Ergo February 10

A BYTE OF LIFE

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

05 BACKPACKERS Battleground at Palamedu FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

11 REPEAT PERFORMANCE Slumdog Millionaire sweeps awards, this time BAFTA

No. xx

JANE OF THE JUNGLE

Ayon Sengupta in conversation with primatologist and author Jane Goodall, who was in the city over the weekend, her friendly primate toy in tow.

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

» PAGE 03

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

For the valentine Kirtilals is celebrating Valentine’s Day till February 14. Diamond jewellery sets, solitaire rings… there are many more to choose from. Drop in at Kirtilals Showroom, 38, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet.

A memorable celebration

Transfer trouble

W

e, the Mphasis CSR team, decided to celebrate Republic Day with the Panchayat Union School students at Neelangarai. Our relationship with the school started when our team volunteered to take up computer, spoken English and moral science classes to the students of classes VI to VIII. The chief guest of the day was Mrs. Devaki from Aseema Trust, who is spreading Gandhian principles to the modern world. She gave a speech on patriotism, Gandhian principles and explained in length about the spinning wheel. As part of the celebrations, we conducted various contests like essay writing, elocutions, poetry, quiz, drawing, and games like running race, frog race and skipping race for the students of classes I to VIII. The students drew the portraits of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar. A drawing of Jallianwala Bagh massacre really touched everyone’s heart. The kids were happy to receive the prizes. The students thanked all Mphasis volunteers for handling interactive classes making it more enjoyable with games and other activities. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and were willing to spend more time with the students. Of course, each of us will realise spending time with innocent kids always makes life memorable and meaningful.

Money received, but by whom? A hefty sum for investigation expenses is being allotted annually by the state government to junior cops in the city. But the juniors complain that the money is never distributed by the top brass. Reliable sources reveal that a ‘money received’ voucher is forcibly taken from the juniors by some corrupt seniors for a sum which wasn’t distributed.

A senior IPS officer who was recently transferred from Chennai is an angry man these days as he received three transfers (one was a punishment transfer) in the last three months. The cop apparently lashed out at his juniors, including his driver who drove him to the railway station before he headed to his next posting.

First-time snatchers The escalating numbers of chain-snatching incidents in city limits have turned into a big headache for the cops. The reason –

youngsters with a penchant for easy money and posh living are taking to snatching. The advent of first-time offenders in this crime is leaving investigators baffled.

Cine star’s revenge Police recently arrested two foreign nationals possessing cocaine following a tip-off by a wellknown Tamil actress. Reliable police sources reveal that the actor was in fact an acquaintance of the apprehended duo as they were the suppliers of contraband for the star. Later, when her relationship with the two soured, she decided to land them in the police net.

Cats sleep anywhere ...

CSR Education Team, Mphasis an EDS Company

쒀 ... any table, any chair. With summer setting in on the city, this empty flower pot seems to be an oasis for this cat. PHOTO: N. SRIDHARAN

03

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Jane of the Jungle In conversation with the enigmatic Dr.Jane Goodall, who was in Namma Chennai over the weekend

PHOTO : R. RAVINDRAN

Dr Goodall’s favourite stuffed monkey Mr. H is heading to the hospital. Travelling with her for the past 15 years to more than 60 countries, Mr. H is suffering from a partly severed head and will be heading off for surgery once Dr. Goodall reaches England. Couple of years back Mr. H had a “nose-job” done after an over-zealous puppy bit it off somewhere in Africa. The last of Dr. Goodall’s earliest subjects, Fiffy (daughter of the great matriarch Flo) and alpha male Goblin died three years ago. But Fiffy’s children and grandchildren roam freely in Gombe and Dr. Goodall shares a special rapport with them.

C

hasing hens as a four-year-old at her father’s family farm in the English countryside to following chimpanzees and other apes in African jungles and now globetrotting 300 days a year, Jane Goodall has always been on the move. At the ripe age of 75, she is still travelling and sees no chance of slowing down in the near future. “When in 2002 Kofi Annan (the then UN Secretary General) asked me to be one of his Messengers of Peace, I was flabbergasted. I told him ‘Kofi you possibly don’t expect me to travel more.’ And he replied: ‘No Jane, I just want you to continue travelling because I know I can never ask others to travel to places where you go.’ And now I feel a compulsion to keep continuing and I think I will go mad if I stop suddenly,” she says in an exclusive interview to Ergo during her recent visit to Namma Chennai. From facing initial opposition from the British home government allowing her as a 20year-old to travel into the uncharted Tanzanian jungles to facing stiff resistance from conventional primatologists, Dr. Goodall has seen a lot and has mostly come out on top and it is safe to say that if there was any Tarzan (her formative years’ hero) in Africa he would have been bowled over by this “other Jane”. Recalling her childhood, Dr. Goodall says: “At about age 10, having discovered Tarzan in the books and fallen in love with him and been furious and jealous when he married that other wimpy Jane – and that’s when the dream began – when I grow up I shall go to Africa, live with animals and write books about them.” Her initial findings showing startling similarities between humans and chimps created a stir but her persistence and dedication paid off in the end with all her views gaining gradual scientific acceptance. Over the years she has graduated into greater and bigger roles. Multitasking as an author, naturalist, motivational speaker and teacher over the past two decades, Dr. Goodall is equally at ease in every surrounding. “Gombe (in Tanzania) is my spiritual home and I still do have my house in England but I am just a visitor there. I can never be well-settled in the U. S. But don’t ask me why,” she explains. “I am comfortable doing everything because I have let my life take its course. I have never been excited or irritated. Following the chimpanzees for years without any human contact and with no need for spoken word has helped me be patient.” Her youth initiative programme, Roots & Shoots, is now in over 100 countries, engaged in social, environmental and wildlife conservation work. “The young in the world has lot of ideas. The problem is they are not always getting a chance to bring them out. By bringing them together we are giving all of us a chance,” Dr. Goodall feels. “Working in war-torn central African countries, Latin American rain-forests and across Asia along with young leaders we want to break all barriers and surge forward.” ■

04 TECHNORAMA

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Technorama

Evil King COMETH Why abhor evil when you can play them on your PC? King Ceville, the PC game release this month, allows user to be a little evil.

G

ames bring out all kinds of traits in a person and this applies especially to computer and video games. Sometimes, living virtually means taking on the role of a fighter for a good cause, becoming a warrior slaying a dragon to save a princess and other times it means conquering the world. On other occasions, it means shepherding a group of virtual people through their everyday existences and helping them realize their dreams. The opportunity of playing a baddie does not come often - and to have fun in the process. But that is exactly what Ceville hopes to accomplish when it’s released in February. Another game, Grand Ages: Rome, allows people o take on the role of a city mayor. Then, there’s the usual mix of action and adventure titles. The name, Ceville, probably does not yet ring a bell for most people as it’s a brand-new game and not simply a sequel to a popular game series. But plenty of the content will seem familiar to anyone who has played a pointand-click game that involves searching rooms for clues to the next step in solving an adventure. But, unlike other games of the genre, which focus on fantasy, adventures or crimes, this one is about experiencing life from the perspective of King Ceville. His brand of evil is not like that found

in a horror film. And the game’s comic book-style art pokes plenty of fun at the evil king and a host of other topics. Atmosphere is provided by the game’s voice artists. The actress, who dubs Angelina Jolie’s voice in German-language versions of Hollywood movies, provides some of them. Additionally, the German actor, who provides the voice for Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings movies, also provides the voice for the king, another sign that the game developers at Boxed Dreams in Munich have a sense of humour. Publisher Kalypso Media plans to release Ceville on February 19. Ubisoft is sticking to familiar territory with its CSI:NY game. Based on the popular television series, CSI:NY requires players to solve murders in New York. A new twist allows players to step into the shoes of some of the series’ best-known characters. The game allows you to listen to suspects’ testimonies and hunt for clues. Additional mini-games allow players to investigate shooting angles or crack codes. The investigations begin on February 12. Players of Grand Ages: Rome will not be able to build a metropolis like New York, but they will be able to build some nice settlements in ancient Roman style. Your job is to create a town out of nothing. But after picking the site of the city, the virtual mayor has

King Ceville combines some wacky humour and role-play. For those who think that is gaming for wimps, there is F.E.A.R 2 releasing this month, need we say another feel good rip them all off first person shooter. to set up manufacturing industries and take care of the workers there. Grand Ages: Rome might be a new title, but it borrows heavily from city-building simulators set in the Roman era, like the Caesar series. Grand Ages is actually the successor to Imperium Romanum. The renaming was needed to pave the way for a series of Grand Ages games in

various times and ages. According to Kalypso Media, the game should be available starting February 26. But the pace may be too slow for some gamers. They might want more action, which a game like F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin is more than willing to provide. The sequel is a pure adventure offshoot from other fantasy games. A girl named Alma

is using supernatural powers to vent her anger on the town of Auburn. A special unit is set up to fight her and hordes of gruesome assistants. Producer Warner Brothers promises that the game will be packed with action, mostly in the form of exciting battles. F.E.A.R. 2 is expected to hit shelves on February 13. ■ DPA

05

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

PHOTOS: SRIDHAR LAKSHMANAN

Backpackers

Hello Backpackers, Send us pictures of your team or family outing with a small write-up on the place, mentioning why the trip was special, how you got there or any interesting travel experience for that matter. Email:[email protected]

An encounter with the bulls of Palamedu SRIDHAR LAKSHMANAN

J

The Supreme Court has banned jallikattu, but alongside the restless villagers who have to show their valour through the rural sport, we had a reader who captured it up-close

allikattu has been the event I have been waiting for. Last year, when I went armed with my photo gear to shoot the Alanganallur Jallikattu, I hardly managed to capture anything but the rear of more than a hundred bulls. This year, I was better prepared to shoot pictures from a prime spot. At 11 a.m., I was at Palamedu, which is some 20 kms from Alanganallur. The crowd had begun to throng in large numbers to witness one of the most brutal conflicts between man and animal. Initially, the bulls of Palamedu were let loose and as tradition goes these were not to be touched let alone tamed. Later, the other bulls were let loose. After some caustic sarcasm from the commentator to the sissy bull-fighters, the action began. The men started to hold the bulls by the hump and run along with it, some managed to catch it by its horns. When the bulls came

charging some scampered under the poll barricade and some climbed upon it. The Collector was virtually pleading with the tamers not to hold the bull by its tail or use a lasso as it was a Supreme Court guideline, and if they violated the game would be suspended. However, there was an emergency ambulance and medical officers nearby to help the injured and a team from the Animal Welfare Board to ensure that the bulls were treated properly.

Thus goes history The game was traditionally meant to promote valour in young men and as a means for young women to choose their husbands. Another story says that some human sacrifice had to be offered to the local goddess, and fearing pestilence. If it was not done, it was decided that the most non-controversial way to do it was to conduct a sport where life was at stake. The game derives its name

from the word salli (meaning coins) and kattu (meaning bundle), signifying the bundle of gold coins that used to be tied to the bull’s horns, which the winner could claim. Today, it is almirahs, cycles, copper vessels, new clothes and cash that are offered as prizes. Two strange events stand out in my mind. One, where a bull stood right in the middle of the arena, surrounded by about 30 men but not allowing even one to come anywhere near it. Inviting them by digging the earth with its horns and hooves. It remained unconquered till the end and the owner had to be called to take it away. The second was when a bull refused to leave from the entry point to the arena as it was absolutely petrified. It was forced to leave, but it only refused. Finally, the owner had to come with a lasso and drag it out of the arena. ■ (The writer works with Satyam. For more photos visit www.ecologin.ning.com)

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

World’s worst driver An elderly woman in South Korea has failed her driving test for the 771st time. But the 68-year-old has no intention of giving up - despite taking and failing a test almost every working day since 2005.

Zakir Hussain wins Grammy Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has won the Grammy award as part of the winning team that created the Global Drum project. The Global Drum was nominated under the Best Contemporary World Music Album category. Hussain shares the honour with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo. The Global Drum tour brought Hart, Hussain, Adepoju and Hidalgo together in a reunion sparked by the 15th anniversary of the ground-breaking album Planet Drum. Released in 1991 on the Rykodisc label it went on to earn the firstever Grammy Award in the World Music category. IANS

Tamil Canadian watches TV for 72 hours, sets Guinness record Sri Lanka-born, Toronto-based Suresh Joachim, who already has 53 Guinness records to his credit, set another on Sunday by watching television non-stop for 72 hours in Stockholm. In the process, the 39-year-old of Tamil origin broke his own previous record of 69 hours and 48 minutes established in September 2005 at the ABC studios in New York. A holder of many Guinness records, Joachim was invited by Sweden’s television TV4 network to compete against a Swedish challenger. The shy unassuming Joachim, who lives with his wife in the city of Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto, said he spent his time watching episodes of a drama series and drinking cups of coffee. His record-breaking feat began at 8 p.m. Thursday and ended Sunday evening.

Alpine ice man was bludgeoned and then shot The famous Alpine ice man, whose 5,000-yearold mummified body was discovered in a melting glacier, was bludgeoned and then finished off with an arrow by prehistoric assailants, according to a team of German researchers. Adding new clues to the Stone Age riddle, the paleoforensic scientists at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich say they can now prove that the Oetz Valley Glacier man, dubbed Oetzi, did not die of exposure after having suffered a non-lethal blow with a blunt object, possibly a stone from a slingshot. Instead, his attackers shot him with a flint-tipped arrow to make sure he was a goner, according to the experts. “He only lived for a short time after the arrow impact,” said Andreas Nerlich, who headed the study. DPA

Man dumps wife on Facebook A British man ended his marriage by dumping his wife on the social networking website Facebook. Emma Brady, 35, claims she only learnt her husband was divorcing her only when he changed his status on the site to read: “Neil Brady has ended his marriage to Emma Brady.” She also claims she only discovered that she was being divorced when she was telephoned by concerned friends who had read the update. The mother of one faced further humiliation when other users began adding comments. The couple no longer live together but have yet to begin formal divorce proceedings.

IANS

Wenn

Thalidomide ‘was developed by the Nazis’ T

halidomide, the morning sickness drug which caused many women to give birth to deformed babies, was first developed by the Nazis under Adolf Hitler as part of their chemical weapons programme, according to a new study. It was earlier thought to have been invented in the early 1950s by German firm Chemie Grunenthal, before its use by pregnant woman worldwide from 1957 to 1961, leading to the birth of 10,000 babies in Europe and Africa with deformities. Now, a team has claimed that thalidomide was tested on prisoners at concentration camps in Germany by the Nazis to determine whether it could act as an antidote to nerve gas in case of a chemical warfare. According to Dr Martin Johnson,

the Director of the Thalidomide Trust, who led the team, thalidomide was developed by Third Reich scientist, Otto Ambros, as an antidote to nerve toxins before he went to Grunenthal after the war. Dr Johnson was quoted by The Times

The drug was tested on prisoners at concentration camps in Germany by the Nazis to determine whether it could act as an antidote to nerve gas in case of a chemical warfare

as saying: “It is now appearing increasingly likely that thalidomide was the last war crime of the Nazis.” Moreover, Grunenthal’s 1954 thalidomide patent also indicated that the morning sickness drug had already been tested on humans before official tests began worldwide for its use, he said. Meanwhile, Carlos De Napoli, an Argentinean author of an upcoming book on Nazi scientists has claimed to have found a document which reveals thalidomide has its origins in Hitler’s laboratories in Germany. “There is absolutely no doubt of the Nazi development of and experimentation with thalidomide in the World War two camps,” he was quoted as saying. ■ PTI

07

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Websites of the day Explore National Geographic Online - a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration. http:// www.nationalgeographic.com Lonely Planet offers travel advice, detailed maps, travel news, popular message boards and health information. Also lists information and updates regarding guidebooks. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Half of Chinese toy makers wiped out in crisis

N

early half of China’s toy makers closed last year due to shrinking exports brought about by the global financial crisis, Chinese media reported Monday. At the start of 2008, China had 8,610 companies that produced and exported toys, but by the end of the year, that number had declined by 49 percent to 4,388, the Beijing Times said, citing customs data. Chinese toy exports grew marginally in 2008 by 1.8 percent to 8.6 billion dollars, but the overall figure masked a dramatically worsening performance towards the end of the year, according to the paper. In November, toy exports declined by 8.6 percent from the same month a year earlier, while December marked a drop of 7.6 percent, the paper said. China’s southern province of Guangdong, which produces roughly half of the world’s toys, has seen some large-scale factory closures. Smart Union, a Hong Kong-listed maker of products for US giants Mattel and Disney, shut down in October last year, causing 7,000 people to lose their jobs. China’s toy industry had already been facing problems before the eco-

Salman Rushdie’s latest arm candy

Smart Union, a Hong Kong-listed maker of products for US giants Mattel and Disney, shut down in October last year, causing 7,000 people to lose their jobs nomic crisis struck. Recalls around the world of dangerous Chinese-made toys severely tarnished the industry’s reputation, while rising labour and land costs also caused problems. Adding to the woes, India banned Chinese toy imports in late January for six months, triggering trade tensions between the world’s two biggest emerging economies. In reaction, Chinese officials are now deciding whether they should appeal to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, state media said last week. Overall, China’s exports have also been hit hard by the crisis, with shipments abroad declining for the first time in seven years in November and December. ■

It’s celebration time

F

our failed marriages have not stopped Sir Salman Rushdie from being a charmer or so it seemed after the stunning Pia Glenn was recently spotted on his arm. The Booker prize-winning author, who parted ways with the beautiful Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi in 2007, was seen with Glenn, 29 years his junior, at Mansion’s opening-night party. On being questioned what their relationship should be called, Rushdie agreed to nothing less than “lucky”. “That’s a good word. She’s unbelievably talented. She’s a show-stopper, isn’t she?” the New York Daily News quoted him as saying. The 61-year-old has previously stated that he no longer harboured intentions of tying the knot again, though he did not rule out the possibility of falling in love. The writer faced serious trouble with his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, in 1988, for which he landed with death threats and a fatwa from Muslim protestors. ANI

The Booker prizewinning author was seen with Pia Glenn, 29 years his junior, at a party

쒀 Villagers wear traditional costumes as they perform Zou Madeng to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao) in Hefei, central China’s Anhui province February 8. Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao, is one the key traditional Chinese festivals, which falls on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar, on the first full moon night of the new year. People celebrate the festival, by watching lanterns, guess riddles and eating dumplings. AFP PHOTO

AFP

08 SPORT

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Atwal finishes tied 53rd Arjun Atwal signed off exactly the way he had kicked off, turning in an even-par 72 in the final round to finish tied 53rd in the USD 5.3 million Buick Invitational golf tournament in San Diego. Atwal finished with an aggregate of four-over 292 to pocket US$ 12, 270 apart from 16.50 FedExCup points.

Barca

Bichel calls it a day Former Australian Test fast bowler Andy Bichel on Monday announced his retirement from first-class cricket after 17 seasons. Bichel, 38, who played 19 Tests and 67 OneDay Internationals for Australia, said he had been forced to quit because of an ongoing shoulder problem since having reconstructive surgery 14 months ago. “I don’t want to let anyone down,” Bichel said on Monday. “It (the shoulder) is good enough for grade (club) cricket, but I didn’t want to get out there (for Queensland) and not do what I used to do.” Bichel captured 58 Test wickets at 32.24 and hit 355 runs with a highest score of 71. He finished two games short of 100 firstclass matches for Queensland, but still chalked up an impressive list of milestones and achievements. He is the second-highest first-class wicket-taker in Queensland history with 463 wickets, behind only Michael Kasprowicz (505) and is the third-highest wicket-taker in Australian first-class domestic cricket, behind leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett and Kasprowicz. Bichel played 176 matches for Queensland (98 first-class and 78 one-day) and was a member of four first-class championship teams and three one-day title-winning sides for his state.

bandwagon rolls on Hungry Eto’o keeps scoring

AFP

Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o (left) is congratulated by team-mate Thierry Henri (right) after scoring during the Liga match against Sporting Gijon at the New Camp Stadium in Barcelona. PHOTO: AFP

Underwater billiards Scuba diver Sabir Bux took on national-level billiards player Ahsan ul-Haque during a game under the surface of the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Orissa, which they say was the first such attempt in the world. The game was played off the coast of Gopalpur, some 180 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, for over an hour on Sunday. “It was a trial match. We will play a match to set a world record later on,” Bux said. He plans to play at least 10 more trial matches before going for the final record attempt. An 8x4 sq ft iron table weigh 62 kg was installed about 20 feet deep in the water and special balls were used. Four students of the Kalinga Divers institute assisted them. The institute was set up by 43year-old Bux to provide training in scuba diving. It has produced over 100 professional divers till now. Bux, a man with a fascination for both music and diving, has already filmed music videos underwater, both in the Bay of Bengal and in the Mahanadi River. IANS

S

amuel Eto’o scored twice as Barcelona beat Sporting Gijon 3-1 at Camp Nou to reestablish their 12-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish table. Eto’o scored in the 23rd and 40th minutes on Sunday to take his personal tally to 21 for the season with Valencia’s David Villa his nearest rival on 17. Brazilian Dani Alves added a third in the second half as Barcelona eased to their 10th successive league win. “Alves never gets tired and is an extraordinary player while Eto’o is helping us a lot with his goals and work rate,” said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. “We got our intensity back tonight and switched well from defence to attack. There are fewer games left now but there are a lot of things that can still happen.”

than going for a second goal. Guardiola reshuffled the Barcelona backline with central defenders Rafael Marquez and Gerard Pique, called into the Spain squad for Wednesday’s friendly with England, both suspended. Carles Puyol returned from injury and Uruguayan international Martin Caceres, a 16.5 million Euro signing from Villarreal, had a rare start in central defence. Caceres had a quiet night as Barcelona had Sporting on the back foot from the start and deservedly took the lead on 23 minutes. Sporting had a corner but when the ball was cleared the hosts launched a lightning quick counter-attack with Andres Iniesta carrying the ball at pace before feeding Thierry Henry who crossed for Eto’o to tap in.

Sweet 100 Winning ways Champions Real notched their seventh win on the spin with a 1-0 triumph over Racing Santander on Saturday but they were jeered off by their own fans for clinging to the slender lead rather

It was Barcelona’s 100th goal this season in all competitions but they weren’t resting on their laurels as Eto’o scored again shortly before half-time. Picking up a Lionel Messi pass, Eto’o jinked inside before smashing his

effort into the corner. Alves made it 3-0 with a great solo goal before Gijon pulled one back through Kike Mateo three minutes later. Eto’o was denied a hat-trick by the post while Henry could have got three himself after spurning several chances. “We came here with the idea of giving them a fright but they gave us a fright,” admitted Sporting coach Manolo Preciado. “When you are on the pitch you realise that this (Barcelona) is the best team in the world. They have everything - fighting spirit, physical strength and the right attitude.” New Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino had a memorable debut as his side defeated Recreativo Huelva 3-0 to record their first win in 2009. Resino replaced the sacked Javier Aguirre this week and the change of manager had the desired effect as Atletico closed to within two points of fourth-placed Valencia. Sergio Kun Aguero scored after just two minutes and Diego Forlan hit a quick-fire brace to wrap up the points. ■ AFP

09

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

‘‘

IPL has benefited players a lot and has provided opportunities to play as a team with international players who come out with different tactics. The IPL series would be ideal preparation for most of our guys before going for the Twenty20 World Cup tournament a few weeks later. Mahela Jayawardena on the role IPL will play ahead of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England in June

Profitable sabbatical E

xile from international cricket could make Andrew Symonds richer by almost one million dollars as the troubled Australian all-rounder, if ignored for the April ODI series against Pakistan, will get to play the entire duration of the lucrative Indian Premier League. The 33-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation and counselling after being declared unavailable for selection by Cricket Australia, which cited his lack of commitment as the reason to ignore him for the time being. He will miss the Test tour of South Africa which follows the ongoing One-Day series against New Zealand. If he sits out of the Pakistan series as well, he would be free to play for his IPL team Hyderabad Deccan Chargers for the entire duration of the Twenty20 event.

Good for IPL “Any decision by CA to block Symonds from playing in the Pakistan series – to be played in the United Arab Emirates – will enable the Queenslander to be available for the entire duration of the cashcrazy Indian Premier League. Symonds’ IPL deal with Deccan is valued at 1.47 million dollars and he will pocket every cent if he plays out the six-week tournament,” the Sunday Herald Sun reported. “If he is not picked in the Australian team, I would like to see him here for the whole tournament. That would be great,” IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said. “He would be a wonderful asset. If there was a ban on him by the ICC, that is one thing, but he has not made any derogatory comments or done anything wrong as far as the IPL is concerned,” he added.

No stopping him CA spokesman Peter Young said the Board would not come in the way of Symonds’ IPL participation if he is ignored for the Pakistan series. “We’re not going to stop people going to the IPL if they have IPL contracts. We have our first claim over their time (required for Australia), part of the governance that the IPL accepts,” Young said. “But if they are not playing for us and choose to go to the IPL, that is their business, so long as they report back fresh for Australia. Depending on the details we finalise with Pakistan, Andrew could be playing cricket for Australia for the first part of the IPL,” he added. ■ PTI PHOTO: ARUNANGSU ROY CHOWDHURY

International exile promises rich rewards for Symonds

10 FLICK

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I do not want a Grammy Sinead O’Connor is the only artiste to refuse a Grammy, declining to accept the award for Best Alternative Music Performance for ‘I Do No Want What I Haven’t Got’ in 1990.

Plant & Krauss, Coldplay dominate Grammys

Robert PLant and Alison Krauss nabbed five awards for their album Raising Sand

M

usical odd couple Robert Plant and Alison Krauss stole the show at the Grammys on Sunday, dominating the prestigious gala with their groundbreaking rockcountry collaboration to nab five awards. Led Zeppelin frontman Plant and country icon Krauss led the field, winning the coveted Album of the Year honour and Record of the Year prize for work stemming from their acclaimed Raising Sand album. Other big winners at Los Angeles’ Staples Center included British supergroup Coldplay, which won three awards, including song of the year for ‘Viva la

Vida’, and rapper Lil Wayne, with four. “I’d like to say I’m bewildered,” Plant told the audience after collecting Album of the Year, the final award of the night. “It’s been a wonderful time,” added bluegrass queen Krauss, who has now won a staggering total of 26 Grammys during her career, a record for a female performer. Plant and Krauss also won Grammys for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, Best Pop Collaboration, Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album, and Record of the Year. Coldplay’s trio of awards came for Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Group and Best

Rock Album for ‘Viva La Vida’. “Thank you and sorry for blatantly recycling the Sergeant Pepper album,” Coldplay drummer Will Champion said after collecting the song of the year award, in comments directed at Beatles legend Paul McCartney. Meanwhile, as the awards unfolded, a behind-the-scenes drama involving pop singer Rihanna forced organisers to make an 11th hour change to their

Coldplay got three Grammys -Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Group and Best Rock Album

Jennifer Hudson shows off her Grammy in Best R&B Album category. PHOTO: AFP

star-studded line-up of artistes due to perform. Police in Los Angeles confirmed they were questioning Rihanna’s boyfriend, singer-songwriter Chris Brown, in connection with an allegation of domestic violence. The 20-year-old Barbadosborn singer had been due to perform early in the show but organizers abruptly announced her withdrawal just before the event. Meanwhile, tragic singer Jennifer Hudson won the first Grammy of her career after triumphing in the best R&B album category. Hudson, 27, who is re-emerging into the spotlight after the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last year, won for her album Jennifer Hudson. “I don’t really know what to say,” said Hudson, her voice cracking with emotion after she received the award from Whitney Houston. “I would like to thank my family in heaven and those that are here today. I just don’t know where to start. Everybody, thank you all.” ■ AFP

11

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Billu minus barber Shah Rukh Khan has decided to drop the word ‘barber’ from the film posters of his home production, Billu Barber, after a section of hairdressers objected to the word terming it as ‘derogatory’. “I understand the emotions and I respect it… We will try and remove the word ‘Barber’ from the posters,” said Khan.

Slumdog, again

No cry baby, this W

Mickey Rourke wins in best leading actor category for his role in The Wrestler

Slumdog Millionaire wins five awards at BAFTA. Many see this as Oscar indicator

S

lumdog Millionaire swept the board at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London on Sunday with seven prizes including best film. In a star-studded ceremony, Kate Winslet also picked up the BAFTA for leading actress for her role as a former Nazi prison camp guard in The Reader, while Mickey Rourke took the leading actor gong for The Wrestler. Slumdog Millionaire had been nominated for 11 awards and took home

seven, including best director for Danny Boyle, best adapted screenplay for Simon Beaufoy and the music, cinematography, editing and sound prizes. Before the ceremony, fans braved the rain outside the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, jostling for a chance at an autograph from one of the Alisters present, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr. Dev Patel seemed as starstruck as anyone – he was nominated for leading actor but said he never expected to win, and the main thing he wanted from the night was to meet Pitt. “I’m 18 years old and I’m at the BAFTAs!’ said Patel, who lives with his parents and sister in Harrow, north-west London. Winslet beat rivals Jolie, Kristin Scott Thomas and Meryl Streep to take the second BAFTA of her career – she won best supporting actress in 1995 – and her second award for The Reader after a Kate Winslet with her Golden Globe last month. best leading actress award

Penelope Cruz chosen best supporting actress. PHOTOS: AFP She will be up against Streep and Jolie again at the Oscars. Rourke’s win secures his comeback after years in the wilderness, and in his speech he thanked director Darren Aronofsky. Heath Ledger was awarded with a posthumous BAFTA for best supporting actor for his menacing performance as the Joker in the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Penelope Cruz won best supporting actress for her role in Woody Allen’s sparky romantic drama, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, an honour she said came as a complete shock. “I’m so happy, so excited, so surprised,” she said. The BAFTAs have grown in prominence in recent years and are now seen as one indicator of who will win the film industry’s biggest gongs, the Oscars. Last year, the winners of BAFTA’s four acting categories went on to win the equivalent Academy Awards – although Atonement won best film here only to lose out to No Country for Old Men in Hollywood. ■ AFP

ill Smith, Hollywood’s daredevil hero famous for shooting down aliens and zombies, admitted on Monday he found it more frightening to handle the intense emotions involved in his latest movie, Seven Pounds. “It’s very terrifying for me as an artiste to make a movie with no aliens, no explosions and no special effects,” the 40-year-old told a news conference in Tokyo to promote the movie. “I generally do not cry in real life,” he said. In the film, Smith’s character sets out on a mission to change the lives of seven people after feeling guilty about a car accident in which seven others died. The film has been directed by Gabriele Muccino, who also worked with Smith on the 2006 rag-to-riches story, The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith said his trick for crying scenes was actually to try to hold back his tears on camera. “When you’re trying not to cry it’s much more painful for the audience than when you watch someone who’s trying to cry,” he said. “It’s very rare in life that you’re actually trying to cry,” he said. “The fight of trying not to cry is what looks powerful on screen.” ■ AFP

Sons and fathers

J

ean-Claude Van Damme is planning to resurrect his acting career in a bid to win back his youngest son. The hunk’s personal life and career hit rock bottom in the 1990s and following a nasty divorce from his fourth wife Darcy LaPier in 1997, he lost access to his youngest son, 13-year-old Nicholas. The star, who has been dubbed the ‘Muscles from Brussels’, told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “The only way I can bring my son back is to be successful again as they were saying to him, ‘Your father is a loser.’” ■ ANI

12

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Monday’s Question: If you are asked to buy one expensive accessory with a 75% discount, what would you like to buy and why? ■ I’ll get a BMW.

Mohan Kumar, Tata Consultancy Services

■ A helicopter due to Chennai traffic. Kothandapani, HCL

■ Platinum necklace set as that is something valuable for future. Serena D’souza, Allsec Technologies

Swathi Bonthala from TCS has nominated her team mates as Partners in Crime. This picture is taken at Boat House on ECR Road

■ 100000 shares of Satyam, IT will bounce back. Wasi, Wipro Technologies

■ Buy Innova car as it is my dream. I want to achieve my dream in less cost. Mahi, Anandhi, Sangu, Pavi, Wipro Technologies

■ I’ll buy diamonds. Sahera, Wipro Technologies

■ Car used in Karakattakaran film (which is used by "soppana sundari" ■ A new brand Apache bike.

Karthi, HCL

Suree, Tata Consultancy Services

Keshav from Wipro Technologies has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kishkinta.

■ A high quality laptop with every latest versions of all the software available and with extreme configuration of high performance hardware available. R.Nagarajan, InfoView Technologies, Sivaprakasam.G, Birlasoft

■ Gold – for the price it is being offered and its resale value. Saravana Kumar Y.V, HCL

Today’s Query: Of all the Indian cricket captains who is your favourite and why? Karthic Ghanesh from iNautix Technologies has nominated his freinds as Partners in Crime.

13

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Sunil Kumar T. of Ramco Systems Ltd has been nominated as Office Angel by Ramprasad R. It is hard to see such a friendly person like him. Highly motivating and would always be the centre of our group. His team spirit during working hours and during leisure is always the best.

■ Hi Rajameenakshi, Engal Manamarntha Pirandha Nal Nalvalthukkal Wish you many more happy returns of the day. Live Long Life With Best Wishes From - WK-TCOE TCS

■ Dear DR Danapal, A smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkle away. Hope you share lots and receive lots for days to come. Kick off your shoes; Take a break; Dance and Shake; Light the candles; Cut the cake make; It is a day that is simply great. Happy Birthday Dana alias DR. Vijay. 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.

With Tons of Luv, Route No. 4 Friends, Scope International

■ Dear Archana, Wish you many many more Happy Returns of the Day and joy filled life! Have a nice time at MGM. Wishes from one and all! With Cheers, Ranjane, Balaji, et al.

Vinothini Pachaiyappan of Infosys doodled this.

■ Dear Affi, Wish You a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. May God shower all the blessings on you. May the coming years bring lots of happiness and cherish in your life. We wish that all your dreams come true. With Love, PQS-PTD(team) Wipro Technologies.

■ Dear Deepa, On your Birthday,here comes our hearty wishes… May you achieve success and happiness in the year ahead… Wishing you a many more happy returns of the DAY!!!!!! Greets, Meena, Karthi.. Wipro Technologies.

■ Dear Aryamol, Wishing you a very Happy & Memorable Birthday. May God bless you and all your dreams come true. With Lots of Love, Amal, Vinu, John & Midhun Wipro Technologies

■ Dear Britto, Happy Birthday to You & May God Bless you. May this day be the beginning of another special year.Let this birthday bring you lot of joy and happiness in your life! A Warm Birthday Wishes from All of us! I wish all your dreams will soon come true!!

1. In a bakery shop: Parthiban: Unga kadaila ella bun’num kidaikkuma? Vadivel: Hmmmm…. Parti: Ok 1kg rib’bon, 2kg Car’bon kodu… Vadivel: Avana nee……….??????? 2. Principal: Eanda late? Student: Bike puncher sir Princ: Busla varalam la…. Stud: Varalam…. Aanna, Bus vanga vasathi illa sir….. Shiva Kumar A., Accenture Services Pvt. Ltd

With love, Bhavani Ananthan. Team Beacon. HCL Technologies Ltd.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Baywatch Bilbo Britian’s sole lifeguard dog Bilbo is starring in a Baywatch style video appeal in a plea to get his job back. The 90kg (14 stone) Newfoundland was banned from roving his beach despite helping to rescue dozens of people.

sudoku

This spider has built its web in a hut thatched with coconut leaves. Karun Palaniswamy of Wipro Technologies, Sholinganallur spotted its home behind his house in Coimbatore.

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

New star-ff needed

Word’s worth

A finance company is advertising for new staff based on star signs. The firm wants only Ariens, Capricorns, Taureans, Aquarians and Leos because it says they are the best workers.

“Eccaleobion” (eck-kal-ee-oh-bye-un) the name given to an egg-hatching machine invented in 1939 by a W. Bucknell. The name is supposed to be the sentence “I evoke life” written as one Greek word. It has been used figuratively; a citation from 1880 in the OED says that a particular magazine was “at one time a very eccaleobion for young writers”.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You may remain very much focussed on work till noon but after that you may start getting confused about various issues related to your work. On the relationship front, you might have to play with words to convince your beloved.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 It’s a day of mixed feelings for you, by and large. Till noon you may remain very firm in your views while talking to others at work but after that, you may change your views about various matters frequently.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 At the beginning of the day you may not be in a mood to devote much time to work. After the noon time, you will devote much time and energy to your work. Your partner may find you very flirtatious, yet the relationship may blossom very well.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You may be depending a great deal on luck till noon. You should try not to take up important tasks on hand today, advises Ganesha. In personal relationship, your partner may doubt your integrity which may hurt you.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Ganesha finds you distressed because of some technical error or confusion at workplace. However, post lunch time, you may be able to solve all the problems. You will be able to have a very good time with your life partner or beloved one.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

It is a very favourable day at workplace. You will be able to crack many complex issues very easily. The day favours research and development activities too. Your focus may not be on the personal relations so your life partner or beloved one may feel neglected.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 You may not need to crave attention at office, everyone will be automatically asking for your guidance and opinion. You will be able to solve complex issues very easily. If you are in a relationship, the day promises you romantic time.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 It is slightly unfavourable day for you so you may need to attend office work with lot of focus. In love life, you may need to compromise and adjust, which seems to be the best way out to handle your partner’s emotions, as per Ganesha’s view.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Ganesha feels that your important task may get delayed today. But with the passage of time, you can find solution of problems. On the other hand, your emotional bonds with opposite sex may become stronger.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha suggests you not to take important decisions related to work today. If you do so, you may feel like rectifying your decision in second half of the day. There may be emotional stress due to some unforeseen reasons in love life.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You may be very creative and innovative in your work today, feels Ganesha. Stars are in your favour in the second half of the day. You may express your love dramatically in front of your beloved one or life partner.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 At office, you may not be in a mood to handle important tasks. If you do so, you may end up committing some mistakes. In love life, you may be completely submissive and may be in a mood to compromise so your beloved. . Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Tuesday, February 10, 2009

One look is all it takes Snapshots from the 51st annual Grammy awards in Los Angeles and the British Academy of Film and Television Awards nite in London

British actor Dev Patel and Indian actress Freida Pinto pose for photographers at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) on February 8.

British director Danny Boyle (R) and Indian composer A. R. Rahman arrive at the BAFTA on February 8. AFP PHOTO

AFP PHOTO

Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive at the BAFTA at the Royal Opera House in central London on February 8. Jolie was nominated for best leading actress for her role in Changeling and Pitt for best leading actor for his role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. AFP PHOTO

Actor Gwyneth Paltrow introduces Radiohead during the 51st annual Grammy awards. AFP PHOTO

Katy Perry performs her hit song ’I Kissed a Girl’ during the 51st annual Grammy awards.

AFP PHOTO