Nama: Endang Kusumawati
NPM : 25209230
Kelas : 3EB11
Tugas 3 Bahasa Inggris Bisnis2
Govt caves in to coal blackmail
Rangga D. Fadillah and Hans David
Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 05/29/2012 7:00 AM
Jero Wacik: Energy and Mineral
Resources Minister (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)Governors in Kalimantan have shown
their enormous power after the government caved in to their demand to supply
more fuel following a massive blockade of a major coal transport route.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik told reporters on Monday that the government would add to the supply of non-subsidized fuels as an emergency response to the blockade at the Barito River in South Kalimantan.
However, Jero said, those behind the blockade would be prosecuted for meddling with national energy security.
Jero said he had consulted with four governors in Kalimantan and told them that the blockade could be perceived as a direct result of their previous threat against the central government.
The governors — Awang Faroek Ishak of East Kalimantan, Rudy Arifin of South Kalimantan, Teras Narang of Central Kalimantan and Cornelis MH of West Kalimantan — and other regional representatives previously sent a petition to the ministry threatening to terminate coal supplies from Kalimantan if subsidized-fuel allocations were not raised.
The petition was also sent to upstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas and to the House of Representatives.
According to the Ministry, Indonesia has an estimated 21.13 billion tons of coal reserves nationwide, and 83 percent of its proven reserves are in Kalimantan. The island is also the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal for power plants.
The nation’s coal production topped 371 million tons last year, up 34.4 percent over 2010.
In their petition, the governors demanded that the House increase this year’s quota to 3.46 million kiloliters, up 27.8 percent from 2.71 million kiloliters set in the 2012 revised state budget.
Before the governors could execute their threat, hundreds of activists started the blockade using small boats on Saturday.
The activists claimed to represent the interests of the people of Kalimantan who opposed the systematic exploitation of the central government. One of the nation’s most prominent environment activist groups, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), also took part in the blockade.
“Our motivation is driven by our concern toward the unfair distribution of energy resources — fuel and electricity — in South Kalimantan[1].We want the locals to have the utmost authority over their region’s natural resources,” Walhi member Berry Furqon said.
Jero said he would continue to discuss with the governors about how to end the blockade.
“With the blockade, the provinces lose a source of revenue. The disruption of coal deliveries will also cause blackouts in Java and other islands nationwide because coal-fired power plants will not get a sufficient supply,” Jero said.
Any decision to raise subsidized-fuel allocations should be approved by the House, which would take time as it would require an amendment to the state budget law. In the meantime, the central government would raise the non-subsidized fuel allocation, Jero said.
Separately, state power utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) coal division head Helmi Najamudin said that for the time being the blockade would have no impact on PLN’s operations as the company had coal stocks sufficient for around 25 days.
“If the blockade goes on for the longer term, there will be massive blackouts in Java,” he said.
Satya W Yudha, a lawmaker on of House Commission VII overseeing energy, natural mineral resources, research and technology, and the environment, said that the governors had to produce verifiable data to support their argument for a larger fuel allocation.
“What really happened in Kalimantan is not just about subsidized-fuel scarcity but also about the misuse of the commodity. Most of the subsidized-fuel allocations in that region are being smuggled[2] or are consumed[3] by industries that are supposedly using non-subsidized fuels,” Satya said.
University of Indonesia energy expert Kurtubi, however, refused to blame industrial and mining companies for the chaotic situation in Kalimantan and instead pushed the central government to fulfill the demands of regional leaders for more subsidized fuel.
“Our quota policy is basically flawed. We set a quota of 40 million kiloliters for subsidized-fuel consumption this year but at the same time, we forgot that our quota last year exceeded 40 million kiloliters,” Kurtubi said.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik told reporters on Monday that the government would add to the supply of non-subsidized fuels as an emergency response to the blockade at the Barito River in South Kalimantan.
However, Jero said, those behind the blockade would be prosecuted for meddling with national energy security.
Jero said he had consulted with four governors in Kalimantan and told them that the blockade could be perceived as a direct result of their previous threat against the central government.
The governors — Awang Faroek Ishak of East Kalimantan, Rudy Arifin of South Kalimantan, Teras Narang of Central Kalimantan and Cornelis MH of West Kalimantan — and other regional representatives previously sent a petition to the ministry threatening to terminate coal supplies from Kalimantan if subsidized-fuel allocations were not raised.
The petition was also sent to upstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas and to the House of Representatives.
According to the Ministry, Indonesia has an estimated 21.13 billion tons of coal reserves nationwide, and 83 percent of its proven reserves are in Kalimantan. The island is also the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal for power plants.
The nation’s coal production topped 371 million tons last year, up 34.4 percent over 2010.
In their petition, the governors demanded that the House increase this year’s quota to 3.46 million kiloliters, up 27.8 percent from 2.71 million kiloliters set in the 2012 revised state budget.
Before the governors could execute their threat, hundreds of activists started the blockade using small boats on Saturday.
The activists claimed to represent the interests of the people of Kalimantan who opposed the systematic exploitation of the central government. One of the nation’s most prominent environment activist groups, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), also took part in the blockade.
“Our motivation is driven by our concern toward the unfair distribution of energy resources — fuel and electricity — in South Kalimantan[1].We want the locals to have the utmost authority over their region’s natural resources,” Walhi member Berry Furqon said.
Jero said he would continue to discuss with the governors about how to end the blockade.
“With the blockade, the provinces lose a source of revenue. The disruption of coal deliveries will also cause blackouts in Java and other islands nationwide because coal-fired power plants will not get a sufficient supply,” Jero said.
Any decision to raise subsidized-fuel allocations should be approved by the House, which would take time as it would require an amendment to the state budget law. In the meantime, the central government would raise the non-subsidized fuel allocation, Jero said.
Separately, state power utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) coal division head Helmi Najamudin said that for the time being the blockade would have no impact on PLN’s operations as the company had coal stocks sufficient for around 25 days.
“If the blockade goes on for the longer term, there will be massive blackouts in Java,” he said.
Satya W Yudha, a lawmaker on of House Commission VII overseeing energy, natural mineral resources, research and technology, and the environment, said that the governors had to produce verifiable data to support their argument for a larger fuel allocation.
“What really happened in Kalimantan is not just about subsidized-fuel scarcity but also about the misuse of the commodity. Most of the subsidized-fuel allocations in that region are being smuggled[2] or are consumed[3] by industries that are supposedly using non-subsidized fuels,” Satya said.
University of Indonesia energy expert Kurtubi, however, refused to blame industrial and mining companies for the chaotic situation in Kalimantan and instead pushed the central government to fulfill the demands of regional leaders for more subsidized fuel.
“Our quota policy is basically flawed. We set a quota of 40 million kiloliters for subsidized-fuel consumption this year but at the same time, we forgot that our quota last year exceeded 40 million kiloliters,” Kurtubi said.
Source: Geology
Agency
Explanation Simple Present
“Our motivation is driven by our concern toward the unfair
distribution of energy resources — fuel and electricity — in South Kalimantan[1].
Artinya: "Motivasi kami didorong
oleh keprihatinan kita terhadap distribusi yang tidak adil dari sumber daya energi - bahan
bakar dan listrik - di Kalimantan
Selatan.
Explanation
Present Continous and Simple Present
Most of the subsidized-fuel allocations in that region are
being smuggled[2] or are consumed[3] by industries that
are supposedly using non-subsidized fuels,” Satya said.
Artinya: Sebagian besar subsidi
bahan bakar alokasi di wilayah yang diselundupkan
atau dikonsumsi oleh industri yang diduga menggunakan
bahan bakar non-subsidi,
"kata Satya.
Shimla:
Green land of serenity
Land of blue mountains and charming alleys (Image courtesy: Corbis)
If you're someone who is fascinated
by the blueness of the mountains as I am, then you'll find many a reason to
stop and stare (if Davies fuels your thought), while in Simla. Also called Shimla by the
locals, some of its yesteryear charm lives on - in is colonial lodges, wooden
cottages and charming alleyways - from the time it has inspired Rudyard
Kipling's Kim, to giving a peek into mountain life through Ruskin Bond's tales.
And I took a summer break there to discover that the hill station is alive with
more than the sound of music, today.
Green welcome
We (my parents, sister and I) flew in from Delhi, a little craft that landed into what would be on of the smallest airports I've ever seen (you think you're landing in the mountains, the small runway is so hidden here). Simla is sprawling over seven hills, so if your arrival is on a clear day, get ready to be be welcomed by a dhurrie of green and brown. I went to stay in a place that was a one-storied house in 1883, and said to have been frequented by Kipling[4].
An hour or so later I decided to make a trip to the place where the action was: Mall Road, a pedestrian promenade (every hill station up north really, has one by th same name), and being the advent of summer this was a jamboree of everyone from honeymooners to Himachalis (as they call themselves) who were 'down' for a break, to city goers cameras in tow, and more. To a person like me who loves the mountains, I just sat there watching the melee, eating hot corn and ice-cream...as touristy as it got! Simla is buzzing with expansion so obviously everywhere hotels and little cafes have sprung up adding to the noise and unfotunately, commercialism too. You can go on nature walks here - the miles of hillside are apt for it and the meadows make for inviting picnic spots.Tourist guides who hang about the buzzing market avenue, can tell one more on the subject.
On a ropelift and a prayer
Once you're slightly settled in you would want to explore around. Shopping for little artifacts and take home gifts can be done at the Mall Road which is in two levels. There's steep drive up toward it, but I decided to go the beaten path and take the ropelift. Now this was painstaking. For one, it was crammed with people and two, if the electricity had to go (which isn't uncommon for Simla), one would stuck till a generator kicked life back into it. I was on tenderhooks every time I stepped into the lift, but luckily, the ascent was smooth and uneventful.
The Ridge, atop the Mall Road, which is has the Lakkar Bazaar (selling little wood knock-knacks) and Scandal Point and also houses the lovely Neo-Gothic architectured Christ Church, that makes for a pretty backdrop against the mountains. A stroll down the shops had my pockets lighter after I bought some shawls and sweaters (I would hardly make use of, back in Mumbai)...but all the same, fun! The light lingers on in the bazaar till a little past ten, so its nicer to do the dinner scene early and then linger over some hot chai or brownies and ice-cream.
Kufri and Mashobra
The best part of being in Simla is that it's the beginning of the Himachal belt, so quieter and lovelier places are just a few hours' drive away. With my parents I drove to Mashobra and Kufri early one morning. It was unfortunate that I had forgotten my camera; but what I witnessed that day is going to stay etched in my memory. There is nothing that you can think of saying as you drive on the Hindustan-Tibet Road toward Mashobra that was once built by Lord Dalhousie[5]. The cedar and oak trees, crisp air, and ribbon-like road seem to fly past you as the vegeation gets thicker and the altitude higher.
Kufri (also known as Simla's winter sports capital), enroute, is about 16 kms away towards the east and you'll know you've reached once the Alpine-like meadows appear. I was hoping to catch some snow as I had heard so much about the sledding and tobogganing here, but it was a little late for that. We simply walked about and enjoyed the scene as many tourists also took horse rides around the place.
For now, this is all that makes for the four-day trip, but of course, I hope to gear up and take the adventure bug in me northwards someday, maybe towards Kullu, Lahaul and Ladakh, and finally east into the valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti. That will truly be like heaven on earth.
Best tme to visit:
March to June.
How to get there:
- Take the train from Kalka.
- There is a daily flight from Delhi.
Places to see:
- Vice-Regal Lodge - now the Institute of Advanced Studies, has beautiful architecture
- Naldehra - famous for its golf course
- Chail - highest cricket ground in the world
Green welcome
We (my parents, sister and I) flew in from Delhi, a little craft that landed into what would be on of the smallest airports I've ever seen (you think you're landing in the mountains, the small runway is so hidden here). Simla is sprawling over seven hills, so if your arrival is on a clear day, get ready to be be welcomed by a dhurrie of green and brown. I went to stay in a place that was a one-storied house in 1883, and said to have been frequented by Kipling[4].
An hour or so later I decided to make a trip to the place where the action was: Mall Road, a pedestrian promenade (every hill station up north really, has one by th same name), and being the advent of summer this was a jamboree of everyone from honeymooners to Himachalis (as they call themselves) who were 'down' for a break, to city goers cameras in tow, and more. To a person like me who loves the mountains, I just sat there watching the melee, eating hot corn and ice-cream...as touristy as it got! Simla is buzzing with expansion so obviously everywhere hotels and little cafes have sprung up adding to the noise and unfotunately, commercialism too. You can go on nature walks here - the miles of hillside are apt for it and the meadows make for inviting picnic spots.Tourist guides who hang about the buzzing market avenue, can tell one more on the subject.
On a ropelift and a prayer
Once you're slightly settled in you would want to explore around. Shopping for little artifacts and take home gifts can be done at the Mall Road which is in two levels. There's steep drive up toward it, but I decided to go the beaten path and take the ropelift. Now this was painstaking. For one, it was crammed with people and two, if the electricity had to go (which isn't uncommon for Simla), one would stuck till a generator kicked life back into it. I was on tenderhooks every time I stepped into the lift, but luckily, the ascent was smooth and uneventful.
The Ridge, atop the Mall Road, which is has the Lakkar Bazaar (selling little wood knock-knacks) and Scandal Point and also houses the lovely Neo-Gothic architectured Christ Church, that makes for a pretty backdrop against the mountains. A stroll down the shops had my pockets lighter after I bought some shawls and sweaters (I would hardly make use of, back in Mumbai)...but all the same, fun! The light lingers on in the bazaar till a little past ten, so its nicer to do the dinner scene early and then linger over some hot chai or brownies and ice-cream.
Kufri and Mashobra
The best part of being in Simla is that it's the beginning of the Himachal belt, so quieter and lovelier places are just a few hours' drive away. With my parents I drove to Mashobra and Kufri early one morning. It was unfortunate that I had forgotten my camera; but what I witnessed that day is going to stay etched in my memory. There is nothing that you can think of saying as you drive on the Hindustan-Tibet Road toward Mashobra that was once built by Lord Dalhousie[5]. The cedar and oak trees, crisp air, and ribbon-like road seem to fly past you as the vegeation gets thicker and the altitude higher.
Kufri (also known as Simla's winter sports capital), enroute, is about 16 kms away towards the east and you'll know you've reached once the Alpine-like meadows appear. I was hoping to catch some snow as I had heard so much about the sledding and tobogganing here, but it was a little late for that. We simply walked about and enjoyed the scene as many tourists also took horse rides around the place.
For now, this is all that makes for the four-day trip, but of course, I hope to gear up and take the adventure bug in me northwards someday, maybe towards Kullu, Lahaul and Ladakh, and finally east into the valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti. That will truly be like heaven on earth.
Best tme to visit:
March to June.
How to get there:
- Take the train from Kalka.
- There is a daily flight from Delhi.
Places to see:
- Vice-Regal Lodge - now the Institute of Advanced Studies, has beautiful architecture
- Naldehra - famous for its golf course
- Chail - highest cricket ground in the world
Explanation Present Perfect
I
went to stay in a place that was a one-storied house in 1883, and said to have
been frequented by Kipling [4].
Artinya: Saya tinggal di tempat yang adalah rumah bertingkat satu pada tahun 1883, dan dikatakan telah sering dikunjungi oleh Kipling.
Artinya: Saya tinggal di tempat yang adalah rumah bertingkat satu pada tahun 1883, dan dikatakan telah sering dikunjungi oleh Kipling.
Explanation Simple Past
There is nothing that you can think
of saying as you drive on the Hindustan-Tibet Road toward Mashobra that was
once built by Lord Dalhousie[5].
Artinya: Tidak ada yang bisa Anda pikirkan untuk mengatakan ketika Anda berkendara di Hindustan-Tibet Jalan menuju Mashobra yang pernah dibangun oleh Lord Dalhousie.
Hola! Sun-kissed Barcelona
high on energy
KIRAN MEHTA , Mumbai Mirror |
Jun 3, 2012, 12.26PM IST
Hola! Sun-kissed Barcelona high on energy
Gaudi's magical architecture adds a
psychedelic aura to the city which is bursting with raw youthful energy.
I loved Barcelona before we even met. The swatches of the city I saw on screen haunted me — Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's artistic madness in all its towering splendour; the raw energy of youth in the La Rambla, and in general the passion that permeates everything from a sip of sparkling Cawa to the symbolism behind a raging bullfight. But like an Internet affair, I so far had only seen Barcelona posing forth her best angles. As I packed my bags, I wondered if we would vibe well face-to-face. Too much familiarity has its pitfalls so maybe I had set myself up for disappointment. But Woody Allen, and the online guide-books did not deceive. Post my rendezvous with the city I can truly say — I heart Barcelona!
Gaudi's genius
I pull back the curtains on Barcelona and step out of the airport to a sun-kissed day, cooled by the teasing Mediterranean breeze. A short ride from the airport and I am smitten by glimpses of golden sands and cool blue waters, tiny cobbled-stoned alleyways leading to imposing cathedrals, and white blankets of canopies that open to lively bars. The energy of this Catalan city is unmistakably amorous, almost hedonistic, and is complimented by, and contained within Gaudi's fantastical facades that dot and define the city. In her lilting Spanish lisp, my guide Tesa suggests I start my city tour at Casa Batllo.
Casa Batllo is located on Passeig de Gracia, one of the most culturally rich parts of Barcelona with famous architects having designed a host of buildings on this avenue.
But few come close to Gaudi's eccentric beauty. Bought over by a prominent textile businessman, Josep Batllo, he gave Gaudi full creative freedom with orders only to make him a house that "stands out from the rest". While Batllo wanted the original structure torn down, Gaudi decided to keep the frame and refurbish the rest. The result is simply stunning.
As I stand admiring the outer facade, the building seems like something out of a dream. A fantasy set in stone. I allow my imagination to take over and the many balconies adorning the structure remind me of a carnival mask from one angle, or a sinister skull from another perspective. The windows are reminiscent of an open mouth, but the vertical bars on the windows seem like cages whose sole purpose is to silence a scream.
All this is held together at the top in what appears like a harlequin's hat. Add to that the magical effect of twinkling mosaic and this really seems too incredible to be real. I step inside almost scared that the apparition may disappear, but it stands, even more unreal on the inside. Gaudi seems to have avoided any straight lines and the Casa seems fluid. But unlike many artists, he did not give up function for form. His absolute love of art, merged with his scientific attention to detail as seen in the curved edges on railing stairways, ergonomically designed seating, crossventilation, ample natural lighting, etc.
As I make my way from and one floor to the other, i90t's a lot to take in. Yet it's not nearly enough. Sensing my desire to know more of Gaudi, Tesa suggests our next stop — Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
As I catch my first glimpse of this heritage structure, all I can think is — it's incomplete, it's magnificent. This is the Sagrada Familia, a piece of work that lay unfinished, yet defined Gaudi, and perhaps even devoured him. Living in poverty within the church, while trying to collect funds for it, Gaudi died not too far from the Sagrada Familia as he was hit by a tram.[6] But the melancholic tale doesn't end there. Dressed in shabby attire, and with no identification on him, this genius was mistaken for a beggar.
Today, almost 129 years since its foundation was laid, the church receives contributions and entry fees, in millions, which go toward its making. With blurry blueprints leading the way, it's still a long way to see Gaudi's vision take shape, with 2028 being slated as that elusive year.
The cranes crowding the spires don't take away from this romantic ruin. It is imposing and intriguing because this stone structure is alive with deep symbolism. Through the elements and figurines embellishing the structure, it's as if Gaudi tried to bring a piece of heaven to merge with Earth — the angels, the saints, inscriptions, biblical scenes meshed with birds, flowers and vines.
The architectural style too is a mishmash of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernist and Late Gothic. As I look to the spires I notice that in his characteristic style, Gaudi avoided vertical lines, perhaps inspired by imperfect natural beauty. I take a step back, and observe the Sagrada Familia in its entirety; the unfinished structure is perfect, simply because it is flawed.
La Rambla
I stepped away from my itinerary to simply wander the streets. And there's no better street to traverse than the La Rambla. It's like a mini-carnival with kiosks selling souvenirs; stalls selling multi-coloured flowers, buskers entertaining with everything from hip-hop to folk; artists sketching away at a frenetic pace; young couples kissing smack in the middle with unbridled passion, even as older onlookers sneak embarrassed glances. Few places can be as young at heart as this particular stretch. Having taken in the sights and sounds of this avenue, I am ready for my next adventure - a flamenco performance.
Flamenco at Tablao Cordobes
This isn't any flamenco performance; it is THE flamenco to catch in the city. Run by a family of flamenco dancers, Tablao Cordobes has mastered the art of this dance and drama over generations. The decor of the place echoes of Andalucia with lowarches, mosaic tiles and low wooden chairs and tables.
I don't understand a word that's sung, yet the performance is electric — there is raw emotion in every tap of the foot, in every word that leaves the singers lips. I comprehend nothing, yet I can feel the love and sense the loss. At the close of my first day in Barcelona, I had seen her artsy side, her youthful stride, her sensual moves and more. Like the perfect woman, she has many shades and much to offer. All of which can be summed up in three little words — joie de vivre.
When to go
This is a year round destination. If you want to experience the summer here, then May to July is your best bet.
Getting there
Fly Mumbai to Barcelona on Turkish Airways with a stop-over/change of flight in Istanbul. With a valid Schengen visa on your Indian passport, you can avail of visa-on-arrival in Turkey.
mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com
I loved Barcelona before we even met. The swatches of the city I saw on screen haunted me — Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's artistic madness in all its towering splendour; the raw energy of youth in the La Rambla, and in general the passion that permeates everything from a sip of sparkling Cawa to the symbolism behind a raging bullfight. But like an Internet affair, I so far had only seen Barcelona posing forth her best angles. As I packed my bags, I wondered if we would vibe well face-to-face. Too much familiarity has its pitfalls so maybe I had set myself up for disappointment. But Woody Allen, and the online guide-books did not deceive. Post my rendezvous with the city I can truly say — I heart Barcelona!
Gaudi's genius
I pull back the curtains on Barcelona and step out of the airport to a sun-kissed day, cooled by the teasing Mediterranean breeze. A short ride from the airport and I am smitten by glimpses of golden sands and cool blue waters, tiny cobbled-stoned alleyways leading to imposing cathedrals, and white blankets of canopies that open to lively bars. The energy of this Catalan city is unmistakably amorous, almost hedonistic, and is complimented by, and contained within Gaudi's fantastical facades that dot and define the city. In her lilting Spanish lisp, my guide Tesa suggests I start my city tour at Casa Batllo.
Casa Batllo is located on Passeig de Gracia, one of the most culturally rich parts of Barcelona with famous architects having designed a host of buildings on this avenue.
But few come close to Gaudi's eccentric beauty. Bought over by a prominent textile businessman, Josep Batllo, he gave Gaudi full creative freedom with orders only to make him a house that "stands out from the rest". While Batllo wanted the original structure torn down, Gaudi decided to keep the frame and refurbish the rest. The result is simply stunning.
As I stand admiring the outer facade, the building seems like something out of a dream. A fantasy set in stone. I allow my imagination to take over and the many balconies adorning the structure remind me of a carnival mask from one angle, or a sinister skull from another perspective. The windows are reminiscent of an open mouth, but the vertical bars on the windows seem like cages whose sole purpose is to silence a scream.
All this is held together at the top in what appears like a harlequin's hat. Add to that the magical effect of twinkling mosaic and this really seems too incredible to be real. I step inside almost scared that the apparition may disappear, but it stands, even more unreal on the inside. Gaudi seems to have avoided any straight lines and the Casa seems fluid. But unlike many artists, he did not give up function for form. His absolute love of art, merged with his scientific attention to detail as seen in the curved edges on railing stairways, ergonomically designed seating, crossventilation, ample natural lighting, etc.
As I make my way from and one floor to the other, i90t's a lot to take in. Yet it's not nearly enough. Sensing my desire to know more of Gaudi, Tesa suggests our next stop — Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
As I catch my first glimpse of this heritage structure, all I can think is — it's incomplete, it's magnificent. This is the Sagrada Familia, a piece of work that lay unfinished, yet defined Gaudi, and perhaps even devoured him. Living in poverty within the church, while trying to collect funds for it, Gaudi died not too far from the Sagrada Familia as he was hit by a tram.[6] But the melancholic tale doesn't end there. Dressed in shabby attire, and with no identification on him, this genius was mistaken for a beggar.
Today, almost 129 years since its foundation was laid, the church receives contributions and entry fees, in millions, which go toward its making. With blurry blueprints leading the way, it's still a long way to see Gaudi's vision take shape, with 2028 being slated as that elusive year.
The cranes crowding the spires don't take away from this romantic ruin. It is imposing and intriguing because this stone structure is alive with deep symbolism. Through the elements and figurines embellishing the structure, it's as if Gaudi tried to bring a piece of heaven to merge with Earth — the angels, the saints, inscriptions, biblical scenes meshed with birds, flowers and vines.
The architectural style too is a mishmash of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernist and Late Gothic. As I look to the spires I notice that in his characteristic style, Gaudi avoided vertical lines, perhaps inspired by imperfect natural beauty. I take a step back, and observe the Sagrada Familia in its entirety; the unfinished structure is perfect, simply because it is flawed.
La Rambla
I stepped away from my itinerary to simply wander the streets. And there's no better street to traverse than the La Rambla. It's like a mini-carnival with kiosks selling souvenirs; stalls selling multi-coloured flowers, buskers entertaining with everything from hip-hop to folk; artists sketching away at a frenetic pace; young couples kissing smack in the middle with unbridled passion, even as older onlookers sneak embarrassed glances. Few places can be as young at heart as this particular stretch. Having taken in the sights and sounds of this avenue, I am ready for my next adventure - a flamenco performance.
Flamenco at Tablao Cordobes
This isn't any flamenco performance; it is THE flamenco to catch in the city. Run by a family of flamenco dancers, Tablao Cordobes has mastered the art of this dance and drama over generations. The decor of the place echoes of Andalucia with lowarches, mosaic tiles and low wooden chairs and tables.
I don't understand a word that's sung, yet the performance is electric — there is raw emotion in every tap of the foot, in every word that leaves the singers lips. I comprehend nothing, yet I can feel the love and sense the loss. At the close of my first day in Barcelona, I had seen her artsy side, her youthful stride, her sensual moves and more. Like the perfect woman, she has many shades and much to offer. All of which can be summed up in three little words — joie de vivre.
When to go
This is a year round destination. If you want to experience the summer here, then May to July is your best bet.
Getting there
Fly Mumbai to Barcelona on Turkish Airways with a stop-over/change of flight in Istanbul. With a valid Schengen visa on your Indian passport, you can avail of visa-on-arrival in Turkey.
mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com
Explanation
Simple Past
Living in poverty within the church,
while trying to collect funds for it, Gaudi died not too far from the Sagrada
Familia as he was hit by a tram.[6]
Artinya: Hidup dalam kemiskinan dalam gereja, sambil mencoba untuk mengumpulkan dana untuk itu, Gaudi meninggal tidak terlalu jauh dari Sagrada Familia saat ia ditabrak trem.
Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow to perform at Buckingham
Palace?
IANS |
Jun 4, 2012, 04.07PM IST
Cheryl ColeMore
Pics
Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow
are expected to team up for first time for the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace
Monday.
"No-one is supposed to know she is on the bill so exactly what she is doing and singing is top secret," said a source.
It is also is being said that the two singers will perform on Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' and many other songs[7].
The organisers are very excited and say you'll have to wait and see the glamour of the event.
Cole and Barlow were to perform together in Need Rocks concert in Manchester last November but it was cancelled because Cherly felt ill.
Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Sir PaulMccartney, Jessie J, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran are alos lined up to perform at the event.
"No-one is supposed to know she is on the bill so exactly what she is doing and singing is top secret," said a source.
It is also is being said that the two singers will perform on Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' and many other songs[7].
The organisers are very excited and say you'll have to wait and see the glamour of the event.
Cole and Barlow were to perform together in Need Rocks concert in Manchester last November but it was cancelled because Cherly felt ill.
Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Sir PaulMccartney, Jessie J, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran are alos lined up to perform at the event.
Explanation
Present Continous
It is also is being said that the
two singers will perform on Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' and many other
songs[7].
Artinya : Hal ini juga yang dikatakan bahwa
dua penyanyi akan tampil pada
Lady Antebellum 'Need
You Now' dan lagu lainnya.
TV channel locks horns with Ekta Kapoor
Ekta Kapoor and the channel that was
to air The Dirty Picture
are apparently locked in a battle.
A trade source tells us, "The channel reportedly paid Ekta Rs 12 cr towards satellite rights. The movie couldn't be telecast because the I & B Ministry denied it clearance for the noon and prime time slots due to its risque content.''
Television viewers were disappointed when the channel decided not to telecast TDP because a directive from the I & B Ministry said that a U/A certified film could be shown on the small screen only late in the night.
The channel had allegedly spent Rs 3 cr on advertisements in newspapers and even put up huge hoardings in certain cities. And Ekta and the channel were shocked when they received a diktat from the Ministry saying that they should consider telecasting the film after 11 pm. Alternately, they could telecast it in the earlier allotted slots with certain scenes being cut and words being beeped out.
The telecast issue has reached a stalemate now. And the grapevine has it that Ekta is not happy with the late night slot. Also, the channel has started a dialogue with Ekta asking her to return the amount they paid her.
"Following the recent meeting between the broadcasters, producers and the CBFC, the result on TDP is still awaited! There is an assurance that TDP will be telecast, as a valid broadcast certificate has been given to it by the CBFC," says Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures. Officials from the channel remained unavailable for comment.
A trade source tells us, "The channel reportedly paid Ekta Rs 12 cr towards satellite rights. The movie couldn't be telecast because the I & B Ministry denied it clearance for the noon and prime time slots due to its risque content.''
Television viewers were disappointed when the channel decided not to telecast TDP because a directive from the I & B Ministry said that a U/A certified film could be shown on the small screen only late in the night.
The channel had allegedly spent Rs 3 cr on advertisements in newspapers and even put up huge hoardings in certain cities. And Ekta and the channel were shocked when they received a diktat from the Ministry saying that they should consider telecasting the film after 11 pm. Alternately, they could telecast it in the earlier allotted slots with certain scenes being cut and words being beeped out.
The telecast issue has reached a stalemate now. And the grapevine has it that Ekta is not happy with the late night slot. Also, the channel has started a dialogue with Ekta asking her to return the amount they paid her.
"Following the recent meeting between the broadcasters, producers and the CBFC, the result on TDP is still awaited! There is an assurance that TDP will be telecast, as a valid broadcast certificate has been given to it by the CBFC," says Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures. Officials from the channel remained unavailable for comment.
Explanation
Present Perfect
There
is an assurance that TDP will be telecast, as a valid broadcast certificate has been
given to it by the CBFC," says Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures[8].
Artinya
: Ada jaminan bahwa TDP akan siaran televisi, siaran
sebagai sertifikat yang valid telah
diberikan kepadanya oleh CBFC,
"kata Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures.
Jero Wacik: Energy and Mineral
Resources Minister (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)Governors in Kalimantan have shown
their enormous power after the government caved in to their demand to supply
more fuel following a massive blockade of a major coal transport route.
Source: Geology
Agency
