There are four ways of talking about politically, religiously or otherwise sensitive topics: to argue, to redirect to other problems, to talk only about the desired direction, or not to talk at all. It seems Scandinavia has chosen the last - if you don't talk about a problem, it will go away on its own.
Looking at it abstractly and detached from reality (and history) - emphasising the rights of one group as a mechanism for correcting inequality is not in itself a bad thing. Even if we set aside V. Rudzītis's musings on men's unconditional submission to the goddess, the singling out of one particular group of people at least prompts reflection on the possible true aims of such a desire.
The perfect woman in us tries to hide the bad qualities - but in reality there are none. There are only needs, and they will find a way to be satisfied whether we want them to or not. It is wrong to think: if I am successful, I will be happy. It is the other way around - if you are happy, you will be successful. A feminine woman is one who does not pretend or act as something she is not, but is able to simply be herself.
Back in 2007, I let myself be talked into pension funds (Seesam, now Compensa) and agreed to the smallest possible amount. In 2015 I decided to enquire (since they don't send statements themselves) what had actually accumulated. In addition to what I had paid in, over 8 years a total of EUR 35 had accumulated - that's 0.16% per year.
A large proportion of people remain employees throughout their working lives, while others become entrepreneurs. I came across a couple of interesting infographics, one of which visually depicts the world's population broken down by economic activity. Interestingly, the number of entrepreneurs and non-working people in the world is almost equal.
This morning I found myself wondering why Latvian society exhibits passivity when it comes to getting involved, expressing one's position in real action rather than online posts, taking on responsibility. From time to time an activist emerges. It is good that there is such a one, but that is not public opinion worth listening to, by whose demand or critical attitude it is worth reviewing norms or improving legislation.
Trading, crafting, painting, singing and listening, playing music and playing games, tasting and snacking - all the length of Miera Street. Colourful ribbons and pennants fluttering in the wind on strings stretched across inner courtyards brighten the overcast skies. Children's chatter and squeals of delight when a small finger manages to touch a just-blown soap bubble.
The word "museum" in this event becomes ever more symbolic with each passing year, because Museum Night involves not only municipal enterprises - such as the Riga Municipal Police this year, opening their premises to visitors - but also factories (Aldaris), libraries, and universities. And that is not such a bad thing.
Both for those who would love nothing more than to free up a shelf at home by selling things they no longer need, and for those who hunt for original, vintage and non-commercial items - on one Saturday each month there is a chance to visit the Avotu iela flea market. Starting in May, the market takes place in the open air - in the square of St Paul's Church - giving you a chance to spend almost the whole day in fresh air, "detoxing" from television, computer and phone screens. If you haven't figured out what to do this weekend, join in!
While today some were making a scene in Pārdaugava, brandishing a neighbouring country's symbols and St. George ribbons, the fiery rhythms of Spain were ringing out at Kalnciems Quarter and the outdoor stage was resounding with the rhythmic stamping of flamenco dancers. Here are a few photo moments and videos from the Spain Day event.