Edisi 21 Juli 2009 | International Bali Post

16

Sport

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Lorenzo: Yamaha offer not good enough Jorge Lorenzo says he is ready to delay a decision on his future, claiming he is worth more than what his Yamaha team is offering him. The Spaniard is currently fighting for the title with team-mate Valentino Rossi, who is 14 points ahead after the first nine races of the season.

Yamaha rival Honda has expressed an interest in Lorenzo, but the former 250cc world champion said his main priority is staying with his current team. Lorenzo, however,

AP Photo/Roberto Pfeil

Spain’s rider Jorge Lorenzo relaxes prior to the first MotoGP free practice session of the German Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, Friday, July 17, 2009.

Alguersuari confirmed at Toro Rosso

Scuderia Toro Rosso has confirmed Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari will make his Formula 1 racing debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. The 19-year-old will become the youngest driver to participate in a grand prix in the history of the sport.

Alguersuari replaces Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais at the wheel of the second car, partnering Swiss racer Sebastien Buemi. “I would like to thank Red Bull for giving me this great opportunity to race in Formula 1,” he said. “Ever since I started racing this has been my dream and thanks to the Red Bull Junior Programme I will now realise my ambition of lining up on a Grand Prix grid.”

“I am aware that I’m facing a very tough challenge, because coming into Formula 1 is never easy, coming into Formula 1 in the middle of a season is even harder

and doing so without any testing is really difficult. But already I feel that I am getting great support from the team, who have quite a reputation for looking after rookie drivers.”

Team boss Franz Tost said the Faenza-based squad was not expecting anything from the Spaniard.

“Red Bull’s stated aim for Scuderia Toro Rosso is that, when possible, it should be used to provide a seat for products of its Young Driver Programme,” he said. “We therefore chose Alguersuari as the most mature driver currently in the programme. “I am well aware that over the next few months the team and Jaime will face a major challenge, especially because of the testing ban. But Red Bull is always ready for a new challenge. I do not expect anything from him for at least his first three races, during which he has to get used to the car, the team and to the Formula 1 environment.”

said after yesterday’s German Grand Prix that he feels Yamaha’s offer is not good enough.

“I don’t know, I think that we need to wait some more,” Lorenzo told Italia1 television when asked about his future. I feel very proud that people are interested in me. But I think I’m one of the riders who can beat Valentino in the future.”

“I’m fighting with him at the moment, and I think my worth is greater than what Yamaha is offering me at the moment. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Rossi, meanwhile, said he was not sure if it was better to have Lorenzo as a team-mate or not.

“I’ve thought a lot about it, whether it’s better to have him in Yamaha or in Honda,” he said. “I don’t know. There are pluses and minuses each way. In any case I think he will be a tough rival to beat whether he rides either with our bike or with another team.”

Quarantined foreign students swell to at least 178 in China

16 Pages Number 417 1st Year

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No tourist cancellation after bomb blasts PAGE 8

Paula Abdul’s Return To ‘American Idol’ Doubtful AFP PHOTO/POOL/DITA ALANGKARA

PAGE 12

Indonesian forensic investigators inspect the aftermath of a bomb blast at the JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta on July 18, 2009.

Indonesian police Monday were trying to rebuild the face on a severed head found at the scene of deadly hotel blasts in Jakarta in an attempt to identify one of two suspected suicide bombers.

Indonesian police try to rebuild bomber’s face Agence France-Presse

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AFP PHOTO FRED DUFOUR

A picture taken on July 9, 2009 in Nurburg, shows Red Bull and Toro Rosso’s then-reserve driver Jaime Alguersuari of Spain.

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JAKARTA - Indonesian police Monday were trying to rebuild the face on a severed head found at the scene of deadly hotel blasts in Jakarta in an attempt to identify one of two suspected suicide bombers.

NATO: British fighter jet crashes at Afghan base

The grisly forensic work could provide a key breakthrough in the investigation into Friday’s twin suicide attacks on the luxury JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, which killed up to nine people including two militants.

One of the bombers apparently targeted a regular weekly business breakfast gathering of some of Jakarta’s most influential foreigners at the Marriott, killing three Australians including a diplomat.

Continued on page 6

Associated Press Writer

KABUL - A British fighter jet crashed inside NATO’s largest base in southern Afghanistan on Monday in the second major crash there in two days. Fourteen Afghan civilians died in two incidents, including three killed when German troops opened fire on their vehicle, Afghan officials said. The Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado crashed inside Kandahar Airfield during takeoff at 7:20 a.m. Afghanistan time (0250 GMT; 22:50 Sunday EDT), said Capt. Ruben Hoornveld, a spokesman for the NATO-led force.

Continued on page 6

AP Photo/Musa Sadulayev

A Mi-8 helicopter flies over the Chechen capital Grozny, Russia, in this Sept. 18, 2002 file photo. A civilian helicopter similar to the one pictured crashed at southern Afghanistan’s largest NATO base Sunday July 19, 2009, military officials said.

2

International

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sport

International

News WORLD NEWS

CAPE TOWN South Africa is launching clinical trials of two AIDS vaccines, a major step for a developing country where political leaders once shocked the world with their unscientific pronouncements about the disease.

Clinton seeks key defense accord in India talks

Agence France – Presse

Mauritania election NOUAKCHOTT Nearly a year after seizing power in a military putsch that ousted Mauritania’s first freely elected leader, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz wins the presidency in a landslide vote his opponents decried as a fraudulent “electoral coup.”

Carbon neutral BANGKOK - The tiny island nation of Tuvalu, already under threat from rising seas caused by global warming, vows to do its part for climate change by fueling its economy entirely from renewable sources by 2020.

Source: ap

NEW DELHI - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hoped to seal a defence pact boosting US arms sales to India in talks here Monday that should also see agreement on the siting of two US nuclear reactors.

On the business end of her five-day visit to India, Clinton met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and was to meet later with Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna for talks aimed at deepening strategic US ties with an emerging player on the world stage.

Washington is especially hopeful of sealing a key accord on “end-use monitoring” that would provide safeguards for the sale of highly sophisticated US weaponry to India.

The agreement would be welcomed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. who are both competing with Russian, French and Swedish companies for a massive 12 billion dollar tender to provide 126 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force.

Monday’s talks are also expected to see India announce the proposed sites for the building of two multi-billion dollar US nuclear power plants — the fruit of a landmark civilian nuclear deal India sealed with former US president

George W. Bush last year.

“We’re very hopeful the Indians make the announcement on Monday,” one US official told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

Indian press reports have suggested the chosen sites are in the Indian states of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for south Asian affairs, said last week that the deal is a “major opportunity for American companies, and opens up as much as 10 billion dollars worth of exports to India.”

The Wall Street Journal, quoting people familiar with the issue, said the announcement probably will not lead to immediate contracts for firms like GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse Electric Co. to begin building plants.

In October last year, then secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee signed a pact to open up sales of civilian nuclear technology to India for the

AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON AFP PHOTO/Findlay KEMBER

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton first time in three decades.

The deal offers India access to US technology and cheap atomic energy in return for allowing UN inspections of some of its civilian nuclear facilities — but not military nuclear sites.

During her visit, Clinton has made it clear that President Barack Obama wants to pursue efforts begun under the Bush administration to build a dialogue that reflects the importance India can play in fighting global climate change, promoting trade and curbing nuclear and other weapons.

“We will be announcing a comprehensive strategic approach that will cover the broad range of issues that are of a concern to us,” Clinton told students at Delhi University on Monday.

Clinton was accompanied by her special climate envoy Todd Stern, who has been tasked with finding a common approach with India before a December summit in Copenhagen — aimed at securing a new international agreement on climate change to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

‘Angela’s Ashes’ author McCourt dies

Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Frank McCourt, the beloved raconteur and former public school teacher who enjoyed post-retirement fame as the author of “Angela’s Ashes,” the Pulitzer Prizewinning “epic of woe” about his impoverished Irish childhood, has died of cancer.

McCourt, who was 78, had been gravely ill with meningitis and recently was treated for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the cause of his death, said his publisher, Scribner. He died Sunday at a Manhattan hospice, his brother Malachy McCourt said.

Until his mid-60s, Frank McCourt was known primarily around New York as a creative writing teacher and as a local character – the kind who might turn up in a New York novel - singing songs and telling stories with his younger brother and otherwise joining the crowds at the White Horse Tavern and other lit-

erary hangouts.

But there was always a book or two being formed in his mind and the world would learn his name, and story, in 1996, after a friend helped him get an agent and his then-unfinished manuscript was quickly signed by Scribner.

With a first printing of just 25,000, “Angela’s Ashes” was an instant favorite with critics and readers and perhaps the ultimate case of the non-celebrity memoir, the extraordinary life of an ordinary man.

“F. Scott Fitzgerald said there are no second acts in American lives.

I think I’ve proven him wrong,” McCourt later explained. “And all because I refused to settle for a oneact existence, the 30 years I taught English in various New York City high schools.”

The book has been published in 25 languages and 30 countries.

A native of New York, McCourt was good company in the classroom and at the bar, but few had such a burden to unload. His parents

were so poor that they returned to their native Ireland when he was little and settled in the slums of Limerick.

Simply surviving his childhood was a tale; McCourt’s father was an alcoholic who drank up the little money his family had. Three of McCourt’s seven siblings died, and he nearly perished from typhoid fever.

The book was a long Irish wake, “an epic of woe,” McCourt called it, finding laughter and lyricism in life’s very worst. Although some in Ireland complained that McCourt had revealed too much (and revealed a little too well), “Angela’s Ashes” became a million seller, won the Pulitzer and was made into a movie of the same name, starring Emily Watson as the title character, McCourt’s mother.

Author Peter Matthiessen, who became friendly with McCourt after “Angela’s Ashes” came out, said he was “stunned” when he read it.

“I remember thinking, ‘Where did this guy come from?”

Matthiessen said. “His book was so good, and it came out of nowhere.”

The white-haired, sad-eyed, always quotable McCourt, his Irish accent still thick despite decades in the U.S., became a regular at parties, readings, conferences and other gatherings, so much the eager late-life celebrity that he later compared himself to a “dancing clown, available to everybody.”

His friend and fellow memoirist Mary Karr once kidded him that her idea of a rare book was an unsigned copy of “Angela’s Ashes.”

McCourt was married twice and had a daughter, Maggie McCourt, from his first marriage.

His brother Malachy is an actor, commentator and singer who wrote two memoirs and, in 2006, ran for New York governor as the Green Party candidate. At least one of Frank McCourt’s former students, Susan Gilman, became a writer.

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15

Lampard uncertain over Terry’s Chelsea future

Agence France-Presse

AIDS vaccine

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ronaldinho (L) of AC Milan and David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy are pictured during their friendly football match at the Home Depot Stadium in Los Angeles on July 19, 2009. Beckham received a rocky reception from disgruntled Galaxy fans in his return to Los Angeles as his Major League Soccer club played to a 2-2 draw with his recent Italian club AC Milan.

LONDON -Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits there is no guarantee John Terry will snub Manchester City’s big-money bid to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.

City have already had two offers rejected for England captain Terry, but boss Mark Hughes is planning a new 35 million pounds bid for the defender this week.

Although Terry has spent his whole career at Chelsea and remains the club’s most talismanic figure, it is believed City’s offer to raise his wages to 200,000 pounds a week has forced the Blues skipper to consider his future.

A host of Chelsea players have made it clear they want Terry to stay but Lampard, who was close to agreeing to a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan last season and is one of Terry’s closest friends, is more concerned.

“I don’t know what he will do,” Lampard said in The Times on Monday.

“I’ve been in John’s position, but everyone at the club wants him to stay. I had an option to leave last year, to go with a manager who I love, but it came at a time in my life that, maybe, just wasn’t right. But the situation made me think an awful lot. It

wasn’t an easy decision, either, and I don’t think people should criticise John.”

“The fact is you can never take away what he’s done for Chelsea.

He’ll always be a legend. I hope and I’m confident that, whatever happens, he will continue to be considered a legend here.” Lampard insists that Terry shouldn’t be condemned as a mercenary if he does accept City’s massive offer.

“People should respect his right to choose,” Lampard said. “When you’re a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John’s a very honourable man and it doesn’t come down to money and things like that.

“I know John. I know he’ll be thinking about what’s the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career. “No one should doubt that John Terry wants to be successful. No one should doubt that John Terry is a winner. This is not just about the money and people shouldn’t try to make it that black and white.

“It’s understandable because it’s Manchester City who have come in, but it’s up to John what happens. All I can say is that I’m very proud each time I play with him and, as a club, you want to keep players like John Terry. It’s as simple as that.”

Cool reception as Beckham America downs Inter returns to LA Galaxy on penalties in friendly Agence France - Presse

Agence France - Presse

LOS ANGELES – David Beckham received a cool reception from disgruntled Galaxy fans in his return to Los Angeles as his Major League Soccer club played to a 2-2 draw with his recent Italian club AC Milan. The English star, who missed the first half of the MLS season while on loan to AC Milan, was booed during introductions and again on his first several touches of the ball.

STANFORD, California - Oscar Rojas scored the shootout winner as Mexico’s Club America defeated Inter Milan of Italy 5-4 on penalties Sunday in a friendly club match.

The teams had finished regular time 1-1. Ivan Ramiro Cordoba scored a goal in the 60th minute for Inter to knot the score after Club America took the lead in the 51st minute through Juan Carlos Silva.

The match was part of the World Football Challenge, a series of friendlies featuring England’s Chelsea, Italy’s AC Milan and Inter Milan and Club America. The next match in the series is at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where Chelsea will play Inter. Club America faces AC Milan Wednesday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, then on Friday Chelsea and AC Milan play in Baltimore.

“I’m very happy because scoring a goal against such a big team is very exciting,” Silva said, although the Italian champions weren’t fielding their best. Inter’s Julio Cesar wasn’t with the team Sunday, and his backup Francesco Toldo wasn’t available to play, leaving 19-yearold Vid Belec in goal.

Two of Inter Milan’s biggest stars, Argentinian defender Javier Zanetti and Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic were not in the starting lineup. Ibrahimovic entered the game early in the second half, while

Leaving the pitch at halftime he approached a section of stands where anti-Beckham banners were displayed and appeared to shout something. A fan jumped down and was restrained by security personnel and escorted off the pitch. “One of the guys was saying things that wasn’t very nice. It was stepping over the line,” Beckham said. “I said, ‘You need to calm down and come shake my hand,’ and he jumped over.”

But Beckham insisted the fan reaction didn’t bother him. “It doesn’t affect me,” he said. “You can’t be liked by everyone.” AC Milan manager Leonardo indicated he thought the fans were unfair, and if some Galaxy supporters don’t want Beckham, he said he’d be glad to have him back at AC Milan.

“Sometimes the supporters don’t understand the situation,” Leonardo said. “We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He’s incredible,” he added. “The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see

that every ball begins with him.”

Indeed amid the jeers, Beckham played a role in both Galaxy goals.

After Thiago Silva gave Milan a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, the Galaxy equalized in the 30th through Alan Gordon, set up by Landon Donovan after a cross from Beckham. Milan went ahead again in the 61st, when Filippo Inzaghi timed a run perfectly into the area to score.

The Galaxy responded again, earning a corner kick in the 65th minute. Beckham, who stayed in the match amid a string of Galaxy halftime substitutions, walked deliberately over to take the corner kick, near the fan section that had given him the most grief. His sent a precise kick into the area and Bryan Jordan headed it in to knot the score at 2-2, after which Beckham turned and faced his critics.

Beckham left the game in the 75th minute, waving to a group of supportive fans en route to the bench. “The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice,” Beckham said. After spending an impressive second half of last season with AC Milan, Beckham returned to the Galaxy in

Thursday’s 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, his first match since the end of the Serie A campaign.

Not only was Beckham’s delayed return to the MLS seen by many as a slap in the face to US football, but a squabble with Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan further sullied his return. Donovan sparked the dispute with disparaging remarks published in a new book “The Beckham Experiment.”

But he was full of praise for Beckham on Sunday.

“He was integral in both goals,” Donovan said. “There’s not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game.” The friendly against AC Milan was Beckham’s first match in Los Angeles since his return, and coincided with a swirl of speculation on his future plans in England. According to the Mail on Sunday, Chelsea and Tottenham are ready to bring the 34-year-old former England captain home, although Beckham said in midweek he was eyeing an eventual return to Italy. That would apparently suit Leonardo.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images/AFP

Diego Milito #22 of Inter Milan moves the ball in front of a Club America player in the first half during the World Football Challenge at Stanford Stadium on July 19, 2009 in Palo Alto, California.

Club America was missing star goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

“We’re very happy with the way the game went,” Inter coach Jose Mourinho said. “We’re very happy no one got injured.” The players weren’t even aware that the challenge called for shootouts, and started exchanging jerseys at the end of regular time.

14

Sport

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

International

News

International

Ram backs up first title with opening win at Indy

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

US, allies preparing package offer to NKorea: envoy Agence France Presse

Agence France - Presse

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Local tennis hero Rajeev Ram backed up the career-first title he won a week ago at Newport with a 6-3, 7-5 first-round victory Sunday over fellow wild card Devin Britton at the Indianapolis Championships.

Ram, now knocking on the door of the Top 100 in the men’s tennis rankings at 108th, claimed the Newport crown in a shock ending to an event where he only entered the main draw after Mardy Fish withdrew to make an emergency appearance for the US Davis Cup team in Croatia.

The persistent 25-year-old from nearby Carmel, Indiana, began well at his home event, which he has played on six previous occasions, never moving past the third round (2005).

Ram now awaits the winner of the first round match between fellow American Sam Querrey and France’s Arnaud Clement on Monday.

Ram has found his selfconfidence boosted by his showing in Newport and hopes

to carry the momentum forward as he begins his summer cement season in the run-up to the US Open.

“I played well but I’m really not surprised. This form only shows the results of my hard work over the past few seasons,” said the journeyman who played only one more ATP-level match last year after Indy last July. He started 2009 with a first-round loss to Ivo Karlovic in Chennai, India.

Ram was beaten in the first round at Wimbledon by German Philipp Petzschner, with Chennai, Wimbledon and Newport his only elite-level events so far in this year. Ram broke the inexperienced Britton three times to take victory in just over an hour and a quarter, under cloudy skies with a threat of rain.

Russian Dmitry Tursunov, the 2007 champion and losing final-

ist a year ago to Frenchman Gilles Simon, takes the top seeding ahead ahead of Israeli Davis Cup standout from last weekend’s upset of Russia, Dudi Sela.

Local tennis hero Rajeev Ram, pictured in 2008, backed up the career-first title he won AP Photo/Fars News Agency,Ali Rafiee

a week ago at Newport with a

In this Sept. 20, 2008 photo released by the semi-official Iranian Fars News Agency, Sunday, July 19, 2009, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, speaks with the then Vice-President Esfandiar Rahim Mashai, in a meeting in Tehran, Iran. Hard-line supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are criticizing him over a decision to appoint a controversial figure as vice-president. On Friday, Ahmadinejad appointed Esfandiar Rahim Mashai as his first vicepresident. In 2008, Mashai angered hard-liners when he said Iranians were “friends of all people in the world _ even Israelis.”

6-3, 7-5 first-round victory Sunday over fellow wild card Devin Britton at the Indianapolis Championships.

(AFP/Getty Images/File/Matthew Stockman)

Blake and Taylor Watson’s Open fight forces chiefs to consider age limit exemption Griffin face off Agence France - Presse

Associated Press writer

LAS VEGAS – Phoenix Suns forward Taylor Griffin walked to the freethrow line Sunday night during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers and was greeted with some spirited trash talk from a group of nearby Clippers fans.

His younger brother, Clippers’ top pick Blake Griffin, stood a few feet away on the rebounding block and cracked a smile. The brothers, teammates the past two years at Oklahoma and for most of their childhood growing up in Edmond, Okla., got their first taste of competing against

(AP Photo/Laura Rauch)

each other professionally in Phoenix’s 87-70 victory.

Just two minutes into their initial game as opponents and with the assistance to the help of a group of about 20 vocal Clippers’ fans, it was obvious the Griffins are no longer teammates. Taylor Griffin made both foul shots, then Blake Griffin, like he did at Oklahoma and during the weeklong summer league, did the job on the court.

Blake Griffin, who before the game was announced as the event’s Most Outstanding Player, got the best of his brother with 16 points and eight rebounds. Taylor Griffin, a secondround selection of the Suns, had four points and six rebounds.

They rarely guarded each other with Phoenix converting Taylor Griffin into a small forward and Blake Griffin playing inside at power forward. Blake Griffin averaged 20 points and 10 points in five summer games.

The brothers exchanged hugs on the court following the game. Blake Griffin is hoping to enjoy a long NBA career while Taylor Griffin is fighting for a spot on the Suns’ roster.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, left, guards his brother, Phoenix Suns’ Taylor Griffin, during an NBA summer league basketball game at Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 19, 2009.

3

TURNBERRY, Scotland - Tom Watson’s heroic attempt to roll back the years at the British Open has persuaded tournament chiefs to consider changing the age limit exemption for former champions. The age limit was reduced from 65 to 60 only two years ago but 59-year-old Watson, who came within one missed putt of winning on Sunday before losing in a play-off to Stewart Cink, made a strong case for allowing aging greats to keep coming back well into the twilight of their careers.

Watson, a five-time Open champion, would have earned himself a 10-year exemption if he had holed his eight-foot par putt on the final green. But next year’s Open at St Andrews will be his 33rd and final appearance unless the rule is changed or he finishes in the top 10 at St Andrews, wins the 2010 British Senior Open or comes through a qualifying event.

“I don’t think we contemplated a 59-year-old leading the Open Championship going into the back nine on the final day at the time,” said Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson on Monday.

“Every year after the Open we look at the exemptions and no doubt we’ll look at this one. It’s much too early to say what, if anything, we’ll do with it, but we’ll certainly be looking at it. I’m sure if someone at age 59 had been winning the championship, bringing down the age limit would have been lower on the agenda when the reduction was made. But we brought it down in order to give more spaces in the championship to younger players allegedly in their prime to compete.”

“Tom Watson was amongst those consulted on the matter and offered his support to our objective. I don’t think we would change having an age limit. I don’t see a difficulty with it - someone will probably tell me it’s going to be against the age discrimination legislation, but we’ll look at that if that arises.”

What is almost certain not to happen is the Royal and Ancient falling in line with the bodies that run the other three majors. Augusta National for The Masters, the United States Golf Association for the US Open and the Professional Golfers’ Association of America for the US PGA all issue special invitations from time to time.

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has one for next month’s US PGA, for example, but Dawson stated: “We certainly haven’t discussed changing that and we think that the procedure we have for exemptions and qualification is the right way to go for a championship of this quality.”

Former winner Justin Leonard, who went out onto the course to watch the play-off, said: “Tom’s the king of links golf as far as Americans are concerned and maybe throughout the world, considering how many Open Championships and Senior Opens he’s won.

(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Tom Watson of the US reacts as he arrives for the awards presentation after losing a playoff following the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland, Sunday, July 19, 2009.

Ahmadinejad’s controversial first VP pick walks away Agence France Presse

TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s choice as first vice president, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, has walked away from the job, state media reported on Sunday.

Mashaie, a controversial politician and confidant of Ahmadinejad, has “resigned three days after his appointment” as first vice president, stateowned English-language channel Press TV reported.

The channel initially sourced its report to the education ministry-funded news agency, Pana. In its news item, Pana said “The content of his resignation letter will be published soon.”

There was no immediate independent confirmation of Mashaie’s resignation.

The appointment was strongly opposed by hardliners among Ahmadinejad’s own support base.

Mashaie, whose daughter is married to Ahmadinejad’s son, is an outspoken figure who last year earned the wrath of hardliners, including supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for saying Iran is a “friend of the Israeli people.”

In his current role as vice president in charge of tourism he sparked ire among MPs for reportedly watching a group of women dance at a congress in Turkey in 2007.

His nomination as first vice president had ruffled feathers among hardliners deeply sensitive to any breach of the longstanding taboo on

relations of any kind with archfoe Israel.

Ahmadinejad himself spearheaded an anti-Israel campaign during his first four-year term, even calling the Holocaust a “myth.”

Since the announcement of Mashaie’s appointment on Friday, there has been a chorus of criticism from hardliners.

“It is imperative to terminate the appointment of Mashaie as first vice president in order to respect the wishes of the majority of the people,” said Hossein Shariatmadari, managing director of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, whose post is in the gift of supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“When people found out about the appointment, they viewed this move as one taken not just in bad taste... but as one which shows indifference,” he wrote in an editorial.

Leading hardline cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami also slammed Mashaie’s nomination.

“This appointment has been made in defiance of the members of the Assembly of Experts, the majlis (parliament) and several leading figures who have often mentioned that the post is a sensitive one,” the Jam-e Jam newspaper quoted Khatami as saying.

“I therefore urge Mr. Ahmadinejad to reconsider his choice before the wave of criticism spreads.”

The resistance to Mashaie’s appointment was a sign of the difficulties Ahmadinejad is likely to face in forming a new cabinet after his hotly contested re-election in a June 12 vote that his main challenger denounced as a “shameful fraud”.

The incumbent’s detractors have made clear that they have no intention of giving up their protest campaign, and only on Friday former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani used the platform of a sermon at the main weekly Muslim payers to say the government had lost people’s trust.

Reza Akrami, a leading member of the Association of Militant Clergy, a conservative clerical group supporting Ahmadinejad, was quoted by the Fars news agency as disapproving of his choice of Mashaie.

“In the past four years I did not see wise behaviour from him... and he did not leave any outstanding report card,” he was quoted as saying.

But Ahmadinejad had insisted Mashaie was a fine candidate for the job, saying he was a “pious and dedicated” man who believed in the principles of the Islamic revolution.

SEOUL - The United States and its negotiating partners are preparing a “comprehensive package” of incentives to encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons, a senior US envoy said Monday.

Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, did not elaborate on the package which is still being finalised.

But he said it would require Pyongyang to take “irreversible” steps towards denuclearisation in return.

Yonhap news agency said he made his comments at a breakfast meeting with senior South Korean journalists. A US embassy spokesman confirmed the main points of the Yonhap report.

Six-nation nuclear disarmament talks grouping the two Koreas, China, Japan, the US and Russia began almost six years ago but bogged down last December.

After the United Nations Security Council censured its April 5 long-range rocket launch, the North announced it was quitting the talks and restarting its atomic weapons programme.

It staged its second nuclear test on May 25, prompting the Council to adopt a resolution imposing tougher sanctions.

South Korea’s coast guard said it was drawing up a plan on how to inspect North Korean ships suspected of carrying banned weapons items.

“It is a follow-up to Seoul’s joining the Proliferation Security Initiative,” a coast guard spokesman said, referring to a US-led

campaign launched in 2003 to stop ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The North has said it sees Seoul’s decision to join the initiative as a declaration of war.

It was unclear whether Seoul would try to stop North Korean ships in South Korean waters, and if so whether the navy or the coast guard would be used.

Campbell, on arrival from Japan Saturday, had outlined a “twotrack strategy” involving tough enforcement of sanctions but also negotiations — if the North is willing to give up its nuclear ambitions.

He said at that time the comprehensive package would be “attractive” to North Korea if it returns to the talks and takes irreversible steps to disarm.

Campbell, making his first trip to South Korea since taking over the post last month, met Seoul’s nuclear negotiator Wi Sung-Lac Monday morning.

“We have to closely work together on how to implement the Security Council resolution and on the other hand... we have to think about resumption of dialogue as well,” Wi told the US envoy.

Last Thursday the Council tightened sanctions further, imposing a travel ban on five North Korean officials and asset freezes on five more entities involved in the missile or nuclear programmes.

After meeting Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan Monday afternoon, Campbell was to leave for Thailand for the ASEAN Regional Forum on security issues. North Korea is expected to be high on the agenda.

AP Photo/Jung Yeon-je, Pool

Kurt Campbell, left, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, shakes hands with South Korea’s top nuclear envoy Wi Sung-lac during their meeting in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, July 20, 2009. Campbell will discuss how to handle an increasingly defiant North Korea in a standoff over its nuclear program when he meets with South Korean officials in a series of meetings Monday.

4

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

News

International

Coup leader denies fraud in presidential election win

Life Style

International

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The first astronauts to walk on the moon want President Barack Obama to aim for a new destination: Mars. On Monday, the Apollo 11 crewmen, fresh from a Washington lecture Sunday in which two of them expressed concerns about NASA getting bogged down on the moon, are meeting with Obama at the White House.

NOUAKCHOTT - The army general who led a military coup that toppled Mauritania’s first elected head of state last August has denied opposition charges of fraud in claiming his presidential election victory.

American teacher was shot dead in the capital Nouakchott last month, with an Al-Qaeda offshoot claiming responsibility.

“We will fight terrorism in all its forms... by strengthening the resources at the army’s disposal,” he vowed.

Earlier, Ould Rzeizim said that there was no information that would lead him to call the conduct of the vote into question, following a statement issued by opposition candidates contesting initial results.

He declared turnout to have been 64.58 percent.

Four candidates for the presidency, including the speaker of parliament Messaoud Ould Boulkheir, had denounced what they called “prefabricated results” at a joint press conference Sunday.

“The results which are starting to come out show that it is an electoral charade which is trying to legitimise the coup,” said Ould Boulkheir, who was the nearest challenger with 16.92 percent of votes.

With him at the press conference was Ahmed Ould Daddah, head of the main opposition party, who came in third with 13.66 percent.

Also present were Ould Mohamed Vall, the junta chief in 2005-2007, who scored 3.81 percent; and Hamai Ould Meimou, an independent candidate.

Their combined declaration called on the international community to carry out an independent enquiry into voting irregularities.

US menagerie keeper adds ‘roo pouch to outfits Associated Press Writer

FOLSOM, - Christina Cooper has been wearing a kangaroo lately - a foundling named Skippy, who was rejected by his mother at a wildlife park in eastern Louisiana.

Inside a canvas carryall over Cooper’s shoulder is an artificial kangaroo pouch for the 6-monthold red kangaroo. It’s demanding duty - Skippy must be bottle-fed every four hours, though he’s starting to eat grass and other green stuff.

Workers at Global Wildlife Center in Folsom found the joey, as young ‘roos are called, on the ground May 13 in the area where about 40 red kangaroos live.

Cooper, one of the park’s two animal care specialists, waited about 90 minutes, hoping the mother would pick it up.

“That was really hard just to watch,” Cooper said. “But the adults were really not interested in him. Nobody came to claim him.”

He was probably about 4 months old and utterly helpless. Though adult red kangaroos can grow more than 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall, a newborn joey is about the size of a jelly bean. Eyeless, earless, all but skinless and with only buds where its hind legs will be, a newborn hauls itself into its mother’s pouch. There, the “pouch embryo” clamps its mouth onto a teat. It cannot even open its mouth for about a month, and usually stays attached for about six months.

Cooper doesn’t know how or why Skippy came out of his mother’s pouch. A female that is stressed or chased by a predator may expel a joey, Cooper said. But the Folsom reserve keeps no carnivores on its 900-acre (365-hectare) property north of New Orleans.

AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson

A boy plays with a robot toy in front a painting of an astronaut walking on the moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The United States this week marks the 40th anniversary of the historic first moon walk, with President Barack Obama kicking off events by meeting with the crew of the Apollo 11 mission.

AFP PHOTO / Watt Abdel Jelil

Former general Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz talks during a press conference on July 19, 2009 in Nouakchott after his victory in the Mauritanian presidential poll in the July 18 first round with 52.58 of the vote in provisional results, said Mohamed Ould Rzeizim, dismissing opposition claims of a “charade.”

South Africa launches AIDS vaccine clinical trials Associated Press Writer

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - South Africa announced the launch of clinical trials of the first AIDS vaccines created by a developing country with assistance from the U.S. on Monday.

It represented a feat by scientists who overcame skepticism from colleagues and from some political leaders who shocked the world with unscientific pronouncements about the disease.

“It has been a very, very hard journey,” lead scientist Professor Anna-Lise Williamson of the University of Cape Town said at Monday’s ceremony, attended by American health officials who gave technical help and manufactured the vaccine at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Williamson said she sees no choice for South Africa, at the heart of the epidemic, “where we have got the biggest ARV (anti-retroviral) rollout in the world and still hundreds of people are dying every day and getting infected everyday.”

Trials to test the safety in humans of the vaccines begin this month on 36 healthy volunteers, Anthony Mbewu, president of South

Africa’s government-supported Medical Research Council, said in an interview Sunday. Mbewu’s respected organization shepherded the project.

A trial of 12 volunteers in Boston began earlier this year. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and a leading AIDS researcher, said the South African scientists received more money from his institute’s research fund than any others in the world except the U.S. He called it “the most important AIDS research partnership in the world.” But he warned “There are extraordinary challenges ahead,” referring to the years of testing needed now that South Africa has reached the clinical trial stage.

Fauci said scientists do not understand why the search for an AIDS vaccine is so difficult, except that they are trying to do better than nature: “We have to develop a vaccine that does better even than natural protection.”

South Africa was the site of the biggest setback to AIDS vaccine research, when the most promising vaccine ever, produced by Merck &

Co. and tested here in 2007, found that people who got the vaccine were more likely to contract HIV than those who did not.

During nearly 10 years of denial and neglect, South Africa developed a staggering AIDS crisis.

Around 5.2 million South Africans were living with HIV last year - the highest number of any country in the world. Young women are hardest hit, with one-third of those aged 20 to 34 infected with the virus.

In 1999, the ministries of health and of science and technology founded the vaccine initiative and poured 250 million rand ($31.2 million today) into it over eight years.

Some 250 scientists and technicians worked on the project, along the way gaining scores of doctorates and producing work for professional publications as well as a model for continued biotechnology development in South Africa.

The government decided it was important to develop a vaccine specifically for the HIV subtype C strain that is prevalent in southern Africa “and to ensure that once developed, it would be available at an affordable price,” Mbewu said.

13

Apollo 11 crew: Moon less interesting than Mars

Agence France Presse

Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, who resigned his commission to stand in Saturday’s election, won 52.58 of ballots cast in the first round, according to provisional total results released by interior minister, Mohamed Ould Rzeizim.

The ex-junta chief declared his victory had come “without any illegal effort on our part to obtain that result.

“The people who supported us did not commit fraud, did not lie, did not cheat,” he told a French news channel.

“It is the return of democracy because I was elected in a vote that was transparent, democratic and free,” he said late Sunday.

During an earlier press conference awaiting validation of results by authorities managed by the government installed after the coup, Ould Abdel Aziz dismissed opposition claims of a voting “charade”, calling for proof.

“That is now a matter for the constitutional council and the interior minister — the law is very clear on that point,” he said.

He promised to fight against disease in the country, raise educational standards and build up infrastructure in the semi-desert north African country.

Ould Abdel Aziz also said he would beef up his army “to fight terrorism in all its forms” after an

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

In one of their few joint public appearances, the crew of Apollo 11 spoke on the eve of the 40th anniversary of man’s first landing on the moon, but didn’t get soggy with nostalgia. They instead spoke about the future and the more distant past.

Sunday night, a packed crowd at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum — 7,000 people applied in a lottery for 485 seats — didn’t get the intimate details of the Eagle’s landing on the moon with little fuel left, or what the moon looked like, or what it felt like to be there.

They got second man on the moon Buzz Aldrin’s pitch for Mars.

He said the best way to honor the Apollo astronauts “is to follow in our footsteps; to boldly go again on a new mission of exploration.” First man on the moon Neil Armstrong only discussed Apollo 11 for about 11 seconds. He gave a professorial lecture titled “Goddard, governance and geophysics,” looking at the inventions and discoveries that led to his historic “small step for a man” on July 20, 1969.

Armstrong said the space race

New Galileo book raises religious, science issues

Reuters

The current struggles between religion and science in areas such as evolution and “intelligent design” are thrown into sharp relief in a new book about the Italian astronomer Galileo and his trial by the Roman Inquisition. Author Dan Hofstadter described the Galileo affair as “the great religion-science clash of 1633 that in some form has persisted into our time.”

The focus of the trial was the scientist’s embrace of the Copernican view that the Earth revolves around the sun - a view informed by the observations Galileo made with his famous telescope. Christians had been ordered not to teach or promote the Copernican take on the solar system. It was essentially for this reason that Galileo found himself in hot water with the clerical establishment.

Hofstadter spoke with Reuters about his book “The Earth Moves: Galileo and the Roman Inquisition,” and the relevance of this 17th century episode today.

Q: You describe Galileo’s trial as the “the great religion-science clash of 1633 that in some form has persisted into our own time.” Can you elaborate?

A: “It has persisted into our own time in two ways. First the whole

question of what a scientific theory is was raised at that time and it has been raised again by those who support intelligent design. It’s essentially the same quarrel.

“The other point is that although Pope John Paul II said in 1992 that it was the error of the theologians of the time to think that, and I’m quoting now, ‘our understanding of the world’s physical structure was imposed by the literal sense of sacred scripture’, the current Pope, Benedict XVI, when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger said in March of 1990 that the church was more faithful to reason than Galileo himself, and went on to claim strangely that geocentricism, the idea that the Earth is at the center of the solar system, was correct.

“That’s a very odd notion to claim nowadays. For that reason ... professors at the University of La Sapienza in Rome brought a protest letter in January of 2008 to Benedict XVI and canceled his visit. So this whole issue has blown up again and it’s analogous to the controversy over evolution in many ways.”

Q: You raised the intelligent design movement, which critics contend is creationism by another name.

On this topic, one would be hard pressed to find a fundamentalist Christian in the United States today

who does not accept that the Earth revolves around the sun, but many reject out of hand evolution. Why do you think that is the case?

A. “People, of course, accept the fact that the Earth revolves around the sun but many, and not only in the United States but in a great many countries, surprisingly find themselves unable to accept the theory of evolution. “The similarity here between what happened with the edict in 1616 against Copernicanism and the struggle against the Church of England’s rejection of Darwinism in the 1860s, which in some sense persists worldwide to this day, the similarity has to with the failure to understand the notion of a scientific theory, and the inability to understand what it is to perceive nature, to know nature, which was really very understandable in 1616 ... But (it) is much harder to understand or sympathize with now ... The creationists do not understand the notion of a hypothesis.”

Q: How do you think Galileo would react to today’s conflicts between religion and science?

A. “I think he would react to (it) in much the same way as he did to the conflict then ... Galileo’s response was to say that the aim of scripture is not to teach science but to teach salvation.”

was “the ultimate peaceful competition: USA versus USSR. It did allow both sides to take the high road with the objectives of science and learning and exploration.” Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins, who circled the moon alone while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on it, said the moon was not interesting, but Mars is. “Sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place. Mars was always my favorite as a kid and it still is today,” Collins said. “I’d like to see Mars become the focus, just as John F. Kennedy focused on the moon.”

The man who founded and directed Mission Control Houston, Christopher Kraft Jr., also jumped on the go-somewhere-new, do-something-different bandwagon. “What we need is new technology; we have not had that since Apollo,” Kraft said as part of the lecture at the Smithsonian. “I say to Mr. Obama: Let’s get on with it. Let’s invest in the future.” As the men of NASA of the 1960s talked about new technology and new goals, the current NASA is still looking back at the moon.

NASA is still marching toward

a goal of returning to the moon of Armstrong and Aldrin and this time putting a base there. The current plan is based on building new rockets that the former NASA administrator called “Apollo on steroids,” with an alternative — a derivative of the space shuttle — floating through the space agency. Although they didn’t directly criticize NASA’s current plans, Aldrin and Collins said the moon is old hat. Collins said he is afraid that NASA’s exploration plans would be bogged down by a return visit to the moon.

Aldrin presented an elaborate slide detailing how to make a quick visit to the moon a stepping stone to visits to the Martian moon Phobos, Mars itself, and even some asteroids like Apophis that may someday hit Earth. Aldrin said he and Armstrong landed on the moon 66 years after the Wright brothers first flew an airplane. What he would like would be for humanity to land on Mars 66 years after his flight.

That would be 2035.

And even though Armstrong didn’t talk about the future in his 19minute discourse, Aldrin dragged his commander onto the Mars bandwagon anyway. “It was a great personal honor to walk on the moon, but as Neil once observed, there are still places to go beyond belief,” he said. “Isn’t it time to continue our journey outward, past the moon?”

Ubisoft gets into the social game at Facebook Agence France - Presse

SAN FRANCISCO - French videogame star Ubisoft made its debut in the online social scene by unveiling a gaming portal at worldleading social-networking website Facebook. UbiFriends portal came to life late Friday with a “TickTock” game that playfully challenges Facebook users to show how much they know about their friends.

Unisoft’s social debut came as the popularity of games at Facebook soars and videogame industry titans grow increasingly interested in creating titles for the social-networking platform. “We are going to try to make the best game applications for Facebook just like we try to make the best applications for Xbox360 and Wii and PlayStation,” said North American president of Ubisoft Laurent Detoc, referring to videogame consoles made by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony respectively.

“TickTock” lets players arm virtual bombs by answering as many multiple-choice questions as possible in a minute about friends on Facebook. Game software taps into Facebook status updates of players’ friends for material for questions.

Virtual explosives range from cherry bombs to nukes and air strikes.

“TickTock” bombs are sent to personal animated “warehouses” at an UbiFriends portal linked to Facebook.

People receiving bombs get 60 seconds to defuse them by quickly getting as many correct answers as the senders. “We are very excited about what Ubisoft is doing here,” Facebook platform manager Gareth Davis said while taking part in a demonstration of ‘TickTock’ at Ubisoft offices in downtown San Francisco.

“Ubisoft is using the social graph people share every day on Facebook to make a fun game uniquely tailored for Facebook users.”

Facebook claims 250 million users and says games are the most popular software applications at the service. Facebook saw a spike in interest from major videogame industry studios after Microsoft announced at a major Electronic Entertainment Expo this year that Xbox 360 consoles will be able to connect online to Facebook.

“The Xbox announcement was an inflection point where the traditional videogame industry shifted from thinking Facebook was cool to thinking what cool games they can make using Facebook,” Davis said.

Facebook is an irresistible platform for Ubisoft given its huge unabated popularity, according to Ubisoft producer Omar Abdelwahed, head of the ‘TickTock’ team. “The future of games is obviously digital,” Abdelwahed said. “Games are following where software is going, software as a service.”

12

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Entertainment

International

George Clooney: “I Hate the World Without Walter Cronkite” George Clooney, Hollywood’s unofficial spokesman for everything, was among the first to pay tribute to that other great voice of a generation, Walter Cronkite.

“He was the most important voice in our lives for thirty years,” the Oscar winner, who delved into the history of the CBS newsroom when he directed and costarred in Good Night and Good Luck, said in a statement Friday night.

“And that voice made people reach for the stars. I hate the world without Walter Cronkite. “ A strong sentiment, one shared in essence by many. Christina Applegate is another celeb who had an enounter with the

sonorous anchor, who died Friday at the age of 92 after a long illness.

“Had the chance to sit next to Mr Cronkite on a plane once,” twittered the Samantha Who? star. “We talked the entire time. When he left he hugged me and said ‘I love you’ sweet.” And random, but still, very sweet.

Diane Sawyer could identify, actually. “A call, a note, a compliment from Walter was pretty much the Nobel Prize for a young reporter,” the

Good Morning America host said. “I am so lucky to know what it was to be part of the Cronkite team.”

Calling him the “defining anchor of America’s story,” Sawyer said he reminded us “of what we can be at our best.” Dan Rather, Cronkite’s immediate successor to the CBS Evening News throne, called his friend and colleague a “giant of the journalistic craft.”

“Walter loved reporting and delivering the news, and he was superb at both. He deserves recognition and remembrance, too, for the way he solidly backed his correspondents and producers, defending them vigorously in coverage of difficult stories

such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate crimes.” Cronkite was, of course, not only the estimable predecessor of the big three, Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings, as well as the trio that followed them, including ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson.

“Walter Cronkite was and always will be the gold standard,” Gibson said. “His objectivity, his evenhandedness, his news judgment are all great examples. He, as much as anyone, is responsible for developing network television news. He set the standard. He told it ‘the way it is’ and all of us who are privileged

to work in this business owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.” “The man I grew up wanting to be,” NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams called Cronkite.

“Our household, like many, came to a halt when his broadcast came on the air each night, and dinner was served only after he said good night. Knowing Walter was among the great blessings of my life.

We were proud to work with him— for him—we loved him,” added 60 Minutes warhorse Mike Wallace, 91, who helped establish the golden age of television journalism long with his dearly departed fellow newsman.

Amy Adams Shaken

By Intruder Actress Amy Adams was left shaken on the set of upcoming boxing movie The Fighter after catching an intruder peeking into her trailer.

Security has been tightened on location in Lowell, Massachusetts as a result of the incident, which occurred after the day’s shooting wrapped on Thursday night.

The star was preparing to head home when she was startled by the sight of a man, said to be in his late teens or early twenties, peering into her trailer. A source tells RadarOnline.com, “Amy was getting

ready to leave the set when the guy climbed the steps right outside her trailer and said: ‘I’m looking for my cousin.’

“Amy, who was fully dressed and was with a production worker, yelled out: ‘What the hell are you doing?’ and the guy quickly climbed down the stairs before running off.

“She was totally unharmed and a number plate was passed on to the police from a car which we think he escaped in.”

Filming is expected to proceed as scheduled over the weekend.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk “No Boundaries”

Paula Abdul’s Return To ‘American Idol’ Doubtful Paula Abdul’s new manager says she may not be returning to “American Idol.”

According to a Los Angeles Times report, David Sonenberg says he doesn’t have a proposal for a new contract for Abdul.

He says it doesn’t appear she’ll be back.

Sonenberg began representing Abdul a few weeks ago. Auditions for the ninth season of the highly rated Fox

talent competition begin next month. Abdul said recently she’d been invited to remain as an “American Idol” judge and was optimistic about negotiating a new contract.

Earlier this year, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly called Abdul “an integral part of the show.” The other “American Idol” judges are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and newcomer Kara Dioguardi.

Cutting Kara DioGuardi’s “No Boundaries” from the American Idol tour was a no-brainer for Kris Allen.

“Taking that out is kind of helping my set a little bit,” Allen explained to us this morning as he and Adam Lambert picked up their new Ford vehicles at Galpin Ford just outside of Los Angeles. “It gave it a little bit more energy…It just felt like a better fit to put something else in.”

Critics and fans have pretty much trashed “No Boundaries,” which DioGuardi cowrote, ever since it debuted as the American Idol victory song during the finale in May. Allen has replaced it with The Killers’ “All These Things That I’ve Done.”

“Everyone knows that song,” Lambert said. “It’s really great.” Our favorite singing bromancers also talked about which Idol alums they’d like to work with... “I love Kelly Clarkson,” Allen said. “She’s incredible, so that’s who I’d want to work with.”

Lambert is a big fan, too. “The album Kelly just came out with is fantastic,” he said. “Great writers, great producers. She wrote a bunch of songs on there, and Katy Perry—my girl—

wrote songs on there, too. It’s great.”

But then Lambert added, “I want to work with Fantasia, just hollerin’ back and forth.” On a more serious note, the openly gay Lambert said he’s trying not to think too much about protesters who showed

up at one of the recent Idol tour stops. “I don’t think I’m going to change their minds,” he said. “I respect their opinion, but they didn’t need to come to a concert and spread negativity...Go use your energy for something productive.”

News

International

Surviving Mumbai attacks gunman pleads guilty

5

Agence France Presse

MUMBAI - The sole surviving gunman from the Mumbai attacks, a Pakistani national, pleaded guilty at his trial on Monday, admitting his part in the atrocity for the first time.

Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, 21, told a special prison court, where he had originally pleaded not guilty, that he wanted to confess.

He then narrated how the attacks were carried out and gave details of the attackers’ journey from Pakistan.

Kasab’s lawyer, Abbas Kazmi, was unaware that his client was going to take such action, TV news channels reported. The day’s proceedings had been due to hear eyewitness evidence from a police officer who witnessed the shootings.

Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters outside court that Kasab had “stood up and informed the court that he was willing to confess”.

The lawyer, who admitted being surprised, said Kasab had realised “the cat was out of the bag” after 134 witnesses gave evidence against him since the trial began in April.

DNA and fingerprint evidence was also produced in court.

A total of 166 people died and more than 300 others were injured when 10 heavily-armed gunmen attacked sites across south Mumbai, including luxury hotels, the city’s main railway station, a restaurant and a Jewish centre.

Kasab and an accomplice opened fire with AK-47 assault rifles and threw hand grenades at commuters at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, killing 52 and injuring 109 in the bloodiest episode of the 60-hour reign of terror.

The pair, who were seen on CCTV cameras and captured by news photographers, then fled the station, firing indiscriminately on the way, killing civilians and a number of senior police officers.

Among the dead was the head of the city’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, Hemant Karkare.

Kasab, who also placed an eightkilogramme (18-pound) bomb in a taxi that took him to CST station and later exploded near Mumbai’s airport, killing the driver and a passen-

ger, was the only one of the 10 gunmen to survive.

All are said to have been trained, equipped and financed by the banned, Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

“I believe that the entire conspiracy was hatched by these Pakistani nationals and it was only a formality,” Ashok Chavan, the chief minister of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, told the NDTV news channel.

“All those involved in the 26/11 (November 26) attacks should be hanged.”

Before the trial, Kasab’s lawyer told AFP in an interview that he faced an “nearly impossible task” to defend his client because of the number of witnesses.

But he indicated that his defence could hinge on whether Kasab was responsible for his actions, suggesting that he may have been brainwashed into carrying out the attacks.

The trial was initially delayed after Kasab claimed to be under 18 at the time, raising the prospect that he could be tried by the juvenile court, which can only impose a maximum three-year jail term.

Medical tests, though, established he was over 18. As a result, the court can impose the maximum sentence — death.

The chargesheet against Kasab, the nine dead gunmen and 35 other LeT “terrorists” sought in connection with the attacks accused them of carrying out a “heinous criminal conspiracy”.

“This was with the express intention to destabilise India, wage war against the country, terrorise its citizens, create financial loss and issue a warning to other countries,” it added.

Two other men are also on trial — Indian nationals Fahim Ansari, 35, and Sabauddin Ahmed, 24, who are said to have provided the group with invaluable logistical support before the attacks.

AFP PHOTO/FILES/Indranil MUKHERJEE

(FILES) This photo taken on November 27, 2008, shows flames gushing out of The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, one of the sites of attacks by alleged militant gunmen. A Pakistani man on trial in India over last year’s Mumbai attacks pleaded guilty on July 20, 2009, admitting his part in the atrocity for the first time, television reports said.

Drive-by shootings kill 3 in Thailand Associated Press Writer

PATTANI - Drive-by shootings blamed on Muslim rebels killed three civilians in southern Thailand, where an insurgency has left thousands dead in the past five years, an army spokesman said Monday.

Two assailants on a motorcycle shot and killed a Buddhist

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk “No Boundaries”

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

AP Photo/Romeo GACAD, Pool

A young tourist is photographed beside Lilly, a 3-year old elephant, at a beach resort in Phuket on Monday July 20, 2009 as the foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began their annual conference in this popular Thai tourist resort.

man who was traveling on a road in Pattani province Monday, said spokesman Col. Parinya Chaidilok.

In neighboring Yala province Sunday, a 48-year-old rubber plantation owner was shot dead in a drive-by shooting as he returned home by motorcycle, Parinya said. In a separate attack Sunday, a gold shopkeeper was killed after suspect insurgents fired assault rifles into his shop in Narathiwat province before fleeing on a motorcycle, Parinya said.

Police blamed Muslim insurgents in all three incidents. More than 3,700 people, both Buddhist and Muslim, have been killed in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces since the insurgency flared in January 2004.

The militants target people who they believe have collaborated with the

government, including soldiers, police, informants and ordinary civilians. They have made no public pronouncements but are thought to be fighting for an independent Muslim state in the region.

While some Muslims accuse government forces of extrajudicial killings, the government claims insurgents are killing residents from both communities to stir up the communal conflict in the region.

Last month, at least 36 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in violence in predominantly Buddhist Thailand’s only Muslim-dominated region. The most deadly incident was the killing of 10 Muslims at a mosque in Narathiwat on June 8.

6

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

News

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Indonesian...

From page 1

AP Photo/Greg Baker

A mother hugs her daughter as she and a classmate are released from quarantine at the Yanxiang Hotel in Beijing, China, Monday, July 20, 2009. The two students from Baltimore, who had been attending a volleyball summer camp, were among dozens of students from the U.S. and United Kingdom who were quarantined at the hotel after classmates were diagnosed with swine flu.

Quarantined foreign students swell to at least 178 in China Agence France Presse

BEIJING - At least 178 foreign students and teachers were in swine flu quarantine in Beijing Monday, the British embassy and a US teacher said, with 10 hospitalised after testing positive for the virus.

The school groups were put under seven-day quarantine beginning last week at a Beijing hotel after arriving separately for a study tour, but new arrivals have caused their numbers to swell.

“We can confirm that a group of 107 British school children and teachers from various schools in the UK are being held in quarantine in a hotel in Beijing,” the British embassy in Beijing said in a statement.

Meanwhile, at least 71 American students also were under quarantine at the hotel, said Nicholas Phillips, a teacher from the US state of Oregon.

Phillips said his group numbered 71 but added there were other American students and teachers who had arrived separately. He did not know how many.

Previously, 52 Britons had been reported under quarantine, while the number of Americans had not yet been reported.

The British embassy said nine UK children had been diagnosed with the virus and hospitalised while Phillips said one of his American

students was in hospital.

The students and teachers, who had arrived on a programme to study Chinese language and culture, are now the largest group of quarantined foreigners yet reported in mainland China over the A(H1N1) virus.

Authorities in Hong Kong had previously quarantined about 300 guests and staff in a hotel in early May. The Beijing numbers swelled as more students arrived for the study tour since late Sunday, said Ian Tyrrell, a British teacher who is under quarantine with the rest of the group at the Yan Xiang Hotel.

“This hotel is full now. There has been a new influx and there are more than 100 UK students here now,” Tyrrell told AFP by phone from his room at the hotel.

The US embassy in Beijing has declined to comment on the total number of US nationals quarantined there, citing American privacy laws.

Neither the hotel nor city health officials would comment to AFP. With the numbers of hospitalised growing, Tyrrell said some school

groups at the hotel were now isolating themselves from others to prevent further transmission of the virus, while continuing to wear masks.

But he said the students and teachers were being well cared-for and were in good spirits.

“As new groups arrive it’s a bit of a trauma but I think we’re all handling it well or doing our best to handle it as best we can,” Tyrrell said.

However, many were preparing to leave on Tuesday and Wednesday, when their one-week quarantine period ends, the teachers said.

China has a history of contagious disease outbreaks, including in recent years Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bird flu.

Chinese authorities have therefore responded aggressively to the swine flu threat, measuring the temperatures of arriving international passengers and subjecting foreigners to quarantine.

There have been 1,537 positive cases of the virus in China, the health ministry said last week, but no deaths have been reported.

A company executive from New Zealand and at least one Indonesian.

More than 53 people were injured in the blasts, which officials suspect were the work of regional Islamist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), responsible for the 2002 Bali attacks and dozens of other bombings since the late 1990s.

Unconfirmed reports in the Indonesian media said police believed one of the bombers was a student of a radical Islamic school in Solo, Central Java, which has produced some of JI’s most committed cadres.

Several reports identified the bomber seen in grainy security camera footage at the Marriott shortly before the blast as Nur Hasbi, alias Nurdin Aziz or Nur Sahid, a follower of Malaysianborn JI faction leader Noordin Mohammad Top. Police have reportedly gone to Hasbi’s family home to collect DNA samples, but police would not confirm this.

Senior anti-terrorist officials have said the attacks look like the work of Noordin, who leads a violent splinter faction of JI that advocates the mass killing of Westerners as a legitimate means of “holy war”. One of Asia’s most wanted men, Noordin is accused of masterminding bombings at the Jakarta Marriott in 2003, the Australian embassy in 2004 and Bali restaurants in 2005, which killed more than 40 people.

Jemaah Islamiyah draws inspiration from Al-Qaeda and has had extensive links with global jihadists as it seeks to create an Islamic caliphate spanning much of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the southern Philippines.

A police crackdown — including

NATO...

From page 1 The two-member crews ejected and were being treated for unspecified injuries at the base hospital.

The Tornado is the fourth aircraft to go down in Afghanistan in three days and the sixth this month. Military officials say there doesn’t appear to be a common reason for the spate of crashes beyond coincidence.There was no indication that insurgent activity caused the latest crash, Hoornveld said, but officials could not immediately say why the plane went down. The jet caught fire and emergency personnel responded.

In the northern province of Kunduz, meanwhile, German forces killed three Afghan civilians Sunday when they opened fire on a vehicle they suspected contained Taliban fighters, said provincial governor Mohammad Omar.

The German army said two civilians were killed and two seriously wounded and that the forces opened fire because the vehicle was approaching at high speed and ignored warning shots. It wasn’t clear why the death tolls differed. German and Afghan forces were conducting an operation Sunday in the Chahar Dara district when they observed two Taliban fighters entering a minivan, Omar said. When the minivan later drove toward the German forces, they opened fire, he said, but it appears the Taliban may have exited the vehicle, Omar said.

key arrests and the inducement of militants to defect — has hobbled JI in Indonesia and severed its links to foreign funds in recent years.

But while the network is diminished, analysts say JI has been able to fall back on a tight network of schools and marriages to maintain cohesion and possibly rebuild.

Police said an unexploded bomb left in a guest room of the JW Marriott resembled devices used in the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, and one discovered in a recent anti-JI raid on an Islamic school in Central Java.

“They are from the same school.

We found similar materials, similar tools, a similar method. That’s their job, that’s the same network, they are JI,” national police spokesman Nanan Soekarna said Sunday. He said investigators were reconstructing the mangled face on a head found at one of the hotels, with a view to creating an image that could be shown to witnesses.

Police have not confirmed that the Marriott bomber was a man wearing a backpack on his chest and dragging a suitcase who was caught by security cameras entering the dining area shortly before the blast.

A security guard reportedly asked him where he was going and the man, who looked Indonesian, replied that he was going to meet his boss.

“I want to deliver what my boss ordered,” the man said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

Investigators say the bombers stayed in Room 1808 of the Marriott for two nights before the attacks and disguised themselves as guests.

Security has been tightened at hotels and resorts across the vast, mainly Muslim archipelago of 234 million people.

In the west, in Farah province, a van full of civilians hit a roadside bomb Sunday, killing 11 people on board, including a child and his mother, said Mohammad Younis Rasouli, the deputy governor.

A British soldier was killed by an explosion Sunday while on a foot patrol in the Sangin region of Helmand province, the British Ministry of Defense said Monday. At least 16 British troops have died in Afghanistan in July, a death toll that has sparked an outcry in Britain over a shortage of helicopters and other equipment for troops.

Monday’s crash of the British Tornado at Kandahar Airfield came a day after a Russian-owned civilian Mi-8 helicopter crashed at the same base, killing 16 people on board.

Hoornveld called the two Kandahar crashes “coincidence.”

Two aircraft also went down Saturday. A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed in central Afghanistan, killing two crew members.

U.S. officials say insurgent fire did not bring down the plane. A U.S. helicopter also made what the military calls a “hard landing” the same day. Several troops were injured.

Taliban militants downed a civilian Mi-6 transport helicopter last Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, killing six Ukrainian civilians on board and an Afghan child on the ground. Earlier in July, two Canadian soldiers and one British trooper were killed in a helicopter crash in Zabul.

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BUSINESS Germany may force state aid on banks Agence France-Presse

FRANKFURT - Germany may force banks to take state aid to ward off a credit crunch later this year, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said on Monday.

In exchange, the state may take stakes in the banks, it added.

Until now, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck have refused to force state aid on banks as was done in the United States and Britain.

But credit conditions for businesses and households have continued to deteriorate and tougher measures might be needed to ensure companies can obtain the loans they need to help Germany pull out of its recession, the report said.

The biggest European economy is expected to contract by six percent this year, marking its deepest recession since the second world war.

To date, the government has

recapitalised just two banks, property lending specialist Hypo Real Estate and the second biggest German bank, Commerzbank.

German banks are heavily exposed to losses stemming from the international financial crisis and the collapse of the US market for high-risk, or subprime, mortgages.

Steinbrueck told banks recently they must “extend credit to businesses under reasonable conditions,” in a sharply worded letter sent to professional bodies in the financial sector.

The finance minister warned he would not be satisfied with “a simple call for good will” and has told sector leaders to attend a meeting to discuss the situation on September 1.

White House budget director expects better GDP figures Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - Figures for the US gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of year will probably improve “a lot” from the first quarter, White House budget director Peter Orszag said Sunday.

“The second quarter GDP numbers, even though they’re likely to still show a decline, are likely to look a lot better than the first quarter, which is a sign of progress,” he told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The US Treasury will published figures for second quarter economic activity on July 31.

Figures published by the US Commerce Department said last quarter’s GDP shrank at an annual rate of 5.5 percent, which was still an improvement from the previous quarter’s decline at an annualized rate of 6.3 percent.

Orzsag said Sunday that the improvement in the first quarter of the year was a positive sign.

“We’ve stepped back from that precipice, but we’re not yet in the growth zone,” he said.

“Most private sector forecasters are suggesting that won’t happen until later this year.”

The US Federal Reserve said in minutes released from its last meeting that it has revised its forecast for growth.

The central bank now expects the decline in economic activity to be between one and 1.5 percent for all of 2009, revised from a previous estimate of a two percent rate of decline for the year.

But Orzsag acknowledged that positive economic activity figures would not necessarily matched improved unemployment numbers.

“Firms usually, even after the economy starts to pick up again ... remain reluctant to hire people for some period of time,” he said.

“So the unemployment rate is going to remain elevated — too elevated — and there are too many people who are suffering, for some period of time.”

AFP PHOTO/Prakash MATHEMA

In a picture taken on July 10, 2009, Traffic passes a bill board advertising new apartments in Kathmandu. There are currently more than 250 high-rise blocks being built in the capital, according to the planning ministry. As the global credit crunch has sent housing markets around the world reeling, Kathmandu is experiencing a surprise property boom as wealthy Nepalese seek a safe haven for their money — and themselves.

Insecurity fuels property boom in Nepal’s capital Agence France-Presse

KATHMANDU - Former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba had a successful career in television before she gave up showbusiness for the distinctly less glamorous job of selling housing.

“This is where the money is,” the former actress and presenter told AFP in her plush new office in downtown Kathmandu.

“When I was offered a job marketing real estate, I said yes straight away, because it looked interesting and I could see that business was booming.”

Subba is head of sales and marketing at Nepalese property developer Shangri-La Housing, which builds and sells luxury apartments — until recently a virtually unknown concept in Kathmandu.

As the global credit crunch has sent housing markets around the world reeling, Kathmandu is experiencing a surprise property boom as wealthy Nepalese seek a safe haven for their money — and themselves.

“Many people tell us that it is not safe outside the capital and that they live in constant fear,” said Subba, who believes insecurity and investment are the two biggest drivers of the capital’s housing market.

“People see property as a good investment opportunity.”

Kathmandu’s population exploded during the decade-long civil war between the Maoists and the army as people flocked to the relative safety of

the capital.

The influx pushed up land values in the city. The Nepal Land and Housing Association, which groups many of the country’s estate agents, says land prices have risen by 300 percent since the height of the Maoist insurgency in 2003.

“Land became a valuable commodity,” said Chiranjibi Subedi, the government’s top planning official for Kathmandu.

Subedi said the influx had continued since the end of the conflict in 2006, with many property buyers citing continued instability in their home districts as their primary reason for moving to the capital.

“Insecurity seems to be the main driver of internal migration into Kathmandu since the conflict,” he said.

“The number of proposals for new high-rise buildings and apartment complexes just keeps on growing.”

Government figures show the number of new apartments built in Kathmandu rose more than three-fold last year to 3,385 from 1,088 in 2007, as high land prices and poorly enforced planning laws made building upwards more attractive.

There are currently more than 250 high-rise blocks being built in the capital, according to the planning ministry.

Wealthier residents are increasingly opting for apartments over houses, citing security and ease, despite prices of up to 12,000 rupees (160 dollars) per square foot in one of the world’s poorest countries.

“The building is guarded and you can trust the neighbours. It’s also convenient because you don’t have to worry about maintenance,” said Juna Manandhar, 35, who lives in an apartment block in an upscale area of Kathmandu.

For Dinesh Shrestha, 29, owning an apartment offer “a blend of privacy and community,” and is also an investment.

“Land prices never go down,” he said.

Shangri-La’s Subba said many of her company’s apartments were being snapped up by Nepalese people living abroad who, similarly, view them as a good investment.

But some experts believe prices are now simply too high to be sustainable.

“The real estate boom in Nepal is purely speculative,” said Sandeep Gautam, editor of the English-language monthly New Business Age. Planning official Subedi said 70 percent of apartments in Kathmandu currently stood empty, suggesting those who have bought purely as an investment have been unable to let their properties.

The rise in property prices is fuelled partly by the lack of alternative investment opportunities in Nepal, where political instability has long hampered economic development.

But Gautam points out that Nepal’s gross domestic product is falling, and says the country’s banks are too heavily invested in property.

“Some banks have up to 70 percent loan exposure in real estate. The banks have invested in both the buyers and the builders,” he said. “You do the math.”

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Business

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Battle brewing to save Toyota’s unionized California plant

Agence France-Presse DETROIT, Michigan - A battle is brewing to save the only automotive plant still operating on the west coast of the United States after General Motors pulled out of a joint operating venture with Toyota.

The Japanese automaker has not yet announced whether it will continue to run the Fremont, California plant or phase it out and shift production of its popular Corolla sedan and Tacoma pickup truck elsewhere.

But it has warned that closing the plant is a distinct possibility as it struggles to cut costs after falling into the red for the first time in nearly 70 years, with a whopping 436.9 billion yen (4.6 billion dollars) net loss for the year ending in March.

“We are carefully evaluating our options with respect to the NUMMI joint venture as a result of General Motors’ actions,” Toyota spokesman Mike Michels said.

Toyota has never been responsible for closing an assembly plant anywhere in the world, so this could be a first for the world’s largest automaker.

The decision could also have significant economic and political repercussions on both sides of the Pacific, particularly if Toyota de-

cides to import vehicles to the United States, rather than build them at US facilities.

Complicating matters is the fact that New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. is the only unionized Toyota plant in the United States and is located in the home state of powerful House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“Frankly, I would be surprised if they closed (NUMMI) because they need the capacity,” said Alan Baum, an analyst with The Planning Edge.

While operating the plant without sharing expenses with GM will be costly, Baum said Toyota would be hard pressed to find another place to build the 360,000 vehicles

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NUMMI produces.

However, Toyota is under substantial pressure to cut costs in the wake of a sharp drop in sales and the unionized plant has higher operating costs than their non-unionized facilities in Texas, New Jersey and Kentucky.

“Toyota has a lot of trouble right now,” said Erich Merkle, president of forecasting firm Autoconomy.

The union confirmed that it is in talks with Toyota about the future of the plant, but would not comment on whether the Japanese automaker would be granted the same kinds of concessions the union has given to the Detroit Three.

“The parties have a 25-year his-

tory of working together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect,” the UAW said in a statement.

Toyota entered the joint venture in 1984 as an experiment to see if American workers could build cars according to their standards.

GM wanted to learn about Toyota’s more efficient manufacturing methods and was able to save the flagging plant from closure by bringing Toyota in to operate the factory.

Since then, Toyota has pursued a policy of building the majority of the vehicles it sells in the United States in North America and has launched several advertising campaigns highlighting its contributions to the US economy.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Indonesian cannibal seeks love, forgiveness, care Agence France-Presse

PURBALINGGA - Indonesian cannibal Sumanto loves meat so much he dug up an old woman’s body for a cheap and “tasty” meal.

“She was delicious,” he told AFP from his room at a Muslim mental rehabilitation centre in rural Central Java.

“I love meat... all types of meat as long as it’s cooked. But I don’t eat people anymore. Now I eat spinach,” he added.

In many countries, the 37-yearold farmer from Palumutan village would be receiving specialised psychiatric care in a secure facility.

Not in Indonesia. Here, he spent five years behind bars in a regular prison for theft (of the body) and causing distress to the community, and was released straight back into his remote village with no followup care.

His neighbours were horrified and rejected him, so he was taken in by the nearby centre for religious guidance, one of many privately-run community services which fill the yawning gap for mental health care in Indonesia.

“Nobody wanted him. Villagers called him ‘The Cannibal’ and were absolutely terrified of him,” centre director Supono Mustajab said.

Indonesian Medical Association former chairman Kartono Mohammad said there were no government institutions for the criminally insane in Indonesia despite appeals from mental health experts.

Back at the religious centre in Purbalingga, which is next to Sumanto’s home village of Palumutan, staff said Sumanto was violent and depressed after his release from prison in 2006.

“Prison life was not good for him. He wouldn’t eat or drink and he was bad-tempered. We had to guard his room night and day so he wouldn’t disturb others,” Mustajab said.

Like other “stressed minds and broken hearts” at the centre, he was taught to recite the Koran and encouraged to play sport, farm and fish to relieve stress.

“Now he’s better. Tenants pay to stay here but I fork out my own money to support poor ones like Sumanto. They’re human beings too,” Mustajab said.

A short drive away through the

Javanese rice paddies, residents of Palumutan still swap blood-curdling tales about the cannibal’s fang-like teeth, forked tongue and diet of cats, cockroaches and lizards.

His next-door neighbour, 43year-old Ngadiah, said she would never forget the stench of death and the sight of a bowl of whitish-yellow human flesh drenched in soy sauce.

“Sumanto? That corpse-eater. He was a bad-tempered man who often stole our rice and chickens,” she said.

“There’ll be chaos if he ever comes back. I don’t want him to kill me and have me for dinner.”

Sumanto’s family was ostracized and forced to move to the outskirts of the village. His father, 65-year-old farmer Nuryadikarta, said he missed his son but could never take him back.

“No matter how bad he is, he’s my son and I’m willing to take him back. But the neighbours despise him and they’ll kick him out of the village, so what am I to do?” he asked.

Mustajab said Sumanto was ready to go home but the centre’s caretaker, Ahmad Sugimin, thought otherwise.

In a single sitting, Sumanto can polish off two big plates of rice, 60 sticks of mutton satay, 16 fist-sized chunks of beef and eight pieces of chicken, he said.

“How could he afford such lavish food if he went back to doing odd jobs? I worry he may revert to eating corpses,” Sugimin said.

Sumanto denies this. Pointing to a pile of empty water bottles on his bed, he said he could survive on “water, vitamins and minerals” alone.

“Meat is definitely nicer than vegetables, but if there’s no meat I can make do with grass. It’s healthy and I could braise or stir-fry it to make it taste good,” he said.

These days, the bachelor said he craved love and freedom more than meat. “I’m sad. People said so many bad things about me. I will strive to get the villagers to open their hearts and accept me again,” he said.

“What is love? How can I describe it when I’ve never experienced it, never tasted it?”

Psychiatrist Prianto Djatmiko said Sumanto needed professional counselling and medication.

“Ill people don’t know they’re ill.

He should be professionally assessed. What he needed was therapy, not jail, as his mental condition could worsen,” he said.

AFP PHOTO/ARLINA ARSHAD

In a picture taken on May 23, 2009, Indonesian cannibal Sumanto sits on a bed at a private rehabilitation centre housing persons with mental and emotional problems in Purbalingga district in Central Java. Sumanto is undergoing spiritual guidance and rehabilitation therapy after his release from jail when he was convicted for stealing a body of a dead woman in a cemetery and eating parts of the corpse.

East Java ulemas support government to fight terrorism Antara

JAKARTA - East Java Ulemas Sunday expressed support for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s efforts to fight terrorism in the wake of Friday’s bomb attacks at two Jakarta hotels.

“We have just met with figures and ulemas from throughout East Java to discuss developments in the wake of the bomb blasts and they expressed support for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s efforts to fight terrorism,” Administrative Reforms Minister Taufik Effendi said in Gresik, East Java.

He said the ulemas supported the government’s efforts to hunt down the mastermind and perpetrators of the bomb attacks and uncover the flow of funds used in the

bombings.

Nine people were killed and 53 others injured in the bomb attacks at JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels in the upscale Mega Kuningan district of Jakarta on Friday.

The 53 injured consist of 16 foreign nationals and 37 local people.

Spokesman of the National Police headquarters Insp. Gen. Nanang Soekarna said here on Friday six people were killed on the spot at JW Marriott Hotel and two at

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, while another died at Medistra Hospital.

The injured, including at least 16 foreigners, were admitted to Pertamina Hospital (one person), the Jakarta Hospital (10), the Motropolitan Medical Center (MMC) Hospital (12), and Medistra Hospital (2), he said.

The police are investigating a number of findings at the bombing sites while at the same time analizing several possibilities including the alleged involvement of fugitive terror suspect Noordin M Top. On August 5, 2003, Marriott Hotel was also bombed by terrorists, killing 12 people and injuring 147 others.

Another bombing victim transferred to Singapore Antara

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BATAM - Another badly injured victim in the Mega Kuningan bombing attacks is being transferred from a Jakarta to a Singapore hospital. The patient, a Dutchman, is scheduled to arrive at the National University Hospital past midnight, Channel NewsAsia reported Sunday night.

Since the double terrorist bombing attacks occurred at breakfast time last Friday at JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels in the Mega Kuningan business center, with victims, including an Indonesian had been flown to Singapore.

Nine people were killed in the bombing attacks, and 52 others, both Indonesians and foreigners, were injured. They were rushed to

several hospitals for emergency treatment, including MMC hospital, Pertamina’s central hospital, Medistra hospital, and Kramat Jati police hospital.

Those transferred to Singapore were in the company of an SOS International medical team.

The 12 injured victims were under intensive treatment at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC) hospital, including three foreigners Cana-

dian Andrew Stuart Cobhan, Dutchman Maxboon, and Korean Cho Ing Sang were rolled out MMC hospital Sunday night at 7 p.m for treatment in their respective countries. Those transferred from MMC hospital to Singapore were American Cindy Edward, American Gary Ford, American Kevin Moore, Dutchman Van Wesel, Australian Scott Mirilles, and Simond Petvral Lowes, also an American.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Bali Today No tourist cancellation after bomb blasts

International

Balinese Culture Bali add two hospital for swine flu victims Antara

DENPASAR – Bali’s Government prepared two alternative hospitals in order to anticipate the spread of swine flu in Bali. Previously, only Sanglah hospital is available to treat the swine flu victims.

Nyoman Sutedja, the head of Bali Health Department, said “if the number of swine flu victims keeps increasing, we can send them to other hospitals that have the rooms

Antara

Denpasar – The bomb explosions which happened in two places in Jakarta on Friday, July 17th 2009, are not affected the tourist visitation to Bali. Until now, there was no cancellation made by the tourists who already reserved hotels or packages in Bali.

Ketut Sudjana, the Production Manager in PT Paradise Bintang Bali Tour & Travel, said “we was worried and shock to hear about the bombing but after looking at the current situation, we didn’t worry that the incident will decrease the number of tourists visited Bali.”

The number of tourists especially from Korea decreased but it was because the financial crisis which happened throughout the world. Aris Sugiharto from Korea Travel, Komang Aryati Swadharmini from Golden Kris Tours and Viany Velantina from Nouvelles Frontieres also didn’t received any cancellation from the tourists Ricky Utomo, the coordinator of Sales and Marketing in Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, said that in addition

there was no cancellation, the tourists also didn’t shortened their holiday in Bali because of the bomb blasts.

“The tourists still very calm and relax in our hotels. There was no tourist who packed their bags and leave after knowing about the incidents. Hopefully the safety level can be maintained especially in Bali,” he added.

Oco Darmowasito, a tourism businessman, promoted “condovilla” Le Terras Seminyak which is compiled villa. He didn’t worry no one will buy his villa which worth $325,000 per unit.

“We are certain that the number of tourists visited Bali will be keep increasing.

The bomb blast will not affect the tourism. We hope that there will be no similar incidents in the future. We also quite optimist that the big investment will still attract investors and buyers,” he added.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

and facilities to treat swine flu patients.”

The hospitals are Tabanan hospital and Sanjiwani hospital in Gianyar. Actually, the treatment from swine flu patient can be done in clinics but the room must be isolated from other patients. However, it needs permit from the Indonesian Health Department so the patient can be treated in other hospitals.

Menawhile, Putra Wibawa, the head of Public Relation divison in Sanglah hospital, said that the in-

creasing number of swine flu patient had threatened to make the isolation room overload.

“The capacity of Nusa INdah isolation room is only 23 patients. Currently there are 18 patients in the room so the room only available for five more patients,” he added. Mr. Wibawa expalined that the patients who will be sent to Sanglah hospital must show the clinical symptoms of swine flu such as fever above 38 degrees Celsius, flu, and coming from the pandemic area.

Japan’s Kanda University, ISI establish cooperation Antara

AFP PHOTO/Sonny TUMBELAKA

Armed police patrol Kuta beach on the resort island of Bali on July 19, 2009.

DENPASAR - Japan’s Kanda University (KU) and the Denpasar-based Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) agreed to establish cooperation in the field of arts and culture, ISI’s rector said.

“The cooperation will cover among others an enchange program of students and lecturers between the two education institutions,” ISI rector, Prof Dr I Wayan Rai S., said here on Sunday.

The management of both institutions had discussed the agreement in their previous meeting, the rector said,

adding that Kanda university executives had even visited ISI three times in a bid to expedite the implementation of the exchange program.

Prof Rai said, the high learning institute directorate general of the national education ministry will facilitate the visit of the ISI lecturers and students to Kanda University in Japan.

“The lecturers’ and students’ visit will take place in November this year,” Prof Rai said, adding that he will prepare a team of artists who will entertain an audience in Japan. “The national education ministry has allocated funds for the visit to Japan, but there has been

no confirmation about the number of lecturers and students who will be leaving for Japan,” he said.

According to Prof Rai, the two high learning institutes had seriously discussed the bilateral cooperation when the rector and lecturers of Kanda University visited ISI several times in the past. Aside from that, ISI will also establish cooperation with a Thai university.

In addition, ISI of Denpasar has signed cooperation with several foreign high education institutions including the “Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) Malaysia”.

Foreign embassies tightly guarded Antara

FOTO ANTARA/Nyoman Budhiana

Member of Subak, accompany the procession of “Bade” to bring thousands of rats which attacked the farming area, during a pest cremation in Yeh Gangga beach, Tabanan, Bali, Friday (17/7). The ceremony, was believed can destroyed the pest and others plant diseased in Tabanan region.

DENPASAR – The foreign embassies in Renon, Denpasar were tightly guarded after the bomb explosions which happened in Jakarta. The embassies were guarded by police officers with heavy armors and other officers patrolling in the area using motorcycles and cars.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel which is located in Jimbaran, was also tightly guarded by the police officers. Tenth of officers were securing the hotel area which consist of Bali’s car Brigade, anti-terror squads, local securities and undercover police officers.

Everyone who wanted to enter the hotel was searched and the same thing also applied for vehicles. The officers used heavy equipments such as metal detectors to locate any dangerous materials. There were also two dogs that can detect any explosives hidden in the area.

The tight security was applied after the similar hotel in Jakarta was struck by bomb explosion. Almost at the same time with the bomb blast in Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, another explosion also happened in JW Marriott. Nine people were killed in the explosions and tenth were injured.

The police officers explained that the tight security was applied in all areas especially tourism areas in Bali.

This was done because the target of the terrorism acts is mostly foreign tourists visited Bali.

The entrances to Bali also tightly guarded by the officers. The police tighten the security level in Ngurah Rai Airport, Gilimanuk, Padangbai, Benoa, and Celukanbawang harbors.

T Ashikin Husein, said that Bali is

Aubergine Sauce (Sambal Terong) Ingredients: * 2 sm Aubergines * 1 lg Spanish onion * 4 Cloves garlic * 1 tb Vegetable oil * 2 ts Chilli powder * 1 sl Terasi * 1 ts Brown sugar * 2 lg Tomatoes

Directions: Slice the aubergine and sprinkle it with salt; leave to stand for half an hour, then rinse and dry. Cut up the tomatoes and remove the seeds.

Crush the terasi and garlic together. Slice the onion thinly, and fry until slightly brown. Add the garlic and terasi, the sugar and the chilli powder. Put in the aubergine, and mix well. Add the tomatoes, cover the pan, and continue cooking gently for 5 minutes. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Then put the mixture into a pudding basin and steam it for 20 minutes.

If you want this relish to be really hot—spicy hot— then take 4 green chillis, seed them and chop finely, and put them into the frying-pan at the same time as the onions. Alternatively, use dried red chillis: soak them for at least 15 minutes and put them into the mixture, whole, when everything goes into the basin for steaming.

This is a relish which can be used hot or cold. (http:// asiaspice.com)

Sambal Matah

(Raw Shallot & Lemongrass Sambal)

currently tightly guarded after the bomb blasts in Jakarta.

The officers are not only guarding the vital area in Bali but also patrolling regularly throughout the island.

“As soon as we received the bomb explosions news in Jakarta, we directly trighten the security level in Bali,” he added. The main location that are closely watched are foreign embassies, officers, government offices and tourism sites.

Ingredients: * 15 shallots, peeled, cut in half and finely sliced *4 cloves garlic, cut in half & sliced * 15 small sliced chilies *5 lemon leaves (daun limau) chopped very fine * 1 tsp roasted shrimp cake (terasi), finely grated * 4 stalks lemon grass, bruised and very finely sliced * 1 tsp salt * ¼ tsp ground black pepper * 2 tbsp freshly squeezed limejuice * 80 ml coconut oil

Directions: 1. Combine above ingredients in deep bowl and mix well for 5 minutes.

2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Bali Post/Eka

A man with motorcycle passing American Consulate that located at Renon, Denpasar, Bali. After twin suicide blasts at Jakarta hotels, the security of consuls in Bali is being tightened.

Note: If you sauté finished sauce for two minutes over medium heat will enhance the beautiful flavor of this delicate sauce. (http://asiaspice.com) C.035-ibp

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Bali Today No tourist cancellation after bomb blasts

International

Balinese Culture Bali add two hospital for swine flu victims Antara

DENPASAR – Bali’s Government prepared two alternative hospitals in order to anticipate the spread of swine flu in Bali. Previously, only Sanglah hospital is available to treat the swine flu victims.

Nyoman Sutedja, the head of Bali Health Department, said “if the number of swine flu victims keeps increasing, we can send them to other hospitals that have the rooms

Antara

Denpasar – The bomb explosions which happened in two places in Jakarta on Friday, July 17th 2009, are not affected the tourist visitation to Bali. Until now, there was no cancellation made by the tourists who already reserved hotels or packages in Bali.

Ketut Sudjana, the Production Manager in PT Paradise Bintang Bali Tour & Travel, said “we was worried and shock to hear about the bombing but after looking at the current situation, we didn’t worry that the incident will decrease the number of tourists visited Bali.”

The number of tourists especially from Korea decreased but it was because the financial crisis which happened throughout the world. Aris Sugiharto from Korea Travel, Komang Aryati Swadharmini from Golden Kris Tours and Viany Velantina from Nouvelles Frontieres also didn’t received any cancellation from the tourists Ricky Utomo, the coordinator of Sales and Marketing in Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, said that in addition

there was no cancellation, the tourists also didn’t shortened their holiday in Bali because of the bomb blasts.

“The tourists still very calm and relax in our hotels. There was no tourist who packed their bags and leave after knowing about the incidents. Hopefully the safety level can be maintained especially in Bali,” he added.

Oco Darmowasito, a tourism businessman, promoted “condovilla” Le Terras Seminyak which is compiled villa. He didn’t worry no one will buy his villa which worth $325,000 per unit.

“We are certain that the number of tourists visited Bali will be keep increasing.

The bomb blast will not affect the tourism. We hope that there will be no similar incidents in the future. We also quite optimist that the big investment will still attract investors and buyers,” he added.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

and facilities to treat swine flu patients.”

The hospitals are Tabanan hospital and Sanjiwani hospital in Gianyar. Actually, the treatment from swine flu patient can be done in clinics but the room must be isolated from other patients. However, it needs permit from the Indonesian Health Department so the patient can be treated in other hospitals.

Menawhile, Putra Wibawa, the head of Public Relation divison in Sanglah hospital, said that the in-

creasing number of swine flu patient had threatened to make the isolation room overload.

“The capacity of Nusa INdah isolation room is only 23 patients. Currently there are 18 patients in the room so the room only available for five more patients,” he added. Mr. Wibawa expalined that the patients who will be sent to Sanglah hospital must show the clinical symptoms of swine flu such as fever above 38 degrees Celsius, flu, and coming from the pandemic area.

Japan’s Kanda University, ISI establish cooperation Antara

AFP PHOTO/Sonny TUMBELAKA

Armed police patrol Kuta beach on the resort island of Bali on July 19, 2009.

DENPASAR - Japan’s Kanda University (KU) and the Denpasar-based Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) agreed to establish cooperation in the field of arts and culture, ISI’s rector said.

“The cooperation will cover among others an enchange program of students and lecturers between the two education institutions,” ISI rector, Prof Dr I Wayan Rai S., said here on Sunday.

The management of both institutions had discussed the agreement in their previous meeting, the rector said,

adding that Kanda university executives had even visited ISI three times in a bid to expedite the implementation of the exchange program.

Prof Rai said, the high learning institute directorate general of the national education ministry will facilitate the visit of the ISI lecturers and students to Kanda University in Japan.

“The lecturers’ and students’ visit will take place in November this year,” Prof Rai said, adding that he will prepare a team of artists who will entertain an audience in Japan. “The national education ministry has allocated funds for the visit to Japan, but there has been

no confirmation about the number of lecturers and students who will be leaving for Japan,” he said.

According to Prof Rai, the two high learning institutes had seriously discussed the bilateral cooperation when the rector and lecturers of Kanda University visited ISI several times in the past. Aside from that, ISI will also establish cooperation with a Thai university.

In addition, ISI of Denpasar has signed cooperation with several foreign high education institutions including the “Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) Malaysia”.

Foreign embassies tightly guarded Antara

FOTO ANTARA/Nyoman Budhiana

Member of Subak, accompany the procession of “Bade” to bring thousands of rats which attacked the farming area, during a pest cremation in Yeh Gangga beach, Tabanan, Bali, Friday (17/7). The ceremony, was believed can destroyed the pest and others plant diseased in Tabanan region.

DENPASAR – The foreign embassies in Renon, Denpasar were tightly guarded after the bomb explosions which happened in Jakarta. The embassies were guarded by police officers with heavy armors and other officers patrolling in the area using motorcycles and cars.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel which is located in Jimbaran, was also tightly guarded by the police officers. Tenth of officers were securing the hotel area which consist of Bali’s car Brigade, anti-terror squads, local securities and undercover police officers.

Everyone who wanted to enter the hotel was searched and the same thing also applied for vehicles. The officers used heavy equipments such as metal detectors to locate any dangerous materials. There were also two dogs that can detect any explosives hidden in the area.

The tight security was applied after the similar hotel in Jakarta was struck by bomb explosion. Almost at the same time with the bomb blast in Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, another explosion also happened in JW Marriott. Nine people were killed in the explosions and tenth were injured.

The police officers explained that the tight security was applied in all areas especially tourism areas in Bali.

This was done because the target of the terrorism acts is mostly foreign tourists visited Bali.

The entrances to Bali also tightly guarded by the officers. The police tighten the security level in Ngurah Rai Airport, Gilimanuk, Padangbai, Benoa, and Celukanbawang harbors.

T Ashikin Husein, said that Bali is

Aubergine Sauce (Sambal Terong) Ingredients: * 2 sm Aubergines * 1 lg Spanish onion * 4 Cloves garlic * 1 tb Vegetable oil * 2 ts Chilli powder * 1 sl Terasi * 1 ts Brown sugar * 2 lg Tomatoes

Directions: Slice the aubergine and sprinkle it with salt; leave to stand for half an hour, then rinse and dry. Cut up the tomatoes and remove the seeds.

Crush the terasi and garlic together. Slice the onion thinly, and fry until slightly brown. Add the garlic and terasi, the sugar and the chilli powder. Put in the aubergine, and mix well. Add the tomatoes, cover the pan, and continue cooking gently for 5 minutes. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Then put the mixture into a pudding basin and steam it for 20 minutes.

If you want this relish to be really hot—spicy hot— then take 4 green chillis, seed them and chop finely, and put them into the frying-pan at the same time as the onions. Alternatively, use dried red chillis: soak them for at least 15 minutes and put them into the mixture, whole, when everything goes into the basin for steaming.

This is a relish which can be used hot or cold. (http:// asiaspice.com)

Sambal Matah

(Raw Shallot & Lemongrass Sambal)

currently tightly guarded after the bomb blasts in Jakarta.

The officers are not only guarding the vital area in Bali but also patrolling regularly throughout the island.

“As soon as we received the bomb explosions news in Jakarta, we directly trighten the security level in Bali,” he added. The main location that are closely watched are foreign embassies, officers, government offices and tourism sites.

Ingredients: * 15 shallots, peeled, cut in half and finely sliced *4 cloves garlic, cut in half & sliced * 15 small sliced chilies *5 lemon leaves (daun limau) chopped very fine * 1 tsp roasted shrimp cake (terasi), finely grated * 4 stalks lemon grass, bruised and very finely sliced * 1 tsp salt * ¼ tsp ground black pepper * 2 tbsp freshly squeezed limejuice * 80 ml coconut oil

Directions: 1. Combine above ingredients in deep bowl and mix well for 5 minutes.

2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Bali Post/Eka

A man with motorcycle passing American Consulate that located at Renon, Denpasar, Bali. After twin suicide blasts at Jakarta hotels, the security of consuls in Bali is being tightened.

Note: If you sauté finished sauce for two minutes over medium heat will enhance the beautiful flavor of this delicate sauce. (http://asiaspice.com) C.035-ibp

9

10

Business

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Battle brewing to save Toyota’s unionized California plant

Agence France-Presse DETROIT, Michigan - A battle is brewing to save the only automotive plant still operating on the west coast of the United States after General Motors pulled out of a joint operating venture with Toyota.

The Japanese automaker has not yet announced whether it will continue to run the Fremont, California plant or phase it out and shift production of its popular Corolla sedan and Tacoma pickup truck elsewhere.

But it has warned that closing the plant is a distinct possibility as it struggles to cut costs after falling into the red for the first time in nearly 70 years, with a whopping 436.9 billion yen (4.6 billion dollars) net loss for the year ending in March.

“We are carefully evaluating our options with respect to the NUMMI joint venture as a result of General Motors’ actions,” Toyota spokesman Mike Michels said.

Toyota has never been responsible for closing an assembly plant anywhere in the world, so this could be a first for the world’s largest automaker.

The decision could also have significant economic and political repercussions on both sides of the Pacific, particularly if Toyota de-

cides to import vehicles to the United States, rather than build them at US facilities.

Complicating matters is the fact that New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. is the only unionized Toyota plant in the United States and is located in the home state of powerful House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“Frankly, I would be surprised if they closed (NUMMI) because they need the capacity,” said Alan Baum, an analyst with The Planning Edge.

While operating the plant without sharing expenses with GM will be costly, Baum said Toyota would be hard pressed to find another place to build the 360,000 vehicles

International Bali Post Classifieds Contact us

NUMMI produces.

However, Toyota is under substantial pressure to cut costs in the wake of a sharp drop in sales and the unionized plant has higher operating costs than their non-unionized facilities in Texas, New Jersey and Kentucky.

“Toyota has a lot of trouble right now,” said Erich Merkle, president of forecasting firm Autoconomy.

The union confirmed that it is in talks with Toyota about the future of the plant, but would not comment on whether the Japanese automaker would be granted the same kinds of concessions the union has given to the Detroit Three.

“The parties have a 25-year his-

tory of working together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect,” the UAW said in a statement.

Toyota entered the joint venture in 1984 as an experiment to see if American workers could build cars according to their standards.

GM wanted to learn about Toyota’s more efficient manufacturing methods and was able to save the flagging plant from closure by bringing Toyota in to operate the factory.

Since then, Toyota has pursued a policy of building the majority of the vehicles it sells in the United States in North America and has launched several advertising campaigns highlighting its contributions to the US economy.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Indonesian cannibal seeks love, forgiveness, care Agence France-Presse

PURBALINGGA - Indonesian cannibal Sumanto loves meat so much he dug up an old woman’s body for a cheap and “tasty” meal.

“She was delicious,” he told AFP from his room at a Muslim mental rehabilitation centre in rural Central Java.

“I love meat... all types of meat as long as it’s cooked. But I don’t eat people anymore. Now I eat spinach,” he added.

In many countries, the 37-yearold farmer from Palumutan village would be receiving specialised psychiatric care in a secure facility.

Not in Indonesia. Here, he spent five years behind bars in a regular prison for theft (of the body) and causing distress to the community, and was released straight back into his remote village with no followup care.

His neighbours were horrified and rejected him, so he was taken in by the nearby centre for religious guidance, one of many privately-run community services which fill the yawning gap for mental health care in Indonesia.

“Nobody wanted him. Villagers called him ‘The Cannibal’ and were absolutely terrified of him,” centre director Supono Mustajab said.

Indonesian Medical Association former chairman Kartono Mohammad said there were no government institutions for the criminally insane in Indonesia despite appeals from mental health experts.

Back at the religious centre in Purbalingga, which is next to Sumanto’s home village of Palumutan, staff said Sumanto was violent and depressed after his release from prison in 2006.

“Prison life was not good for him. He wouldn’t eat or drink and he was bad-tempered. We had to guard his room night and day so he wouldn’t disturb others,” Mustajab said.

Like other “stressed minds and broken hearts” at the centre, he was taught to recite the Koran and encouraged to play sport, farm and fish to relieve stress.

“Now he’s better. Tenants pay to stay here but I fork out my own money to support poor ones like Sumanto. They’re human beings too,” Mustajab said.

A short drive away through the

Javanese rice paddies, residents of Palumutan still swap blood-curdling tales about the cannibal’s fang-like teeth, forked tongue and diet of cats, cockroaches and lizards.

His next-door neighbour, 43year-old Ngadiah, said she would never forget the stench of death and the sight of a bowl of whitish-yellow human flesh drenched in soy sauce.

“Sumanto? That corpse-eater. He was a bad-tempered man who often stole our rice and chickens,” she said.

“There’ll be chaos if he ever comes back. I don’t want him to kill me and have me for dinner.”

Sumanto’s family was ostracized and forced to move to the outskirts of the village. His father, 65-year-old farmer Nuryadikarta, said he missed his son but could never take him back.

“No matter how bad he is, he’s my son and I’m willing to take him back. But the neighbours despise him and they’ll kick him out of the village, so what am I to do?” he asked.

Mustajab said Sumanto was ready to go home but the centre’s caretaker, Ahmad Sugimin, thought otherwise.

In a single sitting, Sumanto can polish off two big plates of rice, 60 sticks of mutton satay, 16 fist-sized chunks of beef and eight pieces of chicken, he said.

“How could he afford such lavish food if he went back to doing odd jobs? I worry he may revert to eating corpses,” Sugimin said.

Sumanto denies this. Pointing to a pile of empty water bottles on his bed, he said he could survive on “water, vitamins and minerals” alone.

“Meat is definitely nicer than vegetables, but if there’s no meat I can make do with grass. It’s healthy and I could braise or stir-fry it to make it taste good,” he said.

These days, the bachelor said he craved love and freedom more than meat. “I’m sad. People said so many bad things about me. I will strive to get the villagers to open their hearts and accept me again,” he said.

“What is love? How can I describe it when I’ve never experienced it, never tasted it?”

Psychiatrist Prianto Djatmiko said Sumanto needed professional counselling and medication.

“Ill people don’t know they’re ill.

He should be professionally assessed. What he needed was therapy, not jail, as his mental condition could worsen,” he said.

AFP PHOTO/ARLINA ARSHAD

In a picture taken on May 23, 2009, Indonesian cannibal Sumanto sits on a bed at a private rehabilitation centre housing persons with mental and emotional problems in Purbalingga district in Central Java. Sumanto is undergoing spiritual guidance and rehabilitation therapy after his release from jail when he was convicted for stealing a body of a dead woman in a cemetery and eating parts of the corpse.

East Java ulemas support government to fight terrorism Antara

JAKARTA - East Java Ulemas Sunday expressed support for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s efforts to fight terrorism in the wake of Friday’s bomb attacks at two Jakarta hotels.

“We have just met with figures and ulemas from throughout East Java to discuss developments in the wake of the bomb blasts and they expressed support for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s efforts to fight terrorism,” Administrative Reforms Minister Taufik Effendi said in Gresik, East Java.

He said the ulemas supported the government’s efforts to hunt down the mastermind and perpetrators of the bomb attacks and uncover the flow of funds used in the

bombings.

Nine people were killed and 53 others injured in the bomb attacks at JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels in the upscale Mega Kuningan district of Jakarta on Friday.

The 53 injured consist of 16 foreign nationals and 37 local people.

Spokesman of the National Police headquarters Insp. Gen. Nanang Soekarna said here on Friday six people were killed on the spot at JW Marriott Hotel and two at

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, while another died at Medistra Hospital.

The injured, including at least 16 foreigners, were admitted to Pertamina Hospital (one person), the Jakarta Hospital (10), the Motropolitan Medical Center (MMC) Hospital (12), and Medistra Hospital (2), he said.

The police are investigating a number of findings at the bombing sites while at the same time analizing several possibilities including the alleged involvement of fugitive terror suspect Noordin M Top. On August 5, 2003, Marriott Hotel was also bombed by terrorists, killing 12 people and injuring 147 others.

Another bombing victim transferred to Singapore Antara

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BATAM - Another badly injured victim in the Mega Kuningan bombing attacks is being transferred from a Jakarta to a Singapore hospital. The patient, a Dutchman, is scheduled to arrive at the National University Hospital past midnight, Channel NewsAsia reported Sunday night.

Since the double terrorist bombing attacks occurred at breakfast time last Friday at JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels in the Mega Kuningan business center, with victims, including an Indonesian had been flown to Singapore.

Nine people were killed in the bombing attacks, and 52 others, both Indonesians and foreigners, were injured. They were rushed to

several hospitals for emergency treatment, including MMC hospital, Pertamina’s central hospital, Medistra hospital, and Kramat Jati police hospital.

Those transferred to Singapore were in the company of an SOS International medical team.

The 12 injured victims were under intensive treatment at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC) hospital, including three foreigners Cana-

dian Andrew Stuart Cobhan, Dutchman Maxboon, and Korean Cho Ing Sang were rolled out MMC hospital Sunday night at 7 p.m for treatment in their respective countries. Those transferred from MMC hospital to Singapore were American Cindy Edward, American Gary Ford, American Kevin Moore, Dutchman Van Wesel, Australian Scott Mirilles, and Simond Petvral Lowes, also an American.

6

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

News

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Indonesian...

From page 1

AP Photo/Greg Baker

A mother hugs her daughter as she and a classmate are released from quarantine at the Yanxiang Hotel in Beijing, China, Monday, July 20, 2009. The two students from Baltimore, who had been attending a volleyball summer camp, were among dozens of students from the U.S. and United Kingdom who were quarantined at the hotel after classmates were diagnosed with swine flu.

Quarantined foreign students swell to at least 178 in China Agence France Presse

BEIJING - At least 178 foreign students and teachers were in swine flu quarantine in Beijing Monday, the British embassy and a US teacher said, with 10 hospitalised after testing positive for the virus.

The school groups were put under seven-day quarantine beginning last week at a Beijing hotel after arriving separately for a study tour, but new arrivals have caused their numbers to swell.

“We can confirm that a group of 107 British school children and teachers from various schools in the UK are being held in quarantine in a hotel in Beijing,” the British embassy in Beijing said in a statement.

Meanwhile, at least 71 American students also were under quarantine at the hotel, said Nicholas Phillips, a teacher from the US state of Oregon.

Phillips said his group numbered 71 but added there were other American students and teachers who had arrived separately. He did not know how many.

Previously, 52 Britons had been reported under quarantine, while the number of Americans had not yet been reported.

The British embassy said nine UK children had been diagnosed with the virus and hospitalised while Phillips said one of his American

students was in hospital.

The students and teachers, who had arrived on a programme to study Chinese language and culture, are now the largest group of quarantined foreigners yet reported in mainland China over the A(H1N1) virus.

Authorities in Hong Kong had previously quarantined about 300 guests and staff in a hotel in early May. The Beijing numbers swelled as more students arrived for the study tour since late Sunday, said Ian Tyrrell, a British teacher who is under quarantine with the rest of the group at the Yan Xiang Hotel.

“This hotel is full now. There has been a new influx and there are more than 100 UK students here now,” Tyrrell told AFP by phone from his room at the hotel.

The US embassy in Beijing has declined to comment on the total number of US nationals quarantined there, citing American privacy laws.

Neither the hotel nor city health officials would comment to AFP. With the numbers of hospitalised growing, Tyrrell said some school

groups at the hotel were now isolating themselves from others to prevent further transmission of the virus, while continuing to wear masks.

But he said the students and teachers were being well cared-for and were in good spirits.

“As new groups arrive it’s a bit of a trauma but I think we’re all handling it well or doing our best to handle it as best we can,” Tyrrell said.

However, many were preparing to leave on Tuesday and Wednesday, when their one-week quarantine period ends, the teachers said.

China has a history of contagious disease outbreaks, including in recent years Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bird flu.

Chinese authorities have therefore responded aggressively to the swine flu threat, measuring the temperatures of arriving international passengers and subjecting foreigners to quarantine.

There have been 1,537 positive cases of the virus in China, the health ministry said last week, but no deaths have been reported.

A company executive from New Zealand and at least one Indonesian.

More than 53 people were injured in the blasts, which officials suspect were the work of regional Islamist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), responsible for the 2002 Bali attacks and dozens of other bombings since the late 1990s.

Unconfirmed reports in the Indonesian media said police believed one of the bombers was a student of a radical Islamic school in Solo, Central Java, which has produced some of JI’s most committed cadres.

Several reports identified the bomber seen in grainy security camera footage at the Marriott shortly before the blast as Nur Hasbi, alias Nurdin Aziz or Nur Sahid, a follower of Malaysianborn JI faction leader Noordin Mohammad Top. Police have reportedly gone to Hasbi’s family home to collect DNA samples, but police would not confirm this.

Senior anti-terrorist officials have said the attacks look like the work of Noordin, who leads a violent splinter faction of JI that advocates the mass killing of Westerners as a legitimate means of “holy war”. One of Asia’s most wanted men, Noordin is accused of masterminding bombings at the Jakarta Marriott in 2003, the Australian embassy in 2004 and Bali restaurants in 2005, which killed more than 40 people.

Jemaah Islamiyah draws inspiration from Al-Qaeda and has had extensive links with global jihadists as it seeks to create an Islamic caliphate spanning much of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the southern Philippines.

A police crackdown — including

NATO...

From page 1 The two-member crews ejected and were being treated for unspecified injuries at the base hospital.

The Tornado is the fourth aircraft to go down in Afghanistan in three days and the sixth this month. Military officials say there doesn’t appear to be a common reason for the spate of crashes beyond coincidence.There was no indication that insurgent activity caused the latest crash, Hoornveld said, but officials could not immediately say why the plane went down. The jet caught fire and emergency personnel responded.

In the northern province of Kunduz, meanwhile, German forces killed three Afghan civilians Sunday when they opened fire on a vehicle they suspected contained Taliban fighters, said provincial governor Mohammad Omar.

The German army said two civilians were killed and two seriously wounded and that the forces opened fire because the vehicle was approaching at high speed and ignored warning shots. It wasn’t clear why the death tolls differed. German and Afghan forces were conducting an operation Sunday in the Chahar Dara district when they observed two Taliban fighters entering a minivan, Omar said. When the minivan later drove toward the German forces, they opened fire, he said, but it appears the Taliban may have exited the vehicle, Omar said.

key arrests and the inducement of militants to defect — has hobbled JI in Indonesia and severed its links to foreign funds in recent years.

But while the network is diminished, analysts say JI has been able to fall back on a tight network of schools and marriages to maintain cohesion and possibly rebuild.

Police said an unexploded bomb left in a guest room of the JW Marriott resembled devices used in the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, and one discovered in a recent anti-JI raid on an Islamic school in Central Java.

“They are from the same school.

We found similar materials, similar tools, a similar method. That’s their job, that’s the same network, they are JI,” national police spokesman Nanan Soekarna said Sunday. He said investigators were reconstructing the mangled face on a head found at one of the hotels, with a view to creating an image that could be shown to witnesses.

Police have not confirmed that the Marriott bomber was a man wearing a backpack on his chest and dragging a suitcase who was caught by security cameras entering the dining area shortly before the blast.

A security guard reportedly asked him where he was going and the man, who looked Indonesian, replied that he was going to meet his boss.

“I want to deliver what my boss ordered,” the man said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

Investigators say the bombers stayed in Room 1808 of the Marriott for two nights before the attacks and disguised themselves as guests.

Security has been tightened at hotels and resorts across the vast, mainly Muslim archipelago of 234 million people.

In the west, in Farah province, a van full of civilians hit a roadside bomb Sunday, killing 11 people on board, including a child and his mother, said Mohammad Younis Rasouli, the deputy governor.

A British soldier was killed by an explosion Sunday while on a foot patrol in the Sangin region of Helmand province, the British Ministry of Defense said Monday. At least 16 British troops have died in Afghanistan in July, a death toll that has sparked an outcry in Britain over a shortage of helicopters and other equipment for troops.

Monday’s crash of the British Tornado at Kandahar Airfield came a day after a Russian-owned civilian Mi-8 helicopter crashed at the same base, killing 16 people on board.

Hoornveld called the two Kandahar crashes “coincidence.”

Two aircraft also went down Saturday. A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed in central Afghanistan, killing two crew members.

U.S. officials say insurgent fire did not bring down the plane. A U.S. helicopter also made what the military calls a “hard landing” the same day. Several troops were injured.

Taliban militants downed a civilian Mi-6 transport helicopter last Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, killing six Ukrainian civilians on board and an Afghan child on the ground. Earlier in July, two Canadian soldiers and one British trooper were killed in a helicopter crash in Zabul.

11

BUSINESS Germany may force state aid on banks Agence France-Presse

FRANKFURT - Germany may force banks to take state aid to ward off a credit crunch later this year, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said on Monday.

In exchange, the state may take stakes in the banks, it added.

Until now, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck have refused to force state aid on banks as was done in the United States and Britain.

But credit conditions for businesses and households have continued to deteriorate and tougher measures might be needed to ensure companies can obtain the loans they need to help Germany pull out of its recession, the report said.

The biggest European economy is expected to contract by six percent this year, marking its deepest recession since the second world war.

To date, the government has

recapitalised just two banks, property lending specialist Hypo Real Estate and the second biggest German bank, Commerzbank.

German banks are heavily exposed to losses stemming from the international financial crisis and the collapse of the US market for high-risk, or subprime, mortgages.

Steinbrueck told banks recently they must “extend credit to businesses under reasonable conditions,” in a sharply worded letter sent to professional bodies in the financial sector.

The finance minister warned he would not be satisfied with “a simple call for good will” and has told sector leaders to attend a meeting to discuss the situation on September 1.

White House budget director expects better GDP figures Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - Figures for the US gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of year will probably improve “a lot” from the first quarter, White House budget director Peter Orszag said Sunday.

“The second quarter GDP numbers, even though they’re likely to still show a decline, are likely to look a lot better than the first quarter, which is a sign of progress,” he told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The US Treasury will published figures for second quarter economic activity on July 31.

Figures published by the US Commerce Department said last quarter’s GDP shrank at an annual rate of 5.5 percent, which was still an improvement from the previous quarter’s decline at an annualized rate of 6.3 percent.

Orzsag said Sunday that the improvement in the first quarter of the year was a positive sign.

“We’ve stepped back from that precipice, but we’re not yet in the growth zone,” he said.

“Most private sector forecasters are suggesting that won’t happen until later this year.”

The US Federal Reserve said in minutes released from its last meeting that it has revised its forecast for growth.

The central bank now expects the decline in economic activity to be between one and 1.5 percent for all of 2009, revised from a previous estimate of a two percent rate of decline for the year.

But Orzsag acknowledged that positive economic activity figures would not necessarily matched improved unemployment numbers.

“Firms usually, even after the economy starts to pick up again ... remain reluctant to hire people for some period of time,” he said.

“So the unemployment rate is going to remain elevated — too elevated — and there are too many people who are suffering, for some period of time.”

AFP PHOTO/Prakash MATHEMA

In a picture taken on July 10, 2009, Traffic passes a bill board advertising new apartments in Kathmandu. There are currently more than 250 high-rise blocks being built in the capital, according to the planning ministry. As the global credit crunch has sent housing markets around the world reeling, Kathmandu is experiencing a surprise property boom as wealthy Nepalese seek a safe haven for their money — and themselves.

Insecurity fuels property boom in Nepal’s capital Agence France-Presse

KATHMANDU - Former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba had a successful career in television before she gave up showbusiness for the distinctly less glamorous job of selling housing.

“This is where the money is,” the former actress and presenter told AFP in her plush new office in downtown Kathmandu.

“When I was offered a job marketing real estate, I said yes straight away, because it looked interesting and I could see that business was booming.”

Subba is head of sales and marketing at Nepalese property developer Shangri-La Housing, which builds and sells luxury apartments — until recently a virtually unknown concept in Kathmandu.

As the global credit crunch has sent housing markets around the world reeling, Kathmandu is experiencing a surprise property boom as wealthy Nepalese seek a safe haven for their money — and themselves.

“Many people tell us that it is not safe outside the capital and that they live in constant fear,” said Subba, who believes insecurity and investment are the two biggest drivers of the capital’s housing market.

“People see property as a good investment opportunity.”

Kathmandu’s population exploded during the decade-long civil war between the Maoists and the army as people flocked to the relative safety of

the capital.

The influx pushed up land values in the city. The Nepal Land and Housing Association, which groups many of the country’s estate agents, says land prices have risen by 300 percent since the height of the Maoist insurgency in 2003.

“Land became a valuable commodity,” said Chiranjibi Subedi, the government’s top planning official for Kathmandu.

Subedi said the influx had continued since the end of the conflict in 2006, with many property buyers citing continued instability in their home districts as their primary reason for moving to the capital.

“Insecurity seems to be the main driver of internal migration into Kathmandu since the conflict,” he said.

“The number of proposals for new high-rise buildings and apartment complexes just keeps on growing.”

Government figures show the number of new apartments built in Kathmandu rose more than three-fold last year to 3,385 from 1,088 in 2007, as high land prices and poorly enforced planning laws made building upwards more attractive.

There are currently more than 250 high-rise blocks being built in the capital, according to the planning ministry.

Wealthier residents are increasingly opting for apartments over houses, citing security and ease, despite prices of up to 12,000 rupees (160 dollars) per square foot in one of the world’s poorest countries.

“The building is guarded and you can trust the neighbours. It’s also convenient because you don’t have to worry about maintenance,” said Juna Manandhar, 35, who lives in an apartment block in an upscale area of Kathmandu.

For Dinesh Shrestha, 29, owning an apartment offer “a blend of privacy and community,” and is also an investment.

“Land prices never go down,” he said.

Shangri-La’s Subba said many of her company’s apartments were being snapped up by Nepalese people living abroad who, similarly, view them as a good investment.

But some experts believe prices are now simply too high to be sustainable.

“The real estate boom in Nepal is purely speculative,” said Sandeep Gautam, editor of the English-language monthly New Business Age. Planning official Subedi said 70 percent of apartments in Kathmandu currently stood empty, suggesting those who have bought purely as an investment have been unable to let their properties.

The rise in property prices is fuelled partly by the lack of alternative investment opportunities in Nepal, where political instability has long hampered economic development.

But Gautam points out that Nepal’s gross domestic product is falling, and says the country’s banks are too heavily invested in property.

“Some banks have up to 70 percent loan exposure in real estate. The banks have invested in both the buyers and the builders,” he said. “You do the math.”

12

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Entertainment

International

George Clooney: “I Hate the World Without Walter Cronkite” George Clooney, Hollywood’s unofficial spokesman for everything, was among the first to pay tribute to that other great voice of a generation, Walter Cronkite.

“He was the most important voice in our lives for thirty years,” the Oscar winner, who delved into the history of the CBS newsroom when he directed and costarred in Good Night and Good Luck, said in a statement Friday night.

“And that voice made people reach for the stars. I hate the world without Walter Cronkite. “ A strong sentiment, one shared in essence by many. Christina Applegate is another celeb who had an enounter with the

sonorous anchor, who died Friday at the age of 92 after a long illness.

“Had the chance to sit next to Mr Cronkite on a plane once,” twittered the Samantha Who? star. “We talked the entire time. When he left he hugged me and said ‘I love you’ sweet.” And random, but still, very sweet.

Diane Sawyer could identify, actually. “A call, a note, a compliment from Walter was pretty much the Nobel Prize for a young reporter,” the

Good Morning America host said. “I am so lucky to know what it was to be part of the Cronkite team.”

Calling him the “defining anchor of America’s story,” Sawyer said he reminded us “of what we can be at our best.” Dan Rather, Cronkite’s immediate successor to the CBS Evening News throne, called his friend and colleague a “giant of the journalistic craft.”

“Walter loved reporting and delivering the news, and he was superb at both. He deserves recognition and remembrance, too, for the way he solidly backed his correspondents and producers, defending them vigorously in coverage of difficult stories

such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate crimes.” Cronkite was, of course, not only the estimable predecessor of the big three, Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings, as well as the trio that followed them, including ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson.

“Walter Cronkite was and always will be the gold standard,” Gibson said. “His objectivity, his evenhandedness, his news judgment are all great examples. He, as much as anyone, is responsible for developing network television news. He set the standard. He told it ‘the way it is’ and all of us who are privileged

to work in this business owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.” “The man I grew up wanting to be,” NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams called Cronkite.

“Our household, like many, came to a halt when his broadcast came on the air each night, and dinner was served only after he said good night. Knowing Walter was among the great blessings of my life.

We were proud to work with him— for him—we loved him,” added 60 Minutes warhorse Mike Wallace, 91, who helped establish the golden age of television journalism long with his dearly departed fellow newsman.

Amy Adams Shaken

By Intruder Actress Amy Adams was left shaken on the set of upcoming boxing movie The Fighter after catching an intruder peeking into her trailer.

Security has been tightened on location in Lowell, Massachusetts as a result of the incident, which occurred after the day’s shooting wrapped on Thursday night.

The star was preparing to head home when she was startled by the sight of a man, said to be in his late teens or early twenties, peering into her trailer. A source tells RadarOnline.com, “Amy was getting

ready to leave the set when the guy climbed the steps right outside her trailer and said: ‘I’m looking for my cousin.’

“Amy, who was fully dressed and was with a production worker, yelled out: ‘What the hell are you doing?’ and the guy quickly climbed down the stairs before running off.

“She was totally unharmed and a number plate was passed on to the police from a car which we think he escaped in.”

Filming is expected to proceed as scheduled over the weekend.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk “No Boundaries”

Paula Abdul’s Return To ‘American Idol’ Doubtful Paula Abdul’s new manager says she may not be returning to “American Idol.”

According to a Los Angeles Times report, David Sonenberg says he doesn’t have a proposal for a new contract for Abdul.

He says it doesn’t appear she’ll be back.

Sonenberg began representing Abdul a few weeks ago. Auditions for the ninth season of the highly rated Fox

talent competition begin next month. Abdul said recently she’d been invited to remain as an “American Idol” judge and was optimistic about negotiating a new contract.

Earlier this year, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly called Abdul “an integral part of the show.” The other “American Idol” judges are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and newcomer Kara Dioguardi.

Cutting Kara DioGuardi’s “No Boundaries” from the American Idol tour was a no-brainer for Kris Allen.

“Taking that out is kind of helping my set a little bit,” Allen explained to us this morning as he and Adam Lambert picked up their new Ford vehicles at Galpin Ford just outside of Los Angeles. “It gave it a little bit more energy…It just felt like a better fit to put something else in.”

Critics and fans have pretty much trashed “No Boundaries,” which DioGuardi cowrote, ever since it debuted as the American Idol victory song during the finale in May. Allen has replaced it with The Killers’ “All These Things That I’ve Done.”

“Everyone knows that song,” Lambert said. “It’s really great.” Our favorite singing bromancers also talked about which Idol alums they’d like to work with... “I love Kelly Clarkson,” Allen said. “She’s incredible, so that’s who I’d want to work with.”

Lambert is a big fan, too. “The album Kelly just came out with is fantastic,” he said. “Great writers, great producers. She wrote a bunch of songs on there, and Katy Perry—my girl—

wrote songs on there, too. It’s great.”

But then Lambert added, “I want to work with Fantasia, just hollerin’ back and forth.” On a more serious note, the openly gay Lambert said he’s trying not to think too much about protesters who showed

up at one of the recent Idol tour stops. “I don’t think I’m going to change their minds,” he said. “I respect their opinion, but they didn’t need to come to a concert and spread negativity...Go use your energy for something productive.”

News

International

Surviving Mumbai attacks gunman pleads guilty

5

Agence France Presse

MUMBAI - The sole surviving gunman from the Mumbai attacks, a Pakistani national, pleaded guilty at his trial on Monday, admitting his part in the atrocity for the first time.

Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, 21, told a special prison court, where he had originally pleaded not guilty, that he wanted to confess.

He then narrated how the attacks were carried out and gave details of the attackers’ journey from Pakistan.

Kasab’s lawyer, Abbas Kazmi, was unaware that his client was going to take such action, TV news channels reported. The day’s proceedings had been due to hear eyewitness evidence from a police officer who witnessed the shootings.

Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters outside court that Kasab had “stood up and informed the court that he was willing to confess”.

The lawyer, who admitted being surprised, said Kasab had realised “the cat was out of the bag” after 134 witnesses gave evidence against him since the trial began in April.

DNA and fingerprint evidence was also produced in court.

A total of 166 people died and more than 300 others were injured when 10 heavily-armed gunmen attacked sites across south Mumbai, including luxury hotels, the city’s main railway station, a restaurant and a Jewish centre.

Kasab and an accomplice opened fire with AK-47 assault rifles and threw hand grenades at commuters at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, killing 52 and injuring 109 in the bloodiest episode of the 60-hour reign of terror.

The pair, who were seen on CCTV cameras and captured by news photographers, then fled the station, firing indiscriminately on the way, killing civilians and a number of senior police officers.

Among the dead was the head of the city’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, Hemant Karkare.

Kasab, who also placed an eightkilogramme (18-pound) bomb in a taxi that took him to CST station and later exploded near Mumbai’s airport, killing the driver and a passen-

ger, was the only one of the 10 gunmen to survive.

All are said to have been trained, equipped and financed by the banned, Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

“I believe that the entire conspiracy was hatched by these Pakistani nationals and it was only a formality,” Ashok Chavan, the chief minister of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, told the NDTV news channel.

“All those involved in the 26/11 (November 26) attacks should be hanged.”

Before the trial, Kasab’s lawyer told AFP in an interview that he faced an “nearly impossible task” to defend his client because of the number of witnesses.

But he indicated that his defence could hinge on whether Kasab was responsible for his actions, suggesting that he may have been brainwashed into carrying out the attacks.

The trial was initially delayed after Kasab claimed to be under 18 at the time, raising the prospect that he could be tried by the juvenile court, which can only impose a maximum three-year jail term.

Medical tests, though, established he was over 18. As a result, the court can impose the maximum sentence — death.

The chargesheet against Kasab, the nine dead gunmen and 35 other LeT “terrorists” sought in connection with the attacks accused them of carrying out a “heinous criminal conspiracy”.

“This was with the express intention to destabilise India, wage war against the country, terrorise its citizens, create financial loss and issue a warning to other countries,” it added.

Two other men are also on trial — Indian nationals Fahim Ansari, 35, and Sabauddin Ahmed, 24, who are said to have provided the group with invaluable logistical support before the attacks.

AFP PHOTO/FILES/Indranil MUKHERJEE

(FILES) This photo taken on November 27, 2008, shows flames gushing out of The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, one of the sites of attacks by alleged militant gunmen. A Pakistani man on trial in India over last year’s Mumbai attacks pleaded guilty on July 20, 2009, admitting his part in the atrocity for the first time, television reports said.

Drive-by shootings kill 3 in Thailand Associated Press Writer

PATTANI - Drive-by shootings blamed on Muslim rebels killed three civilians in southern Thailand, where an insurgency has left thousands dead in the past five years, an army spokesman said Monday.

Two assailants on a motorcycle shot and killed a Buddhist

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk “No Boundaries”

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

AP Photo/Romeo GACAD, Pool

A young tourist is photographed beside Lilly, a 3-year old elephant, at a beach resort in Phuket on Monday July 20, 2009 as the foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began their annual conference in this popular Thai tourist resort.

man who was traveling on a road in Pattani province Monday, said spokesman Col. Parinya Chaidilok.

In neighboring Yala province Sunday, a 48-year-old rubber plantation owner was shot dead in a drive-by shooting as he returned home by motorcycle, Parinya said. In a separate attack Sunday, a gold shopkeeper was killed after suspect insurgents fired assault rifles into his shop in Narathiwat province before fleeing on a motorcycle, Parinya said.

Police blamed Muslim insurgents in all three incidents. More than 3,700 people, both Buddhist and Muslim, have been killed in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces since the insurgency flared in January 2004.

The militants target people who they believe have collaborated with the

government, including soldiers, police, informants and ordinary civilians. They have made no public pronouncements but are thought to be fighting for an independent Muslim state in the region.

While some Muslims accuse government forces of extrajudicial killings, the government claims insurgents are killing residents from both communities to stir up the communal conflict in the region.

Last month, at least 36 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in violence in predominantly Buddhist Thailand’s only Muslim-dominated region. The most deadly incident was the killing of 10 Muslims at a mosque in Narathiwat on June 8.

4

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

News

International

Coup leader denies fraud in presidential election win

Life Style

International

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The first astronauts to walk on the moon want President Barack Obama to aim for a new destination: Mars. On Monday, the Apollo 11 crewmen, fresh from a Washington lecture Sunday in which two of them expressed concerns about NASA getting bogged down on the moon, are meeting with Obama at the White House.

NOUAKCHOTT - The army general who led a military coup that toppled Mauritania’s first elected head of state last August has denied opposition charges of fraud in claiming his presidential election victory.

American teacher was shot dead in the capital Nouakchott last month, with an Al-Qaeda offshoot claiming responsibility.

“We will fight terrorism in all its forms... by strengthening the resources at the army’s disposal,” he vowed.

Earlier, Ould Rzeizim said that there was no information that would lead him to call the conduct of the vote into question, following a statement issued by opposition candidates contesting initial results.

He declared turnout to have been 64.58 percent.

Four candidates for the presidency, including the speaker of parliament Messaoud Ould Boulkheir, had denounced what they called “prefabricated results” at a joint press conference Sunday.

“The results which are starting to come out show that it is an electoral charade which is trying to legitimise the coup,” said Ould Boulkheir, who was the nearest challenger with 16.92 percent of votes.

With him at the press conference was Ahmed Ould Daddah, head of the main opposition party, who came in third with 13.66 percent.

Also present were Ould Mohamed Vall, the junta chief in 2005-2007, who scored 3.81 percent; and Hamai Ould Meimou, an independent candidate.

Their combined declaration called on the international community to carry out an independent enquiry into voting irregularities.

US menagerie keeper adds ‘roo pouch to outfits Associated Press Writer

FOLSOM, - Christina Cooper has been wearing a kangaroo lately - a foundling named Skippy, who was rejected by his mother at a wildlife park in eastern Louisiana.

Inside a canvas carryall over Cooper’s shoulder is an artificial kangaroo pouch for the 6-monthold red kangaroo. It’s demanding duty - Skippy must be bottle-fed every four hours, though he’s starting to eat grass and other green stuff.

Workers at Global Wildlife Center in Folsom found the joey, as young ‘roos are called, on the ground May 13 in the area where about 40 red kangaroos live.

Cooper, one of the park’s two animal care specialists, waited about 90 minutes, hoping the mother would pick it up.

“That was really hard just to watch,” Cooper said. “But the adults were really not interested in him. Nobody came to claim him.”

He was probably about 4 months old and utterly helpless. Though adult red kangaroos can grow more than 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall, a newborn joey is about the size of a jelly bean. Eyeless, earless, all but skinless and with only buds where its hind legs will be, a newborn hauls itself into its mother’s pouch. There, the “pouch embryo” clamps its mouth onto a teat. It cannot even open its mouth for about a month, and usually stays attached for about six months.

Cooper doesn’t know how or why Skippy came out of his mother’s pouch. A female that is stressed or chased by a predator may expel a joey, Cooper said. But the Folsom reserve keeps no carnivores on its 900-acre (365-hectare) property north of New Orleans.

AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson

A boy plays with a robot toy in front a painting of an astronaut walking on the moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The United States this week marks the 40th anniversary of the historic first moon walk, with President Barack Obama kicking off events by meeting with the crew of the Apollo 11 mission.

AFP PHOTO / Watt Abdel Jelil

Former general Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz talks during a press conference on July 19, 2009 in Nouakchott after his victory in the Mauritanian presidential poll in the July 18 first round with 52.58 of the vote in provisional results, said Mohamed Ould Rzeizim, dismissing opposition claims of a “charade.”

South Africa launches AIDS vaccine clinical trials Associated Press Writer

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - South Africa announced the launch of clinical trials of the first AIDS vaccines created by a developing country with assistance from the U.S. on Monday.

It represented a feat by scientists who overcame skepticism from colleagues and from some political leaders who shocked the world with unscientific pronouncements about the disease.

“It has been a very, very hard journey,” lead scientist Professor Anna-Lise Williamson of the University of Cape Town said at Monday’s ceremony, attended by American health officials who gave technical help and manufactured the vaccine at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Williamson said she sees no choice for South Africa, at the heart of the epidemic, “where we have got the biggest ARV (anti-retroviral) rollout in the world and still hundreds of people are dying every day and getting infected everyday.”

Trials to test the safety in humans of the vaccines begin this month on 36 healthy volunteers, Anthony Mbewu, president of South

Africa’s government-supported Medical Research Council, said in an interview Sunday. Mbewu’s respected organization shepherded the project.

A trial of 12 volunteers in Boston began earlier this year. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and a leading AIDS researcher, said the South African scientists received more money from his institute’s research fund than any others in the world except the U.S. He called it “the most important AIDS research partnership in the world.” But he warned “There are extraordinary challenges ahead,” referring to the years of testing needed now that South Africa has reached the clinical trial stage.

Fauci said scientists do not understand why the search for an AIDS vaccine is so difficult, except that they are trying to do better than nature: “We have to develop a vaccine that does better even than natural protection.”

South Africa was the site of the biggest setback to AIDS vaccine research, when the most promising vaccine ever, produced by Merck &

Co. and tested here in 2007, found that people who got the vaccine were more likely to contract HIV than those who did not.

During nearly 10 years of denial and neglect, South Africa developed a staggering AIDS crisis.

Around 5.2 million South Africans were living with HIV last year - the highest number of any country in the world. Young women are hardest hit, with one-third of those aged 20 to 34 infected with the virus.

In 1999, the ministries of health and of science and technology founded the vaccine initiative and poured 250 million rand ($31.2 million today) into it over eight years.

Some 250 scientists and technicians worked on the project, along the way gaining scores of doctorates and producing work for professional publications as well as a model for continued biotechnology development in South Africa.

The government decided it was important to develop a vaccine specifically for the HIV subtype C strain that is prevalent in southern Africa “and to ensure that once developed, it would be available at an affordable price,” Mbewu said.

13

Apollo 11 crew: Moon less interesting than Mars

Agence France Presse

Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, who resigned his commission to stand in Saturday’s election, won 52.58 of ballots cast in the first round, according to provisional total results released by interior minister, Mohamed Ould Rzeizim.

The ex-junta chief declared his victory had come “without any illegal effort on our part to obtain that result.

“The people who supported us did not commit fraud, did not lie, did not cheat,” he told a French news channel.

“It is the return of democracy because I was elected in a vote that was transparent, democratic and free,” he said late Sunday.

During an earlier press conference awaiting validation of results by authorities managed by the government installed after the coup, Ould Abdel Aziz dismissed opposition claims of a voting “charade”, calling for proof.

“That is now a matter for the constitutional council and the interior minister — the law is very clear on that point,” he said.

He promised to fight against disease in the country, raise educational standards and build up infrastructure in the semi-desert north African country.

Ould Abdel Aziz also said he would beef up his army “to fight terrorism in all its forms” after an

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

In one of their few joint public appearances, the crew of Apollo 11 spoke on the eve of the 40th anniversary of man’s first landing on the moon, but didn’t get soggy with nostalgia. They instead spoke about the future and the more distant past.

Sunday night, a packed crowd at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum — 7,000 people applied in a lottery for 485 seats — didn’t get the intimate details of the Eagle’s landing on the moon with little fuel left, or what the moon looked like, or what it felt like to be there.

They got second man on the moon Buzz Aldrin’s pitch for Mars.

He said the best way to honor the Apollo astronauts “is to follow in our footsteps; to boldly go again on a new mission of exploration.” First man on the moon Neil Armstrong only discussed Apollo 11 for about 11 seconds. He gave a professorial lecture titled “Goddard, governance and geophysics,” looking at the inventions and discoveries that led to his historic “small step for a man” on July 20, 1969.

Armstrong said the space race

New Galileo book raises religious, science issues

Reuters

The current struggles between religion and science in areas such as evolution and “intelligent design” are thrown into sharp relief in a new book about the Italian astronomer Galileo and his trial by the Roman Inquisition. Author Dan Hofstadter described the Galileo affair as “the great religion-science clash of 1633 that in some form has persisted into our time.”

The focus of the trial was the scientist’s embrace of the Copernican view that the Earth revolves around the sun - a view informed by the observations Galileo made with his famous telescope. Christians had been ordered not to teach or promote the Copernican take on the solar system. It was essentially for this reason that Galileo found himself in hot water with the clerical establishment.

Hofstadter spoke with Reuters about his book “The Earth Moves: Galileo and the Roman Inquisition,” and the relevance of this 17th century episode today.

Q: You describe Galileo’s trial as the “the great religion-science clash of 1633 that in some form has persisted into our own time.” Can you elaborate?

A: “It has persisted into our own time in two ways. First the whole

question of what a scientific theory is was raised at that time and it has been raised again by those who support intelligent design. It’s essentially the same quarrel.

“The other point is that although Pope John Paul II said in 1992 that it was the error of the theologians of the time to think that, and I’m quoting now, ‘our understanding of the world’s physical structure was imposed by the literal sense of sacred scripture’, the current Pope, Benedict XVI, when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger said in March of 1990 that the church was more faithful to reason than Galileo himself, and went on to claim strangely that geocentricism, the idea that the Earth is at the center of the solar system, was correct.

“That’s a very odd notion to claim nowadays. For that reason ... professors at the University of La Sapienza in Rome brought a protest letter in January of 2008 to Benedict XVI and canceled his visit. So this whole issue has blown up again and it’s analogous to the controversy over evolution in many ways.”

Q: You raised the intelligent design movement, which critics contend is creationism by another name.

On this topic, one would be hard pressed to find a fundamentalist Christian in the United States today

who does not accept that the Earth revolves around the sun, but many reject out of hand evolution. Why do you think that is the case?

A. “People, of course, accept the fact that the Earth revolves around the sun but many, and not only in the United States but in a great many countries, surprisingly find themselves unable to accept the theory of evolution. “The similarity here between what happened with the edict in 1616 against Copernicanism and the struggle against the Church of England’s rejection of Darwinism in the 1860s, which in some sense persists worldwide to this day, the similarity has to with the failure to understand the notion of a scientific theory, and the inability to understand what it is to perceive nature, to know nature, which was really very understandable in 1616 ... But (it) is much harder to understand or sympathize with now ... The creationists do not understand the notion of a hypothesis.”

Q: How do you think Galileo would react to today’s conflicts between religion and science?

A. “I think he would react to (it) in much the same way as he did to the conflict then ... Galileo’s response was to say that the aim of scripture is not to teach science but to teach salvation.”

was “the ultimate peaceful competition: USA versus USSR. It did allow both sides to take the high road with the objectives of science and learning and exploration.” Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins, who circled the moon alone while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on it, said the moon was not interesting, but Mars is. “Sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place. Mars was always my favorite as a kid and it still is today,” Collins said. “I’d like to see Mars become the focus, just as John F. Kennedy focused on the moon.”

The man who founded and directed Mission Control Houston, Christopher Kraft Jr., also jumped on the go-somewhere-new, do-something-different bandwagon. “What we need is new technology; we have not had that since Apollo,” Kraft said as part of the lecture at the Smithsonian. “I say to Mr. Obama: Let’s get on with it. Let’s invest in the future.” As the men of NASA of the 1960s talked about new technology and new goals, the current NASA is still looking back at the moon.

NASA is still marching toward

a goal of returning to the moon of Armstrong and Aldrin and this time putting a base there. The current plan is based on building new rockets that the former NASA administrator called “Apollo on steroids,” with an alternative — a derivative of the space shuttle — floating through the space agency. Although they didn’t directly criticize NASA’s current plans, Aldrin and Collins said the moon is old hat. Collins said he is afraid that NASA’s exploration plans would be bogged down by a return visit to the moon.

Aldrin presented an elaborate slide detailing how to make a quick visit to the moon a stepping stone to visits to the Martian moon Phobos, Mars itself, and even some asteroids like Apophis that may someday hit Earth. Aldrin said he and Armstrong landed on the moon 66 years after the Wright brothers first flew an airplane. What he would like would be for humanity to land on Mars 66 years after his flight.

That would be 2035.

And even though Armstrong didn’t talk about the future in his 19minute discourse, Aldrin dragged his commander onto the Mars bandwagon anyway. “It was a great personal honor to walk on the moon, but as Neil once observed, there are still places to go beyond belief,” he said. “Isn’t it time to continue our journey outward, past the moon?”

Ubisoft gets into the social game at Facebook Agence France - Presse

SAN FRANCISCO - French videogame star Ubisoft made its debut in the online social scene by unveiling a gaming portal at worldleading social-networking website Facebook. UbiFriends portal came to life late Friday with a “TickTock” game that playfully challenges Facebook users to show how much they know about their friends.

Unisoft’s social debut came as the popularity of games at Facebook soars and videogame industry titans grow increasingly interested in creating titles for the social-networking platform. “We are going to try to make the best game applications for Facebook just like we try to make the best applications for Xbox360 and Wii and PlayStation,” said North American president of Ubisoft Laurent Detoc, referring to videogame consoles made by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony respectively.

“TickTock” lets players arm virtual bombs by answering as many multiple-choice questions as possible in a minute about friends on Facebook. Game software taps into Facebook status updates of players’ friends for material for questions.

Virtual explosives range from cherry bombs to nukes and air strikes.

“TickTock” bombs are sent to personal animated “warehouses” at an UbiFriends portal linked to Facebook.

People receiving bombs get 60 seconds to defuse them by quickly getting as many correct answers as the senders. “We are very excited about what Ubisoft is doing here,” Facebook platform manager Gareth Davis said while taking part in a demonstration of ‘TickTock’ at Ubisoft offices in downtown San Francisco.

“Ubisoft is using the social graph people share every day on Facebook to make a fun game uniquely tailored for Facebook users.”

Facebook claims 250 million users and says games are the most popular software applications at the service. Facebook saw a spike in interest from major videogame industry studios after Microsoft announced at a major Electronic Entertainment Expo this year that Xbox 360 consoles will be able to connect online to Facebook.

“The Xbox announcement was an inflection point where the traditional videogame industry shifted from thinking Facebook was cool to thinking what cool games they can make using Facebook,” Davis said.

Facebook is an irresistible platform for Ubisoft given its huge unabated popularity, according to Ubisoft producer Omar Abdelwahed, head of the ‘TickTock’ team. “The future of games is obviously digital,” Abdelwahed said. “Games are following where software is going, software as a service.”

14

Sport

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

International

News

International

Ram backs up first title with opening win at Indy

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

US, allies preparing package offer to NKorea: envoy Agence France Presse

Agence France - Presse

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Local tennis hero Rajeev Ram backed up the career-first title he won a week ago at Newport with a 6-3, 7-5 first-round victory Sunday over fellow wild card Devin Britton at the Indianapolis Championships.

Ram, now knocking on the door of the Top 100 in the men’s tennis rankings at 108th, claimed the Newport crown in a shock ending to an event where he only entered the main draw after Mardy Fish withdrew to make an emergency appearance for the US Davis Cup team in Croatia.

The persistent 25-year-old from nearby Carmel, Indiana, began well at his home event, which he has played on six previous occasions, never moving past the third round (2005).

Ram now awaits the winner of the first round match between fellow American Sam Querrey and France’s Arnaud Clement on Monday.

Ram has found his selfconfidence boosted by his showing in Newport and hopes

to carry the momentum forward as he begins his summer cement season in the run-up to the US Open.

“I played well but I’m really not surprised. This form only shows the results of my hard work over the past few seasons,” said the journeyman who played only one more ATP-level match last year after Indy last July. He started 2009 with a first-round loss to Ivo Karlovic in Chennai, India.

Ram was beaten in the first round at Wimbledon by German Philipp Petzschner, with Chennai, Wimbledon and Newport his only elite-level events so far in this year. Ram broke the inexperienced Britton three times to take victory in just over an hour and a quarter, under cloudy skies with a threat of rain.

Russian Dmitry Tursunov, the 2007 champion and losing final-

ist a year ago to Frenchman Gilles Simon, takes the top seeding ahead ahead of Israeli Davis Cup standout from last weekend’s upset of Russia, Dudi Sela.

Local tennis hero Rajeev Ram, pictured in 2008, backed up the career-first title he won AP Photo/Fars News Agency,Ali Rafiee

a week ago at Newport with a

In this Sept. 20, 2008 photo released by the semi-official Iranian Fars News Agency, Sunday, July 19, 2009, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, speaks with the then Vice-President Esfandiar Rahim Mashai, in a meeting in Tehran, Iran. Hard-line supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are criticizing him over a decision to appoint a controversial figure as vice-president. On Friday, Ahmadinejad appointed Esfandiar Rahim Mashai as his first vicepresident. In 2008, Mashai angered hard-liners when he said Iranians were “friends of all people in the world _ even Israelis.”

6-3, 7-5 first-round victory Sunday over fellow wild card Devin Britton at the Indianapolis Championships.

(AFP/Getty Images/File/Matthew Stockman)

Blake and Taylor Watson’s Open fight forces chiefs to consider age limit exemption Griffin face off Agence France - Presse

Associated Press writer

LAS VEGAS – Phoenix Suns forward Taylor Griffin walked to the freethrow line Sunday night during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers and was greeted with some spirited trash talk from a group of nearby Clippers fans.

His younger brother, Clippers’ top pick Blake Griffin, stood a few feet away on the rebounding block and cracked a smile. The brothers, teammates the past two years at Oklahoma and for most of their childhood growing up in Edmond, Okla., got their first taste of competing against

(AP Photo/Laura Rauch)

each other professionally in Phoenix’s 87-70 victory.

Just two minutes into their initial game as opponents and with the assistance to the help of a group of about 20 vocal Clippers’ fans, it was obvious the Griffins are no longer teammates. Taylor Griffin made both foul shots, then Blake Griffin, like he did at Oklahoma and during the weeklong summer league, did the job on the court.

Blake Griffin, who before the game was announced as the event’s Most Outstanding Player, got the best of his brother with 16 points and eight rebounds. Taylor Griffin, a secondround selection of the Suns, had four points and six rebounds.

They rarely guarded each other with Phoenix converting Taylor Griffin into a small forward and Blake Griffin playing inside at power forward. Blake Griffin averaged 20 points and 10 points in five summer games.

The brothers exchanged hugs on the court following the game. Blake Griffin is hoping to enjoy a long NBA career while Taylor Griffin is fighting for a spot on the Suns’ roster.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, left, guards his brother, Phoenix Suns’ Taylor Griffin, during an NBA summer league basketball game at Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 19, 2009.

3

TURNBERRY, Scotland - Tom Watson’s heroic attempt to roll back the years at the British Open has persuaded tournament chiefs to consider changing the age limit exemption for former champions. The age limit was reduced from 65 to 60 only two years ago but 59-year-old Watson, who came within one missed putt of winning on Sunday before losing in a play-off to Stewart Cink, made a strong case for allowing aging greats to keep coming back well into the twilight of their careers.

Watson, a five-time Open champion, would have earned himself a 10-year exemption if he had holed his eight-foot par putt on the final green. But next year’s Open at St Andrews will be his 33rd and final appearance unless the rule is changed or he finishes in the top 10 at St Andrews, wins the 2010 British Senior Open or comes through a qualifying event.

“I don’t think we contemplated a 59-year-old leading the Open Championship going into the back nine on the final day at the time,” said Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson on Monday.

“Every year after the Open we look at the exemptions and no doubt we’ll look at this one. It’s much too early to say what, if anything, we’ll do with it, but we’ll certainly be looking at it. I’m sure if someone at age 59 had been winning the championship, bringing down the age limit would have been lower on the agenda when the reduction was made. But we brought it down in order to give more spaces in the championship to younger players allegedly in their prime to compete.”

“Tom Watson was amongst those consulted on the matter and offered his support to our objective. I don’t think we would change having an age limit. I don’t see a difficulty with it - someone will probably tell me it’s going to be against the age discrimination legislation, but we’ll look at that if that arises.”

What is almost certain not to happen is the Royal and Ancient falling in line with the bodies that run the other three majors. Augusta National for The Masters, the United States Golf Association for the US Open and the Professional Golfers’ Association of America for the US PGA all issue special invitations from time to time.

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has one for next month’s US PGA, for example, but Dawson stated: “We certainly haven’t discussed changing that and we think that the procedure we have for exemptions and qualification is the right way to go for a championship of this quality.”

Former winner Justin Leonard, who went out onto the course to watch the play-off, said: “Tom’s the king of links golf as far as Americans are concerned and maybe throughout the world, considering how many Open Championships and Senior Opens he’s won.

(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Tom Watson of the US reacts as he arrives for the awards presentation after losing a playoff following the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland, Sunday, July 19, 2009.

Ahmadinejad’s controversial first VP pick walks away Agence France Presse

TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s choice as first vice president, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, has walked away from the job, state media reported on Sunday.

Mashaie, a controversial politician and confidant of Ahmadinejad, has “resigned three days after his appointment” as first vice president, stateowned English-language channel Press TV reported.

The channel initially sourced its report to the education ministry-funded news agency, Pana. In its news item, Pana said “The content of his resignation letter will be published soon.”

There was no immediate independent confirmation of Mashaie’s resignation.

The appointment was strongly opposed by hardliners among Ahmadinejad’s own support base.

Mashaie, whose daughter is married to Ahmadinejad’s son, is an outspoken figure who last year earned the wrath of hardliners, including supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for saying Iran is a “friend of the Israeli people.”

In his current role as vice president in charge of tourism he sparked ire among MPs for reportedly watching a group of women dance at a congress in Turkey in 2007.

His nomination as first vice president had ruffled feathers among hardliners deeply sensitive to any breach of the longstanding taboo on

relations of any kind with archfoe Israel.

Ahmadinejad himself spearheaded an anti-Israel campaign during his first four-year term, even calling the Holocaust a “myth.”

Since the announcement of Mashaie’s appointment on Friday, there has been a chorus of criticism from hardliners.

“It is imperative to terminate the appointment of Mashaie as first vice president in order to respect the wishes of the majority of the people,” said Hossein Shariatmadari, managing director of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, whose post is in the gift of supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“When people found out about the appointment, they viewed this move as one taken not just in bad taste... but as one which shows indifference,” he wrote in an editorial.

Leading hardline cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami also slammed Mashaie’s nomination.

“This appointment has been made in defiance of the members of the Assembly of Experts, the majlis (parliament) and several leading figures who have often mentioned that the post is a sensitive one,” the Jam-e Jam newspaper quoted Khatami as saying.

“I therefore urge Mr. Ahmadinejad to reconsider his choice before the wave of criticism spreads.”

The resistance to Mashaie’s appointment was a sign of the difficulties Ahmadinejad is likely to face in forming a new cabinet after his hotly contested re-election in a June 12 vote that his main challenger denounced as a “shameful fraud”.

The incumbent’s detractors have made clear that they have no intention of giving up their protest campaign, and only on Friday former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani used the platform of a sermon at the main weekly Muslim payers to say the government had lost people’s trust.

Reza Akrami, a leading member of the Association of Militant Clergy, a conservative clerical group supporting Ahmadinejad, was quoted by the Fars news agency as disapproving of his choice of Mashaie.

“In the past four years I did not see wise behaviour from him... and he did not leave any outstanding report card,” he was quoted as saying.

But Ahmadinejad had insisted Mashaie was a fine candidate for the job, saying he was a “pious and dedicated” man who believed in the principles of the Islamic revolution.

SEOUL - The United States and its negotiating partners are preparing a “comprehensive package” of incentives to encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons, a senior US envoy said Monday.

Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, did not elaborate on the package which is still being finalised.

But he said it would require Pyongyang to take “irreversible” steps towards denuclearisation in return.

Yonhap news agency said he made his comments at a breakfast meeting with senior South Korean journalists. A US embassy spokesman confirmed the main points of the Yonhap report.

Six-nation nuclear disarmament talks grouping the two Koreas, China, Japan, the US and Russia began almost six years ago but bogged down last December.

After the United Nations Security Council censured its April 5 long-range rocket launch, the North announced it was quitting the talks and restarting its atomic weapons programme.

It staged its second nuclear test on May 25, prompting the Council to adopt a resolution imposing tougher sanctions.

South Korea’s coast guard said it was drawing up a plan on how to inspect North Korean ships suspected of carrying banned weapons items.

“It is a follow-up to Seoul’s joining the Proliferation Security Initiative,” a coast guard spokesman said, referring to a US-led

campaign launched in 2003 to stop ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The North has said it sees Seoul’s decision to join the initiative as a declaration of war.

It was unclear whether Seoul would try to stop North Korean ships in South Korean waters, and if so whether the navy or the coast guard would be used.

Campbell, on arrival from Japan Saturday, had outlined a “twotrack strategy” involving tough enforcement of sanctions but also negotiations — if the North is willing to give up its nuclear ambitions.

He said at that time the comprehensive package would be “attractive” to North Korea if it returns to the talks and takes irreversible steps to disarm.

Campbell, making his first trip to South Korea since taking over the post last month, met Seoul’s nuclear negotiator Wi Sung-Lac Monday morning.

“We have to closely work together on how to implement the Security Council resolution and on the other hand... we have to think about resumption of dialogue as well,” Wi told the US envoy.

Last Thursday the Council tightened sanctions further, imposing a travel ban on five North Korean officials and asset freezes on five more entities involved in the missile or nuclear programmes.

After meeting Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan Monday afternoon, Campbell was to leave for Thailand for the ASEAN Regional Forum on security issues. North Korea is expected to be high on the agenda.

AP Photo/Jung Yeon-je, Pool

Kurt Campbell, left, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, shakes hands with South Korea’s top nuclear envoy Wi Sung-lac during their meeting in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, July 20, 2009. Campbell will discuss how to handle an increasingly defiant North Korea in a standoff over its nuclear program when he meets with South Korean officials in a series of meetings Monday.

2

International

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sport

International

News WORLD NEWS

CAPE TOWN South Africa is launching clinical trials of two AIDS vaccines, a major step for a developing country where political leaders once shocked the world with their unscientific pronouncements about the disease.

Clinton seeks key defense accord in India talks

Agence France – Presse

Mauritania election NOUAKCHOTT Nearly a year after seizing power in a military putsch that ousted Mauritania’s first freely elected leader, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz wins the presidency in a landslide vote his opponents decried as a fraudulent “electoral coup.”

Carbon neutral BANGKOK - The tiny island nation of Tuvalu, already under threat from rising seas caused by global warming, vows to do its part for climate change by fueling its economy entirely from renewable sources by 2020.

Source: ap

NEW DELHI - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hoped to seal a defence pact boosting US arms sales to India in talks here Monday that should also see agreement on the siting of two US nuclear reactors.

On the business end of her five-day visit to India, Clinton met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and was to meet later with Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna for talks aimed at deepening strategic US ties with an emerging player on the world stage.

Washington is especially hopeful of sealing a key accord on “end-use monitoring” that would provide safeguards for the sale of highly sophisticated US weaponry to India.

The agreement would be welcomed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. who are both competing with Russian, French and Swedish companies for a massive 12 billion dollar tender to provide 126 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force.

Monday’s talks are also expected to see India announce the proposed sites for the building of two multi-billion dollar US nuclear power plants — the fruit of a landmark civilian nuclear deal India sealed with former US president

George W. Bush last year.

“We’re very hopeful the Indians make the announcement on Monday,” one US official told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

Indian press reports have suggested the chosen sites are in the Indian states of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for south Asian affairs, said last week that the deal is a “major opportunity for American companies, and opens up as much as 10 billion dollars worth of exports to India.”

The Wall Street Journal, quoting people familiar with the issue, said the announcement probably will not lead to immediate contracts for firms like GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse Electric Co. to begin building plants.

In October last year, then secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee signed a pact to open up sales of civilian nuclear technology to India for the

AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON AFP PHOTO/Findlay KEMBER

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton first time in three decades.

The deal offers India access to US technology and cheap atomic energy in return for allowing UN inspections of some of its civilian nuclear facilities — but not military nuclear sites.

During her visit, Clinton has made it clear that President Barack Obama wants to pursue efforts begun under the Bush administration to build a dialogue that reflects the importance India can play in fighting global climate change, promoting trade and curbing nuclear and other weapons.

“We will be announcing a comprehensive strategic approach that will cover the broad range of issues that are of a concern to us,” Clinton told students at Delhi University on Monday.

Clinton was accompanied by her special climate envoy Todd Stern, who has been tasked with finding a common approach with India before a December summit in Copenhagen — aimed at securing a new international agreement on climate change to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

‘Angela’s Ashes’ author McCourt dies

Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Frank McCourt, the beloved raconteur and former public school teacher who enjoyed post-retirement fame as the author of “Angela’s Ashes,” the Pulitzer Prizewinning “epic of woe” about his impoverished Irish childhood, has died of cancer.

McCourt, who was 78, had been gravely ill with meningitis and recently was treated for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the cause of his death, said his publisher, Scribner. He died Sunday at a Manhattan hospice, his brother Malachy McCourt said.

Until his mid-60s, Frank McCourt was known primarily around New York as a creative writing teacher and as a local character – the kind who might turn up in a New York novel - singing songs and telling stories with his younger brother and otherwise joining the crowds at the White Horse Tavern and other lit-

erary hangouts.

But there was always a book or two being formed in his mind and the world would learn his name, and story, in 1996, after a friend helped him get an agent and his then-unfinished manuscript was quickly signed by Scribner.

With a first printing of just 25,000, “Angela’s Ashes” was an instant favorite with critics and readers and perhaps the ultimate case of the non-celebrity memoir, the extraordinary life of an ordinary man.

“F. Scott Fitzgerald said there are no second acts in American lives.

I think I’ve proven him wrong,” McCourt later explained. “And all because I refused to settle for a oneact existence, the 30 years I taught English in various New York City high schools.”

The book has been published in 25 languages and 30 countries.

A native of New York, McCourt was good company in the classroom and at the bar, but few had such a burden to unload. His parents

were so poor that they returned to their native Ireland when he was little and settled in the slums of Limerick.

Simply surviving his childhood was a tale; McCourt’s father was an alcoholic who drank up the little money his family had. Three of McCourt’s seven siblings died, and he nearly perished from typhoid fever.

The book was a long Irish wake, “an epic of woe,” McCourt called it, finding laughter and lyricism in life’s very worst. Although some in Ireland complained that McCourt had revealed too much (and revealed a little too well), “Angela’s Ashes” became a million seller, won the Pulitzer and was made into a movie of the same name, starring Emily Watson as the title character, McCourt’s mother.

Author Peter Matthiessen, who became friendly with McCourt after “Angela’s Ashes” came out, said he was “stunned” when he read it.

“I remember thinking, ‘Where did this guy come from?”

Matthiessen said. “His book was so good, and it came out of nowhere.”

The white-haired, sad-eyed, always quotable McCourt, his Irish accent still thick despite decades in the U.S., became a regular at parties, readings, conferences and other gatherings, so much the eager late-life celebrity that he later compared himself to a “dancing clown, available to everybody.”

His friend and fellow memoirist Mary Karr once kidded him that her idea of a rare book was an unsigned copy of “Angela’s Ashes.”

McCourt was married twice and had a daughter, Maggie McCourt, from his first marriage.

His brother Malachy is an actor, commentator and singer who wrote two memoirs and, in 2006, ran for New York governor as the Green Party candidate. At least one of Frank McCourt’s former students, Susan Gilman, became a writer.

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

15

Lampard uncertain over Terry’s Chelsea future

Agence France-Presse

AIDS vaccine

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ronaldinho (L) of AC Milan and David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy are pictured during their friendly football match at the Home Depot Stadium in Los Angeles on July 19, 2009. Beckham received a rocky reception from disgruntled Galaxy fans in his return to Los Angeles as his Major League Soccer club played to a 2-2 draw with his recent Italian club AC Milan.

LONDON -Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits there is no guarantee John Terry will snub Manchester City’s big-money bid to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.

City have already had two offers rejected for England captain Terry, but boss Mark Hughes is planning a new 35 million pounds bid for the defender this week.

Although Terry has spent his whole career at Chelsea and remains the club’s most talismanic figure, it is believed City’s offer to raise his wages to 200,000 pounds a week has forced the Blues skipper to consider his future.

A host of Chelsea players have made it clear they want Terry to stay but Lampard, who was close to agreeing to a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan last season and is one of Terry’s closest friends, is more concerned.

“I don’t know what he will do,” Lampard said in The Times on Monday.

“I’ve been in John’s position, but everyone at the club wants him to stay. I had an option to leave last year, to go with a manager who I love, but it came at a time in my life that, maybe, just wasn’t right. But the situation made me think an awful lot. It

wasn’t an easy decision, either, and I don’t think people should criticise John.”

“The fact is you can never take away what he’s done for Chelsea.

He’ll always be a legend. I hope and I’m confident that, whatever happens, he will continue to be considered a legend here.” Lampard insists that Terry shouldn’t be condemned as a mercenary if he does accept City’s massive offer.

“People should respect his right to choose,” Lampard said. “When you’re a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John’s a very honourable man and it doesn’t come down to money and things like that.

“I know John. I know he’ll be thinking about what’s the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career. “No one should doubt that John Terry wants to be successful. No one should doubt that John Terry is a winner. This is not just about the money and people shouldn’t try to make it that black and white.

“It’s understandable because it’s Manchester City who have come in, but it’s up to John what happens. All I can say is that I’m very proud each time I play with him and, as a club, you want to keep players like John Terry. It’s as simple as that.”

Cool reception as Beckham America downs Inter returns to LA Galaxy on penalties in friendly Agence France - Presse

Agence France - Presse

LOS ANGELES – David Beckham received a cool reception from disgruntled Galaxy fans in his return to Los Angeles as his Major League Soccer club played to a 2-2 draw with his recent Italian club AC Milan. The English star, who missed the first half of the MLS season while on loan to AC Milan, was booed during introductions and again on his first several touches of the ball.

STANFORD, California - Oscar Rojas scored the shootout winner as Mexico’s Club America defeated Inter Milan of Italy 5-4 on penalties Sunday in a friendly club match.

The teams had finished regular time 1-1. Ivan Ramiro Cordoba scored a goal in the 60th minute for Inter to knot the score after Club America took the lead in the 51st minute through Juan Carlos Silva.

The match was part of the World Football Challenge, a series of friendlies featuring England’s Chelsea, Italy’s AC Milan and Inter Milan and Club America. The next match in the series is at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where Chelsea will play Inter. Club America faces AC Milan Wednesday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, then on Friday Chelsea and AC Milan play in Baltimore.

“I’m very happy because scoring a goal against such a big team is very exciting,” Silva said, although the Italian champions weren’t fielding their best. Inter’s Julio Cesar wasn’t with the team Sunday, and his backup Francesco Toldo wasn’t available to play, leaving 19-yearold Vid Belec in goal.

Two of Inter Milan’s biggest stars, Argentinian defender Javier Zanetti and Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic were not in the starting lineup. Ibrahimovic entered the game early in the second half, while

Leaving the pitch at halftime he approached a section of stands where anti-Beckham banners were displayed and appeared to shout something. A fan jumped down and was restrained by security personnel and escorted off the pitch. “One of the guys was saying things that wasn’t very nice. It was stepping over the line,” Beckham said. “I said, ‘You need to calm down and come shake my hand,’ and he jumped over.”

But Beckham insisted the fan reaction didn’t bother him. “It doesn’t affect me,” he said. “You can’t be liked by everyone.” AC Milan manager Leonardo indicated he thought the fans were unfair, and if some Galaxy supporters don’t want Beckham, he said he’d be glad to have him back at AC Milan.

“Sometimes the supporters don’t understand the situation,” Leonardo said. “We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He’s incredible,” he added. “The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see

that every ball begins with him.”

Indeed amid the jeers, Beckham played a role in both Galaxy goals.

After Thiago Silva gave Milan a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, the Galaxy equalized in the 30th through Alan Gordon, set up by Landon Donovan after a cross from Beckham. Milan went ahead again in the 61st, when Filippo Inzaghi timed a run perfectly into the area to score.

The Galaxy responded again, earning a corner kick in the 65th minute. Beckham, who stayed in the match amid a string of Galaxy halftime substitutions, walked deliberately over to take the corner kick, near the fan section that had given him the most grief. His sent a precise kick into the area and Bryan Jordan headed it in to knot the score at 2-2, after which Beckham turned and faced his critics.

Beckham left the game in the 75th minute, waving to a group of supportive fans en route to the bench. “The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice,” Beckham said. After spending an impressive second half of last season with AC Milan, Beckham returned to the Galaxy in

Thursday’s 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, his first match since the end of the Serie A campaign.

Not only was Beckham’s delayed return to the MLS seen by many as a slap in the face to US football, but a squabble with Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan further sullied his return. Donovan sparked the dispute with disparaging remarks published in a new book “The Beckham Experiment.”

But he was full of praise for Beckham on Sunday.

“He was integral in both goals,” Donovan said. “There’s not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game.” The friendly against AC Milan was Beckham’s first match in Los Angeles since his return, and coincided with a swirl of speculation on his future plans in England. According to the Mail on Sunday, Chelsea and Tottenham are ready to bring the 34-year-old former England captain home, although Beckham said in midweek he was eyeing an eventual return to Italy. That would apparently suit Leonardo.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images/AFP

Diego Milito #22 of Inter Milan moves the ball in front of a Club America player in the first half during the World Football Challenge at Stanford Stadium on July 19, 2009 in Palo Alto, California.

Club America was missing star goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

“We’re very happy with the way the game went,” Inter coach Jose Mourinho said. “We’re very happy no one got injured.” The players weren’t even aware that the challenge called for shootouts, and started exchanging jerseys at the end of regular time.

16

Sport

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Lorenzo: Yamaha offer not good enough Jorge Lorenzo says he is ready to delay a decision on his future, claiming he is worth more than what his Yamaha team is offering him. The Spaniard is currently fighting for the title with team-mate Valentino Rossi, who is 14 points ahead after the first nine races of the season.

Yamaha rival Honda has expressed an interest in Lorenzo, but the former 250cc world champion said his main priority is staying with his current team. Lorenzo, however,

AP Photo/Roberto Pfeil

Spain’s rider Jorge Lorenzo relaxes prior to the first MotoGP free practice session of the German Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, Friday, July 17, 2009.

Alguersuari confirmed at Toro Rosso

Scuderia Toro Rosso has confirmed Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari will make his Formula 1 racing debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. The 19-year-old will become the youngest driver to participate in a grand prix in the history of the sport.

Alguersuari replaces Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais at the wheel of the second car, partnering Swiss racer Sebastien Buemi. “I would like to thank Red Bull for giving me this great opportunity to race in Formula 1,” he said. “Ever since I started racing this has been my dream and thanks to the Red Bull Junior Programme I will now realise my ambition of lining up on a Grand Prix grid.”

“I am aware that I’m facing a very tough challenge, because coming into Formula 1 is never easy, coming into Formula 1 in the middle of a season is even harder

and doing so without any testing is really difficult. But already I feel that I am getting great support from the team, who have quite a reputation for looking after rookie drivers.”

Team boss Franz Tost said the Faenza-based squad was not expecting anything from the Spaniard.

“Red Bull’s stated aim for Scuderia Toro Rosso is that, when possible, it should be used to provide a seat for products of its Young Driver Programme,” he said. “We therefore chose Alguersuari as the most mature driver currently in the programme. “I am well aware that over the next few months the team and Jaime will face a major challenge, especially because of the testing ban. But Red Bull is always ready for a new challenge. I do not expect anything from him for at least his first three races, during which he has to get used to the car, the team and to the Formula 1 environment.”

said after yesterday’s German Grand Prix that he feels Yamaha’s offer is not good enough.

“I don’t know, I think that we need to wait some more,” Lorenzo told Italia1 television when asked about his future. I feel very proud that people are interested in me. But I think I’m one of the riders who can beat Valentino in the future.”

“I’m fighting with him at the moment, and I think my worth is greater than what Yamaha is offering me at the moment. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Rossi, meanwhile, said he was not sure if it was better to have Lorenzo as a team-mate or not.

“I’ve thought a lot about it, whether it’s better to have him in Yamaha or in Honda,” he said. “I don’t know. There are pluses and minuses each way. In any case I think he will be a tough rival to beat whether he rides either with our bike or with another team.”

Quarantined foreign students swell to at least 178 in China

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

No tourist cancellation after bomb blasts PAGE 8

Paula Abdul’s Return To ‘American Idol’ Doubtful AFP PHOTO/POOL/DITA ALANGKARA

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Indonesian forensic investigators inspect the aftermath of a bomb blast at the JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta on July 18, 2009.

Indonesian police Monday were trying to rebuild the face on a severed head found at the scene of deadly hotel blasts in Jakarta in an attempt to identify one of two suspected suicide bombers.

Indonesian police try to rebuild bomber’s face Agence France-Presse

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A picture taken on July 9, 2009 in Nurburg, shows Red Bull and Toro Rosso’s then-reserve driver Jaime Alguersuari of Spain.

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JAKARTA - Indonesian police Monday were trying to rebuild the face on a severed head found at the scene of deadly hotel blasts in Jakarta in an attempt to identify one of two suspected suicide bombers.

NATO: British fighter jet crashes at Afghan base

The grisly forensic work could provide a key breakthrough in the investigation into Friday’s twin suicide attacks on the luxury JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, which killed up to nine people including two militants.

One of the bombers apparently targeted a regular weekly business breakfast gathering of some of Jakarta’s most influential foreigners at the Marriott, killing three Australians including a diplomat.

Continued on page 6

Associated Press Writer

KABUL - A British fighter jet crashed inside NATO’s largest base in southern Afghanistan on Monday in the second major crash there in two days. Fourteen Afghan civilians died in two incidents, including three killed when German troops opened fire on their vehicle, Afghan officials said. The Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado crashed inside Kandahar Airfield during takeoff at 7:20 a.m. Afghanistan time (0250 GMT; 22:50 Sunday EDT), said Capt. Ruben Hoornveld, a spokesman for the NATO-led force.

Continued on page 6

AP Photo/Musa Sadulayev

A Mi-8 helicopter flies over the Chechen capital Grozny, Russia, in this Sept. 18, 2002 file photo. A civilian helicopter similar to the one pictured crashed at southern Afghanistan’s largest NATO base Sunday July 19, 2009, military officials said.