Edisi 09 Agustus 2010 | International Bali Post

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Monday, August 9, 2010

Foreign tourists assist Indian army personnel as they clear debris at Choglamsar village in Leh on August 8, 2010.

Emergency teams in India’s remote Himalayan region of Ladakh on August 8 struggled to deliver food and aid to survivors of flash floods that killed more than 130 people and left hundreds missing. A cloudburst on August 6 caused devastating floods that swept away roads, buildings, bridges and power cables in a tide of rock and mud. Rescuers fear many more victims may have died after being buried.

Tourist paradise Bali suffering rabies epidemic PAGE 8

AFP PHOTO/MANAN VATSYAYANA

Emma Thompson honored on Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame’ PAGE 12

500 missing after floods in Indian Kashmir Associated Press Writer SRINAGAR, India – Rescuers dug through crushed homes and piles of mud Sunday searching for 500 people still missing after flash floods sent massive mudslides down remote desert mountainsides in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. The death toll rose to 132 with about 500 others injured.

The dead included at least five foreign tourists whose nationalities were not immediately known.

Bhim Sen Tuti, the region’s police chief, said “Their bodies are lying on a trekking route outside Leh

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town, and efforts are on to retrieve the bodies.”

Authorities until Saturday maintained that no foreign tourists were among the dead or injured.

About 2,000 foreign tourists

were in Ladakh, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, when the storm hit Friday, burying homes and toppling power and telecommunication towers.

Authorities were arranging spe-

cial flights to fly the tourists to New Delhi from Leh on Sunday.

Tuti also said at least 500 Indians were missing. “There may be more people missing because of the vastness of the area.”

Thousands of army, police and paramilitary soldiers were clearing roads to reach isolated villages in the Ladakh region cut off by Friday’s powerful thunderstorms, state police Chief Kuldeep Khoda said.

Continued on page 6

Villager in Besang held “Mejaga-jaga” Semarapura (Bali Post) –

The tradition which is passed on from generation to generation is still preserved by the Balinese.

One of the examples is the tradition which is held by the people in Besang Kawan Toh Jiwa in Klungkung regency which is called “mejaga-jaga”.

The “mejaga-jaga” is being held since long time ago and still being carried out today. The tradition is the symbol to ask safety

to the God and to balance Bhuana Agung (Universe) and Bhuana Alit (human being).

The tradition is held by carrying cows around the village accompanied by offerings made by the villagers. The “mejaga-jaga” is held once a year every dead moon in Karo time (Hindus calendar). However, this year Tilem Karo fall on pasah where it is not good to carry out ceremony, the “majaga-jaga” was held on Sunday, August 8th 2010.

Continued on page 6

IBP/bal

The “mejaga-jaga” procession which was held in in Besang Kawan Toh Jiwa in Klungkung regency

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International

Monday, August 9, 2010

Bali News Seminar on ‘Union in Tourism Industry’:

Besakih Temple

Anticipating the booming of foreign workers

A sanctum where to invoke safety and unify devotees

Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Various endeavors to improve the competence of the Indonesian workers should continue to be carried out. It is not free from the threat of “invasion” of foreign workers getting more and more serious.

The matter became one of the subjects in the scientific seminar entitled “Union in Tourism Industry” organized by the students of Department of Tourism Business Management Studies (KMBP) of academic year 2009/2010 of Handayani Management Institute (STIMI) Denpasar at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, last Saturday (Aug 7).

Speakers of the seminars consisted of Chairman of the Mediators Association of Bali Industrial Relations I Nyoman Subagia, Association of Indonesia Entrepreneurs (Apindo) of Bali Chapter I Gusti Kade Sutawa, and from the Bali Regional Federation of Independent Labor Union IB Anom Mustika.

Chairman of Handayani Education Foundation, Denpasar, I.B. Gde

Wirawibawa said the development of the global era increasingly expanded the opportunities for foreign workers or expatriates to work in Indonesia. Such condition automatically narrowed the vacancies for more ‘native’ workers and it clearly became a threat and challenge.

Furthermore he added that in years to come the expatriates were expected to be replaced by the natives to Indonesia. However, the quality of human resources of this nation had to be increased. “Pursuant to the Act No. 10/2009 every worker is required to have standard competency. Hopefully, it could be implemented accordingly. This is one of the efforts to improve our human resources,” he said.

In the seminar was also men-

tioned a number of added values that had to be reserved in order to improve the quality of human resources. Among them, there were foreign language acquisition and mastery of information technology.

Meanwhile, in relation to government regulations, Subagia explained that foreign workers could not be limited. Moreover, Indonesia had made agreements with several countries to conduct cooperation activities. He said that the number of Indonesian workers was not restricted to work in other countries.

Most importantly, according to Subagia, the number of foreign workers would no more a threat to Indonesia, but a challenge. It was the challenge to spur the quality improvement on our human resources. (ded)

Tax of tourism sector ranks the third in Bali Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Tourism sector becoming the eminent element in Bali in fact only ranked the third-largest. Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Tax Services noted that the sector becoming the mainstay of Bali Province was only able to donate 10 percent of the total tax revenue.

Head of Bali Regional Office of Directorate General of Tax Services, Zulfikar Thahar, mentioned that the first and second largest contributors came from financial services intermediary sector amounting to 14 percent and wholesale and retail trade sector, reaching 12 percent.

“Revenue from tourism sector should be explored further. This sector poses the mainstay of the economy of Bali. My party is conducting a variety of ways to make the tourism sector could provide the main contribution to government

revenue,” Zulfikar said in the midst of meeting on the government accounting standard composer for the ASEAN member countries in Kuta.

According to him, marketing practices undertaken by a number of villas through the Internet made the data untraceable. It constituted one of the causes of tax revenue from tourism sector remained low.

“We are also committing enumeration of foreigners having a Temporary Resident Permit (KITAS) via Ngurah Rai Airport Immigration Office, Sisingamangaraja and Denpasar. I suspect the foreigners are impossible to utilize their KITAS just for a vacation, but also for the purpose of opening a business,” he said.

Another problem was that the hotel operations owned by foreigners, but the land owned by native landowners. As a result, Zulfikar then recognized that within this relation the landowners working as

employee became the cause of low tax revenue collected from this sector.

In responding to this condition, the Head of Bali Regional Office of Directorate General of Tax Services had asked the House of Representatives to amend the Act governing the General Rules and Taxation Procedures (KUP) so that electronic data could be included as supporting data of the tax collection.

“We’ve met Commission 11 of the House of Representatives to propose in order the Act of KUP could be amended so that electronic data would be mentioned in the Act. At the moment, electronic data have not been included in supporting the data in stipulating the outstanding data,” he explained. His party also added that tax revenue in Bali until August 2 had reached IDR 1.74 trillion, or covered 47.79 percent of the target set up at the amount of IDR 3.64 trillion. (par)

Besakih Temple has already been very famous around the globe. The temple situated at the Village of Besakih, Rendang subdistrict, Karangasem Regency poses a complex of large temples consisting of 86 units of temple groups. The groups are divided into 18 public temples, 4 units of Catur Lawa temples, 11 Padharman temples, 6 non-Padharman temples, 29 units of clan (dadia) temple, 7 temples having relation to clan temple and 11 units of temple excluding that group.

All of these temple groups were not built all at once, but gradually. When was Besakih Temple built? What kinds of temples are becoming integral parts with the Besakih Temple?

According to a lecturer of the Hindu University of Indonesia (Unhi) Denpasar, IB Dharmika, Besakih Temple was estimated to have been built by the King Wira Dalem Kesari Warmadewa (913 AD) and then continued by King Sri Kesari Udayana Warmadewa having the spouse Gunapriya Dharmapatni (ca. 1007 AD).

Rapid advancement and development occurred during the days of King Dalem Waturenggong where the sage Mpu Kuturan and Danghyang Nirartha played important role in this regard.

Dharmika added that Besakih Temple generally functioned as a sanctum for Hindu devotees to invoke safety. The temple was also a unifier of the community. “Besakih Temple serves a sanctum for the Hindus to invoke safety. Similarly, it serves as a unifying agent of the devotees,” he said.

Meanwhile, he added that Penataran Agung was the biggest out of the 18 groups in the Besakih Temple. Other temples belonging to public temples comprised the Peninjoan Temple, Pengubengan Temple, Tirtha Pingit Temple, Batu Madeg Temple, Gelap Temple, Kiduling Kreteg Temple, Basukian Temple, Hyang Haluh Temple, Banua Kawan Temple, Merajan Kanginan Temple, Goa Raja Temple, Merajan Selonding Temple, Ulun Kulkul Temple, Bangun Sakti Temple, Manik Mas Temple, Pesimpangan Temple, Dalem Puri Temple, Ratu Pasek Temple, Ratu Pande Temple, Ratu Penyarikan Temple and Ratu Dukuh Temple.

Dharmika also observed that at Besakih Temple laid the Tirtha Temple consisting of 14 units. Of course, these temples should also be known by devotees. The Tirtha Temple included the Tirtha Pengayu-ayu Temple, Tirtha Manik Mas Temple, Sindu Tunggang Temple, Tirtha Pediksan Temple, Tirtha Putra Temple, Tirtha Pingit Temple, Giri

Kusuma Temple, Tirtha Tingkih Temple, Tirtha Lateng Temple, Tirtha Tegal Suci Temple, Tirta Toya Sah Temple, Tirtha Sudamala Temple, Tirta Empul and Tirta Sangku Temple. These temples functioned and played a specific role in every ritual held at Besakih Temple.

Ritual and oblation

There were many types of rituals and oblations in the effort to purify the Besakih Temple. Dharmika said the rituals might be conducted every day (Ngerahina), penyabran or particular time (Kliwon, full moon, black moon), six monthly (temple anniversary), annually (patirthan/aci), ten yearly (Panca Bali Krama), centennially (Eka Dasa Rudra), and millennially (Merebu Bhumi). These rituals denoted a series, complete cycles and systems that could not be separated from one another.

For example, typical rituals held at Besakih Temple consisted of full moon in Sasih Karo (around July), and Pengenteg Jagat ritual at Gelap Temple.

In the dark moon of Sasih Ketiga was held the Pengurip Bhumi at Ulun Kulkul Temple. Full moon of Sasih Kapat was held Ngusabha Kapat at the Padma Tiga of Penataran Agung. On odd date coinciding with Sasih Kalima was organized the Usabha Warga Siram at Batumadeg Temple. Then, on the black moon of Sasih Kalima was held Penaung Bayu ritual at Batu Madeg Temple, on full moon of Sasih Keenem was conducted the Penyeeb Brahma ritual at Kiduling Kreteg Temple. On odd date coinciding with Kajeng in Sasih Keenem was held the Usabha Posya at Bangun Sakti Temple. Three days before the implementation of Usabha in Sasih Kapitu at the Dalem Puri Temple was held the Petabuhan ritual at Ulun Kulkul Temple.

In the meantime, on the odd date coinciding with Kajeng in Sasih Kawolu was held the Pacayan or Ngusabha Nyemeng at Ulun Kulkul Temple (performed in the morning). On the same day, at noon till night was held Ngusabha ritual at Dalem Puri Temple. Three days after the implementation of Usabha ceremony at Dalem Puri was resumed with another Usabha Nyungsung at Kiduling Kerteg Temple. Three days after the execution of Usabha Nyungsung was continued by Usabha Buluh at Banua Temple. On the full moon of Sasih Kawolu was implemented the Usabha Sri or Usabha Ngeed at Banua. Afterward, on the full moon of Sasih Kadasa was held the Ngusabha Kadasa (Weseka) or Bhatara Turun Kabeh ritual at Penataran Agung of Besakih.

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Bali News

International

Motivation by Sail Nusa Penida 2012 Approach Klungkung Region has a sea richness of it’s under water scenery which needs to be preserved as it’s something useful for the people. This potential is not yet developed and it is in Nusa Penida.

So to push this so it can be used to increase the people’s economic growth, Klungkung Region will motivate it by Sail Nusa Penida 2012 approach.

Through this event, it is certain there will be infrastructures developed such as roads, water and electricity which were hardly received fully by the Klungkung residents especially in Nusa Penida. Same situation happened in Maluku yet after Sail Banda was approaching its infrastructure was developed further as central government needs to make sure it is supporting the event. “The problem is, lots of area wanted it too so this is a difficult battle,” Head of Klungkung Region Development, A.A. Ngurah Agung mentioned.

With the Sail Nusa Penida, Ngurah Agung is optimise it will cause Klungkung land pier will be finished quickly as it is a supporting infrastructure. Also the city’s arrangement that was planned such as fish harbour construction, roads, minapolitan and water conservation area for Nusa Penida, “If all are built, it will practically increase the people’s prosperity.”

What needs to be done now is that Klungkung Region Government to win the central government’s heart in making Sail Nusa Penida 2012 comes true, “In the near time I will invite Fishery and Sea Ministry to look over Nusa Penida area.”

Sail Nusa Penida 2012 is being planned on the same time molamola fishes come by during Sep-

tember. This is a kind of fish only to be found in Nusa Penida waters and it has a huge size so it really attracts visitors.

According to Bagus Sudibya, this agency will be responsible for all Nusa Penida’s development.

Especially in tourism, Bagus Sudibya admitted have gone around Nusa Penida and see what’s potential. If managed well, tourism can be developed in different kinds and shapes, “We can see now, investors keep coming, private or even individuals brought by the regent himself. Besides a management, it is important Klungkung has a spatial planning of its area (RTRW) and its details too (RDTR) specially for Nusa Penida.”

Connecting to that Klungkung has socialised a Nusa Penida water conservation area (KKP) in front of Bali Province Sea and Fishery Agency, Bali Province Coastal Resource and Sea Management Board, the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA) and more.

Based on the survey and research also socialisation in different levels done by Nusa Penida sub district in a Nusa Penida planning program of KKP forming between Klungkung Region Government with The Nature ConservancyCoral Triangle Center (TNC-CTC)

Bali, the under water of Nusa Penida needs to be preserved. “See the sea of sea biota, seaweeds, coral reefs and more needs to be guarded and preserved by taking care of the under water environment’s conservation,” Ngurah Agung explained.

Besides Sail Nusa Penida, the construction for the island is very important to be done like education, don’t only build school buildings in Klungkung’s land. Nusa Penida needs fairness even it’s an island and it can attract Klungkung land’s students to go schooling in Nusa Penida. “One of the schools popular subjects is machinery course. So, government should think of making that kind of school in Nusa Penida which will attract them to come to Nusa Penida,” a Dwi Tunggal Fraction member from House of Representatives, Wayan Mastra, mentioned. For example it needs good teachers to teach, complete supporting facilities and more. What’s more there are lots of students stop going to school. According to year 2007 data, the number of Elementary School (SD) graduates reached 5.991 yet those who continued to Junior High School (SMP) only reached 2.057, “This needs detailed research, is it because they did not continue it or they have moved to a SMP outside the region.” (bal)

90 Percent of Sanur’s Mangrove Grew Well Denpasar (Bali Post) –

The Sanur residents’ effort to save its beach preservation starts to show results. 90 percent of the trees planted in the mangrove grew well.

“Now we are planting again in other areas and change the dead ones,” Head of SVF (Sanur Village Festival) Committee, Ida Bagus Sidharta Putra, explained last Friday (6/8) in Denpasar.

According to Sidharta the planted mangrove was not seen on the total of planted (chasing plants) but on how many grew (chasing growth).

Sidharta who’s also Head of YPS said his side funded some fees for those mangrove plantings.

The foundation was aware of what’s done now can’t be enjoyed

straight away but it is needed for the future generation. The beach’s abrasion gets worse and needs to be anticipated from now on. The beach’s preservation with its mangrove can support the shore’s economic growth.

YPS with governmental organizations and villages agreed to form Mangrove Lovers Forum which will plan the 17 hectares Mertasari Beach to be green again. Besides that a standard operation procedure (SOP) will be made for companies or an institute who is going to plant the mangrove needs to have a budget to grow the plants well.

Besides the mangrove conservation, Sanur also has turtle conservation. Sanur beach is the place turtle’s

eggs laid and hatched besides other Bali eastern beaches. The proofs were its new hatchlings were crawling to the sea at Segara beach.

“Sanur beach was the place turtle’s eggs laid and hatched from years ago. Those turtles are green turtles (Chelionia mydas) and its status is rare and protected from its extinction.”

It was said, its habitat damaged and being hunted always made bad news for the country’s environment so a united people effort was done to make these turtles eggs laid at Sanur Beach guarded and saved, “To guard the turtles preservation, I have made a group of turtles savers so those turtles still go back to the land and lay eggs at Sanur beach.” (par)

Monday, August 9, 2010

3

Job Finder Meets Worker Finders Workforce, Transmigration and Residency Agency Held “Job Fair Bali 2010” For this weekend (7/8 and 8/8) Bali government through Bali Workforce, Transmigration and Residency Agency (Disnakertransduk) held “Job Fair Bali 2010” at GOR Lila Buana, Denpasar in order to get together the job finders and the worker finders (companies) face to face which also quicken the process of a job placement. It is predicted, thousands of job seekers from around Bali who came to the event will fill in jobs offered by 32 companies.

Head of Bali Disnakertranduk, I Made Artadana, informed this to the reporters on Saturday (7/8).

According to Artadana, this yearly activity is purposed to facilitate job seekers to get jobs which suits their talents, willing, and skills also helping those companies getting what they want and need as well. Besides that, this event is used to know what the trend is or quality demanded nowadays, the kind of jobs and opportunities avail-

able as well, “What’s more important, this activity is to lessen the number of unemployment.”

Artadana explained, Job Fair 2010 of course is useful for the government, companies and job seekers. To the government this is an opportunity to collect data on available job opportunities and its seekers also as a suggestion in developing prosperity of the workforce area. Meanwhile, those companies can do their recruitment effectively and efficiently also knowing the quality and dedication of its applicants on location if it suits or not. This event also can be used for promotions, visual representation of products and more. And for the job seekers, in this event they have many options suiting their education qualifications and skills. Also it will save up money and time to find a job, “In this job fair it will open many opportunities, from staffs to managers. The education qualification needed is from High School or same levelled until many kinds of graduates.” (ian)

Lessen Crushers, Karangasem Needs Stopping House Poverty Root Problem Needs “Treatment” Amlapura (Bali Post) –

Hundreds of kids in Karangasem neglected, not schooled or became crushers. To lessen them and to cut the chain of crushers, Karangasem needs stopping houses to give counselling to captured crushers.

This was mentioned in the 62nd Bali Post’s birthday discussion, Friday (6/8) at SWiB radio assembly hall at Karangasem. Central Counsellor for United Women and Children Empowerment Services (P2TP2A) who have accompanied residents in this social situation, Ni Nyoman Suparni mentioned the stopping house.

Karangasem Regent, I Wayan Geredeg and Head of House of Representatives I Gede Dana, and social activist Nyoman Sadra, BA also the manager of Ashram Gedong Gandhi, Candidasa, welcomed and agreed to the idea.

According to Geredeg, it doesn’t need to be huge which so it needs around IDR 150 to IDR 200 Million, “There is a land already, we can use unused government lands instead being a slump and grown by uncontrollable grasses.”

Suparni mentioned now hundreds of Karangasem kids are not schooled, neglected and becoming crushers and exploited by their parents to get incomes by being beggars in the city.

The crusher kids go around Amlapura market and at night market begging door-to-door. These kids who usually say they are from Pedahan or Munti Gunung wears muddled clothes, has dirty body and admitted not schooled.

These crushers not only boys or girls, but also housewives with their little children usually causes sympathy to be given money, “Women and kids are exploited by their head of fami-

lies to crush. Grown man crushers are not from Pedahan and Munti Gunung,” All this time, the root to the problem why they did this was never investigated seriously according to Nyoman Sadra, “Like treating an illness, its source and what caused it, needs to be diagnosed. Then it is treated so its recovery will be easier.”

Suparni mentioned these crushers can’t only be arrested then given lecture for couple of hours, then brought back to Kubu head of sub district office to be processed bringing them back home to Munti Gunung or Pedahan. They will go back crushing.

Those crushers captured will be brought to the stopping house a couple of days. In there they do counselling, asked what really happened and its wants, “We hope to find them because they are not educated, not at all skilled and in poverty. We have met this kind of people, after we educate them we can make them as housekeepers and until now they keep continuing working.”

Gede Dana mentioned, the clean water crisis problem at Munti Gunung and Pedahan needs to be solved so there is no more reason for they to be lazy, not working and being crushers, “A cubang built will be effective for this kind of area.”

Plus, if the Karangasem government can seriously finish this poverty, the House of Reresentatives will appreciate and plot a budget for it, “Although the problem offered needs to be clear and don’t let those budgets get expired.”

This discussion was themed “Digging Karangasem Potential, To End People’s Poverty.”

4

News

Monday, August 9, 2010

International

SKorean president names new prime minister AP

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean President Lee Myung-bak named a former provincial governor as his new prime minister on Sunday as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.

AP

Kim Tae-ho

Presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo announced that the shake-up also included the ministers of knowledge economy, education and five other departments. It did not affect the ministers of foreign affairs, defense and unification.

Kim Tae-ho, a former governor of South Gyeongnsang province, was nominated to replace Chung Un-chan as prime minister, Hong said. The appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.

The prime minister is the nation’s second-highest official, but is largely a ceremonial position with

little decision-making power.

Lee also replaced the ministers of culture, agriculture, health and welfare, employment and labor, and a special minister handling political affairs.

The reshuffle came less than two weeks after Lee’s ruling Grand National Party won parliamentary byelections which were seen as a referendum on public support for the president.

It also came amid tension with North Korea over large South Korean naval drills off the west coast, including spots near the two countries’ disputed sea border.

The exercises, which end Monday, were aimed at strengthening South Korea’s ability to counter any North Korean provocations following the March sinking of a South Korean warship that killed 46 sailors.

North Korea — which has denied involvement in the sinking — warned last week it would “counter the reckless naval firing projected by the group of traitors with strong physical retaliation” and advised civilian ships to stay away from the maritime border.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said no unusual military activity has been detected in the North.

Seoul has said it will launch more military exercises with the United States on Aug. 16 following joint naval drills last month in waters off South Korea’s east coast.

Australia opposition launches poll bid as PM founders AFP

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) – Australia’s opposition leader Tony Abbott on Sunday promised “real action” instead of “gutless spin” if voters topple embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard in this month’s election.

The Liberal Party leader unveiled his plans to govern ahead of the August 21 poll by savaging Gillard and pledging jail time for people smugglers, a halt on wasteful government spending, to restore a budget surplus and lower taxes.

Spotlighting Labor Party rifts that have battered Gillard since she became Australia’s first woman leader after ousting Kevin Rudd in a backroom coup six weeks ago, Abbott touted his own party’s unity, fiscal prudence and experience in government.

“I am asking for your support to end the waste, to pay back the debt, to stop the big new taxes, to stop the boats and to help struggling families,” he told ecstatic supporters.

He charged that Labor’s immigration reforms had attracted boatpeople while government had run up a budget deficit by squandering billions of dollars on wasteful stimulus measures aimed at fighting the global financial crisis.

“Our task is nothing less than to save Australia from the worst government in its history,” he told the crowd in Queensland state, where the results in crucial marginal seats will swing the election.

Accusing the government of incompetence, he promised “real action” if he is elected, compared to

Labor’s record of “all talk but no action.”

“Let’s bury an era of gutless spin and give our country a fresh start, where politicians say what they mean and do what they say,” he said in a speech analysts said was short on vision.

Abbott, a devoutly Catholic fitness fanatic often dubbed the “Mad Monk,” has been tipped by four opinion polls in the past week to topple Gillard.

A rank outsider when the campaign began three weeks ago, his popularity has soared as the single atheist Gillard was battered by an avalanche of damaging body blows that have overshadowed her bid to win her own mandate to rule.

A day after her attempt to bury the hatchet with Rudd went awry when photos revealed visible tensions between the two, Abbott capitalised on the rift that has seen

Gillard’s campaign descend into what he branded a “soap opera”.

“Why give the Labor Party a second chance when it wouldn’t give its own leader one?” he said, pointedly drawing attention to Rudd’s ruthless ouster.

As Abbott spoke, Rudd hit the campaign trail in a Brisbane shopping mall, with the awkward task of reviving support for Labor and the woman who deposed him.

Outlining his plans for his first three months in office, Abbott largely repeated already-stated positions, but announced one new measure aimed at appealing to voters worried about immigrant arrivals.

He pledged prison terms of at least 10 years for repeat people smugglers, highlighting the fact that 150 boats carrying 7,000 people have arrived on Australia’s shores since Rudd won power three years ago.

AFP/File

An Israel warship patrols in the Mediterranean SeaVideo. Israel and Lebanon bury their dead after border flare-up.

Israel fires warning shots towards Lebanese boat AFP

AFP

Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott

JERUSALEM (AFP) – Israel’s navy on Sunday fired warning shots towards a Lebanese fishing vessel in the Mediterranean, a military spokeswoman said.

“Warning shots were fired after a Lebanese fishing boat entered a closed zone,” she said without confirming whether the boat had entered Israeli territorial waters.

After the shots were fired, causing no damage or injuries, “the Lebanese boat changed course,” she added.

Relations between the two countries have been particularly tense since Tuesday when Israeli and Lebanese troops clashed along the border, in a deadly exchange of fire which killed two Lebanese soldiers and a journalist, as well as an Israeli officer.

The standoff was sparked when Israeli troops tried to cut down a tree on the border, prompting the Lebanese to open fire towards them.

Hotel Activities

International

Monday, August 9, 2010

5

Ramadhan Delight Package at Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center IBP

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When maghrib adzan been sounded, Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center provides an attrac-

IBP/doc

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In the spirit of Ramadhan and to extend your relationship with your colleague as well as business partner, Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center provide a selection of Buka Puasa Bersama packages for you to choose, starts from Rp. 110.900 + + featuring a selection of Ta’jil , The delectable dinner array concludes with a refreshing dessert.

First Time, a Hotel Company has Four Hotels in the Top Four IBP

The Oberoi Vanyavilas ranked the best hotel in the world; Four Oberoi hotels ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Asia; Four Oberoi hotels ranked amongst fifteen best in the world.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas,

Jaipur and The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur have been ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in Asia.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, The Oberoi Amarvilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Udaivilas have also been ranked 1st, 5th, 13th and 15th respectively in the world.

These awards were announced by the world’s leading travel magazine

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

brand - Travel + Leisure. The ranking is the result of a readers’ poll conducted by the magazine. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are amongst the most prestigious in the international travel industry as it is the readers who define excellence in travel. The readers rate their experiences and evaluate hotels across the world on the following charac-

teristics – rooms and facilities, location, service, restaurants and food, and value.

Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, “I am extremely proud that four Oberoi hotels have been ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Asia. I am delighted The Oberoi Vanyavilas has been ranked the best in the world and four Oberoi hotels

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

have been ranked amongst the fifteen best in the world.

“Our guests have given us high ranking because we have built and maintained our hotels with care and our employees have exceeded their expectations. The exceptional ranking is recognition that we have excellent hotels and the best employees in the hospitality industry.”

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

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Monday, August 9, 2010

News Schwarzenegger: Let same-sex weddings resume now AP

Reuters –

Damaged houses are seen after a rain-triggered landslide hit Shuanghe village in Hanyuan county, Sichuan

127 dead, thousands missing in China landslides AP

BEIJING – Rubble-strewn floodwaters tore through a remote corner of northwestern China on Sunday, smashing buildings, overturning cars and killing at least 127 people.

Half of an entire town was under water and an estimated 2,000 more people were missing in the latest deluge in a summer that has seen China’s worst seasonal flooding in a decade.

Terrified residents fled to high ground or upper stories of apartment buildings after a debrisblocked river overflowed during the night in the northwestern province of Gansu.

Worst hit was the county seat of Zhouqu in the province’s Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with the official Xinhua News Agency reporting half of it under water. Many houses collapsed and streets were covered with a yard (meter) of mud and water after the early morning landslides, it said.

The landslides struck after heavy rains lashed the country late Saturday and the Bailong River overflowed, Xinhua quoted the head of Zhouqu county, Diemujiangteng, as saying, “Now the sludge (thick mud) has became the biggest problem to rescue operations. It’s too thick to walk or drive through,” he was quoted as saying.

State broadcaster China Central Television said the death toll

in the province was at least 127, with about 2,000 people missing.

Power, water and communications were cut in affected areas in the southern part of the province, about one-third of whose residents are ethnic Tibetan, and it was not known how many of the missing were in danger or simply out of contact.

The devastation was worsened by the blockage of the river upstream, which created a 2-mile (3kilometer)-long lake that overfilled and sent massive waves of mud, rocks and water crashing down on the town, ripping houses from their foundations and tearing six-story apartment buildings in half.

Explosive experts were flying to the scene by helicopter to demolish the blockage and safely release potential flood waters.

Tents, boxed meals and medical supplies were being rushed to the area, where more rain was forecast through Wednesday.

CCTV said 45,000 people had been evacuated, but the region’s remote, mountainous location was hampering the emergency response. Heavy equipment could not be brought along the narrow access roads, forcing rescuers to rely on shovels, picks and buck-

ets, while scattered stones either barred the way or caused tires to rupture. Pictures showed streets covered in layers of mud and stones, shattered buildings and cars washed downstream.

CCTV reported Premier Wen Jiabao was had flown to Jiuzhaigou in neighboring Sichuan province and was heading to the disaster area to oversee rescue work.

The Lanzhou Military Area Command in the provincial capital dispatched 2,400 soldiers to help with rescue efforts. More than 1,000 firefighters and militia members from the surrounding area were also being sent to aid relief efforts, Xinhua said.

Around China, the country’s worst flooding in a decade has killed more than 1,100 people this year, with more than 600 still missing. The floods have caused tens of billions of dollars in damage across 28 provinces and regions.

Overall this year, about 875,000 homes have been destroyed, 9.61 million people evacuated, and 22 million acres (8.76 million hectares) of crops ruined, according to the government’s flood control office.

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who twice vetoed legislation that would have legalized same-sex marriage, has surprised gay rights supporters by urging a federal judge to allow gay couples to resume marrying in the state without further delay.

Lawyers for Schwarzenegger, Attorney General Jerry Brown, two gay couples and the city of San Francisco all filed legal motions Friday asking Chief U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker to implement his ruling striking California’s voter-approved same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional.

“The Administration believes the public interest is best served by permitting the court’s judgment to go into effect, thereby restoring the right of same-sex couples to marry in California,” the Republican governor’s lawyers said on his behalf. “Doing so is consistent with California’s long history of treating all people and their relationships with equal dignity and respect.”

In his 136-page decision overturning Proposition 8 Wednesday, Walker said he was ordering the state to cease enforcing the 22month-old ban. But he agreed to suspend the order until he could review the briefs submitted Fri-

day.

The measure’s sponsors have asked the judge to keep the ban in effect until their appeal of Walker ’s ruling invalidating Proposition 8 is decided by higher courts.

They argued in court papers filed earlier this week that resuming gay marriage now would cause legal chaos if the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals or U.S. Supreme Court eventually reverse Walker’s ruling.

It was unclear when the judge would decide whether to grant a stay that would prevent marriage licenses from being issued to gay couples during the appeals process.

If he does clear the way for same-sex couples to wed, lawyers for sponsors of Proposition 8 said Friday they would seek an emergency order from the 9th Circuit to prevent that from happening.

The governor and attorney general almost always defend state laws when they are challenged, regardless of their personal views.

But in this case, both Schwarzenegger and Brown refused to participate in fighting the lawsuit aimed at overturning the ban, even though they both were named as defendants.

That left the job of defending Proposition 8 to its backers, a coalition of religious and conservative groups known as Protect Marriage.

Villager...

From page 1 Nyoman Sujana, the head of Besang Kawan Toh Jiwa village, said “there is a rule in our village where ceremony can not be carried out on pasah.” The ceremony was started on 7 am local time. All of the villagers took part in the ceremony which was started by

“pecaruan” on the junction on the village.

Then, a cow was carried around the village. At the end of the ceremony, the cow was butchered and there is great hope that the blood will give safety to the people.(kmb20)

500 missing...

From page 1 The injured were being treated at an army hospital and several makeshift clinics in and around Leh, the worst-hit town, Khoda said. Officials said the missing people included 28 army soldiers.

Rescuers still had not reached about 5,000 people in Choglamsar, a village on Leh’s outskirts, because of mudslides blocking the road, police officer Nawang Tsering said.

Mohammed Deen Khan, a social activist who tried to reach the village on Saturday, said the mud was about 15 feet (4.5 meters) high in some places. He said authorities were facing a shortage of bulldozers and heavy

earth movers.

About 100 stranded foreign tourists, mostly Europeans, were evacuated from Pang village northeast of Leh, army spokesman Lt. Col. J.S. Brar said in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir.

August is peak tourist season in Ladakh, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Srinagar. It is a high-altitude desert with a stark moonscape-like terrain, and normally received very little rain.

The deluge came as neighboring Pakistan suffered its worst flooding in decades, with millions displaced and about 1,500 dead.

International

Indonesia Today

Monday, August 9, 2010

7

Five terror suspects arrested in West Java Antara

BANDUNG - The Indonesian police in West Java arrested five terror suspects in four different places, the province’s police chief, Inspector General Sutarman, said.

AFP PHOTO / ADEK BERRY

An Indonesian woman receives a package of cheap staple foods during a distribution to welcome the month of ramadan in Jakarta on August 7, 2010. The most populous Muslim country, Indonesia along with Muslims around the world will start ramadan on August 11, when Muslim refrain from eating, drinking and having sex from dawn to dusk.

Legislator killed in boat accident Antara

MANADO - Setia Permana, a House of Representatives (DPR) member, died when a boat which was to carry legislators to the Bunaken Marine Park here was hit by a huge wave on Saturday.

Permana is a member of the DPR’s Commission III on legal and security affairs from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction. He was to have a picnic with other Commission III

members at the Marine Park when the huge wave struck.

“The accident occurred when the boat which was used by the Commission III members, was hit by a huge wave at the Bunaken pier,” John Sulangi, a protocol staff member of the local government, said on Saturday.

The accident took place at 12 am local time.

Besides Setia Permana, the wife of Cipto, another Commission III member, also died in the accident.

A number of other lawmakers were also injured in the accident, namely H Otong Abdurrahman, Dimyati Natakusumah, Abubakar Al Habsyi, Nudirman Munir, Nurdin and Cipto.

The Commission III team which was composed of 27 persons including staffers of the DPR secretariat was conducting a two-day working visit to in North Sulawesi, having an audience with the North Sulawesi Regional police and the prosecutor’s office.

Greenpeace campaigns for protection of tiger forest Antara

JAMBI - Greenpeace activists unfurled a giant banner with text reading “APP-Stop destroying Tiger Forests” to protest alleged forest destruction by pulp giant Asia Pulp&Paper (APP).

The banner was put up in an area of active clearing by PT. Tebo Multi Agro (TMA), an affiliate of APP, in the southern part of the Bukit Tigapuluh landscape last Thurday (Aug 5), according to a press statement of Greenpeace Southeast Asia in its official website.

“Greenpeace and KKI Warsi, a Sumatra based NGO, urged the Indonesian government to take immediate action to stop further destruction of this valuable forest that is currently being logged for the expansion of the pulp and paper industry,” it said.

The Bukit Tigapuluh landscape is recognized as one of the last refuges for the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger and hosts incredible biodiversity including 660 plant spe-

cies, 200 species of birds and 60 mammal species, including the highly endangered clouded leopard, Malayan tapir, Sumatran elephant and the Orang utan.

The area is also home to the indigenous peoples of the Orang Rimba and Talang Mamak tribes.

“Greenpeace is here today to expose APP’s false claims that it only develops ‘least valuable degraded forests and denuded wasteland’. This is precious forest that houses rich biodiversity, carbon stocks and is the home to the Orang Rimba and Talang Mamak peoples. It should not be destroyed for copy paper and glossy magazines,” said Zulfahmi, forest campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“APP and its parent company Sinar Mas are not only undermining President Yudhoyono’s international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation but are also driving endangered species like the Sumatran tiger towards extinction and making indigenous communities homeless,” he added.

Last week Greenpeace launched its latest investigative report into the operations of Sinar Mas. Greenpeace gathered new photographic evidence from aerial monitoring, backed up by field analysis, to detail how the Sinar Mas group continues to clear rainforest containing priceless biodiversity and carbonrich peatlands, despite public promises it has made to clean up its act.

“Our recent survey shows that currently about 500 Orang Rimba live in Bukit Tigapuluh forests. But now they are in danger as the forests which they depend on for their livelihoods is already destroyed. In order to protect the biodiversity and the interests of our forest communities, deforestation must end immediately,” said Robert Aritonang of Warsi.

Greenpeace is calling upon the Indonesian government to extend the recently announced moratorium on ‘new concessions on conversion of natural forests and peatlands into plantations’ to include a halt to all clearing of forested areas within existing concessions.

Two of the suspects were nabbed in a raid on a house in Sukasari village, and the three others were arrested respectively in Cileunyi, Padalarang, and Subang, West Java, on Saturday, he said.

Prior to the arrests, electrical power in the targeted areas was cut off to anticipate any unwanted eventualities because the electricity could be used to detonate bombs, he said.

The police did not only arrest the suspects but also seized bombs suspected to be “high explosive” from the suspects’ rented house in Sukamulya village, he said.

West Java police’s bomb squad members detonated the seized bombs and explosive materials inside the rented house.

Earlier in the day, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono disclosed that he was under threat of terrorist action during a working visit to Ciwidey, West Java.

“I received a report from security last night that certain elements with bad intentions were lurking in the Ciwidey area to do something against me,” the President said when inspecting a training school for army recruits in West Java.

But the head of state also said terrorist elements would never prevail on Indonesian soil.

“Never will terrorist elements prevail on Indonesian soil. They will only succeed in victimizing innocent people,” the president said.

The president said the terror elements that had targeted him were successfully overcome by members of the presidential security force.

The police have been intensifying hunts of armed terror suspects in various parts of the country, such as Aceh, the outskirts of Jakarta, Banten, Central Java, and West Java, since February.

On March 9, in Pamulang subdistrict, Tangerang City, Banten Province, the police gunned down three terror suspects and arrested three others. The dead terror suspects were Dulmatin, one of Indonesia’s most wanted terrorists, and two of his body guards.

Dulmatin, who was also involved in the 2002 Bali bombings, was shot dead in a raid on an internet outlet in Pamulang.

Indonesia has been fighting terrorism in the country since the 2002 Bali bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australian holiday makers.

Two years before the terror bombings in the resort island of Bali, Indonesia was rocked by the Christmas Eve bombings in 2000.

Four missing as Indonesia volcano erupts Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Four people were missing Friday after one of Indonesia’s most active volcanos erupted, spewing lava and hot ash, an official said.

“There was an eruption on Mount Karengetang,” Surono, a vulcanologist with Volcano and Geological Disaster Centre in Jakarta, told AFP. “Four people are still missing because of the eruption and one person is injured,” he said.

The eruption of 1,784-metre (5,853-foot) Mount Karangetang,

on remote Siau island in North Sulawesi province, was triggered by heavy rain which caused the volcano to spew lava and ash, he said. Surono said the missing people lived in the area.

Authorities had not evacuated villages near the volcano as the eruption had now ended and there was no further danger, he said.

Vulcanologists say heavy rains have been blamed for “dome collapse” volcanic eruptions.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity.

8

Internationa

Monday, August 9, 2010

Bali Today Occupancy hotels increasing 4.17 percent Antara

DENPASAR – The occupancy rates in star hotels at Bali increase on average 64.56 percent on June 2010. The increase is better around 4.17 percent compare to the last month occupancy rate that only reached 60.39 percent. ‘’The occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Bali have significant relation with the number of tourists that visit Bali. The numbers of tourists that visited Bali last month were increased 12.12 percent,” said Chief of Bali’s Statistical center Ida Komang Wisnu.

He stated that Bali receive visitation from 228,045 foreign tourists on June 2010 or increase about 12.12 percent from last month.

The highest occupancy rate of star hotels in Bali are hotels in Tabanan, which are 71 percent, followed by Badung (67.58 %), Denpasar (60.25

%), Gianyar (58 %), Karangasem (47.54 %), and Buleleng (23.37) If compared to the last month occupation, hotels in Tabanan gained 41.23 percent increased, Badung 5.81 percent, Karangasem (1.67 %), and Denpasar (1.81 %) On the June period, according to Wisnu, only hotels in two regencies in Bali experienced declined occupancy rates, which were Gianyar and Buleleng respectively decline 2.42 percent and 11.34 percent.

Wisnu added that according to hotel classification, the three-star hotels

experienced highest raised 73.71 percent and the lowest are one-star hotels with only 39.1 percent.

Meanwhile the average increases of four-star hotels are 64.49 percent, five-star hotels reached 63.43 percent increased and two-star hotel gained 53.41 percent increase.

On the length of stay, foreign and domestic tourists that vacationed in Bali stay for an average 3.48 days. He stated that the length of stay of tourists increased 0.11 percent compare to the May figure which only reached 3.37 day.

Rural tourism in Badung:

Pangsan Village as a pilot project Development of tourism sector in Badung Regency is expected to become motivator of a variety of existing socio-economic potentials. In addition, it is also intended for the welfare and intellectual life of Badung society.

Therefore, Badung Regency began to develop and pioneer the community-based cultural tourism, as well as to pay attention to environmental aspects. “It is one of the destination development models that can protect the culture of community, to preserve the environment and to involve the public directly. As the result, Badung started building rural tourism,” said the Head of Badung Government Tourism Office, Made Subawa, recently.

It was also said that the current rural tourism was one of the flagship programs of the Tourism Office of Badung Regency. As a flagship program, it was expected to open new

job opportunities in rural areas, to tackle poverty, to invite the community to implement the behavior of Clean and Healthy Living (PHBS).

“Based on monitoring in the field, there are currently a number of villages that have the potential to be developed into rural tourism. One of them is Pangsan Village,” he said.

Pangsan Village has panoramic and pristine views and various tourist attractions such as rafting and trekking.

Rafting has a mileage of 2.5 hours, while two lines of trekking have relatively hard trekking level with a distance of 5 km and soft-trekking with a distance of about 2 km.

The atmosphere of the route to location of rafting and trekking activity is also very beautiful. Because, when having a promenade around the field, you will be presented with unique attraction of plowing rice fields by Bali cow, planting rice, harvesting rice and other integrated attractions. All of these

activities have been perfectly packed into a single entity called Simantri (integrated farming system).

“This is what we have developed at Pangsan Village, so that this village becomes a pilot project for the Bali Provincial Government which is currently developing a variety of programs that also involves plantation, animal husbandry and fishery, including the processing of livestock waste that can produce gas and energy used directly by households,” he said.

In addition, you can also enjoy the attractions of traditional cooking (ngelawar / mebat) which can then be served in person. Meanwhile, traditional arts and a number of existing homes are also ready for accommodation if guests want to stay at this village. “Pangsan Village also has a number of public figures who have enough experience in the field of tourism, so they are ready to accompany a guide,” concluded Subawa. (BTN/015)

AFP PHOTO/Sonny TUMBELAKA

Stray dog wander past Balinese people in Jimbaran village on the resort island of Bali on August 6, 2010. The Indonesian government is to vaccinate all dogs on the holiday island of Bali to combat a raging rabies epidemic that has left 76 people dead over two years.

Tourist paradise Bali suffering rabies epidemic Agence France-Presse

DENPASAR - The Indonesian government is to vaccinate all dogs on the holiday island of Bali to combat a raging rabies epidemic that has left 76 people dead over two years, an official said Friday.

Around 34,000 people have been bitten by dogs on the island, which is popular with western tourists, in the first seven months of this year alone, authorities said.

“We aim to vaccinate all dogs in Bali by the end of this year to curb the spread of rabies. We’ll start to mass vaccinate the dogs in late September,” Bali animal husbandry agency Chief Putu Sumantra said.

“There are still hundreds of thousand of dogs that have not been vaccinated. About 200 teams will be deployed to work in 700 villages,” he said.

Unlike the rest of mainly Muslim Indonesia, where people do not generally keep dogs, Bali is a predominantly Hindu island and dogs are common either as pets or strays.

Sumantra said that since 2008, about 300,000 dogs had been vaccinated. Tens of thousands of stray dogs had also been culled.

Bali health agency head Nyoman Sutedja said there were 34,000 cases of people being bitten by dogs in Bali this year compared to 28,000 dog bites in the whole of 2009.

“The rising cases of bites have made us worry. We need more antirabies vaccines for people here,” Sutedja said.

The latest victim of rabies, a 43year old Balinese woman, died on Tuesday.

Australia and the US have issued travel warnings to tourists about the prevalence of the disease.

Ten models became canvas for body painting sensation Antara

DENPASAR – Ten models became canvas during the body painting event in Sanur Village Festival (SVF) on Saturday.

On model’s body, painter displaying colorful acrylic paint to make a good painting. The painters exploring this ‘’unusual” canvas and created beautiful

picture, likes fishes, lion, and beach.

Jango Paramartha, one of the body painter said to express an idea on the body is not difficult, it is the same like making painting over sheet canvas. ‘’No it is not difficult to painting picture on a body. We only need concentration because sometimes

the body moves,” said Jango who also known as cartoonist.

Even though the same with sheet canvas, painter has to be able to follows the shape of the model’s body. ‘’The painter has to be able to create something that fit to the theme,” he said.

According to Nikita, one of the

FOTO ANTARA/Edoardo

Painters participated in the body painting contest at Segara Beach, Sanur, Bali on Saturday, August 7. body painting models, she really glad to be participates in this event.

Nikita admitted that she want to

be a body painting model because she wants to give chance for the painters to expressed their idea.

al

Monday, August 9, 2010

Balinese Culture Flour-coated quail egg:

”Mr. Turtle”, I Gusti Ngurah Tresna:

Minimalist look, great delicacy

Sea Turtle Conservation as another Attraction in Kuta Beach Apart from being a tourist attraction, Kuta Beach is also a natural habitat for sea turtles to lay their eggs. In 2002, the village of Kuta established a Kuta Beach Security (Satgas Kuta) which has responsible for the management of coastal areas and also maintaining comfort. “At first we only assigned to be responsible for managing the area of Kuta Beach and provide convenience for tourists, but then our task increase after a turtle approached and laid their eggs here.

We are also commited that anyone who comes here will be protected,” said the head of Kuta Beach Security, Gusti Ngurah Tresna which also known as Mr. Turtle. Seeing this, then, they made insulation in the location of these turtles laid their eggs and it attracted the attention of the other parties, like ProFauna and BKSDA, which later merged to provide assistance.

Every year, he continued, more and more turtles are landed along the beach of Kuta. We, then, isolated them as we ever done before. However, it was not safe because the eggs are swept away by a large wave that came suddenly. Based on this experience, in 2005, the turtles came again and then we made a tub enclosure for eggs. In this way, almost all the eggs hatched in securely. Finally, there is a help from the Coca-Cola and Quicksilver to

build a statue of a giant tortoise as a place to save the turtle eggs which established on June 19th, 2010.

By continuing to implement conservation programs and also the release of hatchlings to the beach, it was able to attract the attention of tourists. Even these activities can also slowly dim the image of Balinese who are fond of consuming turtle meat. It was proved by Gibbon Award which was awarded by animal lovers organization based in New York. “I am very proud of it. It also makes

us to have a desire to convey to the world that this is a new attraction, which is especially dedicated to tourists on the Kuta beach. At first there are only three things that can be sold, those are waves, sunset, and white sands. But now, with the conservation activity and also the release of turtle hatchings, it will be another attraction for tourists to visit the Kuta beach and also as a promoting activity to save the sea turtles. It is like “My dream comes true,” he explained at the end of the interview. (BTN/ angga)

Balinese people have an expression used to state improbable condition. They use the condition of tailless quail. For instance, if they have no money and want to buy something luxurious or expensive, they will say “I will buy expensive X when the quail has a tail.” Quail is a wild bird and it’s difficult to encounter its nest. However, today it has been cultivated widely for commercial needs. As a result, it will be easy to obtain its egg, either at traditional market or stalls nearby.

If you used to taste the delicacy of chicken or duck egg, it’s time to try the small quail egg. Though it looks minimalist, it can offer you great delicacy. Coated with spiced-flour, it definitely becomes a luscious side dish.

Ingredient: 10 quail eggs, 3 tbsp starch flour, 3 tbsp wheat flour, 6 tbsp rice flour and 1 sachet of spiced flour, some ½ glass of water Spices: 3 cloves garlic (sublimated), ½ tsp coriander, ½ tsp salt, 1 large chili (sliced thinly), appropriate palm oil to fry Method: • Boil the quail eggs until cooked and peel away its shell.

• All flours are mix together and add a small amount of water gradually. Attempt not to be too thick or too watery. Mix the spices into the flour batter thoroughly and then put the quail eggs into the batter.

• Pre-heat the frying that has contained palm oil.

Take the quail egg one by one that has been coated by flour batter and fry.

• Fry them until cooked or its color turns brownish. Take out and serve on platter. (BTN/punia)

Base be siap (Spice Paste for Chicken) INGREDIENTS: 225 gr shallots, peeled 125 gr cloves garlic, peeled 50 gr kencur root, peeled and chopped 60 gr laos, peeled and chopped 100 gr candlenuts 125 gr fresh turmeric, peeled & chopped 50 gr bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced 50 gr chopped palm sugar 150 ml coconut oil 2 stalks lemon grass, bruised 3 salam leaves 250 ml water ¾ tbsp salt PREPARATION: Grind all ingredients except lemon grass, salam leaves and water, coarsely in food processor. Place in heavy sauce pan, add all remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes or until water is evaporated and marinade changes to golden color.

C.045 ibp

Cool before using. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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10

Destinations

Monday, August 9, 2010

International

Bali Museum IBP

Strategically located in Major Wisnu Street in Denpasar Bali and it is find it due to the location is in the heart town. In the north side there are glorious temple of Jagatnatha, meanwhile in front of it the Puputan Badung (Badung Courtyard) and four face statue (Catur Muka Statue) are located.

The development of Bali Museum is begun by the existence of initiative how to vitally the heritage of Balinese culture and taking care of, preserve and maintaining. The initiative is based on the existence of feeling to worry, that there is symptom a kind of culture erosion, so that the cultural heritage become totally disappeared, lose, what omit only photograph and documentations.

Bali Museum save the Balinese culture heritage, emerge the founding plan a museum which afterward becomes the Bali Museum: * The early planning of Bali Museum founding was Governmental functionary of Dutch, Bali King, Society Prominent, all artists like: WFJ Kroon (assistant of Dutch Resi-

dent), Curt Grundler (a Germany Architect), I Gusti Alit Ngurah (Bestuurder Penegara Badung), I Gusti Bagus Jelantik (King of Karangasem), I Gusti Ketut Djelantik (King of Buleleng), King of Tabanan, and all artists like I Gusti Ketut Kandel, I Gusti Ketut Rai. The Planning is happened in year 1910 with the elementary concept Bali Museum building structure that was solidarity of the structure between temple building (Sanctum) and Palace (Keraton). * After agreed on the concept of the museum building structure, hence founded a mains building which deflect finished in year 1925.

Because of the ancient object collection which had been collected is not yet adequate and then during 7 years (1925-1932), the mains building stood functioned for the exhibition purpose. All meritorious experts in checking object taken as collection of Bali Museum for example: DR.W.F. Stutterheim, G.I. Graider, G.M. Hendrikss, DR.R. Goris, and artist of Walter Spies * Bali Museum in the beginning is handled by an institution that is called Bali Museum Institution and opened officially on 8 December

1932 with the name of Bali Museum * The management hereinafter by institution of Bali Museum has been reverted to Government of Indonesia since 5 January 1966.

The object collections which are

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Monday, August 9, 2010

11

BUSINESS China’s savings rate to drop in coming decade Agence France-Presse

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

In this Aug. 2, 2010 photograph, Joseph Oeler Jr., 35, of Hollywood, Fla. waits in line at a job fair sponsored by National Career Fairs in Dania Beach, Fla. The US economy shed more jobs than expected in July, the Labor Department said Friday, heightening fears that the world’s largest economy will take years to fully recover from a crippling recession.

US economy sheds 131,000 jobs Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - The US economy shed more jobs than expected in July, the Labor Department said Friday, heightening fears that the world’s largest economy will take years to fully recover from a crippling recession.

Some 131,000 jobs were lost and the unemployment rate remained stuck at 9.5 percent last month, officials said, as federal and local governments slashed jobs.

The private sector was unable to offset a massive government layoff of 143,000 census-takers, with firms creating only a modest 71,000 jobs.

The figures were seen as yet another sign that the US economic recovery is stagnating, and that the jobs market may take years to get back on its feet.

“The current pace of employment is too slow to replace the more than eight million jobs lost in the recession — not in the next year or two, perhaps even not in the next five years,” said Bart van Ark, chief economist of The Conference Board, a business research firm.

“It’s unlikely that industries such as construction and manufacturing will ever return to pre-recession employment levels.”

Analysts had predicted the ranks of working Americans would shrink by 87,000 in July, pushing the unemployment rate up to 9.6 percent.

Revisions to June figures also compounded the angst. The Labor Depart-

ment said 221,000 jobs had been lost versus the 125,000 earlier reported.

That piled pressure on President Barack Obama to prove his economic policies are working ahead of November midterm elections.

Speaking at a Washington signmakers plant, Obama pointed to the distance the private sector has traveled since the depths of the recession.

“The fact is we’ve added private sector jobs every month this year, instead of losing them, as we did for the first seven months of last year. That’s a good sign.”

But “the road to recovery doesn’t follow a straight line,” he admitted.

“Some sectors bounce back faster than others.”

Obama’s opponents leaped on the data as evidence that massive economic stimulus spending had not worked.

“President Obama’s economic policies have failed to create sustainable job growth,” said Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele.

On Wall Street, markets reacted gloomily, with major stock indices trading down heavily.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 160 points after the announcement

but later pared loses to finish the day down 21 points.

For months investors have anxiously awaited any clue of where the economy is headed, with data frequently providing a confused snap shot.

That trend appears to have continued, leaving Obama and policy makers facing tough choices about whether new crisis measures are needed.

The Federal Reserve’s rate-setting panel meets on Tuesday, when it is expected to ponder restarting stimulus policies.

But most analysts agree the central bank will shy away from any new measures unless absolutely necessary, to avoid using one of their few remaining policy levers.

“The central bank’s problem now is that any additional monetary stimulus will require unconventional methods,” said Ryan Sweet of Moody’s Economy.com. “The cost and benefit trade-off of these are unclear.”

But Friday’s report prompted calls for the Fed to keep record low interest rates.

“The Fed should remain dovish,” said analysts at Societe Generale.

GENEVA - China’s high savings rate is expected to fall substantially in coming years as its workforce shrinks, the population ages and social security spending increases, a BIS report shows.

In research published by the Bank for International Settlements on the “myth and reality” of China’s savings rate, Ma Guonan and Wang Yi found that the Asian giant needs its population to spend more in order to sustain rapid economic growth in coming years.

The researchers, who were writing in their personal capacity, also reject claims that Chinese state firms have been benefiting from high savings thanks to exchange rate distortions and subsidies designed to drive economic growth.

They point out that “less advantaged” and more efficient firms have been the ones posting the greatest gains in earnings in recent years rather than state-owned companies.

China’s gross national savings soared from 39.2 percent of output in 1990 to 53.2 percent in 2008, far higher than the United States, which saved just 12.2 percent in 2008.

Even compared to other Asian giants — Japan with 27 percent in 2007 and India with 33.6 percent in 2008 — China’s share of savings as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) is significantly larger.

Nonetheless, the population and social trends that have underpinned China’s growth and savings rates are likely tail off significantly over the next decade, the two Chinese researchers argued.

The frugal Chinese have come under fire from critics who claim that Beijing fuelled a credit bubble in the West by investing these savings abroad, especially in the United States.

Chinese holdings in US Treasury bonds reached 900.2 billion dollars in April, making it the biggest holder of such investments.

In the wake of the global slump,

world leaders and economists have been asking China to spend more, rather than pin its economic growth on exports to the West, in order to help address world trade imbalances.

Ma, a BIS economist and Wang, who is from the Chinese central bank, note however that the current savings trend by Chinese households will not last.

The swelling working population in recent years has boosted savings in recent years, they note.

In addition, large-scale corporate restructuring between 1995 and 2005 increased job uncertainty, forcing workers to set aside more money in case they were fired. The lack of a social safety net also pushed workers to make “precautionary savings.”

Beyond households, government savings have also been increasing in tandem, as more is being set aside to meet pension needs which are expected to rise significantly as the population ages.

However, these trends are expected to be reversed in coming years.

“It is reasonable to assume that the large-scale labour retrenchment observed during 1995 to 2008 is by and large been behind us,” say the researchers.

In addition, China is expected to enter into a phase of “accelerated population ageing within a decade.” This means that the workforce will decline, leading to a fall in overall income and therefore savings. At the same time, infrastructure spending is expected to continue, in order to provide for the ageing population and the urbanisation of the country.

“Taken together, a key implication from these medium-term forces is that China’s saving rate is likely to plateau before long and may ease off noticeably from the current 53 percent or even higher levels over the next 10 years.

“The marked U-shaped experience of China’s saving rate over the past 25 years also suggests that the prospective Chinese saving rate can fall meaningfully in the years ahead.”

AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

In this photo taken July 21, 2010, a Chinese migrant worker walks past a make-shift wall with “luxury” written on, which encloses buildings of high-end commercial and residential project under construction in Beijing. China’s high savings rate is expected to fall substantially in coming years as its workforce shrinks, the population ages and social security spending increases, a BIS report shows.

12

Entertainment

Monday, August 9, 2010

Zsa Zsa Gabor hospitalized until at least Monday Associated Press Writer

REUTERS/Fred Prouser/files

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor remained in serious condition over the weekend at a Los Angeles hospital after a car crash last week, according to reports December 2, 2002.

LOS ANGELES – Doctors want to keep Zsa Zsa Gabor hospitalized until at least Monday, after the 93year-old actress went into shock during her recovery from a broken hip.

Gabor’s publicist John Blanchette said Saturday that Gabor had a bad reaction to morphine, but her condition has improved since she was switched to a different pain medication.

Blanchette calls Gabor “a fighter.”

Gabor broke her hip July 17 as she was lifting herself from bed into a wheelchair that tipped over. The Hungarian-born actress’ condition began to deteriorate after hip-replacement surgery days later.

Gabor’s husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt says Gabor appears depressed. He hopes the return home will restore her spirit.

International

Actress Emma Thompson (C) poses with actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (L) and Hugh Laurie at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during the star presentation ceremony in front of the historic Pig ‘n Whistle British Pub, August 6, 2010 in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK

Robbie Williams to marry US actress this weekend: report Agence France Presse

LONDON - British pop star Robbie Williams will marry his US actress girlfriend this weekend on an island off the California coast, a newspaper said Friday. The singer, 36 — who recently rejoined British band Take That — is to tie the knot with Ayda Field, 31, in an intimate ceremony on Saturday, Britain’s Sun newspaper said.

The couple had kept the wedding a close secret and only told family and friends last week, said the report. The ceremony will take place on the island of Santa Catalina, 20 miles (32 kilometres) off Los Angeles.

In 1995, Williams parted company with Take That, a boy band which dominated the British pop scene in the 1990s, and had a string of romances with fellow pop stars and Hollywood actresses as he pursued a successful solo career.

But the pop star has calmed down since meeting Field in 2006, and he popped the question to her last November live on an Australian radio show.

Wedding guests have been told to assemble early Saturday at a small port and will then be ferried to the island, said the Sun. A source told the paper: “They have tried to keep the guest list for the wedding as small as possible and have revealed only scant detail of the ceremony to the lucky few who are invited.”

The news comes just weeks after it emerged that Williams was rejoining Take That and that the band had been secretly recording a new album to be released in November.

Emma Thompson honored on Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame’ Agence Farnce Presse

LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning British actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson was the toast of Tinseltown on Friday, receiving the 2,416th star on Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame” — outside an English-themed pub. Thompson, 51, was honored at a ceremony in front of the Pig ‘n’ Whistle attended by fellow actors Hugh Laurie of “House” fame and Maggie Gyllenhaal, her co-star in “Nanny McPhee Returns,” to be released later this month.

“It’s so appropriate this is outside of a pub,” Thompson said as she received her award before a crowd of wellwishers on Hollywood Boulevard.

Laurie, who dated Thompson when the pair were at Cambridge University, said his friend’s talent had been obvious even during their student days. “She was the most obnoxiously talented person — and still is — that I’ve ever come across,” Laurie said. “Everything she did just oozed talent.”

“She said talented things, she wore talented clothes, she rode a talented bicycle, she made talented

spaghetti. She is a truly remarkable person, a very good friend, and I could not be prouder.” Gyllenhaal meanwhile gave a heartfelt tribute to Thompson’s generosity.

“I’ve never seen Emma when she hasn’t given me a present and a present for my daughter,” Gyllenhaal said. “She knows the name of every single person on the crew and their children and their wives’ names.”

Thompson, the only person to win Academy Awards for acting and writing following her Oscars for “Howards End” and “Sense and Sensibility,” dedicated her star to her late father, the actor, writer and director

Eric Thompson. “He was a wonderful man and a great inspiration to me,” Thompson said. “He inspired me to write for children without writing for children.”

Thompson said she recalled her father taking her to visit the Walk of Fame during the 1970s while he was in Los Angeles to direct a stage production.

“We looked at all the stars and I remember being really fascinated by this, thinking, ‘What a lovely thing to do, put people’s names in the pavement where everyone walks about all the time,’” Thompson said.

“I was thrilled by that.”

‘Boardwalk’ lead role is Buscemi’s dream come true Associated Press Writer

AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND GUAY

(FILES) This picture taken on June 22, 2003 shows British singer Robbie Williams performing in concert at Olympia in Paris in a world tour to present his album”Escapology”.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Respected character actor Steve Buscemi says it’s only in his “wildest” dreams that he saw himself as a leading man.

But that’s just what Buscemi (boo-SEH’mee) is in the new HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, N.J. Buscemi stars as a politician maneuvering his way through 1920s corruption, violence and romance.

At a meeting Saturday of the Television Critics Association, Buscemi recalled thinking he was

glad he’d read the excellent script because he would have been unhappy to lose the role.

“Boardwalk Empire,” starring Buscemi and Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald, debuts Sept. 19 on HBO with an episode directed by Martin Scorsese, who’s an executive producer for the series.

Actor Steve Buscemi speaks about his upcoming series ‘Boardwalk Empire’ at the HBO Summer press tour panel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.

AP Photo/Dan Steinberg

Life Style

International

This handout photo taken on July 12, 2009 and released by Greenpeace shows a section of the Petermann glacier. A giant piece of ice, measuring 260 sq km and thought to be the biggest formation of its kind for 48 years, has broken off from the Petermann Glacier, on the north-west coast of Greenland, on August 5, 2010.

AFP PHOTO/GREENPEACE/NICK COBBING

Climate change sparks ‘quickest evolution ever’ Agence France Presse

Monday, August 9, 2010

13

Anxious parents fuel Singapore tutor boom Agence France Presse

SINGAPORE - Five-year-old Singaporean Timothy Lee has yet to enter primary school, but even before his formal schooling begins he is already attending classes six days a week. From Monday to Friday he goes to a normal kindergarten, but on Saturdays he takes special classes on phonics and abacus with four other children at an “enrichment centre” to gain a foundation in reading and mathematics.

“Learning abacus is good for brain development and helps him in addition and subtraction so that he can get the answer faster,” said his mother Lynn, who works as an office administrator. Timothy doesn’t mind because everyone else does it.

“I don’t feel tired. I get to meet my friends and we sometimes play games in class,” he said. In a highpressure education system where raw test results matter more than anything else, parents are sparing no costs to arm their children for future competition and ensure they qualify for the top two local uni-

versities.

While schooling is virtually free at government schools where all Singaporean children go — international schools are restricted to foreigners, with few exceptions — private tutors can cost parents hundreds of dollars per month.

They, in turn, put pressure on their children to do well in primary and secondary school exams, creating a spiral of expectations and pressure.

“It becomes more and more difficult every year because children are getting better prepared for primary school by their parents, and the teachers and schools upgrade their teachings with the greater expectations,” said William Toh, one of three founders of an education web portal.

Called KiasuParents.com — the word “kiasu” means overly competitive — it allows parents to compare notes on private learning centres, with 21,000 members registered since September 2007. It claims to get nearly two million page views every month from parents seeking the best tutors.

VANCOUVER, Canada – At least one fish species can adapt in just three generations to survive a sharp change in temperature, researchers said in a study on the fastest rate of evolution ever recorded in wild animals. “Our study is the first to experimentally show that certain species in the wild could adapt to climate change very rapidly,” said Friday lead researcher Rowan Barrett.

However, the University of British Columbia evolutionary geneticist warned, the evolutionary jump carries a deadly price tag: a high mortality rate.

In their research, scientists from Canada and Europe removed marine stickleback fish from the ocean, put them into ponds with gradually dropping temperatures, and studied them for three years.

Over three generations, one per year, the fish evolved to survive water 2.5 degrees Celsius below the limit for their great grandparents, said the study released online and to be published in the September 7 issue of the

Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The findings suggest at least some animals may be able to change quickly enough to survive predicted climate change. Virtually all climate research in peer-reviewed science journals predicts global temperatures will gradually rise by several degrees in coming decades, accompanied by swings of extreme cold and heat.

“But just because we’ve seen a large evolutionary response, that doesn’t mean a natural population can adapt to climate change with no consequences,” Barrett told AFP Thursday. About 95 per cent of the fish popu-

lation died during the three-year study, with only five per cent developing a tolerance for cold,” he said.

“The consequences of losing 95 per cent might be catastrophic, because the remaining five per cent might not be able to sustain the population,” said Barrett. He added: “We don’t know the genetic basis of this trait.”

Barrett, who is moving to Harvard after completing a PhD at UBC, said more research is needed to determine whether such rapid evolution can occur in other species and — most critically — to warming instead of cooling.

AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN

This photo taken on May 25, 2010 shows children attending their pre-school class in Singapore. Five-year-old Singaporean Timothy Lee has yet to enter primary school, but even before his formal schooling begins, he is already attending classes six days a week.

3rd spacewalk needed to restore cooling system Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/NASA

In this image taken from video and made available by NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, foreground begins the first of two spacewalks to replace a broken ammonia pump Saturday Aug. 7, 2010.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pair of space station astronauts had to hammer loose a stuck connector during an urgent spacewalk to restore a crucial cooling system Saturday, then an ammonia leak erupted and hampered the entire repair effort.

Despite making one of the longest spacewalks ever, Douglas Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson had to give up trying to remove a broken ammonia pump and retreat inside.

Disappointed managers said two more spacewalks now will be needed to replace the pump and get the International Space Station’s cooling system operating normally again.

The original plan called for two spacewalks. Another spacewalk

won’t be attempted until Wednesday at the earliest. Engineers huddled following Saturday’s eight-hour, threeminute effort — the sixth longest spacewalk ever — to consider their options.

“We will get through this problem,” said space station program manager Mike Suffredini. “The challenge is to get through this problem before the next problem hits the other cooling system.”

The pump failure knocked out half of the space station’s cooling system last weekend, leaving the orbiting lab with only one good cooling loop.

Another breakdown could leave the station in a precarious situation. From the start, NASA described the repair work as some of the most challenging ever attempted at the 220-milehigh complex.

The latest trouble struck halfway

through Saturday’s spacewalk.

Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson could not get one of the four pressurized ammonia hoses to come off the disabled pump. “Wow. That thing is not budging,” Wheelock told Mission Control.

A bit of ammonia coolant leaked out as the spacewalkers struggled with the connections. Wheelock said the escaping ammonia resembled tiny snowflakes.

Lagging well behind by this point, the spacewalkers managed to remove three of the four hoses.

Wheelock tried once more to disconnect the balky line, banging the jammed button with a special tool.

It worked. Mission Control erupted in applause. “Awesome,” Mission Control radioed. But the exuberance was dampened by a stream of escaping ammonia.

14

Sport

Monday, August 9, 2010

International

Alonso goal lifts Real 3-2 over Galaxy Agence France Presse

PASADENA - Xabi Alonso scored in the 72nd minute as Real Madrid rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday in a friendly football match that drew a crowd of 89,134 at the Rose Bowl. Gonzalo Higuain added two goals for Real, who were unbeaten in their two-match tour of California.

Todd Dunivant and Landon Donovan scored for the Galaxy, who are without a victory in six of their last seven matches.

Sergio Canales launched the play that led to the deciding goal. His back-heel pass freed Higuain for an eight-yard shot that was blocked by Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders.

The long rebound fell to Alonso, who fired inside the left post. The Galaxy had built a 2-0 halftime lead before Higuain pulled Real Madrid level with two goals in the space of 10 minutes.

In the 51st minute he redirected Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross from the left. In the 61st Higuain collected a pass from Fernando Gago and scored.

Higuain, who led Argentina

with four goals during the World Cup, finished Real Madrid’s tour with three goals. Dunivant had given the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute.

Donovan converted a penalty in the 45th to make it 2-0, after Royston Ricky Drenthe kicked Galaxy’s Juninho. From the spot Donovan beat Polish international keeper Jerzy Dudek, who was replaced for the second half by Iker Casillas, the captain of Spain’s World Cup championship team.

The Galaxy’s Clint Mathis, who said on Tuesday he was retiring, made his final professional start and played 27 minutes.

Mathis, who played 11 years in Major League Soccer, earned 46 caps for the United States, representing his country at the 2002 World Cup.

AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON

Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuaín (C) beats LA Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders during their friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on August 7, 2010. Real Madrid went on to win 3-2.

Robinson retires from England duty Agence France Presse

(AFP/File/Greg Wood)

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson, seen in action against AEK Athens in Sydney on July 28, announced his retirement from international duty despite being named in the England squad to face Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday.

LONDON - Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson retired Sunday from international football despite being named in the England squad to face Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old former Leeds and Tottenham shot-stopper was included in Fabio Capello’s squad named Saturday having been left out of the World Cup squad. Robinson, who will not be replaced in the squad for Wednesday’s friendly game, now wants to concentrate on club football.

“Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven’t been in contention for selection,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating.”

Robinson added he believed it was “in the best interest of myself and my club Blackburn Rovers that I concentrate solely on my club football.” He won 41 caps after making his bow against Australia in 2003 and was number one for the 2006 World Cup campaign.

But some high-profile mistakes saw him lose his way and his first-choice status as England missed out on qualification for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren.

Two errors saw him fluff a backpass from Gary Neville during a 2-0 defeat in Croatia, and he then palmed a long-range effort from Roman Pavlyuchenko into the net in a 2-1 defeat in Russia.

He joined Blackburn two years ago and appeared to have regained his best form, saving two penalties as the club reached the Carling Cup semi-finals by beating Chelsea in a shootout last season. But he missed the cut for this summer’s World Cup as David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green were selected ahead of him.

David Beckham of Los Angeles Galaxy visits Real Madrid becnh before the start of their pre-season friendly soccer match on August 7, 2010 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP

Beckham hopeful of September comeback Agence France Presse

LOS ANGELES - English midfielder David Beckham said he hopes to return to the Los Angeles Galaxy in September even though doctors have projected he would not be healthy enough for a comeback until October.

The 35-year-old Major League Soccer superstar suffered a torn left Achilles’ tendon last March while on loan to AC Milan in a Serie A match against Chievo.

Beckham told the Fox Soccer Channel on Saturday that he saw a doctor on Saturday and he was given a prognosis for an October return. “Two or three weeks before that,” Beckham said he told the doctors. “It’s just about getting

strength back in my calf.”

At 12-3 with four drawn for 40 points, the Galaxy began the day with the best record and highest point total in the 16-team US league, which decides its champion in a November playoff.

The Galaxy play six of their final seven matches on their home pitch in September and October, but if Beckham can make an early recover, his debut could set up a showdown of superstars. Los Angeles will play host to the New York Red Bulls, whose lineup now includes French star Thierry Henry, on September 24, and a Beckham return for that match would be a showcase event for MLS. The Red Bulls are 8-6 with three drawn for 27 points, fourth-best in MLS.

Sport

International

Monday, August 9, 2010

15

Kuznetsova, Radwanska to square off again Agence France Presse

CARLSBAD - Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova beat fifth-seeded Flavia Pennetta 6-4, 6-0 Saturday to reach the final of the 700,000-dollar San Diego Open final.

The Russian will be playing in her first WTA final since a victory in Beijing last October, and she’ll face the same opponent as she did then: Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska.

Radwanska, the fourth seed, defeated Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-2 to earn her first trip to a final since Beijing 10 months ago.

Unseeded after falling to number 21 in the world, Kuznetsova displayed her powerful forehand and capitalized on Pennetta’s unprepossessing service game to win nine of the last 10 games.

“It’s good that I make it to a final, but it’s not enough,” Kuznetsova said.

“Even winning a trophy is not enough but it’s one step forward.” Kuznetsova won three times in 2009 to take her career total of titles to 12, but it has been a battle for her in 2010.

Prior to San Diego, Kuznetsova had reached only one quarter-final this year and she fell out of the top 20 for the first time since February 2004.

“I lost my game,” she said. “It took some time to sort things out. I want to be back and be strong. I don’t want to be back and be number 12 or 15, that’s not my goal. I want to be higher and I believe I can do it.” Kuznetsova’s vic-

tory over Pennetta is projected to move her back into the top 20.

The tight first set stayed on serve until the two traded breaks in the eighth and ninth games, Kuznetsova taking a 5-4 lead. Kuznetsova then broke Pennetta in the final game as the Italian hit a backhand long.

Pennetta’s serve deteriorated further in the send set and Kuznetsova took full advantage. “It’s not my favorite shot, of course,” said Pennetta, who had beaten French Open runnerup Samantha Stosur in the quarter-finals.

“But when I am a little bit nervous and know I have to play really well with the serve, I start to get nervous and can’t get one in.” Radwanska, ranked 10th in the world, got the only break of the first set in the seventh game as Hantuchova double-faulted.

Hantuchova saved seven match points in the seventh game of the second set before Radwanska was able to put her away in the next game.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images/AFP

Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia hits a forehand to Flavia Pennetta of Italy during their semifinal match in the Mercury Insurance Open at La Costa Resort and Spa on August 7, 2010 in Carlsbad, California. Kuznetsova won 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the final.

‘King James’ thanks Cleveland fans in homecoming Agence France Presse

AKRON, Ohio - LeBron James thanked his fans in Cleveland for their support on Saturday at a charity cycling event in his hometown, his first area visit since dumping the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

Hundreds of people attended the two-time NBA Most Valauble Player’s “King for Kids” celebration, which came a week after James was criticized for a newspaper ad thanking Akron backers but not mentioning fans in Cleveland.

“To the city of Cleveland, my fans in Cleveland, my fans in northeast Ohio, I want to say thank you for the last seven years and the years that continue to go in the future,” James said.

James signed a free agent deal with Miami last month, joining pals Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh but leaving behind the Cavaliers fans who had adored him for years and hoped in vain he would bring the city a first NBA crown.

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert vowed his team would win an NBA title before James does and Cleveland baseball fans threw beer and peanuts at a man who wore a Heat jersey with James’ name on it to a Cleveland Indians game, heckling him so bad police had to escort him away.

James cycled a mile with about 400 children and praised his hometown of Akron. “I’m able to give back to the city that I grew up in, the city that I love,” he said.

Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James, right, finishes his ride during the LeBron James Family Foundation, King for Kids Bike-athon, in Akron, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.

(AP Photo/Phil Long)

Woods struggles again with 75 Associated Press Writer AKRON, Ohio – Tiger Woods logged another miserable round and then all but conceded the No. 1 spot in the world to Phil Mickelson. In the third round of the Bridgestone Invitational on Saturday, Woods had five bogeys, a double-bogey and two birdies in a 5-over 75. He is 11 over — his worst score in relation to par through 54 holes since turning professional in 1996.

Woods, whose personal life has been in tatters since revelations of infidelity last November, has been the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world for more than five years. But Mickelson can overtake him with a high finish — something that Woods fully expects.

“Well, if Phil plays the way he’s supposed to this weekend, then he’ll be No. 1,” Woods said after completing third-round play at Firestone Country Club. Mickelson shot a 71 to fall into a tie for 10th. He needs to finish at least in fourth place alone to become No. 1.

A week before the PGA Championship and with six weeks left to the Ryder Cup, Woods’ game is in shambles. He actually drove the ball slightly better on Saturday, hitting half of the 14 fairways, but showed no consistency.

He was 1 over through six holes, but then jerked an iron far to the left of the green and into a large bunker next to the par-3 seventh.

“Great swing!” he yelled at himself on the tee.

Woods then blasted out of the sand to 25 feet above the hole and missed the par putt.

On the eighth hole, he hit his drive into the right rough, advanced it further along in the high grass to the right, and then flubbed a chip

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Tiger Woods adjusts his shirt after finishing the 18th hole during the third round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, in Akron, Ohio. Woods is 11-over par after three round. shot that came up short of the green. He hurried to the ball and quickly hit another chip that ran 6 feet past the hole, then missed that putt, settling for a double-bogey.

“Well, I drove it terrible, hit my irons terrible, didn’t putt well, and it added up to a lot,” Woods said later. The 75 was his worst thirdround score in relation to par since the 2002 British Open, where he shot 81.

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Monday, August 9, 2010

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

Sport

Alonso: Key is to stay cool, not try to ‘win at all costs’ Double world champion Fernando Alonso has asserted that the ability to remain ‘cool’ and ‘calm’ and not be pressurised into trying to ‘win at all costs’ will ultimately decide the destiny of the F1 2010 title laurels – as he opined that consistent podium finishes should be enough to finish the job.]\

AFP PHOTO / HO / ERCOLE COLOMBO

This handout image released on August 7, 2010 shows Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso with author of the book Ettore Colombo during the presentation of the book “ 20th Wrooom” in Madonna di Campiglio.

de Puniet ‘surprising’ doctors, eyeing Brno return AS his rehabilitation from the leg injuries he suffered in a horrendous accident at Sachsering last month continues apace, Randy de Puniet has confirmed that he is fully set on rejoining the MotoGP grid with LCR Honda in the next outing at Brno.

Just 18 days on from the crash that left him with a fractured left tibia and fibula, the Frenchman is pressing ahead with an intensive physical recuperation programme, having undergone an initial two-hour operation on the Sunday night after the German GP to insert a titanium rod in his leg. And his goal is clear – to be back in action again in the Czech Republic next weekend. “[Laguna Seca was] the first GP I watched on TV since my debut,” the 29year-old confessed. “It was a bit hard for me, but in the meantime it was good for me to take some rest. A couple of days after the surgery I left the German hospital to begin Hyperbaric Chamber sessions in Saint Marguerite Hospital in Marseille under the supervision of Dr. Mathieu Coulange and his team. This machine increases both the pressure and oxygen levels, to help repair the tissues of the body at a faster rate.

“Then I moved to Cannes to pursue my re-education. I [underwent] ul-

trasound sessions to strengthen my bones a little more. Last Monday, I moved back home to Andorra, pursuing the ultrasound sessions with a domestic machine and I finally started to do some sports. Every day I go to the gym for cycling, and I am training the top of my body with rubber bands and exercises.

“The doctors are always surprised by the speed with which I am recovering, and I have to admit that I am as surprised as they are! I am using my

crutches less-and-less. I still hope to be back for next Grand Prix, however the final decision will be made at Brno next Thursday when the circuit doctor together with Dr. Costa will examine my leg and my overall physical condition.”

Prior to his German fall, de Puniet had been in a rich vein of form and lying fifth in the 2010 premier class riders’ standings. He has since slipped to eighth during his absence from the fray.

IBP/ist

LCR Honda star Randy de Puniet continues his recovery

Alonso has vaulted himself firmly back into contention for the coveted crown over the last two grands prix at Hockenheim and the Hungaroring, being controversially ‘gifted’ victory in Germany by Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa – earning the Scuderia a date with the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Paris early next month for having transgressed the sport’s ban on team orders [see separate story – click here] – and then artfully staving off a determined challenge from Sebastian Vettel in a palpably faster Red Bull in Hungary last weekend.

Whilst he is still only fifth in the standings behind Red Bull Racing duo Vettel and Webber and McLaren-Mercedes compatriots Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, the Spaniard has closed to within just 20 points of the championship lead, when at one stage he had languished some 47 markers adrift of the top spot – and despite RBR’s fearsome Budapest pace, he is adamant that with 175 points still remaining to play for between now and season’s end and a resurgent

Ferrari defiantly back on-form, the battle for glory is wide open.

“We have to be happy with what we have done to-date,” mused the 23time grand prix-winner as he prepares for the resumption of hostilities at the end of the month. “We have had some good races and some disappointing races as well, but overall we are in a position in the championship now where we are very close to the leaders. We are in a position where we are able to take the lead of the championship if we win one race. We are there and we are still in the fight, which is the most important thing.

“It’s true that some races have gone better than others, just as there were some lucky breaks and times when bad luck seemed to follow us around, but I believe these things tend to balance out. Over the last two races, we have considerably reduced the gap to the championship leader.

There are five of us all within 20 points, so it’s as if we are starting from square one; from now to the end of the championship, we can expect seven finals and anything can happen.