Bromo Mountain

Mount Bromo together with mount Tengger and mount Semeru is one of the most beautiful places of interest in East Java. Watching the sun rise from the crest on mount Bromo is a very exciting experience for the tourists coming to this mountain. To reach the area, which is about 2392 m above sea level, people usually take a bus or a car as far as the village of Ngadisari. From there, a pony ride will take tourists to the rim of the mountain. It is an active volcano, and the people from thr surrounding areas bring various things as a sacrifice to the fire god, Betoro Bromo. The legend goes as follows :

Hundreds of years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya, one of the King’s wives gave birth to a girl, who was named Roro Anteng. Later this young princess married Joko Seger, who came from a Brahman caste. Because of an unfortunate situation the couple was forced to leave the kingdom. They settled down in the mountain area. They ruled the area and named it “Tengger”, which was derived from the couple’s names : Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. After several years, the region flourished in prosperity, but Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were unhappy because they didn’t have a child. Frustrated, they climbed to the top of the mountain and prayed night and day hoping that the gods would listen. The prayer was heard and Betoro Bromo promised them many children. However, the couple had to promise that they would sacrifice their youngest child in return.

Roro Anteng gave birth to a child, then another, and another, until they got 25 children. Soon it was time for them to sacrifice the youngest child, Kesuma, but the parents just couldn’t do it. They tried to hide the child but an eruption happened and Kesuma fell into the creater. There was a silence before they heard a voice: “I have to be sacrificed so that you will all stay alive. From now on, you should arrange an annual sacrificial ceremony. “It was Kesuma’s voice.

Kesuma’s brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony every year. Instead of a human being, they gave fruit, vegetable, rice and meat to be offered to the gods. And since that time this has been done generation after generation.

Macau

Located on the Southeast of China to the western bank of the Pearl River Delta and is 60km from Hongkong and 145km from the city of Guangzhou. It has been gazette as the 31 st World Heritage Spot in China.

A-Ma Temple – A temple dedicated to the seafarer’s goddess and dates back to the 16^th century. Be awed by the beautiful tiled roofs and spectacular views from the upper gardens. The A-Ma festival takes place on the 23^rd day of 3^rd moon (April or May).

Ruins of St Paul’s – Macau’s greatest church built in 1602 and all that is the magnificent stone façade and grand staircase. Now a museum, the ruins are regarded as the symbol of Macau.

Mount Fortress – Built in 1617, it occupies a hilltop to the East of the ruins of St Paul’s. Now a public park where visitors come to enjoy the view. The Macau Museum is also located here.

Shopping – Macau is a place where you can purchase almost everything your heart desires. From jewelry and clothing to antiques and reproduction furniture, this is the place to be. One of the best places to shop is around Senado Square and the Red Market.

Food – One must never leave Macau before savoring the famous Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese Food which is a blend of Macau and Portuguese cuisine and will never tast the same anywhere else.

Johor

Johor is located at the southern tip of the peninsula and its capital, Johor Bahru is located beside Singapore which is a 15-minute bus or taxi ride across the causeway.

Endau Rompin National Park – One of the oldest low land rainforest in the world and is great for jungle trekking and wildlife watching. Partake in the beauty of the legendary 120 m high Buaya Sangkut waterfalls which will take your breath away.

Pulau Tengah & Pulau Upeh – Take this opportunity to watch the great leatherback and Hawksbill turtles come ashore and lay their eggs every year.

Pulau Rawa – Adventures can explore the fascinating caves and beautiful offshore coral reefs or bask in the sun on pristine white sands surrounded by clear waters.

Golfing – From average 9-hole to unrivalled 54-hole courses, golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Pulai Spring Resort, a member of the 50 Finest Golf Resorts in the World is located here.

Penang

Penang known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ is rich in historic and gastronomic delights. A blend of the old and new world, it is a great play for a holiday with friends or family.

Wat Caiya Mangkalaram – Built in 1845, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Penang and houses a 33-metre long gold plated reclining Buddha, the third longest in the world. Walk along the sprawling the grounds and you will feel as if you are transported to another place and time.
St Anne’s Church – When prayers come through and miracles happen. Throngs of people, regardless of race and religion flock to St Anne have to ask for her patronage, especially during the Feast of St Anne’s held towards the end of July every year.

Penang Hill – Located 830 metres above sea level, the summit offers cool air and spectacular panoramic views of the city surrounded by flora and fauna in abundance.
Batu Ferringhi – Many popular beach resorts are located along a prime stretch of beach. At night, the entire road is brought alive with a thriving bazaar selling a wide variety of goods from trinckets, t-shirts, souvenirs and even local culinary delights.

Food – A visit to Penang is never complete without indulging in the local delights namely Assam Laksa, Char Kuet Teow, Hokkien Mee Aka Prawn Mee and Nyonya Food which will never taste the same everywhere else. Gurney Drive is among the list of places where you can go to feast. If there is anyone reason you might be reluctant to leave this island, this would be it.

St Anne’s Church – When prayers come through and miracles happen. Throngs of people, regardless of race and religion flock to St Anne have to ask for her patronage, especially during the Feast of St Anne’s held towards the end of July every year.

Batu Ferringhi – Many popular beach resorts are located along a prime stretch of beach. At night, the entire road is brought alive with a thriving bazaar selling a wide variety of goods from trinckets, t-shirts, souvenirs and even local culinary delights.

Komodo Island

We Indonesians citizen must pride that one of tourist asset in our country has been selected as one of nomination of Seven Modern Wonders of the world replace Borobudur temple namely Komodo island, eliminating Krakatau mountain and Toba lake. Eventhough it is still as nomination, we all hope that it stands a chance to win the nomination, we can support the polling by online, besides Indonesia has more than 220 million population, it is one of the great opportunity than other country. Komodo island is selected because this island is performed naturally and preserved by surrounding people.

As you know Komodo island is located in the most western tip of East Nusa Tenggara province, bordered by West Nusa Tenggara province. Administratively this island includes the district of Komodo, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara..

We all know that why the island is called Komodo island, of course since the island is a habitat for native animals Komodo Dragon (Varanos Komodansis) and the local resident call the animal as Ora. Indonesian people especially local resident considers this animal as a source of pride because of the local income from the tourist who visit the island. In this island we see one of the most popular Komodo lizard species in the world with an average body length reach up 3.13 metres and weigh reach 165 kg. Although we can this animal directly, the travelers must be carefull with this animal because it is wild carnivore, it has death poison and high speed to catch its prey fast, that’s why we must keep away of this animal. But, don’t worry because some guards of this park has applied warnind in some places in the park.

Komodo dragon is one of the rare animals in our country even in the world. Some people suggest that this animal is one of evolution of Dinosour, that’s why government, private institution as well as local resident have responsibility to presetve the exist of this animal. Thus, to protect the komodo dragon from extinction, in 1980 the government has renovated komodo island as Komodo National Park. The national park consists of two large islands, namely Radar island and Rinca island, which is sorrunded by several smaller islands and total area of land for National Park is 1.817 km²

Sibu

Located in Sarawak, Sibu is the gateway to the mighty Rajang River and is the starting point for one of the world’s great river journeys.

Goddess of Mercy 7-storey pagoda – It is said to be more beautiful than the ones found in other parts of South East Asia and Taiwan and offers a panoramic view of Sibu town.
Bawang Assan Iban Longhouse – Dating to the 18-century, the longhouse ranges from the very traditional to the modern. Here you can find clans and families living and co-existing together under one very long roof. Though the Ibans have embraced modernity, they still practice their traditional and culture and are more than willing to show it off.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk – The site of the earliest Chinese settlement which was turned into a bazaar. Recently restored, it now has a walking trail along the river front which leads to the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden. Believe it or not, the river is really red.
Upper Rajang River region (Kapit, Belaga) – Practically untouched by development, it is known for its eco-tourism activities. You can ride the notorious Pelagus Rapids or just commune and be one with nature here.

Food – A one must try the unusual local favourite called “Million”, a type of wild fern, “Kang Muan Mee”, a type of a noodle and “Kong Pian”, a type of baked biscuit. If that’s not your cup of tea, a large variety of fresh seafood and river fish are widely available, as well as wild boar and deer meat (venison).

Bawang Assan Iban Longhouse – Dating to the 18-century, the longhouse ranges from the very traditional to the modern. Here you can find clans and families living and co-existing together under one very long roof. Though the Ibans have embraced modernity, they still practice their traditional and culture and are more than willing to show it off.

Upper Rajang River region (Kapit, Belaga) – Practically untouched by development, it is known for its eco-tourism activities. You can ride the notorious Pelagus Rapids or just commune and be one with nature here.

Banda Aceh

Banda Aceh; civiled life ravaged by the tsunami In 2004 but leaving much of its natural beuty intact. Homes and infrastructure are being rebuilding at a brisk pace, it is no longer the capital that nearly disappeared. Located at northern tip of Sumatera, it is a town full of historicmeaning and natural beauty.

The Leuser National Park - It is one of the richest expanses of tropical rain forest in Southeast Asia. Come watch wildlife in their natural habitat or ride the rapids-infested Krueng Alas River if you are looking for a heart pounding adventure. Basic accommodation facilities are available at Katambe.

Lake Laut Tawar – Located in the town of Takengon, the cool temperature of about 20 C (68 F) makes it an ideal place for a holiday. Water sports are popular activity here and the mysterious Layang Pukes caves and mountains nearby beg to be explored.

Pulau Weh – A relatively unknown diving spot, Pulau Weh is unspoiled, secluded and is a palm tree-covered white sand island. Its unexplored coral reefs make this a diver’s haven. This could be the last relatively untouched paradise on earth.

Great Baiturrachman Mosque – It is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the capital city. Partially burnt at the beginning of the Aceh War, it was rebuilt in 1875, taking its present shape after a number of renovations and expansions.

State Museum – Built in 1914; the museum is filled with antiques. Among the exhibits is a big clock, a gift from the Emperor of China and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414.

Palembang

Palembang is located to the south of the Indonesian island of Sumatera and is the capital of the province of South Sumatera. It is a city steeped in history, culture, beauty and tradition. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sriwijaya and then colonized by the Dutch, it is now a flourishing city.

State Museum – Established in 1977, the museum holds various historical items from the province itself and will tell the story how Palembang came to be. It houses a collection of over 2000 relics and antiquities and interesting ancient items on display including household utensils, hunting tools, a bridal room and preserved animals of the region.
Limas traditional house – Traditional houses built along the riversides but it is not built facing the waterfront to ensure privacy to the families living in them. These ornate wooden houses are built on stilts with hand carved columns, doors and frames and can still be found scattered around the province. This must-see architecture usually comes in 15-20m in width and 30-60m in length.

Songket Sarong. – The best songkets can only be found in here. With influences from Palembang’s cultural heritage made up of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, these sarongs are weaved by womenfolk in a cottage industry which has survived through the centuries. Most are made up of geometric and floral designs and comes in various colours of the rainbow.
The Musi River – The river flows trough the city, cutting it into 2 halves called the Ulu bank and Ilir bank and is linked by a famous bridge of considerable length and size called the Ampera Bridge built in 1962. Catch an unforgettable sunset and sunrise from the bridge or from a vantage point beside the river. One can also indulge in the local cuisine atop the floating boats beside the river while watching the river traffic go by.

Food – One must never leave Palembang before having a taste of the famous ‘Pempek’ aka Palembang fish cake which is served with a special sweet and sour soya sauce made from palm sugar, tamarind/vinegar, chillies, shallots, and garlic.There are many varieties available which comes in different shapes and stuffing ranging from one whole egg to young papaya meat.

Javanese Wedding Ceremony

Indonesia consist of 33 provinces and every region has different culture, one of the most unique culture is the wedding ceremony in every region, as it is in Javanese culture. Traditionally, in Javanese culture, before the wedding day a bride has to stay apart from the bridegroom for 40 days. What a long period of time! It is called ‘pingitan’. What are they supposed to do? The girl, particulary, has to keep her body and face clean by using a kind of traditional herbal powder called ‘lulur’ so that on the wedding day her skin will look bright and soft.
On the last day of her ‘pingitan’, there is a ceremony called ‘siraman’, in which seven elderly relatives will bath the bride. On this occasion, the bride is bathed in water with certain kinds of flowers; that is, ‘the kembang setaman’. Then, she dressed up by a ‘dukun rias’, a beautician. A part of the ‘siraman’ the water is sent to the bridegroom for his bath. In the evening, the bride’s family hold the so-called ‘malam widodaren’ (the fairy’s night) as farewell party for her. It is a symbol before she leaves home and begins her new life. Many of her friends and relatives will come to the party.
On the wedding day, the bridegroom has to promise in the ‘ijab kabul’ ceremony. Basically the promises say that he will be faithfull, gentle and responsible to his wife and his family. As in many other cultures, the bridegroom also has to give his wedding-gifts or ‘mas kawin’ to the bride. The value of the gifts differ from one to another. The richer the bridegroom, the more expensive the ‘mas kawin’ usually is. Faithful moslems, it is not seldom that they present the Qur’an as the wedding-gift.
The next day, the bride and bridegroom meet each other in the ‘temon’ ceremony. This time they are accompanied by their parents and relatives. In the ceremony, the bride and bridegroom throw some ‘sirih’ leaves over each other. After this, the bride and bridegroom will crush an egg together. This symbolizes that they will always meet and solve the problems together. As a sign of faithfulness, the bride should kneel down. She washes the bridegroom’s right foot with ‘kembang setaman’ water and cleans it with a small towel. Then, they sit in the bridal couch called ‘pagi-pagi’. This time, they listen to advice or ‘ular-ular’ given by an elderly man. This part of ceremony is very formal. After that, they go to a less formal one.

Find The Job That’s Right for You

Nearly 50% of all the workers have the jobs they aren’t happy with. Don’t let this happen to you! If you want to find the right job, don’t rush to look through the ads in the newspaper. Instead sit down and think about yourself. What kind of person you are? What makes you happy?
According to psychologist John Holland, there are six types of personalities.
Ø The Realistic type is practical and likes working with machines and tools, such as carpenter, factory worker, mechanic etc.
Ø The Investigative type is curious and likes to learn, analyze situation, and solve problems, such as detective, psychologist, researcher etc.
Ø The Artistic type is imaginative and likes to express himself/herself by creating art, such as actor, painter, songwriter etc
Ø The Social type is friendly and likes helping or training other people, such as doctor, nurse, teacher etc.
Ø The Enterprising type is outgoing and likes to persuade or lead other people, such as manager, politician, salesperson etc.
Ø The Conventional type is carefull and likes to follow routines and keep track of details, such as accountant, bookkeeper, secretary etc.

Unique Customs

v January 17 is St Anthony’s Day in Mexico. It’s a day when people ask for protection for their animals. They bring their animals to church. But before the animals go into the church, the people usually dress them up in flowers and ribbons.
v On August 15 of the Lunar Calender, Koreans celebrate Chusok to give thanks for the new harvest. It’s a day when people honor their ancestor by going to their gravesites to take them food and wine and clean the gravesites. Also on Chusok, a big meal with moon-shaped rice cakes is eaten.
v One of the biggest celebration in Argentina is New Year’s Eve. On the beginning of December 31, families get together and have a big meal. At midnight, fireworks explode everywhere and continue throughout the night. Friends and families meet for parties, which last until next morning.
v Long ago in India, a princess who needed help sent a silk bracelet to an emperor. After he helped the princess, the emperor kept the bracelet as a sign of the loyalty between them. Today,in India, during the festival of Rakhi, men promise to be loyal to the women in exchange for a bracelet of silk, cotton and gold thread.
v On the evening of February 3, people in Japanese families take one dried bean for each year for their age and throw the beans around their homes and shrines, shouting “Good Luck in! Evil Spirit out!” This is known as “Setsubun” the time to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of Spring.

Getting Around HongKong

Getting Around Hongkong

Hongkong has an excellent transportation system, both old and new. If we fly there, we will arrive at one of the most modern airport in the world. And during our visit, there are many ways to get around Hongkong
1. Ricksaw
This word comes from the Japanese Jinrikisha . It’s a two-wheeled vehicle that is pulled by one person. Today, there are still about fifty in Hongkong, but they are only for tourists.
2. Ferry
Take one of these to cross from Hongkong island to Kowloon or to visit one of the smaller islands. You can also use them to travel to Macau and Guangdong. They are safe and comfortable, and one of the cheapest boat rides in the world.
3. Subway
Hongkong’s underground railway is called MTR – Mass Transit Railway, It’s the fastest way to get aroud. Two tunnels under the harbor and go from Hongkong island to Kowloon.
4. Tram
These are found on Hongkong island and take you to the Victoria peak-548 meters.( 1800 above sea level). The system is over a hundred years old. In that time, there has never been an accident. Two cars carry up 120 passengers each.

Teachers demand 10% pay increase

The biggest teachers' union in England and Wales is calling for a 10% pay rise - and says the economic downturn should not be an "excuse" for low pay rises.

The National Union of Teachers has submitted its demand to the profession's pay review body.

A government spokesman says the current recommended 2.3% offer represents a "good deal" for teaching staff.

Last year about a third of schools in England and Wales were shut by a one-day teachers' strike over pay.

Shortages warning

Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the NUT, says that the government and pay body should not be "tempted to use the economic downturn as an excuse" for lower pay increases.

"In this round, our case for a 10% pay rise is based on long-term trends in recruitment, retention and turnover. It also reflects the extent to which teachers' pay has fallen behind other graduate professions," says Ms Blower.

The union's submission to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) calls for "teachers' pay scales to be increased by £3,000 or 10%, whichever is the greater".

It also calls for "an additional increase to restore in full the pay losses resulting from below-inflation pay awards from 2005 onwards".

The NUT says that teachers are falling behind in pay and that it will make "teaching unattractive to graduates who can earn more with less stress in other fields".

The union warns that without improvements in pay there will be a return to teacher shortages.

Last year, the STRB, the pay body for teachers in England and Wales, recommended a 2.3% pay increase, and it is now reviewing that figure.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families says "the recommended 2.3% pay award represents a good deal for both teachers and taxpayers".

"We have increased teachers' pay by an average of 19% in real terms since 1997 to recognise the challenging but rewarding job they do with the average salary for classroom teachers now £31,400."

There have been several reports from the TDA teacher recruitment agency that the economic downturn has boosted interest in teaching - with people looking for more secure public sector jobs.

The TDA, which has reported a 40% increase in online recruitment inquiries, has been targeting banking and finance workers who might want to switch to teaching.

But the NUT says that the recession is only likely to create a temporary increase in interest in teaching.

Last spring, the NUT staged the biggest teachers' strike for two decades in pursuit of a pay demand. Classroom closures were believed to have affected more than two million pupils.

Primary education 'too narrow'

Children in England are getting a primary education that is too narrow, because schools focus too much on maths and English, claims a major report.

The author of the Cambridge University report warns that too much emphasis on testing the basics could "impoverish" learning in areas such as the arts.

Professor Robin Alexander says this could mean a "deficient" education.

The government has rejected the claim as "insulting" and says it "flies in the face of international evidence".

The Cambridge Primary Review's interim report is part of the biggest independent inquiry into primary education in England for 40 years.

Their education, and to some degree their lives, are impoverished if they have received an education that is so fundamentally deficient Professor Robin Alexander Cambridge Review

It calls for an urgent debate about the purpose of primary education.

The report says inadequacies in the primary curriculum stem from a mistaken belief that breadth in the curriculum is incompatible with improved standards in the "basics" of maths, literacy and numeracy.

History, geography, science and the arts have been "squeezed out", it argues.

The report's authors suggest learning in primary schools is skewed towards subjects which are formally tested in the national tests, used to draw up league tables.

It calls testing "the elephant in the curriculum", noting that in Year 6 especially, the final year of primary school, "breadth competes with the much narrower scope of what is to be tested."

Professor Robin Alexander, director of the Cambridge Primary Review, said: "Our argument is that their [children's] education, and to some degree their lives, are impoverished if they have received an education that is so fundamentally deficient."

'Eight new domains'

The review suggests the primary curriculum should be "re-conceived" with 12 specific aims, which it arranges in three groups:

• The needs and capacities of the individual: wellbeing; engagement; empowerment; autonomy
• The individual in relation to others and the wider world: encouraging respect and reciprocity; promoting interdependence and sustainability; empowering local, national and global citizenship; celebrating culture and community
• Learning, knowing and doing: knowing, understanding, exploring and making sense; fostering skill; exciting the imagination; enacting dialogue.

These aims would be achieved through eight "domains", rather than a small number of subjects.

The domains would be: arts and creativity; citizenship and ethics; faith and belief; language, oracy and literacy; mathematics; physical and emotional health; place and time (geography and history); science and technology.

Prof Alexander said there had always been a problem in primary schools with striking the right balance between the basic skills, such as numeracy and literacy, and other areas, such as history.

"All of them should be taught to the highest possible standard, raising the quality of educational experience across the board," he said.

The report warns that tests limit the last year of primary school

"The key benefit to pupils is a retention of the statutory entitlement of a broad and balanced curriculum."

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families denied primary pupils were getting inadequate schooling.

"To say our children are receiving a deficient education is insulting to hard working pupils and teachers everywhere and flies in the face of international evidence," he said.

"English children were recently recognised as being the highest achieving in maths and science among European countries."

The government has commissioned its own independent inquiry into primary education. Its interim findings - already published - called for a flexible, less-overloaded time table.

Sir Jim Rose, heading the review, suggested there could be six broader "areas of learning", rather than up to 14 individual subjects, such as history, geography and science.

'Freedom and flexibility'

The spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families continued: "We thank Professor Alexander for his contribution and Sir Jim Rose will no doubt read it with interest as part of his extensive, independent consultation into the primary curriculum, which is still gathering evidence from a wide range of experts and academics, teachers, parents and the public."

He added that the Rose Review's aim was to give teachers more freedom and flexibility, smooth children's transition between the stages of their education, and ensure the best possible educational outcomes for all children, he added.

Acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Christine Blower, said it was a matter of "concern" that the government was keeping the Cambridge Primary Review "at arms length".

"His proposals for the primary curriculum have depth, credibility and, above all, respond to the realities of the primary classroom."

Nick Seaton, of the Campaign for Real Education, said children needed to be taught the basics at primary school, as well as a range of subjects.

"But if literacy and numeracy are taught well there should be enough time in the curriculum to teach the other subjects," he said.

The Cambridge Primary Review is an independent body which began its research on primary education in 2006.

The primary curriculum report is its 10th published study. A final report will be published later this year.

Brown signals 100% mortgages curb

Gordon Brown has said he is considering curbs on 100% mortgages to encourage more responsibility in the market.

The prime minister said the Financial Services Authority would be considering controls which will force people to save for longer before buying homes.

Writing in The Observer, he called for a new age of sobriety in UK banking, calling for the return of "prudent", old-fashioned high street banks.

He also said banks should not dabble in complex international investments.

Critics have described the calls as "humbug" after Mr Brown's previous support of light-touch bank regulation.

During his time as chancellor, the prime minister was openly critical of other European banking systems for their strict regulation and inflexibility.

Britain, he said, was strong because of its light-touch regulatory environment, which encouraged investment and created jobs and wealth.

But BBC political correspondent Joe Lynam said the credit crunch and the ensuing financial crisis had changed Mr Brown's attitude to banking.

In The Observer, the prime minister sketches out a future where bankers will be the "servants" rather than the masters of Britain's currently ailing economy.

We have got to get the balance right between serving homeowners better and encouraging responsibility in the market Gordon Brown

He says the Financial Services Authority will be considering controls on mortgages of more than 100% of a home's value and so-called high multiple mortgages offering loans of up to six times an applicant's salary.

More caution in the mortgage market, he says, would reduce chances of a future property crash.

Mr Brown argues "more responsible" banking will restore trust and unlock more business and mortgage lending for families and businesses.

He wants banks to make loans "on prudent and careful terms, not just to people with large deposits but to first-time buyers and those on middle and modest incomes who wish to buy their home but who have not been able to save a huge deposit."

'Absolute madness'

He went on: "We have got to get the balance right between serving homeowners better and encouraging responsibility in the market."

In the article he rules out legislation to create a "rigid divide" between retail high street banks, which offer standard deposit accounts and loans, and investment banks trading globally in complex financial instruments.

Mr Brown believes pressure from consumers seeking somewhere safe to put their money will drive banks back to a model more common before the de-regulatory "big bang" in the City.

But Alex Brummer, City editor of the Daily Mail, told the BBC it was "humbug" for the prime minister to now ask people to forget those years of deregulation when bankers could "do what they wished".

Rihanna speaks after photo leaked

Pop star Rihanna has issued a statement thanking fans for their support after an alleged assault by her R&B singer boyfriend Chris Brown.

However, she declined to comment on a leaked photograph which appears to show her with facial injuries.

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," the star said via her spokesperson.

"She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong."

'Saddened'

Brown was questioned by police on 8 February over a complaint of assault.

Police said the 19-year-old got into an argument with an unidentified woman in a parked car in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, which escalated after they left the vehicle.

Both Brown and Rihanna pulled out of that night's Grammy awards, where they had been due to perform.

He has since said he was "sorry and saddened" by the incident and was seeking counselling.

Prosecutors have asked police to provide more information before deciding what charges, if any, to pursue against him.

Iran mixed football match furore

The leading Iranian football club has apologised for allowing its women's team and its men's youth team to play each other.

Esteghlal football club, which was top of the Iranian league, said it had penalised three officials.

This was the first mixed football match since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Associated Press reported.

Mixed sports are strictly forbidden in Iran. Women are not even allowed into football grounds to watch men's games.

'Moral values'

The match is reported to have happened earlier this month at a stadium in south Tehran.

Iranian media say the men's team won 7-0.

But the head of the club's academy, Alireza Mansourian, said the two teams had come into contact only briefly, after their training sessions overlapped.

"On examination, I concluded that the incident did not happen in the way it is alleged," he said.

He insisted the club "is committed to moral values".

The club announced on its website that three officials, including the women's and youth team coaches, had been suspended and fined.

Mr Mansourian, a prominent former footballer, is also reported to have been fined.

The incident is said to be under investigation by the state-run sports governing body, which enforces gender segregation within sport.

Controversial Men-Women League

The match took place on a training ground between the Esteghlal women's team and their men's youth team. Mixed sports are strictly forbidden in Iran, and women are not even allowed to go into football grounds to watch men's games.

As Esteghlal is owned by the government, there was an immediate inquiry. The two coaches involved have been suspended for a year and fined and the head of the club's academy has also been fined. He claimed that the two teams only came into contact briefly after their training sessions overlapped and he insisted his club was committed to ''moral values'', as he put it.

But the Iranian media say the two teams played a match in which the boy's team won seven - nil.

Jon Leyne, BBC News, Tehran

Evinronmentalist try to save dolphins

Environmentalists are beginning another desperate effort in a few hours to save a school of dolphins stranded for days off New York's Long Island coast. Several dolphins from the group of twenty or so have already been guided out to sea, but some have died and a number remain trapped in the shallow waters of a cove. Environmentalists will use high frequency sound generators and a flotilla of small boats to try to herd the dolphins to safety. The creatures are growing increasingly weak and it's thought today's rescue effort may be a last chance to save them.

Australia condemns comments by a Muslim cleric

The Australian government has condemned a Muslim cleric who referred to Jews as pigs and encouraged children to become martyrs. Sheik Feiz Mohammed, who is the head of an Islamic youth centre in the (eastern) city of Sydney, made the comments in a series of videotaped lectures.

An Australian government minister said the views were reprehensible and offensive.

Sheik Feiz is reported to have spent the past year in Lebanon. His comments were made public in a British television documentary screened this week.

Dog as a result first commercial clonning

Several years ago Edgar and Nina Otto froze the DNA of their dog, Lancelot. When he died last year, the couple were devastated and they decided to get a clone produced by a South Korean laboratory.

The biotech firm Best Friends Again claim that Lancelot Encore, as they've named the new puppy, is the world's first commercially cloned dog. The laboratory in South Korea, BioArts, includes a scientist that lost his research professorship at Seoul University in 2004, after fraudulently claiming he'd cloned human embryos and stem cells.

The new owners here in Florida say they're happy with their new dog and don't plan to clone any others.

It's thought that between three and four million unwanted dogs are killed at shelters across the US every year.

Andy Gallacher, BBC News, Miami

USA sent troops to Afghanistan

This is the first big military decision from the new White House team. In a written statement, Mr Obama said Afghanistan had not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently required.

Speaking on Air Force One, the president's spokesman Robert Gibbs suggested that the extra troops were sorely needed in order to address an immediate crisis combating a deteriorating situation ahead of a Taleban spring offensive.

In the longer term though it's not yet clear what the president intends to do about Afghanistan. In advance of a visit to Canada he told a Canadian TV interviewer that he thought the war was still winnable, al-Qaeda could still be stamped out. On the other hand he said the spread of extremism could not be stopped solely through military means, diplomacy and development were also important.

He may well add to the seventeen thousand troop reinforcements, his commanders would like more, but the president has yet to decide on a long-term plan.

Justin Webb, BBC News, Washington

Unemployed Urged to Learn English

The British government is outline plans to cut benefits payments to unemployment who refuse to learn to speak English, about fourty thousand people in Britain say their poor English is barrier to finding a job.
Ministers say money spent on translator at job center would be better spent on teaching people English so they can get work. Workers from ethnic minorities in Britain earn on average a third less than other people and the government hopes language lesson will help redress the balance.

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