Edisi 01 Maret 2011 | International Bali Post

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

An Omani protester runs past burning vehicles during a demonstration in Sohar, more than 200 kms (125 miles) northwest of Muscat, on February 27, 2011. Omani police shot dead two demonstrators as the deadly wave of protests rocking the Arab world spread to the normally placid pro-Western sultanate, a security official said.

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Oscars go young and hip, with traditional results

AFP PHOTO/KARIM SAHIB

Oman protests spread, road to port blocked

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Reuters

SOHAR, Oman – Omani protesters demanding jobs and political reforms blocked roads to a main port in the north of the Gulf Arab sultanate as looters trashed a nearby supermarket on Monday, and demonstrations spread to the capital. A doctor said six people had died in clashes between stone-throwing protesters and police on Sunday in the northern industrial town of Sohar, although Oman’s health minister said only one person died and 20 were injured.

WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

24 - 31

JAKARTA

23 - 32

BANDUNG

21 - 29

YOGYAKARTA

22 - 31

SURABAYA

23 - 32

SUNNY

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

RAIN

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Hundreds of protesters blocked access to an industrial area that includes the port, a refinery and aluminum factory. A port spokeswoman said exports of refined oil

products that typically amount to 160,000 barrels per day from the port were unaffected.

“We want to see the benefit of our oil wealth distributed evenly to

the population,” one protester said over a loudhailer near the port. “We want to see a scale-down of expatriates in Oman so more jobs can be created for Omanis,” he yelled.

Peaceful protests also spread to other cities, with hundreds of people demonstrating outside a government ministerial complex in Muscat and at another site in the capital.

The unrest in Sohar, Oman’s main industrial center, was a rare outbreak of discontent in the normally sleepy sultanate ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said for four decades, and follows a wave of pro-democracy protests across the Arab world.

Continued on page 6

N. Zealand to approach Oprah for help: report Agence France Presse

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Earthquake-hit New Zealand wants US talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman to help fundraising efforts after the disaster that devastated Christchurch, a report said Monday. Prime Minister John Key planned to ask the influential celebrities to promote a charity drive for victims and rebuilding efforts following the tremor that killed at least 148 people, The New Zealand Herald reported.

“We are going to speak to wellknown international talk show hosts, maybe Letterman or Oprah Winfrey, those kinds of people,” Key told the New Zealand Herald.

He said New Zealand hoped to raise “significant cash” in the global appeal, pointing out a similar move by Australia after wildfires claimed 173 lives in 2009 raised almost Aus$390 million ($396 million). Officials estimate people from around 20 nations were among the victims of last Tuesday’s earthquake, which flattened office buildings, tore up

roads and left swathes of New Zealand’s second largest city in ruins.

Key said that meant the tragedy resonated around the world and New Zealand would use social media sites such as Facebook, international media and the country’s diplomatic corps to tell people how they could help.

“It’s had a devastating impact on a small country like New Zealand, we think that people around the world will open their hearts and their wallets for the people of Christchurch,” he told TVNZ.

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Oprah Winfrey

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International

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Bali News Rampant mice attack at Datah makes farmers confused Amlapura (Bali Post)—

IBP/dar

The Lebih beach tourism site which is located in Gianyar.

Lebih tourist area Frequently hit by flood Puddles ensuing along the coastal area of Lebih Beach that make the warung lesehan—food stall with no chairs and tables—and parking lot unable to work are not the first problems. Such a spectacle often takes place when heavy rains fall and tidal waves occur at Lebih Beach. Kneedeep puddles of ordinary people have become a commonplace for local residents. Complaints to government have also been repeatedly submitted, but until now there has been no follow-up.

As a matter of fact, Lebih Beach poses the milestone in the development of coastal tourist area in Gianyar Regency. Aside from the brunt of abrasion, the improper stormwater runoff system makes an inconvenient spectacle in the area from year to year.

As consequence, the area is now becoming a regular ‘subscriber’ of puddles when it rains and high tides occur. This happens because the existing stormwater runoff does not work properly. Few years ago, Regency Government discoursed about the arrangement of stormwater runoff for the puddles.

When the area was being inundated by sea water during high tides, the Regent of Gianyar Tjokorda Artha Ardana Sukawati and Deputy Regent Dewa Sutanaya along with their apparatus had made their time to visit the location. They would attempt to find solutions for the

stormwater runoff system. Unfortunately, it shows no results up to these days.

Meanwhile, based on observation made on Sunday (Feb 27), the puddles along the coastal area of Lebih Beach had started to recede. It could happen because the village chief of Lebih together with the surrounding residents drained the water manually into a watershed in the northern area. Wayan Col, one of the local fishermen, said the water was receding because it had been disposed manually by residents along with the village chief.

In response to the matter of puddles threatening the area every rainfall or tidal waves, the Head of Gianyar Public Works (PU), Nyoman Nuadi, said that his party had conducted a study.

At the moment, it was just waiting for the funding from the province as it was under the authority of Bali Province.

As for the stormwater runoff sys-

tem, there are three studies that can be performed in the area. Among them, for short term solution it can be resolved by the making of ditch at the edge and the water is discharged into the sea by pipeline. Secondly, the water is drained through the ditch westward and eastward as well as in the south of Jalan Bypass IB Mantra, and finally it is discharged into the river.

Thirdly, it can be performed by making prevention of tides and abrasion.

“We have proposed these alternative solutions to the Province,” he explained.

For this year, according to Nuadi, the area of Lebih Beach had obtained assistance to manage the abrasion together with coastal area of Ketewel from Provincial Government. The total plafond of such assistance reached IDR 35 billion. The fund sourced from the Balai Bali and Nusa Penida, Bali Province. (dar)

Mice attacks grow rampant at Datah Village, especially in the area of Munggi and Bidong, following the attack of caterpillar causing losses to farmers up to millions of rupiahs. One of the farmers in the area of Munggi, I Gede Duduk, at Datah, Sunday (Feb 27) said that dozens of hectares of crops had been attacked. It was estimated to result in losses up to tens of millions of rupiah.

On the other hand, the Head of Karangasem Food Crops and Horticultural Services, Wayan Subratayasa, revealed that his party had not known yet about the existence of mice attack harming the farmers at Datah. He said there had been no report from his subordinates, such as the technical implementation unit (UPT) of Agricultural Services in Abang.

According to him, the mass hunting system was actually quite effective to eliminate mice. However, the system was usually undertaken if the attack area was not too extensive and did not border with a lot of bushes, rivers or cliffs that could become the hideaway of those mice.

A local farmer, I Gede Duduk, said the loss caused by the attack might seem valueless. However, it would actually be very valuable for farmers at Datah in which most of them were farming workers or poor sharecroppers. Even, if they cultivated their own land, it was very narrow. They only relied the living on agricultural products such as secondary crops, cassava or sweet potato. However, those crops were often attacked by pests like caterpillars. Since several months ago, the attack of caterpillar was followed by mice making those farmers distraught as it was very harmful.

Gede Duduk belonging to a poor farmer said the damage and losses caused by those mice were more serious than by hedgehog. “Losses caused due to pest attack like hedge-

hog is not so high because the number of hedgehog is only a little. Population of mouse at our village increases rapidly and the attacked area progressively turns more extensive. As a result, our loss also increases,” he said.

Other farmers from Bidong, Nengah Berati and Nyoman Merta, said Sunday that those mice began to emerge about three years ago. Previously, the extent of attack and losses afflicted were not so much. But, within the past two years the population of mouse had increased drastically. Allegedly, the increase was caused by non-existence of control, while there is quite a lot of food available for them in the fields.

“We’re worried if they are not overcome, the attack will spread widely and the loss soars due to their population will rapidly overcrowding,” said Berati.

Berati added, until now there had been no efforts to handle the pest attack taken by farmers or assistance from government. She asked the reporter how to cope with those mice.

According to Berati, local farmers had not known how to resolve the problem and the mouse attack just emerged recently. Previously, local farmers were faced to caterpillar making farmers distraught as their loss reached more than 50 percent of the crops. Up to these days, the caterpillars could not have been overcome.

Duduk and Berati conveyed that those mice attacked their pulses, cassava, sweet potato, as well as other crops existing in the fields. Moreover, farmers on the barren land of Datah Village only relied on the crop yields for their survival. Such condition was also aggravated by the dropped price of cow as well as the price of coconut never rose.

“When the issue of caterpillar is not resolved, it has appeared the mice attack. We are afraid as we have no more crops to be harvested. Unavoidably, famine and starvation will hit the farmers here and those from Datah are commonly poor,” said Gede Duduk. (013)

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

Bali News

International

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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Suspected Frustration A girl commit suicide Denpasar (Bali Post) –

It is not known why Eka Agustina (21), resident who lives at Mertasari Street, Gang Kelana XVI, South Denpasar, bravely took a shortcut to her life as she hanged herself to death last Saturday (26/2) evening in her house’s storage room. It is strongly suspected victim was frustrated as her request was not fulfilled.

Her mother works in Taiwan and refused to come home with work as reason.

First witness to it was her aunt, Chie Lie Sing (52), at 11 pm local time. Before, Chie Lie with daughter Imelda was going to a Chinese New Year celebration event at Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur.

Witness did ask victim to come yet victim refused with reason being unwell. Witness then went and victim was left alone at her house.

Coming back from the event, witness was trying to find victim yet she was not in her room. After several times calling her name, no signs of victim coming up and all rooms were checked. While opening the storage room, the door seemed blocked and so it was forced open.

Shocked of what she’s seeing, witness then ran out and called for help.

Besides that the incident was also reported to South Denpasar Sector Police which then Identification

Team from Denapsar Tourism Police came to scene. Victim was hanging herself with a plastic rope and was wearing flower patterned pajamas. After identification was done, victim’s body was taken down and brought to Sanglah Hospital for visum. So far no violence was found upon her body.

From witness’ statement, this month victim has been complaining wanting to see her parent meanwhile her mother works in Taiwan.

Her mother doesn’t seem to respond it after told and admitted couldn’t go home due to work. “To know what caused her death it needs an autopsy. Meanwhile her family is not here. We will wait for the family to confirm first,” Head of South Denpasar Sector Police, First Inspector Pandji Ramadhan, stated last Sunday (27/2). (kmb21)

As project completion lazes around

Governor summons project contractor of Jalan IB Mantra Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, re-scheduled to summon the project contractor of Jalan Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra. The measure was taken considering the completion process of the project worth hundreds of billions of rupiahs scheduled to have completed on February 27, 2011 was delayed again so it reaped complaints from the public.

“Because all of you (reporters— Ed) have reminded us again, we will promptly summon our partners,” said Mangku Pastika, Sunday (Feb 27).

Previously, the summon of partners, project consultants and supervisors had also been carried out by Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika together with Commission III of Bali House. At that meeting, the project that formerly stalled had found some solutions so it could be implemented with a number of solutions. Based on the results of laboratory test, the quality of concrete had no problem. In reality, the implementation of project until its completion could not run on time. “Previously, we have summoned them. At that time, there were a number of problems and one of them was a problem with the contractor,” said Mangku Pastika.

According to Mangku Pastika, there were 19 points hampering the implementation of the project. As other Balinese people, the former Bali

Chief Police also expected the road project stretching from Tohpati, Denpasar to Kusamba, Klungkung, could be quickly finalized. “After the next discussion, I hope the project completion of Jalan Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra could be accelerated,” he expected.

When contacted separately, Deputy Head of Bali House, Ketut Suwandhi, said that Commission III had come down to location for the umpteenth time. It was undertaken to confirm to what extent of the project development could have been completed and whether it could be accomplished on time. It was said that the road project of EBL 1 and EBL 2 utilizing the loan of national budget plan and EBL 1 spent IDR 180 billion and EBL 2 around IDR 175 billion. They would be worked on through multiyear scheme. “EBL 1 was expected to accomplish in February 2011. In fact, until now there have been no indications of completion,” he criticized.

Previously, the Chief Unit of Metropolitan Road Maintenance for Region VIII, Riel J. Mantik, confirmed if the project could not be accomplished on time and his party would still comply with the rules. If completion could meet the deadline, the project implementer would certainly be imposed with fine pursuant to the rules. “We only refer to the existing rules,” he said. (kmb13)

BPM/ist

One of the goh-ogoh made by the youngster in Buleleng.

600 Ogoh-Ogoh in Buleleng Many in Clashing Villages Singaraja (Bali Post) –

In this year’s pangerupukan (Nyepi eve) in Buleleng Regency was made sure to be more cheerful than years before especially in ogohogoh (effigies to scare away devils) parade which so far noted will involve 600 of them made by youngsters of each villages in North Bali.

What’s unique those villages which have conflicts made more than those which doesn’t. The causer was suspected because to keep off bad feelings for example if one side makes three ogoh-ogoh then the other side

would make five.

Head of Buleleng Villages Middle Council, Made Rimbawa, last Sunday (27/2) confirmed the situation. The condition has been different from previous pangrupukan, “The initiative to make ogoh-ogoh in Buleleng is now most likely due to youngsters being influenced with the condition in South Bali.” Even it is not on tatwa/rights philosophy, ogoh-ogoh parade is a way to create youngster creativity and not a mistake. Now what matters is how each village joins force with security officers in securing the Nyepi eve without

any unreligious acts happening, “Each village has to arrange its ogohogoh parade with security officers in their area in avoiding frictions that leads to violence.”

Rimbawa also confirmed that these villages that have conflicts makes more than those which did not and so special attention is needed for this as it is more likely these ogoh-ogoh are made due to competition, “This is very astonishing, villages who have conflicts actually made more because they feel competition.” (kmb15)

Police being picky

Illegal drinks confiscated, pirate discs not POLICE duties are again being question especially taking action on fireworks, drinks also pirate discs (CD/VCD/DVD) during the coming Nyepi. Police seemed to be picky as those confiscated are only drinks and fireworks but not pirate discs. So, why is that?

Bali Police officers are always taking steps in anticipating the coming Nyepi. Creating Condition (cipkon) operation is always done to take action on these vulnerable items. No action to pirate discs caused more being sold, not only at pedestrians or traditional markets but also in huge malls around Denpasar and Badung.

“Its sales seemed to have increased lately. Yet police stay put and not doing anything,” a source said last Saturday (26/2).

The source who asked not to be named stated that even police have captured the sellers, it’s only playing about. Those captured usually are the ones selling on streets or markets. The

police never seemed to have touched the distributor as it is only one in Bali and known by a lot of people. It is also stated this distributor has known a number of Bali Police high officers.

This is causing an impression that this distributor has been a “pet” so nothing is done by the police. Yet this source did not mention the name of the distributor also who are the Bali Police officers that the distributor knows, “For sure the distributor is only one in Bali. Police have captured a number of its staffs who brought box trucks filled with thousands of pirate discs yet its boss always on the loose.”

Based on Bali Post observation, pirate discs sales have been increasing. Seen in Kreneng Market a number of pirated discs sellers are here starting from afternoon until night time. not only that a number of malls in Denapsar and Kuta also has stands selling them. “Per disc is priced IDR

10.000 to 15.000, Sir. If buying five discs then you get one free,” A seller in Kreneng stated.

Looking at is of course the country is being disadvantaged. Moreover on international movies especially Hollywood movies have been forbidden to get in. With this boycott, pirated discs will spread even more and already existing. It is totally sold in with no hiding yet police stay silence.

However, Head of Bali Police Public Relation Great Police Commissioner Gde Sugianyar did confirm the situation is happening yet he hoped each Area Unity (Satwil) will hold a cipkon operation and do raiding not only on drinks or fireworks but also pirated discs, “For sure consumers are buying pirate discs because they are cheap.”

The pirate discs sales are violating law especially Indonesian Human Rights (HAKI). For that, Satwil have to continue raiding especially with the coming Nyepi. (jay)

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News

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

International

‘Free Libya’ chants heard in city near capital Associated Press Writer

ZAWIYA, Libya – With residents shouting “Free, free Libya,” anti-government rebels who control this battle-scarred city nearest to the capital deployed tanks and anti-aircraft weapons Sunday to brace for an attack by troops loyal to Moammar Gadhafi. The Obama administration offered “any type of assistance” to Libyans seeking to oust the longtime leader.

Politicians in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi set up their first leadership council to manage day-to-day affairs, taking a step toward forming what could be an alternative to Gadhafi’s regime.

In the capital Tripoli, where Gadhafi is still firmly in control, state banks began handing out the equivalent of $400 per family in a bid to shore up public loyalty. “The Libyan people are fully behind me,” Gadhafi defiantly told Serbian TV, even as about half of the country was turning against him and world leaders moved to isolate him. “A small group (of rebels) is surrounded ... and it will be dealt with.”

Gadhafi has launched by far the bloodiest crackdown in a wave of anti-government uprisings sweeping the Arab world, the most serious challenge to his four decades in power.

The United States, Britain and the U.N. Security Council all slapped sanctions on Libya this weekend.

A day after President Barack Obama branded Gadhafi an illegitimate ruler who must leave power immediately, U.S. Secretary of State

Hillary Rodham Clinton kept up pressure for him to step down and “call off the mercenaries” and other troops that remain loyal to him.

“We are just at the beginning of what will follow Gadhafi. ... But we’ve been reaching out to many different Libyans who are attempting to organize in the east and as the revolution moves westward there as well,” Clinton said. “I think it’s way too soon to tell how this is going to play out, but we’re going to be ready and prepared to offer any kind of assistance that anyone wishes to have from the United States.” Two U.S. senators said Washington should recognize and arm a provisional government in rebel-held areas of eastern Libya and impose a no-fly zone over the area — enforced

by U.S. warplanes — to stop attacks by the regime.

Gadhafi’s son, Seif al-Islam, in an interview with U.S. television, insisted that his father won’t relinquish power and that Libya had not used force or airstrikes against its own people. There were no reports of major violence or clashes on Sunday, although gunfire was heard after nightfall in Tripoli.

TOPSHOTS/AFP PHOTO/PATRICK BAZ

A Libyan anti-goverenment protester raises his country’s old national flag in the eastern city of Benghazi on February 27, 2011. Libyan protest leaders established a transitional “national council” in cities seized from Moamer Kadhafi, as world leaders called on him to quit and protesters closed in on Tripoli.

Thousands of Yemenis protest, unrest high in south Reuters

AFP PHOTO / PARK JI-HWAN

A pedestrian walks past a Imjingak guide map at Imjingak near the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas in Paju on February 27, 2011.

SKorea, US begin annual drills amid NKorea threat Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean and U.S. troops have kicked off their annual drills, while North Korea has vowed retaliation for what it says is a rehearsal for invasion.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries say the drills that began Monday are to practice responses to any potential emer-

gency on the Korean peninsula.

U.S. military spokesman Kim Yong-kyu says they involve computer war games, live-firing exercises and other field training.

North Korea issued a statement Sunday calling the drills a “dangerous” plot aimed at toppling the North’s government.

It said if provoked, North Korea would start a “full-scale” war with counterattacks against the allies.

SANAA/ADEN – Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 32-year rule of Yemen joined demonstrations Monday, while skirmishes in the south killed three soldiers and a policeman.

Witnesses said around 5,000 protesters who have camped out nightly in the streets near Sanaa University, shouted “We have one demand: the fall of the oppressor.”

Protests against Saleh, a U.S. ally against an al Qaeda wing based in Yemen, have spread across the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state in more than a month of protests.

“Leave and take your corruption with you,” the protesters in Sanaa shouted.

In the northern cities of Ibb and Hudeida, thousands of protesters gathered while at least 10,000 took to the streets in Taiz, 200 km (125 miles) south of the capital. Opposition to Saleh, who was previously confronting an on-off Shi’ite Muslim revolt in the north and a secessionist insurgency in the south, has now spread across the country, galvanized by successful uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Yemen is already teetering on the brink of state failure.

One in two people own guns, 40 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day and a third face chronic hunger.

Violence against security forces has spiked in recent days, though it is unclear who has been behind the attacks. A local official said two soldiers were killed and 11 wounded Monday in two attacks by armed men in Makhzan in the flashpoint Abyan province. The gunmen attacked a security checkpoint, killing a soldier and wounding seven, he said.

A second attack on a car carrying the wounded away killed another soldier and wounded four. The official blamed al Qaeda. In the province of Hadramout, an official said the head of a local intelligence branch was shot dead Saturday by men on motorcycles who sped off after the attack.

AFP PHOTO / AHMAD GHARABLI

Yemeni anti-government protestors demonstrate to demand President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s ouster after three decades in power on February 26, 2011 in Sanaa. Important Yemeni tribal leaders, including those of the Hashid and Baqil, pledged to join protests today at a gathering north of the capital.

Activities

International

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

5

Ayana Launches New Familiy Holiday Packages Extends Eat Pray Love Promotion IBP

JIMBARAN - Ayana Resort and Spa Bali has launched a new Family Holiday Package while extending an existing Eat Pray Love promotion due to popular demand, as the property prepares for continued strong bookings into 2011.

Ayana’s ‘Eat Pray Love Bali’ package has proved popular following the release of the Hollywood blockbuster starring Julia Roberts, and quickly became the resort’s #1 selling package on its website. As a result, Ayana has extended the travel deadline from December 2010, until 30 June 2011.

The rates remain unchanged, with rooms starting at US$298++ per night and villas at US$580++.

“Many travelers have been inspired by the book and movie to create their own ‘Eat Pray Love’ experience in Bali ,” said General Manager Charles de Foucault. “Our package combines spa, yoga, romantic dining and a tour to Ubud, to bring elements of this story to life for our guests. We are delighted with the response and the positive exposure this film has produced for Bali ’s unique culture and attraction as a holiday destination.”

Meanwhile, Ayana has also created the perfect family holiday: recreation for the kids; relaxation for the grown-ups.

Enjoy spa pampering, gourmet dining and the opportunity to relax poolside, content in the knowledge that the little ‘uns are being entertained, stimulated and having the time of their lives with cultural and craft activities, yoga, and a 77-hectare resort to explore.

Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for February 1 through March 2, 2011 1 February AnggarKasih Tambir Dalem Puri Temple in Batuan - Sukawati Dalem Kediri Silakarang in Silakarang Singapadu - Gianyar Dalem Temple in Sukawati Village - Gianyar Dalem Temple in Singakerta Village - Ubud Gianyar Dalem Lemben in Ketewel - Sukawati Gianyar Paibon Pasek Tangkas in Peliatan - Ubud Puseh ngukuhin in Keramas - Gianyar Pemerajan Agung Ki Telabah in Tuakilang Tabanan Karang Buncing in Blahbatuh - Gianyar Dalem Bubunan in Seririt - Buleleng Desa Badung Temple in Denpasar Merajan Pasek Gelgel Gobleg in Turupinghe Banjar - Buleleng Luwur Pedengenan Bedha in Bongan Tabanan Merajan Dukuh Sebudi in Keramas - Gianyar Merajan Pasek Ngukuhin in Keramas - Gianyar Pucak Payongan in Kedewatan - Ubud Gianyar Tanah Kilap “ Griya Anyar” in Suwung Kawuh - Denpasar Selatan Selukat Temple in Keramas - Blahbatuh Gianyar Dalem Tampuagan in tembuku - Bangli Dalem Waturenggong in Desa Taro - Gianyar Dalem Bentuyung in Ubud - Gianyar Puseh Temple in Ubud - Gianyar Dalem Temple Peliatan Ubud - Gianyar 2 February Buda Umanis Tambir, Tilem Kawulu Sari Bankar Titih Kapal - Badung Ulun Kulkul (Aci Sarin Tahun) Besakih Karangasem Dalem Yang Taluh Sidemen Karangasem

Dalem Kangin Sidemen - Karangasem.

16 February Buda Keliwon Matal Puseh & Desa Temple Sukawati Village - Gianyar Merajan Agung Batuyang - batubulan Pasek Gelgel Bebetin Sawan - Buleleng Maspahit Temple Sesetan - South Denpasar Pasek Bendesa Manik Mas Dukuh Kendran Tegalalang Panti Pasek Gaduh Sesetan - South Denpasar Merajan Pasek Kubayan Wangaya Gede Pedarman Arya Kanuruhan Besakih Karangasem 17 February Purnama Kesanga Penataran sasih Temple Pejeng - Gianyar Bukit Mentik Gunung Lebah Batur Village Kintamani - bangli 26 February Tumpek Kandang Day Puseh Temple Gianyar City Luhur Dalem Sagening Kediri - Tabanan Merajan Pasek Gelge Tegal Gede - Badung 2 March Buda Wage Menail Dalem Tarukan LinggihCemenggaon Sukawati Gianyar Pasek Dangke Bambang - Bangli Penataran Dalem Ketut Pejeng Pejeng Kaja Gianyar Puseh Menakaji Peninjoan - Bangli Merajan Agung Blangsinga Blahbatuh - Gianyar Kawitan Gusti Agung Blangsinga Blahbatuh Gianyar Kawitan Gusti Celuk Celuk - Sukawati - Gianyar Baler Sada Temple Banjar Pemebatan, Kapal Mengwi

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

News Hill collapse in Bolivian capital ruins 400 homes Associated Press Writer

AFP PHOTO/ POOL/ GREGORIO BORGIA

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi (R) next to Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco ( L) at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See in Rome on February 18, 2011.

Mired in scandal, Berlusconi faces tax fraud trial Reuters

ROME – A trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on tax fraud charges resumes Monday, the first of a series of showdowns between the scandal-hit leader and Italy’s judiciary that will take center stage over coming months. The case involves the acquisition of television rights by Italy’s biggest private broadcaster Mediaset, the crown jewel in Berlusconi’s vast business empire.

The premier and other Mediaset executives are accused of inflating the price paid for purchasing TV rights via offshore companies controlled by Berlusconi and skimming off part of the sums declared to create illegal slush funds. The Milan trial was effectively put on hold for a year but is now resuming after the constitutional court stripped Berlusconi of automatic immunity from prosecution.

Two related trials will recommence in early March while a separate case, in which Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with an under-aged nightclub dancer and abusing the powers of his office to try to cover up the affair, begins on April 6. Berlusconi, who is unlikely to appear in court Monday, denies the charges in all of the cases and says politically motivated leftist magistrates are out to destroy him.

The trials come at a delicate juncture for the 74 year-old conservative premier. His mounting judicial woes and Italy’s sluggish

economy are weighing on his popularity.

On February 13 an estimated one million protesters — mostly women — took to the streets demanding his resignation and, for the first time since he triumphantly returned to power in 2008, some opinion polls show the chronically divided center-left opposition edging ahead if early elections were held.

But at the same time he has managed to push back the prospect of snap polls by beefing up his parliamentary majority, which had been cut to a handful of votes after last year’s split with longtime ally Gianfranco Fini and his supporters.

Having lured back several lawmakers from Fini’s breakaway movement, Berlusconi appears to have regained the upper hand — even if by a narrow margin.

Sunday, he vowed to see out his term until it ends in 2013, saying early elections would hurt heavilyindebted Italy’s government bonds, and pledged a sweeping reform of

the judiciary which he accuses of trying to oust him from power. He also said he opposed gay marriage and legal rights for unwed couples, in what commentators said was an attempt to reach out to the Vatican and Catholic voters critical of his lifestyle.

Still, Berlusconi can hardly rejoice at the prospect of a protracted legal battle that will revive juvenile prostitution allegations which have made headlines around the world and prompted growing calls for him to step down.

“This puts him in an uncomfortable position, and the pressure will build once the most embarrassing case starts — the trial over his relations with young women,” said Franco Pavoncello, political science professor at John Cabot university.

Dozens of showgirls and aspiring starlets who prosecutors say received cash and gifts after attending Berlusconi’s parties and allegedly taking part in sex games could be called to take the stand in that trial.

LA PAZ, Bolivia – Heavy rains caused a hilltop to collapse in a poor neighborhood of the Bolivian capital Sunday, cracking roads, destroying at least 400 homes and burying people’s belongings under mud and debris. There were no fatalities but significant damage from the landslide in the barrio of Callapa, La Paz Mayor Luis Revilla said.

Edwin Herrera, a city government spokesman, called Sunday’s slide the worst that La Paz has ever seen — and he said the earth was still moving downhill. “So far we are talking about 5,000 (people) affected, but the slide is affecting neighborhoods in lower areas,” he said.

Residents began evacuating late Saturday when the hill, saturated after prolonged rains, began sliding and cracks appeared in streets and home. “My neighbors were running around and told me to get out,” said Maria Elena Siles, the mother of three adolescent children. “I looked out the window and there were no more homes to the left or the right of mine.”

Siles was able to flee before the hill collapsed entirely early Sunday.

By day, amid a persistent drizzle, some residents scrambled over the unstable terrain to try to rescue furniture and other possessions from the muck. But continued earth movements brought down more homes, and police cordoned off the area, saying it was too dangerous.

Siles’ home was one of those destroyed. “I lost everything,” she said. “They won’t let us go back in for fear of more slides.” Meanwhile, crews with heavy equipment were trying to keep the earth from backing up a river channel. Defense Minister Ruben Saavedra said soldiers were mobilized to aid evacuation and recovery efforts.

A hilltop cemetery was split in two when an enormous crack opened in the ground. Heavy rains are blamed for 44 deaths around the country in recent weeks. The 400 homes were wiped out over an area covering 200 to 250 acres (80 to 100 hectares), Herrera said.

Slides are common in La Paz, perched at about 11,900 feet (3,640 meters) above sea level and surrounded by hills covered with poor communities. Another collapse a little over a week ago destroyed 20 homes.

Oman...

From page 1 The sultan, trying to calm tensions, promised on Sunday to create more jobs, give unemployment benefits and study widening the authority of a quasi-parliamentary advisory council.

While hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads near the port, hundreds more were at the main Globe Roundabout, angry after police opened fire on Sunday at protesters demanding political reforms, jobs and better pay. Graffiti scrawled on a statue said: “The people are hungry.” Another message read: “No to oppression of the people.”

Nearby, sidewalks were smashed and office windows broken. Troops deployed around the town but were not intervening to disperse protesters, who pushed back four army vehicles observing the scene near the port. “There are no jobs, there’s no freedom of opinion. The people are tired and people want money. People want to end corruption,” said Ali alMazroui, 30, who is unemployed.

LOOTING IN SOHAR

In Sohar, looters rushed in to scavenge a smoldering supermarket set alight by protesters who on Sunday also stormed and burned a main police station and set two government buildings ablaze. One woman stacked up singed cartons of eggs, powdered milk, orange juice and cream cheese in the store, while others walked over shattered glass out the door pushing trolleys loaded with food as security forces

were absent.

“There is no security. I want to live. It’s normal,” said 28-year-old Youssef, who is unemployed, as he left the market carrying 10 bottles of juice. Protests in Oman have so far demanded political reforms, more jobs, better pay and an end to corruption but have stopped short of calling for regime change.

Sultan Qaboos, who exercises absolute power in a country where political parties are banned, shuffled his cabinet on Saturday, a week after a small protest in the capital Muscat gave the first hint that Arab discontent could reach Oman. The government, under pressure over its response to the Sohar protests, pledged on Sunday to create 50,000 more public sector jobs and hand out unemployment benefits of $390 a month.

Mostly wealthy Gulf Arab countries have stepped up reforms to appease their populations following popular unrest that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt and is threatening Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s grip on power. Oman is a non-OPEC oil exporter which pumps around 850,000 bpd, and has strong military and political ties to Washington.

Sultan Qaboos appoints the cabinet and in 1992 introduced an elected advisory Shura Council.

Protesters have demanded the council be given legislative powers and on Sunday Qaboos ordered a committee to study increasing its authority.

International

Indonesia Today

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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Brunei to buy Indonesian-built battle vehicles Antara

JAKARTA - Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said Brunei Darussalam wished to buy Indonesian built battle vehicles and other arms.

FOTO ANTARA/Andika Betha

Hindu people doing the melasti ritual at Telaga Madirda, Mount Lawu that located at Ngargoyoso, Karanganyar, Central Java on Sunday, February 27. This ritual was held to purified souls to celebrating Nyepi day that will happen on March 5, 2011.

US journalist promoting Indonesia‘s biodiversity conservation Antara

JAKARTA - Rhett Butler, a journalist who founded the popular environmental news site mongabay.com, traveled through Indonesia to promote community participation in biodiversity conservation as part of the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.

According to a US embassy press release received here Monday, the Partnership is critical to the bilateral relationship and addresses key global challenges such as climate change.

During the Speakers Program, Butler visited Lampung, Jambi, Jakarta, and Kalimantan, where he visited National and Provincial Parks and met with government and local leaders as well as NGOs and also spoke at universities.

Butler highlighted Indonesia‘s incredible biodiversity, which has an

important impact on the local economy. Indonesia‘s forests store massive amounts of carbon, help protect against flooding and erosion, and are a key source of livelihoods.

Ecosystem services add up to 21 percent of Indonesia‘s GDP, including 75 percent of income for the rural poor, but like the rest of the world, Indonesia‘s biodiversity is in decline due to unsustainable practices. A shift toward a Western development model, together with corruption and insecure land rights, has accelerated the decline.

Meanwhile, there are signs that global interest in sustainability and community management is growing.

Butler noted that major companies, including Walmart, Unilever, Nike, and Starbucks, are looking for credible supply chains, low or no deforestation, and good community relations from Indonesian companies as well

as policies that include recognition of rights, safeguards against social abuses, and environmental protection from the Indonesian government.

Butler stated that Indonesian companies that demonstrate stewardship and good community relations are well-positioned to benefit from the global shift toward sustainability.

“With its rich biodiversity and important ecosystem services, Indonesia is in a position to lead this transition,” said Butler. Indonesia has an opportunity to leap-frog dirty development and achieve low carbon development, he said.

Butler concludes that Indonesia need not abandon the things that make it unique such as culture and biodiversity, as it develops its economy.

He also notes that neither can be replaced once they are lost. “Indonesia is special,” said Butler.

Ministry targets U$80 billion investment in manufacturing sector Antara

ANYER - The Ministry of Industry has set itself a target of U$80 billion foreign and domestic investment in the manufacturing sector for the coming the five years, a ministry official said.

“We are optimistic that the figure would be achieved owning to the fact there have been several large scale investment projects in this sector that have not been running well,” Industry Ministry Secretary General Anshari Bukhari said here on Sunday.

He said that the U$80 billion investment target was expected to provide

jobs for at least 3.2 million workers.

The senior official said that one of the big project was an integrated steel factory being built in cooperation between state-owned steel firm PT Krakatau Steel and South Korea‘s POSCO. This project is estimated to need an investment of U$6 billion.

Besides that, the secretary general said, there is another large scale investment in the petrochemical and cement projects that would involve investment worth trillions of rupiah.

“If the development of the oleo chemical project in Sei Mangke, Malloy is running well, the target of

US$80 billion will be achieved,” he said.

His said that his ministry had also set itself a target of providing jobs for at least 3.2 million workers in the manufacturing sector in the coming five years (from 2010 to 2014).

“If the 22 footwear factories realize their investment, they will be jobs that could absorb some 6,000 to 10,000 workers,” he said.

In the meantime, France has expressed interest to expand investment and technology transfer to among others aircraft component manufacturing in Indonesia.

“They will be using our products including battle cars and arms,” Sudi Silalahi told newsmen after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a working visit to Riau Islands province Sunday.

He said the defense cooperation with Brunei was one of the outcome of the President‘s state visit to Brunei Darussalam on February 24, 2011, on the day before visiting Riau Islands.

Sudi also said that the defense cooperation with Brunei had been stated in an MoU that had been signed. However, Sudi did not specify the defense equipment for export to Brunei. He also did not mention the time of the cooperation.

The written joint statement between President Yudhoyono and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said that the two countries also agreed to form and increase the role of a defense joint committee.

The two heads of state believed that the committee will increase and strengthen and cooperation and friendship between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

Besides in defense, the two countries also agreed to promote cooperation in agriculture, culture and tourism, manpower, and education. In education and manpower, Brunei is also willing to help Indonesian migrant workers and their children get better education, Sudi Silalahi said.

Mt Merapi disaster victims still need government’s help Antara

SLEMAN - The Sleman district government has requested for the disbursement of social safety net funds for the survivors of Mount Merapi‘s eruptions until December 2011. The request had been to the central government through the ministry of social affairs, Head of Sleman district, Sri Purnomo, said here Saturday.

“The Mount Merapi disaster victims, who remain at shelters need time to rebuild their lives by themselves. Therefore, we ask the central government for social safety net funds until December 2011,” he said.

Speaking to journalists when joining Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al Jufri‘s visit to shelters for the Mount Merapi eruption survivors in Plosokerep village, Cangkringan subdistrict, he said each person needed only Rp5,000 per a day.

“We do hope that the social safety net fund is not only given for a month to enable the Mount Merapi disaster survivors currently staying at shelters could rebuild their life,” he said.

In response to this demand, Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al Jufri had yet to make a decision because he should consider what was left the ministry‘s budget.

“We are going to consider the

proposal. If it is possible and the budget is still available, we will provide the money,” he said.

He said his ministry is still paying serious attention to the fate of the volcanic eruption survivors.

During the emergency response period, all of their needs were the government‘s responsibility.

“This emergency response period was extended in every two weeks by considering the real condition. At that time, all refugees` needs were fulfilled by the government,” he said.

The district government noted that 680 families or 1,965 survivors of the Mount Merapi eruptions had received the government-sponsored social safety net funds. Mount Merapi had erupted repeatedly last year but its most fatal eruptions occurred on October 26 and November 5, 2010.

As a result of the eruptions, at least 259 people had perished and many others sustained burns and became displaced.

Mount Merapi, on the border between two provinces, lies geographically close to Yogyakarta but is officially part of Central Java. Besides killing and injuring several hundred people, eruptions had also damaged 867 hectares of forested land on the volcano‘s slopes in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, with material losses estimated at Rp33 billion.

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Internationa

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Bali Today Fokker to serve Denpasar-Banyuwangi flights Antara

DENPASAR - An airline company will soon serve the Denpasar-Banyuwangi flights by Fokker planes, Denpasar Mayor IB Rai Dharma Wijaya Mantra said.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com

Two Fokker planes parked at Banyuwangi Airport. An airline company will soon serve the DenpasarBanyuwangi flights by Fokker planes, Denpasar Mayor IB Rai Dharma Wijaya Mantra said.

Balinese Characters:

From Palm-leaf to Keyboards Probably, you have watched or are going to watch arja operetta or Ramayana Ballet during the visit in Bali. It would be more convenient if it is enjoyed while having dinner of Balinese cuisine. At the same time, you watch the beauty of culture and taste the delicacy of local culinary. You may hear the language spoken by players or puppeteer was not understandable. Of course, it is Balinese language.

As Japanese and Chinese, Balinese language also has its own characters. They consist of some 18 main characters and 10 vowel sounds. Ordinarily, Balinese characters are used to write palm-leaf manuscript or lontar. Such characters are incised with sharp knife or stylus. When the writing works have completed, they should be rubbed with a blend of oil and lamp shoot to blacken them. So they are visible easily. Since the works were performed manually, the copying of a manuscript took a long time.

At a glance, Balinese characters look like Old Javanese, Tamil (India).

It is inseparable from historical aspect where they had similarity of genealogical lines. Today, Balinese characters still have restricted use, namely at school for local subject

from elementary school to senior high school. It is becoming the responsibility of local government to preserve and develop Balinese language in order it could survive in the midst of the growth of other languages like Bahasa Indonesia and foreign languages.

Balinese language poses a medium and spirit of Balinese culture.

To preserve Balinese culture should also simultaneously maintain and use of Balinese language in daily life.

In other words, speaking Balinese language also characterizes one of the identities as a Balinese. Among the use of other languages, Balinese language should remain to give a space to grow and develop. Other than speaking and teaching it at schools, it should also accommodate the need of modern community or use in wider functions of language.

Balinese community receives abundant heritages of lontar or palm-leaf manuscripts from the predecessors retained by individuals and museums.

They carry many aspects of knowledge, ranging from philosophy, local healing, literature, architecture, agriculture, herbal practice, astrology and so forth. Therefore, if they could be interpreted and presented in popular language, they could become attractive information for young generation

and saleable books for commercial needs. Today, there is also a trend of poising the tradition with modern science namely by re-interpreting the indigenous wisdoms that are relevant to the current time. People will get balanced inputs from the past and current orientation.

Of course, such treasures will be beneficial for the conservation and future development of Balinese culture because it stays in touch with its original roots. Young generation should be introduced to these roots at early stage.

Later, they will not lose their identity and even could feel proud of it. Moreover, it could give them inspiration in making their creativities, either in fine arts, performance, traditional architecture or herbal healings.

Thanks to modern technology, the writing of Balinese characters now can be made easy by Bali Simbar font. It is the innovative thinking of I Made Suatjana (1986) lies behind the composing of this font. His work has helped the writing of Balinese characters in word processing application like Microsoft Word. Hopefully, there would be more creative software helping the development and learning of Balinese language so it would not come into extinction or be far left behind with the modern life. (BTN/punia)

“Bapak (Mr) Anas came to Denpasar to tell that a flight link between Denpasar and Banyuwangi will be opened. Only the fares are still very high, a return ticket will cost Rp600 thousand, it is cheaper to Jakarta,” he said when addressing an evening of cultural appreciation observing the 19th anniversary of Denpasar also attended by Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas Sunday night.

Speaking before thousands of guests at the Denpasar Cultural Center, he said there will be three flights a week from Blimbingsari airport in Banyuwangi to Ngurah Rai airport in Bali, namely on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, only once each day.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the flights from Denpasar to Banyuwangi will leave at 11.05 am, and on Fridays at 9.05 am.

From Banyuwangi to Denpasar on Monday and Wednesday the flights start at 19.00 am and on Fridays at 8.00 am.

In the Denpasar-Banyuwangi flights for the first five buyers the fare is Rp300,000, and then the normal fare of Rp400,000 will apply.

In the meantime the Banyuwangi-Surabaya fare for the first five buyers will be Rp500,000 and then the normal fare of Rp700,000 will apply.

After that, by the end of December 2010 a flight between Blimbingsari and Juanda in Surabaya had been inaugurated by East Java deputy mayor Saifullah Yusuf.

For Ngurah Rai, on March 7, 2011, a new Denpasar - Malang link will also be opened by Wings Air. The Denpasar - Malang flights will be operated each day from 2.10 pm.

Realization of hotel taxation in Klungkung not optimal Semarapura (Bali Post)—

Regency Government of Klungkung always claiming itself to continuously develop the tourism sector, in fact, could not have fully implemented it. Achievement of the supporting levies to regionally generated revenue (PAD) in the tourism sector, one of them in hotel taxation, could not be realized. Revenue target obtained from hotel taxation in the fiscal year 2010 was set at IDR 747.142 million. However, the realization was only IDR 595.700 million (approximately 79.7 percent).

In reality, based on observation in some tourist destinations in Klungkung Regency, the number of tourist visits seemed crowded. For instance, it could be seen especially in the area of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida having a number of inns and hotels as well as in Nusa Besar where the Regency Government of Klungkung had a bungalow.

“In terms of tourist visits, it tends to indicate quite a lot of tourists.

However, between the period 2009 and 2010 shows a stagnant growth (no increase),” said the Head of Klungkung Cultural and Tourism Services, Nengah Wijana, when

asked for his confirmation in Klungkung, Sunday (Feb 27). The number of tourist visits reached 277,000. However, the length of stay in 2010 was shorter than in 2009. According to Wijana, it was the reason why the revenue target could not be achieved. The target set in 2010 was adjusted to the number of visits and realization of levies in 2009.

Wijana said his party still had difficulty to develop the tourism sector because the budget allocated for Klungkung Cultural and Tourism Services through Regional Budget was very limited. Similar condition was also lived through by other regional apparatus units (SKPD) in the circle of Klungkung Regency. “The budget allocated for tourism development is very limited. For instance, this year we can only make promotion locally such as to Surabaya and Jakarta. Meanwhile, other measure taken was just by producing leaflets and brochures,” he said.

Aside from hotel taxation, some other incomes did not reach the target, either. For example, the levy of terminal was targeted at IDR 65.369 million, while the realization was only IDR 47.173 million. (kmb20)

al

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Balinese Culture Tambusan Be Pasih

(Diced Fish Roasted in Banana Leaf) Tourists walking in Kuta beach that covered with debris. During this rainy season, debris pilled up at Kuta beach.

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Socio cultural changes in Bali exhibited Antara

DENPASAR – A photo exhibition entitled “Zoom in Bali 2011” is being held in Bentara Budaya Bali on February 26, through March 9, 2011. There are 44 photos from photographers which tell the story of the social and cultural changing in Bali.

The curator of the event, I Made Iwan Darmawan, said “the photos are the result of explorative creation of the photographers. The themes are very wide which is the daily life of the Balinese started from religious part, culture, tradition, and modernization.

He added that most of the works are creative and interesting and also could give unique narration so it can

reflect the changes in Bali.

Originaly, there were 400 works applied for the exhibition according to Iwan but the one that selected are 44 photos made by 42 photographers.

“Many of them have often joined in exhibitions and produce great works such as Anom Manik Agung, Andi Sucirta, Widnyana Sudibya, Putradjaya Candra, Bayu Gunadarma, Bayu Pramana, Ari Widiatmika, and others,” he added.

Iwan explained that the photographers not only exhibit the good part of Bali’s development but also the downside of tourism in the island.

The bad effects of tourism are bad habits, destruction of environment, and others.

In addition to those phenom-

enons, the exhibition is also to give the knowledge and techniques in photography and also could lead to discussion of the current condition of Bali. “The dialog and photography workshop will be held on March 9, 2011 at 10 o’clock in Bentara Budaya Bali. Meanwhile, Juwita Katrina, a worker in Bentara Budaya Bali, said that among the topic is the role of photography community in Bali in the development of photo creativity There will be also book launching, movies, and art performances during the exhibition. “We hope that the Zoom in Bali 2011 can urge the artists and all the people in Bali to examine the changes in the island,” she added.

OVERVIEW: The spicy fish dish is excellent for barbeques.

INGREDIENTS: 600 gr (1¼ 1lb) boned mackerel fillets, skin removed and cut in 2.5 cm (1in) cubes ½ cup basic marinade 1 heaped tbsp tamarind pulp, soaked in ¼ cup warm water and juice extracted 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed 1 ½ tsp salt 3 lemon leaves, cut in hair like shreds 3 tbsp oil 2 salam leaves 2 square of banana leaf 30x30cm (10x10 in) PREPARATION: In deep bowl combine mackerel cubes, spice paste, tamarind juice, crushed black pepper, salt, lime leaf and oil, and mix very well in order to coat fish evenly.

Cover and marinate in cool place for 2 hours. Place one salam leaf in center of each piece of banana leaf.

Top with half of seafood mix and fold the same way as for Tum Bebek. Place parcels directly onto moderately hot charcoal and roast very slowly for one hour.

Alternatively, bake on rack in a moderate oven or under a grill for about 30 minutes. Serve with Sambal Matah, Sambel Tomat, wedges of lime and steamed rice. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

Base Gede

(Basic Spice Paste) INGREDIENTS: 300 gr large red chili halved, seeded and chopped 100 gr garlic, peeled and chopped 75 gr ginger, peeled and chopped 500 gr shallot, peeled and chopped 75 gr laos, peeled and chopped 100 gr kencur root, peeled and chopped 175 gr fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped 2½ tbsp dried shrimp paste, roasted 2½ tbsp coriander seed crushed 75 gr candlenut 1¼ tbsp black pepper corn crushed 2½ pinch nutmeg, freshly grated 8 cloves 150 ml coconut oil 250 water ¾ tbsp salt PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients except water in food processor and grind coarsely. Place in heavy sauce pan, add all remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes or until all water is evaporated and marinade changes to golden color.

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

C.045 ibp

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Destinations

International

Bali Art Center IBP

Taman Budaya or Bali Art Center is the culture building complex with the best style of Balinese traditional architecture. It is featuring the good lay-out building of amphitheater to be a place/ hall of show performance purpose. It is symbolizing the twiddling of Mandara Giri mount in the milk ocean and spattering the Amerta holy water for the life of endless as according to nature of dynamic culture and stayed alive during the human being still dwell the earth planet. This amphitheater can accommodate up to 6.000 audiences for the show of colossal both for modern and also traditional. This Taman Budaya (Cultural Park) is opened in the year 1973 with the Bali Artistry Party (Pesta Kesenian Bali) within one month. On that month, there are full of entertainment amusement traditional dance, exhibition, and other cultural activities. At the opening ceremony enlivened by artistic parade started from Puputan Park and finish at the Art Center. Its distance is about 2 Km and this parade is followed by entire regencies and towns in Bali by delivering their artistry mission. This event is often followed by other provinces in Indonesia as well as from outside country like Japan, Korea, Europe, America, etc. In this culture parade is presented in so many forms those are from the sacral until contemporary traditional. There are also type of marry and custom clothes from each area, instrument of music or gamelan, forms Sesajen (offering) and others.

In fact this event is not tourist event due to visitor and audiences are mostly come from the local resident. But some of tourists can enjoy this party which is every year. The person who is propose this yearly culture event is Mr. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra (who was been a Bali Governor. Taman Budaya or Bali Art Center is published as one of place to visit in Bali or tourist destination in Bali.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

11

BUSINESS Economists list U.S. budget deficit as No. 1 worry Reuters

WASHINGTON – The massive U.S. budget deficit is the gravest threat facing the economy, topping high unemployment and the risk of inflation or deflation, according to a survey of forecasters released on Monday.

The National Association for Business Economics said its 47-member panel of forecasters increased its estimate for the 2011 federal deficit to $1.4 trillion from $1.1 trillion in its previous survey in November.

“Panelists continue to characterize excessive federal indebtedness as their single greatest concern,” with state and local government debt the second-biggest worry, the survey said. It was conducted between January 25 and February 9.

The panel’s deficit forecast is lower than the Obama administration projection of a record $1.65 trillion this fiscal year, or 10.9 percent of U.S. gross domestic product.

Although the White House budget proposes $1.1 trillion in deficit reductions over 10 years, Republicans in the House of Representatives say that is not enough.

Republicans are pressuring the administration to reduce spending by $61 billion by September, and the dispute threatens to shut down the government if Democrats and the White House

refuse to go along.

NABE panelists tweaked their previous stance on the Federal Reserve’s decision to pump more money into the economy by buying government bonds.

Most panelists now view the Fed’s decision to buy an additional $600 billion in longer-term Treasury securities as having either somewhat diminished the risk of deflation or having had no impact on inflation whatsoever.

Panelists forecast core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, to rise gradually from 0.8 percent in the final quarter of last year to 1.2 percent in 2011.

GDP growth for 2011 is expected to advance 3.3 percent year over year, up from the panel’s previous estimate of 2.6 percent, the survey said.

“Factors supporting growth going forward include pent-up consumer and business demand, strong growth in foreign economies, especially those in Asia, and accommodative monetary policy,” NABE President Richard Wobbekind said in a statement.

AFP PHOTO/Nicholas KAMM

Protesters hold signs in front of a Bank of America branch in Washington on February 26, 2011. The massive U.S. budget deficit is the gravest threat facing the economy, topping high unemployment and the risk of inflation or deflation, according to a survey of forecasters released on Monday.

India’s economy grew 8.2% in last 2010 quarter Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN

A container vessel berths at Pasir Panjang terminal in Singapore on February 28, 2011.

Singapore on February 17 raised its inflation forecast for this year, a move analysts said could soon be followed by an interest rate hike by the central bank. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announcement came as it also said the city-state’s economy grew at a slightly slower rate last year than originally thought.

NEW DELHI – India’s economy grew 8.2 percent on an annual basis in the last quarter of 2010, driven by expansion in the farm and financial service sectors, official data showed on Monday.

Growth in gross domestic product in the October-December period was lower than the 8.9 percent reading in the previous quarter, data from the Central Statistical Organisation showed.

Output from the farming sector grew 8.9 percent over the 12 months, boosted by strong monsoon rains, while expansion by finance and property companies measured 11.2 percent.

The government, which presented its budget on Monday, has forecast growth of about 9.0 percent in the next fiscal year starting April 1, with the economy ex-

panding at levels seen before the global financial crisis.

As momentum rebounds, inflation of more than 8.0 percent on an annual basis has emerged as a major problem, fuelled by rising food prices and other major infrastructure bottlenecks.

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee Mukherjee faces a balancing act on Monday in presenting the nation’s budget as he seeks to tame inflation, while sustaining the high growth rates and reining in the deficit.

The 76-year-old unveils the budget as the left-leaning Congress government comes under fierce public and opposition attack over corruption scandals and runaway food prices.

He will have his eyes on a slew of looming state elections and is likely to opt for a “common man” budget laden with food, fertiliser and fuel subsidies, analysts said.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Entertainment

International

Oscars go young and hip, with traditional results Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – These were supposed to be the younger, hipper Academy Awards, the ones that shook up the ceremony’s conventions with popular, great-looking emcees in actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway, who were unlike the middle-aged comedians and TV talkshow hosts of years past.

But the results couldn’t have been more traditional, with “The King’s Speech” — a prestigious, impeccably made historical film that cries out “Oscar” with every fiber in its being — winning best picture and three other prizes over more daring, contemporary contenders like “The Social Network” and “Black Swan.”

They also couldn’t have been more predictable. Front-runners in other major categories throughout this long and repetitive awards season also took home trophies from Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre Sunday night: best-actor Colin Firth for “The King’s Speech,” bestactress Natalie Portman for “Black Swan,” and supporting actors Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, both for “The Fighter.” “King’s Speech” director Tom Hooper, who’d already won the Directors Guild Award — an excellent predictor of Oscar success.

Despite multiple attempts to make the Oscars seem current — including an opening montage that inserted Franco and Hathaway in the best-picture nominees, “Inception”style, and an auto-tune “Harry Potter” spoof — some of the biggest applause and longest standing ova-

tions were for a couple of Academy Awards stalwarts.

Kirk Douglas delighted the crowd as he jokingly tormented the supporting-actress nominees before announcing Leo as the winner. Once she took the stage, the 94-year-old Douglas remarked to her, “You’re much more beautiful than you were in ‘The Fighter’” — but then Leo went on to drop an F-bomb during her acceptance speech. It was a rare unexpected moment — but the censors bleeped it in time. Later, upon the appearance of Billy Crystal — who hosted the ceremony several times in the 1990s — the audience erupted as one, as if willing him to take over immediately.

Hathaway worked hard to keep the proceedings fun and light, playfully twisting in a fringy gown and joking that everyone at home should take a drink when she flubbed her introduction of last year’s best-actress winner, Sandra Bullock.

Franco, who was also a best-actor nominee for the real-life survival story “127 Hours,” had a more laidback stage presence, as if he’s been working on a sequel to the stoner

comedy “Pineapple Express.”

They were even self-deprecating enough to acknowledge early on why they were chosen to lead the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.

“Anne, I must say you look so beautiful and so hip,” Franco greeted her.

“Thank you, James,” Hathaway replied, “you look very appealing to a younger demographic, as well.”

Still, despite their best efforts, the show was short on surprises.

Besides the four Oscars for “The King’s Speech” — picture, director, actor and original screenplay for David Seidler — “Inception” also won four, all in technical categories, as expected: visual effects, cinematography, sound editing and sound mixing. The great Roger Deakins, who was also up for the cinematography prize for the Coen brothers’ “True Grit,” went home empty-handed once again. He’s now 0-for-9. Among the front-runners in other categories that were winners Sunday night were the latest Pixar blockbuster, “Toy Story 3,” for animated feature and “Inside Job,” about the 2008 economic collapse, for documentary feature. At least there were some lively, candid moments backstage.

Portman, who’s pregnant with her first child with “Black Swan” choreographer Benjamin Millepied, said she doesn’t know whether she’s having a boy or a girl, but the baby was dancing inside her during the musical numbers.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Best supporting actor Christian Bale, left to right, best actress Natalie Portman, best supporting actress Melissa Leo and best actor Colin Firth pose with their awards at the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

‘Youth-friendly’ Oscars show gets thumbs down Agence France Presse

AFP/Gabriel Bouys

Billy Crystal

HOLLYWOOD – Oscars organizers had touted this year’s show as more youth-friendly, aiming to draw younger funkier movie-goers into the time-worn Academy Award experience — but initial reaction was skeptical. Sunday’s co-presenters James Franco and Anne Hathaway made joke reference to the youth-chasing aim within minutes of the start: Franco called her hip, to which she replied: “You look very appealing to a younger demographic as well.”

But critics were scathing in early online comments after the show awarded top honors to British historical drama “The King’s Speech”, which some noted is a finely-made film but hardly cutting edge.

“Despite the many worthy nominated films, the Oscar (tele)cast was painfully dull, slow, witless, and hosted by the ill-matched James Franco and Anne Hathaway,” wrote Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert. Tellingly, one of the highlights was when Billy Crystal — who hosted the Oscars in the 1990s and early 2000s — came on stage.

“Incredibly, when former host Billy Crystal came onstage about two hours into the show, he got the first laughs all evening,” said Ebert.

“This was the worst Oscarcast I’ve ever endured. “It’s time for the (Oscars) Board of Governors to have a long, sad talk with itself.”

A Los Angeles Times online discussion immediately after the show made equally grim reading. “Billy Crystal’s appearance was the highlight of the show,” wrote one contributor, to which another added: “It was almost as if the old timer was there to teach the kids a few things.”

Weinsteins’ Oscar mastery resurfaces post-’Avatar’ Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – Without the colossus “Avatar” in the mix, the Weinstein brothers resumed weaving their spell over the Oscar awards season and spinning critical acclaim into box office gold.

“The King’s Speech” reaped the biggest benefit from ticket sales among the 10 contenders for best picture — $57 million — since it garnered 12 nominations a month ago.

Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the backers of the film through The

Weinstein Co., have played this card before — like when they rode nominations for “The English Patient” to a global gross of $232 million in 1997 as the heads of Miramax, where they pulled in 17 best picture nominations and four wins.

This year, the tale of a stuttering English monarch became the first best picture they have won as heads of The Weinstein Co. since starting it in 2005, but it fit a pattern they have well helped establish. The Oscars proved again that good taste has its rewards.

Released in just four theater loca-

tions back in late November, “The King’s Speech” grew through critical acclaim and smaller awards to play in 1,680 locations in the U.S. and Canada on Jan. 21, four days before the Oscar nominations. The studio bumped the count to 2,557 immediately after.

Harvey Weinstein and wife Georgina Chapman arrive before the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Science

International

This handout photo released

by WWF on February 28, 2011 shows a video grab recorded on November 22, 2010 of a Javan rhino and a male calf captured by hidden cameras in the jungle of the rhino sanctuary in Ujung Kulon National Park on the southwestern tip of Java island.

AFP PHOTO / HO / WWF / TNUK

Hope as rare rhino calves filmed in Indonesia Agence France Presse

SERANG, Indonesia – Hidden cameras have captured proof that Javan rhinos are breeding in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park, the last redoubt for the endangered mammals, conservationists said Monday.

Footage of two adults with two calves was taken in November and December last year by cameras hidden in the jungle of the rhino sanctuary on the southwestern tip of Java island, environmental group WWF said.

“This is fantastic news because before these camera trap images surfaced, only 12 other Javan rhino births were recorded in the past decade,” WWF-Indonesia Ujung Kulon programme chief Adhi Hariyadi said. “The population in Ujung Kulon represents the last real hope for the survival of a species that is on the brink of extinction.”

The video clip show two females with their calves, one a female aged about a year and the other a younger male. They enter a small clearing in the jungle and appear to approach the hidden camera. Environmentalists had believed there were only

about 40 Javan rhinos left in the wild, but the camera data have led them to believe there could now be up to 50.

Of five rhino species, three including the Javan are critically endangered, mainly due to the growing demand for rhino horn. The horns are ground into powder and used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicines, although they have no scientifically proven medicinal value.

Ujung Kulon National Park authority chief Agus Priambudi said the new footage would help conservationists protect the last wild Javan

rhino population. A handful of Javan rhinos are also believed to exist in Vietnam but conservationists say those individuals, if they are still alive, are not a sustainable population.

“The camera enables us to know the position of the rhinos, their sex and whether there are pregnant rhinos among them. It’s very important for the breeding process and conservation efforts,” he told reporters. “It will also help us to protect them from poaching... By knowing exactly where the rhinos usually roam, it’s easier for our rangers to provide security for them.”

Conservationists celebrated the discovery of the calves but warned that Ujung Kulon’s rhino population remained extremely vulnerable. Threats include poachers, habitat loss due to illegal clearing, disease from livestock that wander into the park from surrounding paddocks, tsunamis triggered by earthquakes and eruptions from the nearby Anak Krakatau volcano.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

13

Higher Vitamin D Intake Could Cut Cancer Risk A NEW study says it takes far more vitamin D than initially thought to dramatically cut the risk of several major diseases, including breast cancer.

“We found that daily intakes of vitamin D by adults in the range of 4,000-8,000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce by about half the risk of several diseases — breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes,” study co-author Dr. Cedric Garland, a professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California at San Diego, said in a university news release.

Garland admitted that he was surprised that the levels required were so much higher than the 400 IU a day needed to vanquish rickets in the 20th century. Vitamin D supplements often come in pills or capsules containing 1,000 or 2,000 international units.

But 4,000 to 8,000 IU a day is still much lower than the range considered safe by the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine, the researchers noted.

The study — which also involved the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha — was based on a survey of several thousand people who took supplements ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 IU per day. The volunteers also underwent blood tests to determine the levels of vitamin D

metabolites circulating in their blood.

Some studies suggest that only 10 percent of people in the United States have the appropriate level of the vitamin D-related form in their blood to prevent disease linked to a deficiency of the vitamin. These people tend to work outdoors, where their vitamin D levels are boosted through sun exposure.

Last year, a National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee announced that 4,000 IU a day of vitamin D appears safe for adults and kids aged 9 and up.

The IOM’s recommended minimum daily level is 600 IU, however, and the Institute noted there were preliminary signals that there might be some harms associated with consuming high levels of vitamin D daily, even at amounts under the recommended upper safe limit. Garland and his colleagues suggested that 4,000 IU a day is a safe level.

“Now that the results of this study are in, it will become common for almost every adult to take 4000 IU/day,” Garland predicted in the news release.

“This is comfortably under the 10,000 IU/day that the IOM Committee Report considers as the lower limit of risk, and the benefits are substantial.”

The source of vitamin D IBP/ist

Mass. company making diesel with sun, water, CO2 Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/Joule Unlimited, Felicia Spagnoli

This Oct. 26, 2010 photograph provided by Joule Unlimited shows the company’s ethanol and diesel production testing facility in Leander, Texas, where arrays of bacteria gather sunlight and carbon dioxide and convert them to fuel.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. –A Massachusetts biotechnology company says it can produce the fuel that runs Jaguars and jet engines using the same ingredients that make grass grow. Joule Unlimited has invented a genetically-engineered organism that it says simply secretes diesel fuel or ethanol wherever it finds sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.

The Cambridge, Mass.-based company says it can manipulate the organism to produce the renewable fuels on demand at unprecedented rates, and can do it in facilities large and small at costs comparable to the cheapest fossil fuels.

What can it mean? No less than

“energy independence,” Joule’s web site tells the world, even if the world’s not quite convinced. “We make some lofty claims, all of which we believe, all which we’ve validated, all of which we’ve shown to investors,” said Joule chief executive Bill Sims.

“If we’re half right, this revolutionizes the world’s largest industry, which is the oil and gas industry,” he said. “And if we’re right, there’s no reason why this technology can’t change the world.” The doing, though, isn’t quite done, and there’s skepticism Joule can live up to its promises.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory scientist Philip Pienkos said Joule’s technology is exciting but unproven, and their claims of efficiency

are undercut by difficulties they could have just collecting the fuel their organism is producing. Timothy Donohue, director of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says Joule must demonstrate its technology on a broad scale.

Perhaps it can work, but “the four letter word that’s the biggest stumbling block is whether it `will’ work,” Donohue said. “There are really good ideas that fail during scale up.” Sims said he knows “there’s always skeptics for breakthrough technologies.” “And they can ride home on their horse and use their abacus to calculate their checkbook balance,” he said.

14

Sport

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

International

Inter go second, Udinese hit Palermo for seven Agence France Presse

ROME – Goals from Wesley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o helped Inter Milan defeat Sampdoria 2-0 in Genoa and move second in Serie A on a Sunday that saw Udinese hit seven at Palermo and fourthplaced Lazio lose at Cagliari.

Ahead of Monday’s clash between leaders AC Milan and Napoli at the San Siro, Sneijder opened the scoring with a 73rdminute free kick in a bruising game with chances at both ends before Eto’o settled the matter with the final kick to take Inter one point above Napoli and within two of Milan.

Lazio went down 1-0 in Sardinia but the day’s biggest shock of the day came in Sicily where Palermo were trounced 70 by fifth-placed Udinese with Alexis Sanchez scoring four and Antonio Di Natale the other three goals.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini was furious with his coach after the match. “{Delio) Rossi has a one per cent chance of staying with Palermo”, he told reporters.

“You can bet on it.”

In Genoa, Inter, with Giampaolo Pazzini starting

against his own club, had the better of the opening exchanges.

Andrea Ronacchia fired wide and Houssine Kharja headed over before Sneijder had Samp keeper Gianluca Curci scrambling to save a vicious free kick, all inside 15 minutes.

But the home side gradually began pressuring the Inter defence. Daniele Mannini, Massimo Maccarone and Reto Ziegler went close before Andrea Poli fired against the upright on 41 minutes. Inter had Julio Cesar to thank for keeping the scores level after saving bravely from the onrushing Maccarone but Sneijder, who had shot a whisker wide on the hour, finally broke the deadlock with a superb free kick on 73 minutes.

The Dutchman almost did the trick again 10 minutes later, striking the post, before the always dangerous Eto?o cut inside from the left and doubled the lead deep into injury time. Coach Leonardo said he was pleased with the way Inter ended the game.

“We try to score more goals and sometimes we get caught on the break - that?s the way we play”, said the Brazilian before turning to the AC Milan-Napoli match.

AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS

Birmingham City’s football team poses with the trophy at the end of the Carling Cup final football match between Arsenal and Birmingham at the Wembley Stadium in London on February 27, 2011. Birmingham City won 2-1.

Birmingham manager McLeish savours ‘best ever’ win Agence France Presse

LONDON – Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has hailed the “best ever” win of his career after the Blues stunned Arsenal 2-1 to win the club’s first trophy in 48 years. McLeish, who won seven trophies during his spell as manager of Scottish giants Rangers, said guiding Birmingham to the League Cup on Sunday trumped everything he had achieved north of the border.

AP Photo/Carlo Baroncini

Inter Milan Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder celebrates after scoring a goal during a Serie A soccer match between Sampdoria and Inter Milan at the Genoa Luigi Ferraris stadium, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011.

“At Rangers I was expected to win trophies, but to come to England, my first trophy attempt, and to win against the might of Arsenal is a dream come true for everybody connected to the club,” McLeish said. “Nobody gave us a prayer — we were massive underdogs. But sometimes the bookies don’t get it right and we proved that today with phenomenal belief, phenomenal courage and some good football,” he added.

Birmingham’s victory via a last-minute Obafemi Martins goal guarantees the Midlands club a place in European football next season. “I’d forgotten about that,” McLeish said when reminded that he would be leading Birmingham into Europe. “To go to into Europe is not without its problems in terms of having a squad strong enough to deal with that, but we’re proud to be competing in Europe.

“We just have to develop the squad further. But we’ve also got the little matter of making sure we

retain Premier League status first.”

McLeish has been desperate for Birmingham’s Hong Kong-based owner Carson Yeung to bankroll a foray into the transfer market. However he was happy that he was able to deliver the League Cup to Yeung, who was watching from the stands at Wembley on his 51st birthday.

“I’m very pleased for Carson,” McLeish said. “It’s a fantastic birthday present for him. He must think it’s easy being owner of a football club. “Ninth position last year and now a Cup. But he knows we’ve got some battles ahead, which are equally important if not more important.”

McLeish revealed that Birmingham had not even made plans for a victory celebration on Sunday, keeping the champagne on ice until after next weekend’s Premier League showdown with West Bromwich Albion. “We reserved next weekend for some celebrations,” McLeish said. “But we’ve got West Brom so I hope it’s not a case of after the Lord

Mayors show because the West Brom game is vital for us. That’s another cup final.

McLeish meanwhile said Birmingham had struggled to maintain their composure after a shocking officicating error in the second minute of Sunday’s final that could have been costly to his team. Birmingham should have been awarded a penalty and seen Arsenal reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny hauled down Lee Bowyer in the box only for play to be called back for offside. Replays showed that Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna was playing Bowyer yard onside.

“We thought that it was something the officials shouldn’t have missed,” McLeish said. “They didn’t get it right. We all threw a strop and we threatened to lose our focus, the players and myself.

“But we gathered the team at halftime and said we must retain our composure, and lay off the moaning at the officials because it had happened, it was past.”

16

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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

Sport

Daimler completes team takeover THE Mercedes GP Formula 1 team is now wholly owned by the car manufacturer’s parent company Daimler AG and financial partner Aabar Investments PJS, after the two companies bought out the other shareholders in the Brackley-based operation. In a move that had been widely expected ever since Mercedes-Benz took over the then Brawn GP outfit, Daimler and Aabar have purchased the remaining 24.9 per cent of the outfit that was owned by team management including Ross Brawn and Nick Fry.

AFP PHOTO/JOSEP LAGO

Mercedes GP team’s German driver Nico Rosberg drives during a test run on February 20, 2011 at the Circuit of Catalunya, a racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona.

Ben Spies up to speed sooner in 2011 BEN Spies won’t have to work on his early race speed as much as he thought, after discovering that the latest version of the Yamaha M1 has improved one of his few weaknesses from last season. The Texan, a satellite Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider last year, was often one of the fastest riders at the end of a race, but time lost in the opening five laps limited his potential.

Crash.net asked Spies, who has

graduated to the Factory Yamaha Team for 2011, about his progress in that area. “Yeah for sure, I think personally I’ve improved with that,” he replied. “Also, in saying that, if I’d been on this bike last year I don’t think I’d have had so much of a problem in the first five laps.

“I’m not so upset about it, because now I don’t think I was doing a lot of things wrong. “It was just

the package - not holding me back but it just wasn’t able to do that [get up to speed] in the first few laps. So it’s something I don’t think I need to work on as much as I thought.”

Spies took two podiums and one pole position on his way to sixth, and top rookie, in the 2010 world championship. He finished the second Sepang test as the top Yamaha in fifth place.

Hamilton to try life as Good Ol’ Boy

AFP PHOTO/JOSEP LAGO

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes British driver Lewis Hamilton signs autographs in the pits during a testing session on February 20, 2011 at Catalunya’s racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona.

HAVING seen Jenson Button line up a drive in one of Team Vodafone’s Holden Commodore V8 Supercars next month, McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton looks set to get his own tin-top tryout - in NASCAR! The Briton, who will partner Button at McLaren for a second season in 2011, is on course to swap seats with NASCAR legend Tony ‘Smoke’ Stewart in a promotional exercise on behalf of mutual sponsor Mobil1 during the summer, according to Stewart-Haas Racing spokesman Mike Arning.

The day will see Hamilton, who has little saloon-racing experience after making his way up the single-seater ladder to F1, try Stewart’s #14 Chevrolet Impala, while the American - a former Indy Racing League champion - will squeeze himself into the cockpit of the Briton’s 2010-spec McLaren. The runs are expected to take place at the infamous Watkins Glen International circuit, a former F1 venue, most likely while Hamilton and McLaren are on the transAtlantic leg of the grand prix schedule. Both cars will be race-ready and not show cars.

Hamilton’s F1 rival Jarno Trulli tried his hand at NASCAR a year ago, and was rumoured to be considering a switch to the US-based series before signing with Lotus.

Button’s run at Bathurst, in which he is set top swap cars with V8 veteran - and one time F1 hopeful - Craig Lowndes is set to take place prior to the Australian GP next month.

The new shareholding structure of the team has resulted in Daimler owning 60 per cent, with Aabar owning the remaining 40 per cent.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, said the move to take over Mercedes GP fully was a statement of intent about his company’s ambitions of remaining in F1. “The acquisition of a majority stake holding in our Silver Arrows team sends a clear signal that we intend to achieve technical and sporting success on world motorsport’s biggest and most important stage - and to do so in cost-effective conditions,” he said.

Brawn, who helped save the team in the wake of Honda’s departure from F1 at the end of 2008, said: “Daimler and Aabar’s acquisition of the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix will be a further step in the consolidation and strengthening of our team for the future.

“Motor racing, particularly Formula 1, is a very specialised industry, and we are privileged to have such strong and understanding partners as Daimler and Aabar to support our joint ambitions.

“I remain fully committed to our team for the long-term, along with the management team and all of our employees. We all look forward to the challenge of making our team successful, and proudly representing Mercedes-Benz and the racing tradition of the Silver Arrows.”