16 Pages Number 50 2st Year
Thousands flee after weekend slaughter in Nigeria PAGE 6
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e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.
Friday, March 12, 2010
City Government Not Issue Nyepi Dispensation
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Death Case of German Citizen
Victim was comitting suicide Denpasar (Bali Post)—
Join team of Denpasar Metro Police and South Denpasar Sector Police, finally revealed the mystery of the death case of German national, Mario Arnold, 40. After an investigation for a month, finally police confirmed the motive of victim’s death was a suicide. It was revealed after the result of forensic medical report was issued.
‘Big Mike’ draws tears, cheers on ‘American Idol’ PAGE 12
Deputy Chief of Denpasar Metro Police, I Putu Mahasena, last Wednesday (Mar 10) explained that the victim’s death was caused by suicide. Its method, the victim drank spirits containing methanol and exhaust gas of car’s muffler was deliberately channeled into his car with a hose. Mahasena mentioned the methanol content in the liquor was known as much as 64.15 ppm. This means that, in the victim’s
the car. “This was done to accelerate the speed of victim’s death. Hence, the motive of the cause of death was due to suicide” he said to the media crew. When asked about the indication that victim was murdered, Mahasena strongly denied this. He insisted that victim genuinely killed himself. Meanwhile, Chief Ganefo explained, some evidences had been secured. For example, bottle of liquor, hose, and a knife. From these
Mexico’s Slim becomes ‘world’s richest’ person Associated Press Writer
WEATHER FORECAST CITY
TEMPERATURE OC
DENPASAR
28 - 32
JAKARTA
25 - 32
BANDUNG
20 - 29
YOGYAKARTA
24 - 34
SURABAYA
26 - 34
SUNNY
body retained much methanol content. “Well, this was what caused the victim die because we found a bottle of alcohol in the car brought by victim,” he explained accompanied by Chief of South Denpasar Sector Police, I Gede Ganefo in Denpasar last Monday. Not only that, the victim’s death was also caused by the gas in the car. Victims put a hose into the muffler of Suzuki Jimny car DK 683 Q and then connected it into
findings, there was no indication that the victim was murdered. “One of the examples, the hose was accidentally purchased by victim in a store, even its receipt was found there,” he explained. In the meantime, the knife was used to cut the hose. Such knife was obtained by victim from one of the restaurants. Even, the authority of restaurant itself admitted that the knife belonged to the restaurant. “After we crosschecked the slices existing in the hose with the shape of knife, in fact, it was the same. In other words, it was the victim himself who sliced the hose,” said former Chief of Detective Unit of Gianyar Resort Police.
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MEXICO CITY – Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim is the first man from a developing nation to become the world’s richest person — a shift that underlines the loosening of America and Europe’s stranglehold on the top spots in the billionaires’ club. Slim’s arrival at the top aroused both pride and anger in Mexico, where many see his fantastic wealth in a poverty-afflicted nation as a sign of what ails it. With a recovery in the value of his cell phone holdings pushing his estimated fortune to $53.5 billion, Slim jumped past Microsoft founder Bill Gates and investor Warren Buffett when Forbes magazine released its 2010 list of the world’s wealthiest Wednesday. The rise of Slim, the 70-yearold son of an immigrant shopkeeper, is just a part of the emergence of billionaires in developing countries, Forbes reporter Keren Blankfeld said. She noted this year’s top 10 richest also include two billionaires from India and one from Brazil. “They’re kind of spread. It’s a nice spread,” Blankfeld said of the list, which had long been dominated by Americans and Europeans. The full list showed Taiwan tripling its number of billionaires to 18, Turkey more than doubling to 28, and Brazil increasing by 50 percent to 18. Russia also re-
bounded, almost doubling its number of billionaires to 62 after stock markets there recovered from severe setbacks. Still, it is hardly time to mark the passing of U.S. dominance: The number American billionaires rose by more than 40 to 403. That is more than six times second-place China with 64 billionaires. That the single richest man on the list should come from Mexico has drawn frequent criticism given the country’s ongoing battles against poverty. “This is shameful,” said Ernesto Villanueva, 45, of Mexico City. “This is part of what is wrong with the Mexican political system and the corruption in the circles of power, that allow there to be a few rich people and millions of poor.” While Mexico belongs to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, whose 30 members constitute the world’s most important market economies, it is also a developing nation. More than 50 million of Mexico’s 107 million people live in poverty, defined as not having enough money to meet housing, transport, education and other normal expenses. Extreme poverty — defined as not having money to buy enough food — afflicted 19.5 million of them. But some Mexicans give Slim credit for knowing how to take advantage of the situation and make money. Continued on page 6
AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File
FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2007 file photo, Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon, left, and Mexican businessman Carlos Slim arrive to inaugurated a private, nonprofit health institute in Mexico City. On March 10, 2010, Forbes announced that Slim claims the title of world’s richest person with a net worth of $53.5 billion.
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International
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bali News
Indonesia—Australia Cooperate to Reduce Carbon Emission Denpasar (Bali Post)—
In 2009 the President of RI Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his determination to reduce carbon emissions by 26 percent in the year 2020. Twenty-six percent of it consisted of six per cent of the energy sector, six percent of the waste management and 14percent of the use and management of land and forests. Additionally, it also lowered the number of hotpots due to forest and land fires amounting to approximately 20 percent per year. In order to reduce the carbon emissions and hotspots Indonesian government through the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) took the first step to perform two major activities namely IndoFire and Forest Carbon Monitoring through collaboration with the Australian government. “Indofire in this case serves to detect forest fires, and Forest Carbon Monitoring serves to monitor and inventory the forests and its changes,” said Mahdi Kartasasmita, PhD, Senior Researcher of LAPAN last Wednesday (Mar 10) on the press confer-
ence of the 4th GEOSS Asia-Pacific Symposium. Mahdi continued LAPAN with remote sensing attempted to monitor the situation of the forest in collaboration with Australia. “As a matter of fact, we have long made the monitoring, but now it is being carried out systematically with the measurable methods built by Australia,” said Mahdi. The cooperation has already lasted for three years and forests monitored were just those located in two large islands such as Sumatra and Kalimantan. “We have data from 1998 through 2008. If completed, we will compare the
data collected. For instance, if the forest land increases there will be carbon reduction and vice versa,” said Mahdi. With accurate data, it was expected that in years to come the action of the proper and better forest management could be performed. In the meantime, since last Wednesday (Mar 10) until Friday (Mar 12) had been held the 4th GEOSS Asia-Pacific Symposium attended by 26 countries. The event officially opened by Minister of Research and Technology, Suharna Surapranata, would discuss about climate change and biodiversity. (kmb24)
The Adi Pura Competition
Assessment Score of Suwung Landfill Bad Denpasar (Bali Post)—
By the Adi Pura competition activity that followed by all cities throughout Indonesia, a team from the State Ministry of Environmental Affairs has begun to perform assessment of the first stage. Even, for Denpasar City which is classified into a big city category, scores at some monitoring points had been obtained. In recapitulation assessment, the score for the landfill (TPA) at Suwung, South Denpasar, dropped from last year’s assessment. In other words, the score obtained for the TPA dropped, because only scored 49.89, while last year it reached 60.46. This was revealed during the socialization and evaluation on the assessment of Adi Pura competition in Praja Amertha Room of Denpasar Mayor’s Office, last Wednesday (Mar 10). Such evaluative meeting led by the Head of Denpasar City Environment Agency, AA Bagus Sudharsana was also attended by Assistant Deputy Ministry of Envi-
ronmental Affairs (KNLH) Sonny, Head of Center for Bali-Nusra Regional Environmental Management Sudirman, as well as a number of working unit of regional apparatus (SKPD) heads, principals, market management, and other relevant agencies. In his presentation, Sonny said the existence of waste management into electrical energy at the Suwung landfill had not provided additional value directly in this assessment. Because, when the assessment team visited the location, there were many crowded waterways of garbage near the landfill area. “For the technology of electric energy in the landfill, we have prepared special award, which is now being designed by KNLH,” he said. Meanwhile, Sudirman asserted in general that assessment score of sanitation in Denpasar still needed improving. Moreover, in the last year’s assessment there were about 10 points below 70. This condition had to be handled properly, because
Denpasar also was targeted to participate in the Asean Award at the upcoming 2010/2011. Given, the arrangement of Denpasar City sanitation should be more improved to provide comfort and beauty of a city visited by thousands of tourists from various countries. Therefore, ideally the barometer assessment applied in Denpasar was not the same as other cities in Indonesia. “Do not make the same condition of Atambua as Denpasar,” said Sudirman. Sudirman also emphasized, Denpasar City government should consider the level of sanitation at some locations becoming the point of assessment, especially some locations that had large enough portion of assessment, such as markets, landfill, roads, terminals and schools. “There should be specific strategies that must be done by sanitation team under leadership of “professor” in the field of sanitation, Mr. Wisada (Head of DKP Denpasar—ed),” Sudirman said last Wednesday. (kmb12)
Hunted, Perpetrators of Eka’s Photo Forgery Denpasar, Bali Post
Although have not officially received the report, police have been seriously addressing the forgery case of nude photos that hit Eka Wiryastuti, Regent of Tabanan Adi Wiryatama’s daughter. After coordinating with the Bali Provincial Police, Tabanan police officers are waiting for guidance and direction from the Cyber Crime Division of Indonesian Police Headquarters. This was done because the Tabanan police have no adequate facilities to hunt down the perpetrators who had defamed the candidate for Tabanan Regent in 2010-2015 through social networking site Facebook. ‘’We’re still waiting for direction and instructions from Police Headquarters to uncover this case,’’ said Head of Criminal Division, AKP Pasaribu Leo Martin, under Tabanan Chief of Police’s permission, AKBP AA Made Sudana, on Wednesday (10 / 3). After the arrival of the campaign team of Eka Jaya at Tabanan police station in order to coordinate, Tabanan District Police immediately organized follow-up steps with the Bali Police and Indonesian Police Headquarters. This step was taken to track the maker and dispenser of Eka’s photos that has been re-engineered to Facebook. ‘’Based on the experience of the police in uncovering similar cases before, we are optimistic that we can finish this one,’’ cleared AKP Leo. On the other hand, Chairman of the Eka Jaya - Putu Eka Putra Nurchyadi Media Centre Team, when asked for confirmation in a separate occasion said, there are no plans to formally report this case to the police. According to him, the steps taken were limited to only ask the police to coordinate in order to delete the fake Facebook account. However, Eka Putra admitted his team is ready if asked to provide a formal report. ‘’If it (the report) is required, we’ll be ready. We strongly hope that this case
does not become a prolonged polemic,’’ said the chairman of Tabanan’s BMI. Besides engineering nude photos, his team also managed to find some other phony accounts. Although the photograph displayed was original, but the words were not provocatively written. ‘’We had checked, and there were some false accounts. Obviously we are hoping that the Facebook users can use this medium wisely and courteously,’’ pleaded Eka Putra. Please note that some nude photographs of Wiryastuti Eka have been displayed on Facebook since some time ago. The irresponsible act was committed by displaying a forged photo of Eka while wearing a dark suit without a bra. The more vulgar photos were showing Eka without a piece of clothes on her. It was definitely someone else’s body which is used to substitute Eka’s in all these images showing Eka Wiryastuti’s face. Eka, when asked to confirm about the case, responded coldly to what happened. But she hoped the ‘facebookers’ can use the media more wisely because by installing some forged nude photos of her is considered a dark campaign actions (black campaign). ‘’Let them be. I just want to serve the people of Tabanan,’’ she said at the time. Meanwhile, Tabanan Chief of Police, AKBP AA Made Sudana, accompanied by Head of Criminal Division, AKP Leo Martin Pasaribu, while receiving some members of Eka Jaya Media Center Team claimed that he would follow-up the case, although there has not been an official report received. Sudana said the termination of the account must be done immediately so it will not cause turmoil in the future. ‘’Although have not been officially reported, but we will follow this up. As a first step, we will seek to terminate the account and coordinate with the Indonesian Police Headquarters to track down the perpetrators,’’ he said. (BY DENPOST)
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Bali News
International
Friday, March 12, 2010
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Being Dumped, HIV / AIDS Uncontrollable After He Slits His Ex’s Throat in Klungkung Tabanan (Bali Post) —
Semarapura (Bali Post) –
The spread of HIV / AIDS in Klungkung is increasingly alarming. Ironically, some regular preventive and reduction programs held in the previous year, has now been freeze due to lack of budget. One of these service programs for the handling of sexually transmitted disease (PIMS) is in the form of health check against people who are at high risk of transmitting HIV / AIDS such as sex workers. ‘’PIMS can not be done this year. It has small funds, only 45 million rupiah,’’ said the Secretary Commission of Klungkung Regional HIV / AIDS Reduction Agency (KPAD), Dr. Herman Hartanto, on Wednesday (10 / 3). The number of people living with HIV / AIDS in Klungkung continues to grow since found the first time in 2002 when there was only one case. Back in 2008, it has increased dramatically to 21 cases and 22 cases in 2009. The total number of people living with HIV / AIDS from 2002 to 2009, said Herman, reached 66
cases with 3 people had died. ‘’For 2010, in January there were 4 patients suspected with HIV / AIDS, and one positive. In February, three people were suspected and one was positive,’’ he added. Herman hopes that PIMS programs can be continued by the clinics to suppress the growth rate of HIV / AIDS in Klungkung. So far, through a voluntary counseling approach and testing clinics, at least 20 prostitutes have been detected with HIV. This have not counted dozens of other prostitutes whose existence is not permanent and difficult to detect. ‘’In
addition, since December 2009, we also have been working to provide treatment and support services, in which three men were found positively infected,’’ he said. Based on the KPAD data, the number of prostitutes in Bali reaches 3000 people. From the number, 24 percent or 720 people are infected with HIV / AIDS with a potential spread ofthe deadly disease to 1250 other peoplepeople per year. Bali itself is ranked fifth for the rapid spread of HIV / AIDS, the highest in Indonesia after DKI Jakarta, East Java, Papua and Riau. (kmb20)
Problematic Schools Given Special Attention Denpasar (Bali Post) —
Department of Education, Youth and Sports (Disdikpora) of Bali Province is utilizing the UN try out results of SMP (Junior High Level), SMA (Senior High Level) and SMK (Vocational Level) to evaluate the readiness of students in the upcoming UN. For schools whose try out results reached 100 percent failure rate, Bali Province Disdikpora with Districts Disdikpora will give special attention. In fact, they are likely to go down directly to the problematic schools to clearly determine the problems they face. This plan was stated by the Head of Bali Province Disdikpora I Wayan Suasta, SH to the Bali Post, on Wednesday (10 / 3). In addition to giving special attention to schools with problematic try out results, he said, similar attention will also be given to a num-
ber of schools with low percentage of students passing during the national examination in last academic year of 2008/2009. With this pattern, the schools are expected to increase the percentage of students passing in the upcoming 2009/2010 national examination. “The direct visit to the problematic schools has been planned. In the meeting with the Bali Education Quality Guarantor Institute (LPMP) yesterday, I have instructed the Chief of Regional Disdikpora in Bali to give special attention to schools with problems like that,” he said. Specifically for schools with low passing percentage in the national examination last year, he said, his department has prioritized the provision of assistance in the form of education support-
ive infrastructure. As the infrastructure owned by the schools was minimal, it was representative in supporting their students for academic achievement. “We do give priority to schools like that,” he said again. To boost the quality of teaching staff / teachers, he said, he would also focus his priority to train teachers in the problematic schools. When there is a workshop related to the increase in teacher competency, they will be the first included as participants to attend the activity. “So, it is not only students whose quality we should worry about, but teachers should also receive the same treatment because they are related to each other in improving the quality of education in Bali,” he specified. (kmb13)
Upset after being dumped, IB Putu Antara Putra (21) residents from Banjar Anyar, Batuagung, Jembrana violently abused his girlfriend Ni Luh Putu Kadek Vinasari (20) from Banjar Bugbugan Anyar, Senganan, Penebel, Tabanan. In addition to beatings, Antara who lives in Sanggulan Banjar, Banjar Anyar Village, Kediri also slashed his ex-girlfriend’s neck with a cutter, on Tuesday (9 / 3). The couple was finally brought to the hospital and has since continued to deal with the police. According to the information gathered, the incident began on Monday (8 / 3) when both went to the victim’s house. Both were employees at Hardy’s Supermarket Tabanan. The quarrel happened and made the victim decide to end their love. Vinasari was told her boyfriend to go home. Antara Putra was offended which later result in increasingly heated argument. He even had kicked his girlfriend, but the fight ended peacefully and Antara was staying at his girlfriend’s house. The next day, the couple was back in disagreement and the victim had asked the suspect to return home once again, but the suspect insisted to stay. At around 11:00, the victim chose to go with the reason of taking her brother to Denpasar. Antara was still in the angry condition at the time. When the victim was going to take her helmet, the suspect pulled the victim’s body into a room
and locked the door from the inside. Inside the room, the suspect sat on the victim’s stomach and slapped her face until it was leaving bruises. Not satisfied with the abusive act, the suspect took a cutter and slashed it right onto the victim’s neck creating a 5 cm wound. Yet strangely, the suspect’s neck also appeared to have been slashed by a cutter. In fear, the victim directly yelled until the victim’s grandmother came along. Instead of stopping, the suspect, whose temper went through the roof, went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife which then was taken back by the victim’s grandmother. The suspect then took a scythe which then taken away by many people who came after hearing the victim’s scream. Because both were wounded and depressed, the couple was then taken to Tabanan Hospital and the incident was reported to the police. Head of Tabanan District Police Liaison Kompol Endung Hardanto on Wednesday (10 / 3) said the suspect was examined in relation to the abusive incident, while the victim is still receiving hospital treatment. Suspect was charged with Article 351 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code of persecution and threatened by imprisonment for two years and eight months. In the argument happened earlier, the suspect had called the victim to have been receiving materials from some nasty old men. That’s what makes the suspect so angry. (RTC 14)
Anticipating Ogoh-Ogoh in Gianyar Police Gather Community Leaders Ganyar (Bali Post) —
Nyepi celebration next Tuesday (16 / 3) seems to be a serious concern for the security forces in Gianyar. Especially at night of pengerupukan where there will be Ogoh-Ogoh. The day considered prone to cause hostility makes Gianyar Police to gather community figures, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and young generation representatives in Gianyar district, on Wednesday (10 / 3). Police data mentions that for the ogoh-ogoh parade will be participated by approximately seven hundred ogohogoh. This is causing the event to be vulnerable to hostility and friction which could disturb security and community order. Moreover, the ogoh-ogoh parade is almost always traditionalized
with alcohol consumption (alcohol). Similarly, the unresolved disputes between certain areas in the district will be adding the tension. This ogoh-ogoh parade event is feared to be an opportunity to provoke the heated situation that will potentially cause frictions. Gianyar Police Chief AKBP. Ketut Suardana said after the meeting that an agreement draft has been created to be given attention by the community in conducting the ogoh-ogoh parade. Among the points agreed and included in the draft is that the ogoh-ogoh procession is not allowed to be held beyond each village’s boundaries. No consumption of alcohol will be tolerated in these activities and coordination between religious leaders, traditional leaders and youth leaders
are expected to improve and maintain security and order in every area. Among the three drafts mentioned, the most worrying matter as the problem trigger in the activities ogog-ogoh parade is alcohol. Surely this is a priority for the supervision of communities to avoid friction occurs. The police themselves, in anticipation of the circulation of alcohol on the day of Nyepi, have done several inspections. Starting from the cafes, shops expected to be selling wine and other similar types of alcohol. In fact, approximately 3736 liters of various types of alcohol have been exterminated by the police along with the line of Muspida (Village Administrators), community leaders and school children. (kmb16) C.518272-rpa-1
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Friday, March 12, 2010
Success of lone gunmen may shift al-Qaida strategy Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – On Christmas Day, a passenger on a Northwest Airlines flight bound for Detroit tried to blow up the plane with plastic explosives in his underwear. He failed, yet the very attempt shook the U.S. government, set federal agencies against each other and triggered months of political second-guessing. In fact, short of mass casualties, the attack allegedly attempted by Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had exactly the kind of reaction that al-Qaida is after. And, it appears, that lesson is resonating with the terror network’s leadership. For the first time, the group that carried out the Sept. 11 attacks and has prided itself on its ideological purism seems to be eyeing a more pragmatic and arguably more dangerous shift in tactics. The emerging message appears to be: Big successes are great, but sometimes simply trying can be just as good. U.S. officials and counterterrorism experts say the airline attack and last November’s shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, prove that simple, wellplayed smaller attacks against the United States can be just as devastating to the democratic giant as complex and riskier ones. In a recent Internet posting, U.S.-born al-Qaida spokesman Adam Gadahn made a public pitch for such smaller, single acts of jihad. “Even apparently unsuccessful attacks on Western mass transportation systems can bring major cities to a halt, cost the enemy billions and send his corporations into bankruptcy,” Gadahn said in a video released and translated by U.S.-based Site Intelligence Group, which monitors Islamic militant message traffic. It’s a message that officials believe has been evolving for the last year and has turned upside down the prevailing wisdom that the next alQaida attack against the U.S. must be bigger and bolder than the one on Sept. 11, 2001. “It’s pretty clear that while alQaida would still love to have home runs, they will take singles and doubles if they can get them,” said Bruce Riedel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Saban Center and a former CIA officer. “And that makes the job of counterterrorism much, much harder.” Counterterror officials note that al-Qaida leaders monitor the U.S. closely and watched the reverberations of the Abdulmutallab attack. They saw the scramble to boost security, the members of Congress blasting federal agencies for intelligence and screening failures, the political drumbeat against the AP-file FILE - This December 2009 file Obama administration’s national photo released by the U.S. security efforts and the agency Marshal’s Service shows Umar leaders who rushed to blame each Farouk Abdulmutallab in Milan, other. The shift is ideological as well Mich. On Christmas Day, a passenger on a Northwest Airlines as tactical. Before Gadahn’s latest flight bound for Detroit tried to video missive, al-Qaida central — blow up the plane with plastic Osama bin Laden, Ayman alexplosives in his underwear Zawahiri — had not seemed to embrace the call for smaller, more singular insurgent operations. “Big al-Qaida still has too much of an ego; they still want big, synchronized, high-visibility attacks,” said Jarret Brachman, an expert on jihadist groups. “They haven’t yet said, ‘Let a thousand flowers bloom.’” Core al-Qaida senior leaders have worried that unleashing scattered and untrained insurgents who could make mistakes could do more harm than good to the greater jihadi message. Brachman pointed to the November 2005 hotel bombings in Amman, Jordan, when one of the bombers set off his suicide belt in a wedding reception at the Radisson SAS rather than the lobby — killing the groom’s father and 16 other family members and in-laws. Killing vast numbers of innocent civilians — including fellow Muslims — was one of the factors leading to the erosion of al-Qaida in Iraq, a mistake the terror group doesn’t want to make again. In larger, more elaborate plots there are often multiple people involved, and the chances are greater that one will make a mistake or that law enforcement authorities will get a tip or notice something is going on. In smaller operations, involving just one person or two, the chances are slimmer.
News
International
HSBC: data on 15,000 Swiss account holders stolen Associated Press Writers
GENEVA – Information on 15,000 HSBC customers with Swiss accounts has been stolen, the British bank said Thursday, potentially exposing foreign clients to prosecution by tax authorities in their home countries.
AFP/File/Carl Court
An HSBC branch in central London. The chief executives of major UK banks Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered all decided to renounce their bonus entitlements for 2009 amid public outrage over excessive bankers’ pay.
A former IT employee of Swiss subsidiary HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA, identified by French authorities as Herve Falciani, stole the information between late 2006 and early 2007, the bank said. The accounts were all opened before October 2006. “We deeply regret this situation and unreservedly apologize to our clients for this threat to their privacy,” said Alexandre Zeller, chief executive of the Swiss subsidiary. The bank said it has contacted the affected customers and doesn’t believe the stolen data has or will allow any unauthorized person to access the affected accounts. The stolen information only affects accounts in Switzerland with the exception of its former subsidiary HSBC Guyerzeller Bank, it said. However, the theft could leave some of those account holders exposed to prosecution by tax authorities. In recent cases of data theft from banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the information was offered to foreign governments seeking to track down nationals who avoided paying their taxes by hiding money in Swiss accounts. The French government said last year it had obtained a list of 3,000 French HSBC clients compiled from “numerous sources” including the former HSBC employee — identified by prosecutors in the French city of Aix-en-Provence as Falciani. France later agreed to return the data to Switzerland. “The French authorities have informed the Swiss authorities that the data they hold will not be used inappropriately,” HSBC said Thursday without elaborating. It remained unclear whether that means France will not use the data to prosecute tax evaders. HSBC PLC said offering private banking services for rich customers remains “a core business” of the group, which has about 100,000 private banking clients. Shares in HSBC were flat at 7.03 pounds ($10.55) on the London exchange.
SLanka’s former army chief ‘to face three charges’ Agence France Presse
COLOMBO – Former Sri Lankan army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka will face three charges in a military court, including “conduct unbecoming an officer,” a source said Thursday. “There will be three charges against him,” said the military source, who declined to be named. In addition to the “conduct unbecoming” charge, he will also be accused of maintaining contact with opposition politicians while being head of the army and unfairly granting an arms tender to a company run by his son-in-law. The source made no mention of allegations related to plotting a coup or planning the assassination of President Mahinda Rajapakse — accusations which have been made against Fonseka by some members of the ruling party.
Three major generals have been appointed by army commander Jagath Jayasuriya to hear the charges against Fonseka, 59, who was arrested two weeks after losing the January 26 presidential election to Rajapakse. Fonseka is being held at a naval detention centre in Colombo since his arrest on February 8. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, who is the president’s younger brother, has said that Fonseka could be sentenced to five years in prison. A supporter of detained former Sri Lankan Army chief General Sarath Fonseka holds his picture while attending a rally in Colombo on March 8. Fonseka will face three charges in a military court, including “conduct unbecoming an officer,” a source said Thursday.
AFP/File/Lakruwan Wanniarachchi
International IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)
General Info
Friday, March 12, 2010
HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada.
HOSPITAL Bangli Bangli General Hospital Jl. Kesumayuda 27, Bangli Phone : +62 366 91521 Gianyar
Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070 The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465 France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485 The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506 Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426 Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628 Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601 Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735 Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775 Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310 Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520
RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363 Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar. Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690. Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar. Phone : 222 142. Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada , (Private) Jl. Sudirman No 50, Denpasar Phone : 227 560, 234 824 In relating with health, Bali also has insurance and medical evacuation company, that is: AEA International - SOS Assistance Bali. PT Abhaya Eka Astiti, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 24X, Kuta 80361. Phone : 755 768 Fax : 755 768 One thing that should be noted by tourists here is that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood. Badung Bali Medical Clinics There are some medical clinics that are well known by foreigners in Bali. Some of them are western owned and operated : Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) provides excellent Primary Health Care & Emeregency Medical Services for tourists, traveler, and expatriate living in Bali. Emeregency Room, Ambulance, Clinic Services, Insurance & Medical Evacuations also available. Open 24 hours Phone : 761 2631. Located Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia. http://www.bimcbali.com International SOS Clinic Bali Opened in 1999, offers International SOS members and visitors to Bali comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical service. Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia Phone : 720 100 Fax : 721 919 E-mail : info@sos-bali.com ttp ://www.sos-bali.com Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic Jl Pratama No. 81 Phone : 771 324 Kuta Clinic Jl. Raya Kuta Phone : 753 268 Dental Clinic Dr Indra Guizot, Jl. Patimura 19, Denpasar Phone : 222 445, 234 375 DDS. Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No. 81 Nusa Dua Phone : 771 324 Retno W. Agung, Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.4A Br. Tamansari – Sanur Phone : 288 501
Clinic Mas Jl. Raya Mas, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974573 Toyo Clinic Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 978078 Permata Bunda Clinic Jl. Patih Jelantik 50 X, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 942082 Ubud Clinic Jl Raya Ubud No.36 Campuhan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974911 Gianyar General Hospital Jl. Ciung Wanara 2, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 943049 Karangasem Karangasem General Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Karangasem Phone : +62 363 21001 Klungkung Klungkung General Hospital Jl. Flamboyan 40-4, Klungkung Phone : +62 366 21371 Negara Negara General Hospital Jl. Gelar, Negara Phone : +62 365 41006 Tabanan Laboratorium Clinic Jl. Gunung semeru No. 8, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 819260 Mengwi Clinic Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 46, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 880550 Darma Kerti Hospital Jl. Teratai 16, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 812359 Tabanan General Hospital Jl. Pahlawan 14, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 811027 Singaraja Prodia Clinic Jl. RA Kartini 12, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 24-516 Singaraja Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai 30, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 22-573 Pet Clinics Kayumas: (0361) 226934 Sayang Binatang: (0361) 483121 Satwa Kertha Husada: (0361) 263018 Pantai Sindhu: (0361) 287518 Sidakarya: (0361) 724492 Pedungan: (0361) 720026
TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855
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Friday, March 12, 2010
News Report: Iran sentences professor to 6 years Associated Press Writer
(AP Photos/Jon Gambrell)
Rev. Joshua T. Dafom, right, stands in front of the grave of a woman killed in fighting in the village of Ku-got, Nigeria, Tuesday, March 9, 2010. More than 200 people died in central Nigeria in recent fighting between Christians and Muslims.
Thousands flee after weekend slaughter in Nigeria
TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian appeals court sentenced a university professor to six years in prison for suspected involvement in the country’s postelection turmoil, local media reported Thursday. Several pro-reform newspapers, including the Bahar daily, quoted Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabaei, a lawyer for Saeed Leilaz, as saying the appeals court sentenced his client to a six-year jail term. He did not say when the court ruling took place. Leilaz, an economics professor at Shahid Beheshti University, was convicted of insulting the country’s supreme leader, violating public order and participating in a plan to disturb the country’s security, Tabatabaei said. Leilaz has been a sharp critic of Iran’s economic policies. He also has worked as a journalist and analyst for
local newspapers. The reports of Leilaz’s sentencing come a day after the pro-reform Web site Parlemannews reported the release of the prominent reform politician Mostafa Tajzadeh. Tajzadeh, who served as deputy interior minister from 1997-2005, was arrested June 13, a day after the country’s disputed election that won President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second four-year term. Both Leilaz and Tajzadeh were among more than 100 political figures and activists that Iran put on a mass trial following a crackdown on opposition supporters who claim Ahmadinejad won by fraud. Tajzadeh’s release comes ahead of the Iranian New Year later this month, when authorities traditionally release some prisoners in symbolic acts. Earlier this month, Iran freed six journalists and opposition activists on bail.
Associated Press Writer
JOS, Nigeria – Nearly 3,000 people have fled to a neighboring state after hundreds were slaughtered in several mostly Christian villages over the weekend, aid officials said Thursday. Residents have accused police and military of failing to provide enough security to the villages where attackers managed to elude a dusk-til-dawn curfew. On Thursday, thousands of women took to the streets in protest, singing and waving branches full of green leaves — a traditional sign of protest. They also carried Bibles and crosses made out of scrap lumber. One held a sign that said: “God hears when we cry. Just be warned.” Governor Jonah Jang, who leads the Christian-dominated state government, declared the next three days as a period of fasting and mourning for the dead. “All of Plateau state is crying,”
40-year-old resident Bisklm Dyoma said. “The children are dying.” At least 200 people, most of them Christians, were slaughtered on Sunday, according to residents, aid groups and journalists. The victims included dozens of children. In January, more than 300 people were killed, most of them Muslims. Nigeria is almost evenly split between Muslims in the north and the predominantly Christian south. The recent bloodshed has been happening in central Nigeria, in Nigeria’s “middle belt,” where dozens of ethnic groups vie for control of fertile lands. The weekend killings add to the tally of thousands who already have
perished in Africa’s most populous country in the last decade due to religious and political frictions. Rioting in September 2001 killed more than 1,000 people. Muslim-Christian battles killed up to 700 people in 2004. More than 300 residents died during a similar uprising in 2008. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Nigerian Red Cross said that they are distributing food and water to nearly 5,000 people who have taken refuge in various police stations and to some 300 detainees. The group said that the 3,000 people fleeing to Bauchi state will join some 3,800 already displaced there by January’s violent clashes.
Confusion over location of kidnapped British boy Associated Press Writer
LONDON – The whereabouts of a British boy kidnapped from his family’s home in Pakistan was unclear Thursday, with conflicting reports about whether he has been found and diplomats scrambling for confirmation. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to London, Wajid Hasan, first told The Associated Press that he had information from Islamabad that 5-year-old Sahil Saeed had been found. But within half an hour Hasan backtracked, saying he wasn’t so sure. “Now I’ve come to know that there’s confusion about it so I don’t want to make further comments,” he told the
AP. In comments to BBC television at around the same time, he said that “I think that if he has not been found he is about to be found.” Officials say Sahil Saeed was snatched from his grandmother’s house in Pakistan’s Jehlum city last week after robbers held the family at gunpoint for several hours. Early Thursday Sky News television, citing several Pakistani officials, said the boy had been found. British diplomats in Pakistan and London said they were urgently checking the reports, but police in Jehlum said they could not confirm he had been located. Sahil’s grandfather Raja
Mohammed Basharat told the AP he had no news one way or the other. “The government has not given any information to us about the recovery of Sahil,” he said. Basharat said he had also lost contact with his son Raja Naqqash Saeed — and British media reports said he had left for the U.K. “I don’t know where is my son, as I have no contact with him for the past four days,” he said. It was not clear why Saeed would have left the country without his son. Pakistani officials — including Hasan — have suggested that the kidnapping was an “inside job” possibly involving members of the boy’s family.
(AFP/Fars News Agency/File/Hassan Ghaedi)
A security guard sits between former Iranian government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh (R) and former deputy interior minister Mostafa Tajzadeh (L) at a revolutionary court in Tehran in August, 2009. Iran has freed Tajzadeh, a prominent opposition figure rounded up during protests against the disputed June re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for the new year holidays, reports said
Mexico’s Slim... From page 1 “He was intelligent enough to get to where he is, while we, as a people, have never known how to unite ourselves,” said 17-year-old student Manuel Santibanez. Whatever their attitude toward Slim, Mexicans have learned to live under the tycoon’s long shadow. Slim’s conglomerate of retail, telecom, manufacturing and construction companies so dominate the Mexican commercial landscape it is often easy for Mexicans to find themselves talking over a Slim-operated cell phone at a Slim-owned shopping center waiting to pay a bill to a Slim-owned company at a Slim-owned bank. If the line is too long, they can catch a quick coffee at a Slim-owned restaurant. His Telmex telephone company controls 83 percent of land lines in Mexico and is the leading Internet service provider. Another of his firms is the top cell phone operator, and he wants to get into convergence services to offer television and interactive media. Slim also owns the Sears and Saks retail stores operating in Mexico. Last year, he announced a $250 million investment in The New York Times. Arturo Elias Ayub, the billionaire’s son-in-law who is an executive at Telmex, welcomed Slim’s arrival at the top.
International
Indonesia Today
Friday, March 12, 2010
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Indonesian Falungong radio station fights pressure to close Agence France-Presse
AP Photo/Dita Alangkara
Indonesian special forces soldiers take part in a show of force marking the start of a joint major anti-terror drill ahead of the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, at the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, March 11, 2010. Obama is scheduled to travel later this month to the world’s most populous Muslim country where he lived as a boy.
Joint anti-terror exercise not linked to Obama’s visit Antara
JAKARTA - Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces General Djoko Santoso said a joint anti-terror exercise by TNI and the National Police which began on Thursday had nothing to do with US President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit. “One of the backgrounds for carrying out this routine activity is the terror attacks in Bombay (Mumbai, India) some time ago,” General Djoko Santoso said here on Thursday after officially opening the joint exercise. TNI and the Police are conducting the joint exercise against terrorists in Jakarta and surrounding areas, from March 11 to 13, 2010. President Obama is expected to visit Indonesia from March 20 to 23. The Mumbai terror attacks at around 11 spots began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until November 29, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308.
“Therefore, we conduct this exercise routinely annually, so we are ready if there is such an attack,” he said. The joint exercise is the second after the first one in 2008, and the routine activity had nothing to do with the planned visit of President Obama, according to the general. The US government has sent an advance team to check all technical and administrative preparations prior to Obama’s arrival in Indonesia. Barack Obama is scheduled to hold a bilateral talk with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss efforts to intensify the two countries’ bilateral ties.
Obama, who had spent several years of his childhood in Jakarta, is also expected to make nostalgic visits to a few places in the Indonesian capital and Bali with his wife and two daughters. Earlier, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo had said that the capital city was ready to receive US President Barack Obama scheduled to visit from March 20 to 22. “We have not received the details of his agenda which is still with the National Police. However, security measures have started to be taken. Anyway, Jakarta often receives state guests and we have the standard operating procedure which is going to be applied (for Obama’s visit),” Governor Bowo said here on Wednesday. Senior Commissioner Irlan, the Jakarta Police’s intelligence and security director, said Jakarta’s security conditions remained under control and conducive to receive Obama.
JAKARTA - An Indonesian radio station run by members of the banned Chinese Falungong spiritual movement said Wednesday that it would fight the latest government attempts to shut it down. Radio Erabaru (New Era Radio), which broadcasts general news and entertainment content from Batam island near Singapore, was told this week by the local radio frequency monitoring body to stop broadcasting. Batam’s radio regulator said in its latest warning that Erabaru, first told to shut down in 2008, was using a frequency allocated to another station. However, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission had previously said the Chinese embassy had complained in 2007 that the radio station has been airing criticism of Beijing.
The Falungong is banned in mainland China and rights group have accused Beijing of persecuting its members. Erabaru director Raymond Tan said he would resist pressure to shut down and appealed for Indonesian regulators “to be neutral, independent, and not be hampered by anyone”. “What we are fighting here is the freedom of press in Indonesia,” he said. Commissioner Johny Nelson Simanjuntak from the Indonesian Commission on Human Rights said that Erabaru, which started legal proceedings last year to allow it to stay on air, was facing unfair restrictions. He said the commission would seek clarification from the Communication and Information Ministry and the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission. The Chinese embassy could not be immediately reached for comment.
Indonesian Moslems association demands freedom to wear Jilbab Antara
SEMARANG - Dozens of women members of the Indonesian Association of Muslims, Semarang chapter, staged an action rally demanding the government and the United Nations to guarantee freedom of wearing jilbab (head cover exposing only the face) for Muslim women. “The government has yet to fully guarantee muslim women to wear such head cover wherever they are,” action coordinator Eka Nur said when giving an oration in Semarang Tuesday. She pointed out that the use of such head cover by Muslim women throughout the world is their human rights which need to be protected by every country. For this, she said, the United Nations needs to issue on a ruling on the rights and freedom of every Muslim woman to wear jilbab, and that the government needs to be responsible for and guarantee
the right. “In addition the government also needs to immediately issue rulings at central government and regional levels to facilitate Muslim women to wear jilbab at work, when teaching and at such official occasions and during any other occasions and opportunities,” she said. She hoped the government would firmly deal with institutions and agencies forbidding the use of jilbab in any form by Moslem women. “We also hope all members of the society support the right and freedom of all muslim women in Indonesia to wear jilbab in Indonesia,” Eka said. In the action rally observing World Women’s day which fell on Monday, the demonstrators not only carried posters inscribed with “Wearing Jilbab is Our Right”, “Respect the Rights of Women”, “Donn’t Forbid Us to Wear Jilbab at Work,”, and “With Jilbab We can also Produce Great Work”.
Geothermal potentials up to 28,100 MW Antara
JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said the geothermal potentials have increased to 28,100 MW in 265 different locations in Indonesia. The ministry’s geological agency in Jakarta said Thursday
the potentials are based on an operation period of 30 years, or equal to the consumption of 12 billion barrels of natural oil. “Compare this to the present natural oil reserves of only 6.4 billion barrels,” he said. He said ten years ago, the geothermal potential reached only
27.000 MW. In 2009, eight new geothermal locations had been founded, namely Kebar in Manokwari, West Papua with a potential of 25 MW, Tehoru 75 MW, Banda Baru 75 MW, Pohon Batu 50 MW, and Kelapa Dua 25 MW in Maluku, Lili 75 MW, Mapili 50 MW, and Alu 25 MW in Mandar,
West Sulawesi. He said at present only 1,198 MW of the potential 28,000 MW had been utilized, or only four percent. Under the National Energy Policy, in 2025 the use of geothermal energy may reach 9,500 MW. Suchyar added that the government until 2014 planned to build
geothermal power plants with a total capacity of 3,977 MW under the second stage of the 10,000 MW program. “If combined with the existing power plants to 5,000 MW, it would be equal to the use of 2.4 billion barrels of natural oil,” he said.
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Internationa
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bali Today Uluwatu temple preparing for Obama Antara
http://dokterwidiyasa.files.wordpress.com
Nyepi Day celebration in Bali. Not one single person can travel around when Balinese celebrating Nyepi that will fall on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. In connection with the Nyepi festivity in the upcoming Caka New Year 1932, Denpasar City Government will not provide and issue a letter of dispensation. This is to provide solemnity to Hindu devotees in Denpasar to perform abstinences known as Brata Penyepian.
City Government Not Issue Nyepi Dispensation Bali Post
DENPASAR — In connection with the Nyepi festivity in the upcoming Caka New Year 1932, Denpasar City Government will not provide and issue a letter of dispensation. This is to provide solemnity to Hindu devotees in Denpasar to perform abstinences known as Brata Penyepian. The attitude of this city government has applied for several times to each Nyepi celebration. Spokesperson of Denpasar City Government Made Erwin Suryadarma met in his office, last Wednesday (Mar 10) said city government would not issue any dispensation. However, if there were people being sick or giving birth, the next authority would be entrusted to local Head of Customary Village. “Obviously, we will not issue a dispensation to anyone, so should there be any patient in emergency or giving birth, dispensation will be granted by head of local customary village,” Erwin said last Wednesday. Non-existence of dispensation, Erwin said, was referred to the events in the previous years. In 1992, municipal government could grant a dispensation to the specific parties such as hotels and other institutions. But, reality in the field the dispensation given was actually much misused. “For example, when travel agent would like to transfer guests from one hotel to another, instead the
guests were taken to have a promenade on the journey around Denpasar. Well, that sort of thing will have bad effects on the Nyepi festivity,” explained the mustached man. In addition, Erwin said the municipal government would also obey the Governor’s circular. One of the important points in the circular appealed to provide special personnel in charge in the office of public services such as in hospitals. “Therefore, the circular instructed that employees of hospital and the like must have been at workplace one day before Nyepi. This means that during Nyepi there will be no longer employees passing through the road,” explained Erwin. Meanwhile, in relation to security, Erwin said his party had made coordination with the local higher officials (Muspida). “We are coordinating with local higher officials. In terms of security, we leave it entirely to the police and the head of local
customary village as well,” he said. In line with the municipal government of Denpasar, the customary village would not issued dispensation specifically during Nyepi. It was also expressed by I Made Karim, Head of Kesiman Customary Village. He said his party would not issue special dispensation on Nyepi. Of course, this policy was different from the previous years which gave special dispensation, especially for the hotel staff and the sick / giving birth. Nevertheless, if there were residents of Kesiman who were sick or having childbirth, Karim advised not to be worried because the opportunity to go to hospital was still open that accompanied by Pecalang or customary village security taskforce putting on complete customary cloth. “If there will be our resident being sick or giving birth, they will be transferred to hospital by Pecalang in uniform,” Karim asserted last Wednesday. (kmb12)
DENPASAR – Uluwatu Temple is planed to be one of the places visited by the President of USA, Barack Obama during his stay in Bali. AA Gde Agung, the head of Badung regency on Wednesday, march 11th 2010, was conducting a meeting to prepare the necessary thing needed during Obama visit in Bali. The officers took part in the meeting were the officers from Pecatu village, I Made Sumerta and I Wayan Rebong, the member of Puri Agung Jero Kuta and others. Even tough there is no confirmation from the US Government but the officers and department in Bali are preparing for the visit by Obama which is planed on March 21st 2010. When he arrives in Bali, Obama will directly go to the hotel then visisting Uluwatu temple in Pecatu, southern Kuta. There, he will watch kecak dance and the beautiful sunset. Obama is also planning to conduct a discussion in Udayana University and visit the Monkey Forrest in Ubud. Gde Agung said “Obama is planning to stay in Bali for two days before he go to Australia.” The officers of Badung government and the army were already inspecting the temple. From the inspection, the governor discovered that many
problems occur such as the damage road leading the temple and the cleanliness of the surrounding area. “The security will become very tight during Obama visitation. We hope that the people around Pecatu take part in preserving the security,” Gde Agung added. Badung Government has prepared the fund to arrange the Uluwatu Temple based on the proposal by the locals. Gde Agung explained that the project is not only because Obama will come to Bali but also to make Uluwatu as one of the most famous tourism site in Badung. I Wayan Sudirta, the officer of Pecatu, said that the people are very proud Obama want to come to the village. “We are ready to welcome Obama and will give him the best day of his life,” he added. The people in the area are ready to assist in maintaining the security and arranging the area including to take care of the cleanliness. However, Sudirta asked the government to act promptly because the limited time. The officers of Indonesian army had come to Bali to prepare Obama’s visit. The army while prepare 9,000 personnel to assist the police which will employ 9,000 officers. The high number of personnel is needed to guard Obama and the President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
HIV/AIDS threatens Bali’s Badung district Antara
DENPASAR - The HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission of Bali Province’s Badung district reported on Thursday that the deadly disease had infected at least 1,000 residents. Of the number, 555 patients were known by the public, the Commission’s chairman, I Ketut Sudikerta, said here Thursday. “The revealed HIV/AIDS cases indicate the growing of our people’s awareness of protecting themselves,” said Sudikerta, also deputy chief of Badung regency. However, the public awareness campaigns should be contin-
ued to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS in Badung and beyond because not all people have well understood about the HIV symptoms, he said. “With the continuing public campaigns, new HIV/AIDS cases can be curbed. The people should also remain cautious with the danger of the diseases,” he said. Exercising the healthy life style was the best preventive measure that the people could do, Sudikerta said. As part of its preventive services, Badung regency’s HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission had recently conducted a public campaign activity for hundreds of local students and teachers.
al
Friday, March 12, 2010
Balinese Culture Sambal be tongkol
Telkomsel open GeraiHALO Bangli
(Tuna Fish Salad)
Serving more than 50,000 customers IBP
DENPASAR - The high increase of Telkomsel users in Bangli area made the biggest operator in Indonesia opened geraiHALO Bangli. The geraiHALO Bangli was officially opened Wednesday, March 10th 2010.
GeraiHALO Bangli will serve more than 50,000 customers in Bangli, Kintamani, Tembuku, and the surrounding area. Syaiful Bachri, the GM Sales and Customer Services Regional Bali Nusra accompanied by Josephine M. Lie, the GM Telesindo Shop Bali Nusra, said that the high interest of the people in
Telkomsel
GM Sales and Customer Service Telkomsel in Bali Nusra Region Syaiful Bachri (middle) explain the process of service at geraiHALO to the the vice regent of Bangli I Made Gianyar, S.H., M.Hum during the opening ceremony of geraiHALO Bangli on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
Bangli to use the product of Telkomsel must be responded by giving the best service. The geraiHALO can accommodate those interests. “GeraiHALO Bangli can also give more direct and wider contribution in creating new jobs such as stores for Telkomsel products and others,” Syaiful Bachri added. He said that the shop which is handled by Telesindo Shop have the same function like GraPARI Denpasar so the customers in Bangli don’t have to go all the way to Denpasar. They can have the same service in their home town. The customers can give information on products and VAS Telkomsel, handling complaints, data mutation, activation, and handphone setting. Josephine hoped that this geraiHALO can give multiplier effect in supporting the development of the regency especially in tourism industry and export commodity. I Made Gianyar, the vice of Bangli regent, said that the gerai will help the people of Bangli. It can give more qulity for the users of Telkomsel in Bangli. (iah)
OVERVIEW: Although this is made with fresh tuna in Bali, you can also use drained canned tuna as a substitute. Season the canned tuna and combine with seasonings, but do not attempt to fry it. INGREDIENTS: 4 fresh tuna steaks, weighing 100 gr each ¼ cup seafood spice paste 1 tsp salt ½ tsp crushed black pepper 1 tbsp freshly squeezed limejuice 2 tbsp oil 1-cup sambal matah Fried shallot for garnish PREPARATION: 1. Season fresh tuna steaks with seafood spice paste, salt pepper and lime juice. 2. Heat oil in frying pan and cook tuna steaks for 3 minutes on each side over high heat. Do not over cook. Set aside and allow cooling down, and then breaking the tuna into small chunks. Place in salad bowl, add sambal matah and mix well. 3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with fried shallots. Serve at room temperature with steamed rice. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)
Jukut kakul (Snail Soup) OVERVIEW: The French are not the only ones to have a liking for snails. The Balinese gather snails in the rice fields. But you can use the canned variety. Cucumber, zucchini or any other summer squash can be used instead of green papaya. INGREDIENTS: 200 gr unripe green papaya 1 liter chicken stock ½ cup spice paste for seafood 1 stalk lemon grass bruised 2 salam leaves 1 tbsp oil 48 canned snails, washed and drained 1 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper Fried shallots to garnish PREPARATION: Peel the papaya, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds, then cut it lengthwise in 4 or 6 slices. Cut crosswise into slices about 0.5 cm thick. Combine stock, spice paste, lemon grass, salam leaves and oil in a large pot. Bring to boil, and then simmer for 5 minutes. Add papayas and simmer until almost tender. Add the snails and continue cooking until the papaya softens. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fried shallots. Helpful hint: If you do not care for snails. You can substitute 12 dried black Chinese mushroom. Washed and soaked I warm water for 20minutes. Add them together with the papaya to ensure they will be tender by the time the papaya is cooked. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)
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Friday, March 12, 2010
Destinations
International
Tenganan Village
http://www.janstours.com
TENGANAN Village is one of the oldest Balinese Traditional located in Karangasem Regency, east part of Bali. This village is much referred by cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan, which is very famous in the island. It own very unique local community life pattern which is one example of Bali Aga Village cultures (Hindu Prehistoric) and different with other countryside in plain of Bali. Nowadays, this village has been appointed as a place for tourist destination which can present the attractive and unique matters which able to add the variation of object and fascination for tourist to come. Tenganan village is geographically situated among the hill in west and east part of this village. This village is located in Manggis sub district and Karangasem Regency or about 1 hour drive from Denpasar Town. It is a small village consisted of three Banjars (group of local community) those are Banjar Kauh, Banjar Tengah and Banjar Pande. The regional of this village is consisted of three complexes those are resident, plantation and rice field complex. The history of Tenganan village is expressed in a few versions. The first version is mentioned that the resident of Tenganan village are come from Paneges Village, a village is located near with Bedahulu Village
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that is located Gianyar Regency. The second version is expressed that word of Tenganan recognized in one of Bali inscription that was written by the word of Tranganan. The third version is expressed that the Tenganan Village Resident prays to the Bukit Lempuyang Temple. The word of Tenganan is ascribed by a Tengah root word which can mean to aim to middle of Pegringsingan, the fasten cloth type weave that is typically produce by Tenganan village resident. The structure of resident in Tenganan village is built in linear consisted of six rays. Each of ray consisted of some lawn broadly, the building form where the local community use it to present the handicraft for tourists. All the tradition existences of the human being are harmoniously with the God, human and environment as according to Tri Hita Karana concept. The Tourism Destination of Tenganan remains to draw during the time, goodness as tourism cultural object, tourism nature and agriculture tourism. It is a very famous village throughout Bali where most of the local people knows where it is located. It is located in Karangasem Regency and close to Candidasa. You can find many travel agencies serve the tour to visit this village. (www.balistarisland.com)
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Friday, March 12, 2010
11
BUSINESS State budget crises threaten to slow US recovery
Lee Seong-Tae, governor of the Bank of Korea, presides over a meeting to decide a benchmark call rate at the central bank in Seoul on March
Agence France-Presse
11, 2010.
CHICAGO - Gaping budget shortfalls and rules preventing most state and local governments from running deficits threaten to slow the US economic recovery and shrink the scope of public services, analysts warned. “It’s the worst budget crisis since the Great Depression,” said Arturo Perez, a fiscal policy analyst with the National Conference on State Legislatures. “Everything has been on the table across the country,” Perez said in a telephone interview. “There are no programs that have been immune.” Teachers and police officers are losing their jobs. Libraries, jails and mental hospitals are being closed. Poor children and the elderly are losing statefunded health insurance, tuition is going up for college students, thousands of convicts are getting early release. And even though taxes and service fees are going up on everything from soft drinks to slot machines, hunting licenses and hotel stays, state lawmakers are still struggling to close a cumulative 175 billion dollar budget gap for 2010. Stimulus funds from the federal government helped prop up state budgets last year and prevented even more draconian cuts. But they were not sufficient to bridge the gaps as demand for social services rose and many dire projections for state revenue declines turned out not to be dire enough. The outlook for 2011 and 2012 is grim because state finances typically do not fully recover until two or three years after the national economy pulls out of a recession and the federal stimulus funds are drying up. The crisis is calling into question “what role will government have in terms of providing (traditional) government services, whether it be education, health care infrastructure, law enforcement and so forth,” Perez said. The cumulative budget shortfall for fiscal year 2011 - which typically begins on July 1, 2010 - is 55.5 billion from the 35 states with preliminary projections, the NCLS reported. The cumulative gap for 2012 rises to 68.8 billion dollars even though the number of states offering projection drops to 23. The budget cuts and tax increases required to deal with those deficits will “likely take nearly a full percentage point off the Gross Domestic Product” if states do not receive additional fed-
eral relief, forecast the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities. That could cost the economy 900,000 jobs next year, the Washington-based think tank estimated in a recent report. “State and local government spending is an important driver of the local economy,” said Jon Shure, deputy director of the center’s state fiscal project. “Whatever money the collect in taxes they spend quickly and they spend it close to home.” Solving budget gaps of this magnitude will require a combination of both spending cuts and tax increases in order to ensure the states are “poised to recover when prosperity returns,” Shure said. Further complicating the problem is the unwillingness of politicians to take unpopular action in an election year when voters have already shown a desire to toss out incumbents. Especially in a politically polarized country where there has been a “concerted effort” to convince the public that “taxes are evil,” Shure said. “Politicians are very irresponsibly arguing that you can grow the economy better if it has less revenue,” he told AFP. “We’re starting to see the impact in terms of the ability of states to deliver services.” Illinois has one of the deepest deficits in the country but embattled Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has been unable to push through a tax increase even though his party controls both the state house and senate. On Wednesday, he announced deep cuts to help address a 13 billion dollar deficit in the coming fiscal year. He urged lawmakers to hike state income taxes by 33 percent - from three to four percent - for an education “surcharge” that would prevent the loss of 17,000 teachers. “I do not believe the people of Illinois want us to balance our budget today by sacrificing the future of a generation of children,” Quinn said. The proposal was immediately slammed by Republicans and only received tepid support from Democrats.
AFP PHOTO/JUNG YEON-JE
South Korea central bank freezes key rate for 13th month Agence France-Presse
SEOUL - South Korea’s central bank Thursday froze the key interest rate at a record low 2.0 percent for a 13th successive month amid uncertainty about the economy at home and abroad. The Bank of Korea left the benchmark seven-day repo rate unchanged after the final rate-setting meeting under governor Lee SeongTae, whose four-year term ends this month. The bank, which is independent of politicians, had nevertheless come under pressure to keep the rate unchanged. “Our economy will likely maintain growth amid steadily-in-
creasing exports and recovering demand at home, but uncertainty exists over the growth path due to the financial problems of heavily indebted euro-zone countries,” the bank said in a statement. Governor Lee said the central bank would maintain its accommodative policy aimed at helping boost the economy for the time being. Finance Minister Yoon JeungHyun said Monday it was not the right time for an increase. “The private sector is not riding on a fullscale recovery and conditions in the job market are serious,” he said. “Economic uncertainty at home and abroad warrant a rate freeze over an extended period of time,” Lee Sung-Kwon, chief
economist at Shinhan Investment Corp., told Yonhap news agency after the rate was kept unchanged. South Korea, Asia’s fourth largest economy, recovered from its recession faster than expected last year, partly thanks to aggressive government stimulus measures, but recent data show the momentum may slow. South Korea grew 0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter in the three months to December 2009, down from a 3.2 percent gain in the previous quarter. A key indicator of the country’s future economic outlook declined for the first time in 13 months in January, when the jobless rate jumped to five percent — the highest since in March 2001.
Malaysia studying new regional trade pact with US Agence France-Presse
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia said Thursday those negotiations towards a bilateral trade pact with the United States have been shelved and it is now considering joining a regional deal promoted by the US. Prime Minister Najib Razak said Washington had “put on the back burner” a bilateral deal negotiated over the past four years and that the focus is now on the TransPacific Partnership (TPP). “There is no more discussion on a bilateral FTA with the United States. That is the formal position of the United States,” Najib told a press conference. US-Malaysia trade talks had dragged on for eight rounds, bogged down in sensitive areas in-
cluding Malaysia’s system of affirmative action for Muslim Malays who dominate the multi-racial population. In particular, the US had sought access to lucrative Malaysian state contracts that favour Malays and indigenous groups, or “bumiputras” as they are known. Najib, who is also the finance minister said the US preferred the vehicle of the TPP, a once-obscure pact founded by Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. “They have indicated a preference for the TPP to be considered and the cabinet has given the ministry of international trade and industry (MITI) the green light to look deeply into the initiative,” he said. “If it benefits Malaysia, the cabinet will make the final decision. So a very deep, comprehensive
study is being undertaken by MITI now,” he said. Najib said Malaysia will have to make a quick decision, saying that “certain formal events will be unfolding” but did not elaborate on what they were. The current TPP members will meet this month to discuss expanding membership to four other nations — Australia, Peru, Vietnam and the United States. The trade bloc was brought to prominence when President Barack Obama last November said the US would “engage” with the grouping to boost trade. Malaysia’s economy is largely export-driven and the United States is a key customer of Malaysia’s electrical and electronics goods, which account for about 40 percent of total exports.
12
Friday, March 12, 2010
Entertainment
International
‘Big Mike’ draws tears, cheers on ‘American Idol’ Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES – Michael “Big Mike” Lynche made Kara DioGuardi cry and turned the rest of the “American Idol” judges giddy with a moving performance of “This Woman’s Work.”
REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
Simon Cowell (R) and Mezhgan Hussainy arrive at the 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California March 7, 2010.
Lynche, a mountain of a guy who lives up to his nickname, performed last among the eight male semifinalists Wednesday and emerged as the star of the Fox TV show. “You come out with an incredibly difficult song to sing, and you 100 percent nailed it,” said Simon Cowell. “Not just the best performance of the night, it was the best performance of all these live shows so far.” The eight female semifinalists performed Tuesday, with the top six vote-getters from the men’s and women’s groups to be announced Thursday. Lynche, 26, of Astoria, N.Y., moved impressively from a quiet falsetto start to a booming finale, but it was as much the story behind the song as his range that touched DioGuardi. Lynche’s wife had a baby girl while he was in Los Angeles making the cut for “Idol.” “It’s amazing. You were amazing,” DioGuardi said. “It’s your life right now, it’s your respect for your wife, what you’ve gone through. ... It
Witherspoon: First lady is DC’s top fashionista Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Actress Reese Witherspoon says her “Legally Blonde” character Elle Woods has been ousted as the most stylish woman to come to the
nation’s capital by first lady Michelle Obama. Speaking Wednesday at a ceremony where Mrs. Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented the annual International Women of Courage awards,
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Actress Reese Witherspoon, Avon global ambassador, speaks at the International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
Witherspoon jokingly complained that Woods, the bubbly blonde from Los Angeles who discovers her inner strength at Harvard Law School and then takes on Washington politics, no longer held that title. “As an actress, I have always sought out roles that portrayed women as strong and powerful, such as Elle Woods, who was in the ‘Legally Blonde’ movies,” she said to laughter from the audience in an ornate State Department reception room. Woods, she said, “happened to be the biggest fashionista who ever came to Washington until Michelle Obama. Thanks a lot.” Clinton then introduced Mrs. Obama as “stylish,” and the first lady returned the compliment to the entire crowd, saying: “You all look fabulous.” Witherspoon was at the ceremony as a global ambassador for the Avon Foundation, which supports breast cancer research, anti-domestic violence programs and women’s empowerment projects. On Wednesday the group announced a $500,000 contribution to the State Department’s Fund for Global Women’s Leadership.
brought me to tears.” The other contestants, who may have been glad they didn’t have to follow Lynche, picked up a mixture of praise and criticism. Andrew Garcia, 24, Moreno Valley, Calif., had the roughest night, with his performance of “Genie in a Bottle” deemed pitchy by Jackson and dismissed by Cowell as “a little bit desperate.” Casey James, 27, of Fort Worth, Texas, did better with “You’ll Think of Me,” which Ellen DeGeneres and Cowell said sounded “great” but struck Jackson as a safe choice. Tim Urban scored with his version of “Hallelujah,” which is becoming an “American Idol” standard. DeGeneres, noting she has been critical of the 20-year-old from Duncanville, Texas, jumped on the stage to give him a congratulatory hug and called his rendition “fantastic.” “Todrick’s back!” was Jackson’s response to Todrick Hall’s performance of “Somebody to Love,”
while Cowell said it was a mixed performance but may have saved Hall, 24, of Arlington, Texas, from elimination. Alex Lambert’s version of “Trouble” drew mostly favorable critiques, including a highly creative offering from DeGeneres. “You’re becoming a mushy banana. You’re ripening so fast,” she said. Translation: The 19-year-old from North Richland Hills, Texas, is getting better and better. Aaron Kelley, with “I’m Already There,” showed he has the “makings of a great,” Jackson said, and Cowell lauded his emotional delivery — while dismissing DioGuardi’s contention the song about a man away from his family was too old for the 16-year-old from Sonestown, Pa. Lee Dewyze, 23, of Mount Prospect, Ill., showed “there’s a star bubbling there” with his version of “Fireflies,” said DioGuardi, while Cowell said he was better than the performance but had a “great chance” of making the top 12. If not, DeGeneres could set him up on a date as a consolation prize: She’s heard from several people with crushes on him, she said.
Charlie Sheen due back on ‘Two and a Half Men’ Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES – A spokesman for Charlie Sheen says the actor will soon be back at “Two and a Half Men” after undergoing rehab that temporarily halted production of CBS’ top-rated sitcom. Publicist Stan Rosenfield says Sheen will be returning to work and shooting will resume next Tuesday in Los Angeles. Last month, Rosenfield announced that Sheen had voluntarily entered a rehab facility “as a preventative measure.” He didn’t specify why Sheen was seeking treatment. The 44-year-old actor still faces legal problems arising from a fight with his wife in Aspen, Colo., in December. The most serious charge carries a maximum three-year prison term. Sheen hasn’t entered a plea. He is due back in court Monday.
AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2009 file photo, actor Charlie Sheen is pictured at an event to celebrate Planet Hollywood’s purchase of restaurant chain Buca di Beppo, at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.
Life Style
International
Friday, March 12, 2010
13
Sony unveils new motion contoller to slow Nintendo Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/M. Spencer Green
In this photo taken March 9, 2010, Raymond Cirimele, 55, displays his Costco membership card outside his home in Chicago. Cirimele is one of at least 245 people in 44 states who have been sickened by a recent salmonella outbreak.
CDC uses shopper-card data to trace salmonella Associated Press Writer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – As they scrambled recently to trace the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds around the country, investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention successfully used a new tool for the first time — the shopper cards that millions of Americans swipe every time they buy groceries. With permission from the patients, investigators followed the trail of grocery purchases to a Rhode Island company that makes salami, then zeroed in on the pepper used to season the meat. Never before had the CDC successfully mined the mountain of data that supermarket chains compile. “It was really exciting. It was a break in the investigation for sure,” CDC epidemiologist Casey Barton Behravesh said. At least 245 people in 44 states have been sickened in the outbreak. That includes 30 in California, 19 in Illinois, 18 in New York and 17 in Washington state. The victims included Raymond Cirimele, a 55-year-old Chicago man. He said no one asked for his shopper-card data, but he would have provided it if someone had. “I don’t have any secrets, so I’m not worried about it,” he said. “It’s kind of like the whole airport security and all that. I’d rather fly on a safe plane.” Shopper cards have been around for more than a decade, offering customers discounts in exchange for letting supermarkets track their buying habits. The cards are used to build customer loyalty and help stores market their products. The first case in this salmonella outbreak was reported last summer, and by November, CDC investiga-
tors were examining a multistate cluster of cases. Through interviews and questionnaires, investigators suspected some kind of Italian meat was the culprit, but people couldn’t remember what brand they bought, Behravesh said. So the CDC asked supermarkets for certain buying information on seven victims in Washington state, focusing on suspect products rather than everything the customers had bought, Behravesh said. “We didn’t care about the brand of toilet paper people were buying,” she said. Of those seven people, five had bought Italian meats made by the Rhode Island company, Daniele International Inc., Behravesh said. Further investigation — including the use of data from other victims’ shopper cards — pointed to salami made by Daniele and, more specifically, the imported pepper it was coated in. That came from two spice suppliers in New York and New Jersey. All three companies have since recalled some products. The CDC would not say how many patients gave access to their accounts or were asked to do so, but Behravesh said most agreed. “Most of the time when a person gets really sick with a food-borne pathogen, they’re very happy to talk with us and try to help out with the investigation,” she said. Some privacy
advocates, though, are troubled. Longtime shopper-card critic Katherine Albrecht, director of a group called Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering, said she worries that the practice could lead to a switch from a voluntary system to mandatory use of such cards. “That sends chills down my spine,” she said. Some state and local health agencies have used shopper cards to trace cases of food poisoning. Before this outbreak, the CDC had tried it a few times, too, but without success, Behravesh said.
TOKYO – Sony has a new message for Nintendo Wii gamers: Come join us. The Japanese maker of the PlayStation 3 unveiled Thursday its highly anticipated motion controlling system, as it takes aim at Nintendo’s dominance in the gaming sector. With the “PlayStation Move,” Sony hopes to lure gamers who have outgrown Nintendo, which launched the Wii in 2006 and became the first to introduce motion-detecting controllers. Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment, credited Nintendo Co. for “introducing motion gaming to the masses.” Now it’s time for them to graduate to the PlayStation, which offers a new experience for both casual and hard-core gamers, he said at a press conference in San Francisco. “The migration path from the Wii household to the PlayStation 3 household is a pretty natural path, partly because of the experience that you can get on the PlayStation Move but also because of the content that we find on PlayStation 3,” Dille said. Used with the existing PlayStation Eye camera, Sony’s new wireless motion controller can track players’ body movements. The controller, in turn, has on its end a light-emitting orb that is recognized by the camera. “Nothing has ever been this precise,” said Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Electronics Worldwide Studios. The PlayStation Move will go on sale this fall. Complete details of prices have not been released, but a starter bundle including the PlayStation Eye, motion controller and one game will retail for under $100, Dille said.
Major game publishers such as Activision Blizzard Inc., Electronic Arts Inc. and Square Enix are developing Move-compatible games. The latest announcement comes as both Sony and Microsoft Corp., maker of the Xbox 360, attempt to gain ground on Nintendo. Since the Wii first hit stores, it has consistently outsold rivals by attracting casual and nontraditional gamers like women and seniors. Microsoft is planning its own offensive this year as well with its “Project Natal.” Natal, which combines a camera, depth sensor, microphone and processor, eliminates the need for any button-mashing device. Microsoft is expected to release Natal in time for the Christmas shopping season but has not set a specific date. Although demand for the Wii has slowed in recent months, it remained the most popular console among Americans in January with 465,000 units sold, according to market researcher NPD Group. Microsoft sold 332,800 units of the Xbox 360, trailed by 276,900 PlayStation 3 units.
AP Photo/Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
In this undated image released by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sony’s new motion controller is shown. The Japanese maker of the PlayStation 3 unveiled Thursday, March 10, 2010,
Researchers: AIDS virus can hide in bone marrow Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – The virus that causes AIDS can hide in the bone marrow, avoiding drugs and later awakening to cause illness, according to new research that could point the way toward better treatments for the disease. Finding that hide-out is a first step, but years of research lie ahead. Dr. Kathleen Collins of the University of Michigan and her colleagues report in this week’s edition of the journal Nature Medicine that the HIV virus can infect long-lived bone marrow cells that eventually convert into blood cells. The virus is dormant in the bone marrow cells, she said, but when those progenitor cells develop into blood cells, it can be reactivated and cause renewed infection. The virus kills the new blood cells and then moves on to infect other cells, she said. “If we’re ever going to be able to find a way to get rid of the cells, the first step is to understand” where a latent infection can continue, Collins said. In recent years, drugs have reduced AIDS deaths sharply, but patients need to keep taking the medicines for life or the infection comes back, she said. That’s an
indication that while the drugs battle the active virus, some of the disease remains hidden away to flare up once the therapy is stopped. One hide-out was found earlier in blood cells called macrophages. Another pool was discovered in memory Tcells, and research began on attacking those. But those couldn’t account for all the HIV virus still circulating, Collins said, showing there were more locations to check out and leading her to study the blood cell progenitors. Finding these sources of infection is important because eliminating them would allow AIDS patients to stop taking drugs after their infection was over. That’s critical in countries where the treatment is hard to afford and deliver. “I don’t know how many people realize that although the drugs have reduced mortality we still have a long way to go,” Collins said in a telephone interview. “That is mainly because we can’t stop the drugs, people have to take it for a lifetime.” The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Burroughs Wellcome Foundation, University of Michigan, Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, National Science Foundation and a Bernard Maas Fellowship.
14
Sport
Friday, March 12, 2010
International
Evans’ 1st triple-double leads Kings past Raptors Associated Press Writer
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Tyreke Evans recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 113-90 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. With frequent chants of “ROY!” (Rookie of the Year), Evans responded with a strong overall game that has typified his season. Perhaps the leading candidate for the first-year award, the point guard passed to Francisco Garcia for his 10th assist late in the game and promptly went to the bench amid a chorus of cheers. Beno Udrih had 24 points and eight assists, and Carl Landry and Donte Greene both scored 15 points for the Kings, who scored 43 points in the third quarter and snapped a three-game losing streak. Andrea Bargnani scored 20 points for the Raptors, who have lost three straight and seven of eight games. Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan and Jarrett Jack all had
14 points. The loss dropped Toronto into a seventh-place tie with Charlotte in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are only one game ahead of ninthplace Chicago. In honor of Evans, the Kings designated the game “Rally for Reke Roy Night.” The Kings gave out 10,000 free “Reke Roy” T-shirts and 5,000 face-on-a-sticks which include an image Evans. Perhaps fittingly, Evans converted the game’s most difficult shot attempt. Fouled on a baseline drive late in the second quarter, Evans tossed up a floater from behind the backboard that brought a sudden roar from the crowd when it went in. It was Evans and Landry carrying the scoring load early in the third quarter and Udrih taking over late.
Udrih scored nine points, including a short jumper at the buzzer to put the Kings ahead 83-68. Landry scored 10 points and Evans had nine in the third period. The 43 points were the most in a quarter since the Kings had 43 against Utah on Dec. 4, 2008. Bargnani scored 11 points and Bosh had eight for the Raptors in the opening half, when they led 45-40. Udrih scored 13 points and Evans added eight for the Kings.
Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh, right, spins to the basket against Sacramento Kings defender Carl Landry during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
(AP Photo/Steve Yeater)
Federer, Nadal return to action in desert Grand jury may get Mayweather friend shooting case Agence France Presse
(AFP/Pool/File/Martin Philbey)
World number one Roger Federer (pictured in January) faces a potentially difficult path to the final of the Indian Wells hardcourt tournament, the season’s first prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event. The top-seeded Swiss is seeded to meet seventh-seeded American Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals and last year’s runner-up, Andy Murray of Britain, in the semi-finals.
INDIAN WELLS, California – World number one Roger Federer faces a potentially difficult path to the final of the Indian Wells hardcourt tournament, the season’s first prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event. The top-seeded Swiss is seeded to meet seventh-seeded American Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals and last year’s runner-up, Andy Murray of Britain, in the semi-finals. Federer, who claimed his 16th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, will be playing his first tournament since beating Murray in the final at Melbourne. He had been slated to play the Dubai Open last month but withdrew with a lung infection. Men’s singles action in the tournament, which also features a prestigious WTA premier level event, begins on Thursday, with the 32 seeded players enjoying first-round byes. Federer last reached the final in the California desert in 2006, when he won his third straight title. Federer fell in the semi-finals in each of the past two years. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, who also won the title in 2007, could find himself in a tricky quarter-final clash with Russian Nikolay Davydenko, who has beaten the Spaniard in their past three meetings. Nadal, ranked and seeded third, will play a qualifier in his second-round tournament opener, which will be his first match since he retired injured during his Australian Open quarter-final in January. Nadal told sports daily AS this week that he had been training hard for three weeks and that his troublesome knees are fine. Second-seeded Serbian Novak Djokovic could get a second-round opening match against American Mardy Fish — the man he beat in the 2008 final here.
Associated Press Writer
LAS VEGAS – A prosecutor served notice Wednesday that a grand jury may hear evidence that an associate of boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. shot at a man who police said argued with the boxer last August at a Las Vegas skating rink. Ocie Harris, 27, made a brief initial court appearance in a Las Vegas court on felony attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon charges. He was not asked to enter a plea, and declined comment leaving the courthouse in (AP Photo/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) downtown Las Vegas. Senior Clark County Dis- In this undated police booking photo trict Court Judge Joseph released by the Las Vegas MetropoliBonaventure scheduled an tan Police Department, showing Ocie evidentiary hearing for May Harris, 27, who was arrested several 17. However, prosecutors weeks ago in Chicago, and extradited Roy Nelson and Samuel to Las Vegas. Police said Tuesday, Bateman served a document March, 9, 2010. notifying Harris’ lawyer, Tom Pitaro, that a grand jury could be asked before then to hear the evidence against Harris — and possibly against Mayweather. Grand jury proceedings are secret. A preliminary hearing would be public. Either could result in the case being bound up for trial in state court. A conviction on all four charges could result in a sentence of up to 92 years in prison. Mayweather, 33, has not been charged in the case. Police have said he is not a suspect, and his lawyer, Richard Wright, has said Mayweather had nothing to do with the shooting. Wright did not immediately respond Wednesday to a message seeking comment. According to police, Mayweather and Harris were at the Crystal Palace Skating Center Aug. 23 when Mayweather argued with Quincey Williams about a text message Williams sent wishing the boxer bad luck in his next fight.
Sport
International
Friday, March 12, 2010
15
Real Madrid’s failure leaves Pellegrini exposed Agence France Presse
(AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett)
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, second right, scores his sides second goal during the Champions League round of 16 soccer match against AC Milan at Old Trafford stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday March 10, 2010
Ferguson lauds Rooney in 4-0 defeat of AC Milan Agence France Presse
MANCHESTER – Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could match the 42 goals that Cristiano Ronaldo provided for Manchester United in 2008 after the England striker reached the 30 mark with a double in the Champions League humbling of AC Milan. Rooney, who had also scored twice in the 3-2 first leg win, laid the foundations for a 4-0 win on a night that United boss Ferguson described as one of the most satisfying of his illustrious managerial career. “When I think that we’ve beaten Milan 4-0 — not many teams have ever done that, if any,” the Scot declared. “It was a fantastic night.” It was the first time United had eliminated their opponents for the first time in five attempts since two of European football’s iconic institutions first met, 52 years ago. Ferguson added: “I said it was a landmark victory when we beat them over there. I regard Milan as a great European example for us and that makes me particularly proud that we managed to beat that great team.” Rooney’s early header was followed by a strike in the first minute of the second half which broke Milan’s spirit and further goals from Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher ensured it was an unhappy return to Old Trafford for David Beckham. “I think the second goal was decisive,” Ferguson said. “We were able to relax and play good football. Milan were forced to try and attack and left themselves a little bit open. It was a difficult night for them after that.”
Ferguson was also delighted to have the luxury of withdrawing Rooney from the fray early, ensuring he did not aggravate a niggling knee injury that had threatened to keep him out of the tie. “Wayne’s performance was just a continuation of his form of the last two or three months. It is sensational. He is unbelievable and I’m very pleased with him.” Asked if he felt Rooney could match Ronaldo’s haul in his penultimate season before his departure for Real Madrid, Ferguson replied: “It’s a challenge. I was happy with him getting to the 30 mark, to be honest. But he just keeps getting better.” Ronaldo’s departure has ensured Rooney has been consistently deployed as an out-and-out centreforward this term, but Ferguson feels his improved return in terms of goals is also a reflection of the work he has done on the training ground. “The thing that has improved is his movement in the penalty box. Also, he has practised more than he’s ever done and you get the rewards when you do that.” Milan’s hopes of overturning their first-leg deficit disappeared after Ronaldinho and Klaas Jan Huntelaar failed to take a couple of early chances that could have trans-
formed the complexion of the tie. “You don’t want to lose the first goal in a game like this,” Ferguson acknowledged. “It would have encouraged Milan.” With Ronaldo’s Real having gone out to Lyon on Wednesday evening, United look well placed to reach the final of the tournament for a third consecutive season and Ferguson said he was relaxed about the draw for the quarter finals. “When we play at that tempo, we’re very hard to beat. It doesn’t matter who we play.” That view was endorsed by Milan coach Leonardo, who admitted United had been simply too powerful for his injury-depleted squad. “I guess we can analyse the game in many ways, but the one thing we cannot deny is the performance of United,” the Brazilian said. “They played a truly great game. “Conceding a goal so early made a comeback even more complicated for us. “In the first leg we played an equal match. We lost but we dominated for some periods. Today was different. We have some problems but United is a very strong team, they can use your mistakes in the best way. They are very clinical and that is what you have to be in this competition.”
MADRID – After spending over 250 million euros to build a second dynasty of ‘Galacticos’ Real Madrid were expected to lift this season’s Champions League trophy in the May 22 final at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium, But that dream was shattered on Wednesday as Lyon eliminated Real 2-1 on aggregate at the last 16 stage. Pressure is always intense on Real Madrid managers and Manuel Pellegrini had more than usual after a massive summer outlay on Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and company - but money doesn’t guarantee success and the bitter Champions League exit leaves the likeable Chilean fearing for his job. Pellegrini was entrusted with ending Real’s last 16 hoodoo but it struck again as Real exited the competition at the first knockout stage for the sixth successive season. “The first person responsible is the coach,” said Pellegrini. “My future depends on the board and the only thing I can do is continue working like I have been doing. “Getting to the final was the ambition of everyone here so the elimination is very painful. “This loss is a real setback but we have to lift our mood, look forward and continue working to win the league.” Cristiano Ronaldo’s seventh Champions League goal on six minutes levelled the tie at 1-1 for Real but Lyon teenager Miralem Pjanic, 19, scored the dreaded away goal on 75 minutes and Real crashed out 2-1 on aggregate. “We are all really annoyed and angry,” said goalkeeper Iker Casillas. “It is difficult to stomach and a real setback.
“I ask for the forgiveness from the fans for this defeat in a competition where we had the highest hopes. We have to accept our responsibility for what happened.” The 33-year-old veteran Guti, a three-time Champions League winner (1998, 2000, 2002), called on Real to play more as a team rather than individuals. “It is a real shame but this shows that in the important games we don’t know how to kill them off,” said captain Guti. “We have to be more of a team rather than individuals. Lyon were more of a team and you have to admit that. I don’t think we came out (after the break) how we wanted and they pushed forward. “Every time you lose in this competition it hurts and this year is even more painful. “Now we just have to think about the league which is all we have left to play for.” The league, where Real are level on points with Barcelona at the summit, is the only hope of silverware for Real and even winning that may not save the job of Pellegrini, who arrived from Villarreal in the summer, with the early Kings Cup and Champions League exits bitter pills to swallow. Fabio Capello, Bernd Schuster and Juande Ramos have gone through the managerial revolving door at the Bernabeu in the past few seasons and the speculation will be growing about Pellegrini on Thursday morning in the wake of the Lyon setback. Real must somehow pick themselves up for the next league game at Valladolid on Sunday as they bid to wrestle the title from Barcelona and avoid a second consecutive season without silverware.
(AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
Real Madrid players, Esteban Granero, left, Sergio Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, right, react during the second leg of the first knockout round Champions League soccer match against Lyon at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday March 10, 2010.
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Friday, March 12, 2010
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
Sport
Rosberg sure he will match Schumacher
Nico Rosberg is optimistic that he will be able to hold his own against Mercedes team-mate Michael Schumacher this season and says that he is looking forward to proving himself against the seven-times world champion.
AP Photo/Gero Breloer
Mercedes Grand Prix driver Michael Schumacher of Germany, left, and teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany, right, pose for photographers before giving a news conference held at a Mercedes showroom in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday, March 11, 2010. The Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix will take place here on Sunday.
Lorenzo determined to return for test JORGE Lorenzo is adamant that he will take part in the final MotoGP winter test in Qatar despite his injuries, but will not be pushing for quick times. The Yamaha rider had to sit out the last test at Sepang having sustained a hand injury when he crashed a motocross bike while training. His management had suggested Lorenzo would probably not be fit for the Losail test next week, but the Spaniard has decided he needs to get back on track as part of his recovery. “Yes, I’m going to the Qatar test,” Lorenzo told Motosprint. “I’ve taken this decision for several reasons, including the need to understand how my hand is doing, but certainly not to set the quickest lap time. “I have thought about forgoing testing and going straight to the first race. But I feel like going to the tests. I’d like to recover some feeling, some confidence, basically I want to get back in touch with my bike. Even if it’s just a couple of laps, I want to see how I feel on the saddle.” He admitted that the injury is likely to compromise his form in the season-opener at Losail in midApril too, but is optimistic it will not spoil his title bid.
Rosberg, who left Williams at the end of last year to join the championship-winning former Brawn outfit, ended the final pre-season Barcelona test with a faster time than Schumacher. Nevertheless his preparations have been overshadowed by the return of Formula 1’s most successful driver. Speaking in a Thursday press briefing attended by AUTOSPORT in Bahrain, however, Rosberg indicated that he remained unperturbed by Schumacher’s return and is relishing the challenge of racing against the 41year-old. “I’m going into the season very optimistically,” said Rosberg. “I feel very, very comfortable in the car, very confident. “But at the same time I know it’s going to be as difficult as ever, because obviously I have a rather strong team-mate. So we’ll have to wait and see. “My motivation is to work with
Michael and try to help the team have a strong car, because without a strong car we won’t be able to do anything. And I think until now we’ve done quite well, but we need to keep pushing,” he added. “And as the season goes on it’s important that we get some very strong results. “Your closest comparison is your team-mate, so my aim this year is too look good compared to my team-mate, of course.” Rosberg added that he was looking forward to racing a car which he believes will put him in a position to fight at the front. “For sure I have a lot to gain this year, because it’s the first time I have a very competitive car, hopefully,” he said. “We are not sure yet, but hopefully we’ll have a very competitive car. “And so I look forward to it, to get some really strong results this year, to be on a level playing field with Michael and things like that.”