On and off

It has happened twice this evening and for the third time for the last 24 hours (at least these are the times I was asleep and could count) - the electricity has been cut off. For 5 minutes or less only, but enough to turn my computer off and all my data to get lost. The last 2 days were pretty cold, the maximum temperature in Sofia is not more than 6-7 C, and I don't want to think abouit the minimum... Since the beginning of the "central heating season" power demand is increasing - due to the fact that many people don't want to pay to the cantral heating company "Toplofikatsia" because they overcharge A LOT. So the electricity supply is so needed...
The problem is that we become more and more dependent on the suppliers of fuel for the power stations. One of the biggest thermo-electric power plants lacks coal because Ukraine doesn't let Russian coal to pass through its borders and doesn't export its own neither. So it is possible that in late December, when the station is much needed and its electricity used - there would be no supply of coal, thus no electricity...
The bigger problem is that 3th and 4th block of the nuclear power plant are to be closed after January 1st 2007. Nuclear energy has almost 50% contribution to the overall production. When these blocks shut down, the consequence will be that Bulgaria probably won't export electricity anymore, and the market niche will be occupied by other supplier. Of course, the official reason for shutting down the two blocks is that this is a requirement Bulgaria should fulfill in order to be compliant with the EU policies. The nuclear reactors are Soviet-made - from the same type as the one at Chernobyl. Among the average Western European the name of the reactor causes trembling, and among the average Western European businessman in the sector the name is associated by the word: "competition". What is a more convenient apology to shut down a reactor than that: it might be dangerous because it's from the same type as the one at Chernobyl. Everyone knows that machines usually are correct, only human mistakes prevent them from operating normally.
Our politicians could have done something to oppose, rather than accepting the conditions. It's quite obvious that behind the excuses about EU requirements more serious reasons are standing.
Nuclear energy is one of those who still have future on this earth. Thermonuclear synthesis - even more. If we build the second nuclear power plant, we would be more independent - well - relatively at least. Everyone knows that Russia through its own company Gasprom is monopolizing the sector in some countries, and in others - the supply. But at least this energy is of the types which still have future. Though it's much more risky than other methods, there are people who make sure that accidents don't happen. So if we want to be independent about production, we should not give up this technology at all.

Story of/about the day

Small snowflakes as if appearing frowm nowhere fall on the ground and immediately get lest between the grass and/or mud. Sleepy people wait at the bust stop, stamping one foot, then the other on the ground. A big truck and a bus No. 72 "stare" at each other and the truck finally surrenders and draws back. The streets are still empty, traffic jams: only 30 minutes to go. Silence has spread acrosss the corridor when I enter the building. The open window at the flight of stairs is opened and fresh, but chilly air is entering inside. The key cannot open the door - as if the door has forgotten that this key is made to fit in its locker. The bells of the church start ringing as if from somewhere very far away, as if from the past - but the new day has begun. Heavy snow begins falling in the afternoon. This time te view from the window is limited because of the huge snowflakes. Silently, the day passes by and makes space for the darkness. The boulevard is full of people, not only cars with people inside, but people standing in its middle with eyes staring at te distance. But the desired bus won't come that time again. Te city is suffocating under the traffic created by cars passing to and fro: some won't catch cold this evening. There's only space for the snowflakes between the cars. Dust turns into mud, but people cross the "meant-to-be-grass-covered" areas boldly. Luggage is heavy, but some people show immense strength in order to climb the few stairs to the top. Snow continues to fall, imposing the reflection of past late-December times. The bus is on time, as usual - expected to be at least 10 minutes late. Speed gives the best chance of preventing feet from freezing. It's time for umbrella strength test. Passed. The driver feels cold too, and he probably thinks that the bus feels cold as well, thus the bus shouldn't stop at the bus stops. Lucky, lucky, lucky: this driver seems to feel sympathetic for people with almost frozen feet and snow-covered umbrellas. The snow continues falling.