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I found this video this morning and found it beautiful and amazing at the same time. Technology provides us so many things, among them an opportunity to be creative.  Latvian tradition in music is steeped in choral music. Every four years Latvians have a huge choir festival where literally thousands get together young and old and sing the songs that define their culture and generate respect for their common history. Watching the video below reminded me of the that tradition.

For years and up until 1991 the choir and song festival was held outside the United States. Today it has had an opportunity to go back to Latvia. I wonder if the internet had been around in the years of occupation by the Soviets if their form of totalitarianism would have had a prayer. Imagine the Latvian Choir one could assemble via the internet!

Eric Whitacre is a new musical genius and phenom. It’s great to see the classical music traditions and genres reach younger people. He has assembled this electronic choir to sing a piece he wrote. It’s a great way to start your day.

Have an inspirational day!

Unfortunately someone got into the surplus vodka in the old town garrison in the ol’ mother country. Reports today indicate that the folks in Lettland got a little out of hand in the capital city Riga. Rioting took place after what was an apparent peaceful rally protesting the current government’s handling of the recession that is impacting Latvia hard these days. an official said he was surprised, that they didn’t know who the instigators were.

Here is some video. Originally I was going to use another one,but I like the anchor. Ron Burgundy he his not, but a pretty snappy haircut. I believe the coverage is from an Estonian station. I didn’t recognize it as Latvian. Also 3/4 of the way through they interview a Latvian official and he answers in near perfect English, which I find a bit odd.

The video and others I found seem to have a lot of people out in the street protesting something in earnest, followed by liquor induced shenanigan’s. The demeanor and hooting and howling one hears reminds me of some post World Series or Super Bowl celebration, or since it is Europe, a soccer party about to ensue. Riot, I am not so sure.

A good analysis of their economic situation can be found in the RGE Monitor by Nouriel Roubini.

OK, I understand that most of you don’t care about Latvia, but the point is that I do and I am writing this blog. Seriously, it shows how deep and far this recession has had impact.