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16 Pages Number 172 3st Year Price: Rp 3.000,-
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Friday, August 19, 2011
PAGE 8
Workers build multistoreys flats in Jakarta. Denpasar has no need the development of flats so far.
Autistic kids invited to special Broadway show PAGE 12
IBP/Net
Special Committee on Spatial Plan rejects flat development Bali Post
DENPASAR - Slow going discussion of the regional regulation draft on Denpasar spatial planning (RTRW) is now beginning to focus on issues that have not been accomplished.
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At least, there are still ten points needing coordination to the National Coordinating Agency for Spatial Planning (BKPRN). One of the agendas in the discussion of BPKPRN was the existence of opportunity to build flats in each region. In reality, Denpasar has no need the development of flats so far.
Chairman of the RTRW Special Committee of the Denpasar House, Eko Supriadi, when contacted on Wednesday (Aug 17) said that based on the results of the working meeting with the RTRW executive committee, several issues had to be coordinated. Continued on page 6
Indian anti-graft crusader agrees to 15-day fast Associated Press
NEW DELHI — A renowned Indian anti-corruption crusader struck a deal with police Thursday to hold a 15-day public hunger strike against graft, ending a standoff at a New Delhi prison in which he turned his brief detention into a sit-in protest. Anna Hazare’s ordeal has hit a chord with Indians fed up with rampant corruption. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through cities across the country to show their support for his demand to strengthen a government reform bill, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused Hazare of trying to circumvent democracy. Police had initially given Hazare
permission to hold only a three-day public hunger strike, which he refused, but relented Thursday and agreed to allow him to hold a 15day protest at a fairground in the capital, Kiran Bedi, another protest leader, wrote on her Twitter account. Local officials confirmed the deal. The hundreds camped outside the jail erupted in cheers at the news, threw flower petals in the air and shouted “Anna has won.” “It is for the first time that the people of this country are feeling empowered. They are feeling that we are no longer slaves. We are citizens of a free country. Our voice carries importance,” said Shanti Bhushan, a former government minister who is helping lead the protest. Continued on page 6
AP Photo/Saurabh Das
Supporters of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare shout slogans outside Tihar prison, where Hazare is presently lodged, in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.
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International
Friday, August 19, 2011
Bali News 650 Prisoner Receive Remission, 40 Freed Denpasar (Bali Post) –
With the 66th Independence Day, prisoners in Bali get to know if they received any remission. From the Human Rights and Law Ministry Representative Office at Bali has been noted 1,928 prisoners are in 9 prisons in Bali and at least 650 prisoners got remission from Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, last Wednesday (17/8) at Kerobokan Jail, Denpasar where 40 is freed straight away where most of them were on gambling, fraud and robber case. “They have their rights and a remission is a right that has been arranged by the law,” Pastika stated. Head of the Representative Office, Taswen Tarib, explained that the jail that got most remission was Kerobokan Jail with 302 people while Karangasem with 91 people and 9 children from the Children Jail. The remission given was from 1 to 8 months despite the maximum 6 months as they received additional remission. Remission was
also given to foreigner prisoners in Kerobookan such as Schapelle Leight Corby, Renae Lawrence from Australia, Teo Gee Huat, Jacky Khor from Malaysia, Mohammad Umar Rangeswamy from India, Gary Martin Turner from England and Ryoun Seong Sik from Korea, also to Bali Nine members who got 6 months remission. (kmb21)
Suspected Due Cigarettes, Klatakan Forest Burnt Negara (Bali Post) –
The burning Klatakan forest, Melaya last Wednesday (17/8) almost caused fatal chaos. The suspected burning cigarette fired forest has several Java-Bali Electricity Station towers in it and almost got hit if fire brigade didn’t come quick. The dry season lately have caused several bushes and trees at Klakatan dried up and sensitive with fire, according to Head of RPH Penginuman, Agus Sugianto, accompanied by West Bali Forest Police officials. Agus stated the damage spread 0.50 hectares of the forest yet also attacked 3 hectares on the north part. Yet according to fire brigades, there were difficulties in turning off the fire and so some West Bali National Park officers also helped. According to information there has been some State Electricity Company workers going in and out to fix the towers as it got kites stuck on it also some wood fire finders. Any of them could be the ones that brought the cigarettes in. (kmb26)
IBP/File
The new Trans Sarbagita bus is started to operate to reduce the congestion in Bali.
Trans Sarbagita Operating Denpasar (Bali Post) –
At last, the puzzle of the existing Transarbagita bus going through Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan has been answered just after the dispatch flag Indonesian Independence Day ceremony last Wednesday (17/8) by Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika’s inauguration. The first track Batubulan-Nusa Dua can be used from this Thursday 18/8 operating time 5 am – 9 pm. Head of Bali Province Transportation, Information and Communication, I Made Santha, explained the 15 unit busses are now ready to help from the
IBP/File
CCTV observation will put up the green light. “In Jakarta they have their own bus way yet in Bali we only have two ways so bus security system will be managed using ATCS,” he continued.Governor Pastika stated he hoped public will use this bus optimally as the fee is not too expensive with IDR 3,000 per one go (not per length of distance) for general public and IDR 2,000 for pupils also it’s on time and on schedule. It was stated the budget for maintenance reached IDR 5.5 billion including for oil changing and control all coming from Province Government. (bit)
Small Restaurant Tax Suggestion
Badung Government Kept Minimum IDR 10 Million Mangupura (Bali Post) –
The burning forest in Melaya, Jembrana Regency
central government and hoped to be a solution to the traffic in Bali. “Hopefully it will go with our master plan for year 2011-2016 where at least from 17 corridors 70 percent of it operated and it will be better for the priority and secondary tracks,” he explained. Connected to the crowded traffic on some traffic light, Made Santha stated on September there will be ATCS (Area Traffic Light Control System) which functioned to control turning points that are crowded by meaning when a Trans bus was coming by, workers in Transportation Agency as control system and using
Badung Government have stated their official statement on the suggestion tax hitting small restaurants with minimal income IDR 1 million per month. Badung Regional Income Agency Secretary, AA Ari Mayun, accompanied by Head of Public Relation and Protocol Regional Secretary I Wayan Weda Dharmaja last Tuesday (16/8) explained that executives have planned the obligated tax to be taken from restaurants with mini-
mum income IDR 10 million per month. Dharmaja explained the suggestion has been decided from the small and medium business protection aspect, business performance, administration affectivity and deposit/taking regional tax. Besides that, public were totally disgraced with the idea of the minimal income is IDR 1 million. It was admitted the plan for the restaurant minimum income IDR 10 million a month will receive the restaurant
tax by 2012 yet the consequence is not the same with the protection of medium/small businesses in Badung. Mayun continued that as an implementation of Law No 28 year 2009 on regional tax and retribution, all tax including Restaurant Tax Regional Regulation has to be set in the end of year 2011, so now the stated minimum IDR 10 million per month restaurants will be evaluated by the Bali Government and Indonesia Republic Finance Ministry. (kmb25)
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
Friday, August 19, 2011
3
RI’s 66th anniversary draws travelers’ attention Denpasar (Bali Post)—
Memorial service of the 66th anniversary of the RI’s Independence Day became an intriguing spectacle for tourists spending holiday in Bali. For instance, it happened to the memorial service held in the Sanur tourist area. From early morning, numerous tourists staying around the Sanur area were seen flocking to local public square. The activities attended by the entire community of Sanur territory in fact attracted the attention of foreign tourists who were having promenade around the area. They appeared to mingle with dozens of people from the surrounding area who wanted to see a series of memorial service for the seconds of proclamation. Tourists who came to location looked so eager and vivacious to immortalize each series of the ceremony attended by the circles of students, educators, veterans, security apparatus and community leaders. “I am very delighted to see the spirit of participants joining the solemn activity. They do not care about the heat of the sun,” said Jeff Cardinale, a tourist from Australia on Wednesday (Aug 17). Jeff Cardinale admitted that he rarely saw such an event so that he would not miss the opportunity and immortalized it through the photo camera he brought along. However, the most memorable thing for him was when he saw some little kids trying to climb areca palm tree for the sake of prizes at the top. “They are so cheerful and excited to reach the top of the palm tree, no matter how tired they are. Occasionally, they have to fall,” he said.
Meanwhile, David Melson, another tourist, was also looking so busy capturing every single moment of the memorial service. “This is my fifth visit to Bali and coincides with the celebration of the Indonesia’s Independence Day. Balinese people are very vivacious to celebrate it even though in a simple manner,” he commented. In the meantime, Chairman of the Sanur Development Foundation, Ida Bagus Gede Sidhartha, said that before the peak of the Independence Day’s anniversary, earlier on Tuesday (Aug 16) night was also carried out a torch parade followed by the community of Sanur. “This memorial service aims to further strengthen the sense of unity and togetherness among the residents in this area. By doing so, the spirit of togetherness can continue to improve the quality of development and prosperity for all parties,” he said. Such an action was expected to have a meaning that could be absorbed and internalized by all parties, especially the circles of younger generation in the area of tourist attraction. (par)
Worrying, plastic waste on Lake Beratan Tabanan (Bali Post)—
Lack of awareness of visitors to dispose waste in place makes the tourist areas disrupted. One of them is the Lake Beratan, Candikuning Village, Baturiti Subdistrict. The presence of waste around this tourist area is adequately alarming. This condition attracts the attention of a tourist from England, Jefrie, who has lived for eight years in the area of Bedugul. Since he had no the heart to see the lake being polluted by waste, this guy did cleanup the plastic waste on the outskirts of Lake Beratan on Wednesday (Aug 17). Interestingly, such an action coincided with the celebration of the Indonesia’s Independence Day. Together with a number of local residents, Jefrie vivaciously amassed the trashes scattering around the lakeside. This guy regretted if there were visitors littering the environment, particularly by plastic waste. “Plastic waste can harm the environment. If we
let it, it takes a long time to decompose,” he said excitedly. Aside from looking dirty, plastic waste also polluted the soil and the environment. Moreover, plastic waste tended to accumulate on the lakeside. When viewed, it would result in a less healthy view. If it was not cleaned up, of course it would threaten the beauty of the lake. Meanwhile, Manager of the Ulun Danu Tourist Attraction, Made Mustika, said the presence of plastic waste was often disturbing. On that account, his party was quite proud of the clean up services carried out by foreign citizen. “We always try to make the lake clean and natural. One of them is by cleaning up the waste going into the verge of the lake,” he said. He also hoped the clean-up service performed by the foreigner could motivate local residents and visitors to consistently maintain the beauty of the lake. (udi)
IBP/File
The farmers are checking their plants. farmers at Tunjuk Village, Tabanan, decided to proceed to cropping pattern by developing vegetables.
As facing repeated harvest failures
Rice farmers decide to plant vegetables Tabanan (Bali Post)—
On account of frequent harvest failures, some farmers at Tunjuk Village, Tabanan, decided to proceed to cropping pattern. They hilariously cultivated turnip mustards. Apart from having a relatively stable price, vegetable crops could be harvested faster than rice. Similarly, the production cost was much cheaper. The change in the cropping pattern had been getting rampant since last month. Farmers were reluctant to continue planting rice because their plants were frequently attacked by pests, ranging from plant hopper to mice. “Many farmers are reluctant to grow rice. Ultimately, we lease their farmland to grow turnip mustards,” said Luh Putu Diani, 40, one of the farmers from Beng Hamlet, Tunjuk Village, Wednesday (Aug 17). This
woman also added that such turnip mustard was easier to plant and more profitable than growing rice because its harvest time was much faster. Turnip mustard crops could be harvested in just over a month, while rice had to be waited for three months. Based on her calculation, the result of thrice harvests was much better than growing rice. Moreover, lately, the price of turnip mustard tended to increase. Price of this commodity rose from IDR 700 to IDR 1,500 per kilogram. “The price is pretty good, though it also often dropped,” she said. According to Diani, the cost of planting the vegetables with the area of 2,000 square meters reached about IDR 1.5 million. The highest expenses were on the purchase of seeds reaching IDR 30,000 per kilogram and fertilizers. If the price was normal, farmers could return their capital
quickly. Per day, they could harvest over 2 quintals of vegetables. Most of the harvest products were sold to Badung Market, Denpasar. Diani added that farmers in her village often complained because their rice faced crop failures. Therefore, many were lazy to continuously grow rice. Alternatively, they planted turnip mustards because the harvest was more quickly. Similarly, the price tended to be good. Nevertheless, farmers hoped there would be a help like cheap seed of the turnip mustard, including fertilizer and herbicides. “If the price of vegetables is normal, we will be able to return our capital. Otherwise, if the price drops, our capital will vanish,” she complained. The action of growing vegetables would end when the pest attack had abated. (udi)
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News
Friday, August 19, 2011
International
Turkey PM compares Syrian leader to Gadhafi Associated Press Writer
BEIRUT — Turkey’s prime minister compared Syria’s president to Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi, as Damascus defied international calls to end the crackdown on a 5-month-old uprising. President Bashar Assad has unleashed tanks, ground troops and snipers in an attempt to retake control in rebellious areas. The military assault has escalated dramatically since the start of the holy month of Ramadan in August, killing hundreds and detaining thousands. “We made our calls (to Gadhafi) but unfortunately we got no result,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday. “The same thing is happening with Syria at the moment.” The conflict in Libya, which began a month before Syria’s unrest, has descended into a civil war as Gadhafi defies calls to end the bloodshed. On Wednesday, Erdogan said he personally spoke to Assad and sent his foreign minister to Damascus, but “despite all of this, they are continuing to strike civilians.” Turkey, a neighbor and former close ally of Syria, has been increasingly frustrated with Damascus’ crackdown. But Turkey, Syria’s
most important trade partner, has not joined the U.S. and Europe in imposing sanctions. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also spoke to Assad, demanding the immediate end of all military operations and mass arrests, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the U.N. Assad said that military and police operations had stopped, the statement said. With tension rising, the U.N. said it has temporarily withdrawn about two dozen “nonessential” international staff from Syria because of security concerns. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq also said some family members of U.N. staff have been relocated to other countries. The government insists its crackdown is aimed at rooting out terrorists fomenting unrest in the country. In comments carried on the state-run news agency, Assad appeared to lash out at the international reproach, saying his country will not give up its “dignity and sovereignty.”
AP Photo
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, front-center, Gen. Necdet Ozel, Turkey’s new Land Forces Commander and acting Chief of Staff, front-left, and top army generals follow a guard of honour at the mausoleum of modern Turkey’s founder Kemak Ataturk, after the military’s annual meeting in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Aug. 1, 2011.
Gorbachev says Russia needs change Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/dapd, Oliver Lang
A burnt out car stands in a street in Berlin, Germany, early Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.
Vandals in Berlin torch 18 cars Associated Press Writer
BERLIN — Berlin police are offering •5,000 ($7,180) to anyone able to help them find vandals who set fire to 18 cars parked in residential neighborhoods overnight. It was the second consecutive night in Berlin to see a jump in arson attacks, after vandals torched 11 cars on Tuesday evening. Berlin police believe the arsons are politically motivated, possibly linked to Leftist extremists. They have rejected any links to the riots in London. The Wednesday attacks bring the number of cars burned so far this year in Berlin to more than 300 — more than the total torched in 2010.
MOSCOW — Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev criticized the government on Wednesday for taking Russia backward and said that the nation needs free elections and fresh leadership. He was speaking ahead of the 20th anniversary of Aug. 19, 1991, hardline coup that briefly ousted him and precipitated the collapse of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev, who turned 80 in March and underwent spinal surgery in April, looked strong and spoke energetically during a news conference that lasted more than an hour. Gorbachev criticized the United Russia party led by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, which he described as a bad copy of the Soviet Communist Party. He said Russia needs to restore direct elections of governors and of individual seats in parliament, which were abolished during Putin’s presidency. “Honest elections are needed: single-ballot elections, elections of governors,” Gorbachev said. “People must have a feeling that something depends on them.” He dismissed the Popular Front, an umbrella group of public organizations, professional associations and unions created with Putin’s blessing. “They invent some unnecessary groups, some fronts,” Gorbachev
said, adding that government spin doctors might just as well invent something like “10 Putin Strikes” — a sardonic reference to “10 Stalin Strikes,” a term used by Soviet propaganda to describe the Red Army’s offensives during World War II. The front’s creation has been seen as an attempt by Putin to strengthen his support base ahead of parliamentary elections in December and a presidential vote in March. Putin, who shifted into the prime minister’s job in 2008 because of a
two-term constitutional limit, is widely expected to reclaim the presidency. Gorbachev avoided personal criticism of Putin, saying that he deserves credit for stabilizing the country after the economic meltdown and chaos of the first postSoviet decade. A the same time, he harshly criticized the system of government created by Putin, saying that manipulations of elections had pushed the country back. “There must be a change in the upper layer of government,” he said.
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev gestures during his news conference ahead of the 20th anniversary of Aug. 19, 1991, hardline coup that briefly ousted him and precipitated the collapse of the Soviet Union, in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011.
Activities
International
Friday, August 19, 2011
5
Indonesian Independence Day Festivities IBP
DENPASAR - According to the Indonesian, Independence Day that was held on the 17th of 2011. Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center participates in this National great event. The Preparations for the patriotic celebrations begin a couple days before the 17th of August. Our Hotel has been decorated with the large banner, The national flight, and another independence day ornament. Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center also coloring this once a year celebration with various employee activities. Aston was celebrating it with various activities as well as coloring competition for children of employee, attending by approximately 30 children, the coloring competitions runs lively.Several games for the employee also held for enlivened this once a year moment as well as marble racing, balloon dance, couple’s make up, ping pong ball blowing competition,
making bed competitions by head of department. This contest festive has been followed by all employees of Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. The winner of each contest gets a special present from the organizer. At the 17th of August, The most solemn ceremony is the Indonesian flag hoisting at the National Palace. Full of pomp and circumstance and conducted basically the same way each year, it is a spectacle of the greatest respect and honor for the flag and the Republic. The same way also been carried up at Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. At the 17th of August the solemn ceremony was held at Aston Grand Ballroom conduct by the hotel employees itself. Here, the ceremonies are led by the General Manager, the hotel’s employee not only becomes the ceremony participants, and they also become the ceremony officer. This Independence Day event series is a proof of our love towards our lovely country Indonesia.
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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Friday, August 19, 2011
News
Egypt’s revived anti-graft law may net Mubarak Reuters
Cairo - Egypt’s government revived an amended version of a 60-year-old anti-corruption law on Wednesday, the state news agency MENA said, in a move that could affect the trial of ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his aides. Egyptians who camped in downtown Cairo in July to press for faster political reforms have also demanded that Mubarak and officials in his administration be tried for political corruption, prompting the cabinet to look into reviving a law drafted after the 1952 revolution that overthrew the monarchy. MENA said the cabinet “approved the legislation and decided to send it to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to ratify it.” The military council has ruled Egypt since Mubarak’s fall. Under the law, dubbed the ‘Treason Law’, any government official, parliament member or minister may be punished for abuse of power if they, their relatives or acquaintances benefited from any public office they had held. The law, first passed under the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, covers financial crimes,
PARIS — Coco Chanel: A fashion icon whose name has become shorthand for timeless French chic, a shrewd businesswoman who overcame a childhood of poverty to build a luxury supernova and ... a Nazi spy? A new book by a Paris-based American historian suggests Chanel not only had a wartime affair with a German aristocrat and spy, but that she herself was also an agent of Germany’s Abwehr military intelligence organization and a rabid anti-Semite. Doubts about Chanel’s loyalties during World War II have long festered, but “Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel’s Secret War” goes well beyond those previous
From page 1 Other than the issues on flats, the special committee would also ask about the matter of boundary lines, strategic area, building on the water and a number of issues that were considered incompatible with the potential of Denpasar. Eko clearly said that his party extremely had not agreed with the construction of flats in Denpasar. This referred to the lack of land availability in Denpasar. If the matter was allowed to pass Denpasar would certainly overload. On that account, his party did not agree with the flats development program in Denpasar. “This proposal must be rejected, despite there is assistance from the Ministry of Public Housing,” he said. On that occasion, Eko would question about the urban strategic areas, too. Moreover, Denpasar City was also the capital of Bali Province. It did not necessarily mean if the city problem could be governed entirely by the province. “Aside from serving as provincial capital, Denpasar also poses an autonomous area,” he explained. Meanwhile, regarding to Benoa area, in the RTRW would be expanded because Benoa Harbor would become an energy and industrial area. Even, there was a plan to do landfill in the area of Benoa from the original area of 143 hectares to 155 hectares. “In line with the existing laws and regulations, the management of Benoa is not only by Pelindo, but Denpasar Municipality as the land owner should also get contribution and policy on the area arrangement,” he said. Previously, the Head of Denpasar Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), IGP Anindya Putra, stated his agreement with the hope of Special Committee to question again a number of problems faced in the regional regulation draft of Denpasar’s RTRW. Pursuant to the plan, coordination with BKPRN would be implemented on August 22, 2011 whereas previously the draft of Denpasar’s RTRW had got a recommendation from BKPRN to be immediately approved. (kmb12)
Indian... From page 1
AP Photo
Egypt’s former President Hosni Mubarak, center, and his sons Alaa, left, and Gamal, right, are seen behind bars during a court hearing in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, Aug. 15, 2011. including altering prices of property, commodities or services for personal benefit. Abuse of office to achieve better jobs for officials or others is also punishable under the law.
Mubarak, who was forced to step down in February after weeks of popular protests, is on trial for authorizing the use of force which resulted in the death of some 850 demonstrators.
New book claims Coco Chanel was Nazi spy Associated Press Writer
Special...
allegations, citing as evidence documents culled from archives around the world. The book, published in the U.S. on Tuesday by Knopf, has ruffled feathers in France, where the luxury industry is a pillar of the economy and Chanel is widely regarded as the crowning jewel. The House of Chanel was quick to react, saying in a statement that “more than 57 books have been written about Gabrielle Chanel. ... We would encourage you to consult some of the more serious ones.” Hal Vaughan, an 84-year-old World War II veteran and longtime journalist who previously wrote two other history books, insists that he is serious. “Sleeping with the Enemy” is the fruit of more than
four years of intense labor born out of an accidental find in France’s national police archive, he said. “I was looking for something else and I come across this document saying ‘Chanel is a Nazi agent, her number is blah, blah, blah and her pseudonym is Westminster,’” Vaughan told The Associated Press. “I look at this again and I say, ‘What the hell is this?’ I couldn’t believe my eyes! “Then I really started hunting through all of the archives, in the United States, in London, in Berlin and in Rome and I come across not one, but 20, 30, 40 absolutely solid archival materials on Chanel and her lover, Baron Hans Gunther von Dincklage, who was a professional Abwehr spy,” Vaughan said.
The protest had been expected to start Thursday afternoon, but workers were still cleaning up the muddy venue and pitching tents to accommodate tens of thousands of people and protect them from monsoon rains. Hazare will be taken in a procession from the prison on Friday morning, Swami Agnivesh, a social activist, said after meeting him at the jail. Hazare was in good health despite not having eaten since Tuesday, said Bedi, adding that he has been drinking water only. New Delhi police arrested Hazare on Tuesday to block his planned public hunger strike against corruption, but released him hours later. Hazare began his fast in police custody anyway and refused to leave the jailhouse, demanding police allow him to hold an indefinite public protest. Hazare, clad in the simple white cotton garb of India’s liberation leaders, has become an anti-corruption icon by channeling the tactics of freedom fighter Mohandas K. Gandhi. In April, Hazare used a four-day fast to force the government to draft legislation for an anti-corruption watchdog. He had planned for weeks to begin another fast to press for a stronger bill. While Hazare’s campaign against corruption has strong support within India, critics say his method — embarking on a declared hunger strike to the death — is akin to blackmailing the government. On Wednesday, Singh told Parliament that Hazare was free to express his views, but that he was improperly usurping the role of elected representatives by trying to force them to pass his own version of the anti-corruption bill. “Those who believe that their voice and their voice alone represents the will of 1.2 billion people should reflect deeply on that position,” he said. “They must allow the elected representatives of the people in Parliament to do the job that they were elected for,” Singh said, shouting over jeering opposition lawmakers. The government is battling corruption allegations stemming from the murky sale of cellphone licenses and the hosting of last year’s Commonwealth Games, which together lost the country as much as $40 billion, according to government auditors. The main opposition is mired in a multibillion-dollar bribery scandal involving the granting of mining contracts in southern India. The scandals have embarrassed the government and paralyzed Parliament, with lawmakers trading insults and accusations instead of addressing widespread malnutrition and a desperate need for land reform. On Tuesday, Parliament adjourned amid screaming between government and opposition lawmakers over Hazare’s arrest.
Indonesia Today
International
Friday, August 19, 2011
7
Nazaruddin to shut his mouth for family’s sake JAKARTA - Graft suspect Nazaruddin has said he would shut his mouth for the sake of his wife and children.
FOTO ANTARA/Puspa Perwitasari
Graft suspect Nazaruddin has said he would shut his mouth for the sake of his wife and children.
“I am going to be quiet. But please don’t hurt my wife and children,” Nazaruddin said here on Thursday when entering the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building. The former treasurer of the ruling Democrat Party and legislator was brought to the KPK office for questioning on his involvement in a corruption case linked to a SEA Games athlete‘s dormitory project in Palembang, South Sumatra. Nazaruddin fled Indonesia to Singapore on May 23, 2011, a day before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) imposed a travel ban on him. In his hideouts, Nazaruddin repeatedly claimed that several big names were involved in the corruption scandal that has engulfed him, including Democratic Party chairman Anas Urbaningrum and several House legislators. They have all firmly denied the allegations. He was arrested by Colombian
immigration officers for using someone else‘s passport in Cartagena on August 6, 2011. On August 12, he was brought back to Jakarta in a chartered plane. During the long journey, Nazaruddin was escorted by 10 Indonesian officials from the KPK, the police, the immigration office and the foreign ministry. His lawyer, OC Kaligis, who was in Bogota at the time, was not allowed to accompany him. The Gulfstream jet plane arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport, eastern Jakarta at around 8pm western Indonesia standard time (WIB), believed to be about 12 hours longer than it had earlier scheduled. Reporters and cameramen who covered the event were not allowed to approach Nazaruddin who was tightly escorted from the plane to the car and immediately taken to the Police Mobile Brigade Headquarters (Mako Brimob)‘s detention center in Depok, West Java.
Police urged to investigate
Murder threat against KPK leaders Indonesia cuts terrorist’s prison sentence Antara
JAKARTA - A top legislator has asked the police to be pro-active in investigating alleged murder threats against certain Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leaders. “As chairman of the House of Representatives` Commission III, I urge the police chief to be pro-active in investigating the allegations and to summon the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leaders concerned. This is important,” Benny K Harman from the Democrat Party said. He said the police must immediately summon the KPK leaders who had been threatened and con-
duct a further investigation. The chairman of the KPK‘s Ethics Committee, Abdullah Hehamahua, has said that he had found evidence of a murder threat against KPK leader Chandra M Hamzah and enforcement deputy Ade Raharja in connection with graft suspect Muhammad Nazaruddin‘s case. He said there was a recorded telephone conversation between a man presumably Nazaruddin and a man named Alpang or presumably Albert P in which Nazaruddin had asked Alpang to kill Chandra Hamzah and Ade Raharja in exchange for billions of rupiahs. “Yes, there is a murder threat. Yes.
it is addressed at Chandra Hamzah, Ade Raharja and others,” Hehamahua said when asked to confirm it. Ethics Committee member Syafii Maarif confirmed the threat saying “someone is threatening the KPK especially Ade Raharja.” Nazaruddin is now being held at the police Mobile Brigade Headquarters detention center after being caught in Cartagena, Colombia, on August 7 after being on the run abroad a day before the KPK requested for a travel ban to be issued for him. Nazaruddin has drawn public attention following his controversial statements made from his hiding place accusing some Democrat Party leaders of involvement in his case.
Associated Press
JAKARTA - Indonesia says it has shaved two months off the fiveyear prison sentence of a convicted terrorist who was added this week to a U.S. blacklist. Each Independence Day, Indonesia reduces sentences of inmates who have completed at least a third of their time. This year 53,400 inmates are eligible, including 26year-old Muhammad Jibriel Abdul
Rahman, who calls himself the “Prince of Jihad” on his web site. Prison official I Wayan Sukerta says Jibriel will get two months off his five-year sentence begun in August 2009. He was convicted of terrorism after authorities said he met with conspirators in 2009 Jakarta hotel bombings that killed seven people. Jibriel was among five people added Tuesday to a U.S. blacklist of terrorists who face financial sanctions.
Turtle trade flourishing Ministry to use budget allocation in Indonesia: activists to increase rice production Agence France-Presse
Antara
JAKARTA - Agriculture Minister Siswono said he would use the 2012 budget allocation totaling Rp17.8 trillion for his ministry to increase rice production and productivity. Speaking to the press here on Wednesday, he said the government had set itself the target of achieving a rice production surplus of 10 million tons over the next five years. “So the rise in the budget allocation by Rp600 billion will be primarily used to increase rice produc-
tion,” he said. He said although priority would be given to increasing rice production it did not mean that other food crops would be neglected. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presented the draft 2012 budget to the parliament on Tuesday in which the budget for the agricultural sector was set at Rp17.8 trillion. He said the budget was intended particularly for increasing rice production and agricultural productivity and agricultural products qual-
ity in a wider sense. The government meanwhile would also allocate Rp41.9 trillion for food resilience development in 2012. He said the budget would be among others for achieving the 10million-ton rice surplus program over the next five to ten years. In 2012 the government would also allocate Rp674 billion for direct fertilizer assistance which is equal to 192.800 tons. He said Rp1.8 trillion would also be provided for direct prime seed assistance which is equal to 185,000 tons of seeds.
Indonesia has failed to crack down on the illegal trade in protected tortoises and turtles which are openly sold in Jakarta’s markets, according to activists. Wildlife monitoring group TRAFFIC found that 49 species were being traded in 2010 compared to 47 in 2004, when a similar survey was carried out, with most species coming from outside Indonesia. “The 2010 data confirms previous findings about the levels of illegal trade in freshwater turtles and tortoises in Jakarta’s markets and also demonstrates how it has persisted,” researcher Carrie J. Stengel
said. “Of further concern is the apparent increasing emphasis on rare and threatened species in the pet trade.” TRAFFIC said that despite Indonesian laws against the trade in endangered species, more were on sale in local markets in 2010 than six years earlier, including the black spotted pond turtle, Egyptian tortoise, Indian peacock softshell and the spider tortoise. “The wildlife markets and expos in Jakarta need to be carefully monitored and anyone found selling illegal species must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the group’s deputy regional director Chris R. Shepherd said.
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International
Friday, August 19, 2011
Bali Today Indonesia cuts jail terms of Australia drug traffickers Agence France-Presse
DENPASAR - Two Australian drug traffickers jailed for 20 years on the island of Bali had their sentences cut Wednesday as part of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, an official said. Schapelle Corby and Renae Lawrence had their sentences reduced by five and six months respectively, the resort island’s Kerobokan prison chief Siswanto told AFP. “The official letter has not been handed out due to a technical matter but it’s confirmed that Corby and Renae receive sentence cuts,” he said. It’s the fifth time Corby, and sixth
AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati
Australian death-row prisoners Myuran Sukumaran, right and Andrew Chan, left, stand in front of their cell during Indonesian independence celebration at Krobokan prison in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Sukumaran and Chan were among nine Australians convicted over the 2005 attempt to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia.
time Renae, have received sentence reductions, he said, adding the cuts total 22 months for Corby and 29 months for Lawrence. Well-behaved prisoners traditionally receive sentence reductions on Indonesia’s Independence Day. Corby, 33, was found guilty of trafficking 4.1 kilograms (nine pounds) of marijuana in 2005. She has always maintained her innocence and claims international drug smugglers placed the marijuana in her luggage. She submitted a clemency appeal to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in July asking for a sentence reduction. Her lawyers had asked that she be released on humanitarian grounds because of mental illness. Lawrence, 33, is one of the socalled “Bali Nine,” a group of Australians convicted over a plot to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin from Bali into Australia in 2005.
Spiritual Farming:
From One Green to Some other Greens Advancement of science of technology does not answer all problems encountered by human life. In agriculture, for instance, modern farmers can now have boosted the quantity of production, even in multiple amounts. On the one hand, it’s a great success but on the other hand it still leaves a problem on the decline of environmental and human health quality. Green revolution occurred between 1943 and 1970s through the implementation of chemical fertilizer and good irrigation system has conjured up the rice production. In short term, it became an efficacious medicine to resolve the famine in tropical countries. Few decades later, it had an impact on the reduction of environmental quality, like pollution in water, land and others. Apart from the impact on the environment, it was also had an
impact on human health like the rise of some new cancers. Realizing these facts, now Bali has an initiative to become a green province and implement the integrated farming system (Simantri). Hopefully, implementation of the system could realize the Bali Organic plan and consequently minimize the environmental destruction. Green province campaign includes some aspects, namely green culture, green economy and Bali green and clean. Green culture is intended to change the societal behavior in managing their waste management and environment. Green economy hints that all economic activities should be in the eco-friendly orientation. These two aspects will empty out into the initiative of Bali Organic. One of the aspects is applied in the
agricultural field. Socialization has been intensified while establishing farmer groups. Through breeding local cows, for instance, farmers are expected to get maximal benefits. Other than increasing the number of cows, they will be able to take advantage the cow dung and urine for organic fertilizers. In the long run, it will reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Of course, this endeavor will reduce the production cost that should be spent by farmers and at the same time increase the quality of rice as well as improve the environmental quality. As a matter of fact, simple practice of this concept could have been seen around 1970s. Farmers using cows to cultivate their land could also take advantage of their cow dung. It was spread out onto the rice field and its efficacy could last for at least for two
planting seasons. In terraced rice field, it could uniquely be managed by establishing a cowshed in the upper stream. Later on, the collected dry cow dung was channeled to rice field through the water gutter. However, since being urged by the demand to multiple the rice production, farmers left the method. Introduction of hand tractor and chemical fertilizers gradually replaced the role of cows. The new method was expected to accelerate the land cultivation process. As consequence, cows were only serving as ‘family saving’ for farmers. Simple eco-friendly pest control actually has been proposed in the palm-leaf manuscript entitled “Shri Tattwa or Darmaning Pemaculan.” It has been applied by subak community in Bali from generation to generation
until today. However, it seems to put more emphasis on the ritual aspect only, while herbal pesticide or other means of the oblation is only applied symbolically. For instance, bird raids are managed by offering two pieces of ketupat sidayu together with oblation and side dish of yellow dragonfly.Meanwhile, Subash Palekar from India claimed to have developed the vedic-based farming. He has initiated his ‘spiritual farming’ since 1988. In essence he said that God or nature has provided human with everything required to grow plants. So implementing the chemical fertilizers and pesticide means to oppose God and will result in bad impact to human. Cow dung and urine as well as compost are three beneficial ingredients being enough for farming both on irrigated and non-irrigated land. (BTN/punia)
International
Friday, August 19, 2011
Balinese Culture Tambusan Be Pasih
(Diced Fish Roasted in Banana Leaf) OVERVIEW: The spicy fish dish is excellent for barbeques. INGREDIENTS: 600 gr (1¼ 1lb) boned mackerel fillets, skin removed and cut in 2.5 cm (1in) cubes ½ cup basic marinade 1 heaped tbsp tamarind pulp, soaked in ¼ cup warm water and juice extracted 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed 1 ½ tsp salt 3 lemon leaves, cut in hair like shreds 3 tbsp oil 2 salam leaves 2 square of banana leaf 30x30cm (10x10 in)
IBP/Courtesy of BSMP
Elephants Celebrating Independence Day in BSMP IBP
GIANYAR – A slightly different situation can be seen on Bali Safari and Marine Park during the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day. Eight elephants participated on the flag raising ceremony that held in BSMP on
Wednesday. Unlike wild animals, these elephants were very serious on joining the ceremony. They were marched and keep calm when the ceremony was being held. This year was not their first year to follow the Independence Day ceremony. Besides holding the ceremony
with elephants, BSMP also have several activities to celebrate the Independence Day. The Chili Festival that already held since August 7 still attracts many visitors. Foreign visitors that visit BSMP also very enthusiast to follows several activities to commemorate Indonesia anniversary. (kmb18)
PREPARATION: In deep bowl combine mackerel cubes, spice paste, tamarind juice, crushed black pepper, salt, lime leaf and oil, and mix very well in order to coat fish evenly. Cover and marinate in cool place for 2 hours. Place one salam leaf in center of each piece of banana leaf. Top with half of seafood mix and fold the same way as for Tum Bebek. Place parcels directly onto moderately hot charcoal and roast very slowly for one hour. Alternatively, bake on rack in a moderate oven or under a grill for about 30 minutes. Serve with Sambal Matah, Sambel Tomat, wedges of lime and steamed rice. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)
Base Gede
(Basic Spice Paste) INGREDIENTS: 300 gr large red chili halved, seeded and chopped 100 gr garlic, peeled and chopped 75 gr ginger, peeled and chopped 500 gr shallot, peeled and chopped 75 gr laos, peeled and chopped 100 gr kencur root, peeled and chopped 175 gr fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped 2½ tbsp dried shrimp paste, roasted 2½ tbsp coriander seed crushed 75 gr candlenut 1¼ tbsp black pepper corn crushed 2½ pinch nutmeg, freshly grated 8 cloves 150 ml coconut oil 250 water ¾ tbsp salt PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients except water in food processor and grind coarsely. Place in heavy sauce pan, add all remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes or until all water is evaporated and marinade changes to golden color.
C.045 ibp
Cool before using. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Destinations
International
Elephant Cave IBP
Welcome to Gua Gajah (Elephant Cave) which is located in west side of Bedulu countryside, Blah Batuh Sub district and Gianyar Regency. It is about 27 km from Denpasar town. This cave is built at crevasse edge from the federation of 2 rills that is called Pangkung River, where the irrigation is mixed with Petanu River flow. The federation area of two rivers is called Campuhan/Mixture. It owns the magical energy on the basis of Rwabineda Concept/ two different matters on this basic concept hence Gua Gajah (Elephant Cave) is intentionally built among two rivers. The word of Gua Gajah is anticipated coming from the word of Lwa Gajah, the name of Buddhist Temple or hermitage for Buddhist monk. The Gua Gajah’s name is written on Negarakeertagama papyrus which is compiled by Mpu Prapanca on 1365 M. Lwa or Lwah/loh mean the river and it reflect to the meaning that the hermitage is located at Gajah River or in Air
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Gajah. In the year inscription 944 Saka, it is mentioned with the name of ‘ser ring Air Gajah’ that is meaning the Subak leader in Air Gajah. The word has mentioned that the hermitage of Lwa Gajah is located in Subak Air Gajah. There is a relief which is almost looking like the form of mountain on the entrance of this cave. It was carved many designed on the relief like grove with the stick, close leaf, animal for example forest pig, tortoise and specters. The cave mouth is decorated by the bas-relief with the eye turn around to the right or west side. There is an article letter of Kediri type from the early of 11 century was written on the wall left side or east side. There is a pool (Patirthaan) as a place to take the holy Tirtha water for Hindu ceremony which is located in the middle of the cave courtyard. This Holy Pool is previously piled up by land and it has been found on 1954 by Krijgsman from the Ancient Department. The Holy pool is equipped by the statue douche which is parallel arranged in two groups.
... gets maximum benefits with minimum charge Denpasar : +62 361 22-5764 Jakarta : +62 21 535-6271
Jl. Kepundung 67 A, e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id Jl. Palmerah Barat 21 F
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Friday, August 19, 2011
11
BUSINESS U.S. units of European banks under NY Fed scrutiny Reuters
AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File
In this May 25, 2011 file photo, a worker walks by a power lift operated at a container terminal in Tokyo. The slump in Japan’s exports moderated in June in a sign the world’s third-largest economy is beginning to mend after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The finance ministry said Thursday, July 21, 2011, that exports fell 1.6 percent in June from a year earlier after logging double-digit declines in April and May. Imports rose 9.8 percent.
Japan exports fall for 5th straight month in July Associated Press
TOKYO — Japan’s exports fell for the fifth straight month in July as the country contends with a strong yen and the ongoing impact of the March earthquake and tsunami. Exports fell 3.3 percent from a year earlier to 5.78 trillion yen ($75.6 billion), the government said Thursday. Exports are a key driver of the world’s No. 3 economy, and the country is hoping that overseas demand will help it bounce back from the March 11 disaster. Data earlier this week showed that Japan’s economy is still mired in recession, shrinking for the third straight quarter in the April-June period. The earthquake and tsunami damaged or destroyed factories in northeast Japan, which led to serious parts shortages for manufacturers in the auto and electronics industries. While the country has made progress in restoring production, it now faces new threats. A surging yen, which has recently tested record highs against the dollar, is painful for Japan’s exporters.
It reduces the value of their foreign earnings and makes Japanese goods more expensive in overseas markets. The yen is hurting the bottom lines of companies like Nintendo Co., which makes 80 percent of its sales outside of Japan. It is also forcing manufacturers like Panasonic Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. to consider shifting more production overseas. Japan intervened in currency markets earlier this month to try to reverse the yen’s climb. The decision to sell the yen and buy the dollar worked initially, sending the greenback toward 80 yen. But the dollar has been weighed by the dimming outlook for U.S. economy and is back down to mid 76-yen levels. Monetary authorities could turn to intervention again if the yen continues to strengthen. The country’s top financial diplomat, Takehiko Nakao, on Thurs-
day blamed speculators for the yen’s sharp gains and described recent moves as “violent.” “We remain alert,” said Nakao, the vice finance minister for international affairs, according to Kyodo News agency. Along with foreign exchange pressures, Japanese exports are feeling the strain of a lethargic global economy, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Shipments to the U.S. fell 8.2 percent in July, while those to China were down 1 percent. Exports to the European Union rose 6 percent. Motor vehicle exports to the world fell 3.8 percent in value terms, and electrical machinery shipments declined 8.3 percent. The finance ministry said imports in July rose 9.9 percent to 5.71 trillion yen, resulting in a trade surplus of 72.5 billion yen.
NEW YORK - The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is intensifying its scrutiny of the U.S. units of Europe’s biggest banks amid concerns that Europe’s debt crisis could spill into the U.S. banking system, the Wall Street Journal reported citing sources familiar with the matter. The New York Fed is demanding more information from the banks about whether they have reliable access to the funds needed to operate on a day-to-day basis in the United States and, in some cases, pushing the banks to overhaul their U.S. structures, the report said. New York Fed officials “are very concerned” about European banks facing funding difficulties in the United States, a senior executive at a major European bank who has participated in the talks told the Wall Street Journal. The New York Fed did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment outside regular U.S. business hours. The officials recently have held meetings with U.S.-based executives from top European banks to discuss their funding positions, the report said. The New York Fed has also been coordinating with New York’s superintendent of financial services, Benjamin M. Lawsky, to monitor the foreign banks’ funding positions. Regulators are trying to guard against the possibility European banks that encounter trouble could siphon funds out of their U.S. arms, sources told the Wall Street Journal. Regulators recently have ramped up pressure on European banks to transform their U.S. businesses into self-financed organizations that are better insulated from problems with their parent companies, the Wall Street Journal cited a senior bank executive as saying.
UK retail sales barely grow in July Associated Press
LONDON — Retail sales in Britain barely grew in July, in another sign that the country’s economy is struggling in the wake of waning global growth and high inflation, official figures showed Thursday. The Office for National Statistics said retail sales rose by only 0.2 percent in July from the month before. That was down on June’s equivalent rate of 0.8 percent and below market expectations for a 0.4 percent rise. Household goods stores, clothing and footwear shops, and non-store retailing, which includes Internet and mail order sales, all suffered as cash-strapped consumers capped their spending. The retail sector has suffered as household budgets have been squeezed by muted wage growth and high inflation, which was 4.4 percent in July, more than double the Bank of England’s target of 2 percent. The figures add to the weight of evidence showing that the British economy, the world’s sixth largest, is barely growing. On Wednesday, minutes to the last rate-setting meeting at the Bank of England indicated rising concerns over the recovery, while separate figures showed a surprise increase in unemployment. “With consumer spending accounting for around two-thirds of the economy, the weak retail sales data suggest that economic growth remained very subdued at the start of the third quarter and highlight how close the U.K. economy is to sliding back into recession,” said Chris Williamson, chief economist at financial information group Markit. Analysts aren’t too hopeful of a pickup in August, given that many shopping centers were no-go areas during the riots that afflicted many of England’s cities. “Next month’s retail sales could well show further falls as consumers stayed at home throughout the first week in August and damaged shops struggle to reopen,” said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets.
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Entertainment
International
Autistic kids invited to special Broadway show Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — Families of autistic children have a new place to engage their sons and daughters — Broadway. The Theatre Development Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on providing access to live theater, announced Wednesday it will present an autism friendly performance of “The Lion King.” The Oct. 2 matinee of the longrunning musical at the Minskoff Theatre will be slightly altered to make those with autism more comfortable, including cutting jarring sounds and strobe lights. “We are so excited about this and, at the same time, I’m apprehensive because no one has ever done this before,” said Lisa Carling, the director of the fund’s accessibility program. “No one knows what the effect will be when you put 500 to 600 children and adults on the autism spectrum in an over 1,600-seat theater.” Three quiet areas with beanbag chairs and coloring books, staffed by autism experts, will be created inside the theater for those who might feel overwhelmed. Ticket prices have also been reduced, with the top seats going for $79, down from the top range of $133. The fund bought every seat in the theater to gauge interest and word-of-mouth has already left few
seats available. Organizers, who say this is the first time such an experiment has been attempted on Broadway, want to see if it should be replicated at other productions. “We’ll be looking at the dynamics of the audience, seeing if everyone is having a good time,” said Carling. “We want it to be a very welcoming, nonjudgmental environment.” Autism disorders strike one in 100 children, according to U.S. government estimates. Children with the diagnosis are often sensitive to loud noises and harsh lights, and find it hard to sit still or remain quiet. Autism spectrum disorders include both severe and relatively mild symptoms. For many families who have a child with autism just going out to a restaurant — much less a live theatrical event — is a daunting proposition. Alicia Hart, an advocate for children and adults with autism and au-
AP/Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Darrin Bush
FILE - In this photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, a scene is shown during a performance of Disney’s “The Lion King,” in Las Vegas. Families of autistic children have a new venue to engage their sons or daughters, Broadway.
thor of “Brains, Trains & Video Games: Living The Autism Life,” welcomed the experiment, calling it “great leap into the future.”
McBride taps famous cancer survivors for video Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — Martina McBride’s new single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” is an inspirational song about going through cancer, and for the video, she enlisted the help of a few famous faces to convey the message. “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts, singer Sheryl Crow, ABC’s Katie Couric and “Today” anchor Hoda Kotb all appear in the clip, which debuts Wednesday on CMT.com. Roberts, Crow and Kotb are all survivors of breast cancer; Couric’s husband died of colon cancer. McBride, who has never had cancer, says she wanted to sing the song to give hope and positive messages to those going through the struggle. She says it “takes a lot of strength and a lot of love to get through something like that.” The song is from her new album, “Eleven,” due out Oct. 11.
“Theater, in and of itself, is a phenomenal vehicle for children with autism,” she said from her home on Merritt Island, Fla. Autis-
tic children, she explained, must learn in public to modulate their voices, their bodies and their facial expressions — just like performers.
Threat to Letterman on Muslim forum Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — A frequent contributor to a jihadist website has threatened David Letterman, urging Muslim followers to “cut the tongue” of the late-night host because of a joke the comic made on his CBS show. The Site Monitoring Service, a private intelligence organization that watches online activity, said Wednesday that the threat was posted a day earlier on the Shumuka al-Islam forum, a popular Internet destination for radical Muslims. The contributor, who identified himself as Umar al-Basrawi, was reacting to what he said Letterman did after the U.S. military announced on June 5 that a drone strike in Pakistan had killed al-Qaida leader Ilyas Kashmiri. Al-Basrawi wrote that Letterman had made reference to both Osama bin Laden and Kashmiri and said that Letterman had demonstrated on his neck how Kashmiri died. There was no comment from CBS or Letterman.
AP Photo/CBS, Heather Wines
FILE - In this April 21, 2010 file photo released by CBS, host David Letterman is shown on the set of the “Late Show with David Letterman, in New York.
Science
International
Friday, August 19, 2011
13
Infants with autistic siblings at higher risk: US study
What’s the age of the moon? It could be waning AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
FILE - In this Thursday, July 21, 2005 file photo, the full moon rises behind the ancient temple of Posseidon, in Sounio about 73 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Athens.
Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON — That old moon might not be as antique as we thought, some scientist think. They say it’s possible that it isn’t a day over 4.4 billion years old. But other astronomers disagree with a new study’s conclusions. They think the moon is up to its typical agedefying tricks and is really pushing 4.6 billion as they have suspected all these years. Either way, the new analysis of an important moon rock brought back by the Apollo 16 mission is showing that the moon isn’t ready to give up its true age and origins quite yet, even though scientists thought they had it all figured out a decade or two ago. “It’s not as ancient as we might think,” said study chief author Lars Borg, a geochemist at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. His study appears online Wednesday in the journal Nature. The study uses new techniques and radioactive isotopes of lead and other elements to date the moon rock at 4.4 billion years old. What’s key is that this is a special type of rock that would have floated up to the
moon’s crust soon after its theorized ocean of molten rock cooled. That supposedly happened soon after the moon formed as a result of a spectacular crash between Earth and a planet. The chunks that broke off formed the moon. That means there are two possibilities, Borg said. Either the moon is 200 million years younger or the accepted theory of a molten rock ocean on the moon is wrong, he said. Borg acknowledges that some moon rocks have been dated at nearly 4.6 billion years old. But those conclusions could be wrong because of weaker rock dating techniques used in the past, he said. Outside scientists said Borg did good work coming up with a date for the Apollo 16 rock but may have jumped to the wrong conclusion on lunar age or origins. They said it’s possible that the rock is from a smaller molten rock ocean or was created when the moon was bombarded by space debris which was much more common a few billion years ago. Borg’s conclusion “is a little bit fancy for my taste,” said Erik Asphaug of University of California, Santa Cruz, who recently published a theory that Earth used to have a second smaller moon until it crashed into the bigger one. MIT astronomer Maria Zuber called the study in Nature “very puzzling.”
INFANTS have higher risk of developing autism if they have siblings with the disorder, a US study found Monday. The risk that an infant with an older sibling with autism also will develop the disorder, previously estimated at 3-10 percent, is 19 percent, according to the study by researchers at the University of California Davis. For male infants the risk was even higher, at 26 percent, and for infants with more than one older sibling with autism the risk of recurrence jumped to 32 percent, according to the study. Autism, a complex disorder that affects a child’s ability to think, learn, communicate and interact socially, occurs in one out of 110 children born in the United States, according to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC). Males account for 80 percent of diagnosed cases, researchers said. “This is the largest study of the siblings of children with autism ever conducted,” said
Sally Ozonoff, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC Davis’s MIND Institute and the study’s lead author. “There is no previous study that identified a risk of recurrence that is this high.” The study involved 664 infants whose average age was eight months, with two-thirds recruited younger than six months. The researchers followed their development until 36 months, when they were tested for autism. Of the 664 infants, 132 met the criteria for an “autism spectrum disorder,” with 54 diagnosed with autistic disorder and 78 diagnosed with a milder form of the disease. The study found that in families with one older child with autism the rate of recurrence was 20.1 percent. Only 37 infants had more than one sibling with autism, but for them the recurrence rate was 32.2 percent. The study was published online Monday and will appear in print in the September issue of the journal “Pediatrics,” the researchers said.
Cadillac Announces ELR, an extended-range electric vehicle CADILLAC has decided to produce a car in a new shade of green. General Motors announced today that it will produce an extended-range electric Cadillac. This is the same technology that is currently in use in Chevy’s Volt. Exact details about the car are very scarce at this point as it is in the very initial planning stages. The car will be named the Cadillac ELR, where the E stands for electric of course. The press release was very tight lipped about the power train of the vehicle. We know that it will function in the
same way as the Volt in that it will be a purely electric drive train, and when power gets low the gas generator will kick in to help charge the batteries. It is unknown if the Caddy will share the exact same engine components as the Volt. We sure hope that for something that looks as aggressive as the ELR that it will be a little more performance minded. Speaking of aggressive, this car looks very sexy. It clearly looks like a modern day Caddy with its angular shape and lines. The ELR looks like a high performance two door
coupe, so let’s hope that it doesn’t have a 0-60 time that flirts with double digits. A recent study showed that consumers are still wary of electric cars, but the ELR won’t be a pure electric car so it might get a pass with consumers. The Chevy Volt is currently not selling as well as GM had hoped, and is falling behind the Nissan Leaf in recent sale comparisons. The ELR will most likely have a slightly different target audience, so it might fair better than it’s Chevy counterpart.
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Barca beats Madrid with late winner from Messi Associated Press Writer
BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi scored two goals, including the late winner, and Barcelona won its 10th Spanish Supercup with a 3-2 victory over bitter rival Real Madrid that ended with both benches brawling on the field. Messi volleyed Adriano’s cross past Iker Casillas for the 87th minute winner to finish off a move started by recent arrival Cesc Fabregas, who made his Barcelona debut. Messi fed Andres Iniesta for the 15th-minute opener before scoring his first before the break. Madrid twice rallied through goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema before Messi clinched the 5-4 aggregate victory. Tensions on the hot, humid night at Camp Nou reached a climax in injury time as players and coaching staff brawled on the field after Madrid defender Marcelo’s hasty challenge on Fabregas. Players pushed and shoved each other after the ugly tackle in front of the benches and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho appearing to stick his hand into Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova’s eye during the melee. After the players and coaching staff were separated and three red cards were handed out, Barcelona lifted its third straight Supercup and first in five tries against Madrid. That gave Pep Guardiola his 11th major piece of silverware, tying Johan Cruyff as the club’s most successful coach.
“For a preseason game to be played at this level? That was enormous,” Guardiola said. “Even when we won 5-0 against them last year I never thought we were so superior. It’s always been a very difficult matchup for the history between the clubs.” After Ronaldo nearly put the visitors ahead in the opening seconds, Barcelona scored first as Messi slipped a perfect through ball for Andres Iniesta to chip over goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the 15thminute opener as Barcelona’s pinpoint passing — led by playmaker Xavi Hernandez — exploited the space between Madrid’s defensive lines. Five minutes later, Ronaldo steered Benzema’s low cross beyond goalkeeper Victor Valdes for the Portugal forward’s first goal to the Camp Nou in five visits. Messi then capped a superb move in the 45th when Gerard Pique sent a short backheel inside the box and into the path of the Argentina for-
ward who continued his run toward the right corner before sending a shot back over Casillas and inside the far post. In the 81st, Benzema was in a perfect poaching position to tie it again before Messi capped the spiteful match with his record eighth Supercup goal. “I won’t say we’re not happy about not winning the Supercup because that would make me a hypocrite,” said Mourinho, who brushed off questions about his on-field actions. “I’m very happy with the evolution of the team.”
FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi from Argentina, left, celebrates with teammate Cesc Fabregas after scoring a goal against Real Madrid during their Super Cup final second leg soccer match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011.
AP Photo/Andres Kudacki
Robben inspires Bayern to easy Chelsea’s Mikel win over Zurich gets “sizeable” demand for dad Reuters
ZURICH, Aug 17 - Arjen Robben set up the first goal and scored a superb second to give Bayern Munich a comfortable 2-0 win over FC Zurich in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday. Robben provided the cross for Bastian Schweinsteiger to head Bayern ahead in the eighth minute and curled in the second after 72 minutes as Bayern dominated the Swiss outsiders in Munich. Wisla Krakow and Odense, both attempting to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, won 1-0 at home to APOEL and Villarreal respectively. Brazilian playmaker Sammir scored twice to help Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb to a 4-1 win at home to former European Cup finalists Malmo and Maccabi Haifa beat Genk 2-1.
Bayern’s Arjen Robben of the Netherlands reacts during their Champions League first leg qualification soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Zurich in Munich southern Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson
Reuters
LONDON - Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has received a “sizeable” ransom demand for the return of his kidnapped father, the player’s management company confirmed on Thursday. The Sport Entertainment & Media Group said in a statement that reports in Nigeria of an 80,000 pounds ($130,000) demand were inaccurate but that the sum requested was “sizeable” and that discussions had begun between the Nigeria international’s family and the kidnappers. Mikel, 24, played for Chelsea in their season-opening draw at Stoke City on Sunday, 48 hours after his father was abducted, and has made himself available for Saturday’s match against West
Bromwich Albion. The full statement said: “SEM advises that reports from Nigeria of an 80,000 pounds ransom demand for the return of John Obi Mikel’s father is not true. “We confirm that Michael Obi has been abducted and that the kidnappers have been in touch with the family and representatives of the family and that discussions for Michael’s safe release have begun. It added: “A sizeable demand has been made but for security reasons, we are unable to release details of the amount. “Mikel would like to thank his family, friends, Chelsea FC & his agents for their support & at this time it is Mikel’s intention to play for Chelsea this weekend, encouraged by his family to do so.”
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Serena Williams withdraws, No. 1 Wozniacki loses Associated Press Writer
MASON, Ohio — Serena Williams dropped out of the Western & Southern Open because of a sore toe Wednesday, her latest setback after nearly a year away from the court. Her decision to rest her troublesome right foot cost the women’s bracket yet another high-profile player and raised doubts about her readiness for the U.S. Open. “I don’t think this is a good time for me to take a big chance,” she said, after the big toe on her right foot bothered her during a morning workout. “I just don’t think that would be smart.” She was the latest high-profile woman to drop out of the Cincinnati-area tournament, which combined a women’s event and the men’s Masters for the first time this season. Sister Venus Williams withdrew before the start because of a virus that also forced her to sit out the tournament in Toronto. Defending champion Kim Clijsters couldn’t play because of an injured abdomen. The tournament also lost topranked Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday afternoon. Wozniacki dropped her opening match for the second consecutive week, falling to American Christina McHale 6-4, 75 in the second round. Third-seeded Victoria Azarenka withdrew before
her evening match because of a strained right hand. In the men’s bracket, top-ranked Novak Djokovic beat American Ryan Harrison 6-2, 6-3. No. 2 Rafael Nadal beat French qualifier Julien Benneteau 6-4, 7-5 while playing with two fingers on his right hand bandaged to protect burned fingertips. The left-handed Nadal said he got the burns by touching a hot plate at a local restaurant. Serena Williams’ withdrawal was unexpected. She had won two straight tournaments at Stanford and Toronto, gaining some momentum after missing nearly a year because of medical problems. Williams arrived looking to win three tournaments in a row for the first time since the start of the 2008 season. She beat Lucie Hradecka in two sets on Tuesday night, when the toe started bothering her. It was her
seventh match in eight days and her 12th straight win, equaling the longest such streak on the WTA Tour this year. The toe was worse when she woke up on Wednesday — sore and a little swollen. She talked to her father and her sister before deciding to withdraw from the tournament. It’s the same foot she cut on glass at a restaurant and had two operations. “It’s not as bad as it was before,” she said. “It’s just a lot of match play. I’ve been playing a lot of the matches, more than I have in a long time, and also training as well. It got a little aggravated. Instead of making it worse, I’ve decided it will be in my best health not to go on.” The time off also will give her the opportunity to attend the wedding Kim Kardashian, who is marrying NBA player Kris Humphries in California over the weekend. Williams is a friend of the reality TV star.
AP Photo/Al Behrman
Caroline Wozniacki, from Denmark, cools off just before the final game against Christina McHale at the Western & Southern Open, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 in Mason, Ohio. McHale upset the top seeded Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5.
Mayweather, others sued Portugal reaches final with 2-0 win over France in Vegas shooting incident Associated Press Writer
Associated Press Writer
LAS VEGAS — Superstar boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing a civil lawsuit from a pair of men who say he orchestrated a shooting attack on them two years ago outside a Las Vegas skating rink. The lawsuit obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press accuses Mayweather, Ocie Harris and others of making threats since the attack. Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, said the undefeated boxer had nothing to do with the shooting or any of the alleged acts. “As in most civil cases this is just another attempt to extort money,” Ellerbe said. “An educated observer would examine the background of these individuals and immediately question their credibility,” he said. A lawyer for Harris, who is accused of firing shots in the incident, was not immediately available for comment. Harris has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in the shooting. His trial
is scheduled for February. Mayweather attorney Mark Ferrario said Mayweather looks forward to resolving the dispute in court but declined further comment. Lawyers for Quincey Williams and Damien Bland said in the lawsuit filed Tuesday that they want Mayweather and his associates to stop contacting their clients, plus an unspecified amount of money for damages. Robert Adams and Robert Eglet, the lawyers who filed the suit, were not available Wednesday because they were preparing for an unrelated trial, their office said. Mayweather is undefeated in 41 fights and has won titles in five divisions. He currently is training for a Sept. 17 fight against Victor Ortiz. According to police, Mayweather argued with Williams on the night of the shooting inside the Crystal Palace Skating Center. Police say the Aug. 23, 2009, incident started over a text message Williams sent Mayweather saying he hoped the boxer would lose his upcoming fight.
MEDELLIN, Colombia — Portugal will meet Brazil in an Under-20 World Cup final which will feature the tournament’s best defensive team against its most
potent attacking combination. Portugal defeated France 2-0 on Wednesday in Medellin with its stout defense and goalkeeper Mika registering their sixth straight clean sheet in the 3½week tournament.
AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan
Brazil’s Henrique celebrates after scoring against Mexico during a U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match in Pereira, Colombia, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Brazil reached the final with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.
In the other semifinal, Henrique scored twice in the last 10 minutes to lift Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Mexico in Pereira. Henrique has five goals and shares the tournament scoring lead with Alvaro Vazquez of Spain. Brazil has scored a tournament-best 15 goals so far. Philippe Coutinho and Dudu have three each. Henrique scored with a header in the 80th minute and then slotted home an 8-yard shot from a cross for an insurance goal. Brazil will be chasing its fifth U-20 title and Portugal will be after its third when the teams clash in Colombia’s capital of Bogota. Brazil lost the final two years ago to Ghana in Egypt Saturday’s game will come 20 years after the previous Under-20 final between former colony and colonizer, which Portugal won on penalties with a team that boasted Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto. In the first semifinal, Danilo gave Portugal a 1-0 lead on a leaping header in the 9th minute, and Nelson Oliveira made it 2-0 on a penalty in the 40th. France was in the U-20 semifinals for the first time.
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Ogier pleased Sebastien Loeb stay at Citroen SEBASTIEN Ogier is pleased Sebastien Loeb has decided to remain in the Citroen Racing team for next year’s World Rally Championship. The pair have forged a difficult alliance in the team this season, with those troubles bubbling over on the Acropolis Rally earlier in the summer, when Loeb accused the French team of favouring Ogier over him. Asked how he felt about the news, Ogier told AUTOSPORT: “It’s good news for the team, he is a very good driver. It’s good for the team to have his service and for me it’s also good news - it’s nice be in the same team as him and Daniel [Elena], we have good relationship together. “For sure, it’s difficult in that he is a very strong driver and when you have him as a team-mate you also have him as an adversary. As usual, he will be a difficult man to beat.” Ogier added that having Loeb alongside him in the team helped to improve his own driving. Ogier said: “It will push me more to improve myself. He is the strongest, when you want to beat him you have to be on the limit and you have to be at perfection. To beat him and be world champion would definitely mean more satisfaction than if he retired. “For me, the main thing is to be world champion one day – to do it against him would be better for me, but I’m not going to be fixated on this. He will be there and it will be nice for the fight. I am young, I have a lot of year in front of me. For me it’s not bad news.” Ogier added that he had not spoken to Loeb about his decision, adding: “I knew one hour before you.”
Haug says Michael Schumacher still has the fire Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug insists “the fire is burning” in Michael Schumacher despite another difficult season for him. Both the seven-time champion and the team have struggled for competitiveness this year, with the German car not proving quick enough to fight for podiums. Schumacher has scored just 32 points in 11 races, but has made it clear he has no plans to leave the sport before next year. Haug admitted Schumacher’s qualifying form has not been great this year, but says his race performances show how hungry he still is. “I think you could admit that in qualifying there is something missing, but his race performance this year, and I’m not speaking against Nico, but over the last five races the race pace was comparable, sometimes Michael is a bit quicker,” Haug told AUTOSPORT. “If you look at the overtaking statistics, Michael is leading, nobody has overtaken more than him. This is quite something, you could say. It’d be difficult for Vettel, starting at the front all the time. “I think you saw some very calculated braking moves from him in Canada and he is relaxed, and sometimes too ambi-
tious here and there. But he is very ambitious, not too ambitions, but he is ambitious and the fire is burning. Look in his eyes and you will see that.” The Mercedes boss also believes there is no real desire for Schumacher or Nico Rosberg to leave the team despite the failure to produce a winning race. “Not at all,” Haug said when asked if Mercedes was finding it hard to keep Schumacher and Rosberg. “We have a great relationship inside the team, the guys visit our factory and we know each other and tell each other no bu*****t.” He conceded no one in the team expected to have such a tough season. He added: “If we had told you at our presentation ‘well, wait and see, it’s gonna end the year with fourth place’, you would have said ‘come on, this is sandbagging or whatever. This cannot be true’. “So of course, we expected more, but can you be depressed afterwards? Of course you can, but we’re aware of telling ourselves fairy tales, so we’re working even harder, we have to have a disciplined approach to it, we have to take the right decisions, we need to understand the car... “So I do not make announcements or noises, but we are working very hard and this is just the medicine for us that makes us work more and even harder.”
AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
Mercedes Grand Prix driver Michael Schumacher of Germany competes during the qualifying session at the Hungaroring circuit outside Budapest, Saturday, July 30, 2011.