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Holidays in Riga - good or bad?
July 2011
Thank you Shock i couldn't say it better as u did really thank you you know loads about Latvian history and i appreciate that...
July 2011
While I will always treat all people respectfully regardless of their heritage or the language they speak, I must say I am truly glad to hear about each foreign tourist who gets beaten up or ripped off in a strip club. Nearly all of them are savages and scum and deserve nothing less. Being native Latvian and having lived most of my life in R?ga, I can tell that some of the most atrocious things I've seen here have been done by the typical stag party crowd. That is why the anti-British sentiment exists in R?ga, not because of Latvian people being cold and unfriendly (true, we're not exactly Brazilians, but it's just a question of mentality, I think most of the Latvian people are very decent and nice, once you get them to trust you).
Having said that, I'd like to add that I've traveled a lot myself and have met some truly wonderful British people. So it's really not about your ethnicity - it's about your manners. Just be respectful and don't be stupid, and you'll be very welcomed here.
August 2011
I can't understand...
Last year some guests suffered from corrupted police, local crimes and own stupidity to look for a risky adventures.
The hosts suffered from the looking for a risky adventures guests.
What the hell is connected to local Russians for?
September 2011
I love Riga. Really beautiful place. Jurmala in summer is good also. I used this page when planned my first trip to Riga
September 2011
I know I live in bad country. But I know, that in other countries is also many bad things.
I have wonderful experience in other countries, because I visit fiends and saw city as they see it.
I don't like tourism business, I love to travel by myself.
Now I'm trying to get answer on question, how I can help tourists, to get the best of my country. One idea I already get from my new friends, which I helped to acquaint with my city, country on this summer.
If you plan to go to Riga, I can try to help you with some advises at least. firstname.lastname@example.com
October 2011
Old Riga is not all of Riga - remember that! There are many hidden, happening areas in the city center but outside of the regular "tourist" areas. They're tucked into side streets or other out of the way places. I write a blog about Riga and am now writing a series the examines Riga street-by-street. One good artistic/bohemian place is Miera iela. Check it out!
October 2011
"You could get very nice experience and very bad as well,because IT DEPENDS ON ATTITUDE YOU ARE GOING THERE!"
That's not really true though, is it? I visited Riga a while back and knowing pretty much nothing about the city I arrived without any specific expectations at all (but still in a good mood). The thing that I first noticed was the complete lack of manners of pretty much every local person I came into contact with. Believe me, I always smile and act polite when I go to a store, pub etc. Yet at least half the time the person behind the counter wouldn't even reply, they just gave me a blank stare (if they looked at me at all that is...) as if I was a complete idiot for trying to communicate with them. And when they DID manage to say something it was mostly done in a way which showed that saying hello to a customer is the absolute lowpoint of their day. And I am by no means some drunken british hooligan looking for prostitutes...The city itself didn't really do it for me neither, but mostly it was the general unfriendly atmosphere that got to me. A LOT of latvians seem to find their lives completely miserable. Having just visited Serbia where people also have a good excuse to act depressed (but don't) the contrast was startling. This being said, I did meet nice people too but the rude a-hole/nice guy ratio wasn't very good. Also, the food was in my experience pretty bad overall. Of course it depends on where you eat but the general standard seemed lower than most cities I've been to.
However I must add that I didn't really feel unsafe at any point even though I did a lot of walking around the city...Riga has a very heave police presence, as well as loads of cameras in the central parts. Some people say that you should watch out for the police as well but I can't vouch for that.
December 2011
I don`t know - at least we didn`t get in any problems. The only thing - we took a Pub Crawl with a Red Fox Tours (the standard tour like everywhere - 5 pubs, 5 welcome drinks). We heard that there are pubs where you can be double-charged but we didn`t go to them. The guide said that it`s possible to see the Black list on American Embassy`s website. What else...definitely check the Shooting Tour if you`re in Riga! Crazy!!! but we loved it!
January 2012
Let me start with the problem of Latvians or Russians with English. I was born in Riga, but left a while a go, so now when I go there, I am a tourist because i dont speak latvian anymore or barely understand, and prefer to speak English. But because i am clearly not English, whenever i used to go to a bar, i faced the problem with drunk Brittish guys harrasing and openly asking for sex. I was really surpsied what picture they are painting to other people who live there. I myself have lots of English people as friends and i know that they are not like that, but for your dissadvantage, whoever comes to Riga, are morons, im not saying they all are, dont get me wrong, but 95% are there to get cheap drinks and sex. And ok, i wouldnt care if they would at least act normally, but the way they were, starting fights, made people just hate them. Thats the main reason why there is so much negativity around them. In my experience I saw drunken English guys coming and breaking chairs and tables, tripping girls that were with their boyfriend, and its not one time situation that i've faced.
At the same time I can't defend Latvia, because it actually is fked up country now. Dont meet girls at the bars or clubs, its pretty much the law in most of the countries, they are usually to get moeny, especially they have this Soviet mentality that is old as this world, that poeple from another country and tourists are rich and will pay for you everywhere, which is total bullshit. Being there for a few months in the past I decided that there is nothing else for me. I survived only because I knew few tricks and always kept my wallet with me and purse closed. People couldnt trick me because i could understand pretty much any language they have been speaking. So if you want to got here, I advise you to go with someone wo is from there or meet actualy normal people who still live there. And trust me there are normal people, you just didnt look for them.
February 2012
Lived in Riga from 2003-2005 and loved it. Not in to clubbing and all that jazz so never really had to worry about the problems associated with that. From my experience Riga was intriguing and totally different from anywhere I had been due to the mixture of Latvian and Russian culture (and their clash). Old Riga is great (again i don't know about the clubs) for walking around and visiting the historical buildings and museums. The central market is also something to see as well as the many churches. The public transportation is great (coming from an American) and would definitely recommend taking a tram ride out to "big Lido" for lunch/dinner or see some of the outter areas like Mezaparks, Imanta, and Jugla to get a feel for daily life in Riga. If you have time you should also head even farther out to places like Jurmala on the cost, or to Salispils to see the concentration camp memorial. Plenty to do for the cultural geek who just picks a street and starts walking. Will be going back late summer/fall 2012 and can't wait.
February 2012
I meet people in Riga who acted beeing friendly. Afterwards I just found out that they wanted to robb me. After enough alkohole they manage to get my visacard information and could emty my card in 3 transaktion using Brilliant-Nakts klub (name of the transactionplace). The only simmular place I find in Riga is
Brilliant Club
Blaumana 9
Don't go to Riga and have party. It's dangerous for your money.
February 2012
When I read these comments the day before flying to Riga for my Mrs' 52nd birthday they frightened the s*** out of me. If I could have cancelled without losing money then I would have. I thought we were going to be ripped off everywhere, everybody would hate us for being British and it would be a horrible place.
As it happened yes, we fell for the airport taxi trick - 24Lats/£32 to get to the old town, the lesson there is pre book or don't use Elite taxis, let other people go first and wait for a Baltic taxi but we just wanted to get there. Baltic taxi booked at the hotel for the return was 10 Lats.
We walked the old town, visited cafes and restaurants without any issues. Everyone was friendly and helpful especially when we used the occasional "paldies" for "thank you" to Latvians, the Russian speakers were less impressed.
We walked to the main modern shopping area, to and around the Central Market, buying some of the local delicacies and also to the TV tower through the Soviet looking area, lonely looking underpasses and under the bridge to Rabbit Island in the -15 temperatures and felt completely safe.
Younger people especially in the Old Town can speak English but older people e.g. in the market and at the TV tower have Latvian, Russian or German so I had to use school German to communicate but again, everybody was well mannered and friendly.
Prices were approaching UK prices, not as cheap as we expected but they were all published in menus or on boards so it was our choice.
We don't do clubs or late night bars so I can't comment on rip off experiences but I've heard all those same stories about Prague and Budapest.
Our experience was that Riga is not really any different to Prague, Tallinn or Krakow, just a bit more expensive. Maybe people get treated in the same way they treat others.
February 2012
Was in Riga , Latvia 10.-13. of february 2012. My bank account was robbed for about 3500 EUR. Don't go there to party. People who act like friends are only there to find a way to get your money. The Visa transaction name used was "Brilliant-Nakts klubs". At Internet I find a place called "Brilliant Club". I'm from Norway but I have got indications of that even the American Embasy is interested in transaction data from clubs etc to get them blacklisted.
I hope all vicitors to this comment will copy it to all forums you know about.
March 2012
Wow! Yeah, I'm a Latvian living in Latvia and I would've never imagined that so many people find Latvians unfriendly... It's true that we don't smile and hug people (I'm talking about the majority of Latvians here) but that's because our Soviet past when expressing your feelings publicly was frowned upon + we are northerners, so don't expect us to be like French or Italians anyway. Also part of the unfirendliness might come from the fact that we've experienced stag parties and rude foreigners plus many older Latvians don't know English that well (or at all), so they'd generally avoid speaking with foreigners... But I wouldn't say Latvians are unfriendly, it just takes time to really get to know us and unfortunately if you're in the town only for a night or two it's not possible to really get to know a Latvian person.
I also wouldn't agree that policemen work with mafia. Yeah, some might be like that but again, I believe, the main problem of our police is that even after 20 years of independence it's stilly a pretty much Soviet-like structure where a policeman is a tough guy whose job is to fine and punish you, not to help you. We try to change this but it's not that easy to do. And yeah, of course the situation with bribe taking is not as bad as it was in the 90s, I imagine, but it's still a huge prolem.
I personally do not blame Russians for anything and I am not pissed if someone decides to relieve himself on the steps of our Freedom Monument. Boys will be boys in any coutry, sure you need to be fined for that but people make a big deal here out of a fact that a 20-something low paid dude from Britain wants to have some fun. Young people will always do silly things when they get drunk and i don't think we should make a big deal out of it... or any stag party that take place in the Old Town, as long as it's not violent and guys just want to get drunk and are a bit loud.
Yeah there are clubs that will rip you off, some taxis will rip you off. But choose Baltic Taxi when going from the airport and use public transportation while in Riga (or the same Baltic Taxi) and as for the clubs, check the blcklist that the American Embassy, I believe, have on Riga.
In general people shouldn't expect "Western or Northern Europe" from us as. Even if we wish to be like that, we still aren't a part of that Europe. And people who wonder about old people begging on streets and poverty and Soviet atmosphere in some places... well, the mimimum salary is about 380 USD here, so what did you expect? Our country has a lot of problems and if you expect Riga will be of the Western standard in all areas, it's impossible. However. I know many foreigners who live in Latvia for a longer period of time already and some who have been here for vacation and those people I know, I believe, left the country with positive impressions.
To conclude I'd also like to say to any Latvians who read this- we should bitch less about the Russians that cause zero problems at all in our country (or these problems are minor if compared to other hardships we face) and, speaking about the educated elite, are as friendly and intelligent as Latvians but should think more about how we present ourselves and how we do our daily jobs. If I see a tourist in Riga with a puzzled look on his face and have a bit of time, I try to help him, if the help is needed, and don't discriminate against whether he's from Russia, Britain, Germany etc. In any case- pay taxes, smile more, be honest and help those who need your help...
April 2012
I was just wondering what "Uniq Toilets for men" means...This bar/disco Coyote fly offers this as one of many, maybe....
April 2012
I would suggest: - to avoid any problems during your visit in Riga,and prevent any illegal activities against you, you can book a high cuality service at www.wolverinebodyguard.com. And enjoy your trip with now worries to be robbed or something alse. A driver will come to meet you at the airport, take you to the hotel and your destinations on time. Your driver may also be your bodyguard. This service is widely used by foreign individuals who do not know Riga or Latvia in general. You can contact their representatives in UK for more details by: firstname.lastname@example.com or 07944445963.
April 2012
Wolverine - can you party with the bodyguard? Would it be a good idea for a group of guys on a bachelor party to hire your service to ensure they dont get robbed or ripped off?
April 2012
This is one of the offers as well. All details could be discussed privately using contacts above.
April 2012
I am from Norway and I had to go to Riga in Latvia for business. That wasn't my first trip so I new were I am going to, but friend of mine sad good word about companie Wolverine security. I decided to try them. Thanks to the guy who was with me! I did my business and had nice time in Riga.
April 2012
I just spent a month working in Vec (old!) Riga, & within hours of arriving, two Russian girls attached themselves to me & tried to rip me off by taking me to a "shisha" bar. Having seen "Hostel" I declined, but another guy went, & found himself £70 lighter in just an hour! So yes there are roaming prostitutes, & also very pretty women who will delight in ripping you off. If you like women to be skinny with fantastic legs & wearing boots -you will enjoy Riga!
The Rigans have never forgiven the British for urinating on the Freedom statue - they go on about it like it was yesterday. There really are enough bars with toilets in a close enough area that you need never do this - that said, when it's -15 & everything's shut, it's understandable, but you will get short shrift from everybody, & probably a beating from the police - do not piss in the street!
There is some lovely German architecture to enjoy, museums & even an orchestra. The Doble Cafe bar in Kalku iela was quite friendly with an extensive menu, all the restaurants were good, especially the one off the square by Kalku that is underground, where I went in simply because there was a guy dressed as a peasant in freezing weather outside. Pork with a pear veloute for about £7 was great, & I had a fillet mignon for £20 another night.
I stayed in multiple 4 star plus hotels, & all had something oddly wrong with them - ALL of them did not refresh the coffee & sugar - this apparently is a one off treat in Latvia - the Avalon didn't even have a kettle, though there are smoking rooms, the Monte Cristo has rooms without a window (though the better rooms are fantastic for the money & the breakfast was great), Centra depended on which room you were allocated (top floor by far the best), FG Royal & others sheesh, don't ask.
There is a problem with completely wasted local drunks at night - just walk away quickly, they are too pissed to chase you - & beggars - the guy who kneels with his hand out for hours is a sad sight though.
I've read on here that some people have never seen a prostitute in Riga - well just go to any club - they are full of them. They also hang around the Naughty Squirrel hostel too! The problem is - it is highly offensive to ask a woman if she is one. If that's your bag - I've been told go online & book one - then you can sort the money out before etc & do it in the hotel.
I was on my own most of the time, & I found most Latvians kind & helpful in shops & bars - knowing a few phrases goes down a treat - & in Vecriga many have at least some understanding of English. Just remember that people do not hurry here.
If you need a base, or at least a safe, friendly & civilized cafe style bar to go to, I can heartily recommend Bar Hanza (the oldest bar in Riga!) - opposite the Naughty Squirrel Hostel. Even though I was on my own, nightly I wound up in good conversation & banter with different people every night - Russians, Latvians, Norwegians, Ukrainians, even Swedes, who greeted me with "We hate all English" & 3 hours later they were introducing me to the wonders of snuss!
Valdy, the bar owner (catchphrase "Stoppings!") is there each night & is truly a character to behold, & I've got to say, now a friend. Anything you want to learn about Riga, & anything else you want - he can either tell you, or arrange for you to meet safe people who deal with such things. That bar was more like a friendly local than any other I've been to in my life, & Valdy is pretty eclectic about who he lets in (no drunks or street prozzies, but all kinds of arty types - cellists,authors, museum directors etc), & will always join you for a drink - the food's reasonable too. Tell him David from London & the Monte Cristo recommended you. The Irish bars (one plays jazz every night) are quite good too, & the New Zealand bar is often quite lively late on with safe friendly staff too.
I didn't get ripped off with Taxis, Baltic cars were good - & it's less than 10 Lats unless it's rush hour from Vecriga to the airport. Always get a quote before you get in, but they are metered.
I can tell you that trying to get any business done in Riga is total hell. Once you accept that nothing happens on time, & the banks, lawyers, police, staff & government agencies all have their own peculiar regulations & bureaucracy that supersede any law, you'll stop having a heart attack in frustration & live longer! Doing business in India is 10 times easier than in Latvia, & you don't want to do business there either.
In summary, if you are an idiot - you will of course get ripped off. If a bar doesn't look safe - don't go in there. If you want to know if a strip bar will rip you off - just ask around in bars etc (though I never went to one), or just ask Valdy!
Latvia is full of relatively poor people (& a few staggeringly rich), oppressed again & again, so this is within the national psyche, but if you act courteously, with interest, & with kindness, you will generally receive the same!
June 2012
I was in Vilnius for stag. What can I say?! It was amazing! The best party ever! Beautiful girls, delicious dinner, topless service, sexy strippers. Ohhh... wanna come back again! We ordered from party-weekends.com The service was so fast and very good! I recommend you!!!
December 2012
Riga is a beautiful city with its interesting, old architecture and definetly worth a visit.
The unfriendly part of latvians isn't actuattly latvians, they are russians.
Of course you will get robbed if you go to a strip club or some other place, which is full of hookers and people wanting to steal and you aren't carefuly. Yes, that is true that Riga is sextourist unfriendly.
The younger people are kind and speak English. Latvians have their tradiotions. There has to be something about latvians because they still exist. They have passed through all difficulties ( german and russian occupation). So, you can have a really good time in Riga, Latvia if you go to the right places
January 2013
Hey me and my friend are visiting Latvia in feb! I was wondering if £800 ( between us) are enough as spending money for 2 weeks. Our accomodation is free as we are going to stay at her cousins place.
Please if anyone can advice me about expenses in Latvia.
Many thanks xxx
January 2013
I've been to Riga many times, I have really good Latvian friends who are from there (and yes, they are working in our local hotel) and all I can say is: Riga is a stunning city and worth a visit! I have never experienced any of the problems described above and not seen any hookers. Russian ladies who like dumb tourists with too much cash - yes
As for the reserved attitude - it's just in their culture, you have to be nice to them and 99% of the time they are VERY nice to you in return. Just don't be rude, loud or disrespectful and you'll have a wonderful experience.
March 2013
Riga is a beautiful little city but I have to agree with many comments here, it is let down by poor customer care, rude and slow staff in bars hotels and restaurants. We came across rudeness virtually everywhere, and there is an uneasy feeling while walking around. Most in our group felt very unsafe, even in the beautiful old town. The museum was wonderful, but even the guide thereagreed that the locals were unfriendly, leading to bad reviews on all tourist websites. Would I go back...which is a good test of ones trip..no unfortunately, I would but for the people...pity
March 2013
Riga took the honour of being one of the stag capitals of Europe. Lured by cheap drinks, an implausible amount of strip clubs and some distinctly seedy bars, the city was awash with fancy-dressed lads looking for one last weekend of drunken debauchery.
Vietnam travel
Vietnam holiday
Halong Valentine cruise
March 2013
as a local, I can say some things:
it's not that we hate people, it's just, we are not friendly on the outside. we are kind if you actually try to know us!
and we do not trust british people, because they're here just to get wasted, pick on girls... and than complain when they get a black eye.
you can have a great time just for 10-20lv. just drink responsibly. and if you're that stupid top have you credit card taken and/or spend 3500, than you shouldn't blame people, blame yourself! -_-
and if you're so bad with money, have a 50lv limit for the night!
just be responsible and you'll be okay!~
May 2013
I'm a Lithuanian and I've been to Riga several times. I see no problems there, although the Police are bastards just like in most countries. First time I went to Riga, it was in 1982 and the local police did not help me at all when I ran out of money to get back home to Vilnius, so I was let take the train for free by the nice conductor who was Lithuanian. What can I say - Latvians are nice, but the local Russians are a problem. Most people with bad reviews probably had to deal with the Russians and not with Latvians. There are like 60% of non-Latvians in Riga! RIGA IS VERY NICE! I like it even more than Athens or London, but I like the British culture very much. Never been abroad for a job, but I was travelling around UK in 1993 as hitchhikers and we spent 2000 Pounds back then in the UK of our own hard earned money. The British were very very accomodating to us. Anyway, after Riga, Come visit Vilnius! I like the British and the proper English language. British are very nice people and they are very highly cultural, just like the Poles, Lithuanians and the French. Welcome to Lithuania!
June 2013
Im a brasilian and Im going to visit Riga in 5 days. I really would like to meet someone local. I think knowing the city trought the eyes of a local person is the best way to experience it at its fullness. Im a really easy going guy, if any one would be so kind to assist me it would be a joy =)
I really dont mind if you are male or female, all I want is a friend. I will aswer you as fast as I can, I only have internet with wifi. Thank you
June 2013
I can see that some of you are experienced some bad experience. What I can add from my side is to be careful and learn more before going to Riga and your trip will not be darkened by any accident.
have a good trip!
July 2013
My advice for people (especially British people with emphasis on stag and hen parties) wanting to visit Riga would be:
Don't piss on the Freedom Monument!
There have been several reports in local media about British stag parties using the Freedom Monument as a toilet in the early hours of the morning thus the caution towards British tourists. Latvians are very passionate about their history, so take care as not to appear disrespectful. I am sure you would want people doing the same while visiting your country.
2) And speaking of the above, Latvians do not worship tourists,
so learn about Latvia and its history before visiting
, reading a wikipedia article is not that hard. Visit the Occupation museum, talk to people and ask questions. Nothing gets a Latvian going like asking about the history and it will get you plus points in the eyes of Latvians.
Don't flirt with every beautiful girl you meet.
Riga has a reputation for sex-tourism and it is not a reputation Latvians are happy with, so most likely any self-respecting girl will avoid you if she spots you flirting. The girls who are more than willing to go along with it, are most likely the girls who work for clubs attracting customers and are best avoided.
Don't visit all the very obvious bars in the Old City.
They are most likely overpriced and catering almost exclusively for tourists. Instead,
Do your research before the trip.
Talk to locals online or, if already on the spot, visit any hostel in town, the staff are usually young, enthusiastic people who are able to point to you the 'hidden gems', curious, inexpensive places.
Avoid areas outside of the Old Town during late evenings and nights, avoid pickpockets at all times
, as with any large city, there is a substantial amount of crime and taking care of your belongings at all times is simply common sense and has nothing to do with it being Riga or any other large city.
Talk to the locals!
You can find many friendly people who would be willing to show you around. A great ice-breaker is polite basic phrases in Latvian. It is the ultimate way of showing respect and people will like you for it. However,
Do not talk to suspicious people
, in Old Riga this is not as common, but take care when exiting the city centre.
Of course, there are many unfriendly Latvians, however before you become hypocritical, remember that not all people in your own country are super-friendly all the time. If you go to Riga flaunting your income to everyone, forgetting that people there earn significantly less, do not be surprised that you are getting ripped off.
Overall, exercise caution and basic common sense, be friendly and respectful and you might increase your chance of having an enjoyable stay.
p.s -
Do not piss on the Freedom Monument!
August 2013
Good and very good. I was in Riga many times. Two days to look around Riga is enought. of course, still a few days would be perfect, because you can also go to Jurmala. There is train from Riga to Jurmala and it cost, as I remember 2 lats for both directions. This summer I and my boyfriend traveled to Riga, to the Killers concert and really enjoyed, that decided to stay for few days. We chose traveling by bus, it was the cheapest way because, we don't have own car. My friend booked tickets online (ecolines.net/en) and we were sure, that we will be on time, because buses run very often. It looks that it is easier to go from Vilnius to Riga than from Vilnius to Kedainiai(center of Lithuania) In Riga we met friend, so he spare his time with us and showed some beautiful places. something was strange for us, that it is forbidden to smoke in the streets. But city is beautiful and worth to visit!
August 2013
Riga is nice, but Split in Croatia is much better
August 2013
It is true than in winter the whole Europe has longer nights and shorter days. So I offer you to plan your trip that you can travel on the night time and be at the different city in the morning. You will have more time to see lots of things. I think it's the best way to do that travelling by a bus. Ecolines buses company has very comfortable seats so there was no problem for me to sleep on then whole night. Plus Ecolines offers the cheapest bus tickets. I saved a lot of money travelling by bus and I saved the day time for tourism.
Anya K
August 2013
In a pinch you can sleep on the bus, but in general that's a terrible plan, prone to leaving you tired and stiff for a full day of sightseeing!
September 2013
Personally i dont like to visit Riga... I heard that there are many people hating the another person all over the world. and Riga is not a safe place to visit.. There are people with cheap mind and they flirt with your partner, I cant inform about problems that occurs with you there and we dont know how to deal with it as well....
September 2013
In Europe Riga is such a pretty place to live in, I have been to there many times. I have visited Riga Zoo, Freedom Monument, Riga Aviation Museum and many other places. Yes its common thing that everyone can't have same experience in any place but being very frank I just loved my trips in Riga.
March 26
Can I just add, I have a fiance in Riga for the last two years and have travelled there many times. And yes some are rude and so are there nice people to. I am from Amsterdam, and one day I was with a lady frend standing in a falafel bar in Amsterdam wating for our order minding our own business. I turn around and suddenly hear my frend screaming.I look backand some drunk English Lad is touching her ass. I warned him of and he was lucky I am not an agressif person. With this kind of behaviour you will not be welcome anywhere in the world.So stop behaving like al women are whores and act like the British empire still exists. Because it doesnt.When you give respect you get respect.
April 3
We had a fantastic weekend in Riga, so completely nothing to complain about. Instead of getting ourselves drunk, we went to paintball park (www.citypaintball.lv), shooting range (www.rigashootingrange.com) and off road driving (www.rigaoffroad.com/). 4x4 Riga off road driving was awesome!
April 22
My boyfriend & I (both respectful, well travelled Brits in our early 30s) have now cancelled our trip to Riga after reading the comments on this site & others - what a shame.
May 26
We have just arrived back from an amazing weekend in Riga, we were nervous about going as we had read so many negative reviews on the city.
We were blown away by how beautiful the city was and although some of the people are not the friendliest we were certainly not intimidated by anyone we encountered.
We stayed in an amazing privately owned apartment just across from the station which was a perfect location for us.
We caught the bus from the station which dropped us a few minutes walk from the apartment.
We look a look around the old town which is beautiful, so much to see and so many beautiful old and new buildings, the architecture is amazing.
The next day we took a train ride into Sigulda which is a beautiful national park area we did a beautiful walk seeing castles, caves, cable car ride etc. highly recommend a day here, it was wonderful
On our final day we went to the beach by train again to a place called majori in Jurmala. We walked around the town which again was beautiful with some amazing houses and then down to the beach which is miles of soft white sand.
Do not be afraid to visit riga and it's surrounding areas, it is a beautiful city and I cannot wait to return
July 9
As I read the comments, many people say that people in Riga are rude and have no manners. To be honest you're right! People in Riga isn't the persons you'd want to meet when you're on your holiday. But maybe before you judge the whole country, go to other cities like Liepaja, valmiera, jelgava, Jurmala, Bauska etc.
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Ponte Celeste Jacket
The classic blazer gets a modern twist with silky soft artistic lining (it trims the inside of the pockets, too).
- Chico's Ponte™ knit fabric has a flattering, forgiving, cling-free drape.
- Welted hand pockets.
- Back pleat.
- Length: 24" to 25".
- 64% rayon, 32% nylon, 4% spandex. Lining: 100% polyester with subtle shoulder pads.
- Machine wash. Imported.
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511 Slim Fit Hybrid Trousers
Style #035110100
Extra 25% Off Sale Items with Code 25FORYOU More Details
Product Description
Between a skinny and straight fit, our 511™ Slim Fit Hybrid Trousers are cut close without being too restricting. Cut to sit below the waist, and fitted slim throughout the thigh and leg opening for a long and lean look. Built for medium to slender builds.
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- 100% Cotton - Imported
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- Measurements are based on a size 32W x 32L. Increase waist by 1" from your 511 Skinny Jean size.


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Turkey Day Twists: 15 Regional Thanksgiving Dishes
Every family has its own Thanksgiving traditions, whether the annual meal features tweaks on specific dishes or unconventional menu additions. Some of the more common Thanksgiving twists are actually regional takes on the classic menu that have survived in areas around the country or developed over time. If you're looking to spice up the Thanksgiving spread this year, try out one of these regional Thanksgiving dishes. You might start a new tradition of your own!
Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Check out these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes or these classic Thanksgiving recipes.
By Zoe Bain
Deep-Fried Turkey
As with many fried foods, the origins of deep-fried turkey can be traced to the South. The first records of deep-fried turkey show that it was originally cooked in Louisiana and Kentucky in the 1930s. Fried birds are now a common Thanksgiving tradition, popular for their golden brown skin and moist meat. However, deep-frying such a large item can be rather dangerous and causes a spike in house fires every year.
Recipe: Fried Turkey
Justin Gilbert


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Comforting, Indulgent Dishes and Desserts Featuring Cream
These filling recipes for appetizers, main dishes, and desserts have one thing in common they all feature cream. Whether it's whipped, sour, ginger, or some other concoction, the cream in these dishes is sure to shine.
Looking for more recipes to love? Take a look at these lemon desserts and these simple dessert ideas.
Cream Puffs
This classic recipe for cream puffs is made with choux pastry and bakes up into airy, tender puffs.
Recipe: Cream Puffs


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Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Pure Shine Gel 3.4 oz.
Based on 2 Reviews
Judy &.GeorgiaHairBlondeDry HairColor Treated HairFine or Thin HairBest Smoothing GelI have been using this for years, it is absolutely the best gel I have ever used on my hair. Even when using luxury shampoos and conditioners that work well for my hair, the pure shine gel is always the icing on the cake. It leaves my hair perfectly smooth, as I have fine, dry hair, with a about 35 % gray, which makes it wavy, and frizzy. It also gives it a healthy shine.
Unfortunately, this product is getting harder, and harder to find. I thought it may have been discontinued. It appears the best products are always discontinued.
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Julie HaroutunianMAHairChemically Treated HairLight Weight GelMy hair is not thinning - far from it. However, this light weight gel works very well with my waves the day I wash, and then helps to smooth my hair when I flat iron on the second day. Truly does provide shine.1 out of 1 shoppers thought this review was helpful.
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I really enjoyed this course. I used to get quickly frustrated with PSE 10, because I didn't know what to do with all the options. Now I have fun editing my pictures. I have already enrolled in Part 2, and I am very excited to learn more. Big thumbs up!
The course was excellent and the instructors were great. I enjoyed it very much.
Great course to get me started in Photoshop Elements! It's not so intimidating now!
Excellent course! I can't wait to take the next course. The information in this course has been extremely useful and helpful to me in using PSE 10. Thank you very much!
I really like that you include example pictures with your lessons. I printed everything out, so I can quickly page through the class, see an example of the results I'm looking for and follow the directions for that lesson. I'm very happy with this class.
This was my first online course and it was an excellent experience. I will take another in the future
I was just looking for a basic photo enhancement class and I ended up learning so much more! I loved the course and plan on taking what I have learned and getting better at photography and Photoshop Elements. Thanks!


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Kathy Stewart, wtop.com
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The familiar brick sidewalks of Old Town Alexandria served as the backdrop to a bit of American history you may not be familiar with: The first fatal shots of the Civil War were fired in Old Town in May 1861.
Fort Sumter fell a month earlier. (One person died at the South Carolina battle, but it was an accident.) And the first major battle, Manassas/Bull Run, didn't start until the middle of July.
But a controversial plaque, that's been in place for decades outside of an Alexandria hotel, memorializes the man who killed the first Union solider of the war.
If you've ever visited Old Town, you may have walked right past it. The bronze marker is attached to the front facade of the Monaco Hotel at the corner of Pitt and King streets.
Erected by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the plaque pays tribute to James W. Jackson, who killed Union soldier Col. Elmer Ellsworth, who was President Lincoln's personal assistant. Jackson however was immediately killed by Union Cpl. Francis Brownell.
This was a huge story in 1861 and ran on the front page of the New York Tribune. Jackson, an ardent secessionist, was owner of the Marshall House, a type of boarding house/hotel/tavern, which stood where the Monaco Hotel now stands.
Lance Mallamo, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, says Jackson raised a huge secession flag over the Marshall House after Virginia voted to secede. Legend has it the flag could be seen from southern portions of D.C.
According to Mallamo, when Union forces entered Old Town, Ellsworth saw the flag and went to the roof of the Marshall House and took it down.
Turning to a New York Tribune reporter and Brownell, he said, "Well boys, I've got it." Then he heard a voice saying, "And I've got you."
It was Jackson with a gun. He shot and killed Ellsworth and then Brownell shot and killed Jackson.
The plaque doesn't mention Jackson's own death at the hands of union soldiers.
For some, the plaque evokes the same feelings that divided the North and South 150 years ago. And even though some residents have wanted it to come down, the plaque lies on private property and city officials have no control over its fate.
Follow @WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)


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There is always something exciting going on at Pearl S. Buck International! We host events that are intended to bring us closer to the community, promote multicultural understanding, and support our mission. Register for an event below. For more information about our Upcoming Events, please call 215-249-0100 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Clear your mind as you tone your body! The ancient art of yoga improves flexibility, balance, and posture while relieving anxiety and stress.
Class is held on most Wednesday nights except for:1/23, 2/20, 3/27, 5/29, 7/3, 9/4, 10/16, 11/28


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Ruffle-Placket Poplin Shirt
The quintessential campshirt sweetened with puffed shoulders and the mere suggestion of a ruffle to hide the placket. 3/4 sleeves roll to short sleeves, making this one as versatile as it is beautiful. 78% Cotton, 19% Nylon, 3% Spandex. Machine wash and dry. Imported.
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- Length: 26".
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An all-purpose wood case pencil sharpener with glass shavings receptacle that has the look of years past. Portable, convenient. Assorted colors.
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Superb sharpener. Maybe the best out there. The pointer puts an extended angle point on your pencils and graphite drawing tools. Reliable, fun, great to hold in your hand, and very sharp. You won't...[more]
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Hardware House 46-9890 Pelham Combo Pack Front Door Handle
Product Description
This Combo Pack Front Door Handle by Hardware House is offered in a classic bronze finish. Part of the Pelham collection.
Hardware House LLC offers many high quality products and their standards are high and have to meet or exceed other leading brands in laboratory tests.
- 2-3/8" - 2-3/4" Adjustable latch.
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|Classic Bronze
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Knowing the type of door knob will help determine how the door will function upon installation.
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The locking mechanism is important to know if you are replacing a door handle. A mortise lockset requires special installation involving one hole in the door, while a tubular lockset requires two that are separated.
|Locking Mechanism
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Library Divisions
The Williamsburg Regional Library has eight divisions that carry out the work of the library. The tabs below describe the work of each division.
Adult Services
Adult Services Director
Melissa Simpson, 757.259.4053
The Adult Services division provides collections, programming, and reference and reader's advisory services for adults. Programming includes popular offerings like book discussion groups, computer classes, and the Thursday Afternoon Film Series. The division collaborates with Outreach Services to extend service beyond the walls of the library's buildings to adult care communities and homebound users. The division is also responsible for interlibrary loan services.
Circulation Services
Circulation Services Director
Nancy Cludinski, 757.259.4063
The Circulation Services division is responsible for the library's check-out, check-in, and shelving operations. Circulation Services also registers users for library cards, pulls items that users have requested, and handles library fines and fees.
Digital Services
Digital Services Director
Barry Trott, 757.259.7747
The Digital Services division coordinates the delivery of digital library collections, programs, and services and oversees the library's website, social media presence, and mobile applications. The Technical Services department, a department within the Digital Services division, is responsible for acquiring, receiving, cataloging and processing all library materials. In addition, Technical Services staff members update and maintain the cataloging and acquisitions databases. The department works closely with the library's Development office on gift items and supports WRL divisions by helping to staff the public services desks and assisting with Outreach Services.
Finance and General Services
Finance and General Services Director
Carrie Binsfeld, 757.259.4047
The Finance and General Services division is responsible for all financial, administrative, and facilities operations at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
IT Services
IT Services Director
Laura Morales, 757.259.7726
The IT Services division develops and maintains the library's technology infrastructure. The IT specialists support staff and public PC's and peripherals. The Library Systems Administrator is responsible for all aspects of WRL's Integrated Library System (ILS). The Network Administrator is responsible for the staff and public networks at both library buildings and servers that are not associated with the Integrated Library System.
Outreach Services
Outreach Services Director
Janet Crowther, 757.259.4066
The Outreach Services division coordinates the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all library outreach efforts as well as the library's community partnership program. The Mobile Library Services department, a department within the Outreach Services Division, plays a central role in delivery of library services to residents who are least able to visit the library buildings including children, adults living in adult care communities, and homebound users.
Program Services
Program Services and Security Director
Rob Haas, 757.259.4071
The Program Services division plans and promotes adult and cultural arts programs. Program Services manages the Williamsburg Library Theatre and associated adult programming, meeting rooms at both the Williamsburg and the James City County Library, and the library's overall publicity and promotions efforts. Program Services is also responsible for library security.
Youth Services
Youth Services Director
Sandra Towers (starts 12/1/14), 757.259.4054
The Youth Services division provides collections, programming, and reference and reader's advisory services for the youngest children learning to read and older children reading to learn. Programming includes author visits and entertainment that is both enjoyable and educational. The division collaborates with Outreach Services to extend service beyond the walls of the library's buildings to preschools and elementary schools.
Organizational Chart
Click here for a copy of the library's organizational chart.


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Although the work isn't always obvious, a good upholsterer can help to give your Lebanon, NJ home a polished appearance — and help you save money in the process. He or she can rehabilitate a worn or outdated chair, sofa, ottoman or other piece, which often costs less than buying a new one. If you have a one-of-a-kind piece that can't be replaced, an upholsterer can extend its life with new fabric. Upholsterers also can fashion unique trims, flourishes and other fabric details to personalize your furniture. You can find more upholstery in Somerset, Bradley Gardens, Somerville, Manville and Hackettstown. More
Robert Allen Design (800) 333-3777
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Nesco Upholstery (718) 927-4492
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While a number of box sets this year have left critics underwhelmed, there have been a couple released in 2012 which should deeply satisfy serious music fans - although at a hefty price. And speaking of hefty prices, on Christmas of this year, what is surely the pinnacle of box sets - as well as the most expensive! - will be released. But more on that later.
Fans of country music and country-inflected pop must have been awfully good this year, because Santa has delivered a pair of outstanding collections by two of country's greatest. Glen Campbell, the supremely talented guitarist and singer who rode to fame on the merits of 1960s and '70s singles like "Gentle On My Mind," "Galveston, "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy," has released an impressive new box set titled, "American Treasure."
Like 2003's "Legacy" collection, "American Treasure" brings together tracks from as early as 1961, through Campbell's better-known hits, and is augmented by well-chosen album tracks. But it also includes a DVD culled from the performer's late '60s "Goodtime Hour" variety show and (most interestingly for musicologists like Craven) a CD devoted to the many 1960s hits on which Campbell played as part of the "Wrecking Crew," that amazing band of sessions players who dominated California's studios during the heyday of rock n' roll. Included on this disc are songs like "Tequila" by the Champs, Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas," and three hits by the Monkees. "American Treasure" is a limited edition box set priced at $150.
Even more overwhelming is the new Johnny Cash box set, "The Complete Columbia Album Collection." If you listened without pause, it would still take you more than two days to make your way through this massive slab of classic Cash material, which represents his career from his earliest days as a rockabilly star through 1990s "Highwayman 2," Cash's second album as part of the Highwaymen, the country super-group he formed with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Its $329 price tag may make some gulp, but the collection is still a bargain, as it contains 63 albums, many of which have never been released on CD until now.
However, as hefty as those two sets are, they can't compare with a box set being released on Christmas Day. The Residents are a bizarre and well-loved group of avant garde performance artists-cum-rock stars who released their first single, "Santa Dog," on Christmas Day, 1972. Since then, they have built a devoted, worldwide cult audience by way of albums like "Third Reich n' Roll," "Eskimo" and their "American Composers" series of musical re-imaginings.
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, they will be releasing "The Residents' UBS (Ultimate Box Set)" on Dec. 25 - and when they say "ultimate," they ain't kidding. The new collection offers more than 100 Residents albums, on vinyl and CD, and collectors' items (including one of the iconic eyeball masks for which the band is as much known as for their music) - so much material, in fact, that the compilation is being issued in a 28 cubic-foot refrigerator! Only 10 sets are being sold. Interested? One of these box sets will only cost you $100,000.
Craven knows a couple diehard Residents fans who are probably even at this moment asking themselves how much they could get for a kidney...
Notes is supported by the Gay and Lesbian Fund, promoting literacy through community libraries in Colorado.
Craven Lovelace produces Notes, a daily cultural history of popular music, for KAFM 88.1 Community Radio, kafmradio.org. You can visit cravenlovelace.com for more of his musings on the world of popular culture.


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Washington Guardian
International trade office spends much of its time traveling domestically
So whatâ"s Americaâ"s official trade negotiator to do when thereâ"s no momentum for international deals inside an administration sensitive to labor union concerns? How about travel the United States giving speeches to U.S. workers, instead.
International trade office spends much of its time traveling domestically
So whatâ"s Americaâ"s official trade negotiator to do when thereâ"s no momentum for international deals inside an administration sensitive to labor union concerns? How about travel the United States giving speeches to U.S. workers, instead.
Medicaid innovation programs ran up $32 billion tab, watchdog says
When the government approved letting states experiment with new ways to deliver Medicaid services, it promised the innovations wouldnâ"t cost taxpayers any extra money. Somebody in the bureaucracy, however, failed to keep track.A new report by the chief watchdog for Congress finds that the so-called demonstration projects have cost taxpayers as much as $32 billion more than if the program has just been left alone over the last five years.
Energy nominee struggled with cost savings at NASA
Elizabeth Robinson, the woman President Barack Obama has named to make the Energy Departmentâ"s oft-criticized contracting more efficient, is leaving behind a trail of spending questions in her past job as NASAâ"s chief financial officer.A Washington Guardian and Washington Times review of NASA inspector general reports finds the space agency struggled to achieve austerity under Robinsonâ"s financial leadership, as cost overruns grew sixfold from $50 million in 2009 to $315 million in 2012.
Watchdog: Pentagon has no proof life-saving anti-IED program was implemented
A Pentagon program to prevent the planting of Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, in Afghanistan spent $32 million but doesnâ"t know if the devices are functioning or were even installed, an investigation by the U.S. top Afghan watchdog found.
Former Senate candidate Christine Oâ"Donnell told her tax records were breached
More than two years after her upstart Senate campaign rocked the Delaware political world, Christine O'Donnell got an unexpected contact from a U.S. Treasury Department agent warning that her private tax records may have been breached.The phone message earlier this year shocked the battled-scarred candidate, a tea party favorite who knocked off Republican mainstay Michael Castle in the primary before losing in a bid to win Vice President Joseph R. Bidenâ"s former seat.
Watchdog: EPA gave communities still-contaminated sites, billing them as 'clean'
Kent County wanted a bike path.Local officials in the Delaware county had their eye on a former landfill, practically across the street from Dover Air Force Base. So in 2005 they bought the property and two years later got certification from the Environmental Protection Agency that the site was safe.But in 2010, the EPAâ"s Inspector General, the agencyâ"s independent watchdog, found that toxic chemicals were still present at the site, requiring more action by environmental officials before the bike path could be built.
Do zombies help or hurt Mid-East peace?
JERUSALEM (AP) â" In one of the central scenes of the summer blockbuster movie "World War Z," Israeli troops funnel Palestinian refugees to safety in Jerusalem behind a massive concrete wall. There, the Arabs and Jews embrace, dance and sing â" shortly before they are all engulfed by bloodthirsty zombies.Even for such an over-the-top work of science fiction, in which billions of people come back from the dead as horrific zombies to terrorize Earth, one of the most improbable plotlines of the film is that Israelis and Palestinians are fighting on the same side.
Watchdog: More than $1 billion going to fees in Afghanistan despite agreements
So much for thanks: As the U.S. accelerates its exit from a decade-long, $100 billion reconstruction effort in Afghanistan, American generosity is getting an unwelcome penalty in the form of taxes and fees imposed by President Hamid Karzaiâ"s government on U.S. contractors supporting the rebuilding effort.
Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff says US considering use of force in Syria
WASHINGTON (AP) â" The Obama administration is deliberating whether to use military power in Syria, where a civil war entering its third year has killed almost 93,000 people, the nation's top military officer told a Senate panel Thursday.Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during congressional testimony that he has provided President Barack Obama with options for the use of force in Syria.
Watchdog: Energy Department office changed job requirements to exclude veterans
Military veterans were unfairly targeted by an Energy Department office that changed evaluations for job applications so it wouldnâ"t have to consider hiring certain individuals, a federal watchdog said.
Former Indiana governor denies trying to censor universities
Update:Purdue University President Mitch Daniels says he never tried to quash academic freedom while serving as Indiana's governor and is criticizing an Associated Press report citing emails in which he opposed use of a book by antiwar activist Howard Zinn.Emails published Tuesday by the AP show Daniels tried to ensure Zinn's book was not used in Indiana's K-12 and college classrooms and that he worked to "disqualify the propaganda" he said was being taught to teachers in training at Indiana's colleges.
Liz Cheney to seek Wyoming Senate seat held by Republican
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) â" Former Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter Liz Cheney will run against Wyoming's senior U.S. senator in next year's Republican primary, her campaign said Tuesday.Cheney, 46, is the elder of Dick Cheney's two daughters. Her announcement is a political challenge unlike anything Wyoming has seen for years, maybe decades â" Republicans in the state rarely challenge incumbents in national office. All three members of the state's congressional delegation and all statewide elected officials are Republican.
Near-collisions between planes has risen drastically, watchdog warns
Aircraft collisions that are â"barely avoidedâ" have increased more than 600 percent in the past four years, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration, potentially putting thousands of passengersâ" lives at risk.Although the agencyâ"s internal watchdog said the U.S. still has the safest air transportation system in the world, investigators donâ"t know what is causing the rise in near accidents.
GAO chief warns Congress: Government wasting $100 billion
The federal government doesnâ"t maintain a single list of all of its programs, one reason the bureaucracy wasted more than $100 billion on bogus payments last year, Congressâ" chief watchdog said Wednesday.Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, who runs the Government Accountability Office, said agenices made $107.7 billion in inappropriate and excessive payments in 2012, and that total is not yet complete.
Scrapping plans for Eisenhower Memorial could cost millions
WASHINGTON (AP) â" Analysts say scrapping a disputed design for a planned Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial near the National Mall and developing an alternate concept over the next five years would cost about $17 million.The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released the estimate Thursday based on a House bill that would have the 14-year-old memorial project redesigned.Utah Rep. Rob Bishop called for a new design with the support of Eisenhower's family. The family has called the current design "too extravagant."
Watchdog: Bringing technical know-how to Washington is getting too expensive
An Energy Department program to bring special technical talent to the Washington area has run up a $37 million tab because agency officials didnâ"t track costs adequately and gave away excessive sums for moving and living expenses, a federal watchdog says.
FAA program isn't tracking foreign pilots on U.S. soil, investigation finds
The Federal Aviation Administration is doing a poor job of tracking pilots and the aircraft they fly, creating serious gaps in a system that was supposed to improve aviation security following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, an internal investigation has found.
Medicare failed to collect back $543 million in overpayments
Medicare, already under fire from Congress for its financial woes, did not recover $543 million in overpayments during 2010, and can provide little information on which contractors they overpaid, according to a new report from the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.The Center for Medicare and Medicaid services was only able to provide details on seven of the 32 contractors that owed them money. The seven contractor CMS had detailed information on accounted for $69 million (18 percent) of the uncollected overpayments.
Youth charity slammed for poor taxpayer protections over millions in federal aid
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a well-known charity that helps troubled youth find mentors. The program might need a few extra mentors, though, for its accounting department.An internal Justice Department audit slams the charity's fiscal management, demanding $4 million in taxpayer money be refunded before it is spent and questioning whether $19 million already spent actually helped intended youths.
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NEW MARKET, Md. (AP) - New Market town officials are considering an annexation that would double the Frederick County town's size.
The proposal to expand by nearly 400 acres is opposed by preservation and conservation groups that have sued town officials in the past over growth plans. Annexing the properties would allow them to be used for a wider variety of purposes than allowed by Frederick County because of a New Market zoning change that took effect in October.
The proposed annexation includes a 262-acre tract northwest of town that was voted down by town residents in 2007. Mayor Winslow F. Burhans III told The Frederick News-Post the current annexation proposal is different. That's because it includes another property that would allow for a northern bypass around town to alleviate traffic congestion.
Information from: The Frederick (Md.) News-Post, http://www.fredericknewspost.com
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Can you match ribbons to causes they represent?
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Updated On: May 23 2014 04:10:29 PM EDT
Updated On: May 23 2014 04:10:29 PM EDT
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Wild West Tech: Massacre Tech DVD
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- Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 1
- Run Time: 50 Minutes
- Region: Region 1
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
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- DVD Release Date: December 7, 2004
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Windows 8's new Start page is the central console to the whole Windows experience. Whether you're running on a tablet or a desktop, these live tiles are the new face of Windows.
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Updated: March 5, 2013 6:12AM
Are you still waffling about whether or not you should upgrade your Windows 7 PC to Windows 8? Well, don't rush.
Take your time.
You have the rest of the all day before the early promotional pricing expires and the upgrade becomes two and a half to five times more expensive. After today, Jan. 31, the cost of the $40 digital upgrade and the $70 DVD package jump up to $200.
I don't blame you for putting off the decision. The opinion on Windows 8 is split exactly down the middle: I like it, and everybody else with a blog or a Twitter account hates it.
All right, I'm exaggerating. But those who dislike Windows 8, or have been at least severely put off by it, are extremely vocal. They're the most annoying kind of "vocal person who disagrees with me," too: They have a point. The main difficulty of Windows 8 is that it represents a radical departure, and Windows users typically like their computers to have the "get in, turn the key, and go" consistency of a rental car.
By contrast, Windows 8 is like an exciting sports car that's several levels higher than a Toyota Corolla. But people who jump in and try to drive it like a Corolla suddenly wind up somewhere they didn't expect to be. Fortunately, that's "looking at a Start screen or a panel of charms" rather than "upside down in a drainage ditch at the end of a spiraley set of tire marks" but the net effect is the same: it's jarring, and really puts a damper on the day's productivity.
"Less advanced, but predictable" is a positive feature when you're on a deadline and staring at a long to-do list. I would also say — utterly without judgment — that it describes what the Windows community wants out of their machines and their software. When they're forced to learn something new, they see a price beyond simple confusion: They see a cost in the time they're going to have to spend relearning a set of skills that served them well for years.
It also must be said many of these very smart Windows users checked out Windows 8, gave it ample chances ... and they simply didn't like it. Fair enough.
Still, I was quite surprised by much of the reaction to Windows 8. Even when you dismiss (as you must) the rantings of Those Who Just Like To Fight On The Internet, you're left with loads of sincere comments from rational users for whom Windows 8 was confusing as hell. Their experience was terrible, and in the end they decided that the new OS just wasn't worth the trouble. Many (including a friend's aunt) actually paid to have the copy of Windows 8 that came pre-installed on a new PC downgraded to Windows 7.
Clearly, I need to note that carefully. Better if Microsoft notes it, of course, but I'm just writing a column here.
OK, then: so noted. But I'm unusually well-qualified to offer an opinion on Windows 8 because I'm not a Windows user. I have Windows 7 machines in my office, of course, but I use them "many times a day, on some days of the week." I use my Macs "several times an hour, every day."
This leaves me with a different perception of Windows 8 than the daily Windows warrior. I tend to see it with fresh eyes instead of as an accumulation of differences between it and Windows 7, and after using Windows 8 on multiple devices for many hours a day for many weeks in a row, I like it. I feel like I can recommend it without any pangs of guilt because I feel like I'm reacting the way any full-time Windows user will after they've used Windows 8 long enough.
That said, it's definitely not for everybody. And it's a stone-cold fact that this is an OS with some serious issues. It's not hard to understand why so many people dislike it.
Microsoft bungled the interplay between the Modern interface and the classic Windows desktop. It's too easy to land on the Start screen by accident, through an errant flick of the mouse or keystroke. And when that happens, the user is torn away from a desktop environment that he or she has been using since forever, and unceremoniously desposited in...The Bad Place. And to a new user, the route from the Start screen back to the Desktop is by no means obvious.
A sense of "place" is a simple concept in user interface design. Yet no OS can truly succeed without it. It's why the "Home" button on iPhones, iPads, and many Android devices is so valuable, along with Android's system-wide "back" button. It responds to something that might even be a genetically-programmed human urge: "I don't know where I am but I don't like it and please get me the hell out of here!"
(Older readers: it's like Dorothy clicking her heels together. Younger readers: the Home button is like a respawn area you go to after your playable OS character has been ganked by clumsy design. Middle-aged readers: just listen to The Talking Heads' "Remain In Light" in its entirety.)
Windows 8 offers no such help. Microsoft could make Windows 8 much less confusing with the addition of a simple, static button at the bottom of the Desktop that takes the user to the Start Screen, and another button in the exact same location on Start that takes the user to the Desktop.
Such a button (similar to the placement of the Start menu in previous editions of Windows) would also help to remind the user that Windows 8 articulates itself in two wildly-different forms. As-is, there's practically no connection between Modern and Classic, and thus no sense of "place." Have you ever had that dream where you're in your house, and you see a door in a wall of the living room you've never seen before, and you open it and walk into a room you never knew was there?
Yes. Imagine that sort of experience. Except there was no door, you don't know how you got here, and now you're being confronted by twisted versions of your loved ones who have buttons sewn into their faces where their eyes should go.
Nobody wants that, Microsoft.
Please add an option that allows the user to boot directly into Desktop mode. Let people start off in a familiar place of safety, and then walk through the wardrobe on their own time, at their own pace.
(OK, let's count up: Halo, Wizard of Oz, Coraline, Narnia. I'm not certain that I could avoid a Doctor Who reference even if I tried.)
If only Windows 8's missing "sense of place" were the only trouble with the coexistence of the Modern UI and the Desktop.
Example: when you mouse into the upper left corner, you encounter a dropdown ribbon of screen thumbnails. "Aha!" the user thinks. "This would be the list of all of my open apps...just like what I see when I alt-tab!"
But they're wrong. The ribbon displays thumbnails of the Modern apps but only there's only a single thumbnail representing the entire Desktop, no matter how many desktop apps are running inside it.
Another pet peeve: I can change screen brightness through Modern's Devices charm. So when I wanted to change the screen sleep settings, that's naturally where I went. Nope, it's not there. Mmm, all right, but I bet I can do it through that very pretty Modern-style system settings screen, right?
Nope. I have to switch to the Desktop and access a control panel. Windows 8 is regularly sending me out of Modern and into the Desktop for what seem to be simple systemwide tasks.
Whiskey tango foxtrot? I'll spare you the rest of the list. Suffice to say that Windows 8 needs to shake out some serious weirdness.
"Discoverability" is another basic problem. The Start screen, like the rest of the Modern UI, can be controlled by any kind of input device but it anticipates a future in which everybody wants to run Windows on a touchscreen device. And activating Modern's core elements (like the Charms ribbon) on a tablet or a touchscreen-equipped PC quickly becomes second nature after an hour or so. It's fast and it feels natural.
But if you're using a keyboard and a mouse, you're truly going to have to write the shortcuts on a Post-It and keep it on your monitor until you've managed to flash them into your brain's baseband programming through repetition. I myself stumbled severely when I tried to activate a Modern app's App Bar (analogue to the menu bar). Every other "Modern thing that slides in from an edge of the screen" activates via a hot corner or a hotkey. But this one doodad responds to the right mouse button and I only found it after Googling for a cheat sheet.
I've gone into some detail about these things partly because doing so acknowledges and documents the genuine reactions of confusion and horror that the new OS inspires in so many users. I'm not saying that people who dislike Windows 8 don't have an open mind or that they lack any motivation to make their PCs work better, nor do I pity them for lacking the full perspective and experience of a tech columnist.
(You don't want the full perspective and experience of a tech columnist. These things usually come with a bit of a gut, and a social obligation to fix people's phones when people at the party find out what you do for a living.)
Acknowledging Windows 8's problems also sells my next major point:
After a couple of weeks with Windows 8, none of these problems seemed to trouble me.
Alt-tab isn't a very instinctive or discoverable way to switch between apps, either, and we use that several times a day, don't we? We grumble, we learn, and if the thing we're using is good, we put a bad first impression behind us and we keep using it.
So that's fine. I can cite several things about Android, iOS, and MacOS that made me grumble and curse initially. Actually, no, I can't, not without referring back to my initial reviews. I got over those things and kept using great products because (like Windows 8) I considered them to be greater than the sum of their faults.
And while there's no way to eliminate the Start Screen from your life, you can easily reduce it to little more than a rumor. I wish that the Windows 8 Desktop had been modernized and spiffed up, yes. Truth be told, a few weeks after working with a fresh install of Windows 8 I was using the Desktop no differently than I was using it in Windows 7. My most frequently-used docs and folders are desktop shortcuts, my most frequently-used apps are pinned to the taskbar, and I launch my less-frequently-used apps through Search, not Start.
Meanwhile, there's a whole new world of Modern apps I can take advantage of. Overlapping windows have worked fine for decades now. But being able to pin a Modern app to the side of the screen and tile it next to the Desktop is even better. I can keep an eye on my Inbox, or Twitter, or on a necessary document or Web reference without burying it under project windows. I love it.
Ditto for the the Start screen. I love the fact that the live tiles allow my PC to be useful even when I'm not actually using it. More than once over the past few months, I've ended a phone call or chat session prematurely because I saw something alarming in a Live Tile out of the corner of my eye.
(Was a future Windows 8 project manager in attendance during a Macworld Expo keynote I delivered almost a decade ago? Windows 8 includes some of the ideas I suggested for the future of MacOS. Things like the ability for apps to articulate themselves as either a traditional screen-dominating set of windows or as a sidebar that could be pinned to the screen, depending on how the user wanted to interact with the app at any given moment. And a supplemental mode in which the whole screen was given over to status tiles instead of just flipping over to a screen saver when the user's attention was elsewhere. Hmm.)
And the Modern UI is simply fantastic. Bravo, bravo, bravo to Microsoft.
Kindle for Modern UI is my favorite flavor of the Kindle app across all platforms. I can say the same of Netflix, the Comixology app, and many other multiplatform tools. Microsoft has developed a gloriously simple and effective design language that allows an OS and its apps to minimize clutter while not minimizing power. All of these Modern apps work together, sharing data between each other cohesively. They scale well, whether I'm using Modern UI on a little Surface RT tablet or a big desktop.
The more time I spend in the Modern UI, the more time I want to spend there. Modern UI has the tendency to make all other mobile and desktop operating systems look crusty and creaky and overdue for revolution.
There's lots of great stuff happening under the hood as well. Windows 8 is far more secure, thanks in part to a new memory scheme that makes it more difficult for a malicious app to target and infiltrate a vulnerable piece of code on your PC. It boots up much faster. On many PCs, it draws less power (thanks to a more sensible scheme of CPU management). And it runs inside a smaller RAM footprint.
Finally, whoops, here's something that I maybe should have said right at the top: Windows 8 is stable. In my experience with a couple of new Windows 8 machines and a couple of legacy devices, W8 is just as reliable as the current edition of the Macintosh operating system.
Nice, Ihnatko. But should someone upgrade or not? Remember, the price goes way up on Feb. 1 (Friday).
Here's some clear-cut advice:
If you're not easily wigged out by computers behaving oddly, you should upgrade. Everybody will absolutely be using Windows 8 (or its descendants) eventually. You might as well get those rough initial 4 to 14 days over with. If your experience is like mine, you'll find Windows 8 just as easy to use as Windows 7 within a short amount of time. You'll then reap the rewards of the Modern UI and apps, as well as all of Windows' under-the-hood improvements.
If your PC is a netbook, and it qualifies for the upgrade (Microsoft lists them here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/system-requirements), I strongly recommend the upgrade. Remember that Windows 8 is designed to run well on damned near anything, even devices with small screens, weak CPUs, and little memory. That's your netbook, isn't it? And the Modern UI and apps are tailor made for those little displays. My Dell netbook is like a whole new piece of hardware now that it's running Windows 8 instead of 7.
If you don't identify with either one of those two groups, then sit this one out. It'll be fine. At some point, you'll buy a new desktop or notebook and it'll come with Windows 8 preloaded. You'll make the transition then.
And Microsoft will be fine despite the popular wisdom that only every alternate release of Windows is worth experiencing. (Hey! A bonus Star Trek Original Cast movie franchise reference! Cool!). They have time. Corporations can take months just to certify a version of Windows for deployment, and most users seem to acquire Windows upgrades with new PCs, not on DVD or as a download. Microsoft traditionally keeps at least two generations of Windows in orbit for a few years until the older one naturally degrades and falls into the sea.
The company might need the time, too. Today, Modern UI is a sticking point for some users because it appears to deliver the hassle of learning new things and bring no visible upside. Because where are the great Modern-style apps? Even if you don't count all of the months when Windows 8 was available to the public in preview editions, it's been shipping for months. I would have liked to have written this piece in a Windows 8 Modern UI word processor...but there simply aren't any to be found. Just code editors and Markdown text apps.
Nonetheless, Windows 8 and Modern UI are important steps. The major lesson that the industry has learned from the past five years of PC sales is that consumers refuse to accept a clean definition of what a "computer" is or to define what they intend to do with one. People flow their tasks between powerful desktops and budget notebooks and tiny netbooks (yes, still) and tablets and touchscreens and phones. They want cheap devices and performance devices, and they want everything they buy to work well, regardless of CPU.
Today, Apple continues to tap the same rich vein of ore they struck with iOS several years ago. Android has some excellent phones and some utterly wretched tablets and despite having earned a lot of praise, the OS continues to pursue a conventional and contemporary vision of computing.
Windows 8 is a clear move towards the future. In a way, Microsoft is putting themselves through the same difficulties that they're inflicting on their users via Windows 8. Every major player in this market is going to have to transform their entire PC business so that the hardware, OS, and apps of their platform appeal to a generation of users whose first computer was a multitouch phone. The first steps in this process are going to be painful no matter when you start. Why not start sooner, when the competition is still focusing on the Now?
I will end by reminding and cautioning you that Windows 8 is, oh dear, quite a departure. But I think you'll find that making a departure is indeed the necessary first step towards getting somewhere. And while Windows 8 might not be taking you where you asked to go, it's definitely bringing you, and Microsoft, to the place where you need to be.
(Yes! "Doctor Who" reference right before the buzzer! Victory!)


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Whitney Houston had drug paraphernalia in her hotel room, according to the autopsy report released Wednesday. Cocaine was listed as a contributing factor in her death.
The hotel room where Whitney Houston died bore the hallmarks of a traveler — suitcases and room-service food and drinks. But it also contained something tragically familiar for the singer: signs of cocaine and its paraphernalia.