Which Criminal Will You Vote For In Bulgaria?

Scandals are ripe in Bulgarian politics as it gives licence to practice this. Running for Government simple means you become immune from prosecution – What message does that send out to the poor Bulgarians who vote? It simple means that that they solely have a choice of criminals to vote for. Mind you is it any different anywhere in the modern world now in politics? Is I no wonder many voters are disaffected from voting here?

Bulgaria's Socialist-led government has been plagued by high-level corruption scandals during its four years in power, prompting the European Union to freeze millions of euros in aid for the bloc's poorest member.

Brussels criticised Sofia for failing to cut links between virtually all political parties and "rings of companies", a phrase used by Ahmed Dogan -- the kingmaker in the ruling coalition and leader of the ethnic Turkish MRF -- to explain how parties are funded.

Last year, Transparency International rated Bulgaria the most corrupt EU nation. Despite numerous pledges, Sofia has not convicted a single senior official of graft and has sent to jail only one crime boss since the end of communism in 1989.

Suspected criminals have received temporary immunity from prosecution after registering to run for parliament.

The agriculture and environment ministries, both controlled by the MRF, and the construction and the economy ministries, controlled by the Socialists, have been allegedly involved in some of the most notorious schemes in the past few years.

Source: www.reuters.com
Image via Wikipedia

Bulgarians Prove Musical Talents Again

The versatility and talents of Bulgarian musician are proved again. Bulgaria has very strong links with Italy with many expatriate living and working there so it is no surprise that a little bit of Italy comes back to Sofia on occasions. I have to agree that the mandolin is one of the sweetest sounding instruments and a definite sound of summer.

As part of the annual Italian Qui Italia festival, Bulgarian orchestra Prima Visione delighted the audience at the Summer Estrada of Sofia with its mandolin concert of classical and romantic music.

Initiated by the Italian Cultural Institute, the second annual festival ran on June 17-23. Visitors relished authentic Italian cuisine, music, fashion, and atmosphere. Each night the festival showcased different performances from Italy, and the sixth evening featured the mandolin, an instrument originally from Naples. It is one of Italy's most melodious and gentle instruments.

The Travel Channel Now In Bulgaria

I really don’t know why it has taken so long to get to Bulgaria. Better late than never I suppose. It will open many Bulagrian's eyes to the rest fo the world which they are still gettgin used to. I have a sneaking feeling that the ironing out of all the rough edges will give Bulgaria a slgihtly false picture. This has been done so many times before on television programmes giving a travel guides to other countries. Shame, but that’s television for you.

Travel Channel will make its debut in Bulgaria this Wednesday (July 1).

It will initially be part of the leading cable operator Eurocom Cable Management’s new basic digital documentary package.

Although localisation will initially be confined to primetime programming, it will in due course be extended to the channel’s entire schedule.

The launch will make the debut of Travel Channel’s 18th language version.

Source: www.broadbandtvnews.com

A Black Winter Ahead For Bulgaria

It looks like another winter of discontent for Bulgaria coming up according to this report. This is something that Bulgaria is used to and get through even though the suffering goes on. Last year we had no gas, hopefully this won’t happen this winter. I don’t think painting a black financial picture helps business confidence either. If it is bad news why don’t these so called financial forecast gurus just keep their mouth shut, better still, get another job that is more constructive!

The global economic crisis will reach its peak in Bulgaria in January and February next year, said Bozhidar Danev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), in an interview with the Focus news agency yesterday.
"The effects of the economic meltdown will worsen in the winter, when the expenses of the companies and the households will grow and some more effective measures will have to be taken," he said.
To his words, domestic consumption has fallen considerably, judging by the lower collectibility of some taxes. Mr. Danev went on to say that over the next few months more Bulgarian companies will go bankrupt.
Statistical data show that 160 Bulgarian firms have already gone out of business.
"Providing a financial resource of 500 m levs for the small and medium-sized businesses from the Bulgarian Bank for Development has been a good anti-crisis move of the government, but the funds are absorbed very slowly," he said in conclusion.

Source: www.paper.standartnews.com
Image: Image by Roby© via Flickr

Gypsies Kill Security Guard For Cherries

The gypsy threats of criminal activities are a threat throughout Bulgaria and an example is given here of what they get up to. Most gypsies refuse to conform to Bulgarian culture, which includes growing their own crops. Instead they rely on stealing other peoples’ harvests and in this case killing a guard as he was in the way. It will be interesting to see what punishment will be given.

The 46-year-old guard of a cherry orchard in the Bulgarian village of Shishkovtsi was murdered by hoe handles.

After seven Roma were detained Saturday, the Kyustendil police is still looking for another perpetrator, Darik Radio reported.

The Kyustendil District Prosecutor, Kameliya Stefanova, said all seven detainees were from the Roma Quarter "Iztok" in the city of Kyustendil.

The suspects will be detained for 72 hours, and that a decision for their permanent detention will be taken by the court on Monday. The seven are suspected of an intentional murder and the severe beating of two other guards.

The Roma raid against the cherry orchard and the murder of one of its guards led the population of the region to demand extra security measures, threatening to defend itself with any means possible if the authorities failed to take action.

Source: www.novinite.com/

Bulgaria Look To Arabs For Investment

It is interesting that Bulgaria is now looking for other source of finding and none richer than the Arabs. A flurry of activity and visits are now planned and the talk will be all about investment in Bulgaria. I wonder when the investment comes whether it is funnelled to the right channels unlike EU funds that just disappeared.

The visit to Bulgaria early this week of HH Sheikh Abdallah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, opened ten days of active contacts of Bulgaria with Persian Gulf countries. Later in the week, on Thursday, the Finance Minister of Bahrain, HH Sheikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Khalifa also touched down in Sofia. 1 July Saudi Prince Alauddin Bil Talal As Saud is arriving to Sofia as well. The three visits aim to invigorate bilateral contacts in politics, economy, trade and culture. Following many years of seeking EU and NATO membership, Bulgaria has in recent years pursued stepping up and diversifying relations with countries outside Europe and America. The said visits come to confirm the pursuit. At the talks Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin had with OAE’s Foreign minister special attention was allotted to the energy, notably cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources. During the visit of Bahrain’s Finance minister two economic agreements were signed to green-light investments in Bulgaria from the rich gulf state. The aim is to improve the business climate and boost direct investments and economic cooperation. The agreements will facilitate Bulgaria’s access to Bahrain’s investment resources which in turn will be instrumental in the development and technological upgrading of the Bulgarian economy. The forthcoming visit of the Saudi Royal Prince, the wealthiest man to visit Bulgaria till date, is eagerly awaited. The Prince is expected to become a financial co-sponsor of a unique project to reconstruct an ancient Thracian town, submerged on the bottom of “Koprinka Dam”. Lying 27 metres underwater, Sevtopolis or the City of the Thracian King Sevt III was the capital of the Odryisian state in late IVth-early IIIrd c. BC.

Source: www.bnr.bg
Picture Source: www.cdn.wn.com

Bulgaria Needs Wise Investment in Agriculture

Bulgaria’s industry is mainly agricultural but there is a lack of management to make use of this industry that has the potential to become one of Europe’s leading food producers. Of course investment is needed, but wise investment iand a thought about hiw this will affect Bulgaria is the real key. All anyone seems to be interested in is 'bigger' business. Small cottage industries to supply local needs has worked here for generations. Europe want to change that with massive agricutural monopolies mainly for export. This will change Bulgaria's landscape and put thousands of local farmers out of business - Typical and historically proved in other countries

Among the main priorities in the government policy of Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria /CEDB/ will be anti-corruption measures, anti-crisis measures directed at reviving Bulgarian agriculture, education and conditions to stimulate small- and medium-sized businesses and Bulgarian producers, said Tsvetan Tsvetanov, CEDB Chairman and majority candidate in Veliko Tarnovo constituency, cited by FOCUS – Veliko Tarnovo Radio.
Tsvetanov visited the northern village of Kozlovets in the municipality of Svishtov.
Commenting on the condition of agricultural regions, he highlighted that all villages and towns where the major means of living is vegetables, milk or grain production, “the contraband entering Bulgaria and tolerated by the present government, further kills Bulgarian produce.”
“The condition of Bulgarian agriculture today is catastrophic,” said Tsvetanov and added that in order to have “Bulgarian bread, Bulgarian yoghurt, Bulgarian fruits and vegetables on our table, the people who love and till Bulgarian land should be assisted.”

Source: www.focus-fen.net
Image by Odalaigh via Flickr

Varna In The World's Top 10 Cities For Beautiful Women

There is no need to tell anyone that Varna has the world’s most beautiful women. A trip there and a walk by the Black Sea Coast or and evening of night life which is very much part of the Varna culture will send men crazy with what they see.

Bulgaria is a land of no drug laws, cheap vodka, mechanical bulls on the beach, waterslide and some of the most uninhibited natural beauties in the world. This land has cafes with inflatable furniture, thongs and g-strings everywhere you turn your head, see through pants on every corner and topless sunbathing on every beach. What's more, these women retain a certain level of class and sophistication and take great care of their bodies. The most important part of Bulgaria is the charm and beauty that you will find in these stunning women.

Source: www.uniquescoop.com

A Bulgarian Restaurant In Malaysia

Having Bulgarian scattered around the world is a great benefit for many who love Bulgarian food. There are many Bulgarians who set up restaurants in foreign lands with Bulgarian cuisine lined up not only for expatriate Bulgarians, but other foreigners who wish to try it. One such restaurant is based in Penang, Malaysia and a menu is laid out as an example of what food they served there. If ever I am in Malaysia, I’ll be certain to visit this eating house - Not too sure that baked cod is a Bulgarian dish though!

Menu From:
Vintage Bulgaria Restaurant & Bar
(next to Ingolf - The German Restaurant)
1-E, Jalan Sg Kelian
Tanjung Bungah
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60-4-8981890

Source: www.foodpromotions.com

Bulgaria In The Thick Of Drug Trafficking

Drugs and crime are always related and this is no exception. Bulgaria it seems is in the thick of things when it comes to these two links businesses. It is a lucrative trade without much opposition here, as I believe it has the support of many figures in political circles here – They wouldn’t be where they are without it of course.

The United Nations (UN) singled out Bulgaria and to some extent Turkey as the primary supplier of amphetamine trafficked into the Middle East in the form of counterfeit Captagon packaging.

The amount of tablets in the region swelled sixfold between 2003 and 2007, with almost 14 metric tons seized in Saudi Arabia in 2007 alone, which is 30 per cent of all amphetamine stimulants seized across the world and more than data from the US and China combined. These are the findings of the latest report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published in Washington and Vienna yesterday.

While heroine, cocaine and marijuana markets are stagnating and shrinking, synthetic drugs markets are exploding.

Mapping out amphetamine smuggling routes from Europe to the Middle East, the report shows that Bulgaria is the largest trafficking hub. Pills have also been seized on the supply line via Syria, Jordan, the United Arabic Emirates and Yemen.

The UN data matches the conclusions of a report by Bulgarian public policy think-tank Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and reports by the State Agency for National Security.

The Bulgarian Interior Ministry often pursues drug lords linked to Serbian organised crime who are protected by the counter-intelligence units, according to the CDS study. High-ranking Bulgarian officials of the special security services say drug labs have been moved to Turkey and the Middle East to mitigate risk, the report said.

A report by the Bulgarian parliamentary interior committee quoted statements by SANS that some of the money from synthetic drug sales has been used by criminal groups to finance terrorist groups in the Middle East.

source: www.sofiaecho.com

Clips Of Bulgaria's Culture

Bulgaria is a beautiful country with a culture that is uniquely Bulgaria. I have found a good example of what you can expect to find here on a video clip. It give both town and country clips from around Bulgaria giving you a taste of Bulgaria’s culture that remains unspoilt for now.

Sofia's Water Now Under Bulgarian Management

Good to see that Bulgaria is moving up the ladder in home grown management albeit indirectly from France and a USA Sponsored University in Bulgaria. This is a transition that has to happen. Business management skills and decision making is something that Bulgarians have had to take on for the first time since the early 90s. This is more evidence that these vital skills are being used.

A Bulgarian chief executive will head Sofia's water and sewerage company Sofiyska Voda, owned by Britain's United Utilities, for the first time. Starting July 1, the position will be filled by the company's current chief secretary Ivan Ivanov, Dnevnik daily has reported.

Sofiyska Voda confirmed the appointment in a statement, but have not disclosed any further information as to what brought about the change in the first place. "We will announce the change on July 1," the company statement said.

Ivanov will be the first Bulgarian executive in charge of Sofiyska Voda, whose top managment is now fully staffed by Bulgarians.

Outgoing chief executive Greg Endemano will remain with the company as a receiver. Endemano has been with Sofiyska Voda for the past two years, since the departure of previous CEO Kevin Starling.

The 36-year-old Ivanov has studied engineering chemistry in Toulouse and an MBA from the American University in Bulgaria. He joined the company in 2004.

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

Bulgarian Mafia Supplying Arms To Greek Terrorists

Selling arms to terrorists goes on and as with most things that involve making big money, no conscience as to what the arms are to be used for makes any difference to Mafia based business. Innocent people of this world will be killed and maimed by terrorists who have received killing instruments such as these. These four Bulgarians that were caught I fear are the tip of the iceberg in this trade.

Four Bulgarians were arrested by the Promahonas border police, while trying to import weapons and drugs in Greece. One policeman, pretending to be a client, met two of them – man and a woman, not far away from the border with Bulgaria. They arrived at the meeting point with two luxurious cars, in which later, the policemen found one Kalashnikov, three Russian guns with mufflers, 1.5 kilos of explosive TNT type, 5.4 kilos of explosive in plastic bottles, probably sodium ammonia and 17 grams of cocaine.

The four Bulgarians were arrested and taken to Thessaloniki and today, they will be questioned by the prosecutor in Seres. The investigation continues and the policemen are trying to determine whether this was their first attempt to transport weapons and explosives to Greece or they have connections to local criminals.

Source: www.grreporter.info/

Bulgaria Turn To Russian Loan Sharks?

Bulgarian had been refuse a loan for building a nuclear plant from commercial banks and now they have turned to their old allies Russia for the finances. Are the Russians going to be loan sharks though? It seems that nuclear power is priority in Bulgaria and the funds are needed at all costs. Will this give Russia control over Bulgaria’s power sources again just like the gas crisis last winter? Perhaps Bulgaria is treading on thin ice here is the deal goes through.

Russia is going over details before granting Bulgaria a $5.4 billion loan to build a nuclear power plant at Belene on the Danube River, Sofia officials said.

Bogomil Manchev of the Bulgarian Risk Engineering consultant company said the loan Russia has already promised Bulgaria will be granted in six months at the earliest, the Bulgarian Sofia news agency SNA reported Monday.

The Russian Ministry of Finance is working out conditions for granting Bulgaria the loan, which in turn is to be accepted by the Bulgarian government, Manchev told the Bulgarian Pari daily newspaper.

Originally, Bulgaria was planning to begin construction of the two 1,000-megawatt reactors nuclear power plant at Belene early this year.

The global financial crisis has hampered Bulgarian efforts to obtain a loan from international commercial banks and the southeastern European nation instead turned to the Russian government for funding.

The $5.8 billion Belene plant will use two third-generation, light-water reactors to be built by the Russian company Atomstroyexport.

Ivan Atanasov, chairman of a working group coordinating the Belene project, said Bulgaria is now awaiting a Russian letter with conditions and the exact amount of the loan, SNA said.

Source: http://www.upi.com/
Image via Wikipedia

Bulgarian Drivers - The Worst In Europe?

Anyone who has driven in Bulgaria will know that these figures that are given in the report are not fabricated. Having driven for many years here now I consider myself to be lucky not to have been involved in a accident from other careless drivers. Too many near misses down to luck have played their part. Improving the roads is one thing; the main cause is to improve the driving habits of Bulgarians and that is a major difficulty.

Over 39 000 people have died in traffic accidents in the European Union in 2008, the Bulgarian news agency BTA has reported, down 8.5 per cent over the previous year.

The safest countries to drive in Europe are Sweden, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Switzerland – or less than 50 deaths per one million population, followed by Norway, Germany, Ireland, Finland, Spain, France, Denmark, Luxembourg and Italy.

Most other countries exceed the norm, with Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Poland and Lithuania reaching as high as 150 deaths per million people.

For the period 2001-2008, safety conditions in France, Luxembourg and Portugal have witnessed the most dramatic improvements, whereas in Romania and Bulgaria, they have actually deteriorated.

The European Union aims to slash road deaths in 2010 by a half in comparison to 2001 figures, but those figures appear to be too ambitious. In accordance to the current rate of decline, seven to eight more years would be necessary for this to be accomplished, although some countries like France, Belgium and Spain are indicating better improvement than others.

In 2001, a total of 54 400 people lost their lives, and since then, the annual average decrease has been about 4.4 per cent.

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

EU Migration Much Easier For Bulgarians With The Schengen Agreement

I remember queuing outside the Bulgarian Embassy for hours in freezing temperatures in London to get my visa. It is a procedure that is complicated, time consuming, expensive. Today this is at an end as all EU citizens should have the freedom to move about in other EU countries, but this is not the case here. Bulgaria and a few other EU members are dragging their feet with the transition of easy migration and stull have the 'old school' habits in place at border crossing. Bulgaria doesn’t seem to have changed anything in terms of 'stiff officialdom' and 'job's worth' staff that interigate when crossing EU borders. I've seen it here.

Waiting in long lines in front of an embassy in the freezing winter cold -- or in the scorching summer heat -- is a distant memory for Bulgarians. The Balkan country was placed on the so-called Schengen White List in 2001, allowing its citizens to travel visa-free to neighbouring Greece as well as 14 other western European countries.

Currently, Bulgarians only need a valid ID or passport to leave the country. Immigration officers cannot ask citizens to produce travel tickets, employment certificates, bank statements, proof of accommodation or other such documents.

Bulgaria's EU accession brought the country a step closer to the Schengen area, a group of countries whose external borders are carefully guarded, while the internal borders between the participating countries have been fully abolished.

All of the nations in the group have fully implemented the Schengen acquis -- the rules and provisions of the 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement -- which was integrated into the EU framework by the 1999 Amsterdam Treaty.

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania have not fully met the entry criteria.

Evaluations carried out, mainly by the European Commission (EC), must show that Bulgaria has met the entry conditions if the country wants to become a full Schengen member by March 2011.

In order to jump that hurdle, Bulgaria must set up common rules on external border controls at land, sea and air, as well as enhance police and judicial co-operation with the other member states. Another prerequisite is that the country must show that it is applying personal data protection and establish the Schengen Information System, a joint database established by member states.

Bulgaria also must introduce biometric passports. After several attempts to procure a company to produce the passports, the process stalled again in April.

Since joining the EU two years ago, Bulgaria has only used 1.4% of approximately 161m euros of EU assistance earmarked for the necessary preparations, the Sofia-based daily Dnevnik reported last February.

The Dnevnik article also quoted Jonathan Faull, head of the EC's Directorate General for Justice, Freedom and Security, as saying that there are numerous gaps in Bulgaria's preparations and that several challenges still need to be addressed.

Source: www.setimes.com/

Russian Roulette In Bulgaria

Were ever I go in Bulgaria I see casinos left, right and centre in every town, city and even large villages. There must be a demand for these, but from where is to me a mystery. What type of person goes to a casino? Well if they weren’t doing too well in business up until now with the poverty stricken Bulgarians, they will do now. Bulgaria is a main tourist attraction for Russian and even more so now with Russia banning casinos. There is now a market for gambling themed holidays in Bulgaria from Russian who can’t do without it. Whether this attracts the right type of Russian tourist remains doubtful. But then again The Bulgarian tourist industry has already attracted the worse kind of tourist on boozing holidays on the Black Sea Coast so not much will change I guess.

Bulgaria and especially its Black Sea coast cities and resorts are set to benefit from the ban of casinos in Russia as the country is expected to attract thousands of Russian gamblers.

This prediction is made in an article of onlinecasinoadvisory.com, which reminds that effective July 1, the Russian legislation is banning all casinos on the territory of the Federation.

The Russian authorities later plan to reopen casinos only in four gambling zones. According to an expert cited in the article, they might reverse their decision once they see large-scale gambling revenue leave the country.

The article points out that Bulgaria and Cyprus are the most likely hopefuls to attract a large number of Russian gamblers.

Source: www.novinite.com

Turkish Belly Dancers in Varna, Bulgaria

The Turkish influence is still very evident in Bulgaria 130 years after the Turkish Ottoman was ousted. This example of Turkish dance remains as the northern Black Sea Capital City of Varna brings on the belly dancers for entertainment. This young maiden certainly gives it all on her performance, somehow this is sexier than the topless raunchy pole dancers and certainly more respectfully.

Show girls belly dance in the shisha bar, Golden Sands Varna Bulgaria 2009

Bulgaria's First Electric Car Produced

Much as I hate cars, this is a step forward in Bulgarian car technology and a drop in the ocean towards a cleaner vehicle. That’s all it is I’m afraid. The marketing of other dirtier forms of car vehicles are too strong and the idea of electric cars on Bulgarian roads is far fetched right now. It may take a country to become polluted before drivers realise that there may be a cleaner alternative. Most polluted western European countries still haven’t realised this. Pity.

Belchev Motors Presents Bulgaria’s First Electromobile

Bulgaria’s first electricity-powered automobile of the XCAR type will be presented today in the town of Stara Zagora. The project has been developed by a five-member team of the Belchev Motors Company. All parts of the electromobile have been manufactured in Bulgaria. The one-seat XCAR is 210 cm long and weighs 400 kilos with the batteries, which need eight hours and 6.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity to charge. XCAR’s battery life is one hundred kilometers and the mileage cost is 0.01 lev per kilometer. The one-seat electromobile’s maximum speed is 45 km/h and it costs 9,900 levs.

Representatives of Belchev Motors say the two-seat model will be shown soon. They have already submitted application to the Ministry of Transport to license the prototype and launch mass production.

Source: http://paper.standartnews.com

Image: www.xcarbg.com

Now Norwich To Burgas By Plane

I didn’t even know Norwich had an airport. Well now the Norfolk folk can switch from the cold East Anglia coastal resort and enjoy Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast – no comparison. However, Norfolk folk and can still get fish and chips there, but Bulgarian style and at the fraction of the cost.

Norwich International Airport has added the town of Bourgas to its portfolio of European destinations, with flights due to start next summer, Norwich Evening News 24 reported.

Holidays to Bulgaria are now available for booking through tour operator Balkan Holidays, for an eight-week season starting from Monday, July 19, 2010 through to Monday September 6, 2010.

Flights from Norwich, on an Airbus 320, will depart at 8.30am and take three hours before arriving at Bourgas, which serves seven different resorts including Duni, Elenite, Nessebar, Pomorie, Sozopoi and Sunny Beach.

"Bulgaria offers a very affordable European holiday with everything the British holidaymaker looks for. The cost of living there is very low and shopping and dining in top restaurants in very inexpensive. A perfect solution for a low-cost family holiday abroad," said Elliott Summers, managing director of Norwich International Airport.

The article comments that Bulgaria is increasing in popularity and becoming one of Europe's most popular economical holiday destinations.

„Although part of the EU, it has yet to adopt the euro currency, but prides itself on the diversity it offers to holidaymakers, from spectacular mountains and sandy beaches to traditional picturesque villages and dynamic party areas."

News of the new flights is a boost for the airport, which last year suffered a blow when a number of routes from the city were axed or reduced.

Source: www.novinite.com

Bulgarian Teddy Bear Picnic

Well it’s no picnic yesterday for the Guinness Book of Records adjudicators counting the teddy bears of 600 zoos. It must have been a lovely site of grown Bulgarian men carrying teddy bears in Sofia today.

Men hold their teddy bears in Sofia's Zoo, Bulgaria 21 June 2009 as they take part in a contest for the Guiness Book of Records along with 600 other zoos to collect the greatest number of teddy bears.

Source: www.novinite.com

Ukrainian DJ's Clothes Stolen

It seems to me that this story about the Ukrainian DJ who is more attractive than Jimmy Saville is totally irrelevant. This DJ performs without the need for clothing so what’s the problem? It seems to me that this story is totally irrelevant. This DJ performs without the need for clothing so what’s the problem? Call me a sceptic, but I wouldn't put it past the thinking that this was a conspiracy to get more publicity and add more weight to her gimmick status as the DJ without clothing. If she wore an anorak and wellies, there wouldn’t be been a problem and she’d be just a popular I’m sure albeit not original.

While Ukrainian T-DJ Milana performed at club Мakalali in Plovdiv, her dressing room was broken into and part of her extravagant performance outfits were stolen, Bulgarian broadcaster Avtora.com said.

Despite the disappearance of the outfit, which had been made by Milana herself, she would finish her Bulgarian tour, Avtora.com said.

On June 17, Milana made an appearance on the late-night show of pop-folk singer Azis, where, according to Avtora.com, she shared that she did not need raunchy proposals because she has a serious boyfriend and that she makes sufficient to be financially independent.

Milana has two concerts left on her Bulgarian tour. On June 20 2009 she will perform at club Makalali in Varna and two days later at Pulse in Primorsko.

After her Bulgarian tour, Milana will tour Croatia and Macedonia.

Milana was scheduled to return to Bulgaria in late July, although where was not announced yet, Avtora.com said.

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

Wind Power In Bulgaria Disputed As A Major Energy Source

Bullshit! This world is doomed with profits from polluting energy over clean renewable sources of energy. If it is feasible that 100% of Bulgarians energy is wind power so be it and get your head out of the sand! This is so naïve from a so called intelligent figure in the echelons of power. Wind not a regular form of energy? How feeble, perhaps we should use the wind that comes from business minded politicans that's certainly guaranteed more regular!

The construction of wind energy parks in Bulgaria should be limited and should not exceed 20% of the country’s total electricity production capabilities.

This proposal was made Wednesday by Mardik Papazyan, CEO of the Bulgarian state-owned National Electric Company NEK, during an energy forum in St. Constantine and Elena resort on the Black Sea.

Papazyan said that meant the wind electricity production had to be limited to 1 500 MW, while at the present moment there were projects for the construction of wind power facilities with a total electricity production capacity of over 10 000 MW.

According to Papazyan, the construction of wind energy parks has to be stopped in order to protect the energy system of Bulgaria from collapsing especially since wind is not a regular and permanent energy source.

He added that the inclusion of all planned wind energy facilities into the NEK energy distribution system required investments of about EUR 350 M.

Papazyan also pointed out that the preferential lower prices which NEK was required to pay for green energy meant less money for the rehabilitation of the Bulgarian energy distribution network.

Source: www.wind-watch.org/news
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Baby Business Boom For Bulgarian Traders Stopped

Supply and demand, the Greeks are no better for buying these Bulgarian babies than the Bulgarians selling them. My opinion is that unwanted babies have a right to be fostered in homes where they are wanted. Bulgarian mothers of these babies who sell them are also on unstable moral ground. This amounts to a trilogy of traders that all gain benefit, but it is against the law. Why on earth can’t this system work under a procedure that legalises it but doesn’t get tangled up in complicated regulations that cause this illegal trade to take place in the first instance. There would be all winners if this happened.

Sofia police said they arrested three Bulgarians for allegedly selling 16 newborns to couples in Greece and Bulgaria in the past year.

The three suspects -- a lawyer, his female assistant and another woman -- were part of a ring selling infants to families who wanted to adopt children, the Athens News Agency said Thursday.

They are charged with organizing a group that was picking up pregnant Bulgarian women who were in dire financial straits, and paid the mothers from $2,000 to $3,500 per baby. The group then allegedly sold the babies to Greek couples for $42,000 to $56,000 per child. Baby boys were sold for more than girls, the Sofia News Agency said.

The Greek men claimed paternity through a legal procedure at Bulgarian hospitals where the babies were born, ANA reported.

The procedure was completed when Bulgarian authorities issued birth certificates and passports for the babies, allowing Greek couples to take the infants home.

In the past year, the group allegedly sold 13 babies to Greek couples and three babies to Bulgarian families.

Source: www.upi.com
Image via Wikipedia

Nestle Has Made A Killing In Bulgaria

Nestle have made a killing in Bulgaria, literally! I see with my own eye the monopoly on advertising on TV, radio, public posters in streets and supermarket. Products that are put in prime position above all other product to sweep the poor Bulgarians off their feet. Targeting the young with fashion conscious and trendy themes is their game. The products are full of chemicals and additives and in most case twice the price of local products, which are just as good if not better. Bullyboy advertising and marketing tactics are paying dividends for Nestle in Bulgaria. I wonder how long will it take for Bulgarian consumers to realise that they are seriously being screwed.

Nestle Bulgaria has reported a 22.1 million leva growth in profit or the equivalent of 89 per cent, with revenue having risen by 30 per cent up to 267 million leva, a company statement has revealed.

The assets of the chocolate company amounted to 144.9 million leva towards the end of 2008, as opposed to the corresponding period for 2007, when they stood at 108.4 million leva. Short term obligations for 2008 had also increased by 25.6 million leva up to 101.9 million, the report says.

Around 45 per cent of the company's revenue for 2008 springs from sales to 10 major clients – these clients accounted for 43 per cent of the sales last year, whereas 31 per cent of the 2008 revenue was generated from exports, 26 per cent in 2007, Investor.bg has reported.

The company has also reported an increase of staff; 1595 people were permanently employed in 2008, as opposed to 1412 in 2007.

Finally, the report says that in light of the "substantial increase of demand, the firm had boosted its production output in order to cope. It envisages expansion of its distribution centre in the future as well".

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

Bulgarian Orthodox Church Has A New Website

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is moving along with the times and has opened a new website today. It is only in Bulgarian presently but only a matter for time before the English translation option becomes available. No doubt there will be a good number of online Orthodox members moving in online circles to keep up to date with the religious movement, not a bad thing at all.

The Patriarchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church officially presented its new website on June 19 2009, Bulgarian news agency BTA said.

The presentation of the new website, available at www.bg-partiarshia.bg, was attended by Patriarch Maxim, Bishop of the Holy Synod, many clergymen and academics.

Director of the new site is the Sliven metropolit Yoanikiy.

In his speech, Patriarch Maxim said that the site was a natural continuation of the church's missionary, spiritual, educational and cultural activities.

Currently, the site is available in Bulgarian only.

Source: http://www.sofiaecho.com

British Abassador Encourages Gay Promotion in Bulgaria

I fully agree with the Bulgarians on this one. Mind your own business Williams and don’t try and get brownie points for trying to politically correct in a country that still has resistance to “Gay promotion”.

Steve Williams, the ambassador to Bulgaria, sent a message of support for a Rainbow Friendship Rally in Sofia this coming Sunday. The same event last year in the Bulgarian capital ended in a bloody riot as marchers clashed with nationalists and riot police.

"Celebrating diversity is not about promoting a lifestyle," he wrote. "It is about promoting respect for fundamental human rights. It is about the very essence of our European democratic values."

A far-Right political leader condemned the embassy's interference in a controversial domestic issue and issued a personal attack on Mr Williams, who is married with three children.

"He should mind his own business and his country's business," said Bojan Rasate, the leader of the Guardia Bulgarian National Alliance.

"He has no right to tell Bulgarians how to live in Bulgaria. Europe has been ruled by homosexuals for a long time. We do not care how they live, but we do not want them to impose their pervert values on us."

Ric Todd, the British ambassador to Poland, stirred similar criticism last week after publicly backing a rally in. The country's civil rights ombudsman warned the ambassador that he had "exceeded his authority".

A Foreign Office spokesman said the government regarded the messages as a key plank of its human rights policies.

"We have had the policy for some time," she said. "What's new is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender [LGBT] Toolkit, which has raised the profile of such activities a bit."

In the wake of the Polish row, rights groups put pressure on David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, to maintain the approach.

"We cannot be complacent about LGBT rights in Europe and elsewhere in the world," said Kate Allen, Amnesty's UK director. 'This year we have seen attempts to ban Baltic Pride in Riga, the banning of Slavic Pride and violence when that march went ahead, and the banning of LGBT people holding public events as part of a 'Rainbow Spring 2009' in Ukraine."

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Ukrainian DJ More Attractive Than Jimmy Saville

I just want to know what the point is? Call me old fashioned, but Disc Jockey are there to play the music not show off their assets. Tell me if I’m wrong, but DJs are also usually hidden in the dark behind a computer screen programming the order of music to be played. No doubt she’ll be popular and the centre of attraction I bet she’s not much of a DJ though. Technically a gimmick! Better than Jimmy Saville though. (Now I'm showing my age!)

Whether it is for her visuals or her choice of music, 19-year-old Ukrainian topless DJ (T-DJ) Milana has become one the most sought after female DJs in the Ukraine and Russia. Or at least this is what Relaxator’s Dance Company, organisers of her Bulgarian tour due to start this week, say.

Known for her "unique performances, combining topless mixing with great dance performances and attractive visuals," according to a Relaxator media statement, Milana will be touring Bulgaria for two weeks.

Especially for her Bulgarian audience, Milana was to present completely new sets, combining House, Progressive House, Retro House and Electro House, the media statement said.

The Bulgarian tour of T-DJ Milana will take her to Nessebar's Club 66 on June 18, club Ultra in Kurdjali, club Makalali in Varna on June 20 and Pulse in Primorsko on June 22.

The night before her tour kicks off, T-DJ Milana will be a special guest on the late-night show of pop-folk singer Azis, where she has promised to "reveal intimate details of her personal life and show some of her remarkable abilities as a topless DJ," avtora.com said.