Ergo April 3

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Friday, April 3, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 63

WINDS OF CHANGE Contrary to popular belief that ours is a country that thrives on electing old people to the Lok Sabha, numbers show that the very first elections had 140 MPs below the age of 40 years. But the trend has since bucked. The outgoing Lok Sabha has only 61 MPs in that age bracket. Ergo profiles some of the young hopefuls and also what young voters want.

» PAGES 04 & 05

08 RIDING WITH JODHPURS 11 PITT’S ULTIMATUM TO JOLIE

02

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Namma Chennai

De-stress Pariksith in association with Satyananda Yoga Centre is organising a one-day workshop on stress management. D-Stress is for busy executives and promises to be a unique way to de-stress. The session will be held on April 5 at Pariksith Training Centre, 77/14, Kannagi Street, Anna Nedumpathai Market, Choolaimedu at 9 a.m.. Ph: 9840086385/ 9940186385.

Film

Water, water every where…

Sale

Summer pick Varna is organising an exhibition of hand block printed sarees. The collection and colours have been designed keeping the summer in mind with weaves that are light and airy. The collection includes sarees from Salem, Mangalgiri sarees and cotton salwars. When: April 3 and 4; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Where: New No 14, Old No 5, First Floor, First Trust Link Street, Mandaveli. Ph: 2464 0018

Movie

The Alliance Francaise of Madras in association with Bangalore Film Society is celebrating the Week of Water. A number of short films and discussions will be held from April 6. Issues on water management, the mellifluous calms, operatic storms, rainy day blues, a river’s saga....are some of the themes the films will deal with. When: April 6 Where: AFM Auditorium, College Road For details call 2827 9803/282701477

Sale

Haveli for sale

European films

Delhi-based designer ‘Haveli’ introduces its summer collection, which are known for its free flowing styles, kurtas, abbas and complemented by sleek pants, elegant dogris and chudidars. When: Till April 15 Where: Amethyst, 14 / 30, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram

Movie buffs make sure you watch some of the best Europeans film which is being screened at South Indian Film Chamber Theatre as part of the European Union Film Festival. Two films (6.16 p.m. and 8 p.m.) will be shown every day. When: April 3 to 13 Where: South Indian Film Chamber Theatre, Gemini Circle For details call 98401 51956

Seminar

Reading

Learning from transformation A seminar on the theme ‘Is there an architectural movement in Chennai’ is being organised by The Madras Craft Foundation and DakshinaChitra, in partnership with INCITE, a division of InForm Architects, Bangalore. Seventeen major non-residential projects in Bangalore will be displayed with architects discussing the trends occurring in Bangalore. When: April 4; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: DakshinaChitra, ECR For registration call 98410 11785 or email [email protected]

Poetry at 20

Theatre Y presents an evening for children below the age of 101. ‘ComYc – poetry @ 20’ promises to be an evening of funny, wacky and silly poems and verse. With this monthlong event, the theatre group kick starts its second part of its poetry at 20 series, a compilation based on a theme or poet, which will be presented every Friday. The entry fee for the performance is Rs. 50. When: April 3, 10. 17, 25; 8 p.m. Where: Studyo, 35, Mandaiveli Street, off R. K. Mutt Road, Mandaiveli For details call 98400 19476

03

Friday, April 3, 2009

DVD of the week

Stepbrothers Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly team up to form an unstoppable combination of immaturity and cheap thrills, completely changing the way a dysfunctional family is viewed. The plot is simple enough and unfolds as follows: Ferrell and his mum move into the house of Dr Doback and his son, Reilly. Post marriage, even as the newly-weds settle in, they have the ordeal of taking care of their blissfully unemployed forty-year-old brats as well! The antics of Ferrell and Reilly are outlandish and simply hilarious, and their unmistakable brand of humour makes this movie what it is. we say Even though this may be a movie about families, in no way is this a family movie

Game of the week

WARHAMMER 40,000: DAWN OF WAR 2 www.dawnofwar2.com First to test the innards of 2009’s PC gaming rigs is THQ’s excellent sequel to one of the best RTS games ever. The space marines and orks are still there and you can use them in both the single and multiplayer campaigns. As far as gameplay goes, you can now play the game in the same non-linear fashion as Mass Effect or Oblivion. Basically, you can choose when you’d like to resume the main storyline and when you want to break off from it and just spend time exploring worlds instead. Warhammer fans will love the use of gratuitous ultra-violence. The online battles are truly spectacular, the co-op campaign is brilliant, and while it doesn’t advance a huge distance from the acclaimed original, it’s still a great strategy-’em-up. LOVE Excellent co-op campaign, up-close battles are as intense as they ever were HATE Doesn’t blow you away like the first one did, sadly. We say Dawn of War 2 lives up to the standard of its predecessor. No more and no less though.

Music of the week

Autorickshaw driver attacked with brick, dies A

petty quarrel on “Who will take the passenger?” ended in a fatal clash between two autorickshaw drivers in which one was killed. Three persons, including an auto driver, were arrested. ICF police said the deceased was Kutti (40) of Perambur. The incident occurred on March 26 at an autorickshaw stand in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Perambur, after drivers Kutti and Madan (29) confronted each other over taking a passenger to Central Railway Station. Verbal abuses between the duo soon turned into a fist fight in which Madan’s friends Adalarasu (27) and Arokiyadas (26) joined in. The three beat up Kutti and smashed his head with a brick lying nearby, police said. Kutti was rushed to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. After his condition was known to be critical, he was transferred to Government General Hospital. Following a compliant

lodged with the ICF police by Kutti’s wife, Karpagam, the three men were arrested immediately after the incident. They were booked for attempt to murder and sent to Puzhal Prison. On Wednesday night, victim Kutti succumbed to his head injury. Following this, the case was altered to murder, police added. ■

Corpse of infant found It was a shocking experience for the residents of Shastri Nagar in Adambakkam on Wednesday night when a dog ran into their locality with the corpse of an infant. According to Adambakkam police, the corpse was that of a pre-mature baby who could have been abandoned by the mother. Around 8.30 p. m. on Wednesday, one Sukumaran (26) of Shastri Nagar had spotted the infant’s body being preyed upon by a dog outside his house. He chased the dog away and called the police. Police reached the spot and recovered the body, which was mutilated beyond recognition and was sent to Government Chrompet hospital for an autopsy. Following a complaint lodged by Sukumaran, Adambakkam police registered a case and are investigating the incident.

For an inclusive society

Beatles in Bossa This album essent ially consists of Brazilian lounge versions of The Beatles’ most popular songs. Call us old-world sentimentalists, but merely a mention of the Fab Four gets our ears cocked and our minds in a tizzy. From that perspective, this soothing album features impeccable chill-out-able Beatles’ tracks revisited in Portuguese by a range of (unheard of) artists. Got To Get You Into My Life by Lulu Joppert, with its funky beat and clear vocals, is nicely upbeat and innovatively covered. Come Together by Monique Kessous, otherwise a song that’s been covered to death, is a great listen too. The overall feel is very fresh and lively. Fans may turn up their noses in scorn and that’s fair enough; but those listening with an open mind will be rewarded with genuinely good music. All in all, the album features excellent tracks that can be played in the background when you’re doing more interesting, *ahem* things in the foreground. Get it? Good, then play it! Sound advice 1960’s music by our Liverpool lads meets Bossa Nova. Here’s a jolly good way to beat the post-Valentine’s blues. It’s groovy time, baby.

쒀 Children with special needs play at an event held to mark World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday. PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

04

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Do you vote for youngistan? They are young, educated and have a mind of their own but are novices in the political arena compared to their competitors. Ergo profiles some young politicians who are contesting in the elections and promise to leave an impression that is here to stay

The son rises

Name: B.Y. Raghavendra Age: 36 Constituency: Shimoga Party: BJP He is only 36, quite young for a party that doesn’t boast of young politicians, and a political novice. His only claim to fame is that he’s the eldest son of Karnataka Chief Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa. But B.Y. Raghavendra promises to prove critics wrong. “For the last 15 years I have been taking active part in politics,” says Raghavendra, who is pitted against former Chief Minister S. Bangarappa in Shimoga constituency, situated 250 kms from Bangalore. “I am a municipal councillor in Shikaripua in Shimoga, I have been a student leader and have taken part in a rally in Bhubaneshwar…” A graduate in BBM from National College, Shimoga, Raghavendra runs an educational institution and is confident of winning the trust of his voters. “Youngsters think the political arena is corrupt. Around 40 per cent of Indian voters constitutes those between 18 and 35 years and by standing as a candidate I think I am going to instil

Working for the soil “I’m glad that many youngsters are contesting polls this time. I will try to let more youngsters to contest on behalf of the Congress party” Rahul Gandhi

41

Candidate: P.K. Biju Age: 34 Constituency: Alathoor, Kerala Party: Communist Party of India (Marxist) Comrade P.K. Biju, National President of Students Federation of India (SFI) who is contesting from Alathoor, a newly formed constituency following delimitation, is the young face of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. An active member in student politics in Kerala, Biju was given a ticket overlooking a few bigwigs in the state CPI (M). “Making our country a much stronger agricultural economy is what I will work for,” says the young candidate on his vision for India. “Youngsters should be gradually brought into agriculture, which is facing tremendous instability in the country.” According to Biju, IT and industrial development is incomplete without agricultural growth since ours is a primarily agricultural economy. “Agriculture is the foundation on which everything else should be built.” Pursuing his PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Biju believes that education helps politicians understand people’s problem better and find amicable solutions. “I’m doing research on poly vinyl chloride and natural rubber and on ways to increase production of rubber,” he says. On the advantages of being a young politician, Biju says, “I understand the present generation better as I’m one of them. This will help me work towards their development.” He adds, “The only disadvantage for me is that I have limited experience.” Petlee Peter

confidence in the youth,” he explains. However, Raghavendra’s road to victory is not an easy one. His father has been vocal against dynasty politics and has come under criticism for favouring his son in getting a party ticket. And with Bangarappa coming back to the Congress and to his stronghold in the state after stints with BJP and SP, the fight is going to be tougher. “It was a coincidence that I got the ticket. I think I have the knowledge of the education system, understand the problems of people, the financial crisis that is forcing many Indians to return to India… to stand up as their leader.” Liffy Thomas

Daughter dearest Name: D. Purandeswari Constituency: Visakhapatnam Party: Congress She’s a graduate in Literature and Gemology. With a sound understanding of issues and aspirations of people, be it as Union Minister of State for Human Resource and Development or as social worker, D. Purandeswari is raring to go. She’s the daughter of Late Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, and brother Balakrishna and nephew Junior N.T.R are campaigning actively for the TDP in Andhra Pradesh. Despite hailing from Andhra’s most famous political family, one will have to see if Lady Luck smiles on Purandeswari, who is contesting in Visakhapatnam consistency for the first time. “I am not new to Vizag. I have my friends and relatives here and have been accompanying my father during his shootings in the city,” says the articulate minister who is well-versed in four languages. Her greatest advantage, she says, is that she strikes a chord with the people. “It is very important for the youth to participate actively in the shaping of the country. They need to work selflessly and for this they have to come forward,” she explains her vision for India. Any goof-up that she made in her political career? “Well, I fortunately haven’t been in any embarrassing situation but I was part of a meeting where someone introduced me as the daughter of a linguist and great statesman. However, I covered it up,” she remembers. Liffy Thomas

05

Friday, April 3, 2009

What the voters want The youngsters are not just entering the poll fray. There are groups that are advocating the necessity for the young to vote. We caught up with some enterprising youngsters, who are already involved in various social campaigns, and found out from them what kind of candidate they would back in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls.

“T

he only power a common man has is the power to vote and this is a reason big enough for every individual above 18 years to cast his/her vote,” says Rohith Nathan, an active participant of the ‘free hugs’ and ‘vote India’ campaign. Along with Puneeth Raj, Chethan Bikkina and Amit Saxena, the faces of the ‘free hugs’ and the ‘vote India’ campaigns in Chennai chapter, Rohith believes that change will come, only if one doesn’t wait for it but goes and gets it and let every vote make a difference. “My country my leaders ... We should vote for the candidate who commands and not demands votes. A straight forward leader who doesn’t encourage divisive politics is ideal for our country. Another youth-centric organisation, IIT for Villages (IViL), which works for rural development, strongly believes that today’s politicians must take the villages of India seriously. They should just not announce but effectively implement the rural development schemes. Development must not be polarized to the cities, instead it should be inclusive of the villages. Vikas Meghwani of IViL urges every person to spare a few hours on the Election Day to choose the right candidate. According to him, an educated India is the future India and hence youth, in all ways, must be actively involved in the development. Alert! is a non-governmental organization started by young working professionals to create awareness about first-aid and emergency management. Alert! believes India will be a much better place if votes were not sold for a packet of Biriyani or a saree. Kala Balasundaram, its founder, repeatedly stresses that the educated per-

For a positive change: Kala Balasundaram and Karthikeyan Vijakumar sons must vote. And if they choose not to exercise that right, they must also forego the right to complain. What kind of leader is the need of the hour? “A selfless one,” is her reply. She feels our leaders must be those who are genuine and want to help the public. Bhumi is an NGO formed in 2006 by a few like-minded young people just out of college. It is a strong youth volunteer non-profit organisation working in the fields of supplementary education and climate change. Dr Prahalathan, its foun-

der, believes everyone has to vote because it is their responsibility as a citizen. He believes honest, capable and qualified leaders can only be a dream if the public does not vote. “Every vote makes a difference,” he says. Deepam is a non-governmental organization started with the purpose of making a positive impact on under privileged kids by helping them become a global citizen. Karthikeyan Vijayakumar, co-founder of Deepam, thinks the public at large al-

ways complains about the false promises of politicians. Voting is a good opportunity to act upon than just merely complaining against the leaders. He believes a leader is one who is a visionary, understands the current state of problems of the masses and finds solutions. “We want the politicians to keep up to their promises and turn them into realities” ■ With inputs from Vipasha Sinha, Anusha Parthasarathy and Deepa Venkataram

VOX POP send your views to [email protected]

Thursday’s Question: Will you ever vote for an independent? Voting for an Independent holds good if you know the individual personally. Otherwise there is no use. A single feeble voice cannot hit the right pitch amongst the rest 500-odd crooked professionals. Ziaulhaq Soofi, TCS

Today’s question: Would you ever like to start your own political party, sometime or the other? What will you call it and how will it be different? You could either email the response to [email protected] or SMS the reply to 9094013535

06

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Sania-Chuang win

Sport

Continuing their dream run in the ATP and WTA tournament, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and her Taiwanese partner Chuang Chia-Jung humbled second seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to sail into the women’s double semi-final of the US$ 4.5 million Sony Ericsson Open.

Heartache for Maradona

Federer marches on

Argentina were thumped 6-1 by Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday and shattered coach Diego Maradona said that each goal was like a stab in his heart. Paraguay scored in injury-time to draw 1-1 in Ecuador and stay top of the South American group while Brazil moved into second place after two goals from Luis Fabiano helped them to a straightforward 3-0 win at home to Peru. Argentina forward Lionel Messi was upstaged by a player from the Mexican second division as Maradona’s 100 percent record went up in smoke at 3,600 metres above sea level in La Paz. Bolivia striker Joaquin Botero, who plays for a team called Correcaminos (Road Runners), scored a hat-trick and took his tally in the competition to eight goals. Marcelo Martins, Alex Da Rosa and Didi Torrico were also on target for Bolivia as Argentina shipped six goals for the first time since they lost by the same score to Czechoslovakia at the 1958 World Cup. Luis Gonzalez replied for Argentina, briefly putting them back on level terms in the 25th minute, before a Botero penalty and Alex Da Rosa header gave Bolivia a 3-1 halftime lead, Martins having opened the scoring the 12th minute. Botero added two more in the second half and Torrico completed the rout. “I suffered with them (the Argentine public),” Maradona told reporters, himself appearing short of breath. “Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart.”

Books semi-finals clash with Djokovic

Reuters

Hamilton loses third slot McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh denied on Thursday that Lewis Hamilton lied about an incident at the Australian Grand Prix after the Briton was stripped of his third place result. The world champion was fourth in the Melbourne race when Toyota’s Jarno Trulli passed him under safety car conditions on lap 57 last Sunday. The incident earned the Italian a 25-second penalty, which saw him relegated to 12th, with Hamilton promoted onto the podium behind the Brawn 1-2 team of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. But after a hastily arranged hearing in Malaysia on Thursday, the sport’s governing body ruled that the Briton and his team deliberately provided misleading information on the circumstances leading to Trulli’s penalty. The decision not only handed Trulli back third place but disqualified Hamilton and McLaren from the race classification. “The stewards, having considered new elements presented to them, consider that Lewis Hamilton and McLaren acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event,” the FIA said. It added that Hamilton provided “evidence deliberately misleading to the stewards”. The new elements the FIA considered were believed to be radio conversations between Hamilton and his team which were seen to contradict the original statements presented to the stewards. AFP

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot against Andy Roddick during day ten of the Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Centre in Key Biscayne. PHOTO: AFP

W

orld number two Roger Federer overcame American Andy Roddick in three sets Wednesday to set up a semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 hardcourt tournament in Miami. The second-seeded Swiss, still in search of his first title of 2009, defeated Roddick 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, avenging a quarter-final loss to the American in Miami last year. In the semi-finals 13-time Grand Slam champion Federer will face third-seeded Serbian Djokovic, who beat 10th-seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4.

‘Happy to go through’ Federer, who won back-toback titles here in 2005 and 2006, closed out the match with a service break, earning a match point with a backhand winner that clipped the net cord and found the corner. Another backhand found Roddick helpless at the

net. Federer said he enjoyed playing the hometown favorite, but he wouldn’t have minded putting it away sooner. “I thought that I should have had it under control in the second set,” Federer said. “Kind of lost that and was under quite a bit of pressure in the third set. So I’m happy I got through it. It was a good win for me tonight.” Roddick thrilled the crowd of 14,000 by taking the second set, but he was disappointed that he couldn’t hold off Federer in the third. “It’s easier if I would have just played terrible the whole time,” said Roddick, who failed to convert two game points in the final game. “I at least gave it a go there in the third, and didn’t really catch a break there,” he said.

Smooth sailing Djokovic, who had lost his last four encounters with Tsonga, reversed that trend despite receiving treatment for apparent heat-related symptoms in the

second set. Djokovic broke Tsonga to take a 4-2 lead in the second, saved two break points in the eighth game and was under pressure again as he served for the match at 5-4 but closed out the victory in just under two hours. Djokovic, who said he had been battling a stomach ailment on Tuesday, said that the aftereffects, the heat and the pressure of the match combined to affect him. But he still displayed precise, powerful ground-strokes that had Tsonga on the defensive from the start. “I have to be very happy with my performance, because I have been struggling to find a way to win against him in the last four encounters,” he said. “I just knew that I needed to stick in and try to wait for my chances and be aggressive. I think I tried to be closer to the line, more in control, and just put the pressure on him. So I think that’s what I did.” ■ AFP

07

Friday, April 3, 2009

‘‘

The scenarios change and someday in the future we will be back in Pakistan. There needs to be a significant change in the levels of safety and security. Having said that Pakistan has produced some of the world’s greatest cricketers and still has a strong team ... The ICC’s policy is that it must not become isolated.’’ **The Future Tour Programme commitments need to be fulfilled even though in the immediate future they can not be fulfilled on home soil so we are encouraging countries to play them in neutral venues. ICC President David Morgan

High expectations

Sushil gearing up for Asian Championship

Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar during the launch a new provegetarian campaign for PETA in New Delhi. PHOTO: V.V. KRISHNAN

O

lympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar on Thursday exuded confidence to put up a successful show in the Asian Wrestling Championship, starting from May 1. “I have been busy in intensive training for the trial in Sonepat,” Sushil said. “One team has been selected on March 31 in the trial. Apart from me and Rajiv Tomar, among others Rahul Amre, a new wrestler from Maharashtra in the 55 kg category is also there. We have a strong team and I’m confident of doing well,” he said. However, Sushil said his main aim remains the much coveted 2010 Commonwealth Games. “My main aim is the Commonwealth Games and I am aiming to do well there. It is happening in India for the first time and I feel I have to give something back to my countrymen who have given me so much love and appreciation,” he said.

In the Asian Wrestling Championship last year at Jeju, Korea, Yogeswar Dutt bagged a gold medal in 60 kg and Sushil had won a bronze medal in 66 kg. The Beijing Olympic bronze medallist, who was here to unveil his provegetarian advertisement for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, feels eating vegetarian gives Indian wrestler an edge over their foreign counterparts. “Many foreign wrestlers eat nonvegetarian but our wrestlers always have vegetarian diet and I feel it gives us more stamina,” he said. The 25year-old freestyle wrestler said he got a lot of modelling offer after the Beijing Olympics triumph but he is not interested as he wants to concentrate on his game. Besides Wrestling, Sushil said he also plays football and basketball to maintain his fitness level. ■ PTI

Riding on Ryder New Zealand bounced back in the second Test in Napier and was heading towards victory till the third day’s play, when Indian batters provided the much needed rear-guard action, to dig out a draw. The clear rider of Kiwi hopes during the course was Jesse Ryder, their new cricketing hero. Ryder displayed an amazing array of stroke-making in his innings of 201 in the 1st innings and took his side to a commanding total of 619. So perfect was his shot selection and timing, that

the now-sensational hot-spot camera would show the ball only hit the middle of the wood every time he drove, cut, flicked or pulled. Ryder’s heroics would just not end with the willow. He went on to pick up the crucial partnership-breaking wicket of Rahul Dravid when VVS Laxman was at the other end, leading to India’s collapse in the first innings. His fielding and catching too was of top quality. His consistency during the current series has clearly placed him as one of the marquee players of the future. Watch out for more.

08

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Portfolio

Jodhpurs

RIDING Jodhpur pants a.k.a. riding breeches aren’t equestrian gear anymore JJ Valaya

Marc Ja

Rohit Bal

Isabel Marant AF Vandervost

J

odhpurs are one of India’s most famous exports after yoga, basmati and chicken tikka. So much so that they’ve become synonymous with riding breeches (the way Maggi is for any kind of instant noodles). Irrespective of whether they’re manufactured anywhere near the city they’re named after or not, riding breeches equals Jodhpur pants.

Jodhpur pants, skin tight till the knees and baggy above them, aren’t the conventional ones you see often. Many would rather label them equestrian wear than high-street. The baggy-ness doesn’t flatter many shapes and they’re difficult to carry off. Among Indian designers, Raghavendra Rathore, Rohit Bal and J.J. Valaya have been incorporating Jodhpur pants in their lines more frequently than the others. Recent international runway shows this season have witnessed a simultaneous revival of the Jodhpur pants. They varied from the printed at Marc Jacobs to

Balmain Charlotte Ronson checks at Charlotte Ronson. The Fall/Winter 2009-2010 line of Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, which saw bunny ears, thigh-high printed boots and bags with the omnipresent ‘LV’ monogram, saw silk Jodhpurs in paisley prints. Isabel Marant paired them with boots (as is normally done with Jodhpurs), but a fur coat lent it an old-world chic. Manish Arora’s jungle-themed 2009 ready-to-wear line roared. We loved the way Jodhpurs were paired with similar-print tops, al-

most catsuit and very true-totheme. Elie Saab managed a mixed look with red lipstick, lace-andfur top, leather gloves and silk Jodhpurs, while AF Vandervost remained faithful to the original Jodhpur pants and kept the fabrics toned down. Balmain (the label behind Penelope Cruz’s vintage Oscar gown this year), again, removed the ruggedness associated with Jodhpur pants and turned them

more evening wear-ish, Swarovski-studded pleated top, et al. Charlotte Ronson (twin sister of DJ Samantha Ronson of Lindsay Lohan fame) resorted to good old checks for the Jodhpur pants. J.J. Valaya, at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi, featured Jodhpur pants in his line, this time complete with knee patch. Among the younger crop

of d of la ed a if he Fash thin

09

Friday, April 3, 2009

BULLETIN Nothing less than 1 billion euros French fashion designer Pierre Cardin (86) is all set to sell off his fashion empire, but only if he gets the right amount. “The asking price is 1 billion euros, and if prospective buyers can’t pony up the funds, then that’s their problem, not mine,” the New York Post quoted him as telling the spring/summer issue of Fantastic Man. “It’s not like I’m strapped for cash,” he added. ANI

Nicole Richie to launch footwear line American socialite Nicole Richie has decided to take her fashion line further by signing a deal to launch her own line of shoes. Richie (27) already made waves with her first collection under the name House of Harlow 1960, after her items sold out in an online pre-sale earlier this year, even before they had time to hit shelves. As per Women’s Wear Daily, she will add a line of around 20 shoe styles, new bags, belts and small accessories to debut in the spring of 2010.

acobs for Louis Vuitton

Kaushie Adiseshan

designers, Kaushie Adiseshan abel Pink Elf has demonstrata fondness for Jodhpur pants, er line at the ongoing Lakme hion Week in Mumbai is anyg to go by. ■

ANI

Pamela Anderson turns fashion designer

Manish Arora

After walking the ramp for designers like Vivienne Westwood and Richie Rich, Pamela Anderson is turning fashion designer with an environmentfriendly fashion line. The former Playmate who is an ardent supporter of PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) will design a range of leather-free shoes and casual clothes, including hooded tops, skirts and swimwear, in collaboration with designer Richie, reported Contactmusic.com. “I really don’t like to wear clothes. I would rather go naked. But I love Richie’s designs, so I agreed to be part of it,” said the 41-yearold Baywatch star. PTI

10

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

The Simpsons get stamped!

Flick ‘Cheers….’ celebrates dad’s 50

America’s favourite dysfunctional family, The Simpsons, is set to appear on postage stamps. The Postal Service has announced that the 44-cent first-class stamps, designed by show creator Matt Groening, will feature the cartoon characters of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson.

years in Bollywood: Sunny Deol

A

fter Apne, Sunny Deol is once again teaming up with dad Dharmendra and younger brother Bobby for Cheers - Celebrate Life. The actor-filmmaker says the film is a celebration of his father’s 50 years in Bollywood. “Dad (Dharmendra), Bobby and I are doing a great film with Sangeeth Sivan called Cheers Celebrate life. Actually, we are trying to celebrate my dad’s 50 years in the industry with the film,” Sunny said. “We are going to start shooting next month onwards now that dad is fine after the knee surgery (last year). Hopefully, we will release it this year itself under our banner Vijeta Films so as to keep fresh the essence of his 50 years,” he said. Besides Cheers, Sunny is also busy wielding the megaphone for his second directorial venture The Man in which he stars with Shilpa Shetty. “The Man is the key thing that I’m working on as of now and it’s going to be a good film ... that I can promise the audience. I directed a film called ‘Dillagi’ earlier and it didn’t do well business-wise, but people loved it. Obviously now with my next film that I’m directing, people are going to check if I still have got it (in me) or not,” he said. Considering his diminishing on-screen presence, is the action star now shifting gears to don the director’s hat? “I don’t know. I can’t say anything right now because things change so rapidly. You never know what is going to happen tomorrow. All I know is that there are lots of things to do,” said Sunny, who was last seen in Heroes in 2008. He may not be sure of his future directorial ventures, but he is confident that he wants to produce “good cinema” under his banner. Apart from his Bollywood career, Sunny, a “fitness freak”, has also associated himself with a health club chain Club Fitline. He was in the capital recently to launch its first centre. Sunny has been away from

We are going to start shooting next month onwards now that dad is fine after the knee surgery.Hopefully, we will release it this year itself under our banner Vijeta Films so as to keep fresh the essence of his 50 years

the limelight but feels that brother Bobby and cousin Abhay have been making their screen presence felt. “Abhay is doing very well in his career. Unfortunately his earlier films didn’t bring him that popularity, but people who saw him were always fond of him because he did great work

from Socha Na Tha (2005) itself. “Bobby’s career is doing pretty well too. It’s just his bad luck. He is a great actor and a very good looking boy with a great

personality. It’s just sometimes things don’t fall right. Otherwise he has done good cinema,” the actor said. Sunny has no plans to launch his sons in the near future and says he is happy giving his sons Karan, 18 and Rajvir, 14, a chance to “pick their own space”. “They are still young. I want them to study as of now

and have their own space. I’ll let them grow up to be wanting to be something and then whatever they decide to take, I’ll definitely be with them,” he said. Apart from Cheers and The Man, Sunny’s other projects include Right Ya Wrong and Bhushan Kumar’s next project with Kangana Ranaut. ■ IANS

11

Friday, April 3, 2009

Jackie Chan to sing The 54-year-old will put his vocals to test during the gig, entitled Descendants of the Dragon: Jackie Chan and friends, at the Beijing National Stadium. But the star said he was confident his fans would forgive him should he go off the track.

Hugh Jackman’s new film leaked on the net

A

n incomplete print of Hugh Jackman’s new action film X-Men: Wolverine was stolen and posted illegally on websites. The print was stolen on Tuesday and officials at 20th Century Fox have threatened to take action against the person who posted the stolen version of the film online, reports contactmusiconline.com “It was without many effects and had missing scenes and temporary sound and music. We immediately contacted the appropriate legal authorities and had it removed,” a statement from the studio read. “We forensically mark our content so we can identify sources that make it available or download it. The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “The FBI and MPAA are also actively investigating the crime. We are encouraged by the support of fan sites condemning piracy and this illegal posting and pointing out that such theft undermines the enormous efforts of the filmmakers and actors and, above all, hurts fans of the film,” the statement read further. ■

Either marry me or forget me: Pitt tells Jolie

IANS

Cine City Ghajini is all set to be remade in Nepalese, thanks to the stupendous success of the Hindi remake (even though the original version is in Tamil). Though the cast is not finalised, it is confirmed that Asin will be playing the role of Kalpana in the Nepalese version, too. Geetha Arts, the same production house that produced the Hindi version, will be remaking the film in Nepalese under the title Gajendra. Narayan Puri, noted film director, will be directing the film.

ollywood actor Brad Pitt has reportedly given his lover Angelina Jolie the biggest ultimatum ever - either marry him or forget him. The Gia actress, who is keen to have more kids with Pitt, has been told by him that he will not have anymore kids with her unless she ties the knot with him, reports the China Daily. "Brad’s told her, ’Marry me, or it’s over.’ He definitely wants to get married before they have any more babies,” a source told Brit magazine OK! Pitt is said to be worried that Jolie is spending very little time with him and her kids due to her work. ANI

AFP

Asin to speak Nepalese

H

Kanthasamy audio to hit stores on April 14 The much awaited Kandasamy, starring Vikram and Shreya, will finally hit theatres. The audio launch of the film will be held on April 14 and the audio cassettes will be available at all leading stores on the same day. The album has eight songs, out of which Vikram himself has crooned for four. The audio rights of the album have been bought by Sony BMG for a record price.

12

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Thursday’s Query: What’s the bravest thing you have ever done? ■ When I was in 9th standard I gave love letter to my maths teacher.

convince myself n face friends n family.

Karthikeyan, Perumal Infoview Technologies

■ Went on to rescue a friend when she was drowning in Goa beach. I don’t know swimming. Finally some other brave person saved both of us. Nagesh L G HCL

Soumya HCL

■ Four months before, I got married. Dilipkumar Jain CSS

■ I drove a car in Chennai traffic without any crash. N.Deepan TCS (LTSB)

■ Went n watched JK Ritish’s Nayagan. Jagan Capgemini

■ Watched Ajith movies. Manikandan, Guru Cognizant

■ Saved a 6 year-old-boy from the river. Rajesh Thanthoni RR Donnelley

■ Police erukum pothey signal thanduvean. Karthik, Pradeep TCS-eserve

■ I told a girl whom I never seen before that she is looking superb directly to her while travelling in train. Srikanth Technip

Menaka Devi from Wipro Technologies has nominated her friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in a Food Village at ECR.

■ Footboarding on MTC buses during school days. Ramesh Wipro

■ I saw first day first shows of Kuruvi n Villu. Santosh Allsec

■ Drove my car on the dangerous Ghat road during midnight. Senthil Wipro

■ Caught a thief, when he came from upstairs of my house. Siva PSBPS

■ Asked manager for leave. Padma Gopal Cognizant

■ I never made a boyfriend. Anu Accenture

■ Proposing a girl. Selva TCS, Mani.L CSS

■ I killed so many cockroaches. Renuka Pride Technologies

■ I had very long hair, on which I got layer cut done first time in my life time; it took lots of bravery to

■ During my university days in Delhi I had to travel in the late evenings from class to hostel by bus. One day I spotted a pick-pocket trying to flick a girl’s bag in the crowed bus we were travelling. Without a thought I cautioned the girl and then confronted the huge man. Soon my stop came and I got out with that man shouting behind me. Only after getting down did I realize what I was doing and got very scared.

Today’s Query: Which is the biggest ‘bulb’ you’ve ever given someone?

Riyaz Ahmed from RR Donnelley has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This photo was clicked during a camp to an unknown forest.

Manidipa Verizon

Natesh from Steria has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked in a star hotel at Chennai.

13

Friday, April 3, 2009

Mythili of RMZ Corp has been nominated as Office Angel by her friend Sundara Sakthivel. She is Clever and intelligent. Fast in her receptionist work. She keeps on smiling and is very serious at work. Becomes tired very easily.

■ HI Ashok (Chocku) Wish you happy birthday. Let this year bring you a great change in your personal & Professional life. With Love, Nantha, Santosh, Ganesh, Faisal, Vijay.

■ Dear Raji, Iniya piranthanal valthukkal.. indru pol endrum punnagaiyodu iruppayaga.. We all wishing you a many more happy returns of the day may this year bring it all the sucess and fulfillment your heart desires.... With lots & lots of luv, Manimozhi,Sandhiya,Sunitha,Jayasudha ,Parameswari,Maria Ramesh, Nagarajan,Saravanan,Johnpaul Sify Technologies

Art featured in this column will receive gift coupons from Fruit Shop on Greams Road. Send in your addresses so that we can post the coupons.

Charanya from Cognizant Technology Solutions doodled this.

■ Dear Dinesh Another bright day is here for you to cheer up ; for you to enjoy and for you to make merry. We really miss your presence here on this auspicious day. Still we commemorate those wonderful days that you shared with us . Dear gentleman wish you a very wonderful b’day. Awaiting for your treat. Hope you won’t disappoint us. Regards, VVS Team Ramco Systems

■ Dear Vanitha, On your Birthday, special one, We wish that all your dreams come true. May your day be filled with joy, Wonderful gifts and goodies, too. On your day we wish for you, favorite people to embrace, Loving smiles and caring looks :-), That earthly gifts cannot replace. We wish you fine and simple pleasures. We wish you many years of laughter. We wish you all of life’s best treasures. We wish you happily ever after! Happy Birthday! Yours Ever loving friends Testing 29 Batch mates CTS.

1. WIFE : unga friendukku paartha ponnu nallavey illainga! neenga, solla kuudatha? HUSBAND : naan ethukku sollanum? avan enakku mattum sonnaana enna... Sundaram.R.S HCL Technologies

2. "Ennadhan neenga Wipro, HCL, Satyam, Infy company la velai pathalum, velai mudinju pogumbodhu "tata" nu dhan sollringa!!!!" Nageshwar N "TATA" Consultancy Services, Siruseri.

dependable. She’s your best friend. She’s your sister...Happy birthday sham....Wishin u a gr8 day and a fabulous year ahead didi.

■ Ennappa Raheem, Un birthday ku Cake vettalama Illa, Vendama… Illa, Dubai ke poiralama…. Seekiram sollu… Hearty Birthday Wishes… From your ever best friends, Muhammad Ashik. Nasirudeen PK (HCL) Ismail PM, (Kone Elevators)

■ Dear Didi, She lends a shoulder for you to cry on. She is always there for you no matter what. She’s a confident. She’s

Loads of luv, Sreejith

■ My Sweetheart, Our anniversary is a time to look back at the good times and a time to look ahead to live our dreams together. If I know what love is, it is only because of you. Luv u a lot!!Happy Anniversary!!! With luv, your Jo

■ Dear Senthil Anna, Wish you a fantastic fun filled blasting birthday ...... Life tooooo short so enjoy it and live it. So no worries and no hurryburries only joy and love. Mom, Dad, Vijay anna & me all are missing you anna. B’day wishes from all of us. Your’s loving, Sathish & Family RBS

■ Hi Sangeetha Birthdays may come and go, But this is the 1st one in our company, Here is wishing you a very happy birthday and a great year ahead, Have lots of fun in our company. Best wishes from Anand, Karthik C, S Chakravarthi, Saroja.

■ Hi , Wish you advance happy birthday to my friend maya kutty. Enjoy you life go head. Regards, Tcse-serve.

Saturday ■ Dear Vimal, Like a fresh dewdrops of a new day, may the god’s loving hands be upon u tomorrow to freshen your soul and body!!! Advance Happy Birthday Wishes!!! With loads of luv, "Ignite Gangsters" (TCS)

■ Hi Hema, vinilirunthu engal methu anbu malaipoliya veguneram agum endruthano... Innalill Intha alagana thevathaiyai immannukku anupinan iraivan !!! Many More Happy Returns Of The Day In Advance... From loving floweres, chajaipoosin WIPRO Technologies "

14

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

Traffic Jam

Soda salvation A priest used lemon cola to baptise a baby in Norway after bad weather froze the church’s water taps.

sudoku

Kiranchandrakant Swatantramath, Director, CSS Corp, clicked this picture of his son running at a resort on ECR.

So you think you would make a terrific photographer but never really had the platform? Mail us your best work and we’ll publish it in this space, with credit. E-mail: [email protected]

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

Sr Dy Chief Designer: J.A. Prem Kumar Dy Chief Designer: R. Ravi Kannan Illustrator: R. Venugopal Technical Support: V.R. Vasudevan, K.G. Gurumurthy N. Ravichandran, E. Baskar

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Contact: 2857 5757 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.goergo.in Head of Circulation: M.G.M. Sharief [email protected]

SNAIL MAIL 859/860, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002 mail your feedback to [email protected]

FAX 2857 6691

Printed and Published by S. Karthik on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209 & at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Editor: S. Karthik (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553

KAKURO

15

Friday, April 3, 2009

Space spat

Word’s worth

A Russian astronaut on the International Space Station is angry after being banned from using the U.S. toilet and exercise bike.

“Panyarring” (puh-nyar-ing) the act of kidnapping someone into slavery. The verb is panyar. It comes from a Latin word meaning ’pawn.’ It was mostly used in West Africa.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 A good day if you are working on softwares. In addition to this, it’s also a good day if you intend to combine two softwares and make it into a new one. Lovers may enjoy intellectual discussions with each other.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Your vocal chords seem blessed today. All verbal communications will be fruitful and meetings too will bear good results. The grace of Ganesha will please lovers as the day will be full of charm. Go for a romantic dinner with your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Your energy will be charged up and will keep you active. The day favours important discussions and new development. Speaking of development, you will be able to develop good logic for softwares. Love life will be equally energized and intense.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Frustration might rule your mind when you feel you are wasting your time and energy on useless things. Control your temper today. However, your beloved may help you cool down by showering you with affection. Tip for the day – take care of your health.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Persistent hard work might not solve certain issues at work today. On the positive side, you will be able to impress others with your negotiation skills. Intelligent discussions with your idol or mentor are on the cards.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Put on your thinking cap. Ganesha finds you completely focused on career progress and related matters. You will not waste time on anything that doesn’t add value to your current profile. In this process, you might end up ignoring vital thing.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 A lucky day for you, where you can negotiate promotion or salary hike. You will experience job security and a strong desire of quick progress. Intellectual hard work is on the cards as well. End day with your beloved.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Projects that you are working on might get delayed. These delays might upset your mood today, says Ganesha. Precisely, it’s an average day at work today. In your love life, you might remain physically attracted towards your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 In the office, you will have to put in a lot of efforts to achieve your targets. Please keep a check on your energy levels or you may feel tired or worked up. Ganesha foresees you giving more time and importance than required in your love life.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Today you will not be in a mood of repeating past mistakes. Hence, you might not want to take up responsibility of the past goof ups. To cover it up, you may work very hard and expect you team to do the same. Handle the ‘blame game’ very carefully.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Ganesha feels it’s the best day to hone your professional skills and learn new things at your workplace. Working under a senior’s guidance will be more beneficial. You might want to wind up the day watching a movie or some other entertainment.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 It is the best day to review the pros and cons of things in your life. However, Ganesha finds you in a confused state of mind. Kindly avoid negative thoughts about anything and anybody, suggests Ganesha. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

ERGO Friday, April 3, 2009

British PM’s wife Sarah Brown, seated (C), with US first lady Michelle Obama (standing behind her), Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur and other guests and wives of G20 leaders attend a dinner hosted by her at London’s Downing Street on Wednesday. PHOTO: PTI

The Corgis of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II are taken for a walk past US President Barack Obama’s car while he has a private audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, in London, on Wednesday.

A bell is displayed at the Pontificia Fonderia Marinalli factory in the central Italian town of Agnone, on the Appenine hills of Molise region. The Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli, founded in 1339 in a village renowned since the Middle Ages for bellmaking, is the last company still in business and is the official maker of the Vatican bells since 1924. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE