Nothing to Post Again

Yeah, nothing is really happening. My mind is focused on the big trip to the U.S., which makes it that much harder to focus on my work. The weather is getting colder. There is no humidity during the summer on a wind chill factor. The weather people keep promising that it will get nice eventually, but I trust them about as much as I trust the government here. Everyday I read the paper and its just more examples of how people can't work together. The governments and businesses have finally gotten everything ready to start building the large hockey hall needed for the 2006 World Championships here in Riga. Now they are trying to build a small hall which is also necessary. It could be a bigger debacle, because the mayor of Ventspils is involved. This guy is a millionaire who got his money by buying all of the privatization certificates in the town and sold them back to the people who lived there. He then became mayor and gave all the city contracts to companies that he owns. He has helped the town a lot and no body can prove anything, so he keeps doing what he's doing. Atleast it gives me something to read in the paper.

Nothing to Post

I'm sorry that I didn't post earlier, but I figured that I would come up with something to post. Yesterday I finally bought our tickets to the U.S.. Other then that everyone is still waiting for summer to arrive. Its overcast and nobody knows if its going to rain or not. I hope its better wherever you are.

Midsummer Vacation

Well after five days off its back to work. Here's a re-cap of the vacation. On Friday, I left work early, because at the last minute Lena and I got a ride to Madona with my Lettonia Krasu Tevs (Frat Big Brother). That was fun. There were two other brothers in the car and they tried to convince Lena that the fraternity isn't just a bunch of guys that sit around and drink, but I don't think she believed it. Especially considering that they were drinking at the time (don't worry the driver wasn't drinking). The next day, we visited Lena's grandmother and spent sometime with her relatives. Her uncle always tries to get me to start a business with him, this time it was something to do with exporting moonshine to the U.S.. After that, we went to our friend's house that has a back yard to celebrate the evening. The celebrating started later, because of the Latvia vs. The Netherlands soccer game. The game was painful to watch. Latvia lost 3-0. After that we sat around the fire ate, drank, and talked about what life was like growing up. I, of course, was at a serious disadvantage with the lack of experience growing up during The Soviet Union. After we were good and drunk we went to the dance at the open air theatre in Madona, but we didn't stay there long, because we got the idea to head, back to Riga at 4 AM. Oh, by the way it was dark for an hour all night! Lena had to work on Friday, so we decided to head back early. I slept most of the way except when I woke up and started yelling for people to stop bothering me, but I don't really remember that part. The rest of the weekend was spent calmly around the house catching up on reading and other things. This morning it was really hard to get out of bed. Now, my mind has to turn to planning the big trip.

Green Market

Today is the Green Market in Dome Square. Its a big market before the Midsummer festival where you can buy everything from wooden spoons to half a pig. Unfortunately I have to work, and won't beable to enjoy the full experience, but it is right outside our office window so atleast we'll beable to hear the concert. In other bad news, my next post will be June 28. I know that's a long time, but I hopefully when I come back I should have plenty of stories to tell. Well I guess that all for now. Happy Ligo/Jani!.

Latvia vs. Germany

Yesterday was the Latvia vs. Germany Soccer game in the Euro 2004 tournament. Latvia tied Germany 0:0 to give Latvia its first ever point in the tournament. Now Latvia has to beat or tie The Netherlands on Wed. (June 23). There are a lot of factors that are beyond Latvia's control that have to go our way in order to move on, but it is a possibility. In other news, a long time friend, Aleks got married on Saturday. I wish him all the best. In bad news, I didn't make it to the flash mob, because the Latvian flash mob site is in Russian and I couldn't register in time. I guess that's all for now.

Working on a Saturday

Well because we get friday off we have to make up the day, so we have to work today. Other offices and the government are working, but I doubt that any real work is being done. I'm doing what I normally do. I usually get to work alittle after 9:30; check my email, blog, read the news. Thats about it.

Flashmob

In case anyone is interested tomorrow(June 19) will be the second annual global flashmob. If you want more information go to www.flashmob.com.

Jani

Well its that time of year again, when no one feels like working, because everyone is thinking about what they are going to do for the midsummer festival. This year it falls on June 23-24 so there are five days off. Lena and I are getting closer to deciding where to go celebrate (drink beer). It looks like we might be heading to Bauska, but our planning has only gone so far to decide that we are going to buy a tent and sleeping bags. Once we decide where to go all that is left, is to hope for good weather. Staying up all night kinda sucks if its cold and raining. It usually rains on Jani, but it is also usually warm and most people are drunk so no one notices. Anyway, Ligo/Jani is the biggest thing that happening here right now. I'll also post tomorrow, because we have to work to make up for the Friday that we are going to miss next week, so watch this space.

TechTV

I know I usually only post once a day, but this was something that I could just sit back and watch. Apparently my favorite TV network in the U.S.(TechTV) has been merged with the worst idea to hit TV since Smellovision(G4). The new network G4TechTV is a cheap imitation of this once proud channel with its tech based programming that was not only informative, but also enjoyable to watch. Even though I have been long since out of reach of TechTV's viewing area, I just wanted to add my name to the long list of bloggers and loyal fans who are speaking out against the atrocity that has been committed.

Comment Response

I only noticed today after I had posted that I had a comment from Monday, so I'll do a quick response. Yeah the trip to Madona was a rough one, but the amount of drinking wasn't a whole lot more than usual. Also unfortunately doe to the lack of a budget I didn't get to go to Portugal to cover the Euro 2004. The Baltic Times can barely send people to Bauska (small town about 100 miles outside of Riga). Finally, it would be nice own a bowling alley in Madona, but due to our discussions with Harold the owner of the bar(Slageris), in a few years the competition will be too strong to make a profit.

Latvian TV

Lately I've had the opportunity to watch a lot of TV. I work all day and the weather hasn't been the best so usually I just go home and watch TV. I'm catching up on all the American programs that I never watched, and really never wanted to watch in the U.S.. Programs like Fear Factor and NASCAR Races. It boggles my mind as to why the U.S. is exporting NASCAR Races, but the more I watch it the more it amazes me to the point where I have to watch more of it. Other shows Lena and I like to watch together like Friends and Sex in the City. The best part of watching these programs is that every week is a new episode that is actually three years old, but its new here. You get to see the whole series from the beginning in the order that it was meant to be shown, unlike re-runs that sometimes have no order at all. OK, well that's my TV rant.

Almost

It was the first game ever for Latvia in the Euro 2004 final. In the game last night against The Czech Republic, Latvia was up 1-0 until the 70th minute from a beautiful goal by golden boy Maris Verpakovskis. Verpakovskis has scored a goal in every game he has played in this year including at his new club team Dynamo in Kiev. Every bar in Latvia cheered with the thought of actually pulling off the biggest upset of the tournament. Even a tie would have been a huge set back for The Czech Republic, as they are one of the stronger teams this year. Then in the 74th minute the Czechs scored due to a lack of communication in Latvia's defense. Latvia's back were noticeably tired as the game went on. Latvia's team is not used to the extreme heat of Portugal. In the end Latvia slipped up again in the 89th minute to fall behind 2-1. Latvia's next game is against Germany on Friday, later in the day, which should be a benefit to our players.

The Weather

The weather here in Riga has been crappy at best. Spring lasted a whole week. Summer was a weekend and now it feels like fall. Its overcast and rainy outside. Its cold, but not winter cold. Its just all around crappy. The only bright part of today is the Latvia vs The Czech Republic soccer game. Its the first time Latvia will play in the Euro 2004 tournament. Its warm and sunny in Portugal where the game is being held. With the game later today and the depressing weather, working today is going to be that much harder. Oh well, I'll let everyone know how the game turns out.

Over The Weekend

The weekend started out rough and just got worse from there. On Friday I went from work to our apartment to get our cat, Pepper. In the trolleybus on the way to meet Lena, Pepper started meowing really loudly. I did my best to calm him down, but he didn't stop until we got off the trolleybus. Anyway long story short the trip to Madona was long and terrible. Then in Madona it seemed like things would be O.K., but on Saturday the drinking began. I went with Lena and her Mom to go vote in the European parliament elections. We then went to the town bar Slageris. Slageris is the exact kind of place I would want if I opened a bar. We sat with the owner and talked about everything from soccer to opening up a bowling center in town somewhere. I think, that after one more beer I would have been part owner of any new bowling center in Madona. But luckily we left to the waiting arms of Vodka back at Lena's place. We watched the opening ceremony to the Euro 2004 soccer tournament. Everything was going fine until I here the words "let's go for a walk". I thought sure, I could use the fresh air, but the walk consisted of the procurement of more booze. Back home I had one more drink a went to bed. Bad idea! I ended up doing the technocolor yawn in front of Lena's family. I stayed in bed almost the entire next day as too hide my shame of the previous night. Lena's family were really nice about everything, but I doubt we will be drinking that much the next time we visit Madona.

A Quickie

I don't have a lot of time so I'll make this short. This weekend Lena and I are heading to Madona to visiting her relatives and so that she can vote in the European parliament elections. We are taking Pepper with us. I like going to Madona. It always turns out to be a good time. Ok, well I guess that's it. I wish everyone a great weekend.

Another Day Another Lat

Today I really have nothing to write about, but the latest edition of The Baltic Times came out today. There's an article where I wrote about the Latvia vs. Azerbaijan soccer match. I know that it sounds British, but that's because my British editor all but re-wrote the article. I'm not really upset, because I've never been a good writer, but he always tries to to put words into the articles the don't belong in a sports article. A sports article should be rough and captivating like the game, not soft and subtle. Anyway, I'm just venting. In other news. There's a funny webpage set up for the Euro 2004 soccer tournament at www.football365.com. In there is a survey where you can vote for Miss Euro 2004. The funny thing is that for Latvia they picked a guy, because he has a girls name and they couldn't find anyone else to represent Latvia. The best part is that he's winning the survey against Beckhams wife and Nelly Furtato. Everyone should vote. Ok, well that's enough ranting for today.

News

Well a lot has happened since yesterday. First off Lena and I got tickets to the Macy Gray concert here in Riga on July 23rd. It should be a blast. But, the biggest news of the day is that my sister is going to have a Baby! Holy Crap! That means I'm going to be an uncle. I'm too young to be an uncle. Actually maybe not. I sometimes forget how old I am. Sometimes I feel that I still want to grow up and be somebody. I guess the bad news is that my sister, Ellie, and her husband, John, won't be able to come to visit for awhile. I want everyone to come and visit. Especially in the summer when Riga is rocking. The beer gardens, the beaches, its a great place to be and I'm glad I'm here. In fact, since this is a time of big news, I should probably mention that I've decided to stay for awhile. I know this is going to be a bummer for some of my friends in the states, but things are going really well here and I don't want to have to go back to the states to start from scratch.

The Sun is there

Today is the day when Venus is supposed to pass over the sun for an eclipse that only happens once every hundred years, but of course its raining and we won't be able to see a thing. The whole process takes six hours so I hope that the rain will let up enough to at least get a glimpse of the historic event. Other then the weather, nothing has really changed since my last post. So I'm not going to waste your time today. Come back tomorrow, maybe something will have happened by then.

The Weekend

Well as I mentioned, this weekend was to be full of events, and while I wasn't bored, it didn't turn out to be as fun as I had expected. Friday, was the bowling tournament that I posted in my last post. It was much more of a pain in the ass then fun or enjoyable. Although it was great weather, in fact the whole weekend had great weather. Saturday, was filled with shopping, which I have come to hate. The whole idea of shopping annoys me. The phrase "Going shopping" is an open ended proposal without a purpose. I would rather prefer to have a goal, and when that goal is complete I want to leave the store to celebrate the new addition to my life. My view of shopping is more "hunter-gatherer" I would like a festival to be held when I bring back a new pair of shoes or a new pair of pants. Although I do enjoy it when Lena buys something, because you can almost see the festival inside of her. I guess that's why I agree to go with her. Anyway, I think I'm getting away from reality a bit. Sunday I had to go to the Latvia vs. Azerbaijan Soccer game because I have to write a story about it for The Baltic Times. I think I was more excited about being in the press box then the actual game itself, and I'm not looking forward to writing about it. The game ended 2-2 and now everyone is waiting to see how Latvia will play in Portugal against some of the best teams in the world.

Another Day Lost

I received a comment which means that people are actually reading this, so I better make it good. I got so excited that people were reading that I missed another day somewhere. I don't even remember what I did. Oh well, that's the crazy life I lead. Who knows what the heck is going on. Well its finally Friday and today is packed with interesting, and semi-interesting events. Tonight is the third round of The Baltic Times Bowling Tournament. Unfortunately its more of a pain in the ass than interesting. As an employee of The Baltic Times I don't even get to bowl, but there is free wine so usually I just get tipsy with the editorial staff and make fun of the Foreign Embassies that are bowling. On a higher note today is the second round of the Best Burger in the Baltics lunch, which is an excuse that some of the editorial staff and I are using to go to Lunch for two hours and try every Burger in town. Eventually there will be an article about it, but we still have a lot of places to go. Today is also payday, which means tomorrow will be hair cut and laundry day. I don't get to a computer on the weekend so I'll have to write about what happened on Monday. On Sunday is the Latvia vs. Azerbaijan (Sorry about the Spelling), and I'm going with a press pass because I have to write about it. Its the last game before the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. I'll keep everyone updated.

First night of Freedom

The first night that I didn't have to go to Lettonia, was great. Lena and I met up with the German and and a few others at a beer garden. It had been a very long time since I was in a beer garden, not only due to my responsiblities for Lettonia, but also because its been cold. Today its bright and sunny, but the wind is still very much in force which makes it feel colder. I guess everyone had the same idea of visiting a beer garden, becuase I saw people there who I haven't seen in months. Finally the mood of the moment(Beer) got the best of us and Lena and I joined a dance competition. There was only one other couple and all they did was make out during the whole song. So in other words, we lost, but we got a nice box of beer, which I think was better then the night in a hotel that the other couple received. After we finshed at the beer garden we went and met a Russian in my old dorms to try and get some CD's for 2 Ls.(about $4). Lena and I picked up the newest Black Eyed Peas, Radiohead, and Dido. I haven't had the chance to listen to them all the way through.

End of the Semester

Last night was the last night of the semester for Lettonia. The evening started with me being late, as usual. I had to meet the other pledges at the University of Latvia building at 18.00, but because of a meeting at work, in which I was given a crap load of more work, I didn't get to the University until 18.30. The other pledges were already marching. In order for our Aizbegsana(See previous post) to count we had to march around the University building with one foot on the curb and one foot in the street while singing all of Lettonia's traditional songs. Then after we go around the building a few times (I'm not exactly sure how many) we had to march the same way to the Lettonia house, where all the brothers were waiting for us. At the house its a lot of singing and a lot of drinking, with the brothers punishing us for running away, but at the same time congratulating us for doing it without getting caught. The weather has finally gotten warmer in Riga. Now that I won't have to go to Lettonia anymore until September, I hope to enjoy it.