Summit Platinum Sponsor
With Summit Set for Bali Next May, Partnership Shines Spotlight on Indonesia’s Ancient, and Rapidly-Growing, Spa and Wellness Culture
Quote startWe’re delighted that senior executives of spa companies and associations from across the globe have chosen beautiful Bali as their venue to convene the 2011 Global Spa Summit.Quote end
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 9, 2010
The Global Spa Summit (GSS), the premier annual event for spa and wellness industry executives, today announced that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, has joined as a Platinum sponsor. The GSS and the Ministry will work together to promote the growth of the worldwide spa and wellness industries, and to shine a global spotlight on Bali’s traditional - and fast developing, modern - spa culture.
The Summit travels to Asia for the first time in its five-year history in 2011 (a market of 4.1 billion people, or 60% of the world’s population). The Summit agenda will explore the diverse spa markets within the “Asia-Pacific umbrella,” the fastest-growing spa economy in the world.
“We’re delighted that senior executives of spa companies and associations from across the globe have chosen beautiful Bali as their venue to convene the 2011 Global Spa Summit,” said Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Republic of Indonesia. “And I’m convinced that Indonesia, with its long history of traditional herbal medicine, spiritual meditation, massage and other healing arts is a strong representative of the best of spa tradition.”
“While we were courted by numerous extraordinary destinations across Asia, last year’s Summit delegates overwhelmingly indicated that their first choice was Bali,” said Pete Ellis, Chairman of the Board of the GSS. “I want to thank the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their strong support of the Summit, and for preparing a warm welcome to the hundreds of industry leaders that will gather there next spring.”
The Balinese Spa Scene:
Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands consisting of many distinct ethnic and cultural groups, offers a wealth of indigenous, centuries-old spa and wellness traditions. And Bali, with its unique spa culture dating back to the 15th century, is where the most varied spa and wellness centers can be found: from modest, open-air wooden structures to award-winning, super-modern luxury spa resorts.
Bali (expected to attract 2.5 million leisure visitors in 2010), has been named the “Asian Spa Capital” twice in the last five years , and was also honored as the “Best Island in the World” by Travel and Leisure magazine in 2010. Beyond establishing itself as a world “spa capital,” Bali is renowned for its sophisticated art forms, including dance, painting, music, sculpture, etc. As with each Summit, delegates will be immersed in the local cultural and spa scene.
The Global Spa Summit will take place from May 15-18, 2011 (with pre- and post-trips to various spas in Bali planned). The specific venue for the 2011 Summit in Bali will be announced in upcoming weeks.
Registration has opened, and can be accessed here: http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=7b1d0897-311b-404c-9e4e-cf14c664eb9a
For further information about registration/sponsorship opportunities, contact: info (at) globalspasummit (dot) org or visit: http://www.globalspasummit.org
Press inquiries: contact Beth McGroarty at beth (at) rbicom (dot) com or +1 213 300 0107
About Global Spa Summit: The Global Spa Summit is an annual event that attracts top-level executives and leaders from around the world with interest in the spa and wellness industries. Delegates from diverse sectors including hospitality, investment, finance, real estate, medicine, manufacturing, technology, consulting, product, tourism and other related industries attend this intimate, high-level gathering focused on advancing the spa and wellness sectors. With record attendance in 2010, the Global Spa Summit delegation in Istanbul Turkey represented 40 different countries, from all continents.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Bank alert as inflation creeps up to 3.2%
By Adrian Lowery
16 November 2010, 10:06am
Inflation crept up to its highest in four months in October at 3.2%, leaving the Bank of England again to explain why the rate is so far above target.
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The consumer prices index rate of inflation has been at 3% or above every month this year and was last below the 2% target rate in November last year.
Analysts had expected the CPI figure to remain unchanged from September at 3.1%, but the Government's fuel duty rise on October 1 caused the increase, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
As well as soaring costs at the petrol pumps, upward pressure also coming from financial services and toys, which outweighed an easing back in annual food price inflation.
Bank Governor Mervyn King must write a letter of explanation to the Chancellor each time inflation comes in one percentage point or more above the 2% target rate.
While the Bank's monetary policy committee will be nervous that the October figure has edged up, it is largely in line with the projections contained in its November quarterly inflation report.
'The Bank of England will be far from happy with the October consumer price inflation data,' said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight, 'but it is unlikely to prompt a near-term interest rate hike.
'However, the data are likely to reinforce the Bank of England's reluctance to re-engage in quantitative easing for now at least.'
Inflation looks likely to head back up towards 3.5% over the next few months due to higher food, commodity and energy prices. Utility prices are rising, with British Gas to raise its gas and electricity prices will rise by 7% in December.
Moreover, value added tax will rise from 17.5% to 20.0% in January, although this may not push the annual inflation rate up given that there was also a VAT hike in January 2010 (up to 17.5% from 15.0%).
But Mr Archer said inflation should move below 3.0% in the second half of 2011'as the temporary upward impact from higher energy, commodity and food prices, and sterling's past sharp depreciation wanes'.
'Meanwhile, underlying inflationary pressures should be limited by excess capacity, muted growth, strong competition on the high street, and high unemployment. Inflation will hopefully dip below 2.0% early in 2012 as the impact of the January 2011 VAT hikes drops out.'
Retail prices index (RPI) inflation - which contains a bigger share of housing costs, and is used to calculate many benefits payment and pensions - fell slightly to 4.5%, down from 4.6% a month earlier.
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=518293&in_page_id=2#ixzz15UZoBSru
Editors Note: As i predicted in my Oct 29th newsletter inflation is now picking up at the consumer level.During 30 years of investing I have realized the best way to profit form higher inflation is to purchase hard tangible assets.
Commodities Prices the Largest Influence in Next 14 mths:
Most investors are aware that commodities have been increasing dramatically over the last 10 months but few are aware that the Commodities Research Bureau Index of most major commodities including metals and crops is up an astonishing 42.4% already this year.
The reason I watch this index closely throughout my 30 years of investing in markets is that I have concluded that it is a early warning of higher inflation in the future.
If commodity prices increase the manufactures are forced to raise prices of their products. Soon thereafter wholesalers raise their prices which is reflected in the producer Price Index P.P.I. and finally the consumer realizes there's high inflation when it is too late when and it shows up in the Consumer Price Index. The CPI which is always manipulated by governments around the world to reflect a better than reality scenario.
Governments watch these indexes closely and if they find they are increasing dramatically, beyond the means of their citizens, they attempt to fight it by raising interest rates. Australia has already done this by raising their prime rate to 4 1/2%.
You must understand that many markets are influenced by a higher interest rates. Real estate in highly leveraged real estate markets will see less demand as more people cannot afford to purchase with higher interest rates. Consumers will curtail spending if they are required to pay more for credit card interest thus influencing the stock markets. Nobody wants to purchase a bond which is only paying for 5% if they know they can get 8 to 10% in the future so bond prices drop.
Inflation can Your Friend or Your Enemy:
Inflation can your friend or your enemy. Inflation will be your enemy if you keep money in a bank at 1% to 5%. Bond buyers will be hurt by higher interest rates. Real Estate in markets where there has been low interest rates and high % mortgages such as Singapore, Sydney, and most Chinese Cities will see less demand therefore a leveling off or even most likely a decrease in prices. Higher inflation usually kills the stock and mutual fund markets maybe as early as the end of next year.
Higher Inflation Can Leave you High and Dry:
Inflation is like the tide it raises all boats. If you want smooth sailing you must invest in Tangible Assets. Inflation will be your friend if you keep your money in Tangible Assets that you can touch and feel. My favorite tangibles are Gold, Silver, Copper, Rare Metals, Cereal Crops and Non- Leveraged Low priced Real Estate with low supply and high demand such as what is available in Bali - One of the best real estate markets in the world.
If you wish to find out more about my investment predictions for the balance of 2010 and for all 2011 I highly recommend you attend our seminar in Jakarta tomorrow Saturday October 30th.10 30 to 11:30 AM at the Le Meriden hotel or contact me at my office in Bali at 62-361-284069 and arrange for a private free consultation with no obligation.
Smooth Sailing to you all.
The Food Inflation Nightmare Is About To Hit 40% Of The World's Population
Editors Note: In My Oct 29 newsletter I warned of high inflation ahead.
Commodities Prices the Largest Influence in Next 14 mths:
Most investors are aware that commodities have been increasing dramatically over the last 10 months but few are aware that the Commodities Research Bureau Index of most major commodities including metals and crops is up an astonishing 42.4% already this year.
The reason I watch this index closely throughout my 30 years of investing in markets is that I have concluded that it is a early warning of higher inflation in the future.
If commodity prices increase the manufactures are forced to raise prices of their products. Soon thereafter wholesalers raise their prices which is reflected in the producer Price Index P.P.I. and finally the consumer realizes there's high inflation when it is too late when and it shows up in the Consumer Price Index. The CPI which is always manipulated by governments around the world to reflect a better than reality scenario.
Governments watch these indexes closely and if they find they are increasing dramatically, beyond the means of their citizens, they attempt to fight it by raising interest rates. Australia has already done this by raising their prime rate to 4 1/2%.
You must understand that many markets are influenced by a higher interest rates. Real estate in highly leveraged real estate markets will see less demand as more people cannot afford to purchase with higher interest rates. Consumers will curtail spending if they are required to pay more for credit card interest thus influencing the stock markets. Nobody wants to purchase a bond which is only paying for 5% if they know they can get 8 to 10% in the future so bond prices drop.
Inflation can Your Friend or Your Enemy:
Inflation can your friend or your enemy. Inflation will be your enemy if you keep money in a bank at 1% to 5%. Bond buyers will be hurt by higher interest rates. Real Estate in markets where there has been low interest rates and high % mortgages such as Singapore, Sydney, and most Chinese Cities will see less demand therefore a leveling off or even most likely a decrease in prices. Higher inflation usually kills the stock and mutual fund markets maybe as early as the end of next year.
Higher Inflation Can Leave you High and Dry:
Inflation is like the tide it raises all boats. If you want smooth sailing you must invest in Tangible Assets. Inflation will be your friend if you keep your money in Tangible Assets that you can touch and feel. My favorite tangibles are Gold, Silver, Copper, Rare Metals, Cereal Crops and Non- Leveraged Low priced Real Estate with low supply and high demand such as what is available in Bali - One of the best real estate markets in the world.
Another of my Predictions Comes True :
Sep. 17, 2010, 1:21 PM
Overnight, the threat of further Chinese tightening multiplied as a result of food price inflation. A basket of 18 key vegetables saw their prices increase by 62.4%, year-over-year, in the first 10 days of November.
But just how likely is Chinese tightening?
Waverly Advisors feel that it is now a near certainty, based on the political realities within China.
The fact that Premier Wen Jiabo chose a supermarket as the location for a press appearance to comment on anti-inflationary measures today indicated how seriously Beijing is taking the potential disruptive impact of rising cost at the cash register.
But this isn't just a Chinese problem. 40% of the world's population, found in China, India, and Brazil, is seeing their food prices skyrocket as a result of price inflation. Note India's has actually decreased, but remains close to double digit territory.
From Waverly Advisors:
Chart
Image: Waverly Advisors
Here are the 25 countries that will get slammed in a world food crisis
The 25 Countries That Will Be Screwed By A World Food Crisis
Gregory White | Sep. 17, 2010, 1:21 PM | 509,426 | comment 21
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venezuela riotConcerned about whether you have enough food in your fridge? How about for the worst case scenario?
Japanese investment bank Nomura produced a research report detailing the countries that would be crushed in a food crisis.
Their description of a food crisis is a prolonged price spike. They calculate the states that have the most to lose by a formula including:
* Nominal GDP per capita in USD at market exchange rates.
* The share of food in total household consumption.
* Net food exports as a percentage of GDP.
We've got the top 25 countries in danger here and the list, including a major financial center, may surprise you.
http://www.businessinsider.com/nomura-food-crisis-2010-9#25-venezuela-1
Commodities Prices the Largest Influence in Next 14 mths:
Most investors are aware that commodities have been increasing dramatically over the last 10 months but few are aware that the Commodities Research Bureau Index of most major commodities including metals and crops is up an astonishing 42.4% already this year.
The reason I watch this index closely throughout my 30 years of investing in markets is that I have concluded that it is a early warning of higher inflation in the future.
If commodity prices increase the manufactures are forced to raise prices of their products. Soon thereafter wholesalers raise their prices which is reflected in the producer Price Index P.P.I. and finally the consumer realizes there's high inflation when it is too late when and it shows up in the Consumer Price Index. The CPI which is always manipulated by governments around the world to reflect a better than reality scenario.
Governments watch these indexes closely and if they find they are increasing dramatically, beyond the means of their citizens, they attempt to fight it by raising interest rates. Australia has already done this by raising their prime rate to 4 1/2%.
You must understand that many markets are influenced by a higher interest rates. Real estate in highly leveraged real estate markets will see less demand as more people cannot afford to purchase with higher interest rates. Consumers will curtail spending if they are required to pay more for credit card interest thus influencing the stock markets. Nobody wants to purchase a bond which is only paying for 5% if they know they can get 8 to 10% in the future so bond prices drop.
Inflation can Your Friend or Your Enemy:
Inflation can your friend or your enemy. Inflation will be your enemy if you keep money in a bank at 1% to 5%. Bond buyers will be hurt by higher interest rates. Real Estate in markets where there has been low interest rates and high % mortgages such as Singapore, Sydney, and most Chinese Cities will see less demand therefore a leveling off or even most likely a decrease in prices. Higher inflation usually kills the stock and mutual fund markets maybe as early as the end of next year.
Higher Inflation Can Leave you High and Dry:
Inflation is like the tide it raises all boats. If you want smooth sailing you must invest in Tangible Assets. Inflation will be your friend if you keep your money in Tangible Assets that you can touch and feel. My favorite tangibles are Gold, Silver, Copper, Rare Metals, Cereal Crops and Non- Leveraged Low priced Real Estate with low supply and high demand such as what is available in Bali - One of the best real estate markets in the world.
Another of my Predictions Comes True :
Sep. 17, 2010, 1:21 PM
Overnight, the threat of further Chinese tightening multiplied as a result of food price inflation. A basket of 18 key vegetables saw their prices increase by 62.4%, year-over-year, in the first 10 days of November.
But just how likely is Chinese tightening?
Waverly Advisors feel that it is now a near certainty, based on the political realities within China.
The fact that Premier Wen Jiabo chose a supermarket as the location for a press appearance to comment on anti-inflationary measures today indicated how seriously Beijing is taking the potential disruptive impact of rising cost at the cash register.
But this isn't just a Chinese problem. 40% of the world's population, found in China, India, and Brazil, is seeing their food prices skyrocket as a result of price inflation. Note India's has actually decreased, but remains close to double digit territory.
From Waverly Advisors:
Chart
Image: Waverly Advisors
Here are the 25 countries that will get slammed in a world food crisis
The 25 Countries That Will Be Screwed By A World Food Crisis
Gregory White | Sep. 17, 2010, 1:21 PM | 509,426 | comment 21
*
A A A
*
x
Email Article
From
To
Email Sent!
You have successfully emailed the post.
*
*
venezuela riotConcerned about whether you have enough food in your fridge? How about for the worst case scenario?
Japanese investment bank Nomura produced a research report detailing the countries that would be crushed in a food crisis.
Their description of a food crisis is a prolonged price spike. They calculate the states that have the most to lose by a formula including:
* Nominal GDP per capita in USD at market exchange rates.
* The share of food in total household consumption.
* Net food exports as a percentage of GDP.
We've got the top 25 countries in danger here and the list, including a major financial center, may surprise you.
http://www.businessinsider.com/nomura-food-crisis-2010-9#25-venezuela-1
Monday, November 15, 2010
La Nina, Chinese Demand Set to Drive Up Coal Prices
Rebekah Kebede & Fitri Wulandari | November 15, 2010
Storing coal in China’s Shanxi province. Due to La Nina rain, high prices are expected this winter. (Reuters Photo) Storing coal in China’s Shanxi province. Due to La Nina rain, high prices are expected this winter. (Reuters Photo)
Jakarta. A strong La Nina weather effect threatens more drenching of waterlogged coal production areas in Australia and Indonesia over the next six months, cutting exports and driving up prices just as Chinese winter demand kicks in.
As a result, prices for Australia’s thermal coal, the Asian benchmark, could move as high as $120 per ton before the end of the year, from around $109 now, said Mark Pervan, head of commodity research at ANZ Bank in Sydney. A price above $120 would be the highest since September 2008.
“The likelihood of a strong winter coming through in north Asia, dovetailed with what looks like a pretty tight supply backdrop, will probably see the market move up another $10 a ton,” he said.
Australia is the world’s largest coal exporter and, combined with Indonesia, produces more than 10 percent of the world’s thermal coal supplies.
The La Nina effect has raised forecasts for rainfall in both top coal exporters, upping the number of cyclones expected in Australia’s northeastern coal belt to six or seven from an average four.
“We’re heading into the time of year between now and April next year where cyclone season hits up north,” said Gavin Wendt, a senior resource analyst at Mine Life in Sydney.
“We always get a seasonal spike in thermal coal pricing around about this time of the year, but that’s going to be exacerbated by strong Chinese demand, and don’t forget Indian buying as well.”
Chinese demand has escalated recently as the world’s largest coal consumer tries to stockpile ahead of a frosty winter, with buyers hunting for coal deals in Asia and also casting their nets further afield, most recently striking a deal for South African coal.
Although Chinese stockpiles are relatively high at more than six million tons, spot supplies in China have tightened over the past month as cold weather disrupted some coal production.
“I think we’ll find that the Chinese will restock quite aggressively in December,” Pervan said.
Indian import demand for coal is expected to grow by more than 80 percent by 2012, and India, already one of Indonesia’s main customers, is expected to feed its coal appetite from Indonesia.
Unseasonably wet weather has already hit Indonesian production, particularly from smaller miners, and with months of rain still ahead, exports are likely to be affected into 2011.
“The majority of Indonesian coal producers have already seen their output falling about 5 to 10 percent below where they usually are … this time of year,” said Andreas Bokkenheuser, an analyst with UBS in Singapore.
Smaller miners have been particularly hard hit as they fall months behind their output targets, wiping out tonnage they need to ship for existing contracts.
“We have to reject requests from buyers even for next year delivery because we don’t have any coal,” said one East Kalimantan producer with an output of about 200,000 tons a month.
Some of Australia’s thermal coal production has already been affected by unseasonal rains in Queensland state, which produces mostly coking coal.
Predictions that northeastern Australia will get soaked this season point to a high probability that the world’s largest coal port, Newcastle, will suffer backlogs this season, analysts said.
Wet weather has resulted in export disruptions from Newcastle as both production and transport to the port are derailed. Some in the industry have warned that this cyclone season may resemble the 2007-08 season, when strong demand before the global financial crisis combined with wet weather to cause prices of both coking and thermal coal to spike.
“Time will tell how much damage La Nina can make, but at the current stage, it’s not looking good at all. It will be 2007 all over again,” one Sydney-based trader said.
Storing coal in China’s Shanxi province. Due to La Nina rain, high prices are expected this winter. (Reuters Photo) Storing coal in China’s Shanxi province. Due to La Nina rain, high prices are expected this winter. (Reuters Photo)
Jakarta. A strong La Nina weather effect threatens more drenching of waterlogged coal production areas in Australia and Indonesia over the next six months, cutting exports and driving up prices just as Chinese winter demand kicks in.
As a result, prices for Australia’s thermal coal, the Asian benchmark, could move as high as $120 per ton before the end of the year, from around $109 now, said Mark Pervan, head of commodity research at ANZ Bank in Sydney. A price above $120 would be the highest since September 2008.
“The likelihood of a strong winter coming through in north Asia, dovetailed with what looks like a pretty tight supply backdrop, will probably see the market move up another $10 a ton,” he said.
Australia is the world’s largest coal exporter and, combined with Indonesia, produces more than 10 percent of the world’s thermal coal supplies.
The La Nina effect has raised forecasts for rainfall in both top coal exporters, upping the number of cyclones expected in Australia’s northeastern coal belt to six or seven from an average four.
“We’re heading into the time of year between now and April next year where cyclone season hits up north,” said Gavin Wendt, a senior resource analyst at Mine Life in Sydney.
“We always get a seasonal spike in thermal coal pricing around about this time of the year, but that’s going to be exacerbated by strong Chinese demand, and don’t forget Indian buying as well.”
Chinese demand has escalated recently as the world’s largest coal consumer tries to stockpile ahead of a frosty winter, with buyers hunting for coal deals in Asia and also casting their nets further afield, most recently striking a deal for South African coal.
Although Chinese stockpiles are relatively high at more than six million tons, spot supplies in China have tightened over the past month as cold weather disrupted some coal production.
“I think we’ll find that the Chinese will restock quite aggressively in December,” Pervan said.
Indian import demand for coal is expected to grow by more than 80 percent by 2012, and India, already one of Indonesia’s main customers, is expected to feed its coal appetite from Indonesia.
Unseasonably wet weather has already hit Indonesian production, particularly from smaller miners, and with months of rain still ahead, exports are likely to be affected into 2011.
“The majority of Indonesian coal producers have already seen their output falling about 5 to 10 percent below where they usually are … this time of year,” said Andreas Bokkenheuser, an analyst with UBS in Singapore.
Smaller miners have been particularly hard hit as they fall months behind their output targets, wiping out tonnage they need to ship for existing contracts.
“We have to reject requests from buyers even for next year delivery because we don’t have any coal,” said one East Kalimantan producer with an output of about 200,000 tons a month.
Some of Australia’s thermal coal production has already been affected by unseasonal rains in Queensland state, which produces mostly coking coal.
Predictions that northeastern Australia will get soaked this season point to a high probability that the world’s largest coal port, Newcastle, will suffer backlogs this season, analysts said.
Wet weather has resulted in export disruptions from Newcastle as both production and transport to the port are derailed. Some in the industry have warned that this cyclone season may resemble the 2007-08 season, when strong demand before the global financial crisis combined with wet weather to cause prices of both coking and thermal coal to spike.
“Time will tell how much damage La Nina can make, but at the current stage, it’s not looking good at all. It will be 2007 all over again,” one Sydney-based trader said.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Bali beckons 'literary tourists
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival offers culture in a paradise
By JEFF KINGSTON
Special to The Japan Times
Ubud, an enchanting town in tropical Bali's undulating hills, has arrived with panache on the global literary scene.
News photo
Driving force: Janet de Neefe.
Judging from this year's splendid 2010 Writers & Readers Festival, it would be worth blocking out Oct. 5-9, 2011 for some top-class literary tourism. The 2011 theme is "Nanduring karang awak": Cultivate the land within" — a line from an old Balinese poem. Attendees will be encouraged to explore the great global commons of mind and heart in just the spot to do so with stunning views of Mount Agung.
In the wake of the Bali terrorist bombings in 2002, which left locals scarred and tourists scared, Janet de Neefe, a long-term Ubudian, decided to try to transform a disaster into an opportunity. Mix a bit of paradise and lavish creature comforts, add a dash of cultural magic, stir with persistence and presto . . . Ubud has become one of the top literary festivals in the world.
Now in the top six of such festivals, according to Harper's Bazaar, Ubud attracts an impressive array of writers from around the globe and draws devoted pilgrims in ever-greater numbers.
For writers, the call to duty in idyllic Ubud is almost as hard to resist as it is for the growing audiences of readers.
Booker Prize-winner Ann Enright ("The Gathering"; 2007) admitted it was hard to tear herself away from her home in cold and rainy Dublin, but she was rewarded with rapt audiences eager to imbibe her thoughts about her books, writing and the human condition.
Among the others who joined her in Ubud this year was self-styled "faction" writer Tash Aw, the Malaysian author of "Harmony Silk Factory" (2006) and "Map of the Invisible World" (2010); as well as Christos Tsiolkas, the controversial Greek-Australian author of "The Slap" (2009), who defended his use of vulgarity, arguing that critics are guilty of class bias and that he doesn't just write for the privileged.
But writers beware, this is no laid-back lotus-eating holiday, as the organizers have them — young or old, famous or not yet so — performing yeoman's work on panels and in individual sessions.
Despite the demanding schedule, by all accounts it's an energizing experience as there is so much interaction between writers and with readers in a variety of settings. Perhaps the most enjoyable is over dinners and drinks at places ranging from Ubud's swankiest venues to some of its legendary watering holes such as Naughty Nurni's, as famous for its dry Martinis as its succulent ribs.
And what a feast it was this year, with 135 writers from 27 countries spread out over 183 panels and workshops with 37 special events organized around the theme of "Bhinneka Tunggai Ika: Harmony in Diversity." One of the highlights was the increased attendance of Indonesians and the chance for readers to discover the work of many Indonesian writers.
Readers have an opportunity to meet their favorite writers and discover new favorites in an intimate setting that maximizes interaction and closes the chasm that often separates artists from their audiences. The venues are cozy, often bursting, but relaxed and friendly, creating a wonderful festival vibe where interaction and exchanges flow easily and informally.
Having endured the rigors, backstabbing and networking of academic conferences, it was uplifting for this correspondent to discover that large gatherings of intellectually curious people can be so exhilarating and exuberant. Instead of moody prima donnas, noses to the heavens, minds in the clouds, the literary stars come across as down-to-earth people who muck in with undisguised joy. Maybe it's something about being in Bali, where everyone can leave all their metaphorical baggage behind and rediscover something precious as they unwind and reorient.
It is 25 years since my first visit to Ubud, and today there are only a few traces of what was then a simple, unhurried, tranquil artists' village of unpaved roads lurking under vast canopies of greenery and spartan accommodations nestled in terraced rice fields.
Yet the transformed Ubud remains enchanting, and weary visitors can now enjoy far more pampering and tastier grazing options. But old Ubud hands can't stay away from the roast suckling pig served at Ibu Oka's in the center of town, across from the palace. Same great food, same low prices, but now this overgrown shack has added real tables and chairs on its crowded terrace — a comfortable upgrade that detracts nothing from the scruffy ambiance.
The new Ubud boasts a slew of five-star hotels, including the plush Aman and Four Seasons that help support the festival and offer special packages. For those with tighter budgets, there is a range of options from pensions to excellent hotels at reasonable rates, many of which can be found on the festival website.
Organizers have transformed this festival from its original shoestring operation to one that boasts significant corporate sponsorship, perhaps most abundantly evident in the ubiquitous Citibank hospitality vans and banners fluttering all over town. Seldom does corporate social responsibility look so commendable as it does at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
Janet de Neefe, the Australian-born founder of the festival, married a Balinese and raised a family in Ubud while opening two restaurants and a cooking school. It is amazing that she has enough energy and enthusiasm to organize this festival and also answer questions from the press.
What were your goals when you established the festival, and to what extent have you achieved them?
From the start, our aim was for the festival to be a bonus to the people Bali, both economically and educationally, and also to encourage understanding through literature and cross-cultural exchange. As well, we wanted to promote an awareness of Indonesian literature to our international audience and create opportunities for local writers while providing ongoing inspiration to the youth of Indonesia.
I believe we have achieved most of these goals but it's a work in progress.
My focus now is to start translating Indonesian literature to reach a wider audience, and I am already speaking to local publishers.
What are the benefits for Bali and Ubud?
Clearly there are economic benefits. Ubud is a much busier place during the festival, and everyone can see that. The festival has also placed Ubud on the global literary circuit, and it is now a name associated with the literary arts. Bali is no longer only known for its Kuta beaches and beer, but for Ubud, culture and books.
How has the festival evolved, and what do you think needs to improve?
The festival has grown rapidly. I think the sheer location of Ubud and the hospitality of the local community is a part of that success. I would still like to see Indonesians more integrated in the program, between the writers and readers. It's really a confidence issue and we are trying to bridge that gap. I would also like to see more events in Denpasar (Bali) and other parts of Indonesia. Next year I am hoping to start an Emerging Writers Festival in Denpasar purely for Indonesians.
How do you select writers?
We use our theme to guide us and I focused on that more closely than ever this year. For Indonesians, we have an Indonesian curatorial team who read and select work. This year we had more submissions than ever.
How have you been so successful in lining up so many sponsors?
I guess we are irresistible! Just joking! As you can imagine, I am truly passionate about this event and spend a lot of time meeting corporate sponsors who eventually heed my pleas! Seven years down the track, the support of sponsors is a testimony to our professionalism and integrity. We are here to stay and they know it.
Citibank, for example, sees our worth as global cultural players and we are happy to be associated with them. Our generous local sponsors support us because my husband, Ketut, is from Ubud and we both have a solid reputation in the community, something you can't buy! We have owned businesses here for more than 20 years and employ many of the local sponsors' children. We are one big family.
There were no Japanese writers or readers at the festival. Is it hard to identify and attract Japanese authors? Do you do anything to promote the festival in Japan?
I have often tried to secure Japanese writers, but to no avail. We nearly had one a few years ago, but she pulled out at the last minute. I just don't seem to get anywhere and even the publishers can't seem to help me. I wrote to a Japanese publisher last week so fingers crossed, but I wonder if language is the issue. I will keep trying because we have a large Japanese expatriate community here. Sadly I don't have any media links in Japan.
Since this interview, the promising young Japanese author Mariko Nagai, author of "Georgic Stories" (2010), has accepted an invitation and will attend the 2011 festival.
Rightmove UK Nov House Asking Prices See Sharp Fall..largest monthly drop since December 2007
15-Nov-2010
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The Christmas slowdown in the house market has come early this
year, with UK house asking prices suffering their largest monthly
drop since December 2007 as both buyers and sellers wait to see how the
market develops, according to Rightmove with its latest House Price
Index Survey. Rightmove's House Price Index found asking prices down
3.2% on the month and up 1.3% on the year in November, having risen
2.9% on the year in October.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Christmas slowdown in the house market has come early this
year, with UK house asking prices suffering their largest monthly
drop since December 2007 as both buyers and sellers wait to see how the
market develops, according to Rightmove with its latest House Price
Index Survey. Rightmove's House Price Index found asking prices down
3.2% on the month and up 1.3% on the year in November, having risen
2.9% on the year in October.
Friday, November 12, 2010
British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Fall Housing Forecast 2010
Moderate Rise in Home Sales Forecast
BCREA Fall Housing Forecast 2010
Vancouver, BC – November 10, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Fall Housing Forecast 2010 today.
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 12 per cent from 85,028 units in 2009 to 74,950 units this year, before increasing 6 per cent to 79,700 units in 2011.
"Consumers are responding to a double-dip in mortgage interest rates," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "While housing demand waned in the province through the spring and summer, the added purchasing power from low borrowing costs combined with gradual improvement in the BC economy has trended home sales higher in recent months."
"A moderate increase in BC home sales is expected next year coinciding with employment and population growth," added Muir. "However, the 79,700 unit sales that are forecast for 2011 are well below the ten-year average of 85,500 units." A record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005.
The average MLS® residential price is forecast to climb 7 per cent to $498,500 this year and remain relatively unchanged in 2011, albeit declining by 1 per cent to $495,600.
BCREA Fall Housing Forecast 2010
Vancouver, BC – November 10, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Fall Housing Forecast 2010 today.
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 12 per cent from 85,028 units in 2009 to 74,950 units this year, before increasing 6 per cent to 79,700 units in 2011.
"Consumers are responding to a double-dip in mortgage interest rates," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "While housing demand waned in the province through the spring and summer, the added purchasing power from low borrowing costs combined with gradual improvement in the BC economy has trended home sales higher in recent months."
"A moderate increase in BC home sales is expected next year coinciding with employment and population growth," added Muir. "However, the 79,700 unit sales that are forecast for 2011 are well below the ten-year average of 85,500 units." A record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005.
The average MLS® residential price is forecast to climb 7 per cent to $498,500 this year and remain relatively unchanged in 2011, albeit declining by 1 per cent to $495,600.
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