If you have an original idea / business model / startup to kick off on the web, but feel short in cash or resources, then the perfect way for you to nail down a potential partner are OpenCoffee format meetups, which are now going to take place in Riga too.

That goes to investors as well - now you have an opportunity, in a totally informal setting, to consider the ideas while sipping coffee with their authors and negotiating on a potential partnership.

OpenCoffee welcomes all industry professionals as well, those who care about online presence of their business and would like to brainstorm on fresh ideas or just meet the thinkers alike.

Since the start of the last year, when first OpenCoffee meetup was held in London, such format meetings regularly take place all around the world. A few months ago I had a chance to visit the OpenCoffee in Tallinn, together with Maxim and Evgeny. There was very friendly atmosphere reigning in there, enterpreneurs were present, as well as people representing future and ongoing internet services (Skype, for instance), plus some bloggers and even a college professor. And last week, I heard through the grapevine that AlexR is getting the idea of OpenCoffee in Latvia through, which of course is extremely cool and hopefully this movement will become a tradition around here.

The OpenCoffee concept is as easy as it gets: in a previously agreed place, where good coffee and free Wi-Fi should be both a yes, on a previously agreed time, entrepreneurs, investors and all those who think they need to be there, are gathering. Usually, the place is a permanent venue, the time is also scheduled for no change (for example, each Thursday 10 - 12 @ Starbucks Elizabetes St.). It’s not important who comes, perhaps some days there ain’t gonna be anyone coming - people are just need to know that if they wanna meet, the place is here and the time is now. If you don’t make it this time - it’s not the end of the world! You’ll make it next time! That’s why these meetups should be regular. Maybe, if meeting each week for Latvia would be too frequently, then it could be, say, first Thursday of each month.

At this moment, the introduction meetup of Latvian OpenCoffee Club is scheduled for June 5 this year. As the time and venue are still discussable, I’ma vote for 10 AM. I truly believe that this type of gatherings will be way more serious and productive if we throw them up in the mornings, in spite of just the next one bloggers’ “after work” beer drinking evening. After all we are talking “work” here, aren’t we? The SunSet Bar seems to be OK, if not one thing - during the fall/winter off-season it’s not gonna be open in the mornings, and there’s actually no.. “good coffee” in there =) This can be lived with though, but those who know more than two types of coffee (black and white) will surely understand me.

Alrightie, so meet y’all soon, at the OpenCoffee!

For the first meetup, to increase the attendance and interest, there is a topic set up: “The Web 2.0 Evolution or Where is the Web Rolling?”, as well as a visual presentation of a new project to be launched on Latvian market will be held.

Yesterday, I have discovered a perfect way to watch live NBA games while in Riga. I mean, not even discovered but really tried it out for the first time. There are Conference Finals underway in the World’s premier basketball league, the Finals are ahead and that means, it’s time to watch some beautiful basketball.

During the regular season and since the Playoffs have started, I got used to checking out games by downloading the torrents. But in that case, the time shift is present and I get to know the result later as the game is being watched the next day (for example, last time it took almost the whole day for the game to download, because it was in HD, 14 Gigs). From time to time I also run up into some spoilers, result updates somewhere on the web, which spoil the whole thing - there’s no sense to root for any team when you know the final score.

That’s why this time I’ve decided to turn to live broadcast and to chant “M-V-P” and “Let’s Go Lakers” together with packed Staples Center and while doing it from my Riga residence though, be present at this historical moment of my main man Kobe battling for the champion’s title.

I don’t give a damn what my neighbors might had been thinking about me at 4 AM then - when the show time tipped off, it seemed like the whole world is watching. The Finals are no doubt a huge event, including in Los Angeles where the 20,000 fans arena featured various mega stars like my favourite actor Denzel Washington, season ticket holder Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, David Beckham and Victoria, Spider Man, and of course basketball stars, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and tens more of globally known celebrities.

Ha, I don’t even speak about the ball game itself. Yes - the emotional factor here means a lot more to me. This is real additional value, provided by original commentary, game analysis brought by basketball icons Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Kenny Smith, Reggie Miller. This is a possibility to feel my presence in there - at once with other fans who are following this grand show. TNT Overtime All Access is even offering to choose one of four online cameras to decide who you wanna follow - either one of the players, or the part of the court or the arena you like.

This TNT feature is pretty cool, and for real, I felt like being present at Staples Center - all sounds are heard and you can switch cams watching the game from different angles. There’s a disadvantage though, the video is playing in the web page built-in flash player thus full screen mode cannot be toggled. Also, there’s no commentary and no live result shown anywhere on the screen, as well as no game/shot clock.

I went to watch the full game with all the commentary and stuff to one of the channels provided by p2p technologies. I found a stream which was broadcasting the same TNT, only the TV version where cameras are chosen by the director or whoever and of course with all the commercials (much more attractive than our Latvian ones here though), but like I said with commentary and easy to read game data, stats and live results displayed.

I had TNT All Access running in other window so I was switching to it occasionally to watch Kob’ exclusively, but during the commercial breaks to watch the bench, arena, and the show at halftime.

Oh yeah, and KB24 was simply incredible. I follow his ways from back in his (and mine) high school days - on and off the court. I’m so happy for him getting an MVP this season, everything is moving towards the ring too.

But regarding the NBA broadcasts and the aura that reigns at the games, here’s a few words I’d like to share - it’s so pity that basketball is not that popular here in Latvia, and our league has such a long way to go to that level. Couple weeks ago I was at LBL Semifinals game in Arena Riga, which was not even half empty, but well - empty. National broadcasts are also not being provided like they supposed to. LTV7 is trying to show something from time to time, including NBA, but that’s actually a rare occasion and of poor quality. This upcoming Monday, May 26, 6:50 AM local they’re gonna air Game 3 of Western Finals though. But ain’t no wish to watch that channel anymore with all its stupid host comments, funny-ass interface/titles and so on - that ish makes me wanna lose my lunch, straight up.

I know that in Latvia it’s possible to tune in to some satellite channels that show NBA. Seems like Garais was telling me about DirecTV? But anyways, I don’t have the plate so I’m stayin’ with torrents and live online broadcasts while enjoying original atmosphere of the basketball motherland. Go Lakes!

There are lots of us who drive to Pardaugava from downtown Riga and back to the downtown over Daugava river every day. Some are sitting through traffic jams during the morning and evening rush hours, others - manage to get over in more free from traffic time. A common issue for all car drivers, as well as those using public transportation, is how to reach the destination quicker, avoiding the traffic jams. Which bridge to choose - Cable-Stayed, Stone Bridge or Islands Bridge? Maybe a train, using the Railway bridge? Or the roundway, over the Riga HES?

Answers to these questions will be different in each case, of course - depending on the situation, your route’s starting point and destination. But anyways, I will try to paint an approximate picture of what goes up daily on the bridges of Riga…

Cable-Stayed Bridge (Vanshu)

My fave. And not just because it’s a face of this blog ;) My observations show that it’s very convenient if you’re heading West, to Pardaugava. Well not if you’re using Valdemara street to get on it - there’s a dense traffic every day. Use the riverside to get on the bridge and you’ll be alright. Traffic jams happen there too, but what I gotta tell you is that in Riga, they’re almost everywhere so if you don’t manage to get past them, don’t hold me responsible. One thing’s for sure though - Cable-Stayed Bridge Eastward bound is a bad idea. Be it morning or afternoon, there’s a bumper-to-bumper situation on there. The most right lane will have some room to breathe, as it is a right turn only lane. You can try taking it and then, if you’re in a real hurry, kindly ask someone to let you in the neiboring lane, or just exit to the riverside, from where connect to Elizabeth street or January 13th. So, besides this right lane, the traffic is rather slow (sometimes even from the Press House) and it seems that people are just enjoying the Old Town skyline, beautifulness of the President’s Palace and the Daugava. No doubt, the view while you drive is amazing - Hansabank’s Sun House on one side and Riga in all its glory on another, but if you want to get there quicker, I would suggest to choose another way to the downtown.

Stone Bridge (Akmens)

This bridge is situated between the Cable-Stayed and Islands bridges and it’s also like such a golden middle in terms of traffic jams. It seems to be appropriate in both directions and if you choose it during the rush hour, you’re likely to get to the other side of the river quicker. There can be some difficulties when getting on the bridge while Westward bound, but once you’re on, the traffic is ok. It’s also ok when heading Eastward, so instead of suffering through Cable-Stayed, you best take the Stone one. I have noticed a lot of times that by choosing this route, you can get to the city faster.

Islands Bridge (Salu)

I used to live in Ziepniekkalns which is right over the Islands, and now when I drive to Turiba I often take this bridge. Only that lately, I am not kind of excited by it. The average speed here will be higher (the limit is 70 kmh, you roll a bit faster in the left lane usually), but with all the speed you are gonna have a bumper-to-bumper frozen traffic Westward in the afternoon, especially at the exit to Monks Island (Mukusala), and a pretty packed jam in the morning downtown bound at the Lachplesha street junction.

…In all the cases, one thing is very important - I call it “Smart Lane Switching”. There’s a possibility to predict, in many places, which lane at what moment is going faster, and take it. Of course, without causing any emergency near-accident situations and not shamelessly getting in front of somebody (hey, I’m not a marshrutka driver!), but just when there is such opportunity kindly switch to the neighboring lane. You can’t forget also to flash your emergency lights to the vehicle left behind you.

But if you are not driving and using the public transportation, then usually there’s not much of a choice which bridge to choose when getting over the river. You will choose the most convenient route with no changes which is gonna bring you right to the destination, correct? I can advise to use the train more if it fits your route -  there are no traffic jams on the Railway Bridge =)

Avoiding the traffic by means of Riga HES might seem attactive to those having some business on the South side of the town, meaning Zemgales and Latgales districts, or maybe even Vidzemes. Sure, the fuel gets consumpted more, but the precious time is being saved.

So, I wish y’all luck fighting the traffic jams getting over the river, and let’s wait for a new wonder - named Southern Bridge, which promises to ease our life in the clouds of exhaust gases.

Today, while shopping at SKY, I thought that I’m not gonna take those plastic bags. Don’t know, how did I come up with the idea, looks like it just becomes stylish.

It all began way before the sunset, when I decided to take a walk around Mezhciems and breathe some fresh air. The weather was really wonderful - calm, no wind, not even a cloud,  a typical early Spring. Seems like Mother Nature itslef has sent me a message.. Well, who knows though, maybe that Parex ad?

On my way back, I called at SKY supermarket on Hippocrates street to grab some food. Quick to throw in the cart all needed items, I stood in a short queue and at the cashiers I started to look for some “environment friendly” opportunities this store had to offer. As I didn’t have many goods, I chose one paper bag which looked pretty big and spacious enough to handle all of my Sunday shopping.

And then, a nice surprise was waiting for me - a girl at the cashiers smiled and announced that today, see, is the environment friendly day and big paper bags with a Zaļā Josta (Green Belt) sticker are free. 10 cents saved and I, feeling so happy for the harmony I got with nature, SKY store and the Green Belt campaign, was on my way home.

It became colder in the evening and I thought that I would need the gloves. That’s a small thing of course, because my mood is just perfect + clear skies, full of stars makes it even better. I saw the Orion’s Belt and smiled - life is beautiful after all!

What is left to add is, people often underestimate the abilities of paper (and cotton) bags. Those can lift not just all the 50 lbs, but also your mood! Here’s my truest wish: choose the environment friendly package! Yolkin, how are ya? =)

To all the ladies in the place with style and grace..

Happy Women’s Day!!

I am enjoying what looks to be one of the most beautiful moments I can remember - sunrise over the forest from my bird’s eye view right here =) And today, it looks even more picturesque than ever, thanks to this date, March 8 - thanks to all the women, young ladies you’re gorgeous, this one’s for y’all!

My TV remote’s OFF button clicked right when I heard an awful song which was performed by some group dressed like pirates jumpin’ around the stage. At that moment I thought, well yeah, there are hopefully better performers to make it to the Eurovision contest, this one is a flop for sure.

Imagine how shocked I was when I opened nekur and saw Maris’ post saying.. them clowns, um, pirates won.

Well good luck getting higher than the last spot in Belgrade guys.

Njā, Kārlis ir tāds Seržants.

“LNT rīcībā ir nonācis šokējošs video”. Manuprāt, gan - nekas vairāk, kā kārtējais lēts mēģinājums uztaisīt sensāciju.

Kā divas krievu tīnes izrēķinās savā starpā, pareizāk - viena izrēķinās ar otru, ir redzēts vismaz pirms gada (pietiek ievadīt vārdu “драка” youtubā un atradīsies daudz kas pa šo tēmu). Nav runa, kadri, protams, drausmīgi, meitene tiek piekauta brutālā veidā, un tas nevar neatstāt zināmu iespaidu. Bet fakts, ka klips tika uzņemts visdrīzāk Krievijā, nevis Cēsīs (!) un ka tas ir pieejams internetā jau labu laiku, neapstādina mūsu sensation maker’us no brauciena uz Cēsīm, viesošanos policijā, krievu vidusskolā un savu skatītāju maldināšanā. Reportāžas beigās gan nevainīgi tika piebilsts, ka mol “iespējams” šis materiāls netika maz filmēts Latvijā. Ja taščusj.

Atvērot TV*Netu, lai sameklētu linku uz šo reportāžu, ieraugu vēl vienu “šokejošo” video, kur nofilmēts kāds alkašs, kas rāpo pāri Vairoga ielai. Kamoon, folks, “dienas video”? Tas sūds jau bija netā pirms pat vairākiem gadiem!!

Vārdu sakot, bajāns, LNT. Check yourselves before you wreck yourselves.

On the note of TNS releasing the news of the tremendous growth online media advertising market saw through 2007, I would like to praise and applause for this thing we’re so used to: the Web. C’mon y’all, stand up! That’s what I’m talking bout.

Ad market is surely reflecting what the masses chew on - an increase by 81%, for Latvia sounds just amazing. Still amongst the lowest in terms of turnover though the web is soon to get its key rivals - outdoor and radio. Mags, papers and TV are leading the race but the pattern is clearly seen, internet based media are taking the advertising market by storm.

Facing the aftermath of BarCamp Baltics 2008, I start to turn more and more in the direction of getting schooled about New Media and experience exchange seems vital like ain’t never else. My eye was caught by the upcoming conference on e-marketing which is to take place here in Riga on March 12. Hosted by originally Estonian altex marketing and named “More than a banner: The future of internet marketing in Latvia” the self-dubbed Emarketing!1 (E!1) promises to be a pretty interesting event. But these are emotions right here. The facts are available on altex home page. Since they happen to be hookin’ me up with a free admission for this, I will surely try to be there and grab some precious knowledge.

Anyways, my late night message to y’all is like, Latvian online media are developing quicker than you can manage to follow. Blogs are born and banners become old-school. Plenty of proof around that the show is underway and I ain’t the one to sit back, relax and just enjoy it, believe me. I am actively taking part in propelling the whole movement. Yikes.

It’s known around that NO alcoholic beverages of any kind can be purchased in Latvia after 10 PM. Yeah, so what.

If you plan a house party or any kind of event that needs some alcohol shopping, you’ll be at the liquor store way before the party’s about to start. Let me guess usually it’s no problem to be there before 10 and grab you some more brew, brown water or whatever you’re up to. And more I mean MORE. Since you know you won’t get it later, you would probably buy like twice more, right? Plus some.

Now think about it. Perhaps you ain’t even gonna drink all of that! From what I know, there’s never too much of things like that though and all of that will be gone with ease. Well.

Second, I’m really lovin’ those announcements at the shopping centers: “Dear visitors! Please bear in mind that there are 15 minutes left till you can purchase your alcohol beverages”. A genius marketing move! Wondering who’s behind it, State Alcohol Sellers Society or something. I mean, with all the laws and bans, they can allow an announcement like this?

Look around - people are quick to forget about their sausages, breads and whatever department they were at the moment and run to the liquor department. Even if they DIDN’T need to buy no liquor. You know, just in case. Brilliant.

Go check the cashiers at, say, like 9:56. Everybody’s nervous whether they’re gonna make it before 10 because cashiers automatically shut down alcohol sales. “Excuse me, can you let us pass please, so me and my girlfriend can get this Martini through?” “Yo, don’t you see this Heineken right here I got man, it’s 3 minutes left”. Funny as hell, ain’t it? Well, until you get in the same situation yourself.

And last, but not least. Not to name any sources but, there’s plenty of illegal spots to get your liquor shopping at night. The quality of purchased liquid is discussable though but looks like it doesn’t stop those in need of becoming customers of such sellers.

Plus, you can hit the local pub, club, no prob’ - the barmen of the city will be just glad to serve you.

Better yet though, stay sober.