Latest news with #Latvians
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Adam Fantilli & Kent Johnson Asked About Elvis Merzlikins
One of the interesting things about covering the IIHF World Championships as a journalist is the media presence from the different participating countries. As a nation that is crazy about hockey, Latvia always sends a significant number of journalists to cover the tournament and, like a lot of Latvians, were disappointed when Elvis Merzlikins announced that he wouldn't be representing his country this year. However, that didn't stop them from asking Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli, Merzlikins' Columbus Blue Jackets teammates, about the popular goaltender. Two themes that came out in both of their answers were his personality and his generosity. 'He's a lot of fun to be around,' said 20-year-old Fantilli, who's been a teammates of Merzlikins for two years now. 'He's got a big personality and it's a pleasure to be around him in the locker room.' 'I have a good relationship with Elvis – he's a good dude and a good goalie too,' said 22-year-old Johnson, who has now been a teammate of Merzlikins for more than three seasons. 'He won us a lot of games this year. That was huge and I'm looking forward to the same thing next year.' 'He's been our starter for quite a few years now and he's stolen quite a few games for us,' said Fantilli. 'This year he was phenomenal in shootouts. I don't know exactly what his record was but it was pretty good. When you have him back there, you have a little bit of confidence and you can play a little bit harder offensively.' 'We have a lot of fun away from the rink, the whole team,' said Fantilli. 'The rookie party was a blast, a lot of team dinners are awesome. At the rink, I just love his personality and how much he celebrates shootout wins.' It was mentioned how Merzlikins sometimes buys dinners after the Latvian national team comes up with a big win, and Fantilli confirmed he also does that sometimes in Columbus. No Merzlikins, Silovs, Or Any NHLers For Latvia, But Daugavins Returns The Latvian national team will not have Elvis Merzļikins or Artūrs Šilovs in goal at this year's IIHF World Championship – the Columbus Blue Jackets goalie cited family reasons last month and the Vancouver Canucks prospect is still involved in the AHL playoffs. But the small nation of less than two million seems to have no trouble producing goalies and Latvia will give the net to 32-year-old Kristers Gudlevskis, the two-time top goalie of Germany's DEL. 'Sometimes he throws a team dinner up on the board and if we win,' he said. 'I know he did it this year in Toronto (pictured) and he's done it in past years too.' Both players were disappointed but understanding when they heard Merzlikins wouldn't be going to Stockholm. 'I was hoping when we'd play Latvia that he'd be in the net. It would be fun to score on him and make some jokes about it after,' Johnson laughed. 'But no, I hope he's enjoying his time off and he'll be ready for camp.' 'Just before I left Columbus, he told me he wasn't going to be playing,' said Fantilli. 'I knew Canada and Latvia were in the same group so it would've been fun to play against him, but I knew he'd just had a baby, so family comes first.' Predicting Latvia's 2026 Olympic roster When they beat France 5-2 on home ice on Sunday, the Latvians qualified for the men's ice hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics for the fifth time out of the last six possibilities. Only once, in 2014 in Sochi, did Latvia reach the quarterfinals.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies, Latvia warns
Latvia's intelligence agency warned on Wednesday that individuals who appear to be lost tourists, may in fact actually be Russian saboteurs or spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) determined that Russian intelligence and security services posed the "main threat" to its national security. MIDD shared advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives, listing a series of telltale signs — which include a slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, as well as a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. The security service added that individuals may also carry specialised medical kits, as well as maps or radios — which are more suited to a clandestine operation than a camping trip. It also warned that suspects may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites and pose as humanitarian workers, as well as stay in remote areas, without showing any interest in nature. According to MIDD, Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals', adding that they may focus their activities on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' According to the report, malign activities organised by Russia's intelligence and security services in 2024 targeted some of Latvia's symbolic commemoration sites, namely a memorial stone for Latvian legionnaires in the Džūkste parish which was splattered with red paint. In light of similar incidents which also occurred in other Baltic states last year, Latvian security services promptly investigated the incident. They determined in turn that Russian security services were behind the desecration, a provocation which intended to attract media attention, as well as increase fear and insecurity among Latvians. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Cork machete murder: Gardaí submit file to DPP on the killing of Mikolaj Wilk
Gardaí investigating the brutal murder of a man who was hacked to death by a gang in Cork almost seven years ago have submitted a massive file on the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Sergeant Fergus Twomey told Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn that gardaí have conducted a "mammoth" investigation into the murder of Polish man, Mikolaj Wilk, 35, in his rented home near Ballincollig, west of Cork city, in June 2018, as the adjourned inquest into the death was in for mention. It was opened on November 1, 2018 to hear evidence of identification and cause of death, and has been adjourned for mention 14 times over the years as the active garda investigation continued. 'This was a mammoth investigation with thousands of tasks and inquiries both within the state and in European countries with assistance from other police forces and a comprehensive investigation file has been forwarded to the DPP seeking directions," Sgt Twomey said. Mr Comyn said while the case dates back to 2018, it was clear there has been a lot of work done by the gardaí involved and he was satisfied to further adjourn the hearing until November. St Augustine's Church, Washington St, Cork, was packed for a Mass celebrated by Polish chaplain Fr Pitor Galus in June 2018 for the Wilk family. file picture: David Keane Mr Wilk was attacked in front of his wife, Elzbieta, by a gang of up to five masked men armed with machetes, at their home in Maglin, just outside Ballincollig, in the early hours of June 10, 2018. Elzbieta suffered serious injuries to her face, neck and hands as she tried to protect her husband. Their two young children, who were in the house at the time, were not physically injured. A woman who was renting a room in the house fled through a rear window and raised the alarm with neighbours. Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene and found Mr Wilk in critical condition, with senior gardaí describing the scene and level of violence inflicted as one of the worst they had encountered. Mr Wilk was rushed to Cork University Hospital, but died two hours later his injuries. Gardaí launched a massive investigation and over the coming months arrested six suspects, two Poles, two Latvians, and an Irish man and woman, all in their 30s and all with addresses at the time in Cork city. They were all released with without charge pending a file to the DPP. Elzbieta, who returned to Poland with her children in June 2018, has been kept up to date on the investigation.
Euronews
15-05-2025
- Euronews
'Lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies, Latvia warns
Latvia's intelligence agency warned on Wednesday that individuals who appear to be lost tourists, may in fact actually be Russian saboteurs or spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) determined that Russian intelligence and security services posed the "main threat" to its national security. MIDD shared advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives, listing a series of telltale signs — which include a slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, as well as a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. The security service added that individuals may also carry specialised medical kits, as well as maps or radios — which are more suited to a clandestine operation than a camping trip. It also warned that suspects may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites and pose as humanitarian workers, as well as stay in remote areas, without showing any interest in nature. According to MIDD, Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals', adding that they may focus their activities on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' According to the report, malign activities organised by Russia's intelligence and security services in 2024 targeted some of Latvia's symbolic commemoration sites, namely a memorial stone for Latvian legionnaires in the Džūkste parish which was splattered with red paint. In light of similar incidents which also occurred in other Baltic states last year, Latvian security services promptly investigated the incident. They determined in turn that Russian security services were behind the desecration, a provocation which intended to attract media attention, as well as increase fear and insecurity among Latvians. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster.
SBS Australia
22-04-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
This ancient East European brew repurposes leftover bread
It is unmistakable – Aussies love an ice-cold beer, whatever the season, and now as non-alcoholic and low-ABV beverages become ever more popular, we are seeing an increasing number of interesting drinks inspired from different corners of the world joining the brewing fray. One such beverage is the naturally fermented drink called . With roots dating back to ancient times, many countries in Northeastern Europe continue to drink kvass. Now after centuries of quenching the thirst of Lithuanians, Estonians and Latvians, kvass is finally making its way to Australia with both bakers and craft brewers making their own versions. 'Kvass is a non-alcoholic fermented drink, locally known as gira in Lithuania, that has been enjoyed in most Central and Eastern European countries for centuries,' says Mindaugas Bistrickas, Head of Production at Gubernija Brewery, one of the largest distributors of kvass in Lithuania. 'In Lithuania, the earliest written bread kvass recipes date back to the early 19th century. However, the recipe itself originated much earlier, before it was documented.' Akin to kombucha, kvass shows similar characteristics to the popular and internationally recognised lactobacillus drink and is slowly getting recognised as a healthier alternative to some other brews with breweries in the UK, US and now Australia making their own versions of it. However, kvass different from kombucha both in terms of process and ingredients. While kombucha requires SCOBY to get the fermentation processes going, kvass usually relies on leftover bread to do the microbial work. According to Tadas Eidukevičius, chef and owner of Demoloftas, a popular restaurant in Vilnius, this is deeply Lithuanian. 'In Lithuania, bread holds a special place in our culture. Our elders have a deep respect for it, a tradition born from times when food was scarce. Nothing was wasted. That's why the most traditional kvass is made from roasted, dried rye bread leftovers,' he says. Like many historical dishes and drinks, the exact history of who invented kvass is a bit unclear. However, from the earliest known reference, , it is clear that it has roots from the Slavs, says Dr. Tony Brown, author of . While Russia, Poland and all the Baltic countries have versions of kvass, one thing is for sure – it is deeply rooted in all of these cultures and remains a cherished tradition which is not fizzing away anytime soon. Eidukevičius has many fond memories watching his grandmother brew her famous gira and sharing them with friends and family. In Lithuania, bread holds a special place in our culture. 'I remember how my grandma would brew at least 50-litres at one time and then call neighbours, friends and family to our house. Everyone would bring their own gira jug and together we would enjoy it under our family's apple trees sharing stories and laughing,' he reminisces. 'In Lithuania, we eat fermented products every day. Most people don't even think about it. Gira, is a naturally fermented drink and something us Lithuanians all know well and drink to this day,' explains and author of Natural Fermented Foods Ieva Šidlaitė. If you have ever tried making your own brew at home, you wouldn't be surprised that kvass involves malted or grain bread because just like a simple beer recipe, the exact same raw materials are used like barley, wheat and rye – all of which are found in a humble loaf of bread. Historically speaking, the practice of making beer out of bread dates back more than to when Mesopotamians made beer. However, 'Kvass is not a direct substitute for beer, although it may share some similarities in taste,' says Bistrickas. 'The major differences that set beer and kvass apart include the raw materials used, such as hops (which are not used in kvass production) and malt (kvass is primarily produced from bread or malt extract). Additionally, the production time for kvass is much shorter than that of beer, taking about one-fifth the time.' 'Kvass does not need to contain alcohol; although, it may. Some homemade or craft varieties may contain small amounts of alcohol as a result of the fermentation process. In our case, less than 0.45 per cent alcohol is maintained in production, making it a non-alcoholic drink,' he adds. Australia's passion for beer has no doubt resulted in more alcoholic versions of kvass than those found in Lithuania – usually close to 5 per cent ABV. And, since the main ingredient for kvass is bread, bakeries and breweries have come together to produce some very interesting blends in Australia – no doubt spurred by a growing interest in sustainable alternatives and . in South Australia started brewing their own kvass a couple of years ago in collaboration with a nearby bread shop, Small World bakery where more than 60-kilograms of sliced sourdough were toasted before being thrown into the top of a mash to create a toasty kvass. Similarly, worked with AP Bakery in Merrickville, NSW to create a 'hoppy kvass-inspired ale' which also included native flowers from NSW. 'Over 150 reduced bread loaves from A.P bakery were used to produce a toasty, vanilla-scented and floral ale,' the brewers say. As a limited edition, collaborated with Capital Brewing Co. in Canberra. 'More than 20 kilograms of our rye sourdough and some bread culture were taken over to Capital Brewing Co. brewery where we broke them down, left to ferment and mature to produce a toasty, sour brew for the summer,' says a representative from Three Mills Bakery. The kvass is then used to make other baked goods like a poached peach danish which is poached in kvass beer, and also the uniquely Aussie strawberry gum and lemon myrtle pastry, truly closing the loop. As kvass catches on in popularity here in Australia, the inevitable question is – how does one enjoy this refreshing drink? 'The best way to truly appreciate kvass is to chill it until it's almost frosty,' says Eidukevičius, 'It pairs incredibly well with a simple sandwich filled with or fish which allows the smoky flavors to complement the drink's earthy notes.' Watch now Share this with family and friends
