Edisi 28 September 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 184 2st Year

Activists expect Israel to stop Gaza-bound boat

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Impeded by adverse weather, seaweed farmers suffer

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Demi Moore settles Australia magazine case: lawyer Agence France Presse

Tolkien filmmaker threatens to pull ‘Hobbit’ from N.Zealand PAGE 16

MELBOURNE - Hollywood actress Demi Moore has reached an out-of-court settlement with an Australian gossip magazine which printed photos of celebrities at a party she threw in 2008, her lawyer said Monday. Moore, 47, sued New Idea magazine over a series of black and white shots of herself, her daughter Rumer Willis, rapper P. Diddy, and actors Cameron Diaz and Orlando Bloom.

Moore had been due to argue in person in Australia’s Federal Court that she owned the photos, and New Idea had breached both her privacy and copyright by running them in a two-page spread in March 2008.

But judge John Middleton said the “Ghost” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” star was no longer required to give evidence in the case, which was due to begin Monday. “From the media interest, it appears there will be a large number of disappointed fans (now) that Ms Moore will not be attending tomorrow to give evidence,” said Middleton.

Moore’s lawyer said the matter had been “settled in principle” and a confidential agreement would be worked out and presented to the court on Tuesday, according to AAP news agency. The photos, taken at an Oscars party thrown by Moore, were allegedly worth more than 200,000 dollars (187,000 US).

Moore was to claim that a journalist bypassed party security and took copies of the photographs, which she was preparing for the celebrity guests as a keepsake.

AP Photo/Evan Agostini

A Thursday Sept. 23, 2010 photo shows Demi Moore during the Clinton Global Initiative on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 in New York. A legal battle between Moore and and Australiam Magaine has been settled out of cout an Australian judge announced Monday Sept. 27, 2010.

Branson says Anwar trial harms Malaysian investment Agence France Presse

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British billionaire Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, speaks at a forum entitled “Dawn of the New Decade Alternative Investment in Asia” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Sept. 27, 2010. Branson said Monday that Malaysia should privatize large government-linked companies and split them into smaller units to encourage more open competition in its bid to woo foreign investors.

KUALA LUMPUR – British tycoon Richard Branson said Monday that the ongoing sodomy trial against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was discouraging investors from coming to Malaysia.

“Malaysia has a good reputation overseas. (But) what is happening to politician Anwar Ibrahim damages Malaysia a lot,” he said at an investment conference in Kuala Lumpur.

“I think it is not a major issue but it is definitely a thorn. I think this has gone on for a long, long time. It looks bad overseas.”

Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed on separate sex and corruption counts a decade ago, has said that the new allegations — of illicit relations with a young male aide — have been concocted to end his career.

Human Rights Watch has urged Malaysia to drop the charges, condemning the case as a “charade of justice,” and the United States has

warned it is watching the saga closely.

“Malaysia can be more liberal and a lot more people will invest. If you are a bold leader you should get rid of these things that are damaging your reputation,” Branson said.

Malaysia recently announced ambitious plans to double private investment over the next 10 years, to meet its goal of achieving developed-nation status by 2020. The Southeast Asian nation is moving to reverse a sharp decline in foreign direct investment, which fell 81 percent to 1.4 billion dollars in 2009 from 7.3 billion in 2008.

Branson, the founder of the sprawling Virgin business empire, said Malaysia would have more success in wooing foreign funds if it adopted a more open and competitive business policy. “A lot of your companies are run by the government. It will be better if you privatise and break up big companies and let them compete against each other,” he said.

Continued on page 6

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International

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Bali News Road painting create accident Denpasar (Bali Post)-

The painting on the special line for motorcycle in Simpang Siur made an accident happened. Umberto Imperatore, a tourist from Italy, crashed just three hours after the road was painted.

“I was driving from Sanur toward Kuta approximately at 3 o’clock. I didn’t realize that the road was just painted and rain fell down at that time. I didn’t know what paint that they used by I fell on the road. I suffer from injuries on my forehead, elbow and left leg.

I immediately reported to the police after the accident,” Umberto said on Monday, September 27th 2010.

He also said that the people who were helping him told Umberto that was several people also crashed on the same spot. Umberto went back to the crime scene and talked to the workers who were painting the road.

The workers said that they know

The picture shows the special line for motorcycle on Dewa Ruci run about. the road will be slippery if they paint it but they said that they were only following orders.

Meanwhile, I Made Sutama, the head of Badung Transportation, Communication and Information Department, said that warning sign had been placed on the area and the officers guarded the place until the

paint was dry.

“It takes two hours to dry but we didn’t know that the rain will affect the drying process. We are very sorry for the accident caused by the project,” he added. The special line for motorcycle is the fisrt one in Bali and it is made to create the safety of the riders.(wah)

Due to leaked canister, Wave Spa almost burns out Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Fire incident occurred in the vicinity of Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Mumbul, Nusa Dua, South Kuta, Badung, Sunday (Sep 26), at 1:00 p.m. Local Time. Wave Spa almost burned out on account of raging flames. Fortunately, immediate relief came and four units of fire brigade were deployed to the scene.

Quick movement of fire brigades could save the buildings other than kitchen of Wave Spa. There were no fatalities in the fire incident. However, the spa owner was estimated to suffer losses up to tens of millions of rupiahs. Police had not dared to make sure about the cause of the fire. Up to this moment, the fire case is still under investigation of South Kuta Police.

Chief of South Kuta Police, Nanang Prihasmoko, when asked for his confirmation on Sunday said the

cause of the fire was alleged the leaked gas canister in the kitchen. However, for certainty, his party had made coordination with the officers of forensic lab and identification. “Our preliminary allegation tends to suspect it (leaked gas canister—ed),” he said.

Concerning with the chronology, based on information of witnesses examined by police admitted that the source of fire was from the kitchen on the first floor. Suddenly there were smokes and flames bursting from the kitchen. Spa employees called out for help to local people. “Owner of the spa is Made Jhon Wiantara, 24. Now, we remain to ask for further details to him,” said Chief Nanang.

The presence of smokes and flames made the local people panic.

In the meantime, residents and local employees were trying to extinguish the fire by makeshift tools.

However, the fire continued to expand and eventually four units of fire brigade of Badung Regency and

BTDC were deployed to the scene.

The officers attempted to insulate the fire so it would not spread to the surrounding buildings. Finally, the fire could be extinguished 30 minutes later.

One of the witnesses as well as the spa employee, Nadia, pleaded not to know the definite source of the fire. Obviously, when she was in the treatment room, she saw a cloud of smokes on the first floor.

“We directly went out of the room to see the smokes and flames. We then called out for help to the surrounding people,” she admitted.

Fortunately, the witness said, there were no guests taking a treatment at that time. The spa opened at 9:00 a.m. Local Time was scheduled to provide a treatment for guests at 2:00 p.m. However, the treatment reservation was finally canceled. Therefore, there were no guests having a treatment during the fire incident took place. (kmb21)

Nusa Dua Fiesta Filled With Culture Awareness Nusa Dua Fiesta (NDF) XIV 2010 which used green tourism theme has been packed with attractive activities filled with Bali cultures values. NDF which will go on from 15-19 October is going to be filled with various culture valued competitions. This is done so NDF will have its own unique identity, besides having the events held in Anjungan Peninsula Nusa Dua. The competitions are paras statue creation, penjor, coloring rubbish bins, mural, caricature of public figure, photo, body painting and what’s interesting was Nusa Dua Fiesta logo competition. The logo competition has had its special attention as after 14 years of this Fiesta, committee thinks there’s a need of quality logo so it has its own unique self. Because of that

committee has stated some rules for this logo competition such as giving an identity to the Nusa Dua Bali Location, using tourism related colors, also stating the artwork’s explanation.

More over, the quality should be internationally scaled.

This is for the general public from any kind of backgrounds. Artwork will be sent in an A4 paper, color and the soft copy CD format with resolution 300 dpi. The artwork has to be received by committee 10th October 2010 and send it to BTDC PO BOX 3 Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia. I Ketut Gde Darmawan, who’s the leader of the competition, on Sunday (26/9) said the new logo will be hoped can be socialized to the international public at the NDF XV next year. (08)

Last night in Lovina, participants of Sail Indonesia praise Buleleng SATURDAY (Sep 25) night was the last night for participants of Sail Indonesia taking place in Lovina. A total of 250 participants from 19 countries gathered at Bina Ria Beach, Lovina, to enjoy various distinctive recreational and entertainment servings of North Bali.

Such an event was the closing session before the participants of Sail Indonesia resumed their journey.

Buleleng regency led by the Buleleng Culture and Tourism Services held a farewell party graced with hospitality and entertainment shows for the participants of Sail Indonesia 2010. Its ambience was really filled by familiarity among the participants and the public. Also present on that occasion was the Deputy Regent of Buleleng Made Arga Pynatih accompanied by the officials of Buleleng Regency and cultural figures of Buleleng.

Since at 6:00 p.m., participants and invitees of Sail Indonesia 2010 thronging the Bina Ria Beach had been presented with a variety of entertainments, including the stand of Painting and Handicraft Exhibition showing various kinds of typical handicrafts of Buleleng and colossal dance performance drawing the applause of tourists. Such admiration was submitted by representative of participants, namely Mr. Peter Vermey, expressing his happiness for all the receptions held by the committee and the people of Buleleng.

For that purpose, on behalf of other participants he would like to deliver

his profound gratitude and promised to promote Buleleng internationally.

For successful implementation of the fourth Sail Indonesia taking place in Buleleng, the Deputy Regent Arga expressed his positive appreciation to the activity. According to him, the recent event followed 106 yachts managed to raise the image of Lovina area in the national tourism constellation.

“Participants of Sail Indonesia considered Lovina as one of the strategic destinations that should be visited to relax. Apart from offering the beauty of nature, the success was also showed off by the enthusiasm and friendliness of Buleleng people in welcoming the participants,” said Arga Pynatih.

The event organizer representative of Sail Indonesia 2010, Raymond Lesmana, who is also Chairman of Cinta Bahari Foundation, asked for the support from Buleleng regency especially in the provision of facilities and infrastructure such as docks for the future event. According to him, his party would invite some 2,000-3,000 yachts.

In response to the request, Deputy Regent Arga asserted that Buleleng Regency Government would accommodate the provision of such facilities.

“Buleleng Regency Government is happy to welcome the input delivered by visitors in relation to the development of Lovina area in the future. We will discuss this matter later on with tourism stakeholders,” he added. (bin)

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

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

3

Checking In Gilimanuk Tighten Negara, DenPost

The terrorist attack killing three members of Hamparan Perak Police, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra had made police in Gilimanuk Harbor busy as terrorist awareness has been increased. Checking on items, people and vehicles have been increased and now Head of Bali Police Inspector General Hadiatmoko also have directed all police need to increase awareness, guarding Gilimanuk harbor on the way in and out gates need to be tighten. Every vehicles coming to Bali has to be checked thoroughly also the people’s identity.

Head of Gilimanuk Sea Police Adjunct Police Commissioner Putu Suartha stated as said by

AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati

Australian death-row prisoner Andrew Chan sits at a court room before his hearing trial in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010. Chan was one of nine Australians convicted over the 2005 attempt to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia.

Indonesia prosecutors say Australian must die Agence France Presse

DENPASAR - Indonesian prosecutors said Monday an Australian on death row for drug smuggling must be executed in line with his original sentence, rejecting appeals for mercy from Australian police. Presenting their response to the appeal of Scott Rush, 24, against his death sentence, prosecutors said no new material had been presented to warrant a more lenient punishment.

“We disagree with the appeal made by the defence lawyers,” prosecutor Ida Bagus Made Argitha Chandra told the Denpasar district court.

He dismissed testimony for the defence by two top-ranking Australian police officers that Rush was only a “courier”. “We don’t differentiate the roles,” he said, adding that “drug smuggling is a serious threat to the image of Bali” as a tourist destination.

“Narcotics are a big danger and

a transnational crime and the accused should be severely punished.” Rush was a member of the so-called Bali Nine gang of Australians who were caught in 2005 trying to smuggle 8.3 kilogrammes (18 pounds, five ounces) of heroin into Australia from Bali.

Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty and current Deputy Commissioner Mike Phelan appeared on Rush’s behalf at the Bali court

earlier this month. Keelty said Rush — who had a life sentence upgraded to death after an earlier appeal — was not a leader of the plot and did not deserve to be sent to his death, probably by firing squad.

Phelan noted that it was Rush’s first drug offence and as such would face “less than 10 years” if convicted in Australia, which does not have a death penalty. No date has been set for a ruling on the appeal.

Uncertain Weather Condition, Public warned to be Aware Gianyar (Bali Post) –

The uncertainty lately in Gianyar areal has made Gianyar government through Gianyar Region Disaster Management Board (BPBD) have asked the public to always be aware of the disaster threats especially those working in an easy target disaster areal. This was stated by Head of the board, Tjokorda Putra Pemayun, last Sunday (26/9) during a search on victim who sank at Sesa Beach, Keramas Village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar.

This suggestion was stated since

the nature disasters that have been going on next to the other, such as landslides at Tampaksiring, then Tegallalang, typhoon at Kutuh Kaja, Ubud, sinking victims also another landslide at Sangginan, Ubud. Even it’s more on material loss, yet it needs to be aware of especially in places near rivers which are being dig.

BPBD is a board for disaster management yet its function is not only for post disaster. There have been suggestions to be aware especially in this unfriendly nature condition and uncertain.

Post it’s formed, BPBD was seen working post the disaster. And it’s just evaluating and collecting data, nothing persuasive except coordinating with institutions connected who has equipments and facilities to manage the disaster, “BPBD at this time only can coordinate if there’s a disaster.”

Not effective as a whole yet is because there is no operational budget managed by the BPBD, “This board was just formed in 2010, hopefully 2011 will be effective in helping public managing disasters.” (kmb16)

Hadiatmoko, to have routine check to be tighten. According to him the target should be people, items and vehicles to anticipate crimes, terrorist, and dangerous or forbidden items to come in Bali.

For those personnel involved the numbers are still the same and only the checking quality is increased.

Besides tightening the gates, they have also tighten smaller routes, “We protect well and focus on crowded times supervising smaller routes that can be used to get in Bali.” To avoid cheaters, besides pressuring the police members his side also increase coordination with institute involved there is in Gilimanuk and National ID Card (KTP) checking post. (120)

Look Over Flood Location, Governor Disappointed and Victims Need Assistances Semarapura (Bali Post) –

Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, came to the flood location in Gunaksa Vilalge, Dawan last Sunday (26/9). Pastika was disappointed as he was told quite late about the incident. In the other hand, victims of the flood needs clothes especially for babies also clean water.

Governor came joined by Head of Bali Province Social Agency, AA Anom Artawan and other officials were welcomed by Klungkung Vice Regent Tjok. Gede Agung and other Klungkung government officials.

They were looking over the Gunaksa Viallge Office, residents’ houses and Dawan National High School 1 (SMAN 1 Dawan), which were the worst hit.

Head of Gunaksa Village, Ketut Budiarta and Head of the Traditional Gunaksa Village, Nengah Arianta, stated many residents clothes especially babies’ ones dragged by the water, “For water, it has been dead lately in Gunaksa. It only flows at night so water is very vital for the residents right now.” Arianta hoped the village’s bridge will be fixed as right now the shape of it doesn’t suit as it blocks the rubbishes under it and caused water to flow over. Besides that, there will be normalization to the river in the east of the village. This river should be a place for disposal yet now has buildings on it, “So the water debt increased and river couldn’t cope with it. Water will overflow the residents’ house.”

SMAN 1 Dawan Headtecher, Wayan Suamba, hoped the school and the equipments which now still filled by mud can be repaired soon so activities and study process can be continued normally again.

Governor stated, provincial government had always prepared sources for disaster victims such as

foods, medicines, clothes for babies, uniforms and others, also evacuation equipments such as rubber boats, ambulance, fire engines, and more which should be use for its needs, “Why did I not know it straight away when actually last Saturday (25/9) I was relaxing so I went to temples to pray.” He hoped coordination and communication will be increased so when faced by a disaster everyone can act fast, “Disasters like this will happen again. It can’t be not, especially in this kind of uncertain weather.” Pastika hoped there will be a short term tackle despite longer ones. He asked for notes on whatever the public needs also facilities repairs for education, health, and clean water, “Then suggest it to the government straight away.”

Governor also pressured on how public and government manage water and rubbish. While visiting SMAN 1 Dawan, Governor watched the school did a cleansing (pecaruan) ceremony post the disaster. Governor then had chat with Ida Pedande Gede Giri Kemenuh from Geria Gunaksa before praying. In front of the ida pedanda, governor clarified the people of Bali actually had a great concept in taking care of the environment which is Tri Hita Karana, “Sadly the implementation was not much, maybe just 10 percent.”

Openly, Vice Regent Tjok Agung apologized to governor for not informing the incident straight away, when actually during the peak of the flood he came to location with Dawan Sub district Leader, “ I was really panicking. As I got to Gunaksa, there’s already a telephone there’s a landslide n Banjarangkan.

Also in Dawan Sub district office hit by mud. That was the condition then so I forgot to coordinate with the province (governor).” (kmb20)

4

News

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

International

David Miliband to address party conference AFP

MANCHESTER – Defeated Labour leadership candidate David Miliband will address the party’s annual conference in Manchester later Monday, two days after his brother Ed claimed the top job. Ed outlined his vision for the party on Sunday, promising he would not drag the opposition party leftwards to steer it back to power.

The 40-year-old beat his older brother David to the party leadership by a whisker on Saturday thanks to strong backing from trade union members, but he insisted he was not in hock to organised labour.

“I am nobody’s man — I am my own man,” Miliband told BBC television in his first full interview as opposition leader.

Speaking from Manchester, where Labour was holding its fiveday annual party conference, he said: “It is not about some lurch to the left, absolutely not.

“I am for the centre ground of politics, but it is about defining where the centre ground is.”

Miliband won the leadership race by 50.65 percent to 49.35 percent for his brother, the former for-

eign secretary, despite failing to win a majority of Labour lawmakers and party members.

A long-term aide of former prime minister Gordon Brown, Miliband was widely viewed as being further to the left and closer to the unions than his brother.

Miliband has only been an MP since 2005 but made his mark as Brown’s energy and climate change secretary.

During his campaign for the leadership, he railed against wealth inequality and advocated increased taxation on banks and a higher minimum wage.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition has now branded him a union puppet and some newspapers dubbed him “red Ed” — a label Miliband said was “tiresome and also rubbish”.

Labour’s youngest-ever leader insisted he would stand up for people in “the squeezed middle in our country and everyone who has worked hard and wants to get on”.

And he pledged to take the fight to the coalition and its plans for deep cuts in public spending to tackle the record deficit run up under Labour.

AFP

Former climate change minister Ed Miliband (C-R) embraces his brother, the former Foreign Secretary David Miliband (C-L), after being elected new leader of the Labour Party in Manchester. David Miliband will address the party’s annual conference in Manchester later Monday, two days after his brother Ed claimed the top job.

AP

A bulldozer works in a construction site in the Jewish settlement of Adam outside Jerusalem

Israeli bulldozers quiet after building ban expiry AP

JERUSALEM – Settler celebrations over the expiry of a construction ban didn’t translate into a burst of building activity in Jewish West Bank settlements on Monday, as Israel, the Palestinians and the U.S. held out for a compromise that would keep the recently resumed peace talks alive.

Palestinians regard settlement construction as a major obstacle to peacemaking and have threatened to walk out of negotiations if the building restarts after the slowdown officially expired at midnight Sunday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, however, has said he wouldn’t immediately quit peace talks and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged him to keep negotiating — while appealing to settlers to tone down their jubilation.

One settler leader, Dani Dayan, said land-moving equipment would begin laying the groundwork for new Jewish homes in West Bank settlements Monday.

But well into the morning, there were

no immediate signs construction would begin full force on Monday.

Oded Revivi, mayor of the Efrat settlement, said banks and developers were reluctant to commit to new building projects because they’re afraid construction will be stopped again.

Dayan, citing money problems and developers’ previous commitments, predicted that only a few hundred homes would be built in the next few months. “Nothing spectacular is happening” on Monday, he said.

An Israeli military ban on Palestinians prohibiting them from entering Jewish areas of the West Bank could also be an impediment to speedy construction. The ban, imposed as a security precaution

throughout the weeklong Jewish Sukkot holiday, prevents Palestinian laborers who actually build the settlements from showing up for work.

Spokesmen for the Palestinians and the Israeli government had no new comment on Monday.

The expiry of the Israeli construction restrictions has threatened to scuttle Mideast peace negotiations, just weeks after they were launched in early September with great fanfare at the White House. U.S.-led efforts to work out a compromise over the past week failed, though Washington reiterated late Sunday its call for continued construction curbs.

“We remain in close touch with both parties and will be meeting with them again in the coming days,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said. “We remain focused on the goal of advancing negotiations ... and encourage the parties to take constructive actions toward that goal.”

NATO forces carry out airstrikes in Pakistan AP

ISLAMABAD – NATO helicopters based in Afghanistan carried out at least two airstrikes in Pakistan that killed more than 50 militants after the insurgents attacked a small Afghan security outpost near the border, spokesmen said Monday.

NATO justified the strikes based on “the right of self-defense.” Pakistan is sensitive about attacks on its territory, but U.S. officials have said they have an agreement that allows aircraft to cross a few miles into Pakistani airspace if they are in hot pursuit of a target.

The first strike took place Saturday after insurgents based in Pakistan attacked an Afghan outpost

in Khost province, which is located right across the border from Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal area, said U.S. Capt. Ryan Donald, a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

“The ISAF helicopters did cross into Pakistan territory to engage the insurgents,” said Donald. “ISAF maintains the right to self-defense, and that’s why they crossed the Pakistan border.”

The strike killed 49 militants, said U.S. Maj. Michael Johnson, another ISAF spokesman.

The second attack occurred when helicopters returned to the border area and were attacked by insurgents based in Pakistan, said Donald.

“The helicopters returned to the

scene and they received direct small arms fire and, once again operating in self-defense, they engaged the insurgents,” said Donald.

The strike killed at least four militants, said Johnson.

The tribal area where the strikes took place is largely controlled by militants who regularly carry out attacks against NATO troops in Afghanistan. The U.S. rarely uses manned aircraft to carry out strikes in North Waziristan and instead relies on drone attacks that American officials refuse to acknowledge publicly.

Pakistani intelligence officials said two NATO helicopters carried out a third strike inside Pakistani territory on Monday morning, killing five militants and wounding nine others.

Reuters

A U.S. Apache helicopter (L) provides support as a Black Hawk helicopter lands at Cop Cherokee base in Kherwar district in Logar province October 4, 2009.

International

Hotel Activities

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

5

iPad from my Pad

The smallest of details have always made The Elysian such an exceptional experience IBP

The Elysian has long understood that it is the small things that make a huge difference. This 26 villa cluster resort that has made a name for being exceptional value for intimacy, diversion and innovation!

The iPad has taken the world by storm! This is a totally new device, the likes of which have never been seen before. Even though Apple say “It is the best way to experience the web, email, photos and video…” we really know that the best way to experience the new iPad revolution is from the comfort of your very own plush villa in vibrant Seminyak!

The iPad is simply the best way to view emails, photos and videos so that you can stay connected while getting away from it all. Thousands of applications can be downloaded into the iPad to customise it to holiday right along with you! From games to education to productivity the iPad is unlike anything you have seen before!

The large multi-touch screen is based on the same revolutionary technology as on the iPhone. But the technology has been completely reengineered for the larger screen size making it extremely accurate and super responsive. The advanced capabilities of the iPad make it an enriching entertainment centre as well as the world’s ‘thinnest office’!

It’s so amazingly thin you can carry it anywhere... Take it to breakfast and catch up on the latest news. Sit by the open pavilion pool while listening to your favourite tracks. In the evening sit in the privacy of your garden while you read a book or watch your favourite movie. The Elysian’s connectivity extends from reception right through every villa so you can be connected to the world from our world. Check-in to The Elysian and you’ll be treated to the best way to stay connected while you beat a retreat. We are a secluded enclave that is now seconds away from the world at large. The Elysian has always been an innovative brand and the iPad simply extends our villa enhancements that already include iPod, Bose Sound Docks and even AppleTV!

Temple Ceremony Calendar of Event (Sep 24- Oct 7, 2010) 25st – “Saraswati” holiday, the day devoted to Sanghyang Aji Saraswati symbolized as a beautiful goddess of knowledge, sciences and arts, when blessing ceremony is given to holy scriptures of science and arts, held at every family compound.

Temple Festival at: Pr. Watugunung, Bima, NTB. Pr. Agung Jagat Kerana, Surabaya Pr. Aditya Jaya Rawamangun, Jakarta Pr. Agung Wiraloka Natha, Cimahi, Jabar Pr. Giri Jaya Natha,Balikpapan, Berneo.

Pr. Bhuwana Suci Saraswati, Ds. Ngaruaru, Kec. Banyudono, Boyolali,Solo, Jawa Tengah.

Pr. Pasek Tangkas Gempinis, Dalang, Tabanan Pr. Pasek Gelgel Sayan Bongkasa Abiansemal Pr. Dadya Agung Bendesa Tangkas Koriagung, Ds Gerih, Abiansemal Mr.Pulasari/Sentana Dalem Tarukan, Ds. Penida Kelod, Bangli.

Mr.Pasek Kubakal, Ds. Kapal.

Mr.Pasek, Ds. Dalung.

Pr. Pasek Dukuh Ambengan, Ds. Sebudi.

Pr. Pemaksan , Ds. Bandalem, Buleleng.

26th –“Banyu Pinaruh” day, when the Balinese mostly go to the beaches, river and spring to purify them selves and pray for wisdom with early in the morning Pr. Gaduh, Ds. Sesetan, Denpasar.

27th -

.Temple Festival at: Pr. Jati, Jembrana.

Pr. Kawitan Batu Gaing, Bangli.

Pr. Tirta Wening, Tambaksari, Surabaya.

Pr. Desa Linggawana Kertha Mandala, Ds. Abang, Karangasem.

29th – “Pagerwesi”, holiday, the word literally means “iron fence” when Hindu followers worship “Sanghyang Pramesti Guru” as lord of universe and pray for strong mental defence against any negative temptations. Held at every family temple and holy place throughout Bali.

Temple Festival at: Pr. Labaan Sindhu Jiwa, Ds. Kedewatan, Ubud.

Pr. Kahen, Bangli Pr. Wirabuana, Magelang, Jateng Pr. Padangsakti Tangtu, Kesiman Pr. Jogan Agung, Ketewel, Sukawati Pr. Gaduh Pengiasan, Dauh Puri, Denpasar Pr. Siwa/Pasek Tohjiwa, Penebel Pr. Pasek Ketewel, Sempidi, Mengwi Pr. Pasek Gelgel, Buruan Kaja, Tabanan Pr. Pasek Gobleg, Kerambitan Pr. Pasek Gelgel, Meliling, Tabanan Pr. Masceti Selasih, Sanding, Tampaksiring Pr. Dalem Ularan, Br. Tatasan Kaja, Denpasar Mr. Pasek Gaduh, Buduk Mr.Pasek Gelgel, Ds. Kelabang Moding.

Pr. Pasek Gelgel, Sekalan Marga Pr. Sada Br. Gaduh Desa Kaba kaba, Kediri, Tabanan Mr.Pasek Gelgel , Depaha, Ds. Depaha, Kubutambahan, Buleleng.

Pr. Desa Linggawana, Kertamandala, Abang, Karangasem Pr. Lebah Ubud

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.

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News

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Branson says...

From page 1 Branson cited the success story of AirAsia, a Malaysia-based budget carrier whose founders went on to launch long-haul airline AirAsia X, in which the Virgin Group has a 20 percent stake.

“They came with a lower cost base and they helped transform Malaysia. And that is because they are more nimble than bigger government-run companies,” he said. The Malaysian government holds strategic control of key industries including finance, aviation, energy and communications.

Anwar has said he is the victim of a plot to prevent him from taking

AP –

A boat with 9 Jewish activists aboard sets sail from Famagusta harbour in the Turkish

Activists expect Israel to stop Gaza-bound boat AP

JERUSALEM – Organizers of a small boat carrying Jewish activists to the Gaza Strip say they expect Israel to intercept the vessel later in the day.

The voyage of the 33-foot (10meter) catamaran comes nearly four months after Israeli commandos stopped a flotilla of Gazabound ships, clashing with passengers and killing nine pro-Palestinian activists.

Organizer Miri Weingarten says the Irene, which sailed from Cyprus on Sunday with 10 activists, should approach Gaza waters late on Monday.

The activists are trying to draw attention to Israel’s blockade of

Gaza. They say they will not resist if they are stopped.

The Israeli army declined to comment. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Andy David has called the voyage “a politically motivated provocation.”

power, after the opposition made huge strides in 2008 elections, stunning the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been in power for half a century. The opposition leader, who is accused of illicit sexual relations with a 25-year-old former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan, has said he fears he will not receive justice.

Sodomy, even among consenting adults, is illegal in Malaysia. If convicted, Anwar could face up to 20 years imprisonment. His trial opened in February but which has been punctuated by lengthy delays and has made little progress.

US: Inverted Philippine flag was ‘honest mistake’ AP

MANILA, Philippines – The U.S. government said Sunday it made an “honest mistake” when it displayed an inverted Philippine flag — which wrongfully signified that the Southeast Asian nation was in a state of war — in a meeting hosted by President Barack Obama.

The Philippine flag was displayed upside down behind President Benigno Aquino III when leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met Obama in New York on Friday.

“This was an honest mistake,” U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Thompson said in a statement, adding, “the U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines.”

The American embassy will find

out how the “unfortunate” incident happened, she said.

Philippine foreign affairs department spokesman Ed Malaya said the government understood that it was “an honest error” that “should not detract from the true significance of the summit, which showed the unprecedented cooperation between the ASEAN and the U.S.” It was not immediately clear who pointed out the mistake. A photograph of Aquino sitting beside Obama with the inverted flag behind them was displayed on a government website Sunday but its caption did not point out the error.

During the summit, Obama discussed ways of bolstering economic ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia as well as Asian regional concerns such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Nov. 7 elections in military-ruled Myanmar.

Russia wants to supply all of China’s gas needs AP

AP –

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao

BEIJING – China and Russia signed agreements Monday to boost energy cooperation, while Moscow said it is ready to supply its energy hungry neighbor with all its natural gas needs.

No dollar value was given to the agreements signed during a state visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, but they include documents on cooperation in coal, natural gas, nuclear energy and renewable energy.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin told reporters in Beijing that Russia is in talks with Chinese partners on plans to launch natural gas supplies to China starting in 2015, according to the state ITAR-Tass news agency.

“Russia is ready to meet China’s full demand in gas,” Sechin was quoted as saying in the report.

Russia is the world’s biggest energy producer and China is the world’s largest energy consumer, overtaking the United States last year.

Although Europe remains Russia’s largest export market for gas and oil, both Beijing and Moscow have been seeking to diversify their energy sources and markets, despite a long history of mutual suspicion and tensions.

Medvedev is on a three-day visit that started Sunday.

He met Chinese President Hu Jintao for talks Monday and praised closer ties with China.

“I believe that the contact between the two countries is completely in the interest of the Russian and Chinese peoples,” Medvedev said in opening remarks.

Hu hailed a “new era” in partnership. “Both sides believe that the current strategic partnership between China and Russia stands at a new starting point,” the Chinese leader said at the end of talks.

Sechin said that if talks with China on gas supplies went well, Russia could sign commercial contracts by the middle of next year, ITAR-Tass said.

Russian news agency Interfax cited Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko as saying that “in my opinion, the main terms of (gas) supplies, apart from the price, have been agreed upon.”

In late August, Russia opened its section of a 625-mile (1,000-kilometer) crude oil pipeline from eastern Siberia to China, which will connect Russian oil fields with Daqing, a major oil production base in northeastern China.

Russia and China split bitterly 50 years ago over interpretations of communist ideology. In recent years, their relationship has warmed but they remain divided by culture and a preference in both capitals for acting independently.

Both see themselves as rivals to Washington and all three are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. China and Russia have close ties to Iran and though they supported U.N. sanctions adopted last month against Tehran over its suspected nuclear program, they have objected to stronger measures.

International

Indonesia Today A Muslim woman holds copies of comic “When the Conscience Speaks” as it is being published in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, September 24, 2010. Publisher Dhyah Madya Ruth said former Bali bomber Ali Imron’s character gives tips and tricks to avoid being recruited by terrorist groups and to stay away from radical ideas. The publisher said 10,000 copies would be distributed to schools and libraries across the country.

AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

Over 200 policemen questioned about Buol shooting incident Antara

PALU - A total of 228 policemen in Central Sulawesi Province had been questioned in connection with the August 31 deadly shooting incident in Buol, a legislator said.

Syarifuddin Suding, member of the House of Representatives’ (DPR) Commission III, said here Monday that the police had also taken firm actions against some police officers who were regarded responsible.

“We appreciate the Central Sulawesi police that handle this case. We hope the police will finish their investigation in a very short time period,” Suding told ANTARA. The House’s Commission III delegation headed by Syarifuddin Suding had visited Buol district, Central Sulawesi Province, from September 24 to 26.

During their visit, the legislators met with representatives of Kasmir Timumun, Buol police’s detainee who died inside the police compound’s jail, local police officers, local legislators, and community leaders.

At the meeting, Mahmud Hanggi, late Kasmir Timumun’s

uncle, remained confident that Kasmir’s death was abnormal. “We don’t believe that Kasmir is committed suicide,” he said.

Representatives of the Buol unrest victims’ families had asked the legislators and Central Sulawesi police to conduct a serious investigation into the deadly incident, and those found guilty to be sacked from the police.

The House’s Commission III entourage consisted of Syarifuddin Sudding (Hanura), Rindoko (Gerindra), Abd Rahman (PKB), and Suhartono Wijaya (Democrat).

They also met the Buol incident’s independent investigation team members at a local police precinct during which they received the team’s report.

Syarifuddin said the House’s team members found that the police officers involving in the August 31 unrest did not only violate their codes of ethics and discipline principles but also did acts of crime.

“We are pushing to police to handle the criminal cases of the policemen involving in the fatal incident.”

“The matters that the police have so far handled are just related to violations of the codes of ethics and

discipline principles,” he said.

In the near future, the House would hold a plenary session with the national police chief for talks about the Buol incident, he said.

His team had also prepared a report of this incident to be then submitted to the national police and government, he said.

Syarifuddin said the people in Buol district, especially the victims’ families, should remain patient to wait for the outcomes of this ongoing law enforcement process.

The Buol unrest and shooting incident which broke out on August 31 killed eight people and wounded 26 others.

Among the wounded victims were identified as Agus Salim (21), Firman Mokodompit (20), Firman (18), Sudirman (31), Sutomo (35), Rio (20), Hamdani (31), Noldi (24), Alimin (28), and Syamsuddin (27).

The eight dead victims were identified as Amran Abjalu, Supriyadi, Ridwan D Majo, Saktipan Kapuung, Rasyid S Jopori, Herman Hasan, Muslimin Ashora, and Kasmir Timumun.

The deadly unrest was reportedly triggered by the death of a motorist named Kasmir Timumun in jail on August 30.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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Acting AG to settle Yusril’s legal case soon Antara

JAKARTA - Acting Attorney General Darmono said he would soon complete the the Law and Human Rights Ministry’s On-line Business Administration System (Sisminbakum) corruption case involving businessman Hartono Tanoedibyo and former minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

“We will settle the Sisminbakum case as soon as possible,” Darmono said on his first day as as acting attorney general here on Monday.

He was named acting attorney general after President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono honorably dismissed Hendarman Supandji as attorney general on Saturday.

Former law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra had earlier filed a judicial review of Law No. 16/2004 on Prosecution at the Constitutional Court (MK) which ended up at the dismissal of Hendarman Supandji as attorney general.

Darmono said that the settlement of the Sisminbakum case was

a priority in his early work as acting attorney general.

“The on-going investigation of the Sisminbakum case will be continued with the existing legal facts,” he said. He said that as long as the case had met the formal and material requirements, it would soon be followed up.

“I have also asked the junior attorney general for special crime affairs to make a report on the evaluation of the case,” he said.

Earlier when he was still attorney general, Supandji once said that he would not order the arrest of Yusril Ihza Mahendra after the MK ruling.

“No, I will not decide it (to detain Yusril),” he said.

Kadin to support regional economic development Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (kadin) is ready to help the government develop regional economy in an effort to boost national economic growth, its new chairman said.

Suryo Bambang Sulisto who was elected new Kadin chairman on Saturday night said earlier that Kadin was ready to help the government develop the economy to enable it to attain a growth of two digits or at least 10 percent, in the next five years.

“We are determined to achieve the two digit growth because Kadin will not spare its efforts to achieve the target,” he said.

He was optimistic that the two

digit target could be achieved as what China and India had reached.

“It is expected that Indonesia would have a two digit growth so that it would emerge as the third biggest economy in Asia,” he said.

Suryo said that focusing on the acceleration of economic development, Kadin, as a business umbrella, should partner with the government in formulating pro-business policies and create a more conducive business climate.

He said support of his chairmanship of Kadin by provincial Kadin officials reflected a strong wish and posed a challenge to Kadin in playing further roles and functions as well as attention to the development of regional economies in the regions.

Parliament approved president’s appointment of new TNI Chief Antara

JAKARTA - The House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the appointment of Admiral Agus Suhartono to become the next Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) as proposed

by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“With the acceptance of a report on the results of fit-and-proper test carried out recently by the House’s Commission I on Admiral Agus Suhartono as the candidate for the TNI chief, hereby DRP has approved Agus Suhartono to become the TNI Chief,” Priyo Budi Santoso said when leading a Parliament plenary session at Parliament Building

here Monday.

Chairman of the House’s Commission I Mahfudz Sidik earlier submitted the report about the fit-andproper test result. After the test, members of the Commission I in their meeting agreed to approve the appointment of the admiral as proposed by the head of state, and to replace outgoing TNI Chief General

Djoko Santoso.

The test had particularly focused on priorities to be carried out by the next TNI chief, namely military reform, more exact strategy to meet essential forces, promoting the TNI budget including for the welfare of soldiers, strengthening TNI presence in maritime border areas and areas where separatism is still rampant, Sidik said.

Outside the DPR plenary meeting room, Admiral Agus Suhartono, currently the Naval Chief of Staff, expressed gratitude to the Parliament for the approval.

“I am grateful to the Parliament particularly the Commission I. I promise to implement my tasks at my best,” he said.

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Internationa

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Bali Today Culture minister to open 2010 Kuta Carnival Antara

DENPASAR - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik is scheduled to open the 2010 Kuta Carnival to be held on Kuta Beach, Bali, from Sept 29 to Oct 3, 2010.

The organizing committee had sent an invitation to the Minister, the event’s adviser, I Made Supatra Karang said.

“We hoped the art and culture event that will be attended by tourists, including from some other countries, will be opened by the Culture and Tourism Minister,” he said.

This 8th art and culture event was aimed to increase local tourism potentials, and improve Bali’s economy, he said.

This year’s Kuta Carnival is themed “Heal The World”, including culture and tourism.

“The event is also playing a strategic role in Bali’s tourism,” he said. http://upload.wikimedia.org/

Seaweed farming in Nusa Lembongan, Klungkung Regency.

Impeded by adverse weather, seaweed farmers suffer Bali Post

DENPASAR - Adverse weather condition hitting Bali within the past few months had made hundreds of seaweed farmers on Serangan Beach, South Denpasar, suffer. On account of bad weather coupled with heavy rains, they could no more cultivate the seaweed because the salinity of seawater decreased drastically. As consequence, there was no support for the growth of seaweed. Such extreme weather factor was then exacerbated by oil spills polluting the beach so the suffering of seaweed farmers was getting more serious.

Pursuant to monitoring of Bali Post on Sunday (Sep 26), the ambience of seaweed cultivation area in Serangan that was usually filled with farmers looked so deserted. Apparently, the bad weather forced them to stop the seaweed cultivation for a while. It was indicated by some seaweed cultivation equipments scattered around the coast. Dozens of small huts on the outskirts of the beach usually used to store the postharvested seaweed had looked empty, too. Even, most huts were left in ruins after ravaged by strong winds hit the past few months.

“We could not have worked since about five months ago. The weather was not friendly,” sighed Suharto, one of the seaweed farmers of Serangan.

According to Suharto, condition of the seaweed harvest highly depended on the weather conditions. It was said that bad weather hitting Bali recently made the salinity of seawater decreased dramatically and it resulted in the destruction of the cultivated

seaweed. In addition, he also alleged the contaminated sea water due to recent oil spill from the ships had contribution as well to damage the growth of seaweed. “It is useless to cultivate the seaweed by force in this condition.

Yield of the harvest was definitely not good even make us lose,” he said.

The man claiming to have been cultivating seaweed for many years lost out millions of rupiahs because he could not work. If this condition continued, he predicted the majority of seaweed farmers would go bankrupt as they had no other sources of income.

“Now, we already lose out millions of rupiahs because we cannot work.

Even, we have a heavy burden of having to meet the needs of families,” he sighed again.

General Secretary of Mekar Sari Seaweed Cultivation Group of Serangan, I Wayan Karma, acknowledged the bad weather was indeed potentially damaging the seaweed growth. Nevertheless, he said that many factors could cause the damage

to seaweed. According to the results of research made by Udayana University, the oil content in seawater also had contribution to reduce the salinity on Serangan Beach. “In this water, there were many oil spills from ships so they contaminated the seawater.

Some time ago, Udayana University had even suggested farmers to stop the seaweed cultivation for a while because the water condition was less conducive to support the activity,” he said.

He also added that some 147 seaweed farmers in Serangan had discontinued their activities.

In every harvest season lasting for 45 days, he said, each farmer usually could yield at the average of 350-400 kilograms of seaweed. This means, the total yield collected by 147 farmers in each season could range from 50 tons to 70 tons of seaweed with a selling price of IDR 12,000 per kilogram. “With the condition as happens today, the farmers are no longer able to produce seaweed,” he added. (kmb13)

The organizers of Kuta Carnival were also inspired by the Bali bombing tragedy eight years ago, he said.

The chief organizer of the 2010 Kuta Carnival Morgan Made Suartha said the event has the full support from many sides, especially from the Indonesian Navy, which will assign 400 personnel for participation.

The event will be opened on Wednesday evening (Sept 29) concurrently with Hindu Pagerwesi Holy Day, Morgan said.

The opening ceremony would present many attractions such as a performance with one million candles to reflect peace, traditional music including jazz.

There would also be other art performances, beach games, kite flying, culinary and cultural parade.

A “Paddle for Peace” also be held, followed the release of young sea turtles to the beach.

President mentions ”Eat Pray Love” film to promote Bali Antara

JIMBARAN - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono mentioned Julia Roberts’ film “East, Pray and Love” to promote Bali Island to participants of the 2010 Global Policy Forum being here Monday.

Bali was a few months ago the location of part of the scenario of the film “Eat, Pray, and Love” starring Julia Roberts, the head of state said in his address opening the Forum.

The film told the story of a woman who, after a long search, finally found her love and peace in this beautiful island, he said.

“Of course, I know you are only staying here for a few days, but I do hope that you will come back to Indonesia with your family where you can ‘eat, pray, and love’ all you want,” Yudhoyono told the audience.

The 2010 Global Policy Forum of

the Alliance of Financial Inclusion (AFI) was a follow up of discussions on financial inclusion initiated by the G-20.

The 2009 AFI Global Policy Forum was organized in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Recently the G-20 has made a commitment to address development issues.

This will be discussed in the G-20 Summit in November in Korea,” the head of state said.

Among those attending the opening ceremony of the Forum were First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Bank Indonesia Governor Darmin Nasution, AFI Director Alfred Hanning, as well as Kenya Central Bank Governor Njuguna Ndung in his capacity as chairman of AFI Steering Committee.

Indonesian ministers who were present in the event were among others Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, and Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.

AFP PHOTO / SONNY TUMBELAKA

This photograph taken on September 15, 2010 shows tourists enjoy the sun and the sea at Padang-padang beach near Kuta on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

al

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Balinese Culture Rujak

Channels of Inspiration Mystery is unknown to, or at least, not acknowledged by many Balinese. No single matter in heaven as well as on earth is inscrutable. How is this explained?

There are three ways to approach reality. The first one is through sensory perception, the second, is through deciphering of signs and symbols and the third through inaugural manipulation.

Sensory perception is the commonest approach that everybody uses. However, this applies to simple matters only. Future events and “wishes of the departed” do not belong to this category. Those require a more sophisticated “apparatus”. In the past, the Balinese believed that a “balian taksu” (traditional soothsayer) could predict future events. Parents who had just been blessed with a new-born baby could “meluasang anak alit” (inquire about the reincarnate of the baby) from him. This practice is important, as the concerned family had to know exactly their progenitor’s wishes. If they were ignorant of his or her wishes, troubles and sufferings could be the aftermath and be the baby and the family would undergo hardship upon hardship, even death.

A “balian taksu”, either male or female, might for example answer the question by saying: “Panglingsir jerone ane telung undang tenenan numitis, madan I basur. Tetagiane sarwa poleng, slempot poleng, ngupah wayang” (The great-grandfather who is reincarnated through this child is I Basur. He wishes for a checkered outfit: black headdress, checkered sarong, checkered sash and a shadow-puppet performance). Of course, the balian taksu’s words

were subject to suspicion. When this happened, the inquiring parents could contradict the balian by reacting thus: “No! We do not have an ancestor named I Basur. You lie!

Give us back our offerings.”

In order to perform his or her duty, the balian taksu should be in a state of trance. This entranced state results from the inhaling of incense smoke pengasepan.

Maluasang (inquiry) can only be carried out when three types of offerings, called canang, daksina and ngelap are presented by the concerned family. If the family was satisfied with the result, they would normally pay a sum of money, called sesari, the amount of which is not fixed. (It has been reported that in a few cases, some balian taksu demanded large fixed sum of sesari before the performance).The normal arrangement should be based more on mutual understanding and convention, rather than on a tariff created by the balian.

The balian’s performance is no easy matter. If he or she was detected to be groggy or speaking incoherently and at random, the “balian” would undoubtedly be disqualified. The entranced state of the balian was supposed to enable him or her to be “entered” by the information he gave, his gait and manner. To avoid shame, only “balian’s” from distant places were employed, although every balian venturing to deceive was fully aware of running a high risk of losing his reputation.

In the case of “meluasang anak gelem” (inquiry about who has caused a disease), the question could be answered this way: Ane nyakitin jeegne landung, sai sai

(Vegetable & Fruits Salad with Palm Sugar Sauce)

sing mabaju. Bokne uban, sai sai magambahan. The person responsible for the disease is tall, often bare-chested. The hair is greyish and often loose).

Since meluasang anak gelem was a delicate matter, which could cause a fight between any two parties concerned, the “balian taksu” was wise enough not to give all the details. With respect to “meluasang anak gelem “, the question often raised was: “Who talks in mediation of the balian: a deity or the spirit of the ancestor”? Most people believe that both can serve as informants. (There is a joke among modern-day-Balinese that their ancestors were as clever and diplomatic-minded as they themselves are today, by avoiding to come right out with the truth. Their ancestor -who might be the “balians” themselves- did not want to be trapped in a difficult situation).

As a medium a “balian taksu” could also serve as medium in an inquiry about what was required by the soul of a departed, as accompaniment for a cremation. The inquiry could proceed in these words: “Most reverent balian, what are the demands of my uncle who is going to be cremated?” The balian may say: “Ane edotang tiang udeng putih, kamben putih, slempot gadang” (dress me in a white headdress, white sarong and green sash).

Today’s more critical or “modern” Balinese mind is sometimes reluctant about this practice. As a popular joke says: “What would you do, if your deceased grandfather asks for a tractor? Are you going to comply with his wishes?” (http://www.balibagus.com)

OVERVIEW: This popular snack, in intriguing mixture of sweet, sour and spicy hot flavors, is prepared at countless warung throughout Bali.

INGREDIENTS: 1 small pineapple, peeled and sliced evenly 1 sour mango, peeled and sliced 1 pamelo or grapefruit, peeled and cut in segments 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced 3 water apples (jambu), quartered (optional) 1 medium sized star fruit, sliced ½ small papaya, peeled, cut in half, seeded and sliced in even segments 1 green apple, peeled and sliced 1-cup rujak sauce PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients in salad bowl and mix well.

Serve at room temperature.

Helpful hint: although this is served as snack in Bali, you can serve it as part of Balinese meal or buffet.

BASE RUJAK: 6 tbsp tamarind pulp 1-cup palm sugar syrup 1tsp dried shrimp paste, roasted 6 bird’s eye chilies, left whole ½ tsp salt ½ cup water PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients in a heavy pan and bring slowly to the boil. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.

When cool, squeeze to extract all the juice from the tamarind and strain through a sieve. (www.baliguide.com/ balifood)

Jaja Batun Bedil

(Sticky Rice Cake In Brown Sugar Sauce) OVERVIEW: The uninteresting appearance of this dessert belies its delightful flavor and creamy texture.

DUMPLINGS: 1 cup glutinous rice flour ½ cup tapioca flour ¾ cup water ¼ tsp salt Make dumplings first. Place rice and tapioca flour in deep mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add water and salt, mix well and knead dough until it can be rolled and shaped. Dough should not be too dry. Roll small dumplings 1 cm (1/2 in) in diameter. Bring 4 liters (8 cups) of water to boil. Add dumplings, bring back to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set dumplings aside.

SAUCE: 3 cups water 1 cup coconut milk 1/3 cup palm sugar syrup 1 pandan leaf Pinch of salt To make sauce, combine water, coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaf, and pinch of salt in small stockpot. Bring to boil. Add flour dumplings and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool and serve at room temperature.

C.045 ibp

TO MAKE PALM SUGAR SYRUP: Combine 2 cups of chopped palm sugar with 1 cup of water and 2 pandan leaves. Bring to boil, simmer 10 minutes, strain and store in refrigerator. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

International Business Tampak Siring Temple IBP

Tirta Empul Temple or Tampak Siring Temple is a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar regency and it is about 39 km eastwards from Denpasar town. It is set in the dale and encircled by the hill. In the west side of this temple, there is an Indonesian President palace which has been found by the first president. The name of Tirta Empul is loaded in a inscription which is kept at Sakenan Temple, Manukaya village, Sub district of Tampak Siring, about 3 km from Tirta Empul Temple. In this inscription, the Tirta Empul is named by the Tirta Ri Air Hampul and then the name has changed into Tirta Hampul and finally become the Tirta Empul. Tirta Ri air hampul is meaning the water emerge or the holy pool (Petirthan) which is the water emerge from the land.

The wellspring emerges from the land is believed that it is the infinite creation. According to the his-

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tory, that, that this water source is arranged and sanctified by king Indrajayasinghawarmadewa in the year 882 Saka (960 M). He has given the name with Tirta ri air hampul. The data is loaded in the inscription that is located at Sakenan Temple. Besides of the above epigraphy data, in Tirta Empul Temple is also found the archaeology omission like Colossus Yoni, Arca Lion, Tepasana and Tirta Empul Pool. According to papyrus of Usana Bali narrated that Tirta Empul is created by Bhatara Indra (Sun Deity) when bearing arms against the king where his palace is located in Bedahulu Countryside.

He is known as a very miraculous king, which he can lose or show suddenly, therefore he is named by Mayadenawa. Because of its miracle, he becomes the arrogance and expressing himself as a god.

The Mayadenawa King owns the assistant (Patih) which is called Kalawong. They prohibit the people to do the Yadnya (praying to the

god) so that is often happened the natural disaster, disease epidemic, agriculture fail and finally miserable life society. Finally Betara Indra (one of Hindu God) gives battle against the kings that happened in Tampak Siring and then the Mayadenawa is gone to the wall and disappear. King Mayadenawa has also created poisonous pools which can the team of Bathara Indra die and faint after drinking this water.

Then Bathara Indra stick the weapon of Umbul-umbul and finally the water is emerging so that called by Tirta Empul and then it is passed to the dead and faint soldier that made them back to live. Therefore at the moment this pool water is sanctified by the Hindu society in Bali and they believe that this water source can heal various of diseases, hence every day this place is a lot of visited by Hindu people to do the ritual and sanctify them self . This place has been opened for public and as a famous tourist destination in Bali.

... gets maximum benefits with minimum charge Denpasar : +62 361 22-5764 Jakarta : +62 21 535-6271

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

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

11

BUSINESS A woman walks by a securities’ firm in Tokyo, Friday, Sept. 24, 2010.

Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan will on Monday order the compilation of a supplementary budget of up to 60 billion dollars for fresh stimulus measures to shore up a flagging economy, reports said.

AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa

Japan PM Kan to order budget for fresh stimulus Agence France-Presse

TOKYO - Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan will on Monday order the compilation of a supplementary budget of up to 60 billion dollars for fresh stimulus measures to shore up a flagging economy, reports said.

Kan will order the budget at a top level ministerial meeting, Kyodo News reported.

The Nikkei business daily reported the budget was expected to total 4-5 trillion yen (47-59 billion dollars).

The move illustrates Tokyo’s increasing concern that more action is needed to counter the impact of softening export markets and a strong yen that is threatening a fragile recovery from recession.

Kan, a fiscal hawk, who focused his early agenda on efforts to cut spending and slash Japan’s huge debt running close to 200 percent of gross domestic product, may now be forced to reevaluate amid pressure from opposition parties.

The yen’s rise to 15-year highs against the dollar prompted Tokyo’s first currency intervention since 2004 to help hamstrung exporters and avoid a drastic slowdown that could plunge Japan back into reces-

sion.

The government also in September approved a 915 billion yen stimulus package financed by reserve funds to create around 200,000 jobs and lift the country’s GDP by about 0.3 percent, but that was criticized as not being enough.

Data on Monday showed Japan’s export growth continuing to slow while its trade surplus fell for the first time in 15 months year on year as global demand weakened.

N.Zealand central banker warns over China investments Agence France-Presse

WELLINGTON New Zealand’s central bank governor said Monday that the country needed to manage its relationship with China carefully as the government moved to tighten foreign investment rules.

New Zealand, the world’s largest dairy exporter, has seen increased Chinese interest in its products in recent years but some, including Prime Minister John Key, have expressed concern at the prospect of Beijing buying farmland.

Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Alan Bollard said relations with China, the country’s second largest trading partner, raised questions about who should own the country’s export industries and where the exports should be processed.

“I’m talking about export of primary product and the extent to which it’s processed in New Zealand and

owned in New Zealand, or not,” Bollard told AFP. “The story in some commodity areas is that already processing is moving to China. There are questions about how much of that is inevitable and how much isn’t and can be done in New Zealand.

“That also relates to commercial relationships with China.”

Bollard’s comments came as the government announced new measures giving ministers more discretion when assessing foreign ownership applications for farms.

Finance Minister Bill English said the new rules would allow ministers to consider whether selling a farm to an overseas investor was in the best interests of the wider New Zealand economy.

“It’s important that we welcome beneficial foreign investment and recognise the positive contribution it makes to New Zealand through in-

creased jobs, capital and access to export markets,” English said in a statement.

“At the same time, the government recognises there are genuine public concerns about aspects of certain types of overseas investment.”

Debate about foreign ownership of New Zealand farms has been sparked by a Hong Kong-listed company’s application to buy a bankrupt group of dairy farms.

Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson caused a storm earlier this month when he said opposition to foreign land ownership was often more about “racism” than economic concerns.

Key, whose conservative National government has a strong rural constituency, dismissed Williamson’s remarks and reiterated his view that New Zealanders risked becoming “tenants in their own land”.

Japan credit firm Takefuji ‘to file for bankruptcy’ Agence France-Presse

TOKYO - Japan’s once high-flying consumer credit firm Takefuji Corp. will file for bankruptcy protection with liabilities of five billion dollars, a credit research company said Monday.

Takefuji, which calls itself a “yen shop”, is burdened with claims by customers for refunds of excessive interest charges since the Supreme Court in 2006 entitled borrowers to do so, Tokyo Shoko Research said.

Its liabilities total 433.6 billion yen (5.1 billion dollars), it said.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange suspended trading in Takefuji’s shares, which are also listed on the London bourse. No immediate comment was available from Takefuji.

Media reports said the company would file with the Tokyo District Court as early as Monday for restructuring under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law. It will seek a sponsor while reducing debts through cuts in refunds

to customers and other measures, the Nikkei economic daily said, while warning liabilities could expand if more customers come forward with claims.

Takefuji, established in 1974, grew quickly to become the nation’s top consumer finance company.

Its founder, the late Yasuo Takei, was Japan’s top taxpayer in 1993 and the company boasted group operating profit of 425.4 billion yen and outstanding loans of 1,766.6 billion yen in the year to March 2002 at its height.

But Takei was arrested in 2003 for wiretapping a journalist who wrote an article criticising the company’s operations and was given a suspended jail term the following year.

Takefuji saw loan demand fall rapidly in recent years and the Lehman shock in 2008 made Takefuji’s fundraising harder, the Nikkei said.

Japan’s megabanks have recently purchased troubled consumer credit firms but Takefuji remains independent from them.

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor seeks to buy construction firm Agence France-Presse

SEOUL - South Korea’s top carmaker Hyundai Motor confirmed Monday it would bid for a troubled construction firm, setting the stage for a bidding war with its former parent Hyundai Group.

Hyundai Motor said in a statement it would seek a major stake in Hyundai Engineering and Construction to strengthen its “future business opportunities and diversify its business portfolio”.

The automaker said it would use its own capital to take over the builder, adding it would send a letter of intent to creditors of Hyundai Construction later on Monday.

The nine creditors led by the Korea Exchange Bank announced Friday they would sell a 34.88 percent stake, potentially worth three billion dollars. A preferred bidder will be announced in December.

Hyundai Motor said the construction firm would be able to further cement its global position through the automaker’s 8,000 manufacturing and sales operations in more than 150 countries.

It would also be able to take part in Hyundai Motor’s existing highspeed rail business overseas, it said.

“This type of synergy... will enable Hyundai Construction to be-

come a fully integrated world-class engineering company.”

The announcement set the stage for a struggle for control of the builder between Chung Mong-Koo, chairman of the cash-rich carmaker, and his widowed sister-in-law Hyun Jeong-Eun, who leads the much smaller Hyundai Group.

Hyun’s group expressed regret at Hyundai Motor’s bid and said it would also send a letter of intent to creditors this week.

The huge Hyundai conglomerate spun off Hyundai Motor and some other businesses in the wake of the 1997-98 economic crisis.

Hyundai Engineering and Construction came under creditors’ control in 2001 in a bailout package that included a 2.9 trillion won (now 2.5 billion dollar) debt-for-equity swap.

The rump of Hyundai Group now includes a shipping firm, a brokerage, a tour company that operates projects in North Korea and an elevator maker.

Last month three of the affiliates — Hyundai Merchant Marine, Hyundai Securities and Hyundai Elevator — each disclosed in public filings that they intend to bid for the construction firm.

Analysts say Hyundai Motor, sitting on some 4.3 billion dollars in cash, is in a far better position to bid than the indebted Hyundai Group.

12

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Entertainment

International

Tolkien filmmaker threatens to pull ‘Hobbit’ from N.Zealand Agence France Presse

WELLINGTON - Filmmaker Peter Jackson threatened on Monday to move the troubled production of his latest Tolkien saga “The Hobbit” from New Zealand over a dispute with an Australian actors’ union. In an open letter, Jackson said “The Hobbit”, a two-film prequel to the Oscar-winning “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, may be moved to eastern Europe if the row with Australia’s Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance was not settled.

The MEAA has called for an international boycott of “The Hobbit” until producers agree to meet its demands over union representation, a move Jackson said may drive the project from his homeland.

“I can’t see beyond the ugly spectre of an Australian bully-boy using what he perceives as his weak Kiwi cousins to gain a foothold in this country’s film industry,” Jackson said. “They want greater membership, since they get to increase their bank balance.”

New Zealand’s mountainous landscape provided a stunning backdrop to “The Lord of the Rings”, which helped kickstart a local film industry Jackson — a New Zealander himself — said was now under threat. “If ‘The Hobbit’ goes east — east Europe in fact — look forward to a long, dry, big-budget movie drought in this country,” he said.

“We have done better in recent years

with attracting overseas movies and the Australians would like a greater slice of the pie, which begins with them using ‘The Hobbit’ to gain control of our film industry.”

“The Hobbit” has been stalled by financial woes at movie studio Metro-GoldwynMayer, which is facing a debt of 3.7 billion US dollars and is negotiating a streamlined bankruptcy with creditors. Mexicanborn Guillermo Del Toro quit as director in May, citing almost two years of delays, with “Lord of the Rings” director Jackson expected to replace him at the helm.

Jackson denied being anti-union and said he was angry “a tiny minority” of actors could potentially derail a project that would create thousands of jobs and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into New Zealand’s economy. The filmmaker said he had always treated both union and nonunion actors fairly on his sets and accused

Aamir Khan hopes for third time lucky at 2011 Oscars

Agence France Presse

MUMBAI - Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will be hoping for third time lucky at next year’s Oscars, after the latest movie he produced was chosen as India’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category. “Peepli Live” — a biting satire about the divide between rural and urban India and the problem of farmer suicides — beat 26 other films to be submitted for the longlist, Film Federation of India secretary general Supran Sen said.

Khan, who produced the film, welcomed the nomination and said it stood a “very good chance” of success. Two other films he has produced have previously been selected

as India’s official Oscar entry.

“Lagaan” (Tax) — a period drama about a group of Indian villagers who challenge their British colonial masters to a cricket match — made the final five in 2002 but was beaten by the Bosnian film “No Man’s Land”. “Taare Zameen Par” (Stars On Earth), acclaimed for raising awareness about dyslexia, failed to be shortlisted in 2009.

Khan also starred in “Rang de Basanti” (Colour Me Saffron), about a British documentary maker who wants to make a film about Indian freedom fighters, which was India’s entry in 2007 but again did not make the cut.

Only two other Indian films have been shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film category: director Mehboob Khan’s classic “Mother India” in 1958 and US-based director Mira Nair”s “Salaam Bombay!”

(Hello Bombay!) in 1989. Khan has made a name for himself as one of the Indian film industry’s leading actor-producer-directors, combining offbeat subjects with high-quality production values and expert marketing.

His previous two leading roles, “Ghajini” and “3 Idiots” both beat box office records. India’s official Oscar entry in 2009 — a Marathilanguage film about the father of Indian cinema, “Harischandrachi Factory” — failed to make the shortlist.

the MEAA of unfairly singling out “The Hobbit”.

“It sure feels like we are being attacked simply because we are a big fat juicy target, not for any wrongdoing,” he said. New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said minimum employment standards needed to be met and Australia’s MEAA was simply assisting its counterparts in the New Zealand labour movement achieve the goal.

“It is totally unjustified to describe the union assistance from Australia as bullying,” she said, calling on the film’s producers to work with unions on conditions, “rather than simply threaten to remove the film from New Zealand”.

MEAA assistant federal secretary Simon Whipp told Radio New Zealand the union was concerned actors involved in “The Hobbit” were not being offered contracts which were standard throughout the industry. Whipp said the MEAA had no interest in driving work away from New Zealand and wanted to work with the movie’s producers.

Actor Ian McKellen, who is likely to reprise his role as the wizard Gandalf, reportedly told a British newspaper this month that back-to-back shooting of the two movies was set to begin in January.

AFP PHOTO / MARTY MELVILLE

Roland Tuck, 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), poses behind David Bootsma (front C), 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm), with other audition hopefuls waiting for their chance to be a part of New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson’s new Tolkein fantasy film “The Hobbit” at the Te Whaea National Dance school in Wellington on September 26, 2010. The Hobbit is planned to be a two-part film prequel to Jackson’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and is based on the popular novel of the same title by late British author J. R. R. Tolkien.

Cancer-stricken “Spartacus” star may be replaced searching for some way to have the actor remained involved in the show. Any credit will also ensure that LOS ANGELES – Starz may recast the lead role in Whitfield remains an employed member of the pro“Spartacus” after star Andy Whitfield was unexpect- duction.

During Whitfield’s first round of cancer treatment, edly forced to quit earlier this month so that he could Starz crafted a prequel mini-season that did not reresume cancer treatment.

Sources say the cable network has begun talks with quire Whitfield until his doctor gave the actor an allcasting directors about possibly finding another actor clear. Filming on the prequel is currently underway in to take over the show. Though the actor would most New Zealand, with the second season scheduled to likely play Spartacus, another, much less likely, pos- start production immediately afterward. The network sibility involves re-shaping the series around a new must either recast the title role quickly — within the next eight weeks — or halt procentral character. If no suitable duction. candidate is found, Starz and The decision to potentially reproducers may opt to delay or cast, sources say, was not made cancel production. easily. Starz executives, along The decision to audition other with members of the cast and actors was made in conjunction crew, have been devastated by with Whitfield, who is said to this turn of events and would presupport the series’ continuation. fer to keep Whitfield in the role.

The 36-year-old Welsh native But there are several financial was diagnosed with nonrealities to be considered, too.

Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this “Spartacus” is the network’s first year, forcing Starz to delay and only breakout original seshooting the second season of ries. DVD sales on the just-rethe swords-and-sandals saga. leased first season are strong.

Having said in July that he was Additionally, there’s the rest of looking forward to returning to the cast and crew of other the series, his announcement on “Spartacus” employees awaiting September 17 that doctors had word on whether their jobs will advised an “immediate” resumpcontinue. Delaying production tion of “aggressive treatment” could potentially mean losing for cancer came as a shock. key actors or writers to other opEven if the second season beportunities. The prequel is set to gins shooting without Whitfield AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file air in January. as Spartacus, producers are Andy Whitfield

Reuters

Life Style

International

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

13

Luxury yachts fly the green flag Agence France Presse

MONACO - Luxury yachts that whisk their millionaire owners or charter guests to the world’s top beauty spots, guzzling gallons of fuel on the way, have long scraped the bottom of the green league tables. But as superyachts converged on the Riviera for this year’s 20th Monaco Yacht Show, a small but determined minority were flying the green flag as the ever expanding fleet of mega yachts seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.

Paolo Moretti, who heads the yachting division of Italy’s ship certification body RINA, told AFP interest in environmental topics has spiked in the yachting sector over the last five years.

“Luxury yachts have big budgets but owners now not only want to excel in terms of comfort and luxury but also in environmental sustainability,” he said. The influential four-day show that opened Wednesday in the tiny, glitzy principality attracted an exceptional turnout of some 100 superyachts of up to 90 metres (300 feet) in length.

Among the 28,000-plus participants crammed into Monaco’s horseshoe-shaped port, there were some 500 firms involved in the design, paint, engines and waste disposal for the superyachts. And many of them are working on how to make yachting more sustainable.

“Motivation is coming from all sides and some owners are really deeply concerned by environmental issues, particularly the more technically-minded owners,” said Luc Khaldoun, commercial director Europe at Fraser Yachts Monaco. One

newly-launched sea-giant — Exuma — had its green ambitions on full display.

The first of a new series of Vitruvius motor yachts built by Italy’s Pichiotti and Perini Navi, Exuma was designed by Philippe Briand, famous for his cutting-edge sailing yachts.

The spectacular 50-metre vessel, which can accommodate 10 guests and eight crew, boasts an unusual aluminium hull, whose lighter weight is designed to slash fuel consumption, explained the boat’s captain, Adolfo Oria.

“The design of the yacht, which is narrower and sleeker than most motor yachts, has the same performance efficiency of sail boats,” he said.

Exuma’s innovation won it the show’s Green Plus Yacht Award 2010, which was presented Friday by eco-campaigner Prince Albert to its Monaco-resident owner. Short of a design revolution, one of the easiest ways for the green-minded millionaire to reduce his yacht’s carbon footprint today is to sign up to a yacht carbon offset scheme.

“Interest (in carbon offsetting) is

AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE

A picture, taken on September 22, 2010 at Port Hercules in the principalty of Monaco, shows luxurious yachts gathered during the International Monaco Yacht Show. As superyachts converged on the Riviera for this year’s 20th Monaco Yacht Show, a small but determined minority were flying the green flag as the ever expanding fleet of mega yachts seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.

growing all the time,” according to Mark Robinson, managing director of a service called Yacht Carbon Offset, whose list of clients from the Middle East, Russia and Europe reaches into three figures.

The principle of offsetting is straightforward: a yacht’s greenhouse gas emissions are quantified and then balanced by equivalent

‘Medal of Honor’ PC Multiplayer Beta Starts Oct. 4 PC gamers can access the open beta at medalofhonor.com/pcopenbeta. EA promised that the game will feature first-person shooter action and dedicated server support with authentic settings, weapons, and realistic action. The beta will feature two new maps inspired by real-world locations: Kunar Base and Shahikot Mountains.

At Kunar Base, which is played in the Sector Control multiplayer mode, the two sides fight to control tactical sectors of the map. With Shahikot Mountains, found in Combat Mission multiplayer mode, gamers battle through a series of objectives to defeat the opposing team. Both modes pit teams of 12 players against one another.

“The Open Beta of the ‘Medal of Honor’ multiplayer mode will allow players to sample the authenticity and adrenaline-fueled action

that the full game will offer on October 12,” Frank Gibeau, president of EA Games Label, said in a statement. “We also hope that by offering the Multiplayer Open Beta, we can clear up any misunderstanding about the patriotism and respect that are the foundation of this game. The ‘Medal of Honor’ franchise has always shown extraordinary reverence for American and Allied soldiers — this game is no exception.” EA conducted a closed beta in June 2010, and has incorporated feedback from that test period into this next beta.

Earlier this month, Jack Thompson, a disbarred lawyer who has vocally decried violence in video games, said he will try to stop the release of “Medal of Honor” because: the game itself used U.S. Special Operations soldiers as consultants, which would provide enemies a “powerful and useful training tool to rehearse killing our soldiers”; the game allows players to play as the Taliban; EA is allegedly allowing anyone to preorder the game, regardless of age; and school massacres have been linked to “military killing simulators” like the “Medal of Honor” game.

Days before that, “Medal of Honor” was banned from 49 Gamestop locations and all Post Exchanges on U.S. military bases worldwide.

emissions reductions from carefully-selected green energy projects around the world. Yachts using the service include Lionheart, Candyscape II and RoMa as well as the recently-launched 57.7-metre sailing ketch Twizzle, whose owner also chose to offset the carbon footprint from the energy and main materials used in the boat’s construction.

Until now, yachting lagged behind

other sectors in terms of environmental awareness, for two reasons, according to Khaldoun. First, the industry is deeply conservative and often slow to adopt new trends. Second — and most importantly — research and development costs are enormous in this highly specialist sector where yacht builders often lack the budgets needed for such projects.

Longest dinosaur thigh bone in Europe found in Spain Agence France Presse

MADRID, Spain – Palaeontologists in Spain have found the fossiled thigh bone of a dinosaur that is almost two metres in length, the longest such femur ever discovered in Europe, they said Friday. The Dinopolis Foundation, a dinosaur research institute, said the 1.92-metre (6.3-feet) bone was found earlier this year at a site at Riodeva near Teruel in eastern Spain along with a 1.25-metre (4.1feet) tibia and 15 vertebrae.

The bone is believed to belong to a giant long-necked dinosaur weighing more than 40 tonnes and measuring 30 metres (98 feet), the Turiasaurus Riodevensis, first discovered in

2004 at the same site, it said in a statement.

The new fossils, in addition to those gathered in 2004, should allow the foundation to construct a skeleton of the animal, which lived some 145 million years ago, Dinopolis said.

The announcement comes two weeks after palaeontologists revealed the discovery in the same region of a new type of dinosaur with a hump that they believe is the forerunner of flesh-eating leviathans which once ruled the planet.

The fossil was uncovered in the Las Hoyas formation in central Spain’s Cuenca province, a treasure trove of finds that date to the Lower Cretaceous period of between 120 and 150 million years ago.

This handout picture released on September 26, by the Dinopolis Foundation, shows the fossiled thigh bone of a dinosaur that is almost two metres (more than six feet) in length, the longest such bone ever discovered in Europe in Teruel.

AFP/DF-HO/File

14

Sport

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

International

Malouda backs Chelsea to return to form in Europe Agence France Presse

LONDON - Florent Malouda expects the lure of Champions League glory to help Chelsea rediscover their winning touch in Tuesday’s clash with French champions Marseille.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side made a flying start to their domestic and European campaigns, but the Blues seem to have lost some of their sparkle in the last week as a surprise League Cup exit against Newcastle was followed by Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Manchester City.

That defeat at Eastlands ended Chelsea’s 100 percent start to their defence of the Premier League title, but France winger Malouda is confident there is no chance of the losing run extending to a third match.

Ever since Roman Abramovich made success in Europe his primary goal after buying Chelsea in 2003, the west London outfit have been engaged in a so-far fruitless search for the Russian billionaire’s holy grail.

A 2008 final defeat to Manchester United and several semi-final losses still rankle with many at Stamford Bridge and players and owner are united in their desire to finally win Europe’s elite club competition this time. “It’s a big target for this club to win the European Cup,” Malouda said. “Coming so close has been frustrating and we really do feel this is the year we can win it.”

Malouda believes Chelsea’s strength in depth will allow them to

cope with the demands of challenging for the Champions League, while Ancelotti’s experiences at AC Milan, where he won the trophy twice, are also a significant plus. “The manager can put one team out on a Saturday and another out in the week. They would both be world class,” Malouda said.

“I think our manager is one of the most proven managers there is. Every single player at the club is having a lot of fun playing under him and he wants the Champions League as much as us. This can be the season for us.”

While Chelsea are favourites to beat Marseille at Stamford Bridge in their second group stage match, Malouda is well aware that Didier Deschamps’ team are capable of causing a shock.

Deschamps, who spent the 1999-2000 season as a player at Chelsea, led Marseille to their first French title for 18 years and the club’s supporters are hopeful of emulating the success of Lyon and Bordeaux, who both reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season. With that in mind Malouda may be right to warn his team-mates not to underestimate Marseille.

“Marseille will be a difficult one

because if you look at the recent years the French teams have done well in the Champions League,” Malouda said. “Last year they had two teams in the last eight. It is big for Marseille, they were champions last year and were waiting a long time, so they will want a good start.

“They won’t want to come to Stamford Bridge and lose 4-0 like Bordeaux did two years ago. I can tell you it will be difficult in both games. Over there it is a big atmosphere but we are used to that.”

Meanwhile, Deschamps, 41, added: “Returning to Stamford Bridge will give me great pleasure.

Although the stadium itself is renovated and much bigger, the wonderful ambience which I experienced remains. “Chelsea have a very competitive European team with something like 20 internationals - a great compensation if you have injured or suspended players.

“Not only do Chelsea want to win this trophy, they are among four or five teams which can legitimately expect to do so. “They won the Premier League title last season and are already performing really well.”

AP Photo/Scott Heppell

Manchester City’s captain Carlos Tevez, center, celebrates his goal beside a dejected Chelsea’s Florent Malouda, right, during their English Premier League soccer match at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept.

25, 2010.

Madrid goal famine concerns Mourinho Bayern’s van Gaal to sign up until 2012 - Rummenigge Agence France Presse

MADRID - Manager Jose Mourinho promised attacking football and goals when he took over at Real Madrid in the summer but under his guidance Real have scored a meagre six goals in their first five

league matches firing blanks again in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at promoted Levante.

It was the second time Real failed to score this season having drawn 0-0 at Real Mallorca on the opening day of the season and left Mourinho at a loss to explain why his side failed to con-

Real Madrid’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho attends a training session in Madrid on September 27, 2010 on the eve of their Champions League football match against Auxerre.

AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

vert their chances.

“I am worried because we have now dropped four points through not scoring,” said Mourinho. “We are not scoring the number of goals we should in terms of chances.

“It is not normal to need so many opportunities. If you score two or three from six chances fine. Against Levante we had so many chances and some great ones but we didn’t score and we are not happy with a point.” Real are unbeaten in their six league games but the two 00 away draws leave them down in third two points behind Valencia and a point behind arch rivals Barcelona.

At the back Real have no such problems, conceding just one league goal, and Mourinho hopes it is a question of time before things click at the other end of the pitch.

“We are controlling all the games and there is nothing that needs solving tactically,” added the former Chelsea coach. “It is certainly not to do with the quality of the players. We all know that these are players with high goal tallies for a number of seasons.

“The team was solid at the back and we have conceded just one goal in six games. (Iker) Casillas only had one save to make, however, if you don’t score you don’t win.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain, who scored 53 league goals between them last season, had Madrid’s best chances but for once could not apply the finishing touch and Real surrendered top spot to Valencia.

Agence France Presse

BERLIN - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal will be offered a contract extension through until 2012 despite the German giants’ patchy start to the season, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

“We don’t change our mind after one defeat,” Bild newspaper quoted Rummenigge as saying in reference to Bayern’s 2-1 defeat to Mainz on Saturday. “On the contrary, we’ll extend his contract this week. And show clearly

the importance of Louis to Bayern.

“We have total confidence in Louis van Gaal. The coach does a great job.

It’s the team, not the coach, that must react.” Van Gaal, 59, pulled off the double of Bundesliga and German Cup success in his first season at the helm in the last campaign and also guided the team to the Champions League final where they were beaten 2-0 by Inter Milan.

This season, Bayern are ninth in the table with eight points, 10 behind leaders Mainz.

Champions League fixtures on Tuesday (1845GMT): Group E Basel (S I) Bayern unich ( R) Roma (I ) CFR Clu a oca (R

Group F Chelsea ( ) arseille (FR ) S artak oscow (R S) S ilina (SV )

Group G a ( ) C ilan (I ) u erre (FR ) Real adrid ( SP)

Group H Braga (P R) Shakhtar onetsk ( R) Parti an Belgrade (SRB) rsenal ( )

)

Sport

International

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

15

Sharapova knocked out of Pan Pacific Open Agence France Presse

TOKYO - Defending champion Maria Sharapova fell victim to local favourite Kimiko Date Krumm in the first round of the Pan Pacific Open women’s tennis tournament on Monday. The Russian 12th seed, who also won here in 2005, dug her own grave by hitting 11 double faults — nine of them in her broken-service games — to go down 5-7, 6-3, 3-6 to the Japanese.

“My opponent played really a solid match. I didn’t feel comfortable throughout the match.

Rhythm wasn’t there and I couldn’t take an advantage. She did a good job,” said Sharapova.

“Her style of play is quite different. Her strokes are pretty fast, she stays inside the baseline and takes the ball early, so the style is different from the majority on the tour.

“On this fast surface, she uses that advantage, especially today, I think she did incredibly well,” added the Russian. Neither could keep her serve in the first four games with Sharapova hitting five double faults in her first two games.

Date, who will turn 40 on Tuesday, broke one more time in the 11th game taking a chance on Sharapova’s another double faults before winning the set. Sharapova

steadied herself to take the second set without facing a single break point against her.

The former world number one broke Date in the fifth game to lead 3-2 in the final set from where her serve betrayed her again, losing a 40-0 lead in the following game with two double faults. Date, the 1995 champion here, took the last four games in a row to finish off the 129-minute match.

“That was when I broke her and I was serving at 40-love. I started making easy errors after serve and after ground strokes as well. I think that really gave her confidence,” said Sharapova.

Meanwhile, Date said: “She is the former world number one and the defending champion. She is really strong, so I had to play at least my best performance. “I struggled with her serve. It’s true that her double faults helped me a lot. But

I didn’t play badly on my serve. I think that was the key to my victory,” said Date.

In the second round, Date will play Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia, the 6-3, 6-3 winner over Angelique Kerber of Germany on Sunday.

Sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, who received first-round byes with other seven seeds, became the first player to reach the third round, beating Olga Govortsova of Beralus 6-2, 6-3.

In other first round action, Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan defeated Japan’s Kurumi Nara 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, while Sara Errani of Italy outclassed Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2. The 15th seed Nadia Petrova of Russia crashed to a 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Roberta Vinci of Italy.

AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after loosing a point against Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan during their first round match at the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Monday, Sept.

27, 2010. Date Krumm won the match 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.

Nets GM King still waiting to make ‘Melo deal Snake catchers find cobra in tennis stadium Associated Press Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The only thing standing in the way of Carmelo Anthony becoming a member of the New Jersey Nets is the Denver Nuggets.

A person close to the trade talks told The Associated Press on Sunday that the Nets are waiting for the Nuggets to sign off on a three-team deal that would bring Anthony to New Jersey. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations were ongoing.

While he couldn’t talk directly about Anthony, Nets general manager Billy King acknowledged he had been working on a trade that also involves Charlotte and Utah.

“I would say that we’re exploring everything,” King said Sunday. “But there’s no deal.

We have nothing. We have nothing. We’re excited about the guys playing. I’ll continue to explore and see if we can make the team better. At this point I’m excited about watching our guys practice.

“I’ll continue to work the phones. It’s going to be a methodical process whether we do a deal now or six months from now or next year. But there is nothing.”

King admitted there was a sense of frustration in trying to make a big deal happen. “It’s a process,” he said. “Anytime I made a trade it’s a process.

Some of them take two years to get to the point when you get the player you want. Some take two weeks. I think you’ve got to make sure you do it and do it the right way.”

The person who spoke to The AP indicated New Jersey would ship Derrick Favors, the No. 3 pick overall in the draft, and at least one first-round pick to the Nuggets for Anthony. New Jersey would also send point guard Devin Harris to Charlotte. There were other pieces to the trade that the person wouldn’t discuss.

Anthony averaged 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season in leading the Nuggets (53-29) to their second straight Northwest Division title. The 26-year-old three-time All-Star had 30.7 points and 8.5 rebounds a game in the opening round of the playoffs but it was not good enough to prevent Denver from being eliminated

by Utah in six games. The third overall pick in the 2003 draft, Anthony has career averages of 24.5 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Anthony has only played 69 or less games in three of the last four seasons, with his low of 66 coming in 2008-09.

Agence France Presse

NEW DELHI - Snake catchers in New Delhi said Monday they had removed an adult cobra from the newly built tennis centre that will be used next week for the Commonwealth Games.

“We were requested by the Games authorities to help them rescue a snake spotted in the R.K. Khanna tennis stadium,” Kartick Satyanarayan, head of animal conservation group Wildlife SOS India, told AFP. “We caught the snake and we removed it from the premises.” On Sunday, South African High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo Mejeke also complained about a snake found in one of the rooms of his country’s athletes in the Games village.

“If snakes are found we can’t ask our teams to stay there,” Mejeke told reporters before entering the village.

“That was a threat to the lives of our athletes. Very disappointing,” he added.

The Games are mired in a range of problems from unfinished athletes’ accommodation to security fears, an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever and doubts about public safety after the collapse of a new footbridge last week.

Snakes and particularly the King Cobra are venerated in India as religious symbols worn by Lord Shiva, the god of destruction.

India has 238 species of the reptile, of which 50 are poisonous. Delhi au-

thorities said last Friday they had also begun rounding up stray dogs that have been spotted in a number of venues for the Games, which begin on Sunday.

AFP PHOTO/HO/WILDLIFE SOS.ORG

In this handout photograph released by Wildlife SOS on September 27, 2010 and taken on September 26, 2010, a volunteer from Wildlife SOS (C) is watched by Indian security personnel as he holds a cobra snake outside The R.K Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi, one of the venues for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

16

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

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sport

Ferrari braced for ‘crucial’ moment Agence France Presse Singapore - Ferrari believes it is now entering a ‘crucial’ moment of the season as it bids to follow Fernando Alonso’s back-toback victories with title success at the end of the year. The Maranello-based team is currently in its peak form of the campaign, with Alonso having delivered a brilliant victory in the streets of Singapore following his success in Italy a fortnight ago.

AP Photo/Wong Maye-E

Members of the Ferrari Formula One team pose for a group photo in their pit lane garage after Fernando Alonso of Spain won the Singapore Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010.

Whitmarsh: Hamilton did nothing wrong SINGAPORE - PMcLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes Lewis Hamilton did nothing wrong in his accident with Red Bull rival Mark Webber during the Singapore Grand Prix. Hamilton’s championship chances took a huge hit after his second retirement in a row left him 20 points behind Webber with four races to go.

The 2008 world champion and the Red Bull driver made contact when fighting for third place following a safety car period. The clash meant Hamilton retired right away, while Webber went on to finish on the podium to stretch his lead in the championship.

Hamilton had retired from the Italian GP two weeks earlier in similar fashion, after clashing with Felipe Massa at the start of the race.

This time, however, Whitmarsh believes Hamilton was simply unlucky.

“I think Lewis was very unlucky,” Whitmarsh told reporters.

“I am sure people may, because it is easy journalism, look at two races in a trot we have an incident but I think if you look at what happened today Lewis did not make a late lunge.

“What happened in Monza was a bit opportunistic but if you look

at the position of Lewis in Monza versus the Ferrari then it was almost reverse of what happened today. He got past, he was in the lead and went for the corner and left a bit of space - but Mark was lucky to get away with it.

“We can get heated about blame but I think Mark has got to race as well, but the important thing from my perspective was that from Lewis it was not a desperate overtaking, it was a solid overtaking manoeuvre.

When ever you overtake in any form

of motor racing there is a degree of risk and he was unlucky that it did not come off this time.”

He added: “I don’t believe Lewis did anything wrong. I am not trying to get into the blame game but I think he made a good overtaking manoeuvre. Whenever you overtake someone, if they are not going to comply or ease then there is a degree of risk, but this was not a late-braking or late-lunge. He got past on the straight, he was ahead going into that corner.

AP Photo/Tim Chong,Pool

McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain has a tire change in pit lane during the Singapore Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010.

But although Ferrari is refusing to get too carried away with its results - especially because the points’ standings are still very close Stefano Domenicali thinks it vital his outfit does not let it guard down just now. “This is the crucial moment of the season,” said Domenicali. “We need to stay very cool and look forward to arriving in Japan with the perfect package in terms of car, in terms of preparation of the drivers, and also for the team because if you make a mistake you pay a lot.”

Alonso’s pace over the Singapore weekend suggests that Ferrari has made a good step forward with its car in recent weeks – but Felipe Massa’s gearbox gremlin that struck in qualifying has highlighted that there remain weaknesses in the team’s overall package.

“For sure, it’s important for us to work very hard on reliability because as a team we paid a big price this weekend,” explained Domenicali about the efforts that need to go on now. “The car seems to be better in terms of general performance, also on this kind of track.

“We will have some little updates,

nothing major, but I think now a lot will be in the head of the drivers, in the head of the people who have to work, and in the reliability other than an incredible performance.

“We know that all the teams now are in a period where they have to switch to put all their resources in the new car otherwise they will be very late at the end, so I think it will be an interesting end to the season.”

Domenicali believes that Ferrari’s calm approach to the campaign – even when its title ambitions appeared to be derailing – must be maintained even though its fortunes have improved dramatically. “I’m never down when things are bad, or I never declare it fantastic when things are going well,” he continued. “What I know is that we need to be cool, feet on the ground and to work hard.

“We know when we’ve made some mistakes, when some others have been better than us, but that’s part of the game, part of life. “The most important thing is to have a clear focus in front of you, to try to never give up, and that’s what we are doing.”