Edisi 06 Desember 2011 | International Bali Post

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Indonesia closes airport after volcano erupts

Ma, Diamond, Streep receive Kennedy Center Honors PAGE 12 IBP/Net

Mount Gamalama, which forms the entire island of Ternate in North Maluku province, erupted late Sunday and forced an airport in Ternate town at its foot to close Monday, transport ministry spokesman Bambang Ervan said.

Agence France-Presse/Reuters

TERNATE - Indonesia closed a domestic airport in eastern Indonesia on Monday after a volcano spewed ash 2,000 metres into the air, an official said.

WEATHER FORECAST CITY

TEMPERATURE OC

DENPASAR

24 - 33

JAKARTA

23 - 33

BANDUNG

22 - 31

YOGYAKARTA

23 - 32

SURABAYA

26 - 34

SUNNY

Mount Gamalama, which forms the entire island of Ternate in North Maluku province, erupted late Sunday and forced an airport in Ternate town at its foot to close Monday, transport ministry spokesman Bambang

Ervan said.

“It’s a safety measure. The volcanic ash may pose a risk to planes. If there is no more eruption, the airport may be opened tomorrow,” he added.

The 1,715-metre (5,630 feet)

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monitor the volcanic activity,” he added.

Lamane said that the volcano last erupted in 2003, when no fatalities were recorded.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

The archipelago nation is home to 129 active volcanoes, including 21 on Java.

Continued on page 6

Thousands of Buleleng residents join mass ”ngaben” procession Singaraja (Bali Post)

BRIGHT/CLOUDY

volcano caused some panic when it erupted, Darno Lamane, a scientist monitoring the peak told AFP. “It shot ash and dust particles 2,000 metres into the sky. There were no reports of casualties or injuries but people did panic for a while, screaming as they ran out of their homes,” he said.

“The situation has calmed and many residents have gone back home. We will continue to

Thousands of residents of Buleleng Customary Village flocked the procession of mass cremation ceremony (Ngaben) started from Sasana Budaya Hall to public cemetery of Buleleng, Sunday (Dec 4). This condition caused the Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Veteran Singaraja closed, while the traffic flows from Denpasar to Singaraja or traffic of sand trucks usually passed through the Jalan Gajah Mada were diverted to another road. The transfer of traffic flows resulted in congestion on some road sections.

The mass cremation procession started at 00:00 a.m. was preceded with the activity of meras margi or initiating the road as a symbol to spiritually open the road to Public Cemetery of Buleleng. Then, on Sunday morning the procession of the body representation (sawa) was started from the Sasana Budaya Hall on Jalan Veteran to cemetery on Jalan Gajah Mada. Such procession was followed by thousands of residents denoting the families of the 621bodies involved in the mass cremation.

Continued on page 6

IBP/Adnyana Ole

Thousands of Buleleng residents followed the mass ngaben procession that being held on Sunday, December 4, 2011.

2

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

International

Bali News To reduce the burden of Bali

Bali resident must boost acceleration of Lombok tourism

Entrance to Dipta 6WDGLXP ‍ۋ‏OWK\ Gianyar (Bali Post) –

The road condition to Dipta Stadium, Buruan Village, Blahbatuh Sub District, *LDQ\DU VHHPHG ÂżOWK\ FDXVG E\ WKH VHPL permanent buildings on the left and right side of the international rated stadion entrance as seen last Sunday (4/12).

Based on information received, this has been happening since activities ongoing in this stadium as the road radius was ignored. Moreover an anonymous

Collapsed tree left bl ocking road

Semarapura (Bali Post)—

In recent years, Bali is frequently touted to be threatened by overload. Without taking strategic move or distribution of the development to southern, eastern and northern region, the burden of Bali is ascertained to be getting heavier and become a serious threat. On that account, to minimize the burden, Bali residents should encourage the acceleration of the tourism growth in Lombok. It was submitted E\ WKH DFDGHPLFLDQ DQG VHQLRU ¿JXUH RI .OXQJNXQJ 3DODFH 7MRNRUGD %DJXV 2ND Tabanan (Bali Post) – Road users of Marga Village-SeSunday (Dec 4).

According to Tjokorda Bagus, to encourage the growth of tourism in Lombok, a thorough assessment had to be conducted by the experts.

Admittedly, there might be a consequence received by Bali tourism due to the development of Lombok tourism.

Nevertheless, he also ensured that tourism development in Lombok would be able to make the society more

resident reported the problem to connected agency yet nothing has been done. Interestingly, the condition was the same as Dharmagiri Street where a hundred of millions rupiah worth Kebo Iwa statue stood up made from a number of items looked like antique warehouse item sand raw materials which clearly violates the road demarcation line as regulated on Regional Regulations. (kmb16)

respectful to the land of Bali. “By doing so, the efforts to save Bali from an excessive burden will not only lie in a discourse and always be mutually fussed,� he said.

Similar idea was also revealed by a public figure from Satra Village, Klungkung, Dewa Ketut Soma.

To preserve Bali, he said, could be done by living a simple lifestyle. It was a way

to keep Bali from the momentary interests that could even destroy it. “Therefore, all parties must respect and uphold the bhisama (religious stipulation). If bhisama is violated, the space and sanctity of Bali will be get polluted materially and spiritually,� he said while reminding all parties that Bali was a spirit and should rise to become respectable. (kmb20)

lanbawak Route, Marga Sub District, are in distress as a collapsed old tree seemed ignored and blocking the road.

It is worried that when heavy rain happens the tree will collapse further and blocks the road even more. Through Bali Post’s observation, the tree seemed old because it has collapsed for quite sometime as the trunk’s condition has dried up with its roots to the left side of the road and its branches to the right side of the road causing road users have to pass under the branches. “Why has it been left ignored, this is dangerous if

heavy rain comes,� Indra, a road user, stated last Sunday (4/12).

Luckily the branches are quite high so it won’t touch any car passing by.

Even so the position is in danger point moreover the condition of the road is a steep downhill and always full of vehicles having it been a shortcut to Baturiti from Marga. It is still unknown what have caused the collapse of the old tree yet it seemed because of its age and hit by wind. Road users that usually pass there stated it has collapsed for quite sometime yet no one has tried to evacuate it. It is hoped that this situation will be solved soon. (udi)

Critical, social problems of Kuta Mangupura (Bali Post) –

The social problems in Kuta the known tourism area are getting complicated as public kept on complaining classic problems as if it’s hard to take care of.

The Badung officials are demanded to pay extra attention in managing this problem coming from infrastructure to socio culture as stated by Badung House of Representatives member from Legian, I Wayan Puspa Negara, last Sunday (4/12).

Infrastructure wise, its state in Kuta has been unsuitable and unrepresentative as an international area even though Badung has

been trying to optimise this side. In socio cultural, crime acts, beggars, traffic, rubbishes, illegal motorcycle taxis, pickpockets, illegal money changers, gigolo, hippies and bisexual practices. “Truly Kuta management by Badung Government and other institutes has been maximal only just the development is fast, caused everyone overwhelmed. “For that condition we hope Badung Government will concentrate more on Kuta taking clear, strategic and productive actions as soon as possible to create the comfortable Kuta again as it was,� Puspa explained.

The same statement was revealed by other member originated from Kuta, I Gusti Anom Gumanti, a while ago where Gumanti thinks besides government and institutes, the public and company owners in Kuta also has to have a high supervision on their area and not to ignore infrastructure constructions and problems that Kuta was caught in. “All sides have to be together and have a responsibility on Kuta’s comfort for example traffic caused by rent cars and motorbikes using the road’s body. This kind of business totally adds up traffic,� Gumanti clarified. (kmb25)

IBP/File

A tree is blocking the Marga Village-Selanbawak Route

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

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

3

+DOI RI ‍ۋ‏VKSRQG at Kumbading turns dormant Negara (Bali Post)—

'R]HQV RI KHFWDUHV RI ÂżVKSRQGV DW .XPEDGLQJ +DPOHW 3HQJDPEHQJDQ 9LOODJH DUH QRZ DEDQGRQHG ,W LV WULJJHUHG E\ FRQGLWLRQ WKDW VKULPS DQG ÂżVK IDUPHUV FODLP WR FRQWLQXRXVO\ VXIIHU D ORVV GXH WR IUHTXHQW KDUYHVW IDLOXUH $V D UHVXOW WKH\ GLVUHJDUG WKHLU ÂżVKSRQG DUHD $ QXPEHU RI ÂżVK IDUPHUV PHW RQ 6XQGD\ 'HF DGPLWWHG to fear of scattering their shrimp seedlings after repeated harvest IDLOXUHV HVSHFLDOO\ IRU VKULPS IDUPLQJ Muhamad Hafani, 37, one of the ORFDO ÂżVK IDUPHUV VDLG WKDW KH GHOLEHUDWHO\ HPSWLHG KLV ÂżVKSRQG EHFDXVH they frequently encountered constraints resulting in some losses.

Virtually half of the hundreds of ÂżVKSRQGV KDG WXUQHG GRUPDQW 7KH\ deliberately did not scatter seedlings again and let them be a pond only. AlWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH\ UHOLHG RQ WKH ÂżVK JRLQJ LQWR WKH ÂżVKSRQG IURP WKH ULYHU “Lately, I tried to scatter the seedOLQJV RI PLONÂżVK EXW QRW WRR PDQ\ because it was just a speculation,â€? he admitted. According to him, frequent harvest failure was caused by polOXWHG ZDWHU Ă€RZ IURP WKH ULYHU 0DQ\ SHRSOH ZHUH GHOLEHUDWHO\ FDWFKLQJ ÂżVK by poisoning in the river. As a result, the contaminated water then came into

WKH ÂżVKSRQGV DQG KDUPHG WKHLU ÂżVK IDUPLQJ 7R UHVSRQG WKLV VRPH ÂżVK farmers then preferred to use water from artesian wells.

Meanwhile, Nasihin, 41, another ÂżVK IDUPHU DOVR FODLPHG WR EH WUDXPD to start scattering his seedlings. He was afraid of losing much because they had borrowed money for the capital of seedlings. Unfavorable environment had become a constraint because the VSHFLHV RI ÂżVK FXOWLYDWHG ZDV YXOQHUable to the matter of environmental pollution.

From the observation made on 6XQGD\ PDQ\ ÂżVKSRQGV KDG WXUQHG dormant and were left by the owners at the village. Even, a few plots were deliberately left to dry until overgrown by grasses. (kmb26)

Interest of tourist to visit Kedisan still minimal Bangli (Bali Post)—

Endeavors of Bangli Government to increase the interest of local and foreign tourists who would like to luxuriate in the excursion of water recreation and crossing through Kedisan Kintamani have not borne fruit. Though it had implemented a national event entitled Lake Batur Festival last October, in fact it has QRW SURYLGH ÀRXULVKLQJ LPSDFW RQ the advances of the destination. )URP REVHUYDWLRQ LQ WKH ¿HOG RQ Sunday (Dec 4), the number of daily tourists visit through the crossing to Kedisan could still be counted by ¿QJHUV (YHQ LW ORRNHG YHU\ HPSW\ whereas the destination had been well arranged. Meanwhile, hawkers operated at location had been equipped with identity card.

In addition, the hawkers were no longer allowed to swarm every tourist who visited the object. They had been arranged by turns of two people per car when offering their souvenirs.

Kemik, one of the hawkers at Kedisan, Kintamani, said that daily tourist visit was still minimal as ever before. At least, one or two

tourists paid a visit to the location and occasionally there was a group.

At the other time, there was no a guest at all.

By and large, the tourists who came to Kedisan consisted of domestic ones. They mostly would like to have a closer look at the uniqueness of traditional village by using boat service.

When asked about the turnover, Kemik admitted that his income by hawking was uncertain. Sometimes in one day he was unable to sell merchandise at all because there was no tourist visiting the village. Conversely, the tourists visiting the village were uncertain to do shopping.

Regarding the selling mechanism, every hawker had been recorded. They were not allowed to scramble. Meanwhile, the rate of crossing service in this region has been announced on the list at Kedisan ticket counter. A domestic tourist will be charged at IDR 376,810, while foreign tourist at IDR 379,310, and then for a group of 7 domestic tourists at IDR 433,810, while foreign tourists at 451,310. (kmb17)

IBP/File

One of the Palm ďŹ ber rope crafters at Sente Hamlet

3DOP ‍ۋ‏EHU URSH crafters at Sente Hamlet Survive though earning inadequate income Semarapura (Bali Post)—

Since many years ago, the community of Sente Hamlet, Pikat, Dawan, Klungkung, has remained to get involved in the profession as SDOP ÂżEHU URSH FUDIWVPHQ ZKHUHDV their income is inadequate. They admit to be loyal only for the reason WKDW WKH SDOP ÂżEHU URSH FUDIW LV D legacy from generation to generation. Therefore, they are unwilling to leave it.

Ni Komang Suastini, for instance, a 34-year-old crafter, claimed to roll UDZ SDOP ÂżEHU WR EH PDGH LQWR URSH every day. According to her, in a day she could accomplish 20 rolls where each roll was sold for IDR 700 to IDR 1,000. Meanwhile, to get 20 rolls of rope, she would need D VKHHW RI UDZ SDOP ÂżEHU SXUFKDVHG at IDR 10,000 to IDR 15,000 per VKHHW 6R WKH QHW SURÂżW VKH HDUQHG was only IDR 5,000 per day. “I did not accomplish it alone, but was assisted by my husband and children,â€? admitted Suastini. $OWKRXJK FODLPLQJ WKH EHQHÂżW was not so much, Suastini was

reluctant to leave the job of makLQJ SDOP ÂżEHU URSH 6KH VDLG LW KDG become a legacy for generations of her family. Indeed, sometimes she should also leave that job and take another job that could result LQ LQVWDQW FDVK 7KH ÂżEHU URSH FUDIW was taken by the collector within a few days to a week. “To meet daily needs, I sometimes should take other odd jobs,â€? said Suastini.

Similar condition was also reYHDOHG E\ DQRWKHU ÂżEHU URSH FUDIWHU Wayan Suardana. His job was only VXIÂżFLHQW WR PHHW KLV GDLO\ QHHGV However, he admitted to consistently do the job because it was the only skill he had. Like other villagers, Suardana could only produce UROOV RI ÂżEHU URSH HDFK GD\ 7KH ÂżEHU URSH RI KLV ZRUNV ZDV then purchased by collectors who were then sold to some regions. InGHHG WKH SDOP ÂżEHU URSH SURGXFHG

by Sente Village had been quite famous. The rope would be used to tie the building’s roof of bungalows, shrines and some others. “Regarding the price, it will depend

RQ WKH W\SH DQG TXDOLW\ RI WKH ¿EHU rope itself,� added Suardana.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Sente Hamlet, Nengah Surata, when DVNHG IRU KLV FRQÂżUPDWLRQ VWDWHG that it was now getting more difÂżFXOW WR REWDLQ WKH UDZ PDWHULDOV as it was averagely purchased from outside the village. Therefore, those who did not have enough capital, they would buy raw materials from local residents whose price was a bit more expensive than at the producer of the raw material. He hoped there would be a concern from government to help revive the OHJDF\ RI 6HQWH DV WKH FHQWHU RI ÂżEHU rope crafter. Moreover, the producWLRQ RI SDOP ÂżEHU URSH RI 6HQWH KDG been quite well known. “Our community is indeed very OR\DO WR WKH ÂżEHU URSH FUDIW (YHQ every household averagely does this craft. Indeed, some other residents also work in plantation.

Hence, we sincerely hope that government could help, for example by providing stimulation of capital,� said Surata. (kmb20)

4

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

News

International

Peru declares emergency to stop protest over mine Reuters

LIMA - Peruvian President Ollanta Humala declared a state of emergency late on Sunday to quell protests against Newmont Mining’s $4.8 billion Conga mine project that have hobbled the region of Cajamarca for 11 days.

Humala, in a nationwide address, called leaders of the environmental protest intransigent and said the ruling would give security forces added power to ensure that roads, schools and hospitals could reopen after having been shuttered for days by rallies and marches against the proposed mine.

It was the first time in Humala’s young presidency that he has used extraordinary powers to defuse a social conflict over mining in Peru, where some 200 disputes nationwide threaten to delay billions of dollars in planned mining and oil projects.

“Every possible means has been exhausted to establish dialogue and resolve the conflict democratically, but the intransigence of local and regional leaders has been exposed -

not even the most basic agreements could be reached to ensure social peace and the reestablishment of public services,” he said.

Humala campaigned on promises to steer more social spending to rural towns to help calm social conflicts over natural resources while assuring companies they could move ahead with new mining and oil projects.

He has urged mediation to solve the disputes, but nearly a week ago the government was forced to ask Newmont to temporarily halt work on the Conga mine after the protests turned violent. Since then protesters have continued to march and demanded the government permanently cancel the project.

Prime Minister Salomon Lerner negotiated on Sunday for hours with leaders of the protest, who say the mine will hurt water supplies and caused pollution.

But Lerner failed to reach an accord with protesters, prompting Humala to invoke a state of emergency - a tool that his predecessor, former President Alan Garcia, frequently used to quash social protests.

AP Photo/Khin Maung Win

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during a press conference in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. U.S.

Clinton criticism sparks Israeli anger Agence France Presse

Israeli ministers reacted angrily on Sunday after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was quoted expressing concern over the future of Israel’s democracy and the rights of women in the Jewish state.

REUTERS/Enrique Castro-Mendivil

Andean people protest against Newmont Mining’s Conga gold project during a march near the Cortada lagoon at Peru’s region of Cajamarca, November 24, 2011.

Clinton’s remarks, made Saturday behind closed doors at the Saban Forum in Washington, made headlines in most Israeli newspapers, which reported them without explaining how they obtained the comments.

Top-selling Yediot Aharonot said Clinton had expressed concern about a slew of “anti-democratic” bills proposed by right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu’s government.

She also described shock at hearing that some buses in Jerusalem were gender-segregated and that some religious Israeli soldiers refused to attend events where women would sing, the newspaper added.

Israeli lawmakers, particularly right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, have in recent months championed a series of bills criti-

cised by local rights groups as an attempt to rein in left-leaning NGOs and journalists.

Among the most controversial of the proposed laws is one that would limit foreign funding for certain NGOs -- legislation that leftist activists say targets groups opposed to Israeli occupation that report on violations of Palestinian human rights.

Asked about the Israeli reports, a senior State Department official confirmed that Clinton was “concerned about the NGO law” and Israeli “conservative comments on women.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity.

Putin party support wanes in Russia vote Agence France Presse

The ruling party of Russian strongman Vladimir Putin suffered a sharp drop in support Monday in legislative elections marred by accusations of unprecedented dirty tricks by the authorities. United Russia was barely winning just half the vote, results based on over 75 percent of the vote count showed, after a Sunday poll seen as a test of Putin’s popularity ahead of his planned return to the Kremlin.

The poor showing comes after the Russian strongman announced in September he planned to reclaim his old Kremlin job in March presidential polls, reflecting that more and more

Russians are growing disillusioned with his 11-year rule. His party won 49.99 percent of the vote, the central election commission said in results based on 75 percent of polling stations, while the Communist Party was second with 19.35 percent.

The outcome marks a major reversal from the last parliamentary elections in 2007 when United Russia secured a landslide majority of 64.3 percent and won 315 seats in the 450seat State Duma. Veteran Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said the vote showed that the Kremlin would have to make more room for the opposition in parliament.

“People have refused to give credence to the authorities, and in the

future we will have a dramatically new political layout in the Duma,” he said. Standing alongside President Dmitry Medvedev in an address to supporters at United Russia campaign headquarters, Putin put a brave face on the results.

“Based on these results, we will be able to ensure the stable development of our country,” Putin said in a terse speech. Medvedev rejected the claims of foul play by the authorities, saying the election results showed Russian “democracy in action” and reflected voters’ true moods.

Opponents had said the vote was marred by unprecedented violations as the ruling elite downed websites and harassed monitors to limit dissent.

AFP Photo/Andrey Smirnov

People vote for parliamentary election at a polling station in Moscow.

The ruling party of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is set to win Russia’s parliamentary election but with less than 50 percent of the vote, exit polls said on Sunday.

International

Activities

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

5

Furama Villas & Spa, Bali Voted Indonesia Leading Thematic Resort FURAMA Villas & Spa, Bali has been awarded the highly coveted Indonesia Leading Thematic Resort at a prestigious ceremony held in Jakarta on Thursday, 17th November 2011. The world-renowned resort saw off strong national competition from other top establishments which included short-listed resorts in Bali.

Ramia Adnyana, General Manager at Furama Villas & Spa, Bali said, “Receiving this award is fantastic recognition as this really does showcase excellence within the industry.

It has been an extremely exciting year for Furama Villas & Spa, Bali through a plethora of awards that Furama Bali has collected over the past few years, and I am delighted that the hard work of our team has been acknowledged through it.”

Indonesia Travel Tourism Awards are presented annually to showcase outstanding achievements within the hospitality and tourism industry. Dedicated for further management opportunities as its vision to awarding the best and inspiring the rest through the recognition of exceptional service and unique concepts of the Indonesia hotels and resorts. (BTN/015)

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

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

News

International

Vietnam: 42,000 people killed by leftover weapons Assocated Press Writer

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Indonesia...

From page 1

AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gestures as he talks during a news conference in central London, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011.

Julian Assange in ‫ۋ‬QDO SOHD WR DYRLG extradition

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:LNL/HDNV FKLHI -XOLDQ $VVDQJH ZLOO 0RQGD\ SOD\ KLV ¿QDO FDUG LQ D OHQJWK\ OHJDO EDWWOH to avoid e tradition to Sweden over rape claims when he appeals to Britain’s top court to overturn the order

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Indonesia Today

International

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

7

RI government to rebuild Tenggarong Bridge in 2012 Antara

TENGGARONG - New bridge construction is expected to be built immediately in Kutai Kertanegara district to replace the recently collapsed suspension bridge, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said.

The bridge over the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan province collapsed at 4.30 pm last Saturday (Nov 26) causing a number of vehicles to fall into the river and killed at least 21 people.

“Members of the House of Representatives, the East Kalimantan provincial government officials and the Public Works Ministry have agreed to soon discuss about reconstruction of the bridge,” Agung said after visiting the collapsed bridge in Kutai Kertanegara district.

The minister said the local government had allocated a Rp100 billion to rebuild the bridge while the rest of the fund for the reconstruction

New bridge construction is expected to be built immediately in Kutai Kertanegara district to replace the recently collapsed suspension bridge, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said.

would be from the central government.

“If all evacuation process have completed, we can start doing the reconstruction of the bridge,” said the minister, adding that his ministry was still focusing on the search of 16 bodies of victims of the collapsed bridge.

The minister said his office would also accelerate the evacuation of tens of vehicles and the ruins of the bridge from the bottom of the Mahakam river.

Spanning 710 meters over the Mahakam River, the bridge is said to be the longest suspension bridge in Indonesia with a suspended section of 270 meters.

The names of several companies have been mentioned in the media as having participated in the bridge`s construction. PT Perencana Jaya was said to have served as consultant on the project, PT Hutama Karya as the main contractor and PT Bukaka Teknik Utama as provider of maintenance services.

FOTO ANTARA/Amirullah

Indonesia cracks down on separatists in Papua Associated Press

JAYAPURA — Security forces say they are hunting separatist rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua province after two police were killed in an attack.

National police spokesman Maj. Gen. Saud Usman Nasution says hundreds of troops have been deployed in the separatist stronghold of Puncak Jaya since the attack Saturday on paramilitary police.

Last month, two suspected rebels grabbed a gun from a police chief at an airport in Puncak Jaya and shot him dead.

Papua, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea, was

incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot. A small, poorly armed separatist group known as the Free Papua Movement has battled for independence since then.

Three bodies evacuated Wall collapse kills 11 people in central Indonesia from Sigi floods Antara

Associated Press

MAKASSAR — Police say 11 people were killed when a high concrete wall collapsed in a housing complex on central Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.

South Sulawesi police chief Maj. Gen. Johny Waenal Usman says the 23foot-high (7-meter-high) wall collapsed and buried several houses Sunday in a housing estate in Makassar, the largest city on Sulawesi.

Usman says rescuers found 11 bodies, including a 7-year-old boy, buried under debris. Eight injured people were taken to hospitals, many with cuts, broken bones and head wounds.

Police are investigating the cause of the incident, which occurred during a heavy downpour.

Last week, a busy bridge collapsed on central Indonesia’s Borneo island, leaving at least 21 people dead and scores missing and feared dead.

SIGI - Three bodies have been evacuated from floods in Bolapapu village, Sigi district, Central Sulawesi province on Sunday, while the other three persons were still missing, an official said.

The three bodies who were found at 08.00 am local time, identified as Murni,50, Suci,8 and Melati,45, said Suarta, head of Kulawi subdistrict, Sigi district said, adding that Murni and Suci were found around one kilometer away from their resident in Bolapapu village.

Meanwhile, Melati was found in her house

that was devastated by the massive floods.

The flood inundated hundreds of houses in Bolepapu village, Kulawi sub-district due to an overflow of a river following hours of incessant rains on Saturday (Dec. 3).

According to Suarta, the flood also damaged the only road to the flood-hit village, causing the failure of foods distribution to the flooddevastated areas. The floods also caused the power services to the flood-hit areas cut off.

In the meantime, Livingstone, deputy of Sigi district head visited the flood-devastated on Saturday (Dec.3) in effort to organize the foods distribution for the victims.

8

International

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

Bali Today RI suggests ASEAN Countries to form HR institutions Antara

EN ASAR - The Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights ( omnas HAM) suggested that all ASEAN member countries establish the similar institution in the respective countr of the grouping, an official said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Currently only four out of 10 ASEAN countries which have already formed national commission on human rights namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippine and Thailand,â&#x20AC;?

Komnas HAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vice Chairman for External Affairs Nur Kholis said here on Sunday.

He said the presence of national commission for protection on human rights in a country was important to observe if

there is any violation against human rights committed by certain parties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hoped the commission on human rights could be established in Vietnam and Cambodia in the near future,â&#x20AC;?

Nur Kholis said.

ASEAN comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippine, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sanghyang Jaran Dance from Bona Village Sanghyang Jaran dance is one of the sacred dances in Bali. In terms of its function, it is only performed in a series of sacred ceremonies in relation to trance, not intended for profane entertainment show. This concept also applies to Sanghyang Jaran dance growing and developing in the village of Bona. The Sanghyang Jaran dance functions as a medium to repel disaster DIĂ&#x20AC;LFWLQJ WKH VRFLHW\ 7KLV 6DQJK\DQJ Jaran dance almost has the same meaning as many other Sanghyang Dances like Sanghyang Dedari.

One of the community leaders of Bona Village doubling as Sanghyang Jaran artist, Made Sija, explained the emergence of Sanghyang Jaran dance was inspired by the incident of contagious diseases attacking the residents of Bona. Local residents suddenly fell sick and died instantly. They were YHU\ ZRUULHG DQG ÂżQDOO\ ORRNLQJ IRU D medium, but they failed. People were then turning anxious or living through horrible ambience.

Triggered by such an atmosphere, people did not dare to leave the house.

Each house was then marked off with thorny pandanus leaf and smeared with chalk in the form of cross sign.

Anxiety of local community was very

serious until they should leave the house while hitting coconut midrib onto the ground or any objects to generate noisy atmosphere. One of the aims of doing so was to drive out evil spirits from the Bona Village.

Unfortunately, the endeavor was not successful, either, he explained.

Finally, local villagers gathered in the Puseh Temple, the abode of Lord Vishnu, to invoke protection and to expel the evil spirits. Suddenly, there were two girls possessed.

They received vision from the deity instructing the devotees in attendance to make light music to accompany the dance. Since there was no gamelan instrument at that time, they only used a cappella along with vowel sounds of prayer and praise to Supreme God to apply for safety. One of them was by accompaniment of cak a cappella.

The holy spirits entering into the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body were always changing.

Sometimes, they behaved finely (Sanghyang Dedari), sometimes on the opposite just like holding an object (Sanghyang Jaran). Strangely, while being still possessed, the girls asked to have a bath, not by water EXW E\ ÂżUH $V UHTXHVWHG WKH FRP-

munity kindled a fire with coconut ÂżEHUV 7KRVH ZKR JRW SRVVHVVHG ZHUH HYHQ WUDPSOLQJ RQ ÂżUH EXW WKHLU OHJV GLG QRW FDWFK ÂżUH 2Q VHHLQJ WKH IDFW people were very confident if the people dancing the Sanghyang dance were possessed by the spirit of the deities to dance the Sanghyang Jaran and Sanghyang Dedari, he said.

Very rare

In the development of Sanghyang Jaran dance today, many people use it for commercial purposes. However, the Sanghyang Jaran used to pamper WRXULVWV LV QRW WKH RQH VDQFWLÂżHG E\ devotees. Rather, it is the Sanghyang Jaran deliberately created as a performance, as existing in the Paripurna Dance Studio of Bona Village. Today, the performance of Sanghyang Dance at Bona Village, particularly for tourist attraction, is very rare because some other stages have already performed the same dance.

Made Sija, owner of the Paripurna Dance Studio of Bona said the rules of Sanghyang Dance were begun by QRWLÂżFDWLRQ ULWXDO WR GHLWLHV 7KHQ LW was resumed with burning incense, and then the incense smokes encapsulated the Sanghyang dancers, while the Kukus Arum sacred song was chanted by some residents repeatedly until the dancers getting possessed. If they had been getting possessed, their body would tremble involuntarily. Having been possessed by the Sanghyang Jaran, the dancers jumped into a smolGHULQJ FDPSÂżUH NLFNLQJ WKH ÂżUH KHUH and there and the singing of the song was even more excited. As long as the song was chanted, the dancers continued to dance until leaving the arena as if they were pursued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Movement of this dance has no particular patterns and it can be danced so perfectly or in harmony. The Sanghyang Jaran as implied by the name jumps, runs fast and heehaws like the cry of horses,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

In practice, some dancers even came occasionally in a hurry though they happened to be at home because they had simultaneous spiritual contact when putting into a trance. Without wearing hobbyhorse they directly ran WRZDUG WKH ÂżUH 3K\VLFDOO\ SHRSOH VDZ LW D ÂżUH EXW WKH GDQFHUV RI 6DQJK\DQJ Jaran in unconscious condition saw the ÂżUH DV ZDWHU VR WKH\ GLG QRW IHHO KRW ZKHQ WRXFKLQJ RU NLFNLQJ WKH ÂżUH When the dance began, there was RQO\ D ÂżUH RQ FRFRQXW ÂżEHUV EXUQHG in the midst of the darkness. There should be no lights on. Based on past experiences, when the Sanghyang Jaran dancers saw the lights, they would run amuck and in closed eyes they ran toward the light and wanted to take it.

After turning off the lights, the dancers would return to dance the Sanghyang -DUDQ DW WKH FDPSÂżUH DUHD (dar)

International

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

9

Balinese Culture

GULING CELENG (Suckling Pig) OVERVIEW: If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one dish that people remember after a visit to Bali, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this famous delicacy, usually known by its Indonesian name, Babi Guling.

AFP PHOTO / SONNY TUMBELAKA

A bungee jumper dressed as Santa Claus leaps from a platform above Kuta beach, Denpasar on Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resort island of Bali on December 2, 2011.

IN RE IENTS 1 suckling pig, weighing about 6-8kg 1 tbsp salt 200 shallots, peeled and sliced 100 gr cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 50 gr ginger, peeled chopped 300 gr candlenuts, chopped 350 gr fresh turmeric, peeled chopped 3 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed JU ODRV ÂżQHO\ FKRSSHG 120 gr birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye chilies, sliced VWDONV OHPRQ JUDVV ÂżQHO\ VOLFHG 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed 1 tsp dried shrimp paste, roasted IUDJUDQW OLPH OHDYHV ÂżQHO\ VKUHGGHG 2 salam leaves 2 tbsp oil 4 tbsp turmeric water RE ARATION Ensure inside of suckling pig is completely cleaned out.

Season inside and outside with salt. Combine all other ingredients, except turmeric water, and mix thoroughly. Fill inside of suckling with mixture, close belly with string or thin satay skewer. Rub the outside of the pig with turmeric water until the skin is shiny yellow.

Place suckling pig on roasting rack and roast in hot oven (220 C / 425 F) for approximately 1 hour. Rest for 10 minutes LQ ZDUP SODFH EHIRUH VHUYLQJ :KHQ VHUYLQJ ÂżUVW UHPRYH WKH crisp skin with a strong carving knife, then loosen meat from the bones and cut into even dice or slices. Place a heaped tablespoon RI VWXIÂżQJ RQ HDFK VHUYLQJ SODWH DQG WKHQ WRS ZLWK PHDW DQG skin. Traditionally this dish is eaten with Jukut Nangka Mekuah and steamed rice.

Helpful hint If you have a large barbeque with rotisserie or constantly turning spit, you can cook the pig over charcoal for DQ DXWKHQWLF %DOLQHVH Ă&#x20AC;DYRU

10

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Destinations

International

Kintamani

A Beautiful Cool Atmosphere Area IBP

For those who love to go hiking or go to the mountainous area, Bali is famous for its beautiful mountainous scenery. Kintamani is the most favorite tourist destinations in Bali with the active volcano of mount Batur and beautiful lake.

Kintamani is surrounded by the captivating nature and there are six ancient villages around cauldron of Batur Lake which is often conceived

by Bali Age Village. The local people from these Bali Age villages own the unique cultures, houses and life style.

Kintamani Area is consisted of some Villages those are Kedisan Village , Buahan, Abang, Trunyan, Songan, South Batur, Middle Batur, North Batur, Sukawana and Kintamani Village . The total of resident in these area are about 15 thousand who are mostly working as farmer, merchant, or work at industrial tourism.

Mount Batur is located at Kintamani and it has erupted about 24 times since year 1800 and still active up to now. Since the mount erupting, it has impacted to the local society life around this mount, like removing altar (Temple), improve or repairing the village and re-arrange the tradition. Lake Batur is the biggest lake in Bali and functioning as irrigation source to all farmers around it and it is also for all Bali society generally. Kintamani area has been founded some lodging, hotels and restaurants which are located in Kintamani and Penelokan Village. It is a famous tourist place because Kintamani area owns the beautiful panorama and it is encircled by the cold atmosphere.

Kintamani is beautifully seen at the day time around 10:00 am until 15:00 pm especially having fine weather where entire Kintamani area will be able to be seen clearly.

Generally, all tourists who pay a visit to this place will arrive in the day time where they can enjoy the panorama or enjoy the lunch in the local restaurant with lake view.

Mostly restaurants at Kintamani generally own very beautiful view where tourist merging into their lunch in this restaurant and meanwhile enjoy the panorama.

Kintamani is located in Kintamani sub district, Bangli Regency and about 50 km from Denpasar Town or about 2 hours by car. All roads are generally in good condition to access to this place. The fog will descend and blanket entire area of Kintamani with cold temperature in particular at late afternoon until the whole of night. The most amazing panorama at Kintamani can be seen in the morning time, when the sunrise emerges on the surface of earth precisely on the mount Batur.

International

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

11

BUSINESS Euro zone enters a decisive week Reuters

ARIS - The euro faces a decisive week as European Union leaders, urged on an iousl b the United States, seek agreePHQW RQ WKH GH¿QLWLYH UHVFXH SODQ WKDW KDV HOXGHG WKHP IRU two ears 'HVSLWH VKRUW WHUP PDUNHW RSWLPLVP DERXW D SRVVLEOH GHDO WR WDFNOH (XURSH¶V VRYHUHLJQ GHEW FULVLV DQG HQVXUH WKH VXUYLYDO RI WKH VLQJOH FXUUHQF\ WKH RXWFRPH LV IDU IURP FHUWDLQ DV the EU gears up for a summit LQ %UXVVHOV RQ 7KXUVGD\ DQG )ULGD\ ³7KLV ZHHN WKH VWDEOH IXWXUH RI WKH HXUR DQG WKXV WKH HFRQRPLF UHFRYHU\ LQ (XURSH DQG HPSOR\PHQW DUH DW VWDNH ´ (8 (FRQRPLF DQG 0RQHWDU\ $Ifairs Commissioner Olli Rehn WROG 5HXWHUV ³7KLV FDOOV IRU D FRQYLQFLQJ SDFNDJH RI PHDVXUHV I U R P W K H ( X U R S H D Q & R X Q F L O VXPPLW ´ ,I DOO JRHV DFFRUGLQJ WR SODQV EHLQJ KDWFKHG LQ %HUOLQ DQG 3DULV WKH (8 ZLOO KDYH WDNHQ D VWHS WRZDUGV ILVFDO XQLRQ E\ )ULGD\ QLJKW DJUHHLQJ RQ D WUHDW\ FKDQJH WR DQFKRU FRHUFLYH EXGJHW GLVFLSOLQH IRU WKH QDWLRQ FXUUHQF\ DUHD 7KH (XURSHDQ &HQWUDO %DQN ZLOO KDYH FXW LQWHUHVW UDWHV RQ 7KXUVGD\ WR FRXQWHU D ORRPLQJ UHFHVVLRQ DQG WDNHQ QHZ PHDVXUHV to provide longer-term funding IRU (XURSH¶V WHHWHULQJ EDQNV And new prime ministers in ,WDO\ *UHHFH DQG 6SDLQ ZLOO KDYH GHPRQVWUDWHG WKHLU FRPPLWPHQW WR WRXJK DXVWHULW\ PHDVXUHV DQG VWUXFWXUDO HFRQRPLF UHIRUPV WR WDFNOH WKHLU GHEW SUREOHPV DQG UHVWRUH LQYHVWRU FRQILGHQFH :RUOG ILQDQFLDO PDUNHWV UDOOLHG ODVW ZHHN RQ WKH SURVSHFW RI VXFK D PDVWHUSODQ DIWHU (&% FKLHI 0DULR 'UDJKL VLJQDOHG that in response to a new “fisFDO FRPSDFW´ LQ WKH HXUR ]RQH WKH FHQWUDO EDQN FRXOG DFW PRUH GHFLVLYHO\ WR ILJKW WKH FULVLV +RZHYHU LI WKH QDWLRQ (8 LV XQDEOH WR DJUHH RU VHWWOHV for another half-measure after PRQWKV RI GLWKHULQJ WKH IOLJKW

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Asia pilot gap grows as airlines order new jets Associated Press

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AP Photo/Vincent Yu

In this Nov. 30, 2011 photo, two pilots from Cathay Pacific walk in the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong. Fastgrowing Asian and Middle Eastern airlines that have signed orders for hundreds of new airplanes now must find enough pilots to fly them.

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12

Entertainment

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

International

‘Twilight’ stays bright but Hollywood snoozes Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — The latest “Twilight” movie cast the longest shadow with $16.9 million for a third-straight No. 1 finish during one of the year’s slowest weekends at the box office.

Business was dismal, with box-office tracker Hollywood. com estimating Sunday that domestic revenues totaled just $82 million. That puts it barely ahead of Hollywood’s worst haul of the year, when revenues were $81.5 million over the second weekend in September.

Once studios release final numbers Monday, this past weekend could come in as the worst of the year if revenues finish even lower. The first weekend of December often presents a lull in between big Thanksgiving releases and the onslaught

of year-end blockbusters that arrive a bit later. But this big a slowdown is surprising given that there’s quality stuff out there among the top-10 films, particularly family fare such as “The Muppets,” ‘’Hugo” and “Arthur Christmas.”

Hollywood executives usually blame bad weekends on a weak crop of movies. “It’s tough to blame it on the product when the product is pretty good and the films are solid,” said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “While the post-Thanksgiving weekend is typically slow, it’s not usually this slow.”

The dreary weekend comes after a relatively quiet Thanksgiving holiday at movie theaters, despite analysts’ predictions of potential holiday records because of a great lineup of films.

from left, Sonny Rollins, Barbara Cook, back row from left, YoYo Ma, Meryl Streep and Neil Diamond at the State Department followoing a dinner and reception on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 in Washington.

AP Photo/Kevin Wolf

Ma, Diamond, Streep receive Kennedy Center Honors Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — Meryl Streep may have gotten her next film assignment, Neil Diamond thanked the namesake of his famous tune “Sweet Caroline,” and a tux-clad Elmo honored his friend, Yo-Yo Ma. They were among several luminaries from Broadway, jazz and classical music to receive the Kennedy Center Honors Sunday night for their influence on American culture through the arts.

AP Photo/Denis Poroy

In this July 21, 2011 photo, from left, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner pose at an event held to promote the film “The Twilight Saga: Breaking the Dawn Part 1” at the ComicCon International 2011 convention July 21, 2011, in San Diego.

Caroline Kennedy, who hosts the annual show as part of a living memorial to her assassinated father, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, acknowledged her personal connection to one honoree.

In a nod to Diamond, she said he was “a Brooklyn lad with a gift of melody who grew into a solitary man, ‘reaching out, touching me.’” That was

enough to draw big laughs from the crowd of celebrities and politicians recalling that Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” was named for her.

“I’m going to have to thank her for that,” Diamond said before the show.

He noted the song is a story about him and his ex-wife. But he took the name from Kennedy. Smokey Robinson sang “Sweet Caroline” with help from

Kennedy and fans brought in from Boston’s Fenway Park where it’s a favorite anthem.

Lionel Richie, who sang, “I Am ... I Said,” told the AP that he got into the music business because he wanted to be Diamond. “He’s a great storyteller,” Richie said. “He’s not an acrobatic singer. Basically he told the story in a very simple voice.”

Earlier, President Barack Obama lauded the actors and musicians at the White House. “They have different talents, and they’ve traveled different paths,” Obama said. “And yet they belong here together because each of tonight’s honorees has felt the need to express themselves and share that expression with the world.”

Donald Trump to moderate GOP debate in Iowa Reuters

NEW YORK - Donald Trump wants back in the 2012 election circus. Not as a candidate, but as a debate moderator.

The real estate mogul, reality TV star and hair piece is partnering with conservative magazine Newsmax to moderate a GOP debate in Des Moines, Iowa December 27, as reported by the New York Times.

A call to Newsmax was not returned, but the company’s CEO Christopher Ruddy told the Times that his readers love the brash, birth-certificateobsessed tycoon.

If you’ll remember -- and how could you forget? -- Trump spent the first half

of 2011 weighing his own candidacy for the nomination. The centerpiece of his campaign seemed to be a tireless search for the “truth” behind Barack Obama’s origins, producing the uncontroversial birth certificate controversy.

Trump later said he would not run, but his spokesperson told ABC News Trump would consider running as an independent if none of the GOP candidates impress him enough. That same spokesperson said Trump’s endorsement would decide the election.

Well, the Donald will get his chance to inspect the candidates up close and personal in Iowa, the site of the election’s first caucus. The debate will air

just a week before the caucus, making this the last debate for that event. There are three debates before this one -- two on Fox News and one on ABC. Whether people will watch is another story since the debate will air on Ion TV, a smaller cable network.Yet given the ratings the debates have gotten on every platform from CBS to CNBC, one can only imagine that people will find a way to watch.

As the Times report notes, while Trump’s campaign may have seemed like a joke -- and his spokesperson’s comments self-serving -- this partnership with Newsmax is further evidence that Trump has both popularity and influence with conservatives.

Life Style

International

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

13

Pampered pandas ‫ی‬RZQ LQWR 6FRWODQG Reuters

IBP/afp

Researchers find malaria parasite’s blood lifeline

5HVHDUFKHUV ‫ۋ‬QG PDODULD parasite’s blood lifeline Agence France Presse

European scientists on Tuesday said they had identified a new way by which the malaria parasite survives in human blood, a finding that marks the latest laboratory advance against the disease. Malaria’s death toll has declined by a fifth over the last decade thanks to better drugs and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, but still claims some 800,000 lives every year, mostly children under five in sub-Saharan Africa.

Researchers from Britain and France said they had identified genes in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite which produce enzymes called kinases. Thirty-six kinases are needed for the parasite to develop in human blood cells, a key part of its complex life cycle, they reported in the journal Nature Communications.

“We are now looking for drugs that... stop the protein kinases from working. If we find these drugs then

we will have a new way of killing the malaria parasite,” said Christian Doerig of France’s Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm).

Andrew Tobin of Britain’s University of Leicester said the search for a new weapon was vital, given the parasite’s dismaying ability to build resistance against treatment.

“It seems perfectly realistic to us that we can now develop novel antimalaria drugs based on the findings

that we have made -- it certainly is a big moment in our fight against this terrible disease that mainly affects the world’s poorest people,” he said in a press release issued by the university.

The research is a further step, at research level, in identifying chinks in malaria’s armour. Earlier this month, a team at Britain’s Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute said they had discovered a single microscopic channel through which P. falciparum must pass in order to infect red blood cells.

Intrusion depends on the interaction between a specific molecule on the parasite, called a ligand, and a specific receptor on the surface of the blood cell. Blocking this lock-andkey interaction prevents the parasite from breaching the cell wall.

EDINBURGH - A pair of pampered giant pandas arrived in Scotland Sunday to a reception of cheering and flag-waving crowds while British officials said the 10-year loan of the bears by China strengthened ties between the two countries.

Tian Tian and Yang Guang -- whose names in English are Sweetie and Sunshine -- arrived at Edinburgh airport after flying in from Chengdu, Sichuan province, and were later greeted at Edinburgh zoo by around 450 people waving Chinese and Scottish flags.

“Scotland’s relationship with China is hugely important and the pandas represent a fantastic opportunity to deepen our business, cultural and diplomatic ties,” said Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Since the 1950s, China has given away pandas

as gestures of goodwill in what has come to be known as “panda diplomacy.”

Modern China gave its first pair of giant pandas to Britain in 1974. British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I know that a huge amount of work has gone into securing their loan and they will be a great showcase for UK-China links in science and research.”

Afforded a reception worthy of a state visit, the bears’ journey on a private plane was no less extravagant, with four crew members, two attendants, one veterinarian and a cargo handler among the retinue.

Ahead of the flight, veterinarian Tang Chunxiang said he was worried about the pandas’ nerves and fear of flying.

“They might get air sick, they may get a bit dizzy on the plane,” he said. “...if there is any problem, we have brought some simple medicine.”

REUTERS/Rob McDougall/Handout

A giant panda named Yang Guang sits at its new home in the Edinburgh Zoo December 4, 2011.

The Only Problem with Nintendo’s 3DS TIME to switch off my news reporting button and delve into a personal account for a change. I wanted to give my own perspective about my recent experience with the 3DS, which gave me insight into why the system has been a tough sell for Nintendo.

It’s strange to think that Nintendo has trouble selling anything at all really. The NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy and DS were all big sellers in one way or another, so why would a product come along to give them so much trouble? Well, I recently got to play one for the first time ever. Yes, I know, I probably should have gotten around to it sooner, but I don’t cover the mobile scene much so I didn’t think much of it.

I was in the mall on Black Friday and they had one of those big Nintendo booth displays set up. There were seats all around with 3DSs attached to metal cords so you couldn’t run off with them. I popped one open and started to play Super Mario 3D Land.

The game was fine, fun actually. It was reminiscent of Super Mario 64, and the controls were O.K., even if they did take some getting used to.

But as I kept playing, my eyes started to hurt. The glasses free 3D created a cool effect, giving depth to the picture making it appear like it extended behind the screen, but there was something about it that my eyes just couldn’t make sense of, and soon, that

translated into my brain.

I put the system down and felt dizzy, nauseous almost. It didn’t last long, and passed after about five minutes, but made a lasting impression on me, as I had only been playing the game for a very short time. How was anyone who had something similar happen to them supposed to play this thing for twenty, thirty or sixty minutes without getting physically ill?

In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that there has been another time where 3D has done this to me, when I tried out Sony’s shutter glasses 3D TV in the store. I felt even sicker on that occasion, as the 3D had done something to my internal clock to make its gears grind and chatter.

14

Sport

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

Newcastle Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Demba Ba, right, vies for the ball with Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goalkeeper Petr Cech, center, and captain John Terry, left, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle, England, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.

English trio in danger of early European exit AP Photo/Scott Heppell

Reuters

MANCHESTER, England - English clubsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reputation as a safe bet for the Champions League knockout stage will be put to the test this week as Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester &LW\ ULVN PDNLQJ HDUO\ H[LWV LQ WKH ÂżQDO URXQG RI JURXS PDWFKHV Of the four Premier League sides competing in Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite club competition, only Arsenal have secured their place in the last 16, which for the previous eight seasons has featured at least three English sides. Seven berths are up for grabs on Tuesday and Wednesday with 16 teams still in the running to join Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, APOEL Nicosia and Arsenal in the next round.

Chelsea host Valencia on Tuesday in one of four winnertakes-all encounters, with Andre Villas-Boasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side level on points with the Spaniards in Group E and only too aware what failure would mean. The London team have reached the knockout round every season since 2003/4 and owner Roman Abramovich has made no secret of his desire for the continental trophy, showing little patience with managers who have failed to bring it to him.

Villas-Boasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future has been the subject of much speculation in the British media after three home defeats in four matches and the heat will only rise if his side do not progress. A score draw at Stamford Bridge would take Valencia through.

The Chelsea manager has called it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;life and death situationâ&#x20AC;? but has some cause for optimism after a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Newcastle United

at the weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To find this inner belief and strength today given recent results was the key,â&#x20AC;?

Villas-Boas said.

Premier League rivals Manchester United travel to FC Basel on Wednesday to determine who will follow Benfica out of Group C. A draw would be enough but defeat for United would put the Swiss through. United suffered a big injury blow on Saturday when goal poacher Javier Hernandez sustained an ankle injury that will sideline him for up to four weeks, while midfielders Tom Cleverley and Anderson and striker Michael Owen are also out.

Even if they do qualify, last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runners-up face the unsavoury prospect of finishing second in the group as Benfica can secure first place with a win at home to Otelul Galati. Runners-up spot could mean meeting a heavyweight like Barca or Real in the next round.

COMPLICATED MATHS

Many of the other teams, including Manchester City, would be grateful to even come second as while they are still in with a shout, the odds are stacked against them. Despite setting a blistering pace in the Premier League, City have fallen short on the continental stage in their debut season in the competition.

They host Group A winners Bayern on Wednesday needing

to win while hoping Villarreal, without a point so far, beat Napoli at home. There is some complicated maths involved in other groups with any one of three teams able to join Group F winners Arsenal in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Olympique Marseille, who welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Velodrome, are favourites to grab the second spot as they sit a point ahead of third-placed Olympiakos Piraeus who host Arsenal. Trabzonspor, Lille and CSKA Moscow are vying for the runners-up spot in Group B with Inter Milan having already claimed top spot.

Lille and Trabzonspor meet on Wednesday knowing that whoever wins will go through, while a draw in that match in France would open the door for CSKA if the Russian side can beat Inter.

Group G is a straightforward shoot-out with second-placed Zenit St Petersburg travelling to third-placed Porto. The Portuguese need to win, while the Russians require a draw.

Ajax Amsterdam, who play group winners Real Madrid on Wednesday, are favourites to take the Group D spot but Olympique Lyon have an outside chance which depends on a combination of results and being able to overturn a seven-goal deficit. The only group already decided is Group H, where Barca will finish top and AC Milan second.

International

Boca Juniors clinch Argentine league title before Cvitanich blasted it through a swarm of defendBUENOS AIRES - Strik- ers and goalkeeper Cristian er Dario Cvitanich scored Lucchetti.

Cvitanich volleyed his two first-half goals as Boca Juniors won the Argentine and Bocaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second just beleague title with two matches fore the interval and Rivero to spare when they beat Ban- caught Lucchetti, who played ÂżHOG DW D KHDYLQJ FKDQWLQJ for Boca last season, wrongBombonera on Sunday. Mid- footed with a dipping shot fielder Dario Rivero added from outside the box a minute the third early in the second into the second half. Captain half for Boca, who remain Juan Roman Riquelme, who unbeaten after 27 matches had been out for more than a going back to last season and month through injury, came ave conceded conced only four goals on as a second-half substitute have matche in the Apertura before joining in mass celinn 17 matches ebrations on the pitch, in the hampionsh championship.

SecondSecond-placed Racing stands and on the terraces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I promised (the fans) a lub were 11 1 points behind Club fter Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Satur after 2-0 win championship and we deatt Colon in Santa Fe and livered. I keep my word,â&#x20AC;? hird-placed Tigre were 12 Riquelme said in an onthird-placed drift befor adrift before their match at pitch interview. Boca coach an Loren San Lorenzo on Monday. Julio Cesar Falcioni won he win sealed sea The Bocaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24th his second Argentine league title having won his first in eague title since the ArgenArgen league w tine game went professional charge of Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oppoin 1931. It was their eighth nents Banfield at the same int since the introduction of two venue two years ago.

Winning the championchampionships per season in ship also gave Boca gave 1991 and first since 2008.

Cvitanich, who began his another chance to dig fun at career at Banfield before arch-rivals River Plate who moving to Ajax Amsterdam were relegated in June and and Pachuca in Mexico, on Saturday lost 1-0 away struck in the 10th minute. A to namesakes Boca Unidos. corner to the far post was re- The match was the last in turned into the middle where the career of Hector Balthe ball came back off the dassi, Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top referee bar and was headed off the who officiated at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line as it pinged around the World Cup finals in South six-yard box like a pinball Africa.

Reuters

Former Brazil captain Socrates dies at 57 JUHDW IULHQG RQH RI WKRVH ÂżJures footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to miss for Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1982 World Cup everything he represented,â&#x20AC;? his captain Socrates, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golden former Brazil team mate Junior Heelâ&#x20AC;? renowned as one of the told Reuters by phone from his great playmakers of his gen- Rio de Janeiro home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever shared life with eration, died in a hospital on Sunday of septic shock at the him enjoyed the special person he was, intelligent, cultured, age of 57.

Socrates Brasileiro de Sou- fun, a ball ace. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of za Viera de Oliveira, a lifelong ÂżJXUH KDUG WR ÂżQG LQ IRRWEDOO ´ smoker and drinker, had been added the left-back from the on a life support system in a 1982 and 1986 Brazil teams.

Socrates had been taken Sao Paulo hospital since Thursday when he was admitted suf- to hospital three times since August, when he spent nine fering from food poisoning.

The captain of one of the days there due to a digestive greatest international sides to hemorrhage caused by excesnever win the World Cup, So- sive drinking.

The former attacking midcrates was a medical doctor, an intellectual, a cultural icon and ÂżHOGHU ZKR SOD\HG IRU %UD]LO DW a political activist who used his the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, FHOHEULW\ WR ÂżJKW IRU WKH HQG RI spent 17 days in the hospital in Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1964-1984 military September with liver trouble and had been recommended government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Socrates was a buddy, a for a transplant.

Agence France Presse

Sport

International

From left, Marcel Granollers, Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez, David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal cheers their team captain Albert Costa, holding the trophy given

by Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s King Juan Carlos during the awards ceremony after winning the Davis Cup Final against Argentina, in Sevilla, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza

Nadal rallies for win to give Spain Davis Cup Associated Press Writer

SE ILLE, Spain Rafael Nadal is a winner once again The second-ranked Nadal overcame a terrible start to beat Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uan Martin del otro 1-6, 6- , 6-1, 7-6 (0) on Sunda to clinch Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third avid Cup title in four ears Nadalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first title since winning his sixth French Open in June followed a run of below-par performances in which he acknowledged feeling less passionate about the sport as another long season took its toll. This victory gave Spain a 3-1 series lead, good enough for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth Davis Cup title overall.

Nadal showed flashes of that poor end-of-season run, but eventually settled into his usual dominant groove on clay. Del Potro also committed 64 unforced errors as Nadal earned his 20th straight victory since debuting in the competition in 2004 with a loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had the chance to secure the winning point of a Davis Cup. In the end it came down to me,â&#x20AC;? said Nadal, who ensured Argentina remained the only nation to play in four finals without a victory.

Teammates Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco and captain Albert Costa were among those who enveloped Nadal after he dropped to the ground in celebration, while del Potro exited the arena in tears.

It was the third Davis Cup tro-

phy for Nadal, who secured a point in the win over the United States as a teenager at the same Olympic Stadium in the 2004 final. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a special feeling since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing at home in the last event of the year and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to win the Davis Cup and all of the emotion and happiness that comes with being on the court,â&#x20AC;? said Nadal, who missed the quarterfinal win in the United States before returning in the semifinals against France. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be impossible to repeat.â&#x20AC;?

Not since the United States teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s has a country dominated the competition to such an extent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On home clay, they are probably one of the best teams in history,â&#x20AC;? Argentina captain Tito Vazquez said after Spain stretched its record home winning streak to 21 series.

While Nadal has come to rule on clay since 2005â&#x20AC;&#x201D;losing only seven matches on the surface since thenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; he endured his most lopsided set loss in the competition as del Potro hit forehand winners at will to break serve four straight times.

Del Potroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pinpoint accuracy compounded Nadalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sluggish start and gave the visitors hope of becoming the first team since Australia 72 years ago to come back from a 2-0 deficit in the Davis Cup final.

While del Potro struggled on serve throughout, the Argentine overpowered Nadal with a laserlike forehand that contributed to his 44 winners.

But del Potro then started misfiring and Nadal found his rhythm to break back in the second game of the second set before finally holding serve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was a very important moment,â&#x20AC;? said Nadal, who routed Juan Monaco in his opening match. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After that game I felt like the match started for me.â&#x20AC;?

Nadal steadied thanks to his strong backhand and eventually smashed a forehand winner to secure the set and send nearly all 23,000 fans into wild celebrations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never played in front of such a crowd before,â&#x20AC;? said Nadal, one of only seven players to have completed a career grand slam of major titles.

Tuesday, Desember 6, 2011

15

REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Tiger Woods of the U.S. holds up the trophy after winning the ďŹ nal round of the Chevron World Challenge PGA golf tournament with a birdie on the 18th hole in Thousand Oaks, California December 4, 2011.

Tiger breaks drought but is not back yet Associated Press Writer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One boisterous fan spoke for all the others gathered for the victory ceremony behind the 18th green at Sherwood Country Club late Sunday afternoon, order ÂżQDOO\ UHVWRUHG LQ WKH JDPH WKH\ DGRUH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baaaack.â&#x20AC;?

The evidence, after all, was indisputable. Tiger Woods, down by a shot with two holes to go, did what the old Tiger Woods used to do year after year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; before his world, and the world of golf, changed forever on that unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend in 2009.

Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that enough? Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that all the proof we need that the work with instructor Sean Foley has paid off and that Woods is well on his way toward regaining his spot as the premier player on the planet?

In a word, no.

7KDW LV QRW WR GLPLQLVK WKH VLJQLÂżFDQFH RI WKH :RRGV YLFWRU\ in his own event, the Chevron World Challenge, by a stroke over Zach Johnson. After going winless for more than two years, any triumph means a lot to Woods, as one could tell from his signature ÂżVW SXPS ZKHQ WKH VKRUW ELUGLH SXWW RQ GURSSHG DQG E\ WKH wide smile afterwards which wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go away.

Last year, in this same event, he blew a four-shot lead to Graeme McDowell. This year, he was leading by two with seven holes to go, and appeared as if he might blow it again. The fact he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, that he came up with his best shots under the greatest pressure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the two approaches on 17 and 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; speaks volumes for how much Woods has progressed during these last few months, and for what he could very well accomplish in 2012. Âł,W IHHOV JUHDW ´ :RRGV VDLG DIWHU UHJLVWHULQJ KLV ÂżUVW ZLQ VLQFH the 2009 Australian Open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kind of hard for me to elaborate beyond that. I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a while, but also for some reason it feels like it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.â&#x20AC;?

At the same time, it is important to provide some perspective to what Woods did here.

For starters, the Chevron World Challenge is an exhibition, not DQ RIÂżFLDO 3*$ 7RXU HYHQW FRPSULVLQJ D ÂżHOG RI MXVW SOD\HUV Besides Woods and Johnson, only Jim Furyk and Keegan Bradley have won major championships. $V D FRQWUDVW WKH ÂżHOG DW WKH 1HGEDQN *ROI &KDOOHQJH LQ 6XQ &LW\ 6RXWK $IULFD LQFOXGHG /HH :HVWZRRG ZKR ZRQ LW 0DVWHUV champ Charl Schwartzel, Martin Kaymer, world No. 1 Luke Donald, and McDowell. If they had been playing at Sherwood, the Woods triumph would have been really impressive.

Woods was asked a question along those lines. He responded in typical Woods fashion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have world ranking points,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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

16

Sport

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

0F/DUHQ EHFRPHV ‫ۋ‬UVW Formula 1 to be carbon-neutral McLaren has announced it has become the first carbonneutral Formula 1 team. Last year, the team became the first Formula 1 team to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard, following a three-year audit in which the team measured improved its carbon efficiency.

Thanks to a series of efficiencydriven measures within the McLaren Technology Centre, McLaren was able to achieve annual savings of more than 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

More recently, McLaren was

recognised by the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme, which publishes a performance league table of more than 2000 participating British businesses. The team ranked 92nd overall.

“I’m both delighted and proud that McLaren has become the world’s first carbon-neutral Formula 1 team,” said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

“It’s a considerable achievement: the result of a lot of hard work by a number of extremely dedicated individuals within our

organisation, and a testament to our philosophy of continuous improvement within the workplace.

“McLaren was also the first Formula 1 team to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard for our efforts in improving carbon efficiency.

“Today’s announcement is the strongest possible proof that we’ve gone farther than any other Formula 1 team in becoming more environmentally sympathetic and efficient - an achievement that’s of great importance not only to our entire organisation but also to all our partners too.”

AP Photo/Andre Penner

McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button, of Britain, front, Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain, center, and McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, steer their cars during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011.

Vettel expects tougher 2012 season Sebastian Vettel has conceded it is going to be hard for him and Red Bull Racing to repeat their dominant 2011 form next year - but the world champion says he is going to relish the prospect of a tougher fight.

After a campaign that saw Vettel secure a record-breaking 15 pole positions, and capture the world title as early as the Japanese Grand Prix, the German is well aware that such form is rare in F1 history.

But rather than be downbeat that he is going to have a tough time keeping up the momentum of this campaign, Vettel insists that he cannot wait to be out there battling once again for title glory.

In an exclusive interview, after col-

lecting the International Racing Driver of the Year trophy at the AUTOSPORT Awards, Vettel said nothing would ever beat the feeling of excitement that comes before the start of competition.

When asked how hard he believed it would be for Red Bull Racing to repeat its success in 2012, he said: “Difficult.

There have been very few mistakes over this year, nearly faultless, from all of us – so it is never easy. But we will have to push very hard.

AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Germany’s Red Bull F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, right, steers his car during the Race of Champions at the arena in Duesseldorf, western Germany, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.

“People will catch up, and it will be very tight as it has been at times this year.

But I am looking forward to it, and that is what it is all about.

“It would be fantastic to go around in an F1 car against the stop watch every single time – but it is the competition you are looking for: the tension, and the nervousness of standing on the grid when you are about to race.”

Vettel believes it would be ridiculous for the team not to target doing better next year, but he also accepted that the outfit had to be realistic in its ambitions.

“I think if you look historically there haven’t been many seasons like last year,” he said. “Surely we will work very hard, and try to improve on what we had this year.

“It will be difficult as we have done very few mistakes, and that is not easy when you push yourself to the limit.

But of course we are looking forward to next year.

“Now, we are looking forward to the break, then to next year and the competition, and when you start the race then your target has to be to win. And if you win, then sometimes it comes as a surprise, but if you expect it? We have been extremely successful the last two years and it would be weird going into the season to say that we just want to finish in the points. It is clear that we want to defend our title.”

Vettel believes the way that McLaren delivered good form in the second half of the year points to an increased challenge from Red Bull Racing’s rivals in 2012.

“You never go into a season aiming to achieve less than you did the year before.

Of course there are still things that we did not achieve 100 percent this year. There are some mistakes we can learn from, and I hope we do.