People had already grown accustomed to Soviet rule, and on the topic of "informing" - which, although it remained taboo, would crop up in conversation from time to time when it was on people's minds - it became known that the local authorities, in exchange for reports, however true or fabricated, had been supplying informers with food.
It turns out that 8 April is also observed as International Roma (Gypsy) People's Day. "Gypsy" is a designation for more than 80 ethnic groups worldwide who live according to a shared code of Roma law. On 8 April 1971, the first World Romani Congress was held in London, where the flag (blue and green, with a red wheel in the centre) and anthem were adopted.
From 27 March until the end of June in Riga at the Sports Manege on Maskavas iela 160, every day from 11:00 to 20:00, a travelling exhibition dedicated to the ill-fated ship Titanic can be viewed. After positive reviews on social media and by now many photographs of smiling exhibition visitors in the ship's luxurious corridors, it seems worth going. The exhibition comprises more than 375 historical objects that were on board the Titanic or its sister ship the Olympic, making this a rare opportunity to experience life on the great ship before it sank to the ocean floor. Among the exhibits are items removed from the ship shortly before its departure for New York, found at sea immediately after the disaster, items taken with them by surviving passengers, as well as props from James Cameron's 1997 film, including a replica of the legendary diamond Heart of the Ocean, as well as costumes worn by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Admission price per adult - €13.95 (weekdays) and €16.95 (weekends).
Today is World Health Day. It has been observed since 1950, and since 1995 each World Health Day has had a sub-theme. This year, on 7 April 2015, the focus is on food safety.
Unlike old incandescent bulbs, where the only determining factor was wattage (W), with LED things are a little more complex - there are several parameters worth knowing and considering when buying an LED bulb.
Continuing the series of articles on words of wisdom from various peoples, this time we head decidedly eastward. As is well known, Easterners have achieved many insights on matters of life harmony, peace, accord with nature, self-discipline and respect between generations.
Mežaparks is our neighbouring district, where we often go for leisurely walks. There is a pine forest with paths going up and down, and for the more demanding walker or rollerblader, paved paths too. There is also a favourite spot with a steeper bank offering a wide view across Ķīšezers lake. As warmer weather arrives, Mežaparks is full of leisure-seekers, attraction-goers and festivity celebrators. And so now, as Easter approaches, posters (see below) placed right here in Sarkandaugava announce the upcoming celebrations. On 5 April from 12:00 to 16:00, with proper swinging and games, there will be a joyful Easter celebration at Mežaparks, dedicated this year to Easter celebration traditions of the world's peoples - decorating a stylised Egg Tree as they do in Germany, a decorated hat parade as in America, a giant spring equinox omelette in the French style and much more. The event will also feature the resonant Latgalian songs of post-folklore group "Rikši".
I decided to compile words of wisdom from various peoples - sayings that not only characterise a particular nation's outlook on life, but also vividly reflect its mentality. This time, the richness of sayings from Italy. From such a vital people as the Italians - passionate, vibrant and distinctive - each of us can learn something.
Although programmers know considerably more about computers and code than the average user, most programs are built in a way that, by analogy with an aircraft, would look something like this: fuel supply pipes are hung with coat hangers, and the landing gear is stuck on with tape.
Unlike printed text, on the internet information is mostly scanned, searching for what is of interest or the answer to a question. The time available to decide whether to click a link is extremely short. Even when an article is opened, the visitor first visually scans it and only then decides - is it worth reading or not. There are a few tricks to presenting text on a website so that visitors notice it.