This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page DN AGRAR Group (BVB: DN),Romania’s largest integrated livestock farm and leading producer of cow milk closed the year 2024 with a preliminary consolidated turnover of RON 176 million Net profit advanced by 40% to RON 32 million reflecting strong operational performance and strategic growth initiatives DN AGRAR delivered approximately 63 million liters of milk in 2024 achieving over 14% increase in milk deliveries the company optimized operations through technological advancements in crop management leading to a 4.4% reduction in production costs Key elements of profit and loss account and the balance sheet in 2024 compared to 2023: Long-term liabilities were RON 110 million, advancing by 15% mainly due to the significant investments undertaken throughout the year for the construction of the DN AGRAR Straja farm. We use cookies for keeping our website reliable and secure providing social media features and to analyse how our website is used We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Learn more. Please sign in with your Snow-Forecast account details below Create a free account to receive instant Snow-Alerts and save your favourite resorts on your personal MySnow page Straja Weather (Next 3 days): The snow forecast for Straja is: Heavy rain (total 25.0mm) Straja Weather (Days 4-6): Light rain (total 7.0mm) Freeze-thaw conditions (max 8°C on Fri afternoon fresh winds from the NNW by Sun afternoon) Several North American ski areas that are still open plan to celebrate the unofficial Star Wars Day tomorrow The above table gives the weather forecast for Straja at the specific elevation of 1429 m. Our sophisticated weather models allow us to provide snow forecasts for the top, middle and bottom ski stations of Straja. To access the weather forecasts for the other elevations, use the tab navigation above the table. For a wider view of the weather, check out the Weather Map of Romania Click here to read further information on freezing levels and how we forecast our temperatures Overall 4.0 Based on 10 votes and 6 reviews This is a horrible place where a bear is cruelly tortured the owner of the resort will not release him to a sanctuary Do not visit this place until Baloo is freed Shame on the horrible man who owns this place Overall: 4.0 Based on 10 votes and 6 reviews Read 5 more reviews of Straja or submit your own View detailed snow forecast for Straja at:snow-forecast.com Nijazi Straja was the next guest on the Jeta show on KTV he confesses that he visited Kosovo for the first time after 32 years while he talks about the love he has for the homeland he confesses to the cameras his four-year imprisonment and his union with his wife after nine years Straja is coming to Kosovo to promote his book "Circles of Hell" This site is controlled and managed by KOHA are protected by KOHA's copyright and KOHA retains the reserved rights for them Materials on this site may not be used for commercial purposes without the prior permission of KOHA is prohibited The use of materials from any website or other medium without the permission of the KOHA Group on behalf of all the units that make it up (Koha Ditore is a violation of copyright and of intellectual property according to the legal provisions in force All violators of these rights will face the law The translation of contents into other languages ​​is done automatically and there may be errors Annex of the former Radio Prishtina (first floor) George Bush pn The Industry's Leading Publication for Wineries and Growers 2024) – Cuvaison is excited to announce the unveiling of two open-air boathouse pavilions at its beautiful estate in Napa Valley's famed Los Carneros appellation Designed by renowned wine country architect Douglas Thornley who is a principal at Goring & Straja Studio the opening of the boathouses marks the completion of an ambitious two-phase project that included an expanded Tasting Salon featuring a 2,500-square-foot Vineyard Patio overlooking Cuvaison's scenic pond Cantilevered above the pond near the winery's entrance and extending out over the water the new boathouses immerse visitors in the serene and secluded setting of the winery's sustainably certified estate Offering expansive views of Cuvaison's lower vineyard and the thriving natural environment of the pond the boathouses are now available by reservation to club members and guests for small private wine tasting events and elevated al fresco paired culinary tasting experiences Located at 1221 Duhig Rd in Los Carneros and situated one hour from San Francisco and just 10 minutes from downtown Napa Cuvaison's bucolic estate property is home to the Cuvaison Winery and Tasting Salon While the Tai Vineyard includes 125 acres of vines the remaining 275 acres have been preserved in their natural state making it one of the most picturesque destinations in all of wine country "We have been fortunate to be the stewards of this spectacular property for 45 years," said Cuvaison President and CEO Daniel Zepponi "In addition to being the source for our acclaimed cool-climate wines it's full of magical spots and secluded little nooks that make it unlike anywhere else Our goal with the boathouses is to highlight the natural beauty of our sustainably managed estate while creating waterside venues that are as lovely and memorable as our wines." the opportunity to work with Architect Douglas Thornley to create an idyllic setting for tastings on the banks of the pond was a long-held dream "Because waterside tasting venues are so rare in wine country we really wanted to open the pond to our guests While there are no actual boats at our boathouses they are designed to bring that feeling of walking down a dock to a boat slip and that sense of leaving worries and stress behind as you reach the water the natural flora and fauna of our pond and its numerous species of marine birds offer a microcosm of the cool-climate marine-influenced terroir that makes our vineyard so ideal for Chardonnay To support the events and tasting experiences being offered at the new venues the boathouses also include an outdoor service area additional restrooms and expanded wheelchair-accessible ramps and parking In addition to being available for small to mid-size private tasting events the boathouses may be reserved for the Boathouse Tasting Experience immersive experience begins with a walking tour through the vineyard and cellar followed by an intimate seated tasting in the boathouses where guests can enjoy views of the pond and lower vineyard the Boathouse Tasting features four estate-grown red and white wines including offerings from Cuvaison's acclaimed sister winery on Mount Veeder "Back in 2018 and 2019 as we were approaching our 50th anniversary and planning major enhancements to our estate Dan and I conceptualized the boathouses as a way to create an even deeper connection between our guests and the beauty of our property Bringing that vision to life has been incredibly exciting," said Jaki Palacios Cuvaison's vice president of marketing & trade development "With new resorts opening and a renewed appreciation for the elegance and beauty of true cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this is an extremely exciting time for both Los Carneros and for Cuvaison we have created a tasting venue that is unlike anywhere else While we are only an hour away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco in the tranquil setting of the boathouses it feels like a hundred miles away." Cuvaison's new boathouses are open for by-appointment tastings daily at 10:30 a.m at a cost of $150 per person for parties of up to six www.cuvaison.com/los-carneros-wine-tasting/boathouse-tasting-experience The financing of the project and related conditions are subject to the approval of the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting scheduled for March 12 Jan Gijsbertus de Boer, Chairman of the Board, CEO, DN AGRAR Group: “Our strategy is to support an integrated agriculture We have strengthened the group in recent years through new acquisitions and in 2023 we launched the Straja farm project aiming to expand production capacity by 5,000 cattle allowing for a doubling of turnover by the end of 2027 we are already raising young cattle at the DN AGRAR Prodlact farm We aim to operationalize the farm starting from the third quarter A period of gradual production capacity growth follows with the maximum to be reached at the end of 2027 We continue to streamline the Group’s activities through digitization and modernization aiming to maintain attractive growth rates for the company and to strengthen the partnerships with new investors attracted in recent years through the Bucharest Stock Exchange.” The farm will cover an area of 10 hectares with an estimated milk production of approximately 100.000 liters per day by the end of 2027 Get quality reporting directly into your inbox Laura Codruţa Kovesi, chief of the DNA, told Digi24 on June 9 “Forty-two percent of the cases investigated by the DNA include offenses of abuse of office and the damage amounts to € 620 million (US$ 696 million) in just the files handled last year.” and those who lose are the citizens,” said Kovesi “We want the state to want to investigate high-level corruption cases According to a June 8 DNA news release 569 people were penalized for committing abuse of office between 2013 and May 15 Meanwhile, the National Union of Judges of Romania (UNJR) asked Kovesi in a statement Monday “to cease pressures on the Constitutional Court before the ruling on the constitutionality of abuse of office.” “The use of popular pressure on the Constitutional Court is out of the democratic framework.” Kovesi has said that most corruption in the country’s health system involves bribes, which can be prosecuted as abuse of office, according to Digi24 “Bribes in the health system are higher than in other fields and sometimes [amount to] up to 20 percent of the contracts,” she said Last week, two hospital managers in Bucharest -- Dan Nicolae Straja, manager of the Bucharest Institute of Oncology, and Bogdan Palintineanu manager of the Bagdasar Arseni Hospital -- were arrested on bribery charges Support from readers like you helps OCCRP expose organized crime and corruption around the world you’ll be directly supporting investigative journalism as a public good You’ll also gain access to exclusive insights and benefits Romania’s president fired the country’s chief anti-corruption prosecutor after months of escalating conflict between her and.. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis supported on Friday the work of the chief anti-corruption prosecutor a day after the.. a Pakistani businessman who helped U.S.-based Steward Health Care secure a massive public contract in Malta,.. The hieromonks of Putna Monastery commemorated last Saturday the thousands of Romanians massacred at Varnița (Fântâna Albă) on April 1 in the so-called “Romanian Katyn” onslaught The service was held at the “People’s Golgotha – Fântâna Albă” Memorial Portal The monastery fathers were joined by clergymen from Putna village representatives of the following institutions laid wreaths: Putna Town Hall “Ion Nistor” Vicovu de Sus Technological High School the Association Suceava branch of the Romanian Orthodox Christian Students’ Association A song and poetry recital by the vocal-traditional group “Ai lui Ștefan noi oșteni” (“Prince Stephen’s New Servicemen”) from the “Ion Nistor” High School in Vicovu de Sus followed spoke about the transformation of the Fântâna Albă into a mass grave for thousands of Romanians killed because they were in search of their country Melchisedec Velnic presented the message of Mr Secretary of State at the Department for Romanians Abroad is a day of tragic memory for the Romanian people more than 3,000 Romanians were killed at Fântâna Albă when they tried to cross into Romania after the annexation of northern Bukovina by the Soviet Union We will keep alive their memory and the sacrifice they made in order to be forever close to their kindred,” the official said The archimandrite recalled that he has not been able to pray at the massacre site since 2019 Discussions are currently underway to make the Fântâna Albă – Climăuți border crossing The Abbot of Putna reiterated the need for the Fântâna Albă massacre to be included in history textbooks and expressed his hope that a church in memory of the victims could one day be built at the site After the signing of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact in 1939 so many families began to cross the new border and come to Romania One such group was made of the thousands massacred at Fântâna Albă on April 1 000 Romanians from Bukovinan villages along the Siret Valley left for Romania: from Pătrăuții de Sus They had decided that they would rather die than live in the Soviet Union Those at the head of the group carried three crosses They told the Soviet authorities that they wanted to leave without taking anything with them When they reached the border they were met with machine-gun fire the wounded who remained alive were thrown into mass graves along with the dead Those who managed to escape were tracked down in the surrounding area around 13,000 families from their villages were deported to Siberia and Kazakhstan with only about 10% surviving the deportation April 1 was designated in 2011 as the National Day for Honouring the Memory of Romanians – victims of the massacres from Fântâna Albă and other areas and other forms of repression organized by the Soviet totalitarian regime in Herta County northern Bukovina and the whole of Bessarabia Putna Monastery’s “People’s Golgotha – Fântâna Albă” Memorial Portal was consecrated on July 2 The whole ensemble – including a monumental gate spaces for laying flowers and lighting candles and inscriptions with the names of the martyred villages – has a profound significance and a symbolic message the cross marks a place of sacrifice; placed before the gate it shows that those killed laid their lives in passing towards their beloved Romania which was also a passage to true freedom in God The fountain is the symbol of the life that springs from sacrifice The portal was built by the monastery on the site of a cross erected on April 1 in memory of the Fântâna Albă massacre victims at the initiative of the Romanian Government’s Department for Romanians Abroad the Patriarchate of Jerusalem solemnly celebrated the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women... Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos.. it was announced that two Roman Catholic institutions in Bavaria have decided to jointly.. A car once used by Pope Francis during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem is being transformed into a mobile.. the Monastery of Saint Vlash in Albania hosted a festal Divine Liturgy on the.. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over the festal Great Vespers at the historic.. (function() { window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { listeners: [] cb) { window.mc4wp.listeners.push( { event : evt callback: cb } ); } } }})(); © 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website These cookies do not store any personal information Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website Home » Astronomy » Planets Ever look at the Moon and see a bright star shining beside it? Chances are it’s a planet (usually Venus or Jupiter). Farmers’ Almanac teams up with expert astronomer Dean Regas for this go-to guide to tell you which visible planets are shining tonight (or tomorrow morning) and which direction to look We also explain how to see Uranus and Neptune through a telescope but if you’d like to learn more about it let us know.) Bookmark this page and refer to it throughout the year This monthly listing of the visible planets and special sky events is followed by more information about each planet Five planets will be visible over the course of March 2025 in the night sky Mercury: Look west just after sunset from March 5-12 Venus: Look west after sunset from March 1-7 Jupiter: Look southwest after sunset all month Fun Fact: Saturn’s rings will seem to disappear on March 23 2025 as they flatten from Earth’s perspective Saturn’s rings will reappear on May 6 All seven planets will be visible over the course of April 2025: Mercury: Look east just before sunrise from April 15-25 Venus: Venus re-appears as a “morning star.” Look east and southeast just before sunrise from April 1-November 20 Saturn: Look east before sunrise from mid-April until the end of the month Uranus: Look west in the evening sky until mid-April Neptune: Look east and southeast before sunrise in the last week of April Five planets will be visible of the course of May 2025: Venus: Look east and southeast just before sunrise from April 1-November 20 Saturn: Look east and southeast before sunrise all month Neptune: Look east and southeast before sunrise all month (Neptune will appear to the lower left of Saturn.) Five planets will be visible over the course of June 2025: Mercury: Look west just after sunset from June 18-July 6 “My very educated mother just served us nachos?” That saying can help you remember the order of the planets from closest to farthest from the Sun: Mercury The first letter of each word is the first letter of each planet we included each planet’s specific viewing date ranges and directions here—as well as more information If you have any questions or would otherwise like more information Your questions will be answered by our expert astronomers Mercury is the most elusive planet and is the toughest of the five naked eye planets to find in the night sky and it shifts from being visible in the morning sky to the evening sky in a matter of weeks The planet lives up to the reputation of its namesake as the fastest planet whipping around the Sun at an average speed of almost 106,000 miles per hour The main problem with finding Mercury is that it orbits very close to the Sun That means Mercury is most often up in the sky at the same time as the Sun The only time you can find Mercury is when it appears farthest from the Sun (astronomers call this position of a planet its greatest elongation) while the Sun is still below the horizon To see Mercury when it is at its greatest eastern elongation you will want to look to the western sky 15 minutes after sunset so you will need a clear view of the western horizon free from buildings or trees semi-bright light glowing through the twilight It will be about as bright as the brightest nighttime stars you will have to wait for its greatest western elongation look low above the eastern horizon 45 minutes before sunrise Over the next 30 minutes you might see pinkish Mercury pop into view just before the Sun pokes above the horizon Venus was the goddess of beauty in ancient Rome When the planet Venus is in the sky just after sunset as the “Evening Star” or just before sunrise as the “Morning Star,” you cannot miss her she looks like an extraterrestrial visitor has graced the heavens Venus is the brightest planet in the nighttime sky It is so dazzlingly bright because it is relatively close to Earth and because a thick blanket of clouds perpetually covers its surface These clouds reflect so much sunlight into space that from Earth only the Sun and Moon shine brighter than Venus Venus can best be seen just before sunrise or just after sunset Some stargazers call Venus the Morning Star or Evening Star Venus looks especially good when it is near a waxing crescent Moon in the fading twilight of evening or when it cozies up to a waning crescent Moon just before dawn Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky It is both the Earth’s closest neighbor in our Solar System and the planet most similar to Earth in size We can’t see the surface of Venus from Earth because it is covered with thick clouds Venus has the densest atmosphere of the four terrestrial planets (Mercury Mars is easy to find in the night sky with the naked eye because of its distinctive color It is nicknamed the Red Planet because it shines with an extremely off-white light you might classify its hue as orange or yellow instead of red but when you compare its light to that of white or blue stars This bloody color led ancient Romans to associate this planet with Mars In the sky Mars appears brighter than the brightest stars that are visible from even urban locations Mars is best viewed when it is closest to the Earth and thus appears at its biggest and brightest in the evening sky The Red Planet’s distance from us varies significantly: from almost 250 million miles at its farthest to about 35 million miles at its closest.  Astronomers use the term opposition to describe the moment when Mars and Earth get closest together as they orbit the Sun Opposition occurs when the Earth is between Mars and the Sun placing the Sun on the opposite side of the sky from Mars This alignment happens about every 26 months and the Romans adopted this bright night light as the manifestation of their chief god Jupiter is an unmistakable light in the night sky It appears to be a non-twinkling cream-colored star and is very often the brightest starlike object in the entire night sky Jupiter’s brilliance is so stunning that it is often more than twice as bright as the brightest star in the sky the light it shines on Earth does not fluctuate very noticeably in brightness over the time it is visible in the night sky Even though Jupiter is far from Earth (roughly 400 million miles) it is so large and its cloud tops reflect so much sunlight that it shines brightly whenever it is up in the sky Jupiter will be closest to the Earth (and brightest) during its next opposition Saturn is the slowest-moving of the naked-eye planets The ancient Romans noticed this sluggish motion and incorporated it into their mythology Saturn was often depicted as an old man with a long beard and later was equated with the figure of Father Time The farthest planet you can see with the naked eye Although you cannot detect the ridiculously cool rings of this planet without a telescope you can still easily locate it every year in the night sky Saturn appears to be a non-twinkling yellow star that shines with a light equal to or sometimes greater than the brightest first magnitude stars like Vega and Arcturus Like all planets farther from the Sun than Earth Saturn appears biggest and brightest near opposition At opposition Saturn is still over 800 million miles away but it is so large and its surface and rings reflect so much sunlight that it shines like a first magnitude star Uranus can be spotted with a pair of binoculars but it will only look like a tiny pinpoint of light Uranus will appear as a pale blue-white circle of light which was reclassified as a dwarf-planet (as opposed to a planet) in 2006 is almost impossible to observe in a backyard telescope Pluto looks fainter than most of the faintest stars around it Several asteroids would make easier targets such as Ceres and Vesta which are significantly closer to Earth and shine many times brighter than Pluto But none of these former planets can be found with the naked eye.  People often notice a planet when it appears near the Moon “what was that bright ‘star’ next to the Moon last night?” The Moon and planets seem to traverse a ring around the Earth called the zodiac These are the stars in the famous zodiac constellations like Aries The Moon monthly passes through all twelve zodiac constellations while the planets move through them at various the Moon will appear to pass near each planet The most picturesque pairing is when the crescent Moon shines next to the brightest planet Here at Farmers’ Almanac we refer to this as The Moon “kissing” Venus Pairings of Jupiter and the Moon are a close second The Moon kisses Venus (Moon-Venus conjunctions) in the evening sky on the following dates in 2025: The Moon kisses Venus (Moon-Venus conjunctions) in the morning sky The Moon kisses Jupiter (Moon-Jupiter conjunctions) in the evening sky after sunset on the following dates in 2025: The Moon kisses Jupiter (Moon-Jupiter conjunctions) in the morning sky before sunrise on the following dates in 2025: Two or more visible planets can often appear to line up as seen from Earth or even five planets are some of the most amazing sights to see in the night sky.  Here is a planet pairing to watch for in 2025: If this article inspires you to go outside and look for planets in the night sky for the first time Joe Rao is an esteemed astronomer who writes for Space.com Rao is a regular contributor to the Farmers' Almanac and serves as an associate lecturer for the Hayden Planetarium in New York City This article was published by the staff at Farmers' Almanac. Do you have a question or an idea for an article? Contact us! Portugal and my hotel room window looks westward Jupiter is clearly visible but I could swear that I saw five different planets come together last night in one of the most spectacular views in my lifetime It did not last long but what remained afterwards appeared to be Jupiter and Saturn I can see the rings of Saturn which are not normally visible to the human eye Can you shed some light on this amazing experience in this photo It educated me on the fact that the photos I took were of the Cresent moon and Venus Really fun I hope I can be added to your list I enjoy watching the planets with my uncle He tell me joke why the people’s behind the chair in NASA think about The answer was kind of funny wait for the next break time Also what they is eat green crackers with green cheese to think that they are on Mars I enjoy learning more about the planets with uncle Isaiah 40:22 talks about the circle of the earth so even people back then believed that the earth was round like a ball If the earth is flat why can’t we go to the ends of it And how do you explain photos taken from outer space that show earth as a round planet ? Science is the truth whether you believe in it or not I am wanting to make a project on travel from earth to Venus planet that means it can be visible ONLY during the day and ONLY part of the year,since it sits between us and the Sun since we are facing outer space on the night side and Venus is simply not there i would have to say that *visible* entire year means it can be seen daily….i live in georgia and i’ve been seeing Venus every evening all summer…..i saw it a few times in the morning during the beginning of the year…..but sunrise is a foreign concept to me ☺ so my star gazing is night time….been seeing Saturn and Jupiter for months now south of up after midnight……love the night sky…..i pray for CME’s in the hopes of seeing the aurora!!! How does earth being flat change any of that Venus is only visible “at night” in the evening relatively close to the horizon just after the sun sets because we need to look “almost” in the same direction as the sun Same in the mornings depending on the time of year That’s because as you noted Venus is in orbit closer to the sun Just like the rest of the planets and moons and every other large celestial body at first you have to wipe away some stereotypes yourself and then impose your false ideas about the structure of our planet on anyone “Proven facts” is the bait for such gullible people as you are Our consciousness is kept captive by those who don’t want us to know real state of affairs It’s easier for them to control your mind Wake up and never consider someone to be ignorent and not educated It might happen that you are far away behind our reality I find it funny that flat earthers never truly look at what they talk about who thinks his ridiculous claims are so hilarious that he must laugh at those around him shaking their heads who actually believes the unfounded and wholly inaccurate contention of this particular idiocy You really don’t know what you are talking about Venus is always seen as a crescent before the dawn in the eastern sky or after sunset in the western sky It is always a crescent because it is closer to the sun so we can only see it when it is to the side of the sun so it will never be seen full like the moon You only see it before dawn or after sunset depending on where it’s orbit is in relation to our orbit I suggest you by a cheap telescope and look at what you are commenting on before you comment You will be amazed at the true beauty of God’s never ending creation Relax I think they made an intelligent observation and sure and sure earth being flat wouldn’t help it being closer to the sun yet seen in darkness somehow but what you say makes sense For a god believer you don’t think god could make a flat earth You think god appreciates how rude you are Why don’t you think twice before you comment Flat earth can still be beautiful anyways wtf Funny how typical that other moron is bashing you for using your head and making a logical conclusion even if it wasn’t taught to you in school Beagle mom makes a good point tho I do remember hearing Venus is the morning star Feel like I’ve seen it at night myself though please stop deceiving to yourself you are missing out on so much knowledge by not putting the time in to understand what you don’t Published: Invalid Date THE world's loneliest bear has been trapped in a small rotting cage for over 23 years as locals come to see the "traumatised" bear and jab him with sharp sticks for their entertainment Baloo the bear gets fed cornflakes for dinner and is regularly forced to drink lemonade and even booze to help him get through the endless days of torment in his Romanian cage The poor brown bear has been forced to live in horror conditions for over two decades now all on his own Baloo's rotting cage has been left seemingly untouched for years as the bear is forced to roam around a small enclosed space dubbed a "mountainside prison" where the ground is ripped to shreds and kicking up mud and dust Rough and decaying fences have fallen apart and lie inside the enclosure and the once green wire fence responsible for trapping Baloo in solitary confinement has been rusting for years and now sits covered in a murky shade of brown And no proper roof to protect Baloo from torrential rain or hardly any toys or anything to play with outside of a lump of cracked moss covered rock as the bear spends his days alone "The bear gets cereal, lemonade and even alcohol. He's been in solitary confinement for nearly a quarter of a century and kids are jabbing him through the bars with sticks. "The bear is visibly traumatised. This is no life for a bear. That is why we draw international attention to Baloo's fate and hope that he can be freed soon." Despite Baloo clearly being in distress the "crazy drunk bear" living in a Romanian prison on top of a mountain certainly attracts visitors. This is due to a mixture of him getting old but also fed up and hungry for proper food His diet allegedly consists of cereal like cornflakes and the occasional bottle of fizzy drinks and alcohol to perk the beautiful beast up so he can perform for visitors Tourists can often be seen poking and jabbing the bear with sticks especially young children as Baloo staggers around his cage drunk for the apparent entertainment of the onlookers Videos have also emerged in the past of people cruelly sticking bottles of beer and sandwiches through the dishevelled chain links that separate him from freedom The World Animal Protection charity has been campaigning for the bears immediate release after what they described as a "nightmare" situation for Baloo to be in A plea on their website titled: "Help save Baloo: a bear trapped in a cage for the last 23-years," details the tragic situation and highlights the need for animals such as Baloo to be saved from these sorts of situations Their statement said: "Baloo the bear has been locked up in a cage at a ski resort in Romania under horrific conditions for 23 years but together with our supporters around the world we are working to rescue Baloo from this nightmare." "Baloo has been living on display in a tiny cage next to a ski lift and is poorly cared for and children frequently poke him through the bars of the cage with sticks The bear was first discovered in the dark depths of the Romanian wilderness in 2000 with a nasty injury that prevented him from finding food and keeping safe At the time of Baloo's capture he was just a young bear cub Park rangers took him to safety were he was given potentially life saving medical care and expected to be released back into the wild Baloo was shipped off to live in a cage on a private ski resort in Eastern Europe where he's been kept for the past two decades Baloo's safe release has been at the heart of animal campaign groups for years but has always fallen on deaf ears by the Romanian government despite strict laws on keeping bears A ban was put in place in 2005 by the Romanian government that was meant to stop any individual from owning a bear outside of proper licensed animal centres and parks The charity have urged authorities that now is the time to take action and save the poor bear from anymore torment They even suggested bringing the bear to a nearby sanctuary to be alongside hundreds of other rescued animals Baloo would find a warm welcome at Libearty bear sanctuary – an expansive haven spanning 69-hectares of forest "It is the perfect new home for Baloo He would join 119 other formerly abused bears who now call this sanctuary their home Baloo would have the chance to live in peace with the best care and in a natural environment where he can recover from his traumatic life." The bear has been the cruel mascot for the Straja ski resort in Romania since he was captured and given to the resort in 2000 The resort even has a bear statue on top of the mountain as they glorify the bear they keep in captivity and refuse to give up to any charity looking to keep him safe Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ Romania boasts a diverse range of ski resorts Business Review explored some of top ski resorts in Romania each with its own distinct charm and appeal Nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains Poiana Brasov is one of Romania’s most famous ski resorts Located just 12 kilometers from the medieval city of Brasov this resort offers a convenient blend of natural beauty and modern amenities Poiana Brasov has a range of ski slopes catering to all levels of skiers The resort also provides excellent facilities for snowboarding For après-ski activities, Poiana Brasov has a vibrant nightlife scene, numerous restaurants, and charming traditional cottages where you can enjoy delicious Romanian cuisine. The resort’s picturesque surroundings, including dense forests and mountain vistas, make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. More details here. Sinaia is another popular Romanian ski resort located just 135 kilometers from Bucharest Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Carpathians,” Sinaia offers a unique blend of history The resort is known for its iconic Peles Castle a stunning royal palace that adds a touch of elegance to the surroundings often called the “highest town in Romania,” is a charming ski resort located at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Prahova Valley It’s an ideal destination for families and beginners with gentle slopes and a relaxed atmosphere Predeal’s ski schools offer excellent lessons for those new to the sport In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Predeal offers various other activities like horseback riding, sledding, and hiking. The resort town also features numerous cozy cabins, hotels, and restaurants where you can savor traditional Romanian dishes. More details here. Straja ski resort offers a picturesque escape with an extensive network of 25 kilometers of slopes Sitting at an elevation of 1,443 meters above sea level, the ski area features a total of 13 slopes, all accessible through 10 lifts. Straja caters to skiers of all proficiency levels, distinguishing itself from the more bustling Sinaia and Poiana Brasov resorts, particularly on weekends and holidays when it offers a serene and relaxing winter retreat. More details, here Located within the stunning Parang Mountains the Ranca ski resort is yet another compelling addition to your list of Romania’s most gratifying ski destinations Positioned at an impressive altitude of 1,580 meters Ranca offers the lengthiest ski season in the country extending from September all the way through to May guaranteeing an enhanced experience with each return visit For novice skiers, Ranca may not be the most ideal choice, as the majority of the slopes cater to intermediate and expert skiers. Nevertheless, beginners can still access some gentle green runs located near the mountain’s base. When it comes to lodging options, consider exploring the various pensions, villas, and hotels available in the vicinity. More details, here The Transalpina – Voineasa Ski Resort is a relatively new ski slope, inaugurated in 2012. It is quite appreciated by skiers, which is why the tourist area has witnessed impressive development in recent years. The total length of the slopes, with moderate and easy difficulty levels, reaches up to 6 km. More details, here Romania’s longest artificial ski slope is spanning an impressive 7,000 meters in length and cater to the needs of winter sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike it offers three exhilarating tubby slide lanes for added excitement Nespresso, the flagship Toronto boutique and cafe from the international coffee magnate opened last week where the Cumberland Cinemas used to be . The space, transformed by Italian architect Goring and Straja SRL is unrecognizable from its past life as a theatre lounge and showroom boast a polished and bright interior impressive high ceilings and a dangling metallic chandelier For a retail shop it's quite grand but as a cafe it's yet to be seen if the locals will embrace it so even when sitting in the lounge upfront it's hard to forget that $600 coffee machines (median price) are being peddled in the periphery The neighbourhood is already highly caffeinated there's more than a dozen places to get your fix without crossing a light The European-based brand saw Yorkville to be inline with the posh global addresses of its other boutiques like the Champs-Elysees location in Paris I can't help but wonder who the store is for Is the ambition to glean tourists with international recognition maybe they're after visiting 905ers buying up the convenient machines for the office They don't do coffee to go (which is weird by my North American sensibilities) At the door a receptionist seats guests and offers a menu dedicated to coffee based beverages, plus breakfasts, savoury plates and sweets from chef Jean-Charles Dupoire of Loire Restaurant . There is a Croque-Monsieur ($16) layered with sliced ham, gruyere and truffle bechamel sauce sandwiched between toasted challah and covered with melted cheese. On the side comes a mix of root vegetable chips. While tasty, the price seems absurd even by Yorkville standards... for goodness sake, it's a ham and cheese! Vegetarian options include a Quinoa Kale Salad ($14) mixed with raisins, bell peppers, herbs and apple maple dressing. Or, there is a Goat Cheese and Mushroom Quiche ($12) served alongside a simple green salad. At the coffee bar there is the option to try Nespresso's 21 Grand Cru coffees which range in intensity and boldness per different degrees of roast. A single shot cost $4, a double goes for $5, or, there is the option to have hot or cold specialty drinks ($4-7). Desserts might be the best bet; an espresso and petit four pairing is $6. Stunning sweets like the Nougat Glace ($10) feature frozen soft meringue with crushed pistachios, shaved dark chocolate and berries over a base of passion fruit syrup. The showroom also boasts an iPad bar (yet to be installed), a machine gallery and a recycling depot for the Grand Cru capsules. The Nespresso boutique bar is open weekdays from 9am to 9pm, on Saturdays from 10am to 7pm and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm. Check out our list of the 10 best ski resorts in Romania and make the Carpathian Mountains your winter playground The Straja ski resort in Hunedoara County is relatively young making it a perfect destination for skiing after sunset The longest is a whopping 8km (5mi) in length Each run has its own lift to reduce queues which are regularly replaced with new models The resort’s top selling point is the duration of the ski season Straja also includes a ski school and ski rental Sinaia makes for one of the best options for a ski or snowboarding day trip Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy © Raul Baldean / Alamy Stock Photo At 1,940m (6,365ft), Transalpina Ski Resort in Valcea County offers seven ski slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers The views over the Făgăraș and Parâng Mountains are some of the best you can get in Romania accommodation options have yet to catch up followed by a beer in the sunshine at the on-piste bar before heading home Skiing in Şuior won’t satisfy a week’s holiday, but it is a great opportunity to discover the traditions, food and hospitality of people in Maramureş suitable for beginners and intermediate-level skiers range from easy baby-ski slopes up to tricky black runs starting from 140 RON (£26) for a one-day adult pass Those who don’t fancy skiing can try the 100m (328ft) snow-tubing track We recommend spending a night in one of the cosy Altitude 1000 log cabins complete with a nearby restaurant and après-ski bar © Mihaila Cristian Ionut / Alamy Stock Photo First mentioned in the year 500BCE by Aeschylus and Herodotus the Parâng Mountains are home to the Rânca ski resort most of them for intermediate and expert skiers It’s a popular resort for those who want to explore the backcountry terrain One of the highest mountain ridges in the Carpathians the Parâng Mountains can be seen from miles around Après-Ski Ranca is the place to go after the lifts shut for pizza Although not technically a ski resort, Bâlea Lac, at an elevation of 2,034m (6,673ft), is one of the most spectacular spots in the Carpathians. It is popular for ski touring, where skiers access the mountain without lifts. Stay at the Bâlea Lake Mountain Chalet before getting up at dawn to explore the surrounding peaks accompanied by an experienced mountain guide you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake below it can also be reached by cable car when the road between Bâlea Falls and the lake is closed Also near Sibiu, Păltiniş is the oldest ski resort in the country but they are well maintained and good for beginner skiers there’s a small snow park for practising freestyle tricks you can explore the resort’s beautifully preserved old villas dating from the end of the 19th century; some of them are open to the public See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd This article was published more than 11 years ago Nespresso Boutique Bar in Toronto’s Yorkville area The high-end fixtures and fittings were designed by renowned Italian architect Goring & Straja in Milan and transported to Canada with the aim of giving Canadian coffee lovers a European coffee experience.JJ Thompson Co In Toronto's increasingly crowded and curiously complex coffee house culture what you drink is rapidly taking a back seat to where you drink Case in point is Nespresso's newest Boutique Bar sophisticated space which opened at the start of October in Yorkville After opening its first Canadian flagship in Montreal in 2009 Nespresso set its sights on the high-end Bloor Street and Avenue Road retail area in Toronto When the curtain finally lowered on the dated Cumberland Four movie theatre after 31 years of operation in May of 2012 "We don't want to be a small boutique in the corner," says Jacques Demont because all the international brands are there but I think it is more the spirit of Yorkville because this is exactly the Nespresso spirit – trendy people Though the Nespresso Boutique allows customers to sit and relax in luxurious surroundings it also exposes the public to the Nespresso brand which has been built by and large on importing the barista experience into homes via pod-based coffee machines the back end carries all the current iterations of machine After signing a long-term lease on the property the company spared little expense in the 17 months it took to outfit the new boutique The concrete front was cut away and replaced with a two-storey floor-to-ceiling glass facade With seating for 47 guests inside and a further 14 on the Cumberland Street patio the 14,122-square-foot property provides an atmospheric setting for a relaxing cup of espresso away from the hustle and bustle of the street because of the height and that's what's impressive here," says Caroline Desvaux it's more intimate and this one is more about light and space It's always because of the space we are working with so it's always different things." The Swiss-based firm now has locations in 199 cities in 48 countries Attention to detail is evident from the moment you step off Cumberland Street to be greeted at the door Italian architect Goring & Straja of Milan designed the vaulted interior as it does all Nespresso boutiques worldwide Denmark's Fritz Hansen supplied the designer furniture as second only to New York in importance on this continent positioning the brand for success in Canada's largest market is obviously a solid strategy the senior vice-president at Colliers International says that in terms of choosing an ideal location "It's about establishing the brand," she says going to a Yorkville location definitely does support that." Though Nespresso may be the new kid on the coffee house block in Toronto Another European-styled coffee shop reached even further back into history than a 1980s movie theatre to develop its own take on java time situated in the 19th-century Dineen Building at Yonge and Temperance streets was the brainchild of co-owners David Fortier and opened last April with a singular aim – to provide downtown coffee lovers with an alternative to the cookie-cutter coffee experience independent coffee with unbelievable service where people greet you and know your name and know exactly what you're looking for understand the time pressures that you're under but also serve you something that really is a treat." But it's the building that sets this place apart from its competition original exposed brick and a chandelier that once hung in Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel all lend the property an ambience that harkens back to when the building opened in 1897 as a furrier's shop Though the footprint is certainly not large roughly 1,500 square feet with seating for about 30 the atmosphere generated inside is what led the trio of owners lease the space and get into the coffee business "It's absolutely huge; for us it was the key and it went hand in hand with the coffee," Mr "We felt that the work that's been put into the building was very admirable and was really what got us going If you look at some of the architecture and some of the restoration that's going on around the city it's really inspirational to us We thought [the Dineen Building] was the perfect opportunity to bring a little old-world style a bit of new-world flair to a new coffee experience." Fortier is open to creating more stores in the Dineen mould he insists that they won't be cutting corners just to open up another outlet Based in the heart of the financial and tourist districts the current Dineen location ticks all the boxes "It sounds to me like a very happy marriage of concept "It's really amazing to see that happen and it's kind of turned what was a blighted little strip into a stunning jewel." Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Editorial code of conduct Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following Paul Attfield is a reporter at The Globe and Mail Born in England and raised both there and in France Paul is now a dual citizen of Canada and the United Kingdom He has called Toronto home since moving there from London in 2005 Working in The Globe’s sports department since 2006 Paul started out covering predominantly soccer and rugby he has become more of a general assignment reporter writing about pretty much anything involving a bat Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. Click here to subscribe If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please forward it to letters@globeandmail.com. 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