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16 Pages Number 274th Year

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CITY TEMPERATURE OC

WEATHER FORECAST

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DENPASAR

JAKARTA

BANDUNG

YOGYAKARTA

SURABAYA

Continued on page 6

PAGE 12

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Seal, Heidi Klumannounceseparation

PAGE 12

Antara

KUTA - A number of crew members of Costa Concordian cruise ship that ran aground recently said they had been traumatized by the incident.

Some 23 crew members from Bali who survived the incident arrived here on Saturday evening, picked up by their families.

Some of their parents said they were

traumatized by the incident and did not wish their sons would work as ship crew again. However some of the survivors said they would work as crew again but they would need a long time to recover.

“For the time being I would take a rest. I would think again to work as ship crew again but I must work,” Putra Suwantara (28), one of the crew members arriving in the fourth batch said.

Such condition, according to Nyoman Kandia, a tourism per-petrator, was inseparable from the existence of a large number of migrant workers dwelling in Bali that raised new social group. Most of those migrants failed to live worthily so they were highly sus-

ceptible to the occurrence of devi-ant behavior including crime.

“It is very unfortunate the condition and comfort of Bali cannot be realized as expected. Government can better ensure the security of Bali, considering Bali is led by a retired police general

who has the ability in that field,” said Kandia to Bali Post, Friday (Jan 20).

Kandia who is also a member of the Indonesian Tourism Pro-motion Board acknowledged that many criminal acts affecting for-eign tourists who were spending holidays in Bali had become pub-lic consumption in the countries that had been supplying tourists to the Island of the Gods so far.

“Unquestionably, it makes Bali insecure and then it becomes

negative news for the competitors of Bali such as Malaysia, Singa-pore and Thailand as well as other countries sending a lot of tourists to Bali,” he said.

Nevertheless, the occurrence of criminal acts in Bali, especially like in villa, said Kandia, was inseparable from the negligence of the industry perpetrators. Evi-dently, many accommodations had not been equipped with an inter-national security standard.

Some Costa Concordia crew members from Bali traumatized

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

One of the crew of Costa Concordia arrived in Bali on Friday, January 20, 2012

Security of-ficers are checking on a car that enter an hotel. The security in Bali is not as expected in the recent years.

IBP/File

Security in Bali beyond expectation

BALI as a destination of the world is worth possessing an international security system. Unfortunately, the efforts of government to provide comfort and security to tourists have not been realized as expected so far. It is shown by the cases of murder and robbery affecting foreigners in Bali.

Foreign touristscelebrate ChineseNew Year in Bali

InternationalTuesday, January 24, 20112

Bali News

Founder : K.Nadha, General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Wirya, YudiWinanto Denpasar: 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. Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. :Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, : 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, : (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

A number of criminal cases in Bali have become a public concern in recent time. They are ranging from the case of theft, persecution, strongbox burglary, windshield break, snatching, and rob-bery to murder. Such security and order

-tive impact. It will not only affect the Balinese themselves, but will also po-tentially ruin the image of Bali tourism in the international community. What are the measures of police to anticipate the criminal acts in Bali?

Security system applied by police authority has increasingly been so-phisticated like the use of device that can detect suspicious objects. Not only that, the installation of CCTV in some locations has also been conducted. Patrolling around the clock, assigning

embracing the community to maintain the security have also always been per-formed. However, the fact of criminal cases in Bali looks more intense and always happens every day.

On entering the January 2012 until now, many cases have occurred in Bali,

Criminal cases getting rife in BaliAll units must be active, police involve parking attendants

especially in Denpasar and Badung. The most prevalent was the case of windshield break as happened in the jurisdiction of West Denpasar Police. Only three days later, there were four incidents of windshield break. Of the four incidents, no single culprit could be arrested. This is a major task of police, particularly the ranks of West Denpasar Police, to uncover the case.

Not only that, a few days later, the jurisdiction of South Denpasar

windshield break. At least, there were three locations targeted by perpetra-tors. Allegedly, the perpetrators of windshield break were the same as those acted in the jurisdiction of West Denpasar Police. Based on the exami-nation at crime scene, they indicated similarities. Similar windshield break case also occurred at three locations along Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, South Denpasar.

Up to these days, the perpetrators of windshield break have not been arrested. Aside from the case of wind-

shield break, other prominent cases are strongbox burglary. In 2011, many cases of strongbox burglary occurred

private company and in other places. Of all the cases, only one offender could have been arrested by police namely Abdul Warni aka Anik from East Lombok.

Anik claimed to have broken the strongbox of Kadek Rai Mayuni, a resident of Jalan Pengiasan Gang V/4 Sanur, South Denpasar. The strong-box burglary took place on April 4, 2011 with a loss of IDR 530 million. Unfortunately, the development of po-lice stuck up at that point. Therefore, the perpetrators of other strongbox burglary alleged belonging to another group still haunt so far. By all means, they are still being chased by police.

The most stunning robbery and strongbox burglary case recently

-tional Quality Assurance Institute (LPMP) on Jalan Cok Agung Tresna, East Denpasar. Approximately IDR 1 billion of cash or more precisely

perpetrators. Even, two security guards were tied and their mouth was taped. Not only that, the per-petrators pointed the victims with sickles, too.

Other than such prominent cases, there were also some murder cases in 2012. Among them, it was the death of a former contractor named M. Faruq Arif aka Ferry. The man who just occupied a boarding house for one

day on Jalan Tukad Balian 2, Renon, Denpasar, was massacred by a man with the characteristic of long-hair. Allegedly the perpetrator was a friend of the victim and it is still under the search of criminal detective unit of South Denpasar Police.

Another murder case was experi-enced by a prisoner commended by Kuta Police, Edi Suwito. The victim was tortured by his fellow prisoners in the Kerobokan House of Correc-tion. Even, the torture was started at 15:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Local Time. The victim was known to have died at 04:00 a.m. The investigators of Badung Police could reveal the case and named 13 suspects.

The rise of such criminal acts should certainly be responded quickly by police. If necessary, the perpetra-tors were promptly arrested, thrown into prison and then punished pur-suant to the rules and regulations.

also counteract the occurrence of criminal action early. Without taking real action, it will have a great impact, mainly on tourism.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Bali Police, Hariadi, explained the security system applied had been sought maxi-mally. His party had made coordina-tion with relevant agencies as well as with the community considering the importance of the whole community in maintaining the security of Bali. “Safeguarding is not just the task of police. However, all parties should be responsible for maintaining the

security, including the community,” he said.

In addition, it was also required sustainable safeguarding by all par-ties. If this was tolerated, then a case by case would be on the rise. There should be a proactive attitude of the whole community because the secu-rity was the need of all parties, not just of police alone. “We also do approach to all territorial units to further enhance the security,” he said.

Preventive activities such as part-nership with the community should also be improved. Territorial units should be diligent in informing the public so they had a cautious attitude. In other words, in response to the ram-pant cases of windshield break lately, people had to avoid leaving valuables in car. Moreover, the windshield was clear so the valuables inside would be visible.

It could kindle the intention of perpetrators to take action. Besides, police would also make cooperation with the parking attendants because they were people who could supervise the car of residents in the parking area. Then, regarding the rampant cases of strongbox burglary, police had repeat-edly appealed to the entire community to improve security in their respective region.

One of the most frequent ap-peals delivered was the requirement of security guard maintaining the

companies.

IBP/File

The police officers are guarding the area to prevent criminal act.

Mangupura (Bali Post) –as instructed by Badung Regent,

each traditional villages who has beaches area can request a plea for government in arranging the beach-es for certain purpose based on the Law no 27 year 2006 on shore area management and small islands. This arrangement is purposed to se-cure shores areas to be blocked by disobedient investors as revealed by Head of Badung Animal Hus-bandry, Fishery and Sea, I Made Badra, last Friday (20/1) “This ar-rangement is to avoid any blocking or walling on the beach shores for example tourism companies such as hotels don’t let it use the shores. That’s why before arrangement is handed in, the model has to be

It was stated Badung has shores as far as 82 kilometres which so

far not a lot of traditional villages requested a plea on making well arrangements for the beaches as part of environment protection, economy zone usage or even socio-culture activities. Legian Village in the other hand just handed their re-quest. “We just received it and will review it. Maybe after Galungan,

to present it. If the request is as regulated and based on the law we will give a permit including if the arrangement model is approved,” Badra continued.

It was also stated Kuta and Seminyak haven’t handed a request when actually they have had an ar-rangement model purposed for en-vironment protection yet in the time being many zones have changed and so it needs revision. Badra stated Jimbaran also needs revision on its arrangement. (kmb25)

Arrangement by traditional village

Prevent beaches bought by disobedient investors

3International Bali News Tuesday, January 24, 2011

Tabanan (Bali Post) –The past 9 years Wangaya Gede Village residents of Penebel

Town felt disturbed as the main road of the village have beenseverely damaged since year 2003 when the road was about to beextended yet when some lands are freed, the project was no longercontinued and so the roads are still damaged causing residentsare worried that this road could engulf even more accidents andactually it is a connector to other villages as explained by Headof the Village, Ketut Suriastra. “The condition is worsening, thetar is gone and only rocks are appearing,” Suriastra stated lastSaturday (21/1).

It was explained the damage lasted 7 kilometres passing fivebanjar in the village which are Banjar Kluncing, Batu Kambing,Bengkel, Aplas and Sandan also the road connects TengkudakVilalge and Sangketan. Suriastra mentioned how he have beenrequesting a plea for the road repair to Bali Province and TabananRegency Governemnts since he was Head of Village in 2007 yetuntil now, no response. Suriastra hoped Tabanan will plan a budgeton repairing roads including this village’s moreover it is part ofeconomy support moreover in rainy season many holes have wateron it causing road users afraid to pass. “It is hoped this year thereis an action so locals will no longer worry,” Suriastra stated.

Meanwhile Tabanan Vice Regent, Komang Gede Sanjaya, statedthis year Tabanan allocated special infrastructure budget on roadrepair totalling IDR 60 billion with every sub district receivingIDR 10 billion. “This is part of Tabanan Government commitmentin fixing infrastructure on roads that are many damaged,” Sanjayaclarified in the middle of PDIP Party 39th Anniversary on Sunday(22/1) at Subak Guama, Marga. (udi)

“It does not matter for us here. Inmy opinion, it has no impact on ourrevenue because we know it is justfor private and luxury cars,” he said.He admitted that he had known aboutthe plan to restrict the subsidizedfuel from television and print media.“We think that government plan torestrict the use of subsidized fuel isfor private car or for the rich only.So, we do not think it a negativeplan,” he explained.

Comparable opinion was re-vealed by another transport driver,Mudita. He said the restriction wasstill in a stage of government planand currently being reviewed. Asconsequence, there was no anyharsh response from the transportentrepreneurs. “As the name implies,

the plan can probably change, sowe here tend to wait until it’s real-ized,” he said. If the restriction had

entrepreneurs, there would be justa response.

“If the public transport will notbe allowed to buy subsidized fuel,it will clearly have an impact onour earnings later. If so, we will

is uncertain and if it is restricted wesurely reject it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, an economist andformer head of Bank Indonesia(BI), Viraguna Bagus Oka, said thatwithdrawal plan of subsidized fuelwas indeed very helpful nationally

-ing IDR 50 trillion. Yet, for Bali as

a tourist destination, the withdrawalplan of subsidized fuel would be avery heavy burden because the fueldemand in Bali from time to timecontinued to increase. In 2011, hesaid, the fuel demand reached 1,900kiloliters per day. If the need in 2012achieved 2,000 kiloliters, it couldbe imagined this condition would

-tion. Government had to respond byincreasing the economic growth andequality, so that the lower-to-middleclass people would not be burdened.“The decision makers at level I andII should be able to enforce therules, especially those relating to theeconomy in order to provide a hopefor the community up to the lowestlevel,” he explained. (bit)

Denpasar (Bali Post)—Plantation production in Bali in 2011 showed a decrease by 25-30

percent. It occurred because of the impact of previous weather condi-

commodities to face rotten fruit and some others were exposed topest. Even, the decrease happened to nearly all leading commoditiessuch as the plantation of Bali Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee, cacaoand cashew nuts.

Head of Bali Plantation Agency, I Dewa Made Buana, said onFriday (Jan 20) though the plantation area in Bali had increased eachyear, the production was indeed admitted to have decreased withinthe past two years. “Considering the weather condition in early 2012set to improve, we estimate the plantation production will be betterthan in the past two years living through a quite dramatic decrease,”he said.

The data of Plantation Agency 2011 indicated that production ofArabica coffee was estimated to attain 2,500 tons, a decrease from3,500 tons in 2010. Similar condition also happened to productionof Robusta coffee reaching 7,500 tons from previously 11,200 tons,while cocoa only reached 4,500 tons from 6,200 tons previously.Then, production of cashew only reached 3,097 tons from 3,700 tons.“The decline in commodity production is largely caused by pests andweather anomaly factor, while decline in clove production is causedby conversion of land use,” he explained. Despite decrease happenedto production, Dewa Made Buana said the demand for leading com-

consumption trends in a number of export destinations such as Japan,America and China continuing to rise, so the demand exceeded thesupply of coffee.

-

uniqueness of the agricultural products of a region and is not ownedby other regions,” he explained.

the Plantation Agency would be conducting the development of com-modity areas, especially targeting critical lands whose locations weredeemed strategic for the development of commodities like coffee,cashew nut and cacao. (bit)

IBP/File

The cars are queueing to get fuel in the gas station.

Fuel restriction plan not responded yet by public transport driversDenpasar (Bali Post)—

Related to government plan to restrict the use of subsidized fuel discoursed to be applied fromApril 1 is responded mediocrely by a number of transport drivers in Denpasar. Aside from re-maining in a discourse, the program of subsidized fuel restriction will only be applied to privatefour-wheeled vehicles. Wayan, for instance, a driver of public transport found around Sanglah,admitted not to be too worried about the subsidized fuel restriction because to his knowledgethe restriction was only for luxury cars.

Village main street severely damaged

Leading production of Bali plantation slumps

News International4 Tuesday, January 24, 2012

From Malaysia to South Korea, millions of people travelled huge distances to reunite with their fami-lies for Lunar New Year -- the most important holiday of the year for many in Asia -- indulging in feasts or watching dragon dances.

As the clock struck midnight, Beijing’s skyline lit up with colour as families across the Chinese capital set off boxes and boxes of fireworks to ward off evil spirits

in the new year -- a scene repeated across the country.

Pollution levels in the city, which has come under fire for its bad air quality, spiked in the early hours of Monday morning as fireworks filled the skies with particulates, before falling back down again, official data showed.

Those living in the Philippines, meanwhile, were able to sleep in on Monday after the Lunar New Year became an official holiday for the

first time, despite objections from some in the business community.

The dragon is the most favourable and revered sign in the 12-year Chi-nese zodiac -- a symbol of royalty, fortune and power that is also used in other cultures that see in the Lunar New Year, such as in Vietnam.

As such, hospitals across China and in Chinese communities are bracing for a baby boom as couples try to have a child this year.

Nannies in Beijing and neigh-bouring Tianjin are charging more in 2012, and the beds in the capital’s Maternity Hospital are all booked up until August, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Reuters

WASHINGTON - A U.S. aircraft carrier sailed through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Gulf without incident on Sunday, a day after Iran backed away from an earlier threat to take action if an American carrier returned to the strategic waterway.

The carrier USS Abraham Lincoln completed a “regular and routine” passage through the strait, a critical gateway for the region’s oil exports, “as previ-ously scheduled and without in-cident,” said Lieutenant Rebecca Rebarich, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

The Lincoln, accompanied by strike group of warships, was the first U.S. aircraft carrier to enter the Gulf since late December and was on a routine rotation to replace the outgoing USS John C. Stennis.

The departure of the Stennis prompted Iranian army chief Ataollah Salehi to threaten action if the carrier passed back into the Gulf.

“I recommend and emphasize to the American carrier not to return to the Persian Gulf. ... We

are not in the habit of warning more than once,” he said.

The threat led to a round of escalating rhetoric between the two sides that spooked oil markets and raised the specter of a military confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Iran threatened to close the strait, the world’s most impor-tant oil shipping gateway, while the United States warned such a move would require a response by Washington, which routinely patrols international sea lanes to ensure they remain open.

Iran appeared to ease away from its earlier warnings on Saturday, with Revolutionary Guard Corps Deputy Commander Hossein Sa-lami telling the official IRNA news agency that the return of U.S. war-ships to the Gulf was routine and not an increase in its permanent presence in the region.

“U.S. warships and military forces have been in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East region for many years and their decision in relation to the dispatch of a new warship is not a new issue and it should be interpreted as part of their permanent presence,” Salami said.

Reuters

ZAGREB - Croatia voted on Sun-day to join the European Union next year, shrugging off concerns over the economic turmoil in the bloc and fears that membership will compro-mise its hard-won sovereignty.

Provided all 27 member states ratify its accession, the Adriatic state will enter the EU on July 1, 2013, more than two decades after breaking away from socialist Yugoslavia and fighting a 1991-95 war to secure inde-pendence. It will become the second former Yugoslav republic to join the EU, following Slovenia in 2004.

Sixty-six percent ticked “Yes” in

the referendum, the state electoral commission said with almost all votes counted.

“This is a historic moment, and could be a turning point in our history,” Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic told reporters.

Turnout, however, was low, at 44 percent of eligible voters, well below the resounding votes of many former communist countries that joined in 2004 and 2007.

That figure appeared to reflect widespread uncertainty among Croats over what membership will really mean.

But the result suggested the EU had not completely lost its appeal

in the struggling western Balkans despite the debt crisis that is threat-ening the single currency.

Many Croats hope accession will mark a clear break with the region’s recent past of war and nationalism, and help its weak economy through EU funds and full access to the bloc’s common market.

The slow pace of reform in the rest of the western Balkans, and waning enthusiasm within the EU for further enlargement, mean other countries in Croatia’s neighborhood - such as Serbia, Bosnia and Alba-nia - will wait years before they too can join. Tiny Montenegro on the Adriatic coast is next in line.

U.S. aircraft carrier enters Gulf without incident

Croatia votes to join EU in 2013, despite crisis

REUTERS/ Davor Kovacevic

A man casts his ballot at a polling station during a referendum on joining the European Union in Zagreb, January 22, 2012.

REUTERS/U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Handout

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (R) and USS Abraham Lincoln transit during a turnover of responsibility in the Ara-bian Sea in this U.S. Navy handout photo dated January 19, 2012.

IBP/afp

A reveller writes the “Dragon” in traditional Chinese characters and 2012 with fireworks in Beijing, on January 22.

Year of the Dragon roars into AsiaAgence France Presse

A billion-plus Asians welcomed the Year of the Dragon on Mondaywith a cacophony of fireworks, hoping the mightiest sign in the Chinese zodiac will usher in the wealth and power it represents.

Activities Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5International

Temple CeremonyCalendar Event for January 4 through 26, 2012

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 con-sidered 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, sail-ings, 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.

Balinese Temple Ceremony

4 Jan Buda Paing Wariga Merajan Pasek Gaduh Kayubihi Bangli.

7 Jan Tumpek Uduh/Pengatag Pura Puseh/Pura Desa Batuan Sukawati Pura Pasek Bendesa Kekeran Mengwi Pura Manik Mas Besakih.

8 Jan Purnama Kepitu Ngusaba Ngaed Pr. Benua - Besakih Pura Dalem Desa Camenggaon - Sukawati Pura Suranadhi Lombok Pura Narmada Lombok Pura Segara Ampenan Lombok Mr Agung Dewa Agung Klungkung Sidemen -

Karangasem Pura . Merajan Pasek Gelgel Ababi Mr. Pasek gelgel Tista Pura di Gunung - Tianyar Kubu - Karangasem. Pura Pingit Klenting sari Gerokgak - Singaraja Pura di Gunung - Tianyar Tianyar Merajan Pasek Gelgel Ababi Mr. Pasek gelgel Tista Pura di Gunung - Tianyar Kubu - Karangasem Pura Pingit Klenting sari Gerokgak - Singaraja Pura Payogan Agung Kutai Kartanegara.

11 Jan Buda Wage Warigadean. Pura Kepisah Sumerta Denpasar Pura Pasek Gelgel Pura Pasek Gelgel Pura Puncaksari Penarukan Peninjoan Bangli Pura Bangun Sakti Besakih Pura Antegsari Kaba-Kaba Kediri Tabanan Pura Pesimpangan Batur Pande Kaba-Kaba Kediri

Tabanan

13 Jan Sukra Umanis Warigadean Odalan Ida Ratu di Penataran Agung Besakih

Odalan Ida Ratu Puraus Merajan Salonding Besakih.

15 Jan Redite Pon Julungwangi Pura Panti Pasek Gelgel Gobleg Banjar Singaraja.

17 Jan Anggar Kasih Julungwangi Pura Tirtaharum Tegalwangi Bangli Pura Pasek Tohjiwa Wanasari Tabanan Pura Pasek Tangguntiti Jakatebel Tabanan Pura Pasek Bendesa Sangsit Buleleng Pura Dalem Waturenggong Taro Tegalalang Pura Ibu (Pura Kaja) Wanasari Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Pasek Gelgel Tulikup Pura manik Bingin Sidemen.

18 Jan Buda Umanis Julungwangi Pura Penetaran Gana Bebalang Bangli Pura Dalem Gede Banjar Pande Bangli Pura Puncaksari Sangeh Abiansemal Pura Dadia Agung Pasek Sanak Sapta Resi Sidan

Gianyar Merajan Pasek Tohjiwa Jakatebel Merajan Pasek Prateka Batusesa Odalan di Mr. Jeroan Dauh Cemenggon Pr. Puseh Penegil Darma Kubutambahan Singaraja.

23 Jan Tilem Kepitu Aci Petahuan Pura Ulun Kulkul Besakih Ngusaba Buluh Pura Benua Kawasan Besakih.

26 Jan Wraspati Wage Sungsang Pura Kawitan Tangkas Kori Agung Desa Tangkas

Klungkung Pr. Siang Kangin Tampuagan Tembuku Bangli Odalan Ida Ratu Mas Penataran Agung Besakih Merajan Pasek Gelgel Petemon Merajan Pasek Gelgel MelinggihGelgel Melinggih Odalan Ida Bhatara Bang Tulus Dewa Besakih

IBP

The Sunset Hotel, Villas, Restaurant and Spa turns steadier to proclaim itself as a tourist accommodation for young people. Other than arranging the ornaments into more elegant, it also prepares some musical events and watch-ing together with the focus on the community. “We have appointed the model Aishah Gray as the hotel brand ambassador having the elegant and youthful character,” said General Manager of The Sunset, Dewa Adnyana.

Adnyana confessed to be very proud of choosing Gray as the brand ambassador of The Sunset Hotel. Gray was remarkably suit-able as a figure representing the beautiful, young and dynamic The Sunset. Gray was also very representative to the market share of The Sunset aged 20-35 years. “Many artists have stayed in this hotel. Virtually all Production Houses and the ministries

have ever stayed here,” said Adnyana after a photo session in the hotel located on Jalan Dewi Sri, Kuta.

The Sunset is a four star hotel which com-menced the operations in June 2011. The hotel has a minimalist style but features a modern impression. It offers 77 super deluxe rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, lounge and a spacious parking lot. The location is very strategic, only 10 minutes from Kuta Beach. “The Sunset also provides a meeting hall for 500 participants. On that account, it is now also pursuing the MICE market,” he added.

The Sunset never limited the market. No matter from which country the guests came, they would be comfortable to enjoy the com-plete hotel facilities. However, this hotel was visited by more domestic tourists where the occupancy reached 80 percent. “Later, this hotel will be equipped with a villa that is now under construction,” he added.IBP/Net

The Sunset Hotel

Accommodation for Young People in Kuta

Tuesday, January 24, 2011 6 News

From page 1

International

Afterhalfacenturyof totalmilitarydomination, the Southeast Asian na-tion held widely-criticised electionsin 2010 after ordering some of itsmembers to shed their army uniformsto lead a “civilian” government.

Suu Kyi, released from house ar-restdaysafter thatpoll,hassince takenapivotalposition, following talkswithPresidentTheinSein last summerandher subsequent decision to run in anApril 1 by-election.

The 66-year-old’s participation inthe upcoming vote is one of a seriesof positive changes that have markeda break with the old junta approach toleadershipand led to thawingrelationswith the West, which has imposedtough sanctions on the isolated na-tion.

Observers say power in the newregime balances between two keyformer generals turned eager reform-ers -- the president and Shwe Mann,the speaker of the lower house ofparliament -- with Suu Kyi becominga third key player.

“The new generation (of militaryleaders) has come to terms with herand she has come to terms with thenewgeneration,” saidAungTunThet,whoworksasanadvisor for theUNinYangon after many years abroad.

opportunity for change you get oncein a lifetime.”

Shwe Mann, previously the juntanumber three, has on several occa-sionssaidSuuKyiwouldbewelcomein parliament.

The comments mark a dramaticpolitical rebirth for awomanwhowasso hated by former strongman ThanShwe that she spent most of the lasttwo decades locked up.

as retired, but many believe he is still

Observers stress that the currentreform process is very fragile, with asmall minority in the army outraged-- or scared -- by the changes.

While a cabal close to Myanmar’stop leaders pushes for more transfor-mations, many are cautiously waitingto see whether the reformers willsucceed.

The new system will soon needeconomic success and investment towinstrongerpopularbacking --hencethe regime’s desire for Western sup-port and the lifting of sanctions.

And this givesmassive leverage toSuu Kyi, whose iconic status both inthe European Union and the UnitedStates has given her a very powerful

a total veto but to the extent that shehas confidence in the process, we

change inMyanmar,”USSenator JoeLieberman told reporters in Bangkokrecently.

party leaderhasbeenan indispensableinterlocutorduring thevisitsof foreigndignitaries. And she is careful not tocriticise the government.

“She transformedfroman icon toapoliticianwithall the risksandcontra-dictions that entails,” said anobserverwho visits her regularly.

Shwe Mann’s son Toe NaingMann, who is helping his father inhis new role, believes that the com-mon political goals uniting Suu Kyiand the two top regime reformers,all in their late 60s, are the key to thecountry’s future.

“The three of them can work now

they will be held responsible,” hetold AFP. Suu Kyi and her NationalLeague for Democracy (NLD) de-cided in May 2010 to boycott thegeneral elections that year.

Agence France Presse

A pod of 90 pilot whales have beached themselves at the topof New Zealand’s South island, in the same area where sevenwhales died in a mass stranding earlier this month, according to

Regional conservation department manager John Mason saidstaff and volunteers would attempt to keep the whales cool until

themselves.The whales came ashore at Golden Bay, near the tourist city of

Earlier this month 25 whales were stranded on the same stretch

the same area two months ago.Pilot whales up to six metres (20 feet) long are the most common

species of whale seen in New Zealand waters.

IBP/afp

Myanmar President Thein Sein delivers his key note address during the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw, last December.

Suu Kyi becomes key to complex Myanmar politicsAgence France Presse

AungSanSuuKyi isplayingan increasingly important role inMyanmar,helping shoreupa fragilealliance of former junta generals whose recent reforms have amazed observers, analysts say.

Ninety whales stranded on New Zealand beach

IBP/afp

This file photo, released by Southland Times, shows pilot whales, stranded on a remote beach in New Zealand, in 2003.

Wiastri, the father of Edi Suparma, another crew member said hewould not allow his son to work again as a ship crew member. Edi didnot look well on arrival and would not tell about his experience.

“He probably need not work there again. He had better work athome. What is important is we have something to eat,” he said.

Saturday was the day of the arrival of the last of the four batches ofCosta Concordia crew members from Bali. Thirty-nine crew membershad arrived aboard Qatar Airways.

“Security issues are indeed very sensitive. So other than suppress-ing the number of migrant workers, government should also urge theaccommodation owners to implement an adequate security system.Surely, this cannot be carried out only by sitting down behind the

suggested.Additionally, the government was suggested to consistently improve

and harness the community resources in order to suppress the violent

placement. These efforts needed to be accompanied with the provisionof adequate working capital as well as appropriate job vacancy withthe interests and areas of expertise. (par)

Security...

Some... From page 1

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 7Indonesia Today International

Antara

JAKARTA - Ten Indonesian crew members who had been stranded in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, will be repatriated to Indonesia on Sunday, a press release of the Indonesian foreign ministry said.

The ten crew members will fly Garuda Indonesia (GA) 891 at 6.30 am Beijing time, and scheduled for arrival in Indonesia at 1.05 pm local time.

The crew had been rescued from their fishing boat “Dayang 16” in Dalian (about half an hour flight from Beijing) to the Indonesian embassy in Beijing, after the embassy convinced the company to allow the ten crew members to be transferred to Beijing.

The Indonesian crew members are Pajar Subhan (Ja-karta), Dionisius Doni (West Kalimantan), Ilham Abdullah (Makassar), Robi (Makassar), Ahmad Bahri (Jakarta), Riky Suseno (Lamongan), Arifin Sakri (Bojonegoro), Akbar (Makassar), Cecep Hasim (Jakarta) dan Patroni (Jakarta). They had been given shelter at the Indonesian embassy in Beijing.

The Indonesian ambassador in Beijing Imron Cotan said the crew had been manhandled since setting foot in Dayang 11 in October 2011. The crew left Jakarta for Da-lian, for employment as crew members at Chinese boats in international waters in the Pacific.

In their 40 days of travel to the Pacific, they said they had been denied proper accommodation in the winter, and consumption was not as their working contract, and receiving psychological and physical pressures. The Indo-nesian crew members protested and asked to be returned to Indonesia.

The company returned them to Dalian, while still holding them hostage. The Indonesian crew had been asked to pay 10,.000 RMB (about 14 million rupiah) per person as repatriation cost, exit permits, agent fees and compensation to the company, as the 10 crew members had signed a sea working contract for two years as from September 2011.

Southeast Asia’s biggest econo-my has made huge strides since the dark days of 1997, when its bond rating was reduced to junk during the Asian financial crisis and for-eign investors fled the country.

Wednesday’s decis ion by Moody’s to upgrade Jakarta from Ba1 to Baa3 with a stable outlook -- following a similar move by Fitch last month -- boosted its claim to join the league of emerging “BRICS” economies of Brazil, Rus-sia, India, China and South Africa.

The rating upgrades “affirm worldwide recognition of Indonesia as an investment-worthy country,” said Darmin Nasution, governor of Bank Indonesia, the country’s central bank.

“It gives confidence that, even if there were financial turbulence

in the world, Indonesia would be able to contain it and we will not be affected too much by it.”

Jakarta has been quick to turn the ratings reviews into cash. This month, soon after the Fitch upgrade, it sold its first 30-year global bonds since 2008, saying the sale had raised $1.75 billion.

The day after the Moody’s up-grade, trade minister Gita Wirjawan had more good news, announcing that foreign direct investment last year had hit a record $20 billion, with Singapore, Japan and the Unit-ed States among top investors.

Wirjawan told reporters the economy had the potential to grow to $9.3 trillion by 2030.

And Britain’s Standard Chartered bank agreed, tipping a similar figure in the same timeframe, representing

a more than tenfold increase from the country’s current output.

The bank also tipped Indonesia to become the world?s sixth-largest economy after China, the US, India, Brazil and Japan in the next 20 years, putting it in front of Germa-ny, Mexico, France and Britain.

It noted that the vast archipelago of 240 million people is already a member of the G20 club of rich countries and major emerging economies. However, the outlook is not entirely bright.

Standard Chartered also said the country was handicapped by infrastructure bottlenecks and cor-ruption. Indonesia came 100th in a list of 183 countries -- with 183 being the worst -- in a Transparency International index last year.

President Susilo Bambang Yud-hoyono has won two elections, the first in 2004, on a graft-fighting plat-form but few now believe he has what it takes to tackle the nefarious forces that control the country’s judiciary. Despite being an economic miracle,

Indonesia is mired in red tape and corruption while its ports, roads and airports are hopelessly inadequate for the pace of growth it hopes to sustain in coming years, according to inves-tors and analysts.

“The absence of sound infra-structure has been the main hurdle for Indonesia to implement its key economic policies,” the Jakarta Globe daily wrote on Friday.

Indonesian truck drivers have been known to get locked in mas-sive traffic jams, sometimes for more than a week and forced to sell their belongings such as mobile phones to buy food.

The government in 2010 an-nounced plans to spend $140 billion on infrastructure until 2014, more than half of which would have to come from the private sector.d

However, at a time when much of the world is trying to steer out of economic doldrums Indonesia, whose economy all but fell apart during the Asian financial crisis, has escaped relatively unaffected by the

current global slowdown.Gross domestic product growth

last year was estimated to have reached 6.5 percent while this year’s official target is 6.7 percent.

Although foreign investment will underpin future growth, domes-tic consumer demand accounts for more than half of GDP, making the economy less dependent on exports and less vulnerable to shocks from Europe or the United States.

Consumer goods are in hot demand in Southeast Asia’s larg-est market for various goods from smartphones to cars, where the middle class has been swelling in tandem with the economy.

Helmi Arman, Citibank’s chief economist in Jakarta, said: “In terms of ‘surpassing’ the Euro-pean countries it would be better if it (Indonesia) is not only viewed from the size of the economy, but also from income distribution and productivity.

“We still have a lot of homework to do in this regard.”

Antara

Bogor - American singer, songwriter and actress Katy Per-ry rocked her Indonesian fans and heated up the atmosphere at Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in her “California Dreams 2012” concert on Thursday (Jan 19).

“I finally made it to Indonesia,” Perry said.Katy Perry astonished her Indonesian “KatyCats” (Perry

fans) by performing 18 of her well known songs for more than two hours. The concert was her debut in Indonesia which also marks the start of a tour of several Asian countries.

As many as 7.000 people sang along with Perry in a cheerful atmosphere that became even more festive after fireworks lighted up the stage when the diva sung her fa-mous “Fireworks”.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s daughter in law was also seen in the crowd watching Perry`s performance. Also present were a few other well-known per-sonalities such as Ami Dianti Gumelar, daughter of Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Amalia Linda Gumelar, pop singers Mulan Jamila and Julia Perez.

Kathryn Elizabeth Hudson as Katy Perry is called by her family began her career as a church singer in 2001 under the stage name Katy Hudson. But her religious albums did not do so well in the market.

In 2004, Perry released her solo album and changed her stage name to Katy Perry and since then her songs always scored the top list among international charts.

Her famous songs were “Teenage Dreams”, “I Kissed A Girl”, “Ur so Gay” and “Last Friday Night”.

Indonesia economy on track but faces hurdlesAgence France-Press

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s designs on joining the top table of global economies have been boosted by its upgrade to investment status, but corruption and a poor infrastructure are hurdles to full membership.

Ten Indonesian crew members of Chinese boat to be repatriated

Katy Perry rocks Indonesian fans in California Dreams Concert

8 InternationalTuesday, January 24, 2011

Bali Today

“Earlier this morning, manytourists come and pray in thisplace,” said the Head of ViharaDharmayana Kuta, Hindra Suarlin.He said that the vihara is opened foranyone who wants to pray. The praywas done in turn and it has beendone for ages.

Many of the devotees cameto ask for long life and prosper-ity during the New Year. Candlesand offerings consist of fruits andcakes were the special part of thecelebration.

According to Suarlin, lampand decoration from sugar canewere also placed in and around thevihara. The situation during thecelebration also shows the harmonybetween the religions existed inBali such as with the Hindus.

Denpasar (Bali Post)—Business perpetrators in Indonesia set

working on domestic market seriously afterthe export destination such as the UnitedStates and Europe were hit by economiccrisis. Europe is one of the Indonesia’s larg-est trading partners after China, Japan andthe U.S.

Deputy Chairman of the IndonesianChamber of Commerce and Industry (Ka-din), Anindya N Bakrie, said that to supportthe national economic growth amid thecrisis, employers should focus on domesticmarket. Domestic consumption was consid-ered high enough achieving 60-65 percentof the GDP.

“The economic crisis in the US and Euro-

economy. Although the Europe is one of theIndonesia’s largest trading partners afterChina, Japan and the U.S., do not let our

great market be controlled by the importedgoods only,” he said.

According to him, the target of the world’seconomic growth in 2012 originally expectedto reach 4 percent could only attain 3.8 per-cent. It was also affecting the target of theIndonesia’s economic growth in the NationalBudget’s assumption of 6.7 percent that inthe estimation of the Chamber of Commerceand Industry only reached some 6.2 to 6.4percent.

“To that end, I suggest the Indonesianbusinessmen to focus on several sectors ofprimary needs such as clothing, food andshelter, aside from to other needs such as edu-cation, health and entertainment,” he said.

He said the Indonesian market was verylarge and potential with a population of 237million people more. Moreover, per capitaincome had also continued to increase andcurrently had reached about USD 3004, 9.

All employers, particularly in the regioncould take advantage of the opportunities.

“With the increase of the Indonesia’s

ratings issued by Flitch and Moody ratingagency, the investment will also re-enter toIndonesia. Now, we should be able to harnessthis opportunity,” he said.

Aside from domestic market, Anindyaalso suggested in order the entrepreneursset to focus on finding out alternativeexport markets such as the emerging mar-ket countries (Brazil, Russia, China andIndia—BRICHI), Middle East and withintheASEAN countries. “Our exports to Chinaand India continue to rise. China is even nowa major export destination countries defeat-ing Japan,” he added.

Government as regulator was expected tofurther create a favorable climate for busi-ness. For business sector, some important

issues were regulation, certainty of law aswell as access to banking and infrastructure.These should get serious attention from thegovernment.

Jeffrey Kairupan, in the Bankers Lunch alsorecognized that uncertainty over the resolu-tion of the European debt crisis and worrieshad escalated to the global recession andbecome two epicenters triggering the turmoil

It had not been known how deep and longthe debt crisis of Europe would take placebecause the dimensions of problem werevery extensive.

“Today, bad circles are going on that nega-tively affect each other among the govern-ment’s debt crisis, fragile banking conditionand slowing down economic activity, whichin turn can make the escalation of the crisisworse and prolonged,” he said. (par)

Foreign tourists celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali

IBP/ant

A devotee pray in Vihara Dharmayana Kuta on Monday, January 23, 2012 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Antara

Denpasar – Foreign touristswho spend theirholiday in Balitook part in the celebration ofthe Chinese NewYear.This canbe seen on theVihara Dharma-yana Kuta on Monday, Janu-ary 23, 2012. Chinese peoplefrom throughout Bali alsocome to the holy places suchas vihara to celebrate the 2563Chinese New Year.

Affected by US and European crisis,Entrepreneurs work on domestic market

Balinese Culture

9International Tuesday, January 24, 2011

Denpasar (Bali Post)—Non optimal public transportation

in Denpasar triggers the increaseof private vehicle ownership. Es-pecially, the amount of motorcycleis increasingly unstoppable. Thiscondition is feared to lead to in-creasingly severe congestion inDenpasar.

The Head of Denpasar Transpor-tation Agency, I Gede Astika, ac-companied by Spokesperson of theDenpasar Municipality, Dewa GedeRai, revealed on Friday (Jan 20) thatit was impossible to stem the vehicleownership in the community. “Ourauthority is unable to stem the peoplefrom purchasing vehicles,” he said.He mentioned, in 2011 the numberof vehicle in Denpasar was recordedto reach 633,860 units of car andmotorcycle. In details, they consistedof 507,246 units of motorcycles,1,916 units of public transportationand 99,238 units of private cars.Meanwhile, the public freight truckamounted to 2,123 units, personalfreight truck (21,708), public largebus (445), private large bus (33),public small bus (557) and privatesmall bus (594). Therefore, the totalvehicles registered in Denpasarreached 633,860 units.

Astika said that his party didnot have the authority to limit thevehicles in town. “We do not havethe authority to restrict it. On thataccount, we strive through the polic-

SEMUR LIDAH(Ox Tongue In Sweet Nutmeg Sauce)

OVERVIEW:Although native to Indonesia, the nutmeg is not often

used in cooking. One exception is the braised meat dish known as Semur, which is generally made with beef. This Balinese version uses ox tongue and partners the inimitable fragrance of nutmeg with sweet soy sauce.

INGREDIENTS:2,5 lt (10 cups) water600 gr (1 ¼ lb) ox tongue, washed well1 cup beef stock4 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)2 tbsp thin soy sauce¾ tsp ground black pepper¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg4 ea salam leaves3 fragrant lime leaves3 tbsp fried shallots3 medium size potatoes, peeled and cutin 2 cm (3/4 in dice)Fried shallots to garnish

PREPARATION:1. Bring water to boil in a heavy stockpot, add beef

spice paste and salam leaves, whole ox tongue and bring back to boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 3 hours or until tongue is cooked and very tender.

3. Plunge ox tongue into ice water and cool for 5 minutes. Peel skin off with a sharp knife.

4. Slice ox tongue in thin even slices and place in saucepan.

5. Fill up with beef stock and add all remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Add potatoes and continue to simmer until potatoes are cooked.

7. Garnish with fried shallots.

IBP/File

The traffic jam is seen on an area in Denpasar

Threat of congestion increasesOwnership o pri ate ehicles unstoppable

ticket for 24 units of truck violatingthe parking sign,” he said.

In addition, to reduce the threatof congestion, his party had done

markings. “All the attempts are car-

in Denpasar better,” he explained.Admittedly, the declining utiliza-

tion of public transport also causedthe interest of people to use privatevehicles. However, the operationplan of the Trans Sarbagita bus inthe route I, including the area of

Denpasar City, was expected toreduce the use of private vehicles.“Unfortunately, it has not had aclear schedule from the province,”said Astika.

Meanwhile, one of the publictransportation drivers in theTerminalof Kreneng Market acknowledgedthe lack of public transport users.They were only consisting of mer-chants who would go to market.“Previously, quite a lot of studentsused the public transportation, butnow our regular passengers arehousewives who would like to doselling in market,” said a driver atKreneng last Saturday. (kmb12)

Tuesday, January 24, 201210 InternationalDestinations

ALAS Kedaton is a small forest with the width about 6-7 ha located in the middle of the rice field in Tabanan regency, west part of Bali. The total size of this forest, temple and its supporter facility is about 12 ha. In this forest, there is a temple called Alas Kedaton Temple and owns the natural environments that is looked green with its fresh air and create the calm, quite and holy atmosphere.

The monkeys in Alas Kedaton are very tame and free gallivanting in temple yard, so that the calm atmosphere is sometime solved by noise voice of the monkey, which are playing around and scrambling of food. The monkeys who dwell in this forest, there are jump up and down in temple wall, take a bath in moat or there is also hang out in few leaves representing impres-sion view.

The monkey like as custodian of temple, which are always ready to greet all visitor who are paying a visit to this place. Beside monkeys,

in Kedaton forest also can be met the bats and some other animals. At least 24 types of grove plant have been identified in Alas Kedaton.

Alas Kedaton is located in Kukuh countryside, Marga Sub district, Tabanan Regency . The journey go to this place can be done easily by using motor vehicle follow the major roadway from Denpasar to Tabanan. On the way go to this tourist place, we will see the beautiful nature view where in front of us will meet the carpet of rice field and irrigation voice at the side of road to bear the impression/peaceful atmosphere.

Alas Kedaton Temple have three yard that are external yard, middle and center yard. In the center and middle yard are encircled by wall and the outside yard is representing a open yard. The interesting point of this temple is the inside yard repre-senting holy yard, its situation lower than the middle yard. This thing is different compare with the general temples in Bali that are more goes to

inside the temple, the more higher the place will be. Beside of that an-other interesting point of this temple owns four entrances.

The temple ceremony in alas Kedaton temple is carried out every 210 days a year. It is on Angga-rakasih Medangsia (Balinese Hindu Calendar) or on every Tuesday where on that time the society do the worship or pray to request the safety and prosperity. The unique in this ceremony is do not use the fire and do not hence Penjor and also finished before the sunset or before the night is come.

In growth of handling of this tourist destination, Alas Kedaton has several become a training location about tourism nature, environmental handling and agro tourism. Alas Kedaton is many visited by the tourist from local and foreign countries which are generally a lot of paying a visit on August, December until January, while the local tourist generally pay a visit on holiday season and feast

day of Ramadan (Moslem holiday) and this place is good to be visited in the day time. In front of Alas Kedaton temple there are quite a lot small shops selling the handicraft as

souvenir, for example clothes, pants and other handicrafts. Others, there are some shops booth selling food and beverage, toilet and park area which is wide enough.

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest

Tuesday, January 24, 2011 11

BUSINESSInternational

Reuters

WATERLOO-havebowedto investorpressureandresignedasco-CEOsandco-chairmen,handing the top job to an insider with four years at the struggling Black-Berry maker.

Thorsten Heins, a former Siemens executive who has risen steadily-

atop a once-pioneering company that now struggles against Apple andGoogle.

Activist investors have clamored in recent months for a “transforma-

once cutting-edge image. But Heins, as a longtime lieutenant, got a waryreception.

-ties.

Barbara Stymiest, an independent board member who once headed the

and Balsillie had also shared.-

nesswith$20billion insales lastyear,haveweatheredastormofcriticisminrecentyearsasApple’s iPhoneandthearmyofdevicespoweredbyGoogle’sinnovativeAndroid system eclipsed their email-focused BlackBerry.

“There comes a time in the growth of every successful company when

-

on a succession plan mapped out at least a year ago, and not a retreat in thefaceofaplummetingshareprice, shrinkingU.S.market shareandcriticismof their products.

keeping a particularly active role as vice-chair and head of a newly createdinnovation committee.

-

devices, deliver on a promised software upgrade for its PlayBook tablet

BlackBerry 10 phones later this year.

place greater emphasis on executing the company’s marketing plan andreaching out to customers.

improveadvertisingandothercommunicationwithconsumers.Consumers

built its reputation as a business tool.

and was also slow to launch a competitor to the iPad. When its PlayBook

trademark email service. The reviews were scathing, sales were anemicand the company has been forced to offer steep discounts.

or integrated email package, a strategy that many analysts and investorshave thought the company might pursue. Even so, the new CEO said thecompany would certainly be open to discussions of that nature.

-

to the new CEO.

But its very success - withthe market-leading iPad and the

-ing cheaper rivals to the surface.

a few years ago and taking aimsquarely at the high-end iOS, con-tinues to attract cellphone makers.

half the cost of the iPad, is ex-pected to have chipped away at thelower end of the tablet market.

Finally, though many on WallStreet, betting that an iTV and

pack its stores, continue to bankon a share-price climb to as high

the sustainability of Apple’s torridgrowth pace.

it to $108.25 billion - a 65 percentincrease from the previous year.

hardware business expert and

& Co, said to sustain that is ef-fectively to conjure a Fortune500 company out of thin air - yearafter year.

“You become a victim of yourown success,” he said. “Can yougrow the existing products thatmuch, or can you create a newcategory that creates $10 billionto $20 billion? That is the chal-lenge.”

When Apple reports earnings

for chinks in the armor, especiallygiven Apple’s first miss since

“The risk is the sustainabilityof what they have been doing,”

Marshall. “They have put up ahuge number and the question iscan they continue to penetratewith their current existing productportfolio at these price levels?”

The fear is that the number ofpeople who can afford an iPador an iPhone is dwindling, headded.

Apple has gone on a tear thelast few years.

With $81.6 billion of cash,surging sales across product lines

- most notably its best-sellingiPhone and iPad - and feveredanticipation that it might makea big, game-changing bet on TV,many still say Apple has only oneway to go this year: up.

As one of the companies thatis a leader in major trends intechnology - mobile connectivityand the cloud - Apple’s revenue is

this year and nearly 50 percent in

The average estimates for salesof Apple’s products during the

the holiday shopping season, are

5 million Mac computers. Butinvestors wouldn’t be surprisedif Apple handily beats these es-timates.

Apple’s stock trades at about15 times earnings, versus 10 timesfor Microsoft and 21 times forGoogle. Some argue for excludingApple’s massive, $80 billion-plusin cash and investments from thevaluation, meaning Apple tradesat a much lower multiple.

“This is just a stepping pointfor it to go another 15 to 20percent higher than it is now,”said Michael Yoshikami, CEO ofYCMNET Advisors, which ownsApple shares, adding that interna-tional expansion will drive muchof the upside.

“The stock is cheap relative

good value, especially consider-ing what a growth trajectory thiscompany is on.”

Apple’s market cap, and touched

past week. That’s a remarkablerun for any company in a volatilestock market, yet the stock is wayoff from an average expectationfor about $550.

-petition and the pressure it couldbring to bear on margins may bepart of the story. The $200 Kindle,for example, is sold at a loss by

in the tablet market.

But Apple could employ itssuccessful iPhone pricing strat-egy, along with its mighty sup-ply chain, to the iPad to countercheaper rivals and maintain itsdominance, said Michael Walk-ley, an analyst with CanaccordGenuity.

Apple could “offer iPad 2 at a

he said, adding that the new iPad

upgrade cycle with the discountediPad 2 driving sales into lowerprice points.

According to the latest researchfrom Nielsen, Apple is also clos-

percent of people who acquired asmartphone recently saying theybought an iPhone when asked inDecember, compared with just25.1 percent in October.

But Android continues to lead-

phone owners surveyed last quar-ter reporting they have an An-droid-based mobile phone, while

still see the iPad and iPhone asthe far superior products in theirclasses.

“We also expect continued iPadstrength, though refresh timingcould create a sales gap,” saidWilliam Power, an analyst withBaird Equity Research.

“Although we do expect moremeaningful tablet competition

year, including the Kindle Fire,we believe the iPad remains bestpositioned at the higher end.”

For now, Apple’s bulls holdsway, with 50 of 55 analysts cov-ering the stock rating it a StrongBuy or Buy. Among its advan-tages are the global spread of theiPhone, which should sell more

and the mystique of an iPad thata plethora of rivals from HewlettPackard to Research in Motionhave not been able to best.

Apple’s MacBook Air hasspawned a whole industry of thinand light laptops that everyone

-puter makers is trying to match.

Apple 2012: Smooth sailing, for the most partReuters

SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Inc coasts into 2012 with a strong wind in its sails, a clutch ofenvelope-pushing products in its hold, a record share price, and a steady hand at the tiller.

BlackBerry maker CEOs step down

Entertainment InternationalTuesday, January 24, 201212

In a statement Sunday night, the power-couple announced their sepa-ration. They say after “much soul searching” they’ve decided to sepa-rate, and blame the breakup on “grow-

ing apart.”The couple has four children to-

gether, including the supermodel’s daughter from a previous relationship. The couple asks for privacy and say that the breakup is “amicable.”

The singer and model were one of the most high-profile celebrity cou-ples, and often talked about their tight

relationship. They even renewed their vows on each anniversary.

They married in 2005.

KATE Beckinsale is back with a vengeance, with her latest “Under-world” movie opening at No. 1 this weekend.

“Underworld Awakening” made an estimated $25.4, distributor Sony Screen Gems reported Sunday.

This is the fourth film in the vam-pire action saga. Beckinsale starred in the first two movies as the warrior Selene, then bowed out of part three but returned for this latest installment. “Underworld Awakening” was shown for the first time in 3-D as well as on IMAX screens, where it made $3.8 million. That’s 15 percent of the film’s weekend gross, which is a re-cord for an IMAX digital-only run.

Sony had hoped the film would end up in the low-$20 million range. But Rory Bruer, the studio’s president of worldwide distribution, says the fact that it did even better — despite a snow storm that hit much of the Mid-west and East Coast — primarily has to do with Beckinsale’s return.

“She is such a force. Her character — you just can’t take your eyes off of her. I know the character is very dear to her, as well, and she just kills it,”

Bruer said. “The 3-D aspect of the film also brings something, makes it a fun, visceral ride.”

Opening in second place was “Red Tails” from executive producer George Lucas, about the Tuskegee Airmen who were the first black fighter pilots to serve in World War II. It made an estimated $19.1 million, according to 20th Century Fox, which was well above expectations; the stu-dio had hoped to reach double digits, said Chris Aronson, executive vice president of domestic distribution.

“I believe what George Lucas has stated all along: This is an important story and a story that must be told. It is a true story of American heroism and valor and audiences have really responded to this message,” Aronson said. “People want to feel good about themselves, they want to be uplifted. We have enough hard crud going on in this country right now. Times are tough, and if we look back and are told a story of some really fantastic deeds, that’s really compelling mov-iegoing.”

Hollywood.com analyst Paul Der-garabedian said a grassroots effort to

get groups of people into the theaters to see “Red Tails,” along with posi-tive word-of-mouth, helped its strong showing. The film saw an uptick from about $6 million on Friday to $8.65 million on Saturday.

Overall box office is up 31 percent from the same weekend a year ago, Dergarabedian said, thanks to new releases as well as movies like “Ex-tremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” which had limited runs for awards consideration at the end of 2011 and are now expanding nationwide. The Sept. 11 drama from Warner Bros., starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, came in fourth place with $10.5 million.

Last week’s No. 1 film, the Univer-sal smuggling thriller “Contraband” starring Mark Wahlberg, dropped to the No. 3 spot with $12.2 million. It’s now made $46.1 million in two weeks. Meanwhile, Steven Soder-bergh’s international action picture “Haywire” from Relativity Media, starring mixed martial arts superstar Gina Carano in her first film role, opened in fifth place with $9 million, which was above expectations.

“THE ARTIST” followed its Golden Globe win by taking top honors at the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday, as the silent film continues its unlikely run toward Oscar night.

Producer Thomas Langmann received the award handed out at the Beverly Hilton by the Produc-ers Guild of America, as “The Artist” beat out George Clooney’s family drama and another Oscar favorite, “The Descendants.”

“The Artist” won best musical or comedy at Sunday’s Golden Globes and “The Descendants” won best drama along with a best actor nod for Clooney, making the movies likely rivals for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

The other nominees in the movie category were “War Horse,” ‘’The Help,” ‘’Brides-

maids,” ‘’Hugo,” ‘’The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” ‘’Midnight in Paris,” ‘’Moneyball” and an-other Clooney movie, “The Ides of March.”

Along with honors from other Hollywood professional groups such as actors, directors and writers guilds, the producer prizes have become part of the preseason sorting out contenders for the Oscars, whose nomina-tions come out Jan. 24.

HBO’s saga of mobsters in Prohibition-era Atlantic City “Boardwalk Empire” won the producers’ award for television drama series, keeping AMC’s “Mad Men” from winning its fourth straight PGA Award.

A team of seven producers including Martin Scorcese re-ceived the award for “Boardwalk

Empire,” which also beat out Showtime’s “Dexter,” CBS’s “The Good Wife,” and another HBO series, “Game of Thrones.”

The ABC sitcom “Modern Family” took the award for best comedy se-ries for the second straight year, beating “30 Rock,” ‘’The Big Bang Theory,” ‘’Glee,” and “Parks and Recreation.”

Other winners at the PGA awards in-clude PBS’s “Down-ton Abbey” for long-form te levis ion, “The Adventures of Tintin” for ani-mated film, “Beats, Rhymes & Life” for movie documentary and “The Colbert Report” for talk and live entertainment shows.

Seal, Heidi Klum announce separation

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2011 file photo, Heidi Klum, left, and

Seal arrive at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

The seemingly perfect marriage of Seal and Heidi Klum is heading to an end.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File

‘The Artist’ silent but golden at producer awards

AP Photo/Francois Mori, File

FILE - French Producer Thomas Langmann arrives for the screening of “W.” by U.S. Director Oliver Stone at a cinema in Paris, in this Oct. 21 , 2008 file photo.

‘Underworld’ sinks teeth

Cast member Kate Beckin-

sale arrives at the premiere of

“Underworld Awakening”

in Los Ange-les, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. “Underworld

Awakening” will be released in

theaters Jan. 20, 2012.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Science Tuesday, January 24, 2012 13International

Associated Press Writer

BANGKOK — One of the world’s most endangered turtles has been released into a Cambodian river with a satellite trans-mitter attached to its shell to track how it will navigate through commercial fishing grounds and other man-made hazards.

The 75-pound (34-kilogram) southern river terrapin — one of only about 200 adults remaining in the wild — waddled into the Sre Ambel river in southwestern Cambodia this past week to the cheers of local residents and conservationists.

The New York-based Wildlife Conser-vation Society said the female terrapin was given to the group last year instead of being sold to traffickers who have decimated the country’s population of turtles and other species to cater to demand for exotic wild-life in China. The southern river terrapin, once considered the sole property of Cam-bodia’s kings, only survives in the wilds of Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, the group said in a statement. The population in the Sre Ambel river is estimated at less than 10 nesting females.

But it said the terrapins there have an excellent chance of recovery because coastal mangrove forests in the region are among the largest and most pristine in Southeast Asia, spanning some 175 square miles (45,000 hectares).

The first-ever satellite monitoring of the species hopes to determine how the turtle will fare among fisherman as well as in areas threatened by sand mining and conversion of mangrove forests into shrimp farms. A small population of the species was found in 2000 in Sre Ambel after being considered locally extinct for many years.

Following the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge in the mid-1970s which left the country devastated, poor rural dwellers scoured the forests for wildlife, much of which was sold to traders connected to China, where many wild animals — from turtles to tigers — are believed to possess medicinal and sex-enhancing properties.

The turtle project is being run by the Wildlife Conservation Society in coopera-tion with the Cambodian government and Wildlife Reserves Singapore, a zoological enterprise.

Officials say a Delta 4 rocket carried the WGS 4 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 7:38 p.m. Thursday.

It’s the fourth in a series of military satellites that have been put into place since 2007. The next one is expected to be ready to launch next year.

WGS stands for Wideband Global SATCOM. The satellites are replacing aging Defense Satellite Communications System spacecraft and have 10 times the speed and capacity of the older satel-lites.

WOMEN taking pomegranate seed oil, mar-keted as an alternative remedy for menopausal symptoms, got no more relief from hot flashes than women taking a pill containing sunflower oil as a placebo, according to an Austrian study.

The study, in which women took the pomegranate seed oil -- which is rich in plant compounds called phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen -- twice a day, was the first clinical trial of the remedy and appeared in the journal Menopause. As many as 85 percent of women experience hot flashes -- a sensation of heat, often accompanied by sweating, rapid heart-beat and anxiety -- many times a day before, during or after menopause.

“In postmenopausal women, pomegranate seed oil does not significantly reduce hot flashes within a 12-week observation period, but further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effect,” wrote lead researcher Leo Auerback at the Medical University of Vienna.

His team followed 81 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60. All the women expe-rienced a minimum of five hot flashes a day, and had gone at least 12 months since their final menstrual period.

Each participant kept a diary of menopause symptoms and took two 30-milligram capsules of pomegranate seed oil or placebo pills daily for 12 weeks. At the start and the end of the study period, the researchers also tested their hormone levels. At the beginning of the study, women in the treat-ment group reported having an average of 11.1 hot flashes a day, and women in the placebo group reported 9.9 hot flashes each day, on average.

After 12 weeks, the women taking pome-

granate seed oil saw a nearly 39 percent reduction on hot flashes, to 6.8 per day, while women in the placebo group saw a drop of nearly 26 percent, to an average of 7.3 a day.

The 13 percent difference between the effects seen in the two groups was too small to credit pomegranate seed oil with any real benefit, the researchers said.

The study found no differences between the participants’ hormone levels before and after the 12-week treatment, although the women on pomegranate seed oil did report a statisti-cally significant improvement in sleep quality and related symptoms.

The researchers added that the marked drop in hot flashes seen in both groups was likely at-tributable to a so-called “placebo effect” -- a trend seen in most studies of treatments for menopausal symptoms that include a placebo control.

“Like most herbal remedies, there is no clear evidence that it is effective at reducing menopause symptoms,” said Silvina Levis, who specializes in geriatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida but did not take part in the study.

Previous research has found that soy supplements and red clover extract, which also contain phytoestrogens, are not effective at reducing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. The current study was funded by German herbal supplement maker PEKANA, which also supplied the supplements.

Currently, only hormone therapy -- medi-cations containing synthetic estrogens -- is approved for the treatment of hot flashes in the United States.

Air Force launches military satellite into space

Associated Press Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL — The Air Force has sent into space a satellite that is expected to improve communications with military drones in the Middle Eastand Southeast Asia.

A Delta IV rocket lauches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Complex 37 carrying a United Launch Alliance Wideband Global Positioning satellite Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, as seen from the Ocean Club in Port Canaveral, Fla.AP Photo/Florida Today, Malcolm Denemark

Endangered turtle to be tracked in Cambodia

AP Photo/ The Wildlife Conservation Society, Eleanor Briggs

In this photo taken Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, provided by The Wildlife Conservation Society, a 75-pound (34-kilogram) southern river terrapin, one of only some 200 adults remaining in the wild, waddles on sand as it is released near the Sre Ambel river in Cambodia.

Pomegranate seed oil

doesn’t cool

study

Tuesday, January 24, 201114 InternationalSport

The reverse fixtures ended13-3 in favour of the Manchesterclubs in August when Unitedcrushed Arsenal 8-2 and Cityoverwhelmed Spurs 5-1 and whilethere was no repeat of those drub-bings the title race looks increas-

north-west rivals.City’s 100 percent home record

seemed about to end after third-placed Tottenham recovered from

minute spell midway through thesecond half in which goals fromJermain Defoe and Gareth Balecancelled out strikes by City’sSamir Nasri and Joleon Lescott.

However, after Defoe wasa whisker away from sealing aremarkable Tottenham victoryin stoppage time Balotelli struckfrom the penalty spot after beingbrought down by Ledley King.

Spurs manager Harry Red-knapp’s mood was not helped byBalotelli’s earlier stamp to thehead of Scott Parker which wentunpunished by referee HowardWebb. “Scott’s got a lovely cut onhis head,” Redknapp told a newsconference. “I don’t like seeingpeople react like that ... It waswrong,” Redknapp said.

City manager Roberto Mancini,who sent his assistant David Plattto talk to the media due to a sorethroat, was not happy with way his

“The manager’s words in thedressing room afterwards -- hisvoice wasn’t loud but his wordswere very, very profound becausehe felt regardless of the fact it’s agreat victory and we take anotherthree points against somebodywho is up there as well, he isnot happy,” Platt said. “He madethat clear in no uncertain termsbecause it gave them a footholdback into the game.”

City moved to 54 points from22 games with champions Man-chester United on 51. Spurs stayedthird with 46. United respondedwell by winning a less dramaticbut equally exciting game at theEmirates to leave Arsenal a dis-

league defeat.Antonio Valencia and Danny

Welbeck scored for United eitherside of Robin van Persie’s equalis-er for Arsenal. “It was an amazingamount of chances we had consid-ering we were at the Emirates,”United manager Alex Fergusontold Sky Sports. “To only score

two is a bit disappointing.“Winning after City won their

game was the important thing.And we’ve done it the right way,being adventurous and positive.I’m delighted with that.”

United deservedly went ahead

time when the evergreen RyanGiggs delivered a perfect crossfor Valencia to head powerfullyinto the net.

Arsenal were livelier afterthe restart and Van Persie had agolden opportunity to add to the22 goals he has scored this season

Lindegaard to beat.With United continuing to

press for a second, Arsenal brokeup another raid by the visitors andteenager Alex Oxlade-Chamber-lain’s clever angled pass found

in off the far post.Oxlade-Chamberlain’s sub-

stitution was greeted by boosfrom the Arsenal crowd and hisreplacement Andrei Arshavincompounded their frustrationwhen he failed to tackle Valenciawho dribbled into the area beforecutting a pass back for Welbeck toseal the points for the visitors.

Reuters

MADRID - Lionel Messi netted two typically brilliant goals and a rareheader as Barcelona closed to within two points of La Liga leaders RealMadrid, at least for a few hours, with a 4-1 win at Malaga on Sunday. The

into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before AlexisSanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.

Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when

defence in disarray. The 24-year-old, who won a third successive WorldPlayerawardthismonth,curledafreekickonto theundersideof thecrossbar15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing tocomplete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.

His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cris-tiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart. Substitute Salomon Rondon,whoreplaced formerManchesterUnitedandRealMadrid strikerRuudvanNistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home

“It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too soI am pleased all round,” Messi, clutching his “hat-trick” match ball, toldSpanish television.“All thegamesare toughwhenyouareawayfromhome

second leg at home to Real.

REPORTED RIFT

Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on46aheadof their homegameagainstAthleticBilbao later onSunday (2030

matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time ina 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.

Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery’s sidewhen he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at theReyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.

However,ValenciacaptainDavidAlbeldawas shownastraight redcardmoments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Loloscrambled theballhomefromthe resulting freekick to rescueapoint for thehomeside.Levantecanclose towithin twopointsofcity rivalsValenciawitha win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).

RealMadridneed to recover fromWednesday’s2-1Cupdefeat at hometo Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.

Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row betweencoach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some

manager.

Balotelli lifts City as Manchester rules

Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli reacts after

scoring from the penalty sport against Totten-ham Hotspur during

their English Premier League soccer match

at The Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday Jan. 22, 2012.

Manchester City won the match 3-2.

Reuters

MANCHESTER, England - Mario Balotelli’s stoppage-time penalty lifted Premier Leagueleaders Manchester City to a dramatic 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester Unitedremained snapping at their heels with a 2-1 victory at Arsenal on Sunday.

AP Photo/Jon Super

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi from Argenti-na controls the ball

during his Span-ish La Liga soccer match at Rosaleda stadium in Malaga,

Spain, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.

to 4-1 win in Malaga

AP Photo/Sergio Torres

Tuesday, January 24, 2011 15International Sport

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, center, puts up a shot as Indiana Pacers guard George Hill and guard Darren

Collison defend during the first half of their NBA basket-

ball game, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Reuters

MELBOURNE - Serena Williamsshuffled through the exit door at the Aus-tralian Open on Monday after a shockfourth-round defeat, while a red-faced Pe-tra Kvitova wanted to run and hide after anembarrassing fresh air swipe. Five-timeschampion Williams had cruised throughthe draw in Melbourne but was a shadowof her power-packed self against Russia’sworld number 56 Ekaterina Makarova, go-ing down 6-2 6-3 in sweltering conditionsat Rod Laver Arena.

A “bored” Andy Murray hurried pastMikhail Kukushkin after the Kazakhretired in the third set and will play KeiNishikori in the last eight after the Japa-nese stunned world number six Jo-WilfriedTsonga 2-6 6-2 6-1 3-6 6-3. Williams plansto take a course in kinesiology, the studyof human movement, when she returnsto the United States and the 30-year-oldlooked in dire need of some instructionafter a lacklustre display.

The 13-times grand slam champion,who was the last American standing atMelbourne Park, was unable to defendher 2009 and 2010 titles last year due to afreak foot injury and had carried a sprainedankle into the tournament this year. “Obvi-ously I’m not 100 percent, and I haven’tbeen. But it’s no excuse or anything,” adejected Williams said. “I know that I canplay 100 times better than I did this wholetournament.

“She went for broke on a lot of hershots. I made 37 errors. That kind of tellsthe story of the match.”

LOST FOR WORDS

Makarova was lost for words after thestunning upset. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,I don’t know what to say,” she beamed in acourt-side interview after sealing a spot in

Czech Kvitova also booked her place in thelast eight with a 6-2 7-6 win over SerbianAna Ivanovic but the main talking point ofthe Wimbledon champion’s win was a mis-timed smash that saw her completely missthe ball.

The world number two shrugged off theembarassment of what may have been theworst shot of her career. “I know that it lookedreally strange when I missed it,” said the 21-year-old. “But anyway ... I won, that’s theimportant thing.”

In the men’s draw, Murray was leading 6-16-1 1-0 when Kukushkin retired due to a hipinjury. Murray had toiled against the Kazakhin the Brisbane warm-up tournament earlierthis month but wrapped up Monday’s win injust 49 minutes. “Boring” was how the Scotdescribed the game.

“I thought it was best he retired because itwas pointless. The people probably weren’tenjoying the match that much. I certainlywasn’t because nothing was happening.”

Murray’s reward for the win was a quarter-

of the Australian Open in 80 years. The 24thseed has now matched the feats of RyosukiNunoi and Jiro Satoh when they made thelast eight in Australia in 1932.

Pacers trip up cold-shooting LakersReuters

The Indiana Pacers took advantage of an ice-cold Los Angeles Lakers side with a 98-96 victory

Roy Hibbert played through abroken nose suffered in the firsthalf and had 18 points and eight re-bounds, knocking down six straight

Pacers within one with six minutesleft. Hibbert sustained the nose in-jury while fouling Kobe Bryant in

second to lead the charge.“Valiant effort by Hibbert. He re-

ally carried us in the second half,”Pacers coach Frank Vogel toldreporters. “This is what our team isall about, a balanced attack.” DannyGranger added 16 to help the Pac-ers (11-4) close strong and Indiana

Los Angeles still led 94-91 in

and Darren Collison scored con-

ahead.The Lakers, struggling woefully

on offense this season, missed fourshots in a row, including a poten-tial game-tying three-pointer fromKobe Bryant in the last seconds.The Lakers (10-8) have scored 100points just once this season and havebecome one of the worst three-pointshooting teams in the NBA.

Bryant, the league’s leading scorer,had 33 points on 14-for-30 shootingbut it was not enough to keep Los

Angeles from falling a game behind

Division.Andrew Bynum chipped in16 and eight rebounds for Los An-geles. The Lakers were coming offroad losses to Miami and Orlando andwere hoping to recover at home.

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Serena stunned, Kvitova cringes at air shot

AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama

Serena Williams of the US bounces her racket during her fourth round match against Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open tennis champion-ship, in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.

Tuesday, January 24, 201216 SportI N T E R N A T I O N A L

MotoGP commercial chief Carmelo Ezpeleta has openly admitted that he sees the new Claiming Rule Teams regulation - under which lower-budget bikes with an element of production technology are permitted - as the world championship’s future, prompting criticism from Stoner.

But Lorenzo reckons Ezpeleta’s plans are exactly what MotoGP needs. “It’s the only way,” Lorenzo told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Ezpeleta’s decision to lower costs

is right.”Referring to Stoner’s hint that he

could retire if MotoGP bikes were no longer pure prototypes, Lorenzo said: “I won’t [quit]. They will be slower and therefore safer.

“With the 1000cc bikes we’ll ap-proach 350 km/h, that’s too much. 300 km/h would be enough. Spectacle is not a result of speed and technology, but of balance: people want overtaking and on-

track fighting.”Speaking at the Wrooom event earlier

this month, Ezpeleta emphasised his determination to put entertainment and cost-effectiveness ahead of technology in MotoGP’s future.

“The basics of motorsport are the combination of entertainment and tech-nology,” he said. “In times of crisis, if we cut back on something, it must be in technology, not the entertainment, which both television and circuits pay for.

“I’m talking to the manufacturers and I think we will come to a conclusion in May as to how the championship will look from 2013.”

FORMULA 1 supremo Bernie Eccle-stone says there are no doubts in his head that the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place this year - despite ongoing question marks about its future.

With reports of continued political trouble still appearing in the media, there has been speculation that the event could face a repeat of the scenario 12 months ago when it had to be cancelled.

But Ecclestone is adamant that the race, which is scheduled to take place on April 22, will go ahead because he does

not see any issue with events going on in the Gulf state.

“Everyone talks a lot about this part of the world, but Bahrain is the country in the region where there are the fewest problems,” said Ecclestone in an inter-view with the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.

Ecclestone also said that he was con-sidering the idea of alternating the Barce-lona and Valencia races in Spain – amid recent comments from the organisers that they want to reduce costs.

“The Spaniards want to discuss it,” he said. “We should not have two races there.” Although dropping one of the Spanish races would reduce the calendar, Ecclestone says there are no shortages of other venues ready to sign up.

“We could conclude deals today with five new promoters. The demand is high,” he explained. “Great interest comes from Mexico. More races cost us and the teams more money, because they probably have to double their staff. But we could find solutions.”

track fighting.Speaking at the Wrooom event earlier

this month Ezpeleta emphasised his

Lorenzo says CRT regulations Former MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo says he fully backs

the sport’s move towards lower-cost and lower-technology regulations, despite 2011 title-winner Casey Stoner saying he would consider quit-ting the series over it.

2010 World M o t o G P C h a m p i o n Jorge Loren-zo sits on a Yamaha bike as he visits the Yamaha booth at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, In-dia, Wednes-day, Jan. 11, 2012.

AP Photo/Saurabh Das