Edisi 08 April 2011 | International Bali Post

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Dry Season late because La Nina

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Gadhafi, in letter, asks Obama to end air strikes

PAGE 8

Malcolm X’s daughters unhappy with new book

AP Photo/Ben Curtis

A Libyan rebel fighter armed with a rocket propelled grenade launcher monitors the skyline from sand dunes near Brega, Libya Wednesday, April 6, 2011. The French foreign minister defended NATO airstrikes in Libya against mounting rebel complaints Wednesday, saying it has become hard to distinguish Moammar Gadhafi’s forces from civilians and friendly forces.

PAGE 12

Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON – Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi appealed directly to President Barack Obama on Wednesday to end what Gadhafi called “an unjust war.” He also wished Obama good luck in his bid for re-election next year.

“You are a man who has enough courage to annul a wrong and mistaken action,” Gadhafi wrote in a rambling, three-page letter to Obama obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. “I am sure that you are

able to shoulder the responsibility for that.” The White House confirmed the letter, but top officials shrugged it off.

“I don’t think there is any mystery about what is expected from Mr. Gadhafi at this time,” Secretary of

State Hillary Rodham Clinton said, repeating U.S. and NATO demands that Gadhafi’s forces pull back and cease attacks. She also renewed a demand that Gadhafi step down from power and leave the country.

“There needs to be a ceasefire, his forces need to withdraw from the cities that they have forcibly taken at great violence and human cost,” she said. “There needs to be a decision made about his departure from power and ... his departure from Libya.”

Rebels and pro-government forces waged nearly stalemate battles in Libya, while a former U.S. lawmaker made an unendorsed private trip to Tripoli to try to convince Gadhafi to step down.

An Obama administration envoy continued meeting with Libyan opposition figures in the rebel-held city of Benghazi, with no decision on whether to increase U.S. help for the rebels seeking Gadhafi’s ouster.

Continued on page 6

Many out of order

E-Kiosk machines of Minister of Culture and Tourism redundant

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DENPASAR - Electronic machines or E-Kiosks installed by central government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at 275 points including tourist attractions, amusement and government centers are redundant. More ironically, the machines displaying information on tourism of Indonesia spending IDR 17 billion more are on display as such right at the entrance but the socket is not connected to the power supply.

According to the Operation Head of Sangeh Ecotourism Object, Made Sumohon, the machine resembling an ATM did not function optimally. Even, the information displayed was complained by tourists as it was not updated.

“It was just been installed a week but has been out of order.

Indeed, when it was first installed many tourists looked up the information, but since the data were less updated no more tourists took advantage of it,” said Sumohon.

Sangeh Ecotourism Object providing the attraction of grey monkeys, as recognized by Sumohon, got two E-kiosk machines. However, the condition of such tourism machine was very concerned. “The machine supplied is untreated.

Even, the pillar of the machine almost collapses,” he said. Similar condition was also recognized by Manager of the Monkey Forest Tourist Object, Wayan Selamet.

The machine was originally designed to support the Visit Indonesia Year (VIY) 2008 but up to these

days had not been operated.

“Since first set up it has never been turned on, because according to the operator the device installed has not been complete yet,” he said.

Even, his party had prepared a special space to place the tourism promotion machine. Lately, one by one of the supporting components were cannibalized to repair another damaged machine put elsewhere.

“Until now, there is no inauguration of the machine when it will be activated. But, I saw the equipment set up previously like AC was dismantled as it was used to replace the damaged one in another place,” he said. Selamet asked the operator to immediately remove the device because it did not provide positive benefits for visitors at the local object.

Continued on page 6

BisnisBali/Widagda

Two children looking at the Electronic machines or EKiosks installed by central government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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International

Friday, April 8, 2011

Bali News

Old Grandfather Robbed Hit, Tied and Mouth Plastered Denpasar (Bali Post) –

IBP/Ole

The Lion puppets which will be used in Dawang-Dawang perfomance.

Buleleng Bali Arts Festival Opening

”Dawang-Dawang” Goes Around Singaraja Singaraja (Bali Post) –

Buleleng seemed wanting to show their unique North Bali arts in the opening of Buleleng Bali Arts Festival (PKB) held on Thursday (7/4). This time, the Dawang-Dawang Parade is joined by nine art groups each from Buleleng’s sub districts.

Based on Dawang-Dawang arts knowledge they are effigies of monsters bringing its weapon, an axem according to Buleleng artist, Wayan Sujana. This effigy usually paraded during a cremation (ngaben) ceremony which can only be found in Buleleng and Tabanan. Yet based on parents stories, a dawang-dawang can be a form of man and woman drawn in a perfect handsome and beautiful form called widiadara and

widiadari which also paraded during a ngaben ceremony.

As seen last Wednesday (6/4), the chosen art groups and villages were getting ready for their varied attractions and placing different things on their dawangdawang. Each dawang-dawang will have its own fragmented story and will be opened by Buleleng Regent Putu Bagiada at Singa Ambara Raja Monument

which then will be brought around through Veteran Street-Gajah Mada Street-Dokter Sutomo Street-Ahmad Yani Street-South Dewi Sartika Street. Buleleng Police Operational Section also has their scenario in diverting routes during the event. Head of the section, Ida Bagus Putu Wedanajati, stated the diversion will start at 10 am with closing Ngurah Rai Street. (kmb15)

A robbery at a house in Kerobokan, Banjar Semer, North Kuta, Badung Regency, last Tuesday (5/4) victimized Ngadi Sugianto (81) an old grandpa who lives in that house and it is identified the robber’s name Harianto (30) from Kali Baru, Banyuwangi, East Java who’s the brother-in-law of Sugianto’s housekeeper.

Information from the police on Wednesday (6/4) stated the robbery happened at 5.15 pm local time when victim was closing the rolling door of his house and going for a bath. After that, victim saw someone hiding in the car garage. Found he’s seen, the robber acted brutally hitting victim several times. Even though victim tried to fight back, the robber was stronger causing victim hitting the ground, threaten by a knife and victim gave up. Victim then was tied on the hands and feet also his

mouth plastered. “This is my job, you don’t try do anything, where are the money and jewelries?” a source imitated the robber’s threat to victim. Victim couldn’t do anything so he told where the valuables are. After robber found it all, he brought them and escaped which then victim called for help and all the residents came to untie him. The case was then reported to the North Kuta Police.

Head of North Kuta Police, APC Nyoman Sukanada, confirmed the incident and stated victim admitted to have loss IDR 10 million. The robber is still being searched by directing fast attack troops even to Banyuwangi where the robber comes from. From what’s known now, apparently robber’s wife always asks for money to her husband and so this might be the factor why robber took a shortcut by robbing his sister-in-law’s boss. (kmb21)

Penugtug Ceremony at Pura Pemuteran Sacred Dance Showed Semarapura, DenPost

After holding Memungkah, Mendem Pedagingan, Caru Balik Sumpah and Pedudusan Agung ceremonies, Pura Dalem Pemuteran temple held Penugtug ceremony in the Pura Kawitan (ancestors) temple Ida Dalem Ida I Dewa Madenan at Br. Jelantik Koribatu, Tojan Village, Klungkung, last Wednesday (6/4).

The Pengutug ceremony was held on the Wednesday Buda Cemeng Klawu and led by priest Ida Pedanda Gde Ketewel from Gria Satria.

The head of the temple commit-

tee, Wayan Satosa Marhaendranata, stated that the ceremony was following the huge ceremony held on the two temples a year ago (Saturday 26/6/ 2010). This Penugtug ceremony is also held on the same day of the Pura Kawitan’s anniversary. There are also sacred dances performed such as rejang dewa, baris gede, and topeng sidakarya also the wayang Gedongan.

With this, Satosa hoped all the prayers of the Pura from the whole Bali will be able to pray here from Wednesday and will have its peak this coming Saturday (9/4). (119)

Post Three Months, 48 People Died of Accident Based on the data from Sanglah Hospital Corpse Room, the first three months of 2011 there have been 48 people died of traffic accident with 15 on January, 16 on February and 17 on March. Head of the

Forensic Installation of the hospital, dr. Dudut Rustyadi, SpF, stated most of them were motorcycle riders where most got injured on the head and so most of them came to the hospital already

dead. Compared to the same three months last year, the number of death has decreased as last year was 76 victims with 24 on January, 25 on February and 27 on March. (san)

IBP/File

The Hindus carry out Mendem Pedagingan, Caru Balik Sumpah and Pedudusan Agung ceremonies in Tojan Village, Klungkung.

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Bali News

International

Friday, April 8, 2011

3

Allegedly, bird flu spreads to Penarungan Mangupura (Bali Post)—

IBP/File

The tourists from US are passing through a street in Kuta area.

US market promising for Bali Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Population of the United States (US) is a potential market for Bali amidst the slump of Japanese tourist visit to Bali after tsunami disaster. With the population reaching 600 million people, the Superpower Country is ranked third in the world with per capita income reached USD 43,500.

The Head of Bali Government Tourism Office, IB. Kade Subhiksu, said the US citizens made Bali as one of their favorite destinations. However, since it was not worked on maximally, from 30 million people taking overseas travel per year, the majority of them paid a visit to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean.

“US tourists will tend to return to the same destination if they received a satisfactory impression.

On average, their expenses during holiday in Bali reached USD 136.81 to USD 163.60 per day,” said Subhiksu in Denpasar on Wednesday (Apr 6).

According to him, 89.3 percent the US tourist arrivals in Bali was purely for holiday and only a few of them came for business purposes. During their stay on the Island of the Gods, they mostly chose to stay at star hotels reaching 59.78 percent. “Loyalty of the US tourists to Bali destinations is the same as loyalty of Japanese and Australian tourists,” he said.

Incentive tourism (MICE) was said to be one of the most potential markets for the US. Many companies in this country spent billions of dollars annually to carry out the activity. International destinations becoming their favor-

ite were the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Canada. Meanwhile, specifically to Asia Pacific region, they chose Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Bangkok.

“To capture the US incentive tourism market, business perpetrators in Bali should make an approach to Singapore Airlines and Singapore Tourism Board in order to plan an arrangement of Singapore-Bali twin market for MICE package,” he advised.

Alternative programs to Bali that could be offered to draw the US market, described Subhiksu, could be through spiritual tourism including meditation, enlightenment on various local cultural wisdom and yoga as well as adventure tours that would provide a special attraction as they could see natural beauty and diversity of local flora and fauna.

In the meantime, Herdy D. Sayogha, one of the tourism perpetrators actively pioneered new potential markets had expressed previously that the US market was formerly the belle of the number of tourist visits to Bali. However, since the terrorist action on September 11 destroying the Twin Towers (WTC), the number of tourists visit from the Uncle Sam country had decreased. The decline

kept on continuing after the Bali bombs 2002 and even the number of tourist visits lay at the nadir point.

“Bali has become a favorite destination for the US tourism market. Similarly, Bali often won the votes or direct election by readers of leading travel magazines in the country of the Statue of Liberty,” he said.

In the meantime, Coordinator of the Association of Indonesia Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) for Bali, NTT, and NTB Region, Bagus Sudibya, said that it was time for Bali to keep an eye and work on the American market optimally so they could visit Bali. To address this market segment was required the readiness of government and tourism perpetrators to accelerate the flight from the United States to Bali. Likewise, it was necessary to consider about the flight readiness of Indonesia to fly to America. “Government and Bali tourism perpetrators should not ignore the American market,” he said.

Meanwhile, other markets such as Australia, Asia, and Europe were pretty well established to Bali. With the return of the American market, there would be an equitable balance for the Bali’s tourism market. (par)

The cases of bird flu in Badung are alleged to spread out. After infecting Sobangan Village, now bird flu is suspected to have infected the area of Penarungan Village. The case of chicken sudden death alleged to be exposed to H5N1 virus was found at the village, precisely at the Guming Hamlet.

According to information, dozens of chickens belonging to local residents suddenly died on recent days. From the characteristics of their death, it was strongly suspected to be caused by H5N1 virus infection. A community leader of Penarungan, I Wayan Sudita, said that many citizens reported such an incident. His party also had informed the matter to relevant agencies.

Head of Badung Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Maritime

Services, I Made Badra, said that his party immediately deployed a team to location to carry out a checking. From the observation was obtained that characteristic of the poultry death lead to bird flu.

“Based on clinical symptoms, it points to bird flu,” he said on Wednesday (Apr 6).

In addition, his party also immediately held some anticipatory measures such as by spraying and mass extermination planned on Wednesday.

For handling the case, the Badung Health Services also had assigned its team. According to the Head of Badung Health Services, I Gede Putra Suteja, so far his party did not find any transmission of bird flu to humans. However, his party still kept on appealing people not to make direct contact to dead birds suspected of exposure to H5N1 virus. (kmb25)

Conditions of Japan and the Middle East

Feared to affect Indonesia’s economy Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Two leading incidents namely the earthquake in Japan and political turmoil in the countries like North Africa and the Middle East occurred in early 2011 are feared to have an impact on the economy of Indonesia, especially Bali. Magnitude of the economic burden carried by the two countries will certainly correct the performance of the economy some time to come.

“These conditions certainly have an impact on the economy of Indonesia and Bali making Japan a major trading partner, while political crisis in the Middle East is feared to trigger an increase in oil prices,” said Bank Indonesia Bali provincial chief, Jeffrey Kairupan in Denpasar on Wednesday (Apr 6) .

According to him, exports of Bali to Japan had a significant portion namely 15 percent of total exports by major commodity like tuna. Meanwhile, political crisis in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East would lead to an increase in the world oil prices. Libya as a country experiencing civil war controlled 4.4 percent of the OPEC oil reserves. The most feared of this political crisis was the occurrence of similar crises in Saudi Arabia as the largest oil producer in the world.

Nevertheless, he recognized if world economy began to show significant development

in line with the improving economy of the United States at the end of 2010. Increased global economic growth would also be followed by an increase in world demand for some key commodities such as energy resources and raw materials for manufacturing industries.

“Higher prices of world commodities, especially in the fields of energy and mining are just like a double-edged knife. On the one hand, the high price provides benefits for Indonesia as a manufacturer of mining and energy commodities. This advantage will increase the domestic demand, which in turn puts pressure on inflation,” he explained.

It was said, the moment of commodity price hike should really be used optimally for the economic development leading to the welfare of society.

Deputy Head of Economic Analysis, Reserve Bank of Australia, David Orsmond, on that occasion stated that significant economic changes would be a complex challenge for policymakers. The key to what happened today was to ensure flexibility in the economy and to maintain discipline in the macroeconomic policy to reduce inflation resulted.

“Australia has been developing such ways to accommodate fluctuations. This gives reason to believe that we can do better now, but our task will be inseparable from challenges,” he said. (par)

4

News

Friday, April 8, 2011

International

Succession speculation as NKorea parliament meets Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean legislators gathered in Pyongyang on Thursday amid speculation that leader Kim Jong Il may appoint his son to a post that would make him the nation’s second most powerful man. As the Supreme People’s Assembly convenes a spring session, attention is focused on whether Kim Jong Un will be elected to the National Defense Commission — a move that would further solidify the young man’s standing as North Korea’s next leader.

Delegates from around the country began arriving earlier in the week for the session, laying bouquets Wednesday at a statue of Kim Jong Il’s mother, Kim Jong Suk, according to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency.

The parliamentary meeting is North Korea’s first major national meeting since Kim Jong Un made his political debut in September by taking on a key leadership post in the ruling Workers’ Party. Since then, he has appeared regularly at Kim Jong Il’s side, his father’s

clear choice as heir apparent.

Election Thursday to the National Defense Commission would be the next step in the path to formally naming him as successor, a process that many believe will be completed in the next year.

April 2012 marks the centenary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung, the former guerrilla fighter who founded North Korea and passed the mantle of leadership to son Kim Jong Il. Pyongyang has promoted 2012 as a significant milestone in the country’s history.

However, some question whether the son will ascend that quickly to a major National Defense Commission post only six months after being made a fourstar general and assuming senior Workers’ Party posts when Kim Jong Il appears to remain in control. “For Kim Jong Il, handing over a considerable amount of power to his son could mean a weakening of his own power base,” said Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean studies at Seoul’s Dongguk University.

AFP PHOTO / STR

Yemenis stand near damages caused during heavy riots in Taez, south of the capital Sanaa, on April 4, 2011 after Yemeni security forces shot dead 17 anti-regime demonstrators and wounded scores more, on the second day of lethal clashes in the city.

Gulf Arabs work on plan for Yemen’s Saleh to go Reuters

SANAA – A Gulf Arab plan for Yemen’s president to step down will guarantee the veteran leader and his family immunity from prosecution, an opposition source said on Thursday, and youth activists said that was enough to reject it. The United States and Gulf Arab countries including Yemen’s key financial backer, Saudi Arabia, now appear ready to push aside a long-time ally against al Qaeda’s Yemen-based wing to avoid a chaotic collapse of the poorest Arab state.

AFP PHOTO / HO / KCNA VIA KNS

This undated picture released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via Tokyo-based Korean News Service (KNS) on April 6, 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jongil (C), accompanied by his son Kim Jong-un (3rd R), inspecting a factory in Jagang province.

Saleh’s sometimes violent response to two months of protests against his 32-year rule has tried the patience of Washington and Riyadh, both of which have been the target of attempted attacks by al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch.

The Gulf proposal for talks in Riyadh was presented to Saleh and a coalition of opposition parties this week. Saleh welcomed it, and Gulf sources said it envisaged handing power to an interim council of tribal and political leaders who would help appoint a national unity government ahead of elections.

But an opposition source said the proposal would give Saleh and his family, whose control over key posts

has long angered many Yemenis, immunity from prosecution and youth activists said in a statement that was not acceptable.

“We affirm that this is a people’s revolution demanding the fall and the trial of a regime ... to build a new civilian state according to the will of the people, not international parties or political parties that do not represent us,” said a statement in the name of a coalition of protester groups in Sanaa.

Talks in recent weeks, which included the U.S. ambassador in Sanaa, became bogged down over Saleh’s demand for assurances that he and members of his family would not face prosecution. Saleh has been

trying for several weeks to involve Saudi Arabia, his most important foreign backer, sending his foreign minister to Riyadh two weeks ago.

The Gulf proposal envisages Saleh hand over power to a vicepresident, the opposition source said. Current incumbent Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has said he does not want such a role, which suggests Saleh would appoint a new figure.

“They informed the opposition that their vision is based on Saleh leaving power after handing authority to his deputy and then forming a national unity government that will prepare a new constitution ... and parliament elections,” he said.

France’s Juppe says political solution key for Libya Reuters

PARIS - France said on Thursday that the West must work harder for a political solution in Libya but the outside world should also do more to support rebels fighting Muammar Gaddafi. “Gaddafi has clearly lost all legitimacy, his camp is disintegrating and we are seeing new defections every day. On the other hand his force and rebel forces continue to fight each other without any side winning,” Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said.

“In this very indecisive context, it is more necessary than ever to look for a political solution and that is what we are working on to-

day,” he told a Senate hearing. NATO is coordinating coalition air strikes spearheaded three weeks ago by France, but little headway is being made on uprooting Gaddafi from power and government troops are holding Misrata, Libya’s third city, under siege.

Gaddafi’s use of deadly force against civilians in past weeks triggered a U.N. Security Council resolution authorising air strikes against his army and NATO now accuses him of using human shields to make it harder for its warplanes to reach targets.

Juppe, whose government was the first to come out and back Libya’s rebel council, said the group’s pledge to respect human rights meant the

outside world should offer it more support. He said France was pushing for representatives of the opposition Provisional National Transition Council to address a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday.

“These reflections should also allow us to reinforce the national transition council which is fighting for democracy and freedom,” he said.

“We should reinforce it because nobody in the zone controlled by revolutionaries contests its legitimacy.”

It was not clear whether he was referring to logistical, financial or military support, as the coalition has still not agreed whether to send arms to the rebels.

AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE

French Foreign Minister, Alain Juppe (L) speaks next to French Senate president of the Foreign Affairs commitee, Josselin de Rohan, on March 7, 2011 at the French Senate in Paris during a hearing focused on the situation in Libya and in Ivory Coast.

Activities

International

Friday, April 8, 2011

5

Dewi Sinta Hotel:

Relishing Sea View in Fusion with Terraced Rice Fields IBP

TABANAN - Physically, Dewi Sinta Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is not as grandiose as the hotels located in the premier tourist resorts of Nusa Dua, Sanur or Kuta. However, never misunderstand! The budget hotel located in the Tanah Lot tourist destination has its own uniqueness, both in terms of panorama or services extended. “Though it is a budget hotel, we provide services based on the standard of star-rated hotels,” said I Gusti Gde Aryadi, the owner of the hotel, last week.

Most importantly, continued Aryadi, he provided services for guests with friendliness, honesty and professionalism, so as to create impressive images for the only hotel in the favorite tourist area in Bali. Familiar and familial atmosphere was not only intended for the staff, but also became a priority for every single traveler. “We also give awards for the best employees as a way to encourage the morale of our

workers in providing the best services,” added the pioneer of Tanah Lot tourist object calmly.

Dewi Sinta is the oldest hotel since the Tanah Lot was visited by many tourists. The entire building is designed by perfectly combining the traditional elements and stylish architecture to engender a convenient tourism sanctuary to unwind. Aura of the sanctity exuded by the Tanah Lot Temple, Enjung Galuh Temple and Pakendungan Temple give more profound tranquility. Meanwhile, the existing lush tropical gardens confer a typical countryside nuance.

There are 20 rooms consisting of 2 types on offer, namely standard and deluxe room with air conditioning, private bathroom with hot and cold water, IDD telephone, TV, and mini bar. In front of the hotel rooms stretches an enchanting terraced rice fields in combination with the verdant fairways of golf course and swimming pool. These added-value backdrops made this accommodation close to nature. Additionally, it

is also equipped with spa treatment facilities featuring with Balinese therapies to blissfully pamper guests with freshness and fitness.

In the meantime, Dewi Sinta is also equipped with restaurant offering a variety of menu choices such as Balinese, Indonesian, Chinese, Seafood and European cuisine. All delicacies are carefully prepared by well-experienced cooks. Interestingly, breakfast, lunch and dinner are optionally served in a la carte or buffet style.

Other amenities equipping the hotel property are an open stage and a conference room with a capacity of 300 people. Such facilities offer a dinner party with traditional cultural performances such as Kecak, Tektekan, Legong and shadow puppets. Best services, guaranteed security and good relationship with the surrounding communities led the hotel to achieve some outstanding achievements such as the Security Certificate from the Bali Police with gold predicate, bronze medal in THK Awards and the best taxpayer in Tabanan Regency.

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.

6

News

Friday, April 8, 2011

Sailor, 85, crosses Atlantic on raft with friends Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/Rubios News

Forensic workers transfer bodies from a van into a large truck in the northern border city of Matamoros, Mexico Wednesday April, 6, 2011. At least fifty-nine bodies were found buried in a series of pits in the northern Mexico state of Tamaulipas, near the site where suspected drug gang members massacred 72 migrants last summer, officials said.

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – An 85-year-old British sailor who dreamed of crossing the Atlantic on a raft as a young boy completed the journey with three friends Wednesday. The crossing to this Caribbean island, led by Anthony Smith of London, took about two months and was generally smooth except for damage to two rudders on the large, sail-powered raft.

“Some people say it was mad,” he told The Associated Press when he arrived in St. Maarten. “But it wasn’t mad. What else do you do when you get on in years?”

The jovial crew said they wanted to raise awareness about the environment and to prove the elderly are capable of embarking on adventures that are mistakenly considered dangerous. They also aimed to raise money for the British nonprofit group WaterAid, which provides potable

water to impoverished communities.

A stroke of bad luck paid for the trip, courtesy of Smith, who was hit by a van and broke his hip. “I got some compensation money,” he said. “So what do you blow the compensation money on? You blow it on a raft.”

The crew departed from the Canary Islands after bad weather delayed their trip for about a month.

Smith delivered a farewell speech — in nearly impeccable Spanish — to a crowd gathered on the dock and then waved goodbye. The raft was loaded with food including oranges, avocados, potatoes, cabbages and a pumpkin. Once the store-bought bread was consumed, sailing master David Hildred began making it from scratch in a small oven.

Hildred, a civil engineer who lives in the British Virgin Islands, also was summoned to help fix the rudders that broke three days into the trip.

59 bodies found in pits in Mexican border state Associated Press Writer

MEXICO CITY – Fifty-nine bodies were found buried Wednesday in a series of pits in the northern Mexico state of Tamaulipas, near the site where suspected drug gang members massacred 72 migrants last summer, officials said. Security forces stumbled on the site as they were investigating reports that passengers had been pulled off several buses by gunmen in the area in what may have been an attempt at forced recruitment by a drug gang.

State and federal authorities conducted a raid that netted several suspected kidnappers and freed five kidnap victims. Then they made a grisly discovery — a total of eight pits, containing a total of 59 corpses. One of the pits held 43 dead.

The Tamaulipas state government said the find was made Wednesday, and 11 suspects were detained, but the federal Interior department said the first pit was found Saturday and five suspects were detained by soldiers.

Tamaulipas state interior secretary

Morelos Canseco said two of the dead were women. Many of the victims found in the pits appeared to have died between 10 and 15 days ago, dates that would roughly match the bus abductions, he said.

Canseco said state officials began getting reports that gunmen had been stopping buses, starting around March 25. At least two more cases were reported in the following days. The buses were allowed to continue on with their remaining passengers in each case.

The bodies were being examined to determine their identifies and the causes of death, the Tamaulipas state government said in statement in which it “energetically condemned” the crimes.

The statement did not identify what drug gang, if any, that the arrested suspects belonged to, or why they might have hijacked the bus.

President Felipe Calderon’s office issued a statement saying the find “underlines the cowardliness and total lack of scruples of the criminal organizations that cause violence in our country.”

Gadhafi...

flared on the outskirts. In the letter, Gadhafi implored Obama to stop the NATO-led air campaign, which he called an “unjust war against a small people of a developing country.”

“To serving world peace ... Friendship between our peoples ... and for the sake of economic, and security cooperation against terror, you are in a position to keep Nato (NATO) off the Libyan affair for good,” Gadhafi wrote in the letter. “I am sure that you are able to shoulder the responsibility for that.”

Neither White House press secretary Jay Carney nor State Department spokesman Mark Toner would discuss the details of the letter.

Gadhafi told Obama that a democratic society could not be built

through the use of missiles and aircraft. He also repeated his claim that the rebels seeking his ouster are members of the al-Qaida terrorist network.

Addressing Obama as “our son” and “excellency,” Gadhafi said that his country had been hurt more “morally” than “physically” by the NATO campaign. The letter, composed in formal but stilted English, includes numerous spelling and grammatical errors.

“Our dear son, Excellency, Baraka Hussein Abu oumama, your intervention is the name of the U.S.A. is a must, so that Nato (NATO) would withdraw finally from the Libyan affair,” Gadhafi wrote. “Libya should be left to Libyans within the African union frame.”

From page 1 The rebels, aided by U.N.-authorized airstrikes intended to protect civilians from Gadhafi’s forces, have maintained control of much of the eastern half of Libya since early in the uprising, while Gadhafi has clung to much of the west. Gadhafi has been putting out feelers for a cease-fire, but he refuses to step down.

Neither government forces nor the rebels have made any serious gains in recent days and the conflict has shifted to smaller objectives on both sides such as control of the key oil port of Brega, where fighting has

AP Photo/Judy Fitzpatrick

85-year-old British sailor Anthony Smith, right, captains the An-Tiki, a 40 foot sail-powered raft, as he and crew complete their roughly two month, transatlantic voyage, arriving into Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Wednesday April 6, 2011.

Many out of order From page 1 A number of higher officials in Bali Government Tourism Office and Bali Tourism Board (BTB), when asked for their confirmation regarding to the maintenance of E-Kiosk machines they claimed to know nothing though the management of the state’s assets was about to be handed over to each region. “Management of the tourism machine was previously about to be dumped to the regions, but due to hampered as the machine posed an asset belonging to central government so the handover failed,” said the Head Bali Tourism Office, IB. Kade Subhiksu.

Meanwhile, the Head of Denpasar Government Tourism Office, Putu Budiasa, also admitted no to know for sure about the management of touch-screen computer installed in hotels, shopping centers and some tourist objects in different regions of Bali. “As far as we know, the management of E-Kiosk machines was entrusted to third parties. Obviously, Denpasar did not get a mandate to manage it,” he said.

Not Professional

Chairman of the Bali Tourism

Board (BTB), IB. Ngurah Wijaya, assessed that unprofessional management caused the product that should give more benefits for tourism promotion redundant. “If managed properly, we believe the machine would be functioning optimally, because it displays useful information required by tourists,” he said.

In the procurement project of such E-Kiosk his party was only asked to help fill in the content, selection of placement site and approach to parties owning the location of placement.

Implementer of the project worth tens of billions was PT Ochabawez Dinamika Persada.

Restricted budget of the Bali’s tourism promotion should be coupled with the effectiveness of government programs.

One the one hand, the budget of tourism promotion was minimal, while on the other hand, many projects were ineffective and even wasteful. Of course, it was very ironic and impressed that the projects squandered the state’s funds. (par)

International

Indonesia Today

Friday, April 8, 2011

7

IPB researchers develop new process to make bio-fuel Antara

BOGOR - Researchers at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) have successfully created the design of a system to make micro-algae as a raw material for bio-diesel from the liquid wastes of industrial farms, slaughterhouses and sugar industries.

The micro-algae was developed as a raw material for making bio-diesel, a researcher at IPB’s Agro-industrial Technology Department, Prof. Suprihatin, said here Thursday.

She had done the research with her colleagues, Dr. Muhammad Romli and Ir. Ismayana Andes, MT. “The conversion of food into energy could lead to food insecurity, so that a strategic step is needed to develop and optimize the role of agriculture as a supplier of energy or biofuel without sacrificing food and the ecological balance,” Suprihatin said.

Micro-algae has several advantages compared with other crops, such as high productivity due to rapid growth rate that is only in hours or days, do not require fertile land so it does not compete with food crops.

In addition, micro-algae can be

combined for environmental management (nutrient recycling, water conservation, and bio-fiksasi carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emission reduction), as well as efficient in the absorption of solar energy.

Biomass contains valuable materials such as proteins, oils or fats, vitamins, minerals, pigment, beta carotene, an active ingredient, as well as fiber, which can be used for various purposes.

Micro-algae also require a small fee for the investment and operation or maintenance. Prof. Suprihatin said, carbon dioxide is the main food microalgae.

The climatic and geographical conditions, such as sunlight intensity throughout the year, the relatively high air temperatures and the availability of land also support the appli-

cation of this system in Indonesia.

The design of Prof. Suprihatin and the team is equipped with the optimization, design parameters or operations and techno-economic analysis.

“This study is divided into two stages. The first stage is characterizing micro-algae growth in agroindustry waste water through the determination of the values ​​of growth kinetic parameters. The second stage, the design process and micro-algae production systems,” Prof. Suprihatin explained.

The research was conducted in 2009-2010 in the laboratory of Technology and Environmental Management, Department of Agro-industrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, IPB. The testing types and amounts of micro-algae according to the census conducted by Sedgwick Rafter Counting Method (SRC), in the Productivity and Environmental Waters laboratory, Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of

Britain’s Prince Andrew (L), the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment, walks with Indonesian Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu (R) prior to their meeting in Jakarta on April 7, 2011.

Prince Andrew is on a three-day visit to support the development of bilateral trade relationships between the two countries.

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

President receives Britain’s Prince Andrew Antara

JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received the Duke of York or Prince Andrew as a British special envoy at the Merdeka Palace here on Thursday for bilateral talks. The president, when receiving Prince Andrew, was accompanied by Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam and Deputy Foreign Minister Triyono Wibowo.

President Yudhoyono and Prince Andrew held talks after the latter signed the guest book at the palace credential room.

Earlier, presidential spokesman for International relations Teuku Faizasyah said, Prince Andrew‘s capacity is to manage trade and investment.

On Wednesday (April 6) Prince Andrew met with Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa.

Regarding Indonesia-British trade ties in January-December 2010, Indonesia’s exports reached 1.365 billion pounds, or Rp15.6 trillion, up 13 percent compared with the corresponding period in 2009 amounted to 1.165 billion pounds.

On the other hands, Indonesia’s imports from Britain in 2010 reached 438.9 million pounds, up 25 percent from that of 2009, totalling 350.2 million pounds.

In addition, presidential spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said that Prince Andrew‘s coming to the Palace is part of the British Royal‘s family courtesy visit to Indonesia, adding that Prince Andrew will discuss many things especially bilateral trade cooperation.

According to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa on Wednesday, Britain is willing to increase trade and investment in Indonesia.

Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB. The research results showed, from the three tested liquid waste, the liquid waste from abattoirs and animal husbandry, potential to be used as a micro-algae growth substrate.

“We have identified three types of micro-algae that grow- predominantly in the waste namely Chlorella sp, Scenedesmus sp and Ankistrodesmus sp. These types are very different from the type of micro-algae that grows in the inoculum added. This shows the composition of waste water determines the type of micro-algae that can grow and breed,” Prof. Suprihatin explained.

Chlorella contains 14-22 percent fat. Fats from micro-algae are converted into bio-fuel feedstock.

However, the development of micro-algae as a bio-fuel source is still not competitive. At the level of current crude oil price which is about 100 dollars per barrel, to make micro-algae bio-fuel becomes competitive, the operational costs of micro-algae biomass production with

oil content of about 14.7 percent have to be less than US$200 per ton, or about Rp1,8 million per ton.

“The production of micro-algae for large-scale energy production is still in the development phase. Micro-algae-based bio-diesel production costs still require a significant reduction for diesel in order that can be competitive with other fuels,” Prof. Suprihatin noted.

Although the operational costs of micro-algae production from agroindustrial waste water is enough high, but the cost analysis was not yet taking into account for other possible benefits both economic and environmental.

The such possible benefits as biogas production in the pre-treatment of liquid waste, organic fertilizer from anaerobic digester, a byproduct of the feed material or other high value products, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, waste water treatment, nutrient recycling, water recycling and prevention of eutrophication in receiving water bodies, as well as other social benefits, Prof.Suprihatin said.

Number of hot spots in Sumatra down to 17 Antara

DUMAI - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Riau province said the number of hot spots in Sumatra now was 17 or down from the previous day when there were 57 hot spots.

Satellite monitoring by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) had shown, the 17 hot spots were scattered in several provinces, namely South Sumatra (seven hot spots), Aceh (two hot spots) as well as North Sumatra and Jambi with one hot spot each, an analyst of Riau’s BMKG, Marzuki, said.

As for Riau where 30 hot spots had been detected previously, there were now only six hot spots, namely in the districts of Indragiri Hulu (three hot spots), Kampar and Siak one each.

“Some of the other Riau districts which also had detectable hot spots such as Rokan Hilir, Meranti, Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru city are currently nil,” Marzuki said.

He explained, the reduction of the hot spots due to the rain which fell in most Sumatra regions including Riau.

“For the last two days the rain falls almost equally in Riau but in different times. The satellite monitoring yesterday (Wednesday 6/4), in Pekanbaru rain occurred in the afternoon.

While in coastal areas such as Dumai, Rokan Hilir, Bengkalis and Meranti, the rain intensity was going on day and night,” Marzuki noted.

Up to two days ahead, the rain is still likely to fall in all regions of Riau with low to moderate intensity, he added.

“The rain opportunity is more concentrated in central Riau , southern and coastal regions. While the air temperature in the next few days is estimated to be between 32 degrees – 33 degrees Celsius,” Marzuki said.

Regarding the possibility of smoke export from Sumatra mainland to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, Marzuki predicted, it was very small considering the wind direction was more likely to revolve in Sumatra.

“Dominant wind direction rotates in the west and east of Sumatra.

The haze tends to a number of areas affected by fires and forest land itself, such as Jambi, South Sumatra, North Sumatra and Riau,” Marzuki said.

8

Internationa

Friday, April 8, 2011

Bali Today Dry Season late because La Nina Antara

Denpasar – Denpasar Meteorology and Geophysics Department (BMKG) predicted that the dry season will come later this year. This is because the effect of the La Nina phenomenon. The head of Denpasar BMKG, B Endro Tjahjono, said “the dry season will be late for a few weeks due to the La Nina which make the sea temperature still very high in Indonesia.”

He explained that the high temperature make evaporation easier to happen and could will be more so rain will occur more often. The phenomenon made Bali which supposed to be entering dry season in April 2011 still experiencing heavy rain fall.

“We also predicted that heavy rain will still happen in the next few days, followed by strong wind and stable temperature,” Endro said. He added that the dry season will come in the middle of April but it depends on the effect of La Nina.

If Bali started to enter the dry season then other areas in Indonesia will also follow. La Nina is the temperature change and the earth atmosphere. The natural phenom-

enon makes the sea temperature in the eastern and center of the equator area in the Pacific region will be lower by 3-4 degrees celicus.

The condition also made extreme weather happen such as heavy rainfall.

Foreign tourists and locals alike walk along the popular Kuta beach covered with debris and rubbish washed up by the tide, near Denpasar on the resort island of Bali on April 7, 2011.

AFP PHOTO / SONNY TUMBELAKA

Endek Clothes of Klungkung Enter Italian and Japanese Market Various handicrafts or household crafts begin to show off their pace in Klungkung Regency. One of them is the weaving business of endek clothes. Amazingly, the demand continues to increase, not only from the local community of

Klungkung, Bali or nationally, but also from overseas like Italy and Japan. Though an earthquake followed by tsunami disaster hit Japan, the effect is not so significant to the demand for endek fabric from the sunrise country.

IBP/Bali Putra

A vendor showing the endek clothes.

Increasing interests in endek clothes have an impact on craftsmen where the demand for endek clothes also shows a rapid growth in Klungkung Regency. Even, a single craftsman can produce up to 500 meters of endek clothes every day. The endek clothes produced are divided into two types, namely plain cloth and cloth with motif.

One of the handicraftsmen is Wayan Suartika, the owner of ‘Ardini’ endek clothes handicraft at Jabon, Sampalan Tengah, Dawan Subdistrict.

However, amidst the increasing demand, labor difficulties haunt the craftsmen. They have difficulty to obtain some labors that are willing to weave endek clothes in order they can meet consumer demand. As a result, artisans are unable to meet all requests, whereas until now the Klungkung Regency actually still has thousands of unemployment, both educated and uneducated ones.

Meanwhile, the Head of Klungkung Social, Manpower and Transmigration Services, Nyoman Rahayu, said that unemployment rate in Klungkung Regency reached 4005 people from about 134,380 job seekers with age of 15 years or older. Klungkung Regency was unable to reduce the number of unem-

ployment and to create job opportunities other than opening vacancies of civil servant aspirants each year. Rahayu also admitted that her party could not engender skilled unemployment because until now Klungkung Regency did not have a vocational training center (BLK).

This condition is certainly in contrary to the difficulty undergone by the endek weaving handicraftsmen. Wayan Suartika also experienced similar condition.

The demand for his endek weaving works (Ardini Endek Handicraft) was admitted to increase. It was not only from locally Bali (except for Gianyar) but also from outside Bali such as Lombok up to overseas like Italy and Japan.

Formerly, to accomplish the orders, Suartika employed more than 200 workers. However, last year his workers only remained some 100 people. Related to decrease in the number of workers, the man familiarly addressed as Songkrong by most of his relations said that younger generation of Bali today, especially the younger generation of the serombotan (assorted salads served with hot spices) land preferred to choose other jobs such

as working in supermarket or a career in offices, public and private sector. In reality, income of an endek weaver was not less than a career in the office or working in supermarket. “The weavers working with us get a minimum income of IDR 800,000 per month. Of course, such amount of salary cannot certainly be earned if working in supermarket,” he said.

Suartika had pioneered the endek weaving handicrafts since 1982. Initially, his business was initiated by one cagcag or nonmechanical loom (ATBM). Now, the numbers continued to increase even reached 200 units. The price of cagcag equipment reached up to IDR 2.5 million per unit. With such a amount of equipment he owned, Suartika could produce endek clothes up to 500 meters with various motifs each day.

Other than endek clothes, Klungkung Regency also has unique weaving works, one of the products is cepuk cloth in Nusa Penida. Unfortunately, the number of weaver in Nusa Penida has decreased. On that account, it requires serious attention of government to re-encourage them, so distinctive characteristic of Klungkung can be well maintained in the future. (bal)

al

Friday, April 8, 2011

Balinese Culture Malaysian tourist arrivals in Bali up Antara

DENPASAR - Malaysian tourists who holidayed in Bali totaled 24,117 during the period JanuaryFebruary 2011.

This was an increase by 56.52 percent compared with the same period in the previous year when the figure was 15,408, a local official said.

“They mostly arrived at Ngurah Rai airport directly from their country and only two arrived at Bali’s seaports by cruise ship,” head of the Bali branch of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), I Gede Suarsa, said here Thursday.

He said, Malaysia was ranked fourth after Australia, China and Japan from the ten countries that supplied the most foreign tourists to the island resort.

The neighbor country contrib-

utes for 5.79 percent of total foreign tourists visiting Bali that as many as 416,288 people during the first two months of 2011. This figure increased by 12.15 percent over the same period in the previous year which recorded 371,190 people.

Gede Suarsa noted, during 2010 Malaysians who enjoyed the uniqueness of art and culture as well as the natural panorama of the island of 156,865 people, increased of 16.03 percent over the previous year which recorded 135,190 people.

Of the ten countries that supplied the most foreign tourists to Bali, seven countries have shown significant improvement and the three other countries decreased.

The seven countries that the people are more excited to Bali in addition to Malaysia is Australia as

much as 33.24 percent of 77,602 into 103,398 people, South Korea ten percent of the 18,363 to 20,221 people and Russia increased by 23.80 percent from 15,516 to 19,209 people.

In addition, the British people who travel to Bali was also up 104.19 percent from 6558 to 13.391 people, Singapore rose 88.52 percent from 7,063 to 13,315 people and France up 5.31 percent from 11,219 to 11,815 people.

Meanwhile, the three countries that the community reduced to visit Bali is China which fell 5.44 percent from 47,290 in January-February 2010 to 44,718 people in the same period of 2011.

Similarly, Japan fell 18.57 percent from 42,997 to 34,968 people and Taiwan were down 19.37 percent from 23,937 to 19,300 people.

Bali Tourism Contributes Japan Disaster Victim Antara

DENPASAR - Some tourism agents in Bali are giving aid for Japanese victim who affected by earthquake and tsunami.

“The fund collected as much as 200 million rupiah. It comes from the donation of travel agent member who worked in Japanese tourists market through ‘Bali Rasa Sayang’ program,” said Makiko Iskandar, the coordinator of Bali Rasa Sayang in the middle of “Love and Friendship for Japan”.

It took place in front of Bajra Sandhi Monument, Puputan Renon Field, Denpasar on Tues-

day night. He said the donation fund distributed through Red Cross Japan in its first stage between 22-26 March.

The donation at most comes from the member of Bali Rasa Sayang numbers 500. The group’s member were various from personal member until big enterprises. “After the first stage donation distributed, now the donation collection was continued until April 22, 2011,” said him.

Makiko explained the donation amount which collected by them in second stage could not ensure about the amount. Still they hoped it collects much more.

The Head of DPD PHRI Bali

Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati told his team had worried if this massive pray event hampered by hard rain. “We thanked God this even could did well. And it is attending by many participant both domestic and foreign guests,” said him.

He said many participants attended shows high caring towards Japan disaster. While Shirota Minoru, General Consulate Japan in Denpasar said he was touched with the event. “This kind of support encouraged us. We did not feel alone in overcoming this disaster,” said him. He hopes the friendship of Bali-Japan in the future will keep tight in a sincere relation.

SATE LILIT BEBEK (Minced Duck Satay)

INGREDIENTS: 600 gr duck or chicken meat, minced 2 cups freshly grated coconut 5 kaffir lime leaves, very finely shredded 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed 1 tsp salt 3-5 bird’s eye chilies, very finely chopped 2 tbsp chopped palm sugar lemon grass or satay skewers SPICE PASTE: 12 shallots, peeled and sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 3 red chilies, sliced 2.5 cm galangal (laos), peeled and sliced 2.5 cm kencur, peeled and sliced 5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced 2 tsp coriander ½ tsp black peppercorn 3 candlenuts 1 tsp dried shrimp paste pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 2 cloves 2 tbsp oil PREPARATION: Grind or blend all spice paste ingredients except oil.

Heat oil and sauté spice paste for about 5 minutes. Cool then combine with duck and all other ingredients except lemon grass. Mould about 2 tablespoonfuls on lemon grass or skewers and grill over hot charcoal and golden brown. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

Base Jukut

(Spice Paste for Vegetables) INGREDIENTS: 175 gr shallots, peeled and chopped 150 gr cloves garlic, peeled & chopped 450 gr laos, peeled and thinly sliced 4 tsp coriander seeds 175 gr fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced 250 gr large red chilies, seeded & chopped 40 gr bird’s-eye chilies 100 gr kencur roots, peeled and chopped 5 tsp dried shrimp paste 150 ml Coconut oil 1 tsp salt 1¼ tsp black pepper ground 4 ea salam leaf, whole 3 ea stalk lemon grass, bruised

C.045 ibp

PREPARATION: 1. Combine all ingredients except salam leafs and Lemon grass, salt and water in food processor and grind coarsely.

2. Place ground ingredients in heavy saucepan, add remaining ingredients and simmer over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes or until water is evaporated and marinade changes to golden color. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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10

Friday, April 8, 2011

Destinations

International

Tampak Siring Temple IBP

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

The wellspring emerges from the land is believed that it is the infinite creation. According to the history, that, that this water source is arranged and sanctified by king

Indrajayasinghawarmadewa in the year 882 Saka (960 M). He has given the name with Tirta ri air hampul.

The data is loaded in the inscription that is located at Sakenan Temple.

Besides of the above epigraphy data, in Tirta Empul Temple is also found the archaeology omission like Colossus Yoni, Arca Lion, Tepasana and Tirta Empul Pool. According to papyrus of Usana Bali narrated that Tirta Empul is created by Bhatara Indra (Sun Deity) when bearing arms against the king where his palace is located in Bedahulu Countryside. He is known as a very miraculous king, which he can lose or show suddenly, therefore he is named by Mayadenawa. Because of its miracle, he becomes the arrogance and expressing himself as a god. The Mayadenawa King owns the assistant (Patih) which is called Kalawong. They prohibit the people to do the Yadnya (praying to the god) so that is often happened the natural disaster, disease epidemic, agriculture fail and finally miserable life society. Finally Betara Indra (one of Hindu God) gives battle against the kings that happened in Tampak Sir-

http://3.bp.blogspot.com

ing and then the Mayadenawa is gone to the wall and disappear. King Mayadenawa has also created poisonous pools which can the team of Bathara Indra die and faint after drinking this water. Then Bathara Indra stick the weapon of Umbul-

International Bali Post Classifieds BALI CENTRAL CANOPY

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Rekam 24 jam Non Stop - Internet on line

Harga Termurah Kwalitas Terjamin Jln. Buana Raya 88X, Padangsambian - Denpasar

Telp./Fax : (0361) 8600043, 7429952, 485041 C.513069-bkl

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they believe that this water source can heal various of diseases, hence every day this place is a lot of visited by Hindu people to do the ritual and sanctify them self . This place has been opened for public and as a famous tourist destination in Bali.

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umbul and finally the water is emerging so that called by Tirta Empul and then it is passed to the dead and faint soldier that made them back to live. Therefore at the moment this pool water is sanctified by the Hindu society in Bali and

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

Friday, April 8, 2011

11

BUSINESS JAL calls on employees to take unpaid leave Associated Press Writer

TOKYO – Japan Airlines Corp. is calling on its employees to take unpaid leave in May and June due to a plunge in demand for air travel following the March tsunami and ensuing nuclear radiation crisis.

The airline, known as JAL, said Thursday it expects around 100 workers will apply for a voluntary leave of absence in each month. The scheme is open to all its 12,000 workers.

JAL said foreign travel demand plunged after the March 11 disasters damaged a coastal nuclear power plant, which has been leaking radiaAFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad

Protesters demonstrate in front of the Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2011 urging for government spending cut.

No deal after Obama’s late-night budget talks Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has failed to break a budget impasse with Republicans during dramatic late-night talks, though he said the two sides were creeping toward a deal to avert a government shutdown.

Obama met Republican House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid late Wednesday, seeking to defuse a hugely significant showdown before a midnight Friday deadline for federal funding to run dry.

If no deal is reached, vast parts of the US government will be shuttered, forcing combat troops to go without paychecks and national parks to close in a shutdown that could also damage the fragile economic recovery.

“I thought the meetings were frank, they were constructive and what they did was narrow the issues and clarify the issues that are still outstanding,” Obama told reporters after the 90minute talks ended.

“I remain confident if we are serious about getting something done, we should be able to complete a deal and get it passed and avert a shutdown.”

“I am absolutely convinced we can get this done. There is no reason why we should have a government shutdown.”

The talks, designed to pull both sides back from the political brink and fund the government through October 1, came after Obama earlier told Republicans to “quit playing games” while they questioned his leadership.

But in a sign tempers may be cooling, Boehner and Reid later appeared

together before reporters outside the White House after leaving the talks.

“We did have a productive conversation this evening. We do have some honest differences but I do think we made some progress,” said Boehner.

“But I want to reiterate there is no agreement on a number... there is an intent on both sides to continue to work together to try to resolve this.

“No one wants the government to shut down.”

Neither side would identify where the differences remained.

Republicans however are demanding sweeping budget cuts in domestic spending and foreign aid and policy changes, while Obama has offered cuts, but has dug in his heels at cutting crucial education and environmental programs.

The faceoff is the most overt clash yet between Obama and Republicans who captured the House in an electoral rout in November, and could go a long way to defining the early terrain of the president’s 2012 reelection bid.

A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found only 28 percent of Republicans want their leaders in Congress to compromise over the budget cuts, compared to 68 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of political independents who said they wanted their lead-

ers on Capitol Hill to do so.

Officials said around 800,000 federal workers could be temporarily laid off if the government shuts down, and warned the economy could get a hit, just as growth is slowly picking up.

“At a time when you’re struggling to pay your bills and meet your responsibilities, the least we can do is meet our responsibilities to produce a budget,” Obama said in Pennsylvania.

Boehner had earlier sharpened his tone after a meeting of the Republican House caucus that included conservative budget hawks demanding huge spending cuts from party leaders who must eventually find a way to make a deal with Senate Democrats on a budget.

Obama said a shutdown could halt approvals of home loans backed by the government and shut off small business grants.

Aides said the shutdown would stop paychecks for troops abroad, though they would eventually get paid in full once a shutdown was over.

Paper tax refunds would be delayed, but electronic filing and rebates would continue to operate. Federally funded museums and the National Zoo in Washington would also be shut.

Washington would meanwhile lose the last weekend of its annual cherry blossom festival, a hit with tourists.

tion into the air, vegetables, tap water and now the Pacific Ocean.

The number of passengers for JAL’s international flights from March 12 to March 31 was 25 percent lower than what the airline had forecast. For JAL’s domestic flights, passengers were down 28 percent from its forecast.

To cope with falling demand, JAL will cut 74 international flights, mostly Asian routes, in April. The 74 flights account for around five percent of JAL’s total international flights in the month.

The move will affect popular routes including flights from Tokyo to Honolulu and Tokyo to Seoul.

ECB set for first rate hike since July 2008 Agence France-Presse

FRANKFURT – The European Central Bank is set Thursday to raise its interest rates for the first time since July 2008 as concern over inflation trumps fears of collateral damage to weaker eurozone economies.

“Even a small monetary tightening will affect the eurozone economy as a whole and the peripheral economies in particular,” Capital Economics European economist Ben May said.

Two questions analysts are asking is how big an increase the ECB could announce to bolster its inflation-fighting credentials, and whether it would be the first of a series that could extend into 2012.

In March, ECB president JeanClaude Trichet flagged a rate hike as inflation climbed well above the bank’s target of just below 2.0 percent and suggested it might be on the order of 25 basis points to 1.25 percent.

The benchmark rate for the 17-nation zone has been at a record low 1.0 percent since May 2009.

With inflation at 2.6 percent and climbing, the ECB’s governing council appears to have decided to act ahead of its peers the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England or the Bank of Japan.

But countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal that are struggling with public deficit and debt crises will not welcome higher rates more appropriate for stronger eurozone economies such as France and Germany.

The prospect of a rate hike pushed the euro above $1.43 Wednesday and “if markets remain convinced that the ECB is about to embark on a series of rate hikes, the region?s fiscal crisis looks set to continue to worsen,” May said.

Higher rates could hit southern eurozone countries quickly, for ex-

ample via home owners who have taken out mortgages with floating interest rates, while a stronger euro will dent their export earnings.

The ECB has taken care however to maintain generous cash loans to commercial banks across the region so money markets function smoothly.

It has also said that all bonds issued or guaranteed by the Irish government would be accepted as collateral for central bank loans, easing pressure on struggling Irish banks.

Meanwhile, a Portuguese political crisis is pushing Lisbon closer to seeking a European Union bail-out.

The finance ministry insisted Wednesday it will “meet its financial commitments,” but the treasury had to offer sharply higher interest rates to raise badly needed funds.

Markets increasingly believe Lisbon will have to ask for help at some point, like Greece and Ireland did last year while public deficits in Greece, Portugal and Spain all now look to be higher than initially forecast.

On the debt front, the European Commission has excluded a restructuring of Greek debt as EU and other international officials pore over a new austerity budget in Athens.

Germany insisted Wednesday that Portugal, if it needed help, would have to call on the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) rather than try to arrange a bridging loan instead to ease its debt woes ahead of June 5 polls.

After approving exceptional measures during the financial crisis, the ECB wants to move monetary policy back towards normal and is pressing governments to resolve chronic solvency issues.

The eurozone’s patchy financial fortunes are mirrored in economic data that show growth in private sector lending but a fall in retail sales.

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Entertainment

Friday, April 8, 2011

International

Malcolm X’s daughters unhappy with new book Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — Two of Malcolm X’s daughters are unhappy that a new biography alleges their parents’ marriage was strained and that their mother — and possibly their father — was unfaithful.

Ilyasah and Malaak Shabazz spoke to The Associated Press about “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention.”

Author Manning Marable, a highly respected scholar who worked for more than 20 years on the book, died last week of complications of pneumonia just before the book’s publication. The book has been in the top 10 on Amazon.com’s best-seller list, and the print run has been increased from 46,000 to 70,000, according to Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA).

“It (the marriage) was definitely faithful and devoted because my father was a man of impeccable integrity, and I think that most people, if they’re not clear on anything, they’re clear that he was moral and ethical and had impeccable character,” Ilyasah Shabazz said Wednesday.

While both sisters acknowledged they have yet to read the book, they questioned reports about the contents.

Marable had intended “Malcolm X” as a tribute to the slain activist’s life and influence, but he also wanted to avoid portraying him as “a saint, without the normal contradictions and blemishes that all human beings have,” as the historian wrote in the introduction. Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. His wife, Betty Shabazz, died in 1997 after one of her grandchildren set fire to her apartment.

The book alleges that parts of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” a million-selling classic released after Malcolm X’s death, were inaccurate. For instance, Marable questions details of Malcolm X’s early life as a criminal, writing that Malcolm likely exaggerated his wrongdoings.

He also looks into Malcolm X’s more controversial words and actions, including a meeting Malcolm X had with members of the Ku Klux Klan

in the early 1960s. At the time, he was a high-ranking member of the Nation of Islam and had discussed with the Klan the possibility of the nation purchasing land for blacks to live on. Malcolm X would later express regret, although Marable still called the meeting “despicable.”

Malcolm X married Betty Shabazz in 1958. They had six children, two of them, Malikah and Malaak, born after his death. According to the book, the marriage was often tense, in part because of Malcolm’s wish to have a traditional, subservient Muslim wife and because he was away so often and his life was often threatened.

According to “Malcolm X,” Betty became involved in 1964 with Charles Kenyatta, a close associate of Malcolm’s. Marable writes that Malcolm, too, may have had affairs, although the evidence is uncertain.

Malaak Shabazz said there “may have been a little bit of stress, like any marriage,” but that “there was really no times for shenanigans. She raised the children at home, he worked on a global level.”

AP Photo/Peter Morgan

Ilyasah Shabazz, left, and Malaak Shabazz, daughters of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X, are shown on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 in New York.

The Shabazz sisters are unhappy about a new biography, “A Life of Reinvention: Malcolm X,” which alleges that their parents’ marriage was strained and that their mother, Betty Shabazz, was unfaithful.

Hasselhoff ‘in deep like’ Grammys drop more than 30 categories with Welsh factory worker Associated Press Writer

Agence France Presse

BERLIN – “Baywatch” and “Knightrider” star David Hasselhoff said Thursday he was in “deep like” with his new girlfriend, reportedly a Welsh factory worker and part-time model 27 years his junior.

“You know, I don’t know that I’m in love yet but I’m in deep like,” the 58-year-old told the Bild daily in Germany, where he is highly popular and currently promoting a new album.

“It’s a very kind of private time for us and we’ll see what happens. But we’re in deep like... I want one solid partner to share my life with. That would be a dream.” Reports AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON said that he has been dating David Hasselhoff Hayley Roberts, 31, for three months, and “The Hoff”, as he is nicknamed, has become a regular visitor at her mother’s home near Swansea.

Hasselhoff also spoke of his great affinity for Germany ever since he famously performed his hit song “Looking for Freedom” in front of half a million people in 1989 just weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The “Britain’s got talent” star has a large and loyal fan base in Germany as a result, with “Looking for Freedom” topping the charts for weeks and the album of the same name the country’s top selling record in 1989.

“People come up to me and say, ‘Hi, you’re the man who sang about freedom’,” Hasselhoff told Bild. “So I feel this really special connection.”

NEW YORK – Men and women will compete head-tohead, some of the more exotic awards like best Native American album and best spoken-word children’s record have been eliminated, and the number of categories has been reduced by more than 30 in the biggest overhaul in the 53-year history of the Grammys. While no musical genres will be excluded from Grammy contention, the changes will make the awards a lot more competitive.

“It ups the game in terms of what it takes to receive a Grammy and preserves the great esteem of which it’s held in the creative community, which is the most important element,” Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

While the Academy has adjusted its rules and adapted to industry changes over the years, these changes follow its first major examination of the awards structure, a process that took more than a year.

The biggest change will come in the number of categories, cut from 109 to 78. Awards will no longer be given in such categories as rap performance by a duo or group; some of the instrumental categories in pop, rock and country; traditional gospel; children’s spoken-word album; Zydeco or Cajun music album; and best classical crossover album.

That doesn’t mean that those types of music are ineligible; they will simply compete within larger fields. Portnow said the changes will make the awards process more rigorous. “That’s appropriate. We are talking about the most prestigious, coveted award and it should be a high bar in terms of the measurement of receiving that,” he said.

Separate male and female vocal categories in fields like pop, R&B and country are among those being dropped.

Men and women will now compete in each overall field.

That is already the case in the field of rock, which does not have male and female vocal categories.

“A great singer is a great singer is a great singer, and somebody that has a gift in terms of their voice, and is at the top of their game in terms of their delivery and emotion, really isn’t necessarily defined by gender,” Portnow said.

The changes would appear to make it more difficult for artists in lesser-known and less mainstream categories. Tia Carrere won’t be taking home any more Grammys for best Hawaiian music album, for example. But she could still win in the new best regional roots music album category, which comprises more genres.

Other changes will require each category to have at least 40 entries instead of 25, and categories that receive between 25 and 39 will have only three nominations instead of four or five. If a category gets fewer than 25 entries, it will be removed for that year, and if it happens three years in a row, the category will be discontinued and the material will find a new home in a related genre.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file

Tia Carrere

Science

International

Friday, April 8, 2011

13

Genetically modified fungus could fight malaria Associated Press Writer

AFP/File

Picture taken in 2010 shows cracks on the north side of the reservoir wall of the aluminium plant near Ajka, some 160 kms southwest of Budapest.

Wildlife still scarce in Hungary’s red sludge zone: WWF Agence France Presse

BUDAPEST – Wildlife has still not returned to the area in western Hungary that was devastated by the country’s worst chemical accident six months ago, the World Wildlife Fund said Wednesday.

“Wildlife and fishlife were totally devastated or displaced from the area, and six months later, the banks of rivers Marcal and Torna are still red,” WWF said in a statement.

Ten people were killed last October when the retaining walls of a

reservoir at the alumina plant in Ajka in western Hungary burst, sending 1.1 million cubic metres (38.8 million cubic feet) of poisonous, stinking red-coloured mud across an area of 40 square kilometres (15 square miles). The sludge wiped out almost all

waterlife in rivers and streams in the immediate vicinity and even spread to the Danube.

Work was continuing to remove the toxic sediment from river banks in the area, according to the mayor of one of the hardest-hit villages, Devecser.

The authorities initially declared a statement of emergency in the area for a period of six months. But that has now been extended while the clean-up work and repair to the dam walls continues, the authorities said.

LONDON – In a cramped London laboratory filled with test tubes, bacteria and mosquitoes, scientists are trying to engineer a new weapon in the battle against malaria: a mutant fungus. For years, Angray Kang at Westminster University and colleagues have been testing whether they could genetically tweak a fungus to kill the malaria parasite carried by mosquitoes.

Now they’ve found that in lab experiments, mosquitoes exposed to the fungus show a sharp drop in levels of the parasite. If it works that way in the wild, that should make it harder for the disease to infect people.

Kang said the mutant fungus could be sprayed onto walls and bednets like insecticides and could be made for a comparable cost.

He said the asame process of genetic modification could also be used to target other insect-spread diseases like dengue and West Nile virus. The research was done together with scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Early results were published recently in the journal Science.

“This is very exciting research,” said Andrew Read, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Pennsylvania State University.

He has worked on similar projects but

was not involved with the fungus research. “It tells us that if you can’t find something in nature to do what you want, you can just make it.”

Read said using the souped-up fungus might be less environmentally invasive than other genetic approaches. Some critics have warned that competing biological approaches, like scientists creating mutant mosquitoes, could wreak havoc to ecosystems if billions of the insects are released into the wild.

With the fungus, “you just spray it on the wall and it does its job,” Read said. “You don’t have to worry about generation after generation of the stuff.”

He also said the fungus technology could be a new way of dealing with insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, an increasing problem that has meant the return of effective but controversial sprays like DDT. “With the (mutant) fungi, you wouldn’t have chemical residues hanging around,” he said.

“It would just be a fungus very similar to what is already found in nature.”

In laboratory tests, Kang and colleagues found mosquitoes exposed to the mutated fungus had malaria parasite levels about 85 percent lower than normal. When they added a scorpion toxin to the mix, levels dropped by 97 percent. No tests have shown whether using the fungus would curb human malaria cases, but experts think fewer malaria parasites should translate into fewer cases.

AP Photo/Sang Tan

A research team member looks through a microscope of bacteria use for producing anti-body against malaria at Westminster University in London, Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Google ‘to reorganize YouTube channels’ Agence France Presse

NEW YORK – US Internet giant Google is preparing a major overhaul of video sharing website YouTube by creating “channels” to compete with broadcast and cable TV, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Under a plan costing as much as $100 million, the YouTube homepage will highlight different channels focused on topics like arts and sports, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the

matter.

About 20 of the channels will present several hours of original programming produced professionally each week, while other channels would use content already available on the site.

The launch will be phased over time, starting before the end of the year, and YouTube is hiring help to implement the initiatives.

In recent weeks, YouTube was also said to have held meetings with Hollywood talent agencies,

which the newspaper said were more likely to produce deals with directors of production companies than with movie stars and other celebrities.

YouTube, already the third most viewed website in the world, hopes the plan will further boost traffic to the site and take a bite out of the $70 billion US television advertising market. Executives of the site told the Journal they want people to “watch YouTube” the same way they “watch TV.”

14

Sport

Friday, April 8, 2011

International

Clasicos overshadow Real’s trip to Lions’ den Reuters

AP Photo/Alastair Grant

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, centre and teammates, attempt to block a shot from Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, not pictured, during the Champions League Group F soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

Man United win Champions League quarter-final 1st leg Agence France Presse

LONDON – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson laughed off Chelsea’s penalty claims after his side grabbed a precious first leg lead in their Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea looked to have won a clear spot-kick in injury time after Patrice Evra clattered into Blues midfielder Ramires in the penalty area.

But Spanish referee Alberto Undiano infuriated Chelsea’s players after waving away their claims before United went on to seal their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002.

Television replays showed Evra had clearly taken out Ramires without touching the ball but Ferguson shrugged off Chelsea’s complaints, saying his team had been due a break. “I haven’t seen it but if it was a penalty, it’s the first decision we’ve got here in seven years,” Ferguson said. “I don’t feel guilty about that all. It was a 50-50 challenge and I don’t know what the contact situation was. I’d need to see it again.”

Ferguson was left furious last month after United were beaten 21 by Chelsea in the Premier League. The United manager’s post-match tirade aimed at referee Martin Atkinson ultimately earned Ferguson a five-match touchline ban. But Ferguson left Stamford Bridge a satisfied man on Wednes-

day after watching United produce one of their best performances of the season to secure a result that leaves them with one foot in the semi-finals.

As well as a match-winning contribution from under-fire striker Wayne Rooney, Ferguson was able to reflect on the successful return of Rio Ferdinand, playing his first match for more than two months following a calf injury. Rooney’s 24th-minute winner followed his hat-trick against West Ham last weekend, a performance that was overshadowed by his expletive-laden tirade into a television camera that triggered an FA disciplinary charge.

“We’re pleased at his performance.

That was tremendous. He played fantastic,” Ferguson said of Rooney.

“He’s now been more regular in his goalscoring, which in the second half of the season is going to be important to us, that’s another important one for us. He did well.” Ferguson was also purring at the return of Ferdinand.

“The experience of Rio was fantastic tonight,” he said. “The squad is get-

ting stronger.”

Ferguson meanwhile cautioned that United still had to finish the job when they face Chelsea at Old Trafford next week, warning that the Londoners were still alive in the tie.

“Of course they could do it. It’s only one goal. It will be a tight game at Old Trafford there’s no doubt about that,” Ferguson said. The intimidating atmosphere generated by United’s fans at the fabled ‘Theatre of Dreams’ could prove decisive, Ferguson said.

“It’s an advantage,” Ferguson said.

“The biggest advantage is Old Trafford. The fans will be absolutely fantastic on Tuesday. It will be an electric atmosphere and I look forward to that.” Ferguson meanwhile denied suggestions that he had set his sights on repeating the 1999 treble.

“I said we’re in every competition we’ve got to do our best,” Ferguson said. “It doesn’t matter if you can’t win a thing. When you go out on that field you have to win the game — that’s the attitude of Manchester United.”

MADRID - The first of up to four clashes with arch-rivals Barcelona is casting a long shadow over Real Madrid’s trip to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday (1600 GMT). Jose Mourinho’s men are midway through their Champions League quarter-final with Tottenham Hotspur, though they travel to London on Wednesday with a handsome 4-0 advantage, and they welcome the La Liga leaders to the Bernabeu next Saturday.

Four days later the two teams meet again in the King’s Cup final, and the likelihood of a Champions League semi-final clash between the Spanish giants drew closer when Pep Guardiola’s side routed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 in the first leg. If both teams progress, they would meet four times in 18 days.

Keeping his players fresh and injury-free for those matches while

trying to keep alive their fading league title hopes will be Mourinho’s priority in Bilbao.

Real trail Barca by eight points with eight matches left and have a tricky assignment at San Mames, traditionally one of the most hostile stadiums for them to travel to in Spain.

They have only beaten the Lions four times in their last 11 league visits and their fifth-placed hosts are eager to secure a place in European competition for next year.

Mourinho rushed Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo back from injuries against Spurs on Tuesday, and gave Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain run-outs after lengthy layoffs.

Striker Karim Benzema missed out with a leg muscle strain but could return.

“It’s for moments like these that they have spent so much money on their squad,” Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros, who guided his side to a 1-0 win in the same fixture last season, told sports daily Marca.

Roy Keane to become Melbourne Victory’s coach: reports Agence France Presse

SYDNEY – Former Manchester United star Roy Keane is in line to become Melbourne Victory’s next coach in Australia’s A-League, according to reports. Keane, who was sacked by English League Championship Ipswich Town in January, was in Melbourne to finalise his contract, English reports said.

The volatile 39-year-old Irishman was seen in the crowd in Sydney watching Sydney FC’s AFC Asian Champions League game against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

But Keane avoided journalists who attempted to ask him questions by repeatedly moving seats, Fox Sports said. Ernie Merrick, who had coached Victory since its first season in the A-League in 2005/6, was

sacked on March 12. Keane, the former United captain and a combative midfielder who also represented the Republic of Ireland for 14 years, began his managerial career at English Championship team Sunderland in 2006.

He took the Black Cats from the bottom of the table to win the title and promotion to the Premier League. Keane resigned in December 2008 after a string of losses and took over the management of Ipswich Town in April 2009.

Keane won a UEFA Champions League, seven English Premier League titles and four FA Cups during a glittering 12-year playing career with Manchester United.

Melbourne Victory have won two ALeague titles, but were knocked out in the opening round of this season’s play-offs and Merrick was sacked not long after.

AFP/File/Ben Stansall

Former Manchester United star Roy Keane (pictured in 2009).

Sport

International

Friday, April 8, 2011

15

Hornets sting Rockets in playoff decider Reuters

HOUSTON - The New Orleans Hornets booked a playoff spot and snuffed out the post-season hopes of the Houston Rockets with a 101-93 road win on Wednesday. “It’s a good feeling knowing we’re in,” Hornets guard Chris Paul told reporters. “But now it’s about staying in.”

Houston’s Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry were on fire from longrange, in the first quarter, connecting on five of eight three-point attempts as the Rockets burst to a 3821 lead.

But the Rocket scored just 33 points in the next two quarters, allowing the Hornets to claw their way back into the game. “In the first quarter we looked like the Bad News Bears,” said Paul. “In the last three quarters we showed up.”

The teams exchanged the lead six times in the fourth before New

Orleans seized command of the game on two free throws by Paul, who led the Hornets with 28 points, with 4:16 remaining.

Trevor Ariza followed the free throws with a dunk after a steal and New Orleans iced the game from the free throw line to silence the home crowd. Martin led the Rockets with 21 points and Luis Scola and Goran Dragic added 16 points each.

“We just got to remember the sounds of their team making the playoffs and how happy they were,” Martin said. “We could hear them

from our locker room. That’s all we have to keep in mind throughout the summer.”

New Orleans Hornets power forward Carl Landry (24) shoots over Houston Rockets center Brad Miller (52) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Wozniacki cruises through Cyclist Cavendish sprints to GP de l’Escaut victory in Charleston WTA Agence France Presse

Agence France Presse

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – World number one Caroline Wozniacki cruised into the third round of the Charleston WTA, as she fought to banish memories of

last year’s injury disappointment.

“I’m feeling good on clay, so it’s exciting. It’s always exciting to start here,” top-seed Wozniacki said on Wednesday after dispatching American qualifier Irina Falconi 61, 6-1.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark looks on against Andrea Petkovic of Germany during the Sony Ericsson Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2011 in Key Biscayne, Florida.

At last year ’s tournament Wozniacki was forced to retire during her semi-final match against Russia’s Vera Zvonareva when she hurt her ankle sliding on the green clay court. “You think about it sometimes, a little bit sometimes, especially when you go after drop shots,” she said.

“But on the other hand, this is a tournament that I’ve always enjoyed playing and center court is so cozy.” Wozniacki, winner of titles this year in Dubai and Indian Wells, encountered little resistance from the 128th-ranked Falconi, who had never before faced a number one player.

The Dane took a 5-0 lead, and won the last six games to win the match. “She was playing good, but I felt like I could put that extra step into the ball,” Wozniacki, 20, said.

“I made the winners at the right chances.” Wozniacki is one of three top-10 players in the field.

World number five Samantha Stosur, the defending champion and second seed, defeated Austrian Patricia Mayr-Achleitner 6-1, 6-2.

Stosur said her status as defending champion gave her a boost. “I think it definitely, maybe, lifts your shoulders up a little bit and puts a smile on your face,” she said.

World number eight Jelena Jankovic, the third seed and winner here in 2007, also advanced, beating Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-2, 63. Fourth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France was an upset victim, falling to 2009 Charleston champion Sabine Lisicki of Germany 6-2, 6-3. Seventh-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia made it safely into the third round, defeating Romanian Edina Gallovits 6-1, 6-1.

SCHOTEN, Belgium – Britain’s Mark Cavendish sprinted clear of the field to claim his third career victory at the Grand Prix l’Escaut on Wednesday. The HTC-Highroad sprinter, a 15time stage winner on the Tour de France, steered clear of danger in a crash-marred finale to finish ahead of Russian Denis Galimzyanov and Belarussian Yauheni Hutarovich.

Cavendish has endured a mediocre start to his season, so the Isle of Man rider was only too happy to find success at the scene of his maiden professional victory, in 2007.

“This race is special for me because it’s here that I took my first professional win,” said Cavendish, who also won here in 2008.

“It’s been a frustrating season so far.

I’m racing a lot this season, and I’ve had some bad luck, so it’s good I can get the wins in, too.” Cavendish added: “The team did a perfect job, chasing

down the break and then getting me to the front as they always do. “(Team-mate) Leigh Howard worked very hard in the last few kilometers, then I came past him and went for the win.” Cavendish’s only other win this season was in the sixth stage of the Tour of Oman.

The GP de l’Escaut is held over 200km and is usually controlled by the sprinters’ teams in anticipation of a bunch finish.

Cavendish finished ahead of Russian sensation Galimzyanov, of Team Katusha, with plenty of room to spare.

Moments before then American rival Tyler Farrar of Garmin-Cervelo was taken out of the equation after clashing with Belgian Wouter Weylandt.

One of the riders caught up in that crash, Belgian Sjef De Wilde, was immobilised by medical staff for fear that he may have been paralysed. He was later diagnosed with two broken ribs, a fracture in his lower back and concussion.

AFP PHOTO/YORICK JANSENS

British Mark Cavendish of Team HTC - High Road celebrates as he wins the 99th edition of the one-day cycling race Scheldeprijs, in Schoten, on April 6, 2011.

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Friday, April 8, 2011

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

Sport

Vettel unfazed by higher temperatures Malaysia - Sebastian Vettel is confident that the higher track temperatures expected during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend will not be a disadvantage for Red Bull. In Australia, Red Bull had no trouble getting its Pirelli rubber up to temperature quickly, whereas Ferrari, which has traditionally been very kind to its tyres, struggled to do so.

It’s possible that at Sepang the track temperatures could mean that Red Bull is too aggressive on its rubber, but the reigning world champion is not concerned that this could compromise the team during the race, which according to Pirelli could feature up to four pitstops per car.

“It’s not a worry,” he said when asked by AUTOSPORT about whether Red Bull might be too hard on its rubber. “This is a completely different track with different characteristics and different demands on the tyres and the cars.

“In Australia, we had no problem with getting the tyres into the right window. We’re not afraid that now

AFP PHOTO / ROMEO GACAD

Alonso says Australia result was good FERNANDO Alonso says his fourth place in the Australian Grand Prix was a “very good result” for his Ferrari team. Although the double world champion was unable to fight for victory, he insists the result was no disaster for the Maranello squad.

“I don’t agree that it was a bad weekend,” Alonso told reporters in Sepang. “I keep repeating the same thing and you keep repeating the same thing about the disaster that was Melbourne. “We were fourth, Webber was fifth, Button was sixth with a one-second advantage in qualifying pace, so I think for us it was a very good result.”

He made it clear, however, that Ferrari needs to raise its game to be fighting for wins. “We want to improve, we want to be on the podium here. We need to do a better job, there’s no doubt,” he said.

The Spaniard also denied having arrived in Australia thinking Ferrari was favourite after a strong winter of testing, but he did concede he was expecting to be able to fight for victory.

“I wasn’t expecting anything in

Melbourne, because winter testing never gives you the real picture. We were not surprised. Obviously we were confident to be fighting for pole position and fighting for the win. So we were disappointment with our performance.

“But we didn’t arrive thinking that we were favourites or anything like that. We respect everybody’s pace and results and we understand that we need to keep working, keep improving the car, and hopefully do a better job here in Sepang.”

AP Photo/David Callow

Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain steers his car at a corner during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Red Bull-Renault driver Sebastian Vettel (C) of Germany signs autographs as he arrives in the pit lane during preparations ahead of Formula One’s Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on April 7, 2011. After a thrilling 2010 full of drama and suspense, Formula One is expected to deliver more of the same this season with five crowned drivers’ champions in the field.

there will be a shift and we will be outside of this window. But in the case that we are, we will find out tomorrow and have to work around it.

“We are not concerned. It would be a surprised if it was off.” The 23year-old added that he had had put his success in Australia behind him and is fully focused on the coming weekend. “Australia is history,” said Vettel. “We have got that one in the bag and a lot of points, but we have got to leave that behind us and focus on what is going on here.”

With rain expected throughout the weekend, the German insists that he has no worries about bad weather despite the fact that Red Bull is expected to set the pace in dry conditions.

“I don’t mind as long as we do well,” said Vettel. “The risk in the rain to make a mistake, for things to go wrong or become more chaotic is much higher. “Of course, if the car is very quick and you have very good races in the dry, why bring in unknown risks?

“But it’s the same for everyone.

There is still the chance for mistakes in the dry, with maybe four pitstops.

It’s the same for us as for everyone else.”