g+

Friday 29 July 2011

Facebook Group about Bulgarian Life in English

http://www.facebook.com/groups/179683858757319/

Here is a link to a really nice Bulgarian discussion group of expats, friendly and good people I think

BBC News - The amazing life of Romanian artist who lived on a dump

BBC News - The amazing life of Romanian artist who lived on a dump

Fascinating story

Scaramouche



I love this film, best sword fight ever and brilliant score.Stewart Granger great as usual.

Bucharest to Ruse


Depends what time you arrive in Bucharest.?I do this journey about 3 times a year,so from Otopeni or Baneasa you get the 783 airport bus,which will take you down the main road to its final stop on Unirii square.When you get off the final stop,on your right you will see an Irish pub.Walk past this to the corner of the building and youll see the "Hotel Horoscope"(check "street view"on the google map and youll see it).About 20 metres from here is a parking area,where you can share a taxi down to Ruse,It will cost about 15 euros and takes 1 hour maximum.Its not very well signposted so youll have to look for a taxi,taking in tourists with suitcases etc.(between 10.00am and 10.30 am or 14.00pm and 14.30 pm)- 2 a day. 
This is one of the weakest forms of Transsport in Bucharest,because there is not many public buses between the 2 cities(something the council are hoping to change).You could do the train journey,but it takes twice as long and costs just as much.The taxi,however,takes you to the train/bus station at Ruse,so from there,cross the road and go in and buy a bus ticket for VT.
Just got this from another website, just for info for readers.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Lukoil's refinery in Bulgaria shut down on tax grounds - Business - The Sofia Echo

Lukoil's refinery in Bulgaria shut down on tax grounds - Business - The Sofia Echo

Refining as I suspected, it will be resolved too much is at stake.

Express uses distorted statistics to smear disabled benefit claimants | Political Scrapbook

Express uses distorted statistics to smear disabled benefit claimants | Political Scrapbook.

Typical Express crap.Disabled Benefit applicants often have to appeal at least three times before they are granted it.The system is designed to deter people from claiming.There are many people entitled to this benefit who simply don't claim it.

Armageddon - The Final Countdown


Well Debtmageddon probably won't be quite this bad !, hopefully, fingers crossed.

Bric a Brac

Well viewers, I was mulling over telling you about the 96 year old Australian woman attacked by an 8 foot tall kangaroo, or the apparent demise (at the moment) of Lukoil in Bulgaria, or Piers Morgan (aka Moron) and the hacking scandal or the long distance cougar (the big cat variety) who managed to get from the Black Hills of Dakota to Connecticut.

However I think I will just leave you with a summary as I am hot and bothered currently, and yesterday I was posting most of the day.I don't think I will get my Pullitzer Prize by just being a small time Reuters ! tee hee !.

In the meantime, the countdown to Debtmageddon has begun, so that by 3rd August we should see capitalism go into free-fall when the US cannot pay its bills.



Tuesday 26 July 2011

abritinbulgaria blogspot/ aka Uncle Bulgaria Blog stats


Just checking previous posts and I noticed my 7th February Blog Update.

In it I talked of my feeling satisfied that we had achieved 1000 page views in January.Well today I am feeling super-satisfied, as we achieved nearly 2000 views in June and, so far this month, we are heading to 2500 page views. On top of that we are averaging over 20 new visitors per day.Pretty good methinks !.All time total, as at now, is 14053 pageviews.

The Blog was founded (by yours truly) in May 2009 as a hobby mainly, but I have learnt a lot about using the internet from it and really enjoying myself writing and designing/running it.

On a lighter note, it appears that a small minority of you appear to be searching for topics involving the keywords 'Bulgaria' and 'Hooker'. Sorry to disappoint you but this is a news,current affairs,information and humour site, so if you are looking for a prostitute I suggest something like bghookers.bg (it doesn't exist I just made it up !).

Keep reading viewers, as I always say if you have any questions about Bulgaria you feel I could help with please don't hesitate.

Russians 'stopping organising children's holidays at Bulgarian Black Sea coast' - report - Tourism - The Sofia Echo

Russians 'stopping organising children's holidays at Bulgarian Black Sea coast' - report - Tourism - The Sofia Echo

Another example of the Tourism industry shooting itself in the foot.As the article says Kranevo has a lot of children's tour parties, I have not read of any food poisoning there so it would be sad if they lost out as a result of others greed and laxity.

Hovis 'Bike' advert 1973 (Britain's favourite TV ad)


This has just been voted the best UK advert of all time.

Bulgaria: 15 Reckless Holidaymakers Saved from Drowning in One Day at Bulgarian Black Sea Resort - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency

Bulgaria: 15 Reckless Holidaymakers Saved from Drowning in One Day at Bulgarian Black Sea Resort - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency

Builder in Bulgaria

Just a short note regarding my business.As well as my estate agent hat, we also do building work including new build renovations,pools and garages.If you need anything done e mail me on info@gobg.co.uk or skype me on darrin2433.For a look at my website just click the post heading. My phone number is 00359 (0)899 968842.

Glenn Beck likens Norwegian dead to Hitler youth | Media | The Guardian

Glenn Beck likens Norwegian dead to Hitler youth | Media | The Guardian

This man is quite clearly demented.

Monday 25 July 2011

Ways to follow this Blog

In order to assist readers there are now a variety of ways to receive news from this blog.You can become a follower of the blog by joining it by clicking the right hand column.If you want to receive a daily bulletin e mailed direct to your Inbox of all the latests posts, then simply fill in your e mail address in the box at the top of the page and press 'SUBMIT'.

For a regular property related bulletin fill in the 'Subscribe' box in the bottom left hand column and you will be e mailed regular offers and commentaries on the Bulgarian market.

Italy's jailed mobsters 'humiliated' by clampdown on designer clothing | World news | The Guardian

Italy's jailed mobsters 'humiliated' by clampdown on designer clothing | World news | The Guardian

No more 'Dapper Dons' then ?. Seriously though I thought this went out with 'Goodfellas'.Shocking that it still goes on.

British teenager, Pole die after falling off balconies at Bulgarian resorts - Bulgaria - The Sofia Echo

British teenager, Pole die after falling off balconies at Bulgarian resorts - Bulgaria - The Sofia Echo

Vatican recalls Irish ambassador over child sex abuse row | World news | guardian.co.uk


Vatican recalls Irish ambassador over child sex abuse row | World news | guardian.co.uk

Conclusive proof, if needed, that the world is turning on its head !.First Murdoch is brought to book, now the Irish Prime Minister attacks the Catholic Church for covering up and obstructing child abuse cases involving clergy.Sometimes I think god must be sorting out the bad guys.

"Stupidity, Narrowness and Cruelty": The Murdoch Trademarks | James Wolcott's Blog | Vanity Fair


"Stupidity, Narrowness and Cruelty": The Murdoch Trademarks | James Wolcott's Blog | Vanity Fair

After some comedy clips to lighten up Sunday, back to more meaty stuff with an interesting opinion piece from the Tory journalist Charles Moore. Again about Murdoch, but apart from the hideous events in Norway and the Debt ceiling crisis in the US there are few other real news stories.

On the debt ceiling crisis it is worthwhile noting that the Republican Party appears to have been taken over by the political equivalent of the Taliban, who would rather cut welfare payments to the old,sick or poor than deprive their rich buddies of the cash for the spare corporate jet !
They may call rich people 'job creators' I call them rich bastards who can afford to pay a lot more. Due to the Reagan/ Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, the American state now has less tax revenue than under Eisenhower !.

Watch this situation carefully, if no compromise is reach the world will enter the feared double digit recession.


181 parties registered for the elections until Dobrich - Dobrich News | Classifieds Dobrich | Dobrich Companies

181 parties registered for the elections until Dobrich - Dobrich News | Classifieds Dobrich | Dobrich Companies

Sunday 24 July 2011

Albania, the new 'In-Place' for house buying ?

I really am incredulous when I read articles like the one in today's Sunday Telegraph about the latest places to buy a second home in.

Apparently Albania is the new place to be for the under 100k GBP buyer.Bearing in mind that Albania is the most backward country in Europe where hardly anyone can speak English, this is a bit hard to swallow !.

The article quotes three property developments all away from Tirana and the only international airport and at least one of them appears to be off-plan.

A cursory look at the Bulgarian property market offers you property as cheap if not cheaper than the lovely undeveloped place called Albania, and with better transport links.

I find it a feature of property journalism that they are always  looking for the next 'big thing'.Certainly in Europe they have actually run out of new 'big things' to tip the readers (unless you include Byalorussia or Crimea).

The common sense approach is to revisit places that were 'big things' but where prices have now fallen substantially.

Monty Python - Spam

Monty Python - Four Yorkshiremen

Mr Creosote (Monty Python)


A classic !.

Time Flies By...


Half Man Half Biscuits take on Trumpton etc.Brought back memories if you are British and over 35ish, well certainly did for me !.

Uncle Bulgaria Milestone


Readers, I am very pleased with myself this overcast Sunday morning.
Why you may ask ?.Because we have passed the 1000 US readers mark, which means, for the first time, we are in four figures for a national group.Pretty soon we will also pass 1000 UK readers which will be personally pleasing for me as I am British. There were also 30 brand new visitors to the site yesterday.

I was a bit curious as to why I was getting this many hits from the US but, with over 300 million in the population and with virtually everybody having internet access and speaking a sort of English !, I suppose its not that surprising.

If anyone wants to advertise on my site then small or large banners can be accepted fitted at the side or bottom of the site.

Finally a big thank-you to readers.If any of you out there fancy yourselves as citizen journalists, and are living in Bulgaria, please contact me if you want to become a contributor for your area's 'breaking news'.

Saturday 23 July 2011

Amy Winehouse dies aged 27 | Music | guardian.co.uk

Amy Winehouse dies aged 27 | Music | guardian.co.uk

tragic waste of talent.........

Gloria-Sezoni (chalga;manele)




BBC News - Norway attacks - latest

BBC News - Norway attacks - latest

At the moment live coverage from the BBC News Channel.

BBC News - Norway's far right not a spent force

BBC News - Norway's far right not a spent force

Forklift accident destroys $1m of fine wine | World news | The Guardian


Forklift accident destroys $1m of fine wine | World news | The Guardian

At least it was insured but, at 112 pounds a bottle, its sad for us wine lovers just the idea tastes delicious !.

Debt ceiling talks between Obama and Republicans collapse | World news | guardian.co.uk


Debt ceiling talks between Obama and Republicans collapse | World news | guardian.co.uk

People just do not realise that what seems a domestic problem could have a devastating effect on the whole world as the US is the largest economy, and the markets will go into freefall.

Norway attack: at least 80 die in Utøya shooting, seven in Oslo bombing | World news | guardian.co.uk


Norway attack: at least 80 die in Utøya shooting, seven in Oslo bombing | World news | guardian.co.uk

Truly horrific. Looks like a lone Norweigian did it, no terrorist connection at all.

Thursday 21 July 2011

Fox anchor forgets about 9/11


Conclusive proof that these American right-wingers are morons.

Putin's Army


These women want to strip for Putin !.

Let Belgium's Walloons join France, Front National leader suggests | World news | The Guardian

Let Belgium's Walloons join France, Front National leader suggests | World news | The Guardian

This is a grim possibility, sorry Francoise.

Great New Offer in the golf course centre Topola

Superb land offer 1800 m2 of land with planning permission for three houses.All at just 20 Euros per square metre, 36000 Euros in all.Three golf courses are within 5 minutes drive.Topola village is fast becoming the centre of Bulgarian golf. Varna airport is 50 minutes away. Contact me on info@gobg.co.uk for further information.

Update : We also have two parcels of land 1121 m2 and 1425 m2 in size, 100 metres from the sea in the village of Tulenovo near Kavarna, for just 15 Euros per square metre.All in regulation. 















Leopard attacks villagers in India – in pictures | World news | guardian.co.uk

Leopard attacks villagers in India – in pictures | World news | guardian.co.uk

Monday 18 July 2011

BBC News - Missile warheads stolen from Romanian train

BBC News - Missile warheads stolen from Romanian train

This sounds like more crap than they are giving credit for.

Update on this: There were 10 police guards on the train, all of whom were in the front carriage watching TV.The driver apparently made an unauthorised stop to flog 70 litres of fuel he had stolen. The police are now questioning him to see if he was part of a conspiracy ???. Excuse me but it seems a bit obvious !. If it was me I would question the ten cops too. 

Met Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson Resignation Statement



It gets worse and worse.Stephenson has gone, Yates is, as I write, facing a professional standards committee.The Prime Minister is in a similar position with Coulson as the Commissioner was with Wallis.
Rebekah Brooks gets arrested by appointment, on a Sunday, which effectively sabotages the CMS Committee appearance tomorrow, almost as if the Police don't want her to testify.

Now we get Gordon Brown playing the martyr over the release of his baby sons medical condition, and then it transpires that the Sun did not hack into medical records it was released by a patients relative at the hospital, so giving NI it's one and only chance to play the aggrieved party.

You couldn't invent it, it is so bizarre !.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Varna Airport reminder

It has now been confirmed that Varna airport will close on 12th October until the end of February, for runway refurbishment.If you have flights booked after this date check with your airline/tour operator as you will be flying from/to Burgas.Often operators do not inform passengers until they arrive at the airport.Shuttle buses will operate from Varna airport to Burgas in this period.

Website for viewing English language programmes

For those ex-pats who don't already know, I attach a link embedded in the post heading for veetle .com.This website is composed of channels created by it's users; which can be movies, sport or tv things they like.It is a real help to be able to use this site, and certainly far better than Bulsat tv or other satellite packages.Try it and tell me what you think.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Saturday Morning

Debating what to do today whilst drinking a cup of black tea...A friend of mine arrived in Albena last night, so he will probably surface in the village at lunchtime.I made the mistake of mentioning the races so will probably get dragged there this afternoon.
It's a truism that the closer you live to something the less often you go there, and my attendance at the beach has been precisely zero this year and I  can't see that changing radically.
It's still very hot here it says 32c for today, or 92f in old money, not recommended to spend too long in the sun.Still my house is pretty cool even in the hottest of weathers.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

KAVARNA ROCK FEST 2011 - Concert Schedule | Kavarna Rock Fest

KAVARNA ROCK FEST 2011 - Concert Schedule | Kavarna Rock Fest

Romanian robbed on the beach in Albena, Dobrich - Dobrich News | Classifieds Dobrich | Dobrich Companies

Romanian gathered on the beach in Albena, Dobrich - Dobrich News | Classifieds Dobrich | Dobrich Companies

The Perils of All-Inclusive !

AGRICULTURE MINISTER TARGETS ROTTEN FOOD IN BULGARIAN BLACK SEA HOTELS

Over 300 hotels in Bulgarian Black Sea resorts have been fined over poor quality food offered as part of all-inclusive holiday deals, Agriculture Minister Miroslav Naydenov announced Tuesday.
"They have failed to meet the requirements and have committed food quality violations. Full board per day at the cost of BGN 3-5 automatically rules out normal food. The products are of uncertified origin, with expired sell-by dates and have been stored at inappropriate temperature regimes. Much as Bulgaria would like to get rid of the image of a cheap tourist destination, this is impossible at such prices of full board", Naydenov commented in an interview for private TV channel bTV.
Commenting on accusations of Finance Minister and Deputy Minister Simeon Djankov that he "should work more and talk less", Naydenov said that ministers were to be graded by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who given him a very high mark in an interview for the same TV channel three weeks ago.
Later in the day, Naydenov gave a press conference during which he presented the results of an independent survey carried out at the request of the Active Consumers Association of the quality of yoghurt and other dairy products.
"Bulgarians really eat dairy products of high quality, including yoghurt, cheese, etc, which is very delightful", the Minister stated.
Naydenov boasted that the totally independent survey had confirmed the daily findings of Bulgaria's Food Safety Agency.
"As regards dairy products, things have changed dramatically since the introduction of the state standards, taking a turn for the better. The tests show that two years of work are yielding results." Naydenov declared.
According to the Active Consumers Association, the quality of dairy products is in line with Bulgarian state standards, with insignificant and very rare divergences from the norms.
The association has tested 19 brands of cheese, with independent laboratories confirming that the quality of cheese products has been improving over the past three years against a rising cost.
Out of a total of 16 brands of Bulgarian yoghurt tested, 6 have been found to meet Bulgarian state standards, and all of the samples have been proved to contain Lactobacillus Bulgaricu

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Cashpoints Beware....Exclusive !!!!

Not for the first time I have been made aware of dodgy cashpoints in and around Albena resort.To be fair it could be dodgy electronics, but it sounds more like fraud to me.

Basically people are using cashpoints, independent of banks, just on their own on the street. They are typing to take out money but no money (or receipt)  ever comes, but when they get home their account has been debited.

This is criminal, and the banking system needs to address it.In the meantime stick to proper cashpoints inside/outside proper banks.

Changes to Blog

I have made some design changes to the blog mainly changing the text colour to blue.Tell me if you like/don't like it. Secondly I have added a box near the blog title where you can submit your e mail address and receive regular bulletins.I may be experimenting with the background colour (currently white) so if you see some weird stuff that is why.

Monday 11 July 2011

Thanks

Dear Readers..or 'Viewers' as the late great Benny Hill used to say...,

We pass more landmarks: 900 individual UK viewers and approaching 1000 US, over 500 BG too !.Keep coming back and please contribute your two-penneth !.

News in brief

Two brief pieces of news; a 20 year old Russian girl has drowned in Golden Sands, reportedly she got into difficulties whilst underwater swimming.

A taxi driver has been arrested in Sunny Beach for robbing tourists and fiddling the meter.It appears he robbed Israelis and Dutch people from the valuables found in the car, which included jewellery and camcorders.

Thursday 7 July 2011

BBC News - News of the World to close amid hacking scandal

BBC News - News of the World to close amid hacking scandal

that is amazing, news international are bastards, thank god that the nice guys win for once !

Balchik Airport... to be or not to be ?

The Sofia Echo reports today that the Bulgarian cabinet has rushed through the transfer of the old military airport at Balchik to the transport ministry as a first step towards commercial flights.

I say first step, but it may well be the last step because the examples of the airports at Ruse and Gorna, near VT, do not bode at all well. Both concession tenders produced precisely zilch interest.I applaud the supposed desire to open up the North Black sea coast, but an ex military airport will need significant investment and possibly even a longer runway. Varna airport suffers from high airport taxes, but Constanta is close by and under used.

The final point to make is how could an operator actually make any money from this ?.Major operators have already pulled out of Varna, so who exactly is going to fly into Balchik ?.

Wednesday 6 July 2011

A message from the Editor

Hi all readers,

First of all thank you for your continued patronage of this blog, it is very much appreciated.However we need to develop the site and we are looking for more people to become followers, which means they get notified of new posts.Further we would appreciate correspondents from areas not covered by this blog, and different opinion pieces (though from this sites liberal/left perspective). E mail me to chat or comment on this post ,e mail me at info@gobg.co.uk