God is dead.
I stalk instead. - Nietzsche
Editorial
The journalists know all. The journal- Just admit it. ists see all. The journalists friend all. Whichever the case, we encourage The journalists stalk all. you too look at stalkers in a new light. We, the editors of the session paper Although eerily creepy at first sight, you are currently reading, aren’t they might become your best friends afraid to confess that in our boring that you travel great lengths to visit everyday lives we are actually stalk- year and year again. You have to give ers ourselves as well. love a chance. Furthermore, we believe that most of you have done some hardcore stalking of your own as well, whether it is via gathering information through friends, scrolling through endless screens of old Facebook updates – and accidentally liking a comment written in 2006 – or by the good old fashioned restraining-order-should-arrive-anyday-now physical following around.
Finally, due to the word ‘stalker’ having gained negative associations thanks to certain misunderstandings, we suggest replacing it with the more appropriate term ‘secret admirer’. Curiosity is a driving force that can lead to great deeds. Don’t let social prejudice stop you and secretly admire away! Andre & Kārlis 1
The Ultimate Guide for Riga’12 by Maximillian Kiehn
Tiger Uppercut, Sonic Boom… At first glance EYP might look pretty odd. Not just odd, but rather really strange. Don’t panic – don’t be discouraged by loud shouts and crazy games. By the time you finish reading this guide, it’ll all start to make sense. The session’s kick-off Teambuilding is a mixture of childish games and world changing challenges. These simple tasks the chairs ask you to solve are, however, not to be underestimated. Try to observe what is happening. These seemingly random tasks are not necessarily solvable with a simple solution. After victoriously completing teambuilding activities the committee moves forward to finding solutions in Committee Work. Everyone knows it takes two to tango and certainly committee work needs the participation of everyone. If you don’t know a specific word, just ask for help from another delegate or try describing your issue. Most of the session participants are non-native English speakers. No worries, practice makes perfect. The Committee’s discussion is about ‘the CAP’ and you wonder why headwear is such an issue for agriculture. Most likely you will come across at least one confusing expression like this from the deluge of abbreviations. Request explanation, google the word 2
or make a list of unknown terms and clarify them. Discussions are only fruitful if everyone knows what is going on. The RSS may be planned and structured in minute detail, but if delegates do not start playing games in teambuilding, finding solutions in committee work and discussing in General Assembly, nobody will do so. You are the ones to be proactive. Share your point of view and make this session your session. After endless hours of coffee and confusion you start to like this EYP thing and you want to know more? Nothing easier – accidentally bump into a foreigner or official and bombard him or her with questions. When and why did they start EYP, the answers will be surprising. Actions speak louder than words and as long as you enjoy the session and broaden your mind you are on the right track. All in all EYP is like a prom, if you want to go out with the hottest prom date you have to be the first one asking.
Delegates, Meet Your
HEROES by Diāna Orlovska
These are the people who, during Teambuilding, will transform your committee from a bunch of strangers to a team. They will guide you, dear delis, through intense discussions in Committee Work and will help you develop your ideas into a resolution. On top of that, they will also encourage you to gain fresh experiences, discover new things and simply have the time of your life at this session. And all this in just three days. To me this sounds like a one hell of a mission to be completed! And therefore - a reason to call them heroes. In other words – introducing the CHAIRS.
Miks Strazdiņš Age: 20 Country: Latvia Nickname: Miciic EYPer since 2010 EYP in 3 words: “Society needs us!”
AFET I AFCO
Irma Tukāne Age: 17 Country: Latvia Nickname: Gypsy EYPer since 2010 Telephone ringtone: Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
AFET II
Arnolds Eizenšmits Age: 18 Country: Latvia Nickname: Arno EYPer since 2010 Favourite film quote: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
Zosia Wąsik Age: 21 Country: Poland Nickname: The Zosh EYPer since 2006 Your ideal superpower: „Being able to do make up, talk on the phone and put on my shoes at the same time. Even a multitasker like me can’t handle it.”
3
Marko Fischer Age: 18 Country: Germany Nickname: Captain Germany EYPer since 2010 EYP is: “THE WORST DRUG EVER!”
Elina Sairanen Age: 19 Country: Finland Nicknames: Elska, Elin, Ellu EYPer since 2008 Your secret talent: “The ability to check and change oils in various types of motors.”
Niklāvs Matusevičs Age: 18 Country: Latvia Nickname: Nick EYPer since 2011 Favourite movie quote: “Sticking feathers up your butt doesn’t make you a chicken.” (Fight Club)
Pēteris Tulls Age: 18 Country: Latvia Nickname: Neverhadone EYPer since 2011 Your secret talent: “I can crack my index finger loudly.”
REGI ITRE ECON
Karin-Liis Lahtmäe Age: 20 Country: Estonia Nickname: Liisu EYP-er since 2010 Ideal superpower: “Seeing people’s auras and helping them find their soul mates.”
LIBE
Dominic Degen Age: 22 Country: Switzerland Nickname: Domiii EYPer since 2007 Favourite film quote: „I’m gettin’ heartburn. Tony, do something terrible.” (“Snatch”)
4
Evija Taurene Age: 19 Country: Latvia Nickname: E. EYPer since 2010 Most awkward EYP moment: As a delegate having a conversation about hot/not-that-hot officials with a person who, as I found out the next day, was also an official.
Filips Kapustins Age: 18 Country: Latvia Nickname: Sweetcheeks EYPer since 2010 The motto you live by: “Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere.” (I Believe Elvis Yet Lives.)
Sebastian Hosu Age: 22 Countries: Romania/Hungary/Austria Nickname: Jubi EYPer since 2007 Most embarrassing EYP memory: “As a journo getting most of the names wrong in the committee article.”
Niks Bērziņš Age: 17 Country: Latvia Nickname: Mini-Kārlis EYPer since 2010 What would be your dream come true: Having my own set of Potter Puppet Pals / A Justin Bieber and Rebecca Black duet
Latvian Regional Session – omg I’m going to die? aka how to survive a regional session in
Latvia by Mārtiņš Zariņš
Another essential skill for survival is punctuality. Being on time is of great importance since you’ll rarely see a Latvian being late. The main reason for this is their mythical sixth toe that allows them to move about faster and get everything done quicker. Even though this extra body part and its benefits are revealed to only those worthy, following set deadlines is taken for granted from all. If you don’t, the consequences might be quite horrid, like…
Attending an EYP session is scary and confusing enough on its own, but even more so when it takes place in a mysterious little country like Latvia. If you want to live to tell the tale, read these handy survival notes straight from our Latvian expert. …Latvian humour. For example, they can find it funny to blindfold delegates, strip First of all, Latvian culture has them to their underwear and then run great regard for the wisdom of older away with their clothes. It is a necessity generations. The same goes for the to grow immunity against inapproprilocal EYPers. Therefore it is essential ate jokes about your moms, Estonians, that you display your enthusiasm for dead babies and the likes, as joking is the knowledge shared by your chairs. their main response if people do not Show that you are ready for discussion adhere to their social standards. and they will become your trusted allies in enduring this EYP madness. Latvian sessions are uniquely bizarre. The true key to survivTo be at your peak performance during al is maintaining a balance session activities, it is important to be well- of physical and mental fed! This can often become a problem for strength. Follow these foreigners, who might find the amount of guidelines and a trefood at Latvian sessions lacking. The locals mendously wonderhave adapted to harsh living conditions ful EYP experience and don’t think that majestic nurturing à la Latvian will is required for a session to be successful. await. Keeping some chocolate bars hidden away at all times is a good habit to develop.
5
Behold! The organisers
Have you wondered who are the people that gathered you here, who give you directions and supply you with food during the session? This species is called orga. But what is an orga like? What traits do they have? Without further ado - your guardian angels - the orgas! by Edgars Spudiņš
Signe Groznija – Head Organizer Half of the duo that has made the session possible, the force is strong in this one. She can make marvellous chocolate poops that make your heart melt. Do you have a spare banana? Then Signe is your best friend (omnomnom). Ance Rudzīte – Head Organizer Second of the two wonderful ‘moms’ of the session. She describes herself as seriously unserious and believes that even the wildest dreams can be achieved. Also she has an interesting way of connecting Facebook to non-virtual life. Randomly poking people, isn’t that ingenious? Edgars Gapoņenko Edgars or “Gapo” is poetry. Can it get any a small hobby of his the guards of Latvia’s
surely a fun guy who writes better? Being a friendly person, is hugging other people; even presidential palace aren’t safe...
Signe Rudoviča Signe, the girl with alluring eyes. Always on her top-notch appearance, she leaves a fashionable impression. Also, she’s learning to play the ukulele. As Paris Hilton would say: “That’s hot”. Justīne Leitarte Justīne - ahh, the sweet cherry pie, with a little taste of awkwardness. Justīne is surely fun to be around. And I might say her hands are even faster than those of an Indian worker ;) Pēteris Pitāns The perfect orga, knows karate, so he has the required skills for the job. Now you see him, now you don’t. There’s also a rumour he can make 100 sandwiches in 4 minutes… without using a knife. Knife users, u mad? Linda Miķelsone Linda is like a nuclear explosion: (radio) active, energetic, and looks like a mushroom. She is a bolt of positive energy that just keeps on going. In periods of malfunction, she can be found with a pack of chocolates in her hands. Reinis Tutāns A fine lad indeed - talented, positive and knows how to ride a bike. “Extreme” being his middle name, Reinis always takes interesting shortcuts (e.g. leaves the house through the balcony). If you get stuck on a tree, no worries, Reinis will save you! 6
T wilight
the real meaning behind the books by Kate Katrīna Dreiblathena
When you usually hear the name ‘Twilight’, you might assume it`s just about a girl with her mouth wide open falling in love with an old sparkling vampire. This seems true if you`re thinking about the movies. Yet as so little of the films is actually from the books, a question arises – do we hate the movies, or the actual books? The thing that makes the movies so bad – yes, even though I love Twilight, they`re just disappointing – is the bad acting and lack of imagination. The movie is so badly scripted, that if you haven`t read the books before, it`s difficult to understand. When you actually read the books, you look at it a bit differently. Imagine that you would stay alone for the rest of your life – that would suck, right? And as gooey as it sounds, what most people look for in their lives is love. One’s entire life mostly revolves around searching for that special someone. In the books the plot is about a girl who finds THE one. The one that takes her breath away, turns her world around and makes her feel in the right place. You can disagree, but I think this is the real deal. You wouldn’t let anything mess with your happiness, would you? You would fight for that. In most books, you don`t need to take everything literally – the same applies here. It`s not like there is an actual vampire who wants to suck your blood. That is just to show how complicated life can get and in order to live your life to fullest you need to take matters into your own hands. You can overcome every obstacle. You can feel good about yourself. You can do everything.
7
Even if the Twilight books were made just so that Stephanie could earn shitloads of money, they still give the opportunity for hopeless romantics to dream, to imagine something beautiful and to try and make it happen in their lives as well. As the quote says: ’the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart’. To all the haters out there – is that really a thing to hate?
tips on how to rock the
GA ...
...
At some point during General Assembly you might have to give a speech. It could be a defence speech where you highlight the good things your committee has put in the resolution and urge others to support it or it could be an attack speech wherein you express your discontent with the resolution of another committee.
by Diāna Orlovska
ing. As obvious as it might seem, it is often forgotten. Staring at a sheet of paper and reading your speech from it is not giving a speech. That is just ... reading it. Having notes of facts, statistics or any other valid points you wish to put in your speech is good and advisable. However, putting the whole speech on it and simply reading it off In both cases, it is a great chance to have your is not. Giving a speech is not just speaking in and your fellow committee members’ thoughts front of an audience, it is speaking to the audiheard in public. Thus, to make the delivery of the ence – remember that. speech as good as it can get, there are some key So, dear delegate, if you get to make a speech in things that should be kept in mind. the General Assembly, do your best to make it a One of them is that an opinion, once expressed, time worth spent both for you and your listenshould always be supported with some evi- ers. Follow the guidelines, put in your best effort dence. In other words – if you have a view on the and you will have a great speech. topic, explain why you think that way. Use your personal experience, research and facts. Make it clear to each person listening that the ideas you have are well-grounded.
Another thing that helps make a great speech is actually quite simple: you need to have a strong desire to express yourself and passion for the issue at hand. If the audience sees and hears you being interested in the matter, they will listen. If you show them your eagerness to share your vision, they will believe you and you will succeed. You will have made an impressive speech. And there is one more thing about writing a good speech. A speech is for speaking, not read-
8
Rise and shine by Mārtiņš Zariņš
Tired of the surrealism surrounding you due to drowsiness? Sick of drooling all over your fellow committee member? Is your chair gently kicking you in the area where your kidneys are located to open your eyelids? You must be lacking caffeine in your blood. Or perhaps sleep.
around. Even in a seemingly dull environment, there is always something going on. Notice a chair quietly cursing in Spanish, a fellow committee member picking his nose or a stalker in a trench coat trying to take a quick snapshot. The best way to replenish a drowsy mind is to surprise it – try to find coherence between the things which seem out of ordinary and you will see how – JoJo Jensen your ability to think replenishes in a jiffy. Or not?
“Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.”
First of all, acknowledge the fact that a lack of sleep is taking the best of you during committee work, and that you have to conquer it. Although the best way to battle drowsiness is to take a nap, reality is we’re living in a cruel world where this solution is merely utopia. Look around. The committee room offers dozens of possibilities on how to fend off drowsiness. For instance, a glass of water – sleepiness fears water like vampires fear garlic. Drink it all up and see the instant effect…
At some point, you may think that the darkest moment has come and that there is no hope of staying awake. But worry not, there is still a secret weapon in stock – an energizer. These are the cards that your chairs have been stashing for you. Ask for an energizer and sleepiness will be instantly defeated with a surge of awkwardness and laughter. Energizers ace all – coffee, water, caffeine pills. This method is approved by even the most critical sleepyheads. You will feel like a Duracell bunny.
…of still drooling on the table! If water does not work, you have stepped up to the next level of tiredness. Both physical and mental failures to stay up are present in your body. Move to the brightest spot of the room and try looking
Once you have tried all of the proposed techniques, you will realize that drowsiness during committee work is something that can be fended off easily, so enjoy your sleep deprived delirium while it lasts. 9
EYP History for Dummies by Maximilian Kiehn
Bettina Carr-Allinson created the idea of the European Youth Parliament as a school project in Lycée Francois-ler in Fontainbleau, France
1988 2002
Founding of Tellus & EYP Latvia
2004
39th International Session in Riga, first Latvian International Session
Who’s paying? Every EYP Session, this Regional Session or an International Session funds itself independently. EYPers raise the money by sponsoring and funding from NGOs, Foundations and EU programs like Youth in Action.
How does it work? EYP consists of National Committees that organise themselves independently. The recently established Governing Body, an international board, develops concepts and ideas for the future development of the EYP.
52nd International Session in Ventspils-Riga, Latvia
2006 2011
First EYP Youth Poll
All over Europe, everywhere! EYP was established as a small school project and EYP still celebrates the European cultural diversity in vibrant metropolises and rural areas. International Sessions took place in Berlin, Paris, but also in smaller cities like Hämeenlinna (Finland), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Tábor (Czech Republic), cities with less than 70.000 inhabitants hosted such Sessions.
EYP Members European Issues concern the European Youth as a whole. Therefore, every young European from one of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe is welcome to join the European Youth Parliament. The 36th Member of EYP was Azerbaijan. First meeting of the Governing Body of EYP
November 2011 Most recent meeting of the Board of National Committees
November 2011 European Youth Polls: Since last year the European Youth Parliament has organised polls that contain questions concerning current European topics. Every EYPer, every young European is offered to have their say. These polls have been quoted by politicians in the European Parliament and were referred to in the media.
All about Europe Most of the discussions in the EYP touch upon problems related to the European Union and its Member States. Nevertheless the issues discussed at sessions focus on a wider range, considering Europe as a whole continent. E.g. at the upcoming International Session in Istanbul, the delegates will debate issues related to the slogan ’Bridging the Cultural Divides of Europe’.
Riga Regional Session
January 2012
10
Music washes the dust of everyday life away from the soul
by Mārtiņš Zariņš
Ever since man is born, an inner part of him starts gradually sealing away. Everything that happens in our daily lives is harvested in our souls. Therefore, even though life may seem rather beautiful, it is important to unleash the emotional material in us to embrace absolute inner fulfilment. I found music to be the way to polish this rough stone into a diamond. Life at times may seem at an ultimate high or low – when you think that there is nowhere further to grow or fall, carve this state into stone. Pick up an instrument and a sheet of paper and let your emotion flow. Nothing can go wrong – it can only be raw in its beauty, sadness, ugliness or any other state that you are currently in. The greatest musicians of all time like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain or John Frusciante – none of them achieved their fame due to signing to a record label. They just did what billions of other people have the ability but not the conscience to do. These men stood on stage bare in their emotion. Nothing more, nothing less. That is what every human being is supposed to do to feel alive. When you strike a string and bend it till your fingers start to bleed, you feel alive. You relive your past emotion once again. The past recedes, but one must bring it back every now and then for it to remain. Art created by man is the mirror he uses for illuminating his inner turmoil – to embrace the beauty experienced before. True, it may seem in a way incomprehensible to encourage anyone to plunge themself into something unknown, but you may find yourself in a completely unexpected moment. For me it happened during the last Latvian National Conference. A spontaneous decision to step on the stage made my soul leave my body and step right into the audience. This is what true happiness means – to scream out everything inside of you through your creation and the audience screams with you. These few minutes of emotional unison are worth living for. I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights, and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, at all times and in all places. Music is the way for me to feel these emotions come together as one. Try plunging into the world of music and you might open something unseen in yourself. 11
s ta l k i n g songs What do The Beatles, Radiohead and Coldplay have in common? Deep down in their broken hearts these dudes are all creepy, slimy stalkers. The Police – Murder by numbers Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take I’ll be watching you. Animotion – Turn around I feed you I drink you My day and my night I need you
The random delegate Behold! Your opinions and thoughts compiled into one super concept, hence forward to be recognised as the random delegate (RD). ▶▶ The random delegate prefers stones over sticks ▶▶ He/she first puts on the shoe of the right leg ▶▶ The random delegate hasn’t been tied, but might agree to try it during stressful situations ▶▶ RD doesn’t play air guitar, instead RD plays air piano, plus water piano ▶▶ He thinks that dentists go to other dentists to get their teeth fixed ▶▶ The random delegate believes that blind people can see their dreams ▶▶ Also, according to RD, Donald Duck has issues because he wears a towel when coming out of the shower, but usually doesn’t wear any pants at all
?
▶▶ RD agrees that Greenland should switch names with Iceland due to the fact that Greenland is full of ice and Iceland is quite green ▶▶ RD thinks black people should have white tattoos
Morrissey The more you ignore me The closer I get
▶▶ Using AM radio in the afternoon is a challenge the random delegate accepts
Elvis Costello – I want you I don’t think I can live without you And I know that I never will Oh my baby, baby
▶▶ The delegate knows who closes the door when the bus driver gets out – insects and your mom
Clay Aiken If I was invisible Then I could just watch you in your room
▶▶ All the delegate needs at home is a grandma. ‘A grandma’ includes vacuuming, cleaning, making food, and is controllable by voice control. The only thing is that the software is quite old and expensive to upgrade
Coldplay – Shiver So I looked in your direction, But you paid me no attention, do you.
▶▶ The random delegate knows that the president uses a tricycle for transportation during the session. Also the random delegate said that the HOs use teleportation…Duh!
The Beatles – Abbey Road I want you so bad it’s driving me mad She’s so heavy by Maximillian Kiehn
▶▶ Chocolate beats vanilla any time of the year, according to RD
▶▶ When RD is home alone and no one sees him, nothing changes, only everything is done naked ▶▶ The only paper needed for the random delegate is soviet paper. Soviet paper can be usable as regular paper, toilet paper etc. (140% effective)
▶▶ How do cuckoos find all these abandoned clocks? They follow the ticking of course, says the delegate ▶▶ The delegate knows the opposite of medium, he quickly and confidently replies: ”unmedium.” It’s obvious that these delegates are unmedium. By seeing all the randomness they are capable of making it is clear that we are going to experience an amusing session. I am Edgars Spudiņš, and I approve of this message. by Edgars Spudiņš 12
the
deli code
All the delis share mutual respect
by Edgars Spudiņš
A deli must know at least two random fun facts
A deli puts the committee’s interests in front of personal ambitions
A deli has swagger
If a deli has chocolate he is bound to share it with the other delis
A deli never steals the ideas of other delis A deli shouldn’t cook food at the session for other delis, in fact a deli shouldn’t cook food at the session in the first place
For the session, chairs are a deli’s parents A deli avoids being cheesy
Delegates before smellegates. Use the shower.
A deli always wakes up another deli during committee work if needed
A deli must say at least one random thing during the session about herself
A delis presence should be noticeable (preferably accompanied by rainbow) Don’t be the only silent deli
A deli isn’t allowed to use gross jokes during lunch break, unless other delis at the table agree
A deli isn’t afraid to express his/her opinion
Rapping the attack speech gives delis bonus points
A deli doesn’t flirt with another deli’s girl/boyfriend (ex-es are allowed)
Singing the attack speech gives delis minus points
A deli cannot say “this coffee is gross”
To receive an answer, a deli asks a question
Don’t be the only talking deli
If sleeping during GA, a deli must look awake
The phrase “What would Jesus do?” can only be used once per GA
A deli must wear underwear all the time and change it frequently
A deli never wears socks and sandals at the same time – NEVER!
Blindfolded delis do not use the „who turned the lights off ” phrase
A deli respects the 2 ears 1 mouth ratio Ask a fellow deli. A deli knows best. A deli’s only competition is in the mirror Ask not what your deli can do for you, ask what you can do for your deli The mind-set of a deli is “I’m sexy and I know it” A deli shares the awesomeness of oneself with others. A deli makes the session count 13
Evolution of session emotions -from anxiety to pride by Diāna Orlovska
Think of a frog. It has gone through various stages of development to evolve from a tiny little egg to a full-grown being. Now, envision an EYP session. Just as the cute froggie experiences multiple states before maturing, a session metamorphoses from an idea to an event, bringing along a wide range of emotions for those involved. The flow of the emotion fountain begins at the moment when a session is first imagined by the HOs and the orgas. Loads of excitement, determination and persistence. That is what the orgas get to feel and generate both when beginning to work on the event and also during the whole process of it. Organising is undoubtedly a tough position. There are times when difficulties arise and confusion shows its malicious face. But, as most of you know, in EYP nothing is impossible and this applies to preventing or overcoming any hitches as well. After that it’s the orga enthusiasm about the session all over again. The next EYP session emotions appear when the rest of the officials – chairs and journos – surface. First, it is utter happiness about getting selected to chair or journo at a session. And then, it is anticipation and excitement when preparing. There is a melancholic reminiscence of previous splendid sessions and a sheer hope for an amazing session-to-be. Finally, the coolest set of emotions related to the session is without a doubt the one the delegates bring to it. Their emotions are the ones that evolve the most, especially in a session where most of the delegates are freshman EYPers. Before coming to a session, they probably have no or a very vague idea of what a session is, how it works and what are they supposed to do. So watching the initial uncertainties and shyness evolving into a total thrill, seeing the delegates getting overwhelmed and fascinated by EYP is just a wonderful sight to every official. And I am sure that the delegates enjoy this change of emotions even more. Since, without a question, EYP is definitely worth falling for. So, just like a frog starts as an egg, evolves into a tadpole and ultimately a froglet, the session emotions change and grow as time progresses. But what can be said for sure – the feelings metamorphose only in a positive direction, as EYP is an environment that only the best emotions inhabit. 14
Girl look at that body! Winning. Let’s face it, if you’re in a discussion or an argument that’s your goal. According to a trusted source (named Wikipedia) communication consists of 7% actual words and 93% nonverbal messages. In other words, the power of your body during discussion is not to be underestimated. Our journalist Anna Englund gives you the tips on how to rock that body and win that argument.
A good thing to start with is your posture. If you’re about to persuade someone, you also need to look like you actually believe what you’re saying. While standing up, having both feet firmly on the ground, your head held high and your back straight makes you look secure. Avoid crossing your arms and legs – that will cause the opposite. Put your hands behind your back or clasp them in front of your stomach instead. If you’re seated at a table you can radiate confidence by letting your fingertips lightly touch one another in front of your chest.
yellow beige gives you dependability and credibility. If professional is the look you’re aiming at, charcoal, grey and dark blue are the colours to wear. Bright colours like orange, lime or yellow should be avoided since they will attract attention but also make you look unprofessional. Equipped with both: information and physical tools to persuade everyone, you are ready to step into the ring. Bring your nicest blue shirt, stand up straight and let the debating begin!
Combine this with a smug smile and your arguments will be unstoppable. The way you use your voice also influence how credible you seem. Research shows that people talking in a lower pitch are more easily trusted. Leave the squeaking for little girls. If you talk in a slightly faster pace than normal, although without rushing through the sentences, your audience is also more likely to trust you. Furthermore, you need to sound confident as well. Never mind if the pronunciation isn’t as perfect as your English teacher’s. As long as your words somewhat make sense and your point becomes clear it’s good enough. Last but not least, colour psychology can also be taken into account. People wearing such colours as navy and medium blue are considered reasonable and professional. Camel and 15
From Winnie the Pooh to the Owl What if you met a bear during an EYP session? Would you run, or rather just smile and ignore it? Such situation sounds absurd, but it is far from unusual. Meeting one in a session is unfortunate. And what is even more unlucky – being one without knowing it. Daniels Griņevičs helps you help yourself. Alan Alexander Milne wrote his world-famous children story-book nearly a century ago. Most likely its heroes shall live on until the end of time. But as the saying goes - only those, who evolve can survive. Personages of the book have done exactly that. They usually fit in well among the delegates. It is my responsibility to warn you about the seemingly harmless characters of an EYP session. You could be reading this newspaper next to a pooh or an owl. Maybe worse – surrounded by eeyores. They are in every session as well as each committee. But you don’t have to be one. Everyone can fail to remember reading the materials sent before the session. That is not a failure unless you don’t put an effort to make up for the setback.
Pooh Could not be bothered Pooh never cares about anything but enjoying life. Going through a session he learns nothing. He is funny and happy but never really involved.
Piglet I neither do nor know anything The little swine always has a good excuse for his ignorance. He did not receive the preparation kit and could not do any research. It’s alright, he isn’t worried. He is just a little piggy.
Eeyore I don’t need this, this does not need me The grumpy one feels left out. Constantly puzzled by surrounding happenings, Eeyore finds it easier to just mutter to himself. And others, for that matter.
Remember – a prepared delegate eases the work of his chairpersons. A confident committee member has more time to have fun with all of the participants. All in all, being prepared allows one to enjoy session. By the end of the day that is what we all are here for. Don’t be a bear. Be your own self and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.
16
Owl The fake know-it-all Owl acts like the intelligent one. Talks like an orator. But deep down, he knows even less than others. Not that it undermines his will to pretend being smart though.
Christopher Robin The curious one This affectionate delegate is on the right path. Hoping to learn things he remains silent, at times even overshadowed by others. Such a shame.
The queens Interviews are meant to be simple - sit down with those you want to interview and have a nice talk. Nothing is simple with the Head-Organizers of RRS’12. Signe Groznija and Ance Rudzīte take everything to the next level, in this case - the next level of awkwardness. Daniels Griņevičs has a talk with the awesomely awkward duo about their view on things related to the session. Daniels: Let’s return to the first steps in the whirlpool of adventure that is organizing a session. What was the number one thing in your mind when realizing – you’re the HO’s? mouth with foamy tooth-paste and chase her throughout the venue. It was deadfunny, exactly what I imagined head-organizing with Ance would be. So far, it has been even better than expected. D: So found out that you were chosen to become the organizers of the session. Who was the first person you shared the wonderful news with? A: As I was in a meeting, the room was full of people. More than a dozen, actually. I was extremely excited and I couldn’t hide it. My only wish was to tell it to a good friend of mine sitting next to me. The intended whisper came out as a joyful shout at the top of my lungs. Even our
Ance: I received the news on the phone during a meeting, and to be honest – nearly fainted. Dizziness seized me, the feeling was absolutely overwhelming. I couldn’t believe
headmistress heard it despite being out in the hallway. It was a bit embarrassing, but I didn’t care – I was truly happy. S: It’s funny you should ask that because I didn’t tell the news to anyone. Everyone seemed to know before me. One person even applied for an orga spot on my Facebook wall only minutes after I got informed. Up to now I’m still puzzled by this. How could they have found out? D: What was your biggest fear regarding the session? Signe and Ance in perfect unison: Food! S: Failing to provide meals for hundred people was something we were genuinely worried about.
17
it at first. Now, when I think about it, I am still amazed by all what is happening. Signe: I instantly remembered my previous regional session with Ance. I used to cover my
of awkwardness
*
A: Yeah, delegates and officials walking around with rumbling stomachs would be apocalyptic. I don’t even want to think about that, no!
potential and motivate to put it to a good cause. Preferably that would result in many young and active EYPers.
tional participants. We consider it to be a privilege making the session an event more than special for everyone.
D: Is there any secret intent you D: What do you hope to leave wished to carry out within the in the hearts and minds of the session? Perhaps an unoffical goal? new delegates?
S: Also we hoped to succeed at everything we planned in order to say hakunamatata after every task we had.
S: I think I can speak for both of us – it’s inspiration. We hope to make them realise their own
A: For once, we hoped to make D: But ladies, let’s be honest the session as multicultural as – were there any funny failpossible, with many interna- ures during the organising? S: Honestly there were many of them. On the bright side, they were mostly funny ones that enlightened the atmosphere within the Organiser Team. For example, yesterday instead of printing 2 pages with delegate nametags I managed to print 147. Whoops.
some. All the officials are truly great, and the venue is splendid. ISL wasn’t our first option only for the lack of knowing about it. When the initial venue turned us down, we miraculously found this place and.. Well – it’s better than anything of the kind.
A: When we wanted to send the first email to the organizer team, I sent it 5 times. Every time I sent it, I couldn’t add one of the organizers. It happened unintentionally, I swear!
A: Also all the sponsors are deserving of our deepest gratitude. Take, for instance, the delicious Fazer and Lāču bread or the Purpurs notebooks. Without our sponsors we wouldn’t D: I know you’re re- have made it this far. ally busy so I won’t HAKUNA MATATA! keep you any longer. Anything you wish to add in conclusion? S: Dearest thanks to our organiser team. They are plainly awe-
18
*They proved how awkward these two ladies can get during the interview process itself. It was given in a bathroom.
When love takes over Don`t know how to start a conversation with a girl? Or maybe you hesitate every time you’re about to talk to a boy? Have no fear! Here you will find tips and tricks on how to hit on EYPers. Kate Katrīna Dreiblathena is here to help you in 3 easy steps. Everything starts with the preparation. Step one: shower. You want to be clean and smell good to leave the best first impression possible. Step two: suit up! Smart casual should do the trick. But if you want to take it to the next level, enter the coffee break in a suit – legendary.
Stalk and refer to what your target has done during the session. Say how charmed you were by it, as we know, simple compliments were invented for a reason. For example, you can say: ‘I`ve never seen moves like you did during ‘Big fat pony’. As well as ‘I saw your butt spelling, and it really touched me’. You can always find something, just be creative and have fun with it. And don`t forget to bring your target the latest issue.
By now you`re done with your appearance. Now you move on to step 3! Find your target and start a casual chat. Offer your target to help prepare for the Committee Work or General Assembly together. Or ask for help yourself. If your target is from a different country, you should find some random facts about its country. Then try to look as interested as possible in its culture.
Only 3 easy steps and the journey to have a lifetime lover or a onetime fling can begin. With this you should have no problem to win your targets heart. But to help you a bit more, you can find tips and pick up lines
Jamie Beale Brown (EYP Ireland) As we all drink water, try approaching your target and saying: ‘Do you like water? Then you already like 70 % of me’. Maria Pashi (EYP Cyprus) It is always nice to compliment your targets real beauty, so feel free to use: ’You`ve got a really nice ass’ at any time. Panayiotis Ataou (EYP Cyprus) Be romantic. Walk up to a girl (you can try it on a boy as well) and slowly kiss her on the hand whilst looking her in the eyes! CHARMING! Joosep Vimm (EYP Estonia) Help your friend and use the phrase ‘Have you met .... ?’ (Or bring it to the next level and say: ‘Have you met me? ‘). 19
Skrillex - With you, Friends
Eminem - Just Lose It.
AC/DC - Are You Ready?
Arch Enemy - The Immortal
Y-y-yeees?
Nope.
Male!
Female!
F E E L
Do you fancy computer produced sounds?
Delightful female or cool guy singing?
Yes, please.
No, thank you.
Are guitars your cup of tea?
T H E
Autobahn!
Don’t you know what music to listen to during the session? Do this test and Anna Englund will have the answer!
What kind of tempo do you prefer when listening to music?
Start here
R H Y T H M
A slow walk in the park. What should the lyrics be about?
Cheesy lovestories.
Life.
What kind of singer do you prefer?
Does instrumental music make you calm?
Mature woman.
Teenage boy
Certainly!
I’m not so sure about that.
Celine Dion - A New Day Has Come
Justin Bieber - Never Say Never
Mozart - Recordare
Coldplay - Don’t Panic
20
Expecting delegates When entering the International School of Latvia on Thursday many of you were still EYP-virgins. After a day full of these silly actions, we prefer to call teambuilding, the situation is slowly changing. The Press team survey specialist Anna Englund went out on Thursday afternoon in order to find out how you felt about the session so far. 1. 2. 3.
What are your thoughts about the sessions right now, how has it been so far? How many hours of sleep are you accounting for during this event? Last, but not least, do you prefer Batman or Spiderman?
Aleksandrs
Klara
Niks
Sintija
Michael
ITRE, 3rd time delegate 1. So far it has been good, our committee is nice and we’ve been talking a lot. It’s kinda awesome! 2. I guess 2-3 hours per night… 3. Spiderman
Sweden, 1st time delegate 1. It’s been great so far. The games are funny, and the best thing is definitely the atmosphere! 2. Five, tops! 3. Spiderman
ECON, 1st time delegate 1. I like it here. I don’t know what to expect from committee work yet, but teambuilding is as I expected. 2. 4 hours per night 3. Spiderman
AFET 1, 1st time delegate 1. It’s been very cool, I like it in here. At first we didn’t cooperate that well in our committee, but now it’s really nice. 2. Probably 15 hours max. 3. Spiderman
Germany, 1st time delegate
Got the fails like orga
1. Generally it’s been interesting and nice, although it’s hard to understand all the English. 2. Maybe six hours per night… 3. None of them, really, but if I had to choose, I’d take Spiderman.
Daniels Griņevics gives you a quick glimpse on how fruitful the organisers can be when it comes to failing. 1.Size does not matter, but Justīne might disagree when it comes to nearly drowning in a puddle. This little gnome needs her boat to survive the
streets of Riga.
put papers on the walls” into “Can we have all the balls” is the next level of failing.
to manage the session, but Edgars 2. Signe R. has found a has had many way to merge embarrassing both. This is moments due the case when to overhearsleepwalking ing things, 3. Organiz- is helpful. Exbut interpret- ers need their cept for nude ing “Can we sleep in order sleepwalking. 21
spill it in the 4. People may garbage can rahave mo- sound tional to you? ments of mental block-outs, Oh well, hapand Linda got pens.. at intense one. Does pouring water into your glass to immediately
The stalker gala Stalking. What is it really about? Freaks and nut-jobs creepily looking around corners and hiding behind pierced newspapers? Not even close. Stalking is the highest form of art. It involves the flight of thought, limitless imagination and overtness without boundaries. Daniels Griņevičs explains how to perfect the execution. Many forget that stalking wasn’t originally related to obsessed fans and excessively active reporters. Initially people stalked their prey. It was the only hope of surviving through another week in the rough Stone Age. That, my friends, wasn’t a walk through your local park. Back then stalking needed to be perfected bit by bit up until the smallest detail. Hunters became as one with the trees to catch their game. Females managed homes to say goodbyes every morning to them wherever they went. Why? Even at that time a lady of that time wouldn’t forgive her male trading his trophies for occasional drink from their cool animal skull goblets. Especially if they couldn’t afford a nice cave to mate in. Although very little of the original purpose of stalking has been maintained, ageless
values are still in place. For instance, it is done only if the incentive is worthy. Whether you are a paparazzi following Lady Gaga or EYP journalist investigating a gossip about a potential threesome within a committee – it doesn’t matter. If it is important to you, go for it. But remember – you shall need great physical and mental endurance. The aforementioned qualities are essential to being a good stalker. Still, there are aspects of stalking that many undervalue. Mainly – sensing the moment. Stalking has left a rather bad impression precisely due to clumsy people making ill-timed stalks. Also remember to be just the perfect amount of pesky. If you bear in mind all of the mentioned aspects of stalking, you are bound to be a good shadow. Just as we, the RRS’12 Media Team, are.
22
Outside of the committee room Teambuilding is usually about having loads of fun and I’m sure every single one of you enjoyed it and had a blast. But as it usually happens, you can’t be in many places at the same time. In order to you know what has happened in other committees, Kate Katrīna Dreiblathena will introduce you to couple of friends that she met during the day, since they’d like to share their stories. Presidential committees (AFET I) chair Arnold Eizenšmits told that the most absurd thing during the day was during the communist game when committee chose ‘Maxima’ over ‘Apple’. At least they were up to shearing all their dirty little secrets by playing ‘Have you ever?’ Another friend of mine is Niklāvs Kalbergs (ITRE). The most amusing thing for him during the day was his fellow delegate who kept telling: ‘shoot them all. Shoot all the fat guys!’. If asking about greatest challenge of the day, he claimed that ITRE managed to reach 100 in the counting game. Congrats to ITRE! Keep reaching for the stars. But despite the fun during the games he actually enjoyed the debates within the committee during problem solving games the most. Carl Ruuben from Estonia who is in my beloved committee (ECON) confessed that the day was filled with funny moments. The most hilarious one was poker-faced boy from AFCO II. Even our VP Sebastian couldn`t make him smile during ‘Honey, tell me that you love me’. The biggest fail was in fact forgetting who is Martin Luther King Jr. and accidentally claiming that Putin is the president of Russia. ITRE`s delegate Sintija Krēģe stated that the funniest quote from the teambuilding was: ‘the one who will be destined to die, will die’. As her most favourite thing from the TB she chose the ninja game, where she tried to KILL THEM ALL. The handsome chair from the committee on LIBE, Pēteris Tulls, confessed that the most challenging thing for him was playing the ‘Drunken - bottle’. The best quote from the days events was: ‘I’m so hungry. I think I should go and sleep. ‘. But if he needs to name the best thing, he would most probably go with Lunch. As you can see there is a lot happening on the other side of the door. All you have to do is to be there. So have as much fun as possible and enjoy.
23
24
Delivered to you by: Kate Dreiblathena (LV), Daniels Griņevičs (LV), Anna Englund (FI), Mārtiņš Zariņš (LV), Diāna Orlovska (LV), Edgars Spudiņš (LV), Manfredi Danielis (IT), Maximilian Kiehn (DE). Edited and supervised by: Andre Tamm (EE) and Kārlis Caune (LV).
25