Indonesia's surfing development for PON

Kim Bradley
Kim Bradley was known as the surfing sport activist in Indonesia, specially Bali at the 70's and now he talks about the government support of the development of surfing in this country. Kim believes that if surfing in Indonesia was to progress and it must have support from the government. In the past, former Bali governor Ida Bagus Mantra said “ Surfing is just in Bali” but now surfing is all over Indonesia because all areas have waves suitable for surfing.
Now that it is recognized that many provinces in Indonesia have waves good for surfing Kim believes that each province should have a surfing club or association that also coordinates with the tourism department to promote surfing. If every province had a surfing club it would be much easier for surfing to be recognized as a national sport which could then be included in the National Sport Competition (PON)
The government has started supporting surfing now as seen by competitions such as the Bupati Cup held at Canggu last year. The Quiksilver contest at Dompu was also supported by the Bupati as well as several other contests. As we concluded our chat Kim said “ 30 years ago there was noone surfing in Indonesia and now everyone ‘dances on the waves’, hopefully surfing can be recognized as a national sport and be included in National Sport Competition (PON)”

Bli Kacrut
This local Balinese senior surfer also talks about support from the government for the development of surfing in Indonesia that has the same idea with Kim Bradley. Surfing in Indonesia has developed rapidly, as seen by the number of contests now held in Indonesia which is also a contributing factor. Support from the government is also vital as the main supporters of surfing at the present time is the Surfing Industry. Bli Kacrut thinks that surfing must be included as a sport in PON (National Sport Competition) because there are now 7 provinces in Indonesia with waves suitable for surfing competitions. Almost all areas in Indonesia have waves good for surfing and clubs could be formed that report back to the national sport organization, so that they can be recognized and develop more like they have in Bali. Surfing also adds to the tourism potential in all areas. Perhaps surfing will be more recognized in Indonesia this year because Bali is hosting the “Asian Beach Games 2008” for the first time in October. Indonesia
has also chosen several athletes to compete in the games.
Bli Kacrut hopes that next year surfing will be included in Pre PON and he said that Indonesian people, especially surfers, love the beach and ocean so much. It’s feels just right to include surfing in the National Games Event like PON (National Sport Competition)

The Cape Town

From Devil’s Peak (Afrikaans Duiwelspiek), the site of the legendary smoke-off between the devil and the Dutch colonial, you can see forever. Van Hunks, as the story goes, unwisely accepted a pipe smoking challenge from a cloven-hoof stranger, puffed up an enormous cloud of smoke and was never seen again.
Looking out from the peak, just to the left, you’ll notice the harbor, the sea a sheet of blue made stern by the industrial gray of ships and cranes. The city bowl, its center a neat grid, lies between the harbor and the mountain. Straight ahead, as far as the eye can see, you may trace the beginnings of the Winelands, the outline of a distant mountain range.

You probably won’t dwell on the dull bit to the far right—a muddle of buildings that appear to be the size of Monopoly houses on a vast expanse of sandy land: the notorious Cape Flats, where gangs carve up the streets. And tucked beneath the mountain, the leafy suburbs—deep green in an otherwise yellow-brown picture—attest to Cape Town’s micro climates: the weather may be fine in town, drizzling in the suburbs, howling with wind on the fringes of the city bowl.

The Cape Town best view was not an easy place to know. Like a jigsaw puzzle that doesn’t quite fit, the pieces together form something incongruous; a city that is more than the sum of its parts. When its imagine which always recasts the familiar in a different light, seems an illusion: the mountains, the sea, the almost embarrassing prettiness of it all. Table Mountain—the city’s iconic symbol—no longer blends into the background: It demands to be admired; the great stony mountain face, the impressive regularity of the tabletop flanked by peaks on either side.
But Cape Town’s beauty is pockmarked. Sunsets seen from the white sands of Clifton are underscored by the iron sheeted shacks that line the road from the airport. Lush forests are punctuated by buildings with peeling paint in the Main Road, or by the laundry suspended from the wire fences along the highway where homeless people sleep beneath a bridge.

Living in Cape Town entails a tacit knowledge of an environment that doesn’t quite make sense. It’s like seeing your face as a Picasso painting, or being inside a Buñuel film. It’s a temperamental city; there’s always something different around each corner, a sense of never being entirely certain. Always color, always light. This changing landscape—geographical and cultural —combined with an extraordinary natural beauty that even the locals never tire of, makes Cape Town an unusual destination. In Cape Town, you’re always somewhere between the mountain and the deep blue sea. That was an interesting town to visit in Southern of Africa which also known for its best waves in J-bay (Jeffreys bay).

Rich travelers get cold feet

Financial crisis chills holiday mood at ultra-rich Swiss ski resort. Russian tourists are making cancellations everyday, and the reason they give is the financial crisis.
At the suite-only Carlton Hotel, which charges up to US$6,800 ($10,000) per room during the winter peak season, the reservations department is getting disturbing news daily.

The hotel's general manager, Mr Christopher Cox, said: 'We are getting Russian cancellations every day and they are telling us that the financial crisis is the main reason.' In St Moritz, where one in every four hotels is five-star and where pop stars, princes and presidents count among regular skiers, tourism industry players admit that the global economic slowdown is chilling demand. The trend corresponds with findings from a recent study commissioned by Italy's luxury goods producers' association indicating that even the wealthiest consumers, once thought to be immune to economic slowdowns, are cutting back on spending.
Mr Cox said the dropped rooms at the Carlton are being snapped up by others on waiting list, but he admitted that 'extra revenues', such as those from food and beverage and luxury boutiques, are expected to slide. He said: 'Guests who used to order two pizzas with a bottle of wine that cost 8,000 Swiss francs ($10,200) may not do that this year. I think most people will still come on holiday, but I don't think we will get the same amount of extra revenues.'

Russians make up the biggest group of customers by nationality and account for three in 10 of the hotel's guests during the winter ski season. They are among the most lavish spenders.
However, a slew of bad economic news has dampened consumer sentiment in Russia. Since posting record highs in May, the two main stock markets in Russia had lost about three-quarters of their value, slipping on a plunge in oil prices and financial turmoil.

Not just the Russians, but Americans and British - the two other main tourist groups here - also appear to be tightening their belts. Mr Dieter Bonner, a member of the board at Engadin St Moritz, which runs area ski lifts and mountain trains, said he had also heard of cancellations at other hotels, adding that 'there are Americans who aren't coming because of the crisis'.
But he remained optimistic about the winter holiday season, saying that this 'can be an opportunity' for St Moritz to attract more local consumers.

Crisis spending
Mr Bonner said: 'In a crisis, people tend to stay in their country. This could be a chance for us to get our local tourists to rediscover Switzerland.' He was, however, concerned about the effect of the Swiss franc, which last week hit a historic high against the Euro. Compared to a year ago, the franc has gained about 11.6 per cent. 'The strong franc could be a bigger handicap than the crisis,' he said, as it could drive Swiss consumers to spend in neighbouring France, Germany or Italy instead.
Mr Eugen Arpagaus, who heads the tourism and economic bureau of canton Graubuenden where St Moritz is located, agreed that the sudden currency swing could have a negative impact on consumption here. He estimated that a 15 to 20 per cent gain in the franc could translate to a fall of about 5 per cent in overnight stays. But for Mr Arpagaus, the main worry is the length of the crisis. He said: 'What worries me more is how long this crisis will last. People will still go on vacations for now, but if the crisis goes on for three years or five years, then we could really see an impact.'
The chief executive officer of Graubuenden Tourism, Mr Gaudenz Thoma, had the same prognosis, saying the effect of the crisis would most likely show up only in the summer.
He said: 'The cancellations now could help us overcome the problem of overbooking. I don't think we would suffer tremendously in winter, because we are strong in winter. But if the crisis lasts, it could really hit us in the summer.'
---edited from the New Paper_November

The danger of Cigarettes

Many people believe that smoking is dangerous for health. Smoking means saving illnesses. They may not appear now, but they will surely appear someday. It has been said that cigarettes contain many dangerous contents. They contain thousands of chemical agents, for example carbon monoxide (CO), nicotine, tar, nitric oxide, methane, benzene, and other chemical agents. The amounts of these chemical agents are very little, but they can be accumulated in the body and they will cause adverse reactions to the cell of the tissues and body organs.

Cigarettes cause many illnesses. However, the most common illness caused by cigarettes is heart disease. This is because of the damage of the endothelia of vascular tissues. The damage will lead to the hardness of arteries, which has been known as arteriosclerosis. When arteriosclerosis develops, the affected arteries will loose their ability to relax and the size of their lumens will be reduced as well. This lead to hypertension, coronary heart disease, thrombophlebitis and even cerebrovascular accidents (stroke). The damage on the endothels is a perfect site for thrombus to develop. When the thrombus blocks the lumen of the artery totally, the blood flows to the distal tissue will stop and leads to the ischemic of the tissues. If this happens to cardiac tissues, this will cause ischemic heart disease and even death.

As for pregnant women, cigarettes cause fetal growth restriction, under wight baby born and pre-term delivering. Unfortunately, many smoking women do not realize this. They keep smoking even if they are pregnant. Cigarettes cause many serious illnesses is indisputable but why the government seems to do nothing. Victims have increased year by year, anti smoking is only promoted by non government organizations. The government itself seems to neglect the people's health. Some of us should be agree with the motto saying that put out your cigarette now or it will put you out.

Surf chick : November

This month profile :Jasmine Tiara Haskell
D O B : 14 November 1985
Style : Regular, Board Size : 6’1 and 6’4
Loving to do something enables you to be really good at it, so the more things you love the more things you will be good at. Like the following profile, Jasmine. She has both American and East Kalimantan blood, she was an active and multi talented woman. Like to enjoy many things such as photography, skateboarding, music and surfing and does them all well….but out of all the things she does surfing is always number one. She was born in Malang and grew up in Jakarta. When she was 14 she moved to Bali. When she first arrived, she has 6 months before her school started so she used that time to learn how to surf at Legian. She would spend every day at the beach with her uncle and she became addicted to surfing In the following years she entered many surfing contests and was often on the podium. Her most impressive contest was in Malaysia (Sunway Lagoon) which she won. As a result she was able to get several sponsors.
These days, she loves to surf at Brawa. Besides being close to her house, the waves suit her really well. Jasmine hopes that there will be many more girl surfers in Indonesia. Ohya….if you want to catch DJ Jasmine performing come to Home bar and resto on the Oberoi………..Yes, she is a multi talented girl…salute!!

Point of interests in Pacitan

Pacitan is one of the simply beautiful region in East Java since its relatively poor areas, the infrastructure is not so good. Entrance to Pacitan there are only two, the east side; Ponorogo, the west side of Wonogiri/Yogyakarta. Pacitan had stony mountain because of that when rainy season, always happened many landslides in some location.
Tourism city object is Telengria beach. By motorcycle ride from Sedeng/Pringkuku/Punung, view to the sea was truly beautiful but be careful because of the way down to a steep was decline. In Telengria beach there was a hotel named Happy Bay, about 2 years ago there is no ac, the rate about 60.000 rups, its quite beautiful at the beach if you want to have activities in the morning and afternoon. The other alternative was Srikandi Hotel (the only home stay/lodge which recommend in Lonely Planet book), food was good (rate about 100.000 rups, with AC). If you want to have dinner, you could walking around the crossroad of city center's store . Near the market there was a good place to eat by sitting on the floor, Mrs.Sum (near BNI) . To all spicy food lovers, you are lucky, at market close to Enggal jaya shop there was called gobyos vegetable, like opor (chicken curry) but most of chilis than chicken inside. If lunchtime, at the right corner (the position facing the sea) there are lot of antique stalls, the main menu of fresh fish with tiwul rice. Cuisine is particularly rays grilled with spicy vegetables, it called KALAKAN vegetables. Eating fish with tiwul rice in the day it was truly extraordinary. If you not get used to eat, don't take tiwul rice in full portion. If you like tempe, a rare tempe was unique in Pacitan, wrapped with banana stems.

Other hotel which can be recommended in Pacitan was Permata, Bali Queen and Pacitan Hotel. All located around the city center and if you continue like fishing, go to the sea. The fish were very large size. If you want to continue your trip, you could go straight to Yogyakarta's direction to Pringkuku, there was a more beautiful beach than Telengria. All beaches in Pacitan have white sand. In Pringkuku, there was a dramatic moment, there was a coral reef in the middle when tide's time, full of water and the waves urging to the top made a fountain like whale's back. Its excellent so was a good sunset. Along your trip to Punung, now there is gong cave (inside a cave you could listen traditional music that is called Gong) Its Wonderful!!! In punung, you could also found a sudden market after branch to the gong cave and that market was selling many agate stone in twenty pack which is cheap and good. If you continue your trip to Ponorogo, then come to Arjosari where there was bathing warm water place, which is intend to real heat. If you go to Trenggalek in Jatigunung village, subdistrict Tulakan, please stop by to organic food stalls that managed by young people. Standard menu like tiwul and fish with cassava leaves. Then you could walk to Lorok beach or Sidomulyo. Most of similar but its different was the beach view. If you want to go home please stop by to southern market of Arjowinangun (Kebonagung), the center of porridge. It taste good and different from kudus porridge (jenang).

If you go by bus, it can be accessed from Solo (namely ;Aneka Jaya, Timbul Jaya, Ismo) directly to Pacitan of from Ponorogo (Aneka Jaya), or from Yogyakarta (Pacitan Putra Jaya, but its rarely or travel Purwowidodo, etc.) It's nice, just sit and reached the destination.

Indonesian Surfing in Asian Beach Games 2008

Men's Surfing
On 19 October 2008, 20 year old Garut Widiarta Rip Curl’s rider from Bali became the first surfer in history to win a gold medal in the sport of surfing at an Olympic event at Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia. The talented young surfer proudly held up the Indonesian flag as he and silver medalist Raditya Rondi accepted the cheers of the crowd in front of the judging tower.
In an intense 30 minute round of competition in their home break of Kuta Beach, the two cousins fought a pitched battle in the 2 foot low tide surf with Rondi leading for most of the heat, until Widiarta maneuvered into the perfect position to let loose with a couple of amazing aerial displays that had the judges reaching punching some big numbers into their keypads.
When the horn blew Widiarta had tallied up a score of 18.50 for his best two waves, leaving Rondi just short with 17.20. 10 surfers from 5 countries, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, the Maldives, and Vietnam competed today in the 1st Asian Beach Games men’s shortboard surfing event, with Widiarta winning the gold over Raditya Rondi and Shigenori Suzuki from Japan getting the bronze. This is truly a benchmark for surfing, as it is the first time the sport of surfing has ever been included in an Olympic event.
Shortboard surfing event Result:
Gold :Made Garut Widiarta (Indonesia) , Silver:Raditya Rondi (Indonesia) , Bronze: Shigenori Suzuki (Japan)

Women’s Surfing
On 21 October 2008, Akiko Kiyonoga raced through four rounds of surfing in the Women’s surfing event of the Asian Beach Games at Kuta Beach to claim a gold medal for Japan today. The silver was taken home by Indonesia’s Yasniar Gea. Kiyonoga was matched up against Gea from Indonesian in the Grand Final and came back to the beach with the win, scoring a total of 13 points for her best two waves against Gea’s 9 points. Gea had previously bested Kiyonoga in the four woman 2nd Qualifier, but when they met again in the final Kiyonoga went straight to work and by the end of the final had 11 waves to Gea’s 6, with high scores of 6.0 and 7.0 ,to Gea’s 3.75 and 5.25. Bringing back bronze medals today were Marianita Alcala from the Philippines, who had the highest single wave point score of the day, an 8.0, and 15-year-old Diah Rahayu Dewi from Indonesia.
Shortboard surfing event Result:
Gold : Akiko Kiyonoga (Japan), Silver : Yasniar Gea(Indonesia), Bronze: Marianita Alcala (Philippines), Bronze : Diah Rahayu Dewi (Indonesia)

Aerial competition
On 22 October 2008, Indonesia’s Dede Suryana completely dominated the Aerial competition at the Asian Beach Games in Bali today. Suryana leapt to the lead in the first heat of the day and consistently outscored his opponents in every subsequent heat through to the final, racking up 8 and 9 point waves with regularity and leaving the rest of the field far behind. Winning the silver was Yuichi Kurogi from Japan, and countryman Shuhei Kato took home a bronze. Also in the final was fellow Indonesian Made “Bol” Adi Putra, a very proficient aerial specialist himself, who today just couldn’t find the waves in the final that would allow him to display that proficiency to its fullest. He did however end the competition with a bronze medal, having gotten several high scoring waves earlier in the day to get him into the final with the two competitors from Japan. The beach was pumping with music and cheering during all 40 minutes of the grand final, with flags waving and drums beating to encourage the competitors on. The ocean could have been a little more generous in terms of high quality waves, with only 1-2 foot surf on offer, but Suryana made the most of it to the delight of the crowd on the beach, who proudly celebrated the moment with him. Dede Suryana fly’s high to Win Second Gold Medal for Indonesia in Aerial Competition
Aerial competition Result: Gold :Dede Suryana (Indonesia), Silver : Yuichi Kurogi (Japan),
Bronze: Shuhei Kato (Japan), Bronze: Made “Bol” Adi Putra (Indonesia)

Sun blocking

Ultraviolet rays in sun light can cause serious and often irreversible harm to the body. This
can range from eye damage to the more extreme, skin cancer. Prevention must start from
early age. For the skin, sun blocks or sunscreens have been proven effective. Informations below are some helpful hints on blocking the sun.
SPF
The sun protection factor (SPF) or filtering power of a sunscreen product determines what percentage of the ultraviolet rays get through to the skin. An SPF of 15 allows only 1/15 (7%)
of the sun’s rays to get through and thereby extends safe sun exposure from 20 minutes to
5 hours without the skin burning. A SPF higher than 15 protects against sunburn for more than
5 hours.
Tips:
• When going to the beach use a sun block with a SPF 25 or higher.
• For every day use, apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Children generally should avoid direct sunlight, use protective clothing such as a hat, long
sleeved shirt, sunglasses etc. If needed, apply a creamy non-fragrant sun block with SPF 25-30.
• Babies under 6 months must avoid direct sunlight.

Sunscreen
There are several kinds of type available.
Lotion and cream are the favorites, and give good protection.
Oil is easy to apply because it spreads more easily, but it only provides a thin layer of protection and needs more frequent application and in addition, it causes a greasy sensation on the skin.
Gel is also easy to apply but it also tends to wash or sweat off more easily and there’s usually a stinging sensation caused by the alcohol content contained in it.
Sun block sticks are good, but problematic to apply on larger areas.
Dry spray on lotion is also popular and provides good protection. However, sprays aren’t recommended. It’s wasteful and most of the effective content is lost to the air and it usually forms an uneven layer on the skin.
Tips:
• Use the type of sunscreen of your preference. Make sure you read the recommendation when to reapply the sunscreen (usually every 3 or 4 hours).
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to the sun to give it time to penetrate the skin.
• Give special attention to the areas most likely to become sunburned, such as your nose, ears, cheeks and shoulders.

Waterproof
Sunscreens will wash away with sweat and water, especially after swimming. Some sunscreens proclaim to be waterproof or water resistant. Research shows that the “water resistant” sunscreen can maintain their SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion, and the “waterproof” after 80 minutes. Saltwater reduces the SPF faster than freshwater. This brings out a new production of “surf shop sunscreens” that proclaims to maintain effective SPF for seawater activities, however, there are no significant studies to show that these are more resistant.
Tips:
• Apply the sunscreen at least twice more frequently than recommended (about every 2 hours) for water activities, especially for sea water activities.
• Re-apply immediately after swimming or profuse sweating.

Sunscreen Tips :
• Use a sunscreen with SPF 30+.
• Some sunscreens are safe to apply on the face and lips, just make sure the type of sunscreen applied is appropriate for these areas.
• Use a sunscreen every day even when it’s a cloudy day.
• Wear UV close-fitting protecting sunglasses to protect against eye damage.
(read our article about sunglasses)
• Wear sun protective clothing. Dark, tightly woven clothes are best.
• Use shade and limit your exposure to the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when radiation is at its strongest.
• Don’t forget to keep hydrated, drink a lot of water.
•Wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears.

Edited source from:
• National Safety Council: Sun Safety Program

Arctic ice melting faster

According to WWF observation, the Arctic’s ice may be melting faster than most climate change science has concluded. It found that ice in Greenland and across the Arctic region was retreating 'at rates significantly faster than predicted in previous expert assessments'. The report showed that ice sheet in Greenland is shrinking at a fast pace with an ice volume of about 2.9 million cubic kilometers and it could contribute much more than previously estimated to global sea-level rise during the 21st century.

The arctic warming has reduced both the area and thickness of the northern region's multi-year sea ice, making it more prone to summer thaw. Many climate change scientists have inadequately considered the drivers of such trends, such as interactions between sea ice thickness and water temperature. Last year, UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued reports of the recent acceleration in sea-ice retreat is not captured by most models, in the study reviewing global warming research from 2005.

A climate change adviser with WWF International's Arctic Programme, Martin Sommerkorn said that 'Our understanding of climate impacts lags behind the changes we are already seeing in the Arctic, and this is extremely dangerous, as some of these Arctic changes have the potential to substantially warm the Earth beyond what models currently forecast.

WWF said that climate change has already affected all aspects of ecology in the Arctic, including the region's oceans, sea ice, ice sheets, snow and permafrost. This climate change awareness has arise on Arctic nations - including Canada, the United States, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, through its Greenland territory - to work together to help the region's communities adapt to the challenges ahead. The phenomena of fast-melting Arctic ice has the potential to cause coastal erosion, impact indigenous peoples' livelihoods, affect marine organisms, and make the region's mineral and other resources more accessible with new, formerly inaccessible marine routes. It could also have global effects, particularly causing rising sea levels that could threaten coastal communities from Bangladesh to the Netherlands to parts of the United States.

Because of the impact, Mr Sommerkorn said that 'We need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases to levels that will avoid the continued warming of the Arctic and the anticipated resulting disruption of the global climate system'. So for those who still aware with this impact, let's save the earth while we can by doing simple thing like trashing the garbage into the trash can and separated between recycled or non-recycled. Hope with this little step around your environment could reduce the global warming impact.

History of Italy

Italy consists of a mountainous peninsula in southern Europe extending into the Mediterranean Sea and includes the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and about 70 other smaller islands. The Alps form Italy's border with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Most weather of Italy has warm, dry summers and mild winters, with northern Italy experiencing colder, wetter winters. There are some notable active volcanoes: Vesuvius (near Naples), Etna (on Sicily), and Stromboli (north of Sicily).

Although decades of struggle unified Italy in 1871, two Italy sections were exist today: the prosperous, industrialized north and the less developed agricultural south, known as the Mezzogiorno (land of the midday sun). Their differences reach back to the Renaissance, when northern city-states flourished while the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily languished under French and Spanish rule. The government confronts corruption, which is traceable to organized crime and an unemployment rate in the south more than twice that of the north. To address regional inequalities, a constitutional referendum was held in 2001—the results favored giving greater autonomy to the country's 20 regions in tax, education, and environmental policies.

Milan reigns as Italy's first city of commerce, and the Po River plain is both Italy's agricultural heartland and southern Europe's most advanced industrial region. Turin, the capital of heavy
industry, is home to Fiat—one of the world's largest car producers. A major attraction for pilgrims and tourists is the "Holy Shroud" in Turin's cathedral—tradition holds that this was Christ's burial cloth. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to great works of civic and religious architecture, sculpture, and paintings. Rome, Italy's capital, exhibits the architectural and artistic grandeur of ancient civilizations.

River rafting in Merangin

Jambi province has many river tourist attraction, it is very interesting. One of the tourist attraction is rafting. Rafting objects potential tourism in Jambi found in the two districts, namely, Sarolangun and Merangin. Potential tourist rafting in Sarolangun found in the River Batangasai, Subdistrict Batangasai. Then the potential rafting in Merangin found in the River Batangmerangin, Air batu village. This potential long time tends to be ignored.

Tourists interest enjoy the natural charm is still low. This event looked tranquil from the tour rafting rivers in both the upstream Batanghari river. River rafting in Batangasai once newly held a glorious race through 2005. After that tour objects being neglected .

River rafting in Batangmerangin also the same. Since the tour River rafting Batangmerangin introduced nationally in 1997, the tourist attraction at the mountain's slope of Kerinci it
such forgotten. The enthusiasm of nature tourist lovers to challenge the violence of Batangmerangin river as if extinguished in line with the dejected of Jambi's tourism recently.

Seeing the large tourism potential in the River rafting Batangmerangin to stimulate tourism visits to Jambi, rafting tour is back in business. District Government (Pemkab) Merangin and the Provincial Government (province) Jambi, in cooperation with the Federation's of river rafting Indonesia (FAJI) recently opened a National Championship (Kejurnas) River rafting in Batangmerangin, Air batu village, Batangmerangin subdistrict, Merangin regency, about 300 kilometers (km) from the city of Jambi.

Chairman of the river rafting National Championship Committee Batangmerangin,
Marzuki Yahya said, sports and nature challenge simultaneous has a dual purpose. In addition to establish the successful of program Visit Indonesia Year 2008, National Championship is also
intended as a place of rafting athletes achievement. Rafting's National Championship is a selection of rafting athletes for the Asia-Australia international rafting championship in Japan, December 2008.

The enthusiastic national rafting group race was quite high. National championship was followed 90 male and female athletes from 15 rafting teams of eight provinces. Among the rafting team from Jakarta, East Java, West Java, Central Java, Banten, South Sumatra, Jambi, and Aceh.

Rafting's National Championship is also able to attract the local and national tourists. Thousands of tourists witnessed the largest rafting activity which first held in the region. National Championship are able directly to stimulate the return of Jambi's tourism , especially tourism in Merangin regency. Governor of Jambi, H Zulkifli Nurdin said, national championship is one of the media tourism campaign. Rafting's national championship is expected to continue to encourage the regular rafting tour, which is worn out lately. Tours rafting can still be held a similar return in the River Batangasai, Sarolangun District. The high enthusiastic tourists witnessed rafting national championship is also need to take seriously. District Government expected to increase attention on tourist's development, especially nature tourism.

Currently, tourists tend to be more interested in the natural and cultural tourism. Objects natural and cultural tourism of Jambi, which is very rich and must be managed professionally in order to increase tourism visits. "Development of nature tourism and cultural areas with a serious need to be managed as one business to generate economic. If a visit to Jambi increased tourism, people will also participate to increase the economic business. This can be seen in the implementation rafting national championship in Merangin," he said. Jambi's Sub Head of Marketing Office of Culture and Tourism, Risnal Mawardi mentioning Batangmerangin river, selected as the location of rafting national championship which has it own class. Based on the recommendations FAJI , Batangmerangin river is eligible for the national championship
rafting area.

The difficulty of river rafting crossing in the reaches of 4.5. While the pathways rafting reach 15 km. Batangmerangin water river relatively stable or not become shallow when the dry season. However, in the rainy season, rafting can not be held in the river because it often overflow. See the enthusiastic sports lover and rafting tours on this national championship, the comittee will return to run the open rafting championship. Both in the Batangmerangin river, Batangasai, and in other rivers. The rafting Championship is planned next year, held back in order to Visit Jambi Year 2009. Through these rafting activities, the region is trying to satisfy the taste of adventure tourism's lover thirst and promote local tourism all at once.

"World rafting's lover will be invited. The presence of their activities on rafting in the region is very useful in order to promote Jambi's tourism to the international. The dreams that we can reach for the athletes usually make rafting packages for adventure tourism," he said.

Best of Madrid Festivals

San Isidro
May. Fighting a bull in Madrid is the matador’s equivalent to performing a solo on Broadway. The festivals of San Isidro draw the world’s best matadors, Spain’s fiercest bulls, and thousands of passionate fans for three weeks of nightly corridas; there are also street parties, fireworks, and parades.

Orgullo Gay
Late June/early July. One of the biggest gay pride events in Europe and Madrid’s wildest party; Barrio Chueca becomes a massive outdoor fiesta with concerts, drag shows, world-famous DJs, parades, and two million-plus revelers.

Fiestas de San Cayetano, San Lorenzo y La Paloma
First half of August. With half of the city away on vacation, the other half enjoys this series of wild parties in three of Madrid’s most traditional barrios; food stalls, live music, and dancing in the streets until dawn.

Festival de Otoño
October to November. Singularly converts Madrid into a cultural reference point for Europe; dozens of top international theater, dance, and circus companies perform more than 100 shows throughout the city.

La Trashumancia—Sheep Crossing
First Sunday in November. Old and new Madrid come together as dozens of traditionally attired shepherds herd hundreds of sheep to their winter grazing grounds—going right through downtown Madrid.

Plastic material knowledge

Particularly for small children, whose bodies are developing, it's best to steer clear of plastics that can release chemicals that could harm them in the long term. Below, the plastics not to choose (check the recycling number on the bottom of your bottle) and those that are safer:

Plastic to avoid :
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

Better Plastics :
#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), the most common and easily recycled plastic for bottled water and soft drinks, has also been considered the most safe. However, one 2003 Italian study found that the amount of DEHP in bottled spring water increased after 9 months of storage in a PET bottle.

#2 High Density Polyethylene

#4 Low Density Polyethylene

#5 Polypropylene

Better Baby Bottles: Choose tempered glass or opaque plastic made of polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1), which do not contain bisphenol-A.

Plastic using tips :

1. Sniff and Taste: If there's a hint of plastic in your water, don't drink it.

2. Keep bottled water away from heat, which promotes leaching of chemicals.

3. Use bottled water quickly, as chemicals may migrate from plastic during storage. Ask retailers how long water has been on their shelves, and don't buy if it's been months.

4. Do not reuse bottles intended for single use. Reused water bottles also make good breeding grounds for bacteria.

5. Choose rigid, reusable containers or, for hot/acidic liquids, thermoses with stainless steel or ceramic interiors.

Language at the Oktoberfest

"No a degree, biddscheen" - "Still a liter of beer, please": this sentence should Oktoberfest visitors dominate.

A toast to the atmosphere! "Promille For 5.58 you need to toast, however, say a few times.

Emergency help in the noise of the beer tent also demonstrative of the empty Hold High Krug and asking for a look into the eyes of the operation.

"A chicken, a Giant pretzel and Obatzd" - "A chicken, a pretzel and a small cheese": one of the standard menus at the Oktoberfest.

"Servus beinand 'or anything formal" Griaß God ": friendly welcome.

"Hoit dei Bappn" - "Be quiet but" defensive measure against too talkative table neighbors.

"Where is'ns Haisl?" - "Where can I find the nearest toilet, please?" Contrary to rumors otherwise, the question running at the Beer not as decorous.

"Drink the Noagerl no?" - "Can I have been clear?" - Question of operations, which collect Maßkrüge. The real Bayer almost never drink everything from paint and lets the rest have come in glass - despite the high beer prices.

The "Diridari" - the "money" - is always an important topic at the Oktoberfest. Each year, the measure will cost more. This year it is from 8.00 to 8.30 euros paid. The jammers on this state should not be exaggerated. Munich real answer otherwise happy times with the sentence: "Nachad warst hoit dahoam bliebm, bei deim Tää."

Dealing with feelings

Why was the secretary so scathing? Even love sickness and frustration help a relationship not just through the workday. But what to do?

That many problems in the professional life of emotional nature, also known as Cornelia pot, from Augsburg coach and author of the book "Emotional Intelligence for women."
It is not a purely female problem. "We tend to treat everything that is not factually as bad devaluation. Feelings in themselves but something good! We should learn to intelligently with our feelings deal, so they do not hinder us, and even useful," she explains.

But this is easier said than done, the trainer knows well. "Emotional intelligence is a lifelong task. Through practice and training can be his goal, but step by step closer to reality." Is it easier for Cornelia pot, their own emotions to understand and correctly guide? "No, absolutely not. But I think now I am quite proficient!"

ACEH after Tsunami

It's been almost 4 years after Tsunami hit Aceh on December 26, 2004.
In memorial one year of the tragedy, lots of people visit to Banda Aceh which came from Padang, Bali, Jakarta with expatriate surfers exactly to Lhok Nga. This beach has a good wave like in Cemara Night, Left, Peak and PT.SAI. The first day can be seen were only damages by tsunami but despites of all found that beautiful beach and swells like we're in the new world.
Step by step, a local surfer from Padang encourage local Aceh surfers spirits and help them to wake up from trauma of Tsunami tragedy.
Along with local Aceh surfer, Rizal local Padang surfer tried to promote of surfing local contest and open the first surf cafe right in front of the reef left wave.
One month operating, the cafe was accidentally burnt but with NGO assistance, that cafe called Sunset Surf Cafe become a Lhok Nga wave check center for surfers and so was Dahlia hostel which before Tsunami up to now had new building for surfers accommodation visit to Lhok Nga.
There has been built surfcamp in Ihdinga like Akira surfcamp. Local Aceh surfers were ready to self development and welcoming tourist in Aceh by joining surfing and tourism training in Bali.
Good luck for Aceh surfing and tourism :)

Make up shopping criteria

Recently, its hardly to find healthier ingredients for our cosmetic.
There are few shopping criteria, such as :

>> Avoid cosmetics from The Green Guide's "Dirty Dozen" which contains of these ingredients ; 1. Antibacterials
2.Coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1, Green 3
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
4. 1,4-Dioxane
5.Formaldehyde (diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaterniumcompounds
6.Fragrance (containing phthalates)
7.Lead and mercury
8.Nanoparticles
9.Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl-)
10. Petroleum distillates
11. p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
12.(PPD) Hydroquinone

>> List of Third party certification that informed of additional guarantees animal welfare and ingredient purity ;

a. BFA (Biological Farmers of Australia) certifies cosmetics as "Australian Certified Organic", any products that contain 70% organic ingredients and 30% remaining free from other ingredients prohibited in certified organic products, entitled of "BFA registered" label.

b. Ecocert, the common European certifications which more widely used.
This label has two levels of certification which explained that the "Eco" label requires 95% of ingredients products are natural, with minimum 50% of vegetables ingredients and at least 5% ingredients of finished product are certified organic. The "Bio" label requires the same as Eco, 95% ingredients from natural origin and minimum 10% of finished product ingredients are certified organic.
Both labels not using mineral oils, silicone, parabens or animal products and they will analyze of the manufacturing process from transportation, storage and to waste disposal.

c. BDIH, a German certification which requires the use of plant-based ingredients that are organically grown or wild harvested in unobtrusive manner and they disallow animal testing, products from vertebrate animals, synthetic dyes & fragrances, petroleum-based ingredients, parabens and other preservatives could caused a health risk and radioactive sterilization products.

d. Eco Labels, the Consumers Union Guide to Environmental Labels, notes that the USDA Organic label is not as meaningful for cosmetics and personal care products as it is for food. Furthermore, the certification does not preclude the use of the term "organic" on the label or a product's claims that it's "made with organic ingredients," both of which can lead to confusion.

d. The Leaping Bunny label indicates products made by companies that follow the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals.This standard was developed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, a coalition of eight animal protection groups, including the American Humane Association and The Humane Society of the United States.Always look for seal pictured of terms such as "cruelty free" and "no animal testing" are undefined which means that the product's ingredients haven't been tested on animals.

e. Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
Companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics agree to six criteria set forth by the consumer advocacy group, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which tracks compliance with annual questionnaires and random checks. The first requirement is that signatories remove any ingredient listed in the European Union's Cosmetics Directive, a law mandatory for all European cosmetics manufacturers. The directive prohibits the use of more than 1,000 ingredients, some of which have been deemed "safe for use" by U.S.-based cosmetic trade groups, that the Union considers carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxins. That list includes diethylhexyl phthalate (a hormone-disrupting component of fragrances commonly used in the U.S.), petroleum- and coal-based paraffin waxes and lead.
In addition, the Compact requires companies to substantiate all ingredients and potential impurities for safety, find substitutes for those that pose health risks, register all their ingredients with the Environmental Working Group's "Skin Deep" database and make all product ingredient lists publicly available.

Point of view : Religious education or Islamic Studies

The subject of Islamic Studies has been test run at 130 schools in North Rhine-Westphalia region, Germany. The studies means to get information about Islam. It is different between Islamic studies and religious education, the religious community said that the education is given from the believer.The religious community determines the contents and teaching staff if under state supervision, however Christian religion still the most important of their faiths to the next generation in an objective form which suitable for the schools. To get equalize treatment in teaching religion, the Islamic organizations have been trying to get respect of the rights guaranteed by the Basic Law of The German constitution which aim is to prevent the state interfering the religious affairs.

In Lower Saxony, the subject of Islamic Studies has been changed to Islamic Religious Instructions and the curriculum was developed co-operatively by school administration and Islamic organizations.The respective person in Osnabrück had the agreement rights that still no decisions yet but he's supporting the demand of the activities , like Jews and the Greek-Orthodox had their own religious instruction which the communities exists and smaller than Muslim believers, he said.

Kelimutu National Park

One of the famous tourism spot in Ende region, Flores island of East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia was Kelimutu National Park. When you have time to travel and visit to the island, you must see the beautiful crater of three color lakes which probably this moment only had in Indonesia. It takes 1,5 hours trip by public transportation or rented car from H.Aborosoesman (Ende airport) to Moni where the entrance to Kelimutu located. Best time to visit is early in the morning to see the sunrise from the top of hill around 05.00 am, so when you arrived in town afternoon it's better straight to go to Moni, rent Sao or little lodge for a night sleep since the public transportation rarely operated in the afternoon. After you have good night sleep then you should prepare yourself for hiking to hill of Kelimutu to catch the sunrise, at 04.30 am be ready to go to the entrance of Kelimutu National park which cost you Rp.2500 per person and Rp.6000 per vehicle. One thing you should know, there was kind of local story if you want to see clearly three color lakes you must prepare to give something (such as ; little snack, Rp.1000 and 1 cigarette) in place at corner of the last turn before you enter to the parking lot. This kind of notice was come from the local, instead of that there was also said that if you have good intention to see the lake then you get a sunny, clearly vision of the three color lakes and if you had bad intention, you will get cloudy covered around the lakes for the whole day. Local people don't know about the beginning of the lakes, but those craters for the ancestry spirits rest that you will see at the first place which was called Tiwu Ata Polo (for the elder spirits) before it red turned into brown, the second next to it was called Tiwu Nuamuri Koofai (for the young spirits) before it blue turned into green and the last one up the hill was called Tiwu Ata Mbupu (for the evil spirits) before it white into black. So if you have time and would like to see the beauty of the nature then come visit to Flores where all nature of hills, mountains and sea puts together.

Management Surveilance

At present there is no programme on management surveillance of fishermen’s health status, although the geographically Indonesia is an archipelagic country consist of about 17.000 islands and 70 % sea. Existing Health Center only have the general surveillance programme

The objective goal conducted to develop the health system status surveillance programme model of the informal worker health sector group among fishermen. And the location of the study at Pekalongan (Central Java) and East Lombok District (West Nusa Tenggara)

The research type is crossectional study with the target population was fishermen, health institution, non government organization who care with fishermen health, man power district department, Fishery district (KUD nelayan) fishermen organization (HSNI), UKK cadre, the social district, health province, health district, health centre, legislative district (DPRD) of commission E. Data qualitative collecting by depth interview and quantitative data collecting by secondary data from reporting and recording. Analysis data quantitative done by distribution of frequency and qualitative data done by statemen sintesa (information obtained)

The result of the study was generally most of fishermen work more than 7 hours per day, medication seeking pattern of all fishermen either in Pekalongan and east Lombok cured by themselves and 71,0 % fishermen in East Lombok looked for medication to healer/ The component of surveillance disease and accident of fishermen pattern work effect covered the identifying process to determine the health status, reporting process to know the report source 5 W (Who, What, Where, Why, When) and 1 H (How).

The conclusion of the study was management surveillance health status in the informal sector group model among fishermen consist of planning, organizing, actuating and monitoring evaluation.

Abortion

Fact prove that woman execute abortion represent which will not change by various reason. All in the world where regulation of abortion very immeasurable almost 55 millions abortion conducted every year estimated 1/5 – 1/3 from all pregnancy. The high level of mortality and morbidity result of abortion caused by minor opportunity to get safe abortion service, not because of the risk abortion itself. These matters need efforts from the government which required to be done in concerning of abortion definition, the reason woman do abortion, safe abortion, unsafe abortion, abortion impact and complication, abortion and family planning ,abortion law in Indonesia, abortion law in other country, policy and strategy of abortion in Indonesia.

German Umlauts

How to type German Umlauts ?

For Windows PC : Hold down Alt key and type the following numbers from your numerical keypad (right-hand of keyboard - with NumLock on)
ä = Alt 132 | Ä = Alt 142 | ö = Alt 148 | Ö = Alt 153
ü = Alt 129 |Ü = Alt 154 | ß = Alt 225

For Macintosh (Mac) : Hold down the "MAC" key while typing these numbers :
Ä = 128 | ä = 138 | Ö = 133 | ö = 154 |Ü = 134 | ü = 159 | ß =167

Or else ; press the Option-key, the letter u and the vowel you want as an Umlaut.
Example : To get an ä, press Option-u a, it goes the same for ü and ö.

Umlaut for capital letter, follow the same steps as above and press Shift-letter.
Example : To get an Ö, press Option-u O.
To get an ß, press Option-u s.

Hope it might be useful for those who wants to write in German language.

Viel Erfolg beim Umlauts schrieben :)

Bayern

Nature and technology, culture and pleasure go in Bavaria a fruitful liaison. The southern most province shines as a tourist destination and high-tech region, culture and soccer stronghold. They are hospitable and business-, chic and sometimes coarse - fun-loving and stubborn as King Ludwig II, one of the most beautiful castles left behind: Neuschwanstein. "Hello in Bavaria!"

Many Bavarian is still considered one of the greatest mysteries of humanity. What especially confused, here are the most numerous supposedly encountered paradoxes. The tradition is in Bavaria, for example, combined with high-tech progressiveness. The formula for today's famous grip : Lap-Top and short leather. These and other paradoxes longer have the cabaret artists Gerhard Polt negotiations on the insight that "the number of Bavarian cliche-makers ever smaller, but strangely, the stereotype was always bigger."

Surf spot

This month's spot is : Nias island
The beautiful island has known for its perfect wave located in Northern Sumatra region. Around 1975, some of Australian surfers like Peter Troy, Kevin Lovert and Jhon Giesel were the first people who had surf in Nias. The island of ± 700.000 living people and its 380/236 miles wide had ever been held a local contest and WQS (World Qualifying Series). One of the famous spot was Lagundri bay at Serode island which had the best right side wave and also at Hinako island has the best perfect swell ever.
Nias island and surroundings was lucky compared to Simeleu island which had the most damages from Tsunami, Aceh (December 26, 2004). Although had some changes and losing of surf point due to a shallow and reef emerged to the sea surface after the tremendous shock of earthquake before Tsunami but thanks to the local government, NGO/local service and other parties have had supported to re-build Nias /reconstruction.
Now, Nias island will be ready to welcome surfers from all over the world, who will try on surfing.

Surf chick

This month's our sister profile from Bali.
She have been 4 years away from surfing since she has to finish her college at University of Sidney, Australia. She is Georgina Barnett a.k.a George, born in December 12 '94. Now she's back in the water for about one month, she started surfing at 15 years old in Sanur beach and Padang Galak beach that its known for strong current.
Currently, she's working at Surfer Girl as Marketing Manager, she loves her job because her colleagues were solid and she can still go surfing. She's animal lover, has 3 dogs that often to be her company on the beach.
This English-HongKong breed girl had once bad experience while surfing at Lembongan, she wiped out and scraped her arm on the fire coral, her arm's felt like was on fire. It's hot and pain full combined, though she still loves surfing in that clean beach. After all surfing was her favorite's hobby and she's hoping to keep her surfing 'Natural' style improved with board size 7'0.
In this summer, she hopes her life will be bright, happy as this sunny season and successful.