Forum

“The Singing Revolution”

2008-04-17T08:56:32Z

People living in the Boston area might be interested to hear that the feature documentary The Singing Revolution will be opening in Cambridge, MA, June 6th - June 12th at Kendall Square Cinema.

http://www.singingrevolution.com

Pierre

Latvian Meatballs?

2008-04-15T07:09:54Z

Hi, I’m just wondering if anybody has a recipe for those tasty meatballs (spelled Cotlettes, I think)? I’ve had them several times, but never got a chance to jot down a recipe for them.

I appreciate any responses you guys have for me. :)

Photography at Latvian Songfestival 2008 in Riga

2008-03-22T15:46:25Z

Sveiki!

I will be attending the songfestival in Latvia this summer. I was lucky enough to get some tickets. I was told though that no photography - either still or video - will be allowed at any of the concerts - indoor or outdoor! I’ve looked at the web site (http://www.songcelebration.lv) but couldn’t find any confirmation of this. Does anyone have any further news about this? Paldies!

Visu labu....

Krievi brivā Latvijā

2008-03-31T19:14:31Z

Reading Ambersun <> Aleksejs and others dueling about latvian soul in other topics, a paragraph from Mrs. Dankere book is jumping out of the page :

“ . . . gadījās būt kopā ar (Generāļa) Baloža kundzi 1937.gadā, kad viņa bija ielūgusi Virsnieku gimeņu apvienības priekšnieces uz kopēju apspriedi Rigā. . . . Toreiz dūrās acīs divas latviešu virsnieku sievas, kas izturējās pret Baloža kundzi pat nepieklājīgi un neaudzināti, it ka izaicinādamas un nākdamas ar dazādiem jautājumiem. Man tas likās tragikomiski, jo viņas runāja sakropļotā latviešu valodā. “

Page 155, Irma Dankere, Maz Tu man Soliji, Apgads Gauja, 1982
For this book I am indebted to Stivrina kundze of “Saulaine” book desk.

Mr. L. L.

Latvian ethno/folk music

2008-03-22T07:10:29Z

Sveiki!

I am not Latvian and have no relations to Latvia at all, but I am interested in this country somehow. I read a lot about this land, its culture, sometimes I listen to Latvian online radio channels since the language sounds so nice.

I would like to ask you if you know about any modern ethno-bands who sing renewed Latvian folksongs or make songs with deep folk-music features. I am not looking for authentical ones, but rather like IĻĢI, or the Finnish band “Värttinä”.
I am also curious about the meaning if the word IĻĢI and the meaning of a Latvian song which seems to be popular over there as for youtube videos: “Sēju vēju”.

Thank you in advance, greetings from Hungary!

Latvian leatherwork

2008-01-07T15:52:56Z

I’ve become interested in working leather. Most of what is available is Tandy leather (good products) and lots of information on what I would call Southwest/ cowboy style work. Very flower-oriented.

Does anyone have any lovely old pieces at home that you could send me pictures of?
Anything in old books or magazines?

Liela diena

2008-03-21T06:23:10Z

Yesterday was the vernal (spring) equinox in the northern hemisphere. From this day forward, through the summer solstice, days will be longer ("larger") than the nights.

So, PRIECIGAS LIELDIENAS!
This is the time of year the latvians celebrate with arrising before sunrise to greet the sun, ‘egg battles’ - “kaulesanas ar olam”, swinging on the large swing, which represent the pendulum of days & nights being of equal length - “suposanas” , and general fun & hilarity because the days of heavy spring chores are almost here.

As it happens, KRISTUS AUGSAMCELSANAS DIENA is celebrated by christians this weekend, so the 2 holidays fall very close together. It is a time to renew your faith in the resurrection of Jesus. People have observed Holy week and now celebrate this greatest event of the Christian church.

Latvian Culture in Peru

2008-03-02T10:14:19Z

So excited! I was online checking the schedule for the soon-to-start season of the Peru Filharmonic Society. Much to my surprise and delight Lauma Skride will be her in July and Gideon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica in November! The Lima Latvian Society is going to have a great first year!

Milenbah Dictionary

2008-02-22T18:50:44Z

Hi,

An acquaintance in Latvia is looking for a Milenbah Dictionary for his wife who is a Latvian language/literature teacher. I’ve contacted Saulaine but have had no luck. Does anyone know where one could get one?

Bubite

Saulaine – a Note of Thanks.

2008-01-17T20:18:02Z

One never knows where the next thunderbolt strikes. Even less where sunshine suddenly lightens the gray days of ones life rolling on.

My day of unexpected sunrays came when I, entertaining myself with the smart and not-so-smart postings, came across Mrs. Stivrins’ delight with sauerkraut. Well, I do like sauerkraut. Since my youth I enjoy reading when eating. And then there was the book list from Saulaine. Perfect!

After a short e-mail exchange Mrs. Stivrins was able not only supply me with books out of print I was searching for years, but also negotiate terms so that I did not have to blow my budget.

Saulaine is Latvian national-cultural camp that needs all the support one can give. According to Mrs. Stivrins Saulaine book desk consists of donated books and all proceeds go to camp’s upkeep. I am sure Mrs. Stivrins can tell you about it in detail, just ask.

In the meantime, why don’t you order a book or two paying a reasonable contribution, or clean out the dusty cupboards and donate your unneeded books. Or just stick a bill of twenty in an envelope, mark: “Mr. L. L. sent you,” and send the gift to Mrs. Stivrins’ book desk.

Why Saulaine? American media ever-so-often mentions that neither America nor NATO will go to war if and when Putin and company decides to reoccupy “former soviet territories”. If it happens, places like Saulaine are the only ones where Latvian nation (tauta).will be able to retreat and regroup.

Thank you Mrs. Stivrins and Camp Saulaine for being there.

Mr. L. L.

P. S. On the sour note – sauerkraut did not come with the books - - -