped caring. So why not try to help, even in the smallest of ways?

[melandtea]

Once upon a time I was backpacking in Europe and met this US guy in a Germany restaurant who was In Great Need of showing off his cultural range.

I am latina, mind you, so his first reference was how once at university he shared a room with a Venezuelan and how they ate delicious food together and how he learned to eat chilli food.

Then I asked what did he learn about Venezuela. He named all of the dishes he had tasted.

I asked what did he learn about Venezuela aside from food. Unsurprisingly, he couldn't remember a thing.

I asked where Venezuela was. He said it was near Mexico.

I asked if he knew about the political problems in Venezuela. He said "Uh, they're hungry right?"

And that sums up a lot of the interaction I have with US people on the internet. They'll talk unstop about their products and stores and culture as if they were an international experiences, but when it comes to anywhere else outside their border, we're just a restaurant they can go to try new food. They are so comfortable in their little US world that they aren't even curious to what happens outside, they don't try to learn more even when they live with a living sample of another place to tell them what's life there without touristic glamour.

You may ask a ton of questions, but they'll never even wonder why you ask that question, why and how would that be different from where you come from. This guy didn't even connect the "hunger" dot with "studying in an expensive US university" dot and the economic implications in that dynamic. They'll just happily answer your question like they did their good deed of the day helping a lost tourist and move on.

If they find an English song with two lines in another language, they'll cross earth and water to discover the translation, not once wondering how the rest of the world deal with crossing paths with English nor any other languages we might not know. Everything has to be culturally translated to their comfort, so used to their international hegemony that learning someone else's context is a way too far stretch.

I guess I just wanna say, c'mon guys, I'm already spelling this in English so you don't have to use bing translator over a "¡Cállate, gringo!" tweet. It's really not hard, we (the entire rest of the world) do it all the time. You can do better.

[belles-place]

Culinary Delights Along the Emirates Air Line: A Gastronomic Journey

The Emirates Air Line, London’s stunning cable car experience, offers more than breathtaking views of the River Thames and the city's iconic skyline. It’s also a gateway to a vibrant food scene that reflects the multicultural essence of London. Whether you’re looking for quick bites, international cuisine, or a cozy spot for a drink, the areas surrounding the Emirates Air Line are brimming with options to satisfy any palate.

1. Royal Victoria Dock: A Global Food Hub

The area around Royal Victoria Dock is teeming with eateries that showcase London’s diversity.

Nakhon Thai: For lovers of Southeast Asian cuisine, Nakhon Thai offers authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, and Tom Yum soup in an elegant riverside setting. Perfect for a flavorful and aromatic meal.

The Oiler Bar: A quirky floating bar serving up street food-style delights. Try their wood-fired pizzas or indulge in craft beers while enjoying the dockside atmosphere.

Top 1 Forever: This modern European restaurant is known for its steaks, seafood, and exquisite desserts. It’s an excellent spot for a sophisticated dining experience.

2. Greenwich Peninsula: Fusion Flavors and Trendy Cafés

Just across the river, the Greenwich Peninsula is home to some of London’s trendiest culinary spots.

The Pilot Inn: A historic pub offering classic British fare. Treat yourself to fish and chips, Sunday roasts, or hearty pies in a charming, rustic setting.

Craft London: For a more upscale experience, Craft London focuses on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Their menu includes unique dishes like charred broccoli with smoked almonds and mouthwatering slow-roasted meats.

Ardoa: This Basque-inspired restaurant specializes in pintxos and other small plates, making it a great choice for sharing and exploring bold Spanish flavors.

3. Street Food Extravaganza: Mercato Metropolitano Canary Wharf

A short hop from the cable car route, this vibrant food hall is a paradise for food lovers. With stalls offering cuisines from all over the world, you’ll find everything from Venezuelan arepas to Japanese sushi rolls. Don’t miss the artisanal gelato or freshly baked Italian focaccia.

4. Sweet Treats and Café Culture

If you’re in the mood for coffee and dessert, the Emirates Air Line’s vicinity has plenty to offer.

The Cable Café: Located near the Greenwich Peninsula, this cozy spot serves artisan coffees, freshly baked pastries, and light brunch options. It’s perfect for a laid-back morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Crosstown Doughnuts: A must-visit for doughnut enthusiasts. Their handcrafted treats come in unique flavors like yuzu and matcha or classic vanilla bean glaze.

5. Docklands’ Hidden Gems

For those willing to venture slightly further afield, the Docklands area offers some hidden culinary treasures.

Fatboys Diner: A retro American diner serving up juicy burgers, milkshakes, and fries. The nostalgic vibe and hearty meals make it a hit for families and friends alike.

The Gun: A historic riverside pub with stunning views and a refined menu. Their seafood platter and seasonal dishes are particularly noteworthy.

6. Seasonal and Pop-Up Experiences

Throughout the year, the areas near the Emirates Air Line host seasonal food festivals and pop-up markets. From Christmas markets serving mulled wine and mince pies to summer street food fairs, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Meals Perfect for Travelers:

When you're on the move, finding the right meals that are both satisfying and easy to enjoy is essential. The food spots near the Emirates Air Line cater perfectly to travelers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.

Grab-and-Go Options: Street food stalls at Mercato Metropolitano or The Oiler Bar offer portable meals like wraps, sushi, or handheld pastries that are ideal for eating on the go.

Healthy Choices: For a lighter meal, salads and protein-rich options at Craft London or fresh seafood dishes at The Gun provide the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.

Quick Energy Boosts: Crosstown Doughnuts and The Cable Café offer treats and drinks that are perfect for a quick energy boost before continuing your journey.

Family-Friendly Meals: Fatboys Diner and The Pilot Inn are great for families, offering hearty portions and kid-friendly options that keep everyone happy and fueled.

Insider Tips for Foodies:

Timing Matters: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits at popular spots.

Make Reservations: For upscale restaurants like Craft London or Nakhon Thai, booking ahead is recommended.

Explore Local Markets: Check out Greenwich Market for unique snacks and handmade treats.

Whether you’re a local exploring your city or a tourist taking in the sights, the culinary scene around the Emirates Air Line promises a journey as delightful as the views themselves. So next time you board the cable car, make sure to plan a foodie adventure along the way!

Discover more about this cable car here

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[beardedmrbean]

New York City crime stats show hate crimes in the Big Apple are on pace to rise for the fourth consecutive year, driven by a spike in antisemitic incidents.

There were 276 hate crime complaints in the city through May 31, the most recent data available. That's up from 210 in 2023. Virtually the entire increase can be seen in anti-Jewish incidents, which rose from 97 to 164 in the same period.

The rise in antisemitic incidents coincided with anti-Israel demonstrations on the city's major college campuses, including Columbia and New York universities.

"That's no coincidence," said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

NYC PALESTINIAN MAN SENTENCED IN BRUTAL ANTISEMITIC BEATING BEFORE JUDGE EJECTS ANGRY SUPPORTERS FROM COURT

Antisemitic incidents have always been the most common hate crimes in New York, he said, and the recent spike comes as no surprise given the surge in campus demonstrations and widespread news coverage.

"What we've seen on college campuses has carried over into the street, so to speak," he said. "People see this, they get bombarded with these images from TV and social media and then act upon it."

Giacalone faulted university leaders for failing to address students' complaints of antisemitism early on in the anti-Israel protests that broke out on their campuses earlier this year.

"Not only did they not act, but they're also protecting their professors that have been teaching this stuff for decades," he said. "It's finally come to fruition, and it plays right into the conservative hand about how colleges have brainwashed America's youth in order to hate the country and a lot of things about it."

At Columbia, faculty reportedly assisted student agitators by physically blocking critics from a makeshift encampment on school grounds and by forming a human chain around their keffiyeh-clad pupils. The encampment finally ended after school leaders asked the NYPD to clear out a group that barricaded the university's Hamilton Hall building.

Anti-Asian hate crimes, which became a visible problem last year for New York's large Asian-American community, fell by half through May 31, 2024, compared to the prior year.

Citywide crime statistics fell slightly by 2.4% overall in May, led by a 21.1% decline in homicides. However, rapes, robberies, shootings and felony assaults all increased. Police attributed a significant portion of those bumps to crooks on motorized scooters who have been plaguing the city with snatch-and-grab robberies for months.

The robberies continue to present a growing threat, Giacalone said, with patterns involving scooters, defined by the city as two or more crimes sharing similarities, having quadrupled so far this year. 

The crimes continue to occur even after the Manhattan District Attorney's Office cracked down on a robbery ring linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua earlier this year. 

"It’s a whack-a-mole situation, and if they're not being held on bail, if they're not being detained for [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], then all you're doing is releasing them back out, and they even think it’s a joke, too," Giacalone said. 

Transit crime decreased by 10.6% after city and state leaders increased patrols on the subway system, revived random bag checks and called in the National Guard for assistance.

The crimes continue to occur even after the Manhattan District Attorney's Office cracked down on a robbery ring linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua earlier this year. 

"It’s a whack-a-mole situation, and if they're not being held on bail, if they're not being detained for [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], then all you're doing is releasing them back out, and they even think it’s a joke, too," Giacalone said. 

Transit crime decreased by 10.6% after city and state leaders increased patrols on the subway system, revived random bag checks and called in the National Guard for assistance.

"The men and women of the NYPD continue to turn the tide on overall crime in neighborhoods throughout New York City, as well as below ground in our vast subway system, by remaining nimble and strategically deploying our resources," NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement. 

"We vow to stay in front of crime trends by directly addressing community concerns, disrupting emerging patterns and dismantling criminal networks where they operate. New Yorkers expect and deserve nothing less."

[warningsine]

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential election, setting up a showdown with the government, which earlier declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner.

“The Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” opposition candidate Edmundo González said in his first remarks.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said the margin of González’s victory was “overwhelming” based on voting tallies it had received from campaign representatives from about 40% of ballot boxes nationwide.

The National Electoral Council, which is controlled by Maduro loyalists, earlier said Maduro had secured 51% of the vote to 44% for González. But it didn’t release the tallies from each of the 30,000 polling booths nationwide, promising only to do so in the “coming hours,” hampering the ability to verify the results.

Foreign leaders held off recognizing the results.

“The Maduro regime should understand that the results it published are difficult to believe,” said Gabriel Boric, the leftist leader of Chile. “We won’t recognize any result that is not verifiable.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. has “serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people,” speaking in Tokyo.

The delay in announcing results — six hours after polls were supposed to close — indicated a deep debate inside the government about how to proceed after Maduro’s opponents came out early in the evening all but claiming victory.

When Maduro finally came out to celebrate the results, he accused unidentified foreign enemies of trying to hack the voting system.

“This is not the first time that they have tried to violate the peace of the republic,” he said to a few hundred supporters at the presidential palace. He provided no evidence to back the claim but promised “justice” for those who try to stir violence in Venezuela.

Opposition representatives said tallies they collected from campaign representatives at the polling stations showed González trouncing Maduro. Meanwhile, the head of the electoral council said it would release the official voting acts in the coming hours.

Maduro celebrated the result with a few hundreds supporters at the presidential palace.

Maduro, in seeking a third term, faced his toughest challenge yet from the unlikeliest of opponents in González: a retired diplomat who was unknown to voters before being tapped in April as a last-minute stand-in for opposition powerhouse Maria Corina Machado.

Earlier, opposition leaders celebrating, online and outside a few voting centers, what they assured was a landslide victory for González.

“I’m so happy,” said Merling Fernández, a 31-year-old bank employee, as a representative for the opposition campaign walked out of one voting center in a working class neighborhood of Caracas to announce results showing González more than doubled Maduro’s vote count. Dozens standing nearby erupted in an impromptu rendition of the national anthem.

“This is the path toward a new Venezuela,” added Fernández, holding back tears. “We are all tired of this yoke.”

Voters started lining up at some voting centers across the country before dawn Sunday, sharing water, coffee and snacks for several hours.

The election will have ripple effects throughout the Americas, with government opponents and supporters alike signaling their interest in joining the exodus of 7.7 million Venezuelans who have already left their homes for opportunities abroad should Maduro win another six year term.

Authorities set Sunday’s election to coincide with what would have been the 70th birthday of former President Hugo Chávez, the revered leftist firebrand who died of cancer in 2013, leaving his Bolivarian revolution in the hands of Maduro. But Maduro and his United Socialist Party of Venezuela are more unpopular than ever among many voters who blame his policies for crushing wages, spurring hunger, crippling the oil industry and separating families due to migration.

The opposition managed to line up behind a single candidate after years of intraparty divisions and election boycotts that torpedoed their ambitions to topple the ruling party.

Machado was blocked by the Maduro-controlled supreme court from running for any office for 15 years. A former lawmaker, she swept the opposition’s October primary with over 90% of the vote. After she was blocked from joining the presidential race, she chose a college professor as her substitute on the ballot, but the National Electoral Council also barred her from registering. That’s when González, a political newcomer, was chosen.

Sunday’s ballot also featured eight other candidates challenging Maduro, but only González threatens Maduro’s rule.

After voting, Maduro said he would recognize the election result and urged all other candidates to publicly declare that they would do the same.

“No one is going to create chaos in Venezuela,” Maduro said. “I recognize and will recognize the electoral referee, the official announcements and I will make sure they are recognized.”

Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and once boasted Latin America’s most advanced economy. But it entered into a free fall after Maduro took the helm. Plummeting oil prices, widespread shortages and hyperinflation that soared past 130,000% led first to social unrest and then mass emigration.

Economic sanctions from the U.S. seeking to force Maduro from power after his 2018 reelection — which the U.S. and dozens of other countries condemned as illegitimate — only deepened the crisis.

Maduro’s pitch to voters this election was one of economic security, which he tried to sell with stories of entrepreneurship and references to a stable currency exchange and lower inflation rates. The International Monetary Fund forecasts the economy will grow 4% this year — one of the fastest in Latin America — after having shrunk 71% from 2012 to 2020.

But most Venezuelans have not seen any improvement in their quality of life. Many earn under $200 a month, which means families struggle to afford essential items. Some work second and third jobs. A basket of basic staples — sufficient to feed a family of four for a month — costs an estimated $385.

The opposition has tried to seize on the huge inequalities arising from the crisis, during which Venezuelans abandoned their country’s currency, the bolivar, for the U.S. dollar.

González and Machado focused much of their campaigning on Venezuela’s vast hinterland, where the economic activity seen in Caracas in recent years didn’t materialize. They promised a government that would create sufficient jobs to attract Venezuelans living abroad to return home and reunite with their families.