Edisi 23 Februari 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 37 2st Year

Haiti leader says quake toll could reach 300,000

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

China, India adding to e-waste timebomb: UN PAGE 8

IBP/Eka

‘Shutter Island’ makes waves with $40.2M debut PAGE 12

Penida Beach is charming due to its crystal clear water and purely white sandy beach. Accessibility to Nusa Penida gets easier since the operation of Bounty Cruises and Roro ships.

Have not been to Nusa Penida, Yet to Bali Have you ever visited Nusa Penida? If not, it means you have never been to Bali. Therefore, prior to visiting Nusa Penida, you do not legally set foot onto the Island of Bali. This sentence was so encouraging the young to make a visit to Nusa Penida when it was held a social gathering of some prominent businesspeople as Chairman of Bali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadinda Bali) I Gde Wiratha, Chairman of Denpasar Regional Telecommunication Office Gde Negara, Managing Director of Bank Sinar IB Kade Perdana and a lecturer of Udayana University, Luh Kartini.

WEATHER FORECAST

As said by Gde Wiratha who is also the owner of the Bounty Cruises?serving the route Benoa Harbor-Nusa Penida?this sister island of Bali retained a great po-

tential. ?Aside from alluring beaches known as Nyegara Gunung or mountain meets the sea denoting a favorable orientation in Balinese ritual tradition, the region

also has springs and unique seaweed farming. Meanwhile, its accessibility is no longer a problem,? said Wiratha.

What needed now is the spirit of

hard work and synergy between local communities, local governments and entrepreneurs of Klungkung especially in the field of tourism. ?We can boost this region become optimal strength for the progress of Nusa Penida,? he added steadily.

To make the motto ?have not been to Nusa Penida, yet to Bali? come true, so the improvement of infrastructure must be addressed first.

Continued on page 6

CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

25 - 32

JAKARTA

24 - 31

BANDUNG

19 - 28

S.Korea to deploy more patrol planes against North

YOGYAKARTA

22 - 33

AFP

SURABAYA

25 - 34

SEOUL (AFP) – South Korea’s navy will deploy eight more advanced maritime patrol aircraft this year to guard against any military threats from North Korea or elsewhere, the navy said Monday.

The first of eight refurbished P3CK aircraft from the United States will be delivered to a naval unit on Tuesday, a navy statement said.

The countries’ disputed Yellow

SUNNY

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

RAIN

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AFP/File

A South Korean marine is seen during a military drill on an island in the disputed waters of the Yellow Sea

Sea border has been tense since a firefight last November left a North Korean patrol boat in flames. In late January the North fired some 370 shells into the sea near the borderline.

Last week it announced new naval firing zones off its shores, banning shipping from them until Monday, although no firing has so far been reported.

South Korea, a close US ally, already has eight P-3C Orion aircraft built by Lockheed Martin in

service.

The navy said the more advanced P-3CKs would carry better surveillance equipment and weaponry, such as Harpoon Block II airto-ground missiles, to hit “the enemy’s coastal artillery units or missile launchers.”

No cost figures were given.

Yonhap news agency said the eight new planes would cost a total of 550 million dollars.

Continued on page 6

2

International

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bali News Obsession of Governor to Have a Hotel

Needs Assessing, the House Responds Positively OBSSESSION of Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika together with Deputy Governor Puspayoga to have an elite hotel in Nusa Dua was responded positively by the Head of Commission II of Bali House, I Gusti Rai Putra Yasa. “The idea proposed by Governor was very positive for the progress of Bali,” he said when contacted on last Saturday (Feb 20).

However, the discourse needs to be reviewed by the House. “If the results of the studies consider it beneficial to the people of Bali, why not realized,” he said.

Moreover, Governor of Bali would like to take advantage of regional assets to increase revenue. At the moment, many assets of local government have not been utilized properly.

Rai Putra Yasa encouraged the growth of businesses managed by regional companies or any forms of business.

Compared to the Province of East Java, Bali was still far behind. Java had nine companies ranging from plantation areas, offices to hotels.

Regional revenue contributed by the companies, motor-vehicle tax (PKB) as well as duties of vehicle registration (BBNKB) reached trillions of rupiahs.

Even though Bali Provincial Government has regional companies, but they have not played significant role to add revenues. Even, they still give impression to “breastfeed” from the regional budget. This condition is caused by field-run businesses has orientation in the agricultural business in a broad sense. With less optimal role of regional companies in supplying locally generated revenues, it is ensured that dominant regional revenues are supported by the vehicle tax and registration.

Relying on future regional revenue on the sources from the vehicle tax and vehicle registration is quite risky, because the growth of roads in Bali is almost stagnant. With stagnancy of road increase, the efforts to reap revenue from vehicle tax and vehicle registration will be very limited because the level of vehicle ownership will approach the saturation point.

In addition, the Governor of Bali’s efficiency measures in the financial management is also well received by the people’s representative from Badung. Moreover, the efficiency of

the financial management of the region will be then used to advance the interests of the region, particularly regional revenue. “We very much welcome the positive breakthrough because of the current breakthroughs made were useful for the people,” he said while mentioning the breakthrough of Bali Mandara Health Insurance (JKBM) and free education.

He hoped Commission II of Bali House could hear in person from Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika about the idea / breakthrough in a hearing. “We truly agree with the provincial government and governor who have innovative steps to increase the regionally generated revenues of Bali,” he said excitedly.

As a breakthrough that has been done successfully by the commission in setting the regulations on the prevention of rabies initiative, in relatively short time it will be designed a regional regulation on Regional Credit Guarantee (Jamkrida). Jamkrida was already responded positively by the other House’s members by forming a special committee headed by Nyoman Sugawa Korry of Commission II, Bali House.

Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika proposed such ideas last week at Jaya Sabha Building. The idea was what if the Provincial Government of Bali with regency/city government had an elite hotel in the area such as Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. This bright idea was intended to save the assets of Bali as a tourist destination in the world. At the moment, hotel ownership was rarely owned by entrepreneurs of Bali. “Do the people of Bali as a host feel proud of being hotel employees such as reception or the hotel security guard?” he asked rhetorically.

Why the region is interested because none of the hotels in the area belong to the Balinese. Those hotels are mostly owned by foreign business-

men or the international hotel business networks. Mangku Pastika had confidence if the regional government had a hotel, there would be much financial and non-economic benefits could be obtained by Bali.

Economically, the benefits obtained from the income of the hotels could be used to enrich the regionally generated revenues. Secondly, these benefits could be enjoyed by more communities of Bali. In terms of noneconomic aspect, at least by such advantage government could have higher vitality to oversee the customs and culture of Bali which was framed by the Tri Hita Karana concept.

The idea of Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika was presented before the media leaders in Bali at the morning coffee at Jaya Sabha Building, official residential house of the Governor of Bali at Jalan Surapati No. 1 Denpasar, last Sunday and it was emphasized by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau, Regional Secretariat of Bali Province, I Putu Suardhika. According to him, having a hotel as referred by Governor was not necessarily by means of building a new hotel. Rather, it was possible to buy an existing hotel in the luxury tourist resorts such as in Nusa Dua, Sanur, or other places. By that way, local government would be able to enjoy the benefits to improve the welfare of the Balinese themselves.

Where’s the money from? Governor of Bali said the money to buy the hotel could have come from the efficiency of local financial management.

The results of this efficiency, he said, was from the Regional Budget 2009 that could be saved around IDR 400 billion. In addition, it could be obtained from the other funding sources such as taxes and deposits. With such large amount of funding sources, he was confident the government could afford a five-star hotel having 200 rooms in the Nusa Dua area. (sua)

Savings in Vain When Inflation High Denpasar (Bali Post)—

If government wants to promote the interest of saving, inflation should also be controlled. Savings would be in vain if the difference in the benefits obtained from the savings rate is very small because the price of goods actually rose due to high inflation. Economic observer who is also the Dean of Faculty of Economics, Udayana University, Prof. W. Ramantha said that matter, last Sunday (Feb 21) on responding the decline on interest of community to save.

Ramantha said people wanted to save because they wished an added value of the fund in addition to other factors. Because of that, in order depositors could enjoy the benefits of a savings fund government should also thought about the steps to optimize the community-owned funds. “Do not let the difference in savings gained is not much perceived, so that they become reluctant to save,” he explained.

One of the important factors to think about is controlling the prices of basic commodities. This basic price should be kept stable and should not be beyond the reach of many societies. Thus, the community-owned

funds, other than used to meet basic needs, can also be saved. But if prices are high, although the savings rate is good enough, it will not matter significantly. Instead, this condition will had less good impact because they will be reluctant.

As the report of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporate (LPS), within the past a month the decline of public interest to save was adequately significant. According to Ramantha, various factors could affect the community in utilizing the funds. Aside from saving money, there were also other alternatives being very possible such as for business purposes and other forms of investment.

As long as the basics could be maintained, such as inflation, social and political factors were conducive, he was optimistic the economic activities in various segments would run and grow.

However, Ramantha stayed to hope that banks still attempted to lower their interest rates because most businesses still relied on their financing efforts on funds of the bank. “If the credit interest rate is high, the business world will also find difficulty too,” added this chief of economist to BNI. (031)

Claims Made to Pick Up

Young Girl Raped by Stranger Denpasar (Bali Post)—

A young girl now often becomes a victim of rape. Within the past one month, there were four women raped.

The latest, a young girl with the initial name AU KR, 12, claimed to have been raped by stranger, last Saturday (Feb 20) night. The victim, who is still a student of secondary school, was raped in the bushes at the Sanur area, South Denpasar.

Information collected by Bali Post, last Sunday (Feb 21) said, the case of rape afflicting underage child has now been being handled by Denpasar Metro Police. However, the case was still being investigated and the perpetrator was then pursued by the police. The case was reported by the victim’s parents. “Now, forces of Denpasar Metro Police are still hunting the perpetrator,” the police source said last Sunday.

Up to these days, police do not know about the identity of perpetrator because from her testimony, the victim claimed not to know the perpetrator. Moreover, it was held at night. “The victim was unavailable for comment. However, she admitted that she did not know the perpetrator.

The police had little difficulty to re-

veal who did it,” he explained.

Resource person requesting anonymity revealed the action of rape.

This started when the victim came home from her school. Suddenly, the perpetrator came and claimed as a messenger of her father to pick her up.

Victim did not suspect against the perpetrator. “The victim went along because the offender argued, he was told by the victim’s father,” he explained.

Instead of riding to home, the victim was even taken to the bush. There, her clothes were stripped down by perpetrator and victim was forced to have a sexual intercourse as that of husband and wife. When perpetrator was satisfied to pamper his passions, perpetrator took the victim home.

However, the victim was not delivered to her house. “The victim told what had happened to her, and the case was then reported to Denpasar Metro Police,” he explained.

Spokesperson of Denpasar Metro Police, I Made Mudra, when asked about his confirmation admitted last Sunday to check a report related to allegations of rape. “I check it first. I do not know the report,” he said when contacted via handphone, last Sunday (Feb 21). (kmb21)

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Bali News

International

Thirty Four Wild Races Ransacked Negara (Bali Post) —

The rise of a wild race every Saturday night in Negara is addressed by the local Police. Several frequently used roads for illegal racing tracks were ransacked by Samapta and Traffic Unit of Jembrana Police Force, on Saturday (20 / 2) night until Sunday (21 / 2) morning.

Dozens of motorcycles with their noisy modified muffler were secured and given fine tickets by officers. The patrol was operated in effort of addressing public and other road users’ complaints triggered by the illegal motorbike races during the night. The operation began at around Jembrana Regent’s office area.

The wild racers and most of the audience, who were mostly teenagers, ran out when discovering a passing patrol car. Patrols continued in Sebual Road, Mendoyo Dangin Tukad which is often used for wild race tracks. The police secured a motorcycle driven by a minor. The child was left by his friends who initially parked their bikes together on the street curb while watching the action on the track.

Similar cases, found in Ngurah Rai Street, in front of BPD office, were

being disciplined by police officers assisted by the City Police Force. Together they secured an illegally modified vehicle without permit. Police suspected the motorbike was used for illegal racing. Besides the original muffler was already replaced with a noisy muffler that can hurt our ears. The bike was secured and the owner was given a ticket.

Meanwhile, on Terusan Street Tegal Badeng, the police dispersed an illegal racing which has been disturbing the surrounding community. A number of racing bikes and motorists were caught and secured by the officials.

When Samapta Unit Police arrived on the scene, a new race had already been started. The spectators on the roadside were then dissolved, while a few of the racers decided to run.

Head of Jembrana District Police’s

Samapta UnitAKP M Didik Wiratmoko under the Chief of Jembrana police’s permission AKBP R Ahmad Nurwakhid said the secured bikes were fined by Satlantas, while the racers will eventually be re-educated by the relevant apparatus. According to former Pekutatan’s Police Chief and the Gilimanuk’s KP3, the operation was held to follow up complaints on the increasingly alarming event of illegal racing every Saturday night. ‘’We appeal for the parents to supervise their children and not to be involved in any illegal races, because in addition to endangering themselves, they will be bringing disaster for other road users’’, he said. Besides illegal racings, the patrols were also successfully dispersing a drunken crowd on the curb in front Telkom office, BB Agung, Negara. (sur)

Hospital Refused to Hold an X-Ray Examination for A Baby with Crocked Hands and Feet Negara (Bali Post) —

The unfortunate fate is experienced by the first daughter of Putu Indah Permata Sari (19) citizen of Banjar Tegalasih, Batuagung, Jembrana. Eight days after she was born, the daughter, named Putu Putri Valentina, was diagnosed with birth defect conditions.

Her wrists are not normal with its bone bending forward. Similar condition can be found on her both feet, which appear to be uneven, narrowed down, and without knees present.

Despite her unusual conditions, Putri is still growing healthily until now.

According to Permata Sari, on Sunday (21 / 2) yesterday, her baby was already in those circumstances

since birth. Even then, her hands and feet were positioned as someone who was sitting with her legs crossed. After given a massage slowly and wrapped around fabrics, her limbs have straighten a little bit.

According to the medical officers in the place where Permata Sari was going through Caesarean birth, her child needs to be X-rayed and therapeutically treated to be normal.

Unable to finance such treatment, Permata Sari and her family chose to return to Negara. Indah Permata Sari gave birth to her baby in one of Private hospitals in Denpasar after she got a referral from her midwife. ‘’While in the hospital, my stomach was suddenly aching, then the membranes had been ruptured.

Finally I gave birth in the hospital,’’ she said.

Permata Sari was very worried due to expensive costs of maternity in a private hospital. Finally, she was subjected to 6.5 million of hospital cost, which then increased to $ 7.1 million since payments made were late. ‘’In fact, I’ve feared that I will not be able to pay for treatments at a private hospital, but eventually I have to. As for the X-rays, the hospital refused because there is no guaranteed payment,’’ told her.

Her baby was born weighing 2.8 kg and 50 cm long. She expects her daughter able to grow normally like other children. Because she has no money, she did not dare to seek the much needed treatment. (sur)

National Exam of Senior High School To Apply Multiple Supervisory Patterns Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Supervision of national examinations (UN) for senior high school/ schools of the same level in next March will apply an extra strict pattern with multiple supervisory. Other than overseen by supervising teachers in every single exam room, the implementation of national exam of senior high school is also closely monitored by a special team called Supervisory Examination Team (TPU) consisting of lecturers.

Head of Educational, Youth and Sports Services (Disdikpora) of Bali Province, I Wayan Suasta, told Bali Post, last Sunday (Feb 21).

In performing their duties, said Suasta, TPU would also be given the flexibility to enter into the exam room to minimize the occurrence of violations of the national exam. However, the right to enter into an exam room

would be made if the implementation of the test in a senior high school indicated the existence of cheating or violations.

Meanwhile, the supervision of national exam for secondary school and vocational high school remained to involve the Independent Monitoring Team (TPI) as in the implementation of the UN in previous years comprising lecturers as well. The difference, TPI did not have the privilege to supervise up to the exam room. “Technically, the supervision of national exam of senior high school level involving TPI is meant to ensure the objectivity of the test results and to increase the confidence of higher education institutions to the students’ exam results. Moreover, in years to come the national exam of senior high school/the same level will be designed as one of the main refer-

ential parameters or the selection to enter college,” he said.

When contacted separately, Rector of Udayana University Prof. Dr. I Made Bakta, confirmed that his party was ready to oversee the implementation of the upcoming national examination for the level of senior high school/vocational high school and junior high school. Currently, the institute with the state and private higher education in Bali was preparing a formation assigned as supervisory team of national exam for the level of senior high school, vocational high school and secondary school.

“Especially for the TPU, the national exam of this year is indeed given a broader authority because of allowed to enter into the exam room and to give a warning or to take certain steps to students who violate the national exam order,” he asserted. (kmb13)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

3

Charged, Student Who Assaults Teachers Through Facebook Semarapura (Bali Post) —

One of the popular social networking sites, Facebook, has many negative impacts, especially for students (teenagers). Cases such as rape and kidnapping after meeting on Facebook are common. It also negatively impacts upon the students from Klungkung.

They often use the media of Facebook to accuse or curse their less-favored teachers since anything can be written on Facebook.

The matter was raised by the Head of SMPN 2 Semarapura, Nengah Arnawa, on Sunday (21 / 2) yesterday. Admittedly, technological advancement does not always have a positive impact for the development of student’s character. There are also negative effects, especially in regards of behavior alteration.

Teachers who are supposed to become role models were reviled through Facebook.

If no immediate action is taken, it will be very dangerous for the future of education. ‘’It is not impossible that the original verbal abuse will be delivered via Facebook instead of face-to-face,’’ he said as he asserted his hard efforts to anticipate

further abuse by persuading all students to behave politely.

About the teacher who was the abused, he did not explain clearly.

According to him, however mad, students must still behave politely and courteously to their teacher. So far, she confessed yet never to punish students who are found to have abused their teachers on Facebook.

For the meantime, the action taken is still by giving understanding and appeal to all students not to write any inappropriate words on Facebook.

Not only did he ban using harsh words to address teachers, but as well as addressing friends and parents. However little, if later there is an aberrant behavior done by students, it will practically spread a negative impact on SMP 2 Semarapura status as International Standardized School (RSBI). If the obscenities were still to be found, students will be given strict sanctions.

Previously, four students outside of Bali were expelled from their Senior High School for insulting teachers through Facebook. Teachers’ decisive action was justified by National Education Minister M. Nuh. (kmb20)

Riots in front of Circle-K

Perpetrator of Slashing Abandon Himself Denpasar (Bali Post)—

After six days hunted by police, Ketut Darmika finally surrendered to West Denpasar Sector Police, last Friday (Feb 19). Darmika was perpetrator of slashing with the victim Komang Agus Arya Putra, 18. Victim was slashed by using a sickle until his back suffered from laceration.

Chief of West Denpasar Sector Police Agus Nugroho, last Sunday (Feb 21) said, the perpetrator was then being examined intensively in the room of investigation. Based on provisional results, it was alleged due to merely a misunderstanding. “The case is still being studied,” said Chief Nugroho, last Sunday.

This former Deputy Chief of Denpasar Metro Police then explained the slashing incident occurred at the Circle-K on Jalan A. Yani, Denpasar, last Sunday (Feb 14). “Allegedly, the perpetrator was severely drunk and then hit and slashed haphazardly. Meanwhile, the victim was a visitor at the Circle-K,” said Chief Nugroho.

Before the event, said Chief Nugroho, the perpetrator was making ogoh-ogoh or papier mâchédemon not far from the scene.

While making ogoh-ogoh, the perpetrator and friends were also suspected of drinking wine. The mind of perpetrator who lives on Jalan Lembu Sora, Denpasar was affected by alcohol. Not long after,

the perpetrator went to the scene to buy a pack of cigarette. Unexpectedly, the perpetrator touched the victim at the scene. Perpetrator was angry and immediately hit the victim. “The blow landed on the temples of victim. At that time, other visitors break up the fight,” he explained.

For a moment, the situation was eased after mediated by visitors of Circle-K, who happened to be there. However, the anger of perpetrator seemed uncontrolled. Perpetrator was then looking for something beside the Circle-K. “Perpetrator confessed to look for wooden block, but he got a sickle,” he explained.

Quickly, perpetrators immediately slashed the victim. Actually, the victim was going home and when cut down he was already on the motorbike. Once slashing, the perpetrator fled hurriedly. Meanwhile, the victim reported the case to West Denpasar Sector Police.

“Suddenly I found a sickle at the scene. I was drunk at the time,” admitted the perpetrator at police station, last Sunday.

Testimony of perpetrator was still profoundly learned because it was found irregularities. One of them was the sickle discovered at the scene. “Well, we still study about this. Is it the sickle found there or whether taken from his home? In fact, its holster, is too little and shows difference,” he said. (kmb21)

4

News

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

International

Japan PM says funds scandals hurt support AFP

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama acknowledged Monday growing public discontent with his centre-left government over funds scandals after a ruling-party candidate lost a weekend gubernatorial race.

The comprehensive election defeat in Nagasaki prefecture came as a newspaper poll found support for Hatoyama’s government had nearly halved since it came to power five months ago.

“We cannot deny that the political situation at the national level has affected the outcome. The problems involving politics and money have had consequences,” said Hatoyama.

Hatoyama also blamed the bad economy, which he inherited from the previous administration, for the loss. The world’s number two economy is limping out of its worst post-war recession but is still hobbled by deflation.

Former Nagasaki vice-governor

Hodo Nakamura won a landslide victory over former bureaucrat Tsuyoshi Hashimoto, a candidate backed by the ruling party, in Sunday’s election in the southern prefecture.

Nakamura beat Hashimoto by 316,603 votes to 222,565 with backing from the conservative Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito party, which were ousted in September by Hatoyama’s Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

The poll defeat came five months after the DPJ won all four districts in Nagasaki in national lower house elections that ousted the LDP, who had ruled Japan with only one break for more than half a century.

Since then Japan’s public has watched a series of DPJ political funds

scandals over accounting irregularities that led to the indictment of former aides of Hatoyama and accusations against DPJ heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa.

Prosecutors later dropped their investigation against Ozawa citing insufficient evidence.

The Nagasaki poll, ahead of elections for the national upper house in July, “showed the ‘moneyand-politics’ problems... are taking the DPJ’s steam,” said the nationwide daily Mainichi Shimbun.

A weekend survey of 2,161 people published in the Asahi Shimbun found public support for Hatoyama’s cabinet had fallen to 37 percent from 41 percent only about two weeks ago. The disapproval rate rose to 46 from 45 percent.

The latest reading is nearly half of the 71 percent support rate the Hatoyama cabinet won in the liberal paper’s opinion poll immediately after the new government took office in mid-September.

AFP/File

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama,

Chavez: Saboteurs targeting Venezuela’s power grid AP

AFP/File

A Malaysian consular employee was stabbed to death in a “ferocious attack” outside Sydney

Malaysia consular worker killed in Sydney attack AFP

SYDNEY (AFP) – A Malaysian consular employee was stabbed to death in a “ferocious attack” outside his Sydney home in a suspected road rage incident, officials said Monday.

The 43-year-old man, who worked as a driver for the Malaysian consul general, was beaten and stabbed in inner-city Leichhardt by two men late on Sunday despite an attempted intervention by a female passer-by.

“It was a ferocious attack, there’s no doubt about that,” Detective Inspector Shane Woolbank said.

Authorities said they were examin-

ing whether the attack stemmed from a road rage incident moments earlier.

“Police are trying to determine whether the victim’s car was involved in a traffic incident with a dark-coloured sedan,” police said in a statement.

Malaysian consul general Mohd Nasir Abu Hassan said the victim, a Malaysian who had recently become an Australian citizen, had worked as a driver for the consulate for three years.

“This is a very stressful time for all of us at the consulate,” he told reporters. “We got on very well with him and we were shocked that we heard this tragic news.”

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez accused his adversaries on Sunday of sabotaging Venezuela’s electricity grid as part of a broader plan aimed at bringing about the system’s collapse — and his downfall.

Chavez said authorities must be “on the alert” and apprehend anyone who cuts electricity cables connected to the grid. Such sabotage has caused power failures in some regions and exacerbated the effects of severe energy shortages, he said.

“Be on the lookout! Patrols must be carried out to capture the saboteurs because those responsible must be caught and put in prison,” Chavez said during his weekly television and radio program, “Hello President.”

Referring to his government’s adversaries, he said: “They think that’s how they’re going to topple Chavez, and that’s what they’re seeking, but if there’s an electricity collapse, it won’t be Chavez who is going to fall. Prepare yourselves, bourgeois folks, because it will be you who will fall.”

The accusations were vague and Chavez provided no evidence supporting them.

Energy Minister Ali Rodriguez echoed the allegations.

“I have no doubt that many of the failures that are occurring are

the product of sabotage. We are investigating,” Rodriguez said.

Opposition leaders scoffed at the president’s claim, saying Chavez is trying to shed the blame for power shortages that critics say his government caused by failing to invest enough in electricity production over the last decade.

“The president is a great manipulator and he uses lies to fool the people,” Juan Jose Molina, an opposition politician, said in a telephone interview.

He noted more than a dozen projects to build thermoelectric plants have been delayed.

“It’s Chavez’s own incompetence that’s going to bring him down,” Molina said. “We want to get him out (of office) with votes.”

Chavez declared an energy emergency earlier this month, announcing that his socialist government will

punish businesses and industries that use what the government considers excessive amounts of electricity. He promised discounts to those that cut consumption.

Under the plan, large businesses and factories must cut electricity consumption 20 percent or face sanctions, including hefty surcharges on electricity bills. The energy-saving initiative also targets ordinary Venezuelans who use more than 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month — an estimated 24 percent of all residential consumers, according to Chavez.

The plan is aimed at easing energy shortages that Chavez blames on a months-long drought.

The lack of rain has caused water levels to drop to critical lows behind the Guri Dam, which supplies roughly 70 percent of Venezuela’s electricity.

AP

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez

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

General Info

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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

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

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

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

Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690.

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

Phone : 222 142.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

still missing after Haiti leader says 4Madeira flooding killed 42 quake toll could reach 300,000 AP

AP

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico – The president of Haiti said Sunday the death toll from his country’s earthquake could reach 300,000 once all the bodies are recovered from wrecked buildings.

AP –

Haiti’s President Rene Preval

Speaking after arriving in Mexico for regional meetings that will include discussion of Haitian aid needs, Preval gave no indication of how he reached the figure.

“You have seen the pictures, you know the numbers, more than 200,000 bodies picked up in the streets, counting those that are still underneath the rubble, perhaps we could arrive at 300,000 deaths,” Preval said at a meeting between Mexican officials and the countries of the Caribbean trade bloc.

Haiti’s government has placed the death toll at between 170,000 and 230,000. It depends on which official is talking and none have explained in detail the methodology used to arrive at the numbers.

The country’s chief epidemiologist has said he believes the government is making a lot of estimates.

Preval will also attend the Unity Summit of Latin American and Caribbean nations convened by the Rio Group starting Monday. Aid for Haiti in the wake of the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake is expected to be discussed.

Arriving Sunday aboard a Mexican government plane, Preval thanked Mexico for all the aid it has sent to his country since the quake.

“I want to thank the Mexican people with all my heart,” he said.

FUNCHAL, Madeira Islands – Emergency crews in Madeira continued their search Monday for at least four people still missing after mud and rockslides killed 42 people on the Portuguese island.

More than 400 vehicles, including bulldozers and trucks, worked all night Sunday in an effort to clear debris, authorities said.

Several roads remained blocked by boulders, mud and trees that were dislodged by flash floods.

The torrent of muddy water swept away people, houses and vehicles on the steep-sloped island.

More than 120 people were injured.

Light showers were forecast for the Atlantic Ocean island Monday and Tuesday.

Only four people were officially unaccounted for on Monday, but officials said there could be further victims.

Parts of downtown Funchal, Madeira’s capital, were cordoned off as crews dug into a shopping mall’s mud-filled underground parking lot where officials feared more bodies may be found.

The head of the regional government, Alberto Joao Jardim, told people to stay at home Monday and leave their homes only if it was absolutely necessary. Madeira’s schools were expected to stay closed, canceling classes for some 30,000 students.

Locals say Saturday’s storm was the worst in living memory. Officials say a month’s rain fell on the island in eight hours. The Portuguese government was to hold a special Cabinet meeting Monday and was expected to announce three days of national mourning for the victims.

It may also grant financial aid to rebuild Madeira’s many destroyed roads and bridges. The regional government says it has no estimate yet of its financial needs.

Nusa Penida...

From page 1 On that account, it will be eligible enough to receive the visit of foreign tourists. To this extent, said Wiratha, the facilities had not been adequate rather than in Nusa Lembongan in particular, moreover compared to the Bali mainland.

Similar opinion was pronounced by Gde Negara. The progress of telecommunication technology would make the people of Nusa Penida no longer isolated from external world. The willingness of business to the local residents would be generated accordingly.

As a bijou and exotic island, Nusa Penida has many harmoniously chic beaches as the tranquil and peaceful Penida Beach. If the weather is clear, from this location

Portugal Telecom said 85 percent of the island’s cellular and fixed-line capacity was restored by late Sunday.

The victims, in white body bags, were taken to Funchal’s international airport where officials have set up a makeshift morgue.

Among the dead was a local firefighter who was swept away in a muddy torrent as he tried to save a woman, his colleagues said.

The British Foreign office confirmed late Sunday that a British national had died, but declined to give further details.

The Foreign Office also said a small number of Britons had been hospitalized on Madeira. The island is popular with British tourists because of its usually mild climate. Madeira is the main island, with a population of around 250,000, of a Portuguese archipelago of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean just over 300 miles (480 kilometers) off the west coast of Africa.

The flash floods were so powerful they carved paths down mountains and ripped through the city, churning under some bridges and tearing others down.

“We heard a very loud noise, like rolling thunder, the ground shook and then we realized it was water coming down,” said Briton Simon Burgbage.

Residents caught in the torrent clung to railings to avoid being swept away. Cars were tossed about by the force of the water; the battered shells of overturned vehicles littered the streets.

“It was horrible, there were cars on rooftops, there were vans and trucks that had fallen and been totally crushed,” said German tourist Andreas Hoisser.

A medical team, divers and rescue experts from mainland Portugal, 550 miles (900 kilometers) northeast of Madeira, arrived on the island Sunday aboard a military transport plane.

A villager crosses a damaged street near Ribeira Brava, Madeira Island.

AFP –

S.Korea... visitors can observe the beauty of The Grand Bali Beach at Sanur. So far, this destination has developed its mainstay product, namely spiritual tourism. In keeping with the time passes by, more and more Hindu devotees say prayers to the temples of Pura Penataran Dalem Ped, Pura Pucak Mundi and Pura Giri Putri. Meanwhile, the existing accommodation facilities are classified into the simple ones.

Accessibility to this place is increasingly open and easier after Klungkung Government operated Roro ship.

For the time being, the people reached the island by sea transport mode from Kusamba, Padangbai and Sanur.

In the meantime, the existence of Bounty Cruises to this place has provided more opportunities for Nusa Penida to become one of the objects that must not be missed.

Come and explore the splendor Nusa Penida! (pal)

From page 1 The Yellow Sea border was the scene of deadly naval battles in 1999 and 2002.

Despite the tensions, North Korea on Monday proposed that military officials from the two sides hold talks on March 2 on ways to ease access to the Kaesong jointly-run industrial estate just north of the border.

The South had proposed holding the working-level talks on February 23 and has not yet decided whether

to accept the revised date.

But Pyongyang blasted Seoul’s “shameless” plan to hold ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the start of their 1950-1953 war.

Rodong Sinmun, newspaper of the ruling communist party, accused the South of igniting the war, which began with a North Korean invasion on June 25.

The commemorations are “a shameless distortion and mockery of history and truth” and an challenge to reconciliation efforts, it said.

Indonesia Today

International

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

7

Indonesia rounds up students in cybercafes Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

A model displays smartphones with Google’s mobile operating system Android during its first launch in Jakarta on February 22, 2010 released by Indonesia’s second-largest cellular operator.

JAKARTA - Indonesian police raided Internet cafes Monday and rounded up dozens of students who were skipping school to play computer games or chat with their friends online.

The raids in the town of Bandung, West Java, came in response to complaints from parents and teachers about children missing classes to spend time on the Internet, an official said.

“We raided 23 Internet cafes and rounded up 89 students. Many were in their school uniforms,” Bandung city official Suparno told AFP. “They should be in school during school hours but instead they were playing computer games, chatting online and checking their

Facebook profiles.”

The students, aged mostly in their early teens, were given a warning and sent back to school, he added.

“The students were shocked to see us. Some pleaded with us to let them go and promised never to play truant again,” Suparno said.

Internet cafes offer a low-cost connection to the web for ordinary Indonesians who cannot afford their own computers.

Despite low wages and poor Internet infrastructure, Indonesians are among the world’s most dedicated users of social networking sites like Facebook.

The raids come amid domestic debate over how to balance freedom of speech and access to information with protecting society from Internet sites deemed to be indecent or inciting violence.

Indonesia aims to be world’s breadbasket Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Following Brazil’s trail, Indonesia is encouraging foreign and local investors to lease huge swathes of fertile countryside and help make the country a major food producer.

“Feed Indonesia, then feed the world,” was the recent call from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after the government announced plans to fast-track development of vast agricultural estates in remote areas like Papua and Borneo.

Between now and 2030 Indonesia expects to become one of the world’s biggest producers of rice, maize, sugar, coffee, shrimp, meats and palm oil, senior agriculture ministry official Hilman Manan said.

The world’s fourth most populous country, with 235 million people, Indonesia has been self-sufficient in

rice since 2008 and is already the top producer of palm oil.

“If everything goes well, Indonesia should be able to be self-sufficient in five years. And then it can start to feed the world,” said Sony Heru Priyanto, an expert at Satya Wacana Christian University.

The first area targeted for development is 1.6 million hectares (3.95 million acres) in the southeast of the largely undeveloped province of Papua, around the town of Merauke.

The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate will, the government hopes, create thousands of jobs

and turn an impoverished and neglected corner of the Indonesian archipelago into a hive of activity.

“We chose Merauke because it’s the ideal place for food crop cultivation, such as rice, corn, soybean and sugar cane. Merauke district has 4.5 million hectares of land; 2.5 million hectares are ideal for cultivation,” Manan said.

“The area is flat and has a good climate. Its soil is appropriate for those crops. Sumatra is already congested with other plantations, such as palm oil, and Kalimantan is already full of mining areas and many plantation areas also.”

He said Merauke’s population of some 175,000 people could rocket to 800,000 if the plan takes off.

Foreigners will be able to control a maximum of 49 percent of any investing company, and will be offered

PLN seeking RP9 Trillion for transmission funding Antara

JAKARTA - State power utility company PLN is now looking for Rp9 trillion to fund its transmission development program which is part of its first 10,000 megawatt power crash program, a PLN official said.

PLN director for financial affairs Setio Anggoro Dewo said here on Monday that the funds needed by PLN were funding in rupiah so that the state-power firm would seek for it from banks at home.

Dewo made the remarks after the signing of a cooperation agreement with 41 banks and post offices on electricity bills payment.

“We hope that we would be able to obtain the funds this year,” he said.

He said the Rp9 trillion was part of the funds needed to develop power transmission in the country’s first accelerated 10,000 MW power project. The total funds for the whole transmission of the first 10,000 MW project was Rp19 trillion.

The government will also carry out its second 10,000 MW power crash program.

He said that for the 10,000 MW project, PLN had spent US$5 billion.

Dewo said that PLN was expected to need a total investment of Rp21 trillion in 2010. Most of the need was in the form of rupiah.

incentives like tax breaks and reductions in customs and excise duties.

“In order to avoid any forms of monopolies or land grabbing, we’re limiting each company to a maximum of 10,000 hectares of land,” Manan said, stressing that the government was selling land use rights, not the land itself.

He said interest had come from Japan, South Korea and the Middle East. But analysts said the region’s biggest advantage — expanses of “empty” land — was also the main obstacle: the project will require up to five billion dollars in infrastructure investments, from a new port to roads and runways.

And there is opposition from small-scale farmers who say their traditional livelihoods could be threatened by the large-scale com-

mercialization of agriculture.

“We reject the concept of the food estate. For us, food estates are another kind of land grabbing scheme. It’s like going back to the era of feudalism,” Indonesian Farmers Union official Kartini Samon said.

“The regular farmers’ land will be taken by big companies and the farmers will be left with nothing,” she said.

Such worries are well known in other countries with similar schemes, such as Brazil and Madagascar, where there is deep suspicion about food and bio-fuel companies monopolising agricultural land.

There are also fears for the rights of indigenous Papuans, an ethnicMelanesian minority who have long complained that their traditional lands are being unjustly exploited by outsiders.

Bandung district floods paralyze 600 factories Antara

BANDUNG - Although the floods that had hit some parts of Bandung district last week have subsided, some 600 of a total of 6,000 factories in the Dayeuhkolot and Baleendah regions are still not operating, a source said.

“Some factories had their machinery inundated by mud from the flood while other factories had to temporarily stop their activity since many of their employees had not shown up for work because their homes had been inundated ,” Yohan Lukius, chairman of the local entrepreneurs’ association, said here on Monday.

Yohan said the flooded factories were estimated to have suffered material losses totaling Rp10 billion to 20 billion.

The floods that occurred in the Dayeuhkolot and Baleendah regions are said to be one of the biggest that had ever hit Bandung district over the last eight years. The floods had inundated 10,000 houses and forced about 5,000 people to flee their homes for safer places.

“The floods have now started to subside.

Related authorities are now preparing to tackle the potential of post-flood diseases,” chief of the West Java Disaster Mitigation Agency, Sigit udjuwalaprana, said.

8

Internationa

Tuesday, February 23, 2009

Bali Today China, India adding to e-waste timebomb: UN Agence France-Presse

NUSA DUA - Mountains of discarded computers and mobile phones could soon pose serious threats to public health and the environment in developing countries without swift action, the UN said Monday.

“Sales of electronic products in countries like China and India and across continents such as Africa and Latin America are set to

rise sharply in the next 10 years,” the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report.

“And unless action is

stepped up to properly collect and recycle materials, many developing countries face the spectre of hazardous e-waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health.”

The report entitled “Recycling — from E-Waste to Resources” was released at a meeting of Basel Convention and other world chemical authorities prior to UNEP’s Governing Council

AFP PHOTO / Sonny Tumbelaka

Executive director of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Achim Steiner (C), delivers a speech during the opening of UNEP’s Governing Council meeting in Nusa Dua, on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on February 22, 2010. Mountains of discarded computers and mobile phones could soon pose serious threats to public health and the environment in developing countries without swift action, the UN said in a report at the meeting.

Asuka Cruise arrived in Bali Antara

DENPASAR – The cruise ship ‘Asuka II’ that carried 1,000 people on Monday arrived at Tanah Ampo port that located on Karangasem, Bali Island. The cruise ship that carried around 500 passengers and 480 cruise staffs will stay in Bali for two days. The 250 meters long cruise ship is very luxurious complete with five star hotel facilities.

Because the insufficient place at Tanah Ampo port, the cruise ship has to throw anchor in the middle of the sea. The passengers had to be transferred using small boat that has 50 capacity passengers.

According to Nakamura the captain of Asuka II Cruise Ship he very pleased to visit the Island of Gods. ‘’Our passengers are very happy and can’t wait to explore Bali,” he stated.

Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu the Head of Bali’s Tourism Office welcoming the passengers and crews to enjoy the beauty of Bali. ‘’This is the real Bali. Bali has many tourism objects that very interesting. You can enjoy the art performances and cultures also the enchanted view of Bali island,” said Subhiksu.

The cruise ship ‘Asuka II’ that carried 1,000 people on Monday arrived at Tanah Ampo port that located on Karangasem, Bali Island. The cruise ship that carried around 500 passengers and 480 cruise staffs will stay in Bali for two days.

http://upload.wikimedia.org

meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

It used data from 11 developing countries to estimate current and future e-waste generation such as desk and laptop computers, printers, mobile phones, pagers, digital photo and music devices, refrigerators, toys and televisions.

By 2020 e-waste from old computers in South Africa and China will have jumped by 200 to 400 percent from 2007 levels, and by 500 percent in India, it said.

Waste from discarded mobile phones would be seven times higher in China and 18 times higher in India by the same year.

“This report gives new urgency to establishing ambitious, formal and regulated processes for collecting and managing ewaste via the setting up of large, efficient facilities in China,” UNEP executive director Achim Steiner said in a statement.

“China is not alone in facing a serious challenge. India, Brazil, Mexico and others may also face rising environmental damage and health problems if ewaste recycling is left to the vagaries of the informal sector.”

He said raising e-waste recycling rates in developing countries could also “generate decent employment, cut greenhouse gas emissions and recover a wide

range of valuable metals including silver, gold, palladium, copper and indium”.

“By acting now and planning forward many countries can turn an e-challenge into an e-opportunity,” he added.

China already produces an estimated 2.3 million tonnes of ewaste, second only to the United States with about three million tonnes, the report said.

It is also a major e-waste dumping ground for developed countries despite having banned such imports.

Much of this rubbish is incinerated by backyard recyclers to recover tiny quantities of metals such as gold, releasing toxic fumes.

The report, written jointly with the United Nations University, recommended various ways to transform e-waste into assets.

“One person’s waste can be another’s raw material,” university rector Konrad Osterwalder said.

“The challenge of dealing with e-waste represents an important step in the transition to a green economy.”

The report was issued at the Simultaneous Extraordinary Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

al

Tuesday, February 23, 2009

Balinese Culture Kambing Mekuah

Bali allocates IDR2.5 Billions for clean water Antara

DENPASAR – The Bali Government will allocates IDR2.5 Billions for clean water to the people in several critical areas. ‘’The fund that will meet the vital need of people came from the Bali’s Income and Expense Budget of 2010,” said the provincial administration’s spokesman Ketut Teneng.

On Monday he stated that

the fund will be allocates for building the irrigation system for clean water on Kintamani, Bangli Regency, the revitalization of water sources on Guyangan Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency.

The fund will be granted to be use as the revitalization of clean water at Telaga Waja River to meet the need of people at critical areas on Karangasem Regency, the area in the eastern part of Bali Island.

The Head of Bali – Penida’s Water Areas Agency Rai Yusha on separated occasion said in the 2010 the central government will allocates around IDR62 Billions to deal with clean water problem in the countryside, like Karangasem.

The allocation fund is being separated to finance the continuation of system developing program at Telaga Waja River around IDR48 Billions, and water dam around IDR14 Billions.

Bali to go ”Clean and Green” Antara

DENPASAR - The Bali provincial government has pledged to conserve its rivers, lakes, and other water resources for achieving the objectives of the “Bali Goes Clean and Green” campaign.

For that purpose, a budget of Rp115.9 billion would be allocated for the infrastructure, environmental preservation, and

area management programs, the provincial administration’s spokesman Ketut Teneng said.

Ketut Teneng said the Bali administration money will also be used to develop and manage the irrigation and water supply networks in the resort island.

“We hope the province’s environment will remain well preserved and the ‘Bali Goes Clean and Green’ objectives can be achieved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the province’s environment office AA Gede Alit Sastrawan said the injection well pilot projects were being carried out in a number of regencies and towns to preserve rain water.

Under the project, replanting-tree programs could sustainably be carried out all over the province, he said.

Sastrawan said Balinese families were expected to build the same injection wells.

(Balinese Lamb Stew) Overview: Goat is more likely to be used than lamb in Bali to make this curry – like dish.

Ingredients: 600 gr boneless lamb leg or shoulder cut in 2cm(3/4 in) cubes 2 tbsp oil 1 cup basic spice paste 1 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed 1 tbsp white vinegar 12 whole cardamom pods (kapulaga), braised and ground 1 stalk lemon grass, bruised 1½ cups chicken stock 2 cups coconut milk, light Preparation: 1. Heat oil in heavy saucepan, add spice paste and coriander seeds and sauté for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add lamb, cardamom (kapulaga), lemon grass, 1½ cups chicken stocks and vinegar, bring to boil and simmer until ¾ cooked.

2. Add coconut milk, bring to boil and simmer until meat is tender. Should the sauce reduce too much, add a little chicken stock. The sauce should be creamy in consistency.

3. Serve with steamed rice of compressed rice cakes, fried shallots, lemon sliced and sliced celery. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

Pesan Be Pasih (Grilled Fish In Banana Leaf) Overview: This is the Balinese version of a popular Javanese dish, Ikan Pepes. If banana leaves are not available, replace with greased aluminum foil. Small whole fish are often used in Bali instead of fillets cut from a large fish; just adjust the size of the banana leaf wrapping.

Ingredients: 500 gr (1 lb) skinned boneless snapper fillet, cut in 4 1 tsp salt 1 cup seafood spice paste 8 sprigs lemon basil 4 Salam leaves 1 tomato, sliced 4 banana leaves, cut in 15 cm (6 in) squares Preparation: 1. Season fish fillet with salt and cover evenly with seafood spice paste.

2. Cover and leave to marinate in cool place for 6 hours 3. Place fish in center of banana leaves, top each with 2 springs of lemon basil and 1 salam leaf and tomato slice.

4. Fold banana leaves around fillets in shape of a small parcel, fasten with toothpick 5. Steam parcels for 7 minutes, then place on charcoal cooker or under a grill and cook for 5 minutes until banana leaves are evenly browned. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Destinations

International

Gunung Kawi GUNUNG Kawi is a Hindu Temple complex with old omission from the stone era located in Gianyar regency. Based on the inscription of Tengkulak A on 945 saka (Balinese calendar) which is released by Marakata King, the ancient omission complex is located at the Pekerisan River then it is called Katyangan Amarawati. Pekerisan River is also named by Jalu which is according to the inscription chiseled on the above of the biggest temple door sound ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu’. The name of Gunung Kawi is the name given on the omission which is related to the complex of temples because the temple on this area is like the symbol from the mount. There are 3 temples which so called the name as Gunung Kawi in Bali those are Gunung Kawi in Sebatu countryside, Gunung Kawi Temple in Keliki countryside and Gunung Kawi Temple in Babitra countryside. The ancient omission complex of Gunung Kawi is founded on 10 century. It is founded in the era of Udayana about 989 M. At the period of Marakata governance on 1023, the omission which is called Katyagan Amarawati

is developed and continued by the governance of Anak Wungsu which is guess lead between the years of 1049 - 1077 M. Temple complex is consisted of 2 consecutions. The consecution in eastside Pekerisan River is consisted of 5 units and the consecution at west side of river is 5 units, in the north is 4 units and 1 unit is located far in south side separate from the others. On the above of the temple consecution in particular to the Eastside River, there is an article of Kediri word type sounding ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu’. Haji means a king, the Lumah means a temple or Sidha Dewata means to return to the nature of deity and Ing Jalu means in Pekerisan. The Jalu mean the Keris literal. The entire words mean that king is made in temple form at Pekerisan. From this article is assumed that this temple is dedicated to Udayana King which is also called Marakata and Anak Wungsu.

The temple which is located in the west side of river related to all king concubines. The temples are located far in the south side is attributed to prime minister because in these

temple areas existing an article Rakyan which is namely perform for high functionary of empire.

Buddhist Temple Complex is used as a residence and as place for

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

11

BUSINESS China hikes rice price to boost output Agence France-Presse

BEIJING - China has boosted the price it pays for rice by up to 10 percent this year to encourage farmers to plant more and increase production, state media said Sunday.

China’s economic planning agency set the minimum purchase price for short grain rice at 105 yuan (about 15 dollars) for every 50 kilograms, a 10.5 percent rise over last year, the People’s Daily said.

The lowest price to be paid by state granaries for long grain rice was increased by 5.4 percent, the paper said, citing the National Development and Reform Agency.

China’s rice farmers are required to sell a certain proportion of their harvest to state granaries at set AP Photo/Daniel Roland, File

In this July 28, 2008 file photo planes of the German airline Lufthansa are seen at the airport in Frankfurt, central Germany. Lufthansa pilots began a four-day strike on Monday in a bitter dispute over job guarantees, grounding a predicted two-thirds of its 800 daily flights and causing chaos at German airports.

Mayhem in Germany as Lufthansa pilots strike Agence France-Presse

FRANKFURT - Lufthansa pilots began a four-day strike on Monday in a bitter dispute over job guarantees, grounding a predicted two-thirds of its 800 daily flights and causing chaos at German airports.

The German flag carrier, already reeling from years of upheaval in the global airline sector, has estimated that its biggest walkout in nine years will cost it around 65 million euros (88 million dollars).

Worst hit will be Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, Europe’s third biggest airport, and Munich. Also affected was Lufthansa Cargo, one of the world’s biggest freight carriers, and its low-cost subsidiary Germanwings.

Experts warned of damage from the strike to the economy, Europe’s largest, which is only just beginning to recover from its worst recession since World War II. Despite last-ditch talks and appeals from top politicians, including Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer, the 4,000 pilots from the Cockpit union on Sunday reiterated their intention to walk off the job at midnight (2300 GMT).

“Lufthansa management is not

interested in dialogue, although it won’t admit it,” union spokesman Joerg Handwerg told AFP. “We are open to talks without preconditions,” said Lufthansa spokesman Klaus Walther, saying that if the union “withdrew its catalogue of unrealistic and illegal claims ... a deal would be swiftly found.”

Cockpit is pressing for a 6.4percent pay raise but more importantly it wants commitments from Lufthansa that pilots will not lose their jobs as the firm shifts passengers to cheaper foreign affiliates.

But Lufthansa says that this is “pure invention.”

“Not one job has been moved.

No Lufthansa pilot’s job has been scrapped and no job cuts are planned at the moment,” said Christoph Franz, deputy chairman, in a statement.

European airlines have been fighting for survival for several years as they battle with the triple

threat of low-cost airlines poaching customers, soaring high fuel costs and the worst global recession in decades.

Lufthansa has made a number of smaller acquisitions such as BMI, the former British Midland, and Swiss, the remnants of the bankrupt Swissair, and is cutting overheads by a billion euros (1.4 billion dollars).

But the pain remains. Sales slumped 13 percent in the first nine months of 2009, the last figures available, with operating income down 76 percent. It warned a positive full year result was subject to “very considerable risks.”

Pilots were poised to stage demonstrations early Monday at Frankfurt airport.

The carrier, which operated around 800,000 flights last year, said it had set up a hotline and was allowing customers to change bookings free of charge, or to give them train tickets.

prices, while the rest is sold on open markets where prices for the main staple tend to be higher.

“The price adjustments are aimed at prompting farmers to plant more rice and to increase grain production,” the paper said, adding that the price rises would also raise rural incomes.

China’s consumer price index, the main gauge of inflation, rose 1.5 percent in January compared with the same month a year earlier, driven mainly by food prices which were 3.7 percent higher.

In January 2009, China’s planning agency raised the purchase price for rice by between 15 and 17 percent as the government sought to increase grain production and raise rural incomes.

Taiwan says it exited recession in last quarter of 2009 Agence France-Presse

TAIPEI - Taiwan said Monday that it exited recession in the last quarter of 2009, growing 9.22 percent from the same period in 2008, but the economy shrank for the year as a whole.

The Taiwanese economy had not experienced positive growth since the second quarter of 2008, before it was engulfed by the global financial crisis, the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics said in a statement.

“Not only does this mark a return to growth after five con-

secutive quarters of decline, it is also the highest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2004,” the directorate general said.

Taiwan’s economy contracted 1.87 percent in 2009 year on year, the directorate general said, as the export-dependent island experienced its most protracted downturn in decades.

Consumer prices, the main indicator of inflation, declined 0.87 percent over the year, the directorate general said.

It forecast growth of 4.72 percent in 2010, up from a previous forecast of 4.39 percent.

AFP PHOTO / PATRICK LIN

The God of Wealth dances at a Taipei brokerage on February 22, 2010 the first trading day after a prolonged Lunar New Year holiday. Taiwan said Monday that it exited recession in the last quarter of 2009, growing 9.22 percent from the same period in 2008, but the economy shrank for the year as a whole.

12

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Entertainment

Vegas hotel unveils Elvis extravaganza Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS – Three decades after Elvis Presley took his last bow on the Las Vegas Strip, where he once reigned as king, the magicians of Cirque du Soleil have tried to summon back the power of this supreme entertainer in a show titled, “Viva Elvis.” They have mixed a dizzying array of dance, acrobatics, live musicians, overthe-top stage sets, and glitzy costumes with gigantic videos of Elvis in his most legendary performances and memorable life events.

In the words of an Elvis song, the result is “Too Much.” It’s as if we’re watching two different shows — the circus performances that are the Cirque franchise and a tribute to Elvis that would have stood on its own. The 45 candycolored, whimsically designed jumpsuits worn by a dance troupe are fun to watch. And the show has 120 costume changes, including a Follies-like Las Vegas number.

But for all the energy, skill and effort evident on stage, the most riveting segments of “Viva Elvis” are the videos in which the Presley charisma is as mesmerizing as ever.

When Elvis is on the huge screen in simple black and white, you can’t take your eyes off of him. And the nearby live performers trying gamely to get attention with their colorful dances and acrobatics are seriously upstaged. Only when

Elvis disappears entirely, as in a beautifully staged trampoline act featuring comic book super heroes (a comparison to Elvis that’s a stretch), do the acrobats have a chance to shine.

Friday night’s premiere before a star-studded audience of 1,800 at the specially designed Elvis theater in the new Aria Hotel got off to a rocky start when, in the middle of the first number, house lights went on, the stage went dark and there was an announcement that an alarm had gone off. After a five-minute break, the show resumed to sighs of relief.

Videos were projected in a gigantic juke box frame as Elvis’ voice filled the theater singing “Blue Suede Shoes.” Scenes from his concerts, the hysteria of his fans, and his TV appearances set the stage for a retrospective of his life.

But as the video rolled, dancers cavorted on stage, a pink Cadillac rolled in, and a gigantic blue suede shoe appeared with acrobats hanging from it. Other extravagant numbers included a medley of Elvis’ early songs with monument-sized recreations of Elvis in cowboy garb aiming a pistol — the same image from the movie “Flaming Star” seen in a classic Andy Warhol painting.

But the size was befitting an Egyptian pharaoh. The famous “Jailhouse Rock” dance was performed on a 40-foot-high cell block by dozens of dancers and acrobats, some dancing upside down.

Fergie Planning Rock Album With Slash FERGIE Planning Rock Record With Slash Black Eyed Peas star Fergie is planning to explore her passion for rock music on her next solo album - she’s set to team up with Slash for his upcoming project. The singer scored an international hit when she released her first solo album, The Dutchess, in 2006.

She has since returned to the Black Eyed Peas, but after recording a song with former Guns N Roses rocker Slash for his upcoming self-titled solo project, Fergie is looking to further her rock credentials by enlisting the guitarist for her next record.

Slash tells Metal Hammer magazine, “I might actually do a rock record with Fergie, because she wants to do a rock record so I might get involved with her on that. She’s got this killer rock ‘n’ roll voice.”

Like Martika, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Rahsaan Patterson, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson got her first major break as a youngster on the television program Kids Incorporated.

Born in 1975, she did voice work for The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, as well as commercials, prior to becoming a Kids Incorporated regular from 1984 through 1989. Along with Stefanie Ridel and fellow Kids Incorporated alum Renee Ilene Sandstrom, Ferguson formed Wild Orchid, a teen pop group that released a pair of albums during the late ’90s.

A few years after the group’s split, Ferguson joined the Black Eyed Peas in time to record 2003’s Elephunk. She became central to the group’s mainstream success (“Let’s Get It Started,” “My Humps”) and released her first solo album, The Dutchess, during September 2006. Andy Kellman, All Music Guide

International

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and director Martin Scorsese attend the premiere of ‘Shutter Island’ at The Ziegfeld Theatre, in New York, on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010.

AP Photo/Peter Kramer

‘Shutter Island’ makes waves with $40.2M debut MARTIN Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio’s voyage to “Shutter Island” has landed them at No. 1 at the weekend box office. Their creepy crime thriller set at a remote insane asylum opened with $40.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. A Paramount Pictures release, “Shutter Island” is the fourth collaboration for Scorsese and DiCaprio and the best opening yet for both the director and star.

Scorsese’s previous personal best was $26.9 million with his 2006 Academy Awards champ “The Departed,” which also starred DiCaprio. The biggest previous debut for DiCaprio was $30.1 million for 2002’s “Catch Me If You Can.” Along with “The Departed,” DiCaprio and Scorsese also worked together on “Gangs of New York” and “The Aviator,” both of them earning best-picture nominations at the Oscars.

“The two of them have great chemistry, and you see it on screen,” said Rob Moore, vice chairman at Paramount. Roman Polanski’s thriller “The Ghost Writer” got off to a big start in limited release, pulling in $179,000 at four theaters in New York City and Los Angeles for a whopping average of $44,750 a cinema. That

compares to a $13,440 average in 2,991 theaters for “Shutter Island.”

The film likely benefited from months of press coverage over Polanski’s arrest in Switzerland last fall and his possible extradition to the United States, which he fled in 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

“If not for the notoriety in his public life, no, I don’t think this would have done as well,” said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com.

“It put a spotlight on Polanski, maybe not for all the right reasons. But they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, especially when it comes to marketing a movie.” Released by Summit Entertainment, “The Ghost Writer” stars Ewan McGregor in the title role,

Fight Breaks Out At Paris Hilton’s Birthday Party PARIS Hilton’s 29th birthday party was thrown into chaos when her boyfriend Doug Reinhardt got into a fight with her pal Brandon Davis. Onlookers were stunned after the heiress and former The Hills star Reinhardt began arguing in the middle of New York hot spot Tea Room on Thursday.

A furious Hilton walked off, and moments later Reinhardt was at the centre of another screaming match with oil heir Brandon Davis, who was once romantically linked to the socialite.Reinhardt was said to have been angry after Davis arrived unexpectedly and appeared to be inebriated, according to The New York Post.

A source tells the publication, “One minute, Paris and Doug were looking all loved up; the next minute, they started bickering. Doug didn’t seem happy about all the attention she was getting. Paris started to pout and gave him some girly punches in the back before storming off. “The next minute, Doug was shouting at Brandon. The music was so loud that we couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he then got Brandon thrown out of the door.”

But the birthday girl patched things up with her boyfriend and ended the night with a smile on her face. The insider adds, “She and Doug were looking all romantic by the end of the night.”

a man hired to punch up the dreary memoirs of a former British prime minister (Pierce Brosnan) who has been accused of ordering the abduction of terrorism suspects and handing them over for torture by the CIA. The previous weekend’s top movie, the all-star romance “Valentine’s Day,” slipped to No. 2 with $17.2 million, falling a steep 69 percent from its $56.3 million debut.

The Warner Bros. release raised its total to $87.4 million after 10 days in theaters. The science-fiction sensation “Avatar” is still going strong after two months in theaters, coming in third with $16.1 million and raising its record domestic total to $687.8 million. Worldwide, the 20th Century Fox film has taken in $2.47 billion.

Life Style

International

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

13

Study: Warming to bring stronger hurricanes Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – Top researchers now agree that the world is likely to get stronger but fewer hurricanes in the future because of global warming, seeming to settle a scientific debate on the subject. But they say there’s not enough evidence yet to tell whether that effect has already begun.

Since just before Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi in 2005, dueling scientific papers have clashed about whether global warming is worsening hurricanes and will do so in the future. The new study seems to split the difference. A special World Meteorological Organization panel of 10 experts in both hurricanes and climate change — including leading scientists from both sides — came up with a consensus, which is published online Sunday in the journal Nature Geoscience.

“We’ve really come a long way in the last two years about our knowledge of the hurricane and climate issue,” said study co-author Chris Landsea, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration top hurricane researcher. The technical term for these storms are tropical cyclones; in the Atlantic they get called hurricanes, elsewhere typhoons. The study offers projections for tropical cyclones worldwide by the end of this century, and some experts said the bad news outweighs the good. Overall

strength of storms as measured in wind speed would rise by 2 to 11 percent, but there would be between 6 and 34 percent fewer storms in number. Essentially, there would be fewer weak and moderate storms and more of the big damaging ones, which also are projected to be stronger due to warming.

An 11 percent increase in wind speed translates to roughly a 60 percent increase in damage, said study coauthor Kerry Emanuel, a professor of meteorology at MIT. The storms also would carry more rain, another indicator of damage, said lead author Tom Knutson, a research meteorologist at NOAA. Knutson said the new study, which looks at worldwide projections, doesn’t make clear whether global warming will lead to more or less hurricane damage on balance. But he pointed to a study he co-authored last month that looked at just the Atlantic hurricane basin and predicted that global warming would trigger a 28 percent increase in damage near the U.S. despite fewer storms.

That study suggests category 4 and

5 Atlantic hurricanes — those with winds more than 130 mph — would nearly double by the end of the century. On average, a category 4 or stronger hurricane hits the United States about once every seven years, mostly in Florida or Texas. Recent category 4 or 5 storms include 2004’s Charley and 1992’s Andrew, but not Katrina which made landfall as a strong category 3.

Outside experts praised the work. The study does a good job of summarizing the current understanding of storms and warming, said Chunzai Wang, a researcher with NOAA who had no role in the study.

James Lee Witt, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the study “should be a stern and stark warning that America needs to be better prepared and protected from the devastation that these kinds of hurricanes produce.” The issue of hurricanes and global warming splashed onto front pages in the summer of 2005 when MIT’s Emanuel published a paper in Nature saying hurricane destruction has increased since the mid-1970s because of global warming, adding it would only get worse.

Several weeks later Hurricane Katrina struck, killing 1,500 people and the 2005 hurricane season was the busiest on record with 28 named storms and seven major hurricanes.

US scientists warn of fraud of stem cell ‘banks’ Medicine at Stanford University in California, said the well-meaning parents were beSAN DIEGO, California – Clinics that ing fleeced by the stem cell bankers.

“Umbilical cords contain blood-forming offer to “bank” stem cells from the umbilical cords of newborns for use later in life when stem cells at a level that would maintain the illness strikes are fraudsters, a top US scien- blood-forming capacity of a very young tist said. Clinics in many countries allow par- child,” Weissman told reporters at the annual ents to deposit stem cells from their neonate’s meeting of the American Association for the umbilical cord with a view to using the cells Advancement of Science (AAAS). “They to cure major illnesses that could occur later could also have derived mesenchymal cells — fiberglass-like cells that have a very limin life.

In Thailand, for example, parents pay in ited capacity to make scar, bone, fat – bu t the region of 3,600 dollars to make a deposit they don’t make brain, they don’t make blood, in a stem cell bank, thinking they are taking they don’t make heart, they don’t make skelout a sort of health insurance for their child. etal muscle, despite what various people But Irving Weissman, director of the Insti- claim,” he said.

Weissman said these “unproven stem cell tute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative therapeutic clinicians” tend to set up shop in countries with poor medical regulations, but AFP found websites for umbilical cord stem cell banks in European Union member states and in the United States. “They do the therapies, then they let the patients go on their own, short of maybe 50150,000 dollars for a therapy that has no chance — taken away from a family that needs them when they have an incurable disease,” Weissman said.

“It is wrong.” The International Stem Cell Society is due to issue AFP/Getty Images/File Stem cell cultures are held up in a US lab. Clinics that a report in April about unproven offer to “bank” stem cells from the umbilical cords of stem cell therapies such as banknewborns for use later in life when illness strikes are ing a baby’s umbilical cord blood for future use. fraudsters, a top US scientist said here Saturday.

Agence France - Presse

AP Photo/Sara D. Davis, File

In this Aug. 16, 2004 file photo, an oceanfront home damaged by Hurricane Charley is seen in Oak Island, N.C. Top researchers now agree that the world is likely to get stronger, but fewer, hurricanes in the future because of global warming, seeming to settle a scientific debate on the subject.

But then other scientists led by Landsea disputed the conclusions that storms were already increasing in number or intensity. Now Landsea and Emanuel are co-authors on the same paper with Knutson. In 2007, the authoritative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said it was “more likely than not” that man-made greenhouse gases had already altered storm activity, but the authors of the new paper said more recent evidence muddies the issue.

“The evidence is not strong enough that we could make some kind of statement” along those lines, Knutson said.

It doesn’t mean the IPCC report was wrong; it was just based on science done by 2006 and recent research has changed a bit, said Knutson and the other researchers. Lately, the IPCC series of reports on warming has been criticized for errors. Emanuel said the international climate panel gave “an accurate summary of science that existed at that point.”

Motion picture academy honors nerds of filmmaking Awards ceremony will be all A-list glitz and televised glam, the Sci-Tech Awards are an offBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – camera, low-key event, with Forty-five men you’ve probably one humble scientist after annever heard of were honored other taking the stage and nerwith an Academy Awards cervously thanking his family and emony of their own that recogcolleagues. nized scientific and technical Double-winner Tony achievements in moviemaking.

Sedivy, who helped develop a The engineers behind the latest film scanner and a 3D hardin ambient occlusion, digital inware system, said receiving the termediate processing, subacademy honors was “the pixel offsets and micro-positionhighlight of my life.” Another ing platforms were celebrated at honoree, Richard Kirk, a Saturday night gala at the AP Photo/Dan Steinberg clutched his golden plaque Beverly Wilshire Hotel, preElizabeth Banks with a tiny Oscar on it and said, sented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and hosted by a “I only hope one day I can be as awesome as my friends and family will think I am with this.” very unscientific Elizabeth Banks.

The 36-year-old actress joked that she would A jazz quintet played as winners pushed away “read — yet not fully understand — our jour- from their filet mignon and Chilean sea bass ney through the scientific and technical awards.” dinners to accept their awards on stage. One tried Wearing a sparkling white gown and stand- to explain the genesis of his invention to Banks, ing in front of four giant Oscar statues, Banks who shrugged and smiled playfully.

The star, whose credits include “Seabiscuit” presented 15 plaques and certificates to scientists from Germany, Sweden, Austria, England, and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” effortlessly disNew Zealand, Hungary, Denmark, Japan and the cussed film emulsion technology, spectral response and point-based color bleeding for indiUnited States.

The men were honored for developing sys- rect illuminations as she presented the awards tems to improve color on film, advancing per- with a lot of help from a telepromter. Academy formance-capture technology, creating new president Tom Sherak praised the actress for her means to light actors in computer-generated flawless handling of the high-tech jargon — scenes and building high-tech scanners used in whether or not she fully understood it. Banks modern filmmaking. You may have seen the re- called the Sci-Tech ceremony “a great reminder sults of their work in films such as “King Kong,” of everything that goes into the finished product “The Lord of the Rings,” “Spider-Man 2” and we see in movie theaters.” “I applaud your nerd“Iron Man.” While the March 7 Academy dom,” she said.

Associated Press Writer

14

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sport

Federer’s defection aids Djokovic’s hopes of defending title Agence France - Presse

DUBAI – Novak Djokovic has been gifted a much better chance of successfully defending a title for the first time in his career by the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of Roger Federer.

The lung infection which will keep the 16-times Grand Slam winner out of action for a minimum of a fortnight has enabled the world number two from Serbia to become the new favourite - also appeared to increase his appetite for the task.

“That’s a goal I need to achieve,” Djokovic enthused. “Defending a title, I have not done it in my career.

So let’s see if I can do it this week. I am excited because I have been playing well the last three years, winning titles. I just hope to perform at my best and perform as well as last year.” Asked what he felt about Federer’s withdrawal, Djokovic was understandably concerned not to undermine his own achievement if he were to win the title again.

“I can’t really judge, so I can’t say what’s going on. But even without him (Federer) it’s a great tournament,” he emphasised. Djokovic is aware that he has a dangerous wild card in his quarter - Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the very player who ended his hopes in the Australian Open last month, though Djokovic could claim he was unwell at the time. Proving he has rehabilitated well will therefore be another goal for him, something which may not be helped by the presence in his half of Nikolay Davydenko, the ATP World Tour title winner.

The player now most likely to reach the final in the top half instead of Federer is Andy Murray. To achieve this though the world number four from Britain may well have to repeat his Australian Open semifinal success over Marin Cilic, the impressively improving Croat.

Murray was similarly oblique about the withdrawal of Federer. “It’s a disappointment for the tournament obviously,” he said.

“But if he’s sick and not feel-

(AFP/File/Greg Wood)

Novak Djokovic, pictured in January 2010, has been gifted a much better chance of successfully defending a title for the first time in his career by the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of Roger Federer. ing well, you know, he had an illness a way of adopting the professional focouple of years ago and kind of played cus of one step at a time. Another high through it, which didn’t help him that profile absentee is Rafa Nadal, the much. You don’t want to let those sort former world number one. Federer of things drag on. I’m sure he made claimed last week that he thought that the right decision for himself.” Murray Nadal was no longer so concerned even suggested he had no thoughts of about regaining the top ranking, and winning the tournament, as he had certainly the Spaniard appears to be rested up for so long after the Austra- taking more care to limit his schedule. lian Open with discomfort to his back, Nadal wants to mitigate the effects of knee and hip, and prolonged tiredness. chronic knee problems which slowed His priority was rather to play his way his momentum just when he seemed back into the swings of things, he sug- to have become the tour’s main man. gested, and build the momentum for a Hence he has omitted Dubai from his higher level the four weeks in the 2010 schedule, even though the deciUnited States next month. sion may have cost him as much as But that may merely have been his 500,000 dollars appearance money.

International

Querrey wins all-American final in Memphis Reuters -

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Sam Querrey came back from a set down to overhaul fellow American John Isner 6-7 7-6 6-3 and win the Memphis Championships on Sunday.

Querrey was two points from defeat in the second set tiebreaker but rallied to win it 7-5 and then carried the momentum into the third, breaking his opponent twice to seal his third career title and first of the season.

The American pair, named in the U.S. Davis Cup team to take on Serbia, are friends and frequent practice partners. “It’s tough playing your good buddy like that — if anyone else could win the tournament, I’d want it to be him, so you’re not going to get the same reaction from me about it than if I were playing someone else,” Querrey told reporters.

“He’ll win some of these and I’ll win some of these.” In a battle of big serves from big men, Querrey is 6-foot-6 and Isner 6-foot-9, neither player was able to break the other in the first two sets. I had the match on my racquet,” Isner said.

“He played well when it counted though, better than me. It’s really hard, because I like to think I’ve played really well in those situations in the past.” The 22-year-old Querrey’s path to the title included a quarter-final upset of defending champion Andy Roddick, who he lost to in the semi-final in San Jose last week.

Ferrero

Juan Carlos Ferrero completed a perfect two-week tour of South America with a 5-7 6-4 6-3 victory over fellow Spaniard and top seed David Ferrer in the Buenos Aires Open on Sunday. Former world number one Ferrero, the second seed, had won the Brasil Open in Costa do Sauipe last weekend, having chosen the claycourt tourna-

ments in South America as part of his bid to climb back up the rankings.

“This is an amazing feeling.

When I left home I never imagined I’d have two weeks like these and beat such good players as David,” 2003 French Open champion Ferrero, who took his tally to 14 titles, said in a courtside interview.

“It’s not the most comfortable feeling to beat the best friend you have on the circuit.”

The resurgent 30-year-old will return to the world’s top 20 on Monday when updated rankings are issued. The title remains in Spanish hands after Tommy Robredo’s victory last year. It was the fourth Spanish win in 10 years after Carlos Moya was twice champion in 2003 and 2006. Ferrero’s victory is the more impressive because of the form his opponent had shown all week, culminating in a 6-1 6-1 semi-final rout of fifth-seeded compatriot Albert Montanes on Saturday — just hours after playing a quarter-final in the rain-interrupted tournament.

The supremely fit Ferrer broke Ferrero in the opening game and dominated the first set as his opponent attempted to find his more varied game.

Ferrer broke again in the 11th to take the set on his second set point when Ferrero netted after an hour of attritional tennis under a heavy sky that threatened more rain. He also broke in the first game of the second set handed it straight back after volleying long with his rival at his mercy.

Some brilliant exchanges in the middle of the set provided some relief from the long, hard-hitting rallies, with Ferrer’s net play bringing the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club crowd to their feet.

But Ferrer netted a service return at 4-5 down to concede the second set then volleyed wide to concede a vital break in the eighth game of the third. Ferrero needed just one match point to clinch victory when, having forced Ferrer wide to his left, he drove into the other corner.

Sam Querrey acknowledges the crowd after winning the Regions Morgan Keegan Championship tennis tournament in Memphis, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010.

Querrey defeated fellow Davis Cup teammate John Isner, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Howard shines as Magic overcome Cavaliers Reuters -

ORLANDO, Florida - The Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time this season, winning 101-95 on Sunday.

Dwight Howard claimed 22 points and 16 rebounds as Orlando floored its fiercest Eastern Conference rival.

“I was just attacking the basket and trying to use my quickness against their big men,”

Howard told reporters. “We have to play inside out and continue to do that if we’re going to beat this team. I’m not satisfied, but I’m happy with our progress.” LeBron James scored a game-high 33 points but was held to three in the final period as the Cavaliers (4314) lost a third straight game for the first time this season.

Cleveland led 85-80 with less than six minutes left but the Magic (38-19) went on a 9-0 scoring burst

to take the advantage. Rashard Lewis clinched the win on a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining.

Lewis had 15 points and the Magic also received big support in the fourth from Jameer Nelson (18) and Vince Carter (11) who had eight each in the pivotal period.

“We play well in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t even about me,” Nelson said. “The one thing I’m going to do is shoot the shots no matter how many I miss.”

(AP Photo/Greg Campbell)

Sport

International

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

15

Stuttgart no longer easy pickings for Barcelona Reuters -

BERLIN - Holders Barcelona visit VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday in a Champions League last-16 tie which may have looked easy when the draw was made but has since taken on a completely different complexion.

When Stuttgart came out of the hat on Dec. 19 they were 15th in the Bundesliga, with two league wins, and only goal difference stood between them and the relegation playoff spot.

Since then the Germans have jumped to ninth in the table after seven wins in eight games under former Tottenham Hotspur coach Christian Gross and they go into the first leg against Barca full of confidence.

Stuttgart sounded another warning on Saturday when they won 5-1 at Cologne, helped by four goals from Brazilian-born striker Cacau who returned after a month out through injury.

“Now we are looking forward to Barcelona. We need to focus our energy for that one then we can cause an upset,” said Cacau, who played four matches for Germany last year and is still nurturing hopes of a World Cup call-up. “Saturday was a first step.” Gross, who took over two days before their final group stage match against Unirea Urziceni which Stuttgart won 3-1, said: “We’re happy to be playing against one of the world’s best teams.

There’s a lot of prestige at stake.”

La Liga leaders Barcelona, 4-0 winners over Racing Santander on Saturday, have lost only one league match all season.

They topped Champions League

Group F ahead of Inter Milan but managed only seven goals in six games which included two goalless draws.

Barca captain Carles Puyol acknowledged they would be facing a much-improved side. “They are doing better,” he said. “They are a very dangerous team. If we do not keep our concentration we will find ourselves in trouble.”

The Catalans have included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Daniel Alves and Xavi in their squad but Barca did not say whether the trio would be fit to play. Ibrahimovic was replaced by Thierry Henry, who scored only his third goal of the season, against Racing.

Beware our 12th man, lympiakos tell Bordeaux Reuters -

ATHENS - Olympiakos Piraeus winger Jaouad Zairi has told Girondins Bordeaux to expect a redhot reception from the crowd in Tuesday’s Champions League last16 first leg. “The atmosphere in the Karaiskakis Stadium is boiling hot,” said Moroccan Zairi. “Our supporters are fanatics and are literally our 12th player.

“Such support can turn a match.

We have already beaten Arsenal at home this season and we will give everything to win on Tuesday.”

However the Greeks, who are mak-

ing only their third appearance in the knockout rounds, are up against one of the Champions League’s form teams. Laurent Blanc’s swashbuckling side are top of Ligue 1 and dropped just two points in the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition, conceding only two goals.

Zairi, who has been injured recently and is likely to be on the bench on Tuesday, said his team mates were fully aware of the task ahead.

“Bordeaux are a quality side with a lot of talented, well-known players and an exceptional coach in Laurent Blanc,” he said.

“They cause teams all kinds of

Olympiakos Piraeus winger Jaouad Zairi (front-left) has told Girondins Bordeaux to expect a red-hot reception from the crowd in Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg

problems. We have analysed a lot of their matches but in the end the main focus will be on our own approach to the game.” Olympiakos, who are coached by Serbian Bozidar Bantovic, have an unblemished home record in this season’s competition following 1-0 victories over AZ Alkmaar and Arsenal and a 2-1 win over Standard Liege. They will be without Diogo and Luciano Galletti but fellow South American, midfielder Dudu, is expected to return from injury.

Bordeaux defender Matthieu Chalme said his team must forget the atmosphere likely to be generated by the home supporters. “We must not fear the hot atmosphere Olympiakos fans can create,” he said. “We have got our fans used to victory. “We have no right to fail now. Our aim is to go through to the quarter-finals and it is not beyond us.” The game represents a perfect chance for Bordeaux to deflect attention away from the media speculation surrounding Blanc’s future.

Blanc is widely considered the favourite to succeed Raymond Domenech as France coach after this year’s World Cup and he said himself last week he did not know what he would do next season. “If somebody is able to say what I’ll do tomorrow he is very clever as I don’t know myself,” Blanc told the French paper L’Equipe. Bordeaux will be well rested after the French League allowed them to postpone their Ligue 1 game against Auxerre at the weekend. Their only absentee is captain and midfielder Alou Diarra, who has a thigh injury.

(AP Photo/dapd/ Roberto Pfeil)

Stuttgart’s Serdar Tasci, left, and Cacau, right, celebrate after scoring the third goal for their team during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match between FC Cologne and VfB Stuttgart in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010.

Mancini baffled over missing Tevez’s whereabouts Reuters -

LONDON - Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains unsure of when to expect Carlos Tevez back at the club after the Argentine striker made an urgent trip to his homeland last week on compassionate grounds.

Tevez returned to Argentina after his wife gave birth to their second daughter prematurely but Mancini said following his team’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday that he was not sure of his 26-year-old forward’s plans.

“I don’t know where Tevez is...

I think he is in Argentina,” the Italian told reporters. “It’s a big problem for us because we have an important week and we don’t have Tevez. For me it is no good. Carlos has been eight days at home and I don’t know if, while in Argentina, he has been working. I hope Carlos, within the next two days, can come back here because we need him.

Maybe he is on the plane. I spoke to him three days ago. He had some problems with his family but now it has been resolved and I hope he comes back. I need him.”

Manchester City play Stoke City in an FA Cup replay and go to Chelsea for a Premier League match this week. As well as missing Tevez, Mancini is also without suspended midfielder Patrick Vieira and injured winger Martin Petrov while striker Roque Santa Cruz has a knee injury.

City also need to improve on a recent disappointing run of just two wins in their last six matches.

Sunday’s match at Eastlands

(AP Photo/Jon Super)

Manchester City’s manager Roberto Mancini is seen during his team’s English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday Feb. 21, 2010. was a poor one with few chances for either team, who both lost ground in the race for fourth spot in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa both winning.

“Against Liverpool it is not easy to win the game, we tried but Liverpool are a good team,” Mancini added. “At the end of the game the draw was the right result as we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and they did not concede any chances to us.”

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Sport

Generous Ronaldo shines as the ultimate team player Reuters -

MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo proved himself to be the perfect team player when he scored a goal and helped set up four more as Real Madrid trounced Villarreal 6-2 in La Liga on Sunday. The world’s most expensive player scored a trademark freekick, that beat Diego Lopez for sheer pace, and through a mixture of perspiration and inspiration guided the team to victory and back within two points of leaders Barcelona.

AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates after scoring against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010. Ronaldo says he is “shocked and dismayed” by the torrential flash floods and mudslides on his native island of Madeira that have killed 40 and injured 120 people. Ronaldo offered his help on Sunday to the authorities involved in rescue work.

Wirth admits Virgin behind schedule sure,” said Wirth. “Despite our best efforts to cure the hydraulic problem which has beset our entire test, this Virgin Racing technical director Nick Wirth has ad- was simply not achievable with the components that mitted that the persistent hydraulic problems his team we had available in the field. The specific problem is suffered at Jerez this week have delayed its test that we have been losing hydraulic oil at a rate which programme. Wirth said the intention had been to bring has limited the number of laps we can achieve on each aerodynamic developments to Barcelona next week, but run and so we look forward to receiving updated parts with Lucas di Grassi and Timo Glock only able to com- for the Barcelona test, which we expect to fully resolve plete 144 laps between them over the past four days at the problem.”

Jerez, Virgin will now have to keep focusing on reli“Having said that, we will now need to continue foability work in the final test. cusing on reliability work when we would have liked “It has been a character-building week, that’s for to introduce our Bahrain-specification aerodynamic updates. The revised programme means we will be reserving our full set of aero warpaint for the first race.” But Wirth added that while the test delays were a blow, he was very optimistic about the VR01’s pace.

“On a positive note, despite these issues, we have actually completed a lot of good race preparation work and it is satisfying to see the car’s potential with minimum setup changes or development, bearing in mind that we have consistently run with a healthy amount of fuel,” he said. “Indeed, none of our lap times have been achieved with anything close to qualifying fuel and therefore we are not letting the frustrations Nick Wirth has admitted that the persistent hydraulic prob- in one specific area overshadow what has lems his team suffered at Jerez this week have delayed generally been an encouraging start to our development programme.” its test programme Jerez -

Near the end of the game, when he won a penalty, he even turned down the chance to take the ensuing spot kick and allowed Xabi Alonso the honour, despite being the nominated taker. “I gave the ball to Xabi because there are enough chances for everyone,” Ronaldo told reporters after the match.

“The team played well and there is no need to worry about what happened in Lyon,” he added, referring to the 1-0 last-16 Champions League defeat away to Olympique Lyon during the week. “Here we all win and lose together.” The Portuguese forward has been accused of being selfish in the past and back in December was criticised after he missed a spot kick against Almeria and then refused to join in the celebrations when a team mate netted

the rebound.

He also earned himself an unnecessary red card in that game, and was sent off again against Malaga last month, picking up a two-match suspension. Local media reported Real Madrid were worried that his behaviour was damaging team morale and their chances, but that side of the 25year-old was nowhere to be seen on Sunday.

He opened the scoring and ran tirelessly at the Villarreal defence, helping set up two goals for Gonzalo Higuain and one for Kaka before winning the penalty at the end. In keeping with an emphasis on the team as a whole rather than its individuals, Real coach Manuel Pellegrini refused to single out Ronaldo for special praise on Sunday.