Edisi 21 Desember 2011 | International Bali Post

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Denpasar Festival to be held again

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16 Pages Number 4 4th Year Price: Rp 3.000,-

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

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Farmland defined as cultivated land for agricultural production purposes has now been getting narrower. It was a process of impoverishment to farmers.

FOTO ANTARA/Musyawir

9/11 drama ‘Extremely Loud’ hopes for a healing PAGE 12

Conversion of land function, a peasant impoverishment process Bali Post

DENPASAR - Farmland defined as cultivated land for agricultural production purposes has now been getting narrower. Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) of Bali Chapter, Prof. Nyoman Suparta, stated that every farmer could ideally cultivate 2 hectares of farmland. However, in reality they only cultivated 0.35 hectare. It was a process of impoverishment to farmers.

WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

24 - 33

JAKARTA

23 - 33

BANDUNG

22 - 31

YOGYAKARTA

23 - 32

SURABAYA

26 - 34

“On that account, they are called smallholder farmers. Such condition has an impact on the powerlessness and lack of seriousness of farmers in cultivating

their farmland. Now, the question arises, is there anything that can be made proud by farmers and will the food security continue?” said Prof. Suparta to Bali Post.

According to him, conversion of the farmland occurring during the decade of1997-2007 came to approximately 661 hectares or about 0.8 percent per year. Most

of the farmlands were converted to tourism facilities namely hotels, restaurants, villas, and building settlement, offices, industries and others. In addition, similar conversion had occurred in the area of moor and forestry plantations.

Such condition was kindled by structural policies and the shifting in socio-economic values resulting in necessity and compulsion among the farmers to sell their farmland.

Continued on page 6

Mediation trial for the Governor

Sudiantara: Mediator WU\ WR ‫ۋ‬QG SHDFH Bali Post

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DENPASAR -The mediation trial for the lawsuit of Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika to Bali Post was continued on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in Denpasar High Court. After the Governor was summoned on Monday, yesterday was the turn of Bali Post to attend the trial. Bali Post was represented by the chief editor of Bali Post, Nyoman Wirata accompanied by the lawyers I Nyoman Gde Sudiantara, S.H., Made Adhy Mustika, S.H., Nyoman Putra, S.H., dan Agus Sujoko, S.H. the trial which was led by John IBP/Eka Adhiyasa Bali Post Lawyer Sudiantara explained to the press about Piter Purba, S.H., M.H., started at 10 am and finished at 11.30 am.

Continued on page 6 the mediation process.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

International

Bali News

IBP/afp

The situation on one of the traditional market

2012, traditional market income targeted IDR 16 Billion Denpasar (Bali Post) –

Denpasar City Traditional Market (PD Pasar) have started to put a target for their income for the coming 2012. Looking to its success previously, it is predicted IDR 16 billion can be reached next year as stated by Director of the PD, Made Westra last Monday (19/12). “For that one of the efforts would be optimising the potential there is such as renting los and kiosks that hasn’t been rented which are many so for 2012 it has to be promoted so more income received,� Westra explained.

We s t r a i s o p t i m i s t i c about it as in 2011 its income have been more than targeted which was IDR 15,135,334,486. Moreover it was predicted it could go over additional IDR 800 million as by November 2011 the income has reached IDR 15.3 million. According to We s t r a t h e i n c o m e c a m e

from 6,500 sellers spreading at 13 markets in Denpasar with approximate target IDR 1.1 million per month. “But it could be less than that such as during religious days yet the most affective would be during Idul Fitri where most of our sellers who’s religions is Islam were homecoming,�

Westra explained. (par)

Badung disaster aid hard to get Mangupura (Bali Post) –

The liquefying of Badung’s Disaster Aid got its critics as many disasters did not get any aid reminding during year DQG DLGV KDYHQÂśW EHHQ OLTXHÂżHG PRUHRYHU the budget have expired as it stayed as Silpa (Budget Leftover) as stated by Badung House of Representatives Commission C member, I Putu Alit Yandinata, last Monday (19/12). Around IDR 3 billion post disaster aids in 2010 are still a leftover when actually many disasters that year got managed straight away. “It’s weird it is not used when actually many people that got affected have requested for help,â€? Yandinata commented.

Connecting to this, it seemed the connected institute especially during liquefying budget seemed really slow and if Government claimed the people are helped by social aid, Yandinata admitted it never happened. This statement was agreed by Head of Banjar Banjaran, Abiansemal Daun Yeh Cani Village, Abiansemal, Kadek Suarsawan, whi git his house burnt last 2010 and did not get the aid he hoped. The

government then responded will give help but funnily the help was essential needs to the seven families in Abiansemal. “We were given essential needs such as sugar, green beans and milk while the disaster aid fund for our house never came out until now,� Suarsawan complained.

Head of Regional Disaster Management Board for Badung, I Gusti Nyoman Adnyana, admitted the liquefying has been stuck as the mechanism involved many institutes such as Copyright Agency and Badung Secretariat Finance Section. It was explained after receiving the people’s report, Quick React Team of the Baord then checked and take data from location which then coordinated with Badung Copyright Agency who then research on the location’s damage also repair budget needed. This then reported to the Finance Section of the Secretariat yet this section is collective on some disasters and causing aid very slow to get out. For this it is hoped in the future the Board will make a formula so the liquefying will be quicker yet still as regulated. (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 2IÂżFH: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, )DFVLPLOH: 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, )DFVLPLOH: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Bali News

International

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

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/DQGVOLGHV DQG IDOOLQJ WUHHV RFFXU LQ *LDQ\DU Gianyar (Bali Post)—

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The ofďŹ cers are checking the condition of the gas stations in Singaraja

Alleged to have short-circuit

3HWURO VWDWLRQ RQ Jalan Gajah Mada DOPRVW RQ ‍ۋ‏UH Singaraja (Bali Post)—

3XEOLF UHIXHOLQJ VWDWLRQV QXPEHULQJ RQ -DODQ *DMDK 0DGD 6LQJDUDMD ZDV DOPRVW RQ ÂżUH 0RQGD\ 'HF 6SDUNV DSSHDUHG RQ WKH VWDWLRQ DUHD DW S P /RFDO 7LPH EXW OXFNLO\ WKH ÂżUH FRXOG EH LPPHGLDWHO\ H[WLQJXLVKHG VR WKH SHWURO VWDWLRQ FRXOG EH VDYHG IURP WKH ÂżUH Information on the scene last Monday said the incident happened very quickly. At that time, there was a displacement of Premium fuel from tank truck ZLWK OLFHQVH SODWH '. %9 into storage tank of the petrol station. When the transfer of fuel in progress, suddenly there was a fire splashed from behind the refrigerator which was not so far from the tank. Sparks had enlarged, but luckily helper of WKH WUXFN WDQN 1HQJDK 6XSDUWD 32, along with the officers of the petrol station could quickly put out the fire by using fire extinguisher. According to Suparta, the incident was very shocking and lasted no more than three minutes. Since it was helped by the petrol station officers, the fire could be extinguished before blowing up the storage tank.

The tank truck driver, I Wayan Silur, said it happened when the truck was indeed unloading the Premium fuel at the station.

When unloading the fuel for nearly 30 minutes, the truck was parked on the west side of the storage tank facing south. “At that time, I saw the fire growing up and was immediately told to move the truck. According to the truck helper, the hose originally installed had been withdrawn and closed,� said the driver from Bugbug Village, Karangasem.

According to Silur, the tank WUXFN ZDV FDUU\LQJ OLWHUV of Premium fuel. Before the flames appeared, it was estimated WKDW OLWHUV EHHQ FKDQQHOHG into the buried tank.

7KH ÂżUH ZDV DOOHJHG WR RULJLQDWH from the presence of electric short circuit in a refrigerator contain-

ing beverages. The police coming down to location directly conducted LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ DW VFHQH RQ WKH FDXVH RI WKH ÂżUH %XW XQWLO 0RQGD\ WKH police did not dare to conclude what FDXVHG WKH ÂżUH DW WKH SHWURO VWDWLRQ area. “We have not dared to conclude whether there was negligence in this incident. We still have to wait for the investigation conducted by the forensic laboratory team,â€? said Deputy Chief of Singaraja Police, I Gusti Arnata, who came down to location in person on Monday.

The case of petrol station almost burning on Jalan Gajah Mada actually happened for the second time. A similar case at the petrol station ever occurred DURXQG LQ $W WKDW WLPH WKH buried tank was just filled with Premium fuel but it brought out a fire. Fortunately, the fire could also be extinguished. NPE

Heavy rains for several days have made the soil conditions unstable.

This event was experienced by some areas in Gianyar Regency. Monday 'HF DW OHDVW WKUHH LQFLGHQWV occurred in Gianyar consisting of landslide at six points and falling trees.

The landslides and falling tree incident occurred at Sidan Village, Gianyar Subdistrict and BonjakaVillage, Tegallalang Subdistrict. Both incidents once made the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Gianyar Regency overwhelmed considering the limitations of existing equipment.

At Sidan Village, the landslide and falling trees occurred at Blahpane Kangin and Blahpane Kawan Hamlet. At Blahpane Kangin, a falling tree blocked the road access.

Similarly at Blahpane Kawan the falling tree occurred at six points obstructing the road access to Bukit Sari Hamlet.

The Head of the BPBD Gianyar,

Cokorda Pemayun Putra, said that such falling tree incidents were began with landslides. The land owned by residents was averagely located on the cliff. Land volatility had been resulting in some landslides DQG WKH JURZLQJ WUHHV XSURRWHG ³1R casualties or material loss incurred in those incidents,� he explained. Falling trees could be evacuated by the RI¿FHUV DIWHU FXWWLQJ WKRVH WUHHV 7ZR chainsaws along with the operators had been deployed to the scene.

Meanwhile, landslides at Bonjaka had covered up a part of the road body. In addition, the clump of bamboo also uprooted due to eroding land. As consequence, it disrupted WKH YHKLFOH WUDIÂżF +RZHYHU GXH WR restricted number of equipment and evacuating process under progress at Sidan, then it was made coordination with the Gianyar Sanitation and LandscapingAgency (DKP) to assist the evacuation at Bonjaka. Until Monday afternoon, all the incidents at location could have been handled, he explained. NPE

6PXJJOH NJ RI PHWK 6RXWK $IULFDQ ZRPDQ VXHG \HDUV Dauh Puri, DenPost

A South African woman, defenGDQW 1RPDNRULQWH &KULVWDEHOO 1\olukana, 46, caught to smuggle meth (methamphetamine) as much as over NJ ZDV RQ WULDO LQ WKH 'HQSDVDU 'LVWULFW &RXUW RQ 0RQGD\ 'HF

6KH ZDV VXHG \HDUV LPSULVRQPHQW DQG ÂżQHG ZRUWK ,'5 ELOOLRQ ZLWK subsidiary punishment of six months in prison by the public prosecutor I Putu Gede Astawa.

In his injunction, the prosecutor stated the defendant was judged JXLOW\ RI LPSRUWLQJ ÂżUVW FODVV QDUFRWLFV RI PHWK DV VWLSXODWHG LQ DUWLFOH SDUDJUDSK RI WKH $FW 1R RQ 1DUFRWLFV :LWK WKLV LQMXQFWLRQ the defendant was automatically released from death penalty. To prove the guilt of defendant, the prosecutor also revealed a number of evidences given by witnesses and evidences of the defendant were assessed corresponding to each other. Among the evidences, it was given by the ZLWQHVV RI WKH FXVWRPV RIÂżFHUV ZKR arrested the defendant shortly after getting off the plane.

Based on evidences of the witness, it was known that defendant had been arrested earlier on Saturday, September 3 at the airport arrival terminal after the defendant got down from the Qatar Airways ZLWK ÀLJKW QXPEHU RI 'RKD Singapore-Denpasar route.After the RI¿FHUV DUUHVWHG WKH GHIHQGDQW WKH\ found a white plastic bag containing PHWK ZHLJKLQJ JUDPV VWRUHG LQ the defendant’s pants pocket. In addition, they also found other packs

FRQWDLQLQJ JUDPV DQG JUDPV of meth kept by the defendant in a pink bra. Therefore, the total weight of narcotics carried by the defendant DPRXQWHG WR PRUH WKDQ NJ “Christabell working as domestic VHUYDQW ZDV ÂżQDOO\ VXEPLWWHG E\ WKH &XVWRPV RIÂżFHUV WR %DOL 3ROLFH 7R SROLFH RIÂżFHUV &KULVWDEHOO DGPLWWHG if her return to Bali would be picked up by her friend with initials RAR (in VHSDUDWH ÂżOHV ZKR LV DOVR D 6RXWK African woman,â€? said the prosecutor before the panel of judges led by Jhon Tony Hutauruk.

5$5 FRXOG ÂżQDOO\ EH DUUHVWHG E\ WKH RIÂżFHUV LQ WKH +RWHO 3XUL %XQJD Kuta, Badung Regency. From the hands of RAR, police also found evidence in the form 4.06 grams of meth. Evidence of witness was also MXVWLÂżHG E\ WKH GHIHQGDQW :KHQ examined in the trial, the defendant also confessed all her actions. With these facts, the prosecutor claimed WR KDYH QRW IRXQG D MXVWLÂżFDWLRQ RU forgiveness that could eliminate the guilt of the defendant so the defendant should be punished accordingly.

Hearing those sues, lawyer of WKH GHIHQGDQW , 1\RPDQ )HU\ RQO\ ÂżOHG D YHUEDO SOHD WKDW HVVHQWLDOO\ requested in order the judges could sentence her as light as possible.

However, such advocacy made the defendant disappointed. She considered her lawyer had not done maximal advocacy for her. The trial of the defendant will be resumed next week with the agenda of hearing the judge’s decision. (108)

4

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

News

International

Obama criticizes Venezuela’s ties to Iran, Cuba Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Barack Obama criticized Venezuela’s human rights record and its ties to Iran and Cuba, telling a Venezuelan newspaper in comments published Monday that he is concerned about threats to democracy in the country.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez responded several hours later, calling Obama “a clown” for raising concerns and telling the U.S. president not to meddle in Venezuela’s domestic affairs.

“Mr. Obama came out, attacking us, but that’s not out of the ordinary for us,” Chavez said, speaking on state television.

“Obama, take care of your own business, focus on governing your country, which you’ve turned into a disaster,” Chavez added. “Leave us alone.”

While Chavez has long feuded with Washington, Obama’s re-

marks published by the newspaper El Universal were some of his most critical to date.

“We’re concerned about the government’s actions, which have restricted the universal rights of the Venezuelan people, threatened basic democratic values and failed to contribute to the security in the region,” Obama said in written responses to questions from the newspaper.

“In Venezuela, we have been deeply concerned to see action taken to restrict the freedom of the press, and to erode the separation of powers that is necessary for democracy to thrive,” Obama said.

“In all countries of the region, we want to see elections that are free and fair.”

Chavez has repeatedly accused the U.S. of trying to meddle in Venezuela’s affairs and even to overthrow him. He is up for reelection in October, seeking to extend his 13-year presidency.

AP Photo/Andy Wong

Chinese people bow in front of a photo of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il surrounded with condolence wreaths at the North Korean custom office in Dandong, China, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Mystery surrounds son set to succeed Kim Jong Il Associated Press Writer

PYONGYANG, North Korea — With the sudden death of his father, Kim Jong Un went from being North Korea’s “Respected General” to “Great Successor” — a heady and uncertain promotion for a young man virtually unknown even to the North Korean people just a year ago.

AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky, File

FILE - U.S. President Barack Obama, left, meets former Czech President Vaclav Havel, during a summit between the United States and the 27-member European Union in Prague, Czech Republic, in this April 5, 2009 file photo.

Word of Kim Jong Il’s death, announced Monday two days after he suffered a fatal heart attack, thrusts his 20-something son in the spotlight as the future head of a nation grappling with difficult nuclear negotiations and chronic food shortages.

Within hours of breaking the news of his father’s death, state media urged the nation’s people to rally around Kim Jong Un and to “faithfully revere” their next leader.

The son has not appeared publicly since the announcement of his father’s death.

The death speeds up a succession process that began in earnest a little more than a year ago — scant time to gain experience, build political clout and allay skepticism at home and abroad that he can lead a nation of 24 million. His father, by contrast, had 20 years of grooming before his father, North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, passed away

in 1994.

News of Kim’s death shocked a nation largely kept in the dark about their leader’s health even after he suffered a stroke in 2008. Abroad, there was widespread speculation throughout 2009 about who would succeed the iron-fisted ruler.

Kim Jong Un’s emergence in September 2010 as the anointed successor settled the question of which of Kim Jong Il’s three known sons was chosen as the third-generation leader in a family dynasty that has ruled since North Korea’s postWorld War II inception in 1948.

And his status as his father’s anointed successor has become clear over the course of the past year.

Jeered in Moscow, Putin seen as hero in province Reuters

KYZYL, Russia - Vladimir Putin, faced with mass protests in large cities, has received a hero’s welcome in the remote Russian region of Tyva where he campaigned to mobilize his core supporters ahead of the presidential election in March 2012.

Tens of thousands of people have protested this month in Moscow and other cities against alleged fraud in the December 4 parliamentary election.

Many directed their anger at Putin, who has ruled Russia since 2000.

In Tyva, a region on the border with Mongolia five hours by

air from Moscow, the mood on Monday was different. Hundreds of locals, many wearing colorful local hats and overcoats, braved temperatures well below freezing to catch a glimpse of Putin.

“Putin is our leader, it is so good he could make it here,” said Eres Khuruk, adding that he had waited in the cold in the barren steppe for two hours with his wife to shake Putin’s hand and watch the ceremony of a railroad construction launch.

Putin hammered a golden spike at a spot outside the capital Kyzyl to mark the start of construction of Tyva’s first railroad which will link

the region, known for its wildlife and natural resources, to the TransSiberian Railway.

Workers and local residents rushed to Putin when he finished, trying to shake his hand, shouting “Vladimir Vladimirovich” and taking pictures. Putin looked confused as he moved through the exhilarated crowd.

“You should not wash your hands now,” one worker told a female colleague who has just shaken Putin’s hand and was smiling happily.

“I managed to hold his hand for the whole of 10 seconds,” another worker said.

REUTERS/Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Pool

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gestures during a televised questions and answers session in Moscow December 15, 2011.

International

Activities

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

5

estin Hotels and Resort

Hold Wellness Program for 25,000 associates IBP

Westin Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of a global, brand-wide Associate Enrichment Program that will introduce the brand’s “Elements of Well Being Platform” to its associates around the world through key touch points. Borrowing from the brand’s signature guest experiences, Westin will now make available special programs for associates designed to inspire healthy choices and overall well-being both in and out of the workplace.

The three main components of the enrichment program, SuperFoodsRx™, WestinWORKOUT® and Breathe Westin®, will be extended into property’s back-of-the-house and a designated “Well Ambassador” at the hotel will be charged with overseeing all aspects of the

program. Expanding on Westin’s recent partnership with New Balance, housekeepers at select properties will also receive New Balance athletic shoes to wear during their shifts.

The Associate Enrichment Prog ram will roll out to more than 25,000 associates at 181 Westin properties worldwide throughout 2011.

“Westin’s entire brand positioning stems from our mission of helping our guests better themselves and now we are going to do the same for the people who bring our brand promise to life everyday – our family of Westin associates,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “We want our associates around the world to experience our philosophies firsthand which will help them better bring the Westin brand promise to life for our guests.”

Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for December 3 through 28, 2011 3 Dec Tumpek Landep Pasek Gelgel Temple Pedungan Denpasar Selatan Agung Pasek Temple Tangun Titi kaler Tabanan Agung Pasek Temple Silamadeg Tabanan Pasek Tangkas Temple Kediri Tabanan Kerta Temple Banyuning Barat Buleleng Dalem Tenggaling Temple Sengguan Singapadu Kawitan Arya Wang Bang Pinatih Peguyangan Singaraja Bhujangga Weisnawa Tegalcangkring Jembrana Taman Desa Temple Bubunan Seririt Buleleng Penataran Pande Batur Jati Banjar Pandean Mengwi Dalem Pingit Temple Taro Kaje Tegalalang dadia Pasek Gelgel Gobleg Desa Selat Sukasada Buleleng Batur Arya Warih Kepaon Cengolo Sudimara Tabanan Ida ratu Pande Temple Besakih Mr. Pasek Temple Toh Jiwa Tangungtiti Penataran Pande Temple Kusamba Klungkung Penataran Agung Pinatih Tulikup Gianyar 4 Dec Redite Umanis Ukir Sangah Gede Dukuh Segening Tegal Tugu Gianyar 7 Dec Buda Wage Uki Pasar Agung Temple Besakih Pasek Bendesa Pasar Badung Legian Kuta Gede Gunung Agung Dukuh Munggu Badung Hyang Agung Ibuwanasari Tegal Puseh/ Desa Temple Bebalang Bangli Dalem Temple Perancak Badung Pasek Bendesa Hyang Selat Kerobokan Badung Kekeran Langit Sading Mengwi 10 Dec Purnama Kenam Kiduling Kereteg Besakih Lingsar Temple Lombok Bebengan Tanjung Lombok Pasek Gelgel Kekeran Mengwi Dalem Putra Belingkang Benawah Gianyar Prajapati Temple Balikpapan

13 Dec Anggar Kasih Kulantir Penataran Tangkas Sukawati Dalem Lagan Temple Bebalang Bangli Puseh Lembeng Ketewel Sukawati Pasek Gelgel Penulisan Kerambitan Tabanan Gaduh Temple Sanding Dalem Gandamayu Klungkung Sanghyang Tegal Banjar Taro Kaja Tegalalang 14 Dec Buda Umanis Kulantir Pasek Tangkas Temple kaler Tabanan Gaduh Benoh Temple Ubung Denpasar 18 Dec Redite Keliwon Tolu Dalem Alas Harum Kaba-kaba Kediri Tabanan.

19 Dec Soma Umanis Tolu Puseh/Balai Agung Ubung Kupang Penebel Tabanan Kawitan Sakula Gotra Tegal Kepuh Kaba-kaba Kediri Tabanan Bhujangga Rsi-Tambak Bayuh Paibon Tangkas Kori Agung Lembongan Nusa Penida Batu Madeg Temple Besakih Penataran Agung Penatih Banjar Saba Penatih 21 Dec Buda Pon Tolu Catur, Buwana Sanding Tampaksiring 22 Dec Wraspati Wage Tolu Peninjoan Temple Besakih 28 Dec Buda Keliwon Gumbreg Pasek Gelgel Kukuh Marga Tabanan Pasek Gelgel Dukuh Selemadeg Tabanan Puseh/ Desa Guwang Sukawati Merajan Pasek Ketewel Ketewel Merajan Pangeran Tangkas Kuro Agung Jeroan Sading Dalem Setra Batu Nunggul Swana Nusa Penida

Balinese Temple Ceremony EVERY Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

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

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

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

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

6

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

News

Former Miss Venezuela dies of breast cancer at 28 Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela — Former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall, whose struggle with breast cancer was closely followed by Venezuelans, has died at age 28. Her family said Ekvall died Saturday at a hospital in Houston. Ekvall was crowned Miss Venezuela at age 17 in 2000, and the following year she was third runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She went on to work as a model, actress and television news anchor.

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From page 1

AP Photo/Tomas van Houtryve, File

FILE - In this May 11, 2001 file photo, Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall stands with other contestants, unseen, as they wait for the announcement of the winner of Miss Universe in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

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International

Indonesia Today

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

7

BI, AGO, police sign MoU to handle banking crimes Antara

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s central bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the police and the attorney general`s office here on Monday to deal with banking crimes.

FOTO ANTARA/Fanny Octavianus

Bank Indonesia Governor Darmin Nasution (middle) signed the agreement on coordination in bank crimes handling with National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo and Attorney General Basrief Arief (left) at the BI headquarters.

Capital spending to be focused on infrastructure Antara

JAKARTA - A finance ministry official said government capital spending in 2012 would be directed mostly for basic infrastructure development projects.

“Especially infrastructure projects of the ministry of public works such as road, bridge, irrigation network, airport and seaport development projects,” the director general of budget affairs, Herry Purnomo, said here on Monday.

He said allocation of capital spending would also be done to eradicate obstacles and improve domestic connectivity.

“It also includes projects in the MP3EI, projects financed by the government to increase inter-regional connectivity,” he said.

He said the capital spending would also be aimed at improving the capability of national defense with regard to building a national defense system and supporting funding for multi-year activities.

Other targets include increasing the capacity

of mitigation and adaptation to the negative impact of climate change and readiness for dealing with natural disasters, he said.

The allocation of capital spending in the 2012 budget is expected to reach Rp168.1 trillion or 2.1 percent of the country`s gross domestic product, he said.

The total is an increase of Rp27.2 trillion or 19.3 percent from this year which was set at Rp141 trillion or 2.0 percent of the GDP. Until December 1, 2011 however capital spending had reached only 51.3 percent or Rp72.3 trillion.

Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo has ordered ministries to increase their quality of planning and budgeting as well as competency in absorbing capital so that they would not be easily involved in conflict of interests.

“Our challenge is increasing competency because the volume of capital is increasing.

Carelessness could make officials involved in a conflict of interest be used,” he said.

Bank Indonesia Governor Darmin Nasution signed the agreement on coordination in bank crimes handling with National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo and Attorney General Basrief Arief at the BI headquarters.

Timur Pradopo said the MOU was the continuation of the joint agreement signed by the three offices in 2004.

“This shows continuity in and our commitment to coordination and synergy with regard to dealing with and eradicating banking crimes,” he said.

He said the cooperation that has lasted for the past seven years has been fruitful referring to the handling of the Century Bank case so far. He said the cooperation in information exchange would be more effective in the future.

He said alertness must be increased due to methods of crimes that have developed in line with technological progress that affect banking products.

“As a consequence, regulations have to be changed to cover loopholes for banking crimes,” he said.

He hoped the cooperation could overcome various normative regu-

lations in banks and make early detection able to be done.

Attorney General Basrief Arief meanwhile hoped the agreement could harmonize coordination and balance actions to assure quick and thorough law enforcement.

“Optimizing repressive law enforcement will safeguard public confidence,” he said.

He said the cooperation agreement would promote the role of banks in competition as well as protect the people from banking crimes.

Darmin said the cooperation agreement would protect banks more strongly from banking criminals especially with regard to increasingly complex banking services and products.

“This requires coordination with authorities outside BI such as the police and the attorney general office as well as the deposit insurance agency (LPS), the financial transactions and analysis reporting center (PPATK) and the Financial Institution and Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam LK) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

A quick response is needed to prevent unrest and state losses,” he said.

Indonesia to host world stamps exhibition Antara

JAKARTA - Indonesia will host a World Stamps Championship and Exhibition from June 18-24, 2012 at the Jakarta Convention Center, Indonesian Philatelists Association Chairman Lt Gen (Ret) R Soeyono said on Monday.

“The World Stamps Championship and Exhibition 2012 will be participated in by philatelists from 70 world philately federations and more than 100 stamp dealers all over the world,” Soeyono said.

He said 65 philately federations from Asia Pacific countries namely China, Japan, Australia, Britain, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, and Congo have confirmed their par-

ticipation in the stamps championship and exhibition in Indonesia.

Indonesia has hosted four similar events, namely Indopex 93 in Surabaya, East Java; Jakarta 95 in Jakarta; Indonesia 96 in Bandung, West Java; and Jakarta 2008 in Jakarta.

Themed “Bridging To The World Of Peace Through Stamps” the event was intended to step up the world`s philatelists friendship, to create world peace, and to advance philately in various aspects. “”The World Stamps Championship and Exhibition 2012 will be conducted to observe the 485th anniversary of Jakarta, the 67th anniversary of the state philosophy of Pancasila, and to hail the 67th anniversary of Indonesian independence day,” he said.

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International

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Bali Today Denpasar Festival to be held again Antara

'(13$6$5 'HQSDVDUÂśV 7RXULVP 2IÂżFH LV WR RUJDQL]H LWV DQQXDO 'HQSDVDU )HVWLYDO QH[W 'HFHPEHU WR ZHOFRPH WKH QHZ \HDU WKH RIÂżFHÂśV KHDG 3XWX %XGLDVD VDLG “This year’s Denpasar festival will focus on more creative packaging to avoid monotony in the annual event. That event to be held in front of government offices Denpasar,â€? Putu said here Monday.

Last year’s festival presented local culture and superior products for tourists but this year Denpasar Festival to be held again this year on December 28 until 31, 2011. This event is held annualy by Denpasar’s Tourism OfďŹ ce.

each of the festival’s participants would allowed greater freedom to exercise their own creativity, he said. “This year’s Denpasar Festival is themed ‘Ranah Bertabur Kreasi’ (Creation-studded Realm) to reflect Bali’s heroic ‘Baris’ spirit,� he said.

Putu said the event would still show diverse expressions of art, culture, creativity, technology, culinary, trade and industry in accordance with its theme.

The Baris spirit was closely related to the diverse cultural values and creativity, such as the values of struggle, dignity and heroism in a broad sense.

FOTO: FESTIVAL.JPG

SAR stock runs out

Dog bitten patient forced to go home Bali Post

DENPASAR - Since suffering from a dog bite on forehead, Purnawijaya, 7, a resident from Abian Base, Kapal was referred to Sanglah Hospital to get Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR).

According to his mother, her son was bitten by neighbor’s dog on forehead. “Playmate of my son who happens to be next door neighbor accidentally treaded on the dog’s tail. As startled, the dog bit my son who happened to be in front of the dog,� she said when met in Sanglah Hospital.

Although it was a small bite, because the biting dog was said to have been sick for two weeks, Purnawijaya was immediately rushed to Kapal Hospital. In the hospital, he got treatment for the wound and Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR). Since his wound was on high risk location, Purnawijaya was then referred to Sanglah Hospital to get Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR).

Arriving in Sanglah Hospital, in fact the SAR stock was empty and this condition had occurred for the past two months. Since the SAR stock was vacant in Sanglah Hospital, Purnawijaya was forced to return home.

Secretary of the Rabies Countermeasure Team of Sanglah Hospital, Ken Wirasandhi, when contacted on Monday (Dec 19) admitted that

SAR stock was empty. Such condition did not only happen in Bali but also throughout Indonesia. “SAR is imported directly from France and the stock is currently empty not only in Bali but across Indonesia,� said Ken. Ken continued that SAR administration was recommended for patients bitten by dogs with requirement where location of the bite was on high risk areas, in this case on the shoulder and upper parts until being close to the head. “Additionally, it is also seen from the size of wounds,� said Ken. For high-risk cases, the SAR was provided at free of charge by government.

Unavailability of SAR occurred currently, according to Ken, because the distributor did not dare to stock SAR in large quantities. “It is very expensive and quickly expires. Besides, its usage is also very little so distributor does not dare to stock much,� said Ken.An ampoule of SAR was approximately worth IDR 1.2 million. In the administration, a patient bitten by a dog would get 3 ampoules of SAR which meant it had spent IDR 3.6 million. “When the SAR inventory is empty, the step to be taken is to monitor the bite case. Patient should get VAR timely and condition of the biting dog should continue to be evaluated,� added Ken. (san)

Mayadanawa: Feeling Superiority Results in Destruction 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 reorganize 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 DW WHPSOHV JDUGHQ ULFH ÂżHOG DQG VR 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 DJDLQVW PDQ\ FDUV DIÂż[HG ZLWK \RXQJ coconut paraphernalia.

Hopefully, the festivity does not FRPH WR DQ HQG DW WKH YLEUDQW ÂżHVWD 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

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Balinese Culture Wajik (Rice Flour Cake with Palm Sugar) 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.

Another 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 to cool 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 AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati

Bengal tiger cubs, both born on Oct. 31, sit at a Bali zoo in Gianyar, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011.

Min ed 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)

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Destinations

International

Taman Ayun Temple IBP

Taman Ayun Temple is a Royal Temple of Mengwi Empire and it is located in Mengwi Village, Mengwi sub district, Badung regency and about 18 Km north side of Denpasar town. It is strategically located beside of major roadway between Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set on the land which is surrounded by the big ďŹ sh pond and look like a drift on the water.

It owns the beautiful temple building with multistoried roof and Balinese Architecture. The wide beautiful landscape garden in front courtyard to welcome all visitors who come and visit this temple. It is a beautiful place to visit on your vacation in Bali.

Pursuant to Papyrus Chronicle of the Mengwi (Lontar Babad Mengwi), the temple which is now referred by Taman Ayun Temple that it had been newly sanctiďŹ ed in the year 1634 M and it is named with Taman Ahyun Temple. The word of Ahyun is coming from from the root word Hyun meaning a

temple is founded in the park (pool with the beautiful garden) which can fulfill the desire. The word Ahyun is then changed into Ayun word. Taman Ayun Temple is one of Hindu Temples in Bali become tourist destination which has been visited by many tourists from local and foreign. This temple is usually visited by tourist once having a set tour to Tanah Lot Temple due to this temple is the same route of the Tanah Lot Temple Tour.

The function of Taman Ayun Temple is a place to pray the god in their manifestation. It is according to the content of Babad Mengwi and the existence of temple building structure, especially the temple that is located in third area (Jeroan). According to Astadewata, the special God is worshiped in Taman Ayun Temple is the God in manifestation as a Wisnu God which his palace located in top of Mangu mount. In papyrus of Usana Bali mentioning that one of Dewa Catur Lokapalas carry through its worship is Meru

Pucak Pangelengan that is a temple building with 9 multistoried roofs.

Pitara God is a holy soul deity of ancestor who is also referred as the other names of Hyang Pitara or Dewa Hyang. Pitara God is obliged to be worshiped by clan heir (Prati Sentana) in the form of temple

ceremony which the same meaning as by the ceremony to the god.

The worshiping existence to Pitara God in Taman Ayun Temple can be searched and proved by pursuant to the existence of temple building which lay in by consecution in east which is called Paibon that is rep-

resenting Special Temple. Taman Ayun Temple in capacities or its status as special altar for the King family of Mengwi Palace or as a Merajan Agung from Mengwi King Families specially for the founder of Mengwi Empire that is I Gusti Agung Putu.

International

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

11

BUSINESS Euro zone IMF loan target in danger as UK declines help Reuters

BRUSSELS/LONDON - Euro zone ministers agreed on Monday to boost IMF resources by 150 billion euros to ward off the debt crisis and won support for more money from EU allies, but it was unclear if the bloc would reach its 200 billion euro target after Britain bowed out. )ROORZLQJ D WKUHH KRXU FRQIHUHQFH FDOO (XURSHDQ 8QLRQ ¿QDQFH PLQLVWHUV VDLG FXUUHQF\ ]RQH RXWVLGHUV WKH &]HFK 5HSXEOLF 'HQPDUN 3RODQG DQG 6ZHGHQ ZRXOG DOVR JUDQW ORDQV WR WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 0RQHWDU\ )XQG WR KHOS VDYH WKH QDWLRQ ]RQH %XW WKH (8 VDLG WKRVH OHQGHUV PXVW ¿UVW ZLQ SDUOLDPHQWDU\ DSSURYDO ZKLOH %ULWDLQ PDGH LW FOHDU LW ZRXOG QRW SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH SODQ 7KDW OHDYHV WKH HXUR ]RQH PRUH UHOLDQW WKDQ HYHU RQ PDMRU HFRQRPLHV VXFK &KLQD DQG RQ 5XVVLD ZKLFK KDV VKRZQ ZLOOLQJQHVV WR OHQG PRUH WR WKH ,0) 7KH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV IRU LWV SDUW LV FRQFHUQHG DERXW WKH OHQGHU¶V H[SRVXUH WR WKH HXUR ]RQH Ministers had set an informal GHDGOLQH RI 0RQGD\ WR DUULYH DW WKH ELOOLRQ ¿JXUH ZKLFK ZDV DJUHHG E\ (8 OHDGHUV DW D VXPPLW RQ 'HFHPEHU DQG XUJHG RWKHU QDWLRQV WR WDNH SDUW ³(XUR DUHD PHPEHU VWDWHV ZLOO SURYLGH ELOOLRQ HXURV RI DGGLWLRQDO UHVRXUFHV WKURXJK ELODWHUDO ORDQV WR WKH IXQG¶V JHQHUDO UHVRXUFHV DFFRXQW ´ WKH (8 ¿QDQFH PLQLVWHUV VDLG LQ D MRLQW VWDWHPHQW DIWHU WKHLU FDOO ³7KH (8 ZRXOG ZHOFRPH * members and other financially VWURQJ ,0) PHPEHUV WR VXSSRUW WKH HIIRUWV WR VDIHJXDUG JOREDO ¿QDQFLDO VWDELOLW\ E\ FRQWULEXWLQJ WR WKH LQFUHDVH LQ ,0) UHVRXUFHV ´ WKH VWDWHPHQW VDLG %ULWLVK 7UHDVXU\ VRXUFHV VDLG Britain had decided not to contribXWH WR DQ LQFUHDVH ,0) UHVRXUFHV ³:H ZHUH FOHDU WKDW ZH ZRXOG QRW EH PDNLQJ D FRQWULEXWLRQ ´ RQH 7UHDVXU\ VRXUFH VDLG ZKLOH another added that there was “no DJUHHPHQW RQ WKH ELOOLRQ´ HXUR IXQGLQJ ERRVW 7KH (8 ZDV PRUH GLSORPDWLF KRZHYHU VD\LQJ LQ LWV VWDWHPHQW WKDW /RQGRQ ZRXOG WDNH D GHFLVLRQ RQ WKH LVVXH HDUO\ LQ WKH QHZ \HDU LQ WKH IUDPHZRUN RI WKH *URXS RI

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Bank of America shares close below $5 Reuters

WASHINGTON - Bank of America Corp shares closed below RQ 0RQGD\ IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH VLQFH 0DUFK DPLG FRQWLQXHG FRQFHUQ DERXW LWV QHHG WR EXLOG FDSLWDO 7KH VWRFN FORVHG DW GRZQ SHUFHQW DIWHU GURSSLQJ DV ORZ DV 7KH VKDUHV KDYH QRW FORVHG EHORZ VLQFH 0DUFK ,Q UHFHQW PRQWKV WKH VKDUHV RI ¿QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV KDYH GHFOLQHG RQ ZRUULHV DERXW WKH JOREDO HFRQRP\ DQG SRVVLEOH H[SRVXUH WR VRYHUHLJQ GHIDXOWV LQ (XURSH ³,W¶V PRUH RI WKH VDPH ´ VDLG -RH *RUGRQ PDQDJLQJ SDUWQHU DW 1RUWK &DUROLQD EDVHG *RUGRQ $VVHW 0DQDJHPHQW ZKLFK PDQDJHV DERXW PLOOLRQ IRU LQYHVWRUV ³7KH QHZV NHHSV JHWWLQJ PRUH VREHULQJ ´ %DQN RI $PHULFD LQ SDUWLFXODU IDFHV FRQFHUQV DERXW ZKHWKHU LW KDV HQRXJK FDSLWDO WR DEVRUE PRUWJDJH UHODWHG ORVVHV DQG PHHW QHZ LQWHUQDWLRQDO VWDQGDUGV 7KH )HGHUDO 5HVHUYH LV H[SHFWHG WR UHOHDVH D SURSRVDO WKLV ZHHN IRU KRZ LW ZLOO RYHUVHH WKH ODUJHVW 8 6 EDQNV D SHUVRQ IDPLOLDU ZLWK WKH PDWWHU WROG 5HXWHUV 7KH SURSRVDO ZLOO LQFOXGH QHZ FDSLWDO DQG OLTXLGLW\ UHTXLUHPHQWV :KHQ WKH EDQN¶V VKDUHV ZHUH ODVW EHORZ LQ 0DUFK WKH\ ZHUH RQ WKHLU ZD\ XS IURP D ¿QDQFLDO FULVLV ORZ RI HDUOLHU LQ WKH PRQWK 7KH EDQN¶V VKDUHV KDYH IDOOHQ DERXW SHUFHQW LQ FRPSDUHG ZLWK D SHUFHQW GURS LQ WKH .%: %DQN ,QGH[ %DQN RI $PHULFD QRZ KDV D PDUNHW FDSLWDOL]DWLRQ VOLJKWO\ DERYH ELOOLRQ PDNLQJ LW OHVV YDOXDEOH WKDQ $PJHQ ,QF RU $PHULFDQ ([SUHVV &R DQG RQO\ D OLWWOH PRUH WKDQ &96 &DUHPDUN &RUS ,QYHVWRUV DUH ZRUULHG DERXW VWHHSHU FDSLWDO UHTXLUHPHQWV EHFDXVH WKDW ZLOO PHDQ EDQNV ZLOO KDYH OHVV FDSLWDO IRU ORDQV VDLG *DU\ 7RZQVHQG FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RI 0DU\ODQG EDVHG +LOO 7RZQVHQG &DSLWDO ZKLFK LQYHVWV LQ ¿QDQFLDO VWRFNV ³:H KDYH D IUDJLOH ¿QDQFLDO V\VWHP HVSHFLDOO\ LQ (XURSH DQG ZH FRQWLQXH WR WUHDW RXU ¿QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV URXJKO\ ´ KH VDLG &RQVLGHULQJ %DQN RI $PHULFD¶V WDQJLEOH ERRN YDOXH SHU VKDUH LV WKH VWRFN PD\ EH RYHUVROG DQG FRXOG UHERXQG 7RZQVHQG VDLG %XW *RUGRQ RI *RUGRQ $VVHW 0DQDJHPHQW VDLG PDQ\ LQYHVWRUV DUH XQFHUWDLQ DERXW WKH WUXH YDOXH RI EDQN¶V DVVHWV EHFDXVH RI XQFHUWDLQW\ DERXW UHDO HVWDWH SULFHV 'HVSLWH WKH IDOO LQ WKH VKDUH SULFH %RE :HLVVH GLUHFWRU RI UHVHDUFK DW +HULWDJH )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV ,QF VDLG KH LV QRW VHOOLQJ RXW RI WKH IXQGV KH RZQV WKDW KDYH ODUJH KROGLQJV LQ %DQN RI $PHULFD 6SHFL¿FDOO\ PLOOLRQ RI +HULWDJH¶V PLOOLRQ LQ DVVHWV XQGHU PDQDJHPHQW LV LQYHVWHG LQ %UXFH %HUNRZLW]¶V )DLUKROPH )XQGV ,QF ZKLFK KDV SHUFHQW RI LWV IXQG LQ %DQN RI $PHULFD LWV ¿IWK ODUJHVW KROGLQJ ³,W¶V DQ XQFRPIRUWDEOH KROGLQJ LQ WKH QHDU WHUP EXW , GR WKLQN ORRNLQJ RXW ¿YH \HDUV IURP QRZ WKH VWRFN ZLOO EH PXFK KLJKHU ´ :HLVVH VDLG ³,W¶V MXVW D WRXJK PDUNHW ULJKW QRZ ´ %UXFH %HUNRZLW] GHFOLQHG WR FRPPHQW DERXW %DQN RI $PHULFD¶V VWRFN VOLGH 6RPH PXWXDO IXQGV PD\ KDYH FKDUWHUV WKDW UHVWULFW KROGLQJ VWRFNV EHORZ EXW WKH H[WHQW RI VXFK FKDUWHUV PD\ QRW EH VLJQL¿FDQW HQRXJK WR EH D KXJH PDUNHW IDFWRU :KHQ %DQN RI $PHULFD¶V VKDUHV ZHUH VWUXJJOLQJ LQ $XJXVW :DUUHQ %XIIHWW¶V %HUNVKLUH +DWKDZD\ ,QF SXUFKDVHG ELOOLRQ RI WKH EDQN¶V SUHIHUUHG VKDUHV SURYLGLQJ D PXFK QHHGHG ERRVW LQ FRQ¿GHQFH LQ WKH FRPSDQ\ :KHQ WKH LQYHVWPHQW EHFDPH SXEOLF RQ $XJXVW WKH VKDUHV MXPSHG PRUH WKDQ SHUFHQW WR 6LQFH WKHQ WKH VWRFN KDV PRVWO\ VDJJHG %XIIHWW¶V LQYHVWPHQW DOVR LQFOXGHG WKH ULJKW WR EX\ PLOOLRQ VKDUHV RI %DQN RI $PHULFD¶V FRPPRQ VWRFN DW SHU VKDUH EXW WKRVH ZDUUDQWV DUH FXUUHQWO\ XQGHU ZDWHU %DQN RI $PHULFD FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RI¿FHU %ULDQ 0R\QLKDQ ZDV SDUW RI D SDQHO GLVFXVVLRQ RQ WKH HFRQRP\ RQ 0RQGD\ LQ &KDUORWWH 1RUWK &DUROLQD EXW GLG QRW DGGUHVV KLV EDQN¶V VWRFN SULFH ,Q KLV UHPDUNV KH VDLG WKH EDQN¶V FXVWRPHUV KDYH VKRZQ ³PRGHVWO\ HQFRXUDJLQJ´ VLJQV WKLV PRQWK VSHQGLQJ SHUFHQW PRUH VR IDU LQ 'HFHPEHU WKDQ LQ WKH VDPH SHULRG ODVW \HDU 7KH EDQN H[SHFWV 8 6 JURVV GRPHVWLF SURGXFW JURZWK LQ RI SHUFHQW KH VDLG

12

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Entertainment

International

9/11 drama ‘Extremely Loud’ hopes for a healing Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — Emotions run high in “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” the boldest cinematic tackling of Sept. 11 yet. It’s a project fraught with obvious peril, with pitfalls of sentimentality, exploitation or, simply, audience reluctance.

The source material, Jonathan Safran Foer’s 2005 book, is far from normal Hollywood stuff.

One of the first novels to take up the tragedy, it’s inherently literary and experimental in its fractured storytelling, occasionally drifting by with just a few words on a page.

But the film, directed by Stephen Daldry(“The Hours,” ‘’The Reader”) has opted to go for the jugular: to dive straight into grief and loss; to face the stark images of that day, and, hopefully, to emerge on the other side with healing and release. “Some people might find the wound too big and that they can’t go there — and they shouldn’t go there,” says Daldry. “Some people will find it cathartic. I had to follow my own instincts on it.”

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is about an uncommonly bright 11-year-old boy, possibly with Asperger syndrome, named Oskar (Thomas Horn). A year after losing his father (Tom Hanks) on what he only calls “the worst day,” Oskar tries to keep his memory of his father alive by searching across New York City for the lock of a mysterious key. His mother (Sandra Bullock) is seemingly left out of his search, but joining him is his grandmother’s tenant and very

possibly his grandfather (Max von Sydow), a speechless and mysterious old man.

Oskar’s journey leads him irrevocably back to “the worst day,” which, in flashbacks, is seen in the minute detail of everyday life, in heartbreaking phone calls from his father and in the most searing visuals. Depicted is the full panorama of the smoking towers in a perfect blue sky, and, in nightmare recollection, people plummeting to the ground. “There was a big discussion in my own head about, ‘Do I really want to see the twin towers at all?’” says Daldry. “There was a choice about, ‘Do I want to see what happened to Tom Hanks?’ I went, ‘I literally cannot do that.’ The idea of building an office, the Windows of the World — I just couldn’t do it.”

Making the film — which Daldry can only summarize as “a challenging emotional experience” — has clearly left a mark on the British director and those that worked on it. Recalling a recent advance screening where a survivor from the south tower stood up and spoke afterward, Daldry cuts off and breaks for a smoke. There have been many rich, story-filled meetings already with children of parents killed on 9/11, with firefighters and with people who have lost a loved one.

AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures, François Duhamel

In this image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, sirector Stephen Daldry, left, is shown with Tom Hanks, center, and Sandra Bullock on the set of “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”

Lady Gaga voted AP Entertainer of the Year Associated Press Writer

Paul McCartney releasing an album of standards Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — Paul McCartney is releasing an album of standards — plus two new songs of his own. The former Beatle announced Monday that his new disc will be out Feb. 7.

It doesn’t have a title yet. He’s already streaming one song, “My Valentine,” on his website.

McCartney says he and John Lennon were inspired in their

own writing by some of the standards. Some of them he first heard when his father performed them at home on piano.

Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder make appearances on the disc, which was recorded with Diana Krall and her band.

McCartney says he’s been thinking about the project for 20 years and at age 69 decided “if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.”

NEW YORK — You might say that Lady Gaga’s year really began in an egg. That’s how she arrived at the Grammys in February, encased in a large, translucent pod carried by scantily clad dancers. When she “hatched” onstage, she effectively gave birth to “Born This Way,” performing the eponymous lead single of her second studio album and anthem to self-acceptance. In 2011, the album would carry her around the world, where she rarely went unnoticed.

After a year of extravagant globe-trotting and relentless advocacy of tolerance, Lady Gaga has been voted Entertainer of the Year by members of The Associated Press.

There were 135 ballots submitted by U.S. news organizations that make up the AP’s membership. Editors and broadcasters were asked to cast their ballots for who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2011.

“I am humbled and honored to be named ‘Entertainer of The Year’ by The Associated Press,” Lady Gaga said in a statement Monday signed “Mother Monster.”

“My deepest gratitude to the broadcasters and journalists who’ve supported me over the years, and in turn, are now supporting the loves of my life: my fans. Thank you for believing in ‘Born This Way.’ May you continue to brave the dreams of Showbiz.”

Lady Gaga narrowly edged out the late Apple founder Steve Jobs by three votes. Many others received numerous votes, including Taylor Swift, Charlie Sheen, Adele and the cast of “Harry Potter.” Previous winners of the AP Entertainer of the Year include Betty White, Swift, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file But it was Lady Gaga whose eminence in 2011 stood out most to voters. While accepting the best pop vocal album FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2011 file photo, Lady Gaga Grammy for her previous disc, “The Fame Monster,” earlier performs during the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas. this year, she said stardom was an adjustment for her.

Science

International

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

13

New York island to host Cornell science campus Agence France Presse

A New York City island will host a high-tech science college run by Cornell University, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Monday after choosing the winning bid. The science and research facility to be built on little-used property on Roosevelt Island is hoped to become a leading incubator for high-tech research and innovation.

AFP Photo/Stan Honda

A medical technologist works at Cornell University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Ithaca, New York, in 2006.

Bloomberg said the winning bid by Cornell and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology “marks a major milestone in the city’s Applied Sciences NYC initiative, which seeks to increase New York’s capacity for applied sciences and dramatically transform the city’s economy.”

The consortium beat bids by Stanford University, Columbia University, and New York University. Plans are for classes to start in 2012, although the campus, boasting advanced environmentally friendly designs, will take years to be completed.

New York City is contributing $100 million for construc-

tion costs and the site itself, sitting at one end of the long, narrow island in the East River, a short distance across the water from the skyscrapers of Manhattan.

Cornell/Technion’s plan is for two million square feet (186,000 square meters) in housing for 2,500 students and 280 faculty members by 2043.

Initially, classes will be held at a temporary location, with the first phase of the Roosevelt Island campus opening by 2017.

The campus is designed to imitate the success that Stanford and M.I.T have had with prestigious and highly lucrative science facilities.

Strict diet could save brain from aging: study Agence France Presse

Eating less may keep the mind young, according to Italian scientists who reported Monday they have discovered the molecular process by which a strict diet may save the brain from the ravages of age. The research, published in the US journal the Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences, is based on a study of mice that were fed a diet of about 70 percent of the food they normally consumed.

Scientists found the calorierestricted diet triggered a protein molecule, CREB1, that activates a host of genes linked to longevity and good brain function.

“Our hope is to find a way to ac-

AFP Photo/Marcel Mochet

Eating less may keep the mind young, according to Italian scientists who reported Monday they have discovered the molecular process by which a strict diet may save the brain from the ravages of age.

tivate CREB1, for example through new drugs, so to keep the brain young without the need of a strict diet,” said lead author Giovambattista Pani, researcher at the Institute of General Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome.

Researchers have previously discovered that mice on diets showed better cognitive abilities and memory, less aggression, and tended to avoid or delay Alzheimer’s disease. But they have not known exactly why. “CREB1 is known to regulate important brain functions as memory, learning and anxiety control, and its activity is reduced or physiologically compromised by aging,” said the study.

Mice that were genetically altered to lack CREB1 showed none of the same memory benefits if they were on a low-calorie diet as mice that had the molecule, and showed the same brain disabilities as mice that were overfed. “Thus, our findings identify for the first time an important mediator of the effects of diet on the brain,” Pani said.

“This discovery has important implications to develop future therapies to keep our brain young and prevent brain degeneration and the aging process.”

Chile girl improving after separation twin Associated Press Writer

SANTIAGO, Chile — Doctors in Chile are optimistic about the survival of a 10-month-old girl who was separated from a conjoined twin who died following the surgery.

Little Maria Paz awoke for the first time since the operation nearly a week ago, and Dr. Carlos Acuna calls that “an excellent sign.” He says she’s been successfully switched to a common respirator and her condition is favorable.

Monday’s good news comes only hours after her twin Maria Jose died from general organ failure following last week’s marathon surgery.

14

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Sport

International

%DUFD¡V 9LOOD UHFRYHULQJ DIWHU VXFFHVVIXO VXUJHU\ Reuters

MADRID - Barcelona striker David Villa had successful surgery on his broken left leg on Monday and doctors said it would take him IRXU WR ÂżYH PRQWKV WR UHFRYHU Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-time leading scorer has said he was targeting returning IRU D SRVVLEOH &KDPSLRQV /HDJXH ÂżQDO RQ 0D\ DQG EHLQJ DEOH WR help his national team defend their European Championship title in Poland and Ukraine in June. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The surgery went fantastically well,â&#x20AC;? Barca doctor Ricard Pruna told a news conference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has been sending messages to his colleagues and laughing with his wife. I have never seen someone in such good spirits after an operation.â&#x20AC;?

Villa broke his left tibia while playing the Club World Cup semiÂżQDOV ZLWK %DUFD LQ -DSDQ ODVW 7KXUVGD\ DQG VSHFLDOLVW 5DPRQ &XJDW said the 30-year-old had been suffering beforehand from a stress fracture. Âł6RPH SOD\HUV FDQ ÂżQLVK WKHLU SURIHVVLRQDO FDUHHUV ZLWK D VWUHVV fracture,â&#x20AC;? Cugat said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Players prefer not to have the operation so DV QRW WR ORVH IRXU RU ÂżYH PRQWKV 1RUPDOO\ QR RQH ZDQWV WR KDYH preventative surgery. Âł(YHU\RQH KRSHV KH ZLOO EH DEOH WR SOD\ (XUR ,WÂśV D OLWWOH WLJKW IRU WKH &KDPSLRQV /HDJXH ÂżQDO LQ 0XQLFK ,I , JDYH D GDWH IRU KLV return I would probably be wrong. It will be his leg that decides.â&#x20AC;?

Barcelona won the World Club Cup beating Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Santos 4-0 in 6XQGD\ÂśV ÂżQDO DQG UHWXUQHG WR 6SDLQ RQ 0RQGD\ DIWHUQRRQ

AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Arsenalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robin Van Persie, hidden, dives onto the bench as he celebrates scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011.

$UVHQDO DQG &KHOVHD â&#x20AC;Ť[Ű&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹWXUHV D GRXEW EHFDXVH RI VWULNH Reuters

LONDON - Arsenal and Chelsea could be forced to postpone their Dec. 26 Premier League Âż[WXUHV EHFDXVH RI D VWULNH SODQQHG E\ /RQGRQ 8QGHUJURXQG WUDLQ GULYHUV ZKLFK WKUHDWHQV WR bring the capital to a halt.

Arsenal are due to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on the Boxing Day bank holiday while Chelsea are scheduled to meet neighbours Fulham at Stamford Bridge in the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other Premier League match.

The strike could also affect lower division games with the Championship (second division) matches between Watford and Cardiff City and Millwall and Portsmouth also under threat.

Leyton Orientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match with MK Dons and Brentfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clash

with Bournemouth in League One (third division), as well as the League Two (fourth division) fixtures between Wimbledon and Oxford United and Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet could also be postponed.

In a statement Arsenal said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are closely monitoring the situation together with all the relevant agencies including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground, The Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Islington Council.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The paramount concern to Arsenal Football Club is the duty of care we have towards the Arsenal supporters, Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters, matchday employees and indeed everyone who is planning to attend this match.â&#x20AC;?

The planned strike is the result of a dispute over workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bank holiday pay but the legality of the walkout has been challenged by the transport authorities and will be decided in the High Court in London on Wednesday.

AP Photo / Miguel Ruiz , HO

In this handout photo released by FC Barcelona, David Villa is seen talking to coach Pep Guardiola in a hotel in Yokohama, Japan, Thursday, Dec. 15 2011.

Sport

International

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

15

Rafa Nadal sells shares in Real Mallorca Reuters

MADRID - Tennis world number two Rafa Nadal and his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal sold their 10 percent shareholding in Spanish football team Real Mallorca on Monday, the club said in a statement.

German businessman Utz Claassen bought the shares to increase his stakeholding to 20 percent.

Nadal, a Real Madrid fan who lives on the Mediterranean island, had joined D FRQVRUWLXP WKDW LQYHVWHG LQ ÂżQDQFLDOO\ WURXEOHG 0DOORUFD LQ His uncle Miguel Angel, a former Spain and Barcelona defender, became then coach Michael Laudrupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number two, but when the Dane resigned in September Nadal openly criticized the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handling of the matter.

0DOORUFD QRZ FRDFKHG E\ -RDTXLQ &DSDUURV DUH LQ ÂżQDQFLDO DGPLQLVWUDtion, lie 14th in La Liga and trail 1-0 going into Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup last-32 second leg at Sporting Gijon.

Williams pulls out of Australian Open warm-up Reuters

MELBOURNE - Seven-times grand slam champion Venus Williams has withdrawn from her Australian Open warm-up event in New Zealand GXH WR ³KHDOWK UHDVRQV ´ SODFLQJ KHU SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ WKH \HDUœV ¿UVW JUDQG slam in doubt.

American Williams, who has been receiving treatment for Sjogrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s syndrome, an auto-immune disease, had been given a wild card for the Jan. 2-7 Auckland Classic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After playing a number of recent exhibition matches, Williams told her agent Carlos Fleming she was not ready to play in Auckland,â&#x20AC;? a statement on the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are disappointed to have lost a player of her calibre. While withdrawals of this nature are part and parcel of sport, we sincerely feel for the fans who will also be disappointed by the news of Venusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s withdrawal,â&#x20AC;? tournament director Richard Palmer added in the statement.

Williams withdrew from Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. Open with Sjogrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a chronic disease where white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands and can cause dysfunction of organs and body systems.

7KH ÂżYH WLPHV :LPEOHGRQ FKDPSLRQ ZKR FKDQJHG KHU GLHW WR LQFOXGH more vegetables after suffering fatigue from the disease, said last month that she hoped to return to the tour full-time in 2012 and to top the rankings.

Knicks sign free agent Davis, Young stays a Wizard Reuters

The New York Knicks have signed free agent Baron Davis, the National Basketball Association team said on Monday, but it is unclear when the point guard will make his debut as he continues to recover from a herniated disk.

AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Venus Williams, of the United States, returns the ball to Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Francesca Schiavone during an exhibition tennis match in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.

Terms were not announced but according to local media, the 32year-old Davis agreed to a oneyear deal worth $2.5 million.

A two-time All-Star, Davis split last season between the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers averaging 13.1 points and 6.7 assists over 58 games.

The third overall pick in the 1999 draft, Davis has posted career averages 16.5 points and 7.3 assists.

In Washington, the Wizards announced they had reached a deal with last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading scorer, shooting guard Nick

Young.

The Wizards had been hoping to resign Young to a long-term contract but settled on a one-year deal for $3.7 million according to local media reports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick is a very good scorer who has continually developed and shown steady improvement over his four years with us,â&#x20AC;? Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said on the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His size, shooting ability and athleticism allow him to get his own shot and compliment our other backcourt players, mak-

ing him a valuable part of our young core.â&#x20AC;? :DVKLQJWRQÂśV ÂżUVW URXQG VHlection in the 2007 draft, Young averaged a career best 17.4 points a game last season.

The 26-year-old restricted free agent had been seeking a big raise in the neighborhood of $9 million a season from the Wizards, according to reports.

Following a protracted labor dispute, the NBA campaign will tip off almost two months later than scheduled on December 25 with the regular season reduced from 82 games to 66.

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

16

Sport

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Alonso : Ferrari pushing to produce a ‘dominant’ car

REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain is seen in the garage before the start of the third practice session of the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo November 26, 2011.

Fernando Alonso says Ferrari is going all out to produce a ‘dominant’ Formula 1 car for next year, after praising the determination that he has seen at its Maranello factory this week. The Spaniard claims that his outfit is eager to enjoy the success that Red Bull Racing has experienced for the last two campaigns, which is why it has been willing to take more risks with the design of its 2012 challenger.

And after seeing the new car in the windtunnel this week, Alonso says he is convinced Ferrari is putting in the effort that will allow it to hit back in style at the start of next season. “I’ve seen the car as I’ve been to Maranello for four days,” said Alonso during a Santander press conference in Madrid on Monday. “I’ve only seen the windtunnel version, but we have to wait.

“At this point of the season we all think we have the best car ahead of next year. We have to wait until February when he put in on the track, to see the results and to see how fast it can go.

“What’s clear is that everybody in the team is very, very motivated ahead of

next year. There’s an urge to gain the ground lost and get the feeling that Red Bull has had for the past two years.

“Tasting wins and championships is something Ferrari is used to doing in the past decade and it’s something we want to do again. From the first mechanic to the last designer, I’ve seen an atmosphere of full focus and a huge desire to get a dominant car.

“So I’m relatively calm and I’m confident that things will go well, because Ferrari has the ability to build a winning car. It’s the best team and I think all the necessary details are being looked at so nothing fails.” Alonso thinks that Red Bull

Racing will not be able to eke out much more speed from the successor to its brilliant RB7, but feels his team will be able to make much bigger steps for next year.

“I think we are going to go up,” he explained. “Red Bull has a car that is very well developed, a very good car.

Improving that car is possible, and they will improve it, but they don’t have such a big margin to improve, unlike us. “We had aerodynamic problems when the windtunnel wasn’t working well. We had a different philosophy to adapt to the Pirellis, a different philosophy for the suspension and many other things. So we have a big margin to improve. “So I think they will improve by X per cent, and we are going to improve by X by two, so it’s all going to be much closer.”

And although the team is pushing hard to give itself a big margin in the championship battle, Alonso thinks that the fight for victories on track in 2012 will be tremendously close.

Sutil happy to wait amid Ferrari rumours ADRIAN Sutil has said that he is prepared to wait for the right deal to continue his F1 career after being ousted from the Force India line-up for 2012.

Such was his expectation that Nico Hulkenberg would be confirmed in his place alongside Paul di Resta for 2012, Sutil has been talking over possible alternatives since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - suggesting FIF1 boss Vijay Mallya may have informed his drivers of his decision long before he told the world at large - with Williams naturally at the head of the queue for his services.

While neither team nor driver would confirm that a deal is being discussed, the Grove-based team provides the only real

option for Sutil short of the German accepting a reserve driver deal with a race seat guarantee for the future. With only HRT having an obvious vacancy for nest season - Caterham F1’s deal with Jarno Trulli remains the subject of speculation - the Williams option appears to be the most competitive on offer, but the German media suggests that Sutil may be looking to secure a one-year deal in a bid to keep his options open for 2013.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the German is being linked to none other than Ferrari once Felipe Massa’s contract expires at the end of next season, although both sides refuse to confirm that possibility while the under-fire Massa

prepares for what could be his final season at Maranello.

“It would be a strange tactic to give the names of those you are talking to,” Sutil’s manager Manfred Zimmermann told the publication, “We will keep quiet with our various options and decide what makes the most sense.”

The 28-year old Sutil would be attractive to both Williams and HRT, even in the short-term, as he is likely to bring backing from computer company Medion, but Auto Motor und Sport also claims that his late-season performances, notably the sixth place he secured at Interlagos, are proving a draw for the struggling teams.