The verb pinchar means “to prick” or “to poke” and pincho is a spike or a skewer, so it’s not surprising that in the world of tapas (small portions that can be shared) pinchos (also spelled pintxos) either have toothpicks through them or can be eaten off the plate with one.

That mujeriego Mariano has really messed with poor Elena’s head. If we were her, we’d dump the scoundrel for Durand, the suave French lawyer, tout suite.

Sometimes if you’re sitting at home, depressed, stewing in a pot of emotional turmoil and angst, really the best thing to do is just go out and shake it! (P.S. If your boss looks like she’s taken the bullet train to Splitsville, we strongly suggest you don’t mention it… especially if you are looking for her to sign off on your French classes!)

This episode guest stars the legendary Nacha Guevara, who plays Melina, a fiery blonde who seems to have something of a history with Flavio, though he still pines for the lovely madame, Amelia.

Goods and services that show up on our urban doorsteps are the ultimate in convenience. Latin Americans love el delivery as much as anyone, maybe even moreso.

The meaning of fascista is self-evident, but Southern Cone countries also use facho. Balas, of course, are “bullets” but in some countries also have the alternately slang meaning of “homosexuals” or “gays.” Balas and Fachos are, evidently, also the names of tv shows in which Majo and Gloria’s young client stars.

What exactly does Soledad care about that fellow’s uncle? And is the former child star really concerned with the girls’ ability to earn a living? Stay tuned…

Gala says she is ill in the guardia of a hospital, but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. Meanwhile, Majo is intent on interrupting her husband’s enjoyment of a good book.

Cianuro is, as you may have guessed, the Spanish term for “cyanide,” a poison that has long been used to propel dramatic intrigue. In Gabriel García Márquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera, for example, the photographer kills himself with it. Watch closely for the lethal chemistry cameo.

Sebastián Estebanez is loved throughout the world for his fine work in telenovelas such as Pasiones Prohibidas and Pensionados. Now Marley, the ubiquitous personality of Argentine television, is daring Sebastián to munch on a delicious cockroach, just as Marley himself did while in China.

Factor Fobia is sponsored by Eco de los Andes bottle glacier water. Marley is up in the Andean region of Tunuyán where it is processed and bottled. The show is also sponsered by Aventura Sur, a very interesting adventure travel magazine you definitely want to visit. Extraordinary photos and great reading practice.

The game of brisca uses 40 cards known as the “Spanish deck.” One aspect of play involves using body language to reveal your hand to your partner. This is why the gentleman says “we blink an eye and we do like this…” He is making a joke about this body language/cards relationship when he says “your head aches when you have the ace of oros.”

Her name is Milagros- her nickname, “Cholito”. She’s wild on the soccer field, and not much tamer off of it. An orphan, she was brought up in a convent. But now she’s almost 18, and she will have to make her own way in the world. The world might not be quite ready…

Victoria isn’t exactly what you’d call “deep”, but she’s no pushover. She knows what she likes, and what she doesn’t. She certainly doesn’t like to be called Vicki, nor does she enjoy the company of Bobby, her brother’s chatterbox friend. She strives for ever more glamour and refinement, even deciding to change the name of her driver from Rocky to the more patrician “Morgan”.

Patricia talks about ways to stay active in Coro, Venezuela, patrimonio cultural de la humanidad. She enjoys the gym and classes in Tae Bo, an exercise phenomenon that seems to know no political boundaries. She also enjoys going out on Friday nights with friends to the local disco. As far as boys go, it seems a young man named Leopaldo is winning the race to her heart…