Edisi 17 Desember 2009 | International Bali Post

Developing Spiritual Tourism Never Builds Villa on Every Hill

16 Pages Number 527 1st Year

PAGE 8

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Australia eases some foreign ownership rules for Qantas PAGE 11

Once an underdog, Reitman now an Oscar favorite PAGE 12

BP/eka

The combo pictures show the procession of “Tawur Agung Labuh Gentuh” ceremony. First, the Hindus pray followed by the performances of sacred dances which is “baris dance”. Then the Hindus walk towards the peka of Batur mountain and sacrifice cows and other offerings.

WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

25 - 33

JAKARTA

25 - 34

BANDUNG

21 - 31

YOGYAKARTA

24 - 33

SURABAYA

26 - 37

SUNNY

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

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“Tawur Agung” held in Batur Praying for safety and harmony Batur – The “Tawur Agung Labuh Gentuh” ceremony was held in Ulun Danu Temple in Batur on Wednesday, December 16th 2009. The procession was started on Tuesday, December 15th 2009 by “mapepada wewalungan” ceremony led by Ida Sri Mpu Pande Dharma Dasi from Geria Tamanbali, Bangli.

The “Tawur Agung” ceremony was held in six different places, they were the Peak of Batur Mountain, Segara Temple, and Watu Klotok in Klungkung. The ceremony was started in the morning joined by hundreds of Hindus from throughout Bali. After

praying together, there were sacred dance performances such as baris dance.

Then the Hindus walked towards the peak of the mountain to continue the ceremony.

Continued on page 6

2

International

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bali News To be Complained, Schools in Bali Lack for Lab Attendant Denpasar (Bali Post)—

To maximize the understanding of students on the subject they learn, especially the subject of physics, chemistry and biology, practice activity at laboratory becomes an absolute thing. However, up to these days majority of schools in Bali stay to face a crisis, namely they have not had a laboratory attendant having a competence. If there are schools having such attendants assigning to guide students in carrying out their practice in laboratory, most of them were recruited from administrative staff that were not armed with special training and special competence on procedures at laboratory. Headmaster of SMAN 4 Denpasar, I Wayan Rika and Headmaster of SMAN 1 Singaraja, I Nyoman Darta delivered such grievances, to Bali Post, last Tuesday (Dec 15).

Besides, both headmasters having school with status as pioneering school of international standard (RSBI) also expected to recruit an attendant having qualification in technique of computer network to be distributed to schools that have developed learning system based on information and communication technology (ICT).

By their existence, those schools could facilitate the tasks of students given by teachers through local area network (LAN) made at school. “By preparing a specialist at computer network, all learning-teaching processes at school could be based on ICT,” said Darta justified by Rika. (kmb13)

Thieve of Villa Captured Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Detective unit of South Kuta Sector Police captured one out of three stealing perpetrators at Villa Bukit Inn Koyo, Ungasan Village, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung. The perpetrator was Amirudin, 19, a construction worker from Jember. Meanwhile, two others with initial name FR and BD could run away from the pursuit of police.

The capture of suspect specializing at frisking villa was performed on last Friday (Dec 11) at 01:00 am Local Time. Previously, the authority of South Kuta Sector Police received a report from Putu Murjana, 27, a resident of Gunung Hamlet, Abiansemal, Badung. Victim admitted that his villa was frisked by thief and a number of valuables could be taken away.

Chief of South Kuta Sector Police, Nanang Prihasmoko, took action promptly by assigning his team members to follow up the report of victim. Investigation at location followed by interrogation of witnesses was carried out right away. “One of the witnesses said that it saw the perpetrator stealing at villa of victim,” explained Chief Nanang, last Tuesday (Dec 15).

Based on information of witnesses, detective team pursued the perpetrator. Tracing of the address was successful. However, police could not found the suspect at that location. Apparently, the suspect has moved to another shed located at Kutuh Village, South Kuta, Badung. “There, the suspect could finally be captured,” he said. According to Chief Nanang, the suspect took action at night.

They usually equipped themselves with a lever. Afterward, they moved to targeted villa. “When taking action, the suspect could steal a pair of shoes and two hand phones,” he said.

Police could confiscate evidence in the form of shoes and hand phone. Meanwhile, the suspect has sold another hand phone at IDR 225,000. “From the confession of the suspect, they have taken action at two locations. Another location was on Jalan Goa Gong, Gang Jepun, Jimbaran and could steal a laptop and hand phone,” he explained. (kmb21)

Bp/doc

Beggars are seen on the street of Denpasar. The number of poor and homeless people increases because the economics condition is getting worst and the government also doesn’t able to provide the people with enough jobs.

Celebration of Christmas and New Year in Bali

Nightclubs Strictly Secured Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Apparatus of police has prepared themselves to secure the celebration of Christmas and New Year in Bali. At least, two third of the troops existing in Bali Police will be assigned to maintain the security of Bali.

Later, the assigned personnel would be in charge at a number of points considered critical. More than that, a number of nightclubs would also become the attention of police because by the year change, definitely many activities would be organized at those locations.

Moreover, nightclubs have been mentioned to be identical to spirits containing alcohol. “We will prevent it as early as possible by making coordination with owner of such nightclubs. What program they offer should be inform to us so we can know it earlier,” said Spokesperson of Bali Police, I Gde Sugianyar, last Tuesday (Dec 15).

More than that, Bali Police will make coordination as well with the

authority of hotels spreading across Bali because hotels denoted an accommodation where tourists stayed.

“We also assign some police officers at hotel to perform examination strictly. This endeavor aims at anticipating any inconvenient cause,” said Sugianyar to journalists last Tuesday.

This former Chief of Balikpapan Resort Police also mentioned that prediction of bustles on Christmas and New Year festivity were estimated to increase drastically. It was discernible from a number of hotels that have been stated to be fully booked. “We got information that hotels in Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and other areas have been fully booked. It indicated that

crowdedness in Bali will increase,” he said.

Sugianyar added in relation to the security strategy performed by Bali Police. Some middle officers were also involved and served as commander in the field and as patron simultaneously. Of course, strict security would be implemented at critical points such as at Kuta, Legian, GWK and others. “Obviously, locations where many people gather will be strictly guarded,” he revealed.

Other than directing its personnel, facilities and infrastructure would also be involved. Some of them were a number of vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) and sophisticated vehicle (with mobile communication). Vehicle with GPS would make regular patrol for 24 hours a day. “We expect the celebration of Christmas and New Year will run safely, securely and flourishingly,” he concluded. (kmb21)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z Chief Editor: ABG Satria Naradha z Managing Editor: Wirata z Editors: Alit Purnata, Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Darmasunu, Daniel Fajry, Diah Dewi, Iwan Darmawan, Martinaya, Mawa, Palgunadi, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Sutiawan, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Mas Ruscitadewi, Oka Rusmini, Umbu Landu Paranggi, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Gregorius Rusmanda, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan, Tabanan: Surpi. Jakarta: Nikson, Suharto Olii, Indu P. Adi, Ahmadi Supriyanto, Achmad Nasrudin, Hardianto, Darmawan S. Sumardjo, Heru B Arifin, Asep Djamaluddin, Ade Irawan, Ipik Tanoyo. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani, Nur Haedin, Suyadnya. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publiser: PT Bali Post

Bali News

International

Thursday, December 17, 2009

3

Demanding for Salary Rise

Forum of Village Heads Meets the House Tabanan (Bali Post)—

Being unsatisfied with the income extended, the Village Heads Forum of Tabanan led by Made Suarsa came to the Office of Tabanan House, last Tuesday (Dec 15). Those village heads claimed the salary rise of village head, section head and hamlet head. However, more than that, a number of village heads also expressed the problems faced in front of a number of members of the House.

Permit Violators of Guest House Increase Semarapura (Bali Post)—

Violation of building used for guesthouse (tourist accommodation), in fact, remains to grow increasingly at some tourist locations in Klungkung Regency, chiefly at Tegalbesar up to Lepang, Banjarangkan. The building established with the permit of residential house was taken advantage for the sake of commercial use, namely tourist accommodation. Ironically, related institutions handling the permits services did not make good coordination. They tend to wait for and blame one another when a problem arises.

Existence of legal buildings with permit as residential house but used as tourist accommodation or villa at Tegalbesar until Lepang area was once visited by Supervisory Team of Regency Government. Even, Klungkung Regent I Wayan Candra and Deputy Regent Tjok Gede Agung led such site inspection in person. On the inspection, the Re-

gent, Deputy Regent, and supervisory team gave severe reprimand to the owner of buildings in order they proposed their permit change from that of residential house to guesthouse as its real function. In reality, out of 12 existing buildings, only two owners of the building stated their readiness to propose the permit.

When asked about his confirmation, last Tuesday (Dec 15), the Head of Integrated Permit Services (KPPT) of Klungkung Regency, Putu Suarta, confessed only a small portion of buildings’ owner proposing the revision of permit from that of residential house to guesthouse.

He admitted that his party could do nothing more toward the stubborn owners. “KPPT has no authority to execute those building,” he said.

The Head of Civil Servant Police Unit (Satpol PP) of Klungkung Regency, Komang Darma Suyasa, mentioned that to give briefing was the task of Permit Supervisory Team. “Satpol PP is only an execu-

tor,” he said. However, for the time being, he said there was no coordination between Permit Supervisory Team and Satpol PP. As consequence, Satpol PP found difficulty to take action. Besides, he also did not know which owners have been given briefing, have violated and which ones were proposing their permits. “We do not know about it for sure. As a result, we do not know which building to execute,” he added.

Deputy Regent Tjok Agung asserted that all related institutions should make coordination one another. All should have mature behavior without waiting for invitation for coordination. Each side must know their own job description and function. Therefore, what to do has been known for sure.

“What I dislike very much is the mutual blaming among the institutions. They have been equally adult so that mutual blaming should never occur,” asserted Tjok Agung. (kmb20)

The Head of Tabanan House I Ketut Suryadi accompanied by Secretary of the House I Wayan Miarsana received such village head forum. The Head of Village Heads Forum, I Made Suarsa, in the face of the House, admitted to express the aspiration of section heads and hamlet heads. It was said, the income received by section head and hamlet head was only IDR 800,000 per month. This amount remained under regency minimal salary (UMK) stipulated at IDR 845,000. Compared to the current economic condition, such income was judged very small and inadequate to meet the need of section heads and hamlet heads considering that their tasks to extend services to community in person. “We hope the House could struggle for the rise of their income, including our position as village heads,” he said.

The forum of village heads asked for the rise of salary at IDR 200,000 per month including the thirteenth salary for section head, hamlet head and village head. On that account, section head and hamlet head would get IDR 1 million per month, while village head increased from IDR 1.6 million to IDR 1.8 million per month. “If the rise at IDR 200,000 per month, the total number would be IDR 1.7 billion,” said Suarsa. It was not only about the salary, they also revealed their envy of the section head and hamlet head due to the appointment

of village secretary to become a civil servant. Because, village secretary obtained salary plus professional financial assistance and other facilities exceeding the salary of village head denoting their superior.

The Head of Tabanan House, Ketut Suryadi, said that the proposal of those village heads was very realistic. However, he said the financial condition of Tabanan government was very hard because many budget posts should be financed ranging from regional election up to other posts. On that account, his party could not meet such demand.

In addition, the proposal was considered too late because the Regional Budget 2010 just stayed to wait approval. “Hopefully, this proposal could be attempted in the upcoming budget revision,” said Boping, his familiar nickname.

Besides, the Village Head of Mambang, East Selemadeg subdistrict, Wayan Dika Sumantra, asked the government to revise its ADD fund and proposed in order the Regional Legislation regarding to the implementation of village administration should be pursuant to the mandate of Act No. 32/2004 on regional autonomy. In the meantime, Village Head of Munduk Temu, IGM Arsana, highlighted the less attention to the infrastructural development like the serious damaged road. Then, the remaining village heads demanded in order that every single project should be informed to village authority. (kmb14)

Condition of Shot Patient Gets Better Having been treated at Sanglah Hospital since last Friday (Dec 11), Yulianus Alali, 25, a patient with shooting injury denoting a member of Presidential Escort Security (Paspampres) is getting better. The Head of Emergency Room, Sanglah Hospital, Kuning

Atmadjaya, told that health condition of patient kept on getting more stable after passing through critical moment after operation.

“This morning he was treated at ICU of Emergency Room and his condition has grown better,” said Kuning. Yet, based on infor-

mation obtained by Bali Post last Tuesday, Alali was no more treated at Sanglah Hospital. “Probably, the patient has been referred to Armed Forces Hospital because his condition has been better,” said Kuning when contacted on last Tuesday (Dec 15).

According to him, the patient could have eaten after passing critical period after the operation. “Indeed, his large intestine was injured but its condition has been better,” asserted Kuning. Though it has been said that he was being shot, but according to Kuning, it was not

found any bullet within the body of Alali. However, in terms of the form of injury, it could be ensured to have been caused by bullet.

“Probably, such bullet did not lie within the body of patient but passed through,” added Kuning. (san)

4

News

Thursday, December 17, 2009

International

Italy to beef up security after Berlusconi assault Reuters

ROME - Italy’s government on Tuesday said it plans to rush out new measures like blacking out hate sites on the Internet to protect politicians after a weekend assault on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi left him hospitalized.

The 73-year-old billionaire businessman, who is nursing a broken nose, fractured teeth and gashed lips after being hit in the face by a spiked souvenir, will be discharged from hospital on Wednesday with orders to rest for two weeks, his doctor said.

Berlusconi — whose political fortunes look set to gain as a wave of sympathy floods in — put on a brave face in his first public message to Italians since entering hospital.

“I repeat to everyone to stay calm and confident,” Berlusconi said in the message to supporters on his website. “Love always wins over jealousy and hatred.”

As Italy spent a second day soul-searching over whether a vitriolic political climate prompted the assault, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said the cabinet would on Thursday issue urgent

measures to keep Italians and their leaders safe.

Citing the risk of a “dangerous spiral of copycat attacks” and absolving security forces of all blame, Maroni said the government is considering obscuring Web sites or social network groups that incite violence.

It will also consider new rules for gatherings in public places.

Conservative lawmakers have been incensed by Facebook groups that have sprung up praising Massimo Tartaglia, the 42-year-old Berlusconi assailant with a history of mental illness.

Tartaglia has written to him apologizing for his “cowardly and rash act.” But allies say the normally irrepressible premier is badly shaken and at one point even asked a visiting priest: “Why do they hate me to this point?.”

In a letter sent to Berlusconi from his jail cell, Tartaglia expressed “heartfelt regret for a superficial, cowardly and rash act in which he did not recognize himself,” his lawyers said.

They said he acted alone and without any political or militant motive.

PLO to keep Abbas president, back stance on talks Reuters

RAMALLAH - The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) will on Wednesday indefinitely extend the tenure of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority, members of the PLO Central Council said.

Members of the body told Reuters that Abbas, whose term ends on January 25, will stay on until elections can be held, extending until further notice the Western-backed leader’s presidency.

Presidential and legislative elections called for January 24 were canceled due to a ban imposed by the Hamas group on participation in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, which controls the coastal enclave, dis-

putes Abbas’s legitimacy.

“There is consensus among the members that the president will remain in his post,” said Saleh Rafat, a member of the PLO Central Council that is meeting in Ramallah.

“This is not an issue of dispute at all.” A statement confirming the decision is due later on Wednesday.

Abbas has said he will not seek as second term as president, but no date has been set for a future vote.

Abbas’s rivals in the Islamist movement Hamas, which is not part of the PLO, have already declared as illegitimate any extension of the 74-year-old’s tenure as president.

Abbas replaced Yasser Arafat as head of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority after his death in 2004.

AP Photo/Saleem Raza

People gather near a crater caused by a bombing in Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. A suicide car bomb exploded in a market close to the home of a politician in Pakistan’s most populous province Tuesday, killing more than 20 people and wounding 70 others.

Blast near Pakistani minister’s home, 20 dead Reuters

ISLAMABAD - A car bomb near the home of a Pakistani provincial government minister killed 20 people on Tuesday, a police official said, in another sign authorities are struggling against Taliban militants bent on grabbing power.

Militants who want no Western influence in nuclear-armed Pakistan, which Washington sees as critical in the battle against Islamist hardliners in Afghanistan, have not let up attacks, despite security crackdowns in their strongholds.

The blast took place in the town of Dera Ghazi Khan in a market, the kind of site frequently targeted by militants seeking to inflict maximum casualties.

“It was near a market and several

Window closing for healthcare reform: Biden Reuters

AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

shops have collapsed,” said Tariq Gurmani, a resident of the Punjab province town, adding he had seen several wounded people.

The attack was another potent reminder President Asif Ali Zardari’s weak civilian government has yet to devise a strategy to defeat militants who want to tightly control society — with public whippings and executions of those deemed immoral.

“It was a car bomb. About 20

people have been killed and 50 wounded,” senior police official Mubarak Ali Athar told reporters.

Militants have killed hundreds of people in bombings since an October clampdown in South Waziristan — part of what is seen as a global hub for militants — that authorities said dealt a major blow to the Taliban.

The military has ruled for more than half of Pakistan’s 62-year history and no civilian government has ever served out a full term, earning the country the reputation of an unstable state.

The all-powerful army is seen as the institution best able to unite politically turbulent Pakistan during crises, even though military coups have hurt the country’s democratic credentials.

WASHINGTON - If the U.S. Congress fails to agree on a healthcare bill soon, the opportunity for a sweeping overhaul of the $2.5 trillion system will be lost for a generation, Vice President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday.

Biden was speaking just hours before Democratic lawmakers were to meet at the White House with President Barack Obama, who is pressing them to reach agreement and pass a bill on his signature domestic policy issue.

Obama has invested much of his political capital in trying to get the Democratic-controlled Congress to

pass a healthcare bill by the end of the year. The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, but Democrats have struggled to win the 60 votes they need in the Senate.

The planned overhaul would spark the biggest changes in the U.S. healthcare system, which accounts for one sixth of the U.S. economy, since the creation of the Medicare government health program for the elderly in 1965.

It would extend coverage to 30 million uninsured Americans and halt industry practices like refusing coverage to people with preexisting medical conditions.

Biden said if the bill did not pass in this Congress “it is going to be

kicked back for a generation.”

He also said he expected independent Senator Joe Lieberman, who caucuses with Democrats and is a key vote on the healthcare overhaul, would vote in favor of the final bill.

Lieberman has threatened to join Republicans in opposing the bill, complicating Democratic efforts to gather the 60 votes needed to overcome Republican opposition.

“I think Joe’s judgment is wrong in this,” Biden said in an interview on MSNBC. “I’m confident Joe is going to see the light, I’m confident he is going to vote for a final bill, but there is an awful lot of gamesmanship going on right now.”

International IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)

General Info

Thursday, December 17, 2009

HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada.

HOSPITAL Bangli Bangli General Hospital Jl. Kesumayuda 27, Bangli Phone : +62 366 91521 Gianyar

Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070 The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465 France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485 The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506 Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426 Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628 Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601 Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735 Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775 Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310 Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520

RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363 Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar.

Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690.

Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar.

Phone : 222 142.

Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada , (Private) Jl. Sudirman No 50, Denpasar Phone : 227 560, 234 824 In relating with health, Bali also has insurance and medical evacuation company, that is: AEA International - SOS Assistance Bali.

PT Abhaya Eka Astiti, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 24X, Kuta 80361.

Phone : 755 768 Fax : 755 768 One thing that should be noted by tourists here is that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood.

Badung Bali Medical Clinics There are some medical clinics that are well known by foreigners in Bali. Some of them are western owned and operated : Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) provides excellent Primary Health Care & Emeregency Medical Services for tourists, traveler, and expatriate living in Bali.

Emeregency Room, Ambulance, Clinic Services, Insurance & Medical Evacuations also available. Open 24 hours Phone : 761 2631. Located Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia. http://www.bimcbali.com International SOS Clinic Bali Opened in 1999, offers International SOS members and visitors to Bali comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical service.

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia Phone : 720 100 Fax : 721 919 E-mail : info@sos-bali.com ttp ://www.sos-bali.com Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic Jl Pratama No. 81 Phone : 771 324 Kuta Clinic Jl. Raya Kuta Phone : 753 268 Dental Clinic Dr Indra Guizot, Jl. Patimura 19, Denpasar Phone : 222 445, 234 375 DDS. Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No. 81 Nusa Dua Phone : 771 324 Retno W. Agung, Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.4A Br. Tamansari – Sanur Phone : 288 501

Clinic Mas Jl. Raya Mas, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974573 Toyo Clinic Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 978078 Permata Bunda Clinic Jl. Patih Jelantik 50 X, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 942082 Ubud Clinic Jl Raya Ubud No.36 Campuhan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974911 Gianyar General Hospital Jl. Ciung Wanara 2, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 943049 Karangasem Karangasem General Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Karangasem Phone : +62 363 21001 Klungkung Klungkung General Hospital Jl. Flamboyan 40-4, Klungkung Phone : +62 366 21371 Negara Negara General Hospital Jl. Gelar, Negara Phone : +62 365 41006 Tabanan Laboratorium Clinic Jl. Gunung semeru No. 8, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 819260 Mengwi Clinic Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 46, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 880550 Darma Kerti Hospital Jl. Teratai 16, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 812359 Tabanan General Hospital Jl. Pahlawan 14, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 811027 Singaraja Prodia Clinic Jl. RA Kartini 12, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 24-516 Singaraja Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai 30, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 22-573 Pet Clinics Kayumas: (0361) 226934 Sayang Binatang: (0361) 483121 Satwa Kertha Husada: (0361) 263018 Pantai Sindhu: (0361) 287518 Sidakarya: (0361) 724492 Pedungan: (0361) 720026

TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855

5

6

News

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Son of Philippines’ late dictator dreams of presidency Reuters

MANILA - The Oxford-educated son of the Philippines’ former dictator Ferdinand Marcos wants to follow the footsteps of his namesake father by winning a seat in the upper house of Congress in May as a first step toward the presidency.

“If we succeed in what we are doing now, it wouldn’t be bad to be president. The presidency would be a good cap to one’s political career,” Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr told foreign correspondents in Manila.

The 52-year-old congressman from the northern Ilocos Norte province, his father’s bailiwick, recently launched his second attempt to run for senator. He lost in the 1995 polls, claiming he was cheated of a seat in the 24-member Senate.

His father started his career in the post-war Philippines as a congressman, then was a senator before becoming the country’s longest serving president. Marcos ruled as a dictator in the last 14 of his 20-year rule and was ousted in 1986 by an army-backed popular revolt.

“Soldiers dream to become general, bank tellers to become CEOs and I am taking this as far as it can go,” Bongbong said.

Some analysts say Bongbong has a good chance of winning a senate seat. Senators are chosen in a nationwide vote and he would benefit from name recall and the machinery of the political party he is allied with, the Nacionalista Party of billionaire senator Manuel Villar.

But he is unlikely to rank among

the top winners given voters’ memories of his wild parties in the presidential palace during his father’s rule. He acknowledges that period in his life but now says he is a family man focused on his three sons.

Anger against the Marcoses’ excesses while in power may have waned over the years but some sectors are careful not to allow the family to reclaim their old glory, with the clan still facing charges of corruption during the late dictator’s rule.

Bongbong is known for promoting Ilocos Norte as a tourist destination and has supported renewable energy efforts, particularly wind power, during his three terms as governor of the province from 1998 until 2007 and as a legislator.

He said he would push for bigger budgets for education, agriculture and anti-corruption measures and help pass a controversial population control measure that gives women an option to plan their families. Two other Marcos family members are running for public office in the May polls. Former first lady Imelda Marcos, famed for her flamboyant jewelry and vast shoe collection, wants to occupy the Congress seat Bongbong is vacating while elder sister Imee is running for Ilocos Norte governor.

Court splits jackpot between rival gamblers Reuters

TOULOUSE - A French court has split the jackpot from a casino slot machine between the woman who put in the money and the man who pulled the lever, ending months of argument between the two.

Marie-Helene Jarguel walked off with over 2 million euros ($2.91 million) in March after a bet of 50 euros on a one-armed bandit, only for her gambling partner Francis

Tawur From page 1 The Hindus sacrificed cows and other animal on the top of the mountain. The ceremony is to purify the nature in order to direct them into harmony and balance.

The first ceremony was held in

Sune to contest her gain based on the fact that he activated the machine.

A court in the southwestern city of Montpellier ruled on Tuesday that Jarguel should keep 80 percent of the earnings while the rest should go to Sune, a judicial source said.

The ruling was a legal innovation. The judges noted that there was “no judicial definition of the winner in a slot machine game.”

1712 and since then, the similar ceremony had been done several times.

The Hindus pray for safety for all of the world because lately, many disasters happen throughout the world. There is great hope that by conducting the ceremony, God will protect mankind, the world and ev(kmb17) erything in it.(kmb17)

AP Photo/Sophie Ralulu, Fiji Sun

Jonasa Rokotuiwasa, right, with daughter Miliana Wati, center, and son Jonasa cross the flooded bridge in Kasavu, Nausori in Fiji, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 after a cyclone hit the island. Thousands of Fiji villagers fled to shelters as a tropical cyclone battered the South Pacific nation, causing flooding, damaging homes and power lines, and killing three people, officials said Tuesday.

Hundreds evacuated after quake rocks central Italy Reuters

ROME - Italian authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their homes after a magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook the Umbria region of central Italy on Tuesday, causing slight damage to buildings but no injuries.

The civil protection agency said the quake was strongest around the town of Perugia.

In the commune of Marsciano, civil protection agents evacuated about 500 residents after the old buildings in which they lived were damaged by the tremor. They will

be housed in a gym while the extent of the damage is assessed.

In April, a strong earthquake struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy, killing about 300 people and making tens of thousands homeless.

Cocaine and rebels haunt Peru’s remote jungle Reuters

AYNA SAN FRANCISCO Peru’s civil war is over but fighters from the Shining Path rebel group have joined the country’s cocaine trade, turning a lawless bundle of valleys into a security problem for President Alan Garcia.

A civil war killed around 70,000 people in the 1980s and 1990s when Shining Path’s Maoist guerrillas nearly toppled the Peruvian state and both sides committed rights atrocities.

The rebels mostly disbanded af-

ter the capture of their leader, Abimael Guzman, yet violence is escalating again in the rugged and volatile Ene and Apurimac River Valleys, known as the VRAE, in Peru’s southern jungle.

It has become the most densely planted coca-growing belt in the world, according to the United Nations, and police say much of the cocaine leaving these fertile valleys is exported with help from a remnant band of Shining Path fighters.

Garcia, whose first term as president in the 1980s was haunted by the rise of the insurgency, has mobilized the army

to try to eliminate one of Shining Path’s last footholds and prevent its influence from spreading again.

So far, the military push has been marred by setbacks. Rebels working with cocaine smuggling gangs have killed 40 poorly equipped soldiers and police over the last year in the VRAE and shot down helicopters. The army has suffered embarrassing ambushes, traffickers buy lenient treatment from judges and mayors in local towns defend growers of coca, the leaf used to make cocaine.

International

Indonesia Today

Thursday, December 17, 2009

7

Indonesia police claim Papuan rebel commander killed Agence France-Presse

TIMIKA - Indonesian police killed one of the most active Papuan rebel commanders on Wednesday, sparking angry protests in a region scarred by unrest and rights abuses.

Police shot Kelly Kwalik after he threatened to open fire on them during an early morning raid on a house in Timika, on the southern coast, Papua province police spokesman Agus Riyanto said.

“We had to shoot him as he tried to shoot the police with a kind of revolver and evade arrest,” he said, adding that associates of Kwalik’s had identified the body.

“He was shot in the left leg and brought to hospital. He died at the hospital.”

Five men were arrested in the operation, Riyanto said. Another police source said the body had been flown to provincial capital Jayapura for DNA tests to confirm its identity.

Kwalik, 60, was a commander of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in southern Mimika district.

He stood accused of multiple killings, kidnappings and attacks on employees of US miner Freeport McMoran.

The OPM has waged a low-level insurgency against Indonesian rule since 1964, a year after the Nether-

lands ceded sovereignty of the resource-rich, ethnically Melanesian region to Indonesia.

As news of his death spread through Timika, the main town in Mimika, some 300 protesters gathered outside the local parliament building to demand information about the police raid.

When they were told Kwalik’s body was being sent to Jayapura for examination about 100 people went to the airport to try to stop the flight.

Witnesses said the protesters were angry but there was no violence.

“Whoever the man is, whether he’s Kelly Kwalik or not, the body cannot be taken out of Timika. The body has to be buried here,” one of the protesters shouted.

Kwalik had commanded the insurgency in Mimika since 1977.

The area includes Freeport’s giant Grasberg mine, which sits on one of the world’s biggest gold and copper reserves and has long been linked to human rights abuses involving Indonesian troops who secure the facility.

Many Papuans complain they have been dispossessed by the mine and denied income from the use of their lands.

The road linking Timika to the mine in the rugged highlands to the north has been the scene of a string of mysterious ambushes over the past six months, one of which killed Australian mine technician Drew Grant.

Kwalik reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks but his associates deny this. Others have speculated that the ambushes are the work of rogue Indonesian police or soldiers.

Little is known about Kwalik but he was believed to have been one of the OPM’s most committed commanders and his death would be a major blow to the largely dormant guerrilla movement.

“Kelly Kwalik is one of the OPM’s most elusive commanders. To many in Papua he is also one of the ‘purest’ in terms of devotion to the cause,” the International Crisis Group think tank said in a 2006 report.

It said he had lost land to the Freeport mine and had tapped into local anger over dispossession and human rights abuses to win support for his armed campaign for independence.

Kwalik has been on a police

KPK question two forestry ministry officials Antara

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is scheduled to question two Forestry Ministry officials, Boen Poernama and Wandoyo Siswanto in an alleged corruption case.

KPK spokesman Johan Budi said Boen Poernama and Wandoyo Siwanto would be questioned later on Wednesday for an alleged corruption case in the procurement of Integrated Radio Communication System (SKRT) at the Forestry Ministry.

“The two Forestry Ministry officials will be questioned as witnesses in the SKRT procurement,” Johan Budi said, adding that their testimony would be used to complete the dossier of Putranevo A Prayugo who has been named as as suspect in that case.

In that similar case the KPK will also question two employees of PT Masaro Radiokom namely Sigit Prayogo and Elvita Dewi as witnesses.

Johan Budi said the investigation into the SKRT procurement at Forestry Ministry was in relation with

a bribery scandal to a number of legislators to smoothen the SKRT project.

In the bribery scandal, Johan Budi said the KPK had named PT Masaro Radiokom President Director Anggoro Wijoyo as suspect but the later remained at large up to the present.

Anggoro Wijoyo and three other PT Marao top officials Putronevo A Prayugo, David Angka Wijaya, and Anggono Wijoyo were then suspended by the KPK from going overseas.

Sculptor Wilman Syahnur rides on a traditional threewheeled pedicab with his creation, a fiberglass statue of U.S. President Barack Obama flashing “peace” sign, on a street during an art festival in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.

The statue was meant as criticism to Obama for keeping U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan despite receiving a Nobel Peace Prize last week.

AP Photo/Slamet Riyadi

AP Photo/Irwin Fedriansyah

Indonesian National Police Spokesman Maj. Gen Nanan Sukarna shows a photo of Papuan separatist leader Kelly Kwalik during a press conference at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009.

wanted list since 2002 when he allegedly ordered an attack on a convoy of Freeport employees in which an Indonesian and two US civilians were killed. In 1986 his group was said to have kidnapped and killed eight Javanese students.

Ten years later he allegedly ordered the kidnapping of 12 scientists including four Indonesians, four Britons, two Germans and two Dutch.

Two of the Indonesians were killed in a military rescue operation which freed the hostages three months later.

Montara oil spill inquiry underway Antara

JAKARTA - Discussions are underway between the Australian and Indonesian Governments regarding monitoring of the oil spill’s impacts, if any, in Indonesian waters.

According to an Australian Embassy media release made available to Antara on Wednesday, the Australian Government has announced a comprehensive Commission of Inquiry into the Montara oil spill underlining Australia’s commitment to ensuring this issue was dealt with in an open and transparent manner.

The inquiry will examine events associated with the oil spill, including its cause, impact and the response effort and will make recommendations on measures, if warranted, to prevent such an incident occurring again.

The Inquiry is due to submit its report to the Australian Government by the end of April 2010.

The Australian Government’s priority from the beginning of the leak was to contain the spill and minimize the impact on the environment with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinating

Australia’s clean-up response to the incident.

Continued surveillance by AMSA has not found any further oil released into the ocean since the flow of oil from the Montara wellhead platform ceased on 3 November. As a result, aerial surveillance ceased on 28 November.

Response operations included recovery and targeted spraying of dispersant. Dispersant accelerates the weathering and biological breakdown of oil at sea.

It does not cause oil to sink to the seabed. Following further securing of the wellhead, all Australia’s domestic response operations ceased on 3 December.

To ensure that any environmental impacts from the oil spill are understood and appropriately addressed in the long-term, a robust, scientific monitoring plan has been agreed between the Australian Government and the company responsible for the wellhead platform.

An Australian Government delegation visited Indonesia on November 10, 2009 to brief Indonesian officials on the oil spill including clean up operations and environmental issues associated with the spill.

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Internationa

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bali Today Developing Spiritual Tourism

Never Builds Villa on Every Hill Bali Post

AMLAPURA — Karangasem is potential to be developed as spiritual tourism. In order to make Karangasem as spiritual tourism, the asset, custom, culture and beauty of nature should be well maintained. It should not be allowed to build villa and hotel at every hillside, beach and foot of mountain.

Tourism observer, Dr. I Nyoman Madiun, revealed it last Sunday (Dec 13) at Candidasa, Karangasem. He disagreed to build a hotel or villa at locations where tourists often stop to take a photograph or admire the beauty of nature. Ideally, the asset in the form of beauty of nature should be conserved and might not undergo transfer of function into building.

“Beauty of nature denotes an asset of tourism including spiritual tourism. On that account, its preservation should be maintained. Not on the contrary, it is filled with villas or hotels,” he asserted. Today, he added, there was a trend where a beautiful location was always targeted by investors and used to build a villa or hotel. On the other side, government was often too late to protect such beautiful locations by regulations so that such location were filled in by buildings, even they made the location look disorganized. Strangely, some regulations have been made but often neglected.

According to Madiun, who is also the Department Head of Tourism Management at STP Nusa Dua Bali, Karangasem was potential to be developed into spiritual tourism.

Other than custom and tradition, it had many unique cultures that remained pristine. Almost every day visitors could see such activities and they could become an attraction to visitors.

At that time, tour guide and practitioner of tourism should be able to explain well to foreign tourists. Meanwhile, the beauty of na-

ture belonging to Karangasem was extraordinary. “Now, it stays how to manage and maintain the asset in order it remains everlasting and interesting,” he said.

According to him, the object of spiritual tourism did not only mean a religious or spiritual activity or taking people to temple and make temple as tourist object. However, the object of spiritual tourism lay between art-culture and local customary tradition with beauty of nature. By seeing and enjoying beautiful nature, tour guide should be able to take tourist to contemplate and to build awareness on the greatness of God as the Creator and Lord of the beautiful nature. “At that time, the tourists are expected to downgrade their egoism into awareness of the existence of power and greatness of the Creator. At the same time, awareness will emerge changing the bad behavior to good one and realize that beyond the human lies the Supreme God,” he described.

On the other side, a member of Karangasem House, I Wayan Tama, stated to agree with Madiun According to him, the most important thing in seeing the social activities and enjoying the beauty of nature, tour guide should be able to deliver the information properly to tourist. Spiritual tourism could become an alternative in the framework to maintain the spirit of Bali tourism that was worried to lose and would threaten the existence of tourism in Bali. (013)

http://sripadbalitour.com

The view of Karangasem Regency. Karangasem is potential to be developed as spiritual tourism. In order to make Karangasem as spiritual tourism, the asset, custom, culture and beauty of nature should be well maintained. It should not be allowed to build villa and hotel at every hillside, beach and foot of mountain.

Getting in Touch with Local Culture Robinson Crusoe might not originally have planed to explore the pristine tropical Island of Màs a Tierra. However, since the ship he went with was wrecked by vicious storm, he had no choice but attempted to save himself to nearest island. Like blessing in disguise, he has fallen in love with the island for some 28 years. He could do many things and obtain valuable experiences while waiting for the time to return home. At that time, he probably did know about the terms agrotourism. Yet, without being realized he has enjoyed a variety of tourism activities. He got acquainted with local tribes and did farming as the local did.

Agrotourism is similar to what might have been carried out by the figure Robinson Crusoe in the novel authored by Daniel Defoe.

It is the form of tourism taking advantage of rural culture as tourist attraction. Its focus lies on cultural landscape. It’s worth noting here that the culture does not only include the arts and tradition, but culture in the general sense as in the seven universal elements of culture that also embrace the system of livelihood, equipment, technology, language, religion and so forth. Actually it’s a comprehensive and sustainable tourism development. By this, local people are enabled to be widely involved in various activities, not merely as passive spectators.

On the other hand, through this activity

visitors have a good opportunity to get acquainted with many aspects of rural life, starting from agricultural occupation, local products, traditional culinary, custom and tradition as well as lifestyle of local people. In agricultural field, for instance, there are areas producing characteristic local variety of rice like at Penebel; snakefruit at Pupuan and Sibetan; strawberry at Bedugul; and tangerine at Bondalem and Tejakula to name a few.

Then what is making different from that of other regions across the archipelago? This disparity concerns with the tradition and lifestyle. In Bali, visitors will be able to see that local farmers have traditional organization managing the irrigated and non-irrigated farming named subak. Uniquely, they perform ritual to express their gratitude to God on the prosperity obtained from farming on particular days and specifically on Tumpek Bubuh (the nearest one falls on 21 February).

Moreover, this kind of tourism will bring visitors closer to nature and other rural activities beyond farming. Even, they can participate in those activities. For instance, if Bali has rich traditional dances, visitors can join to learn some of them. As a result, visitors do not only visiting Bali to feel the pleasure of touring, watching cultural performance and seeing the enchanting panoramas, but also experiencing in person the local

lifestyle. Other than agricultural-related activities, Bali retains a wide variety of unique ones that are worth visiting. There are handicraft making, traditional painting, (seasonal) coffee harvesting, fishing and many more. And if possible, they can stay with the local community.

Visitors participated in agrotourism are ideally expected to be more active than the average tourists while on trips. In essence, there are some categories of activity in agrotourism namely the family-oriented activities like sporting and cycling; participatory activities like learning to dance and cook traditional food; nature-oriented activities like horse riding, elephant safari, trekking; farming-related activities like seasonal harvesting, exploring local fruits at traditional market and so forth. These activities can complete the existing tourism product. In Bali, this tourism has become an alternative to avoid the market saturation of those very same products.

Agrotourism does not only enrich the existing tourism products and provide alternative to visitors. To local community, it poses an empowerment that enables to them get involved in the tourist activities.

In general, it will make an even distribution of tourist visits to villages and working opportunity. (BTN/punia)

HPI supported police action handling crimes Antara

DENPASAR – Indonesian Tour Guide Association (HPI) Bali support the action taken by the police officers in order to handle the crime especially the one happen to foreigners. I Gusti Kompyang Aya, the spokesman of HPI Bali, said “the action taken by the police will give good image in the international world.’

He is also very happy that Bali Police Department received awards from the government of Japan and Germany because the police managed to solve the cases happened to their citizen.

Bali Police solved the murder case of Rikasano, a Japanese tourist, and arresting the fugitive wanted by German police Peter Ulrich. Ulrich is suspected to kill his own wife in Germany.

“As tourism businessmen, we hope that Bali will always safe for the people and tourists. We obviously don’t want the bad news spread throughout the world.”

It is difficult to prevent the spread of the criminal news abroad.

So the best thing is to increase the safety level and created Bali which is safe for the people. Actually, the existence of Tourist Police is very important because beaches are the most crowded tourism sites in Bali.

There is great hope that the number of criminal act can be decreased do the number of tourist visited Bali will keep increasing.

al

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Balinese Culture

Telkomsel launched 50 SMS free program for Kartu As’ users IBP

DENPASAR – In this end of the year, users of Kartu As, one of Telkomsel prepaid products, can use 50 SMS free to all operators in Indonesia. This program that already active since December 16, 2009 only held in 9 areas, which are Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Sumatera Utara, Lampung, Jabodetabek, Banten, Sukabumi, Bali, NTB, and NTT. The program, according GM Sales and Customer Service Telkomsel Bali Nusra Region Syaiful Bachri, is part of observation that conducted by Telkomsel in Bali Nusra region. He stated that almost all the users of Kartu As like to spend their communication budget for texting or SMS. ‘’We hope that by launching this program we can give more benefit to Kartu As’ users,” he said.

He mentioned the 50 SMS free can be use for 24 hours every day. The users must use all the free SMS because it can’t be accumulate to the next days.

Telkomsel preparing good coverage and capacity around 80,000 SMS per second to make Kartu As users comfortable. Besides SMS free program, Kartu As’ users also can enjoyed cheap phone call tariffs and IDR 1,000 services by using the access number of *100#, likes using 500 KB internet service per day, religious content SMS, and job vacancies.

Bebek Menyanyad (Duck Curry)

Telkomsel

Kartu As user using SMS free program. In this end of the year, users of Kartu As, one of Telkomsel prepaid products, can use 50 SMS free to all operators in Indonesia.

Overview: Ducks waddling along the banks of the rice fields or following the flag held by their owner (or his children) are a common sight in Bali. On festive occasions, duck is great favorite. Spiced stuffed duck baked in banana leaf is one popular recipe; this curry-like dish is another. Chicken could be used as a substitute for duck if preferred.

Ingredients: 1 whole duck, weighing about 2 kg 8 cups coconut milk 2 lemon grass, bruised 2 salam leaves 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed fried shallots Spice paste: 12 shallots, peeled and sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 4 red chilies 2.5 cm galangal (laos), peeled and sliced 2.5 cm kencur, peeled and sliced 5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced 2 tsp coriander, crushed 3 candlenuts 1 tsp dried shrimp paste ¼ tsp black peppercorns, crushed pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 2 cloves 3 tbsp oil Preparation: Cut the duck into 12 pieces and pat dry.

Prepare the spice paste by grinding or blending all ingredients except oil. Heat the oil and sauté the spice paste for 2 minutes. Add the duck, increase heat and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the coconut milk and all ingredients except fried shallots and simmer, uncovered, until the duck is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Garnish with fried shallots and serve with white rice. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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10

Destinations

Thursday, December 17, 2009

International

Banjra Sandhi Monument BAJRA Sandhi Monument is monument of Balinese People Struggle . This Monument is recognized by the name of Bajra Sandhi because it’s form is looking like Bajra or Genta or bell used by all Hindu Priest in reading off Weda holy sentence (mantra) at religious ceremony. This monument is built in the year 1987 and it is opened by president of Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14 June 2003. The purpose of this monument is to immortalize the soul and spirit of Balinese People struggle, at one blow dig, looking after, developing and also preserve the culture of Bali to be bequeathed to a router generation as advancing capital stroke tread a world of loaded progressively with the challenge and resistance.

This monument is comprising of 33 diorama depicting the journey history from a period of prehistory (300.000 S.M) what its human being still go about and very base on the nature until the period of filling the independence (1950-1975) where Bali Island is built in all areas like politics, economic, and social cultural. By knowing and comprehending of the journey history, soul, and spirit of Bali People struggle from time to time, it is expected the tighten of the spirit and cultural to increase Bali tourism.

The Building Monument of Bajra Sandhi The existence of physical building is strongly relating to the meaning of Hinduism philosophy, namely Yoni colossus. The monument is likely colossus device meanwhile the building base as yoni. From other side, the Yoni colossus is also describing the story of twiddling Mandhara Giri at Ksirarnawa which is taken away from passage of Adi Parwa (Hindu’s Book).

This building Monument is consisted of: * Jar of Amertha symbol by Kumba (a kind of pot) what is seen on the top monument. * The Dragon Basuki tail exists near by Swamba and its head at entrance gate * The body of Bedawang Akupa realized at its base of monument and the head at entrance gate * Mount of Mandara Giri realized by the high of monument boosting * Pool encircle the monument is supposing as Ksirarnawa (milk ocean).

Bajra Sandhi Monument in its development, it has been opened for visitor and to be places of interest or tourist destination in Bali in particular when visiting Denpasar town. (www.balistarisland.com)

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11

BUSINESS

Fed likely to keep extra support for fragile US economy Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - The US Federal Reserve is expected to leave a key interest rate near zero and pledge continued support for the still-recovering US economy when it concludes a two-day meeting Wednesday.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to keep the base federal funds rate in the range of zero to 0.25 percent, where it has been since last December.

In a statement, expected around 1915 GMT Wednesday, it is also likely to maintain committed to a range of programs to flood the financial system with money to restore credit flows.

Among those is a pledge to pump more than one trillion dollars into the financial system to keep credit flowing.

Fed officials have said that they have an exit plan to move away from stimulus measures that will be implemented when the economy has recovered, but recent indications suggest no major policy changes are likely soon.

Fed chairman Ben Bernanke last week went out of his way to quash the notion that the Fed was closer to rate hikes in view of better economic news, especially in the labor market, analysts noted.

“With the sustainability of recovery still in doubt, we do not see why the Fed would make any changes at this point, especially with year end approaching, when financial markets are notoriously illiquid — perhaps significantly more so this year,” said Joseph LaVorgna, chief US economist at Deutsche Bank.

“We expect only slight tinkering with the statement. In fact, the only substantive change we are looking for from the FOMC is a mild improvement in the committee’s assessment of the economic outlook.”

Markets will be watching to see if the Fed keeps language indicating rates would be held low for an “extended period.” Any significant change could signal the exit strategy is under way.

Donald Ratajczak, consulting economist at Morgan Keegan, said that the Fed may be shifting its criteria for when it begins to hike rates because much of economic activity is still supported by stimulus efforts, even though unemployment has come off a peak of 10.2 percent to 10.0 percent.

“While I thought employment would

be the trigger to changing Federal Reserve policy, I now believe it is loan activity,” Ratajczak said.

“The Fed is concerned that a recovery cannot be sustained while commercial and industrial loans are falling at a 14-percent rate, and I agree with that conclusion. That is why Bernanke reiterated an extended period for near-zero rates even after a recovery pattern of labor market conditions materialized in November.”

Others say that as the recovery gathers steam the Fed may be forced to act more quickly.

Kent Engelke, economic strategist at Capitol Securities Management, said the economy has already rebounded sharply from earlier this year and this could mean a more rapid return to normal conditions.

“It is becoming more evident this recovery is stronger than many were expecting with questions of sustainability no longer the most written headline,” he said.

“If the economy continues to improve at this rate, a rate that I think will spur jobs growth, the primary headline would perhaps be the impact of the inevitable change in monetary policy.”

Brian Wesbury at First Trust Portfolios said the latest inflation figures — showing a 1.8 percent leap in wholesale prices — suggest the Fed has failed to keep prices in check.

“The Federal Reserve is twiddling its thumbs waiting for consistent signs of falling unemployment before it starts raising interest rates,” he said.

“The Fed’s theory is that inflation won’t show up until the labor market gets a lot stronger than it is today. But inflation isn’t just arriving early, it’s bashing down the door.”

US gross domestic product rose in the third quarter at a 2.8-percent annual pace, after four quarters of contraction in a brutal recession.

Some analysts still fear that the recovery will be limited by high unemployment, which reduces consumer income and spending that accounts for the lion’s share of economic activity.

AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File

In this May 4, 2007 file photo two Qantas Airways passenger planes pass each other at Sydney Airport, in Australia.

Australia eases some foreign ownership rules for Qantas Agence France-Presse

SYDNEY - Australia will relax some foreign ownership rules for national airline Qantas, the government said Wednesday, easing the way for the “Flying Kangaroo” to form an alliance with an overseas carrier.

Qantas will remain majority 51 percent Australian-owned — a condition considered in the national interest — but rules capping foreign individual ownership at 25 percent and overseas airline stakes at 35 percent will go.

“This will increase Qantas’s ability to compete for capital and to take opportunities to form strategic partnerships in an increasingly globalised industry,” Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said.

In a paper to guide the aviation industry for the next two decades, the government also eased rules for hand luggage — with tweezers, knitting needles and nail files no longer banned on flights and metal cutlery reintroduced.

In contrast, screening of baggage and individual passengers will be tightened.

“It is time to do more than have an ad hoc approach to aviation issues as they arise,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

“Australia needs a comprehensive aviation framework that brings together all aspects of aviation policy into a single, coherent and forward-looking statement.”

The minister said the government would also encourage foreign airlines to increase their services outside the major arteries of Sydney and Melbourne to secondary international airports such as Cairns, Darwin and Broome.

“Australia will offer foreign airlines unlimited access to secondary gateway markets... and offer improved access to major destinations for those international flights which go through tourist venues such as Cairns,” he said.

Qantas welcomed the announcement which was previewed by Albanese in late 2008 when he said the government wanted to put the carrier on a “level playing field” with rival airlines.

Chief executive Alan Joyce described the removal of the foreign ownership caps as a step forward.

“It gives Qantas parity with Australian carriers governed by the Air Navigation Act when it comes to attracting capital.”

In December 2008, a planned 6.0 billion US dollar merger between Qantas and British Airways came unstuck but the Australian airline has long believed that a merger with a foreign carrier would make sense.

The pair walked away from talks after failing to reach agreement on key terms. Combined, their 500-plane fleet would have constituted one of the world’s biggest airlines.

12

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Entertainment

International

Once an underdog, Reitman now an Oscar favorite Buju Banton Denies Cocaine Charges REGGAE star Buju Banton has “vigorously denied” charges he attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover cop, according to the star’s attorney. The Grammy-nominated Jamaican star, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, was taken into custody in Miami, Florida on Thursday after he was caught with more than five kilograms of cocaine.

He was charged with conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute and faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted. Court documents state two others were also arrested, after contacting a police informant to enquire about a deal.

In an e-mail to the Associated Press on Tuesday, Herbert E. Walker III said he looks forward to representing Banton in court, insisting his client “vigorously denies these allegations”. Banton remains in federal custody in Miami.

Joshua Jackson Contemplates Marriage To Diane Kruger ACTOR Joshua Jackson is ready to settle down with long-term girlfriend Diane Kruger and can see himself marrying the German beauty.

The former Dawson’s Creek star, 31, has been dating the Inglourious Basterds actress since 2006 and has been jetting between Paris, France, where Kruger lives, and Vancouver, Canada, where he shoots his hit scifi show Fringe.

However, Jackson hints he’s willing to give up his transatlantic lifestyle to build a future with Kruger - as soon as the former model hints she wants to walk down the aisle.

He says, “We shoot the show in Vancouver but my better half lives in Paris so I spend half my time there. I think that (marriage) might be a possibility, it’s working out well. She’s German; she’ll tell me when it’s time to get married.”

Two years ago, director Jason Reitman’s “Juno” was the consummate Oscar underdog. An independent film without A-list stars, it went on to earn four Oscar nominations, winning best screenplay for Diablo Cody. Reitman’s new, widely feted film, “Up in the Air,” won’t have the luxury of a sneak attack. It solidified its status as an Academy Awards favorite Tuesday, when it was nominated for six Golden Globes, the most of any film.

Reitman has said he was concerned the expectations surrounding “Up in the Air” — starring George Clooney as a frequent flier who fires people for a living — might detract from the joy of its success. When he watched the Globes announcements — while fittingly jet-lagged from a recent flight from Los Angeles to New York — he seemed to be taking to the new role.

“Whatever my fears were about having anticipation, there’s nothing as exciting as watching live TV and not knowing if your name is going to be called out,” said the 32-year-old Reitman, who was nominated for best director and best screenplay with co-writer Sheldon Turner. “It’s an overwhelming rush.”

One of Reitman’s first phone calls was to his father, Ivan Reitman, the well-regarded director of hit comedies such as “Stripes” and “Ghostbusters.” He’s also a producer of “Up in the Air,” an of-the-moment recession tale, adapted from Walter Kirn’s novel. “It’s great to be the producer of this kind of movie and sort of share in its success and the goodwill that comes with it,” Ivan Reitman said. “But as a parent it’s kind of this remarkable emotional moment that’s kind of hard to describe.”

Jason Reitman is shown at the premiere of “Up in the Air” in Los Angeles. Reitman was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best director for the film, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. The Golden Globe awards will be held Jan. 17 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file

Randy Quaid & Wife Are Fugitives Again RANDY Quaid and his wife Evi are wanted by police in California after skipping a fifth court date stemming from an unpaid hotel bill. The “Kingpin” star and his spouse were due to appear before a judge on Tuesday to answer charges relating to an unsettled $10,000 bill from the luxury San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

But they failed to turn up to court and have now become felony fugitives after the presiding judge issued warrants for their arrest. The couple’s bail has been set at $40,000 each - double the amount of their last bond.

The Quaids posted $20,000 each in September following their arrest in Marfa, Texas, and they paid the same amount in California in November after missing their fourth court date.

The couple was due to be arraigned on charges of burglary, defrauding an innkeeper and conspiracy during Tuesday’s planned hearing.

Life Style

International

In this combo made from file photos, the original iPod, left, is displayed in Cupertino, Calif. on Oct. 23, 2001, and the Apple iPhone 3GS, is shown at the Apple Store in Palo Alto, Calif. on July 21, 2009. Ten years ago, we would have been blown away by a cell phone with far more computing power and memory than the average PC had in 1999, plus a camera and programs to manage every aspect of our lives.

AP Photos

Our devices will spin denser webs of data in 2010s Associated Press Writer

SEATTLE – Ten years ago, we would have been blown away by a cell phone with far more computing power and memory than the average PC had in 1999, along with a built-in camera and programs to manage every aspect of our lives. Ten years from now, the iPhone and its ilk will be antiques. Over the next decade, the evolution of computing and the Internet will produce faster, increasingly intelligent devices. More of our possessions will contain sensors and computers that log our activities, building digital dossiers that augment our memories, help us make decisions and tame information overload.

Such ideas may sound futuristic and excessive today. And technological predictions are notoriously offbase. Short-term forecasts tend to assume too much change and longterm forecasts underestimate the possibility of sudden, major shifts.

Even so, this vision of interconnected devices that produce and filter massive amounts of data in the 2010s is a logical progression of the Web, computers and gadgetry that emerged in the 2000s. Moore’s Law, the principle that computing power doubles every two years without increasing in cost, still rules.

Recall the personal computer, circa 2000. It likely had a “clock speed” — a measure of how fast it could do things — just one-sixth of many computers today. Apple’s 1999 iMac came with 64 megabytes of RAM, memory that helps computers switch among programs. Today’s

iMac today has 60 times as much.

The vintage iMac had a 10-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital photos and other files. Now iPods have more space than that, and iMac drives start at 500 gigabytes.

Remember dial-up? In 2000, fewer than 10 percent of U.S. households had broadband Internet, according to Forrester Research. In 2008, 61 percent of homes had it.

As computers and Internet connections got faster, we enjoyed them more. In October 2002, the average American spent about 52 hours a month on a home computer, according to the Nielsen Co. This October, the figure was nearly 68 hours a month.

We filled ever-more-spacious hard drives with music and photographs, as households with digital cameras jumped from 10 percent in 2000 to 68 percent last year, and

those with an MP3 player climbed from less than 2 percent in 2000 to 41 percent in 2008, according to Forrester. We increased the ways we could stay connected: More of us got cell phones, camera phones, smart phones and the iPhone. We bought more laptops and came to expect Internet connections almost everywhere.

Personal home pages were replaced by blogs that could be set up in seconds, which gave anyone with a computer and Web access the potential to reach a bigger audience than many newspapers. First-generation social networks, little more than online address books, gave way to sites such as Facebook and Twitter, where we add our words, photos, links and video posts to a collective stream of consciousness.

Online, we also tripped over the line between private and public.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

13

‘Patent pool’ to boost AIDS drug access Agence France - Presse

GENEVA – A global “patent pool” for AIDS drugs will be launched next year in a bid to slash billions off the cost of producing generic medecines for the developing world, the UNITAID drug purchase fund said. UNITAID head Philippe Douste-Blazy told AFP the mechanism was given the green light at a board meeting in Geneva Monday and aims to supply latestgeneration anti-retroviral drugs to AIDS sufferers in low- and medium-income countries.

Douste-Blazy said the scheme, set to be up and running by mid2010, marked “an enormous step for humanity.” Under the new mechanism, pharmaceutical firms will share drug patents on a voluntary basis with the pool, which will license them to generic manufacturers in exchange for royalties on sales.

UNITAID will provide start-up funds of four million dollars (2.75 million euros) over the coming year, and has so far held talks with US pharmaceutical firms Gilead, Johnson and Johnson, Merck and Sequoia on signing up, it said.

Drugs produced via the patent pool would be destined exclusively for the developing world, where re-

sistance to existing anti-retroviral drugs among AIDS patients is spurring the need for newer, patented medecines. The scheme would enable generic manufacturers to combine “newer and more effective drugs from different companies” into so-called fixed-dose combination drugs, something until now made difficult by patent restrictions, UNITAID said.

By spurring competition between pharmaceutical labs, it believes the scheme has the potential to slash more than a billion dollars off the annual cost of treating AIDS sufferers in developing nations.UNITAID has identified 19 products from nine drug firms for potential inclusion in the pool. Douste-Blazy also said the pool would facilitate the production of specially-dosed medecines for children, who account for 10 percent of current AIDS treatment needs.

International charity Medecins Sans Frontieres welcomed “a decisive step to improve access to medicines in the developing world,” but warned that success would depend on solid backing from drug firms. Patent holders need to move from expressions of general support to firm and formal license commitments,” said Michelle Childs, MSF’s director of policy and advocacy.

A nurse at an antiretroviral clinic in South Africa explains to a patient how he should take antiretroviral drugs in 2008. A global “patent pool” for AIDS drugs will be launched next year in a bid to slash billions off the cost of producing generic medecines for the developing world, the UNITAID drug purchase fund said.

AFP/File/Alexander Joe

Activists dodge Japan whaling fleet after skirmish Agence France - Presse

AFP/HO/File/Stephen Roest

Handout photo shows crew from the Sea Shepherd animal rights group (right) being hosed by water cannons from a Japanese harpoon whaling ship.

SYDNEY – Militant anti-whaling activists said they were dodging a Japanese surveillance ship in icebergs near Antarctica Wednesday, following their first skirmish with whalers for the season. Paul Watson, who is leading a campaign to harass the annual whaling hunt, said a heavilybarbed and armed ship loaded with Japanese security guards had been tailing them since they left Western Australia on December 7.

When they attempted to approach the ship, Shonan Maru No.2, from behind an iceberg on Monday, Watson said the Japanese opened fire with two water cannon and tailed

them in a two-hour high-speed pursuit. “We had our water cannons at ready but we never opened up on them,” Watson told AFP, speaking via satellite phone from Antarctic waters.

“This is the first time that the Japanese have sent down security forces.

As long as they’re following us they can relay our position to the whaling fleet so they can move if we’re apporaching them.” Watson said the Shonan Maru No.2 was still tailing them Wednesday, but “we’re going to try and lose them in the ice pack down here off the coast.”

“They said if we try to block the operations they’ll put their ship between us and the harpoon vessels, which will most likely result in colli-

sions,” Watson said. “But we’re not going to back down, we’re there to block their operations and we’re not going to back down because they try to force us out of the way.”

Despite the beefed-up security, Watson said he was confident of disrupting the hunt for a sixth year, saying activists had a futuristic powerboat which would be able to outrun the ships and block their harpoons. “It’ll be our interceptor vessel, I think it will make a big difference,” he said. Japan’s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama this week asked visiting Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd to rein in the Sea Shepherd activists, describing their actions as “sabotage”.

14

Sport

Thursday, Desember 17, 2009

International

Suns burn Spurs to stay perfect at home Reuters -

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns preserved their 100 percent home record this season with an 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Amare Stoudemire scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Steve Nash hit 25 points and dished out 13 assists as the Suns extended the NBA’s only unbeaten home record to 9-0.

“We are a gritty team,” Suns coach Alvin Gentry told the Arizona Republic. “We compete. We feel like we can compete against the majority of the teams in the league.” Tim Duncan scored a season-high 34 points and made 14 rebounds for San Antonio (12-10). The Suns (17-8) led 67-52 at halftime before the Spurs cut a 20point deficit in the third quarter with a 28-13 run, but could not hold off the home side in the fourth.

Phoenix snapped a string of three

AP Photo/Matt York

losses to the Spurs who have proved to be the Pacific Division team’s nemesis in recent years. The Suns missed the postseason a year ago, but were eliminated from the playoffs by San Antonio in three of their previous four postseason appearances.

“It’s been a battle ever since we started the playoff push my rookie year,” Stoudemire said. “My confidence is the same night in and night out — we make sure we bring our

Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash (13) looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, of Argentina, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec .15, 2009 in Phoenix. The Suns won 116-104.

‘A’ game against the Spurs.”

Winners of four NBA titles since the 1998-99 campaign, the Spurs had won three straight heading into the night’s contest but could not carry their momentum past the Suns. Roger Mason added 19 points and Tony Parker 15 in a losing effort. Phoenix got an unexpected boost from reserve Goran Dragic who scored a career-high 18 points and made four of the team’s 11 three-pointers during a hot shooting performance. The Suns have stayed among the top teams in the Western Conference despite playing a league-high 16 games on the road. They play 10 of their next 13 games at home.

Wickmayer made to Barkley: Tiger changed phone wait for ITF decision number after accident on doping ban Associated Press Writer

Reuters -

LONDON - U.S. Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer must wait to see whether she can return to action even though a Belgian court has suspended a oneyear ban imposed on her for violating anti-doping regulations. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Tuesday they were still considering the judgment by the Court of First Instance in Brussels which suspended the ban, citing administrative errors with the way it was imposed.

“The ITF has now heard from the National Anti-Doping Organisation Flanders U.S. Open semi-finalist Yanina and we are seeking counsel Wickmayer must wait to see from our legal advisors and whether she can return to action (World Anti-Doping even though a Belgian court has Agency) WADA,” an ITF suspended a one-year ban im- spokesman said. posed on her for violating anti- Wickmayer, 20, was banned doping regulations in November after failing to notify her country’s antidoping agency where she could be reached. Fellow-Belgian Xavier Malisse, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, was also suspended for a year for missing a doping test and twice failing to say where he could be reached.

Malisse also had his ban suspended on Monday. Both Wickmayer and Malisse announced last month that they were appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The ITF has had overall responsible for enforcing WADA doping-controls in tennis since 2007.

Charles Barkley says Tiger Woods changed his cell phone number the day after his car accident and is not talking to some of his famous friends. On a show that airs Sunday on news network HLN, Barkley and filmmaker Spike Lee worry that Woods isn’t taking advantage of the invaluable advice that can only be offered by friends who are used to the spotlight.

“You should reach out to your celebrity friends when things go bad,” Barkley told The Associated Press in a phone interview Tuesday. “They’re the only people who understand what it’s like.” Barkley appears on “With All Due Respect” with two other Turner Sports analysts, baseball Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley and longtime NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. Lee is one of the guests in the one-hour special during which the sports stars discuss a variety of topics.

Turner Sports and HLN are owned

by Turner Broadcasting System. “He’s insulated,” Lee said during the taping for the show. “If Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan can’t get to him, and those are his boys, then other people are making bad moves.” Barkley said Tuesday he has not spoken to Woods since the Nov. 27 accident, which unleashed a series of events that resulted in him admitting to marital infidelity.

“I’ve been trying to get to him and can’t get to him,” he said. “It’s very frustrating.”

Barkley said he just wants to tell Woods, “Hey, man, we love you. If you need anything, pick up the phone.”

Chatting about subjects ranging from sports to world news, entertainment and current events is a natural for the outspoken Barkley, who has long expressed an interest in entering politics. He said he wants potential voters to be familiar with his views, with include support for abortion rights and gay marriage.

“I hope people get a chance to see where I am on different issues,” he

said.

While taping the show, the three athletes found they had similar feelings about another of the year’s big stories: the death of Michael Jackson. Each felt at peace about the saga after seeing “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” the film about the King of Pop’s final rehearsals. During the conversation, Barkley said, “I thought Kyle was going to cry.”

AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2006 photo, as a member of the class of 2006 former NBA player Charles Barkley addresses members of the media during a news conference at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Barkley says Tiger Woods changed his cell phone number the day after his car accident is not talking to some of his famous friends. On a show that airs Sunday on news network HLN, Barkley and filmmaker Spike Lee worry that Woods isn’t taking advantage of the invaluable advice his friends who are used to the spotlight can offer.

Sport

International

Thursday, December 17, 2009

15

Man Utd cruise past Wolves to go level at top Reuters -

LONDON - Manchester United thrashed a weakened Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Tuesday to move level on points with leaders Chelsea as manager Alex Ferguson marked his 900th league game in charge. A Wayne Rooney penalty and a Nemanja Vidic header gave United a 2-0 halftime lead against a Wolves lineup showing 10 changes to the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday.

Antonio Valencia added a third goal in a pedestrian second half to put United joint top of the Premier League with 37 points, although Chelsea, who have a better goal difference, can restore their three-point lead against Portsmouth on Wednesday. Aston Villa, who stunned United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, are third with 32 points after beating Sunderland 20 at the Stadium of Light.

Birmingham City are up to sixth after a 2-1 home win against Blackburn Rovers, their fifth league win in succession. Bolton Wanderers moved out of the relegation zone, above Wolves, with a 3-1 home victory against fellow strugglers West Ham United who slipped to second from bottom. Wolves fans taking their seats on a bitterly cold night at Old Trafford were scratching their heads when the team was announced with all 10 outfield players who started against Tottenham left out of the side by manager Mick McCarthy.

Premier League rules state that teams must play a full-strength side in every game, although a spokesman said it was unlikely that Wolves would suffer any punishment for a team selection that appeared designed to rest the first-choice side for Sunday’s match against Burnley. “We’ve just got a really busy period coming up,” McCarthy told BBC Radio Five. “They were all first-team squad players who played tonight, not reserves and I have to say there were some really good performances. That team did as well as we did against Arsenal and Chelsea.”

After holding United at bay for 20 minutes and even having a glorious chance volleyed over by George Friend, Wolves slipped away quietly once Rooney had tucked away his 12th league goal of the season following Ronald Zubar’s needless handball.

Vidic effectively killed the game when his header evaded Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann shortly before the break.

AP Photo/Jon Super

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, center, shoots wide during his team’s 1-0 loss against Aston Villa in their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Dec. 12, 2009.

Mourinho admits insulting journalist

Bring on Man United! says Milan’s Beckham Reuters -

Reuters -

MILAN - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he verbally abused a journalist after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta but denied that there was physical contact. League officials and Inter president Massimo Moratti are probing the incident outside the team bus after Italy’s sports journalists’ union complained.

“It’s true I insulted one of your colleagues with a word I cannot repeat that was offensive.

But it is not true that there was aggressive intent or physical contact,” Mourinho told a news conference on Tuesday.

Mourinho, who has lamented the grilling he gets from Italian media so much that reports have speculated he could quit in May, said he snapped because the journalist had been standing by the team bus for months despite his protests. “I will not make a public apology because the situation was not public but private,” added the Portuguese, whose Serie A leaders host Livorno in the Italian Cup last 16 on Wednesday.

“In front of him, like men, I will be able to talk with him and end this story. Maybe with a bit of humour — I expect a Christ-

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he verbally abused a journalist after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta but denied that there was physical contact mas present from him.” The colourful 46-year-old said there were no problems between himself and Moratti and indicated he would accept a punishment from the club for his outburst rather than a sanction from the league.

Mourinho also said he would welcome a new striker in January to cover for Samuel Eto’o’s absence

with Cameroon at the African Nations Cup. He mentioned Palermo’s Edinson Cavani as well as Luca Toni and Goran Pandev, who have fallen out with their clubs Bayern Munich and Lazio.

“If we can have someone new in, good, if not it’s still fine,” he said.

AC Milan’s David Beckham wants to play former club Manchester United when the draw for February’s Champions League last 16 is made on Friday

MILAN - AC Milan’s David Beckham wants to play former club Manchester United when the draw for February’s Champions League last 16 is made on Friday. The 34-yearold, who joins Milan in January for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy to try to secure his England World Cup place, left United in 2003 having won the 1999 European Cup with his boyhood club.

“I would really like it if we draw my old club. Since I left in 2003 I have not gone back to play at Old Trafford (as a club player),” he told Wednesday’s Gazzetta dello Sport from Los Angeles.

“Seven years have gone by and I want it to happen. Me against United, great no? It would be very difficult but also very exciting.”

Beckham, who acknowledged he might not walk straight into the side at the second-placed Serie A club, also said he wanted England to meet Italy in the World Cup final next July. Asked if England were among the favourites for South Africa, he said: “Yes, we can say it without any problems. England are a very ambitious team, however they are not the only ones.”

16

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Virgin eyes success with lowest budget Richard Branson believes Virgin Racing can make a success of Formula 1 through talent rather than its chequebook - after revealing that the team will run with the lowest budget of any in 2010.

Branson’s Virgin Group unveiled its ambitious plans for next year at a launch in London on Tuesday, and its chief made it clear that it felt his company was perfectly placed to reap the benefits of a new lower-cost F1.

“F1 is trying to bring the costs down of entry,” said Branson, speaking on stage. “This team will be the lowest budget team in F1.

“It will run under the £40 million a year that is set in F1, and all teams within two or three years are meant to get to that level. But money is not everything and we are determined to prove that through engineering prowess, great drivers and great affinity with the public we

can do well. I think it is the only British F1 team left - so it is great to support another British team.”

Virgin Racing’s CEO and team principal Alex Tai saw no reason why his team’s small budget would hinder its plans for the future.

“We’re fully funded for next year,” he explained. “We think it is right to be competing on a level playing field. We have permission that is given to us, the Virgin Brand, to

do something different.

“We think it is abhorrent to be spending $400 million on building two cars. We believe it is important not to compete with the chequebook but to compete with the ingenuity that we have with Nick [Wirth], and the team spirit and experience we have with John [Booth]. I am immensely proud of this team and we absolutely have our sights set on success. We believe that what the FIA and F1 have done in creating a level playing field is exactly the right environment for Virgin Racing to thrive in.

Our sponsors have understood that, they are backing us to succeed and what we have now is to go out there and deliver.”

Campos still in talks with de la Rosa Campos team president Jose Ramon Carabante says the Spanish squad is still in talks with Pedro de la Rosa to fill the second seat for its debut season. Although team boss Adrian Campos had said it would be almost impossible to bring de la Rosa because of the lack of Spanish backers, Carabante insisted the Spanish driver is still on its list.

He admitted, however, that signing de la Rosa would depend on finding the money to cover the budget without having to ask the veteran driver to bring sponsors with him. “Talks with Pedro de la Rosa are not broken,” Carabante told Onda Cero radio. “It would be a dream if he was our driver next season. As of today there’s a chance that the seat left could go to a Spanish driver and, of course, for us the dream would be if it was Pedro de la Rosa. Talks with him have never been broken.”

He added: “We would have Pedro for free if it was necessary, without him having to bring anything. With the budget covered, I can guarantee you that Adrian Campos’s first option... is to bring Pedro because he’s a person we love and we would be thrilled to have him in our team, but it depends a lot on the sponsors.

“As of today, Pedro is the only Spanish driver we are considering.”

Carabante conceded that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado and Russian Vitaly Petrov are still the most likely candidates to partner Bruno Senna at the team next year. “There are other options with drivers backed by countries, like Pastor Maldonado, who has 20,000 companies who want to join, or Vitaly Petrov,” he said.

“There is some other option, but our target is to sign the second driver before the end of the year and we hope to achieve that.” Carabante,

whose team’s car for 2010 will be built by Dallara, said Campos is aiming to build its own chassis in its Murcia base in the future. He also revealed the team is in talks with Ferrari over an engine deal for 2011.

“Our intention is to have Ferrari engines after a year with Cosworth. It’s all progressing well,” he said.

Sport

Richard Branson believes Virgin Racing can make a success of Formula 1 through talent rather than its chequebook - after revealing that the team will run with the lowest budget of any in 2010