Edisi 17 September 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 177 2st Year

Tropical Storm Karl heads to Gulf of Mexico

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US and Indonesia to inaugurate Marine Protected Area PAGE 8

College student Hayden Moss wins ‘Big Brother 12’ PAGE 12

IBP/doc

Tourists are taking picture of the beautiful scenery of Bali. Many tourists violate the laws in Bali so they must be deported to their country.

2010, Tenth of foreigners violate laws in Bali Bali Post Denpasar – Tenth of foreigners violate the law in Bali, whether it was immigration law or conducting criminal act. The immigration office in Ngurah Rai Airport stated that from the data in January through August 2010, the department had deported 21 foreign citizens who violated laws in Indonesia.

The similar department in Denpasar is also deporting criminals to their native country and the number was 27

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people. Darmawan Daud, the head of Bali Immigration Department, said that every tenth of foreigners involved in crimes in

Bali such as drugs violation, theft, and immigration violation such as overstay.

“The foreigners who are already

being deported will also enter the black list and they can not visit Bali for a year,” he added. Darmawan also said that many of the tourists also violated their permit.

The department often conducted inspection along with the tourism department and there are foreigners who work or trade in Bali even if they use tourist’s visa.

Continued on page 6

Pope Benedict XVI starts state visit to Britain Agence France Presse

EDINBURGH - Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday the Catholic Church had dropped its guard on paedophilia and had failed to deal with the issue quickly enough, as he began an historic state visit to Britain.

The 83-year-old landed at Edinburgh airport before being driven to meet Queen Elizabeth II at the start of the first state visit by a pope to Britain since King Henry VIII broke with the Catholic church in Rome in 1534 and founded the Church of England.

Despite the royal welcome at

the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the trip has already been clouded by the abuse scandal involving priests and comments by a top Vatican official who likened Britain to a “Third World country”. During the flight to Edinburgh, the pope told journalists on board his plane that the Catholic Church “has not been vigilant enough” on the issue of priests who abused children .

The revelations of child abuse that have shaken the church “were a shock to me”, he said, shortly before landing in Edinburgh, adding that it was “difficult” to understand how such actions could be “possible”.

Continued on page 6

AP Photo/Claudio Onorati, Pool

Pope Benedict XVI flanked by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is greeted by children as he leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Thursday Sept. 16, 2010. The Pontiff is on a four-day visit the first-ever state visit by a Pope to Britain.

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International

Friday, September 17, 2010

Bali News Dozens of motorcycle wreckages found

(IBP/Wijaya)

Red pick-up car is confiscated by Bali Police Department and suspected to be used to transport ilegal gas tubes

Warehouse of illegal LPG refilling raided

Police could secure 212 subsidized LPG canisters Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Unit III of police detective for special crimes (Tipiter), Directorate of Criminal Investigation, Bali Police led by IB Megeng managed to disclose an illegal business operated by Nyoman Sukanta and Nengah Subagia. The two men were known to have been proven to illegally refill the subsidized LPG from 3 kilogram into 12 kilogram canister. The illegal refilling warehouse was finally raided by troops of mobile detective of Bali Police, last Wednesday (Sep 15) afternoon.

Location of the warehouse used for refilling was at Jalan Trenggana No. 114, Denpasar. At least, 212 subsidized LPG canisters (12 units of 12 kg and 200 units of 3 kg) with full content were secured by police officers. In addition to the evidence, police also seized a red pick-up with license plate DK 9678 AZ, five empty gas ccanisters, vacuum devices, and scales.

Sukanta and Subagia serving as employees of the company were now undergoing examination in the room of Bali Police. Meanwhile, Eka touted as the owner of the warehouse was being hunted by police. “Raid of the warehouse was carried out at 09.30 am Local Time.

A number of officers were involved and they managed to confiscate hundreds of LPG canisters,” said one of the police officers.

One of the officers explained that

in truth the Bali Police had suspected the scene since three days ago. Based on information gathered from the public, the warehouse was used for illegal LPG refilling business. “Police had made surveillance for three days. After the investigation categorized to be A 1 (definite), police then raid the scene,” he explained.

As soon as the police entered the warehouse, two employees (Sukanta and Subagia—ed) was encountered to be ‘injecting’ the canister of 3 kg size. According to the officers, such injection was intended to remove the gas from canister of 3-kg into 12 kg. “As we entered, the two employees were distraught. They were finally secured and interrogated on the spot,” said the officer while asking not to mention his name on the newspaper.

Well, the police then performed a search and found 200 gas canisters sizing 3 kg and 12 units of canister sizing 12 kg. Both types of canister remained to contain full gas. Allegedly, the canisters would be refilled and then sold in the community. “There are also some other evidence secured by police.

They had been brought to Bali Police for further process,” he added.

Spokesperson of Bali Police, Gde Sugianyar, stated that his party remained to deepen the refilling case of the subsidized LPG. Two employees found to inject the canister on the scene were still undergoing an intensive investigation.

“We are still investigating the case and pursuing the existence of Eka,” said former Chief of Balikpapan Police at the headquarters of Bali Police last Wednesday. (kmb21)

TAKING an action, seemingly two cases could be revealed by Unit III of police detective for special crime (Tipiter), Bali Police led

by I.B. Megeng. The raid made to the warehouse located at Jalan Trenggana No. 114, Denpasar, last Wednesday (Sep 15) afternoon, did not only reveal the illegal business of refilling the subsidized LPG, but would also reveal another case, namely motortheft.

It was discernible from the evidence found at the scene. In addition to hundreds of LPG canisters along with other equipment, police also found dozens of motorcycle wreckages in the warehouse.

Allegedly, those wreckages were the result of crime. “There are 20 motorcycle wreckages found at the scene. All motorcycles are no longer intact. Allegedly, perpetrator has broken them,” said a police officer last Wednesday.

Of a dozens of motorcycles, many

of them were found to have license plate of outside Bali. Even, there were license plates of Java and Lampung and other regions. It was unknown who the owner of those evidences was and police stayed to perform the tracking. “Such evidences are still kept in the warehouse. Police have sealed the warehouse by installing police lines. Surely, police would be able to trace the discovery of suspicious evidence,” he explained.

Spokesperson of Bali Police, Gde Sugianyar, when asked for his confirmation last Wednesday confirmed that his party found a dozens of motorcycle wreckages in the warehouse touted to belong to Eka. Condition of those evidences was not intact and alleged to have been stripped down by the perpetrators.

“Police investigators were still investigating the evidence findings.

No suspects are secured up to this time,” he told journalists last Wednesday. (jay)

Useless, Smokers Special Areas in Sanglah Hospital Denpasar (Bali Post)

Sanglah Hospital plans to prepare a special area for smokers is considered redundant by the Vice Chairman of Commission IV DPRD Bali, Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana. According to representatives of the people from Buleleng, this facility should not be built because they are logically visitors who smoke will harm the health of patients who were treated at the hospital.

According to me, it is not necessary to build the facility. Simply set the Sanglah Hospital as a free area of Smoking a cigarette, said Kariyasa Adnyana to the Bali Post, Wednesday (15 /9) yesterday.

Once established as a region free of cigarettes, he said, the management of Sanglah Hospital must have the guts to take firm action against the visitors and the families of patients who got caught smoking in the area of the forbidden. Of course, decisive action was required to be accompanied by sanctions create a deterrent effect to the smoker. If l there is a special smoking area in the hospital, it meant to give legality to the smoker to smoke at

an area hospital, he said.

He added that the announcement has actually been taped to ban smoking in all rooms and strategic locations in the largest hospital on the island of Bali. Since the ban was not accompanied by sanctions, then the bulletin board that was not unlike like the tiger toothless alias ignored by the smoker. Creating special smoking areas in addition to great expense, will also take the room that should be utilized for patient rooms or spaces other supporting facilities.

If this is enforced for the procurement of the area or space for smokers, there is a place that must be sacrificed for the suckers that nicotine, he criticized.

As reported earlier, the Head of Public Relations Division Sanglah Hospital, dr. IGN A Putra Wibawa complained today many visitors who smoke around the hospital area. In fact, the sign was taped to ban smoking everywhere.

This shows awareness of the visitors still less to keep the hospital area free from pollution smokers smoke. In fact, cigarette smoke is potentially interfering with patients treated healthy development. (Kmb13)

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

Bali News

International

Friday, September 17, 2010

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Gianyar Firefighters Supported by minimum equipment Gianyar (Bali Post) –

Firefighters (PMK) of Gianyar Region have done their duty to kill of the fires in incident locations yet still have minimum supporting equipments. It is common those workers were threatened to feel confused when doing the demanded professional work by the people. This situation was also mentioned by a firefighter from Melbourne, Australia, Simon Delande (31) last Wednesday (15/9) in its unofficial visit in Gianyar Fire Brigade.

In the dialogue with Gianyar firefighters, it is revealed Simon works in the New South Wales Fire Brigade United Workers. The man has been working for 17 years as a firefighter saw the condition of three units of their vehicles and had dialogues with a worker who was checking it. Simon purposely came to Bali to see the fire brigades in Bali, “Besides on holiday I did plan to see how the firefighters and fire brigades in Bali are like.”

Looking at the condition, it is fine already although it is better to equipped more with such as pipes, masks, jackets and head protector for

the firefighters safety during duties.

Confirmed separately, Head of Gianyar Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Fire Brigades, I Wayan Gede Eka Putra, stated the Gianyar Firefighters condition as stated by Simon was not being denied. There are still lots of lack in its supports especially for safeties. But for sure with the condition now his unit can reach all area including tackling fires with the equipment owned now.

It is admitted for the fire zones that are still hard to reach are Payangan sub district, Tegallalang. It is caused by the far distance and traffic situation. This is due to the fire frequency in Gianyar all this time. Based on the data, approximately a fire incident can reach 5-6 incidents per month in year 2008 and 2009. Yet now in 2010 there has been 48 incidents and so to minimize the incidents and with limited equipments, UPTD Fire Brigade Gianyar spread brochures to the people through sub districts and villages containing how to avoid fire happening, tackling it, and the phone number of the Fire Brigade that can be contacted. (kmb16)

(IBP/Bali Putra)

A cepuk craftsman in Karang Gede, Nusa Penida

Craftswomen of Nusa Penida need motivation

Foreign Tourists Flooded Kintamani In advancing seaweed cultivation and weaving works Enjoy the Real Luak Badger Coffee Participation of women group in Nusa Penida to deeply involve in household industry is conSemarapura (Bali Post)—

Bangli (Bali Post) –

The condition of Kintamani tourist visits lately has been increasing as it peaked during the Eid Al Fitri (Lebaran) day. Yet the flooding tourist visits have caused traffic from Bangli to Singaraja and still goes one until Wednesday (15/9).

The hundreds of vehicles, small or big, that carried tourists starting to fill up Kintamani from 11 am wita. Tens of police from Bangli Police Resort seemed busy arranging the traffic in this area and moreover those who are enjoying panoramic views of Mountain and Lake Batur keep coming.

Former Head of PHRI Bangli who also owned Restaurant and Hotel Like View Kintamani, I Wayan Winurjaya, stated that the peak happened during Lebaran day where not only foreign tourists from all over the world but also domestic ones come filling up Kintamani.

It is hoped, this condition will al-

ways happen and of course with the guaranteed security that is very demanded in the tourism world these days, “I am sure good and truly management don’t only come from government but also all of the people so tourism can always be like this.”

Meanwhile former Bangli House of Representative member period 2004-2009, I Kadek Ardi Negara, from Songan Village, Kintamani, with wife Raka Santhi Harmini produced luak (badger) coffee production to those visitors who came to the Like View Restaurant. He also mentioned that Kintamani not only known for its great nature but also keeping agriculture results potential such as luak coffee. Moreover, this Jiwa Harmoni Bali Company coffee product has been exported to Japan, France and Australia. (kmb17)

sidered to grow significantly. For instance, it can be seen in the seaweed cultivation and Cepuk and Keling weaving works. However, they stay to require strong motivation from various parties to promote the spirit of Nusa Penida women in running their business. This condition was conveyed by Deputy Regent of Klungkung Tjok Gede Agung, last Wednesday (Sep 15).

Motivation was needed, said Tjok Agung, because so far the business run by women in Nusa Penida was stagnant. In response to that condition, they were pessimistic to develop it toward a better condition.

Therefore, Tjok Agung made the declaration event of Aquatic Conservation Region (KKP) of Nusa Penida as the right moment for providing motivation to women group of Nusa Penida.

“Based on informal confirmation, it is mentioned that Minister of Women Empowerment, Linda Gumelar will also attend the KKP

IBP/Pudjawan

weed ingredient.

Meanwhile, KKP Declaration was planned to be attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik and Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Fadel Muhammad. Recently, it was also informed that such an event would also be attended by Minister of Women Empowerment Linda Gumelar and the Ambassador of the United States. The declaration itself would last on September 2425, 2010 with activities held at two places, namely at Jungutbatu and Nusa Besar. (kmb20)

Head of Bali Police Threaten to revoke Head of Denpasar City Police Denpasar (Bali Post) –

Raka Santi Harmini from PT.Jiwa Harmoni Bali introduce luak coffee to one of the tourist from Yogyakarta GBPH.H.Prabukusumo,SPsi.

declaration. On that account, we will direct the Minister to give encouragement to women entrepreneurs in Nusa Penida. Hopefully, it could reinforce their motivation to deeply involve in handicraft works,” affirmed Tjok Agung.

In relation to that plan, at the declaration event would also be displayed various results of handicraft produced by women group of Nusa Penida, such as Cepuk and Keling weaving clothes. Additionally, it would be served Balinese typical culinary treasures like lawar and bread made from sea-

The Head of Denpasar City Great Police Commissioner Suryanbodo Asmoro and Head of Kuta Police Sector Adjunct Police Commissioner I Gede Ganefo seemed to be on the edge of a horn as Head of Bali Police General Inspector Police Drs. Hadiatmoko gave a deadline to finish off the fraud case involving a Swiss resident. The unidentified Swiss admitted have been tricked by five unknown people and millions of rupiah have gone.

Hadiatmoko gave a deadline after a report from Kartika Plaza Hotel Chief Security, I Nengah Dana, who stated

that a Swiss guest who stayed in his hotel has been a fraud victim. The guest was tricked by five locals, two of them women. It is explained chronologically, the victim went out of the hotel on Tuesday (14/9) and in front of the hotel the victim met the five impostors and has a chat.

In the chat, one of the impostors admitted had a family in Swiss and the victim was then brought to a place where was given a drink. At that time, victim’s thinking went out of control.

Is it because victim was hypnotized or something else? At that place, victim was playing gambling with them and

lost so the impostors asked his payment which at that time victim brought IDR 200 thousand. So, victim was brought to the ATM, “At the ATM, the victim then took out IDR 5 million.”

Not satisfied with the money, the impostors then brought victim to a cell phone counter where impostors asked victim to buy them 10 BlackBerry phones at once. It is suspected caused by the drink given before, that victim just agree to what the impostors direction. After that, victim was brought back to the hotel yet victim was just dropped off in front of the hotel. (kmb21)

4

News

Friday, September 17, 2010

International

Khmer Rouge tribunal indicts 4 senior leaders Associated Press Writer

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia’s U.N.-backed genocide tribunal has indicted the four top surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime blamed for 1.7 million deaths in the 1970s, paving the way for the panel’s long-awaited second trial next year.

The defendants, now frail octogenarians, deny any guilt for their roles in the radical communist rule during which about a quarter of Cambodia’s population died due to starvation, overwork or execution.

The trial, due to start by mid2011, will bring to the stand Nuon Chea, 84, the group’s ideologist; former head of state and public face of the regime, Khieu Samphan, 79; former Foreign Minister Ieng Sary; and his wife Ieng Thirith, ex-minister for social affairs, both in their 80s.

Each face four charges: crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes and a combined charge of murder, torture and religious persecution, co-investigating judge You Bunleng told a news conference.

The indictments follow the conviction in July of the regime’s chief jailer, Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and murder. He was sentenced to serve 19 years in prison — a term criticized by many Cambodians as too lenient.

Duch, 67, (pronounced DOIK) was the first defendant to be tried.

He supervised the notorious S-21

prison where as many as 16,000 people were tortured before being executed.

While Duch’s trial was assisted by his cooperation with the tribunal and the meticulous recordkeeping of S-21, marshaling evidence against the Khmer Rouge chiefs, could prove more complicated. Their trial will also likely be more politically sensitive because some current Cambodian leaders were once lower-level Khmer Rouge cadre themselves.

The devastation to Cambodia caused by the shadowy regime’s radical policies during its 1975-79 is beyond doubt. Towns and cities were depopulated in a disastrous agrarian experiment that shunned technology and persecuted the nation’s educated classes. Perceived opponents of the regime, even within its own ranks, were ruthlessly purged. But the opaque nature of the regime’s workings may make it harder to establish complicity of the accused.

“Given the magnitude of the crimes committed under the Democratic Kampuchea regime” the new case would focus on “a specific selection of sites and criminal activities,” the tribunal said in a state-

AP Photo/Heng Sinith/Chor Sokunthea, File

This combo shows file photos of the four top surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime from left to right: Nuon Chea, 84, the group’s ideologist; former head of state and public face of the regime, Khieu Samphan, 79; former Foreign Minister Ieng Sary; and his wife Ieng Thirith, ex-minister for social affairs, both in their 80s.

ment.

Several other major Khmer Rouge figures have died, including the supreme leader, Pol Pot, in 1998 — a factor that only adds to the pressure on the tribunal to expedite proceedings against the four indicted Thursday. You Bunleng said the four have been interviewed by investigating judges 46 times since being detained at the tribunal in 2007.

Their case file also extends to over 350,000 pages that include 11,600 documents, more than 1,000 written records of interviews with witnesses and civil parties.

None of the four defendants has shown any sign they may break ranks or speak openly, and some experts said Duch’s relatively light sentence could be an incentive for

him to testify.

The judges presiding over Duch’s case said they took into consideration the historical context of the Khmer Rouge atrocities: The regime — which took power as the war in neighboring Vietnam was ending and in the wake of massive U.S. bombing of Cambodia — was the product of the Cold War times.

They also recognized that Duch — unlike any of the others in detention — was not in the Khmer Rouge’s inner circle, had cooperated with the court and shown expressions of remorse, however “limited.”

But they flatly rejected Duch’s claims that he merely was acting on orders from the top or that he was a “cog in the machine” who could not get out. Prosecutors are appeal-

ing for a longer sentence him, while Duch has filed his own appeal, seeking acquittal for what he says were legal errors made by the tribunal.

Though the tribunal — more than 10 years and $100 million in the making — has been credited with helping the traumatized nation speak out publicly for the first time about atrocities committed three decades ago, it has been criticized as well.

The government insisted Cambodians be on the panel of judges, opening the door for possible interference by current leaders — including the prime minister — who were once low-level members of the Khmer Rouge. It also sought to limit the number of suspects being tried — rather, some say, than implicate its own ranks.

Mideast peace talks rich in symbolism Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM – In less than a month, globe-trotting Mideast peace makers have traveled from the regal grounds of the White House to the calm shores of the Red Sea and the

holy city of Jerusalem in a series of carefully choreographed meetings rich in symbolism.

In Middle East peacemaking, symbolism is often just as important as substance. Each venue in the recently renewed talks, the first in

AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meet with in Ramallah, West Bank, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010.

nearly two years, has been carefully chosen — a set of gestures meant to send important messages to key constituencies.

Launched on the lawn of the White House on Sept. 2, the peace efforts moved this week to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the Israeli prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and then to Jordan.

Obama has made Mideast peace a top priority in his foreign policy.

Bringing the sides together at the White House after months of painstaking mediation underscored the personal commitment of the U.S. president to the peace process while giving him an important boost ahead of key midterm elections.

The high-profile stage of the White House also provided a bump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. It helped Netanyahu — widely seen as a hard-liner by the international community — portray himself as a peacemaker, and aided the embattled Abbas in shoring up his position at home. But it was important to shift the talks quickly back to the Middle East.

All sides agreed to launch the latest round of negotiations in Egypt

— a nod to the first Arab country to reach peace with Israel and a key moderating force in the region.

Sharm el-Sheikh, a frequent site of Mideast summits, was a natural choice.

The summit at the Red Sea resort town, which was anchored by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, was a clear sign of appreciation for Egypt’s 82-year-old leader, Hosni Mubarak, and gave Abbas an important “Arab” endorsement at a time when he has come under criticism for returning to the negotiating table.

“We appreciate very much the role of Egypt, the leader of the Arab world, in supporting the process of Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation,” said Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Their providing a venue was a very tangible way of expressing support.”

On Wednesday, the talks moved to Jerusalem — the epicenter of the conflict and potentially the thorniest stop on Clinton’s sweep through the Middle East.

“This is a city that holds such deep meaning for Jews, Christians and Muslims,” Clinton noted during an appearance with Israel’s president, Shimon Peres.

Israel claims the entire city as its capital, while the Palestinians seek east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war, as the capital of a future independent state. The eastern sector is home to key Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites.

The main event of the day — a meeting between Clinton, Netanyahu and Abbas — took place at Netanyahu’s official residence.

While the Israeli and Palestinian leaders warily shook hands, each took pains to put the other at ease.

Netanyahu, who only a year ago endorsed the idea of creating a Palestinian state, made sure to place a Palestinian flag alongside U.S. and Israeli flags at a joint appearance before their meeting — following a custom begun by his predecessor, Ehud Olmert. Abbas, who paid many visits to Jerusalem for peace talks with Olmert, left a conciliatory note in the residence’s guest book.

“Today I returned to this house after a long period of absence in order to continue talks and negotiations and with the hope of reaching eternal peace in the entire region and especially peace between Israel and the Palestinian people,” he wrote.

U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said such interactions were valuable.

Hotel Activities

International

5

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Ubud Hotels Association: Promotes Ubud as a Green Destination IBP

UBUD - The Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) is promoting Ubud as a green destination with a series of charitable and environmental activities, as well as hosting a seminar. The UHA is a non-profit; nongovernment organization comprised primarily of hoteliers and allied members who actively service the hospitality industry.

Ramia Adnyana, Chairman of the UHA, says: “Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali - scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, museums, and a traditional market. These are all key attractions that must be well maintained and preserved. Our endeavor is to highlight Ubud not only as a cultural destination but also as a green destination that will become an exemplar. To realize this, we regularly undertake community-led environmental campaigns, such as

Clean up the World, tree planting and school mentoring. We are also encouraging and supporting members to take action at a local level to help address environmental issues.

Our programmed is expected to bring together many tourism industries, hamlets, schools, visitors and local citizens in order to collect as much rubbish as possible from within their own communities and reconsider their waste management on the Island of the Gods. Similarly, as part of our corporate social responsibility to Ubud, we frequently make visits to orphanages, and organize seminars.”

Ramia Adnyana summarizes: “I believe that Ubud can become a quality destination that will benefit all layers of the community by remaining true to the eco-friendly concept known as Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese Philosophy of life, which advocates that we should all live in balance and harmony with God, other human beings, and the environment.”

In line with this concept, the UHA will be supporting humanitarian, religious and environmental causes. The UHA visited the humanitarian charity known as Yayasan Senyum, the Smile Foundation of Bali, which helps people with crania-facial disabilities by facilitating operations for cleft lips and palates. Besides that, UHA also visited the temple of Pura Gunung Rawung at the village of Taro, to pray and to plant 300 white cempaka trees. Often planted near Hindu temples, the fragrant cempaka flower is used in offerings to the gods.

UHA also promoted the spirit of ecological responsibility in Ubud by participating in the annual ‘Clean Up the World Weekend’.

The picture show the Camplung Sari Hotel in Ubud

IBP/ist

Temple Ceremony Calendar of Event (Sep 3- 23 2010) 4 h – “Tumpek Wayang”, day devoted to “Sanghyang Iswara”, the lord of puppeteers, when blessing ceremony is given to shadow – puppet play sets for proper function and magical power.

Temple Festival at: - Pr.aspahit, Jembrana.

- Pr. Panti Gelgel, Ds. Pangembungan, Sesetan, Badung.

- Pedharman Dalem Sri Aji Kresna Kepakisan, Besakih.

- Pedharman Dalem Sukawati, Besaih.

- Pedharman Kaba-Kaba , Besakih.

- Pedharman Dalem Bakas, Besakih.

- Pr. Pedharman Mengwi, Besakih.

- Pr. Penataran Giri Purwa, Ds. Kutarejo, Tegal Dalimo, Banyuwangi.

5th _ Temple Festival at: - Pr. Maospahit, Ds. Gerenceng Denpasar.

8th _ Temple Festival at: - Pr. Ulun Kulkul, Besakih.

- Pr. Melanting, Ds. Camenggaon, Sukawati.

- Pr. Penataran Agung, Teluk Padang, Karangasem.

- Pr. Pasek Gelgel, Ds. Pangembungan, Bongkasa, abiansemal.

- Pr. Pasek Bandesa, Ds. Riyang Gede, Penebel Tabanan.

- Pr. Pasek Banjar Jawa, Buleleng.

- Pr. Gaduhan Jagat, Ds. Singakerta, Ubud.

- Pr. Masceti Tengah, Ds. Mancawarna, Tampaksiring.

- Pr. Penataran Batulepang, Ds. Kamasan, Klungkung.

- Pr. Paibon Pasek Gobleg, Ds. Kedonganan, Kuta - Pr. Pasek Gelgel, Ds. Songan, Batur,

Kintamani.

- Pr. Pasanggerahan Agung, Ds. Bebandem, Karangasem.

- Pr. Penataran Dalem Peed, Nusa Penida.

- Mr.Pasek Perateka, Ds. Pekandelan, Sidemen, Karangasem.

- Mr.Pasek Perateka Taman Sari, Sukasada.

- Pr. Kawitan Jero Wenayu, Ds. Wenayu, Bedulu, Gianyar.

- Pr. Jati, Ubud.

- Pr. Gua, Besakih.

10th _ Temple Festival at: - Merajan Geriya Kebon – Tabanan.

- Pr. Candi Gora, Ds. Tianyar, Karangasem.

14th _ Temple Festival at: - Pr. Puseh Jagat Dalem Dukut, Nusa Penida.

- Pr. Dalem, Ds. Batuyang, Batubulan.

- Pr. Pasek Magending, Kediri, Tabanan.

- Pr. Pasek Undagi, Ds. Timpag, Kerambitan, Tabanan.

- Pr. Desa + Pura Pucak, Br. Taman Bedulu, Gianyar.

- Mr.Pasek Tangkas Kori Agung, Ds. Sulahan.

- Mr.Pasek Padang Rata, Ds. Padang, Karangasem.

- Pr. Telaga Sakti/Dalem Tarukan, Ds. Ambengan, Nusa Penida.

- Pr. Dalem, Ds. Padangan, Pupuan, Tabanan.

- Pr. Yogha, Br. Teba Jero, Kaba-Kaba, Kediri Tabanan.

- Pr. Dalem Purwa, Br. Kawan, Bangli.

15th _ Temple Festival at: - Pr. Agung Pasek Gelgel, Ds. Sibang Kaja, abiansemal.

- Pr. Dalem Samprangan, Gianyar.

- Pr. Ds. Galiran, Bhakti Seraga, Buleleng.

Balinese Temple Ceremony EVERY Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

6

Friday, September 17, 2010

News 8 killed in minibus blast in Turkey Agence FRance Presse

ANKARA, Turkey – A roadside bomb attack killed at least eight people Thursday in the latest violence that shook Turkey’s turbulent southeast where Kurdish guerrillas fought a bitter war for autonomy for decades, authorities said.

The incident occurred near the village of Gecitli in the rugged Hakkari province, bordering Iran and Iraq. Gov. Muammer Guler of Hakkari said eight were killed and three others, including a baby, were injured in the explosion. Earlier CNN-Turk television, citing Cihan news agency, had put the death toll at 12, but authorities confirmed eight deaths. Turkish troops launched a manhunt to find the rebels, believed to be behind the attack, the governor said.

Kurdish rebels have targeted military vehicles with improvised explosive devices, including Wednesday in Hakkari province.

There have also been several other attacks on police by Kurdish militants over the past week, which would violate a cease-fire that the rebels declared before a religious holiday as a pro-Kurdish party called on the government to open dialogue with rebels for a peaceful solution.

The pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party boycotted a referendum Sunday over the constitution, arguing that ethnic Kurdish identity was not fully recognized by the state.

The rebels have been fighting for autonomy in the country’s Kurdish-dominated southeast since 1984. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people.

2010...

From page 1 (AP Photo/Israel Leal)

Fishermen try to secure their boats as tropical storm Karl arrives in the town of Mahahual, southern Mexico, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Karl is expected to quickly weaken into a tropical depression as it slogs across the flat peninsula before heading back out over the Gulf of Mexico, where it could turn into a hurricane by the end of the week and threaten the central Mexican coast.

Tropical Storm Karl heads to Gulf of Mexico Associated Press Writer

CANCUN, Mexico – Tropical Storm Karl dumped heavy rains on the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday as it moved toward the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to pick up steam and become a hurricane threatening Mexico’s central coast by the weekend.

In the Atlantic, forecasters say Hurricane Igor has spun into a major Category 4 storm and is threatening to generate life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast over the weekend and to bring large swells to the Bahamas and Virgin Islands before that. Category 3 Hurricane Julia is not a threat to land.

In Mexico, the government issued a hurricane watch for its eastern Gulf Coast from La Cruz in Tamaulipas state south to Nautla in Veracruz. It is expected to reach the coast on Saturday.

Karl made landfall on Yucatan about 30 miles (50 kilometers) up the coast from the Quintana Roo state capital of Chetumal on Wednesday, with winds of about 65 mph (100 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. It hit about midway between the cruise ship port of Majahual and the coastal town of Xcalak.

Violeta Pineda, who has operated thatch-roof bungalows known as the Hotel Kabah Na for 13 years, said waves were rolling about 25 yards (meters) onto the beach and eating away at a stretch of road that runs along the coast. “There is a lot of wind,” said Pineda, whose hotel is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Majahual.

Electricity went out briefly around Majahual. But the town took an almost-direct hit from Category 5 Hurricane Dean in 2007 — the third most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever to hit land — and “this is nothing in comparison,” said Pineda.

Karl’s center passed close to the state capital, where there were reports of heavy rain and wind, downed trees and power outages.

The storm then moved inland over tiny rural hamlets and its winds declined to about 40 mph (65 kph).

It is expected to move back over water and into the Gulf of Mexico

on Thursday. Assistant state Public Safety Secretary Didier Vazquez said security forces had taken some people from coastal towns to shelters, while others preferred to ride out the storm in their homes.

The storm threw doubt over the area’s celebration of Mexico’s bicentennial anniversary of independence from Spain, although there was no immediate decision to cancel festivities.

But Mexico issued a tropical storm watch for the west coast of the Yucatan peninsula — where the storm is expected to re-enter the Gulf — from Ciudad del Carmen north to Celestun.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Julia briefly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm early Wednesday before weakening to a Category 3 with sustained winds of near 115 mph (185 kph.) And Igor’s top winds also lost steam to 135 mph (215 kph).

“In order to monitor foreign tourists in Bali, the immigration department always cooperates with other departments such as Bali Tourism Department, and also the locals in the island. If there are evidences that the foreigners violate the law in Bali then they will be deported to their native country,” Darmawan said.

Regarding the case of Bali sacred items (pretima) that involved Roberto

Gamba from Italy, Darmawan said that the case is not the responsible of the immigration yet. “After he is found guilty in court and finish his sentence in Bali then he will be deported to his country,” he added.

Darmwan said that there are also tourists who become tour guide in Bali so the need of tight monitoring system is very crucial. From the data in the immigration, the number of tourists who have temporary resident permit in 2010 are 5,931 people.(par)

Pope Benedict XVI...

From page 1 The pope admitted the church authorities “did not act quickly or firmly enough to take the necessary action” to deal with the problem. He said he hoped the perpetrators of abuse would receive an “appropriate punishment” and continued: “This is a time of penitence, of unity and of sincerity.”

The queen, who is head of the Church of the England, officially welcomed the pope at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, her official residence in Scotland and the former home of Britain’s last Catholic queen. “I am pleased that your visit will provide an opportunity to deepen the relationship between the Roman Catholic church and the Established Church of England and the Church of Scotland,” she said.

During a speech at Hollyrood, the pope echoed comments from one of his aides about the dangers of “aggressive secularism”. “Today, the United Kingdom strives to be a modern and multicultural society,” he said. “In this challenging enterprise, may it always maintain its respect for those traditional values and cultural expressions that more aggressive forms of secularism no longer value or even tolerate.

“Let it not obscure the Christian foundation that underpins its freedoms.” After their meeting, Benedict drove through the streets of Edinburgh in his popemobile where he was greeted by thousands of locals, many waving Scottish and Vatican flags, as a band played the bagpipes. The pope

himself could be seen wrapped in a green and blue tartan shawl.

Benedict will hold a mass in Glasgow later Thursday before travelling to London and the central English city of Birmingham, where he will preside over the beatification of a 19th century cardinal, John Henry Newman.

He is set to face protests from demonstrators angry at the Vatican’s handling of the abuse scandal but also at issues such as the 20-million-pound (31-million-dollar, 37-million-euro) cost of the visit. Before the pope’s plane even touched down, the Vatican was forced onto the defensive after one of his closest aides described Britain as an “aggressively” secular “Third World country”.

Cardinal Walter Kasper told Germany’s Focus magazine: “England is a secularised, pluralistic country these days. “When you land at Heathrow Airport, you sometimes think you might have landed in a Third World country.”

“In England in particular, an aggressive neo-atheism has spread,” he added. Following the remarks, the Vatican said the cardinal had dropped out of the entourage accompanying Benedict for health reasons.

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Vincent Nichols, said Kasper’s comments were “inexplicable” and defended Britain’s multiculturalism. Benedict’s visit is aimed at improving frayed ties between Anglicans and Catholics.

International

Indonesia Today

Friday, September 17, 2010

7

Indonesian extremist arrested over attack on Christians Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesian police detained an Islamic extremist leader Wednesday over an armed assault on Christian elders which shocked moderates and raised fears for pluralism in the mainly Muslim country.

FOTO ANTARA/Widodo S. Jusuf

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (r) shake hand with one of the KPK Chief candidates on Thursday, September 16, 2010.

President receives two KPK chief candidates Antara

JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his office here Thursday received the two remaining candidates for the post of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief, Busyro Muqodas and Bambang Widjojanto.

Accompanying the President at his meeting with Busyro and Bambang at 11 in the morning were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam.

Before getting into the meeting room, the president, Busyro and Bambang posed for photographers.

The President in the meeting room spoke a while with Bambang and Busyro before starting the gath-

ering which was closed to newsmen.

No information was immediately available about the substance of President’s meeting with the two KPK chief candidates.

Asked before the start of the meeting, Djoko Suyanto admitted that he head no idea of the topic to be discussed but only said he was asked by the president to be present at the meeting.

Busyro Moqodas and Bambang Widjojanto were chosen by a government-appointed KPK leader selection committee. They will soon undergo a fit-and-proper test at the House of Representatives (DPR) next month to decide which one of them will lead the Commission.

President Yudhoyono late in August officially proposed Bambang Widjojanto and Busyro Muqoddas

as candidates for the KPK leadership to the DPR. The head of state believed that the two candidates were the best figures who had been confirmed by the KPK selection committee.

President Yudhoyono also expressed hope that the House of Representatives would be able to choose an appropriate candidate so that he could immediately carry out his KPK duties soon after being installed.

Bambang Widjojanto was the former Legal Aid Foundation Board chairman and the lawyer of KPK leaders Bibit and Chandra when they faced alleged extortion case which was later halted by the Attorney General Office.

And Busyro Muqoddas was the chairman of Judicial Commission and PP Muhammadiyah adviser.

Indonesia police kill two in Papua road riot Agence France-Presse

TIMIKA - Indonesian police opened fire and killed two men and injured a woman as a dispute over a traffic accident spun out of control in the restive province of West Papua, officials said Thursday.

Police were forced to use lethal force in self-defence when dozens of angry residents became violent after a motorist fled the scene of an accident in the city of Manokwari, provincial police spokesman Wachyono told AFP. The mob, armed with knives and spears, blocked roads and threw stones at police who arrived at the scene late Wednesday, he said.

“Our members opened fire at the angry residents. They did it automatically in self-defence against people who brought knives, spears and wooden sticks,” Wachyono said.

“I believe they felt their lives were threatened. If they hadn’t opened fire they would have been hit by the residents,” he added, rejecting allegations the police used excessive force.

Papuan tribal representative Dominikus Sorabut, from the Papuan Customary Council, said heavily armed “Mobile Brigade” police acted out of revenge after the mob pelted them with stones.

“The policeman who was hit by stones ran back to his station and came back with a troupe and acted blindly

by shooting people,” he said.

Indonesia’s police are notorious for poor discipline, corruption and torture. They are also widely accused of serious human rights abuses against indigenous Melanesians in Papua, where a low-level insurgency has simmered for decades.

Earlier this month police killed six people in Central Sulawesi province after locals rose up against them in anger at the death in custody of a local man who had been arrested for traffic infringements.

Police had to be pulled out of the town of Buol for their own safety as furious residents roamed the streets looking for them.

Police said well-known Islamic radical Murhali Barda could face up to 12 years in prison for inciting violence and assault, after a group of men stabbed a Christian elder and bashed a priest on Sunday.

The elder was hospitalised with abdominal injuries and the priest, Luspida Simandjuntak, received minor head wounds when she was beaten with a piece of wood as she tried to help her friend.

The attack came as Simandjuntak was about to hold a service in Bekasi outside Jakarta, where a Protestant church group has faced months of violence and hostility from Muslim vigilantes.

Barda is the Bekasi area chief of a violent vigilante group called the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), which is known for its cosy relations with government officials and its armed attacks on moderates and minorities.

“The FPI’s chief is accused of inciting people to do violence

against others,” Jakarta police spokesman Boy Rafli told AFP, adding that Barda had also been charged under the criminal code related to premeditated assault.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Tuesday ordered police to arrest and prosecute the attackers.

The leader of the most populous Muslim-majority nation strongly condemned a US pastor’s plans to burn the Koran last week but has been criticised at home for failing to protect minority rights in his own country.

Eighty percent of Indonesia’s 240 million people are Muslims.

Human rights groups say religious violence has been on the rise in recent months, mainly by Muslims against minority groups including Christians.

Yudhoyono’s governing coalition, which includes Islamic parties, has failed to crack down on several violent Islamic vigilante groups such as the FPI.

Indonesia leader doubtful for ASEAN summit in US: spokesman Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is unlikely to attend a summit of Southeast Asian leaders called by US President Barack Obama this month in New York, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The failure of the leader of the region’s biggest economy and the world’s most populous Muslimmajority country to attend the summit will be a blow to Obama’s efforts to reach out to the strategically important region.

Officials blamed the short notice given for the summit, which was announced on September 3, and Yudhoyono’s prior engagements.

“The US-ASEAN summit invitation was given in short notice.

The president’s agenda at that time was fixed earlier this year,” spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told AFP.

The White House has said Obama will hold talks with leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New York on September 24, at the time of the annual United Nations General Assembly.

The summit is Obama’s latest attempt to reinvigorate US policy towards the rapidly developing region, where US primacy is seen by some as waning in the face of China’s growing economic and military might.

Domestic affairs have forced Obama, who went to school in Indonesia as a child, to cancel two visits to Jakarta in the past 12 months.

The democratic, nominally secular archipelago is a key founding member of ASEAN, which includes members as diverse as regional financial hub Singapore, Buddhist Thailand, communist Vietnam and military-ruled Myanmar.

8

Internationa

Friday, September 17, 2010

Bali Today US and Indonesia to inaugurate Marine Protected Area IBP

DENPASAR – The United States of America (USA) and Indonesian government will inaugurate the Marine Protected Area (MPA) that located in Nusa Penida area at Klungkung regency on 26 September, 2010. The plan was stated by Kristen F Bauer the Consul General of American Consulate General during her working visit to Bali Post Media Group on Thursday.

She said that the MPA inauguration was the project under the Coral Triangle Initiatives (CTI) that supported by US. She expressed her hopes that this area will become part of coral conservation program and marines protection. ‘’The Ambassador of US plans to be here in Bali to see the inauguration process,” she explained.

Besides working with Indonesia on environment projects, such as the MPA, she stated that US also have an agriculture project in Bali. ‘’We are helping farmers in Bali on cocoa production”.

During her working visit, Kristen also expressed her impression on media in Indonesia. She said media have important role and seem to express their opinion more freely compare to media in

US. She also mentions that the media trend in US is more to the television stations. They have important roles on shaping the public opinion.

She also explained that US have some important projects in Indonesia and have close and strong relationship with Indonesia. The projects consist of many subjects, such as environment, building prosperity, and democracy. ‘’We have very broad relationship with Indonesia and keeps getting stronger and stronger in the next year to come,” Kristen said optimistically.

When asking about Bali, Kristen said she love to visit Bali. ‘’The Americans also have great interest in visiting Bali, mostly because of the movie (The Eat, Pray, Love),” she added. (kmb18)

Bali Post/Yudi Karnaedi

Kristen F Bauer (r) the Consul General of American Consulate General gives Nyoman Wirata, Bali Post Chief Editor some books about United States during her working visit to Bali Post Media Group on Thursday.

Five days after Idul Fitri

Tourists still packed some tourist destinations Bali Post

MANGUPURA — Rise in domestic tourist visits remained to throng a number of tourist destinations in Bali. Nature tourism attractions such as Kuta Beach and

Sangeh, for instance, were densely packed by tourists until the fifth day after Idul Fitri celebration whose number was predicted to increase up to three times compared to normal days.

“Up to today, those domestic

tourists reached an average of 1,500 people per day. Meanwhile, the average of foreign tourist is 300-400 persons per day. This figure rose to 200 percent compared to before the Idul Fitri celebration,” said the Manager of the Sangeh Tourist Ob-

Tourists doing parasailing in Benoa beach. Rise in domestic tourist visits remained to throng a number of tourist destinations in Bali. Nature tourism attractions such as Kuta Beach and Sangeh, for instance, were densely packed by tourists until the fifth day after Idul Fitri celebration whose number was predicted to increase up to three times compared to normal days.

Bali Post/Yudi Karnaedi

ject Management, Made Sumohon, last Wednesday (Sep 15).

It was also said that last week before the celebration of Idul Fitri 1431 H, the arrival of domestic tourists from various regions such as Central Java, Yogyakarta, Semarang, and others dropped drastically. Even, this tourist destination often afflicted by traffic jam during that period was only visited by five tourists per day.

“When entering the period of fasting month, among 50 visitors coming here, there were only five domestic tourists, while the remaining were foreigners from Australia and Europe. However, their number today has risen significantly up to three times,” he said.

Similar conditions were also seen in the Kuta Beach tourist resort becoming the favorite destination for tourists visiting Bali. During the holiday season of Idul Fitri, especially domestic tourists visiting Kuta Beach rose up to two-fold.

“Ambience of Kuta Beach after Idul Fitri celebration stays to look more crowded than on usual days.

On normal days, the beach was dominated by foreign tourists, but now it is dominated by domestic tourists,” revealed Coordinator of the Badung Lifeguard (Balawista), Made Suparka.

Increasing tourist visits to Kuta Beach was estimated by Suparka would continue to happen until the end of the Idul Fitri holiday season.

To anticipate this surge of visitors, the party of Badung Lifeguard increased its security patrols along the Kuta Beach by involving 128 guards stationed at 16 posts.

“Based on our observations, most tourists coming to Kuta were from Jakarta. Predominantly, they were entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, foreign tourists were dominated by arrivals from Australia and Europe,” he said.

Those tourists performed various activities such as having a promenade along the beach, playing beach sand, swimming and surfing.

In the meantime, there were also tourists that would like to enjoy massage service on the beach, try temporary tattoos and purchase assorted Balinese accessories. (par)

al

Friday, September 17, 2010

A Tradition to Sustain the Living Environment The ritual of Tumpek Uduh or Tumpek Bubuh performed by the Balinese bring human beings from all over the world to preserve the environment well so that humans do not lose their food, clothing and housing resources that constitute their primary needs. If you coincidentally spend a holiday in Bali you will see Balinese people present offerings on the trees, ritual procession in the midst of vast estate and various socio-religious activities from the early morning to late night.

The function and meaning of this Tumpek Bubuh is an awareness milestone to sustain the environmental preservation for the sake of survival of all living creatures.

For Balinese people sustaining the environmental preservation comprises divine duty in implementing the Hindu teaching. Hence, human and living environment are inseparable and always in interdependency.

In the concept of Tat Tvam Asi (That art thou) human is an element of this living environment, to make the Balinese aware sustaining the harmonious relation to its environment. In the kekawin (long poem) of Nitisastra, the interdependency

relationship of human and living environment just likes a tiger in the woods. The tiger sincerely guards the woods again wicked people, and on the contrary, the dense woods are glad to protect the habitat of tiger and provide it with the abundant food.

In endeavor to preserve the environment, apart from doing real action in the field they also perform the ritual procession called Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek Pengarah, Tumpek Pengatag, Tumpek Wariga.

This rite is performed in the morning, when the sun rises on the eastern horizon the Balinese rush to bring the offering to their estates behind their home or the places that is full of trees. In the midst of vast estate area, the offerings put on asagan (bamboo altar).

Such was Hindu devotes in Bali carrying out the rites of Tumpek Uduh or Tumpek Bubuh that fall on Saturday Kliwon Wariga, once in six months (210 days).

Ingredients of offerings presented on that day predominated by the form to porridge. But if devotees has vast estate along with productive plats, like coconut, coffee, clove, and so on, the offering is usually com-

pleted with roasted sucking pig.

Tumpek Bubuh is constitutes the preliminary celebration for the preparation of welcoming for the Galungan holiday a festival for the universe (commemorative day for the earth). In the Balinese calendar system, the range of Tumpek Bubuh with Galungan counts 35 days or a month in the system. Their for Tumpek Bubuh apart from conveying thanksgiving to the Almighty God as the supreme authority of sarwa tumbuh (useful plats for human life) also signifies the expectation that God in His manifestation as the Lord Sangkara at all time extends boon for fertility, so all plants grow and bear fruit flourishingly as the prayer recited on presenting the offerings.

If you travel to Bali you would better go to the village corner to see the performance of Tumpek Bubuh rites. The sacredness vibration of this rite will help you to attain an awareness to behave wisely in preserving the environment. When you succeed in sustaining yours well, actually you have made a saving for your retirement age that is immensely beneficial for your future generations. (BTN/doc)

Tourist’s visitation to Amed decerase Antara

Amed – The number of tourists visited Amed beach in Kubu, Karangasem decreased gradually. I Gede Suta, one of the businessman in Amed, said “the decrease has been happening since August and the condition is because the end of the long holiday.’

He explained that during July through August 2010, the hotel occupancy rate in Amed was very high, some hotel even up to 100%.

However, the end of the holiday made the rate decrease and become only 60%.

Even tough the number of tourists is decreasing but it did affect the diving activities on the beach. “Diving can not be limited by time. The tourists want to dive at any given moment especially on the sunny day,” Suta said.

He added that the tourists who dive in Amed are usually brought by travel agent from Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Denpasar. “Some of them choose

to dive in Tulamben beach but it doesn’t affect the diving activity in Amed,” he explained.

However, according to Suta, the low season is affecting the boat owners in Amed. “The small tourist’s visitation made only some of the tourists use the boat to wonder around the beach so it also reduces their income,” he added.

Some of the boats owners change their field of works and become fishermen if there is no tourists come to Amed.

Balinese Culture

Udang Pantung Kuning (Lobster in Yellow Sauce)

OVERVIEW: A real gourmet treat from Bali, this could also be made with huge prawns. In Bali, coconut chunks are roasted directly on charcoal, then the charred skin scrapped off and the flesh grated for making the coconut milk.

INGREDIENTS: 4 sml lobsters, weighing about 500 gr each or 1 kg large prawns 5 cups water 2 lemongrass, bruised 2 fragrant lime leaves 4 cups coconut milk few drops white vinegar fried shallots to garnish SPICE PASTE: 5 red chilies, seeded and chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 7 shallots, peeled and chopped 5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped 5 cm ginger, peeled and chopped 4 candlenuts 1 ½ tsp coriander ½ tsp dried shrimp paste toasted 1 sml tomato, peeled and seeded 2 tbsp oil 1 ½ tbsp tamarind pulp 1 salam leaf 1 lemon grass, bruised PREPARATION: Prepare spice paste by grinding or blending all ingredients except oil, tamarind, salam leaf and lemongrass. Heat oil, add spice paste and all other ingredients. Cook over moderate heat for about 5 minutes, then cool.

Wash lobsters and leave whole. Bring water to the boil, add lobsters and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove lobsters, plunge in iced water for 1 minutes, then drain and remove meat. Return shells to the pot of water, keeping lobster meat aside.

Add spice paste, lemongrass, lime leaves and vinegar to the water with the shells and simmer until 4 cups of stock remain. Add coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain stock and return to pan. Add lobster and simmer for 1 minute. Serve garnished with fried shallots and accompanied by white rice.

http://michaelvday.files.wordpress.com

Helpful hints: if using prawns instead of lobster, peel the raw prawns and put prawns shells 4 cups of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then combine this stock with coconut milk, prawns and all other ingredients, simmering until cooked. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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10

Destinations

Friday, September 17, 2010

International

Beratan Lake IBP

Beratan Lake is a shallow lake with the high caldera about 1231m above sea level and it is located at Bedugul, the famous tourist destinations in Bali. This lake have wide 3,8 km2 and also its deepness is up to 22 meters. The water volume in this lake is about 0,049 km3, so Beratan Lake is the closed lake. Tourist can access the Beratan Lake through the dock which have been provided or desist around Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. In this place, the visitor can do various activities like doing recreation to look around in dock or do the other outdoor activities. The various water recreation activities can also be conducted here, for example riding the boat motorize to circle the lake, parasailing, canoeing with the traditional boat, banana boating, water skiing, and others. Fishing activities are also available in this places for who one love fishing in the lake.

Beratan Lake is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it. It is an ideal place for relaxation while enjoy the beautiful panorama of lake. The accommodations are also available in this area where is the perfect place for overnight stay, resting and enjoy the beautiful panoramic of lake with the Ulun Danu Temple as a

magnificence. The small scale of agriculture activities are likely conducted around this lake and can be perceived at the same time circle around it. If we encircle it, we can take photograph with the beautiful background view or make the picture sketch face in painting mini studio at the lakeside with a short time as a souvenir.

If the tourist paying a visit to the Beratan Lake, they also can visit other places of interest in Bedugul Tabanan Bali nearby like Bedugul Botanical Garden or Kebun Raya Eka Karya where the visitors can relax while enjoy the various of flora types, traditional Balinese houses and others. Candi Kuning Market is a Traditional Vegetable and Fruit Market located at Candi Kuning countryside which can be reached only in a few minutes from the lake. Various fruit type, vegetables and also mace can be bought here with many choices. It is not far from Ulun Danu Temple. Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake are the next places of interest existing near the Beratan Lake and it is just 3 minutes drive by car from this place. Beratan Lake can be reached easily from the main road from Denpasar to Bedugul and it takes about 2 hours from the town with the good road access. You may also visit this area by joining the exciting Bedugul Tours or Singaraja Tour.

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11

BUSINESS India’s central bank hikes interest rates Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO

Chinese customers withdraw cash at a bank in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province on September 15, 2010. China’s yuan on September 16 hit its highest level since Beijing pledged limited currency reform in June, as US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner prepares to face US lawmakers angry over its value.

China warns US on yuan pressure ahead of Geithner testimony Agence France-Presse

BEIJING - China on Thursday warned outside pressure on Beijing to change its currency regime would not work, as US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner prepared to address lawmakers angry over the yuan’s value.

“The appreciation of the renminbi cannot solve the US trade deficit against China and it cannot solve the US domestic unemployment issue,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters.

“The issues in China and US economic relations and trade should be properly solved through consultations on an equal footing. Exerting pressure cannot solve the issue. Rather, it may lead to the contrary.”

The People’s Bank of China on Thursday set the central parity rate — the middle of the yuan’s allowed trading band — at 6.7181 to the dollar, the strongest level since Beijing in June pledged to let the yuan trade more freely.

It was trading at 6.7335 at the dollar later in the day, according to Dow Jones Newswires. The yuan can move up or down 0.5 percent from the central parity rate in any given trading day.

The currency has appreciated 1.6 percent since the summer promise and gained 0.7 percent over the course of this week as US lawmakers readied for hearings on the sensitive issue.

China has a history of allowing the yuan to strengthen slightly ahead of events at which it expects to come under heightened pressure over the value of the currency, which Congressional critics say is grossly undervalued.

Geithner, who will testify before both House and Senate lawmakers on Thursday, told the Wall Street Journal last Friday that Beijing had done “very little” since vowing to loosen its grip on the currency.

When asked whether he was satisfied with China’s progress on the issue, Geithner replied: “Of course not.”

World Bank president Robert Zoellick threw his support behind calls for a strengthening of the yuan on Wednesday, telling reporters in Beijing that it would be “appropriate to have an appreciation of the currency.”

China made the June pledge following intense pressure from the United States, Europe and other trading partners for a stronger currency. The yuan had until then been effectively pegged at about 6.8 to the dollar since 2008.

Critics, led by US lawmakers, think the yuan is undervalued by as much as

40 percent, giving Chinese exporters an unfair price advantage and flooding the American market with cheap Chinese goods — but Beijing has repeatedly refuted those allegations.

The US trade deficit with China fell slightly to 25.92 billion dollars in July from 26.15 billion dollars in June, the US Department of Commerce said last week.

China said Friday its trade surplus unexpectedly shrank in August to 20.03 billion dollars as imports accelerated — which analysts said would bolster Beijing’s arguments for a limited appreciation of the yuan against the dollar.

Jiang’s comments came after the United States ratcheted up trade tensions with Beijing, asking the World Trade Organisation to investigate China’s allegedly unfair treatment of US steel and electronic payment providers, the first step toward sanctions.

“We are concerned that China is breaking its trade commitments to the United States and other WTO partners,” US trade representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.

MUMBAI - India’s central bank raised its main interest rates more than expected on Thursday, springing the fifth hike in six months to tame inflation in Asia’s third-biggest economy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised its main repo rate — the rate at which it lends to commercial banks — by 25 basis points to 6.0 percent, a move that was in line with analysts’ forecasts.

But it hiked the reverse repo rate — the rate it pays to banks for deposits — more aggressively than forecast, increasing it by 50 basis points to 5.0 percent.

“Inflation remains the dominant concern in macroeconomic management,” the bank said in a statement.

Inflation dipped to a seven-month low in August, but is still seen as too

high.

“Though inflation rates have reached a plateau, they are likely to remain at unacceptably high levels for some months,” the bank added.

The measures undertaken should help contain inflation without disrupting the country’s economic growth, the bank said.

The wholesale price index — the government’s preferred main inflation indicator — dropped to 8.51 percent year-on-year in August, from 9.78 percent the previous month, official figures showed.

India’s Congress-led government has been under intense pressure over high prices that have made life even more difficult for the country’s hundreds of millions of poor.

Food inflation is still contributing to inflation pressures, but about two-thirds of inflation in August can be attributed to items beyond food, the statement said.

US takes two China trade cases to WTO Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - Trade tensions between the United States and China ratcheted up another notch Wednesday, as Washington called on the WTO to probe unfair Chinese trade practices.

The United States asked the World Trade Organization to investigate China’s allegedly unfair treatment of US steel and electronic payment providers, the first step toward sanctions.

“We are concerned that China is breaking its trade commitments to the United States and other WTO partners,” US trade representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.

Amid mounting US anger about China’s trade policies, Kirk’s office said it would ask the WTO for “consultations” about Beijing’s policies, a step that could lead to retaliatory measures.

US authorities said China slaps unfair duties on US electrical steel and has not opened up its market in electronic payments.

Beijing claims that US steel had been dumped onto the Chinese market and is subsidized.

The announcement comes on the eve of what is expected to be an acrimonious appearance by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner before the US Congress.

Facing November elections shaped by voter anger at the sour economy, US lawmakers will grill Geithner on what they charge are China’s unfair policies.

Key Senate and House of Representatives committees are weighing

bills to impose retaliatory measures against Chinese goods amid accusations that Beijing keeps its currency — and thereby its exports — artificially cheap.

The White House’s Democratic allies have expressed frustration with both China and US President Barack Obama’s administration, and warned that lawmakers may be forced to act unless Washington wrings some concessions from Beijing.

The administration will hope Wednesday’s announcement takes some of the sting out of what could become a damaging trade war between two of the world’s largest economies.

“These two cases are critical steps forward in our effort to enforce our market access rights in China,” said Democratic Senator Max Baucus.

Kirk meanwhile echoed complaints commonly heard on Capitol Hill.

“The duties imposed by China have raised the price of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of American steel headed into China, with the practical effect of reducing or blocking exports of our steel to that country. China must not abuse WTO procedures to protect its market,” said Kirk.

“This case makes clear that the United States will not permit China to threaten American steelworkers’ jobs by using anti-dumping and countervailing duty proceedings to harass US exports.”

The US announcement also comes after the United Steelworkers union asked US authorities to investigate Chinese subsidies to the green energy sector.

US officials denied that the timing of the announcement was politically motivated.

12

Friday, September 17, 2010

Entertainment

International

Michael Jackson’s mother sues concert promotors Agence France Presse

LOS ANGELES - Late pop icon Michael Jackson’s mother has filed suit against promotors of a concert series he was supposed to give in London in 2009, claiming they shared the blame for his death during rehearsals. Katherine Jackson filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court in her name and those of the singer’s three children. The suit is for an unspecified amount in damages.

The lawsuit charges that AEG is responsible for medical decisions made by Dr. Conrad Murray. He has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death.

Jackson’s mother charged that the AEG group did not give her son appropriate medical care during rehearsals for the shows, and alleged negligence in allowing Murray to care exclusively for her son.

In addition, one of Jackson’s sons, Michael Jr., “witnessed his father

AP Photo/Nick Ut

FILE - In this June 14, 2010 photo, Michael Jackson’s parents, Katherine Jackson and Joe Jackson leave a Los Angeles courthouse after a preliminary hearing setting and motions in the trial of Michael Jackson’s personal doctor Conrad Murray. Katherine Jackson has sued the promoter of what were intended to be the pop star’s comeback concerts for fraud and other claims related to the singer’s death on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010.

suffering and accordingly has suffered great trauma and severe emotional distress,” the suit claims. An AEG spokesman, Michael Roth, said the company had not seen the lawsuit and had no immediate comment.

Los Angeles judge Michael Pastor has set a January 2011 hearing to weigh whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Murray for involuntary manslaughter over the singer’s death.

The 57-year-old doctor, who was with Jackson when he died June 25, 2009, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in February this year, but is free on a 75,000 dollar bond.

Officials have ruled that Jackson died after being injected with a powerful cocktail of sedatives and painkillers, including propofol, which the singer regularly requested from Murray to help him sleep.

Jackson’s death sent shockwaves around the world, and family and fans were outraged to learn that the man dubbed the King of Pop was administered a dangerous mix of powerful prescription drugs in the hours before his death.

Murray, who was born in Grenada and grew up in Trinidad before moving to the United States, has denied the charges against him, which were filed after a painstaking seven-month probe involving local and federal investigators.

At a June hearing, Pastor refused a California Medical Board request that Murray be banned from practicing until the charges against him were resolved. The judge said another court had already barred Murray from injecting patients with strong sedatives, including propofol.

The doctor, who was the last person to see Jackson alive, has admitted administering drugs to the singer to help him sleep shortly before his death. He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

Jackson died from a drug overdose at a rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25 last year, a seismic celebrity death that triggered a global outpouring of tributes for the eccentric genius known as “The King of Pop.” Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, has filed separate a wrongful death lawsuit against Murray.

AP Photo/Harpo Productions, Inc., George Burns

This photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 and released by Harpo Productions, Inc., shows talk-show host Oprah Winfrey interviewing Chris Wood, left, and Jim McNulty, two of the three hostages who were held at gunpoint inside Discovery Communications headquarters two weeks ago, during taping of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in Chicago. The show will air nationally on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Oprah mulls homestay during tour Down Under Agence France Presse

SYDNEY - American talkshow megastar Oprah Winfrey Thursday said she was “not ruling out” an impromptu sleepover with an Australian family during a her whirlwind December tour Down Under. Tourism officials have been swamped with offers to host the TV star, from rainforest and reef resorts to humble homes in Outback towns.

“Now I’m going to go look for all those cards I’ve been saving over the years, from folks who have come from Australia,” Winfrey told Australian television Thursday.

“The idea of staying at a real Aussie’s house is actually pretty appealing to me. So I don’t know who that would be, but I’m not ruling that out,” the TV star said.

Australia paid 2.3 million US dollars to bring Oprah and 300 members of her studio audience to Australia for an eight-day showcase of the country’s beaches, vineyards and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

The whistlestop tour will finish with a recording session in the tem-

porarily-renamed Sydney “Oprah” House, and Tourism Queensland said they were working through a number of itineraries with Oprah and her team. “As you can appreciate this a big task and we hope to have everything finalised next week,” they said.

Select Australians will be given the opportunity to join Winfrey’s Sydney audience through a lottery on her website, and the star said she believed there was “quite a demand for tickets.”

Winfrey, 56, was coy on who her guests would be, although actors Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe joined director Baz Luhrmann on a list of her favourite Australians, along with Bindi Irwin,

daughter of the late wildlife star “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.

“We have an idea, we’re just not telling you, or anybody there yet,” Winfrey said, joking that maybe she could meet Julia Gillard, recently elected Australia’s first female prime minister.

For her part, Winfrey said it was the “regular folks” she was most looking forward to meeting, as well as sampling some of Australia’s cuisine. “I intend to try anything that’s not crawling,” she said, agreeing even to try Vegemite, a bitter, salty brown sandwich spread considered a national icon.

“Vegemite doesn’t crawl, I will be trying it, yes,” she said. “It’s like our version of peanut butter right? Peanut butter and jelly? I’m open, bring it on.”

Winfrey was ranked the world’s most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine this year, outclassing actress Angelina Jolie and singer Beyonce Knowles.

College student Hayden Moss wins ‘Big Brother 12’ Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – The Animal scored the home run on “Big Brother 12.” Hayden Moss, a shaggy-haired 24-year-old college student and former baseball player from Tempe, Ariz., won the $500,000 grand prize on the voyeuristic CBS reality TV competition’s season finale Wednesday.

Moss, who was dubbed “The Animal” by his secret four-man alliance, bested bearded 24-year-old oil rig salesman Lane “The Beast” Elenburg from Decatur, Texas.

“It makes me think I can do anything,” Moss said of advancing to the finale. Moss dominated by both winning several competitions and forming bonds with the other houseguests while always staying loyal to The Brigade alliance, which was formed on the second day in the house.

He defeated Elenburg in the final round of a three-part Head of Household contest, which allowed him to pick Elenburg to battle against for his four jury votes.

Enzo “The Meow Meow” Palumbo, a trash-talking 32-year-old insurance adjuster from Bayonne,

N.J., became the seventh member of the jury and cast the deciding vote between his alliance partners for Moss.

Matt “The Brains” Hoffman, a 33-year-old web designer from Elgin, Ill., and the fouth Brigade member who was earlier ousted, also cast his final vote for Moss.

Hoffman, who described himself

as a “diabolical super-genius,” caused the most controversy this season for lying and telling the other contestants that his wife had a crippling disease called melorheostosis.

He said he did it in hopes of securing “sympathy votes” if he made it to the end of the competition. The plan backfired when the cast learned the truth.

In this publicity image released by CBS, Hayden Moss, 24, a college student from Tempe, Ariz., is shown in Los Angeles. Moss is a finalist to win $500,000 on ‘Big Brother 12.’

AP Photo/CBS, Sonja Flemmimg

Life Style

International

Friday, September 17, 2010

13

Disabled Japanese tourist plans robo-suit adventure Agence France Presse

TOKYO - A disabled Japanese adventurer says he is planning to leave his wheelchair behind and walk up a medieval French World Heritage site next year with the help of a cutting-edge robotic suit. Seiji Uchida, 48, who lost the ability to walk in a car accident 27 years ago, said he has long dreamed of visiting the picturesque abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, set on a rocky islet in Normandy.

AFP PHOTO / FILES-Yoshikazu TSUNO

(FILES) Photo taken on August 3, 2009 shows Japan’s robotics venture Cyberdyne employees wearing the robot-suit “HAL” (Hybrid Assistive Limb) and walking on a street in Tokyo during a demonstration. A Japanese paralympian and adventurer says he wants to conquer a French medieval World Heritage site set on a rocky island next year with the help of a cutting-edge robotic suit.

Now, in a challenge planned for next summer, he aims to do so with the help of a robot suit, called the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), which works like an exoskeleton and amplifies the muscle power of its wearer’s legs.

Battery-powered HAL — designed to help the elderly with mobility and manual work and to assist hospital carers in lifting patients — detects muscle impulses to anticipate and support the user’s body movements.

A full-body model of HAL, being developed by Tsukuba University professor Yoshiyuki Sankai, assists both arms and legs, and allows users to carry a load of up to 70 kilograms (154 pounds) with one arm.

Uchida and a support team used an earlier version of the suit in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the 4,164metre (13,661-foot) Breithorn peak in Switzerland in 2006, when climbers wearing the robo-suits carried Uchida.

Uchida says he wants to visit the rocky tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel where a steep and narrow trail lead to an abbey and former fortress to “prove that it is possible for disabled people to visit the world’s historic sites without relying on facilities like elevators,” he said.

Arctic sea ice shrinks to third lowest area on record Agence France Presse

WASHINGTON - Arctic sea ice melted over the summer to cover the third smallest area on record, US researchers said Wednesday, warning global warming could leave the region ice free in the month of September 2030. Last week, at the end of the spring and summer “melt season” in the Arctic, sea ice covered 4.76 million square kilometers (1.84 million square miles), the University of Colorado’s National Snow and Ice Data Center said in an annual report.

“This is only the third time in the satellite record that ice extent has fallen below five million square kilometers (1.93 million square miles), and all those occurrences have been within the past four years,” the report said.

A separate report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that in August, too, Arctic sea ice coverage was down sharply, covering an average of six million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles), or 22 percent below the average extent from 1979 to 2000.

The August coverage was the second lowest for Arctic sea ice since records began in 1979. Only 2007 saw a smaller area of the northern sea covered in ice in August, NOAA said.

The record low for Arctic sea ice

cover at the end of the spring and summer “melt season” in September, was also in 2007, when ice covered just 4.13 million square kilometers (1.595 million square miles).

Mark Serreze, director of the NSIDC, said climate-change skeptics might seize the fact that Arctic sea ice did not hit a record-low extent this year, but said they would be barking up the wrong tree if they claimed the shrinkage had been stopped.

“Only the third lowest? It didn’t set a new record? Well, right. It didn’t set a new record but we’re still headed down. We’re not looking at any kind of recovery here,” he told AFP. In fact, Serreze said, Arctic sea ice cover is shrinking year-round, with more ice melting in the spring and summer months and less ice forming in the fall and winter. “The Arctic, like the globe as a whole, is warming up and warming up

quickly, and we’re starting to see the sea ice respond to that. Really, in all months, the sea ice cover is shrinking — there’s an overall downward trend,” Serreze told AFP. “The extent of Arctic ice is dropping at something like 11 percent per decade — very quickly, in other words. “Our thinking is that by 2030 or so, if you went out to the Arctic on the first of September, you probably won’t see any ice at all. It will look like a blue ocean, we’re losing it that quickly,” he said.

Losing sea ice cover in the Arctic would affect everything from the obvious, such as people who live in the far north and polar bears, to global weather patterns, said Serreze.

“The Arctic acts as a sort of refrigerator of the northern hemisphere. As we lose the ice cover, we start to change the nature of that refrigerator, and what happens up there affects what happens down here in the middle latitudes,” he said.

AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA

In a picture taken on August 29, 2010, an artist works on his installation ahead of the opening of the first Graffiti Fine Art Biennial at the Museum of Sculpture (Mube), in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Graffiti’s long struggle to be seen as valid urban expression, not vandalism, is being crowned this month with an exhibition in Brazil by international artists who not only sprayed up official works but also spruced up abandoned corners of Sao Paulo.

Brazil graffiti artists seen more as Van Goghs than vandals Agence France Presse

SAO PAULO - Graffiti’s long struggle to be seen as valid urban expression, not vandalism, is being crowned this month with an exhibition in Brazil by international artists who not only sprayed official works but also spruced up abandoned corners of Sao Paulo.

A raid on a dilapidated factory by many of the 66 artists on the eve of the event’s opening was a celebration of the roots of graffiti, which emerged four decades ago from New York’s subway system. It was also a triumphal declaration that, at last, they believe they have reached legitimacy as contemporary artists, a status enhanced by their provocative legacy.

“Maybe that’s why it’s an art form. Because after 40 years starting in New York and everything, it still gets people upset. And it is still getting people to think, and it’s still making people happy. It still makes people talk,” said one of the artists, Anders Rebentlovlarsen, a 25-year-old Dane.

He and the others — around half of them Brazilian, half foreigners from the United States, Europe and Japan — are showcasing more official works in a first Biennial of Graffiti Fine Art at Sao Paulo’s Brazilian Museum of Sculpture through October 3.

The designs, which range from a car decked with seductive eyes, though to a Manga-looking girl holding court in front of sinister dolls, a Frankenstein-like head pierced with oversized nails, or an abstract bird’s nest of strokes and words, reveal the derivations and reinventions of graffiti as it has spread around the world.

The diversity and intricacy of many of the paintings reinforce the exhibition’s argument that graffiti is now a school of art to be reckoned with, perhaps even to be val-

ued by aficionados and collectors.

“Not one work here doesn’t bring you a special emotion or something that you are like ‘Wow, this person is so talented.’ That’s art, and that’s graffiti fine art,” Andrea Luis Carvalho, one of the exhibit’s organizers, told AFP. Rebentlovlarsen, who regularly receives commissions for graffiti commercial projects in his native Copenhagen, said graffiti’s paradox is that “you’re destroying something but you’re actually creating something.”

“I can say this is an art form because there’s a lot of colors for example, or a lot of people doing it, or it’s all around the world, making many people happy. But it’s also making a lot of people very angry and nervous, and so that’s the clinch,” he said.

“I think that’s why I find it interesting. Because why is it some people can’t see the quality in some non-grey wall for example?”

The curators of the show said they saw Sao Paulo as a natural environment for the works because of the city’s boast that it is the New York City of South America, with its melting-pot population, ebullient underground art scene and dizzying, vast landscape of skyscrapers and industrial zones.

Sao Paulo, they claim, is “the current worldwide mecca of graffiti” thanks to those factors — and the blind eye police usually show to graffiti artists whose “vandalism” is considered irrelevant alongside the rampant street crime that poses a much more serious threat to the public.

Rafael Calazans Pierre, a 32year-old Brazilian industrial artist whose sideline passion for painting walls with interwoven waves and swirls was on show at the museum, said he could not begin to count how many graffiti artists were active in Sao Paulo.

14

Sport

Friday, September 17, 2010

International

Valencia to miss most of the season - United Agence France Presse

MANCHESTER - Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia will be out for “a good portion” of the season, the English Premier League side announced Thursday. The Ecuador international had an operation Wednesday on the ankle he broke in Tuesday’s Champions League goalless draw against Rangers at Old Trafford.

United medical staff revealed Thursday that Valencia had also suffered ligament damage in addition to the fracture. “The operation went well, a plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obviously significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation,” a United

statement said. “He will be out for a good portion of the season.”

United manager Alex Ferguson, immediately after the Rangers match, ruled Valencia out for the rest of the season and said the injury was similar to one suffered by United’s Alan Smith in 2006.

The statement also dismissed quotes attributed to the Ecuador team doctor about Valencia’s mental state and said the former Wigan favourites was “very positive” about his prospects of recovery. “Contrary to recent reports, there has been no official contact from the Ecuadorian national team,” the statement said. “Antonio is perfectly fine, very positive and very determined.”

Ibrahimovic in TV Sacchi tiff Agence FRance Presse

ROME - Zlatan Ibrahimovic quickly went from hero to villain following his winning brace for AC Milan in the Champions League against Auxerre.

Following the rossoneri’s 2-0 success at the San Siro on Wednesday night, the Sweden forward was involved in an ugly bust-up with legendary former Milan and Italy coach Arigo Sacchi.

Sacchi, who won two European Cups and a Serie A title with Milan and guided Italy to the 1994 World Cup final, was a guest on Mediaset Premium’s post-match programme and had joked that if it wasn’t for Ibrahimovic’s big feet — European size 47s — he wouldn’t have scored the first goal. Told of Sacchi’s comments, the Swede exploded. “Sacchi needs to learn how to shut up,” he fired back about the 64-year-old Italian great, causing shock in the TV studio.

“He also seems jealous because he’s talking too much, he needs to talk less about me on TV and in the newspapers. “If he wants something he can come and see me about it. If you don’t like the way I play, don’t come and watch me.”

That sparked an on-air argument between the pair as the presenter initially tried to explain that it wasn’t a criticism. “He also said things about me when I was at Barcelona,” retorted Ibrahimovic.

“I believe I can express my opinion in a polite and correct way, I don’t believe I’ve offended you,” said Sacchi.

“When someone talks too much, they talk too much, you’re one of those people. If you don’t like the way I play, don’t come and watch me,” said Ibrahimovic. “Let me explain,” added Sacchi.

“You don’t need to explain anything to me,” spat Ibrahimovic.

“You need to learn some manners, son,” concluded Sacchi.

(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, of Sweden, celebrates after scoring during a Champions League, Group G soccer match between AC Milan and Auxerre at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Sept.15, 2010.

(AP Photo/Paul White)

Ajax’s goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, left, saves at the feet of Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria from Argentina during a Group G Champions League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010.

Mourinho victorious, Arsenal and Chelsea stroll Agence France Presse

PARIS - Jose Mourinho enjoyed a winning start to his first Champions League campaign at Real Madrid as his side beat Ajax 2-0 on Wednesday, while Arsenal and Chelsea both strolled to emphatic wins. Mourinho was brought to the Bernabeu with the brief of delivering Real’s 10th European crown and his team emerged with all three points from their Group G opener despite making heavy work of four-time champions Ajax.

The Spanish giants penned Martin Jol’s team inside their own penalty area right from the kick-off, with Gonzalo Higuain curling a long-range strike against the crossbar and Angel di Maria shooting over when well-placed.

The breakthrough arrived in fortuitous fashion in the 31st minute when Higuain challenged Vurnon Anita for Xabi Alonso’s corner and forced the Ajax defender to put through his goal.

Real put Ajax under increased pressure in the second period and after Cristiano Ronaldo had spurned a series of chances, Higuain made the game safe with a close-range volley 17 minutes from the end. “We played very well, pressured them well and didn’t let them play how they like to,” said Mourinho. “One day some poor team is going to pay for all these chances that we are missing.”

The result gives Real a share of the Group G lead with AC Milan, who saw off an obdurate challenge from Auxerre to win 2-0 at San Siro.

The French side had a number of first-half chances, with Dennis Oliech heading against the crossbar and Steeven Langil blazing over the bar from a good position.

Milan’s class finally told in the second period, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic touching home from close range after Kevin-Prince Boateng had flicked on Ronaldinho’s cross and then adroitly placing the ball into the bottom-right corner from the Brazilian’s lay-off.

Ibrahimovic’s first goals for the club enabled him to join former Milan favourite Hernan Crespo as the only players to have scored for five different clubs in the competition.

London’s Wembley Stadium will host this season’s Champions League final and London-based sides Arsenal and Chelsea both made stunning starts.

Chelsea opened their Group F account with a 4-1 victory at Slovakians MSK Zilina, while Arsenal slipped through the gears in characteristically stylish fashion in a 6-0 demolition of Portuguese competition debutants Braga.

A ninth-minute Cesc Fabregas penalty set Arsenal on their way at the Emirates and Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin both found the target before Fabregas completed his brace in the 53rd minute. Substitute Carlos Vela added two well-taken goals in the second half to give Arsene Wenger’s side a perfect start in Group H. “It was good training because in the Premier League and the Champions

League we will have games where we will not have it easy,” said Fabregas.

In the other group fixture, a 71stminute free-kick by Darijo Srna was enough for Shakhtar Donetsk to see off Partizan Belgrade in Ukraine.

Strikes from Michael Essien and a Nicolas Anelka brace put Chelsea 3-0 up after half an hour at Zilina before Daniel Sturridge completed the rout three minutes into the second half.

Tomas Oravec claimed a consolation for the hosts.

“The first half was fantastic,” said Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti. “We played very well on the counter-attack.

We had a lot of chances. It was a fantastic performance.”

In the other Group F game, French champions Marseille fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Spartak Moscow thanks to an unfortunate 81st-minute own goal from Spanish right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

A stunning, outside-of-the-foot strike from German World Cup star Thomas Mueller enabled last season’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich to break the deadlock in the 79th minute of their Group E encounter with Roma.

Miroslav Klose claimed Bayern’s second in a 2-0 win, while Romanians CFR Cluj edged Basel 2-1 in the second group game of the evening.

Sport

International

Friday, September 17, 2010

15

Djokovic spearheads Serbia’s Davis Cup dream Agence France Presse

PARIS - Novak Djokovic will hope to bury his US Open heartbreak when he spearheads Serbia’s bid to reach a first Davis Cup final, while the United States try to avoid sinking to a 22-year low this weekend.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Basketball player Lebron James walks along the sidelines before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., on Sunday, Sept.. 12, 2010.

Heat taking first camp with LeBron on the road Associated Press Writer

The Miami Heat announced Wednesday night that they’ll hold their first camp with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base in Florida’s Panhandle from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3. Miami has typically held training camp at its home arena, but in an effort to limit distractions going into this muchhyped season, the Heat wanted a different locale.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra wanted the camp there after getting presented with the idea by team trainer Jay Sabol.

Once military officials agreed, the deal was struck.

“This is a terrific opportunity for our team,” Spoelstra said. “The base will provide the ideal setting for us to focus on basketball and building camaraderie with limited distractions. It also presents us a unique and fantastic opportunity to spend time with the Airmen who defend our freedom. I anticipate our team and each of us individually will benefit tremendously from being around this environment.”

Eglin officials said Wednesday night they could not recall another professional sports team holding part of its training camp at the base, which is about 650 miles away from Miami.

Practices will take place at Hurlburt Field’s Aderholt Gymnasium. The Heat said they would be involved in several other on-base events.

“We at Hurlburt Field have a proud tradition of excellence, sacri-

fice and commitment. Our world-class Airmen and facilities guarantee we can answer the call — any time, any place,” said Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander.

“We know the Miami Heat share this same commitment to excellence. This is why we’re pleased to support their request to use our facilities.”

James famously said he would “take my talents to South Beach” when announcing his decision to join the Heat on July 8, and there will be plenty of time for that to happen. The Heat will return to South Florida two days before opening the preseason at home against Detroit on Oct. 5.

“The Miami Heat is extremely humbled to train in an environment where service, sacrifice and discipline are the norm,” Heat president Pat Riley said. “We know our players will appreciate being immersed in that kind of environment, and supporting the men and women who defend our freedom everyday.”

The Heat have many ties to military efforts, including their “HomeStrong” initiative where soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are honored before every home game. Riley also has arranged Christmas parties for soldiers and their families in recent years, and former Heat first-round draft pick Tim James joined the U.S. Army in 2008 and was sent to Iraq shortly thereafter. The Heat plan to practice twice daily during camp, although that’s subject to change.

Djokovic was widely applauded for his gutsy performance in going down to Rafael Nadal in New York on Monday as the Spaniard completed a career Grand Slam. But he is adamant that the loss will not overshadow the Davis Cup semi-final against the Czech Republic in Belgrade.

“I cannot hide the disappointment. It’s just I’m not going to cry or complain,” said Djokovic, looking back on his loss to Nadal.

“It’s just the way it is. I wanted that trophy, but I will continue working hard and waiting for the next chance to come.”

His first chance to put the US Open behind him arrives on Friday. Serbia have been impressive in the Davis Cup this season, defeating the USA 3-2 in Belgrade and then cruising past Croatia 41 in the quarter-finals in Split.

Serbian captain Bogdan Obradovic has named an unchanged team for the third consecutive tie so Djokovic lines up with Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic.

The Czech Republic, last year’s runners-up, have recalled their top two players, Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek, after both missed the 4-1 victory over Chile in the quarter-finals through injury.

Berdych reached the French Open semi-finals this year before finishing runner-up to Nadal at Wimbledon.

“We have a great team and we believe in ourselves,” said Stepanek. “We’ve been underdogs so many times, the same as we will be in Serbia, and we will try to use it to our advantage.” Ivo Minar and Jan Hajek make up the four-man Czech team. In the other semi-final, France, who knocked out defending champions Spain in the last eight, host Argentina in Lyon.

World number 15 Gael Monfils, a quarter-finalist at the US Open where he lost to Djokovic, leads the French team in the absence of the injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is nursing a knee injury. “For an emotional player like me to play in the Davis Cup is just something unbelievable,” Monfils told www.daviscup.com. Michael Llodra, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon make up the team.

Argentina, runners-up in 2006

(AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, reacts during the men’s championship match against Rafael Nadal, of Spain, at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 13, 2010. Nadal won the match in four sets. and 2008, will rely on fit-again David Nalbandian, who has won the deciding fifth rubber in both his team’s 3-2 victories this year, away in Sweden and Russia. “It’s going to be tough,” said former world number three Nalbandian, who has been rebuilding his career after missing nine months with a hip injury.

Juan Monaco, Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos join Nalbandian on the Argentina team.

Nine-time Davis Cup champions France will start as favourites, having defeated the South Americans in all four previous meetings.

The United States, meanwhile,

can boast a record 32 Davis Cup titles but that legacy will count for nothing if they lose to Colombia in Bogota in one of eight playoffs. Defeat would send them out of the elite World Group for the first time since 1988.

The US, who will be without top player Andy Roddick, were forced into the play-offs after losing to Serbia in the World Group first round this season.

Australia, the second most successful Davis Cup nation with 28 wins, welcome Belgium to Cairns, where a defeat would condemn Lleyton Hewitt’s team to another season in the zonal competition.

16

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

Friday, September 17, 2010

Sport

Lorenzo seeks Aragon win in Tomizawa’s honour Agence France Presse ARAGON, Spain - World championship leader Jorge Lorenzo wants to clinch victory at the Grand Prix of Aragon on Sunday and dedicate it to tragic Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa. Spain’s Lorenzo, the runaway leader in the MotoGP championship with eight wins in 12 races, is determined to pay fulsome tribute to Tomizawa, who was killed in a horror crash in the Moto2 support race at San Marino two weeks ago.

IBP/ist

Jorge Lorenzo

Button predicts battle to the wire JENSON Button is convinced this year’s championship fight will go down to the wire judging by how tight the battle at the top is. Red Bull’s Mark Webber is leading the standings, five points ahead of Lewis Hamilton and 19 in front of Fernando Alonso. Button sits just one point behind the Spaniard, with Sebastian Vettel two points adrift of the Briton with five races left.

The reigning world champion, who finished in second behind Alonso at Monza last Sunday, admitted he finds it hard to believe how close this season has been.

He also conceded the result in Italy was a boost for his championship hopes, despite losing out to Alonso. “Absolutely, because I took the opportunity with both hands, and I scored 18 points on a day when Lewis scored none, Mark took home eight and Sebastian 12,” said Button on his website.

“Now, you can’t help but look at the drivers’ championship table and just think, ‘wow, how can it be so close?’ It’s funny - after Spa, everyone was saying it was a two-horse race between Lewis and Mark, but I can easily see this championship going right down to the last race.

“I think we’ve seen that no one driver’s going to walk away with the world title - there’s going to be a fight right to the very end.”

Button says consistency will be key to take this year’s title, but he

reckons there are times when a driver simply has to push hard and go for victory. He believes the experience from last year will be useful to him in the final races.

“I think you have to take each race as it comes,” he said. “I think that driving just to score a certain number of points isn’t in a racing driver’s psyche: I felt that a little bit last year, I knew I only had to keep scoring consistently to take the title, but that was probably more mentally taxing than just putting your head down and going for it.

“For instance, at Interlagos last year, I had nothing to really lose - I was 14th on the grid and my teammate was on pole. What did I have to

gain by driving steadily and taking home a handful of points? I just went for it, and that was a really liberating race for me, and an experience that will be useful this year too.

“I think consistency is important in some ways though: obviously, you need a car that will get you to the finish of every grand prix, and you don’t want to start making knee-jerk, or radical, decisions on set-up or strategy because you think it might give you an advantage.

“We’re racers, so we’ll always be racing - but the pressure’s now on all of us, because none of us can afford another non-finish or a mistake. And the guy who cracks least will be world champion.”

AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Britain’s Jenson Button steers his McLaren Mercedes during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Monza racetrack in Monza, Italy, Sunday, Sept 12, 2010.

“I would like to have a great race and dedicate it to Tomizawa,” said Yamaha rider Lorenzo. Tomizawa’s funeral took place on Wednesday in Asahi, Chiba, where over a thousand mourners paid their respects. Fellow Japanese world championship riders Yuki Takahashi and Tomoyoshi Koyama were amongst those present, as was Technomag-CIP team boss Alain Bronec.

The death of 19-year-old Tomizawa has cast a cloud over Sunday’s race, named as a replacement for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which lost its slot on the 2010 calendar when work on the country’s proposed circuit fell behind schedule.

Lorenzo has a 63-point advantage over rival Dani Pedrosa in the standings although his fellow Spaniard has won the last two races, at Indianapolis and San Marino.

“It’s our third race in Spain but the first time at Aragon and I’m excited,” said 23-year-old Lorenzo, who has won at Jerez and Catalunya on home soil in 2010.

Pedrosa is aiming for a fourth win of the season and has reignited his title challenge with back-to-back victories in his last two outings.

Although he is 63 points behind Lorenzo, there are still 150 to ride for in the remaining six races. “It’s always very nice to race in Spain and I can imagine that the atmosphere will be incredible; I’m looking forward to meeting the Spanish fans again,” said Pedrosa, who was second to Lorenzo at Jerez and Catalunya.

“The team and I also arrive in a very good mood thanks to the great job we have been doing and our good results in the last races.

“Our bike has been working well at very different circuits, so I hope we can also do a good job. I’m really looking forward to this Grand Prix.”