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PAGE 6 I

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

Indonesia cuts Australia drug runners’ sentences PAGE 8

Stallone’s ‘Expendables’ storm US, Canadian box office PAGE 12 AP Photo/Periodico El Isleno, Richard Garcia

A police officer stands by a crashed plane sitting on the runaway at the airport on San Andres island in Colombia, Monday Aug. 16, 2010. The Boeing 737 operated by the airline Aires crashed on landing after departing from Bogota around midnight local time with 131 passengers. According to an Air Force official, at least one passenger died.

6 badly injured in ‘miracle’ crash flown to Bogota Associated Press Writer

BOGOTA, Colombia – Survivors say everything seemed normal as a jetliner with 131 people on board prepared to land in a storm on a Caribbean resort. Suddenly it plunged to earth, killing one person — a death toll so low the island’s governor called it a miracle.

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“The pilot informed us that we were going to land in San Andres, we buckled our seat belts, we settled in — and a second later, boom! A big bang,” said 25-yearold survivor Alvaro Granados,

who was flying with his wife and two children. “When my wife and I stood and looked behind us we saw that the back of the plane was missing.” Authorities say it happened so

quickly the pilot didn’t report an emergency to the control tower at Colombia’s San Andres Island. Experts are trying to figure out why the Aires airline Boeing 737 jetliner hit the ground short of the

runway on Monday — and how 130 of the people on board survived as the aircraft skidded on its belly with its fuselage fracturing and its landing gear and at least one engine ripping off. After the jet ground to a stop, passengers scrambled from their seats or were helped to safety. Authorities said firefighters quickly doused flames that broke out on a wing. Continued on page 6

Pecalang can not forget their origin BALI as one of the famous tourism destination throughout the world will be filled with new inhabitants in the next few years. Currently the number of inhabitants of Bali is 3.9 million people. The number is increasing compared to several years ago which was 3.4 million. In 2011, the number of people live in Bali is predicted will be around 4 million people. While the ideal number of Bali’s inhabitants

is 1.5 million people. For that reason, everyone must take part in preserving Bali as a safe, secure, and peaceful place. The statement was said by Bali’s Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, during the gathering between Bali Post and the local security officers or Pecalang in Besakih on Monday, August 16th 2010. On the occasion, Bali Post also gave the donation by Bali Post readers to Besakih village. The number of people in Bali in-

crease rapidly and it is not because the high birth rate but because the high number of migration. Bali can not forbid anyone to enter or stay in Bali because Bali is a part on Indonesia and every Indonesian citizen has the right to stay anywhere in the nation. “It is obviously will cause problems such as the lack of land to build housing and carry out businesses,” the governor said. Village as the smallest unit in Bali has important role in preserving safety and peace.

It is needed to attract tourists to visit Bali because the island depends on tourism to support the local economy. “There are small security disturbances but it is in small scale. However, we can not tolerate any kind of security disturbances,” he added. The pecalang gathering is one of the steps to preserve the safety in Bali especially after the 65th anniversary of Indonesia Independence Day. Continued on page 6

International

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Bali News Foreign tourists watch the ceremony of Indonesian Independence day Antara

Denpasar – Foreign tourists were watching the 65th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day on Puputan Margarana, Denpasar, Bali on Tuesday, August 17th 2010. Benuil Alfino, a tourist from France said that he was amazed to see the ceremony. “I came to Bali in August to see the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day,” he added. Benuil also said that he had seen many activities done by the people in Bali to celebrate the Independence Day. “It is my second time to see the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day. I am very attracted to see the celebration in addition to visit tourism site in Bali. The costumes of the participants of the ceremony are varied,” he said.

The similar thing was also stated by Qpoloq Yupu, a tourist from Mexico. “It is very amazing. The people of Indonesia love their country very much. Every place is decorated with red and with flags and ornaments. It is quite different from my country,” he said. Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika was the head of the ceremony. On the speech, the governor urged everyone to fill the independence with

development to increase the welfare of the society. Bali Ida Bagus Kompyang, the head of Veteran Legion for Bali regency (LVRI) said that after being an independent country, the struggle is still the same as when the army fought to gain it. “We hope that the young generations still want to fight today but to fill the independence such as by gaining knowledge to compete with other nation,” he said.

Governor opens Development Exhibition

Expected, it’s more informative and communicative Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika opened the implementation of Development Exhibition of Bali Province 2010 at the Denpasar Art Center, last Saturday (Aug 14) night. The exhibition held in the series of the 52nd Anniversary of Bali Province and the 65th Independence Anniversary of the RI was also carried out in conjunction with the Utsawa Dharma Gita (Hindu Psalmodic Festival) of Bali Province 2010 taking the theme Through the Bali Provincial Development Exhibition 2010 We Strengthen the Commitment to Develop Bali Heading for Bali Mandara. Meanwhile, the Utsawa Dharma Gita featured the theme Santi Kinenyepi Tutur standing for deepening the Dharma Gita to reinforce the national characters. Governor Mangku Pastika in his speech expected the development exhibition to be more informative and educative other than being able to serve as a medium of entertainment for the community because implementation

of such exhibition was also jazzed up with various cultural performances. Asserted, the development exhibition was one of the most effective media to disseminate information in order to enhance the community participation in the development. “I do hope all messages and information could be packed as attractive and objective as possible so as to give the truth to the public. By doing so, the integration of our measures in implementing the vision of Bali Mandara could be more stabilized,” he asserted. According to him, the development exhibition getting involved the circles of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) and small and medium industries (SMIs) could be utilized as a venue of product promotion for those SMEs and SMIs existing in Bali. Through the event was also expected to move the wheels of the economy which in turn could improve the welfare of the entire people of Bali. Meanwhile, Utsawa Dharma Gita denoting a competition for the Hindu literati in the mastery of aesthetics and

the meaning of religious literary values could be used as a means of dissemination as well as preservation of the existing Hindu literature supporting the implementation of ritual activities. “Philosophical and ethical values presented in high aesthetic make the literature as the right universal phenomenon in building the national character as well as language being acceptable to all elements of society,” he affirmed. On that occasion, the Chairman of the Exhibition Development, I Made Santha, emphasized that the development exhibition of Bali Province 2010 would be held during the 10 days starting from August 14 to 23, 2010 and Utsawa Darma Gita would be conducted for three days on August 14-16, 2010. It was said the participants of Utsawa Dharma Gita were from regency/city throughout Bali amounting to 378 people. Meanwhile, exhibitors involved consisted of four pillars of development namely government, private enterprises, community and academician with 162 participants/booths.

Bagler, the burglar of Pawnshop in Singaraja Results given to a café girl from Bandung Singaraja (DenPost)—

Hard work of Buleleng Mobile Detective Unit (Buser) for less than a week finally managed to reveal the perpetrator of burglary at Pawnshop Office within the complex of Hardys Singaraja. The culprit was no other than I Gede Mertayasa alias Bagler, 36, a resident living on Jalan Gajah Mada, Penataran Hamlet, Kendran Village, Singaraja. Mertayasa was arrested around 11:00 am Local Time when he was passing through Jalan WR Supratman Singaraja. The man tattooed on his arm was then taken to Headquarters of Buleleng Police for further examination. Although denied when he was examined, but finally the man who planned to marry a girl from Bandung was finally admitted his deeds, namely burglarizing the Pawnshop Office as well as doing the persecution to Mirza Resti Nirmala, 24, the Pawnshop staff who was on duty at the time. Interestingly, the perpetrator confessed his reckless action purely intended to get money used to finance a cafe girl named Tina for homecoming to Bandung, West Java. Even, gold jewelries stolen in the Pawnshop Office were also partly presented as gift for the cafe girl admitted to be his girlfriend. Then, how did the suspect who had brought his girlfriend

to Bandung perform the action? Chief of Buleleng Police Yudi Hartanto when asked for his confirmation, last Saturday (Aug 14), said the arrest of the suspect was started from the information given by a cellular phone shopkeeper located around Sukasada saying that there was a man carrying a cell phone and wanted to delete the photos of a woman. Face of the woman was very similar to Resti Nirmala Mirza becoming the robbery victim in the Pawnshop Office. Based on that information, police suspected if the man deleting those photos was the robbery suspect. In the incident, other than taking the money and gold, the burglar also took the cell phone belonging to the victim. Having been identified, in fact the man was Mertayasa living on Jalan Gajah Mada, Singaraja. Suspicion of police was getting stronger because, according to information, Mertayasa suspected in fact has departed to Bandung to accompany his girlfriend homecoming. The Mobile Detective Unit also continued to chase him up to Bandung. Unfortunately, Bagler who already had a wife and son has returned to Bali since his uncle died. Police decided to wait for the suspect at Ngurah Rai Airport, dogged him and finally ambushed him in Singaraja City. (118)

Nusa Penida potential to cultivate gogo rancah rice Semarapura (Bali Post)—

Known as the hill ranges, dry and barren territory, Nusa Penida undeniably retains a variety of potentials. Not only of maritime, has it also stored abundant island potentials across the territory. Aside from being arable to crops, the non-irrigated dry field rice belonging to gogo rancah variety is also one of the potential commodities of Nusa Penida. “Formerly, the Nusa Penida residents widely cultivated gogo rancah rice variety,” said a field extension workers (PPL) of Batumadeg and Batukandik Village, East Nusa Penida, Wayan Danaya, when met in Nusa Penida, last Sunday (Aug 15). Danaya said that gogo rancah rice cultivation was still being developed in East Nusa Penida until the 1980s. The proceedings could be categorized into good. Other than earmarked for the need of family consumption, the residents of Nusa Penida could also set it aside for sale and exchanged for other needs. “Texture of

land here (in Nusa Penida—ed) also enables for the development of gogo rancah rice variety,” he added. However, after the 1980s there was a great climate change making the gogo rancah rice cultivation was no longer providing adequate benefits for residents. In fact, people lose money because the maintenance cost turned much more expensive than the results obtained. “Climate change caused increasingly erratic and less rainfall in Nusa Penida. Farmers usually cultivated rice based on rainfall estimates. Apparently, their estimate misses the target because it did not rain accordingly. Finally, the rice could not grow well,” said Danaya. Such a condition had an impact on the declining number of residents that planted the gogo rancah variety. Meanwhile, those persisting were also distraught. They did not only lack for water, but should also face the attack of wild birds getting more vicious. “Birds also become a constraint for the development of gogo rancah rice variety,” he said. (kmb20)

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

Bali News

International

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Holiday, Badung Government Central ”More Haunted” Mangupura (Bali Post) –

There’s a different atmosphere when coming in Badung’s government central, Mangupraja Mandala at Sempidi especially during holidays as a month ago it was still opened for public. Lately, it became much haunted as Badung Police Civil Service officials tighten the security. It’s always closed and those who want to come in have to have the officials’ permit. What happened? Is this connecting to the incident affecting Badung Regent AA Gde Agung? During work days, the government central became bureaucrats place to do its activities and also as Badung’s representatives’ place working. And during this time, the gate is always opened. Of course there are security yet public doesn’t have to ask for permits when going in. During holidays it’s different. It became a sporting place from jogging to cycling and also for the public’s hang out place. Teenagers also hanged out there, take pictures, dating or wrongly used it as a place to show off their motorcycling. Number of officials such as the Regent himself was exercising in this area. The Regent always used his spare time to jog around and

enjoying the view of the paddyfield joint to the central’s area as it is a quite comfortable place for sports. According to a worker in the government central said, one time the Regent was enjoying jogging then all of a sudden a motorbike ridden by a youngster almost hit him. Apparently it was the youngster who was being careless and so spontaneously the Regent was shocked and angry. Not sure if the Regent told off the youngster, yet not long after he went to the Police Civil Service and ordered at that time to close the gates during holidays, “His order was, just the important ones are allowed. If it’s for sports or hanging out you’re allowed. But motorbikes have to be put near the po-

lice post in the front gate.” So, since this incident, its security during holidays was tightened and must report to the guard post. Head of Public Relation and Protocol, Badung Regional Secretary, I Gede Wijaya, on Sunday (15/8) confirmed has heard the incident yet don’t know the truth as he doesn’t know it himself, “I also heard of it, yet I don’t know if it’s true or not. And it doesn’t have anyting to do with the central government.” Wijaya mentioned, this tighten security is to keep the place secure and comfortable. People are allowed to use it but has to guard its security and environment preservation more, “Of course it’s still opened. People can join in to guard it and preserve it.” (ded)

Public’s Mental Behavior Became the Biggest Challenge Mangupura (Bali Post) –

Poverty’s causing factor is complex not only the people’s quality, access or the government’s availability, but also the people’s mental behavior. At least, this is also one that made Badung region’s poverty prevention program had problems. Until now it’s still found people who are lazy, won’t use an opportunity and wait for someone’s help instead. Head of Commission C of the Badung Regence House of Representatives, I Nyoman Satria, mentioned there are actually job opportunities in Badung mostly on tourism as it’s the most important and proved to be a Region’s Trusted Income (PAD) contributor for 93 percent. This means tourism moves dynamically and became the center to the people’s development. Even though, tourism is not the only option. A multiplier effect from tourism can be used as a guaranteed opportunity. For example the Micro and Middle Business (UMKM), “Only now, is the public going to use these opportunities given or not.” According to Satria, these people are still disadvantaged and not bothered to grab an opportunity given caused by their lazy “disease”. More over, many of them are “proud” to be poor as in some who seem advantaged admits disadvantaged. They did this to wait for either government or non government kindly help. And so the helps

go to the wrong target. The Badung Regence House of Representatives Vice Leader, I Ketut Suiasa, stated the same thing. Some of the poverty factors in Badung are such as urbanization, global economic influencing consumers and the public’s mental behavior or character. From all of them, the toughest challenge was the public’s mental behavior most influenced by the social disease such as gambling. It still needs extra effort to change this behavior and its little fighting spirit especially for working. This public’s way of thinking was also admitted by Badung Regence Economy and Development Board Assistant, I Wayan Suambara. The man who works as Head of Badung Regional Development and Research Board (Bappeda and Litbang) mentioned, this mental behavior became the problem in the region government’s poverty prevention program, “This also became the problem to data the disadvantaged people.” Suambara clarified, the government’s help is not a measurement. In taking care of poverty besides giving stimulus materially it’s also given through morally. Of course it’s not easy to change the people’s way of thinking yet united efforts are being done. Suiasa also mentioned, the government’s act in changing the people’s character is very vital as

government shouldn’t just do a while pragmatic effort instead it continues. For example, if government only gives business training or built a training center only without thinking its distribution, it will expire. So the continuity has to be thought through, “If it’s taken seriously and there are joint work relations with all sides, then the effort to prevent poverty will be more effective.” Suambara mentioned, 2009 data mentioned there are 3266 Disadvantaged Families (RTM). This number significantly decreased 37,20 percent from four years ago which was 5,201 RTM. From for the 14 indicators to classify disadvantaged people nationally, Badung was much tighter only using 9 indicators. Which meanse, if 14 of them applied, the number of RTM in Badung is much less than what’s in the data now. Even though, the poverty prevention quality is not getting lower. The Badung government is taking steps and integrated with connected boards in tackling it. The budget for this in year 2010 reached IDR 101,4 Billion. This came from Badung Regence Budgets and Expenses with IDR 78,7 Billion, from Bali Province Budgets and Expenses IDR 11,6 Billion and Country’s Budget IDR 10 Billion, “With this composition it became the mirror of the Badung government’s fighting effort in tackling RTM.” (ded)

AFP PHOTO / SONNY TUMBELAKA

Convicted Australian drug smuggler Renae Lawrence (R) participates in a game at Kerobokan prison in Denpasar, Bali on August 17, 2010.

Long Rain Season

Cashew and Mango Harvest Threaten in Karangasem Amlapura (Bali Post) –

The drying Kudu area residents were thankful and in grieve as long rain season hits the area. They are thankful it decreased the clean water crisis yet in grieve its cashew and mango fruits harvest are threaten. This was stated by Head of Banjar Tamanasari, West Tianyar, Kubu, Karangasem, Gede Daryana, last Sunday (15/8) at Kubu. He admitted the rain season was longer this year and in the south part of Karangasem was often hit by heavy rain but in Kudu itself one to two times a day. With dry season should’ve been upon us, the flowering cashew and mango trees had its flowers damaged as every time rain stops, the sun comes out and causes flowers to fall, “The condition is threatening cashew and mango trees which are the main crops for farmers from Kubu, Abang and some other areas in Karangasem and now has its harvest threaten.”

One of the farmers from Baantas Kubu, Made Surung, both plants are farmers’ harvest hopefuls during dry season as in this season farmers can’t plant anything such as arable crops. Daryana added saying, the threat has caused farmers loss on medicine and fertilizer as farmers in Tamansari are mostly farmer staffs that only rely on the harvest, “If its harvest failed, what can they hope for?” Daryana said the condition could cause food crisis and people poorer as the cashew trees started to die caused by white root mushrooms (JAP) which can’t be treated. The victimized cashew trees will bend lower, weaker, has it leaves falling then die. There’s some that fell down before it died as the roots were first rotten and couldn’t bare the high speed wind, “At south part of Kubu almost no cashew trees grew there which was caused by the deadly mushroom.” (013)

Scheduled, Driving License Renewing Goes Mobile Traffic Union of Denpasar Police Department has officially started the Driving License (SIM) mobile renewing system and has been scheduled. For this August 2010, there are six locations picked. This is to ease Denpasar residents to renew their SIM type C (motorcycle driver) and A (car driver). Head of the Union, Police Commissioner Wahyu Tri Cahyono, SIK, mentioned the six locations picked were fishing competition areal at Tukad Melati Street, Legian, Kuta (1st August), Tiara Dewata parking space at Sutoyo Street (2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th August), in front of Renon Police Post in Denpasar (3rd, 10th, 24th,

31st August), Hardys parking areal at Sesetan Main Street (Jalan Raya) in Denpasar (4th, 11th, 25th August), Carrefour Supermarket parking areal at Sunset Road Street in Kuta (6th, 13th, 27th August) and Tragia Supermarket at Nusa Dua, South Kuta, Badung (5th, 12th, 26th August), “We have scheduled for August, also for the coming month.” It was said, this service is from 11 am wita until finished. And for those finding brand new license they need to go to the Denpasar Police Department as candidates need to go through tests, theory and practical, “With this service scheduled, people can get ready to renew their type C and A SIM.” (jay)

News

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

International

Australian PM backs republic after queen’s death AFP

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia should become a republic when Queen Elizabeth dies, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Tuesday in comments which may revive a long-running debate just days ahead of national polls. Gillard, whose centre-left Labor Party is in a tight electoral race against a conservative coalition, said the queen’s death would be an “appropriate” time for Australia to move away from having a British monarch as head of state. “I believe that this nation should be a republic. I also believe that this nation has got a deep affection for Queen Elizabeth,” Gillard, Australia’s first woman prime minister, told reporters. “What I would like to see as prime minister is that we work our way through to an agreement on a model for the republic, but I think the appropriate time for this nation to move to being a republic is when we see the monarch change.” Australians voted against turning the former colony into a republic in a 1999 referendum, and de-

bate on the issue has often proved divisive. “Obviously I’m hoping for Queen Elizabeth that she lives a long and happy life and having watched her mother, I think there’s every chance that she will live a long and happy life,” Gillard said. “But I think that’s probably the appropriate point for a transition to a republic.” A January visit by Prince William, second in line to the throne, proved wildly popular with the public, in what some commentators saw as a boost for the monarchist movement. “Prince William, in his two-day charm offensive in Sydney, may have done more to set back the republican cause than anything since the 1999 referendum,” The Sydney Morning Herald wrote at the time. Gillard’s challenger in Saturday’s elections is Tony Abbott, who once led Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, the country’s main movement opposing a republic. The prime minister is polling just four percentage points ahead of Abbott in the final days of campaigning.

AFP

raqi police stop a taxi at a security check at a checkpoint in central Baghdad

Baghdad suicide bomb hits army recruits, kills 51 AP

BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber blew himself up Tuesday among dozens of Iraqi army recruits who had gathered near a military headquarters in downtown Baghdad in a devastating strike that officials said killed 51 people and wounded 119.

AFP/DDP/File

File photo shows Queen Elizabeth II (left) along with her husband Prince Philip on a state visit to Germany

The massive morning blast took place just outside the former Iraqi Ministry of Defense building that now houses the army’s 11th division headquarters. The site receives about 250 new recruits each week as Iraqi security forces try to bolster their ranks to prepare for the U.S. military’s looming withdrawal after seven years of war. Blown-off hands and legs could be seen among pools of blood at the scene, which Iraqi soldiers closed

off. U.S. helicopters hovered overhead as frantic Iraqis showed up to search for relatives. The recruits were gathered in an open area next to Maidan Square in central Baghdad as they waited to be let through the main gates in small groups, according to two Iraqi police officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. At least three soldiers were among the dead and eight among the wounded, the police officials said. Officials at four Baghdad hospi-

tals confirmed the casualties. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Iraqi security forces have been trying to boost their numbers as the U.S. military begins to leave the country. All but 50,000 U.S. troops will go home by the end of August, with the rest to follow by the end of 2011 under a security agreement between Baghdad and Washington. But insurgents determined to highlight the Iraqi government’s struggle to protect the nation have been stepping up attacks in recent weeks. Iraqi army, police and other security forces have been targeted, but civilians also have been killed by the hundreds.

Blair to give memoir proceeds to veterans’ charity AFP

LONDON (AFP) – Tony Blair, the prime minister who led Britain into the Iraq and Afghan wars, will give the multi-million dollar proceeds of his autobiography to a veterans’ charity, his spokesman said on Monday. The move was warmly welcomed by the charity itself, but peace campaigners said the money would not “wash the blood” from the hands of the leader who has defended Britain’s role in the invasions since standing down three years ago. The book, entitled “A Journey”, will be published on September 1 and, as Blair’s first personal account of his decade in power at the

head of a Labour government, is expected to become a bestseller. According to reports, the former premier has already received a 4.6million-pound advance for the book which should generate an even bigger sum. A spokesman for Blair said Monday that all the proceeds will be donated to a project funded by veterans’ charity the Royal British Legion that provides rehabilitation services for seriously injured members of the armed forces. “Tony Blair decided on leaving office that he would donate the proceeds of his memoirs to a charity for the armed forces as a way of marking the enormous sacrifice they make for the security of our people and the world,”

he said. “The Royal British Legion is just such a cause. “In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the armed forces demonstrate day in, day out. “As prime minister he witnessed that for himself in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Kosovo. This is his way of honouring their courage and sacrifice.” Royal British Legion director general Chris Simpkins said Blair’s donation was “very generous” and it was “much appreciated and will help us to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of hundreds of injured personnel”.

AFP/Getty Images/File

Former prime minister Tony Blair

International

Hotel Activities

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Private Spa hosted BSWA gathering IBP

NUSA DUA - The Private Spa Wellness Center (TPSWC) proudly hosted the monthly Bali Spa and Wellness Association (BSWA) gathering July 30, 2010. As the founding member of BSWA, Erika Dewi, Director of Operations TPSWC, welcomed spa managers and industry partners for the first time since The Private Spa Corporation built the twostorey wellness centre. This spa is one of the first spas in the world that is devoted to balancing the body’s vibrational frequencies. Ritual therapies from ancient times have been recreated to manage stress related illnesses. The rituals include the hydrothermal biotherapy treatments, chakra balancing treatments, and more. BSWA members toured the seven exclusive treatment rooms and highend spa facilities such as vitality pool, steam room and far sauna, lead by TPWSC Spa Manager, Ririn Widarsih. It was a stimulating journey for the spa managers to see the Taj Mahal inspired Indian room, Arabian princess inspired Moroccan room, as well as the well-equipped Victorian room with Vichy shower, European room with pulse light and LED machine, and Thai room with

IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)

Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426

Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070

Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628

The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465

Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601

France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485

Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735

The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506

handle bars for the bare foot Thai massage. The spa menu is tailored by experts, with 50 years of combined experience in the industry to create a spa ritual beyond pampering. The Recovery and refreshment lounges are designed for guests to linger in the spa in between and after treatment. Healthy, fresh food and beverages are also served on demand for those who wish to spend the day in the spa. This environmentally friendly spa strives to become “The” vibrational frequency ritual treatment spa in Bali and beyond. This spa is a turnkey project of The Private Spa Corporation, a global hub of expertise covering all aspects of a spa development, from the initial conceptualizing until the final delivery of specially crafted spa treatments and equipments. The Wellness Centre will display the Corporation’s visions of a definitive spa journey to ensure every treatment has a positive impact on the guest’s wellbeing. “We take great pride in welcoming fellow spa professionals in Bali to show our spa even before it’s open. We are very excited to bring Bali as the world’s spa capital to the next level,” says Erika. *

HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada. RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363

Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775

Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar. Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690.

Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310

Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar. Phone : 222 142.

Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520

TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855

Monday, August 16, 2010

News Thousands evacuated in Lourdes bomb scare Agence France Presse

LOURDES, France – A bomb scare forced the evacuation of the Roman Catholic sanctuaries in the French pilgrimage destination of Lourdes on Sunday as 30,000 worshippers celebrated the Feast of the Assumption. “A bomb warning was received at the police station, announcing that four bombs were going to go off at around 3.00pm in the sanctuaries,” the site’s press officer Pierre Adias

told AFP just before 2.00pm (1200 GMT). “We’re trying to evacuate the shrines and to prevent those people who left to have lunch from coming back in. This is proceeding calmly,” he said. On August 15, Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven, and Lourdes — a southern French town where the faithful believe the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision 152 years ago — is a popular site to mark the event.

(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, left, signs her autographs for apprentices and construction workers during the campaign trail in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. Australians will go to the polls on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 to vote in the federal election.

Australia set for cliffhanger poll Agence France Presse

SYDNEY – Australia was Sunday heading for a knife-edge election, with no party streaking ahead in opinion polls with less than a week to go, raising the prospect of the first hung parliament in 70 years. As Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the first woman to lead the country, battles an energised conservative opposition headed by the plain-speaking Tony Abbott, polls predict that the August 21 contest could go down to the wire. “At the moment it looks like it could be a hung parliament,” Michele Levine, chief executive of the Roy Morgan polling group, told AFP on Sunday. The latest Roy Morgan poll, which surveyed close to 1,000 voters across the country on Saturday, found centre-left Labor had the support of 51 percent of voters and the right-leaning Liberal/National coalition some 49 percent. Former lawyer Gillard has conceded that she is heading into one of the tightest races in the nation’s history, after a Nielsen poll released Saturday put her ahead 53 to 47 percent and a Newspoll found she would just scrape into government. “I’m keenly aware that as we go into the final week, if today’s polls are right, then Mr Abbott could end up prime minister by the end of the next Saturday,” 48-year-old Gillard said ahead of Monday’s campaign launch. Polling in recent weeks has found that Labor is losing ground against Abbott, an unlikely challenger nicknamed the “Mad Monk” who only became opposition leader last year after bruising party infighting on climate change. Levine said voters appeared uneasy about Gillard’s brutal wresting of power from her former leader

Kevin Rudd in her own party coup in late June. “That really plagued the whole of the Labor Party’s first few weeks,” Levine said. “There’s a clear indication, in both our national polling and our marginal seat polling, that there is a move to the coalition,” she added. Although the candidates are starkly different — Welsh-born Gillard is a career woman who has never married or had children while Abbott is a conservative family man who once trained to become a Catholic priest — the campaign has been criticised as uninspiring. Labor is leaning heavily on its performance during the global financial crisis — arguing that its massive stimulus package kept the economy out of recession and saved tens of thousands of jobs. It is promising to develop infrastructure — including a high-speed national broadband Internet network — and improve Sydney’s congested rail links if reelected. On climate change — a key factor in the 2007 election which saw Labor’s Rudd topple conservative prime minister John Howard, ending his 11-year-rule — Gillard has repeatedly said she believes climate change is real and wants to put a price on carbon emissions.

The outspoken and gaffe-prone Abbott, a former Rhodes scholar and minister in the Howard government, has meanwhile vowed to cut government spending to reduce national debt and “stop the boats” of asylum seekers. Political analyst Clement Macintyre said while it was an historic vote because it was the first time Australians have a chance to vote for a party led by a woman, the campaign has been lacklustre. “While the polling is so close both sides are conscious that one mistake could cost office and they are less bold and adventurous,” Macintyre, who is head of politics at the University of Adelaide, told AFP. The last time Australia faced a hung parliament was in September 1940 when the United Australia Party/Country Party coalition and the combined Labor parties each won 36 seats, leaving the balance of power with two independents. Haydon Manning, head of politics at Flinders University in South Australia, said a similar result in 2010 was unlikely, but Saturday’s election could leave the Greens holding the balance of power in the upper house. “As a consequence ... whoever forms government in the lower house, will have to go cap in hand frequently to negotiate with the Greens,” he said.

(AFP/Pascal Pavani)

Pilgrims queue to visit the Grotto of the Apparitions, also called Grotto of Massabielle as part of the Assumption festivities in the Sanctuary of Our Lady in the French southwestern city of Lourdes.

In sign of calm, Israel removes gunfire barrier Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM – The Israeli military says it is removing a concrete barrier erected nine years ago to protect a Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem from Palestinian gunfire. The neighborhood of Gilo is located in southern Jerusalem on land captured by Israel in 1967 along with the rest of east Jerusalem and the adjacent West Bank. The removal is a sign of the relative calm that has

taken hold in the West Bank. The wall was erected in 2001, at the height of Israeli-Palestinian violence. It was meant to protect Gilo residents from Palestinian militants firing from a nearby West Bank village. An Israeli military statement Sunday said the wall was removed because of “a reduced security threat” and increased cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian security forces.

(AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

An Israeli army crane loads a part of a concrete wall in the Jewish neighborhood of Gilo in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010.

International

Indonesia Today Indonesian activist (L) burns a poster a Malaysian flag during an antiMalaysia protest in Jakarta on August 17, 2010 following the arrest of three Indonesian maritime officers over an apparent border dispute. Indonesia is highly sensitive about its territorial integrity since losing the tiny islands of Sipadan and Ligitan off the northeastern coast of Borneo — disputed since 1969 — to Malaysia following a 2002 ruling by the International Court of Justice. AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

Indonesian president aims for economy to be ‘uncaged’ Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s president said on Monday that wants Southeast Asia’s biggest economy to stop being a “caged tiger” and unleash annual growth of nearly eight percent by 2014. “It’s time that Indonesia not only walks, but walks faster and begins to run. It’s time that we don’t remain as a caged tiger but be a nation that is competitive on the international scene,” President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said. Yudhoyono said Indonesia should aim to hit growth of 7.7 percent in four years, which he said would create 10.7 million new jobs and slash poverty by 8-10 percent. “With careful planning and proper implementation, we are optimistic in reaching the target,” he said in a speech to parliament on the eve of Indonesia’s independence day. “Accelerating economic growth is expected to increase job opportu-

nities and reduce the unemployment level,” the president added. Later Monday, Yudhoyono presented his draft budget for 2011 in which he forecast a deficit of 1.7 percent of gross domestic product next year, wider than the 1.5 percent gap expected this year. He also proposed to increase capital spending next year by 28 percent to 121.7 trillion rupiah (13.5 billion dollars), mainly to finance infrastructure projects such as irrigation, transport, housing, and water resources. He added that total infrastructure investment between 2010 and 2014 is expected to be 161 billion dollars. Indonesia’s infrastructure has suffered from years of neglect, which is hindering economic growth, and analysts blamed a lack of legal clarity and difficulties in land clearing as the main obstacles for investment in the country. Yudhoyono said the government aimed to earn 1,086 trillion rupiah

in revenue next year, and spend 1,202 trillion. The government will finance the deficit by issuing bonds and borrowing from multilateral lenders, he said without giving details. Indonesia’s economy will likely expand 6.3 percent next year, faster than the six percent expected in 2010, with foreign investment soaring 46 percent in the first six months, as confidence grows after the global financial crisis. The dollar is expected to average 9,300 rupiah next year, higher than the 9,200 predicted for this year. Parliament and the government will discuss the budget draft before the new fiscal year begins on January 1. Indonesia emerged safely from the global downturn and its stock market is one of the best-performing in Asia because of strong domestic demand and strong exports of resources such as coal, palm oil and natural gas.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Indonesian preacher ‘raised funds’ from extremist videos Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesian Islamist preacher Abu Bakar Bashir raised tens of thousands of dollars by distributing videos of an extremist training camp in Aceh province, a police source alleged Monday. The source, who refused to be named, said Bashir orchestrated the training exercise with Dulmatin — considered one of the masterminds of the 2002 Bali nightclub bombing. “Together with Dulmatin, he designed and set up the training exercise in Aceh. He distributed the training’s video footage to raise money and managed to collect 800 million rupiah (88,800 dollars) from supporters,” he told AFP. Dulmatin was killed in March following the discovery of the camp the previous month. The source alleged that Bashir initially provided 5,000 dollars to set up the camp. It is not known where the money come from. Police have arrested 102 terror suspects, of whom 66 were detained, in a series of nationwide raids. Bashir, who was arrested last week, could face a death sentence over allegations of funding and training extremists who were planning a wave of attacks in Jakarta. According to the police, the plot was inspired by the siege of the Indian city of Mumbai by Islamist militants who killed 166 people in November 2008. The 71-year-old remained tight-lipped over terror allegations

during police interrogations. He served almost 26 months for conspiracy over the 2002 attacks by Jemaah Islamiyah on Bali nightspots that killed 202 people, before being cleared and released in 2006. The cleric was jailed by the Suharto regime from 1978 to 1982 for inciting people to reject the secular national ideology in favour of an Islamic state.

AFP PHOTO/BAY ISMOYO/FILES

In this photograph taken on Auguist 9, 2010, Elite anti-terror police escort arrested radical Islamist preacher Abu Bakar Bashir (C) on his arrival at police headquarters in Jakarta.

Hundreds of animals die in Indonesian zoo Agence France-Presse

SURABAYA - Neglect and infighting between the management of Indonesia’s largest zoo cost the lives of hundreds of animals, including a rare Sumatran tiger over the weekend, an official said Monday. “The deaths of the animals were a result of neglect in the zoo as the officials were busy fighting over who

AFP PHOTO

would manage the facility,” Surabaya zoo’s interim management member Tony Sumampau told AFP. A 20-year-old critically endangered Sumatran tiger died on Saturday. A lioness died on Wednesday and female Papuan kangaroo two days earlier. Between June and August alone, 20 animals died from illnesses and poor living conditions such as over-

In this photo taken on August 14, 2010 the skin of a dead Sumatran tiger lies on a table in a veterinary clinic at Surabaya Zoo after it was skinned from the carcass to be preserved. The 20-year-old critically endangered Sumatran tiger died earlier in the day as neglect and infighting between the management of Indonesia’s largest zoo cost the lives of hundreds of animals, zoo official said on August 16, 2010.

crowded cages, he said. “In January, 13 baby Komodo dragons died due to overcrowded cages and lack of sunlight,” he said. Sumampau recorded 362 animal deaths in 2008, and 327 last year, attributing the majority to treatable illnesses including pneumonia, diarrhoea and malnutrition. Thousands of animals in the zoo are languishing in cramped and dirty cages, he said. Due to internal conflicts, the zoo’s management had not renovated the cages for about 20 years, although the government allocated billions of rupiah annually for the zoo’s upkeep, Sumampau said.

International

Indonesian president aims for economy to be ‘uncaged’ Agence France-Presse

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Indonesian preacher ‘raised funds’ from extremist videos Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO/BAY ISMOYO/FILES

In this photograph taken on Auguist 9, 2010, Elite anti-terror police escort arrested radical Islamist preacher Abu Bakar Bashir (C) on his arrival at police headquarters in Jakarta.

Hundreds of animals die in Indonesian zoo Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO

Internationa

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Bali Today

AFP PHOTO/Sonny TUMBELAKA

In a file picture taken on April 22, 2008 Australians Schapelle Corby (R) and Renee Lawrence (L) attend a ceremony inside Kerobokan prison in Denpasar on Bali island. The two Australian drug traffickers serving 20 years in jail on the resort island of Bali each received a sentence cut of fivemonths for good behaviour on August 17, 2010 as part of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, an official said.

Indonesia cuts Australia drug runners’ sentences Agence France-Presse

DENPASAR - Two Australian drug traffickers serving 20 years in jail on the resort island of Bali received sentence cuts Tuesday as part of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, an official said. Schapelle Corby and Renae Lawrence received a five-month remission for “good behaviour”, Bali’s Kerobokan prison chief Siswanto told AFP. “It’s confirmed they each received remission of five months. It’s the fourth time for Corby and fifth for Renae,” he said, adding the sentence cuts would total up to 17 months for Corby and 23 months for Lawrence. Well-behaved prisoners traditionally receive sentence reductions on the nation’s Independence Day. More than 58,000 prisoners, includ-

ing militants, drug smugglers and people convicted of corruption, were granted remissions by the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, prison official Suherman said. Corby, 33, was found guilty of trafficking 4.1 kilograms (nine pounds) of marijuana in 2005. She has always maintained her innocence and claims international drug smugglers placed the marijuana in her luggage. She submitted a clemency appeal to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in July asking for a sentence reduction. Her lawyers had asked that she be released on humanitarian grounds because of mental illness. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Australia supported the plea. Justice and Human Rights Minis-

ter Patrialis Akbar confirmed Tuesday that the appeal had been sent to Yudhoyono but refused to give details. “Yes, that (the appeal) is being processed. I don’t want to make further comments. We’ll just wait,” he told AFP. Siswanto said the remission and her clemency appeal were separate matters. “Remission is granted on the occasion of Independence Day... there’s no relation to her clemency appeal which will be decided by the president,” he said. Lawrence, 33, is one of the socalled “Bali Nine,” a group of Australians convicted over a plot to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin from Bali into Australia in 2005. Five gang members are serving life sentences and three others on death row have launched a final appeal for their sentences to be reduced to 20 years.

Bali police always on alert on national holidays Antara

DENPASAR - The Bali police always raise their state of alertness, especially toward the threat of terrorism, on national holidays; include Independence Day on August 17, a spokesman said. “On national holidays, even if no special security operations are necassary, we always raise our state of alertness in accordance with standard operation procedures,” Senior Commissioner Gde Sugianyar, chief of the Bali Regional Police’s public relations division, said here Monday. The general police alertness was observed starting at the time preparations were made for the national holiday events until the conclusion of the celebrations, he said. In Bali, police especially remained alert towards the possibility of infiltration by terrorist elements, he said. “We always try to anticipate acts of terrorism, especially on national holidays when all our personnel are on standby for duty,” he said. Asked how many men the Bali police had prepared for duty on the

occasion of Inndependence Day, Sugianyar would not mention a figure and only said the number would be adjusted to the existing need. Sugianyar said police would tighten security in areas considered vulnerable such as Bali’s gateways, including harbors, tourist hubs, and activity centers. But the police spokesman also said the success of the Independence Day celebrations would not depend only on what the police do but also on the people’s support for the efforts to maintain conducive situation in Bali. “Let us together keep the situation in Bali conducive, so that Bali as a world tourism destination will become even more attractive to tourists. Thereby, we will contribute to the improvement of the Balinese people’s economy”, he said.

Hundreds of students celebrate Thousands of cyclists flood Denpasar international youth day Antara

DENPASAR - Around 200 high school students from Bali took part in the celebration of International Youth Day (IYD) 2010. Dr. Wayan Sayoga, Anand Ashram foundation chairman, said the IYD celebration highlighted with a workshop themed “Youth Challenges and Empowerment”, was aimed at empowering the young people by first knowing their own potentials. The IYD 2010 was organized by Anand Ashram foundation in cooperation with the Bali Regional Education and Sports Office, “The activity’s objective is to help the young people know their

own potentials which could be empowered for the interests of our nation and country,” Sayoga said on the sidelines of the activity. He explained that when entering the free market in 2015, the Indonesian youth would face challenges especially of how they would be able to compete in various fields. He said if they could not anticipate those challenges, they would only be spectators in their own country. “If the youth don’t want to be spectators in our own country, they must first improve their capabilities and creativity before the free market era arrives,” he said. Whereas, on the benefits of the workshop program, he said it was

for enabling the youth to be holistically healthy, smart and responsible, building their self-confidence and being able to select the right actions and avoid the wrong ones. The most important thing was to make the youth aware of their potential as early as possible, he said. The head of Bali Regional Education and Sports Office, AA Ngurah Gde Sujaya, said he welcomed the activity because it would help the youth empower themselves through the potential that they possess. “In the future, the youth must have positive thinking and disregard differences so that they would be able to give meanings to their lives and be useful for our nation and country,” he stressed

Antara

DENPASAR - Thousands of cyclists flooded Denpasar on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the Bicycle Joint Secretariat (Samas). Among the cyclists were Denpasar Mayor I B Rai Mantra and Bangli District Head Made Gianyar. The event was part of the activities to ensure the success of a car-free day campaign launched by the Denpasar mayor in 2009, Dewa Made Merthakota, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, said. Dewa said he would never give up encouraging the public to lead a healthy and economic life through a car-free day program. Themed cycling, green and unity program, the event was designed to

campaign for the use of bicycles as one of the cheap and environmentally friendly transportation modes, he said. What was more, the municipal government had provided special lanes on certain roads in the city to make the car-free day program a success, he said. Dewa said at least 90 groups of cyclists were ready to join the secretariat, meaning that the public had high interests to have bicycles as cheap and environmentally friendly transportation means. The international community were trying to deal with the impact of global warming by among others reducing carbon dioxide emissions, he said. Therefore, cycling was one of the most profitable alternatives to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, he said.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Destinations

International

Batukaru Temple IBP

Luhur Watukaru temple or Pura Batukaru is one of the biggest Hindu Temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan) with Catur Lokapala Temple and Padmabhuwana Temple status. It is set in the plateau area with lush tropical rain forest surround it. It is situated in the peaceful area which is far from the local resident that is ideally for worship. There are some temple building spread out through the tranquility of rain forest and the big mountain of Batukaru as a back drop. Watukaru or Batukaru Temple is located at Wangaya Gede countryside, Penebel District and Tabanan regency, and west part of Bali Island. It is located right on the foot of Mount Batukaru and about 1.30 hours from Denpasar Airport. The history of this temple is difficult to be found out even in the ancient omission exists in this temple. For example some profile area like harpoon own the Ancient

Bali type, but no written data found it. The effort study and research of this temple history remain to find difficulties. The temple festival at Luwur Watukaru or Batukaru Temple is executed every six-month or 210 days which is every Thursday Umanis Wara Dungulan (Balinese Calendar), just the day after Galungan Day (the biggest Balinese Hindu Holidays). The extension day of temple festival is executed during eleven day, to give the opportunity for Hindu public society especially in Bali to come for praying. Pengempon (the society who take care of the temple) has the obligation to take care of the temple inclusive of ceremony execution. This fact is one of characteristic power outside of physical of Watu Karu Temple. Kubayan is commissioned holy occupation lead the temple ceremony and his status higher than all priests in Pretending pertinent Ancient. In the execution of praying during the temple festival or the certain day ceremony, it has to be

preceded by doing pray in Beji Temple which is located in eastside of Watu Karu Temple or inside of Madya Mandala (middle area) and Nista Mandala (outside area). After doing pray in Beji Temple, then the praying is continued in the main temple building located in the center of temple area. This is also not need again clean the hand and gargle because, it has been conducted the hallowing of body by conducting pray in Beji Temple. This is specification of praying procession in Watukaru Temple. The three elements temple area of Watukaru or Batukaru is equal to other temples in Bali generally which is consisted of outside area (Nista Mandala), Middle area (Madya mandala) and Center area (Utama Mandala). After refurbishing three temples are of this temple in some years ago, the element conception and structure of these three temple areas are progressively become everlasting and conceptual. This is especially in outside area where we can meet the existence of

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Wantilan building (Meeting Hall) which can be used for multifunction and it is located on the right of the entrance gate. The refurbishment at the parking area has made easy for the Hindu society or all tourists who

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Monday, August 16, 2010

BUSINESS Japan’s PM to watch closely strength of yen: Jiji Agence France-Presse

TOKYO - Japan Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Saturday he would monitor closely the strength of the yen and hinted at holding talks with the central bank chief amid the recent rise of the unit, Jiji Press reported. “I want to continue to closely watch” currency market moves, Kan was quoted by Jiji as telling reporters after the dollar hit a 15-year low of 84.73 yen before easing earlier this week. The greenback rose back above the 86-yen level on news that Japanese officials showed concern over the unit’s strength, which poses a threat to the export sector driving Japan’s fragile economic rebound.

AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON

Americans hold up “I want to work” placards as they join a protest of several thousand people demanding jobs outside City Hall in Los Angeles on August 13, 2010.

Fed dissenter slams ultra low rate policy Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - The lone dissenter on the US Federal Reserve’s policy-making body lashed out Friday at its decision to keep interest rates at virtually zero percent, warning such a policy could boomerang. The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision Tuesday to maintain rates at zero to 0.25 percent, a policy adopted since December 2008, was adding to uncertainty over US economic recovery prospects, said Thomas Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “As much as I want short-term improvement, I am mindful of possible longer-term consequences of zero interest rates and further easing actions,” Hoenig said at a community gathering in Nebraska state. “Zero rates during a period of modest growth are a dangerous gamble,” he said. Hoenig is the only one of the FOMC’s 10 members who has at all its meetings this year voted against the decision to keep interest rates extraordinarily low for an “extended period.” “Rather than improve economic outcomes, I worry that the FOMC

is inadvertently adding to ‘uncertainty’ by taking such actions,” he argued, citing previous recessions. The US economy began growing in the middle of last year after a brutal recession but expansion has moderated in recent months, raising the prospect of the economy contracting again in what many call a double-dip recession. Analysts said the remarks by Hoenig, the longest-serving of the Federal Reserve’s 12 district bank presidents, were an unusually scathing attack on US monetary policy by a FOMC member. “I have to say that I have never, in nearly 20 years of watching the Fed, seen a speech quite like this from a member of the FOMC,” remarked analyst Stephen Stanley of Pierpont Securities. “Within the constraints of how Federal Reserve officials operate, I would call this a scathing critique of monetary policy now and

over the last 10 years.” Hoenig said the recession that struck the US economy in December 2007 was not caused by high interest rates “but by low rates that contributed to excessive debt and leverage among consumers, businesses and government.” He said he agreed that the Federal Reserve needed to keep its policy rate accommodative but pointed out that the economy now “is improving and is growing” at a rate faster than the last two recoveries. “We need to get off of the emergency rate of zero, move rates up slowly and deliberately. This will align more closely with the economy’s slow, deliberate recovery so that policy does not lag the recovery. “In trying to use policy as a cure-all, we will repeat the cycle of severe recession and unemployment in a few short years by keeping rates too low for too long.”

Kan also voiced hope of holding a meeting with Bank of Japan governor Masaaki Shirakawa on foreign exchange rates, saying: “I have not decided when and how, but want to have necessary forms of communications.” Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda has earlier said he wanted the Bank of Japan to “cooperate” more with the government to tackle the rising yen, in a sign of fresh pressure on the body from officials. For every one-yen rise in the currency’s value against the dollar, companies can lose tens of billions of yen earned overseas when repatriated, threatening a sector that Japan depends on to offset its weak domestic picture.

IMF asks Malaysia to take ”decisive” action on reforms Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - The IMF asked Malaysia Friday to take “decisive” action on reforms under a model program aimed at revamping a controversial four-decade-old affirmative action policy. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced in March a “New Economic Model” or NEM, aimed at reforming elements of the policy favouring the country’s majority ethnic Malays in a bid to boost economic competitiveness. Details of the reform program, including its timing, have not been announced yet. The Washington-based International Monetary Fund said Friday it was looking forward to the NEM’s rollout. In a report after annual consultations between the IMF executive board and the Malaysian government, the fund acknowledged the “ambitious vision” of Najib’s administration for a far-reaching economic transformation over the longer term. The board directors “agreed that the comprehensive structural reform agenda, at the heart of the New Economic Model, holds out promise of faster and inclusive growth,” the report said. “Directors looked forward to a decisive effort and sustained momentum in implementing this agenda,” it said. They also called for an “effective communication strategy” to forge “broad public support” for these efforts. “Further gradual liberalization of product and labor markets will help exploit policy complementarities, encourage private investment and harness the benefits of reform,” the report said.

Najib, who came to office last year, said the New Economic Model was designed to boost growth, create a high-quality workforce, and attract badly needed foreign investment. The model also aims to stem Malaysia’s “brain drain” with measures to retain skilled professionals, and make markets more competitive by phasing out price controls and subsidies. The affirmative action policy which hands Malays privileges in housing, education and business has been criticised as uncompetitive and improperly benefiting the elites. Under the planned changes to the policy, the government will seek to raise the income levels of all disadvantaged groups, rather than focusing solely on ethnic Malays, the dominant ethnic group in the Southeast Asian nation. Najib’s reforms face opposition from conservative Malay rights groups. The country has sizeable ethnic Indian and Chinese minorities, who mostly deserted Najib’s ruling coalition in 2008 elections. The IMF also said that Malaysia’s near-term growth prospects were favorable. The economy was projected to expand by 6.7 percent in 2010 but growth is expected to moderate to 5.3 percent in 2011, the IMF report said. It also said that IMF staff felt Malaysia’s ringgit currency appeared to be “weaker than its equilibrium level in real effective terms.” The IMF executive board, according to the report, agreed with the Malaysian authorities’ view that a stronger ringgit could boost over time the role of domestic demand as a growth driver and promote a shift toward higher-value added industries.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Entertainment

International

Stallone’s ‘Expendables’ storm US, Canadian box office LOS ANGELES - Sylvester Stallone roughed up rival flicks as his “The Expendables” took the top spot at the North American box office in its debut weekend, netting 34.8 million dollars, final figures showed Monday. The film, about a group of mercenaries out to topple a South American dictator, stars Stallone, Jason Statham and Jet Li. “Eat, Pray, Love,” Ryan Murphy’s warmly lit adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel about a divorcee’s jaunt to Italy, Indonesia and India starring Julia Roberts, was in second place in its premier weekend with 23.1 million, said industry tracking firm Exhibitor Relations. Buddy comedy “The Other Guys,” about two officers who take over a high-profile investigation, meanwhile pulled in 17.4 million dollars in ticket sales for third place. It outpaced the slick thriller “Inception,” the sci-fi summer blockbuster co-starring Marion Cotillard and Ellen Page, which nevertheless pulled in 11.3 million dollars from Friday to Sunday, totaling nearly 248.5 million dollars in ticket sales since it first opened. In the fourth place, flick DiCaprio stars as a thief who specializes in infiltrating dreams. The

movie has impressed critics with its complex science fiction concepts. In its first weekend, “Scott Pilgrim Vs The World,” the Edgar Wright film with Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, netted 10.6 million for a fifth place finish. The romantic comedy was trailed by blockbuster “Despicable Me,” which earned seven million dollars. The 3-D animated film from Universal Pictures stars Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, a villain bent on snatching the moon. Disney dance movie “Step-Up 3-D,” which was praised for its use of 3-D technology but panned for its paper-thin plot, was in seventh place with 6.9 million. Eight place went to the latest Steve Carell vehicle “Dinner for Schmucks,” about a quest to find the dumbest guy possible to invite to a dinner meal, which earned 6.3 million dollars. Trailing was “Salt,” starring Hollywood’s biggest female action superstar Angelina Jolie, playing a captivating CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy. It netted 6.2 million dollars, and 103.4 million overall since it opened four weeks ago. Kids’ comedy “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” scored the 10th place spot earning 4.2 million dollars.

AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY

Gifts left by thousands of Elvis Presley fans left on his grave August 16, 2010 at Graceland Mansion, his residence in Memphis. Elvis died at Graceland on August 16, 1977. Graceland is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Elvis’ birth - all year long.

John Lennon’s letter to British singer arrives 34 years late LONDON - A British folk singer who expressed fears that success and wealth could ruin his songwriting revealed Monday how John Lennon sent him a letter of reassurance — but it did not reach him for 34 years. Steve Tilston was just 21 in 1971 when the megastar read an interview he had done with a magazine called ZigZag. Lennon penned a hand-written letter to the aspiring singer just months after the Beatles split up in 1970, telling him not to worry about becoming wealthy because it would not change what he felt inside. The correspondence was signed by Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono. He sent the letter to Tilston and the reporter who interviewed him at the magazine’s offices, but for some reason it never reached the musician.

The first time he saw it was in 2005 when an American collector contacted him to verify whether the letter — estimated to be worth 7,000 pounds (11,000 dollars, 8,500 euros) — was genuine. It was 25 years after Lennon had been shot dead. “It was so frustrating because Lennon even included his home phone number on the top of the letter,” said the 60-year-old. “I know it’s silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages.” Tilston added he “felt rather angry to start with to think that some-

Screen star Michael Douglas in fight with throat cancer LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning US actor Michael Douglas, 65, is fighting throat cancer and will undergo chemotherapy, People magazine reported Monday. Hollywood royalty Douglas, a son of screen legend Kirk Douglas, was set to receive eighta weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, his spokesman told People online. His doctors expect Douglas to make a full recovery, the spokesperson added. “I am very optimistic,” Douglas was quoted as saying in a statement. His spokesperson did not immediately confirm the report to

AFP. Douglas has starred in hits such as “Fatal Attraction” (1988), “Wall Street” (1988), “War of the Roses” (1990), “Basic Instinct” (1992) and “Traffic” (2001). In September he will appear in the “Wall Street” sequel by Oliver Stone “Money Never Sleeps.” Douglas has been married since 2000 to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. They have two children. He has a son Cameron, from his earlier marriage to Diandra Douglas. Cameron was in April sentenced to five years in jail for drug trafficking.

one had just sold the letter rather than passing it on to me, but you have to let these things go.” Lennon wrote to Tilston: “Being rich doesn’t change your experience in the way you think. “The only difference, basically, is that you don’t have to worry about money — food — roof etc. “But all other experiences — emotions — relationships — are the same as anybodies, I know, I’ve been rich and poor, so has Yoko (rich — poor — rich) so whadya think of that. “Love John and Yoko.” Despite not receiving Lennon’s reassuring words, Tilston still went on to record more than 20 albums and will mark his 40-year career with a special concert next month.

Life Style

International

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

South Korea archaeologists uncover 7,000-year-old oar Agence France-Presse

SEOUL - South Korean archaeologists said Tuesday they have unearthed a rare neolithic period wooden boat oar, believed to date back about 7,000 years but still in good condition. The oar was discovered in mud land in Changnyeong, 240 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Seoul, the Gimhae National Museum said. “This is a very rare find, not only

in South Korea but also in the world,” museum researcher Yoon On-Shik told AFP. “We have to check with Chinese artefacts to confirm whether it is the oldest watercraft ever found in the

world.” One of the oldest boats or related artefacts was found in China’s Zhejiang province in 2005 and was believed to date back about 8,000 years. The oar, which was found intact in its entirety, is 1.81 metres (nearly six feet) long. “The oar was well preserved because fine mud layers completely blocked oxygen from decaying it,”

Yoon said. It was uncovered on August 11 at a site where experts in 2004 unearthed the fragments of what is believed to be two up to 8,000-year-old canoelike boats, which are believed to have been 13.1 feet long in their original state. The oar and boats were made from pine trees, Yoon said. The technique that made them indicate there might have been a cer-

tain form of neolithic period trade using boats between Japan and the Korean peninsula. “With this set, we can picture trade between the Korean peninsula and Japan, sailing techniques and a lifestyle back then,” Yoon said, pointing to a similar find in Japan. Japanese archaeologists discovered an oar, believed to date back about 6,000 years, on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) coast in 1999.

Deejay priest gets them rocking for Jesus on Italian beach Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO / FILES / Pal PILLAI

This file photo taken on April 2, 2009 shows a model diplaying gold bridalwear and jewellery during a promotional event of an upcoming wedding carnival in Mumbai. With weddings traditionally the central focus of Indian life, the new wave of money in Indian society has created ever-higher demands for lavish, unique marriage celebrations.

Internet at home goes hand-in-hand with romance Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - Dim the lights, turn on the schmoozy music, and log on... Adults who have Internet access at home are more likely to be in romantic relationships than adults who don’t, a study presented Monday found. Just over 82 percent of adults who have Internet access at home also had a spouse or romantic partner, compared to just under 63 percent of adults who did not have access to the worldwide web, the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association says. “Our research suggests that Internet access has an important role to play in helping Americans find mates,” said Michael Rosenfeld, an associate professor of sociology at Stanford University and the lead author of the study. In addition to finding that people are more likely to be in romantic relationships if they have Internet access in their homes, the researchers found that the Internet is gaining

importance as a place where couples meet, and especially same-sex couples. “It is possible that in the next several years the Internet could eclipse friends as the most influential way Americans meet their romantic partners, displacing friends out of the top position for the first time since the early 1940s,” Rosenfeld said. Among couples who met online, 61 percent were same-sex couples, the study said. “Couples who meet online are much more likely to be same-sex couples, and somewhat more likely to be from different religious backgrounds,” Rosenfeld said. “The Internet is not simply a new and more efficient way to keep in touch with our existing networks; rather the Internet is a new kind of social intermediary that may reshape the kinds of partners and relationships we have,” he said. Rosenfeld and colleagues analyzed data from a national survey of 4,002 adults for the study.

ARENZANO - “Jesus Is Number One!” shouts deejay priest Don Roberto Fiscer as he lines up the latest number by Lady Gaga for parishioners gathered at a beach resort in northwestern Italy. In Fiscer’s unique way of spreading the gospels, he proclaims over throbbing disco music: “I have a message for you that comes straight from heaven: without Jesus there is no future, without Jesus we have no love, no joy.” Fiscer’s flock, ranging in age from seven to 77, go wild in appreciation. On this summer evening, Fiscer, 33, sports a lemon yellow T-shirt emblazoned with an image of the Virgin Mary and child and the words: “You are my river of love.” In seventh heaven himself, the priest rewards his admirers with the latest hit by Italian singer Jovanotti, “Baciami Ancora” (“Kiss Me Again”), Dorothy Norwood’s “Shake the Devil Off” or Britney Spears’ “123”. “I alternate the classics that you hear in nightclubs with remixed religious music,” Don Roberto told AFP. “Music is what young people like the most. Through music, Jesus reaches their hearts,” said the priest, who was a cruise ship entertainer before going to seminary at age 23. The event, held each Wednesday at Arenzano’s San Pietro resort since mid-June, has a solid following. “Some people here in Arenzano find it bizarre, even a bit surprising, but it’s really a great thing because these evenings bring to-

gether children, parents, families — and that’s what’s most important,” said Patrizia Rossi, who turned up in a multi-coloured dress with her son Filippo in tow. “He’s great, he’s a super person who’s a lot of fun,” said Filippo, around 10. “Believing in God doesn’t mean you have to be sad,” said Don Roberto, who says his mission is to “find young sheep who have lost their way by meeting them on their own ground.” Friends who work in area holiday camps help Don Roberto by organising line dances such as the 1995 craze “La Macarena” for the dozens of revellers, making the event seem at times more like a gym class. Alcoholic drinks are available at a nearby bar, but the participants tend to prefer sodas and ice cream. “If you knew how much the Virgin Mary loved you, you would weep with joy,” Don Roberto shouts, readjusting his headphones. Don Roberto got the go-ahead for the weekly shindig from Angelo Bagnasco, the influential archbishop of Genoa who also heads the Italian Catholic Church. “He trusts me,” Don Roberto said. While dancing and music dominate the unusual event, religion is never far off. “Remember, Father Jan is available for confession over there behind the sun umbrellas,” Don Roberto says between two numbers. Father Jan, a Polish priest, doles out absolution to those who approach him on the beach chairs. Back at the dance floor, Don Roberto regales them: “With Jesus, you’re always on holiday.”

In a picture taken on August 11, 2010, People dance on Don Roberto Fiscer’s mixing, a 33year-old priest and DJ, during a weekly beach party, in a bar of the northwestern town of Arenzano. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sport

International

Bremen’s Real fight to keep Ozil as Sampdoria loom Agence France Presse

AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES

Manchester United’s Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs (R) shoots and scores the third goal during the English Premier League football match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on August 16, 2010.

United give Magpies Premier League reality check Agence France Presse

MANCHESTER - Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs scored as Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Newcastle here on Monday giving the losers a sharp reminder of the gulf in class between the Championship and the elite league. United had a comfortable advantage over last season’s Championship winners by half time even though it proved to be another frustrating night for Wayne Rooney, who remains goalless for club and country since scoring against Bayern Munich in a Champions League match in March. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was especially impressed by veteran midfielder Paul Scholes and delighted with the result against what he termed a tough outfit. “They got into the Premier League last season by being a determined and a good unit with a good work ethic,” said Ferguson. “We were wasteful with some chances. Dimitar Berbatov could have scored three or four, but his performance was excellent. The three points is always important in your first home match. It was a steady performance.” Berbatov finished off a fine move with just over half an hour gone before Fletcher ’s close-range effort made it two at the interval. And substitute

Giggs extended the advantage with a third goal with five minutes remaining maintaining his extraordinary record of having scored in all 19 seasons he has played in the top flight. Chelsea ended United’s run of three successive Premier League titles with their victory last season but began their attempts to win the crown for a record 19th time in some style. Newcastle’s survival chances will never be judged on trips to Old Trafford but they showed they are well-organised and Andy Carroll looks like he might manage the step up to the top flight. They began by managing to contain their hosts and Rooney’s hopeful curled effort as the only occasion that the Old Trafford side threatened in the early stages. And the newly-promoted side should have taken the lead when Carroll met Joey Barton’s corner unmarked from six yards but glanced his header wide. Nani had a long-range effort deflected wide and then thumped a free kick into the wall as the home side’s frustration continued. Carroll went close again with a

25-yard drive that was held by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Even when James Perch and Mike Williamson were guilty of slack clearances, Nani failed to take advantage for United. But the Portuguese did force a scrambling punch from Steve Harper with a lofted cross to the far post for Berbatov. And Rooney also lifted a shot over the bar after Berbatov headed down Antonio Valencia’s cross. But just after the half hour, the home team grabbed the lead when Valencia robbed Jonas Gutierrez in midfield, and John O’Shea fed Scholes, who slid through for Berbatov to find the corner of the net. Barton tested van der Sar once again with a powerful strike to the near post. But United doubled their lead before the interval thanks to fine work by Patrice Evra. The French defender burst into the area and his low cross had too much on it for Rooney, but Fletcher fired in on the turn. Two of the home team’s veterans combined to put the game well beyond Newcastle. A short corner was worked in-field and Scholes picked out Giggs, who found the corner with a placed volley.

BERLIN - Werder Bremen face Italian giants Sampdoria on Wednesday for a Champions League place while fighting to keep rising star Mesut Ozil with Real Madrid tabling a reported bid worth 20 million euros. No Italian team has ever won at Bremen’s Weser Stadium and Werder will be determined to keep the record intact when they welcome Sampdoria to northern Germany for the first leg of their Champions League play-off. But the Bundesliga side’s most pressing concern is to hold onto their prize asset and Germany’s rising star Ozil. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder played a key role in helping Germany claim third place at last month’s World Cup and is set to be one of the brightest stars of the new Bundesliga season, which begins on Friday. But, according to German daily Bild, Spanish giants Real Madrid have tabled a bid worth 20 million euros (26 million US dollars) for Bremen’s playmaker, who is under contract until June 2011. Bremen risk losing Ozil on a free transfer next summer and with the

Spanish giants looming, Werder’s director of sport Klaus Allofs admits they have rejected an initial offer from Real, but he expects further negotiations. Real are eager to sign Ozil before Wednesday’s Champions League playoff, because, should he play against Sampdoria, the midfielder would be unable to play for the Spanish giants in the group phases, if he transfers to Madrid. “We have nurtured players like Diego (who now plays for Juventus) and Miroslav Klose (of Bayern Munich) into top players. The same applies to Ozil. And that must be honoured by any club he goes to,” Allofs told a local paper. Real Madrid star Kaka is expected to be out for up to four months with a knee injury from the World Cup and new coach Jose Mourinho wants Ozil to replace the Brazilian play-maker. But Allofs has said Ozil will play against Sampdoria, unless Madrid can raise their offer. “If a change is not clear, then he will definitely play,” said Allofs. Ozil himself refused to speak to reporters after training on Monday. The second-leg will take place at Sampdoria’s Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris next Tuesday.

French strikers arrive for Day of Judgement Agence France Presse

PARIS - Two of the five players summonsed to a hearing by the French Football Federation (FFF) over the strike that shamed the World Cup finals squad arrived early Tuesday for their day of reckoning. World Cup captain Patrice Evra - who had an early start after playing impressively for Manchester United on Monday night in the 3-0 canter over Newcastle - and Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who was responsible for wording the statement which was humiliatingly read out by then coach Raymond Domenech were seen arriving. Toulalan compiled the letter with his press advisor when the players - some less willing than others - chose to strike in one of their final training sessions ahead of their last group match with hosts South Africa in protest at the expulsion from the squad of striker Nicolas Anelka for a foul mouthed outburst at Domenech at half-time of the match with Mexico. The other three players called to appear before the disciplinary commission vice-captain Franck Ribery, Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and Anelka had not yet arrived, though only Abidal was expected to turn up as Ribery’s club Bayern Munich refused to release him. Among those due to testify was former deputy managing director of the FFF Jean-Louis Valentin, who was one of the few to emerge with his dignity intact at the finals having quit in tears in disgust the day they went on strike. “We are slowly emerging from an episode that must never be repeated,”

said Valentin on arriving at the FFF headquarters. “I await more an acceptance of their responsibilities than punishment. I will simply tell the truth.” Domenech, who the FFF are seeking to sack altogether from his contract with the National Technical Direction (DTN) without paying him any compensation for what is perceived to be behaviour unbecoming of a French national coach, ran into the building while former FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes also arrived. The commission is expected to announce their findings either on Tuesday evening or on Wednesday morning.

AFP PHOTO FILES / FRANCK FIFE

(FILES) A picture taken on June 20, 2010 shows France’s coach Raymond Domenech speaking with captain Patrice Evra (R) on the pitch where the team was supposed to be training at the Fields of Dreams stadium in Knysna during the 2010 World Cup football tournament.

Sport

International

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Benesova, Schnyder book dates with WTA top seeds Agence France Presse

MONTREAL - Czech qualifier Iveta Benesova and Swiss veteran Patty Schnyder progressed to meetings with the top two seeds here after recording first-round triumphs on Monday at the two million-dollar WTA Montreal Cup. Benesova ousted Italy’s Sara Errani 6-3, 6-2 to book a second-round date with top seed Jelena Jankovic, who along with seven other top seeds has a first-round bye at the last major hardcourt tuneup event for the US Open. Schnyder outlasted France’s Virginie Razzano 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 63 to book a second-round date against Danish second seed Caroline Wozniacki. US stars Serena and Venus Williams are absent with injuries, with Venus pulling out after being named the third seed, allowing China’s Li Na to receive a bye as a ninth seed.

Li will open with a second-round match against Australian qualifier Jarmila Groth, who eliminated Ukraine’s Alona Bondarenko 7-6 (11/9), 6-2. Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova rallied to oust Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 64, and give herself a second-round match against eighth seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia.

McGrady signs one-year deal with Pistons Agence France Presse

DETROIT - Tracy McGrady, who has played only 65 games in the past two NBA seasons due to knee injuries, signed a one-year free agent deal with the Detroit Pistons worth 1.3 million dollars on Monday. The 31-year-old guard struggled last season in 24 games for the New York Knicks, averaging only 9.4 points as a starter after averaging 22.1 points a game in 12 prior NBA seasons. “I was coming back from an injury and I wasn’t healthy enough to play the way that I will be able to play this season,” McGrady said. “The difference between my knee last year and this year is night and

day.” McGrady’s stops have included three seasons in Toronto, four in Orlando and five with Houston. McGrady has never played on a team that advanced past the first round of the NBA playoffs. McGrady won NBA scoring crowns in 2003 and 2004, averaging a careerbest 32.1 points a game in Orlando in 2003 and 28.0 points a game the following season before being traded to Houston. In recent seasons, the playmaker has struggled with back woes and microfracture knee surgery. “It’s not like I’m 41 or even 35,” McGrady said. “I just turned 31. No one has come down and stolen away my talent. I still have a lot in the tank.”

Patty Schnyder, of Switzerland, returns the ball to Virginie Razzano, from France, during a match at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in Montreal, Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Graham Hughes)

Iran wins in soccer but withdraws from taekwondo Associated Press Writer

SINGAPORE – Iran was accused of putting politics before sports at the inaugural Youth Olympics by withdrawing from a taekwondo final against Israel on Sunday. The dispute came the same day Iran’s girls’ soccer team beat Papua New Guinea 1-0 after reaching a compromise on Islamic head scarves. Iran’s girls were finally able to concentrate on soccer in the sixteam tournament. FIFA, the sport’s governing body, agreed to let them wear a head covering, long-sleeved shirt and leggings. Fatemeh Ardestani scored two minutes into the second half. At taekwondo, the Iranian delegation told the games’ internal news service that Mohammad Soleimani didn’t compete because of injury. Israel called the withdrawal politi-

cally motivated. The news service said Mohammad Soleimani was taken to a hospital. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said it is “my understanding is that he was taken to hospital and unable to compete.” Soleimani did not appear at the medals ceremony alongside Gili Haimovitz of Israel. “When Gili won the semifinal, we knew the Iranian was making the final,” said Daniel Oren, head of the Israeli delegation. “Already, we know that the Iranians would not come. ... On one hand, we got the gold medal. It’s every exciting for us. On the other hand, we would prefer winning by competing.” The World Taekwondo Federation confirmed Haimovitz’s victory without elaborating. When contacted by The Associated Press, a federation spokesman denied a political motive. An Iranian official did not respond to calls to his cell phone.

Haimovitz, a 17-year-old high school student, won Israel’s first gold medal at the Youth Games. “Actually, I don’t want to get into politics or that kind of thing,” he said. “I don’t know. I was a ready for a fight. If he came out or not, I don’t care.” Alex Gilady, an IOC member from Israel who handed out medals for the competition, said he doubted Soleimani was injured and needed hospitalization. He insisted this was a strategy to ensure Iran didn’t violate Olympic rules. Gilady said that once Soleimani was deemed injured he would win the silver medal and would have “to stand on the podium and listen to the Israeli anthem and see the Israeli flag over the Iranian flag.” “They put him in an ambulance so at least they would not create a crisis that would have demanded further action,” he added. “So it looks like everything is OK.”

The girls soccer team of Iran pose for photographers during the Youth Olympics Games Girls’ Preliminaries Group A soccer match between Turkey and Iran on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, in Singapore.

(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

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

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sport

Ducati confirms Valentino Rossi THE careful sequence of events surrounding the ‘handover’ of Valentino Rossi is now complete, after the issuing of an official statement from Ducati confirming that the Italian MotoGP megastar will join its factory team for 2011 and 2012.

AP Photo/Petr David Josek

Yamaha Moto GP rider Valentino Rossi from Italy concentrates during the first free practice at the circuit in Brno, Czech Republic, Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. The Grand Prix of Czech Republic is scheduled for Sunday Aug. 15, 2010.

Pedrosa loses ground but remains ‘happy with result’ DANI Pedrosa admits he is slightly disappointed at being unable to take the fight to Jorge Lorenzo in the Czech Grand Prix, but was otherwise satisfied to be back on the podium. The Brno pole man led into the first corner but cautious braking into turn three enabled both Lorenzo and Ben Spies to overtake him. Although he secured second back off Spies shortly afterwards, he was unable to do anything more than stay close to Lorenzo. Eventually fading as the race wore on, Pedrosa maintained second position to the chequered flag to improve his identical placing in the overall standings. “It’s good to be back on the podium after the crash at the last race at Laguna Seca so I’m happy about this. My start was good and I was in first place through the first corner but in the first left-hander I was a little bit too concerned about my tyre temperature and braked too early, which allowed Ben and Jorge to get past. “When I was in second place behind Jorge again I was trying as hard as possible to stay close, which I could do for a few laps, but for some reason I wasn’t quite able to go as fast as yesterday - I had quite a lot of wheelspin and was struggling to get good drive out of the corners. I tried to adjust my riding to improve this but Jorge was gradually able to open the gap. “So it wasn’t the best result for us, but still the podium is ok and we can build on this result. After the test we go to Indianapolis and I was strong there last year -

despite the mistake in the race - so I’m confident we can be competitive again at the next race.” Pedrosa is now 77 points adrift of Lorenzo in the standings. Crash

The Repsol Honda rider, second in Sunday’s race, has both a Honda test bike and his usual RC212V to try today and the fall occurred while using his 2010 machine. As of 3.00pm local time, Pedrosa is third fastest on the timesheets with the RCV test bike, 0.675sec behind Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and 0.1sec behind Casey Stoner (Ducati). Pedrosa’s best time on his 2010 bike is 0.48sec slower than on the test bike. Team-mate Andrea Dovizioso is eighth fastest.

IBP/ist

Dani Pedrosa walked away from a crash during Monday’s MotoGP test session at Brno

30 minutes earlier Yamaha had earlier announced, via a press release, that Rossi would be leaving after the completion of his seventh season with the Japanese brand ending a partnership that yielded instant title success in 2004 and three further world crowns. “We are delighted to announce that Valentino Rossi will be with us from 2011,” commented Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. “He is a paragon of excellence in the world of motorcycling, coherent with our Italian company which is a standard-bearer for “made in Italy” excellence. These are key values for success in technology, design and sportsmanship. “In addition to the strong and passionate intent of both parties, this agreement has been made possible by the committed support of our shareholder Investindustrial and all the sponsors associated with the Ducati Marlboro Team, sponsors which have believed in this opportunity and share and support our choices.” “Firstly, Valentino is a great fan of motorcycles and so it has always been a pleasure for me to listen his opinions,” added Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director. “Until the Valencia GP he will remain a competitor, one so great that he has always given a special value to our victories, but as soon as he rides the Ducati for the first time, we will work together on every single detail that will develop a bike capable of showing his huge talent. Working with

Valentino is one of the most exciting things for every Engineer and it’s good to know we will have this great opportunity next season.” Rossi, who already holds the record for 500cc/MotoGP race wins (78), needs one more title to tie Giacomo Agostini’s record of eight premier-class championships and is 18 race wins short of Agostini’s all time record of 122 grand prix wins in all grand prix classes. By switching to Ducati, Rossi can also try to become the only rider ever to win the 500cc/MotoGP crown for three different manufacturers. Since joining MotoGP in 2003, Ducati has taken 28 race wins, but 20 of them have been with Casey Stoner - who handed Ducati its first and so far only MotoGP crown in 2007 and is leaving the team for Honda at the end of this year. Rossi thus replaces Stoner and looks certain to ride alongside Nicky Hayden. Rossi and 2006 world champion Hayden raced together at Honda in 2003 and a contract for the American to remain a Desmosedici rider for a third season is seen as a formality. Rossi and Ducati will be desperate to work together at the Valencia test, held in November - immediately after the end of the racing season but that will depend upon permission from Yamaha. What is known is that Rossi will still test for Yamaha at Brno on Monday, but any 2011 parts are likely to be handed to present team-mate Lorenzo and possibly Ben Spies, who will take Rossi’s place at the factory team.