Colorblind Welcome Issue
- LVRS’13 -
Chill, we got this. Said Reinis and Daniels about writing the Editorial at 5 a.m. .. .. and 6, 8, 10 and 12 a.m. too.
Brought to you by: Editors: Reinis Tutāns & Daniels Griņevičs Journalists: Alise Golovacka Gatis Bērziņš Judīte Petroviča Julia Pustovoitova Klāvs Galenieks Weronika Czerny Journalist X Video-Editor: Anna-Helena Saarso Foreign Reporter: Tetiana Korniichuk
Meet the officials
Ieva Pastare
1.The capital of Croatia, Zagreb 2. Salmon. There is no motive behind my choice, it’s just salmon. 3. My eyeball. It’s getting pretty dry and could use a lick or two.
Vice-president Hrvoje Vampovac
1. I come from the land of Nothingness. Or Nottingham, can’t remember. 2. My absolute favorite is canned beans. I just love the sound they make 3. The coat, for that extra coating Journalist X everybody loves.
Journalist
C
E 1. Where do you come from? 2. If you had the chance to choose any food in the world, what would you choose? 3. Where would you like to be licked by the mysterious frogman?
1. Rēzekne 2. I’d choose lasagna, the Garfield one 3. The wrist, because that’s what a princess would do
Chairperson
ON
Kristaps Kovaļevskis
Chairperson
ITRE
1. Tallinn University 2. A bar called The Red Emperor in Tallinn or any cheap dining place 3. Red Riding Hood Annika Ader
Chairperson
1. I study physics in the University of Latvia 2. Dance repetition room 3. Prince hammer stick
1.Where do you study? 2. Where do you usually hang out with your friends? 3. Come up a stripper name that describes you the best?
Kristaps Kovaļevskis
Journalist
1. Lycée Français de Riga 2. Coffee Shop & you know which one 3. Erupting volcano
C
1. Getting and giving love 2. Pulp fiction 3. Daniel Craig as James Bond
Chairperson
ULT
Gatis Bērziņš
Dana Skrupska
1. Running 2. Pulp fiction 3. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann
Chairperson
Stan van Wingerden
1. Seeking for causes 2. Django Unchained 3. Emma Watson as Hermione
Journalist
1. Your strongest passion in life? 2.Your favourite movie from Quentin Tarantino? 3. 3. Your movie character crush?
Klāvs Galenieks
Chairperson
FEMM
1. National university Kyiv-Mohyla academy, Political science 2. I dreamt to be a well-paid CEO and now I am on my way 3. Pussy.... Cat Dolls
Mike Rozhkov
Chairperson
1. Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Economics and Business 2. I wanted to learn how to fly. Also a little sister 3. Spice Girls
Journalist
Kristīne Liepiņa
Dora Al Saadi
1. Three languages, including very shoddy Russian 2. Smiltene 3. Depends on my mood
Chairperson Māris Rutkis
1. Ukrainian, Russian and English 2. My home 3. FMF
Journalist
r c 1. How many languages you know? 2. The place on Earth that you consider your heaven? 3. Which option do you like more: MFM or FMF?
1. Swedish, English, Arabic and partly French 2. My current location – London 3. FMF
Chairperson
im
Alise Golovacka
1. Emils Darzins secondary music school. I’m studying flute 2. I wanted to be a singer and a teacher. Neither of them are true now 3. Pussycat Dolls, I guess
1. Where and what do you study? 2. What are your childhood dreams and which ones have come true? 3. Spice Girls or Pussycat Dolls?
Julia Pustovoitova
Chairperson
t
Anrijs Šimkus
fe
Vice-president
a
1. Small town called Sabile. Law in the University of Latvia 2. I would probably be step 3. I am old fashioned and if I like a girl I just go ahead and ask her out 1. I am from Kiev, Ukraine. International Economics in the Kiev National Economis University 2. Drunk dancing the disco 3. ’’Wanna have a threesome?’’
EN V
1. Studying European Studies 2. Ice swimming 3. I like woman when they are my Vice-President. I don’t like it when they don’t want to be my Vice-President
1. I study in high-school 2. Last year we slept in tents, all of a sudden we noticed and felt a rat running through our sleeping bags. 3. When they are intelligent and not afraid of the adrenaline
Journalist
Dominic Degen
1. Sociology at University of Latvia 2. In front of the audience I wanted to say: ‘‘be on time”. Instead, I accidentally said: ”be straight” 3. I really like it when they are smart. The really terrible thing is long finger nails. Diāna Orlovska
Chairperson
1. What do you do for living? 2. Describe the sickest experience you have ever had, but at the same time the one you would never want to repeat again. 3. What do you like in woman/man and what is the one thing that discourages you the most?
President
i
Journalist
1. Where do you come from and what do you study? 2. If you were Roksolana Pidlasa 1. I was born in Riga, but later I moved a dance, what to Ventspils. Studying in Ventspils 1. kind of dance would you be? Gymnasium 2. If I was a dance I would go with 3. What is your favourite picksomething fast and melodic up line? Judīte Petroviča 3. “Wanna have some fun?”
Weronika Czerny
Smiltene, who are you? Earliest knowledge we have about Smiltene comes from the 14th century. From a village called Smiltesele (Russian “selo” - village) to Smiltene, as we know it now, it has gone through very much the same path of history as every other small Latvian town. As governors changed, the town changed as well. It survived wars and battles, got destroyed and got build again. Through all times its people held the strength which kept Smiltene alive and running. Speaking of running, I cannot leave you without knowing the name of Einārs Tupurītis, an outstanding runner born in Smiltene. Now retired Latvian middle distance runner for ten years held the national record in 800 metres and still holds Latvian record in 1000 metres and co-holding the national record in 4x400 metres relay. However, in his early years Einārs was not considered as a good runner. His results were weak. Only self-discipline
and hard work made him the man we know now. While studying in the United States Einārs Tupurītis twice became USA student champion in 800 metres and his fastest result then was 8th best of all time in the world. Inspiring personalities is Smiltene’s fortune. During our first independent steps in the global politics budget of the Republic of Latvia was so small to be carried in a single briefcase. At that time we had our first Minister of Finance, who was, in fact, a citizen of Smiltene. This man, Mr. Kārlis Puriņš, somehow managed to bring few more money-filled briefcases to the national budget. In your free time search for Artis Gāga, an excellent saxophonist and composer. Check for his cover of “Mežrozīte”. Guess where this guy comes from! By Klāvs Galenieks
History of EYP and Tellus Just last year the youth organisation Tellus held it’s 10th Latvian National Conference of European Youth Parliament (EYP) – the colossal anniversary session – and again the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is in the midst of approaching its first decade of life – the 10th jubilee – therefore posing questions about its origins and historical values. The ancient tale of Tellus commences like this... In 2003 after participating in the International Session of EYP in Tallinn two inspired participants – Kaspars Birškens and Dace Neimane – decided to widen the impact of EYP ideas by planting them into the ground of their beloved motherland. The first roots of youth organisation Tellus found their place in Latvia’s sabulous soil in 2004 when the organisation was recognised officially. Instead of “organisation” it was established with a name “movement”, therefore showcasing willingness to affect the happenings in society particularly the Latvian youth. The name was chosen as the symbol of NGO’s values – integration, tolerance and civic engagement as in Ancient Greek mythology word “tellus” portrays the happiest man on the planet who was so brave that he was willing to take his own life in order to save his fellow-citizens.
Nonetheless, one of the most experienced Latvian EYPers Indra Mangule decided to answer a few questions about the time when the foundations of Tellus were just being laid therefore letting you – the reader – to peek inside of the emotions and duties of the first members of youth NGO. In the first years most of new members chose to join Tellus due to invite of their acquaintances as the organisation hadn’t gained as much reputation and prestige as it has now. Practical side of things had to be learned in process due to the lack of sufficient previous experience. The most challenging task at that time was to extend the reach of the organisation and to gain sufficient amount of participants. Work in the organisation much like today was associated with personal growth, sharing of common values, reaching mutual goals. Over the years NGO has endured a few organisational change, but ultimately the tellusian (Tellus member) has stayed the same – person gifted with creative thinking, tenacity and willpower to fight for his/her dreams. All in all the best way to depict “Tellus” main goals would be – platform of mutual symbiosis. By Gatis Bērziņš
Organiser team There is no doubt that you, dear delegates, would like to get to know the wonderful orgasteam of this amazing session a little bit better, so here is your chance! We asked and they answered – enjoy! 1. You have the maximum of 25 words! Use them wisely to introduce yourself! 2. What is your favourite place on earth? 3. What would you rather do – eat a bowl of spiders or run naked through the centre of thecity you live in? In short, pleaseexplain your answer! Juris Gogulis The awesome head-organizer of the session describes himself as an addict to an active lifestyle and an extremely passionate dancer. He would rather climb a cliff and be on the news than see the news on TV. His favourite places on earth are Sirmione fruit garden in Italy and the stage where he made his first dance steps. As for the last question Juris says that he would run naked through the centre of the city, adding that this would not be the craziest thing he has ever done. Laura Vizule The charming head-organizer of the session says that she is a person who always smiles and sees the bright side in every situation. She loves music, dancing, travelling and meeting new people almost as much as sleeping. Her home, more precisely, her kitchen is Laura’s favourite place on earth. There is no doubt about the answer to the last question, since she is terrified of spiders, Laura would rather run naked through the city. She is not ashamed of her body as she says – you have to love yourself in order to love others!
Guna Vugule I am a loud,direct,conversant,flirtatious and very cheerful person, who never gets bored. I feel confident about myself and my opinion; furthermore, I know how to find common language with others.My favourite place on earth is my home, because there thegrass seems greener and air – fresher, don’t you agree? Well, I would run naked… because I’ m not the only crazy girl in Rēzekne, and we (crazy girls) could make a flash mob in our city.. It is a great challenge and I am not scared of challenges. (Shall we dare her?) Viktorija Mališeva My magic brings Voldemort to the yard and I’m like that’s hurting my scar. My favourite place on earth is my mom’s kitchen. Om nom nom! As for the latterI would eat spiders, because I am really bad at running in general.
Rihards Goldmanis Yo, my name is Rihards, Skeet Skeet Bang Bang, some people call me potato. I like break dancing, I like to jiggle sometimes and maybe even wiggle! … Ok,jk, I love EYP, I am the president of student’s council in my school. I love kittens. My favourite place is wherever,as long as there is free food. Good question, but technically, I’ve already ran naked through the city. Well, it wasn’t actually my city. Oh, I’m getting off track - I would probably eat the spiders. Aija Albertiņa I mess things up, get mad for nothing, think too much, burst out laughing. I’m honest, I’m open-minded. I am awesome. I am me. My favourite place on earth is home. No matter how bad everything sometimes seems, home is the one place I can always return to and feel safe. Due to my fear of spiders I’d prefer to run naked through the centre of my native town. I wouldn’t even be able to come near to that bowl of spiders, so let’s not even talk about eating them. No, no, no... Daila Stroža Daila, 19, from Riga. Coffee shop barista, who prefers tea. Music addicted – listen, sing and play piano. Do not tickle me, if you want to live. Favourite place on earth–anywhere
by a seaside. Oh, the last question is difficult. I would prefer running through the city centre naked.Most probably I would end up in a police station, but because I’m terrified of spiders (dead or alive) I would rather pay the fine and become a laughing object on the national television. Kārlis Fokrots Sometimes I may look intimidating, do not be scared! I will be more than happy to help you. My favourite place on earth definitely is Portugal. As for the last question – I would run through the city centre naked, hopefully in summer as it is not so cold outside. Being naked in public is no problem for me. Laura Ozoliņa Hi, I’m Lau. I have one dimple in my right cheek, my laugh makes the conversation funnier and my favourite animal is sloth. My favourite place on earth is Paris. I think I lost myself last spring break there and in order to find myself again I have to go back. I would rather eat a bowl of spiders, because if I had to run through the city centre naked I would end up in jail and would have no friends. By Judīte Petroviča
Meet the organisers
LAURA
JURIS
How to survive an EYP session As almost all of you are the first time delegates, it is really crucial to understand the main “rules” that you should follow in order to survive the first session. EYP session may be compared to the “jungle life”. Firstly, remember that over the next 3 days you will most probably not get enough of sleep. Not only you are going to sleep in a sleeping bag, which can be compared to sleeping in a cave and being scared from the wild animals – your co-delegates – attacking you, but you will also be incredibly busy working on your resolutions or preparing for the life determining debates. Secondly, coffee is your best friend now whether you like it or not. Eat whenever you have a chance as you will need maximum energy that you can get. Same as in jungles don’t forget to stash some secret chocolate supplies just in case. There is no telling of what people may do just to get their hands on it. As you will definitely go hunting (doing Committee Work), always be on time, be attentive and do listen to the
person (your chair) who’s been living in tropics for a long time in order to kill the most outrageous animals (by writing an outstanding resolution). Finally, be open-minded. When the first people watched how one was rubbing the stones in order to ignite a flame, others despised him, but acknowledge how the mankind developed since those first steps. Be open to new ideas, be open to new people, those strangers are just the new friends that you haven’t met yet. You will get to know people with different backgrounds and point of views; use this opportunity to engage with them and you will gain loads of experience from this. In any situation accept the challenges, don’t let the pressure take you down and always bear a smile to get through the hardships of life. By Julia Pustovoitova
Dance is a hidden Close your eyes. Put a light smile on your face. Imagine total, unstoppable freedom and being able to create or change eveything that surrounds you just by your own movements. Do you know what gives you this feeling? I do. Dance. But let’s take it slowly guys, item by item. How did it all start? The first recorded dancing (6000 B.C.) is among the anciest civilizations of the Middle East. First famous dancing figure is a Hindu god Shiva, a Lord of Dance, portrayed as a many-armed being balanced on one leg. In South America and Africa, the aboriginal people danced mostly for spiritual reasons. Nowadays, Afro-Jazz is a recognized form of dance around the world. The proof of dancing being one of the most enjoyable kinds of entertainment is peoples response to the apperance of musicals. A Musical, from it definition, is a collection of
music pieces, songs, dialogs, dance and drama all together. Musical superhits like Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Cat have gained tremendous audiences and still continue to be very popular. Want prove? If you wish to see one of them played on Broadway, you have to buy the ticet in 3-months advance. Fine -one may say- dancing does have a long history and it is a great form of entertainment, but why do dancers dance? I guess I am just a right person to explain this phenomenon, as I am a dancer myself. I even have a tattoo of balley shoes on my back. There are many reasons for dancing. Some people dance to stay fit-as-fiddle, other like the feeling of independence you get while dancing. I also know people who dance to overcome their fears and forget problems. Personally (apart from the fact that I love it) I do dancing for this short moment when I am on stage. I am most joyful when I know I have
language of the soul thrilled the audience. Oh, there is something else- on stage, you feel beautiful and super satisfied, knowing all these people came to see you, just YOU. It is amazing, you have my word. As I hope all of you know, the theme of the session is connected with dance. I asked our wonderful Head Organisers, Laura Vizule and Juris Gogulis, to specify why they have chosen dance for the main topic and what it means for the participants. Few minutes of a small-talk with them gave me a clear image of the situation. First of all, both Laura and Juris are professional, but most importantly, passionate dancers. They have been dancing since they were 5 years old, having tried many different styles. Laura pointed out that the motto of the session is ‘dance you soul through the future�, which stands as an ideal advice for delegates- try to open yourselves through everything.
This year is also somehow special for dancers due to the fact there will be one of the biggest dancing festivals held in Latvia soon. People from all over the world are about to come and take part in this extraordinary event, do not miss it! There is a saying which states that if you are a Latvian, you have to either dance or sing (or both). Well, I am not sure whether I should believe it without having any proof, so show us what you are capable of during the dance competition on 24th of March. We are looking forward to seeing you dance! Good luck!
By Weronika Czerny
Detetective NOIR To the one who is reading this. You’re here because of EYP, right? Good for you, you’re the young generation, the hope of the future. Me, I’m just a bystander, a shadow if you must. If you want to give me a name you can call me John. I’m nothing. However, I was something a long time ago. Yet it all changed in the place you are standing now. Smiltene – every time I hear that name it gives me shivers. Shivers that can be only shaken off with a proper glass of whiskey and a cigar. You see, some twenty five years ago, this was the place where I found the love of my life. And I lost her. Completely... It was the year 1989. I was a freshly baked detective, straight out of the police academy. I was already fulfilling my duty in law enforcement as a petty crime solver. However, I didn’t manage to do much, I received a more important task.
The chief, seeing my good results at smaller cases as well as my impressive graduation results, decided to assign me a task that would usually go to „the big boys”. -22 years old? He’s not experienced enough. That’s what the guys at the headquarters said. Hearing these remarks made me mad everytime, I seeked to prove that the young can do everything better and faster than the old and experienced .Oh, if I only were smarter back then, all of it might have turned diferrently. I was extremely enthusiastic about this challenge. Tracking down a possible killer in a public event whilst remaining as discreet as possible. The event was a SSP – Secret Soviet Parliament session, happening in Smiltene. So there I was, masked as a delegate and getting ready for the assignment of my life. By Journalist X
Challenges for delegates Tick the ones you complete.
Run in the middle of circle and start a 5 second dance party. If someone does Challenge Nr.1 – join in! Include a title of a song in at least one point you raise in the GA. Get to know at least one person from every Committee. Speak only English to everyone. Yes – also to people not from the session. Win at least 7 people in thumb wars. Make a paper hat and wear it for 3 hours. Make a weird sound every time someone calls your name. Do a dancedare behind a person for 15 seconds. Say a pick-up line to an official. Give a challenge to a fellow delegate. Accept a challenge from a fellow delegate. High-five 50 people. Photobomb a picture. Appear in a session video. Say ‘YES’ to everything for an hour. Make a toast to everyone. In a moment of silence tell everyone a weird fact about yourself. Act like a superhero for an hour (with a cape and everything). Tell an inappropriate joke once every three hours Do a catwalk somewhere in public. Make someone smile by saying a compliment. Hug every official.
By Alise Golovacka
For each and every one something special. Some debating, others seek to develop their skills and can’t imagine their meetings and good the essence of this ph something bigger and th is the one that makes us fa with the idea and suffer from every time the session ends. The bo line of EYP is far beyond debating teambuilding, It is about the feelings to our individual growth. Apart from an ins needs sleep anyways?), you step forward the world around. You can now bette session, far from what you used to, yourself and reveal potentials you having earlier. But the greatest, is inspiration. After the session our life seems to sleep and less than a hundred things to do before in not as exciting as being involved in something of your life. We gain speed and try not to lose it, master our talent further and further. Never to stop.
of us EYP is are fond of every opportunity knowledge, third lives without new company. But in henomenon lies his something all in love m PED ottom g and we experience and the boost that it gives stant mastering of timemanagement (who d on your way of understanding er feel yourself, as here, at the you are able to open up have not imagined perhaps, that you get from EYP different. Yes, you have enough time lunch, but somehow that every single moment move forward and By Tetiana Korniichuk
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