Topic: Riga

Reports from Riga, Latvia, indicate the reinstatement of the military draft and energy-saving measures in grocery stores. Meanwhile, the German government's acquisition of gas importer Uniper is clarified; while reported as "nationalization" by NPR, the hosts explain it was a buyout of the Finnish company Fortum's shares. The move is a response to Russia cutting off gas deliveries to Europe.

Zbigniew Brzezinski outlines a menu of escalation options for the U.S. in Ukraine, ranging from intelligence support to providing lethal military equipment and air cover. He warns that a lack of American commitment could lead to "sudden explosions" of conflict in places like Riga, Latvia, which has a large ethnic Russian population.

Over 500 blonde women paraded through Riga, Latvia, for a "Blonde Weekend" event intended to boost national morale during the economic downturn. The participants wore pink and white and were accompanied by lapdogs in matching outfits. The hosts review photos of the event and compare the cultural reception of such parades to those in San Francisco.

A stay at The London Hotel in New York, formerly the Riga Royal, leads to an anecdote about a late-night encounter with singer Engelbert Humperdinck. The singer reportedly performed an impromptu a cappella set in the hotel bar. The hotel's restaurant, managed by Gordon Ramsay, is noted for being booked months in advance.