Edisi 04 Agustus 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 147 2st Year

9 dead, 7 trapped in central China coal mine

Price: Rp 3.000,-

PAGE 6 I

N

T

E

R

N

A

T

I

O

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

N

A

L

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

Neka Museum The source of information and inspiration PAGE 8

Dani Pedrosa’s 2010 season so far PAGE 16

AFP PHOTO/Rizwan TABASSUM

A Pakistani motorcyclist rides past a burning van following overnight violence in Karachi on August 3, 2010. Outbreaks of violence in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi killed 35 people and wounded 80 overnight as protestors torched vehicles and shops following the murder of a lawmaker, officials said.

WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

25 - 33

JAKARTA

25 - 34

BANDUNG

21 - 31

YOGYAKARTA

24 - 33

SURABAYA

26 - 37

SUNNY

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

RAIN

HOTLINE For placing advertisment, please contact: Eka Wahyuni

0361-225764

45 die in revenge attacks in Pakistan’s Karachi Associated Press Writer

KARACHI, Pakistan – Gunmen killed at least 45 people in Pakistan’s largest city after the assassination of a prominent lawmaker set off a cycle of revenge attacks, officials said Tuesday.

Dozens of vehicles and shops were set ablaze as security forces struggled to regain control of Karachi.

Heat, winds fan Russia wildfire emergency

Agence France Presse

MOSCOW – Ferocious temperatures and shifting winds hampered efforts Tuesday by Russian firefighters to douse hundreds of wildfires in a national disaster that has already claimed at least 40 lives. President Dmitry Medvedev has declared a state of emergency in seven Russian regions over the fires which have left tens of thou-

Schools were closed and most business ground to a halt Tuesday in the southern city of more than 16 million, Pakistan’s main commercial hub. While a thriving trading center, Karachi has a history sands of hectares of land ablaze and uprooted hundreds from their homes.

Officials said firefighters were succeeding in extinguishing hundreds of fires each day but 300-400 new blazes were appearing every 24 hours, creating a Herculean task for the emergency services.

“The very hot weather is continuing and this creates very

of political, ethnic and religious violence and has long been a hideout for al-Qaida and Taliban militants.

Continued on page 6

unfavourable conditions. This is the main thing hindering us at the moment,” Vladimir Stepanov, head of the emergency ministry’s crisis centre, told reporters. “Work is going on day and and night. It is a real battle.” He said shifting winds were complicating the situation further: “The situation is changing in every region.

Continued on page 6

2

International

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Bali News Bali Theater in the park International standard of local culture Denpasar (Bali Post)— Bali has a local culture that has been famous throughout the world. However, not all have been managed by international standards. For that purpose, Bali Safari & Marine Park presents Bali Theater in the park. ”This in-door theater has a seating capacity of 1,200 equipped with a sophisticated multimedia technology. Starting from the upcoming Tuesday (Aug 31), the theater will be opened to the public with the presentation of Bali Agung Legend of Goddess. It poses a fusion of international standards with local culture,” said Yoke Darmawan, Managing Director of Darmawan & Associates when making a social visit to the Bali K. Nadha Press Building, last Monday (Aug 2).

He added Bali Agung would be supported by Balinese artists and Sydney Simphony that had appeared in the Sydney Olympics. The colossal theater also involved animals existing in Bali Safari. Within a week, Bali Agung would appear four times starting from 2:30 until 3:30 pm Local Time. Bali story was inspired by the story of Sri Jaya Pangus with Ching Kang Wie, a princess from China. ”So far people are only served with Ramayana and Mahabaratha, why not make the original product of Bali. One of them is the story about Jaya Pangus,” added Ketut Rahmadiana accompanying Yoke. (wah)

Anticipate Floods at Denpasar

Representatives Asked To Guard River Borders Denpasar (Bali Post) – Flood threats at Denpasar City worried everyone after Denpasar Mayor focused on the narrowing river border, now public figures are saying the same thing. Now the river border is an important media to anticipate it so.Democrat Party Fraction member from Denpasar House of Representatives, Drs. I Ketut Nuada last Monday (2/8) at his office stated the river borders have to be supervised. It means that don’t let those borders packed by houses, “We don’t want those borders to be gone caused by the buildings on the side of the rivers.”Nuada added to guard these it needs connecting agencies involvement. For example, those who asked for Building Permits to the Permit Agency have to consider the borders, “Don’t give out permit if it violates.”Besides permits, he asked supervision after construction realization still to be done remembering violations still happens when they were constructed, “Even the construction illustration was permitted, it doesn’t mean what’s built is the same.”Head of Denpasar Spatial Planning and Housing, Ir. I Made Kusuma Diputra, M.T. added there has been rules on these river borders which means those house built near the river needs to know its limit, “Except those buildings was built before its Letter of Authority came out.”Same statement came from Head of Denpasar Public Workers Agency I Ketut Winarta who admitted a construction near the river has to be as stated on its Mayor Letter of Authority, “There should be inspections on these borders.” (kmb12)

AFP PHOTO/SONNY TUMBELAKA

Indigenous Balinese youths participate in the ritual pandanus battle in Tenganan village, Karang Asem, Bali on July 30, 2010. During the traditional annual Balinese ritual duel men of all ages do battle armed with a rolled pandanus leaf and a rattan shield to honour the Hindu god of war, Indra. The pandanus leaves are barbed with small spikes and fighters scratch each other during the course of the battle, after which, the “enemies” become friends once more and feast.

Six houses become victims of Vice President Boediono’s visit Dept of Public Works merely rechecks them Singaraja (Bali Post)—

Although it gave smooth impression, the working visit of Vice President Boediono to Buleleng last May 27 seemed to leave a disaster for some families at Kampung Baru area of Singaraja. At least, six buildings in the area were damaged by the wind buffeted when the helicopter carrying the entourage of Vice President landed at Major Metra Stadium, in the vicinity of their home.

More apprehensively, the residents had pleaded for help to Buleleng Regency for their homes.

However, up to these days, the expected help did not come. A few days after the visit of Vice President, there were indeed officers from the Department of Public Works (PU) of Buleleng Regency conducting an examination to the damaged houses. ”Yet, after more than two months the help never came, either,” said Nyoman Sri Arta Jaya, a homeowner at Taman Sari Hamlet, Kampung Baru Village.

According to Sri Arta Jaya, the Taman Sari Hamlet located adjacent to the Major Metra Stadium occurred some houses damaged by the wind buffeted by the armpit of helicopter carrying the entourage of Vice President Boediono landing at the sta-

dium. Most damages to the houses happened on the roof. Local residents having money could improve theirs immediately. ”However, we do not have money to fix it, so the house is getting damaged. Moreover, during the recent rains the damage was getting more serious,” he said.

If only the government directly improved the houses, added Sri Arta Jaya, probably it did not cost much.

But, since the damage lasted long and he could not fix it, then the damage to the house became increasingly severe. The perforated roofs continued to be entered by water when it rained. Therefore, the other parts like flapon, walls and timbers were damaged as well. Even, electronic goods such as TV also destroyed by the rain water. ”After the helicopter landed, and our roofs had been perforated, it

was raining heavily so we did not have time to save the items in the house,” he said.

Sri Arta Jaya assessed the government really had the heart to let its residents suffer and was busy handling the arrival of the Vice President. In fact, when the helicopter landed at the stadium, there was a chaos and panic among local residents due to the brunt of harsh winds.

Apart from flying roof tiles, corrugated iron and asbestos, the harsh winds once blew the branches of mango tree and afflicted a resident to pass out. Meanwhile, merchandises in a number of stalls in the region were also flying so traders suffered from many losses. ”And now when residents are demanding for help government ignores us,” he said. (kmb15)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti z Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan, Tabanan: Surpi. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani, Nur Haedin, Suyadnya. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Bali News

International

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

3

Unsure Parking Arrangement at Region Government Office Gianyar (Bali Post) –

The uncontrollable parking condition at Gianyar region government office caused Police Civil Service, Information and Communication Agency also Assets and Necessities Unit to react and rearrange the parking lot at the Regent’s office. Last Monday (2/ 8) some workers were seen rearranging it yet it is hoped this is not done with unsure feelings accord-

ing to Made Sudiangga from Blahbatuh Care Forum. The effort was much appreciated as usually it’s very uncontrollable. The condition cause complains from the people who received services from the region government, “Of course it should be taken seriously and can be done routinely also can be a culture habit to be kept for the workers in the region government environment.”

The Gianyar Regent Office

seems different as there are now separations of two wheels and four wheels vehicles also with red plates and private plates. This is due to those working together in rearranging the parking on location.

Tens of Police Civil Service with Information and Communication Agency workers keeps control on vehicles going in-out the office in the morning. Head of Gianyar Police Civil Service, I Wayan Kujus, mentioned the vehicles

Hotel Owned by American Robbed at Bunutan Amlapura (Bali Post) –

The owner of a hotel at banjar Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem, Mr. Jamscott Swingley (43) from America, reported a case to the Abang Police Department miserably last Monday (2/8), as his hotel’s kitchen was forced open on Sunday (1/8) and caused him IDR 11 Million loss.

Victim who lived at his hotel just knew his hotel was robbed on the Sunday morning. The kitchen door was opened and when checked a Toshiba laptop, stereo tape player, an iPod and a rice cooker were all

gone.

Victim suspected robber went in through the unlocked kitchen door when he was asleep. Karangasem Public Relation Officer Adjunct Police Commissioner IW Suratha

as permitted confirmed last Monday (2/8) that the case has been received by Abang Police. It is being investigated but the robber was not captured yet until Monday night.

(013)

Lab examination Sanglah Hospital More than 100 Patients Per Day Denpasar (Bali Post)

If have got fever in the rainy season like this, of course, exposed misgivings Dengue Fever. To ensure that only through blood tests in the laboratory. We certainly will come to a clinic or hospital to perform these inspections. Sanglah Hospital is one of the objectives of doing blood tests or other laboratory examination.

Some patients who do laboratory examination at Sanglah Hospital grumble if the results are sometimes long. Regarding this matter is Head Installation PK Sanglah Hospital, dr.

Inayanti Bhishma, SpPK when found Monday (2 / 8) yesterday said the length of the request due to lab tests and examination of the many items and also do double-check and verification token from the doctor for every result. In an average day there are 100 patients who requested outpatient services laboratory examination. Not to mention for the inspection of inpatients as well as from routine 24hour clinic which sample came from the IRD and the International Wings “Also sometimes incomplete patient data so that must be asked again to room or place of extraction of the

IBP/doc

Foreign tourists are taking a tour in Goa Lawah Temple which is located in Klungkung. In addition to serve as the holy place for the Hindus, Goa Lawah also a famous tourism destination in Bali.

sample,” said Ina. Another obstacle is the sample or material for lab tests which sometimes do not deserve to be examined so that appropriate sampling again. That matter, things that make laboratory examinations take a long time. In terms of the length of time, according to Ina’s most rapidly is the basic check, such as complete blood only takes an hour. While clinical examination may take longer To save time and backed by the many demands, RS Sanglah change of laboratory data entry system. Today Sanglah Hospital has implemented a system of LIS (Laboratory Information System), which is easier to enter or call data. ‘’Now do not need to type in manually again. Only press barcodes so that data will be immediately sought out,’ said Ina. Sample examination was apparently done by machine. Samples need only be put in place and the machine will work in accordance with the inspection. All data will be a direct result of the examination out on each sample.

To mobilize the delivery of samples both from the Wings International, IRD, Angsoka to the Lab or has otherwise assisted pneumotic tube or other means of shipping samples to labs in the form of a long pipe in a pipe section there is a magnet system to deliver the sample or lab results to each room. Since the pneumatic tube’’, the official tour we no longer need all the room to take or send the sample results,’ said Ina. (Kmb24)

were separated to four groups: parking for workers, agency cars, guests and people who’s looking for services, “At least 10 personnels were working in this parking arranging everyday.”

Besides Police Civil Service, workers from Information and Communication Agency also did some measuring and road signs placing. With the routine led by Assiten III, I Wayan Rayun, he also asked for all workers to work

together and follow the rules. This is to avoid the uncontrollable parking and giving comfort for those people who came to the office. After first day supervision, the parking supervisors were gone in the afternoon followed by important people vehicles from the Gianyar region government who are the Regent, Vice Regent, Region Secretary when actually there are still lots of vehicles going to go out from the office. (kmb16)

“Bulan Pejeng”, the prehistoric remains in Bali “BULAN PEJENG” in fact is a large bronze drum (nekara) of prehistoric from Bronze Age that were developed around 2000 years ago or in the beginning of century.

This cultural heritage is one of the sacred article, kept in Penataran Sasih Temple in Pejeng Village, Gianyar and is located in the main street of Tampaksiring-Kintamani so no difficulty to visit it. According to popular folktale in society, “Bulan Pejeng” is the “moon” which fell down in Pejeng Village long time ago, making the village was always bright on day and night so the thieves could not do their jobs. Therefore, the “moon” was urinated so did not shine anymore until these days. The name of Penataran Sasih Temple means “the place of the moon” Temple (moon=sasih) and might relate to the story of the “moon” fell from the sky previously. Another story told of this Pejeng nekara as the ear-plug of Kebo Iwa, a powerful legendary figure who was able to carve Goa Gajah, steep bank temple of Gunung Kawi, etc.

The Pejeng nekara has been introduced internationally by G.E. Rumphius, an expert in Biology through his book Amboinsche Rariteitkamer, published in 1705.

Although he never been to Bali, but he had succeeded for using the information from Hendrik Leydekereker’s. In fact, this nekara is a giant nekara with large size in every detail as in height of 186.5 m and a diameter of 1.60 m for its hit zone. Around the archeological experts, this nekara is also called as nekara with head, because it has four pairs of mask decoration with bulged-out eyes, long-coned nose, and the ears wearing earrings made from coins.

The decoration of the mask is not only functioned as esthetic-decorative, but more for magical symbolism for the ancestors’ symbol of magic power which bring prosperity and protect the family or the society from any danger. Another decoration which has the magical symbolism is the decoration of octagonal star on the hit zone, border design, feather, and so on.

“Bulan Pejeng” is a masterpiece work of technology and metallurgy

that reached its peak on Bronze Age. This cultural heritage is a significant mixture between modern and complicated metal technology and art creativity which full magical symbolism values as can be seen from its shape and patterns.

All of it is the proof of a local Balinese wisdom in its spectacular work about 2000 years ago, far before India reached Bali. The dynamism of Balinese wisdom at that time also was proved by finding five stone moulds in Manuaba Village, Gianyar for making smaller nekara from Pejeng nekara. This fact has proved enough that Balinese people had succeeded in developing local metal industry. Clay mould for making arrow head also has been found in West Java. In addition, Balinese people had produced a stone nekara which is kept in a temple in Carangsari Village (Badung), is now another success of Balinese wisdom. The other bronze nekara in Pacung, Ularan (Buleleng), Ban (Karangasem), Manikliyu (Bangli), Peguyangan (Badung) is a proof that local metal industry in Bali reached its top.

According to the results of archeological research can be known that at Bronze Age, megalithic tradition was also developed around the world. The archeological experts have a notion that Bali was inhabited by megalithic society who lived by farming, stayed in organized village, and ruled by a well-respected figure. The society had mastered the technology and metallurgy art and the life which was more advance required the capability and mastery in specific parts in the society. In the next progression, social-functional groups emerged and developed such as leader group, carpentry and blacksmith group who have special ability, spiritual group who organize and perform any ritual, and the society who has no special ability who work for other groups. At that time, in the society was grown the belief to the ancestors or the leaders who live at the top of a mountain or a hill and they had magical power that could protect the people from any danger.

This belief really influenced daily life and to this very day still appears in the life of Indonesian.

4

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

News

International

N.Korea threatens ‘counterattack’ to S.Korea drill AFP

SEOUL – North Korea’s military Tuesday threatened a “physical counter-attack” to a South Korean naval exercise set to start this week in the Yellow Sea, the communist state’s official media reported.

The military’s western command, in a notice to the South, said it was determined to suppress any live-fire exercise with a “strong physical counter-attack”, the Korean Central News Agency said.

The South has announced an anti-submarine exercise from August 5-9, involving the army, navy, air force and marines, in response to what it says was a deadly North Korean torpedo attack on a warship.

It is not clear exactly where the exercise will be held. The area around the disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea has been the scene of several naval clashes.

In March, a South Korean corvette sank near the border with the loss of 46 lives in an incident Seoul and its allies blamed on an attack by a North Korean torpedo.

“As we already declared at home and abroad, there is only a maritime

demarcation line set by our side in the West Sea (Yellow Sea),” the news agency quoted the message as saying.

The North’s military warned South Korean fishing boats and other civilian ships to stay clear. It denounced the exercise as an “act of military aggression” and a “reckless political provocation”.

South Korea and the United States last week staged a major naval and air exercise in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) designed to deter aggression from the North.

The North denies involvement in the corvette’s sinking. It threatened nuclear retaliation for last week’s drill, which passed without incident.

The North routinely denounces joint military exercises south of the border as a rehearsal for war, while the US and South Korea describe them as purely defensive.

AFP/Pool/File

A US Navy helicopter flies over a US warship during joint military exercises between the US and South Korea

Ancient treasure rises from Berlin rubble AFP

BERLIN – When an incendiary bomb hit in World War II, Berlin’s Tell Halaf archaeological museum went up in flames and its 3,000year-old statues were smashed to smithereens.

It has taken nine years of piecemeal work, but 60 artifacts have now risen again, phoenix-like, from

27,000 fragments of stone found in the ruins.

The ancient treasure — monumental deities from Aramaean civilisation and relief slabs depicting hunting scenes — will soon be back on public display.

A century after it was first discovered in the Syrian desert and nearly 70 years after its bombed and broken shards were dumped into crates

and buried anew in the cellars of Berlin’s Pergamon Museum, the story of its salvation is itself an unlikely tale.

“We have reconstructed more than 90 percent of the artifacts from the Tell Halaf museum,” said German archaeologist and restoration manager Lutz Martin, 56.

“Of the 27,000 pieces, there are only 2,000 left over” that could not

AFP/File

Archeologist Lutz Martin looks through pieces from the Tell-Halaf project in Berlin, July 30, 2010.

be fitted back, he added.

The labour of love, undertaken by a small technical team, was financed by the banking family of Max von Oppenheim, the archaeologist who first discovered the Aramaean palace of Tell Halaf shortly before the outbreak of World War I in an area today located in northern Syria, on the border with Turkey.

He stumbled across the ruined palace as German engineers toiled nearby on the Berlin-Baghdad railway line.

After two campaigns of excavations, from 1911 to 1913 and 1927 to 1929, he brought back many of his finds to Berlin where they were housed in their own museum.

The building was bombed in November 1943 and all artifacts made of wood and gypsum burnt. Only the basalt rock statues survived the inferno, but cold water used to put out the fire fractured them nearly beyond repair.

“The whole museum reached temperatures of over 1,000 degrees (centigrade) and then it was suddenly cooled down with water and this put severe stress on the stones which just exploded,” said Kirsten Drueppel, an expert at Berlin’s Technical University’s department of mineralogy involved in the project.

Fitting the stones together again was a major technical challenge.

“At first we thought we might only be able to reconstruct one or two of the larger pieces”, starting with some lions that stood at the palace

gate entrance, said Martin.

“We didn’t know how far we’d get because we didn’t know how much of the original material was recovered from the destroyed museum,” added Stefan Geismeier, the project’s chief restorer.

The team considered using computers to sort out their giant puzzle, but costs were too great, results uncertain, and they needed to show sponsors quickly that they could actually put things back together again.

“At first we thought we’d just reconstruct the outer shells and fill out the inner parts with cement. But after a couple of years we’d developed such a feeling for the basalt structure that we could also refit the inner parts so that most of the artifacts are pretty much complete,” said Martin.

“But unlike an ordinary puzzle where things get easier as you get towards the end, things just got more and more difficult as left over pieces became ever more shapeless and we had to imagine where they might fit,” he said.

“That was our biggest difficulty,” agreed Geismeier.

Some pieces were as small as a fingernail, others weighed one and a half tonnes. One of the statues, a goddess, was broken into 1,800 pieces.

“And every artifact had to be put back together in a single operation” to ensure all the pieces fitted properly, Geismeier added.

Hotel Activities

International

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

5

Bali Is My Life Program Re-launched by Bali Hotels Association New Characters, Documentary Movie Trailer, New Heights of Bali tourism BALI – Bali Is My Life program is re-launched by Bali Hotels Association (BHA) at Nikko Bali Resort and Spa. As one of the many promotion programs for Bali, Bali Is My Life presents new features as follows: additional characters symbolizing Bali as a tourism destination, a documentary movie about Bali, BHA’s brand new high technology visitor’s guide using 2D Barcodes, BHA’s revamped website.

After the success of its previous characters, Bali Is My Life brings to life new characters depicting the existence of Bali to complement the theme, consisting of the princess, the stone carver, the Kecak dancer, the architect, the warung owner and the rafter.

The documentary movie shows scenes of the Balinese characters in their normal course of life, with their talents, dedication and skills forming the core of the tourism industries in Bali. The trailer will be one of the advertisement tools.

BHA also presents the visitor’s guide using 2D Barcodes, which is currently operated only in Bali.

Bali is My Life, a part of a nationwide effort to promote Bali, was adopted by Bali Hotels Association (BHA) to reassert Bali as a destination of choice for international travelers and for visitors to make Bali a genuine part of their lives too.

Bali, as a genuine and unique cultural island had to seek alternative ways to promote itself. Starting five years ago, a team was appointed to invent a new kind of promotion for Bali, not through the conventional methods of featuring the island’s beauty or tourism industry but through the one consistent backbone of the island, its people. Through this program, the Balinese people are awakened to embrace their individual and unique roles in the vibrant life of the island.

This team searched for people who fabricated the very existence and traditions of Bali, starting with a young dancer. She was not just a dancer, her mother and grandmother were dancers, and even her great grandmother was Bali’s oldest performing dancer.

They found a mask carving artisan whose family had lived and worked in the same compound for 800 years.

And so the characters were born: the dancer, the mask carver, the artist, the masseuse, the chef, the surfer, the farmer, and the schoolgirl. BHA launched the program continuation with a new series of characters.

Anak Agung Ayu Dwara Wati Karangasem represents Balinese art and culture as the princess. She is the great granddaughter of the last king or Karangasem. She lives in Denpasar where she is studying to be a dentist. Her family is all well versed in Balinese traditions, par-

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

ticularly the Karangasem Puri as their heritage. As a modern day princess, Haley can bridge the gap between ancient and modern.

Another character representing Balinese art and culture is the stone carver, Wayan Cemul, one of Indonesia’s national treasures. Recognized as one of Bali’s famous sculpture, he was the sole student of sculptor Kadir and developed his own unique primitive style art stone carvings for many years. His creation decorates galleries and gardens in many countries.

The Kecak dancer, Kecak Rina, represents Balinese art and culture. He is a legend in Bali as an innovative dancer of huge energy. His own Kecak troupe is a highly original and charged performance. He also invents his own style of Kecak and dances many others traditional dances. As a choreographer, he creates new versions of older dance performances.

Popo Danes, the architect, represents the Balinese Community. He is one of Bali’s most renowned architects with a range of award winning designs for resort hotels, villas and other interesting creations. He loves Bali’s because it give him access to international thoughts and influences while retaining its true Balinese identity.

Another character for Balinese community is the Warung owner, Ibu Mangku. She has operated her warung

Nasi Ayam Kedewatan since 1984. Although the original family has expanded and now opens branches, the quality remains unchanged. Everything is still cooked on wood fires under her strict supervision in her original Kedewatan home. Her food is famous and people come from far and near to try it.

Bali with its waves and beaches creates the character the Surfer, I Gede Budiyasa representing Balinese Leisure. Budi’s daily mission is to make sure guests can call themselves a surfer in three hours.

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

Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070

Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628

The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465

Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601

France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485

Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735

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

All these real-life characters symbolize that Bali is not merely a manufactured Western playground, but an island where its inhabitants live and love.

“BHA is honored to support Bali’s promotion efforts through Bali Is My Life initiative. Hopefully our work will contribute in preserving Bali’s unique cultural and historical value” claims Jean-Charles Le Coz, chairman of BHA, “ with these initiative in place, surely we will reach new heights in Bali’s tourism.”

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.

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

Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775

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.

Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310

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

Phone : 222 142.

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

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

6

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

News

9 dead, 7 trapped in central China coal mine BEIJING – Nine workers were killed and seven others trapped after lethal gas leaked into a coal mine in central China, a state news agency said Tuesday.

A “gas outburst” occurred at 11:19 p.m. Monday at the Sanyuandong Coal Mine in Dengfeng, a city in Henan province, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

It reported 127 miners were underground and 111 escaped unharmed, according to an official with the Zhengzhou Coal Industry

Co. Ltd., which runs the mine. The company could not be reached by phone.

Calls to the coal management bureau and the propaganda office of the Communist Party in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, which oversees Dengfeng, rang unanswered.

Over the weekend, 24 workers

were trapped in a flooded mine in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, while a blast at a workers’ dormitory at another mine in the northern city of Linfen in Shanxi province killed at least 17 people.

China’s mining industry is the world’s deadliest with accidents killing more than 2,600 miners throughout the country last year.

from Russia’s deadly wildfires Wildfires were still burning Monday across some 300,000 acres (125,000 hectares), mostly in central and western Russia, slightly less than the area engulfed in flames over the weekend, Stepanov said.

About 1,500 homes have been wiped out by fires. Regional Development Minister Viktor Basargin on Monday estimated the cost of fire damage at more than 6.5 billion rubles ($210 million).

The Health Ministry on Monday said 40 people have died in the fires, 19 of them in the Nizhny Novgorod region 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Moscow.

In all, wildfires were reported in 17 of Russia’s regions. President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday declared a state of emergency in seven

of the regions, including the area that surrounds but does not include Moscow.

In the half-destroyed village of Maslovka near Voronezh, emergency officials handed out food and clothing to residents Monday as the heavy smoke and smog cleared. In the nearby village of Shuberovskoye, which also had been decimated by fire, locals complained that they were abandoned by firefighters.

“Nobody came to us and nobody helped us,” said Anna Izmakina, 79.

“We called by phone several times, trying to call firefighters — they set off, but never arrived.”

She said she managed to salvage a few possessions before fire engulfed her home.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday warned that local officials who don’t respond adequately to the fires are in danger of losing their jobs.

“I recommend the heads of municipalities about whom citizens have big doubts should step down,” he said, according to the ITAR-Tass news agency. Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu urged Russians vacationing in rural areas to be especially vigilant about disposing of flammable materials, since barbecues are a popular activity.

Russian news agencies reported that some of those rendered homeless by the blazes received the first part of a 200,000-ruble compensation package ($6,600) promised on Friday by Putin.

Death toll from Russian wildfires reaches 40 MOSCOW – The death toll from wildfires raging across central and western Russia rose to 40 on Monday, as millions of Muscovites coughed through a haze of smoke from burning peat bogs and firefighters scrambled to put out hundreds of new blazes.

The fires come after weeks of searing heat and practically no rain.

Although temperatures in the Moscow area dipped modestly over the weekend, experts predict they’ll

45 die....

From page 1 The latest unrest came after Raza Haider, a provincial lawmaker, was shot dead along with his bodyguard in a mosque while preparing to offer prayers Monday in Nazimabad area. Haider was a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the political party that runs the city and represents mainly descendants of Urdu-speaking migrants from India who settled in Pakistan when it was created in 1947. The MQM’s main rival is the Awami National Party, a secular nationalist party whose

climb back to around 38 C (100 F) this week.

Still, firefighters on Monday reported making some headway against the blazes that have destroyed hundreds of homes, burned through vast sections of tinder-dry land and forced thousands to evacuate. Vladimir Stepanov, head of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry’s crisis center, said about 500 new wildfires were sparked nationwide in the past 24 hours but most of

them were immediately doused.

“Most importantly, the mission we are tasked with — to avert the spread of fires to population centers, and to avoid more death — is being accomplished,” Stepanov said in televised comments.

Muscovites awoke Monday to a sharp burning smell from the smoldering peat bogs south and east of the capital, haze that has increased the city’s already-high pollution readings.

main power center is Pakistan’s northwest and whose base is the ethnic Pashtun community living in Karachi. Within hours of Haider’s assassination, gangs torched buildings in Karachi and gunfire erupted in several parts of the city. Many of the dead were killed in targeted, executionstyle attacks, authorities said. An investigation had been ordered into who was behind the attacks.

Independent analysts say followers of all political parties in Karachi are heavily involved in criminal activities such as protection rackets and illegal land dealings. In certain neighborhoods, armed men linked

to political parties stand guard at checkpoints.

While violence is still common, the city was far more dangerous in the 1980s and 1990s when there were regular outbreaks of political and ethnic slayings that left dozens dead each week.

Police surgeon Hamid Parhiar said that 45 people were killed and 93 people had been wounded, citing data from state-run hospitals in the city. Sindh province spokesman Jamil Soomro said at least 10 people were arrested, and police and Army Rangers were dispatched throughout the city to impose order.

AP

Relatives mourn for miners which has killed in an explosion at the Liugou Coal Mining Company in Yicheng

Heat....

From page 1 It changes several times in the course of the day.” The emergencies ministry has employed dozens of water-bombing jets to douse the flames, dumping thousands of tonnes of water daily.

More than 500 fires were still raging in Russia over an area of 170,000 hectares after more than 300 new fires broke out over the last day, Russian news agencies quoted the emergencies ministry as saying.

Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu told Medvedev in a meeting that his workers had succeeded in preventing fires from extending to 360 inhabited areas in the last 24 hours, news agencies reported. The health ministry said Monday that 40 people had died in the fires which broke out last week.

A country notorious for its bitterly cold winters, Russia is enduring its severest heatwave for decades which saw all-time temperature records tumble throughout July.

Forecasters warned the record temperatures were going to continue in the coming days, with no rain forecast and the mercury expected to hit 38 degrees Celsius in Moscow this week.

The heatwave has also impacted Russia’s agriculture industry, and the agriculture ministry said Tuesday it was cutting its grain harvest forecast by millions of tonnes due to the drought.

The head of weather forecasting centre Gidrometsentr, Dmitry Kiktev, said the heat was being caused by an area of high pressure known as an anti-cyclone that was parked over Russia and would not shift until later in August.

The worst hit by the fires have been the countryside around Moscow and other regions in European Russia. The Nizhny Novgorod region east of the capital has seen the worst toll with up to 20 people losing their lives.

Medvedev had the day earlier declared the state of emergency in seven regions in European Russia — Mairi El, Mordovia, Vladimir, Voronezh, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod and Ryazan.

There has been unusual public criticism that the authorities were slow to react to the spreading fires last week and officials are now making high-profile efforts to show they are in control of the situation.

The head of Russia’s nuclear agency Rosatom, Sergei Kiriyenko, visited the town of Sarov in the Nizhny Novgorod region where Russia’s main nuclear research centre is located to ensure the facility was untouched by the fires. The Interfax news agency said hundreds of emergency workers were on standby to fight the flames in the region but the situation was now under control.

International

Indonesia Today

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

7

Sail Banda expected to benefit Maluku in Three ways: Governor Antara

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

Ministers from around the Asia-Pacific region line up for a photo during a meeting to review progress toward the UN’s millennium development goals (MDGs) in Jakarta on August 3, 2010. South Asia is lagging behind the Asia-Pacific region in poverty and hunger reduction, and is in danger of missing these key targets in the MDGs, a UN official said.

RI sends humanitarian aid to Pakistan flood victims Antara

Jakarta- The Indonesian government has sent a humanitarian workers team and relief aid for flood victims in Pakistan, a national disaster agency official said here Tuesday.

The team consists of 20 health care personnel and the relief aid of 4,000 blankets, 500 packs of packaged food, three tons of medicines, and five tons of infant food or formula milk, Soetrisno, Deputy Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said.

The agency had also sent an advance team to Pakistan to observe the latest situation in the flood-affected areas. “The team will report to us about the latest developments there. The report will be useful for us to decide what further assistance

is needed there,” he added.

Sutrisno said he humanitarian aid was proof of Indonesia’s sympathy for people in other countries which had been struck by natural disaster.

The death toll from Pakistan‘s worst floods in living memory stood at over 1,400 on Tuesday, with waterborne disease emerging as a threat to survivors. More than 3 million people have been affected by the flash floods and landslides brought on by monsoon rain in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistani-

administered Kashmir, officials said.

Authorities are expecting the death toll to rise, as more of the heavy monsoon rains lashing the area for the past week are forecast.

Pakistan‘s National Disaster Management Authority said more than 29,500 houses were damaged and a key trade highway to China was blocked by flooding.

Officials said it was too early to estimate the damage the floods had caused to the economy, but the rains had so far spared the main agricultural heartland in the Punjab.

“The entire infrastructure we built in the last 50 years has been destroyed,” said Adnan Khan, spokesman for the provincial Disaster Management Authority in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

NU awards Australian Embassy staff for disaster cooperation Antara

Jakarta - Indonesia’s largest civil society organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, has recognized contributions to disaster management in Indonesia by Australia’s former Ambassador and development staff from the Australian Embassy.

The Australian Embassy said in a media release here Wednesday that former Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer has been recognized with an award, along with Eko Setiono and Henry Pirade from

Australia’s international development agency, AusAID. Accepting the award on behalf of Mr Farmer, the Australian Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Paul Robilliard said Australia has a long history of supporting Indonesia to respond to and prepare for disasters.

“Australia and Indonesia share a strong commitment to saving lives, protecting livelihoods and reducing damage caused by disasters,” said Mr Robilliard. “Civil society organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama play a vital role by working with com-

munities and helping them prepare.”

Australia has worked with Nahdlatul Ulama since 2006 to educate thousands of students and teachers from schools in disaster prone areas to reduce the risk of death, injury and damage resulting from disasters like earthquakes.

Australia provided funding for Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to support victims of the September 2009 Sumatra earthquake. The recently launched Australia Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction is also focused on supporting Indonesia to prepare for disasters and reduce their impact.

Ambon - The international yacht rally Sail Banda 2010 is expected to have a positive impact on the people’s life in Maluku in three basic aspects, Maluku Governor Karel Albert Rahalau said.

“We have to make achievements in three important aspects, namely political, social and economic by organizing Sail Banda 2010,” the governor said here on Tuesday.

He said the political aspect covered the attitude of local people who were open to the visits of domestic and foreign tourists as well as foreign investment.

The international event was also expected to have a positive impact on the social and economic aspects of the Maluku people with the presence of foreign investors. This was expected to create more jobs and boost the region’s economic growth.

“As a result of the communal conflict in the past, Maluku’s economic growth dropped to minus 26 percent in 2003 and began to rise gradually to 5.29 percent in 2009.

The unemployment rate was 9.13 percent and the poverty rate 7 per-

cent,” the governor said.

Maluku now had freed itself from a social crisis thanks to the government’s efforts and active participation of various components of the people. It was now carrying out physical and non physical development programs, including creating harmonious interfaith relations, the governor said.

He said Maluku’s development program began from the sea where it had a fish potential of 1.49 million tons per annum and could be built to improve the welfare of the people.

As a region which covers 600,000 square lilometers it had a big fish potential as well as undersea panoramas and natural beauty that could be turned into marine tourism objects, he said.

Prsident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during Sail Banda 2010’s peak event here on Tuesday declared Maluku Province a National Fish Barn.

President Yudhoyono said Maluku province has a big fishery potential of 1.64 million tons per year that could be tapped for the prosperity of the province and the nation.

Banda Aceh Jolted by 5.0 earthquake Antara

Banda Aceh - An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale jolted Banda Aceh, Aceh’s provincial capital, at 9.10 on Tuesday morning.

Still traumatized by the December 26, 2004 magnitude-8.9 earthquake that triggered a devastating tsunami, Tuesday’s temblor caused Banda Aceh people to rush out of their homes and office buildings in panic.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) station at Mata’ie reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located near the Andaman islands in the Indian Ocean at 10.96 degrees northern latitude and 93.47 degrees eastern longitude at a depth of 10 km below sea level.

On December 26, 2004, the province was rocked by a 9.0 earthquake, followed by a massive tsunami that killed as many as 170,000 people in the province as well as tens of thousands of others in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand and India.

Indonesia is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of volcanoes and

fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. Meanwhile, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale also occuured on Tuesday jolting West Java’s Ujungkulon area at 6.13 in the morning.

The epicenter of the quake was located 103 km northwest of Ujungkulon.

Data obtained from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics office indicated that the earthquake took place at 6.90 degrees southern latitude, -104.56 degrees eastern longitude, at a depth of 18 km.

Its epicenter was also about 172 km northwest of Kalianda, Lampung; 180 km northwest of Tanjungkarang, Lampung; 192 km northwest of Merak port in Banten; and 264 km northwest of Jakarta. It had no potential to trigger a tsunami.

Earlier, on Sunday, August 1, 2010, a moderate earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale rocked Tolitoli district in Central Sulawesi province.

The quake which struck at 7.43 p.m. was centered 5 km northwest of the district capital at a depth of 10 km, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said in its website.

8

Internationa

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Bali Today Neka Museum

The source of information and inspiration Antara

Denpasar – Neka Museum which is located in Ubud, Gianyar, can offer information and give inspiration to everyone especially creative artists. Kadek Suartaya, art observer, said “the young artists who see the collection of Neka Museum can have the inspiration to create better works.”

The similar thing was also stated by Pande Wayan Sutedja, Neka, the owner of Neka Museum. “Most of them can create new artistic works after they visit they museum,” he added.

Neka explained that currently there are 312 art works which are placed in seven rooms in the museum. There is great hope that the museum can act as the conservation of art and culture.

The museum which is established 28 year ago is well known by the artists in Indonesia and abroad.

Pande Neka also has keris, traditional

weapon, which also become interesting observation for the tourists. Most of the tourists who come to Bali will visit the museum. Prof Dr Neil Leiper, a lecturer of The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Southern Cross University Australia, said that in other Asian countries, museum could become the main tourism destination.

Neil Leiper also created a book entitled “The Neka Art Museum A Study of a Successful Tourist Attraction in Bali” after conducted a research in the museum.

IBP/ist

The entrance of Neka Museum which is located in Ubud, Gianyar.

LBF goes an event of Indonesian tourism promotion Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Legian Beach Festival (LBF) aiming to raise local culture packaged in the famous Legian Beach area has now become a means of promotion for the Indonesian tourism. It was proved by the annual event initiated by the Legian community under the SIP Foundation successfully attracted the involvement of participants from several regions throughout Indonesia.

According to the Chairman of the LBF Organizing Committee, I Nyoman Sarjana, the involvement of participants from a number of regions was quite high. Even, the number of participants of this year increased significantly compared to the previous year that only consisted of 5 booths. In the implementation of this year, the committee provided 104 booths and all were filled out by local participants of Bali and those from outside Bali such as from Lampung, Kalimantan and Java. ”I see their interest in participating in this LBF event will help promote their region from Bali,” said Sarjanan met before the closing of LBF, last Monday (Aug 2).

According to him, the target of LBF was to become the window of existing local tourism promotion throughout Indonesia. His party cordially welcomed the desire of other regions to be introduced to tourists in Bali. ”Bali remains to become the front door for promotion, it is appropriate for other regions to choose Bali as a venue of their tourism promotion,” he said.

Involvement of cultural splendor from several regions clearly had added value to the LBF event held every year. Even, the theme highlighted in the current LBF was ”Explore Indonesia” in keeping with the richness of cultural diversity that could be revealed out endlessly. ”This is a superior culture of Indonesia presented to the world,” he said.

When asked about the budget spent for implementing such tourism promotion, the committee did not simply run the idea of ”business orientation.” According to the former Chairman of the Community Empowerment Agency (LPM) of Legian, his party provided some booths at free of charge, while some others were rented variously ranging from IDR 3 million to IDR 5 million. ”As a matter of fact, we also provide booths at free of charge, espicially those for selling traditional food of Legian like laklak cake and dadar pancakes that have been well known within the Legian society,” he explained.

In essence, festival activity held this year, added Sarjana, was not a counter event. Instead, many events would help realize the dreams and provide some opportunities to younger generation of Legian so they could actively participate in maintaining their cultural treasures. ”I acknowledge that there are many challenges. Some people may disagree, while others confer their utmost support. At least, I can feel happy and proud of bing able do something to raise the existing village potential,” he concluded. (par)

Visitors of SVF could increase Antara

Denpasar – The committee of Sanur Village Festival (SVF) 2010 expect that there will be increase in the visitors of this year’s festival. Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra, the head of the committee, said “we hope that the number of visitors will increase compare to last year’s festival which was 15,000 people because there are more attraction in 2010 SVF.” He said that in addition to promote art and culture in Sanur, the festival also could become one of the tourist destinations in Bali. “Sanur with all of its art and cultural potential has the ability tom compete with other tourism destination in the world,” he added.

Sidharta said that an event which has extra value could

attract tourist and increase the number of tourists visit Bali. “The theme of SVF 2010 is Saha Nuhur which means whishes made by everyone to as for the blessing from God,” he added.

He also explained that there are 20 activities held in the event which is started today through August 2010. The main venues of the festival are cottage Inna Grand Bali Beach area and Segara beach Sanur. The event is open for public so everyone should come and see the festival.

Ida Bagus Ngurah Kumbayana, the Managing Director Santrian Group, said that the festival will give positive image of tourism in Bali. “It is a creative effort by the people to attract more tourists and the token of appreciation to the traditional Balinese culture,” he added.

al

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Balinese Culture

The Soul By this time the corpse has lost ‘all importance,’ and from this time on, the family is concerned entirely with the soul of the dead person, A most important accessory for the ensuing ceremonies, and the object around which the rites revolve, is the adegan, the effigy in which the soul is embodied to be purified. The adegan consists of two images’, one silhouetted out of palm leaf in the traditional tjili shape and a more realistic one drawn on a thin tablet of sandalwood:, bound together and placed- on a, silver vase that rests on a silver platter. Betel-nut, sirih leaves and flowers for praying are placed inside the vase to make the. soul comfortable and, nothing being too good for it the to-do add a third, image made of beaten gold, bracelets, ankleits and a comb of silver or gold. The person’s name is written a small label of palm-leaf attached to each adegan. There is effigy for each corpse, but only the adegan is used should remains be available; for instance, if no bones should be found on opening the grave, if its location has been forgotten, or if the person died at sea or in a foreign land.

The souls are provided daily with “ drinks,” holy water,from sacred springs. Processions go regularly to distant mountain-springs to fill the new clay pots inscribed with a lotus and I sacred syllable ong, while someone casts coins into the waters and recites prayers for the spirit of, the spring. Rolls of ancient black “ coppers are tied to the neck of each pot with the special white yarn used in ritual, and each pot is provided with a label’ bearing the name of the dead. The pots of holy water are then deposited on the pavilions where the bodies lie.

The elusive souls are next “ awak-

ened “ and captured in the effigies.

They are taken to the burial ground, and the company kneels, in front of the open graves strewing afferings on theground and singing songs.the men dig The earth alittle knocking upon it, and call the souls to aweken while someone scatters pennies to distract the devils that wait ready to pounce upon the e and pollute them.

The procession returns home, each effigy now incorporating a soul, carried on the bead of a girl, to be blessed in the shrine of each household. Each effigy is then cured as if it were a corpse: it is sprinkled with holy water, the various, ingredients (banten SUtji to anttain physical perfection shreds of mirror, flowers, a gold ring, nails, etc.) are placed over it the, egg rolled along its length, and it is decorated with gold and silver obiects. The cured effigies are placed near the corpses, wayang music is plaved. and the little egg shell lamps of the angenans are lit for the night.the Ceremonies acquire greater significance as the date for the cremation approaches.

A great procession is held on the, the cremation day to take the effigies to the house of the high, priest for their final blessing. It is important that this procession be grand and luxurious, and, all the relatives of the dead Parade in it dressed in the finest clothes obtainable, with brocades gold flowers, jewellery, and jewelled krisses much in evidence orchestras, baris dancers, and scores of bovs carrying spears bannersand flags, followed by long lines of women offering bearers come at the bead of the parade; they represent the retinue souls in the effigies which are borne on silver platters on the heads of a specially picked group of beautiful girls in ceremonial full, dress - diadems of trembling gold

flower-on elaborate arrange ments of lacy scarfs binding their breasts and yellow orgreen skirts of brocade trailing in the dirt often the youngest decendant of the family aboy or a girl dressed in silks and gold riding on a gilt palanquin and shaded by gilt umbrellas Groups of men relatives close the procession. In once saw some fifty men uniformed in yellow trailing loincloths. magenta breast-cloths, and white bead-dresses, all wearing gold krisses, awkwardly conscious of being admired, marching in triple file to the beat of gongs and drums amidst bursting firecrackers.

The procession goes to the priest’s house, where he waits to consecrate the effigies through a performance of maweda, the spoken formula emphasized by gestures of the hands. The priest recites his formulas, flings flowers, and sprinkles holy water towards the effigies, which are reverently held in front of him by the kneeling girls. After the ceremony the procession returns home, stopping along the way in the temple of the family’s origin to offer final prayer. At the house, towards dusk, the baris dancers perform war dances to cast a protecting net of magic vibrations, and shows are given to entertain the guests. Relatives, guests, and populace spend the night divided between watching an all-night shadow-play and listening to public readings of the Balinese classic Bhima Swarga, the tale of the fantastic adventures of Bhima on his visit to Hades. Tradition prescribes that this should be read aloud from beginning to -end on the eve of cremation. In dark comers people huddle to steal naps.

Outside, the orchestras, among them the gambang, only heard at cremations, boom and bum throughout the night.

KAMBING MEKUAH (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.

JUKUT BELIMBING (Star Fruit Leaves In Sweet Sauce) JUKUT BELIMBING (Star Fruit Leaves In Sweet Sauce): Star fruits trees grow in many Balinese gardens, a convenient source of leaves for vegetable dishes. The leaves are crunchy with a slightly bitter tang. If not available substitute with spinach leaves.

INGREDIENTS: 400 gr star fruit leaves, washed ½ cup basic spice paste 2 cups coconut milk 2 salam leaves 300 gr beef rump, minced 30 cm square of banana leaf ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black peppercorn, crushed PREPARATION: Bring 3 liters (12 cups) of lightly salted water to the boil in a stockpot. Add star fruit leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain leaves, and then cools to room temperatures in ice water. Drain and dry well. Place half of the spice paste into saucepan and sauté for 2 minutes. Add coconut milk and salam leaf, reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens. Season minced beef with the remaining spice paste.

Place on banana leaf and roll up very tightly into the shape of a sausage. Steam for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, open banana leaf and break meat into its original minced consistency. Mix the coconut milk and mince beer well and add star fruit leaves and mix again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature with steamed rice.

C.045 ibp

9

10

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Destinations

International

Trunyan, The Baliaga Village ONE can access this traditional, unique and isolated Bali Aga or original Balinese village only by boat. From the village of Kedisan, beside Lake Batur at Kintamani, hire a boat for the half-hour journey. Refer to the notice board for daily rates. Untouched by modern influences, Trunyan is particularly known for its kuburan or cemetery, about 500 meters outside the village and the method of dispatching the dead. Not believing in cremation the tradition is of weathering burial. A white cloth covers the body and lengthy rituals proceed. A bamboo cage surrounds the body, which is then left to the elements.There are also a couple of traditional Bali Agastyle dwellings, and a large banyan tree, which is said to be more than 1,100 years old. At Kuban sub-village close to Trunyan is a mysterious cemetery that is separated by the lake and accessible only by boat - there is no path along the steep walls of the crater rim.

Unlike the Balinese people, the people of Trunyan do not cremate or bury their dead, but just lay them out in bamboo cages to decompose, although strangely there is no stench. A macabre collection of skulls and bones lies on the stone platform and the surrounding areas.

The dead bodies don’t produce bad smells because of the perfumed scents from a huge Taru Menyan tree growing nearby. Taru means ‘tree’ and Menyan means ‘nice smell’. The name of Terunyan was also derived from these two words. The women from Trunyan are prohibited from going to the cemetery when a dead body is carried there. This follows the deeply rooted belief that if a woman comes to the cemetery while a corpse is being carried there, there will be a disaster in the village, for example a landslide or a volcanic eruption. Such events have been frequent in the village’s history, but whether women had anything to do with it is a matter of opinion...

You can visit both the village of Trunyan and the Kuban cemetery by chartered boat from Kedisan. Sadly, nowadays the boat trips are now blatant tourist traps, as touts and guides strongly urge you to donate your cash to the temple project or leave a donation for the dead. These touts ruin an otherwise fascinating experience.

International Bali Post Classifieds

Denpasar : +62 361 22-5764 Jakarta : +62 21 535-6271

Contact us

BALI CENTRAL CANOPY

Mengerjakan : Atap Canopy Polycarbonat & Jual Bahan Spesial merk atap: Solarlate dan Crystal-late

g

... gets maximum benefits with minimum charge

www.solo-cctv.com

Rekam 24 jam Non Stop - Internet on line Apapun kebutuhan CCTV Anda, ada di sini!

Harga Termurah Kwalitas Terjamin Jln. Buana Raya 88X, Padangsambian - Denpasar

Telp./Fax : (0361) 8600043, 7429952, 485041 C.513069-bkl

C.492607-rpa

Garansi Barang & Jasa... PASTI ! !

Dengan tenaga berpengalaman, instalasi dijamin rapi Hubungi:

Jln. Buluh Indah No. 23 Denpasar Telp. (0361) 2764411-088802911054 C.492248-elk

Jl. Kepundung 67 A, e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id Jl. Palmerah Barat 21 F

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

11

BUSINESS

World oil prices approach $82 Agence France Presse

LONDON – Oil prices stretched towards 82 dollars per barrel on Tuesday, on the back of buoyant market sentiment, the weak dollar and hurricane concerns in the US Gulf of Mexico, analysts said. New York’s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in September, gained 50 cents to 81.84 dollars a barrel.

Brent North Sea crude for September added 70 cents to 81.52 dollars in late morning London deals. Oil had surged past 81 dollars on Monday, with sentiment boosted by soaring global stock markets, strong bank results and solid US economic data.

Further support came from the weak greenback, which makes dollar-priced commodities cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies, and therefore tends to stimulate demand.

Prices also strengthened on fears about the ongoing hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, where many US energy installations are based.

“The combination of bullish stocks, a weak dollar and most notably the hurricane season has pushed the price of oil over 81 dollars a barrel,” said analyst Rebecca Seabury at the Inenco energy consultancy in London.

“In the short term, the hurricane season

is likely to continue spurring on bullish sentiment in the oil market, as potential storms threaten US and Mexican infrastructure.

“Alongside this, with the release of key US employment data due to be released this week, we could temporarily see the price reaching 84-86 dollars.”

Friday’s employment data is a key indicator for the economic health of the United States, which is the biggest energy-consuming nation in the world. Traders are also eagerly awaiting Wednesday’s weekly snapshot of US energy inventories.

Crude oil prices had soared on Monday as Wall Street surged after news that the US manufacturing sector expanded for a 12th straight month in July.

The Institute of Supply Management July manufacturing index fell to 55.5 points from 56.2 percent in June, but this was well above market expectations of 54.2 percent. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in manufacturing.

AFP/File/Kenzo Tribouillard

Oil prices stretched towards 82 dollars per barrel on Tuesday, on the back of buoyant market sentiment, the weak dollar and hurricane concerns in the US Gulf of Mexico, analysts said.

Ford gives power boost to 2011 heavy-duty pickups Associated Press Writer

DETROIT – Ford Motor Co.’s 2011 heavy-duty pickups just came out in April, but already the company is boosting the power in their diesel engines and giving free upgrades to owners.

Ford said it just wants to give its Super Duty trucks all the horsepower they’re capable of. But there’s another motive: The Super Duty’s power was recently eclipsed

by General Motors Co., which started producing its heavy-duty 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks in May. Ford’s F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks equipped with its new 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged diesel engine now get 390 horsepower and 735 foot-pounds of torque, which helps with acceleration and towing.

By reprogramming the trucks’ software, Ford will increase that to 400 horsepower and 800 foot-pounds of torque. Trucks made after Wednesday will automatically have the upgraded engines.

By comparison, GM’s new 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel gets 397 horsepower and 765 foot-pounds of torque. GM and Ford trucks also go toe-to-toe in towing capacity. Ford is upgrading future F-350s with stronger steel so they’ll have a maximum towing capacity of 22,600 pounds, up from 21,600 pounds. The Chevrolet Silverado’s maximum towing capacity is 21,700 pounds.

The distinctions are important for heavy-duty pickup buyers, who rely on their trucks for con-

struction and other heavy work such as towing a horse trailer. Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari said Ford isn’t making the changes because of GM. She said Ford was conservative with the new engine because it was the first diesel truck engine produced inhouse since Ford ended a 30-year relationship with its former diesel supplier, Navistar International Inc. But testing showed that

the horsepower and torque could be increased without compromising the engine’s durability, she said.

Marc Cross, the general manager of Jordan Ford in San Antonio, said about 75 percent of his Super Duty customers use their trucks for commercial purposes. He said none of his customers have complained about the horsepower, but Ford needs to be competitive.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

In this photograph taken June 27, 2010, unsold 2011 Ford F-350 pickup trucks sit at a dealership in the west Denver suburb of Lakewood, Colo.

Geithner:

unemployment could rise Reuters

WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, in an interview aired on Tuesday, said the unemployment rate could rise for a couple of months before it goes down, potentially deepening Democrats’ problems in the November congressional elections.

“It’s possible you’re going to have a couple of months where it goes up,” Geithner said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in an interview taped on Monday. “But what we expect to see ... is an economy that’s gradually healing, of course we want to do what we can to reinforce that process because it’s not growing back as quickly as we’d like.”

A rising unemployment rate before November mid-term congressional elections will be an unwelcome development for Democrats seeking to keep control of Congress as President Barack Obama’s popularity has already been battered by a sluggish economy. A Reuters economist survey estimates that the unemployment rate rose to 9.6 percent in July from 9.5 percent in June. The July report is scheduled to be released on Friday.

In an opinion piece in The New York Times, Geithner said he saw some positive signs emerging in the private sector. “While the economy has a long way to go before reaching its full potential, last week’s data on economic growth show that large parts of the private sector continue to strengthen,” he said. “We have a long way to go to address the fiscal trauma and damage across the country, and we will need to monitor the ups and downs in the economy month by month,” Geithner wrote.

12

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Entertainment

International

Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen wife assault AP

ASPEN, Colo. – Charlie Sheen pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting his wife during a Christmas Day argument in exchange for a plea deal with no jail time and more serious charges dropped.

The “Two and a Half Men” actor was sentenced to 30 days in a rehabilitation center, 30 days of probation and 36 hours of anger management.

He has 30 days to make arrangements for his sentence at Promises Treatment Center in California, though whether he will have to report there remains in question.

Sheen’s attorney, Yale Galanter, said the actor already has spent 93 days at Promises this year and that the center could choose to credit that time toward his sentence.

“Credit for time served is absolutely on the table,” Galanter said.

“How much credit he gets is up to Promises.”

The center declined to comment, citing client privacy, and said it was not unusual for those with drug and alcohol offenses to be sentenced to rehabilitation there. Sheen’s plea agreement called for Colorado prosecutors to drop a felony menacing charge and a criminal mischief charge in exchange for pleading guilty to a count of misdemeanor assault. The charges stem from a Christmas Day 2009 dispute with Brooke Mueller Sheen.

Sheen was scheduled to plead guilty at a hearing in June, but that hit a snag

over terms of a proposed work release program. Galanter had said that a previous agreement called for Sheen to serve 30 days in the Pitkin County jail in Aspen.

District Attorney Martin Beeson said Sheen has no criminal record in Colorado and allowing him to avoid jail time was not unusual. He also said that the plea carries several long-term consequences that include Sheen not being able to possess firearms.

Ninth District Judicial Judge James Boyd gave Sheen credit for time spent in anger management classes. Richard Cummins, another Sheen attorney, said Sheen already completed 36 hours of anger management classes in California, though it would be up to the 9th Judicial District probation department to determine whether those can be applied to his Colorado case.

AP

Charlie Sheen

Ex-’One Tree Hill’ star explains pre-baby absence AP

Reuters

Scottish singer Susan Boyle

NEW YORK – Don’t expect to see photos of Hilarie Burton and her baby on magazine covers. The former “One Tree Hill” star took a break from Hollywood leading up to the birth of her son with boyfriend Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

She and Morgan went public with their relationship last April at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Losers,” which Morgan starred in.

Of Morgan, she says: “We’re really happy, and we’re a very good team. And we got very lucky that our

family is what it is.”

In keeping with her private ways, Burton wouldn’t confirm their son’s name or birth date. She says: “I want to protect them like a mama wolf should.”

Burton is in New York to film an episode arc for the USA network show, “White Collar.” Her first episode airs Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. ET. FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2008 file photo, former VJ Hilarie Burton poses in the media room during MTV’s award

Susan Boyle, McCartney music get spots on “Glee” Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber to write memoir Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Singer Susan Boyle and the music of Paul McCartney are to be featured in the new season of TV musical comedy “Glee” — joining a growing list of performers eager to be associated with the hit show.

“Glee” creator Ryan Murphy told reporters on Monday that Boyle — who found unexpected fame on the show “Britain’s Got Talent” last year — would feature in a Christmas-themed episode.

She is expected to play a high school lunch lady. Boyle is reportedly recording a Christmas album.

Murphy also said that former Beatle McCartney had written suggesting his music be included on the show, which features a bunch of misfits in a high school choir.

“I received some fantastic mixed tapes from Paul McCartney a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was being punked!,” Murphy said.

“It came out of blue in a package, handwritten, and it had two CDs and it said ‘Hi Ryan, I hope you will consider some of these songs for ‘Glee’ ... I had heard that he is a fan of the show. I was gobsmacked ... so of course we are going to do something with him,” Murphy said, without elaborating.

“Glee” has been nominated for 19 Emmys in its first season on television. The Fox show has been sold widely overseas and has spawned more than three hit albums of cover versions of pop, Broadway jazz and rap songs.

One of the episodes in the new season will be filled with the music of Britney Spears, following the success last season of Madonna and Lady Gaga-themed episodes.

Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters) – He has made fans swoon when they listen to his music. Now teen singing sensation Justin Bieber is hoping to

make his fans read — or at least look at lots of pictures.

The 16 year-old pop singer has signed a deal with HarperCollins to publish an illustrated memoir titled “Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever:

Reuters

Singer Justin Bieber throws his coat into the crowd

AP

My Story,” the publisher said in a statement on Monday.

The book is due out in October in both the United States and United Kingdom. The hardcover “My Story” is expected to reveal the Canadian-born youngster’s incredible rise to stardom. It will contain exclusive, never-before-seen photos.

“Every day I wake up and count my blessings,” Bieber said in the statement. “My fans have played such a large part in all of this and they help me live my dreams every day. I’m excited to share just a little bit more of my world with them through this book.”

Bieber first gained fans when he posted renditions of his favorite hiphop and R&B songs on YouTube.

At 13 years-old, he signed a record deal and has since exceeded 5 million in sales.

His “Baby” video is the mostwatched music video in YouTube history, with more than 250 million views.

Life Style

International

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

13

Sun storms may bring northern lights farther south AP

WASHINGTON – The sun may be about to put on a colorful light show. That’s because of two minor solar storms that flared on Sunday and are shooting tons of plasma directly at Earth.

Scientists said residents of northern regions — from Maine to Michigan and anywhere farther north around the globe — may see unusual

AP

northern lights. Usually only regions closer to the Arctic can see the aurora of rippling reds and greens, but solar storms pull them south.

In this x-ray photo provided by NASA, the sun is shown early in the morning of Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010

The federal Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colo., said the plasma will likely arrive late Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

The storms are not much of a threat to satellites or power grids.

Until recently, the sun was in a phase with few storms.

UAE: BlackBerry crackdown One For Me, One For You: A New Approach to will affect visitors too Holiday Giving at Gap

AP

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates’ looming crackdown on BlackBerry services will extend to foreign visitors, putting the government’s concerns over the smart phones in direct conflict with the country’s ambitions to be a business and tourism haven.

The Emirates’ telecoms regulator said Monday that travelers to the city-state of Dubai and the important oil industry center of Abu Dhabi will — like the 500,000 local subscribers — have to do without BlackBerry e-mail, messaging and Web services starting Oct. 11, even when they carry phones issued in other countries.

The handsets themselves will still be allowed for phone calls.

Emirati authorities say the move is based on security concerns because BlackBerry data are automatically shipped to company computers abroad, where it is difficult for local authorities to monitor for illegal activity or abuse.

Critics of the crackdown say it is also a way for the country’s conservative government to further control content it deems politically or morally objectionable.

About 100,000 travelers pass through Dubai’s airport every day, making it the busiest in the Middle East. The new restrictions could leave time-pressed business travelers hurrying through, many of them changing planes for other destinations, without access to their e-mail or the Web. “I think it’s a very big step back. All developed countries in the world have it. Why should we not?” said Emirati BlackBerry user Maisoon al-Iskandarani, 24,

who works at an international bank in Dubai. “How are you going to stay in touch with your clients and colleagues?”

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley called such technological restrictions “a move in the wrong direction.”

“We’re going to clarify with the UAE what’s behind this announcement, but we think it sets a dangerous precedent,” Crowley told reporters. “It is our view that you should be opening up societies to these new technologies that have the opportunity to empower people.”

Crowley told The Associated Press, however, that diplomats and other officials needing to travel to the region will continue to do so, even if they need to use regular cell phones rather than BlackBerry messaging services.

The Paris-based press-freedom group Reporters Without Borders urged the government to lift its ban and reach a compromise “that does

not limit the freedom of the Emirati population.

Device maker Research in Motion Ltd. said it “respects both the regulatory requirements of government and the security and privacy needs of corporations and consumers,” but does not disclose details of discussions with regulators in any of the more than 175 countries where it operates. The Canadian company defended its security system as “widely accepted by security conscious customers and governments around the world.”

The UAE contends some BlackBerry features operate outside the country’s laws, “causing judicial, social and national security concerns.” At the heart of their concerns is the way the devices handle data, which get encrypted and routed through RIM’s servers overseas. The automatic encryption makes BlackBerry data far more difficult, if not impossible, for authorities to monitor.

AP

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2009 file photo, a man talks on his smart phone at the Dubai Financial Market

Fashion Wire Daily NEW YORK – In a technologyobsessed world, where new gadgets top everyone’s holiday gift wish-lists, it’s up to clothing retailers to come up with new ways to entice customers to give wearable items as gifts.

Gone are the days when a new pair of socks or pajamas can hold their own against a video game console or smartphone, which is something that Gap’s creative director Patrick Robinson had in mind when he designed the Holiday 2010 collection.

“It’s not about these obvious snowflake gifts that you’ll usually see for Holiday,” explained Robinson at a preview for the collection on Thursday, July 15. “You have to get into people’s minds a different way.”

The new strategy takes into account the buyer’s personal relationship with the product in the store, so it’s not just about designing clothes that would make good gifts for others. For Robinson, it’s deeper than that.

“The whole collection is about clothes for you,” he said. “You first fall in love with it yourself, and then you give to someone else.”

So come late fall, when the holidays are just around the corner, Robinson is banking that you’ll fall in love with his continued elevation of the Gap brand, with pieces that hold their own against designer trends, from a dress that is inset with delicate strips of tulle and paired with a tough leather jacket, to wellshaped puffer jackets and motorcycle jacket-inspired knits.

And you won’t want to dispense with your skinny pants just yet, because they’ll still be a wardrobe staple this winter. In this case, they come as skinny cargo pants worn under chunky sweaters. Brightly

Fashion Wire Daily

FWD101 A look from the Gap Holiday 2010 women’s collection is displayed at a preview in New York

colored platform clogs, a major spring trend, get reinvented in electric blue or neon red.

“For holiday, you have the playfulness of going out and having fun,” said Robinson. “But not seriously, it’s not a ball gown, but just girls who want to look really great, guys who want to look cool at a bar or going out to dinner.”

Banana Republic will offer a similarly nonchalant take on going-out clothes, but still with the brand’s stamp of sophistication. The emphasis for Holiday gifts here will be on a an assortment of glittery accessories, including metallic purses, sequined clutches, jeweled ballet flats, studded gloves and a north Indian Himalayan sequined elephant tote. As with Gap’s dressing down of getting dressed up, you’ll see casual and sporty paired with evening, like a Fair Isle sweater or shearling lined jacket worn over a silk gown.

14

Sport

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

International

Liverpool consider Chinese takeover: report AFP

LONDON – Premier League club Liverpool could be bought by a Chinese business tycoon within days, according to reports here on Monday.

Kenny Huang, head of HongKong based investment company QSL Sports Ltd, is reported to be in talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland with the aim of taking full control of the club which has been up for sale since April.

“A deal has to be done before the transfer window closes (on 31 August),” a source close to Huang told BBC Sport.

“Huang has made a firm proposal. The club’s board has to sanction the sale and it could be sewn up in days.”

Huang is offering to clear Liverpool’s debt to RBS and hand new manager Roy Hodgson funds to do business in the transfer window. The tycoon also plans to build the club a new stadium.

“Kenny is the only serious bidder interested in the club and he’s optimistic,” the source told BBC Sport.

Huang reportedly turned down the chance to buy Liverpool in 2008 because he felt a valuation of 650 million pounds was too high, and it

AFP

A St. George’s flag flies on a pub across the road from a sign for The Kop stand at Liverpool FC’s T

is believed he now values the club at around 350 million pounds (423 million euros).

The current owners, Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett, bought the club in March 2007 in a deal worth 218.9 million pounds.

The pair refinanced with a 350million-pound package from two banks the following year but it left the 18-time English champions with a debt in the region of 105 million pounds.

The pair have had a difficult tenure at Anfield, with supporters regularly protesting at the level of debt taken on by the club after the buyout, and new stadium plans.

Gillett informed RBS last week that he was in advanced negotiations with Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi. However, this has been viewed as a stalling tactic.

If RBS decide to turn down the proposal - and no new viable bidders are forthcoming - the bank has the option of calling in their loan in October, making it important for the Reds to resolve the ownership issue as soon as possible.

Huang, who is backed by one of the wealthiest investment funds in the Far East, was first linked with a buyout at Liverpool two years ago.

He is well known in China for his interests in baseball and basketball, and last year bought a 15 percent stake in NBA side Cleveland Cavaliers.

Huang is believed to have already spoken to senior figures at Anfield to express his seriousness about a buy-out and in the hope that his message filters down to help persuade top stars like Fernando Torres, who returned to training on Monday after his post-World Cup break, the club does have a better future.

If Huang does complete a takeover before the transfer window closes at the end of August, sources close to the tycoon have made it clear he is willing to putting significant funds into rebuilding manager Roy Hodgson’s squad.

In addition, he will also turn his attention to finally getting Liverpool’s new 60,000-seater stadium built in Stanley Park after three years of inertia.

AFP/Getty Images/File

Andy Roddick

Roddick ready to rebound from early Wimbledon exit AFP

WASHINGTON – Andy Roddick is finding his form after being knocked-out in the fourth round at Wimbledon, the ninth-ranked US star bolstered by a solid workout on Monday ahead of his opener at the ATP Washington Classic.

“It was encouraging. It was good,” Roddick said. “I’m hitting the ball differently than I was eight or nine days ago - it’s obeying what I want it to do a little more.”

Roddick, a champion at Miami and Brisbane earlier this year, seeks his fourth title at the US capital after losing an Atlanta semi-final two weeks ago to Mardy Fish, a pal who had not beaten him in nine matches over seven years.

“I took my lumps in Atlanta. I was half expecting to take them there,” Roddick said. “I played Atlanta because I wanted to play well here.”

Taiwan’s Le Yen-Hsun, whose Washington opener is on Tuesday against Colombian Alejandro Falla, upset Roddick in the round of 16 at

Wimbledon, leaving the 27-year-old American short on match preparation before Atlanta.

“It’s a little bit of a juggling act but I’m glad I went there and took my lumps,” Roddick said. “I feel very comfortable. There’s a fine line.

(I’m) very close to playing well.”

When it comes to the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam event that starts in four weeks, Roddick is just beginning to ready himself.

“I haven’t started,” he said. “I’ve played well but I haven’t gotten my feet into it yet. This is where the preparation for New York starts.”

Roddick does expect the familiar faces, including 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, the reigning Australian Open champion.

“It’s just a matter of who hits form,” Roddick said. “You will be talking about the same six, seven, eight guys.

Last time I checked, Roger has still won a major this year. And he hasn’t had a great year by his standards.”

Two years from now, Roddick plans to be at the 2012 London Olympics, where he and 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams plan to play mixed doubles.

“I’ve always said my best asset as a doubles player is picking good partners,” joked Roddick.

“She was born a pretty good athlete.

She has that ability to raise her game.

She is just able to step up. She’s a champion.” Roddick said he began calling and texting Williams - “borderline stalking” - seconds after learning mixed doubles would be played at London before he “annoyed her into submission.”

Roddick dismissed any idea of trying to win several Slam mixed doubles titles ahead of London, although he noted, “I know that’s the way she thinks.”

Red Bulls sign Mexican legend Marquez AFP

HARRISON, New Jersey – Mexican captain and two-time Champions League winning defender Rafael Marquez signed a multi-year deal on Monday with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, the team announced.

Marquez was released two days earlier by the Spanish club and joins another former Barcelona star and former French captain Thierry Henry and Colombian forward Juan

Pablo Angel as the Red Bulls designated players, ones whose salaries are exempt from the MLS’s salary cap.

“I’m excited to be joining the Red Bulls,” Marquez said. “Despite having the opportunity to fulfil my contract with Barcelona, coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse.

“I’m completely committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in the playoff push this year and compete for championships in

the years to come.”

Marquez, 31, has 94 caps for Mexico and scored in the opening match of this year’s World Cup to allow Mexico to escape with a 1-1 draw against hosts South Africa.

“Rafael has shown on the club and international level that he is one of the world?s top players,” Red Bulls global soccer chief Dietmar Beiersdorfer said.

“He has been a winner at all levels and illustrated that he is a leader both on and off the field.”

Marquez spent the past seven

seasons at Barcelona, where he helped the Catalan side claim La Liga crowns in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010 and the Champions League in 2006 and 2009.

He also played for Monaco from 1999-2003 after starting his pro career at Mexican club Atlas in 1996 aged 17.

Mexican captain and twotime Champions League winning defender Rafael Marquez

AFP

Sport

International

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

15

Armstrong lawyers say USADA offering riders deals Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Texas – Lance Armstrong’s attorneys say the U.S. AntiDoping Agency is offering cyclists a “sweetheart deal” if they testify or provide evidence that the seven-time Tour de France winner cheated by doping. If those riders have been caught doping, the deal from USADA could result in a reduced ban from competition and other incentives, attorney Tim Herman told The Associated Press on Monday.

Federal investigators in Los Angeles are looking at cheating in professional cycling and have shown interest in Armstrong since former teammate and 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis alleged this spring that Armstrong and others took performance-enhancing drugs, which Armstrong strongly denies.

In 2007, Landis said USADA offered him a similar deal to finger Armstrong. At the time, Landis called the offer “offensive” and did not provide evidence against Armstrong.

USADA spokeswoman Erin Hannan said the agency could not comment in detail about an investigation.

“Our effort in any investigation is a search for the truth, nothing more and nothing less,” Hannan said. “On behalf of clean athletes, we will fairly and thoroughly evaluate all evidence of doping to reveal

the truth. When the process results in credible evidence of doping, clean athletes can rest assured we will take appropriate action under the rules established by federal law.”

USADA has a history of reducing penalties for athletes who provide evidence of doping violations by other athletes, but asking for information about specific athletes is not allowed under the agency’s rules.

Armstrong’s attorneys say USADA’s current offer is for riders to talk to federal investigator Jeff Novitzky, who could then give the information to USADA. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Presumably, the alleged deal would only be worthwhile for riders who are still competing or young enough to return to competition if a

ban was lifted. “USADA is promising riders a sweetheart deal if they can produce anything harmful on Armstrong,” Herman said. “A rider who has doped, they tell them, ‘If you can finger Armstrong, we’ll get out the eraser ... and everything is cool.’”

Herman said he could not disclose which rider or riders have been offered a deal. Landis implicated at least 16 other people in various doping acts, including longtime Armstrong confidant George Hincapie, Armstrong’s current Team Radioshack teammate Levi Leipheimer and another elite American rider, Dave Zabriskie.

Tyler Hamilton, who rode in support of Armstrong on the U.S. Postal Service team in 1999 and 2000 reportedly has been subpoenaed.

Hamilton won the 2004 Olympic gold medal in the time trial in Athens, but failed a test for blood doping afterward and eventually served a two-year suspension.

Hamilton returned to racing and won the 2008 U.S. road championship, but retired last spring after admitting that he took an antidepressant that contained the banned steroid DHEA. He was officially banned from cycling for eight years.

Netherlands, Spain fined for WCup final behavior

Baggio eyes role at Italy’s football federation

Associated Press Writer

ZURICH – The Netherlands and Spain have been fined by FIFA for their players’ lack of discipline in a bad-tempered World Cup final.

FIFA said Tuesday the Dutch federation must pay $14,480 after eight different players received yellow cards, including defender John Heitinga, who was booked a second time and sent off.

English referee Howard Webb showed five yellow cards to Spain, earning its federation a $9,650 fine. FIFA’s disciplinary code has a clause on team misconduct calling for a federation to be fined when at least five of its players are sanctioned in a match.

Spain won 1-0 in the July 11 final on Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal after the Netherlands was reduced to 10 players.

The match set a record for most cards received in a World Cup final, beating the six yellows shown when Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in the 1986 final.

The final also was the worst behaved of the 64 matches played in South Africa.

Chile and Switzerland players combined for nine yellows and a straight red card in a group-stage game.

FIFA paid Spain $30 million in prize money for winning the tournament, and the Netherlands was awarded $24 million as runner-up.

AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Fie

FILE - This July 6, 2010, file photo shows Lance Armstrong grimacing prior to the start of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Wanze, Belgium. Armstrong’s attorneys say the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is offering cyclists a ‘sweetheart deal’ if they testify or provide evidence that the seventime Tour de France winner cheated by doping.

Agence France Presse

IBP/ist

David Villa celebrated his goal during the World Cup 2010 in South Africa

ROME – Roberto Baggio, one of Italy’s finest ever players, is set to return to football, joining Italy’s football federation (FIGC) after the national team’s disastrous exit from the World Cup, the local press reported on Tuesday. “I have said I am fully available to fill the role of president of the technical sector,” Baggio said, adding that he would have to wait for a FIGC board meeting on Wednesday for his nomination to become official, daily Il Messaggero reported.

Along with Baggio two other Italian football legends are set to join the FIGC. Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi, 64, will coordinate the youth national teams, while Gianni Rivera, the first Italian player to win the “Ballon d’Or” or European Footballer of the Year trophy, will preside over the teaching and youth sector of the federation.

Baggio, 43, retired from football in 2004 after playing for Fiorentina, Juventus and AC Milan and starring for Italy in three World Cups, but leaving each one empty-handed.

After reigning champions Italy were embarrassingly bundled out of the South African tournament this summer, Baggio said he believes players and coaches in Italy focus to much on results, often at the expense of well-played football. “In Spain, playing beautifully is what counts, even if you lose,” Baggio told sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

In Italy, “there is talent, but it’s important to let it take off, to support it with intelligence. Often, that doesn’t happen,” Baggio said. The attacking midfielder became known as ‘the divine ponytail’ thanks to his hairstyle and late conversion to Buddhism.

Italy were kicked out of the World Cup after a shock 3-2 defeat to Slovakia that left them at the bottom of what had looked like a fairly easy group, including Paraguay and rank outsiders New Zealand.questions after a meeting at the Italian Football Federation (FGCI) headquarters in central Rome on August 2. Baggio, one of Italy’s finest ever players, is set to return to football, joining FIGC after the national team’s disastrous exit from the World Cup, the local press reported on Tuesday.

16

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

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Sport

Schumacher accepts ruling, apologizes FRANKFURT, Germany – Michael Schumacher apologized to former teammate Rubens Barrichello for the way he drove during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Race stewards said Schumacher “illegitimately impeded” Barrichello on the 66th lap Sunday. Schumacher appeared to try to force Barrichello into a concrete pit wall as the two vied for 10th place.

The seven-time world champion was penalized 10 places on the grid for the next race, the Belgian GP on Aug. 29.

Schumacher reviewed what happened and agrees with the stewards. He said he did not intend to endanger the Williams driver and was “sorry” if Barrichello had that impression.

“Yesterday, directly after the race, I was still in the heat of the moment, but after seeing the scene against Rubens again and I have to say the stewards were right with their assessment: The maneuver was too hard,” Schumacher said on his website.

Schumacher is driving for Mercedes driver in his first season racing following a three-year retirement. The German is ninth in the standings, with his best finishes fourth at Barcelona and Istanbul. He was 11th in Hungary.

Mercedes boss Ross Brawn said the team accepted the penalty but did not necessarily agree with the stewards.

“It’s been a tough weekend but we will go away, lick our wounds and come back stronger at the next few races,” Brawn said.

AP –

Dani Pedrosa’s 2010 season so far Dani Pedrosa’s steady progress towards consistent results this season has placed the Spaniard second in the Championship standings at the halfway point in the season, where at 138 points he currently sits 72 off leader Jorge Lorenzo. The first nine rounds have produced some fantastic results for the Repsol Honda rider who has so far stood on the podium five times, winning twice, and his finer outcomes have been accompanied by some frustrations too.

The campaign got off to an indifferent start for Pedrosa with seventh in Qatar, where he battled with set-up issues that had carried over from pre-season. Undeterred however he remained focused and the following round at Jerez produced a solid reward, as he took pole position and battled with Lorenzo for the victory before finishing second.

The inconsistency which was to prove Pedrosa’s main obstacle in the early part of the season meant that he would place fifth at Le Mans as he lost out on a podium finish on the final lap in his 150th GP start.

Another strong response came though and this time it was a vic-

tory, from pole position, at Mugello as the intense work put in by the 24 year-old and his team paid off.

A difficult next round at Silverstone followed where Pedrosa

Mercedes GP Formula One driver Michael Schumacher

crashed in qualifying and placed eighth in the race, but a succession of constant results that produced the continuity he had been striving for then poured forth. Second place at Assen from seventh on the grid and then second in his home race at Catalunya paved the way to a second win of 2010 at Sachsenring, where Pedrosa won a fight with Lorenzo for victory.

The Repsol Honda rider has had highs and lows packed into his first nine races, with the nature of his better results hinting at his capacity to be the main challenger to Jorge Lorenzo in the battle for this year’s title.