Edisi 18 Agustus 2011 | International Bali Post

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RI withdraws Komodo National Park from N7WN Competition PAGE 8

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16 Pages Number 171 3st Year

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RI’s 66th independence anniversary observed at palace

‘Spy Kids’ adds smell with ‘4-D’ Aroma-Scope PAGE 12 IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Balinese people celebrated 66th anniversary of Indonesia. All Indonesian people celebrated the Independence Day by raising the red and white national flag.

Antara

JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a national ceremony to mark the country‘s 66th independence anniversary here on Wednesday.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Proclamation of Independence which was read out 66 years ago by founding father Soekarno. This happened at exactly 10 am accompanied by the sound of sirens and a barrage of 17 cannon shots.

Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945 in Jakarta after centuries of Dutch colonial rule and three-and-half years of Japanese occupation.

The chairman of the People‘s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Taufik Kiemas, read the text of the proclamation. School students recruited from across the country then raised the national red and white flag.

The ceremony was attended by national leaders and dignitaries including former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Hamzah Haz and Try Sutrisno. Former president BJ Habibie and Megawati Soekarnoputri did not attend the ceremony.

63rd Anniversary of Bali Post WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

21 - 30

JAKARTA

24 - 32

BANDUNG

17 - 25

YOGYAKARTA

19 - 31

SURABAYA

19 - 31

SUNNY

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

Tukik released on Kuta Beach

RAIN

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IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

To celebrate the 63th anniversary of Bali Post and Independence Day, employer and employee of Bali Post with representatives of governments released 63 turtle to the ocean. This event was held on Kuta Beach on Tuesday, 16 August 2011.

KUTA - To commemorate the 63rd Anniversary of Bali Post and The 66th Indonesian Independence Day, Bali’s Vice Governor, A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga, the Head of Bali House of Representative, A.A. Ngurah Oka Ratmadi, the Head of 163/Wira Satya Kolonel Inf. Jacob Djoko Saroso, The regent of Badung, A.A. Gede Agung, and the Mayor of Denpasar, I.B. Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra, along with the Head of Bali Post Media Group, Satria Naradha, released 63 baby turtles (tukik) on Kuta Beach on Tuesday, August 16, 2011.

The event was also witnessed by hundreds of people who wore red and white symbolizing the fag of Indonesia. The event also attracted the attention of tourists who came to the beach. Some of them even took part in the event by releasing the tukik into the sea. Most of the turtles were taken from Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Conservation (KBSTC).

The Vice Governor said that the event is very important to preserve the turtles which is now become an endanger animal. He hoped that all government and private offices in Bali as well as throughout the world can do the same thing.

Continued on page 6

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International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Bali News Petrol Smuggling in Buleleng Sold at Sepeken Madura Singaraja (Bali Post) –

IBP/File

The monument on Puputan Badung field in the center of Denpasar.

Parking lot under Puputan Badung Square Welcomed positively to resolve congestion Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Proposal of Denpasar Municipality to build a central parking lot under Puputan Badung Square drew positive reaction from some members of the local House. Moreover, Denpasar with very minimal parking spaces such alternative could address a number of problems in the town center. On that account, the legislators agreed to gradually realize the proposal.

This matter was revealed by a number of members of Commission B in the Denpasar House such as I Ketut Sugiata, Wayan Suadi Putra, IB Mayun Komala Putra and I Wayan Bundra when met in their office on Monday (Aug 15). “Such a concept is very appropriate to be applied in Denpasar where to look for spacious land is very difficult,” said Sugiata.

Central parking lot worked on that land could apply the street-level pattern as implemented in the parking lot of Badung Market. However, for the case of Puputan Badung Square, the upper level would remain to serve as a public square.

“The underground parking space like this has been widely applied in a number of developed countries having limited space, such as in the

Netherlands. This kind of parking lot is very good for reducing the crowdedness in the town center,” said Sugiata last Monday.

In the meantime, Suadi Putra also added that if there was no fund for the total development, it could be budgeted incrementally. However, the overall development of the central parking area under the existing square should be planned since the very beginning. “If this can be realized, we believe the existing crowdedness throughout the area can be resolved,” explained the politician from Sidakarya.

Previously, Managing Director of PD Parkir, Nyoman Gede Sudiantara, revealed that following the plan of Bali Province to build the Puputan Badung Museum on the northern part of Puputan Badung Square, the Denpasar

Mayor intended to build a central parking underneath. He said the central parking development plan under the Puputan Badung Square was expected to be realized in 2014. Such a plan was linked to the construction of Puputan Badung Museum funded by provincial government. “After the emergence of plan to build the museum, the Mayor proposed the construction of parking space under the square,” said Sudiantara.

If the plan could be realized, Sudiantara said it could accommodate at least 400 units of vehicles.

With that condition, his party believed the problem on difficulty to look for parking space in Denpasar City could be resolved. “Probably, it will also resolve the crowdedness around Jalan Gajah Mada and surrounding areas,” he said. (kmb12)

The smuggling of petrol, premium and solar, from Sangsit Harbor, Sawan to Sepeken Island, Madura, suspected have operated quite sometimes by individuals who want some profits in their hand. Yet one managed to be failed by Sawan Police last Saturday (13/8). Head of Sawan Police APC Nyoman Kartika in the middle of collecting evidences at Sangsit Harbour last Monday (15/8) stated the smuggling was very advantaging as the petrol they bought priced IDR 4,500 per litre in a Buleleng petrol station then sold IDR 6,500 per litre at Sepeken. If a person smuggles 1,000 litres then the profit they would get will be IDR 2 million. Kartika explained the petrol was bought using jirigen by stating buying it to sell it to fishermen in Sangsit. “For that we will control this harbour so Buleleng petrol is not on shortage caused by illegal selling outside the island,” Kartika clarified.

According to Kartika, especially for this kind of case he has only captured one accused, Mulyono, resident of Pabean, Sangsit Village, Sawan.

Mulyono admitted is not the owner of the petrol yet an individual at Sepeken Madura is. Mulyono is only a sender of it taking petrol from different Buleleng petrol stations. “Sepeken people often find their needs at Buleleng such as petrol and construction needs as the distance between Buleleng and the island is nearer compared to other cities at Madura islands itself,” Mulyono explained.

As told before, Sawan Police Criminal Research Unit led by Made Agus Dwi Wirawan managed to fail petrol smuggling from Bali towards Madura totalling 1,026 litres. The petrol was going to be sent without any legal documents by ship. This has violated Law no. 22/ 2001 on oil and gas. (kmb15)

Protested, a villa building at Tanah Lot Temple area Tabanan (Bali Post)—

Villagers of Beraban, Kediri, are disturbed again. Currently, they complained about the operation of a villa and spa located in the tourist area of Tanah Lot, precisely adjacent to the Batu Bolong Temple. The villa and spa building has disappointed the people because it has never received permission from the Beraban Village. Originally, the permit was issued for art gallery.

Head of Beraban Village, Made Sumawa, confirmed the existence of protest against the activities of the villa. He explained that his party just knew it from the report of his residents. Surprisingly, activity of the villa had been supported by a permit. “I was shocked, when we came to location one of the employees showed us the permit. In reality, we never gave recommendation for the villa,” he said on Monday (Aug 15).

According to Sumawa, the building used for villa and spa was formerly a gallery. Therefore, local residents could agree it then. However, recently, the activity of the building had been turned into villa and spa. Residents did not agree to the activities as it pertained to the sanctity of the temple. “It’s only about 20 meters from the Batu Bolong Temple. This is what we are complaining about,” he affirmed again.

Sumawa added that rumors related to the villa’s activity were increasingly stronger.

It was feared the ripples of the community would be like fire in the husks. Moreover, so far the local residents had never given their approval to the activities of villa and spa. He also deplored the issuance of recommendation by the Management of Tanah Lot Tourist Object related to permit of the villa. According to Sumawa, residents extremely disagreed to activities of the villa situated near the temple.

Similar comment was expressed by Chief of Beraban customary village, Wayan Arwata. He said that his party did not know anything about the issues related to the villa. He explained that organizationally his party had nothing to do with the licensing of the villa. “Even if involved, we are merely informed,” he said. He added the issue of villa’s permit was the affair of administrative village. (udi)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti z Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 0215357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Bali News

International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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Prevalence of HIV/AIDS

Bali ranked second nationally Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Sharp upsurge of the HIV/AIDS cases in Bali is very worrying. Currently, the disease weakening the immunity of human body in Bali has exceeded 4,552 cases. By number of sufferer, Bali is still ranked fifth nationally after West Java, East Java, Papua and Jakarta. But in terms of prevalence or ratio between the number of patient to the number of residents in the local area, Bali is ranked second nationally after Papua. Head of Bali Health Services, Nyoman Sutedja, revealed the matter to Bali Post on Monday (Aug 15).

According to Sutedja, increasing number of people living with HIV/ AIDS in Bali was also very stunning.

Since last January to March 2011, the addition of patients were recorded to reach 245 consisting of 117 patients with AIDS and 138 patients with HIV. Meanwhile, up to August 2011, the number of new cases had reached about 483 comprising 282 people with HIV and 201 people with AIDS. From the additional 245 patients recorded from January to March 2011, he said, 12 of them had died. “Until August 2011, the new case amounted to nearly 500 people. It is a very significant increase,” he said.

Sutedja added that data collection on the new HIV/AIDS patients in sizeable amount was estimated to have been caused by the increasing level of public awareness to take voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Previously, they seemed reluctant to check up their condition because HIV/AIDS remained to have negative stigma in the society. Probably, the HIV/ AIDS cases in the previous years had been high but they were not detected because many patients did not want to consult with a variety of reasons.

“Currently, we have been providing VCT services in a number of health centers and hospitals for early detection of this disease. Those who have high-risk sexual behavior are now starting to have the awareness and courage to check up their health,” he said while adding that number of HIV/ AIDS cases in Bali might be much higher than such figures because not all people were willing to check up their health so the illness was not detected.

According to Sutedja, the mushrooming illegal roadside cafés all over the regencies/city in Bali contributed to boost the number of HIV/AIDS cases in Bali. It occurred because quite a few waitresses of the cafés also took side job as commercial sex workers with high risk to be infected by HIV / AIDS and later on it would be transmitted to their customers. In response to the issue, Sutedja agreed if regency/ city government in Bali intensified the monitoring and control against the cafés. “It’s time for the regency/city government in Bali to address this issue seriously if they do not want the HIV/AIDS cases to result in violent explosion in Bali,” he said. (kmb13)

Small Shops Tax Suggestion Keep Going Public Figures Declined Mangupura (Bali Post)-

Badung House of Representatives Tax Special Committee seemed all well with the suggestion from executives on hitting tax for IDR 1 million income per month restaurants and will do an observation even though it will totally burden the ordinary people. Yet Vice Head of Badung House of Representatives I Ketut Suiasa accompanied by Head of the Special Committee, I Nyoman Satria, stated the committee clearly did not want the ordinary people to get tax and so the committee increased the minimum income from IDR 3 million to IDR 10-15 million yet that will erase hundreds of those tax obligated restaurants which then a suggestion came the minimal tax payer will be IDR 1 million income res-

taurants.

To this suggestion, Suiasa clarified it is not final yet as it needs social and comparative analysis also committee haven’t fully discussed it. He gave a signal that this suggestion will die if most of the representatives’ member denies applying a minimum income. “It’s most likely the IDR 1 million borderline will be increased as most members think this will burden. For sure, committee will still work and haven’t finalised anything,” he explained.

Meanwhile Legian public figure, I Nyoman Rutha Ady, also admits this is burdening even though it will be the new income source for Badung Government and in the other hand it will give a psychology matter for the people. (kmb25)

IBP/file

Tourists are enjoying the beautiful scenery of one of the area in Bali.

Bali must not only rely on target of 2.6 million foreign tourists Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Bali targeted 2.6 million foreign tourists during 2011. Until January-June 2011, the realization has reached 1.30 million tourists. A tourism observer, Dr. I Nyoman Madiun, hoped the target set up by government would not only focus on quantity, but also put the emphasis on quality of tourists.

“To maintain the sustainability of the existing tourist attraction on the Island of the Gods, the growth target of Bali tourism should be focused on the quality of tourists,” said Nyoman Madiun in his office on Monday (Aug 15).

According to him, within the past few years the number of foreign tourists to Bali had showed an increase. However, the revenue generated from a single traveler like spending money and length of stay was still far behind some of the competitor countries. Arrival of the

low quality foreign tourists had lower concern for the environment than the quality tourists.

“Government should focus on the quality of high tourist spending and longer stay because their concern for the environment tends to be higher,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Nyoman Madiun acknowledged that Bali as an international destination was unable to close itself from the invasion of tourists. “To attract more quality tourists, the quality of human resources of the tourism, destination, and room rates should be increased. By doing so, the quality of tourists will follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, I Gede Ardika, previously stated that increasing number of tourists to Bali did not always have a positive impact on the sector. Instead, the abundance of tourists that exceeded the carrying capacity of Bali would be po-

tentially harmful to the environment.

“Target of tourism development today is no longer focused on the quantity or number of visits, but on the quality of visitors. On that account, the quantity without quality would prejudice because of the concern for the environment tends to be lower,” he said. Ardika also agreed that advancement of tourism should be focused on the quality of tourists rather than on the quantity which tended to bring in negative impacts. To reduce the burden of Bali tourism getting heavier, it could be supported by offering the package of ‘Bali and Beyond’ or close destinations to Bali or even alternative destination after visiting Bali.

“Therefore, by the concept of ‘Bali and Beyond’ the burden that must be endured by every destination in Indonesia can be distributed evenly,” he said. (par)

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News

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Spain: Student plotted attack on anti-Pope crowd Associated Press Writer

MADRID — Spanish police have arrested a chemistry student suspected of planning a gas attack against protesters opposed to a visit by Pope Benedict XVI, an official said Wednesday.

The pontiff is due to arrive Thursday for a nearly four-day visit to celebrate World Youth Day, and a protest march is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Madrid.

A police official said the suspect arrested in Madrid on Tuesday is a 24-year-old Mexican student specializing in organic chemistry. She would not say whether investigators believe the man was actually capable of carrying out a gas attack.

The Mexican Embassy identified the detainee as Jose Perez Bautista and said he was from Puebla state, near Mexico City.

Police said in a statement released Tuesday night that officers who searched the detainee’s

apartment in a wealthy district of Madrid seized an external harddrive and two notebooks with chemical equations that had nothing to do with his studies.

It said he tried to recruit people via the Internet to help him, and that a computer allegedly used for this purpose was among objects seized by police.

The statement said the man had planned to attack anti-Pope protesters with “suffocating gases” and other chemicals. But it did not mention police having confiscated chemicals that could be used in an attack. The police official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with police rules.

The statement said the suspect was in Madrid studying with Spain’s top government research body, the Spanish National Research Council and his office there was searched. The council confirmed the arrest but gave no immediate details on the Mexican.

International

In this photo taken on a governmentorganized tour, an armed man loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi fires his weapon in the air at the main Green Square in Tripoli, Libya, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011.

AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills

Libyan rebels try to isolate Tripoli, Gadhafi Associated Press Writer

ZAWIYA, Libya — Libya’s rebels threatened to isolate Tripoli by blocking key supply routes and cutting oil pipelines on Monday after a dramatic weekend advance put them in the strongest position since the 6-month-old civil war began to attack Moammar Gadhafi’s stronghold.

AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Pilgrims pray at the street during a mass at the Cibeles square, Tuesday Aug. 16, 2011, ahead to the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid next Aug. 18- 21.

In Washington, the Obama administration said the U.S. was encouraged by the rebel advances and hoped they had broken a monthslong stalemate with Gadhafi’s forces.

“We are closing the roads for Gadhafi so there is no way for him to bring anything to Tripoli,” a rebel field commander, Jumma Dardira, told The Associated Press.

The rebels’ push into the strategic city of Zawiya on Saturday brought them within 30 miles (48 kilometers) of Tripoli, the closest

they have ever gotten.

Also Monday, U.S. defense officials said Libyan government forces tapped into their stores of Scud missiles this weekend, firing one for the first time in this year’s conflict with rebels, but hurting no one.

The missile launch was detected

by U.S. forces shortly after midnight Sunday and the Scud landed in the desert about 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside Brega, said one official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

Rebel and regime forces have battled over the strategic port city of Brega throughout the conflict, and control has swung back and forth between the two sides.

According to the military, the Scud missile was launched from a location about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Surt, a city on the Mediterranean coast about 230 miles (370 kilometers) east of Tripoli. Noting that Scuds are not precision guided missiles, officials said they couldn’t tell if Brega was the target.

Early in the conflict, NATO and U.S. forces targeted sites around the country where Gadhafi stored surface-to-surface missiles like Scuds, largely because they worried that he would use them to target areas beyond his control.

NKorea threatens to bolster its nuclear arsenal Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea threatened Wednesday to bolster its nuclear arsenal in response to annual U.S.-South Korean military drills that Pyongyang calls a rehearsal for invasion.

The North’s warning came on the second day of computer-simulated war games that the United States and South Korea call Ulchi Freedom Guardian. The allies say the 11-day drills are purely defensive, but North Korea says the training is extremely provocative and undermines recent attempts to promote peace on the Korean peninsula.

Last month, diplomats from the United States and the two Koreas

held tentative talks on restarting long-dormant negotiations aimed at ending Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program in exchange for aid and other concessions. “The U.S. is staging exercises for a war of aggression against its dialogue partner, while putting up a signboard of dialogue,” an unidentified North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

“It is self-evident that (North Korea) should put spurs to bolstering its nuclear deterrent for selfdefense both in quality and quantity to cope with this situation,” he said in a statement carried by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.

The statement didn’t elaborate on how the North would strengthen

its nuclear arsenal. The country has issued similar threats in the past when the United States and South Korea have conducted military drills.

North Korea is believed to have enough plutonium for at least a halfdozen weapons and revealed last November that it has a uranium enrichment facility that could give it another way to make atomic bombs. Tension on the Korean peninsula spiked last year after the North’s alleged torpedoing of a South Korean warship and its deadly bombardment of a South Korean border island. A total of 50 South Koreans died.

The Korean peninsula remains technically in a state of war after the 1950s Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

South Koreans covering their faces, escape from a smoke attack during an anti-terror exercise as part of Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011.

Activities

International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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Kuta Station Hotel & Spa:

Strategic Location with Multifunctional Lifestyle Facilities IBP

Kuta area develops and has an interest in the economic activities so it requires the provision of hotel accommodation capable of serving them carefully. The market is remarkably competitive and every hotel offers affordable rates and services that are virtually the same.

“The difference lies in our commitment of converting promise into reality with the presence of Kuta Station Hotel & Spa. The advantage of our hotel is the strategic location and no other hotels in Kuta offer the more complete lifestyle facilities, both for travelers and business professionals entailing a hotel with multifunctional facilities,” said Ariestra Prasetio, General Manager of the latest 3-star hotel under the Paradiso Group .

Concept of the Kuta Station Ho-

tel & Spa had been specially designed to become a 3-star hotel serving a growing tourism business in the oasis of Kuta tourist resort, including for the circle of the government, private companies and the MICE both for domestic and foreign markets. Located right in the heart of Kuta and Bali’s busiest tourist destination, it is just 50 meters from the amazing white sandy Kuta Beach and very close to Kuta Square shopping center. Of course, it is within easy reach to all major attractions in the area of Kuta.

This comfortable hotel has 132 rooms consisting of Superior, Deluxe and Family room with standard amenities including a large swimming pool that stretches throughout the hotel grounds, kids pool, playground, meeting room, pool bar, Railway Bar & Restaurant, restaurant with the open air concept graced with nightly live music entertainment,

Jalanidi Spa, Gym, Paradiso Bowling & Billiard and Dee Jay Club.

Ariestra, having a wealth of experience for more than 18 years in the hotel industry in the regions across Indonesia and various international hotel chains and companies, added that Paradiso Hotel Group entered the Indonesian market in 1996 and had become a leading hospitality management company in Bali with the rapid growth of business network.

Paradiso Hotel Group currently operates the Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Legian Paradiso Hotel, Seminyak Paradiso Hotel and its parent company also operates a shopping complex named Kuta Center and Kuta Square as well as several other properties. With the existing track of record, it is evident that the Paradiso Hotel Group has a definite future vision —to be recognized as the best hotel management company in Indonesia. (BTN/014)

Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for August 7 through August 30, 2011 7 Aug Redite Paing Pahang Pasek Toh Jiwa Kekeran - Mengwi -Badung Pasek Sadra Peguyangan - Badung

15 Aug Soma Keliwon Krulut Pasel Gelgel Kekeran Temple Mngwi Badung Merajan Pasek Subadra Temple Kramas-Gianyar

9 Aug Anggara Wage Pahang Batu Madeg (Meru Tumpang Sanga) Besakih Hyang Tibha Batuan Sakah

20 Aug Tumpek Krurut Pasek Gelgel Temple Br Tengah Buleleng Dalem Pemuteran Temple Jelantik Tojan - Klungkung Pedarmaan Bhujangga W. Temple Besakih Taman Sari Temple Gunungsari Penebel - Tabanan Dalem Tarukan Temple Bebalang Bangli Benua Kangin Temple Besakih Merajan Kanginan Temple Besakih

10 aug Buda Keliwon Pahang Luhur Puncak Padang Dawa Baturiti Tabanan Silayukti Temple Padangbai-Karangasem Aer Jeruk Sukawati Dangin Pasar Batuan-Sukawati Penataran Temple Batuyang-Batubulan Desa Lembeng Ketewel-Sukawati Pasek Bendesa Dukuh-Kediri-Tabanan Kawitan Dalem Sukawati Gianyar Kresek Banyuning-Buleleng Puseh Temple Bebandem-Karangasem Merajan Pasek Kubayan-Gaji Merajan pasek Gelgel Jeroan Abang-Songan Merajan Pasek Subrata Temaga Merajan Pasek Gelgel Bungbungan Sad Kahyangan Batu Medahu. S Nusa Penida Buda Kliwon Penatih-Denpasar Penataran Dukuh Nagasari Bebandem Karangasem Pasek Bendesa Temple Tagtag Paguyangan Pulasari Temple Sibang Gede Abiansemal Batur Sari Temple Ubud Penataran Agung Temple Sukawati 13 Aug Purnama Karo Gelap Temple Besakih Dangkahyangan Temple Pengukur-ukur Pejeng Merajan Gerya Temple Kebon Tabanan Candi Goro Temple Tianyar-Kubu Karangasem Ponjok Batu Temple Tejakula-Buleleng

21 Aug Redite Umanis Merakih Parangan Tengah Temple Ceningan Kangin - Lembongan Dalem Temple Celuk Sukawati - Gianyar 24 Aug Buda Wage Merakih Bendesa Mas Kepisah Temple Pedungan - Denpasar Selatan Natih Temple Banjar Kalah - Batubulan Puseh. Temple Silakarang - Singapadu dalem Petitenget Temple Kerobokan - Kuta Dalem Pulasari Temple Samplangan - Gianyar Kubayan - Kepisah Temple Pedungan - Denpasar - Selatan Pasek gelgel Temple Banjar Tanahpegat - Tabanan Paibon Banjar Bengkel Sumerta - Denpasar Pasek Temple Lumintang - Denpasar Panti Penyarikan Medahan Sanding - Tampaksiring Pasar Agung Temple Kaba-kaba - Tabanan 30 Aug Anggar Kasih Tambir Dalem Puri Batuan Temple Sukawati Dalem Kediri Temple Silakarang - Singapadu Dalem Temple Sukawati Dalem Temple Singakerta - Ubud dalem Lembeng Temple Ketewel - Sukawati Paibon Pasek Tangkas Temple Peliatan - Ubud

Balinese Temple Ceremony EVERY Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali.

There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

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

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

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land.

Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

C M Y K

News SWAT captures Australian fake bomb suspect in Ky. Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/Frank Jordans

This photo dated jan 06, 2011 shows a man passing a tram on which a security company advertises its services while travelling through the Plainpalais area in the center of Geneva, Switzerland, , 2009.

Geneva assault prompts warnings from UN, Swiss Associated Press Writer

GENEVA — The United Nations has warned its staff about going out alone in Geneva at night after a vicious assault on the son of an American diplomat in this self-styled “city of peace.”

The attack also caused alarm at the top tier of Swiss government, with the Foreign Ministry saying Monday that President Micheline Calmy-Rey has written to Geneva authorities to voice her concern at “the deterioration of the security situation in Geneva in recent months.”

Serious violent crime is rare in wealthy Switzerland, but reports of the attack have spooked Geneva’s large foreign and diplomatic community, prompting water cooler tales of muggings, break-ins and assaults.

Geneva police spokesman Jean-Philippe Brandt said nobody has been arrested in connection with the attack, which took place in the center of Geneva during the early hours of July 17.

The victim — who was identified only as the son of an Ameri-

can U.N. diplomat — was attacked by up to a dozen assailants who beat him with metal rods and attempted to throw him into the river Rhone before a passing cyclist raised the alarm.

The U.N., which has its European headquarters in Geneva, sent a series of emails to staff including a note warning that “one should not, repeat not, be out alone late at night in the city center.”

A subsequent toned-down U.N. memo urged diplomats to “exercise caution and prudence when out in the evening or early morning hours in downtown Geneva” and added that the victim “could have lost his life” in the attack. U.N. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the victim suffered fractures and bruises and was recovering.

The global body accounts for

a large portion of the over 40,000 diplomats and international civil servants in this city of 200,000 inhabitants. Their presence and that of the Red Cross — not to mention the frequent peace talks hosted in neutral Switzerland’s second largest city — have led Geneva authorities to label it the “city of peace.”

U.S. officials said they had been in contact with Swiss authorities over the attack.

“We regret the violence committed against this young American and have confidence in the Swiss authorities’ ability to apprehend those responsible,” Alex Daniels, a spokesman for the U.S. embassy in the Swiss capital Bern, told The Associated Press. “We also appreciate the Swiss government’s cooperation on security and safety matters.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An FBI SWAT team descended on a quiet Louisville suburb to arrest a man authorities say broke into a family’s home in Australia and chained a fake bomb to a teenage woman’s neck as part of an extortion ploy.

Paul “Doug” Peters, 50, faces charges in Australia that include kidnapping and breaking and entering, said Luke Moore of the New South Wales Police. Peters’ initial court appearance was set for Tuesday morning in Louisville and the extradition process will take about two months, authorities said.

His capture comes nearly two weeks after 18-year-old Madeleine Pulver was attacked in the wealthy Sydney suburb of Mosman. She was alone studying for exams when a masked man broke into the house in the middle of the day, chained a device that looked like a bomb to her and left a note with demands before leaving.

Bomb technicians, negotiators and detectives rushed to the scene.

Neighboring homes were evacuated, streets were closed and medical and fire crews waited nearby. Pulver spent 10 terrifying hours chained to the device before the bomb squad was able to free her.

She was not hurt, and the device was later found to contain no explosives. Australia’s prime minister said the event resembled “a Hollywood script.”

Police say a note had been attached to the device, but they haven’t released details of what it said.

Moore flew from Sydney to Louisville for the arrest, but would not go into detail about what led police to Peters.

“There was a range of pieces of evidence that led us to identify this suspect,” he said at a news conference at FBI offices in Louisville. Peters is an Australian citizen but has lived in the U.S., including Kentucky.

Lightning strike at Florida’s Seaworld sends 8 to hospital Reuters

ORLANDO, Florida - A lightning strike at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove sent eight people to the hospital, a SeaWorld spokesman said on Tuesday.

“Three guests and 5 employees were affected, but were not struck directly,” Nick Gollattscheck said in an email to Reuters.

Gallattscheck said they were sent to the hospital as a precaution, and that all were conscious and alert when transported. But Gallattscheck said he had no further information about their condition or the lightning strike itself.

A spokesman for the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital said he could not provide information on the group.

Central Florida is a region known for dangerous lightning. Florida state as a whole recorded 449 lightning deaths between 1959 and 2007, according to the National Weather Service.

Tukik released...

From page 1 Puspayoga also said that the turtles released into the sea already quite large so there will be less predators that can eat them. “I suggested that in the future the turtles released into the wild should be this big. It could reduce the death rate of the turtles,” he added. He stated that Bali Post which is already 63 years giving information to the people of Bali, plays important role in the development of the island. “The most important part, Bali Post must be consistent in applying Pancasila to unite the nation. I’m quite optimist that Bali Post can do that,” Puspayoga explained.

During the event, Satria Naradha also gave 3 units of Bali Post iPad 2 to A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga, the Head of Bali House of Representative, A.A. Ngurah Oka Ratmadi, the Head of 163/Wira Satya Kolonel Inf. Jacob Djoko Saroso.

Satria Naradha stated that Bali Post is no longer a local newspaper but already and international one because the information can be read on iPad, Samsung Tab, and BlackBerry Playbook. This system allowed everyone throughout the world to read Bali Post.(kmb13)

Indonesia Today

International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

7

Yudhoyono says Indonesia is tolerant nation Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defended Indonesia’s reputation for pluralism, as his government faces growing criticism over its failure to respond to a spate of religious hate crimes.

In an Independence Day speech, the ex-general accepted that the mainly Muslim country was facing “threats” to religious harmony but offered little to reassure minorities which have come under frequent attack in recent months.

“Even though there are challenges and threats to pluralism, tolerance and social harmony, we cannot move from our belief that Indonesia is a nation that is able to live in pluralism,” he said in a televised address on Tuesday.

“We have to defend this belief without any doubt.”

Local and international human rights groups have expressed outrage recently over sentences handed

out to members of a religious lynch mob who killed three Muslim minority sect members in February.

A court jailed 12 members of the Sunni Muslim mob for three to six months each, even though they were caught on film viciously attacking Ahmadiyah sect members in front of police officers.

The same court on Monday jailed one of the Ahmadiyah survivors of the attack, a man who almost lost his hand in the violence, for six months for defending himself and his friends, prompting criticism from the United States.

“We are disappointed by today’s sentencing of Deden Sudjana who was a victim of the February 6 at-

tacks,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters.

“We again encourage Indonesia to defend its tradition of tolerance for all religions, a tradition praised

by President (Barack) Obama in his November 2010 visit to Jakarta.”

A panel of judges found Sudjana guilty of ill-treatment and ignoring an order to evacuate the sect’s property in Cikeusik, western Java, as the 1,500-strong mob arrived.

Earlier, the court gave a teenager who was filmed crushing one victim’s head with a stone only three months’ jail. That individual is already free and has been welcomed back to his village as a hero.

Anti-Ahmadiyah violence erupted again this week in Makassar, Sulawesi, when hundreds of Sunni extremists raided one of the sect’s places of worship on Sunday in front of police, who did nothing to inter-

vene, rights groups said.

One sect member suffered severe head injuries and three local human rights workers who tried to stop the attack were badly beaten, Amnesty International said.

“The Ahmadiyah are not receiving adequate protection from the security forces or the courts,” Amnesty International?s Asia-Pacific deputy director, Donna Guest, said in a statement.

“We fear that some groups now think that they can attack religious minorities and human rights defenders without any fear of serious consequences.”

The Ahmadiyah community claims to have some 500,000 followers in Indonesia, where it has been established since the 1920s after originating in South Asia.

It is regarded as heretical by mainstream Muslims because it teaches followers to regard the

sect’s Indian founder as the last prophet of Islam, instead of Mohammed.

No justice for minorities

A man wounded when Islamic hard-liners launched a deadly attack on his minority sect questioned Indonesia’s commitment to religious freedom after he was sentenced to six months in jail — more than some of the assailants caught on video.

Deden Sudjana said he was trying to defend 20 Ahmadiyah members holed up in a house in the village of Cikeusik when they were surrounded by a frenzied mob of 1,500.

The attackers, carrying wooden clubs, machetes and rocks, killed three people and chanted “God is Great!” as they pummeled the lifeless bodies, police helplessly looking on. Footage of the lynching, posted on YouTube, drew worldwide condemnation.

Indonesia lures foreign investors with tax holidays Agence France-Presse

AP Photo/Irwin Fedriansyah

An Indonesian Muslim woman reads the Quran as others pray as they wait for the time to break their fast, at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011. Muslim around the world are observing Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk.

Major foreign investors in Indonesia will be granted tax holidays in a bid to attract more direct investment into Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Sectors including base metals, oil refining, petrochemicals and renewable energy will qualify for the exemption, providing companies invest at least £71 million.

The tax holiday will exempt investors from paying taxes for between five and ten years from the moment the business starts operating.

Exemptions will also be offered retrospectively to businesses yet to make a profit and established up to a year before the announcement.

It is hoped that the tax holiday will support the manufacturing and infrastructure projects that feature as part of the government’s Masterplan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Economic Development of Indonesia, announced by President Susilo Bambang

Yudhoyono.

Finance minister Agus Martowardojo was reported as saying: “These companies must have at least Rp 1 trillion (£71 million) in investment and be considered pioneers in their industries.”

Applications for a tax holiday should be made to Indonesia’s ministry of industry, where it will be assessed in view of the criteria.

Indonesia already offers companies generous tax incentives, although these companies will not be eligible for the new tax holiday exemption.

Banking dynasty scion Nat Rothschild, the British financier, struck a £1.9 billion deal late last year that saw his mining investment Vallar (Frankfurt: A1C189 - news) acquire stakes in two Indonesian coal mining companies.

Critics worry that short term incentives may, however, become long term problems if the Indonesian government is unable to withdraw them for fear of losing investment.

Indonesia growth to accelerate: central bank Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s economic growth is likely to continue accelerating, reaching 6.6 percent this year despite the latest bout of global turmoil, according to Bank Indonesia.

The forecast is slightly higher than the government’s official target of 6.5 percent growth.

“I’m optimistic that despite what’s been going on lately, our economic growth will reach 6.6 percent this year, especially as (direct) investment increases,” Bank Indonesia governor Darmin Nasution said on Tuesday, in a reference to eurozone debt fears and growing worries over a double-dip recession in the US. Southeast Asia’s biggest

economy grew close to 6.5 percent from a year earlier in both the first and second quarters this year after expanding 6.1 percent in 2010.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said despite the economic situation in Europe and the United States, Indonesia had enough self confidence to handle the uncertainty.

“I have instructed officials to increase their vigilance, so we could

carefully anticipate the negative impact from the worsening global economic situation,” Yudhoyono said in a speech ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday.

“All policy instruments for facing the crisis are in place and ready to be implemented any time when necessary,” he said.

Indonesia’s economic growth

softened in 2009 amid the global economic downturn, but it still increased output 4.5 percent on the back of domestic demand and a relatively healthy banking system.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves stand at around $122 billion compared with $51.64 billion at the end of 2008. Yudhoyono is expected to announce the 2012 budget later Tuesday.

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

C M Y K

International

Bali Today RI withdraws Komodo National Park from N7WN Competition Antara

Mayadanawa: Feeling Superiority Results in Destruction

JAKARTA - Indonesia has withdrawn the Komodo National Park from participation in the final evaluation round in the competition for the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) title.

Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, when announcing the decision here on Monday, accused the competition’s organizer, the New 7 Wonders (N7W) Foundation, of having been unprofessional, inconsistent and not transparent.

“The decision was taken because the organizer, the New 7 Wonders (N7W) Foundation, has been unprofessional, inconsistent, not transparent and lacking accountable credibility,” he said.

He said although the Komodo National Park (TNK) had resigned from campaigning to be selected as one of the world’s seven wonders by the N7W the TNK would remain the world’s heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1991.

In August 2008, the ministry of tourism and culture became the official supporting committee (OSC)/ Lead Agency to suppor the TNK to be selected as one of the new world’s seven wonders which is done through on-line voting.

The ministry has already carried out a series of on-line campaigning at home and abroad to promote and support the TNK in the competition and the effort has been fruitful with the TNK’s election as one of the 28 finalists of the N7WN title putting aside 440 nominees from 220 countries.

In a further progress polemic emerged after the N7W Foundation expressed agreement early in December 2010 for Indonesia in this case Jakarta to become the official host for the Declaration of the new World 7 Wonders.

The committee however later required the Indonesian government to pay a license fee for being the host of the event totaling US$10 million and prepare another US$35 million to pay for the cost of the organization of the event.

The ministry meanwhile has so far only expressed its desire to be the host and has never signed any deal nor submitted an official bidding proposal as

IBP/Net

Indonesia has withdrawn the Komodo National Park from participation in the final evaluation round in the competition for the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) title. required by the N7W Foundation according to the New7Wonders Official Host Worldwide Bidding Tender.

The ministry had rejected the request because it was not realistic but in a reaction to the rejection the N7W at the end of December 2010 threatened to eliminate TNK as the N7W finalist.

Wacik meanwhile said that the TNK’s position as a finalist was different from the N7W Foundation’s offer and must not be linked.

On February 2011 the N7W Foundation decided to maintain the TNK’s position as a finalist but had eliminated the ministry of tourism and culture’s position as OSC. The decision was unilateral and unfair because it was not based on a clear reason while the N7W Foundation has not revoked the Standard Participating Agreement whcih is the only official document that has been signed jointly at the early stage of campaigning stating that the ministry of tourism and culture is the TNK’s OSC for the N7W campaign.

The ministry of tourism and culture has appointed lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis to deal with the problem.

Todung said the ministry has never breached the Standard Participating Agreement that had been signed.

“We have sent a legal complaint which has been replied by their legal consultant in London. We have replied it again and until today there has been no response from them,” he said.

He said the N7W Foundation’s action of eliminating the ministry as the OSC was against universal legal principles.

“There has been no unilateral revocation of an agreement because no violation has been made here,” he said.

The ministry of culture and tourism has found some facts regarding the N7W Foundation which is very commercial-oriented although it has also stated itself as a non-profit foundation.

As an international organization, the ministry found it strange that the foundation has no office and is only managed by a few people but wishes to conduct US millions worth of transactions.

“The world community would remain recognizing the Komodo as ‘the one and only real dragon in the world’ and the fact is replaceable. In view of that we remain committed to developing and promoting TNK as a conservation area and international tourist destination in Indonesia. Through the “Komodo the Real Wonder of the World” brand would promote TNK across the world,” Jero Wacik said.

He said he had decided to stop the joint campaign with the N7W Foundation.

The director general of marketing of the ministry of tourism and culture, Sapta Nirwandar, said TNK as a N7W finalist has been promoted for the past three years abroad.

When penjors paraphernalia are erected throughout the island, they epitomize that Galungan festivity has come. Every single devotee is in blooming heart welcoming it with joy. This six monthly celebration in Balinese calendar encourages people to make earnest preparation whole day and night. It’s time to glorify God and ancestors.

Based on the mythology, Galungan delineates the triumph of dharma (truth) against adharma (untruth). According to Tatwa Mayadanawa transliterated by Made Gambar said that Bedaulu kingdom in Bali was once ruled by Mayadanawa. He was very powerful and proud of his power and feels to have more sovereign power than that of gods.

This arrogance until forbids all subjects to worship God together with the celebration to glorify all God’s manifestations. The non-existence of freedom to worship and other religious activities caused many subjects greatly suffered where diseases spread and harvests failed. Seeing this condition, Lord Mahadeva in heaven feels disappointed. Having organized an assembly session with other gods, it is decided to attack Mayadanawa.

Under the leadership of Lord Indra, the target can be timely destroyed.

In short, the troops of the gods won the battle. This does not only stand for the triumph of the gods, but also of the whole mankind on earth.

Afterwards, Galungan then can be re-celebrated after the triumph of Indra. Many subjects felt to regain their enlightenment as they were able to practice their religious life. This festivity lasts for ten days and ends in the day called Kuningan. Aside from paying homage at village temple, it is also intended to appreciate the ancestors at family shrine. Similarly, devotees thank for the prosperity bestowed and maintain the relationship with their ancestors. Though they have left for the beyond, hopefully they could illuminate their descendants.

Another version about Galungan is mentioned by the manuscript Jaya Kasunu. It is said that the king Jaya Kasunu (AD 1204), meditated (held dewa sraya) to invoke guidance. His problem was that not one of his predecessors could rule longer. Through his solemn meditation he was inspired that he should re-organize religious activities, such as Galungan.

No matter what the version is, the essence of these mythologies implies that a devotee or creation should maintain their persistent contact to his Creator. The âtman dwelling within the human self should maintain his contact to Brahman, the Creator. By doing so, humans can continuously obtain the illumination to walk in the path of dharma.

As manifestation of gratitude, devotees express it through worship at temples, garden, rice field and so forth. Everything that has given prosperity is also offered an oblation, including the means of transportation. If you happen to take an excursion on that day you of course will rub up against many cars affixed with young coconut paraphernalia.

Hopefully, the festivity does not come to an end at the vibrant fiesta marked with grandiose oblation, assorted delicious food or luxurious paraphernalia. All the times it should help the spiritual development. Anything achieved in this life either tangible or intangible entities, should not make us arrogant. Sometimes, when having abundance of wealth or higher educational background, a human feels superior or more powerful than others. Even, it is not employed as a milestone to improve his devotion to God. It’s here where the achievement drags human to sluggish condition or gorge of destruction. Like Mayadanawa, he forgot that there is a vast sky above him. His power has led him to his dissolution. If we do not want to become the next Mayadanawa, consistent devotion must be established. (BTN/punia)

International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Balinese Culture Wajik

(Rice Flour Cake with Palm Sugar)

Balinese women:

In devotional services through the arts Beauty can stop everyone’s eyes flickering. Beauty of the kid song can lullaby a baby. Similarly, beauty also can toss the imagination, soothe the mind and draw people to get near.

Bali has many sources of that beauty offering the charm of nature, culture or adventure.

By maintaining traditions inspired by Hinduism, Balinese people go on running in harmony with the time. In other words, they do not feel inferior because of inheriting those traditions. Beauty in the form of various dance movements has been introduced since early ages. On seeing a dance staged, a toddler may watch it attentively or its fingers move and move as if imitating the movement of the dance.

Virtually all customary villages in Bali have gamelan troupe. This troupe plays important role in expressing their entertainment arts and accompanying every ritual activity. This existence gives opportunity to villagers from child to adult to express their artistic talent especially in dance, drama and gamelan arts. Young girls under twelve or elementary school age have a chance to participate in performing Rejang Dance. By wearing white and yellow costumes and floral decoration on head, they dance beautifully accompanied by gamelan music. Rejang Dance is one of the sacred dances performed in relation to the organization of temple anniversary or odalan. Other than putting a

basic love to their tradition, they also show devotional service or ngatur ayah through the arts.

When they grow older, right on entering secondary school, they join customary village youth club or Sekaa Taruna. Here, with their male friends and their brothers and sisters start to learn about organization.

Many things can be learned through this organization. Since it has affiliation to customary village, they can learn about the making of some simple oblation under guidance of senior oblation maker and various traditional arts. In Bali, this youth club actually play important role in preparing young generation to maintain their valuable cultural heritages or to prepare themselves for inheriting customary responsibility.

With their male counterpart, here the young girls also learn to play drama or more complex traditional arts. Popular genres of performance showed are pure entertainment and the one in combination with sacred dance. The latter usually features Calonarang. This magical drama involves a combination of male and female players. In essence, this Calonarang drama highlights the endless fight between truth and untruth symbolizing by sanctified effigies or tapakan like Rangda and Barong. By and large, it is also associated with ritual events at local temple.

In the following stage, when

woman gets married she will enter the new organization, namely customary village. Having learned much about ritual works, it is now the time to practice them in wider social life. They should attend some socio-religious activities when the events engage the members of customary village. At this stage, household mother can remain to show her devotional service through the arts other than social works. Through the arts, they may join the drama or individual psalmodic singing or pasantian.

How is about their private life? It is normal as others. They also have opportunity to build career in their profession. In modern life with heterogeneous professions as today, woman also works as men do. Traditions do not impede them to reach outstanding achievement in selfemployee or office job. If they work at daytime, some social works will be held at the evening.

Tradition is not something obsolete. Even, it retains abundant inspirations to create something new and creative that is advantageous for modern life. However, traditions should also be reviewed and adjust to the current condition without leaving behind its core. Tradition does not hinder women to get their career achievement. Even, it stays to give them a channel to express their spiritual sense through devotional services. (BTN/punia)

Overview: There are a couple of variations on this popular cake, which can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. It is normally served at room temperature, but can also be served warm topped with coconut milk.

Other variations are to add ripe diced jackfruits (or substitute with sultanas) after the rice is partially cooked.

Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous white rice 1 cup water 1 pandan leaf ½ cup palm sugar syrup ¼ cup thick coconut milk Pinch of salt Preparation: Rinse rice very well under running water for 2 minutes and soak for 4 hours. Rinse again until water becomes clear. Place rice, 1 cup of water and pandan leaf in rice cooker or steamer and cook for approx 20 minutes, or until liquid has evaporated.

Add palm sugar syrup, coconut milk and salt, and steam for 15 minutes. Spread rice evenly 2.5 cm thick on tray and allow cooling to room temperature. Wet a sharp knife with warm and cut into even squares to serve.

Helpful hint: to speed up the soaking process, pour boiling water over the rice and let stand for 1 hour. Drain, then add another lot of boiling water and soak for another 30 minutes. If you are using a steamer to cook the rice, line the bottom with a wet cloth to prevent the rice grains from falling through. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

Sate Lilit

(Minced Seafood Satay) Overview: This probably the most delicious satay you will ever encounter. The delicate flavors of the shrimp and fish are greatly improved if you can find spears of fresh lemongrass to use as skewers, and if you can cook them over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal.

Nonetheless, even with wooden skewers and a standard charcoal grill, you will have people coming back more.

Ingredients: 600 gr skinned boneless snapper fillet 1 cup freshly grated coconut or 1½ cups moistened desiccated coconut ½ cup seafood spice paste 5 fragrant lime leaves, chopped 1 tsp black peppercorns, finely crushed 1 tsp salt 3-5 bird’s eye chilies, very finely chopped 2 tbsp palm sugar Lemon grass or satay skewers Preparation: 1. Mince fish fillet very finely in a food processor or with a chopper.

2. Add all other ingredients & mix well.

3. Mould a heaped tablespoon full of this mixture around a wooden skewer or over trimmed stalks of lemon grass and grill over charcoal until golden brown.

Note: This recipe won’t work with frozen fish. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

C.045 ibp

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Destinations

International

Pulaki Temple IBP

Pulaki Temple or Pura Pulaki is a Hindu shrine located in the hill bank and in front of the beautiful beach in north part of Bali. It is one of the biggest Hindu temples in Bali situated in the coastal side west part of Singaraja town or 1 hour drive to the west from the town. This temple is set on the flat land with stone hill bank as a back drop meanwhile the blue ocean is just in front of the temple.

Pulaki Temple is a famous temple among the Hindu people in Bali located in Singaraja regency, north part of Bali. There are the group of monkeys dwell the hill forest around the temple and it usually standing around the temple in the day time. The beautiful beach with black sand and calm seawater is one of the fascinations to visitor to come to this temple. We can find the beautiful hill bank and beaches along the coastal road.

It is located in Pulaki Village, Seririt Sub District, Singaraja Regency, north part of Bali. It is just 3 hours drive from Bali’s International Airport or 1 hour drive from Singaraja town. It is strategically set in the main road from Singaraja to Gilimanuk with the group of monkeys as the identity for the traveler who wants to visit this temple.

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11

BUSINESS A stock trader looks at a graph displaying activity on the French Stock Exchange, in Paris, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. World stock markets were mostly lower Wednesday amid mixed signals on global economic prospects and pessimism Europe’s government debt crisis can be tamed.

AP Photo/Francois Mori

World stocks fall amid economy, Europe pessimism Associated Press Writer

BANGKOK — World stock markets were mostly lower Wednesday amid mixed signals on global economic prospects and pessimism Europe’s government debt crisis can be tamed.

Oil prices hovered above $87 a barrel after a report on U.S. crude inventories gave ambiguous signs about the strength of consumer demand. The dollar was lower against the yen but up against the euro.

European shares opened lower amid waning hopes for bold action to curtail an escalating sovereign debt crisis.

Britain’s FTSE 100 lost 0.7 percent to 5,319.12 and Germany’s DAX was 0.7 percent down to 5,955.28. France’s CAC-40 slipped 0.1 percent to 3,226.32.

Wall Street was headed for a muted start, with Dow Jones industrial futures little changed at 11,386 and S&P 500 futures flat at 1,192.40. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index sank 0.6 percent to close at 9,057.26 as a strengthening yen dragged down the country’s vital export sector.

Toyota Motor Corp. lost 1.5 percent and rival Honda Motor Corp. slid 2.5 percent. Conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. lost 2.8 percent and consumer electronics giant Sony was down 0.8 percent.

South Korea’s Kospi, which tumbled last week amid massive foreign selling, rose 0.7 percent to 1,892.67.

Mainland Chinese shares edged lower as investors fretted over possible monetary tightening measures and the debt problems among European countries using the euro common currency.

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.3 percent to 2,601.26. The Shenzhen Composite Index likewise slipped 0.3 percent to 1,163.87.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.4 percent to 20,289.03, buoyed by Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang’s pledge to expand the role of Hong Kong as an offshore trading center for China’s yuan currency.

Beijing is trying to reduce reliance on the dollar by promoting the yuan for trade and finance. It has been promoting Hong Kong, a Chinese territory with its own currency, as an offshore market for foreigners to conduct yuan business separate from the mainland, which is kept isolated from global capital flows.

Stocks around the world lost their steam Tuesday after muted German growth figures reinforced fears over the global economy.

On Wall Street, the Dow dropped 0.7 percent to 11,405.93. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 1 percent to 1,192.76. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.2 percent to 2,523.45. U.S. economic reports Tuesday were mixed. Housing remains weak, but factory output rose last month at its fastest pace since an earthquake in Japan disrupted global manufacturing in March.

Europe’s economy and debt troubles have been among global investors’ main concerns over the last year and a half. Some European coun-

tries have borrowed so much that they may need help repaying debt.

Investors who believe the global economy is headed toward a significant slowdown have shunned stocks and piled up cash in the past month, a BoA Merrill Lynch survey of fund managers for August showed. A total of 176 fund managers with $551 billion in assets participated in the global survey. “Cash holdings have soared to their highest levels since the depths of the credit crisis as investors have moved out of equities,” BoA Merrill Lynch said. Global investors hold an average of 5.2 percent of their portfolios in cash, up from 4.1 percent in July, it said.

The survey — conducted Aug. 511, when world equities fell 12.3 percent — showed fund managers scaling back equity positions faster than in any previous month in the survey’s history. A net 2 percent remain overweight equities, down from a net 35 percent in July, BoA Merrill Lynch said.

In energy trading, benchmark oil for September delivery was up 91 cents to $87.56 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Crude fell $1.23 to settle at $86.65 on Monday.

In London, Brent crude for October delivery was up 82 cents to $109.95 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

China to expand investment options for Yuan holders Reuters

HONG KONG - China will soon allow foreign investors to use the Yuan to buy up to 20 billion Yuan ($3.1 billion) worth of mainland securities, Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday, one of a string of moves aimed at boosting the currency’s international role.

Speaking in Hong Kong, where he was joined by central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan and other officials for the launch of China’s biggest-ever offshore Yuan bond, Li also announced plans to further expand Yuan bond sales in the territory and to bolster its position as the only offshore Yuan trading center.

Li, who is widely expected to succeed Wen Jiabao as premier in 2013, offered a series of steps aimed at fostering ties between China and the former British colony, including allowing mainland firms to sell bonds in the territory, a plan that could vastly expand the offshore yuan market.

“Hong Kong enjoys a natural advantage in the development of the offshore Renminbi business,” Li said.

Li did not say when the long-awaited scheme that allows foreign investors to buy Chinese securities would be launched, but analysts herald the move as another step toward raising the Yuan’s global profile.

Also known as the RQFII, the scheme allows foreign owners of Yuan to use the currency to purchase Yuan-denominated stocks and bonds on the mainland, giving them a chance to dabble in the fastgrowing financial markets of the world’s No. 2 economy.

Currently, investors in the offshore Yuan market in Hong Kong can only plough their holdings into Yuan deposits or Yuan-denominated bonds that yield unattractive returns of between 0.4-3 percent.

While many foreign investors hold the Yuan on the assumption that it is set to appreciate further, slim returns are a sore point nonetheless, especially when a similar Yuan investment on mainland China can earn up to 3 percentage points more.

“With more investment options available, firms and depositors in Hong Kong will use and hold Yuan more willingly in the future, which is a positive move,” said Chen Yong, an analyst at Huatai United Securities in Shanghai.

At the heart of Beijing’s push to raise the Yuan’s international profile is a desire to have a currency that matches its growing clout, and the hope of cutting China’s reliance on the dollar.

To that end, China wants firms to not just rely on the U.S. currency when settling trade.

China’s experiment with using Hong Kong as a place outside the mainland where the Yuan can trade, and as a test bed where capital controls can be gradually eased, has met with great success.

Yuan deposits in Hong Kong have surged over seven times to more than half a trillion Yuan in less than two years, making it more pressing for banks — and Beijing — to give foreign owners of the Yuan more attractive investment options.

Li said Beijing would support the growth of the Yuan market in Hong Kong, expand Yuan circulation channels between Hong Kong and the mainland, and support the development of offshore Yuan financial products in Hong Kong.

“Issuing Renminbi treasury bonds in Hong Kong will be a long term institutional arrangement of the central government,” Li said.

“We will gradually increase the size of insurance and work for the development and improvement of the Renminbi bond market in Hong Kong,” he said.

Li’s remarks came as China sold its biggest Yuan-denominated debt deal ever in Hong Kong on Wednesday in a deal worth 20 billion Yuan ($3.1 billion), adding depth to a market that reflects its ambitions to spread the use of its currency abroad.

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Entertainment

International

‘Spy Kids’ adds smell with ‘4-D’ Aroma-Scope Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — Robert Rodriguez deliberately tried to make his latest “Spy Kids” adventure a bit of a stinker. Rodriguez, who helped usher in the new age of 3-D movies with the franchise’s third installment in 2003, is billing “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World” as a 4-D flick, adding scent cards so audiences can follow along on the action with their noses.

Here’s how it works: Viewers are given scratch-and-sniff cards with circles numbered 1 to 8. When a number appears on screen, they rub the corresponding circle on their cards, which give off a whiff matching what the characters are smelling.

Rodriguez calls his gimmick “Aroma-Scope.”

He tried it out at test screenings and found that children and parents had a good time with it.

“When it came time to do ‘Spy Kids 4,’ I couldn’t just go back and do 3-D like everybody else is now. I had to bring something extra,” Rodriguez said. “Just watching my own kids with interactive gaming, you ask them to watch a movie, it just feels so passive to them.

I thought, this helps bridge the gap. It’s an interactive thing, almost like playing a game while you’re watching the movie.”

The idea dates back to John Waters’ 1981 suburban satire “Polyester,” released in “Odorama,” with viewers given similar scratch-and-sniff cards. The 2003 animated tale “Rugrats Go Wild” also used cards to add scent to the picture.

The new “Spy Kids,” opening Friday and playing in both 2-D and 3-D versions, uses its odors (offered in both formats) to complement the story as a retired operative (Jessica Alba) is called back to service to fight a villain who has speeded up time, threatening to bring about a quick end to the world.

She’s kept her vocation a secret from her new husband (Joel McHale), but her step-kids (Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook) wind up pressed into the action, aided by the now grown-up original spy kids (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) from the first three movies.

The smells from the scratch-and-sniff cards are mostly pleasant. However, with a bit of raunchy humor, including gags about a spy baby’s diapers, viewers should expect at least one off odor. “Originally, we didn’t have any really rancid smells, but kids wanted something really stinky in there,” Rodriguez said. “It really doesn’t smell that bad. No one’s going to get sick in the theater.” Rodriguez’s AromaScope follows a long tradition of adding something extra to the movies.

Kidman, Cage, De Niro titles head to Toronto fest Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — Bill Nighy and Rachel Weisz’s British spy tale “Page Eight” has been chosen to close next month’s Toronto International Film Festival, one of the

world’s biggest cinema showcases.

Co-starring Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon and Judy Davis, “Page Eight” will bring down the curtain on the festival that runs Sept. 8-18.

Other films added to the Toronto lineup Tuesday include Nicole Kidman and Nicolas Cage’s thriller “Trespass”; Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard’s Winnie Mandela drama “Winnie”; Gerard Butler’s African missionary tale “Machine Gun Preacher’; Jason Statham and Robert De Niro’s action saga “Killer Elite”; and Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy’s comedy “Hysteria.”

Among previously announced Toronto titles is “From the Sky Down,” a portrait of superstar band U2 that will be the first documentary ever to open the festival.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2010 file photo, actress Nicole Kidman, from the film “Rabbit Hole”, poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Films added to the Toronto Film Festival lineup include Kidman and Nicolas Cage’s thriller “Trespass.”

AP Photo/The Weinstein Co.

In this film image released by The Weinstein Co., Mason Cook is shown in a scene from “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D.”

Jackson concert promoters remove Kiss from lineup Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — Organizers of a Michael Jackson tribute concert dropped Kiss from the lineup after receiving widespread criticism for booking the band despite critical comments toward the late pop singer by bassist Gene Simmons.

The announcement Tuesday came a day after Global Live Events announced Kiss would join the show planned for Oct. 8 in Cardiff, Wales. Fans, media and the singer’s estate quickly noted that Simmons has said in recent years that he was convinced Jackson molested children. Some of the critical comments came within days of Jackson’s June 2009 death. Jackson was acquitted of molestation charges after a 2005 trial in California.

Some of Simmons’ harshest comments came last year in an interview with Classic Rock magazine. “Well, you know, where there’s smoke there’s fire,” Simmons said regarding accusations that Jackson abused young boys. “There’s no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt.”

Global Events Live CEO Chris Hunt accepted blame, calling Kiss’ booking an “oversight.” “Under the circumstances, we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired, we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert,” Hunt wrote in a statement.

A spokeswoman for the band was not immediately available for comment.It is the latest stumble for a show that is endorsed by Jackson’s mother and several siblings but is opposed by brothers Jermaine and Randy. The brothers have noted that the show is scheduled to happen during the involuntary manslaughter trial of a doctor charged in Michael Jackson’s death.

Fans have protested ticket prices —which start

at nearly $100 — the lineup and the show’s faraway location since “Michael Forever — The Tribute Concert” was announced last month.

Howard Weitzman, an attorney for Jackson’s estate, questioned the show in a letter sent to Hunt on Tuesday, questioning whether any of the show’s proceeds would be going to charity, as promoters have claimed. Kiss’ departure leaves Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green as the show’s superstars.

AP Photo/Richard Drew

FILE - In this April 21, 2011 file photo, Gene Simmons, of the rock group KISS, introduces a signature Mini automobile at the New York International Auto Show.

Science

International

An Apple iPad 2 is pictured showing a library through a software application at the Hong Kong Book Fair July 20, 2011.

REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Da Vinci’s “Codex” launched on iPad Reuters

LONDON - “The Da Vinci Code” may have been a popular e-book for years, but now readers around the world can view the manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Arundel in high definition on iPad as the British Library launches its “e-book treasures” series.

The Italian manuscript written in Da Vinci’s characteristic “mirror writing” — left-handed and moving from right to left — is a collection of notes, drawings and short treatises on subjects ranging from the physical properties of water to descriptions of a prehistoric sea monster.

The loose papers which form the codex date from various periods of Da Vinci’s career and were collected together in a bound volume after his death in 1519. “The iPad allows for greater intimacy and engagement akin to reading the original and we are de-

lighted to be the first to provide full access to some of our unique treasures in this way,” said Frances Brindle of the British Library in London.

“The Library is committed to maximizing access to all of its collections and increasingly, digital variations of books and manuscripts are allowing us to do just that.” The e-books feature page-turning technology to recreate the experience of holding the manuscripts and will enable users to access in-depth detail about the works they are viewing, including written, video and audio interpretations.

Mercator’s Atlas is another precious manuscript available to download alongside Da Vinci’s Arundel Codex. The volume was painstakingly compiled by hand in the 16th century by Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator, the man believed to have coined the term “atlas” for a collection of maps.

“Mercator was one of the best known map makers and the atlas is the most important surviving collection of his hand drawn maps,” Peter Barber, head of cartographic and topographic material at the British Library, told Reuters. “It contains work from the 1564 hand drawn map of Great Britain, hailed as the first modern map of the island. The atlas was put together by hand to create something quite remarkable,” he added.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

13

Orion spaceship set for new tests in Colorado Associated Press Writer

DENVER — A spaceship that could carry the next wave of astronauts to an asteroid or beyond is being prepared for a new round of tests at a Lockheed Martin facility near Denver. Engineers have attached a launch-abort system to the nose of the capsule and will subject the combined spacecraft to a series of experiments to see if it can withstand the rigors of blastoff, Lockheed Martin said Friday.

The launch-abort system, essentially a rocket attached to the nose of the capsule, could lift the capsule off its booster rocket and carry it to safety if a problem developed before or during launch. Lockheed Martin, of Bethesda, Md., is building the capsule, called the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, under a $7.5 billion NASA contract issued in 2006.

The capsule was originally part of President George W. Bush’s $100 billion program to return astronauts to the moon, called Constellation.

President Barack Obama canceled the program last year, saying the U.S. would concentrate on developing new rocket technology instead.

Obama then revived the Orion portion of the program amid criticism that his plan lacked details and put U.S. space leadership at risk.

Orion doesn’t yet have a destination. NASA has said it could service the space station in low Earth orbit or take four astronauts on more distant missions of up to 21 days. Lockheed Martin officials have said Orion could explore the far side of the moon, land humans on asteroids or take them to one of the moons of Mars, where they could control robotic instruments on the surface.

In the next round of tests, the capsule and launch-abort system will be subjected to sound vibrations at a Lockheed Martin facility in Waterton Canyon south of Denver.

The 55-foot-tall assembly will be lifted by a crane into a tall, elevator shaft-like chamber. Inside, more than a dozen horns powered by compressed nitrogen will create a thunderous low-pitch noise at 150 decibels.

Engineers attach a collar to the escape vehicle on the Orion spacecraft at the Lockheed Martin facility in Denver on Friday, Aug. 12, 2011.

They will use it to move the assembled craft to the testing chamber at left where it will be submitted to vibration testing.

AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

Too Much TV May Take Years Off Your Life SPENDING your days in front of the television may contribute to a shortened lifespan, a new study suggests. Researchers in Australia found that people who averaged six hours a day of TV lived, on average, nearly five years less than people who watched no TV. For every hour of television watched after age 25, lifespan fell by 22 minutes, according to the research led by Dr. J. Lennert Veerman of the University of Queensland. But other experts cautioned that the study did not show that TV watching caused people to die sooner, only that there was an association between watching lots

of TV and a shorter lifespan.

Though a direct link between watching TV and a shortened lifespan is highly provocative, the harms of TV are almost certainly indirect, said Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine.

“As a rule, the more time we spend watching TV, the more time we spend eating mindlessly in front of the TV, and the less time we spend being physically active,” Katz said. “More eating and less physical activity, in turn, mean greater risk for obesity, and the chronic diseases it tends to anticipate, notably

diabetes, heart disease and cancer.”

Another explanation for the possible link may be that people who watch excessive amounts of TV “are lonely, or isolated, or depressed, and these conditions, in turn, may be the real causes of premature mortality,” he added. The report was published in the Aug 15 online edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

In the study, researchers used data on 11,000 people aged 25 and older from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, which included survey information about how much TV people watched in a week.

Researchers also used national population and mortality figures.

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C M Y K

Sport

International

Aguero steals show in stunning City debut LONDON, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Sergio Aguero captured the headlines on Tuesday after coming off the bench to score twice and set up another goal in an outstanding debut for Manchester City as the side eased to a 4-0 victory over Swansea City. The Argentine forward, a club record 38 million pounds ($64 million) signing from Atletico Madrid, took just eight minutes to score after coming on as a 60th minute substitute, before blasting in City’s fourth from long range in the final minute.

Three minutes after opening his account, he engineered a goal for David Silva when he hooked the ball back from the goalline and was delighted with his performance after one of the most memorable Premier League debuts in recent times.

While his international team mate Carlos Tevez, who did not play on Monday, has been alienating the club’s fans by demanding a move away Manchester, Aguero instantly played his way into their hearts.

He told the club’s television channel he had enjoyed himself and the headline writers gushed over his performance, with The

Times declaring “Aguero makes instant impact” and The Daily Mail saying “Instant Hit - Aguero lights up City with wonder goal.”

“I am happy. The start was really good and I want to keep playing like this. It was nice. I had a chance to play a little bit and I enjoyed it,” Aguero said. “I helped the team and I want to keep doing the same in the future.” Aguero only came on for the last 30 minutes because manager Roberto Mancini realises the player is not yet fully match fit, beginning pre-season training late after competing in the Copa America last month.

However, Aguero added: “He knows how I am and it was okay

for me to play 30-35 minutes.” Applauded off at the end by City’s delighted supporters he added: “The only way for me to thank them is on the pitch and keep doing what I do best.”

The victory over promoted Swansea, back in the top flight for the first time since 1983, put City joint-top of the table after only one game, alongside Bolton Wanderers, who beat another promoted side, Queens Park Rangers, 4-0 on Saturday. Bolton face City on Sunday with Mancini hinting afterwards that Tevez could return for the game but the Italian knows that with Aguero, he has a special talent in his squad.

Arsenal beats Udinese in Champions League playoff Associated Press Writer

LONDON — Arsenal held on to beat Udinese 1-0 Tuesday on Theo Walcott’s early goal in the Champions League playoff round.

Walcott scored four minutes into the first-leg game. Arsenal then had to withstand intense pressure from a visiting Udinese team playing its first competitive match of the season.

The lone goal at Emirates Stadium came when Aaron Ramsey charged down the right flank. He floated a low cross that Walcott

turned past goalkeeper Samir Handanovic at the near post.

The victory came at a cost for Arsenal. Kieran Gibbs left at halftime with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Johan Djourou, was forced off with the same problem after less than 10 minutes on the field.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watched from the stands, his punishment for a tirade against a referee last season after the Champions League loss to Barcelona.

Arsenal has been in the lucrative Champions League every season since 1998-99. Reaching the group

stage is worth more than $30 million. Udinese is trying to qualify for the first time in six years.

Competing in the Champions League is vital to Wenger’s hopes of attracting the players who can fill the void left by Cesc Fabregas’ departure to Barcelona.

Also Tuesday, Lyon beat Rubin Kazan 3-1, and Czech champion Viktoria Plzen won 3-1 at Copenhagen. Benfica was held to a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands at FC Twente, and Austria’s Sturm Graz played to a 1-1 tie in Bulgaria at BATE Borisov.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, right, celebrates his goal with Gervinho during the Champions League qualifying playoff first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Udinese at the Emirates Stadium in London, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

AP Photo/Jon Super

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero warms up before their English Premiership soccer match against Swansea City.

Inter’s Maicon to undergo knee surgery Reuters

MILAN - Inter Milan right back Maicon is to have knee surgery in his native Brazil, the Serie A club said Tuesday. The Brazil international complained of pain during training in the morning and tests showed an injury to his meniscus, the club said on their website (www.inter.it).

Inter, who face Lecce in their

opening Serie A game on Aug. 28, did not say how long Maicon would be sidelined. The club recently signed fellow Brazilian Jonathan who plays in the same position.

Inter have already lost the services of Italy’s reserve goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano for about six months after he suffered a serious knee injury during training last month.

Sport

International

Thursday, August 18, 2011

15

Britain lose as Olympic Park gets first outing Reuters

LONDON - Britain lost 82-60 to France as a basketball test event opened the Olympic Park on Tuesday in the first sporting action to be held on the site of next year’s London Games. The London International Basketball Invitational runs from Aug. 16-21 at the new arena which is one of the largest temporary venues ever built for a Games.

Britain are competing against five of the world’s leading basketball nations in front of 3,000 people who are the first official spectators in the park.

Britain played without forward Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls, who is hosting a youth training camp, while France had six NBA players in their squad including point guard Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs who was their top scorer. Australia beat China 71-43 and Croatia overcame Serbia 83-71 in Tuesday’s earlier games.

“Having our first test event on Olympic Park makes the Games seem even closer and excitement is building,” Debbie Jeans, Director of Sport at LOCO, said on www.London2012.com.

The round-robin formatted tournament is a dress rehearsal for next year’s full event and provides the London 2012 Organising Committee with a chance to test key aspects of its operations, from competition floors and scoreboards, to accreditation and catering.

It is also being used by the competing nations as part of their preparations for their continental championships.

Hosts Britain are the only of the six teams with a place in next year’s Olympics. Croatia, France and Serbia will bid to earn their spots playing at the Euro Basket later this month.

Federer sinks Del Potro at Cincinnati Open Reuters

AP Photo/Al Behrman

Serena Williams volleys against Lucie Hradecka, from the Czech Republic, during a match at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, in Mason, Ohio.

Serena Williams extends winning streak Associated Press Writer

MASON, Ohio — Serena Williams is focused on her next match, not her distinguished history. Williams took the first step toward winning a third consecutive tournament when she beat Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday.

Williams, who last won three straight tournaments at the beginning of the 2008 season, has improved her world ranking from No. 175 to No. 31 in her comeback from injury and illness. She has won 12 straight matches, tying Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka for the longest such streak on the WTA Tour this year.

“I’m not going for three,” she said. “I just want to play the best that I can. I don’t even think about that kind of stuff.” Williams was pushed by Hradecka in the sec-

ond set. She built a 5-1 lead before Hradecka rallied to take the lead. Williams regrouped to force a tiebreaker and advanced to the second round when Hradecka double-faulted on match point.

“I was upset that I didn’t close it out,” Williams said. “She started playing different and playing better — running a lot.”

Williams next plays Australian Samantha Stosur in the third round. Williams beat Stosur 6-4, 6-2 in the championship last week in Toronto.

Defending men’s champion Roger Federer reached the third round with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro, who had won the last two matches between the two, including the 2009 U.S. Open final.

“I expected a tougher match, for obvious reasons,” he said. “It went better than I thought. I had a wonderful first set, and the second set, too. I was able to keep him from playing the game he likes to play. I was able to mix it up and serve well.”

MASON, Ohio - World number three Roger Federer cast aside bad memories to defeat Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3 7-5 at the Cincinnati Open Tuesday. Del Potro had upset Federer in the 2009 U.S. Open final before injuries set back his career but the Swiss looked at is comfortable best in the first set.

It was a much closer encounter in the second set which was played to serve until the Swiss broke to go 6-5 up.

Federer had missed out on six break points prior to winning that game.

He then held serve to go through to face American James Blake. France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga looked back to full fitness while Czechs Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek came through their first tests.

Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsonga defeated Croat Marin Cilic 6-3 6-4 in the opening round, dropping just six points on serve and hitting nine aces.

Tsonga had suffered an arm injury that caused him to withdraw during his semi-final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the Montreal Masters last week but he looked to be striking the ball without any hindrance Tuesday.

“I didn’t play the last two days because of my arm, and this morning at the warmup I was feeling really good. It was a really fluid match. Everything was easy for me today, including my serve,” Tsonga said.

Berdych, the eighth seed, breezed through his second round match against Argentine Juan Monaco in straight sets 7-6 6-0, winning 83 percent of first serve points. Compatriot Stepanek, who had to qualify, came out on top against big-serving American John Isner 7-5 5-7 7-6 in a tough first-round encounter lasting two hours and 46 minutes. Stepanek triumphed, despite 21 aces from Isner, and the Czech saved three break points in the final set.

REUTERS/John Sommers II

Roger Federer of Switzerland waits for a return from Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina (back to camera) during their second round match at the 2011 Cincinnati Open tennis tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio August 16, 2011.

CMYK

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

Sport

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Stoner quickest in Brno test Czech Grand Prix winner Casey Stoner continued to show his strong form in the post-race test on Monday, when the new-for-2012 bikes returned to action. The Australian, who extended his lead in the standings with a commanding win on Sunday, posted the quickest time of the day with a lap of 1m56.168s on the new 1000cc machine.

“Today was another good shakedown but we still have some work to do, we found a few positive things and confirmed certain directions to take and move forward,” said Stoner. “We had a few small problems with chatter but it’s something that shouldn’t be too difficult to sort out through engine braking and engine management systems, which are areas we can definitely improve in, along with the chassis.

“The engine for me is fantastic, to ride the 1000 with more grunt and more power it’s a lot of fun, it has incredible acceleration, most of the time too much!”

He was followed by Jorge Lorenzo on the Yamaha, the Spaniard riding both this year’s and next year’s bikes, setting the quickest time with the 2012 prototype machine.

“Today has been an exciting and busy day because it has been the first day riding the 1000cc bike, but also because we have made a small step with the engine upgrades for the 800cc bike,” said Lorenzo. “We rode many laps non-stop from nine this morning to five this afternoon!

“I realised the 1000cc bike was incredible when I saw the power on the straight. I like this bike a lot and I wanted to have more laps but I have to still think about this season! I have been just one hour with our future bike! I can say that the next

Whitmarsh says title is still possible for McLaren MCLAREN boss Martin Whitmarsh says the world championship title is still possible for his drivers, despite the gap to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel in the standings. Vettel continues to keep a stronghold on the championship ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver 88 points ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and 100 ahead of Jenson Button, winner of the last race in Hungary.

Whitmarsh, whose team has won the last two races, insists McLaren is not focusing on the championship but rather on trying to win all the remaining grands prix. He conceded it will be difficult to beat Vettel, but he is adamant that it is not out of the question. “I think it’s though, but it’s possible,” Whitmarsh told AUTOSPORT. “And winning races is tough, but I think all you can do is try to win every race, and you can’t do more than that. It is difficult to pull back the gap, but it’s possible.

“Of course people focus on the championship, but I think if you are not leading the championship then you can’t worry too much about it. “I’d like a one-two and it’d be handy if a Red Bull was not the third car on the podium if we get a one-two, and so we’d welcome Ferrari on the podium as well. We never give up. We’ve never been a quitter and this time isn’t one.

“Whatever happens we are going to try to win every race

MotoGP season will be amazing, much more power, you go out of the corners sliding; I can’t wait!”

Team-mate Ben Spies was third quickest, also using the 2012 bike, with Dani Pedrosa finishing down in fourth position, a second off Stoner’s pace with the prototype 1000cc Honda.

“The 800cc upgrades we tested this morning were positive, hopefully there’s more in that direction in the future as well,” said Spies. “With the 1000cc bike it was a pretty successful first day. We didn’t change much on it, pretty much just rolled out and did some laps to get as much data as possible.

“We made some small changes to see how differently it affected the bike compared to the 800.There’s more improvements to be made for sure but for the first day to go faster than the 800 was a surprise. “My arm is feeling better and better, I’m getting a check up when I fly home to the US on Wednesday but should be fit and ready for Indianapolis.”

The only other rider testing a 1000cc bike was Mika Kallio, slowest today. Nicky Hayden completed the top five for Ducati, with team-mate Valentino Rossi down in eighth.

Lewis Hamilton

and that’s the great challenge.” Whitmarsh made it clear it is impossible to predict how the rest of the season will go, but he is sure his team will give it its best shot.

“If you had asked me in Australia to give you a prediction I couldn’t have given you one. What I can predict is that we will be working bloody hard trying to win every race that we can.

We have two great drivers, a great team, the car’s not bad, we’ve made some good progress.

“We can keep this momentum and them we can win more races and the championship is possible. Tough, but possible.” Whitmarsh also believes Hamilton is fired up now he has a winning car following a season full of ups and downs. “I think the positive one is that his head’s now in a great place, because he suddenly believes he can win, and there’s laptime in that,” he said.

“I think Lewis desperately wants to win. I think he’s tough on himself. He still takes too much to heart what’s said in the media. “He has a little bit too much sensitivity about that. But he will learn. At the same time he is a young man, he gets a lot more attention, a lot more pressure, a lot more expectation.

“We are trying to help, we are trying to work with the media.

I’m probably a bit more cynical than Lewis, but the same time I probably don’t get quite the battering that Lewis usually gets.

Casey Stoner AP Photo/Jens Meyer