LW #210: Commemoration, Controversy, and News from October 26th - November 9th, 2023

Otto and Joe discuss the shocking actions taken by Russia in launching a seemingly full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the response by Latvia and the rest of the western world. They also call expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to discuss ways that Ukrainian refugees can seek safe haven in Latvia before discussing a few other important stories from the last week here in Latvia. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

24 Feb 202245min

While the world holds its breath as the situation in Ukraine unfolds, Otto and Joe discuss the latest developments as well as other important stories closer to Latvia such as more school closures, a new Eurovision challenger, relaxation of COVID restrictions, and much more! Joe then calls into expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to discuss red flags to look out for when reading through job postings, as well as why employers shouldn't ask for "native speakers". Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 "Better Call Rick" theme: Lava Spout by Blue Wave Theory, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license freemusicarchive.org/music/Surf_Mus…ue_Wave_Theory

18 Feb 202251min

Despite record case numbers, the Latvian government seems to be signalling that most COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted in the next few months. Otto and Joe discuss the implications of this potential decision as well as the other most important stories of the week. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

12 Feb 202249min

"Pārstrādāt" is the word of the week in honor of Latvia finally kicking off its long-discussed container deposit system. Otto and Joe discuss this along with other stories such as a draft civil union law, a step forward towards an acoustic concert hall, a potential loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, and much more before calling into expat lawyer Rick Jacobus in Lipeāja to find out what first-time renters in Latvia can do to protect themselves. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 "Better Call Rick" theme: Lava Spout by Blue Wave Theory, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license freemusicarchive.org/music/Surf_Mus…ue_Wave_Theory Image by Europaportalen, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Collecting_waste_for_recycling_in_Romania.JPG

4 Feb 20221h 4min

As Latvia implements major changes to its making requirements, Joe and Otto call expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to clarify what people can and cannot wear. They also discuss major stories such as sky high energy costs, the situation in Ukraine, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 "Better Call Rick" theme: Lava Spout by Blue Wave Theory, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Surf_Music_Month_Challenge/Surf_Music_Month_Challenge/Lava_Spout_Blue_Wave_Theory

26 Jan 202253min

With 2021 in the rear view, Otto and Joe take their annual look back at the top 10 biggest stories of the year as well the Latvia Weekly staff and listeners' choices for "Person of the Year".

22 Jan 202228min

After an extended holiday break, Otto and Joe are back to break down the government's new COVID mitigation strategy as well as other stories such as goodwill compensation for Holocaust victims, potential new emissions regulations in Riga, support for a ban on fur farming, a bananas cocaine bust, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

13 Jan 202253min

Otto and Joe sit down for the 150th time to discuss the latest news of the week and to look forward to the upcoming holidays here in Latvia. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

17 Dec 202148min