Edisi 30 November 2010 | International Bali Post by e-Paper KMB

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Australian police investigate WikiLeaks founder

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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(FILES) A picture taken on October 26, 2010 shows the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant, 1200 kms south of Tehran. Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr has started operations, the nation’s atomic chief said on November 27, 2010, media reported.

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‘Airplane!’, ‘Forbidden Planet’ actor Nielsen dies PAGE 12

AFP PHOTO/MEHR NEWS/MAJID ASGARIPOUR

Iran blasts kill one nuclear scientist, wounds other Reuters

TEHRAN – Two car bomb blasts killed one Iranian nuclear scientist and wounded another in Tehran on Monday, Iran’s al Alam Arabic language television reported. The bombings, rare attacks in the Iranian capital, occurred ahead of a possible meeting between Iran and major powers next month to discuss the country’s nuclear program.

WEATHER FORECAST

Analysts say information about Iran’s nuclear activities is very valuable for the United States and its allies, particularly ahead of the meeting. In the past months, Iran has ar-

rested a number of “nuclear spies,” warning citizens over leaking information to foreign secret services. “Majid Shahriyari was martyred and his wife was injured ...

CITY

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DENPASAR

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JAKARTA

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BANDUNG

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After taking key slum, Rio looks to next targets

YOGYAKARTA

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Associated Press Writer

SURABAYA

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RIO DE JANEIRO – Rio’s top security official hailed the taking by authorities of what was long the most dangerous slum in the city that will host the 2016 Olympics, as operations continued Monday to locate drug gang members thought to be hiding inside. Meanwhile authorities, jubilant at the sudden, dramatic shift that saw them take control of two gang

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strongholds long thought untouchable, were already setting their sites on the next targets. Rio state public security director Jose Beltrame, who has been criticized by human rights groups in the past for tough policing methods, was humble, emotional and thrilled after police and soldiers seized control of the Alemao complex of about a dozen slums. Continued on page 6

Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and his wife were both wounded,” state radio said. “The attackers planted a bomb on each of the teachers’ vehicles.” Iran’s atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi warned “enemies” not to play with fire by carrying out such attacks. “Our nation’s patience has a limit ... when it is over our enemies will face a tedious fate,” Salehi said, the official IRNA news agency reported. “Dr. Shahriyari was my student for many years and he had good cooperation with the Atomic Energy

Organization.” Iran’s English language Press TV showed police and plain clothes security agents examining a silvercolored Peugeot 206 car with what looked like shrapnel holes in its bonnet. No group has claimed the responsibility but Iranian officials and media both blamed Israel, which Tehran calls “the Zionist regime,” and the United States for the killing of the nuclear scientist. Continued on page 6

AFP PHOTO/Evaristo SA

Riot Special Forces policemen load a helicopter with six tons of marijuana found in a bunker during a raid in the Morro do Alemao shantytown on November 28, 2010 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

International

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Bali News Raid civil servant recruitment test in Klungkung:

Many brokers roam and his name ripped off, Candra says Semarapura (Bali Post)—

The Regent of Klungkung, Wayan Candra, straightforwardly said there were many brokers roaming around in the admission process of civil servant recruitment test (CPNS) in Klungkung Regency. Even, Candra did not hesitate to mention those brokers as ‘Devils’ that should be watched out by the applicants or wider community. “People may say them as brokers. But, I feel more convenient to call them as devils of civil servant recruitment,” expressed Candra after committing a monitoring to number of venues of the recruitment test in Klungkung on Sunday (Nov 28). The monitoring was conducted by Candra together with the elements of the leadership and relevant legislators accompanied by a number of regional apparatus units. Three venues of the recruitment test raided were SMAN 1 Semarapura senior high school, SDN 1 Semarapura Tengah primary school and SMKN Semarapura vocational high school. The number of applicants obtaining the registration number reached 1,469 people struggling for 204 positions including teachers, health and technical officers. However, from a number of rooms raided by the regents, averagely three to four applicants did not attend the test. When asked about the issue of bribery in order to pass in the recruitment test in Klungkung Regency, Candra mentioned such an issue al-

ways emerged every year. However, he asserted that he did not do so. Besides, the source of issues was unclear and hard to prove. “Indeed, I received many complaints from victims of those devils (brokers—Ed) every year. Some residents admitted to have deposited some amount of money, but did not qualify for the recruitment. The devils indeed existed and so did the victims. However, no one reported the case to police station,” said Candra while mentioning both brokers and the victims were the person of surrounding region (from Klungkung—Ed). “The devils are taking action and cheated my name along with their smartness to attract the interest of potential victims. Amount of the money taken varied from IDR 60 million to IDR 70 million,” he added.

Meanwhile, the number of applicants in Klungkung this year decreased from 6,508 people struggling for 641 vacancies. Head of Klungkung Human Resources (BKD), Nengah Sudiartha, estimated the decrease in the number of applicants was caused by the reducing quota in the Klungkung Regency. “Probably, the applicants may seek the greater opportunity,” he said. Sudiarta said, the allocated number of civil servant prospect given by the central government was based on the proposed need by Klungkung Regency namely 881 people. He reasoned that such a need was caused by the number of retired civil servants reached more than a hundred people. “For now, the number of civil servants in Klungkung Regional Government reached 5,700 people,” he added. (kmb20)

Regent Gde Agung closes Badung Cultural Festival Having lasted for 10 days, on Friday (Nov 26) night the fourth Badung Cultural Festival (BCF) 2010 was officially closed by the Regent of Badung AA Gde Agung. The closing ceremony was attended by the Head of the Badung House I Made Sumer and his wife, Secretary of Badung Regency Kompyang R. Swandika and his wife, regional officials in the ranks of the Badung Regency. The closure organized at the outermost courtyard of the Lingga Bhuwana Temple in the Badung Civic Center was thronged by people as well as cultural envoys winning the championship in the festival. Head of the Badung Cultural Services, Ida Bagus Anom Bhasma, who was also served as Chairman of the Organizing Committee, reported that the BCF ac-

tivities had proceeded smoothly and accordingly. Sub districts winning the competition in the festival activities had been determined. Competition held in the activities consisted of the making of penjor, bleganjur gamelan music, decorating penjor, the making of canang sari oblation, coloring picture for kindergarten students, Balinese pop song, Balinese dance for children and teenagers, as well as gong kebyar for children, women and adult category. Explained, the first winner of the gong kebyar competition for children category across Badung was the Kumara Bhakti Budaya children gamelan troupe from Teba Hamlet, Jimbaran Village, South Kuta, for the women’s category, the first winner was achieved by the Wanita Dharma Kerti gamelan troupe from Selat Hamlet, Sobangan Village,

Mengwi, and for adult category was achieved by Adnyana Sari gamelan troupe from Uma Hamlet, Tegal Village, Abiansemal subdistrict. In his speech, the Regent Gde Agung said that the government strongly supported the implementation of Badung Arts Festival coupled with the first anniversary of the capital of Badung Regency “Mangupura.” Cultural festival was very important in the effort to preserve the Balinese arts and culture. The cultural festival was expected to improve the creativity of arts and culture of the artists. In addition, the event was also able to motivate the young people to love their Balinese superb arts and culture. At the closing ceremony, the Regent Gde Agung, accompanied by the Head of the Badung house I Made Sumer handed over the prizes to the respective winners.

IBP/Bal

The Regent of Klungkung, Wayan Candra, examine the civil servant test.

Bangsal Monument Suggested Being Tourist Object Dalung, DenPost

Bangsal War Monument at Dalung now became an interest to the public. Generally public wants to know the fighters fight and activities in this monument area where they fight for independence during the invasion. Following the increasing visitors, Bangsal War Monument is now suggested to be a tourist object as it has a very high historic value. The suggestion was given by LPP RRI (Indonesia Republic Radio Public Broadcasting Institute) Representative, Sunraya Ruslan and Tias Anggor during their visit with Head of LPP RRI Education and Practice Center and group to the monument last Sunday (28/11). It was admitted this was the first time Sunarya came to this monument and stated this sort of monument is very important and a very good thing because with it, it gives away that fighting value to the next generation. Moreover with foreign cultures and modernization coming in this monument should be one of the reminders to the younger generation. With that, Sunarya suggested Bangsal to be one of the access for the

tourists as this is part of Indonesia Republic, “With it people from outside Bali will know there’s a fight done here by these heroes including the foreigners that came to Bali.” Meanwhile, Pemucuk of Puri Puncak Bangsal Family, Dr. Bagus Ngurah Putu Arthana, Sp. A(K), explained that through this activity it is hoped that the new generation of Indonesia can continue the fight and dreams of these heroes also understand the historic values to this monument. This is one of the important history during Indonesia fights for independence in Bali also to fill that independence is the new generation’s task. It is also explained that this monument was a secret underground headquarters during the independence war in Bali. This historic place was the meeting place between young leaders in arranging their strategies during Japanes and NICA invasion. The fighting spirit of Bangsal is to reach that independence and right now is to fill in that independence and guard the four pillars which are One Country Indonesia Republic, UUD (Foundation Law) 45, Pancasila and Bhineka Tunggal Ika. (kmb)

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

Bali News

International

Non Residents Supervision Budget Needed IDR 850 Million Denpasar (Bali Post) –

Bali province government has planned a budget as much as IDR 850 Million all along year 2010 to filter and supervise non residents that came to Bali especially for those that did not complete itself with regulated identity and its unclear purpose coming to Bali. Head of Bali Secretary Population Bureau Government Planning Unit, Drs. Wayan Nuranta, MH, stated these last Sunday (28/11). According to Nuranta, this filtering and supervision will e done on the four harbors of Bali Island. It is said this effort will be a join work with four region/city governments where the harbors are, “The Bali Budget and Expenses (APBD) has been arranged suiting each harbor’s activities.” To secure those gates, Jembrana government has received around IDR 400 million which is used to support the supervision of comers from all over Indonesia going through Gilimanuk Harbor. Karangasem government received IDR 300 Million for intensive supervision at Padangbai Harbor. While Buleleng Government received IDR 100 Million for secur-

ing Celkan Bawang Harbor and Denpasar government got IDR 50 Million in supervising non residents at Benoa Harbor and Ubung Terminal, “The budget plotted by Bali Province government was to secure the main three gates to Bali which has been done these last several years. With tight security it is hoped they will come to Bali having the right identity and the right purpose.” Nuranta added, officials that have been tasked in each gates to do so. If there are non residents that did not bring its complete identity documents also unclear purpose, then officials can clearly forbid these people to come in to Bali including sending them back

to where they came from, “Every year, the number of new comers to Bali and wanting to try get incomes in Bali reaches 25 thousand people.” According to Nuranta, the filtering and supervision to these non residents it important remembering Bali can only support 1,5 million people. Yet right now Bali population reached 4,1 million people. If the security on the gates of Bali is not tighten, then new comers who are coming to Bali especially those who have skills and certain purpose can’t be known, “This is definitely dangerous for Bali as new comers will be not selected well which potentially cause any kind of social threats.” (kmb13)

Three Indigenous Wisdoms in Human-Animal Relation NATURE is so kind to its dwellers, namely plants, animal and human. It has provided all things or sustenance required for the survival around the clock. All require the presence of one another. However, human being is the most determining elements among the three because he is the only creature bestowed with the capability of thinking. One of the basic principles in Hinduism is the belief in the soul. All creatures are brought to life by vital energy or soul (atman). It represents the fragment of God (Brahman). Since material body bonds them, they could not identify their pure self. Human being endowed with power, words and mind has dominant role in maintaining the relations. He considers God dwells inside all creatures. On that account, he respects them all as equal creation. Animal particularly cattle, for instance, has helped human being in living their life. Cow has provided him with the power to plough his soil in the rice field or garden, milk for children and adult, and its dung for fertilizing the soil. Meanwhile, other cattle give human some eggs or fleshes. As a means of thanksgiving, Hindu devotees in Bali celebrate a day in 210 days as special ceremony

to their cattle. It is called Tumpek Kandang falling on Saturday Kliwon Wuku Uye. The upcoming one will fall on 6 June. On that day, the Hindus in Bali will celebrate it by presenting some oblations showing a deep gratitude for being given with the energy assistance, healthy drink or delicious food. The same respect is given to cultivated plants that are honored through Tumpek Pengatag or Bubuh (Saturday Kliwon Wariga) and human itself has birthday (otonan) celebrated once in 210 days on the same day as his birth, not birthdate (on the same date). From the morning, girls or household mothers will be busy preparing everything for the ritual. It would be a great chance if you could see the Balinese perform the procession. Since human being has a mind, there is an opportunity for him to get reunion with God because he can think and learn about God. This denotes another belief of Hinduism, namely moksha. Meanwhile, animal and plant do not have this opportunity. However, human being can provide help for this purpose in order the soul of animal and plant can reach higher level in their next life. Dharma Caruban manuscript describes the correct way to slaughter animals and to take plants for the use of rituals. Before slaughtering them, they are given particular mantra in

the hope they could reach higher level of life in the next reincarnation. This treatment is equally given to any plants, fish (ekapada), fowl (dwipada) and four-legged animals (catur pada). Regarding to this human-animal relation, there is another manuscript, namely Darmaning Pemaculan or Shri Tattwa, describing about spiritual farming-related activities, ranging from how to build different sizes of dam, land cultivation and plant’s disease eradication to rituals held in each phase of the activity. In handling plant’s disease, local farmers remain to say prayers in order God or His manifestation keeps the animal properly, not disturb the plants. As the compensation for the animals, devotees will present proper food (lelabaan). Otherwise, the farmers will set up trap or natural poison. When getting in touch with human life, all animals are treated as God’s creation and communication maintained. Human offers thanksgiving oblation for the help extended; invocation for better life when animals are in use for rituals ingredients; acknowledgment and repressive action to plant diseases if they attack human plants. In short, he remains to give proper treatment as equal God’s creation. (BTN/punia)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tower Demolition Continuation Tomorrow, Badung Regent Produces Command Letter Mangupura (Bali Post) –

According to plan stated last Sunday (28/11), tomorrow Wednesday (30/ 11) Badung Regent AA Gde Agung will produce the command letter for the continuation of unpermitted (building permit) telecommunication towers demolition in Badung, “All the process in the Work Unit Area (SKPD) has been completed. Now only the process at Regional Secretary needed then in the end of November which is the 30th, I will produce the Regent’s command letter. But for the number and which towers are going to be demolished, that’s our secret.” According to the Regent, this demolition is a must and has to be done as when the case was legally processed in the court, the winner Badung Government stated to demolition is as regulations and laws. Even though, Badung Government does not want to do it without any studying first and so the process went quite long with studies from many aspects, “The process was long and through many aspects such as justice, administration and technical ones. So it can’t be reckless, that will cause us to be the one reported not

doing it thoroughly. And lastly we haven’t continued the demolition because the court’s decision has just been received on Thursday (25/11) so we need time to continue this.” It was said, Badung Government did not “flirt” with the tower owners. It is explained in the trial at Denpasar District Court with SKP Company right now still goes on and Badung Government is still demanding to continue it and no peace. Once more, this was based on Surabaya District High Court’s decision that stated there’s no law violation in producing Badung Regent Command letter on unpermitted towers demolition in Badung. More over, the Regent and his colleagues are still facing five cases connecting to towers demolition. Three of them was won during comparison at Surabaya District High Court, one Reassess at Supreme Court connecting to a tower owned by United Towerindo and one case at Denpasar District Court. For the Reassess at the Supreme Court is still in process and Gde Agung is optimistic that his side could win again. (kmb25)

As for robbery in Kawan MM Alleged to be a new robber group, a perpetrator captured by CCTV Denpasar (Bali Post)— Now, police officers are working hard to reveal the robbery case occurred in Kawan Minimarket (MM) on Jalan Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung. One of the three robbery perpetrators armed with gunfire was said to have been recorded by CCTV. It means that police have found a clue about the case. Additionally, police officers suspected the robbers belonged to a new ring. From the way they acted, they were not the perpetrators of robbery occurred at the Udayana petrol station, Jimbaran. “They were far different. Perpetrators at the petrol station were far more professional,” a police source said on Sunday (Nov 28). The resource person said that the ring of robbers consisting of three people and riding a motorbike was believed to be still in Bali. It was discernible from the movement of police shortly after the incident took place. After receiving the report, police officers of South Kuta directly coordinated with the Badung Police and South Kuta Police, including the officers on duty at the borders. “It was not found yet any people with the same characteristic as the alleged perpetrators going out of Bali. They are believed to be still in Bali,” the source said on Sunday (Nov 28). Related to the records of CCTV, said the source, it was unable to fully record the perpetrators. The shoot of surveillance camera was hindered by a board. However, a perpetrator could be re-

corded and it could possibly help reveal the robbery case. “Hopefully, armed with the tape, the perpetrator could be captured,” he hoped. Meanwhile, Chief of South Kuta Police, Nanang Prihasmoko, said that his party was still investigating the robbery case that increasingly made people restless. So far, his party was still busy with the examination of witnesses. Until now, the investigators remained to examine four witnesses. Unfortunately, there had been no information leading to the perpetrators of robbery causing the minimarket to suffer a loss worth IDR 9 million. “There have been four witnesses examined. We are still continuing to investigate them further,” said Chief Nanang Prihasmoko to reporters. Related to the gunfire brought by the ring of the robber, Chief Nanang Prihasmoko did not dare to confirm its type. Out of the four employees examined, they did not know for sure about what kind of gunfire it was. “The witness did not dare to turn back when threatened by the weapon. They preferred to follow all instruction of the perpetrators,” he explained. As the previous information, the robbery in the Kawan MM happened at 04:00 Local Time, Saturday (Nov 27). The three robbers wearing a full face helmet and bringing gunfire managed to disable four local employees. Even, the perpetrators could take away a cash and merchandise worth IDR 9 million. The robbers acted quickly and it only took them about four minutes. (kmb21)

News

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

International

Thai court set to rule on fate of ruling party AP

South Korean soldiers take part in a military drill on the beach in Malipo, north western South Korea

SKorea leader vows consequences for NKorean attack AP

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president on Monday took responsibility for failing to protect his citizens from a deadly North Korean artillery attack last week, vowing tough consequences for any future aggression and expressing outrage over the “ruthlessness of the North Korean regime.” Lee Myung-bak’s short speech to the country came as a nuclear-powered U.S. supercarrier and a South Korean destroyer participated in joint military exercises, a united show of force nearly a week after an artillery barrage on Yeonpyeong island killed four, including two civilians. A South Korean county designated the front-line island Monday as “offlimits” to civilians. The decision could pave the way for the evacuation of about 300 remaining residents, journalists and officials. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it would discuss whether to evacuate. Amid the heightened tension, classified U.S. State Department documents leaked Sunday by online whistle-blower WikiLeaks showed the United States and South Korea discussing possible scenarios for reunification of the peninsula, and American worry over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. Under pressure to take stronger action in dealing with the defiant North, Lee lashed out at Pyongyang. “Only a few meters away from where shells landed, there is a school where classes were going on,” Lee said. “I am outraged by the ruthlessness of the North Korean regime, which is even indifferent to the lives of little children.” Lee has come under withering criticism for what opponents have called lapses in South Korea’s response to the attack. Lee has replaced his defense minister, ordered reinforcements for the 4,000 troops on Yeonpyeong and four other Yellow Sea islands and upgraded rules of engagement. “If the North commits any additional provocations against the South, we will make sure that it pays a dear price without fail,” Lee said.

“The South Korean people now unequivocally understand that prolonged endurance and tolerance will spawn nothing but more serious provocations.” He didn’t offer specifics about what consequences the North would face, and he offered few details on what actions South Korea will take in response to last week’s attack, other than promising to strengthen the military. “I feel deeply responsible for failing to protect my people’s lives and property,” Lee said. In South Korea, it is not rare for top officials to resign, apologize or express responsibility when their government faces public criticism. Minutes after Lee finished his speech, North Korea issued a fresh threat to attack South Korea and the United States, calling the allies’ joint war drills “yet another grave military provocation.” China, the North’s only major ally, has belatedly jumped into the fray. Beijing’s top nuclear envoy, Wu Dawei, called for an emergency meeting in early December among regional powers involved in nuclear disarmament talks, including North Korea. Seoul gave a cool response to Beijing’s proposal, saying it should be “reviewed very carefully” in light of North Korea’s recent revelation of a new uranium-enrichment facility. The troubled relations between the two Koreas, which fought a three-year war in the 1950s, have steadily deteriorated since Lee’s conservative government took power in 2008 with a tough new policy toward the North. Eight months ago, a South Korean warship went down in the western waters, killing 46 sailors in the worst attack on the South Korean military since the Korean War. Then, last Tuesday, North Korean troops showered artillery on Yeonpyeong, a South Koreanheld island that houses military bases as well as a civilian population — an attack that marked a new level of hostility.

BANGKOK – Judges from Thailand’s Constitutional Court are deciding whether to disband the ruling party of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over charges it misused government funds. Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai delivered closing arguments Monday defending his Democrat Party of charges it misused 29 million baht ($907,000) of a government fund allotted for political parties. The court indicated it would deliver a verdict later in the day. If found guilty, the party could be disbanded and about 40 of its executives — including Abhisit — banned from politics for five years. That would force the formation of a new government. The punishment is at the discretion of the court. Thailand’s Prime Minister and leader of the governing Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva, left AP

Saudi king urged US to attack Iran: leaked documents AFP

PARIS – King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear programme, according to US documents leaked by WikiLeaks and published Sunday by daily newspapers. According to a leaked US cable, published by the New York Times, King Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz made the call during an April 2008 meeting with US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and US General David Petraeus. “He told you to ‘cut off the head of the snake’,” Saudi Arabia’s am-

bassador to Washington, Adel alJubeir, told the US embassy in Riyadh two days after the high-level talks, according to the State Department memo. “The King, Foreign Minister, Prince Muqrin, and Prince Nayif all agreed that the Kingdom needs to cooperate with the US on resisting and rolling back Iranian influence and subversion in Iraq,” the memo said. “The King was particularly adamant on this point, and it was echoed by the senior princes as well. Al-Jubeir recalled the King’s frequent exhortations to the US to attack Iran and so put an end to its nuclear weapons program.”

AFP/File

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

But the memo goes on to say other Saudi officials were more cautious about the need for military action, with Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and intelligence chief Prince Muqrin bin Abd al-Aziz pushing for sanctions. “The Foreign Minister, on the other hand, called instead for much more severe US and international sanctions on Iran, including a travel ban and further restrictions on bank lending,” the memo said. “Prince Muqrin echoed these views, emphasizing that some sanctions could be implemented without UN approval. The Foreign Minister also stated that the use of military pressure against Iran should not be ruled out.” The leaked memo could prove embarrassing to Saudi Arabia, which, while known to be nervous of Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions, has not publicly called for Western military action against its powerful neighbour. Reacting to the leaks, a Saudi government advisor who asked not to be identified told AFP: “The whole thing is very negative. It’s not good for confidence-building.” Riyadh had been warned by Washington that documents would be leaked, but they had not known in advance exactly what would come out, he added. Official Saudi government spokesmen were not immediately available.

Hotel Activities

International

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Ramada Bintang Bali Resort

Held “Visit Charity Program” in Karangasem As one of the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Ramada Bintang Bali Resort held Visit Charity Program in Juuk Manis, Karangasem on Thursday, November 15, 2010. The social act was the third times carried out by the five stars hotel which is located in Kuta. The general Manager of Ramada Bintang Bali Resort, Jeryy Lee, in front of the officers and inhabitants of Juuk Manis, said that there is great hope that the CSR activity could help the local people in the area. According to the Gm who come from Singapore, the social act will continue and will be done regularly. “I hope that the cows given by the hotel will be taken care so it can help to improve the condition of the locals in the area,” Lee added. The fund gathered for the charity program is 55,158,220 rupiah. The fund was gathered from bipartite, Hindu Association, Moslem Association, Christian Association management, and the Charity Box. The donation which is 16 cows

was given to eight groups in the area through Karangasem Social Department. The groups are spread in several villages such as Karangasem District (Juuk manis, belong, Dukuh Bukit Ngandang), middle Seraya Village (Dusun Ijo gading, Dusun Taman), estaren Seraya Village (Dusun Tukad Item) and in eastern Tianyar (Dusun Tukad Item). In addition to the cows, the hotel was also donating 50 food parcels which worth approximately 100,000 rupiah. Ramada Hotel was also cooperated with Kuta Clinic, Surya Husada Hospital Club and Karangasem Health Department in order to give health assistance to the people. The hotel employee was also sing along with locals so they bond between them is really tight. According to Tia Virlana, the Public Relations Manager of Ramada Bintang Bali Resort, said that the social act was successfully carried out because the support of the owner, management and hotel staffs.(055)

Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for December 1st through December 13th 2010 December 1st

Temple anniversary celebrations and full moon ceremony at : - Pura Bhatara Kawitan Pura Agung Bangli, downtown of Bangli - Pura Pasek Gelgel, Pedungan village, south of Denpasar - Pura Kertha, Banyuning village, downtown of Singaraja ( north Bali) - Pura Taman, Bubunan village, district of Seririt, Buleleng regency ( north Bali) December 2nd

Temple anniversary celebrations and full moon ceremony at : - Pura Puseh and Desa Silakarang village district of Sukawati village, Gianyar regency - Pura Dalem Pulasari Samprangan village, district of Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency - Pura Natih, banjar kaloh batuan village - Pura Dalem petitenget, Kerobokan village, district of Kuta, Badung regency December 3rd

Temple anniversary celebrations and full moon ceremony at : - Pura Dalem Puri, Besakih village, Karangasem regency - Pura Dalem Puri, Batuan village, Gianyar regency - Pura Dalem, Singakertha village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency - Pura Dalem Agung, downtown of Bangli - Pura Dalem, Ketewel village, district of Sukawati, Gianyar regency - Pura Desa, Downtown of Denpasar - Pura Puncak Payogan, Kedewatan village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency December 8th

Temple anniversary celebrations and full moon ceremony at : - Pura Merajan Agung, Batuyang village, district of

Sukawati, Gianyar regency - Pura Tanjungsari, Padangbai village, Karangasem regency. December 8th Galungan

This is the most important holiday symbolizing the victory of Virtue (Dharma) upon Evil (Adharma). The holiday is specialized by the fitting of ‘penjor’, a tall bamboo pole splendidly decorated with woven young coconut leaves, fruit, cakes and flowers, on the right side of every house entrance. People are attired in their finest clothes and jewels this day. December 11th

Temple ceremony on this day: - Segara Temple, Jembrana Regency - Dalem Gede Temple, Losan – Klungkung Regency December 12th

- Redite Wage Kuningan, Ulihan. Balinese do believe, this day is the return of all mighty spirit back to heaven after leaved a prosperity and longevity to the worshipers. Temple ceremony on this day:

- Dalem Tegal Tamu Temple, Sekarmukti, Batubulan - Gianyar Regency - Kubayan Umagunung Temple, Sempidi – Badung Regency December 13th

Temple ceremony on this day: - Dasar Gelgel Temple, Gelgel – Klungkung Regency - Pasek Tohjiwa Temple, Sawah, Selemadeg – Tabanan Regency - Pemerajan Agung Temple, Benawah Kangin – Gianyar Regency - Panti Pasek Gelgel Temple, Pelapuhan, Busungbiu - Buleleng Regency - Kahyangan Tulus Temple, Apuan – Tabanan Regency

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 “umbul-umbul”, 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.

News

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Iran blasts...

Australian police investigate WikiLeaks founder

From page 1 Another nuclear scientist, Massoud Ali-Mohammadi, was killed by a remote controlled bomb in Tehran in January. Some opposition websites said he backed moderate candidate Mirhossein Mousavi in the 2009 disputed presidential vote that secured President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election. Western sources said in January that Mohammadi worked closely with Fereydoun Abbassi-Davani, who was subjected to U.N. sanctions because of his work on suspected nuclear weapons develop-

CANBERRA, Australia – Attorney-General Robert McClelland says police are investigating whether any Australian law has been broken by the latest leaking of confidential documents by online whistle-blower WikiLeaks. McClelland told reporters on Monday he was not aware of a request from the United States to cancel WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s Australian passport. He says a range of options are under consideration by Australian government agencies in response to the latest disclosure of classified U.S. material. McClelland says there are “potentially a number of criminal laws” that could have been breached. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week condemned the planned leaks as reckless and potentially harmful to national security interests.

After taking key slum... From page 1

AP –

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

‘No punishments’ over deadly Cambodian stampede: PM AFP

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s premier said Monday that nobody will be brought to justice over a festival stampede last week that left more than 350 people dead, but admitted the government was at fault. “Nobody will be punished for the incident,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said after the worst tragedy in Cambodia for decades. “The incident that happened was the responsibility of the government,” he said, describing it as “a historical lesson that we must remember”. Cambodia’s annual water festival ended in tragedy last Monday after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge leading to an island that was one

ment. “Abbasi-Davani has not been seriously injured in the blast,” the semi-official Mehr news agency said. Salehi said one of the country’s biggest nuclear projects was on the killed scientist’s agenda, without giving further details, IRNA reported. Iran says its atomic program is purely peaceful, but suspicions that it is seeking nuclear weapons have led to the imposition of several rounds of international sanctions by the United Nations, the European Union and the United States.

of the main event sites. “They have accused us of inability. We must accept this because of the deaths,” Hun Sen said at the inauguration of a new government building in the capital. “We were careless,” he added. “This was a joint mistake that nobody expected.” A total of 351 people lost their lives, the majority of them women, and questions have been raised over who is to blame for the tragedy. Authorities have said a full report on the incident would be released in the coming days. Initial findings from the investigating committee suggest the stampede occurred after rumours rippled through the crowd that the suspension bridge to

Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island was about to collapse. “The tragedy started with our wrong assessment of the situation,” said the premier, who has described the stampede as Cambodia’s worst tragedy since the Khmer Rouge’s 1975-1979 reign of terror, which killed up to a quarter of the population. The three-day festival, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, usually draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts. A national day of mourning was held on Thursday, led by an emotional Hun Sen who wiped away tears as he lit incense and laid flowers at the foot of the bridge.

AFP –

Cambodians pray with offerings near the Diamond Gate bridge, site of a stampede at the annual water festival

For decades, it had been the key territory of Rio’s biggest drug gang, the Red Command. “The Alemao was the heart of evil,” Beltrame said at a late Sunday news conference. But he emphasized that his twoyear-old program to push gangs out of the city’s sprawling shantytowns and replace them with permanent police posts was only beginning, that he was now looking ahead to the next huge slum that police will go after — Rocinha, a sprawl of shanties and narrow alleys that is one of Latin America’s largest slums. He did not detail when police might attempt to wrestle Rocinha from the drug gang that controls it, but he was resolute and confident in saying that it would definitely fall. “Criminals without a house, criminals without a weapon, criminals without territory, criminals without money are far less criminal than they were before,” said Beltrame, on the verge of tears, voice cracking. “We have not won the war, but we’ve won a difficult and important battle.” He spoke hours after 2,600 police and soldiers poured into Alemao at sunrise, supported by armored personnel carriers, low-flying helicopters buzzing the slum and even a few tanks. They claimed victory within two hours, saying they had taken control with little fighting in the district of 85,000 residents. It was the biggest advance yet in the two-year effort to drive gangs from their strongholds in the hundreds of shantytowns, many draped across the hills that look down on Rio’s fabled beaches. The crusade is driven in part by the need to make foreign visitors feel secure for the final matches of the 2014 World Cup and for the 2016 Olympics that are meant to be showpieces of Brazil’s emergence as growing world force. Alemao was a key target because it sits near a highway that connects most of Rio to the international airport. Rocinha, the next target, lies on a road that will connect the main 2016 Olympic venues to the rest of the city. Rio de Janeiro Gov. Sergio Cabral said the campaign against gangs will go forward. “We will continue to conquer more territories and give peace to our citizens and the foreign visitors who come here,” he told Globo TV. Officials have already imposed or-

der on more than a dozen other former gang strongholds, even encouraging tourism along streets once echoing with gunfire. The gangs reacted violently to the campaign a week ago, staging mass robberies of motorists on key highways, burning more than 100 buses and cars, and shooting up police outposts. The government counterattacked with hundreds of soldiers and thousands of police in armored vehicles, first driving gangsters from the Vila Cruzeiro slum Thursday, then moving on to neighboring Alemao — their most ambitious target yet. At least 36 people, mostly suspected drug traffickers, died in the gang violence and resulting police raids over the past week. Officials earlier warned that as many as 600 gang members were holed up in Alemao, but by Monday police had made just 20 arrests, including a few of the slum’s reputed top gang leaders. Police estimated at least 200 gangsters remained hidden in the slum and warned that sporadic shootouts were likely in the coming days as security forces searched the zone. At least one suspected trafficker was killed in the invasion and at least two people were injured. “We won,” said Mario Sergio Duarte, head of Rio state’s military police. “We brought freedom to the residents of Alemao.” Inside the slum, big piles of trash dotted a main dirt road that ran with raw sewage. The iron gates of storefronts were drawn down, their surfaces pocked with bullet holes. Spent rifle casings littered streets. Slum residents, under siege for days, took advantage of the calm to buy food. Old women, young boys and teenagers leaned against their squat shacks surveying the new scene, but often hurried inside when a police contingent walked by. Some residents said the government was a negligible presence in the area for at least a decade and expressed fear the police hold would not last. A young pregnant woman voiced her doubts in a whisper and declined to give her name in fear of both the gangs and the police officers standing guard a few feet away. “The gangs will be back. I have no doubt they escaped and will return after the police leave,” she said. “How big a police post will they need to secure this whole place? I don’t think they can do it.”

International

Indonesia Today This picture taken on November 5, 2010 and received on November 26, 2010 shows a newly discovered eyeless fish, the Cavernicole, released by the Expedition of Lengguru-Kaimana 2010. Eyeless cave fish and a frog that carry its offspring on its back are among the new species a team of French along with Indonesian scientists have discovered in Indonesia’s eastern Papua region. AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / EXPEDITION LENGGURU-KAIMANA 2010

Tortured Indonesian Housemaid to Have Lung Surgery Antara

Jakarta - Sumiati binti Salan Mustafa who was recently tortured by her Saudi Arabian employer would have a lung surgery, an Indonesian government official said. “Sumiati has undergone plastic surgery, and she is now prepared for a lung surgery,” Director of the Workforce and Transmigration Ministry`s Migrant Worker Placement Rostiawati said on Sunday. Speaking in a press conference for the launching of ASEAN Employee Services Trade Union Council (ASETUC) here, she said her ministry would try to enable Sumiati‘s father to go to Saudi Arabia. During his visit, he would accompany her daughter during the lung surgery process as the 24-yearold Sumiati wanted, Rostiawati said. “We are doing our best to handle all things needed for the trip of Sumiati`s father so that he can take care of her daughter during her lung surgery process and medical treatment,” she said. With the sound medical treatment, Sumiati was expected to recover from her ailing condition soon so that she could testify as the key witness for her employer`s alleged brutality case, she said. “This case must be tried by the

local court with which Sumiati`s employer gets punishment for what she has done to Sumiati,” she said. At the press briefing, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, member of the House of Representatives‘ (DPR) Commission IX overseeing manpower, called on the government not to ignore violence cases that other Indonesian migrant workers still faced. Among the cases that the Indonesian government needs to pay serious attention to were the ones that Siti Hajar and three other Indonesian workers in Malaysia had undergone, she said. Siti Hajar was the victim of her employer‘s brutality but Michel, her Malaysian employer, remained free after appealing to the country‘s higher court for her eight-year-in-jail punishment. Three other Indonesian workers were also shot dead by the Malaysian police last March. “Don‘t let new violence cases happen but old cases should neither be ignored,” said the legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDIP) faction. Sumiati herself had reportedly been allowed to leave King Fahd‘s hospital in Medina. Okaz Daily reported on Sunday that Sumiati‘s lawyer was waiting for the result of Saudi Arabian police‘s investigation over his client.

Spokesman of the Saudi Arabian workforce ministry, Hatab bin Soleh, has asked the Sumiati case not to be generalized because it was only a case, which could not represent the whole situation. The Saudi Arabian workforce ministry recorded that there were at least 270,000 foreign domestic workers in the country at the moment. They were legal workers. Majority of them had been treated well by their employers and protected by the memorandum of understanding and the Saudi Arabian workforce ministerial regulations. According to the workforce minister‘s regulation number 1/738 dated on 16/5/1425 H, all sorts of human trafficking, working contract violation, and inhuman and immoral treatment were prohibited. The foreign workers‘ employers who ignored all existing regulations would get sanctioned, such as not allowing to employ migrant workers for five years. If the same employers repeatedly violated the regulations, they would no longer be allowed to employ foreign workers, Hatab bin Soleh said. Saudi Arabia currently employs 927,500 Indonesian migrant workers. making it the second biggest user of Indonesian manpower after Malaysia.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

President on two-day working visit in Aceh Antara

Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is on a two-day working visit in Aceh province from November 29-30, 2010. The president and his entourage arrived aboard a presidential aircraft at Sultan Iskandar Muda airbase in Banda Aceh at 12.45 pm on Monday to open a National Wirakarya Scout Jamboree in Pidie District‘s Seulawah region. In addition to opening the national jamboree, the head of state is also scheduled to lead a ceremony marking the launching of a trembesi tree planting movement and hand 120,000 trembesi seedlings to Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf. On the occasion, Governor Irwandi would present the president with a traditionally crafted chair symbolizing peace. Meanwhile, Aceh Scout Regional Quarter chairman Muhammad Nazar said earlier that the National Wirakarya Scout Jamboree would be participated in by around 10,000 scouts from all provinces across the country, and from a number of Asean and

Middle East countries. He said the Jamboree would take place on the 52.2-hectare Seulawah camping ground, some 75 kilometers east of Banda Aceh. Aceh Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Farid AS said security in Banda Aceh and the Sulawah area had been tightened for the president‘s working visit. “We are ready to ensure security for the head of state during his working visit to Aceh, especially along the way from Banda Aceh to the location of the Jamboree in the Seulawah area,” Farid said, adding that at least 871 policemen were deployed to ensure security along the routes President Yudhoyono`s motorcade would take.

IBP/ist

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Maluku jolted by successive earthquakes Antara

Ambon, Maluku - Tectonic earthquakes have jolted Maluku province for three consecutive days since Saturday, November 27, 2010. Ambon Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) spokesman Irwan Slamet said the latest earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale rocked West Southeast Maluku (MTB) district town of Saumlaki at 4.45 local time on Monday morning. Irwan said the epicenter of the

quake was located at 6.60 degrees southern latitude and 130.73 degrees eastern longitude at a depth of 35 kilometers under the sea level, or some 93 kilometers northwest of Saumlaki. Earlier on Sunday, Seram Timur district town of Bula was also rocked with another temblor measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale with its epicenter located at 2.24 degrees southern latitude and 129.34 degrees eastern longitude at a depth of 26 kilometers under the sea level, or 160 kilometers northwest of Bula.

According to Irwan Slamet, a stronger one measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale jolted the province at 5.12 local time on Saturday morning. The epicenter of Saturday‘s quake was located located 167 kilometers northeast of Ambon at a depth of 10 kilometers under sea level. Irwan Slamet said the epicenter was located 2.53 degrees southern latitude and 129.19 degrees eastern longitude, 284 kilometers southeast of Labuha in North Maluku, 298 ki-

lometers southwest of Sorong in Papua, and 349 kilometers northwest of Fakfak. “We intensively monitor possible aftershocks and therefore we hope the people will remain calm but alert,” Irwan Slamet said, adding that four hours earlier on Saturday another earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale also jolted Fakfak in West Papua. He said its epicenter was located 3.38 degrees southern latitude and 131.06 degrees eastern longitude at a

depth of 25 kilometers under the sea level, or 144 kilometers southeast of Fakfak. Irwan admitted that Maluku, especially southeaster part of the province was quake prone and therefore BMKG continues to monitor it. “The area of West Southeast Maluku (MTB) district town of Saumlaki is almost every day jolted by tremors but at low intensity so the people sometimes does not feel it,” he said.

Internationa

Tuesday, November 30 , 2010

Bali Today Bali’s export to Japan increase 16% Antara

Denpasar – The leather exports from Bali attract the customers from Japan. This made leather exports to Japan keep increasing from time to time. In 2010, the export to Japan increase 16% compare to the previous year. Putu Bagiada, the head of Export Division in Bali Industrial and Trade, said that the revenue gained from leather export to Japan was $7.9 million during January through September 2010 period. The revenue gained from 3.1 million pieces of shipment. The number of shipments increased 60% compare to the same period last year which was 1.7 million pieces worth $4.9 million. Bagiada said that the handicrafts made from leather such as bags, clothes, hat, and other accessories often combined with other material such as silver. This made the products is very beautiful and unique so it attracts the interest of the customers especially from Japan. 30% from the total production in Bali is exported to Japan. Around 17% is exported to

Singapore and 10% to Italy. Bagiada stated that Japan is the biggest importer of Bali’s non-oil and gas products which worth $69 million in the nine months period of 2010. The number increase 16% compare to the same period last year. In addition to leather products, fish is also one of the main products exported to Japan. Bagiada said that Balinese craftsmen are very creative in creating new design so the demand from Japanese customers still very high. Meanwhile, Made Sudiada, a businessman who exports his product to Japan, said “the customers in Japan emphasize on the quality of the products, they don’t mind with the price,” he added. Made said that most of the customers in Japan requested small items which they can carry with them anytime.

IBP/ist

The bags which are produced by the crafstmen in Bali. The leather exports from Bali attract the customers from Japan. This made leather exports to Japan keep increasing from time to time.

Bawa Samar Gantang A Journey into the History and Mystery of Bali UNDINEABLY BLISS or hap- to make some cloisters and medita- wellness. Though the tradition has Attended Art Exhibition at Surakarta piness has become a dream and des- tion cells. At this location, ancient been created hundreds of years ago, POET I Gusti Putu Bawa Samar Gantang fulfilled the invitation as a candidate of an art, installation art, performance art exhibition at Galeri Seni Rupa Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Surakarta for a month. He will be joined by other 44 artists, actors, musiIBP/doc cians, writers from I Gusti Putu Bawa Samar Gantang outside and inside the country. The “Sisi Lain” themed exhibition will go on from 27th November until 11th December and besides showing his paintings, the mystical Tabanan poet will also show his poetries. When met at his house, Kenanga Street No 7, Dauh Peken, Tabanan, Samar Gantang admitted will attend it with musicians Iwan Fals, Sawong Jabo, also other top names like Putu Wijaya, Wayan Sadra, Ayu Utami, Andrik Purwasito, Ardus M Sawega, Djaduk Feriyanto, Mathias Muchus, Adi Kurdi, Leo Kristi and Sam Bimbo, “Besides that there are five foreign artists such as from Germany, America and Netherlands.” The leader of Indonesia Youth Literature Group (SSRI) Bali which is a known guider to literature magazines in Indonesia admitted did not do any special preparation. Samar Gantang will bring his 70s paintings, simple ones just using watercolors, “I also have paintings on canvas with acrylic paint, but the committee who came to my house prefer the watercolor ones.” Meanwhile the poetry that will be read, besides Indonesian language ones that won writing and reading poetry there’ll be also his great ones such as the mantra poetry Leak Lanang Leak Wadon Leak Kedi that have brought him around ASEAN. (gap)

tination of most people. Career and material achievement are the bridge to reach it. However, when arriving at the height of these, sometimes people encounters there is something lost. Ultimately, they travel to several parts of the world to look for a satisfying answer of this matter. Many favorite destinations of the world now offer the combination of leisure and spirituality as if these two words had become new mantra in travel trend. Traveling for this purpose is focused on the experience and journey. It digs out selfpotential and human achievement in the past, chiefly on self-realization and his relation to nature and the Creator. This kind of tourism is appropriate for those wishing to pursue the answer above. In the journey of time, local history records that the Balinese community has a bright achievement in spiritual development. Some footprints can be encountered through the heritage at favorite destinations. Gunung Kawi sanctuary, for instance, becomes a proof of spiritual activity established during the administration of the King Anak Wungsu (11th century). Next to the cave temples occurs a series of meditation cells. The rock was cut

people can practice their meditation. It is a truly tranquil place situated at the Petanu riverside. Another important location is nestled at the Elephant Cave or Goa Gajah, Gianyar. It is estimated to have been founded during the reign of Warmadeva Dynasty (10th century). The sanctuary is known as Kunjarapada where Kunjara (Sanskrit) means elephant and pada means location. In the mass, this name represents that it became the last destination of Maharishi Agastya in providing his spiritual enlightenment in Bali. Today, visitors can trace back and enjoy a variety of experiences in spiritual travel, ranging from visiting great temples to ancient sanctuaries used to practice yoga. Even, yoga class has now been offered at several hotels, villas and yoga centers at main destinations of Bali. Meanwhile, for relaxation and rejuvenation visitors can try some spa treatments in the combination of traditional method and ingredients with modern technique. These are often promoted through illustrious catchphrases mentioning as product of mind, body and soul. To sum up, by visiting Bali you can enrich your experience related to spiritual and

its practice and benefits remain relevant to modern life today. More than that, Bali as a tourist destination also implements the concept of indigenous wisdom called Tri Hita Karana (THK). It stands for an integrated application of social, environmental and spiritual aspect in tourism development and practices. Approximately one hundred hotels or villas and tourist objects throughout Bali participate in the annual competition of THK Awards. It is intended to implement and preserve this sublime concept in their business practices. By doing so, it is expected they could give the best satisfaction to customer, surrounding community and the operator going hand in hand with the conservation of nature. Ultimately, inspired by Hinduism, indigenous wisdom and local tradition, the island has a variety of treasures, endless activities and ‘mystery’ to explore. They have become integrated part of Balinese life. Many visitors come and go. Some get interested to join the ceremony, to roam pristine villages, or even to stay at ashrams for weeks. Hopefully, one of the activities above can become an answer for those wishing to balance their life with any achievement at hand.(BTN/punia)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Balinese Culture Hundreds of residents throng whale carcass at Gilimanuk Negara, DenPost—

Hundreds of Gilimanuk residents caused a commotion due to the discovery of whale on Gilimanuk Beach on Saturday (Nov 27) evening. The whale carcass was encountered by fishermen of Gilimanuk when drifting near the landing fuel jetty of Gilimanuk power plant. The whale carcass that has kicked off to decay was floating in the Bali Strait. Man, one of the fishermen, said that he came across the whale when going home from fishing. “At first, I think it was an upside down boat. Driven by my curiosity, I then approached it and in fact, it was a whale carcass starting to rot,” said Man. At that time, Man said, near the whale carcass with the length of about

10 meters and weight estimated to reach more than two tons was seen two whales of almost the same size swimming like keeping their dead friend. Castaway of the whale carcass was then reported to the Marine Police and Navy of Gilimanuk. Since it could harm the fishermen if left adrift at sea, the whale carcass was later on withdrawn to the beach. Allegedly, the whale was dead as crashed by freight ship or landing craft tank (LCT) when crossing the Strait of Bali on Wednesday (Nov 24). Such a castaway whale made Gilimanuk residents curious. Even, from Sunday morning to evening they thronged the location. Some people from outside Gilimanuk kept on coming to see the whale carcass. Since they could not help smelling the stench, a

few people also seemed to vomit. Meanwhile, other residents took advantage by taking the oil of the whale’s skin turning to peel. Despite the stench exuded was beginning to spread out to wide area and the residents living nearby began to fret, but the whale carcass had not been buried yet. The Head of Gilimanuk Village, IGN Rai Budi, who was asked for his confirmation separately, said his party had coordinated with the local Jembrana Regency Government to borrow heavy equipment. It was impossible to bury it manually. According to him, the castaway whale was the second time occurred at Gilimanuk. The first one ensued in 2000 where a larger whale was found stranded at Gilimanuk Bay. (120)

IBP/doc

The stranded whale is surrounded by the people in Gilimanuk.

BE SAMPI MESITSIT (Dry Spiced Beef)

OVERVIEW: Don’t be misled by the rather uninteresting appearance and name of this beef dish. It is wonderfully flavored and generally so popular that it’s worth making a large amount. Cook as directed below, then if you have leftovers after a meal, deep fry the beef until very crisp. Drain thoroughly and store in an airtight container. This crisp beef is excellent as a finger food with cocktails, and also makes a tasty accompaniment to rice-based meals. INGREDIENTS: 1 kg beef topside, cut in 4 steaks 250g each 8 cloves garlic, peeled 2 tsp coriander seeds, crushed 1 tbsp chopped palm sugar 2 large red chilies, seeded 2 tbsp laos peeled and sliced 2 tsp dried shrimp paste 2 cloves ground 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black peppercorns, coarsely ground 2 tbsp oil 2 tsp freshly squeezed limejuice PREPARATION: Bring 5 liters (20 cups) of lightly salted water to the boil in stockpot. Add beef and boil for approximately 1 hour, until very tender. Remove from stock. Meat must be so tender that its fibers separate very easily. Keep stock. Pound meat until flat and shred by hand into fine fibers. Place garlic, coriander, palm sugar, red chilies, Laos, dried shrimp paste, cloves, salt and peppercorns in food processor and puree coarsely, or grind in a stone mortar. Heat oil heavy saucepan and sauté the marinade for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add shredded beef, mix well and sauté until dry. Season with limejuice. Remove from heat and allow cooling. Serve at room temperature with steamed rice. Helpful hint: Do not tempted to use a food processor to shred the meat; you will obtain the correct texture only by shredding the meat with your fingers or a fork.

C.045 ibp

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Destinations

International

Tanah Lot Temple TANAH Lot Temple is located in coastal side of Beraban countryside, Kediri sub district and Tabanan Regency. It is situated in 30 Km in west side of Denpasar town and about 11 Km in south side of Tabanan town. The temple is built on the rock with 3 acre size and reachable in a few minute by walk, because it is just 20 meters from the coastal lip. This temple is very famous among tourist destinations in Bali with spectacular view of sunset. At some nooks of coral reef around Tanah Lot Temple there are holy tame snake in black and white color where according to the local society believe that it as a deity property and as the guard of the temple from the bad influence. The word of Tanah Lot is consisted of two words that are Tanah word interpreted as a reef looking like gili or isle. Lot or Lod word has meaning the sea. So Tanah Lot is meaning the small island floating on the sea. The location is now called as Tanah Lot has been used at a Megalithic period as a place that looked into holy, proven from the existence of menhir. Pursuant to environmental condition, hence the structure of Tanah Lot Temple is built at irregular reef plain of its angle which is only consisted of one plain yard as Jeroan. Function The function of this temple can be realized from the function of the main temple building which is located in the temple main area. In

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this place, there is a main temple to worship the god in form of Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, the sea power. The media of worship to this god is the temple building with 5 storied meanwhile the 3 storied temple building in north part of this area is purposing to worship to Dang Hyang Nirartha. Places to visit in Bali, Tanah Lot SunsetIn order to know the status of Tanah Lot Temple can be realized from the temple history, function and also incoming devotee existence pray when temple ceremony is held. In this case can be realized as follows: Tanah Lot Temple as dang Kahyangan(the big Holy Temples in Bali ), because the history and the Penyiwi (The people taking care of the temple) are from the local people from Tabanan regency and surrounding area. Tanah Lot temple as Segara Temple, because its function as sanctum to worship the Bhatara Segara, the God with manifestation as the ocean Power Deity The unique animal can be seen in this temple area is the snake which are generally can be met in the coast. Part of its stomach there are no athwart skin, there is only small skin, but this sea water snake very noxious but snakebite case are very seldom happened, because the sea water snake generally very passive.

Jl. Kepundung 67 A, e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id Jl. Palmerah Barat 21 F

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

BUSINESS Euro struggles despite Irish deal, doubts abound Reuters

SYDNEY – Doubts over whether a rescue deal for debt-soaked Ireland can plug Europe’s debt crisis drove the euro to two-month lows on Monday, though shares in Europe and Asia managed to move higher. Even though European authorities agreed to lend Ireland 85 billion euros ($115 billion) on Sunday in the hope it would assure investors that all European nations can repay their debts, markets were skeptical that the deal would stave off further contagion. Asian stocks struggled most of the day but drew some comfort from a firmer start in Europe, where leading European shares (.FTEU3) rose 0.8 percent in early trade. The euro fell as low as $1.3183 in Asia as investors worried European authorities might not have the means to rescue all fiscally-poor European nations including Portugal and especially Spain, whose economy is much bigger than Ireland’s. “There are still lingering worries about the rest of the countries, including Portugal and Spain,” said Lorraine Tan, the director of Asian equity research at Standard & Poor’s. “It does raise risk worries and there are less people willing to take risk at this stage.”

Indeed, many Asian investors said they wanted to wait and see how U.S. and European markets take to the rescue deal before making any big moves. A late 1.3 percent spurt in Hong Kong’s share index (.HSI) (.HK) helped to lift the MSCI Asian stock index outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) 0.9 percent higher by late afternoon. Japan’s Nikkei (.N225) also rose 0.9 percent to a fivemonth high. (.T) But traders noted the Tokyo market was thin, suggesting buyers were prudent nonetheless, especially with tensions between the two Koreas still bubbling. U.S. stock futures were buoyant, with S&P 500 futures up 0.9 percent, driven higher in part by a healthy start to the Christmas shopping season. (.N) EURO UNDER PRESSURE, FLIGHT TO DOLLARS

low a high of $1.3345 struck after the Irish aid was announced. The U.S. dollar, considered a safer asset because it is widely traded, initially benefited from the shift from risk. The dollar index (.DXY) hit a two-month high of 80.652 before pulling back in late trade to 80.101. On the yen, the U.S. currency held near a two-month peak. The reaction in the commodity markets were more mixed. Oil brushed aside the firmer dollar to rise past $84 per barrel as some thought the Irish deal bode well for energy demand. Copper prices, an essential ingredient for industrial work, were steady while iron ore prices hovered at 6-1/2-month peaks. Iron ore is needed to make steel and is considered a barometer for the state of economic activity. Gold, on the other hand, which tends to be in demand when investors shy away from risk, was a shade firmer at $1,363.19.

REUTERS/Thierry Roge

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and Eurogroup Chairman JeanClaude Juncker, Belgium’s Finance Minister Didier Reynders (C) and European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn (R) address a news conference at the end of a European Union finance ministers meeting at the European Union Council in Brussels November 28, 2010.

Online bargain-hunting spreads beyond Cyber Iraq West Qurna to hit 750K Monday barrels per day The euro recouped some losses by late trade in Asia to stand at $1.3280, but was still some way be-

Reuters

Associated Press Writer

WEST QURNA, Iraq – Production from Iraq’s prized West Qurna Stage 1 oil field should more than triple to 750,000 barrels a day in three years time, an oil official said Sunday. The 8.6 billion barrel field, which is being developed by a consortium grouping Exxon Mobil and Shell, was among those awarded by Iraq during one its first international oil licensing rounds last year and is seen as a key part of the country’s drive to boost overall output of a resource on which it relies for 95 percent of its foreign revenues. West Qurna Stage 1 currently produces 234,000 barrels per day, Madhi Swadi, the head of the joint management commission that runs the field, told The Associated Press. Output is set to climb to 270,000 barrels per day by May, he said. Although Iraq sits on the world’s fourth largest oil reserves, with 143.1 billion barrels according to the government’s latest estimates, it is producing and exporting far below its potential. Foreign companies are seen as key to reviving the sector and ramping up output. Under the agreement between Iraq and the companies, production from the West Qurna Stage I field should reach 2.825 million barrels a day after 6 to 7 years. The consortium will be paid $1.9 per barrel for each barrel produced. That production target is up from the 2.325 million barrels a day target when the deal was announced last fall. The consortium was originally only allowed to pump oil from one reservoir, but five more reservoirs were added to the field over the summer. Swadi said this year’s budget to develop the field stood at $306 million, and next year’s budget is expected to be

about $1.1 billion. There are currently 360 wells at the field, and the consortium is planning to start up about 2,000 more over their contract’s 20-year duration.

AP Photo/Nabil al-Jourani

A western Oil man, wearing a flack jacket, works at the West Qurna Phase 2 field in the Basra region, 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday Nov. 28, 2010.

SAN FRANCISCO – Early discounts may have taken some of the shine off Cyber Monday but the key online holiday shopping day is still expected to attract bargain hunters who may not have had their fill over the weekend. Cyber Monday — a term coined five years ago for the day many people return to work after Thanksgiving and make online gift purchases on their computers — remains a prime shopping day online. But its novelty has now been partially eclipsed by e-commerce promotions earlier in the season, including on Thanksgiving itself. Retailers from BestBuy.com to Walmart.com and Staples.com have even opted to offer Cyber Monday deals one day early, on newly coined “Cyber Sunday.” The key is versatility, online experts say, as well as making sure shoppers heading to the Web always find something to inspire them to click on a sale. John Thompson, senior vice president and general manager of BestBuy.com, said Cyber Monday remains a “really viable marketing concept,” but smart retailers must offer choice.

“There’s demand out there, but you have consumers spending their time differently,” he said. “If you don’t have one group that shops early, you’ll have those who say ‘I’ll enjoy my Thanksgiving and those same deals or as-good deals will be there Cyber Monday.’” Marketing firms say tactics have changed in luring consumers to buy online. Whereas in prior years a full email inbox of online deals awaited those back at work on Monday, the offers now increasingly come on Black Friday if not before. Disneystore.com, for one, had a “record sales day” on Thanksgiving, according to Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores. U.S. online sales were up 33 percent on Thanksgiving this year, according to web analytics firm IBM Coremetrics. Just as many promotions are sent via email on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, as on Cyber Monday, according to Responsys. And half of retailers planned to send email on Cyber Sunday as well as on Thanksgiving, the interactive marketing firm found. PayPal, the online payments unit of eBay, said its first holiday spike in payment volume came on November 15. On Black Friday, total payment volume, or the total value of goods sold, rose 27 percent versus last year.

Entertainment

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

International

‘Airplane!’, ‘Forbidden Planet’ actor Nielsen dies Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – Despite decades spent playing sober commanders and serious captains, Leslie Nielsen insisted that he was always made for comedy. He proved it in his career’s second act. “Surely you can’t be serious,” an airline passenger says to Nielsen in “Airplane!” the 1980 hit that turned the actor from dramatic leading man to comic star. “I am serious,” Nielsen replies. “And don’t call me Shirley.” The line was probably his most famous — and a perfect distillation of his career. Nielsen, the dramatic lead in “Forbidden Planet” and “The Poseidon Adventure” and the bumbling detective Frank Drebin in “The Naked Gun” comedies, died on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 84. The Canada native died from complications from pneumonia at a hospital near his home, surrounded by his wife, Barbaree, and friends, his agent John S. Kelly said in a statement. Critics argued that when Nielsen went into comedy he was being cast against type, but Nielsen disagreed, saying comedy was his . “I’ve finally found my home — as Lt. Frank Drebin,” he told The Associated Press in a 1988 interview. Comic actor Russell Brand took to Twitter to pay tribute to Nielsen, playing off his famous line: “RIP Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed.” Nielsen came to Hollywood in the mid-1950s after performing in 150 live television dramas in New York. With a craggily handsome face, blond hair and 6-foot-2 height, he seemed ideal for a movie leading man. Nielsen first performed as the king of France in the Paramount operetta “The Vagabond King” with Kathryn Grayson. The film — he called it “The Vagabond Turkey” — flopped, but MGM signed him to a seven-year contract. His first film for that studio was auspicious — as the space ship commander in the science fiction classic “Forbidden

Planet.” He found his best dramatic role as the captain of an overturned ocean liner in the 1972 disaster movie, “The Poseidon Adventure.” Behind the camera, the serious actor was a wellknown prankster. That was an aspect of his personality never exploited, however, until “Airplane!” was released in 1980 and became a huge hit. As the doctor aboard a plane in which the pilots, and some of the passengers, become violently ill, Nielsen says they must get to a hospital right away. “A hospital? What is it?” a flight attendant asks, inquiring about the illness. “It’s a big building with patients, but that’s not important right now,” Nielsen deadpans. It was the beginning of a whole new career in comedy. Nielsen would go on to appear in such comedies as “Repossessed” — a takeoff on “The Exorcist” — and “Mr. Magoo,” in which he played the title role of the goodnatured bumbler. But it took years before he got there. He played Debbie Reynolds’ sweetheart in 1957’s popular “Tammy and the Bachelor,” and he became well known to baby boomers for his role as the Revolutionary War fighter Francis Marion in the Disney TV adventure series “The Swamp Fox.” He asked to be released from his contract at MGM, and as a freelancer, he appeared in a series of undistinguished movies. “I played a lot of leaders, autocratic sorts; perhaps it was my Canadian accent,” he said.

(FILES) Dated October 20, 2009 filed photo shows cast member Leslie Nielsen arrives at the premiere of the horror film parody “Stan Helsing” in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Veteran comedy actor Leslie Nielsen, star of the hit movies “Airplane” and “Naked Gun” has died November 28, 2010, a Canadian radio station reported, quoting his nephew. He was 84.

In this film publcity image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Ralph Fiennes is shown in a scene from ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.’ AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures

‘Harry Potter’ leads holiday weekend with $50.3M Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – A fairy-tale princess gave young wizard Harry Potter a run for his money at the weekend box office. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” remained the No. 1 movie with $50.3 million over Thanksgiving weekend, closely followed by the animated musical “Tangled” with $49.1 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The next-to-last “Harry Potter” movie raised its domestic total to $220.4 million after just 10 days in theaters, according to distributor Warner Bros. The film also has taken in $389.2 million overseas, giving it a worldwide total of $609.6 million. “Tangled” is the latest Disney cartoon musical, with Mandy Moore providing the voice of fairy-tale princess Rapunzel. The movie raised its five-day total to $69 million since opening the day before Thanksgiving. While “Deathly Hallows” continued

to work box-office magic, Disney’s “Tangled” far exceeded industry expectations, delivering the second-biggest Thanksgiving debut ever behind “Toy Story 2,” which had a $57.4 million opening. Disney head of distribution Chuck Viane said the studio would have been happy if “Tangled” had matched the $34 million debut of its hit “Enchanted” over Thanksgiving 2007. “Tangled” not only shot past that mark but also challenged “Harry Potter” for the No. 1 spot. “That was the last thing we were thinking of, but it sure is nice to be even thought of in that situation,” Viane said. “‘Potter’ is such a huge hit. To be that close, it was amazing.” Three other new wide releases had so-so openings, led by Christina Aguilera and Cher’s song-anddance tale “Burlesque” at No. 4 with $11.8 million for the weekend and a fiveday total of $17.2 million since premiering Wednesday.

AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck / FILES

Cher a natural diva in ‘Burlesque’ has “been there and done everything before any of us came along. I admire and respect that LOS ANGELES – Pop diva Cher has returned truly.” Cher and Tucci — who plays Cher’s to the big screen after a seven-year gap, show- stage manager and gay boyfriend — acknowling her talents in the musical “Burlesque,” — edged their huge popularity among the gay comand helping Christina Aguilera make her feature munity. But mockingly defending her diva stafilm debut. And the well-preserved singer-actress tus, Cher asked Tucci: “You have a gay fan base too?” makes no bones about why she did the movie. “Since ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’” (2006) “I accepted this role because I was begged to do it,” the 64-year-old said on the eve of the answered the 50-year-old Tucci, who is also a film’s opening for the Thanksgiving holiday film director. “Yeah, so now they’re wonderweekend in the US. “Most of the girls were ing...” he added in jest. “I don’t know, we’ll half my age, beautiful, talented, and a blast to see what they say.” “Yeah!” quipped Cher. “Someone told me work with,” she told reporters gathered with after they saw the film that it was (Tucci and some of the film’s actors in Beverly Hills. Dressed in black and sipping soda, a relaxed Cher join in) a ‘Gay-Fantasia.’” Writer-direcCher cracked jokes alongside actor Stanley tor Steve Antin said “Burlesque” tries to be Tucci, while 29-year-old Aguilera appeared “risque, always sexy but never sexual. more cautious, wearing heavy make-up and with pet dog “Stinky” in her arms. Cher’s talents were praised by her costars including Aguilera, who has separated from her husband of five years Jordan Bratman and said Cher has counseled her. “She gave me so much advice, both personally and professionally. She didn’t even have to open her mouth. She is just such an incredible presence and person,” said the four-time Grammy winner. Aguilera plays a small-town girl who wants to make it big in Hollywood where she falls under the AFP/File/Mark Ralston guidance of Cher, a burlesque Singer and actress Cher shows her hands covered in wet club owner. Aguilera also wrote cement as she is immortalized outside the historic and recorded four new songs Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Cher has refor the musical’s soundtrack. turned to the big screen after a seven-year gap, showing Describing Cher as her her talents in the musical “Burlesque,” — and helping movie mentor, Aguilera said she Christina Aguilera make her feature film debut. Associated Press Writer

Life Style

International

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wi-Fi lifeline reaches remote Himalayas Agence France Presse

REUTERS/Shaun Best

A young boy plays at a water fountain in Montreal August 31, 2010.

Worst case study: global temp up 7.2F degrees by 2060s Reuters

MIGRATION

CANCUN, Mexico – World temperatures could soar by 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the 2060s in the worst case of global climate change and require an annual investment of $270 billion just to contain rising sea levels, studies suggested on Sunday. Such a rapid rise, within the lifetimes of many young people today, is double the 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) ceiling set by 140 governments at a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen last year and would disrupt food and water supplies in many parts of the globe. Rising greenhouse gas emissions this decade meant the 2 degree goal was “extremely difficult, arguably impossible, raising the likelihood of global temperature rises of 3 or 4 degrees C within this century,” an international team wrote. The studies, published to coincide with annual U.N. climate talks in Mexico starting on Monday, said few researchers had examined in detail the possible impact of a 4

degrees C rise above pre-industrial levels. “Across many sectors — coastal cities, farming, water stress, ecosystems or migration, the impacts will be greater,” than at 2 degrees, wrote Mark New of Oxford University in England, who led the international team. One study, published in the British journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, said temperatures could rise by 4 degrees C in the worst case by the early 2060s. Other scenarios showed the threshold breached later in the century or not at all by 2100, raising risks of abrupt changes such as a loss of Arctic sea ice in summer, a thaw in permafrost or a drying out of the Amazon rainforest.

One of the papers gave what it called a “pragmatic estimate” that sea levels might rise by between 0.5 and 2 meters (1.64 to 6.56 feet) by 2100 if temperatures rose 4 degrees Celsius. Containing a sea level rise of 2 meters, mostly building Dutch-style sea walls, would require annual investments of up to $270 billion a year by 2100. That sum might limit migration to perhaps 305,000 people from the most vulnerable areas, wrote Robert Nicholls of the University of Southampton. Lack of protective measures could mean the forced resettlement of 187 million people. People living on small islands, in Asia, Africa or river deltas were most at risk. The studies concluded that governments should do more both to cut greenhouse gas emissions and research back-up methods such as “geo-engineering” programs that could dim sunlight or seek to suck greenhouse gases from the air.

NAGI, Nepal – It used to take teacher Mahabir Pun more than two days to check his email from his home in the remote Himalayan village of Nagi in western Nepal. The 55-yearold would walk for seven hours to the nearest road before taking a threehour bus ride along precarious mountain tracks to the only town in the area with an Internet connection. Today, all Pun has to do is log on to the wireless network he has set up over the past few years, catapulting more than 100 impoverished villages in Nepal into the 21st century. The technology has transformed lives in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, where there are no roads or hospitals and where most people scratch out a meagre living as subsistence farmers. It allows communities to access vital medical expertise via videolink, stay in touch with loved-ones abroad, and even sell their yaks, goats and chickens online on www.nepalwireless.com — a sort of e-Bay for local farmers. “We chose areas where no commercial Internet service provider would ever go,” says Pun, who estimates that around 70,000 people can access the network. “When we started, almost no

one in rural Nepal was using the Internet. Now we have connected more than 100 villages. But that is nothing, there are thousands more villages like these in Nepal.” It all started when Pun travelled to the United States in the 1990s to study for a masters degree. The Internet was just becoming popular, and one of his professors suggested they set up a web site for his home village. It was one of the first Internet sites to mention Nepal, and by the time he returned home, Pun was being bombarded by messages from people around the world who wanted to visit the 800-strong mountain community. “At that time, not even businesses in (the capital) Kathmandu had websites, but Nagi did,” he told AFP in his native village, 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) up in the Himalayas. “I was getting emails from all sorts of people including doctors and college professors, and they all wanted to know what they could do to help our village. So I invited them to come and volunteer.” Pun decided his students should learn about this emerging new technology, but the school could not afford to buy a computer. So he asked everyone who came to bring a component, and set about teaching himself to build one.

AFP/File/Prakash Mathema

Teacher and IT specialist Mahabir Pun walks in the village of Nagi, some 200 kms west of Kathmandu. Pun began providing Internet access to rural Nepal in 2002, using home made computers assembled in wooden boxes.

“Dr. Funshine” prescribes laughter yoga for seniors Reuters SAN DIEGO – It’s a Thursday afternoon at the Live Well center in San Diego and a group of seniors are skipping, clapping and hooting in the recreation room. That’s precisely what Dr. Caroline Meeks, aka “Dr. Funshine” ordered. As part of her holistic practice, Meeks, a physician and author, visits senior centers and hospitals aiming to treat chronic seriousness.

REUTERS/Mike Blake

Her prescription: Frequent doses of “laughter yoga,” — an hour-long, mind-body exercise class that combines yogic breathing with simulated physical laughter and silly banter. The exercises, combined with playfulness, singing, dancing and eye contact, usually induce authentic cackling, which Meeks and others believe is good medicine for everybody from cancer patients to people with dementia and depression. “It’s hard to laugh and worry at the

Dr. Funshine, aka Caroline Meeks, M.D. (C) leads a laughter therapy session with Wanda Boyce (L) and Richard Trask along with a group of seniors at the Clairmont Friendship Center in San Diego, California November 17, 2010.

same time, or be angry or be profoundly sad, or in pain at that moment. Laughter makes you shift toward ... feeling more connected, grateful, positive,” said Meeks. There is very little research into the connection between laughter and disease remission but some clinical studies have shown that it raises oxygen levels in the lungs, lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress hormone, cortisol. A study a decade ago at the University of Maryland showed that laughter relaxes arteries and boosts blood vessel function, according to the website of Laughter Yoga founder Dr. Madan Kataria of India (www.laughteryoga.org).

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sport

International

Redknapp says Spurs can press for title Agence France Presse

AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Parma’s Brazilian defender Mariano de Almeida Angelo (R) challenges Inter Milan’s Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic during the Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Parma at San Siro stadium in Milan, on November 28, 2010 .

Inter back on track after Stankovic hat-trick Agence France Presse

ROME – A hat-trick by Inter Milan’s veteran Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic saw the champions to a welcome 5-2 victory over Parma on Sunday and ended a run of four Serie A matches without a win. Inter had given Rafael Benitez some breathing space by squeezing through to the last 16 of the Champions League in mid-week when, had they been defeated by Dutch side Twente, many believed the Spanish coach would have been sacked. However, Stankovic’s treble and goals from Argentinian Esteban Cambiasso - who had scored the only goal against Twente - and Thiago Motta saw them to the three points against Parma, for whom veteran Hernan Crespo bagged a brace. “It was a crazy match and we showed that we were a bit crazier,” joked Benitez. “The team played very well and proved its character. I’m happy. “We still believe in the title. The season is still long.” Inter are still seven points adrift of bitter city rivals and league leaders AC Milan, who drew 1-1 at Sampdoria on Saturday. Former leaders Lazio could have moved to within a point of Milan with victory at home to Catania, but they were held to a 1-1 draw. Matias Silvestre gave the visitors the lead in the 44th minute, but Lazio’s Brazilian summer signing Hernanes levelled within a minute as the Rome club extended their lead over third-placed Juventus to three points. A superb

late free-kick from substitute Simone Pepe had earned Juventus a 1-1 draw at home to Fiorentina on Saturday, keeping Juve ahead of Napoli on goal difference. In the late game, Roma missed a chance to go third after they lost for the first time in eight games, 3-1 at Palermo, who leapfrogged them into sixth place on 23 points - one ahead of the capital club and more notably level on points with Inter. Francesco Totti netted a last-gasp consolation as Palermo took the points with Fabrizio Miccoli on target in the opening period and further goals from Josip Ilicic and Antonio Nocerino. Also Sunday, Italy international striker Antonio di Natale claimed a hat-trick as improving Udinese inflicted a 3-1 on defeat on Napoli. Brescia drew 0-0 with Genoa, Cagliari saw off a late fightback to win 3-2 at home to second-bottom Lecce and bottom side Bari drew 11 at home to fellow relegation candidates Cesena. Former Inter star Crespo gave Parma a fourth-minute lead but In-

ter levelled and then went ahead through two deflected shots from 32year-old Stankovic, both of which were set up by Frenchman Jonathan Biabiany. Cambiasso scored the third from a corner before his compatriot Crespo reduced the deficit following a poor clearance by Italian central defender Marco Materazzi, who is deputising for long-term injury victim Walter Samuel. Motta and Stankovic rammed home Inter’s superiority with further goals in the second half to leave Parma just four points above the drop zone. Looking ahead to his side’s forthcoming matches, Benitez called on Inter to build on their momentum. “Now, Lazio (in the league next Friday), Werder Bremen (in the Champions League on December 7) and the Club World Cup (on December 15-18). This match against Parma needs to be our springboard.” The match between Bologna and Chievo was postponed by referee Marco Guida after heavy snowfall in Bologna, with a decision on when the match will now be played yet to be taken.

LONDON – Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham Hotspur’s comeback to claim a narrow 2-1 victory over Liverpool provides further evidence of his side’s claims to be Premier League title contenders. Spurs recovered after falling behind to a Martin Skrtel first-half goal, eventually securing the win with Aaron Lennon’s added time effort that delighted the home crowd at White Hart Lane here on Sunday. The victory came at the cost of injuries to Rafael van der Vaart and Younes Kaboul who both face spells out of action with torn muscles. But having seen his side claim three points eight days after they fought back to win at north London rivals Arsenal after falling two goals behind, Redknapp insists he has no reason to alter his view that the title race is the most competitive for several seasons. “It’s wide open,” said Redknapp, whose side lie fifth, six points behind leaders Manchester United. “Of course we’ve got a chance. How can I sit here and say we can’t when we’ve beaten Liverpool and won at Arsenal? If it’s only Chelsea or United who can win it, why are we bothering? “Chelsea, a month ago, looked absolute certainties but they’re struggling to get results. They’ll get stronger when they get some key players back, but so will we.” Now all Redknapp has to do is convince his squad. “I don’t know if the players believe it,” he added. “I’ve said: ‘Listen, there’s no reason why we can’t have a go’. I said last year we should target the top four. “I’m not going to say we’ll win the championship now, but we’ve got a chance. Arsenal and Manchester City have a chance, too. “Chelsea and United are favourites, but nothing’s impossible.” Redknapp’s side appear to

have developed a greater resilience than some previous Spurs teams and recovered on this occasion despite Jermain Defoe missing a penalty shortly before a Skrtel own-goal made the scores level. “We just have that belief that we can come from behind,” Redknapp said. “When we missed the penalty, I did wonder whether it was our day or not.” Dutch international van der Vaart’s latest injury came as a blow to Redknapp, who added: “Rafa’s torn a hamstring — he felt it tear — so that doesn’t look too good. “He’s missed a pre-season or was away at the World Cup and not played many games. When you’re fitness is a bit low, it’s hard to get up to speed. He’s going to be out. He’ll have a scan.” Kaboul will also undergo a scan although his loss will be tempered by the return of Michael Dawson next week. “Younes felt he might have torn a muscle in his hip,” said Redknapp. “He felt that go. Michael’s on his way back, which is important because we’ve only got two central defenders now.” Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson was frustrated with a defeat compounded by the loss of centre-back Jamie Carragher. “We think it’s a dislocated shoulder,” said Hodgson. “I don’t know how long he’d be out, but it’s a serious injury. “We’ll miss his leadership skills, and we’ve got Daniel Agger still injured and we’re not overly blessed with centrehalves.” Hodgson added: “We’ve been pretty lucky with injuries up to now with very few soft tissue injuries but the injury to (Liverpool captain) Steven Gerrard came at the wrong time.” Midfield dynamo Gerrard remains sidelined after damaging his hamstring playing for England but Hodgson expects the Liverpool hero to return soon. “They’re two big losses, Jamie and Steve. But it’s happened. Steven is making big strides. Jamie we’ll have to wait and see.”

AFP PHOTO/Olly Greenwood

Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel (L,C) scores an own goal for Tottenham Hotspurs during their Premier League football match at White Hart Lane, North London in England on November 28, 2010.

Sport

International

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Federer eyes return to top in 2011 after ATP win Agence France Presse

LONDON – Roger Federer believes his ATP World Tour Finals triumph against Rafael Nadal will provide him with the perfect springboard to return to the top in 2011. Although Federer is publicly adamant he has nothing to be disappointed about over the last 12 months, privately he will feel a nagging sense of regret at the loss of the world number one ranking to Nadal, who also took the French Open and Wimbledon titles from the Swiss star. That was what made the 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Nadal in the final at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday so significant for the world number two. In Federer’s mind, his recordequalling fifth title in the prestigious end-of-year event was secondary to the message the win sent to Nadal and his other rivals at the top of the rankings. “I’m happy I made my ninth final this season. I’ve won five titles, won a slam. That obviously makes me be very positive for next year. I believe I can have another great season in 2011,” he said. “I’m just really happy the way I was able to finish the season in style, playing some of my best tennis, really saving the best for last. “Obviously, beating Rafa in the finals makes it extra special because of the year he had. “I’ve had a good season. I don’t

see how someone can say it’s been a bad season. I had some tough losses, sure but you’re not going to win every tournament you play. “After having somewhat of a disappointing clay, Halle, Wimbledon stretch, where I wasn’t able to win any tournaments, maybe didn’t play some of my best tennis, played a bit passive, it was important that I was able to pick up my game.” The 29-year-old will take a short vacation now before starting his preparations for the new campaign, which he begins by defending the Australian Open in January. But the 16-time Grand Slam champion is well aware that Nadal would love to repeat his remarkable year, which included successive Grand Slam triumphs at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Nadal leads their career head-tohead 14-8 and Federer admits every match between them seems to carry an historic edge. “I think the men’s game is at an absolute high right now, with a lot of exciting games being played, with a lot of respect. Also I think having had me and Rafa both made the career Grand Slam already at a young age I think is great for the

game,” he said. “We’re obviously playing not only for ourselves and beating the other guys, but also for history. I think there’s a lot at stake always in all our matches we play in the future. I think it’s wonderful.” Nadal was happy to credit Federer for his impressive display but he hinted tiredness after his epic three-set win over Andy Murray in the semi-finals on Saturday had taken its’ toll on him. “He played unbelievable. He was unplayable in the first set. I still had chances in the second and the beginning of the third, but he played better than me,” Nadal said. “The thing is everybody saw the match on Saturday, so everybody’s free to make his own opinion.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates as he holds the trophy after beating Spain’s Rafael Nadal to win the singles final tennis match at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010.

Cyclist Landis doubts Contador, says riders ‘protected’ Agence France Presse

BERLIN – Disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis has placed doubt on reigning Tour de France champion Alberto Contador’s claims that a positive test for clenbuterol was down to contaminated meat. And the American, speaking on German television on Sunday, claimed that world cycling chiefs have protected top riders from the scandal of positive doping tests for the past 20 years. Contador, who has won the race’s yellow jersey three times, is facing an uncertain future. He is currently suspended provisionally as anti-doping experts decide whether a positive test for trace amounts of the banned weight loss/muscle building drug at the 2010 race merits a lengthy ban. Landis knows a thing or two about doping practices. He was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France crown after a positive test for testosterone, and despite denying doping for four years he finally confessed several months ago. In making his confession, he alleged that former team-mate Lance Armstrong was involved in systematic doping during his spectacular Tour de France career. Those claims have since prompted a federal investigation into the superstar American. Landis said that despite even tighter controls being put in place by the sport’s governing body the UCI (International Cycling Union), clenbuterol is still used

AP Photo/Sang Tan

Spurs rally to hand Hornets first NBA home defeat Agence France Presse

AFP/Getty Images/File/Doug Pensinger

Cyclist Floyd Landi, pictured during the 2010 Tour of California, has placed doubt on reigning Tour de France champion Alberto Contador’s claims that a positive test for clenbuterol was down to contaminated meat. in the peloton. “I know of riders taking clenbuterol. The chances of getting caught are higher than they used to be, but they’re still quite small because the drug usually disappears before the test,” said Landis on ARD. Contador claimed his result was down to contaminated meat which someone from his Astana team bought in Spain, and which he ate on the race’s second rest day. Landis meanwhile reiterated claims against Armstrong, alleging the seven-

time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor doped during his career. But he also claimed that world cycling chiefs, in particular UCI chief Pat McQuaid and his predecessor Hein Verbruggen, “protected” the top riders in the peloton. “In the peloton, everyone knows that Pat McQuaid, Hein Verbruggen and other UCI officials have protected some riders, and not others, for the past 20 years,” added Landis. “It was manipulation, and their way of creating stars.”

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – San Antonio rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to hand New Orleans their first home defeat of the NBA season on Sunday, beating the Hornets 109-95. Argentina’s Manu Ginobili scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half for the Spurs, who had 21 points from Tim Duncan and 19 from Richard Jefferson as they matched a franchise-best 7-0 start on the road. San Antonio last won their first seven away games in the 2006-07 season. David West scored 23 points for the Hornets, but only five in the second half when New Orleans were outscored 65-34. New Orleans lost for the first time in eight home games. “It’s hard to believe that we were up by 30" Ginobili said of the lopsided scoring in the second half. “We were kind of shocked, but we played very well. We hustled a lot and defensively we were much, much better.” San Antonio improved to 14-2 overall and stretched their lead in the Southwest Division to two games over New Orleans and Dallas. San Antonio shot 60.5 percent, making 23 of 38 and seven 3-pointers in the second half. Coach Gregg

Popovic tweaked the defense, going with a smaller, quicker lineup, and the Spurs held the Hornets to 35.5 percent shooting and forced nine turnovers after the interval. “I saw a 17-point deficit, so we changed up the defense and it helped us,” Popovich said. “We made shots and got more aggressive, got a little more physical and just competed better in the second half.” The Spurs went into the final period trailing 7772. They hit their first nine shots of the quarter and seized the lead for good. “We’ve got to execute better on offense and push the tempo. That’s my fault,” said Hornets star Chris Paul. “I pushed it in the first half and I guess I didn’t in the second half and they were able to get their defense set. I’ve got to pick up the pace.” Hornets first-year coach Monty Williams, who started his coaching career as an intern under Popovich, also shouldered some blame. “The bottom line is I got outcoached,” he said. “Coach Popovich made a great move, going small, and I didn’t make the immediate adjustments to put us in position to hang on. “It was just an oldschool whipping from a coaching standpoint.”

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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

Sport

Ferrari rules out kneejerk changes FERRARI has ruled out making any major changes to its team management in response to its defeat in this year’s world championship, though it left the door open to ‘minor adjustments’. Fernando Alonso had led the standings going into the Abu Dhabi finale, but lost out to Sebastian Vettel after a disastrous strategy decision left Alonso stuck in traffic for most of the race and down in seventh at the flag.

AFP PHOTO / JOSE JORDAN

Ferrari’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso drives a vintage Ferrari during the second annual Ferrari World Finals festival at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack in Cheste, on November 28, 2010.

Marquez ready for Round 3 with Pacquiao Associated Press Writer

Juan Manuel Marquez didn’t waste any time after defending his lightweight title before setting his sights on Round 3 with Manny Pacquiao.

AP Photo/Isaac Brekken

Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico, celebrates his victory over Michael Katsidis, of Australia, in a WBA/WBO championship boxing match Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Las Vegas.

Marquez stopped Michael Katsidis in the ninth round Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, winning an all-action battle and certain candidate for Fight of the Year. Moments later, he turned his attention to settling the score with the man considered the best in the world. “Obviously, Pacquiao is my priority. I’ll go up to 140 (pounds), it’s no problem,” Marquez said through a translator. “Stop making excuses, Manny. Fight me.” The two have met twice before, and both of the bouts were thrilling. They fought to a 12-round draw in 2004, and Pacquiao won a close split decision in March 2008. Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Sunday that a third fight with Marquez is a distinct possibility, although just like everyone else, he’s waiting to see whether Floyd Mayweather Jr. steps into the ring against Pacquiao in what could be the richest fight in boxing history. Other candidates include Shane Mosley, who has already put financial numbers on the table for a fight, and welterweight titleholder Andre Berto, who looked sensational in a first-round knockout of Freddy Hernandez on the Marquez undercard Saturday night. “Mayweather is the priority, but if he doesn’t want the fight for whatever reason, then there are three possibilities: Mosley, Berto and Marquez,” Arum said. “All I need is two numbers at this stage to go to Pacquiao on: what guarantee they’re looking for and how much per home above a certain number (on the pay-perview).” Arum wouldn’t say what he’s been offered by Mosley, but Antonio Margarito received $3 million plus $3 per home over 700,000 buys for his loss to Pacquiao earlier this month. Marquez received $4 million plus $1 per home over a million when he lost to Mayweather last year. The Top Rank boss plans to discuss a fight with Berto promoter Lou DiBella on Monday, and hopes to touch base with Marquez’s people later in the week. Arum’s flying to the Philippines on Dec. 12 to celebrate Pacquiao’s birthday, and will present the offers then. “My phone is on,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Marquez. “If the Pacquiao vs. Marquez III fight isn’t happening, it’s not because of Golden Boy.”

There had been speculation in Italy that some of Ferrari’s leading staff might be in the firing line as a consequence, but company president Luca di Montezemolo insisted that this would not happen. “Changes within the team? That is not our philosophy, because for years now we have adopted a policy based on dynamic stability,” he said at Valencia today. “A few minor adjustments are possible, but no major upheaval. “And after all, it has to be said that if we had not got it wrong with that ‘penalty kick’ in Abu Dhabi, today the discussion would be completely different.” Di Montezemolo also gave team boss Stefano Domenicali his full backing. “I am very happy with the work with which Stefano Domenicali is moving us forward, with great ability, spirit and a sense of balance,” said the Ferrari president. Alonso agreed that the outcome in Abu Dhabi should not be allowed to overshadow everything else that Ferrari had achieved. “The comeback we mounted from the mid-point of the season onwards, the way in which we all pulled together, more united than ever, is much more important,” he said. “There were races where we lost points, just as there were some where the others lost more, otherwise they would have won much earlier. “So much has been said about Abu Dhabi, but it’s easy to talk with hindsight. But I think that at Red Bull they would have made other choices after Korea for example. “The team was very disappointed with the missed opportunity but Ferrari’s great strength is that does not sink into depression because of one mistake, on the contrary, it reacts to be even more determined the following year.”