Edisi 04 April 2011 | International Bali Post

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Monday, April 4, 2011

Protesters burn a U.S. flag during a demonstration in Jalalabad province, April 3, 2011. Around 1,000 people blocked the main highway from Kabul to Jalalabad on Sunday and burned U.S. flags. The protesters were driven by anger at the actions of militant Christian preacher Terry Jones, who supervised the burning of a copy of the Koran in front of about 50 people at a church in Florida on March 20, according to his website.

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Charlie Sheen’s “Torpedo” bombs in Detroit REUTERS/Stringer

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Afghan Quran-burning protests enter third day Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan protests against the burning of a Quran in Florida entered a third day with a demonstrations in the south and east Sunday, while the Taliban called on people to rise up, blaming government forces for any violence.

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The desecration at a small U.S. church has outraged Muslims worldwide, and in Afghanistan many of the demonstrations have

turned into deadly riots. Protests in the north and south in recent days have killed 20 people.

In southern Kandahar city on

Sunday, hundreds took to the streets for the second day in a row, and hospital officials said 20 people were hurt in skirmishes between police and demonstrators. On Saturday, nine people were killed and 80 injured when a protest turned into a riot.

At least two wounded police officers and 18 civilians had been brought into city hospitals, said Qayum Pokhla the provincial health

director.

A morning protest in Jalalabad city was peaceful, with hundreds of people blocking a main highway for three hours, shouting for U.S. troops to leave and burning an effigy of President Barack Obama before dispersing, according to an Associated Press photographer at the scene.

Continued on page 6

Obama likely to announce re-election bid next week Reuters

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is likely to announce plans next week to run for re-election and file campaign papers with the Federal Election Commission as early as Monday, Democratic officials said on Saturday. Filing with the FEC would allow Obama, a Democrat, to start raising money for the 2012 campaign that is expected to shatter records in political spending.

Two Democratic officials said no final decision has been made about the timing of an announcement or filing. Obama is in the

middle of a budget battle with congressional Republicans and has focused his message in recent weeks on reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil and investing in innovation and education — themes he likely will highlight in his bid to hold on to the White House next year.

Continued on page 6

US President Barack Obama speaks to employees of AT&T, PepsiCo, UPS and Verizon in Landover, Maryland, on April 1, 2011.

AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad

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International

Monday, April 4, 2011

Bali News

Police Chasing Motorcycles Robbers Group Denpasar (Bali Post) –

IBP/ist

Tourist enjoy their time in Kuta Beach. Bali tourism promotion fund for this year decrease compare to last year

Bali Tourism Promotion Budget Decreased IDR 3 Billion Denpasar (Bali Post) –

For 2011, the Bali Tourism Promotion Budget is IDR 1 billion which have decreased drastically from the previous year’s IDR 4 billion. For that, tourism promoters have to rethink in using cheap media for promotion yet hitting the right target.

Head of Bali Province Culture and Tourism Agency, Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, stated the budget will be used by government for national and international promotion through events and brochures. “Even though it’s way smaller than years before, it is best to be managed well to bring Bali tourism forward,” Subhiksu explained in Denpasar last Friday (31/3).

According to Head of Bali Tourism Board (BTB), IB Ngurah Wijaya, this budget doesn’t make sense as 20 percent of Bali Hotel and Restaurant Tax (PHR) is used for promotion. Bali Province government is then hoped to be

more focused on fixing destination and supporting infrastructures of the tourism here rather than overseas promotion as this is also done by tourism stakeholders.

“Overseas promotion is enough with online media as an alternative and cheaper option as everyone can access it where ever they are and easier to use as a guide based on their needs,” he explained.

AWI Tour owner, Nyoman Kandia, explained in a tourism promotion website it’s arranged using the regional’s testimony.

Those who have visited the area are hoped to give a comment of the tourism prospect. “What’s pro-

moted through this website is not about the area but the tourist destination they will visit,” Kandia stated.

So far the Bali Tourism and Culture Agency has liquefied the budget for two promotion events, ITB Berlin in Europe and Art Exhibition in San Francisco. Other events that will be joined are PATA Conference in Beijing, China, KOFTA in Korea, JATA in Japan, WTM in London and Festival Indonesia in Australia. Besides that, the agency is also joining national events like Gebyar Wisata Nusantara in Jakarta and Majapahit Travel Fare in Surabaya. (Par)

Denpasar Police Fast Attack Troops are still chasing Madura origin motorcycle robbers initialed L, F and IM. Not only that police are also still searching evidences that hasn’t been found as other captured accused Muhammad Kadir Abadi (27) and Budianto (32) confessed they did robberies in 16 locations.

The three hunted accused are strongly suspected already escaped from Bali yet Police are determined to find and capture them in the near time. “Fast attack troops are trying to capture them and hopefully soon so the case can be finished too,” Head of Denpasar Tourism Police Public Relation Section, I.B. Sarjana, explained

last Friday (1/4).

As told before, the booming motorcycle robberies happening in Denpasar City made Denpasar Tourism Police officers tighten security and supervision. The modus they used was finding quiet places to rob it and operating the vehicle using a letter T key. After succeeding they would bring it to a flat and then send it to Madura by truck. The troop led by Head of Union, Police Commissioner Arif Sugiarto, spreads everywhere to find information and revealed a Madura originated group is responsible of it which two of them captured and three on the loose. From captured accused hands eight motorcycles managed confiscated as evidences. (kmb21)

Bio Security implemented to anticipate bird flu Tabanan, DenPost—

Tabanan Regency Government through the Animal Husbandry Services increasingly promotes the anticipation against the spread of bird flu disease.

One of them is by applying biosecurity system through routine spraying. It was said by the Head of Tabanan Animal Husbandry Services, Ni Nyoman Rusmini, accompanied by the Head of Bali Animal Husbandry Services Putu Sumantra when executing mass spraying in some rural areas in Penebel Subdistrict, Saturday (Apr 2).

With the system, Rusmini believed that such an effort would be able to anticipate the emergence of bird flu disease, especially for poultry farmers and wholesalers. At the moment, three villages as the center of poultry in Penebel Subdistrict had been declared positive to bird flu virus. They were Pitra Village, Buruan Village and Tajen Village. It was said, her party had worked with local communities in pursuing various anticipative measures, where one of them was by spraying regularly. Rusmini appealed to all poultry farmers to

always maintain the sanitation of cage and to apply a healthy lifestyle.

Especially for poultry farmers of ducks and chickens, its caging system should be qualified because the two poultries could not be placed in one cage. Duck was a carrier having a great risk to transmit the bird flu disease.

“People should not be panic and anxious to face this case, but try to be always vigilant against bird flu since the disease is endemic because it can appear any time. The government will attempt to do coaching and prevention. We do hope people to apply clean and healthy lifestyle with respect to sanitation of the cage on a regular basis,” she explained.

In addition, continued Rusmini, her party also hoped the collectors and breeders if found their poultries died suddenly to make immediate coordination with relevant agencies because her party had prepared Participatory Disease Surveillance and Response (PDSR) in each area.

Spraying by a disinfectant had been targeted to several villages in Penebel Subdistrict and continued to other places feared to be transmitted by the bird flu virus. (121)

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Bali News

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Monday, April 4, 2011

Tourists not affected by rally at Tanah Lot Tabanan, DenPost—

In fact, the movement of residents of Beraban Village, Kediri Subdistrict, related to the demand for management of Tanah Lot tourist object, ranging from the Beraban Youth Congress and several actions involving mass, including the demonstration to the office of Tabanan Regent taking place within the past week did not affect the tourist visit to Tanah Lot. It was indicated by the fact at the tourist object on Saturday (Apr 2) which was still visited by domestic and foreign tourists.

As reported earlier, Beraban had organized a mass demonstration by coming to the office of the Tabanan Regent to convey their aspirations related to the management of Tanah Lot tourist object. Though the action once heated, it could still last orderly. Likewise, a lot of mass media exposed the movement of the Tanah Lot Tourist Object Management Struggle Team, but it did not interfere with or affect the tourist arrivals to Tanah Lot. As on daily situation, many tourists remained to flock to Tanah Lot. They did not interfere with the emerging issues. Based on observation in the vicinity of Tanah Lot, the situation of Tanah Lot tourist object stayed safe and conducive. Moreover, it was sup-

ported by the participation of security forces of the Tanah Lot tourist object always alerted to avoid or prevent any inconvenient causes.

Director of the Tanah Lot Tourist Object Management, I Made Sujana, said that many tourists had arrived since the morning until its peak in late afternoon. On average, the daily tourist visits were still around 4,000 people, moreover at week-end was a holiday for most people.

Meanwhile, tourists stayed to do their activities such as enjoying the magnificent and natural scenery of Tanah Lot, culinary tours and shopping. But, the no less enchanting was waiting for the emergence of sunset attraction that has been renowned by visitor worldwide. (121)

IBP/ist

The beautiful sunset on Tanah Lot.

South African investors get interested to develop resort in Bali Jakarta (Bali Post)—

Investors of South Africa are interested to invest in the tourism sector especially in the field of resorts being developed in a number of new destinations in Indonesia. In the near future, South African investors will conduct a site inspection directly to some tourist destinations such as Mandalika in Lombok, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Bangka Belitung and Bali.

“One of the investors that will come to Indonesia is the Sun International Group, a renowned international resort development company in South Africa,” said Director General of Tourism Destination Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Firman Rahim, after receiving a report from the Director of Tourism Products, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Achyaruddin, in the Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta, Thursday (Apr 1).

Achyaruddin led the Indonesian delegation to South Africa recently to promote new tourist destinations and investment potential of Indonesia to the South African businessmen and officials. The Indonesian delegation consisting of Director of Tourism Products, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Achyaruddin, Senior Advisor to Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, in charge of Investment and Government Partnership and Private Sector, Djatmiko, President Director of PT Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), I Made Mandra, and President Director of PT Tanjung Lesung and Development Corporation, Oliver Tham, organized the ‘Indonesia Business Forum on New Tourism Destination’ attended by hoteliers, property businessmen, resorts and tourist areas developers as well as the CEO of South African Chamber of Commerce.

In the business forum was presented the prospect of economic and tourism investment opportunities in Indonesia with many conveniences. Such business meeting was resumed with the one-on-one meeting with businessmen including the CEO of Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce (JCCI) Keith Brebnor who positively welcomed and just understood in details about the tourism potential of Indonesia. Meanwhile, on the visit to the Sun International group of companies, the Director of Operations Jo Kentgens stated his desire to see in person the tourism potentials in Indonesia.

Director General Firmansyah Rahim said the pro-active endeavor to come to prospective tourism investors held by the government (Ministry of Culture and Tourism—Ed) posed a new strategy in attracting investors to get into the tourism destinations prepared.

“We’ll do the same to the other countries by bringing along the tourist resort developers that had been well prepared such as Bangka-Belitung, Wakatobi and Raja Ampat in West Papua,” said Firmansyah Rahim.

In the meantime, Director of Tourism Products Achyaruddin said the Indonesian delegation on the visit also held a meeting with the management of Malaysian Airlines in Johannesburg who expressed its interest to send some tour operators and travel writers from South Africa to Indonesia in through a familiarization trip visiting the tourist destinations in the Eastern Region such as Bunaken, Wakatobi and Raja Ampat.

“Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria and Malaysian Airlines will follow up this commitment, while the central government (Ministry of Culture and Tourism), together with local government and businesspeople will support the familiarization trip planed,” Achyaruddin

said.

South Africa is a new tourism market for Indonesia that has showed a

rapid growth within the past recent years. A strong historical relationship that had been long established between

Indonesia and South Africa encourages the interest of tourist arrivals from both countries. (010)

Badung requires agro market Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Badung Regency Government has intensively developed the agricultural sector. However, the circle of Badung House judges it still needs a number of efforts to stimulate the development of agricultural sector, especially in the Northern Badung. One of the strategic measures that can be taken by government is by providing a representative agro market.

It was expressed by a member of Commission B of Badung House, I Wayan Puspa Negara. He said Northern Badung had to continue to be developed pursuant to its potential and characteristics in order to find

the shape and growth model in harmony with the allotment. There were several triggering points to encourage the Northern Badung development oriented in green development including the development of agro market.

This agro market was expected to eventually absorb the local agricultural products, as well as to become an easy and affordable means for farmers to trade, communicate and organize an exhibition. At the same time, the agro market could also become a tourist object in Badung Regency.

On that account, Puspa stated that his party would encourage relevant agencies of Badung Regency including academicians to establish an inte-

grated assessment team, feasibility study development as well as projection of agro market development in Northern Badung.

“If the agro market can be realized, local agricultural products will get absorbed by tourism sector.

Moreover, related agencies, including PD Pasar Badung, can make approach to tourism industry for the purpose. By provision of the agro market, including sustainable partnership of government, tourism entrepreneurs, farmers and stakeholders, Badung Regency can kindle the excitement of agricultural development in Northern Badung,” said Puspa recently. (kmb25)

Indonesia’s Economy Growth Unfair Denpasar (Bali Post) –

The economy growth in Indonesia enjoyed dominated by those middle and higher classes where all development results distribution could not yet fulfill everyone’s prosperity. Economy experts stated government has failed in reaching its program. It was said the economy growth in Indonesia hasn’t been fair and have caused a really devastating gap between the rich and the poor. “Government only gave dreams to the people,” one economy expert, Dr. I Nyoman Mahaendra Yasa, SE, MSi, stated.

Head of Udayana University Faculty of Economy for Economy Development Studies, Murjana Yasa, stated the success of a development has to be seen from its input, process and output which are measured from the economy growth and if it can be enjoyed fairly by most of the people. “This can be the guide to how successful is a fair economy growth, how big is the output will be the main part that succeeds it,” Murjana explained in Denpasar last Thursday (31/3).

The growth in developing countries including Indonesia only suc-

ceeds in reaching a growth and ignored the results being nationally distributed fairly when this is actually the vital part in reaching fair economy. One way to measure is by Gini coefficient where value 0.1,0.20-0.35 means relative spreading (fair), 0.36-0.49 (relatively fair), 0.50-0.70 (unfair), and Indonesia’s value from year 1997-2007 has been around 0.32-0.37.

The balance of incomes, poverty and unemployment still becomes serious problems which have to be handled by the government until the next few years. (par)

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News

Monday, April 4, 2011

International

Libya rebels battle Gaddafi forces in oil town Reuters

BREGA, Libya - Warplanes flew over Brega overnight as rebels fought troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi for control of the east Libyan oil town, rebel fighters said. A Reuters correspondent waiting near the eastern gate of Brega, a sparsely populated settlement spread over more than 25 km (15 miles), heard the thud of explosions and machinegun fire on Sunday morning.

Black smoke rose further west and hundreds of cars carrying volunteer rebel fighters streamed away from the town. Later, half a dozen rockets struck near the gate.

Rebels waiting there held their ground. “Those planes that circled last night didn’t hit anything,” said rebel fighter Osama Abdullah, suggesting the absence of air strikes was the result of NATO taking command of the coalition forces from France, the United States and Britain. “(French President Nicolas) Sarkozy is great but NATO is not,” said Abdullah. A Western coalition air strike killed 13 rebels late on Friday near Brega’s eastern gate.

The rebel leadership called the bombing an unfortunate mistake and said air strikes were still

needed against Gaddafi’s betterarmed units. [ID:nLDE73103E] A friend of Abdullah who gave his name as Youssef said: “We need weapons that can fight against the tanks and Grads (rockets) that Gaddafi has”.

Comments from volunteer rebel fighters suggested that better trained anti-Gaddafi army units continue to battle government forces towards the centre of Brega, without any clear outcome. The fighting in Brega has gone on for four days, with the rebels holding ground after beating a chaotic retreat from near Gaddafi’s home town of Sirte more than 300 km to the west.

The rebel leadership has sought to break the stalemate by deploying heavier weapons and a firmer line of command. They have also sought to keep the less disciplined and lightly armed volunteers, and journalists, several kilometres (miles) east of the front line.

Rebel fighter Khaled Ahmed Mahdi said he heard bombardment overnight from his position some 20 km (12.4 miles) east of the town centre. “We heard the sound of bombardment and then mortars and bullets,” he said.

“Some clashes are continuing, but not a lot.”

AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Men burn copies of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s “Green Book” at a rally to protest against deaths caused by Gadhafi’s forces and his continued refusal to step down, on the corniche in Benghazi, Libya Saturday, April 2, 2011.

A local fireman checks the level of radiation on a car before entering the area of a shelter in Tamura, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Tamura city lies partly within the zone around the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, where officials have told residents to stay indoors.

AP Photo/Yomiuri Shimbun, Kanji Tada

2nd try at sealing Japan nuke leak not working yet Associated Press Writer

TOKYO – It could take several more months to bring Japan’s tsunami-ravaged nuclear plant under control, a safety agency spokesman said Sunday as engineers tried to find a way to stop highly radioactive water from pouring into the Pacific.

The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex has been spewing radioactivity since the March 11 tsunami carved a path of destruction along Japan’s northeastern coast, killing as many as 25,000 people. The final death toll is not known because many are still missing.

Nuclear safety agency spokesman Hidehiko Nishiyama on Sunday offered the first sense of how long it might take to bring an end to the nuclear crisis, which has forced people within 12 miles (20 kilometers) of the plant to abandon their homes due to radiation concerns.

“It would take a few months until we finally get things under control and have a better idea about the

future,” Nishiyama said. “We’ll face a crucial turning point within the next few months, but that is not the end.”

Bringing the reactors at the plant under control will require permanently restoring cooling systems knocked out by the tsunami that prevent reactors from dangerously overheating. That task has been complicated by dangerous conditions at the plant that have often forced workers to stop what they are doing.

Some new problem crops up at the complex nearly every day. Workers discovered an 8-inch (20 centimeter) crack in a maintenance pit Saturday and said they believe water from it may be the source of some of the high levels of radioactive iodine that

have been found in the ocean for more than a week.

They have had trouble telling where the water is coming from, and this is the first time they have found it leaking directly into the sea. A picture released by plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. shows water shooting some distance away from a wall and splashing into the ocean, though the amount is not clear. The contaminated water dissipates quickly in the ocean but could pose a danger to workers at the plant.

Engineers tried to seal the crack with concrete on Saturday, but that didn’t work. So on Sunday they injected a mix of sawdust, shredded newspaper and a polymer that can expand to 50 times its normal size when combined with water. The polymer mix had not yet stopped the leak Sunday night but engineers have not given up hope and should know by Monday morning whether it will work.

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei detained, staff says Agence France Presse

BEIJING – Outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was detained on Sunday as he tried to board a flight for Hong Kong and police later raided his studio outside Beijing, Twitter postings by his staff said.

The move comes just days after Ai, one of China’s best-known artists, announced plans for a studio abroad to avoid official harassment and as Chinese authorities crack down hard on government critics.

Ai, who helped design Beijing’s famed “Bird’s Nest” Olympic stadium but who has antagonised the Communist Party government with his activism, was detained by cus-

toms officers at Beijing airport, the Twitter postings said. Chinese authorities have rounded up scores of dissidents, activists, and right lawyers in recent weeks, with many placed under house arrest or disappearing into police custody.

The clampdown followed anonymous online calls which emerged in February for protests each Sunday around the country to demand political change in China and aimed at emulating those that have rocked the Arab world. Ai had said Tuesday he planned to set up a studio in Germany to show his work, fed up with the hurdles of exhibiting in China, but would still use Beijing as his production and design base.

“It’s very discouraging what’s happening here and if I want to continue to develop my work, I have to find a base,” said the burly, avantgarde artist. The Twitter postings — which indicated they were written by one of Ai’s assistants — said a group of police also arrived at his studio in Beijing’s Caochangdi art district to execute a search warrant.

Police also took away eight of his staff members for questioning, a posting said, while his wife Lu Qing was under police custody at their home.

Ai’s personal cell phone was turned off and calls to his studio and one of his assistants went unanswered. A frequent critic of China’s Communist Party leaders, Ai has re-

peatedly run into problems with the authorities in the past. He said in February that his first large solo exhibition in mainland China was cancelled after organisers said the timing was too politically sensitive.

In January, his newly built Shanghai studio was demolished in apparent retaliation for his criticism of city policies, and he was blocked from leaving China in December ahead of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo for jailed Chinese dissident writer Liu Xiaobo.

Previously, Ai investigated school collapses in the massive 2008 quake in the southwestern province of Sichuan, which many believe were triggered by shoddy construction work.

REUTERS/Grace Liang/Files

Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei speaks during an interview at his studio in Beijing in this March 1, 2010 file photo.

Activities

International

Monday, April 4, 2011

5

Aston Legend Sanur re-brands to Kamuela Villas and Suites IBP

SANUR - Following the completion of a renovation and extension project at the popular Aston Legend Sanur, which introduced 12 elegant suites to the resorts inventory, Aston International re-branded the boutique resort to “Kamuela Villas & Suites, Sanur”.

The Kamuela Villas & Suites - Sanur is situated in a graceful garden featuring seven private pool villas in a choice of one, two and three bedroom configurations and twelve sophisticated suites which afford large private terraces with Jacuzzi tubs.

Indicative of respect and admiration for Balinese traditions the villas and suites are built, furnished and decorated using local timber, tiles, fabrics and artifacts, blended with a modern-minimalist edge and modern comforts to ensure guests a relaxed and memorable stay.Unusual for a small villa resort, the Kamuela Sanur furthermore offers its privileged guests a complete range of resort facilities including a public center pool, restaurant and a full service spa.

Aston International’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Norbert Vas, said The Kamuela brand aims to offer private pool villas reminiscent of 21 Century Bali that have personality, feature intriguing designs and are luxurious without being over the top.

With the Aston name usually being associated with far larger, class leading mid market hotels and resorts, it made good sense to rename Aston Legend to Kamuela, Aston also operates Kamuela Villas in Bali’s fashionable Seminyak and is set to open two exclusive 5 star plus villa resorts under the “Royal Kamuela” label in Ubud and Nusa Dua.

Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for March 21 through April 23, 2011 21 Mar Betara Turun Kabeh Ceremony Besakih - Karangasem Bukit Jati Temple Bangli Batur Temple Kalanganyar - Bangli Masceti Pejengaji Temple Tegallalang - Gianyar Dalem Temple Tangsud,Sukawati - Gianyar Penambangan Badung Temple Denpasar Lempuyang Madia Temple Karangasem Batur Temple Bangli Desa Temple Singakerta,Ubud - Gianyar Pasek Gelgel Temple Marga - Tabanan Gaduh Temple Ketapian, Sumerta - Denpasar Pasek Bendesa Temple Tuakilang - Tabanan Pasek Agung Temple Tatag Kelod,Peguyangan Denpasar Agung Pasek Bendesa Temple Tonja - Denpasar Pasek Gegel Angsri Temple Baturiti - Tabanan Pasek Gelgel Baleagung Temple Braban - Tabanan Dukuh Sakti Belatung Temple Timpag,KerambitanTabanan Puseh Dukuh Sakti Belatung Rendang - Karangasem Pitamaha Temple Palangkaraya - Kalimantan Tengah Candra Praba Temple Komplek Polri,JelambarJakarta Barat Agung Jagatnatha Temple Denpasar Pemerajan Agung Temple Puri Petak - Gianyar Dadya Agung Bendesa Tangkas Abiansemal - Badung Puseh Temple Sidemen - Karangasem Agung Giri Natha Temple Semarang - Center of Java 2 April Puseh Temple , Village Temple Sukawati Gianyar Pasek Gelgel-Bebetin Temple Sawan Buleleng Maspahit Temple Sesetan Denpasar Pasek Bendesa Manik Mas Tegallalang Gianyar Panti Pasek Gaduh Temple Sesetan - Denpasar Pedarman Arya Kanuruhan Temple Besakih Karangasem 5 April Kahyangan Tiga Temple Batur Kintamani - Bangli Batur Temple Camenggaon, Sukawati Gianyar

Luhur Bhujangga Temple Canggu,Kuta Badung Kawitan Kayu Selem Temple Batur, Kintamani Bangli 12 April Puseh Temple , Desa Temple Gianyar Luhur Dalem Segening Temple Kediri Tabanan Sanghyang Tegal Temple Taro,Tegallalang Gianyar 16 April Dalem Tarukan Temple Cemenggon, Sukawati-Gianyar Penataran Dalem Ketut Temple Pejeng Kaja Gianyar Puseh Manakaji Temple Peninjoan - Bangli Kawitan Gusti Celuk Temple Mengwi Badung 20 April Segara Temple Lombok Island Dwijawarsa Temple Malang East Java Puncak Tinggah Temple Baturiti Tabanan Kawitan Batur Pande Tonja Temple Tonja - Denpasar Penyungsungan Pasek Tohjiwa Wanagiri,Selemadeg Tabanan Penataran Agung Temple Sidemen Karangasem Samuan Tiga Temple Bedulu Gianyar Kawitan Jati Luwih Bhujangga Jatiluwih Tabanan 21 April Dalem Taman Temple Peguyangan Denpasar 23 April Puri Agung Dalem Tarukan Pejeng,Tampaksiring Gianyar Rambut Siwi Temple Jembrana Batu Bolong Temple Canggu,Kuta Badung Pasek Temple Klaci,Tabanan Agung Pasek Temple Dauh Waru - Jembrana Ratu Pasek Temple Sangsit Buleleng Pasek Tangkas Temple Gede Tabanan Pedharman Batur Sari Ngiis Temple Jegu,Penebel Tabanan Desa Temple Banyuning Buleleng Srijong Temple Tabanan Puncak Mundi Temple Klumpu,Nusa PenidaKlungkung

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 “umbulumbul”, 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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Monday, April 4, 2011

News Woman, 92, to stand trial for murder in Australia Agence France Presse

SYDNEY – A 92-year-old has become the oldest woman committed to stand trial for murder in Australia, accused of bludgeoning and stabbing her wealthy 98-year-old husband to death, according to a report. Clara Tang, who allegedly killed Ching Yung Tang after 70 years of marriage in their Sydney apartment in March last year, has pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental illness, the Sun-Herald said.

The elderly woman appeared in a local court last week and was ordered to stand trial in the Supreme Court on a date to be fixed.

Documents tendered by police reportedly detailed how the couple survived the Japanese invasion of China and Mao’s Cultural Revolution before moving from Shanghai to Sydney 30 years ago. Tang, who suffers dementia, allegedly feared her husband was poisoning her food.

The newspaper said that when arrested, Tang was almost totally soaked in blood. Her husband had been stabbed twice in the stomach and his head was bludgeoned.

She was initially refused bail due to “the level of violence used and for the protection of the community”, but police relented with Tang put under strict supervision in a nursing home ahead of her trial.

Afghan...

From page 1

AFP PHOTO / JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK

Pro-Gbagbo militiamen from the Young Patriots fight with forces loyal to internationally recognized Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara, on April 1, 2011 in the Plateau district of Abidjan.

US demands Gbagbo step down ‘immediately’ Agence France Presse

WASHINGTON – The United States early Sunday called on Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo to step down immediately, saying he was pushing the West African nation into lawlessness. “The United States calls on former President Laurent Gbagbo to step down immediately,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.

“Gbagbo is pushing Cote d’Ivoire into lawlessness,” she added. “The path forward is clear.

He must leave now so the conflict may end.”

The appeal came as heavy artillery fire and explosions shook central Abidjan Saturday on the third day of a fierce battle for the city. So far, Gbagbo has been brushing off calls by world leaders to step down amid an offensive by troops backing the internationally recognised president Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Reports of carnage and massive displacement meanwhile emerged

from the western town of Duekoue where the International Red Cross said 800 died in one day in an incident “particularly shocking by its size and brutality”.

The Catholic mission Caritas reported 1,000 were “killed or disappeared” while the UN mission gave an initial death toll of 330, accusing fighters from both camps of involvement in the mass killings.

Clinton said the United States was “deeply concerned” by what she called “the dangerous and deteriorating situation” in Ivory Coast, including recent reports of human rights abuses and massacres

in the west of the country.

She said both parties in Ivory Coast’s conflict bore responsibility to respect human rights and ensure the safety of the country’s citizens.

“We also call on the forces of President Ouattara to respect the rules of war and stop attacks on civilians,” she said. “President Ouattara’s troops must live up to the ideals and vision articulated by their elected leader.” Clinton also urged the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast to aggressively enforce its mandate to protect civilians.

A similar protest in eastern Parwan province blocked a main highway with burning tires for about an hour, with more than 1,000 people protesting against the desecration of the Quran, said provincial police chief Sher Ahmad Maladani. He said there was no violence.

The violence started Friday when demonstrators stormed a U.N. compound in the northern city of Mazari-Sharif, killing 11 people including seven foreign U.N. employees.

The Taliban said in a statement emailed to media outlets that the U.S. and other Western countries have wrongly excused the burning a Quran by the pastor of a Florida church on March 20 as freedom of speech and that Afghans “cannot accept this un-Islamic act.” NATO officials re-iterated their condemnation of the Quran burning in an apparent attempt to quell the rising anger.

“We condemn, in particular, the action of an individual in the United

States who recently burned the Holy Quran,” said the statement issued by military commander Gen. David Petraeus and the top NATO civilian representative in Afghanistan, Mark Sedwill.

“We further hope the Afghan people understand that the actions of a small number of individuals, who have been extremely disrespectful to the Holy Quran, are not representative of any of the countries of the international community who are in Afghanistan to help the Afghan people,” the statement said.

On Saturday, U.S. President Barack Obama extended his condolences to the families of those killed by the protesters and said desecration of the Quran “is an act of extreme intolerance and bigotry.” But he said that does not justify attacking and killing innocent people, calling it “outrageous and an affront to human decency and dignity.” The Taliban statement said that those killed during the protests were unarmed demonstrators.

Obama...

From page 1 At the same time, Obama has been defending U.S. involvement in military operations in Libya. Republicans are pressing Democrats to make deep spending cuts to shrink the U.S. deficit, another issue that could play a crucial role in the campaign.

The Republican field of presidential challengers is still wide open, however, and no one has formally announced a bid. Obama is expected to avoid overt campaigning while his potential Republican opponents compete against each other.

But he has started doing some fundraising events for his party in recent weeks. Formally announcing his candidacy would allow Obama to start filling his own campaign’s coffers directly, too. The president got a boost on Friday with a Labor Department report showing a slight decline in the U.S. unemployment rate to 8.8 percent. An improving

economy is seen as critical to his reelection hopes.

Opinion surveys show U.S. voters are split over Obama. A Real Clear Politics average of several polls showed 47.4 percent of Americans approving of his performance in office and 46.6 percent disapproving.

Poll averages also show Obama beating potential Republican rivals including former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich.

Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois before winning the 2008 U.S. presidential election, intends to base his re-election campaign out of Chicago. Obama’s former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was elected major of Chicago in February and will take office May 16 when longtime Mayor Richard M. Daley retires.

International

Indonesia Today

Monday, April 4, 2011

7

Fire damages major oil refinery in Indonesia Associated Press Writer

CILACAP - Police say a massive fire has destroyed two storage tanks at Indonesia’s largest oil refinery. Local police Chief Lt. Col. Rudy Darmoko says no injuries have been reported in the fire at the Pertamina national oil company refinery.

FOTO ANTARA/Idhad Zakaria

A massive fire has destroyed storage tanks at Indonesia’s largest oil refinery.

30 Indonesians facing death penalty in Malaysia Antara

LOMBOK BARAT - Thirty Indonesians are on the death row in Malaysia, manpower attaché of the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur Agus Triyanto said here on Saturday.

“This year their number is 30 and last year 177,” he said after a coordination meeting with the West Nusa Tenggara Manpower Supplier Asso-

ciation (Apjati).

The latest case is faced by Walfrida Soik (17), a female migrant worker from Raimanus, Raimanuk, Belu, East Nusa Tenggara who is now held at the Pengkalan Cepa penitentiary in Kota Bharu for allegedly killing her employer.

Agus said the Indonesian embassy is hiring a reliable lawyer to defend the young woman to avoid the death

row. He said the embassy would make efforts to defend its citizens to avoid them from the death row..

“Many Indonesians have been sentenced to death, but we have always sought maximum ways to prevent them from it,” he said.

Agus said in the past five years no Indonesian had been sentenced to death in Malaysia thanks to the embassy’s hard work.

Manpower official condems Saudi employer for killing Indonesian maid Antara

JAKARTA - An Indonesian manpower agency official condemned the killing of an Indonesian house maid allegedly by her Saudi employer.

“I condemned the action as inhuman and immoral,” the head of the National Agency for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Workers (BNP2TKI), Moh Jumhur Hidayat, said here on Saturday in response to reports on the death of the maid inside the toilet of her employer, Hamud Mhd Barkah Al Utaibi, on Wednesday (March 30).

Aan Darwati binti Udin Encup from Majalengka, West Java, born on May 9, 1974, was sent by PT Youmba Biba Abadi to work in Saudi Arabia.

The holder of passport numbered AN 978909 arrived in Jidda on June 6, 2010 and received by Saudi agency Badawood Recruitment Office which later sent Aan to work at Hamud as a housemaid.

The case was also reported by Saudi media on Thursday. Jumhur said he had checked it with the Indonesian Consul General in Jidda, Zakaria Anshar who confirmed it.

When found her body was full of

bumps caused by blows with blunt objects.

Police in Al Manshor, Mecca, had interrogated Hamud and his wife in connection with the case.

“I asked the Saudi police to investigate the case thoroughly and justice for her by sentencing the perpetrators to death,” Jumhur said.

He said he would immediately send a protest to the Saudi government over the incident.

He said the case was very concerning as it happened in a holy city of Mecca. He said Aan’s body was now still being kept at King Faisal Hospital.

Several explosions occurred at the storage tanks after the blaze broke out early Saturday.

Darmoko says the cause of fire is still being investigated but there are no signs of sabotage. Residents were evacuated from around

the Cilacap refinery on Java island.

Pertamina spokesman Muhammad Harun says the fire will not disrupt fuel production.

Another fire in 2008 at the Cilacap refinery killed three people.

Indonesia criticises Aussie travel warning Associated Press Writer

JAKARTA - Indonesia has criticised Australia for warning that the arrest of alleged Bali bomber Umar Patek could spark a violent response by extremists, describing it as excessive.

The federal government issued the warning this week after confirming Patek, wanted in connection with the 2002 nightclub bombings in Bali that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, had been arrested in Pakistan.

However, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Michael Tene on Friday said the warning did not reflect the actual situation on the ground in Indonesia. Advertisement: Story continues below “Every country has the right and obligation to protect their own citizens, including giving information or warning for their citizens abroad,” Mr Tene said.

“But the warning should reflect to the actual situation in the country intended and should not be excessive.

“This is the same thing as what we did with our citizens abroad, like they who are in the Middle East and Japan, for example. It is our right to protect our citizens, but it should reflect to the actual situation.”

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who on Wednesday confirmed Patek had been taken into custody, said at the time that the arrest was a major win in the fight against terrorism.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade subsequently revised its travel warning for Indonesia, saying Patek’s arrest “may increase the risk of violent responses in the short term”.

“On some occasions where high profile extremists have been detained or killed, there has been a strong response from some supporters in Indonesia, including acts of violence,” DFAT said.

The department’s overall level of advice for Indonesia has not changed and remains “reconsider your need to travel”.

Patek is suspected of having served as Jemaah Islamiah’s deputy field commander for the Bali bombings.

The 40-year-old was the final senior planner of the 2002 attack still at large.

He is wanted in several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States, where there has been a $US1 million bounty on his head.

He is believed to have trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan during the 1980s and ’90s and has been linked to al-Qaeda.

River dike collapses inundating hundreds of houses Antara

LANGKAT - A river bank in Padang Tualang sub-district, Langkat r egency, North Sumatra, collapsed causing in-

undation of hundreds of houses and hundreds of others facing potential flooding.

“The dike in Cucukan river, Ta n j u n g Putus village, Padang Tualang sub-district,

collapsed last n i g h t ,” Erdiyanto, Tanjung Putus village head said Sunday.

He said the damage on the river dike became worse in the morning hours due to the strong

Cucukan river flow as the result of constant hard rain in the last couple of days.

Cucukan is an estuary of Batang Serangan, having its upper reaches in the Gunung Lauser

National Park, he said.

Erdiyanto also said that hundreds of houses of villagers had been inundated, so were many of their farmland and plantations.

8

International

Monday, April 4, 2011

Bali Today Population explosion triggers agricultural land conversion Population growth reaching 4 percent in Denpasar, in fact, has an adverse impact on the existence of agricultural land. It is indicated by the agricultural land conversion every year in Denpasar turning progressively unstoppable. In fact, two subak (traditional irrigation cooperative) groups have become extinct as besieged by settlement. Both subak groups disappearing in Denpasar are the Subak Sanglah and Subak Kereneng. Now, the other subak groups will vanish and even be threatened by settlements.

Head of Denpasar Agricultural, Food and Horticultural Services, I Gede Ambara Putra, accompanied by Section Head of Information Services of Denpasar Public Relations, Dewa Rai, admitted Friday (Apr 1) the existence of agricultural land conversion.

However, when viewed from the number of changes, it was not too significant because based on the data at hand the average land conversion every year only reached about 25 hectares.

It was said the current extent of irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural land in Denpasar reached 2,717 hectares. In other words, the percentage of agricultural land conversion was only 0.5 hectares per year. To minimize the land conversion, his party continued to disseminate information to farmers how to better utilize the land. Through the optimization of agricultural land, his party hoped the desire of farmers or land owners to sell their land could be suppressed.

“We also provide incentive for farmers whose agricultural land located in green belt,” said Ambara. The impact of population growth explosion in urban areas did not only become a boo-

merang for agricultural land. Of course, it would be followed by the other social problems. One of them was the emergence of urban slums polluting this culture-based city.

Data of the Denpasar City Planning and Housing Services some time ago noted that there were at least 80 points of slum area in Denpasar. Of that amount, some were categorized into the very high level of slum. Those inhabiting the settlements mostly consisted of urbanites.

It was evident from the results of research made by the Center for Health Service Management, School of Medicine, Udayana University, some time ago at Belong Menak Hamlet, Pemecutan Kaja.

The extent of slum area surveyed reached 1.3 hectares with the occupants amounting to 200 families. Those who lived in the slum settlements in the region were local migrants (from outside Denpasar 47.5 percent) and migrants from outside Bali reached 51.4 percent.

Sesetan as the most populous

Meanwhile, the results of population census conducted by the

IBP/Doc

Beautiful scenery of traditional rice field on Bali. The population growth reaching 4 percent in Denpasar, in fact, has an adverse impact on the existence of agricultural land. It is indicated by the agricultural land conversion every year in Denpasar turning progressively unstoppable.

Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2010 showed the number of population in Denpasar had reached 788,445 people. They consisted of 403,026 men and 385,419 women.

The most populous subdistrict was South Denpasar reaching 244,957 people, then followed by West Denpasar Subdistrict with a population of 229,483 people, North Denpasar (176,073 people) and East Denpasar (137,932 people).

When traced by village, the highest population occurred at Sesetan Village reaching 50,595 people. At this village was recorded 25,955 men and 24,640 women dwelling the area with the extent of 7.39 square kilometers.

On seeing such an extent, the density per kilometer of Sesetan Village reached 6,846 people.

Village Head of Sesetan, Nyoman Agus Mahardika, recog-

nized the number of residents at Sesetan was indeed the highest in Denpasar. However, regarding to ratio between indigenous residents to migrants was nearly equal. “I think the ratio of native residents to regional migrants in this area is corresponding. The amount is not much different between migrants and indigenous residents,” he said when contacted last Saturday. (ara)

Mayungan Anyar Hamlet Retains Agrotourism Potential If government is serious about developing new destinations as an effort to attract more tourists to stay longer on this island, Mayungan Anyar Hamlet can potentially be developed into agrotourism. The hamlet belonging to Antapan Village territory, Tabanan has uniqueness of its own. “Mayungan Hamlet has agrotourism attraction along with its Five Enchantments,” said Eka Mahadewi in Nusa Dua recently.

This lecturer of Bali Tourism Institute (STP Bali) then ex-

plained the five types of enchantments consisted of characterized environmental conditions, undulating topography and beautiful hills. Similarly, the village had a variety of vegetables, horticultural plants and characteristic crop. “In terms of historical development, Mayungan Hamlet produced various vegetables being able to provide supply for the Baturiti subdistrict long time ago,” she said.

Historically, continued Eka, the village was capable of producing vegetables that provided supplies for Baturiti subdistrict as well as other areas from the past times.

Meanwhile, in the field of technology, local villagers remaining to use traditional manners along with its subak irrigation system could become the main attraction.

Its products comprised the combination of activity to enjoy the natural scenery of plantation and agriculture with other activities, such as enjoying the scenery around the tourist object while picking pineapples, tomatoes, oranges and other fruits.

“And the current trend at the village is that visitors can do additional activities such as hiking and cycling around the location

of agrotourism,” said the administrator of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of Badung Chapter calmly.

Mayungan Hamlet also had ancestral cultural heritages such as Chinese ceramics originated in the Ming Dynasty times (thirteenth to fourteenth century), pieces of slonding gamelan blades, buffer of slonding blades, and the Okokan arts. The panoramic view of terraced rice field combined with sunset generated an interesting scene. Likewise, there were also tourist attractions of Ngingil and Cepung Waterfall that were no

less interesting.

However, Eka added that the road leading to the village stayed to become a significant constraint. Road access to the village was extremely damaged and not worthy to be passed through. Then, connecting bridge of Tohjiwa Village in Badung Regency and Talangpati Village in Tabanan Regency had not been improved yet properly.

For this moment, these objects could only be reached by motorcycle or four-wheeled private car because there was no public transport. (BTN)

International

Monday, April 4, 2011

Balinese Culture Gulai Kambing (Spiced Lamb)

YPS is invited to France by UNESCO Antara

DENPASAR – The art and cultural foundation “Yasa Putra Sedana” (YPS) which is located in Melinggih Kelod Village in Gianyar Regency is invited by UNESCO to France. The UN department handling education, science and culture invite YPS to perform in France for two months started on July 6, 2011.

The head of Yasa Putra Sedana, Dewa Rai Budiasa, said that the foundation will perform Balinese dancing and gamelan. “The team going to France consists of 30

people and will perform in 8 cities in the country. We have been training for 9 months to prepare the performance,” he added.

In addition to from Indonesia, there will be also delegates from Italy, Germany, Australia, and art group from the host France.

“We will perform our best in the festival because it will be a good opportunity to perform Indonesia and Bali abroad,” Dewa Rai said. Twelve dances will be performed in the festival, among them are gambang suling, panyembrahma, legong keraton, oleg tamulilingan,

cendrawasih and barong Meanwhile, the General Director of Indonesian Cultural and Tourism Department, Sapta Nirwandar, said that the government is supporting the art group who will perform aboard.

“I personally am supporting the art group. It will become a means of promotion of Indonesia. We will give CDs regarding the tourism site in Indonesia,” he added. The government also will give up to ten tickets for the member of the group. This is because all accommodation and other need of the group in France is already given by UNESCO.

”Bali Dog Idol”

To increase affection to animals Antara

DENPASAR – Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) not only carry out dog vaccination program but also try to increase the awareness of the people of Bali about rabies through Bali Dog Idol (BDI) 2011.

The founder of BAWA, Janice Girardi, on the BDI 2011 event in Bali Bird Park Singapdu on Sunday, April 3 2011, said “Bali Dog Idol is the program whish is already going on for 3 years. In this program, the people will adopt puppies through BAWA.” She is certain that BDI is one of the most important programs of the association which can educate ev-

eryone to be more responsible to their pets. It also could support the efforts of the government to prevent rabies.

Janice added that human health is highly related to the health of their pets so education about pets is needed. The annual BDI program has been developing since 2009 and this year, the participants are 72 contestants.

The Education Staff of BAWA, Agung Arnawa, said that every year, the foundation is trying to offer puppies to the society through promotion in schools and other public places.

“Every year we offer the puppies that we found on the street. For those who want to adopt them, we

will conduct a survey to determine whether they are qualified to take care the puppy,” he added.

Before being adopted, the puppy will be given health care such as vaccination. “Every two weeks, we will inspect the health of the adopted puppy. If the puppy is sick, the owner can contact us and we will come to their house,” Arnawa said.

He said that the condition of the puppy on the street is usually not good but after being treated by BAWA, their condition is improving. Arnawa also explained that the number of failure in treatment after being adopted is only 5%. Some of the dogs are dead and some give them back because they can not take care of the dog anymore.

Ingredients * 1 3/4 lb Lamb, fresh * 2 Onion * 3 Thai chile * Ginger, fresh; 3/4" knob * Lemon grass root, 1/2" knob * 1 Lemon grass, stem * 2 Garlic clove * 8 Macadamia nut * 2 Tomato, ripe * 1/3 c Oil * 1/2 ts Cardamom, ground * 1/2 ts Cumin powder * 1/2 ts Turmeric * 1/4 ts Fennel powder * 1 Cinnamon stick; 2" * 4 Cloves, whole * Salt; to taste * Pepper, black; to taste * 4 c Coconut milk

Directions Cut the lamb into bite-size chunks. Chop the onions, chiles, ginger, lemon root and lemon grass. Crush the garlic and grind the macadamia nuts. Skin the tomatoes and cut the flesh into small dice. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion, chiles and garlic and saute until the onion becomes translucent.

Then add the lamb, ginger, lemon root, lemon grass and tomato and cook for another three minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spice powders, cinnamon stick and cloves and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil, stirring constantly, then lower heat and allow to simmer until the meat is very tender; approximately 45 minutes. Serve immediately with steamed rice. (http://asiarecipe.com)

Gulai Merah (Beef Short Ribs) Ingredients * 4 Shallots, sliced * 3 Garlic cloves, sliced * 1 Piece of fresh ginger, -sliced * 4 Or 5 hot red chile peppers, -seeded, sliced * 2 ts Ground coriander * 1/8 ts Ground turmeric * 1 ts Salt, or to taste * 2 c Water * 2 lb Lean short ribs of beef, -cut into 3-inch pieces * 2 tb Corn oil * 2 Salam leaves * 2 sl Laos * 1 Stalk lemon grass * 1 sl Lemon

Directions Process shallots, garlic, ginger, chiles, coriander, turmeric, salt and 1/2 cup of water to a smooth sauce.

Marinate beef for 1/2 hour.

Heat the oil: add the beef and marinade, the salam, laos, lemon grass and lemon; stir-fry over moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining water, cover and cook until beef is tender, about 1 hour. If the sauce evaporates too quickly, add 1/2 cup water and continue to simmer.

Serve warm. (http://asiarecipe.com) C.045 ibp

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Monday, April 4, 2011

Destinations

International

Pengotan traditional village IBP

This is another unique village besides the traditional village of Penglipuran. It offers plenty uniqueness, which are different to those owned by Penglipuran. The people have a different socio-life.

Their houses are arranged in uniqe patterns and made of Bamboos. Mass marriage is another uniqueness owned by the village. In this ritual, many couples are doing their wedding rituals together, which are held at their Penataran Agung Temple. These event is conducted a Sasih Kadasa (around April-October).

The other different tradition worth knowing is the burial ritual. The corpse is carried by two people to the cemetery, running. Arriving at the place, the corpse’s cover is unveiled, making it naked. Then it is rolled down into the hole for burying that has been prepared. Afterward, it is covered, face up-down-ward, overlooking northwestward.

Traditional arts also evolve well here, with arts like Baris Jangkang, Baris Jojor, Baris Perasi, Baris Perancak, Baris Blongsong, Baris Bajra, Baris Juntal and Baris Dapdap Dance. The dances are often performed at the village temple. The so-caleed Perang Papah is a unique tradition where performers hit each other using the stems of banana leaves. It is performed at Pedunungan Temple on Balinese calendar of Purnama Sasih Kenem (around December).

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Monday, April 4, 2011

11

BUSINESS European bank appears set for landmark rate hike Agence France-Presse

FRANKFURT – The European Central Bank is expected to announce its first interest rate hike since July 2008 this week even as the eurozone crisis deepens with three members missing key deficit targets.

“Only a severe escalation of the situation in Japan or a crisis in the financial markets is likely to prevent the ECB from raising rates” on Thursday, Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert said.

It would be the first change to the record low rate of 1.0 percent in effect since May 2009 but could raise pressure on eurozone members Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

It would also make the ECB the first leading central bank to raise its interest rate, and could drive the euro higher on foreign exchange markets.

Bank policymakers, including president Jean-Claude Trichet who flagged the rate hike last month, want to bring monetary policy back towards normal since the economy is growing and inflation is now well above target.

ECB chief economist Juergen Stark said in the Wall Street Journal Europe last month: “We need to be mindful not to keep interest rates too low for too long.”

Inflation has risen for four months running to 2.6 percent, higher than the ECB’s target of just below 2.0 percent, and shows little sign of stopping as oil, food and other commodity prices climb upwards.

The current level of inflation, the highest since October 2008, raised the chances of more than one interest rate hike this year, economists said.

“In our view it is obvious that more hikes will follow,” ING senior economist Carsten Brzeski commented.

High prices have also begun to wear on consumer sentiment, undermining what some economists have said could be a crucial pillar of growth this year.

But higher rates could have the biggest effect on countries that can least afford them, those struggling with acute debt levels and high unemployment.

“The countries already suffering at the eurozone periphery will be hurt the most by higher ECB rates,” Brzeski warned.

They included Portugal, the public deficit of which stood at 8.6 percent of output last year, well above the government’s 7.3 percent target and nowhere near the theoretical European Union (EU) limit of 3.0 percent.

Portugal will hold early general

elections on June 5, after hitting a political impasse over proposed austerity measures, President Anibal Cavaco Silva said Friday.

Greece’s deficit has also probably exceeded the official estimate of 9.4 percent, its finance minister said last week, amid signs that efforts to boost tax collection were failing.

And Spain, which analysts say has worked hard to correct its financial situation, will miss its deficit targets this year and next, the Spanish central bank has forecast.

Finally, Ireland revealed last week that its entire banking sector needs a drastic overhaul, with the cost of bailing out commercial lenders set to top 70 billion euros ($99 billion).

The ECB said Thursday it would accept all bonds issued or guaranteed by the Irish government as collateral for central bank loans, easing some pressure on Irish banks.

Meanwhile, EU leaders have approved measures to prevent a repeat of the eurozone’s debt saga, but their response has been overshadowed by rising expectations that Portugal will still need a bailout.

The new EU plan includes the creation of a permanent fund — the European Stability Mechanism — to help eurozone members that hit trouble, in a bid to shore up the single currency for the future.

Somewhat reassured markets pushed the value of the euro up to around 1.41 dollars, making it a bit harder for weak economies to boost exports and raise tax revenues.

“Accordingly, it may even increase the chances of one or more of the most fiscally challenged economies restructuring its debts,” said economist Ben May at Capital Economics.

Observers are now wondering whether the expected ECB rate hike will be the first of a series, with several saying a normal rate given improved economic conditions and inflation would be around 2.0 percent.

The latest eurozone purchasing managers index eased in March from a 10-year peak in February but remained at a level that indicated further growth, while unemployment finally fell below 10 percent.

IMF denies pressing Greece to restructure debt Reuters

WASHINGTON/BERLIN – The International Monetary Fund on Saturday denied a report in German magazine Der Spiegel that it was privately pressing Greece to restructure its debt.

“As we have said consistently, the IMF supports the Greek government’s position of no debt restructuring and its determination to fully service its debt obligations. Any reports claiming otherwise are wrong,” an IMF spokeswoman told Reuters.

Without citing any sources, Der Spiegel reported that the IMF had reversed its previous opposition to the idea of a Greek restructuring and now believed one was necessary soon.

It wrote that senior IMF officials were recommending this to European governments because Greece’s debt mountain was now roughly one-and-a-half times its annual economic output.

Early in March, IMF European Director Antonio Borges told reporters he was “confident that Greek debt is sustainable,” adding that the Greeks had made “quite a bit of progress on their banks” as well.

But since the IMF now believes current measures no

longer suffice, it would like to see interest rates on Greek sovereign debt lowered, maturities extended or the amount of principal which Greece has to repay cut, Der Spiegel said.

European governments and the IMF are jointly contributing to and administering Greece’s 110 billion euro ($155 billion) bailout, so a split between them on policy could be damaging to Greece’s prospects for recovery.

Greek and European officials have long insisted that Greece can recover without restructuring its debt, and that even discussing a restructuring now would be counterproductive by damaging banks across Europe and causing panic in markets.

Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, speaking to Reuters at a conference in Italy on Saturday, responded to the Der Spiegel report by saying: “There is absolutely no chance of a restructuring of Greek debt.”

He added, “People (who talk about a restructuring) fail to understand that the costs would much outweigh the benefits.”

European Commission spokesman Jens Mester said: “All support measures are in place, and there is no reason now to start thinking of this possibility of restructuring Greece’s debt.”

Der Spiegel reported that the IMF was still not willing to call openly for a Greek restructuring out of fear this could increase market pressure on Portugal. Portuguese bond yields have soared in the last several weeks because investors think Lisbon may soon be forced to seek a bailout.

Many investors and analysts think an eventual Greek restructuring may be inevitable. Cutting its credit rating of Cyprus on Wednesday, Standard and Poor’s cited an “increasing likelihood that the Greek government will restructure its debt.”

Former European Central Bank chief economist Otmar Issing told Der Spiegel last month that Greece’s sovereign debt would have to be restructured as soon as other euro zone countries were out of danger.

Before any restructuring, however, Greece may try another strategy. Papaconstantinou said on Wednesday that Athens might use some proceeds from state asset sales to buy back outstanding bonds from the market; since market prices of its debt have dropped sharply below face value, this could have the effect of a restructuring in lightening Greece’s debt load without requiring Athens to conduct difficult talks with creditors.

Japan disaster to cost Australia $2 billion in lost trade Agence France-Presse

SYDNEY – The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan will cost Australia some Aus$2 billion (US$2.07 billion) in lost export earnings, trimming economic growth, Treasurer Wayne Swan said Sunday.

Japan is the country’s secondlargest trade partner after China and the seafloor quake and tsunami on March 11, which left about 28,000 people dead or missing, damaged ports and power stations.

Australia is the world’s biggest shipper of coal and iron ore and Swan admitted the catastrophe would leave its mark on the Australian economy.

“Preliminary Treasury estimates show that the earthquake and tsunami will cut demand for our bulk commodity exports in the short term and likely slash around $2 billion from export earnings in 2010-11,” he said.

“This could subtract less than a

quarter of a percentage point from GDP growth this financial year, and comes on top of the half a percentage point impact from the floods and cyclone at home.

“Japan’s nuclear situation and power shortages continue to weigh on international financial markets and may prolong the impact of this crisis on the global economy,” Swan added.

The hit to the economy comes after the Treasury said destructive floods in Australia this year could cost up to $8.3 billion in lost coal production — a sharp increase on earlier projected losses.

The huge deluge that swamped coal-producing Queensland state in January caused significant damage, halting mine production and cutting key transport infrastructure, The government has estimated the floods, which covered an area the size of France and Germany combined and were followed by destructive Cyclone Yasi, will cut coal production by about 15 million tonnes

in the March quarter alone.

But businesses expect total coal production losses to be much higher, worth roughly between Aus$5.5 and Aus$8 billion.

“No one was ever under any doubt that the financial toll of the devastation we’ve seen in Queensland and elsewhere in Australia this summer was going to be substantial,” Swan said.

“The latest figures back that up, and indicate the cost is likely to be even larger than we initially thought.”

The twin natural disasters are expected to weigh heavily on the Australian budget due to be announced on May 10, which will seek to balance their costs against inflationary risks caused by an unprecedented Asia-driven mining boom.

Swan warned of tough decisions ahead.

“These events all have significant implications for our budget as well as our economy,” he said.

12

Entertainment

Monday, April 4, 2011

International

Charlie Sheen’s “Torpedo” bombs in Detroit Reuters

DETROIT - After hearing chants of “Refund! Refund!” and being booed, even Charlie Sheen knew his “Violent Torpedo of Truth” had bombed on its debut in Detroit on Saturday night.

Sheen, until recently the highest paid actor on a TV sitcom for portraying a skirt-chasing bachelor on “Two and a Half Men,” staged a live variety show to prove to the TV producers who fired him that he was on the mend from more than a year of legal troubles and drug and alcohol abuse.

Sheen, 45, became a media spectacle in recent weeks with a series of off-the-wall interviews in which he flaunted his lifestyle, amassed a Twitter following of more than 3 million, made “winning” his mantra and boasted of having “tiger blood” that gave him a superhero’s constitution.

Sheen’s “My Violent Torpedo of Truth: Defeat is Not an Option” show was meant to prove that he still had what it takes to please audiences but critics panned it and audiences thought it could use work, at best. The comedy revue with rapper Dirt Nasty and comedian Kirk Fox, among others, brought catcalls from the audience and not even Sheen’s girlfriend “goddesses” could win fans.

Twenty minutes after the show had ended, some 750 die-hard fans lingered in the theater and Sheen returned to the stage flanked by his gals. “This is an experiment. We’re working some shit out,” he said.

Sheen and his troupe proved awkward at best. Fans had thought they might hear inside stories of the drug-and-drink-fueled parties and wild nights that hospitalized him and sent him to rehab. But they never heard a single tale and nearly every one of Sheen’s monologues and comedy skits had to be aborted due Sheen’s inability to handle the rowdy, unhappy audience.

Actor Charlie Sheen shows off his Detroit Tigers jersey during his performance at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Saturday, April 2, 2011.

Promising “the real story,” the 45-year-old former “Two and a Half Men” star hit the road for a month-long, 20-city variety show tour, with the first stop Saturday’s sold-out show in Detroit.

Johnny Depp at Nickelodeon’s 24th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Los Angeles.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Depp, Cyrus win but avoid slime at Kids’ Choice Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – Johnny Depp showed his appreciation for his Kids’ Choice Award with a sliming. After earning the blimpshaped favorite movie actor trophy for his Mad Hatter role in “Alice in Wonderland,” Depp manned a hose and unleashed waves of green goop on the screaming crowd of more than 10,000 kids — and a few adults.

“You guys are the future,” he said Saturday before spraying the slime inside University of Southern California’s Galen Center. “Take good care of us.”

The screaming mob at Nickelodeon’s 24th annual fan-favorite ceremony later revolted by flicking the goo at “Modern Family” co-star Rico Rodriguez and “Arthur” leading man Russell Brand as they presented Eddie Murphy with the award for favorite voice from an animated movie for his role in “Shrek Forever After.”

Rodriguez and Brand struggled to recite their introduction as the green stuff was

slung at them. “Johnny, I wish you’d drowned them!” screeched Brand.

Jack Black, the zany master of ceremonies, kicked off the silly show by arriving in a monster truck, performing a flash mobstyle routine on the orange carpet, then dancing alongside the Black Eyed Peas, who crooned a medley of their tunes while sporting outfits made of colorful blocks. He announced that more than 200 million votes were cast for the show.

Other winners included “The Karate Kid” for movie, “The Karate Kid” co-star Jackie Chan for butt-kicker, “Despicable Me” for animated movie, “iCarly” for TV show, “Wizards of Waverly Place” star Selena Gomez for TV actress, “The Suite Life on Deck” co-star Dylan Sprouse for TV actor, “iCarly” co-star Jennette McCurdy for TV sidekick, “American Idol” for reality TV show, “SpongeBob SquarePants” for cartoon and “Just Dance 2” for video game. “Thanks for voting until your fingers were sore,” screamed McCurdy. “Grandma, that’s you!”

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Penelope Cruz gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – Penelope Cruz has been enshrined in concrete. The Oscar-winning actress unveiled her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star Friday, flanked by leading men Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp.

The event is timed ahead of next month’s release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” in which she stars with Depp.

The Spanish star says that when she came to the United States in 1994, she only knew how to say “How are you?” and “I want to work with Johnny Depp” in English. She jokes that now, she knows how to say “I want to work with Johnny Depp again.”

The 36-year-old actress co-starred with husb a n d B a r d e m i n h e r O s c a r- w i n n i n g r o l e i n “Vicky Christina Barcelona.” They welcomed their son in January.

AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

Penelope Cruz

Biopic with Travolta: ‘Gotti: Three Generations’ Associated Press Writer

A highly anticipated film starring John Travolta as the leader of the legendary Gambino crime family has a name: “Gotti: Three Generations.”

Film spokesman Steve Honig confirmed the title Saturday and says the biopic about “Dapper Don” John Gotti will be shot on a budget of about $75 million this year.

Honig says details would be released April 12 at a news conference in New York, where the project will be filmed.

A person with knowledge of the film who spoke on condition of anonymity because it hadn’t been announced has said it will be produced by Marc Fiore and directed by Nick Cassavetes. The famous mobster died in prison in 2002. His son, 47-yearold John “Junior” G

Science

International

Monday, April 4, 2011

13

Pandas help lighten the mood in Japan Reuters

TOKYO – A pair of pandas that arrived from China a few weeks ago made their first public appearance at a zoo in Tokyo on Friday, providing a little light relief for victims of the tsunami that hit the country in March.

About 300 people who were forced from their homes by the tsunami joined thousands of others at Ueno Zoo to welcome male panda Ri Ri and female Shin Shin, both 5 years old, whose arrival in the country was broadcast live on national television in February.

The pandas’ debut was postponed for about two weeks due to the disaster on March 11.

The zoo asked visitors to contribute to the re-

AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

A female giant panda Xiannu eats bamboo at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Friday, April 1, 2011 as two giant pandas from China made their debut appearance.

lief efforts after the massive earthquake and tsunami that killed or left missing about 27,500 people and made about 350,000 homeless.

“The mood in Japan is so bleak now. I hope more people will come see the pandas so they can cheer us up,” zoo visitor Misaki Kamezaki said.

The last panda at Ueno, Ling Ling, died in 2008, although there are pandas at other zoos in Japan. The presence of pandas in Japan is often linked to the state of relations with China, which often go through chilly spells due to issues such as Japan’s handling of its wartime past and territorial disputes over islands. China has donated to the relief effort, sending aid including clothing to the victims.

New dino in same league as T. rex Agence France Presse

PARIS – Move over Tyrannosaurus rex, there’s a new fleshripping theropod on the scene that scientists say was probably as big and fearsome as the king of dinosaurs. The previously unknown predator, unveiled Friday in the journal Cretaceous Research, measured 11 metres (36 feet) from head to tail, stood four metres (13 feet) tall, and weighed in at six tonnes.

Dubbed Zhuchengtyrannus magnus, or “tyrant from Zhucheng,” after the spot in China’s Shandong Province where it was discovered, the T. rex-like carnivore is among the largest in its family ever found.

“It can be distinguished from other tyrannosourines by a combination of unique features in the skull not seen in any other theropods,” said David Hone, a professor at University College Dublin and lead author of the study.

The tyrannosaurines lorded over North America and eastern Asia during the late Cretaceous Period, which lasted from about 99 to 65 million years ago.

The group, which included T. rex, were formidable hunters with small arms, tiny two-fingered hands, and monstrous jaws

designed to dispatch prey with deadly, bone-crushing bites.

Palaeontologists only had a partial jaw bone and part of the skull to work with, so it was difficult to gauge the creatures exact size.

“But the bones we have are just a few centimetres smaller than the equivalent ones in the largest T. rex specimen, so there is no doubt that Zhuchengtyrannus was huge,” Hone said.

The quarry where the new “tyrant” was found, along with nearby sites, boasts one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur remains anywhere in the world. Scientists speculate that the area is rich in fossils because it was a flood plain.

This artist’s impression released by University College Dublin, courtesy of Robert Nicholls shows Zhuchengtyrannus magnus. Move over Tyrannosaurus rex, there’s a new flesh-ripping theropod on the scene that scientists say was probably as big and fearsome as the king of dinosaurs.

AFP/HO/Robert Nicholls

Cablevision launches iPad app to watch TV at home Reuters

REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

A customer hold the new iPad tablet computer at its UK launch at an Apple store in central London May 28, 2010.

CHICAGO – Cablevision Systems Corp is launching an app for customers using its Optimum package to watch television on their iPads at home, the company said on Saturday.

The service, available at no extra charge, will allow the cable operator’s more than 3 million customers to watch some 300 channels, search programing by genre and enable customers to record programs.

The system uses Cablevision’s digital cable television network to

deliver programing to the iPad, so customers do not need to have Internet access on their devices to use the app.

“This application allows the iPad to function as a television, delivering the full richness and diversity of our cable television service to a display device in the home,” Tom Rutledge, Cablevision chief operating officer, said in a statement. The move by New York-based Cablevision comes weeks after Time Warner Cable launched its own iPad app in mid-March.

The Time Warner version allows users to watch live programing from 32 networks so long as they are at home using their Wi-Fi network. But Time Warner’s app sparked controversy.

A few days ago, after getting several “cease and desist” notices, the No. 2 U.S. cable company said it would no longer carry networks owned by News Corp’s Fox, Viacom and Discovery Communications. The media companies believe the cable company needs to pay for new licenses in order for customers to use the iPad app.

14

Monday, April 4, 2011

Sport

International

Rooney waits to hear if he faces action over swearing Reuters

AP Photo/ Alberto Saiz

Barcelona’s Gerard Pique, left, shoots to score pass Villarreal’s goalkeeper Diego Lopez, right, during their Spanish La Liga soccer match at Madrigal stadium in Villarreal, Saturday, April 2, 2011.

Barca closing in on title after shock Real defeat

MANCHESTER - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will learn on Monday whether he faces disciplinary action from the English Football Association for swearing on television while celebrating a hattrick. Rooney has apologised for shouting an expletive into a camera after completing a 14-minute treble that inspired his team to come from two goals down to beat West Ham United 4-2 and go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“Tomorrow there will be a decision,” FA director of football development Trevor Brooking told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday when asked whether the governing body would be investigating Rooney’s outburst.

“It was a surprise, having scored a hat-trick, to react that way. It is something we will have to look at.”

United published a statement from Rooney on their website (www.manutd.com) on Saturday. “I want to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially any par-

ents or children that were watching,” the 25-year-old said.

“Emotions were running high, and on reflection my heat-of-the-moment reaction was inappropriate. It was not aimed at anyone in particular.” Rooney had been mobbed by team mates as he celebrated his first hat-trick of what has been a troubled and below-par season before heading towards a television camera and yelling into it.

His behaviour, rather than his three goals, dominated the back pages in British newspapers with The Sunday Times’ main headline announcing “Red Devil Turns Air Blue” and The News of the World declaring “Rood Yob”.

Rooney made headlines at last year’s World Cup for another television outburst when he turned to a camera and shouted “Nice to see your home fans boo you. That’s what loyal support is,” after jeers greeted England’s abject 0-0 draw with Algeria. His season has been hit by injuries, off-field problems and a loss of form and Saturday’s goals took his league tally to 10.

Reuters

MADRID - Real Madrid’s shock 1-0 defeat at home to Sporting Gijon on Saturday and Barcelona’s victory by the same scoreline at Villarreal brought a third consecutive La Liga title firmly within the Catalan club’s reach. With eight games left, Barca have an eight-point advantage over their great rivals, whom they thrashed 5-0 at the Nou Camp in November, and their run-in to the end of the season looks significantly less challenging on paper.

Real host Barca in two weeks, a few days before they clash in the King’s Cup final, and then have tough away games at Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal. Apart from Real and fifth-placed Espanyol, Barca’s other six opponents are all in the lower reaches of the standings.

Coach Pep Guardiola, who has engineered league triumphs in his first two seasons with Barca and victory over Real in all five “Clasicos” he has contested, warned against complacency after the Villarreal game and said sport was capable of producing big surprises.

“If you declare yourself champion with an eight-point lead and eight games left you can only lose

the league,” the 40-year-old former Barca and Spain midfielder told a news conference.

“In the end the league is only won when it is won,” he added. “We have some terribly difficult matches coming up. “Madrid is always Madrid and they will fight to the end.” Barca beat Villarreal, who surrendered third place to Valencia as a result, without suspended playmaker Xavi.

Guardiola also rested joint La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi after an injury scare on duty with Argentina, only bringing him off the bench in the second half.

Spain defender Gerard Pique scored the crucial goal in the 67th minute when he controlled a Sergio

Busquets flick from a corner on his chest and lashed the ball into the net from close range, sparking wild celebrations from the Barca bench. “We got the better of the third-placed team and made them run,” Guardiola said.

“We didn’t have that many chances but we were more concerned with controlling the game. It was a great win.” Barca have 81 points from 30 games and host relegation threatened Almeria next weekend. Real, who play at Athletic Bilbao, have 73 points.

Both clubs are in Champions League quarter-final action midweek and if they progress to the last four will meet home and away at the end of April and beginning of May.

Japan set to skip Copa America after disaster Reuters

TOKYO - Japan’s participation as guests in this year’s Copa America looks set to be scrapped amid the chaos caused by last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. Japan Football Association President Junji Ogura left for South America on Sunday to inform tournament organisers it was no longer feasible for the ‘Blue

Samurai’ to take part.

“We asked them to allow us to play and they agreed,” Ogura told Japan’s Nikkan Sports newspaper. “I will have to explain the situation in Japan as it’s not our decision to make.

“But they understand we have to use July (for rescheduled J-League matches),” he added, underlining Japan’s involvement in the July 1-24 Copa America in Argentina was un-

workable.

As a result of the force 9.0 quake and massive tsunami which tore through northeast Japan after it, more than 11,000 were killed while over 15,000 are still missing.

The disaster has caused cancellations to sport nationwide while JLeague fixtures have been rescheduled, leaving the JFA little wiggle room.

AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK

Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, in East London, England, on April 2, 2011.

Sport

International

Monday, April 4, 2011

15

Bucks beat 76ers to keep playoffs hopes alive Reuters

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks maintained their slim playoff chances by completing a 93-87 victory in overtime over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The 10th-placed Bucks (3145) now trail the eighth-placed Indiana Pacers (35-42) by 3.5 games for the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining.

“We still have a little bit of heartbeat for the playoffs,” said Bucks center Andrew Bogut. “But if this was a couple weeks ago it would be nice.”

Brandon Jennings, who was awful in regulation missing all six of his attempts from the floor, scored nine of his 13 points in overtime, including a threepointer with 3:03 remaining to break an 81-81 tie.

The Bucks battled back from a 48-39 halftime deficit in the third quarter, holding the 76ers to just 13 points to forge a tie heading into the final quarter. “We got enough defensive stops to win the

game, but in the third quarter they picked up their level of physicality,” 76ers coach Doug Collins said.

Milwaukee built a 74-67 lead in the fourth but could not finish the 76ers off. Defense dominated the final four minutes in regulation as the teams combined to score just three points.

“We’ve had problems pretty much all year closing games out.

But I think it all goes back to the offensive end,” said Bucks guard John Salmons.

“All year, we struggled on the offensive end and that just continues down the stretch of games. It’s

been a problem all year trying to figure out the offensive end.”

Salmons led the Bucks with 19 points and Bogut had a doubledouble with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Elton Brand led Philadelphia with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Jrue Holiday added 15 points and 10 assists.

Philadelphia 76ers’ Jrue Holiday(11) drives around Milwaukee Bucks’ Andrew Bogut (6)in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, April, 2, 2011, in Milwaukee.

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Azarenka beats Sharapova to win Miami title Reuters

AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan

Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, holds up the trophy after her 6-1, 6-4 win against Maria Sharapova, of Russia, in the women’s final at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Saturday, April 2, 2011.

MIAMI - Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated an error-plagued Russian Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-4 on Saturday to win the Sony Ericsson Open for the second time in three years. Azarenka’s victory, her sixth career title, will lift her to sixth in the world rankings next week — equalling her career best standing.

The 21-year-old was on top from the outset — breaking Sharapova’s first two serves — although she also lost her own first serve game in a scrappy start to the match.

Sharapova, currently ranked 13th in the world, was seeking her first tournament win since May but never found her rhythm nor her serve which she held just once in the match.

The Russian has now lost all three of the finals she has reached at Key Biscayne. “It’s obviously very disappointing given the other finals here as well but she was definitely the better player today and she has had a great tournament,” said Sharapova.

Former world number one Sharapova made 43 unforced errors, gifting points to Azarenka, who showed a good range of shots, including some impressive slices and lobs.

“I think I had the right tactics,” said Azarenka, “She likes to swing big and when she has time it’s very heavy and coming fast. So I was trying to take time away and not let her do that ... I think she was missing a lot because of my game.” Nonethe-

less, Sharapova managed to ground out an opportunity for a comeback in the second set when she saved two championship points at 5-3.

Then Sharapova broke Azarenka for the fourth time, when the Belarussian double faulted on break point, to move within a game at 5-4.

Azarenka kept her cool though and produced a superb backhand winner down the line to set up her third championship point and she clinched the title when Sharapova found the net. “I played really well in the first set but Maria is a great fighter and I had to really hang in there at the end,” said a delighted Azarenka, who defeated Serena

Williams here in 2009.

As expected, the match was a noisy affair on court with both players shrieking and wailing on every shot.

Sharapova, who missed three weeks of practice due to illness prior to making the quarter-finals at last month’s Indian Wells, said she was pleased with her progress despite the setback. “If you saw me, say ten weeks ago when I came back from Paris after pulling out, I was in no shape or form to even play a tournament,” said Sharapova. “So it’s really amazing that I made it. I’m proud of that.”

Baseball, softball consider joint 2020 Olympic bid Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK – The international federations for softball and baseball are working on a joint proposal in hopes of getting both sports back into the Olympics for the 2020 Games.

The federations issued a joint statement Friday that they were analyzing potential savings that could come from sharing an Olympic venue and housing at

the Olympic Village in 2020.

As a result of a 2005 vote, both sports were dropped from the Olympics and won’t be part of the 2012 Games in London or the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The International Softball Federation and the International Baseball Federation said they could meet again next week at the SportAccord convention in London to discuss their proposal.

16

Monday, April 4, 2011

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

Sport

Lorenzo wins dramatic Spanish GP Jerez - Jorge Lorenzo took a home victory in the Spanish Grand Prix at a damp Jerez - but only after Valentino Rossi had taken Casey Stoner out in a collision as they fought for second place, and Marco Simoncelli had crashed out of the lead. Yamaha was set for a one-two until Ben Spies crashed out with just three laps to go, allowing Dani Pedrosa (Honda) to reclaim second despite struggling for speed late on.

Simoncelli and Rossi had been the stars of the opening laps, making the best of the wet conditions to make swift progress up the order.

Though Stoner had led from pole, ahead of Lorenzo, at first, Simoncelli was soon with the lead duo, and sliced past the Yamaha and the Honda in quick succession to hit the front on lap six.

Rossi’s Ducati was also surging through, and by lap seven the Italian had taken third from Lorenzo.

He then went down the inside of Stoner for second into the first corner, but though the Ducati nosed ahead, he then lost control and fell, sliding into Stoner and eliminating the Honda. Rossi was able to continue at the back of the field and would later visit the Honda garage to apologise to Stoner.

That gave Simoncelli a two-second lead over Lorenzo, and the Gresini Honda rider seemed to have a fine chance of taking not only his maiden MotoGP win, but the first for a satellite rider since Toni Elias’ Estoril triumph for Gresini in 2006.

But the dream ended on lap 12, when Simoncelli made a mistake at the first corner and was launched

into a high-side as he tried to catch his sliding bike.

Now into the lead, Lorenzo looked set to come under threat from Pedrosa. The Honda rider had lacked pace in the opening laps, tumbling right down to 10th place before mounting a fightback that took him all the way to second.

Lorenzo had things under control, though, and with Pedrosa’s pace fading as expected in the closing stages while the Honda rider battles with his arm issue, the world champion was able to stretch away.

Spies then closed in on Pedrosa, who did his best to hold the Yamaha off but eventually had to relinquish second. He soon reclaimed the place though, when Spies had a low-side with only three laps to go.

Ducati’s Nicky Hayden held third after the early crashes among the leaders, before his pace drifted away and he fell to fourth. He lost that spot to Colin Edwards (Tech 3 Yamaha) moments before Spies’ crash turned it into a podium place - then was given third back again when Edwards parked in the gravel at the start of the final lap.

Hiroshi Aoyama gave Gresini

AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO

Repsol Honda Team’s Australian Casey Stoner (R) and Ducati Team’s Italian Valentino Rossi (L) crash during the MotoGP race of the Spanish Prix at Jerez’s racetrack in Jerez de la Frontera on April 3, 2011. some consolation with a strong ride to fourth, right on Hayden’s tail, ahead of the recovering Rossi and Aspar Ducati’s Hector Barbera.

Rookie Cal Crutchlow (Tech 3 Yamaha) had been doing an exceptional job to run fifth for much of the race, until a late fall saw him

Iannone takes wet Moto2 victory JEREZ - Andrea Iannone took a comfortable victory in a damp Moto2 race at Jerez. The Italian made swift progress forward from 11th on the grid to take the lead from Thomas Luthi into the first corner just after half-distance.

Iannone cruised away once in front, and his first victory of the year moved him into an early championship lead.

Luthi held on to a lonely second, ahead of Simone Corsi - who had produced an incredible opening-lap charge to get through from 18th on the grid to third on lap one, then sliced past early lead combatants Bradley Smith and Yuki Takahashi to go from third to first in a single move.

Though he was pushed back by Luthi and Iannone, Corsi was able to retain third, with Smith taking fourth ahead of poleman and Qatar winner Stefan Bradl, who was not a factor in the lead battle this time. Julian Simon was sixth while Alex de Angelis made an amazing recovery from a jumpstart penalty to salvage seventh.

Eighth went to Kev Coghlan after the best drive of his short Moto2 career so far. He beat Michele Pirro to the place, with Max Neukirchner

taking 10th from his MZ team-mate Anthony West on the last lap.

Takahashi crashed out of third on lap six. The other main accident among the frontrunners happened

moments later, when Jules Cluzel lost control at the first corner and crashed into the back of Marc Marquez, taking both out. Cluzel apologised in the pits afterwards.

REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo

Suter Moto2 rider Andrea Iannone (R) of Italy sprays champagne next to Thomas Luthi of Switzerland after winning the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, southern Spain, April 3, 2011.

drop to eighth. Fellow newcomer Karel Abraham also fell as he battled to resist Aoyama for seventh, but with the attrition ahead the Cardion AB Ducati rider was able to get the position back in the end. Toni Elias (LCR Honda) and John Hopkins (Suzuki) completed the top 10. An-

drea Dovizioso had a trip through the gravel and a pitstop on the way to a distant 12th on the third Honda.

Randy de Puniet’s strong qualifying performance for Pramac Ducati was wasted by a bad start and later an incident that forced him to retire.