The Insider December 2025

THE INSIDER Backstage of “Party Hard”

Throwback to the Boat Trip

Winter drinks you need to try

Beer, Straw, YouTube

Why we can not stop GOSSIPING

Celebrating this year’s associates

PARTNERS GENERAL PARTNER

PLATINUM PARTNER

GOLD PARTNERS

Special thanks to Nicolas Gavoille, Xavier Landes, Anna Ģērmane, Elīna Bībere, Marta Ciema, Raimonds Vilcāns, Roberts Kamols, Mareks Ulmanis, Moldir Anuarbek, Rūdolfs Miks Jordans, Elza Pilāne, Daniela Martinsone, Ilze Rasnača, Anna Gogebashvili, Elza Kate Užāne, Anna Marta Ozare, Lotte Tonupart, Alikhan Daulet, Adomas Cvilikas, Ieva Grundmane, Paula Kovaļevska, Markuss Zvirbulis, Arina Hakele, Reinis Andersons, Roberta Treija and all the gossipers ;) and the beloved team of Insider.

In case of any queries, contact insider@sseriga.edu or zkalnina@sseriga.edu (Editor-in-Chief)

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HO, HO, HO, SSE Rigans - we finally made it to December!

This time of the year, academic life slows down just enough for us to notice the small things: the extra five minutes spent chatting after the lectures, shared mittens because someone “forgot” theirs again, and the way gnomes in every corner suddenly make even the lobby feel a little bit magical.

But before the year officially collapses into a blur of deadlines and dubious life choices at corporate Christmas parties, the Insider is here one last time to wrap 2025 up in something shiny.

This time, our theme is SILVER - the color of second places, almosts, and “not quite how I imagined it”. But silver is also what comes after that - the “okay, what now?” that keeps you moving.

THE EDITORIAL

December

And then there’s the other side of silver: disco balls, glitter eyeliner, and laughter when someone yells that this is “literally the best night ever.”

In this issue, we’re putting all that silver energy to use. You’ll get stories from four Event Com chiefs sharing their funniest, messiest, most iconic party moments they have experienced during their time as chiefs, as well as Christmas waiting-time recommendations for what to do while you count down to the magical holidays.

Continuing on the festive spirits, our dear associate Paula has prepared 5 drink recipes to upgrade whatever’s in your glass this season. We’re also finally looking back at the legendary Boat Trip `25 that still lives rent-free in everyone’s mind, and introducing a “Would you rather?” to test your priorities, your dignity or your sense of humor…

Just like every year, we are crowning our Associates of the Year, where not only committee members, but also dear organisation elves finally get their time to shine.

Let this issue be your little pause button before everything speeds up again. Read it on the train home, between parties, or hiding from small talk at a Christmas family reunions - we don’t judge.

See you on the other side of the calendar! xoxo, The Insider

THE INSIDER

08 ASSOCIATES OF THE YEAR 30 While the busiest committee associates are waiting for their monthly spotlight, December brings a new opportunity. It is time for Associate of the Year, where both committees and organisations can shine, and dedication pays off by recognition. Christmas is the time of gratitude.

BORN TO GOSSIP

Ever wondered why our beloved gossip page is so addictive - and so controversial? This article dives into the ancient roots of gossip, asking whether these tiny “harmless” stories are actually the social glue of humanity… or a quiet weapon.

36

LOOKBACK TO BOATTRIP

Remember or not, but this is undoubtedly the most memorable event of the year. As a tradition, disposable cameras were all around to capture the best moments. Don’t miss the chance and check it out!

CONT 06 ASSOCIATES OF THE MONTH

26 I LOOK BETTER IN SILVER

07 WHO IS MORTEN HANSEN

28 THE SILVER VARIABLE

16 ALUMNI

32 THE POET GUY - NEW BAD BOY OF '25

18 CITADELE - CREATING SILVER LININGS

34 CATCH THE FESTIVE SPIRIT

20 IFUND

40 SPANIARD INSECURITY

24 WHEN STARS ALIGN

42 SILVER SPRINGS

38 WINTER DRINK RECIPES

46

BEHIND THE SCENES OF PARTY HARD

56 BEER, STRAW, YOUTUBE

When the weather is just...meh, we need to find other ways to bring festivity and warmth into our lives. That’s why our dear associate Paula has prepared 5 tasty winter drink recipes to make your evenings cozier.

Ever wondered why our beloved gossip page is so addictive - and so controversial? This article dives into the ancient roots of gossip, asking whether these tiny “harmless” stories are actually the social glue of humanity… or a quiet weapon.

What do three chatty grandmas on a tram and a Super-Mario-lookalike drinking beer through a straw have in common? This piece is a quiet love letter to people-watching, and the unexpected little moments that make ordinary days feel secretly special.

TENTS 44

NAIVETY OF KNOWING EVERYTHING

60

CROSSWORD

48

ALMOST THE BEST

62

THE PLAYLIST

50

SILVER ARROWS

64

GOSSIPS

52

WOULD YOU RATHER

66

MEMES

54

LIFE THROUGH A SCREEN

68

HOROSCOPES

58

POEMS

70

THE TEAM

Ēvads Dans Felsbergs

EVENT COMMITTEE

Good luck!

EDUCAATION COMMITTEE

Associates of the Month Mia Heleen Nurme

Thank you for always being responsible and jumping in to help whenever it was needed! By now, you’ve basically become a pro at creating Anonymous Surveys and leading focus groups, truly a skill level of its own

Anna Kalverša SPORTS COMMITTEE

EVENT COMMITTEE

Willing to sacrifice micro for decorations, remarkable

Hugo Lācis

Jēkabs Leons Podnieks

Līva Līpace ALUMNI COMMITTEE

If you ever have an emergency and need help right now, right here, call Liva. She will always be there to help no matter what.

MARKETING COMMITTEE

ALUMNI COMMITTEE

Marta has shown to have all the necessary characteristics to be the prefect associate.

She has been efficient, devoted and persistent, and helped the committee thrive.

MARKETING COMMITTEE

ALUMNI COMMITTEE

Marta Voiciša

SPORTS COMMITTEE

Raimonds Balodis Raimonds has proven himself to be a helping hand. Whatever is needed (even if it is his car or house), he always is there for support.

Sofija Muižniece

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Chill Guy

Elīza Strautmane Eliza contributed a lot to the Halloween media and was a huge help in editing the pictures.

Her work made sure all the visuals had a consistent, polished style and really brought everything together.

Vlada Dzene Vlada created designs for the chess tournament posters, Maxima stories, and now the Christmas Formal, always bringing fresh, creative ideas.

Her work is thoughtful, high-quality, and has been such a big help to the team.

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

Amanda Graudiņa BUSINESS COMMITTEE

Task assigned – task done! Literally. I could barely blink an eye, when a sponsor had been acquired – done and delivered with no hustle. All respect to Sofija!

Embodiment of 67

Amanda is like a machine that just never stops – with no hesitation, taking up one task after another and bringing the results with her. Great working with someone as enthusiastic about what they do as Amanda!

WHO IS MORTEN HANSEN?

And why did we make a statue for him?

Some teachers don’t just teach, they leave a mark. For almost all generations of students at SSE Riga (he worked here basically from the start – almost 30 years), Morten Hansen has been one of those unforgettable people. A legendary lecturer known for his never-boring lectures, good humor, and deep love for microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics. And if you were ever in his class, you probably heard him say it himself – he wanted a statue to honor him after he retired. Half-joking, half-serious, he’d bring it up now and then.

Over time, it became one of those iconic “Morten things”, funny and very Morten…

So we decided: why not make it real?

THE IDEA BEHIND THE STATUE The inspiration came from conversations about equilibrium: a topic that Morten constantly returned to in his lectures. Like all economists, he loved talking about the “magical point” where everything balances out in the world of macroeconomics, but he also reminded us how rare (and even impossible) that point really is in the real world. So we started thinking: what if the statue could reflect this idea? Not only honor Morten as a teacher, but also say something about what he taught us?

That’s when the idea of Sisyphus came up: the myth of the man doomed to roll a stone up a hill forever, only to have it roll back down each time he got close to the top. It felt like the perfect metaphor for the concept of equilibrium in macroeconomics: a point that we are always trying to reach, but never quite get to.

So we made Sisyphus, the Statue – not just as a tribute, but as a symbol.

To tie it all together, we needed Morten’s own words. We asked one of our fellow students, Ansis, to ask him a simple question: “Do macroeconomics ever reach equilibrium?” We recorded how Morten replied: (sorry for your rights’ violation, Morten) “Macroeconomics never reaches equilibrium, and if it does, then it will most likely be kicked out of it very quickly…”

That quote captured the humor, the realism, and the constant tension between theory and reality that Morten taught us.

And right below it, we added: “From every student you taught.”

Because this wasn’t just from one person or one class – it was from everyone who ever sat in his lectures and walked away a little wiser.

MORTEN’S EXAMPLE OF EQUILIBRIUM To understand Morten’s way of explaining equilibrium, here’s the example he gave: Imagine a labor market in perfect balance, the exact number of people and the exact number of jobs. Now imagine one person dies. Just like that, the whole system is out of balance.

That’s how fragile some theories can be when faced with real life. In theory, equilibrium is neat and clean. In practice, it’s messy and impossible to maintain. Morten had a talent for showing the gap between models and reality in a way that made sense, and made you think.

MAKING THE SCULPTURE A REALITY Ideas need people to bring them to life. That’s where Pauls Jaunzems came in – a brilliant sculptor whose works can be found around the world. Thanks to him, we now have two nearly identical sculptures of Sisyphus. One is right here at our school; you can come see it on the second floor. The other was sent to Morten himself, now in Denmark, as a gift from all of us.

Pauls didn’t just create a statue, he brought an idea to life. His attention to detail, his understanding of the story behind it, and his skill turned our idea into something real and lasting.

And if you ever want to see more of his work, you can visit his sculpture park in Vakarbuļļi.

It’s open to everyone, and if you leave a small donation, he’ll personally walk you through the stories behind his art. It’s a hidden gem, and well worth the visit.

In the end, this wasn’t just about building a statue for a beloved professor. It was about capturing an idea – the reality and the struggle behind the theory, and the voice of someone who taught us how to think, not just memorize.

Morten Hansen now has the statue he once joked about – a reminder that while equilibrium may never be reached, the journey toward it is what truly matters.

Article by Arina Hakele

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Associates of the Year RŪTA ŠVARCBAHA

KATRĪNA ACTIŅA ANCE CELMA

ALISE KUZMINA

Alumni Committee - Raimonds Vilcans

ROMIJA ROZE KRISTA DZEBELE

This was the year full of surprises and unexpected turn of events. I am honoured to have had such a great team that has been there to give a helping hand. Without you it would have been impossible to get through all the obstacles.

Thank you to all of you for persistent support and being the best team I could have wanted!

-Raimonds

TERĒZE ESTERE GRANTS

SAMANTA VIĻUMA

ELZA PILĀNE

ROMIJA ROZE

RIČARDS BISENIEKS

RŪTA ŠVARCBAHA

ROLANDS JANKOVSKIS

Romija has been the apple to my pie, the straw to my berry, the yin to my yang and any other corny expression that one can think of… But truly, the one who has brought the best support through the toughest negotiations, the loudest cheer for any achievement, however big or small, and the one to bring in the sanity at times where there seemed to be none. Had the best time, doing this silly little thing called buscom with Romija by my side! A huge, huge shoutout to Ruta & Ricards for taking on the extra challenge of communicating with their represented partner companies! They were the ones to make sure that everything runs smoothly and held the standards high.

Be it joining in on meetings (even during the summer break!) or sending all those follow-up emails just to get a reply two weeks later – these guys did it with great dignity! Like the calm waters, Rolands took on a lot of responsibility of sponsor acquisition this year – but never did I hear from him that something is not possible. One of those rare people whose word you can really trust – if he says he’s going to get the work done, he will, trust me.

Truly appreciate the dedication a lot!

The big, big shoutout however goes to the whole team – looking back, it feels so great to know that every single one within the committee has contributed their time and effort! Let this be the loudest THANK YOU (picture me blasting this through a megaphone) to the bestest buscom team ever!

Cheers!

Business Committee - Ilze Rasnaca

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RŪDIS FREIPIČS

PAULA KRISTA FELDMANE

ARĪNA KOSMAČEVA

Every member of the Education Committee has made a meaningful contribution this year, and I’m truly grateful for all the work you’ve done. A few associates especially stood out—they were there at almost every event, always ready to help, always making things easier and less stressful just by being present and supportive.

From creating the Anonymous Survey and planning the focus groups, to organizing events for our exchange students and helping them feel at home, to taking initiative and setting up fun activities that brightened students’ daily lives—you’ve all gone above and beyond.

I feel genuinely lucky to have such people around me. Without you, EduCom simply wouldn’t be what it is.

Each of you contributed as much as any leader could, and your dedication is truly appreciated.

Thank you, Education Committee team, you made this journey special!

Education Committee - Moldir Anuarbek This year has definitely been full of adventures. While there have been both ups and downs, this year has been mostly filled by amazing experiences.

This would, of course, not have been possible without the absolutely amazing Eventcom associates that are always keen on making decorations and activities no matter how close an exam is or how many hours have already been spent. :)

ĒRIKS DUKAĻSKIS IEVA GRUNDMANE

While there are only a few of you on this list that have helped out tremendously during this year, nothing would have been possible without all of you, my dear, creative, hard-working, and amazing associates!

Thank you!

Event Committee - Mareks Ulmanis

MATAS BARAKAUSKAS

DĀVIDS RIMKUS

ARINA HAKELE

Information Committee - Daniela Martinsone Firstly I want to say thank you to all Info com associates. During this year many have helped me through the ups and downs of managing tasks and time accordingly, but some (a lot of) people stood out.

KĀRLIS BĒRZIŅŠ

ZANE KALNIŅA

Thank you to Matas - you are the one person who always offered help with every task - I wish every chief an associate like you. Thank you to Karlis - you have supported me massively during this year, by just being there for me - it is super important to have that one person who will give you advice on the day-to-day stuff. I have to also greatly thank the ones who helped me with the making of Yearbook. Although some of them are not even associates, I think they deserve an even bigger recognition for stepping in and devoting their time for this task. That is why I say thank you to: Eduards, Zane, Madara, Patricija, Kristiana and Rebeka and many more. Thank you for being there for me and for our association.

We started the year off with many plans, but time quickly became limited.

In all of this, these three gentlemen helped me keep the IT committee running in every situation and even covered for me when I could not be there.

VALTERS OZOLIŅŠ

We did not manage to build everything we imagined at the beginning, but together we still pulled off some things I am proud of. We launched SA Tinder, which kicked off the year with energy; We made all event tickets including the boat trip available for online purchase; and we added an ecommerce section to the SA website for the new merch. Shout out to all active IT Committee associates, none of this would have happened without you.

MARKUSS ZVIRBULIS

IT Committee - Roberts Kamols REINIS MIKUS VEINBERGS

Marketing Committee - Elza Pilane The Marketing Committee's work this year has been unforgettable, and I want to thank all of our associates for bringing creativity, effort and great ideas to everything we did. I’m truly grateful for what we achieved together.

ZANE KALNIŅA

ELĪNA BĪBERE

AGNESE KRŪMIŅA

ELĪZA KRISTIĀNA KOZULE

ARINA HAKELE

REBEKA RUMBĒNA

I also want to give a special thank-you to a few people who were especially supportive throughout the year. Our photography team, Eliza, Agnese and Zane, consistently delivered amazing work that brought every event and moment to life.

Rebeka contributed fantastic design ideas and helped with the merch, adding so much to our visual identity. Arina always came with inspiring ideas, musical input and incredible support whenever I needed it, especially during creative or merch-related moments. And a heartfelt thank-you to Elina, who has been by my side through everything, always ready to help and someone I could always rely on.

Thank you all, and the entire committee, for making this year truly memorable. Your dedication and teamwork meant so much.

Sports Committee - Rudolfs Miks Jordans To start off, I would like to thank all the associates. Even if you didn’t make it into the “Associate of the Year” selection, I value each of you immensely, and this committee would not be what it is without your contributions.

ROMIJA ROZE

ROBERTS STANGAINIS

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PĒTERIS DŽERIŅŠ

I want to give a special thank you to Romija and Roberts, who supported me throughout the year by managing tasks, giving honest and helpful opinions when it mattered, and coming in clutch countless times.

However, the biggest thank you goes to the associate who stood out the most this year, Peteris. He helped me tremendously during my very first event, the hockey game, at a time when I had almost no idea what I was doing. From that moment on, at every event, he became essentially my right hand. For that, I am truly grateful.

BEĀTE KEINA BALODE

Black Ducky - Anna Marta Ozare

RIČARDS BISENIEKS

Hey, Duckies,

EDUARDS ETKINS

ALBERTS ULDIS TILGASS

You are all immeasurably cool! However, there have been a few ducklings who have truly stood out with their energy, proactivness and willingness to help, whenever need be. Firstly, Ricards, who helped us land our first project as the new board, Alberts, who was there when creative juices were low last year and Eduards, without whom associate interviews would have been much more grey. Additionally, Beate, Marta and Luize, all of whom have been super forthcoming and have consistently kept up the good vibes that a creative organisation needs! Without all of them, we, Black Ducky, would not be the same. As a fairly new organisation still, it brings us great joy to see associates being invested in the success of it!

MARTA VOICIŠA

LUĪZE REINŠMITE

To many more quacks, Your Black Ducky Board 2026

Charity

ANASTASIA KIKALIA

DOMINIKA IGNATJEVA

VALTERS OZOLIŅŠ PĒTERIS DŽERIŅŠ

club

Our associates have proven that even the most packed calendar still has room for a good cause. To everyone who contributed this year: whether through time, energy, ideas, or simply showing up when it mattered, thank you for making our work possible. Your commitment has shaped a year we can genuinely be proud of. With so many amazing charities this year, picking our associates of the year felt like choosing a favorite child, but some people’s enthusiasm made them impossible to miss. Let’s give it up for the Deposit Committee: Peteris and Valters – the pair that made sure no bottle or can was left behind. Their work may not have been glamorous, but it has absolutely been essential for the school. We cannot forget Dominika – our creative force and the mind behind our new logo. She’s never said no to a single request and is always there with a helping hand or last-minute advice, no matter what. Last but definitely not least, kudos to Anastasia, our first-year associate, who jumped in to help from her very first day. From writing emails and setting up decorations to running errands, she’s shown there’s nothing she can’t handle. We made this year count, and next year, we’re ready to do it all over again, bigger and better!

Charity Club - Anna Gogebashvili & Elza Kate Uzane

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Je Joue - Paula Kovalevska & Markuss Zvirbulis Through storms, through pale nights and mornings that felt too heavy, it was them the seven, the unshakeable ones who carried Je Joue on their shoulders like a vow. In sickness, in strength, in madness, in fire, they kept going, again and again, burning with a passion almost unreasonable.

They gave everything, maybe too much, but always with that flame that shakes the walls and makes you believe that anything is still possible.

REINIS ANDERSONS

IEVA GRUNDMANE

ARINA HAKELE

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ELĪZA BETA KALVE

DĀVIDS RIMKUS

KRISTERS MEIJERS

LĪVA LĪPACE

MARCUS PAAS

ELIĀNA MEIERE

ANASTASIA KIKALIA

Although our job has just begun, some associates have already left their mark on IFund. Whether it was making sure that the biggest team building went smoothly, creating posters and content that flatter our guests, or writing amazing articles and showing exceptional financial knowledge, these associates went above and beyond. These guys ensure that the foundation of IFund stays strong, for years to come.

Personal thank you to each one of you. You motivate us to go over and beyond, by doing so yourselves.

IFund - Adomas Cvilikas

180Degrees Consulting - Alikhan Daulet We may be one of the most underrated organizations on campus, but we definitely don’t act like it.

First half of the year? A total win: tons of events, tons of insights, and tons of fun!

And the true champions of getting the most out of everything? Our Amandas!

Always showing up, always helping out, always pushing the organization forward.

However, I’m genuinely grateful for every single member of 180DC. You’re the best team anyone could ask for.

Best!!

AMANDA GRAUDIŅA

AMANDA SALIMGAREJEVA

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PATRĪCIJA PAULA LINDE

ARTIS VILKS

JĒKABS LEONS PODNIEKS

I have had the pleasure of being an associate with some of you and the chief for all of you over the past year. It has been wonderful to see how much love you all have for a hobby I care so deeply and passionately about.

I want to thank everyone who has made this year as lovely and unforgettable as it has been, and offer a special thank you to our amazing associates. Anna-Liisa and Artis, thank you for your support, consistent attendance, and the spirit you have kept up for a second year in a row. And thank you to the newcomers: Jekabs, for always picking up the phone when we’ve needed SOS assistance with planning tournaments; Emils and Max, for coming to almost every workshop in high spirits and always ready to debate; and Luize and Particija, who have put exceptional LUĪZE BEĶE-BERGA effort into finding sponsors for our events.

Thank you, everyone, and I’m really looking forward to another wonderful year together with you all :))

MAKSIMS TIHONOVS

EMĪLS JURKONS

ANNA-LIISA SAAR

Debate Society - Lotte Tonupart

Days of Opportunities - Ieva Grundmane

As much as I would love to act nonchalant and select two or three people, I would simply be lying to myself and everyone else. We have some great, incredibly active, and responsible associates this year who have put in genuine effort to ensure that DoO ’26 will exceed expectations!

Each of them deserve their faces displayed here, even if they end up taking half a page.

ARINA HAKELE

PATRĪCIJA BLŪMENTĀLE

JORIS JALOVECKAS

ELIĀNA MEIERE

RĒZIJA BĒRZIŅA ANNA GOGEBASHVILI

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The Insider - Zane Kalnina This year has been a roller coaster, and I am sure the next half will be just as wild. The team of The Insider might change, but one thing never does: without all of you, none of this would be possible. So I want to say a huge thank you to every single one of you for helping when I message you last minute, for coming up with fun articles, and for creating amazing designs. But there are a few special people without whom I would be completely lost.

Let us start with Anna, who has taken the weight of cover design off my shoulders. I send one message, and she is already on it, turning every idea into something real. Who would have thought we would get this lucky? Annija, our cover and color lifesaver: the amount of times she has received the message “what do you think about this?” cannot be counted. Yet she always gives helpful, insightful feedback and is constantly there to rescue us. Elina, the fact that she made six designs for the August issue speaks for itself. She jumps in wherever needed and is the definition of dependable. And on top of that, she is the girl behind our meme page. So if any memes feel a little too relatable, Elina might be spying on you. Then there is another Anna, who writes amazing articles, especially about sports. And if there is one person to thank for us having the Nicolas&Xavier playlist, it is her.

And turns out she can also design. Arina brings fun, interactive article ideas to every issue, and can switch to writing about money just as easily. She is also our most dedicated writer, averaging one and a half articles per issue. Next, Sadris… I have to admit, the most asked question at the beginning of the year was: “Is Sadris staying in The Insider?” And let me tell you, everyone was thrilled when I said “yes.” I don’t think much more needs to be added. And then Marta, who introduced our new poem section. Even before joining officially, she had already been the long standing anonymous critic of covers and posters.

Finally, I want to give a huge thank you to my board members. Without you, I have no idea what I would do... well as we have learned, The Insider text would probably be full of grammar mistakes, and the team pages would definitely be missing questions.

ELĪNA BĪBERE

MARTA CIEMA

ARĪNA KOSMAČEVA

ANNA GOGEBASHVILI

ANNA ĢĒRMANE

ANNIJA GAILE

KĀRLIS ŠADRIS

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2025

As the end of 2025 is quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to reflect on the achievements of SSE Riga Alumni. Their inspiring and unexpected accomplishments remind us that any SSE Riga student can someday follow in their footsteps. The alumni accomplishments include everything from starting the process to buy a bank, to finishing a movie. Here is a small look back:

NORMUNDS STANEVICS EMBA‘17

AIGARS KESENFELDS '06

Took on the role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Amber Beverage Group

Acquired the largest ownership stake of INDEXO bank

DZINTARS DREIBERGS ‘02

ANASTASIA OLEINIKA KAMKALOVA ‘12

Completed a film "Tīklā. TTT leģendas dzimšana"

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Has served as president of the Fyul, the merger between Printful and Printify

ZANE ČULKSTĒNA '03 Organized The first international contemporary art fair 'Riga Contemporary'

IEVA JANSONE BUKA EMBA'13 Started the position as the interim Chairperson of Supervisory Council at ALTUM

MARTINS VEISS '09

JANIS BETHERS '07

Stepped up as the director of Seabury Airline Strategy Group

Started the position of VP at an international green tech company Rando Energy

EGLE EIDUKEVICIUTE ‘11

ANDRIS RUBINS ‘97

Became the product director at the LEGO Group

Organized the most significant marketing event in the Baltics "Baltic Brand Forum 2025"

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Monopoly on booze

THE ECONOMICS BEHIND Sweden’s alcohol policy

After the first night of Boat Trip 25, as students wandered around Stockholm looking for food, ibuprofen and possibly a place to stock up on alcohol, many ran into an unexpected problem. It was Sunday. Systembolaget was closed. Since it is the only retailer in Sweden allowed to sell anything above 3.5%, there was nowhere else to go. For anyone coming from Latvia or most other EU countries, the idea of an alcohol store with such strict hours and a single retailer is the kind of concept that makes you raise an eyebrow.

Systembolaget is a government owned chain of liquor stores and the country’s sole (legal) seller of stronger alcohol. It operates as a state run monopoly with no private competition. Since we have delved into microeconomics and market models like perfect competition and monopoly, the whole setup raised a simple question: Why Why would would a a liberal liberal and and wealthy wealthy country country like like Sweden Sweden rely rely on on a a monopoly monopoly to to handle handle alcohol alcohol instead instead of of a a normal normal competitive competitive market? market?

The roots of the system go back more than a century. In the early twentieth century Sweden faced some of the highest drinking levels in Europe which led to workplace accidents, public disorder and serious health issues. After several failed attempts to control it, the state introduced a publicly owned retail system that operated without any profit motive and tried lowering alcohol consumption without banning it completely.

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Since the introduction of the monopoly system, Sweden has seen real shifts in drinking behaviour.

Total alcohol consumption dropped from roughly 10.6 L of pure alcohol per person in 2004 to about 8.4 L in 2024. Registered consumption now accounts for about 87% of total use which means unregistered imports and smuggling have become smaller. Socially this translates into fewer alcohol related problems such as injuries, accidents and hospital visits. Younger adults are also drinking less or choosing not to drink at all. The monopoly with its tighter rules and limited access appears to have helped reduce harmful drinking and the social problems that come with it.

Since Systembolaget removes profit incentives and competition from the retail market, the usual forces that push prices down do not apply. Instead, alcohol is kept intentionally expensive through taxes which shifts most of the burden onto consumers. Since demand for alcohol is not perfectly inelastic, higher prices lead to lower consumption, especially among heavier drinkers.

The downside is that this comes with real costs.

Consumers face higher prices and less convenience since you cannot buy strong alcohol in supermarkets or on Sundays. Private firms lose out because they are fully blocked from market entrance which means no competition or innovation on the business side. Cross border shopping also becomes more common with many Swedes going to Denmark, Germany or even Estonia to buy cheaper alcohol which sends potential tax revenue out of the country.

Another part of the system that rarely gets discussed is the convenience cost. There is an obvious deadweight loss from keeping prices high, but what is more interesting is that there is also a hidden one created by inconvenience. Swedes pay not only more money but also more time. Systembolaget has limited hours, no Sundays and often long queues which forces people to plan their purchases instead of buying something on the spot. This loss of time is a real welfare cost even if it is hard to estimate.

Sweden’s market model is a trade off. It raises prices, limits choice and loses some tax revenue when people cross the border for cheaper alcohol.

The strict hours and inconvenience also create their own deadweight loss. On the other hand, casual and heavy drinking is lower than in many EU countries and younger Swedes are drinking less than previous generations. That matters because a country that drinks less tends to be healthier and more productive. Sweden seems to be one of those cases.

Even if the system is imperfect, it has managed to cut harmful consumption and nurture a more productive economy.

Written by Bruno Dumpis Design by Patrīcija Paula Linde

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W h y E u r o p e h as a s e r i o u s r e as o n t o wo r ry about the crisis in

France?

Article by Krišjānis Kristaps Kapustāns Design by Sofija Muižniece

France is a leading founding member of the European Union and one of the "engines" of the EU. However, France’s public debt is about 114% of GDP (in comparison, Latvia: 46.8%); this year the budget deficit in France is around 6% of GDP, well above the EU’s 3% ceiling (Latvia: 2.9%). Annual interest payments on the debt are approximately €67 billion. With extremely large public debt and its budget deficit France faces serious fiscal risks — this is a fundamental reason why Europeans cannot afford to ignore it.

How France came close to default?

Political instability in the country has increased rapidly: France has had five prime ministers in the last two years. After the European Parliament elections in 2024, President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party received just half of the votes in comparison with the National Rally, thus prompting Macron to call early parliamentary elections. Unfortunately, the new French parliament is even more fragmented; the National Rally won additional seats and gained even more influence. This political fragmentation of France makes it harder for any government to adopt the crucial budget decisions.

While politicians fight with each other, urgent decisions on spending have been delayed. Reduced Russian gas supplies since 2022 pushed energy prices higher and compelled the government to subsidize exposed industries. These subsidies have substantially increased France’s budget deficit and pushed debt higher. Public debt has risen faster than productivity, reducing the economy’s capacity to service this debt. On September 12, the credit rating agency Fitch and on October 18 Standard & Poors downgraded France’s sovereign rating from AA- to A+ due to concerns about the country’s ability to repay its debts. The downgrade of fiscal rating shows that France is experiencing the long-running problems, not just a one-time shock.

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What this situation means for Europe?

France is the second-largest economy in the Eurozone; a crisis in France, in turn, would hurt the whole Eurozone’s financial stability. France has deep trade and financial ties with other EU countries, so problems in France could spread across the Europe. There is a risk that such shock could affect the other EU countries.

Therefore, some experts expect that EU has to respond, but the ECB’s mandate prioritizes price stability and direct fiscal rescues would risk its independence and credibility. From a market perspective, the clearest global effect would likely be a weaker euro, raising import costs.

As these problems continue, there is a serious risk of necessity for external support such as loan from the International Monetary Fund if borrowing conditions continue to deteriorate drastically. According to the OECD, France has the highest social spending and overall government spending percentage of GDP in the whole European Union. Pension system looks unsustainable; benefits are often higher than lifetime contributions. To stabilise public finances, recent prime ministers Michel Barnier and François Bayrou proposed spending-reduction reforms, such as reducing the number of public holidays and increasing the retirement age, but parliament rejected these proposals, and both primeministers were forced to resign. New prime minister Sébastien Lecornu will try again to reach a compromise with left wing socialist groups in parliament for the second time (October 22, 2025). However, the widespread protests and opposition from both the far-right National Rally and left-wing parties mean the budget is unlikely to be passed.

Unfortunately, France has not reduced its budget deficit to the levels agreed with the European Commission, which undermines its fiscal credibility comparing with other member-states. As an important trading partner, a weaker French demand would lower growth and export revenues for its EU partners. French political fragmentation and fiscal strain will increase the possibility that anti-establishment forces will gain influence, which would make EU decision-making more difficult and thus slow down the important decisions in the EU Council. Because France plays a key political and military role in the EU, a weaker France will not be only a Paris problem; it will reduce the bloc’s capacity to respond to major global challenges as well.

The widespread uncertainty has increased as investors have become more cautious in France’s financial markets. French medium- and long-term government bonds have become less popular, and yields have risen more than in other Eurozone countries as governments and financial institutions demand higher premiums for increased risk. For example, German 10year yields are about 2.7%, while French yields are around 3.5%. Higher yields will increase France’s borrowing costs and will widen spreads with core euroarea sovereigns. If investors withdraw capital from France and choose other regions, that would create losses for French borrowers and banks exposed to French assets. Consequently, that means problems for French banks and borrowers can quickly spill over to other countries.

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WHEN SSTARS ALIGN ARTICLE BY ALEKSANDRA KIOPA DESIGN BY ANNIJA GAILE

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THE NORTH STAR AND THE MICHELIN STAR, AT FIRST GLANCE, BELONG TO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WORLDS – ONE SHINES IN THE SKY, THE OTHER AT A RESTAURANT’S ENTRANCE. THE FIRST GUIDES THOSE WHO WANDER IN THE NIGHT; THE SECOND GUIDES THOSE WHO WANDER IN THE WORLD OF CUISINE. TRAVELERS WHO LIFT THEIR EYES TO THE SKY USE THE NORTHERN STAR TO FIND THEIR WAY HOME. THE FOOD LOVERS, ON THE OTHER HAND, OPEN THE GUIDE TO FOLLOW THE MICHELIN STAR IN SEARCH OF A PLACE WHERE FOOD BECOMES A TRUE EXPERIENCE. BUT THERE IS A SUBTLER LINK. AND HERE IS THE INTERESTING PART: THE PATH TO EITHER ONE IS NOT ONLY AN ACHIEVEMENT BUT ALSO A BURDEN.

Sometimes it is precisely those who have reached the star who long to walk without it once more - freely, as in the old days, getting lost, wandering, and finding themselves again and again.

THE INSIDER | 25 AND RATHER THAN OFFERING YOU YET ANOTHER GUIDE TO THE BRIGHTEST MICHELIN STARS STILL SHINING ON THE MAP, INSTEAD, THIS STORY IS ABOUT THOSE WHO REACHED MICHELIN GOLD, AND THEN, VERY CONSCIOUSLY, HANDED IT BACK. A FRENCH RESTAURANT THAT DIDN’T JUST EARN A STAR OR TWO, BUT CLIMBED ALL THE WAY TO MICHELIN’S HOLY TRINITY – THREE STARS – HELD THAT RATING FOR 18 YEARS UNDER CHEF SÉBASTIEN BRAS. THEN BRAS DID WHAT THE SYSTEM WASN’T PREPARED TO IMAGINE: HE DROPPED THE TROPHY AND STEPPED OUT OF THE GAME BY VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP ALL THE STARS. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IN THE GUIDE’S HISTORY THAT A RESTAURANT WAS ALLOWED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RANKING. BUT SURELY IT WAS FAR FROM THE FIRST TIME SOMEONE HAD WANTED TO. HOWEVER, THE FIRST CHEF TO REALIZE THAT MICHELIN STARS CAN CAUSE MORE HEADACHES THAN HAPPINESS WAS JOËL ROBUCHON. IRONICALLY, HE WAS ALSO THE ONE TO SET A WORLD RECORD FOR THE NUMBER OF THEM: ALTOGETHER HIS RESTAURANTS HELD 32 STARS, FIVE OF THEM HAD THREE EACH. THE CHEF ALWAYS STRIVED FOR SIMPLICITY;

perhaps that’s why his most famous signature dish wasn’t some hautecuisine invention, but mashed potatoes so exquisite they became a global benchmark.

HERE’S ONE MORE EXAMPLE: IN 2014, BELGIAN CHEF FREDERIC DHOOGE SAW HIS RESTAURANT RECEIVE ITS VERY FIRST MICHELIN STAR. HE NOTICED THAT ONCE THE STAR ARRIVED, A CHUNK OF GUESTS CAME IN EXPECTING SOME ULTRA-FORMAL FINE DINING. IT IS NOT HARD TO GUESS THAT, INSTEAD OF CELEBRATING, HE PUBLICLY ASKED MICHELIN TO TAKE IT BACK. FREDERIC FRAMED THE ‘IRRATIONAL’ DECISION IN PERFECTLY RATIONAL TERMS – SAYING THAT A MICHELIN RATING IS LESS A REASON FOR PRIDE AND MORE A SET OF OBLIGATIONS THAT COME ATTACHED. HIS COOKING WAS GROUNDED IN CLASSIC, AUTHENTIC BELGIAN CUISINE. AND IF, ONE DAY, HE FELT LIKE SERVING FRIED CHICKEN OR PORK RIBS, HE WANTED TO DO SO WITHOUT FEARING THAT THE RESTAURANT WASN’T LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS OR STANDARDS.

A MODERN ANALOGY, I ASSUME DEEPLY FAMILIAR TO SOME OF US AT LEAST IN THEORY, MIGHT BE THIS: YOU’RE JUST LIVING YOUR LIFE, AND THEN, BOOM, YOU SEE SOMEONE WHO’S A SOLID 10/10.

A MICHELIN STAR IN THE FLESH, TO KEEP OUR METAPHORS ALIGNED. TYPICALLY WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE THRILLED. THIS IS IT. BUT FOR SOME REASON, THERE’S THIS HEAVY FEELING INSIDE: DAMN… HE DEFINITELY WON’T BE EATING THE PORK RIBS I LOVE COOKING SO MUCH. IT IS NOT ABOUT THAT YOU CAN’T REACH THE STAR – IT’S THAT HOW A STAR CHANGES THE RULES OF THE GAME: YOU STOP BEING JUDGED FOR TASTE AND SOUL AND START BEING JUDGED FOR HOW WELL YOU MATCH THE IMAGE OF MICHELIN-STAR CUISINE. DON’T GET ME WRONG, MY POINT IS NOT TO DIMINISH THE VALUE OF MICHELIN STARS. THEY’RE A FORM OF PERFECTION, AND IF I WERE A CHEF, I’D PROBABLY BE CHASING ONE MYSELF. THE THING ABOUT GOLD IS: IT’S MUCH EASIER TO GIVE IT UP ONCE YOU’VE ACTUALLY HELD IT. WHEN YOU’VE BEEN THERE, WORN THE CROWN AND FELT THE WEIGHT, CAN YOU RETURN WHAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE UNIMAGINABLE. IF YOU’VE NEVER REACHED THAT LEVEL OF PERFECTION, IT SOUNDS ALMOST ABSURD TO TELL ANYONE, ‘DON’T GO FOR THE MICHELIN STAR, IT’S NOT WORTH IT.’

That sentence only really belongs to the people who’ve been to the top and decided consciously to climb back down and say they’d rather choose silver.

FOR THIS EXACT REASON, IT'S MY OPINION ONLY AND VERY MUCH FROM A DISTANCE: I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY BEEN TO A MICHELINSTARRED RESTAURANT – THOUGH I HAVE, FOR THE RECORD, MET A REAL-LIFE 10/10.

WHILE THE NORTHERN STAR SERVES AS A GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS, THE MICHELIN STAR GUIDES CHEFS IN THE WORLD OF FINE DINING. ONE SIMPLY SAYS, ‘HEAD NORTH.’ THE OTHER DECLARES, ‘YOU HAVE ACHIEVED EXCELLENCE.’ ONE KEEPS YOU FROM GETTING LOST; THE OTHER CAN, PARADOXICALLY, MAKE CHEFS LOSE THEIR WAYS IF ONE BEGINS LIVING FOR THE STAR INSTEAD OF FOR THE FOOD ITSELF. THE NORTHERN STAR GUIDES ONLY THOSE WHO MOVE, WHO SEEK, WHO ARE WILLING TO WANDER – AND OFTEN, IT IS WHEN WE LEAVE THE USUAL PATH THAT WE STUMBLE UPON DISCOVERIES THAT NO MAP, AND PERHAPS NO STAR, COULD HAVE SHOWN US OTHERWISE.

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Silver

TIK TOK TOLD ME I LOOK BETTER IN Article and design by Vlada Dzene Sometimes, I think about one of the main turning points in my life: deciding what type of jewelry suits me more – silver or gold. It all began with multiple experimentations: at first, I was convinced that gold suited me best, since I have bright eyes and bright hair. Later on, however, I started to reconsider wearing golden accessories. The thing is, yellow color started to dominate my looks (as if I was a minion), and it became the first thing that caught people's attention. After experiencing some dissonance, I’ve decided to change direction and try on silver jewelry.

Silver aligned perfectly with my pale skin: it highlighted my features and my naturally cold tones. This was the moment I understood that colors and undertones really matter when choosing how you dress and style yourself. And of course, I’m not the only one: nowadays, everyone suddenly cares about undertones and what color type they are.

Even though color typing sounds like a shortlasting trend, it didn’t actually start with TikTok influencers waving silver and gold necklaces at their phones. The idea goes back to the 1980s, where consultants introduced the color typing theory to help people “image” themselves (or “dress better”). Back then, people were carrying small swatch books in their purses and proudly identified themselves as Winters or Springs. For some time, this tendency faded and color consultants disappeared. Suddenly, however, ring lights replaced salon mirrors, and the trend “What season are you?” became a new personality quiz.

TikTok turned undertones into entertainment: filters, quizzes, dramatic before-and-after reveals, and countless fights about whether someone is really a Soft Autumn or just standing near a warm lamp. And somewhere in the middle of that chaos, silver made its comeback as the cool-toned badge of honour (a surprisingly dramatic role for a humble metal) .

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Why are we obsessed with our season? From my side, I’d definitely say that color typing gives me some sort of new identity. It’s funny how choosing a “season” suddenly feels as official as filling out a passport form. Being a Winter makes me feel calmer, colder, and more composed; if I were a Summer, I’d probably consider myself more energetic and active. Another reason is the upgrade in your wardrobe, makeup, and accessories – basically, a small glow-up. For me, choosing the cool color palette and silver undertones makes me feel that my face simply looks better than when I wear warm colors or golden tones.

On the other hand, this whole color-coded chaos has its own disadvantages . . .

Firstly, it is really difficult to approximate your exact color type since your result depends heavily on light illusions. One slightly yellow lamp and suddenly you’re a completely different person. Even if you generally look better wearing cool tones, a weak analysis might suggest that you’re a Light Summer.

Then, even if the precise color type is determined and you’re given a “season”, you’ll inevitably start overthinking your wardrobe. Even more time (and money, of course) will be spent on deciding which clothes suit you the best; your wardrobe uniqueness might shrink because of your picky choices of clothes and, therefore, outfits.

Finally, I would say that owning a “season” should not be considered too seriously, since it would erase your choice in styling yourself, as well as reducing the joy of trying something new. You can freely wear golden undertones and bright, warm colors even if you’ve considered it to be a Winter! Just never let silver earrings dictate your whole personality ;)

In the end, color typing is fun but it’s not fate. Silver, cold, cool, warm… they’re tools, not rules. If knowing your “season” makes you feel confident – great. If not, ignore it and wear whatever sparks joy. Trends come and go, but personal style doesn’t have to. After all, no swatch book knows you better than you do.

THE SILVER VARIABLE: A HORRIFYING FINANCIAL METAPHOR Article by Amanda Graudina, design by Patricija Blumentale

THIS PAPER, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY PEER-REVIEWED BY MY GROUP CHAT, SEEKS TO INVESTIGATE A GROWING CULTURAL PHENOMENON: THE ACCIDENTAL CONSUMPTION OF SILVER AND ITS SURPRISING PSYCHOLOGICAL SIDE EFFECTS, PARTICULARLY THE SUDDEN URGE TO THINK IN FINANCIAL METAPHORS. WHILE TRADITIONAL SCIENCE CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON FRIVOLOUS TOPICS LIKE MEDICINE AND CLIMATE CHANGE, WE BRAVELY ASK THE QUESTION SOCIETY HAS AVOIDED FOR TOO LONG: WHAT HAPPENS IF A PERSON SWALLOWS SILVER? AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHY DO THEY IMMEDIATELY START UNDERSTANDING CAPITALISM?

ABSTRACT

REPORTS, MOSTLY ANECDOTAL AND OCCASIONALLY CHAOTIC, INDICATE THAT INGESTING SILVER MAY TRIGGER UNEXPECTED MENTAL SHIFTS TOWARD ECONOMIC REASONING, PORTFOLIO AWARENESS, AND AN ALARMING FONDNESS FOR SPREADSHEETS. ALTHOUGH THE HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WAS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE CURRENCY, THE BRAIN SEEMS THRILLED BY THE OPPORTUNITY.

INTRODUCTION: WHY SILVER? HISTORICALLY, SILVER HAS SERVED MANY PURPOSES. IT HAS BEEN JEWELRY, CURRENCY, CUTLERY, AND THAT ONE RING YOU KEEP FORGETTING TO WEAR BECAUSE IT SUPPOSEDLY CLASHES WITH YOUR AURA. IT SYMBOLIZES CLARITY, TECHNOLOGY, AND SECOND PLACE IN THE OLYMPICS, WHICH IS STILL IMPRESSIVE DESPITE SOCIETY’S ONGOING FAVORITISM TOWARD GOLD. SO PERHAPS IT SHOULD NOT SURPRISE US THAT SILVER, ONCE SWALLOWED, REFUSES TO BEHAVE QUIETLY. INSTEAD, IT TAKES THE SCENIC ROUTE THROUGH THE DIGESTIVE TRACT AND OFFERS UNSOLICITED FINANCIAL ADVICE ALONG THE WAY.

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METHODOLOGY TO STUDY THIS PHENOMENON, WE CONDUCTED EXTREMELY RIGOROUS RESEARCH CONSISTING OF: THREE GOOGLE SEARCHES ONE PANIC TEXT TO A COUSIN IN MED SCHOOL SEVERAL TIKTOKS WHOSE CREDIBILITY IS QUESTIONABLE BUT ENTERTAINING A REFLECTIVE MOMENT STARING INTO THE REFRIGERATOR FOR ANSWERS NO LABORATORY AGREED TO HOST THE STUDY. IT WAS DISAPPOINTING, ALTHOUGH UNDERSTANDABLE.

FINDINGS BASED ON A STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT SAMPLE SIZE, SUBJECTS WHO HAVE REPORTEDLY SWALLOWED SILVER EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS:

ECONOMICS FLUENCY SUDDENLY, INDIVIDUALS CAN DEFINE INFLATION WITHOUT CRYING. THEY SPEAK CASUALLY ABOUT SUPPLY AND DEMAND. THEY USE THE WORD “FISCAL” CORRECTLY AND WITHOUT IRONY. THEY BEGIN NOTICING SUBTLE PRICE INCREASES IN VENDING MACHINES AND FEEL PERSONALLY BETRAYED.

THOUGHTS WITH INTEREST RATES INTERNAL MONOLOGUES DEVELOP APRS. A SIMPLE IDEA, SUCH AS “I SHOULD BUY A MUFFIN,” GROWS INTO A MULTI-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN. DAYDREAMS AMORTIZE. REGRET COMPOUNDS DAILY.

VALUATION OF EVERYDAY OBJECTS A CHAIR IS NO LONGER A CHAIR. IT BECOMES A DEPRECIATING ASSET. FRIENDSHIP BECOMES A LONGTERM EMOTIONAL INVESTMENT. A NAP EVOLVES INTO A STRATEGIC ENERGY DEPOSIT YIELDING HIGH RETURNS.

INCREASED GENEROSITY SURPRISINGLY, SILVER CONSUMPTION DOES NOT LEAD TO HOARDING. INSTEAD, PEOPLE BEGIN GIVING AWAY GUM, ADVICE, SNACKS, AND EMOTIONAL REASSURANCE AS IF PARTICIPATING IN AN INFORMAL STIMULUS PACKAGE. ECONOMISTS ARE BAFFLED BUT SUPPORTIVE.

POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS

STRANGERS REQUEST INVESTMENT ADVICE AT BUS STOPS. TEACHERS WORRY THEY MAY UNIONIZE.

SEVERAL THEORIES ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN WHY THE MIND BECOMES FINANCIALLY ENTHUSIASTIC AFTER SWALLOWING SILVER: 1.

THE SHINY OBJECT HYPOTHESIS: HUMANS, LIKE MAGPIES AND CERTAIN TODDLERS, ARE ATTRACTED TO SPARKLY THINGS. PERHAPS THE BRAIN SIMPLY WANTS TO IMPRESS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM BY PERFORMING CAPITALISM. 2. THE HISTORICAL MEMORY THEORY: SILVER ONCE FUELED ENTIRE ECONOMIES. PERHAPS THE BODY ABSORBS THIS LEGACY IN THE SAME WAY IT ABSORBS HISTORICAL DRAMAS. SUDDENLY, YOU POSSESS KNOWLEDGE YOU NEVER ASKED FOR. 3. THE PLACEBO EFFECT: IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE SWALLOWED CAPITALISM, YOU MAY START BEHAVING LIKE AN ECONOMY, COMPLETE WITH EMOTIONAL RECESSIONS AND UNEXPECTED BULL MARKETS.

LIMITATIONS

THIS RESEARCH, GROUNDBREAKING, ACKNOWLEDGES LIMITATIONS:

WHILE SEVERAL

CONTAINS ZERO ACTUAL SCIENCE FUNDED BY NO ONE PERSONAL CURIOSITY

EXCEPT

BASED ENTIRELY ON VIBES, NOT DATA

SOCIAL IMPACT

SOCIETY HAS BEGUN EMBRACING SILVER SWALLOWERS AS UNOFFICIAL FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS. FRIENDS ASK THEM WHETHER NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY SNEAKERS ON SALE.

PHYSICAL OUTCOMES

MEDICALLY SPEAKING, THE SILVER WILL EVENTUALLY EXIT THE BODY THROUGH PERFECTLY NORMAL AND SHOCKINGLY UNPOETIC BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES. NOTHING, NOT EVEN CAPITALISM, CAN OUTSMART THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM. DOCTORS ADVISE STAYING CALM, DRINKING WATER, AND NOT ADDING ADDITIONAL CURRENCIES “FOR BALANCE.” THE HUMAN BODY IS NOT A PIGGY BANK, NO MATTER WHAT INSPIRATIONAL POSTERS IMPLY.

CONCLUSION CONSUMING SILVER WILL NOT MAKE YOU WEALTHY, WISE, OR MORALLY SUPERIOR. IT WILL NOT GRANT YOU THE KEYS TO WALL STREET OR THE ABILITY TO PREDICT THE STOCK MARKET WITH TAROT CARDS. WHAT IT MIGHT DO, HOWEVER, IS TEMPORARILY SHIFT YOUR AWARENESS. IT MAY REMIND YOU THAT VALUE DOES NOT BEGIN OR END WITH BANK ACCOUNTS. VALUE OFTEN APPEARS IN SAVED SEATS, SHARED FRIES, INSIDE JOKES, AND THE QUIET RELIEF OF BEING UNDERSTOOD. SILVER PASSES. INTEREST FADES. THE REMINDER REMAINS. WEALTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN HUMAN, NOT METALLIC. BESIDES, CAPITALISM ALREADY LIVES INSIDE US METAPHORICALLY. IT DOES NOT REQUIRE DIGESTIVE CONFIRMATION. AFTER ALL, THE ECONOMY ALREADY HAS ENOUGH ON ITS PLATE.

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Born To Gossip

Insider is known for its gossip page, and I would even dare to say it is the star of the show. People have very different feelings about it. Some rush to be the first ones to read the newest rumors, others secretly write gossip about people they know, some are scared of bad karma points and would not dare to post anything, and, of course, there are the ones who gossip behind everyone’s backs but never actually make it onto the page.

All this raises a simple question:

WHY DO WE EVEN NEED GOSSIP? WHY DO PEOPLE ENJOY IT SO MUCH? AND ISN’T IT… A BIT UNETHICAL?

During the pandemic, when the world slowed down, I picked up Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and the things it said about language and gossip have stuck in my head ever since. Later, when I got familiar with our university’s gossip page, it struck me that it feels like a tiny, chaotic reflection of something much older and deeper in human nature. This made me wonder why gossip has been such a consistent part of human life.

When Homo sapiens went through the so-called Cognitive Revolution and developed language, something became clear very quickly. Our language was different from the communication of other animals, like monkeys. It was not just a tool for warning each other about danger. It allowed us to explain things in small details and create an almost endless number of sentences. We could store and share large amounts of information, which helped humans coordinate and survive more effectively.

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Article by Marta Ciema Design by Elīna Bībere

The first theory suggests that human language evolved mainly to share practical information about the world. But the second theory, which is even more interesting, is often called the gossip theory or the gossip hypothesis. Since humans are social animals, language may have developed to help us share information about each other. For early humans, it was extremely important to know who could be trusted, who lied, who was loyal, and who might be dangerous. Social information was just as important as knowing where to find food. Even in a group of only fifty people, there were already hundreds of relationship connections, which could easily get complicated but were still essential for survival. Gossip became the tool that helped humans form larger groups and maintain complex social networks. It allowed people to build more stable, closer relationships and cooperate in ways other animals could not.

And honestly, not much has changed. Gossip is still everywhere.

You can see it in the yellow press, in every classroom of teenagers, at office desks, and in WhatsApp group chats. Talking about other people has become a natural part of human life.

In some ways, “gossip girls” could even be seen as a strange type of journalist, pointing out controversial behavior and who to watch out for.

It is very possible that both theories are correct, or that there are other explanations for why our language evolved the way it did. But one thing is clear: our language is not unique only because we can describe what we see or hear. We are unique because we can talk about invisible things - feelings, intentions, relationships, social rules - all the complicated interactions that shape human life.

Furthermore, Sapiens are special because we can imagine and think about things that are not physically real: norms, religions, gods, myths, and reputations.

These invisible ideas became crucial in our evolution. They helped us connect in large groups, gave us shared stories, and made it possible to cooperate in teams far larger than anything other animals could manage.

And maybe that is the funniest thing about gossip. The tiny, silly, secret stories we share about each other might actually have played a role in making our species so powerful. At the same time, gossip is not always harmless. Talking behind people’s backs, spreading half-truths, or exaggerating stories can hurt feelings, damage reputations, and create mistrust. It can divide groups instead of bringing them together.

Still, it is fascinating to look deeper and try to understand why we behave this way, and what it reveals about human nature, our relationships, and the social glue that binds us together.

IN THE END, GOSSIP IS BOTH A MIRROR OF OUR SOCIAL INSTINCTS AND A REMINDER THAT THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE SHAPES THE WORLD AROUND US, FOR BETTER OR WORSE. THE INSIDER | 31

p o he "po h NEWe BAD BOY OF 2025 " p o he "po he "po he "poe he "po e he "poe he "po e he "poe The “poet guy” is the The rise of popularity in “poet guys” among young women is a disturbingly unsettling phenomenon. We argue that these, as they say, “deep thinkers” who really feel the world's pain are the new “bad boys” of 2025. These modern time amateur philosophers will light you a cigarette and read out a segment of an intellectual book, found through one’s daily Instagram reels’ session.

WHAT IS A “POET GUY”?

A “poet guy” is a young man idealized for his intense sensitivity, brooding charm, and outward display of intellectual depth.

He often presents himself as a reflective, wounded thinker as someone who carries the weight of the world with a cigarette in hand and a line of philosophy ready to recite. His appeal lies in a crafted aura of artistic suffering and emotional complexity, positioning him as a modern counterpart to the classic “tortured romantic”. To many women, he functions as a modern version of the “bad boy”.

We can draw a small parallel with the “manic pixie dream girl” trope.

WHAT IS A “MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL”?

A “manic pixie dream girl” is a female figure (real or fictional), who is idealized by men as a quirky, emotionally unpredictable, or even unstable “muse”. She is objectified as a source of inspiration or escape, with her eccentricity or mental health struggles treated as an aesthetic or fetish rather than as real traits. Her own inner life, needs, or growth are sidelined, as her primary function becomes catalyzing the male character’s/protagonist's emotional journey.

This wonderful archetype is so beautifully, romantically “mentally ill” that it inspires a man. A man who finds it hard to score someone with a secure attachment style, a man who himself has not found the piece that would fill the void. As a result, he needs our “manic pixie dream girl" in order to complete himself, ignoring the fact that this woman has a storyline of her own, besides simply healing a man’s soul.

ARTICLE BY ANNA-MARTA OZERE AND MARGARET KARTUSOV

DESIGN BY TIMURS RAGOZINS AND MARGARET KARTUSOV

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oet gu oet guy oet gu oet guy y oet gu y et guy oet gu y et guy e t g u et g y “Poet guys” are also quite similar to the “performative male”, yet they differ in one vital aspect - they do not always adhere to the strict constraints of the Labubu, tote bag, matcha aestheticism. They are underground, which is where the allure comes from. The targeted woman feels that she has found what other ladies have missed, or that she has broken the unavailability aura of the “poet guy”.

An additional problem - many women love drama. It gives spark to life, it makes every day more interesting and creates something to live for. What else does a girl need? As Carrie Bradshaw puts it, “When things come too easy, we're suspect. (...) We're raised to believe that the course of true love never runs smoothly.

There always have to be obstacles in Act Two before you can live happily ever after in Act Three. ”

BOOHOO... SO WHY IS THIS BAD?

The “bad boy" trope of the last century transparently portrays why it never works out. The romantic, sexual appeal, the twin flame sensation and seemingly instant connection are all signs of danger.

The bad boy is a bad boy for a reason. They struggle with existing in this world, and, quite logically, struggle in relationships. Most importantly, this “poet guy” is nowhere near what a woman looking for a deeper intellectual connection needs. A “poet guy”, the modern “bad boy” cannot be trusted with building a healthy, secure and solid relationship.

HOW TO WEED OUT “POET GUYS” FROM A GENUINE MAN?

TALK TO THEM WHEN SOBER. PERFORM DUE DILIGENCE.

AND IF A MAN MENTIONS NIETZSCHE, ZIZEK OR JORDAN PETERSON...

RUN!

RUN!!

RUN!

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WHAT TO DO IN DECEMBER TO CATCH the festive spirit

1.

RIGA CHRISTMAS MARKET IN DOMA SQUARE

By now, a must-see when in Riga during Christmas time. Beloved by both locals and tourists, this market combines tasty foods, aesthetic houses, magical lights, and moody music. Wear your warmest gloves, grab your friends or significant other, and visit the most festive place in the city! The market opens on November 28th and lasts until January.

2.

3.

ADVENT SUNDAYS AT ANGĀRS CONCERT HALL

“Silent Transmission” is a musical project together with multiple Latvian choirs such as ''Konvents'', "Balsis", "Amadeus", the youth choir of the foundation "Nāc līdzās!", and the band "Rusted Wheel". Channel your inner culture-guru, and experience a journey of sound across four Sundays - November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21 at the Angārs concert hall! All concerts are free, so do not miss the chance to reminisce about the unforgettable summer nights in Tallinas kvartāls…

MULLED WINE

Winter is not winter without a good old warm cup of mulled wine. It also happens to be that Riga is one of the best places to taste a wide range of this festive drink. For starters, try the Old Town Christmas market, which offers gingerbread, cherry or even clementine flavored drinks.

Non-alcoholic options are also available of a wide variety. For a quick mulled wine run, pick Caffeine or make one yourself by buying the premade drinks sold in almost any grocery store!

4.

THE “LAIMA” CHARITY HOUSE

For the 14th consecutive year, the “Laima” Charity House invites the people of Latvia to participate in a charitable initiative that fulfills children's dreams during Christmas. This year, the house returns to its historic home by the “Laima” clock in Riga, once again becoming a place to meet for kindness and warmth. The house will be open from November 20 to December 19, and during this period, everyone will have the opportunity to choose a card and make a dream come true.

5.

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CABARET FABULA RASA IN PALLADIUM CONCERT HALL

During the darkest time of the year, the Palladium concert hall glows like a brilliant pearl of the night, transforming into a musical restaurant.

On stage, musical and visual stories come to life - performed by the jazz orchestra, soloists, dancers, actors, mimes, and DJs. And for a glamour feeling, a Cabaret-style dress code is highly encouraged, as the boldest and most creative outfits will be awarded.

6.

MINI ZOO “BRIEŽI” A great place to relax with family or friends and imagine being surrounded by Santa’s helpers – reindeers. The zoo includes decorative birds, peacocks, Dutch dwarf goats, Shetland ponies, and many more animals! Here lives the oldest deer in the world – Munžaks, and on Saturdays and Sundays, there is an opportunity to ride a pony or a little donkey.

7.

8.

HUSKY SLEIGH RIDES

Craving an adrenaline rush? Or maybe just time spent with cute dogs? Try husky sleigh rides offered by Dodkepu.lv, where their huskies are active athletes and even regularly participate in World Cup events. The rides are organized around Āraiši Lake Castle, along the Green Railway sections, near the Zvārta Rock, and on the trails of Gauja National Park. During a sled dog ride, there is the option to either drive the sled yourself or have one person ride in the sled. Rides are offered in various formats for individuals, families, or groups.

ICE SKATING RINK IN ESPLANĀDE PARK Surrounded by fairy lights and beautiful architecture, this ice-skating ring is THE activity for weekends in winter season. Although small, the rink is decorated festively to set the holiday mood to the max. You can bring your own skates or rent them on the spot, and the prices are super affordable.

So, get ready for a different kind of physical activity that comes in pair with pretty Instagram pictures…

From low-effort, comfy activities to little adventures that get you out of the house, you can mix and match whatever fits your mood (and budget). Hopefully this gives you a bit of inspiration to make this Christmas season feel warmer, closer, and a little more memorable :)

Article and design by Kristiāna Labanovska

t a o B

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5

DRINK RECIPE RECIPESS 5DRINK

to keep you warm all winter long

to keep you warm all winter long

As winter settles in, the days grow shorter, the evenings arrive sooner, and the cold seems to follow you everywhere, from early classes to late-night study sessions. As the year winds down, with the rush of holiday plans and looming study deadlines, a hot drink becomes the simplest way to slow down, warm up, and feel a little more grounded.

Written by: Paula Esmeralda Deksne Designed by: Elīna Kičigina

Whether you’re hosting friends for a holiday get-together or simply looking for something comforting to sip while you study, these five elevated twists on classic winter drinks are the perfect way to bring warmth back into the season.

French Hot Chocolate As a kid, I always imagined enjoying hot chocolate like the one in The Polar Express.

Few things are as comforting on a cold winter day as a cup of rich, velvety French hot chocolate. Thick, smooth, and deeply chocolaty, it’s the kind of drink that warms your hands and your heart, making even the chilliest day feel a little cozier.

Ingredients (6–8 servings): 2 large oranges 1 liter red wine 300 ml brandy 120 g dark brown sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 3 cardamom pods

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Ingredients (1-2 servings): 360 ml whole milk 120 ml heavy cream 2 teaspoons powdered sugar ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but it really deepens the chocolate flavor) 225 g bittersweet chocolate (at least 70%), chopped Whipped cream, for serving

Mulled Wine A staple at every Christmas market, mulled wine fills the air with the scent of spices and the warmth of the season.

While stores often sell it pre-packaged, making it yourself is easier than you might think — and the homemade version tastes infinitely better.

Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy I’d love to come home on a cold day, wrap myself in a soft blanket, light a fire, and sit beside it, warming my hands. But in this economy, who can afford a fireplace? You know what you can afford, though? A hot toddy.

Ingredients (6-8 servings): 475 ml milk ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2½ whole cloves 1¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 6 large egg yolks 150 g white sugar 475 ml light cream 300 ml light rum (optional) ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Ingredients (2-3 servings): 475 ml unsweetened cranberry juice ½ small orange, pierced several times through the rind 2 cinnamon sticks 2.5 cm pieces of fresh ginger ½ teaspoon black peppercorns ½ teaspoon whole cloves 2-star anise 60–120 ml honey (to taste) 90–120 ml bourbon (depending on desired strength)

Spiked Eggnog It is one of those drinks you either love or hate — but maybe the hate comes from never having tasted a truly good cup. Creamy, spiced, and just a little indulgent (especially with a splash of rum), it’s the kind of drink that makes winter evenings feel warm, festive, and a little magical.

Christmas Morning Chai Latte Is there a better feeling than waking up on Christmas morning? Maybe not — but taking a sip of this Christmas Morning Chai Latte comes pretty close to that magical, festive feeling.

Creamy, spiced, and lightly sweet, it warms your hands, fills the air with the scent of cinnamon and cloves, and makes even the coldest winter morning feel cozy and special.

Ingredients (2-3 servings): 480 ml milk 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf chai) 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

No matter which drink you choose, each of these recipes is an invitation to slow down, take a deep breath, and truly savor the season. Use this moment to spend time with the people you love, share warmth with those closest to you, and step away from the rush of deadlines—even if only for a few cozy sips.

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Silver Springs Time cast a spell on you but you won't forget me I

know I could have loved you but you would not let me

Sounds familiar? Consider yourself lucky if not, because these are lyrics from a classic situationship crashout song. Anyone who has been blessed with the opportunity to experience a soul-crushing, “is it ever casual”, playing pretend boyfriend-girlfriend humiliation will understand. But as the cuffing season is approaching, this feeling tends to only become worse…

I am not here to tell you how to get over it. Because realistically – you won’t. Possibly, like EVER. So, buckle up, because this is your sign to haunt their narrative.

If you have watched Alice in Wonderland, or just been chronically online recently, you might be familiar with the white rabbit who is reminding that “All roads lead to Rome”.It has been used quite often on social media in relation to situationships as a reminder that no matter which path you take, you’ll eventually end up at the same place. Meaning that all situationships are the same, and that everything comes to an end. Since there is no such thing as original experience online, it has been a quite effective method for some, reminding that it is not just a stupid internet meme, but rather reality.

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But there is another side of the story. The Cheshires cat. This character represents the “What if you start from Rome?” side.

Showing that the “universal truth” (“All roads lead to Rome”) depends on where you’re standing. Hence, if you’re already in Rome (goal, happiness, success, etc.), then every step you take might actually be taking you away from it. So, the rabbit’s principle isn’t absolute, it depends on your starting point.

Clearly, it is how each person interprets it, aligns with their current situation, or past experiences (since that’s what we, people like to do, especially with any form of art – song lyrics, poems, storylines).

I’d like to think that in this case, you cannot reach the end, if you already started from the end. Meaning that when you signed up for a situationship you should’ve known (and deep down, if you have been through situationships before, you KNEW) that it will end up just like always… so there is no point in trying to change the unchangeable.

It can be hard to forget about something that could have turned into a relationship, and the full range of emotions is flowing when you cut ties with them. But you can use those emotions – anger, confidence, jealousy into something less soul-crashing than crying and desperately texting them again every time you’re on a night out. Like…haunting their narrative. Some people might think it is just bragging, and trying to make the other jealous, some – being a creepy stalker who cannot let go.

In reality, it means continuing with your life, being the coolest version of yourself, and using your emotions wisely. For example, whenever you start feeling like you lost a good potential relationship or that the other is probably doing better than you – transfer the anger into the mentality that you are doing you. Because exactly THAT, is what is going to bother them. It is something similar to already popular “I don’t chase, I attract” mentality. Absurd or not, it is very often that love (or honestly anything else desired) comes when we expect it the least.

So, staying unbothered will either make them go absolutely crazy or simply make your life significantly easier by tricking your brain into thinking that you have stayed constantly in their mind by just being unbothered. Even if you have been way too bothered. Actually, now looking back to this method, I start seeing some patterns of gaslighting…but I assume it’s fine if used for good purposes?

Anyways…take care, explore your options, but be careful with your feelings x

I'll follow you down 'til the sound of my voice can haunt you oh, give me just a chance you'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you oh, was I such a fool

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NAIVETY OF KNOWING

“EVERYTHING” “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” - Aristotle Since ancient times, philosophers have tried to figure out the mystery of human knowledge and its limits. More than two thousand years ago, two Greek thinkers, Socrates from the fifth century BCE and his intellectual descendant Aristotle from the fourth century BCE, explored one of the deepest paradoxes of wisdom. Socrates, who never wrote down his teachings but shaped Western philosophy through dialogue and questioning, famously claimed that his wisdom lay in understanding that he knew nothing. A century later, Aristotle, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, expanded this insight, suggesting that the more we know, the more we realize we don’t know.

Of course, they were not the first humans to recognize this truth. Similar ideas appeared in other ancient traditions, for instance, in the East among Taoist and Vedic thinkers, who also spoke of the wisdom found in not-knowing.

But let's now move on from ancient philosophy to modern life. The paradox that Socrates and Aristotle once explored feels even more relevant today, in a time that rewards arrogance and loud statements more than depth and reflection.

Confidence (or fake confidence) feels like currency.

We tend to trust those who sound sure, and not always those who have it thought through.

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What inspired me to write this was an observation I have made repeatedly throughout my life, especially lately. I have met many people who radiate confidence in their ability to understand others, their motivations, feelings, and behavior.

They speak with conviction about what people are like, as if the complexity of human nature could be generalized by their personal experiences, which can never be enough to capture the true population mean as statistics theory would say to us.

The problem I see with this kind of thinking is that it makes people dangerously sure of themselves. The more confident you become in the belief that you know, the more fragile you become, and the more likely you are to fall into a trap, the more likely your real capability is narrowed down. Overconfidence blinds us to our biases and makes us more open to manipulation and oversimplified truths. Certainty may feel like strength, but it’s often a weakness in disguise.

The more convinced people are of being right, the less likely they are to listen because they already know everything, right?

This might sound philosophical, but psychology actually confirms it. The Dunning–Kruger effect, a cognitive bias identified by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, shows that people with the least competence in a field tend to overestimate their knowledge and ability. The less you are capable of really understanding, the more certain you feel and the more you learn, the more you realize how extensive your ignorance is.

For example, the feeling of “knowing a lot” often arises not from deep understanding, but from knowing too little to recognize the complexity. When you first study a subject, everything seems simple and obvious because you look at the basics first. But as you go deeper, the boundaries disappear, which means that you will most likely discover exceptions, nuances, and contradictions.

What feels like universal truth may simply reflect the limits of your own experience.

Where lies true knowledge and freedom?

True freedom is to get free from the ego of knowledge. It’s the fragile ego that makes people suffer. It is the part of humans that clings to being right, to knowing better (than others), to appearing wise for the audience. The solution can be found in humility. It can teach us to listen more and claim less.

When we can admit that our understanding is limited, we can become capable of seeing more. True wisdom lies not in having the final word, but in staying endlessly curious about what might be missing. That is something I personally believe in deeply, but of course, I could also be wrong :)

However despite all of this, I feel like there is one very important distinction to make. Embracing “not-knowing” does not mean giving up on curiosity or learning. On the contrary, it means approaching the world with openness rather than authority. Knowledge should make us humble, not arrogant.

The danger lies not in ignorance itself, but in the “illusion of knowledge.” The moment when we start to believe we already know enough.

There is a reason why the most confident know-it-alls tend to be fresh high school graduates, who think they know everything about how the world works, rather than accomplished individuals, who are often older and have actually seen the “real world” and its imperfections.

So dear reader, learn, read, explore and continue conducting your own personal anthropologic research of the world. However, take the time to notice the moment when you start to think that you have it all figured out.

Article and design by Margaret Kartusov THE INSIDER | 45

Behind the scenes of party hard Study hard, party hard - if anyone in SSE Riga lives religiously by this motto, it’s the Event Committee chiefs. They’re the ones behind the packed dance floors, chaotic coat lines, legendary themes and… the occasional total disaster. Celebrating the end of 2025, we asked current and former event chiefs to share their most memorable party moments. So…here are the stories from the people who learned the hard way - so the rest of us can just enjoy the party.

When we finally managed onsite activities, they were… creative. The administration asked me to help with the graduation ceremony, and it was so minimalist it practically qualified as performance art. No party, masked smiles, and an atmosphere that said “history is happening, please keep your distance.” But then came Pub Tour – a collective eruption of bottled-up chaos. Everyone unleashed their inner social butterfly? social beast? whatever had been brewing up inside, and not a single drink died of neglect.

Leading in 2021 wasn’t glamorous, but it was absolutely unforgettable.

IJA

The party is calling

Serving as event committee chief in 2021 felt a bit like hosting a party in a haunted house – plenty of enthusiasm, questionable circumstances, and everyone attending from different corners of the internet. With in-person fun on hold, we turned to themed online events —dating shows, trivia nights, and whatever else Zoom could tolerate. I like to think they offered at least a sprinkle of joy, or at minimum a distraction from staring at the same four walls.

ROBERTA T RE

SA ‘2 1

REIN I

ERSONS D N SA sa ‘2

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3

Hi everyone! It’s been a while - two years, to be exact, and looking back, our events have been nothing short of colorful. We’ve had moments that were memorable for all the right reasons, and others that challenged us in ways we definitely didn’t expect.

Another moment etched in my memory is the time I found one of my associates passed out in the bathroom with his pants down, and had absolutely no idea how to handle the situation. Thankfully, he recovered quickly, but the absurdity of the scene remains legendary.

One incident that still makes me laugh (now that the panic has faded) was the night a radiator broke in the middle of a party.

Water streamed across the dance floor while we desperately tried to stop it - with scotch tape, towels, and anything else we could grab. It didn’t work, of course, but the teamwork and shared confusion were unforgettable.

And then there was the winter event when one of our key organizers was injured by falling ice, a reminder of how unpredictable the season can be.

As we head into another cycle of university events, let’s look back on these stories with humor, and stay safe, especially during winter walks to campus.

ARINA

SA ‘24 E L E K HA

Alright, here goes a little story from my eventcom chief era - something not even the president or the chief accountant know, so… surprise for them too.

So, you know how at your very first NCC event you pay the entrance fee and the bus fee, and all that money goes into that tiny metal box? The precious SA box. Well, guess who slept for two hours, got handed that box with words “ARINA, KEEP IT SAFE” from the VP, and confidently threw it into the van? And guess who, somewhere on the way back to Riga, suddenly realized that the van door WAS OPEN? FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG? Anyway, I get home, stretch a bit, and then it hits me: Where. Is. The. Box. So I call my friend, who has the van and is unloading it right then. He checks everywhere, no precious box. Completely gone. At this point, my soul has left my body, no jokes.

And here comes the best part: guess who called the police, crying, ready to authorize a full-on highway raid to find that metal box? Yes, me. Then, a very kind woman from the Cēsis police station asked, “Do you accept that we start the operation?” And literally RIGHT after that — I get a message from my friend: “Found the box. It was in the van. Everything’s fine.”

So yeah. Main lesson: maybe… close the van door properly next time haha

Marek su

Along the way I have learned a lot - how it is possible to fix/do a lot in the last few hours; how easy it is for a person leading an activity to become more drunk than the people playing it; how it is possible to dance and work all night long with a leg so messed up that in the next morning I was barely able to walk; how fun NCC can be for compadres; - as well as many other things that are more practical or I just don’t have the space to list here.

But time for a bit of a storytime. As you might know, a common problem for Eventcom is that things get broken inside of restrooms.

So in order to stick with the theme, I thought I will share a quite recent story where that happened.

It is Halloween, people are having fun, some people are more drunk, some people less. Yet, besides very minor inconveniences, nothing bad has happened, and the event has already been going for more than 3 hours - everything is good, right?

Well, not really, suddenly something is flooding from the toilets - somebody had broken the water tank behind one of the toilets, and it is filling the floor with water. Eventually, some associates manage to balance the water tank so that no more water is coming out, and the door

gets locked. Yet, while there is no new water pouring on the floor, there is a new problem.

The whole area in front of the restrooms is now flooded with water, so people get to cleaning it up, but there are not enough paper towels. What is there to do now? The only option now is to find a new use for the decorations that conveniently involved a lot of fabric. So frantically, associates had to start ripping the fabric from multiple decorations just to try to get rid of some of the water. It is a pure mess, but at least it is enough to keep the water from spreading further until the event ends and the janitor arrives.

aniS lm

I think Eventcom is the place where almost anything can be done or seen. In each event there is something that you previously would not know could even happen. But here are some moments from the things that I am ready to admit really happened.

SA ‘2 5

So, in essence, Eventcom is definitely something that I do not plan to forget any time soon.

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Why Being ‘Almost the Best’ Feels Like Failure?

Article by Paulius Pupka Design by Simas Karnyšovas

Do shadows get paid to follow us? That is a question that, frankly, has nothing to do with this article, but it does make for a dramatic opening, so I decided to keep it. Still, it raises an odd truth: some things trail behind us whether we want them to or not and while shadows are harmless, expectations are not.

And the thing about expectations is that they don’t just follow us, they crowd us. The moment we start aiming for something meaningful, they multiply and suddenly being “almost the best” becomes a strangely uncomfortable place to stand.

Why does being second, third, or nearly-great feel worse than simply being average? Why does proximity amplify pain instead of pride? Perhaps because being almost something invites our brains to complete the missing pieces and our imaginations tend to be crueler than reality ever could be.

People love saying, “Do your best.”

It sounds wholesome, encouraging, supportive.

However, tucked inside that phrase is a small, sharp condition: Your best should be impressive to me. I didn’t learn this through sports, trophies, competitions, or anything that requires a stopwatch. I learned it in my own living room, while showing a project I had poured days into. It was one of those rare creations that actually mattered to me. When I finally shared it, there were smiles, nods, a polite “This is really good,” the kind that lands softly but feels suspiciously generic.

Then came the turn.

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Someone pulled up another person’s version of a similar idea.

“Look,” they said. “Theirs is even better.” Two words, even better, and suddenly my creation wasn’t a creation anymore, it was an almost, a shadow of something superior.

My entire effort shrank like a sweater thrown in the wrong wash cycle. I realized then that I wasn’t grieving the loss of being “the best.”

I was grieving the humiliation of being “almost.” It wasn’t jealousy, it was disappointment mixed with embarrassment, as if being close to excellence but not touching it somehow exposed me more than failing outright ever would. If I had done badly, I could’ve blamed low effort, but doing well, almost exceptionally well, meant I had no excuse. I had simply not been quite enough.

Where does this feeling come from? We tend to imagine progress as a straight ladder: the higher you climb, the better you become, but ladders also have thinner air at the top, fewer handholds, more pressure. The closer you are to the summit, the more every small slip feels catastrophic. When you’re average, the world feels wide, when you’re near the top, the world feels narrow. Being almost the best opens the door to the most dangerous mental habit we have: imagining alternate versions of ourselves.

“If I had just worked a bit harder…”

“If I hadn’t been tired that day…”

“If I were as talented as them…”

It becomes a private autopsy of your own effort.

And yet, society rarely talks about this. We celebrate victories and mourn defeats, but we leave the near-wins to rot quietly in the emotional junk drawer. “Almost” doesn’t earn sympathy. It earns a shrug, or worse, an awkward compliment you can’t quite swallow.

But being almost the best isn’t a failure, it’s proof you reached the brink of something meaningful. It means you were close enough to touch the edges of excellence, it means your effort carried weight, it means you aimed high enough that missing still counted for something.

The sting is the evidence of ambition.

The disappointment is the shadow of potential. And the frustration?

That’s the part of you that knows you’re capable of more. When I think back to that project now, I no longer remember the comparison first. I remember the hours I’ve spent working on it, I remember creating something that deserved to be measured. The other version may have been better, but it didn’t erase the fact that mine existed, that it reached far enough to cast a shadow worth comparing.

So, maybe we should stop thinking of “almost” as an insult, maybe we should see it as a checkpoint, a sign that you’re not delusional for aiming high, you’re simply not finished.

And if you’re still wondering why the opening line asked whether shadows get paid to follow us… well, I am not sure myself, but as long as I gaslight the reader long enough, I'm certain I can convince them it all makes sense.

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SILVER ARROWS: WHEN SILVER WAS THE GOLD Last year this time, I gave you an article about Mercedes boss Toto Wolff; and this year I thought – why not go down the Mercedes F1 team rabbit hole once again?

Dear reader, in this article I will reminisce on the times that Formula 1 enthusiasts either look back at with aversion, or yearn for. The title should have been the hint, we will dive into the Mercedes domination era as well as some Brocedes lore.

Silver Arrows has been the nickname for Mercedes-Benz racing cars for nearly a century.

The name comes from their distinctive silver livery. In the 1930s, German racing cars were meant to be painted white, but Mercedes removed the white paint to reduce weight, revealing the bare silver aluminum underneath. And that silver surface is where the name Silver Arrows came from.

Following Sebastian Vettel’s four world titles in a row, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team said, “hold my beer”, and claimed recordbreaking eight consecutive constructors’ championships, six of which happened with their famous silver cars.

It all started in 2014 when Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg managed to stay victorious in 16 out of 19 races in the season, with Hamilton topping the drivers’ championship table.

The 2015 season delivered the same outcome: nobody stood a chance, not even Sebastian Vettel with his brandnew red racing car – the Ferrari driver managed to win the three races the Silver Arrows failed in, but it obviously was not enough to disturb Mercedes’ hegemony.

Brocedes – Lewis and Nico have known each other since childhood, from their karting days, and they had been best friends… until this battle for the championship. A tight friendship with shared vacations, parties and dreams shattered at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona when the two crashed into each other and officially declared the rivalry. Nico and Lewis went on to create an unforgettable season where the champion was decided in the very last race of the season in Abu Dhabi – Nico claimed his first and only world championship after which he retired from the sport.

It all got extra interesting in 2016 when we got the iconic Brocedes title fight, also known as the Silver War.

Mid and late 2010s proved that silver does not always mean missing out on the first place.

GRAND H S I K R TU 20 PRIX 20

Article by Anna Gogebashvili Design by Dominika Ignatjeva

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ABU DHA BI PRIX 2016

Rosberg engraved his name in the history of F1 at the cost of losing a friend. Although Lewis said that they are not friends anymore, Nico has admitted that, in his heart, Hamilton is still his best friend. The legendary F1 commentator David Croft has even called Lewis and Nico “friends, teammates, childhood buddies, rivals – everything but lovers”.

After Rosberg’s retirement, Valtteri Bottas joined Merc’s drivers’ lineup.

People often refer to him as the greatest wingman of all time as he was the perfect second driver and teammate to Lewis Hamilton and made sure to give his all for the Brit to break all the records in the sport. In the year 2017, the first half of the season had the majority of the fans convinced that Seb Vettel would end Mercedes’ dominance and get the title, but the Silver Arrows came in clutch after the summer break and Lewis claimed his fourth world championship.

I GR AND

The first couple of races of 2018 again gave false hope to Ferrari fans and then Hamilton dominated the rest of the season.

The next year was without any false alarms for the rivals’ fans and it was an easy ride for the Silver Arrows.

In the new decade – 2020s, Mercedes changed their livery into black, but that did not stop them from winning. 2020 was the year when Lewis Hamilton won his seventh title and equaled Michael Schumacher for the most drivers’ championships. In 2021, another iconic title fight happened: between Lewis, and this time, Max Verstappen – this time the Mercedes driver could not stay superior, however, the constructors’ title went to Mercedes, for the last time so far. In 2022, Merc went back to the silver design, and since the beginning of this season they have a fresh drivers’ pairing, but they cannot find any luck – Red Bull and McLaren have been much better and dominant for a few years now.

SPANISH GRAND PRIX 2016

Before I wrap this up, I wanted to throw in a fact about this eight-year-long dominance that I find quite cool: The Russian Grand Prix in Sochi was held only for eight years, which happened to be exactly 20142021 and Mercedes has a 100% win rate on this circuit.

Moreover, Lewis Hamilton won his 100th Grand Prix exactly there in 2021 after the remarkable rainy race and the Lando Norris tire catastrophe.

So, now that we’ve looked back on either the dullest or the most incredible dominance in the history of the sport, it is up to your judgement to decide which title it deserves. Love it or hate it – Mercedes showed the world that the color does not matter and the gold medal and the first place is for everyone; especially as the team that housed not only iconic liveries in different colors but also the only black driver in the history of the sport.

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Would you rather...

Article by Arīna Kosmačeva

December is a tough month for everybody students, professors, the employed, the unemployed (also, Santa Claus).

Which is why, my little gift to you is this spread - the game of “Would you rather?”. Grab a friend, choose one of the two options (NOTA is NOT an option), discuss, maybe argue and have a great time.

Love you all!!!

give up coffee for exam prep

OR

give up all social media for exam prep

accidentally send a photo of yourself to your year’s group chat

OR

accidentally submit the wrong file instead of your assignment

have unlimited better cafe food

OR

unlimited 8:15 AM lecture skips (without consequences)

have your phone battery at 10% when you leave the house

OR

have your laptop at 5% during a lecture

sit through a 3-hour lecture

OR

3-hour group project meeting with no goal

binge-scroll TikTok

OR

Instagram Reels

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Would you rather...

OR

become lactose intolerant

OR

a lifetime supply of Dubai chocolate

ace every exam but forget everything after

OR

barely pass but remember every single fact forever

find a free parking spot in Klusais Centrs every day

OR

never wait in line for coffee ever again

OR

have them sit next to you for one cafeteria lunch

take a final exam worth 100% of your grade on Respondus

OR

have weekly quizzes and no exam

write a 20-page research paper

OR

give a 20-minute group presentation

OR

be put into a group project with no one responding in the group chat (that you created)

OR

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be banned from Narvesen

have a Labubu

have your favourite celebrity teach one guest lecture

be randomly asked, during a lecture, to explain a concept you’ve never heard of Get an

in FE

When was the last time you went outside without your phone? A question which unexpectedly arrived from my sister this time. She had forgotten her phone in her classroom and had gone to the Cadets de Cascogne next to Bastejkalns. She had bought a cinnamon roll and a coffee, and had asked the cashier for the time. The whole endeavor had probably only taken about half an hour, yet she had felt uneasy and anxious, and I could feel the same nervousness within myself from just listening.

When was the last time you went to the restroom without your phone? When did you last eat alone without checking it?

When did you take a walk without looking for messages or listening to music? I genuinely cannot remember. I can more easily recall trying to do these things and failing than ever succeeding.

Most of us are spending our lives online. Now, it doesn’t necessarily have to imply a 12 hour average screen time, even though with work it often does. It could also allude to the constant need to check your devices, e-mails, calls and messages. One’s relationship with their phone is like a toxic, anxious attachment relationship. Not being able to spend a day without feeling nervous about missed notifications portrays just how hardwired the connection with our phones in our brains is.

Which brings me to the lovely online trend of “rawdogging” to fix one’s attention span. It can be sitting and staring at the wall for an hour, it can be reading nonstop for three, and it is there as the ultimate form of dystopian entertainment. You can watch people try to fix the problem created by the thing they are posting it on while feeling like you’re gaining motivation and then never acting on it. I mean… it doesn’t get much better than that! Such trends are a wondrous example of how intertwined our lives are with the digital world. At times, it feels like unless it has been documented somehow on one’s social media profiles, the thing did not happen or at least it was not significant.

THE INSIDER | 54

LIFE T

THROUGH A SCREEN WHY DO WE FEEL THIS ATTACHMENT AND WHY IS IT SO HARD TO BREAK OUT? THE FEAR OF MISSING OUT. Let’s be honest, all of us have FOMO, and it sucks. As a wise Estonian some time ago put it, “there is no good outcome, either I’m tired or I’m missing out”. This feeling extends to phone usage. The need to check notifications so that one does not miss out on an invitation, on a post by someone or anything else is simply another form of FOMO. One that may be even harder to overcome.

PRACTICAL NEED. Not being online is a privilege that most of us cannot afford.

Our work, studies and entertainment are deeply intertwined with the digital world. There is no escape. There is no escape because one cannot work offline, one cannot study without a computer and one cannot be unavailable - one is not considered as a functioning human being unless they are online. We are expected to be perpetually “on.”

NUMBING ONESELF. The world is f*cked, and the two screen method is more than effective in making one forget about it.

WHAT SHOULD ONE DO TO ESCAPE? Go outside, detox, fight the algorithm, be aware. On a larger scale though? I do not have an answer. No simple way out exists. One has to be online to make money, one has to be reachable to maintain personal and professional relationships, and one is dependent on their online presence. So, really - we as a society and as individuals are stuck.

ARTICLE & DESIGN BY ANNA MARTA OZARE THE INSIDER | 55

Beer, straw, YouTube Public places offer a unique opportunity - meeting, observing or getting to know strangers. Since Latvians mostly keep to themselves and are quiet and introverted, usually just the observation part is relevant.

Nevertheless, observation of strangers can turn out to be much more interesting than talking with them, and it takes little to no effort.

Recently, while riding the tram to meet up with some friends at a cafe, I decided to leave my headphones in the bag and listen to the raw sounds of the world. Along the route, the tram passes a large cemetery, which means that usually a couple of senior citizens get on the tram to go home from their cemetery visit.

n

te Writ

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s Rusi abs k E J by:

Looking partly at my phone and partly at the surroundings, I started to notice that a couple seats apart from me, a group of three elderly ladies who got in at the mentioned cemetery stop had just sat down next to each other and started talking to one another with their purses and plastic bags in hand.

Their first interaction was when one of them asked another to register her “e-talons” since she couldn’t reach the card reader from her seat.

Although I did not hear much of what exactly they were talking about, it became clear that two of them knew each other and the third just happened to sit beside them. I’m guessing that their conversation was not about anything amazingly interesting, but the thing that caught my attention was the overall manner of the conversation.

Firstly, they did not talk continuously; the conversation spiked here and there, but was nothing close to a heated discussion - in short, it was small talk. Ladies number 1 and 2 were the ones who knew each other previously and were exchanging some words with one another. Lady 3, who was a stranger to the other two, seemed the most talkative since she used every chance to squeeze in a sentence related to what the others were talking about. Despite her almost childish eagerness to add to their talk, Ladies 1 and 2 did not seem to mind at all and the overall atmosphere was friendly yet politely reserved. The conversation naturally continued until Ladies 1 and 2 had to get out of the tram.

When getting out, I noticed that Lady 3 had a slight smile in the corner of her mouth with an expression of fulfillment - she had let off her ‘talking steam’.

She looked like she would carry that same expression home, and it would stay with her until the end of the day.

I got out of the tram and went into the cafe.

Since I was the first one there, I ordered my glühwein and waited for others to arrive. While the drink was cooling down, I became aware of the busboy, who was wearing a blue apron, a red sweater underneath and a newsboy cap, which all summed together made his appearance very similar to that of Super Mario.

He had just finished cleaning a table so that the state of the cafe was presentable for a little while and afterwards went into the storage space and came out with a beer can and a straw. Surprisingly, the straw was meant for his beer, and after putting his cleaning cloth to the side, he sat down at one of the tables, opened the beer, inserted the straw and started to drink the beer in this totally unusual manner while watching a YouTube video.

Despite being a bit shocked by his way of enjoying a break, I came to the conclusion that, in a way, he is no different than Lady 3 from the tram - both of them had their own way of finding the silver lining in the grey clouds of ordinary and uneventful daily routine. Chatting with fellow cemetery-goers or drinking a beer through a straw helps both of these people in making their day lighter and easier to get through.

I THINK WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO LEARN FROM THEM AND USE TO OUR ADVANTAGE, SINCE FINDING THE THING THAT HELPS YOUR DAY BLOOM IS MUCH EASIER THAN IT SEEMS

THE INSIDER | 57

Our fingers used to meet at midnight.

Your skin could recognize mine, and I stored your fingerprint somewhere deep in my memory.

My body learned you.

And it hasn’t unlearned you since.

Every other touch feels wrong, Like it doesn’t belong on my skin.

I reach for hands that aren’t yours and they feel like strangers.

Cold and empty against me.

But at nights I remember the temperature of your fingers, the small lines in your skin that pressed into mine, leaving marks on my skin long after you were gone.

Sometimes I can still feel you, like electricity running through my nerves, a spark where there should be none.

Missing can be that simple.

Without thought.

Without explanation.

Without words or syllables.

shivers of you

There are fingers crawling in the back of my thoughts, pulling me by the hair, leaving red scratches on my skin, forcing another line out of me with your name again and again.

Sometimes I swear I’m possessed. Like a voodoo doll filled with cursed words and all the thoughts that have been poisoning me from the inside.

There are things that shouldn’t be real. But they are. For example.

You. I used to talk to you when I was alone. Sometimes I still do, when my heart forgets how to be strong, how to move on, how to breathe without you.

I have loved you for exactly 519 days, and somehow it still isn’t enough. I still can’t forget how you made me feel.

And now I want to run away from myself and all the thoughts that won’t leave me alone. I want to breathe, just once, and be free from the poison that keeps holding on to me. I want to run away from the thought of you, but before I do, I need to know, where have you been all this time?

01/12 THE INSIDER | 58

Like a primal instinct

that trembles through my nerves, setting fire to everything inside.

Yesterday you said to me: “Your worst enemy is your own nervous system.”

But that nervous system once lived inside a five-year-old child who was experiencing the world so bright.

This is the body I learned the world in.

That nervous system took the air from my throat before I even knew what fear was.

It taught me how to live with an aching soul, while I tried to find pieces of you.

So my fear is coming from my own body, deep in my stomach, where trauma likes to hide.

My fear is rooted beneath my skin.

Beneath my skull.

Beneath every neuron.

And before you talk to me like that, remember that my eyes are still the same ones I had as a child.

They’ve seen everything.

And they know you have an aching soul too.

That nervous system learned how to protect itself, and how to kill itself when needed.

The cold always aches a little different each time. Like the frostbite never bites in the same spot twice. Today it aches so much I’ve started to cry blood, leaving a red race in the snow. Looking helpless. Looking numb. Looking pale, like a glass of milk poured down the drain.

My blood has lost the colour of life and my skin starts to feel foreign, like it doesn’t belong to me anymore. And my scream, my scream is soundless, and it freaks me out.

But last night there was a storm outside my window. A real one. So strong that it took my pain and fear with it.

Do you know how it feels to finally breathe? To clear out the dust that has been piling in my lungs?

To scream.

To. Be. To live.

To finally become something I’m not afraid of anymore.

THE INSIDER | 59

THE INSIDER | 60

Cr

SSWORD

puzzle

By Rūta Švarcbaha and Kristiāna Labanovska

2.

6.

9.

10.

1.

3.

4.

7.

8.

5.

CRO SS ACR OSS AC THE INSIDER | 61

Across

3. Made them sing, dance and arm wrestle

8. He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice 9. Always in short supply once coat season begins 10. Those Y2s bombarding with … every other day in November

Down 1. When we heard pitches, ate too many sweets and casted our votes 2. Top 1 meal in Better Cafe

4. What arrives each Friday to feel the Christmas magic 5. The silent contender that still gets your vote 6. Soft newcomers in the fridge 7. Those who make the season bright

N W DO

N W O D

D

Playlist by

XAVIER Interpol opens with an angry tune perfect for giving some energy in the cold December morning light. It is followed by a song that has been on heavy rotation over the last couple of months from Toronto-based TRAITRS. Then, a more classic tune from a more classic band: Pearl Jam. The Australian synth-pop band Cut/Copy is next, with some dancy grooves. It is not because the weather is often gloomy that we should carry that all day long inside us. The next three songs are a bit more experimental.

Battles is a great band (check the video clip of Tonto and the song Atlas). Collapse Under the Empire is offering the traditional instrumental post-rock tune of all my playlists.

Next, you can appreciate Silver Mt. Zion from Montreal. They belong to the first wave of post-rock bands along with Godspeed You! Black Emperor (which will play in Riga on 03.03.26) or Fly Pan Am (from my playlist, two months ago). I could have put another song from the same album ("13 Angels Standing Guard 'round the Side of Your Bed"), but I preferred something less "contemplative" and more "rhythmic".

The closing piece is Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds (whom you heard in my very first playlist with his project Kiasmos). Here, it is a duo with Nanna, Of Monster and Men's vocalist. The song is part of a musical, collaborative, trip Arnalds took across Iceland. The result was a documentary and an album (Island Songs). Check them out.

Design by Elīna Bībere

THE INSIDER | 62

In a small house at the edge of a dark forest lived a woman who loved silver more than sun-light. Each evening, she placed a silver ring on her finger, then a necklace about her neck, until her shoulders was shining like moonlit snow. The neighbors warned her, for tales said that too much silver invites the shadows that walk between worlds. But she would not listen. One night, when the wind cried at the windows, she hung so many chains upon herself that she fell to the floor. In that moment, a cold silence filled the room, and the woman was gone. Only the silver lay scattered across the wooden boards, and if you pass the house at night, they say you can still hear them softly clinking, as if someone were putting them on again.

Nicolas and THE INSIDER | 63

GOSSIPS PP vs KŠ debate???

Saw like 5 guys trying and 0 scoring with certain y2, I guess just because she looks easy doesn't mean she is The Dexter guy is so fine but such an a*****e RBS should be banned from all sse parties, they ruin the whole vibe of sse atmosphere Inviting people from the side is a mistake, they don’t care about our university some guys really came in their casual lecture fit… I mean, maybe dressing as themselves is kind of terrifying ngl sooo after all that chaos, certain y1 are actually together now?? wild.

Some ex flames did reunite at this event scary booo indeed!!!!

The Sharpen AI guy (R.A.) who hasn’t been seen on campus since September suddenly appears at night… waiting for his braluka’s country girl. I.D. really needed that Tesla night drive, huh? certain y2 might have left the party, but his so-called girl y2 certainly didn’t. All this drama for so long only for the girl to act like that the moment it actually mattered… maybe next time choose not so public place Elections feel so weak this year, campaign week consists of yap and snacks, posters are so small you can’t even see them. Feels like they’re not even trying.

P.O and his little friend should stfu during the lectures Who flooded the toilet tho…

I VOTE NOTA Vision thing is so cringe, it was kind of funny when Tuskens did it but now its just sad

y1s are soooo brave making fun of people taking gap years… i really hope they get a gap year themselves

certain info com candidate with yet another L

MJ and NV was an unexpected pairing

PO please stfu.

Apron guy is fine shyt

first infocom candidate…..honestly needed some time to recover after that presentation

For halloween you should dress up as a serious relationship, because everyone seems afraid of it.

Turns out “nonchalant” stops working right after the first drink for some estonians.

She stands on stage with “VISION” bold, But nothing real, no plan is told.

Just empty words in shiny gloss, Like PowerPoints that say “be boss.”

hen a blue-coloured y1 aced EventCom interviews, a certain Black Ducky boss took notes—and maybe a number?

I’d rather hear a concrete plan, Than vibes and mist in all that span.

So vote for brains, not just the scene— ’Cause “vision, vision” lone is cringe and mean.

IK thinks he is mr beast

re-elections it is.

Certain black ducky chief and certain Y1 dude have found their chemistry ;)

MF Y1 better at spelling than last year's educom candidates

Obsessed with DI Y2 phone case

VD practice your English first maybe before running as the educom chief

THE INSIDER | 64

Going to have to vote NOTA for marketing… don’t want a person who has such an interesting digital footprint to be the face of marketing committee, but yk they say all exposure is good exposure There are tons of creative students at SSE Riga, why don't they come up with something more creative and less toxic, gossiping is not only unethical but also waste of time

Certain math TA’s went at it after the elections - could it be that ends started or ended at the IFund TB? certain sports com candidate, how do you plan to stay committed to your duties as a sports com chief if you lack commitment in other areas....?

Whoever stole my slice of pizza at the ifund team building, look both ways when crossing the road

speaking latvian loudly as an audience and as presenters - that is just disrespectful. first, that is simply not nice. and second, are the future "chiefs" not comcerned with our status as an international school and not your average business college. shame on you

y2 B.B. was getting active during IFund teambuilding

does the friendgroup know that LPV is NOT presenting on 20.11?

EO font blindness?

do VDs glasses not help her see the microphone MA you aint savage Did VD and MA collaborate for those interesting presentation templates MA public speaking skills ??????????

MA, are you for real right now...?????

Collect yourself next sports com chief should look out… if you know what i mean Jejoue slamming vision for recycling jokes while they cannot let onlyfans go "are you satisfied now?" who boosted this guy's ego, cuz wtf y2 estoanian toast com girl never disappoints. slay girl

Is R.R. and R.M.J. Official?

Toast com waffled HARD after a three week break in presentations. boriiing

"it is actually baby pink and black" as if it compensates the absolute lack of pictures looks like marketing com this year is cooked. last year was full of potential chiefs, creative motivated people everywhere. this year V.O. goes in as a joke and still outshines all of you in posters, presentation, Q&A (doesn’t even matter if he did all of it himself or not, at least it looked good). can’t even imagine how embarrassing it must be… lets be real, the V.O. campaign was much better than Vision. tbh feels like he could win the elections thanks to such poor competition this year...

NOTA marketing this year was better than all the marketing candidates. shoutout to jj

it feels like the je joue proposal of funding SA with OF might not be that bad after all. Some candidates might be better at that than the position they are running for

THE INSIDER | 65

HOROSCOPES Feeling a little behind with work-related stuff, you will find yourself questioning your capabilities to keep going. But December will open a new window in your life. That will be an important factor why your gift giving skills this year will be immaculate. Buy yourself an advent calendar – it will make your days go easier.

You tried to romanticize autumn, and you failed…now you will be attempting to romanticize winter. Just don’t do that thing where you cling to people only because you’re feeling lonely in the cozy season. Start planning your birthday mash early – because it must be outstanding!

Saggitarius

Capricorn

You have been living the lush life so far: dinner dates, SPA breaks when it got too much on your plate and even splurging.

Level down for the upcoming winter. Focus on your health and immune system because next year won’t be as relaxing.

Take a walk on a snowy day to silence the voices in your head.

You have been missing someone or something so eagerly recently. Think twice, if it’s really what you want or just a moment of weakness. Write a wish list for Santa – this is the time to speak up on your wishes and needs (and no, it is not selfish or obnoxious to ask for something!).

Aquarius

Pisces

Dear Aries, your life has been fast-paced for the last couple of weeks. In December, you will start to slow down, but do not relax entirely! Better try occupying your mind with mindful activities, something that fills your cup. Keep your heart open and expect passionate upcoming months.

The end-of-the-year reflections got you being too harsh on yourself. Yes, maybe this wasn’t “your year”, but spend the last month of it like you wanted the whole year to go. Visit the Christmas market, bake gingerbread cookies with your friends, and even go clubbing (because it is never too cold for dancing!).

Aries

Taurus

THE INSIDER | 68

You have been tied up in your mind too much recently…actually for the past months…But in the upcoming month, devote time to music – a concert you have been thinking about? Definitely worth going. Keep your focus for the last meters in school and then reward yourself.

Shocking! But in December, you will be the embodiment of calm. You have entered a flow – without major crashouts, just you doing your own thing. It’s good to achieve inner peace, just don’t forget about your sparkle, too! Next year, your sense of fashion will lead you to something exciting…

Gemini

Cancer

The sparkle, glitter and shimmer season – made just for YOU! This month you might be intertwined in some unnecessary drama, but your patience will get you out of it quickly. Expect the itch for end-of-theyear hustle or inspiration to create an explicit mood board for the next year.

Believe in yourself!

December is not only the month of festivities, but also deadlines coming to an end… so you will be caught up in finishing projects at the last minute. But for the upcoming year? An urge to have a fresh start. Releasing old habits, mindsets or even people. The holidays might bring some exciting adventures for you.

Leo

Virgo

This December, you will be the most festive person known to this world.

Hanging Christmas lights, making paper snowflakes, singing carols. It is nice to have the Cindy-Lou Who spirit in a world full of Grinches, but do not lose your focus on the important. Nevertheless, during these holidays you will receive a long-awaited gift.

For the past weeks you have been feeling just meh. It doesn’t mean good or bad.

Just meh. Therefore, you are in need of a December reset. In the upcoming year, your past financial decisions will pay back (quite literally). Write one thing to forgive yourself for before starting 2026 and settle for the party mood.

Libra

Scorpio

THE INSIDER | 69

Madara writer

Elīna

designer

Kārlis writer

Iurii

writer

Lauma

Paula

designer

writer

What is your go to Christmas tree decoration?

Patrīcija

chief designer

Amanda writer

Daniels writer

Zane chief

Elīna

Kristiāna

cover designer

Marta

Rūta

writer&designer

designer

Ilze

writer&designer

Anna

chief writer

Aleksandra writer

writer

Annija designer

Paulius writer

designer

writer

Marija designer

Margret

Timurs

Simas

Evelina

Arina

designer

writer&designer

designer

Toms

designer

Daniela Beatriče designer

Gunta writer

designer

Anete

Jēkabs writer

writer

Dominika designer

Anna writer

Rebeka designer

Arīna Anna

writer&designer

Kārlis

designer

Vlada writer

writer

see you in January!