Ergo February 25

A BYTE OF LIFE

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

FRIEDA’S EX MIFFED

FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 36

READY FOR

ROUND 2 Recovering from the "Padma snub", boxer Vijender Kumar is ready to rule in the ring again, reports Ayon Sengupta » Page 08

And why might that be? A. Frieda Pinta (a.k.a) Letika is suddenly a star; B. She is getting cozy with co-star Dev Patel; C. The gal thinks she is a diva now and D. All of the above. Seems like Rohan Antao, the once fiancé of the 24-year-old ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ star, might press D. He has poured his heart out to the British media that the actor had called off their engagement following the tremendous hype surrounding the movie and ultimately the Oscar awards themselves. “Slumdog Millionaire wrecked my relationship,” the heartbroken marketing executive has told British tabloids.

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Get stuffed Experience the magic of Italian cuisine at Rhapsody, the restaurant at Courtyard by Marriott, with a range of dishes. The menu is from the land of cheese and pasta – rustic and hearty. For reservations call 66764000

Food on the go This small nondescript eatout should come to your rescue if you are lost in Perambur, even if it is at 1 a.m. V. LOKPRIA

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A.R.Rahman to be felicitated Music director A.R. Rahman, the first Indian to receive two Oscars, will be given a felicitation by the Cine Musicians’ Union and Trust in namma Chennai on March 1. The function to be held at the Cine Musicians’ Union auditorium in Vadapalani will see musician Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna playing the role of chief guest. Other dignitaries who would felicitate Rahman are producer A.V.M. Saravanan, director K. Balachander, and music directors M.S. Viswanathan and maestro Ilayaraja. A host of luminaries from the music fraternity of India are also expected to add glitz and glamour to the occasion.

his eatery is tucked in the corner of a small street on the Perambur Barracks Road for almost 12 years; chances are few that you miss it. It’s the milling crowd at Vallar Quality Tiffin Centre, better known by its original name ‘Akka Kadai’, that draws you. The nondescript eatout may not win brownie points for its ambience, but it is sure to tickle your taste buds with its food. The pocket-friendly price of the food is the biggest advantage. Piping hot idlis with sambar and red chutney and parathas with kurma and vadai curry are the best-selling items. This shop is open throughout the week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. While idli, vada, pongal and puri make up the breakfast menu, variety rice in lemon,

curd, sambar and tomato are served for lunch. However, it is the evening tiffin that draws maximum crowds. Kal dosai and chappati are instant sell-outs. One can get a plate of hot idlis at Rs. 6, while crispy parathas are priced at Rs. 14. Podi dosai comes at Rs. 10. Word-of-mouth publicity and proximity to schools and residential zones make this joint popular. Special vegetable briyani, priced at Rs. 17, is served for lunch on Saturdays. Akka Kadai is haven for late night autorickshaw drivers who want to grab a quick bite. The place is run by R. Suseela, fondly called ‘Akka’ by customers. Selling 400 idlis a day, Akka Kadai is good for those on the go. ■ (Too Good for Critics is a weekly column to celebrate Namma Chennai’s ‘Kaiyendi Bhavans’ and small eateries. If you can think of a similar place, mail us at [email protected])

Ergo Correspondent

Food that is easy on your pocket. THE HINDU FILE PHOTOS

How to get there: Take the fourth left from the Perambur Barracks Road Address: Vallalar Quality Tiffin Centre, 2/26, Vallavan Street, Vepery

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

For the foodie A Kongunadu food festival is on at Hotel Sabari Nest, No. 105, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore. The dinner is priced at Rs. 249. For reservation call 2811 5111/ 2811 1772.

Pete Lockett on his debut duet album with Bikram Ghosh DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

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t is good news for percussion lovers who will get to experience a series of world class drum beats. Tabla maestro Bikram Ghosh and Pete Lockett of Hollywood fame have released their maiden duet album, Kingdom of Rhythm. This album stands out for the variety of instruments used. “The drums used in the album are from across the world – Japan, Latin America, Africa and typical Indian instruments – which includes the gha-

tam, kanjira and tabla,” said Lockett who was in Chennai. Their idea of coming up with an album was just by chance and one can sense a lot of creativity when you hear it. Lockett recalls, “Both of us were performing in Kolkata for the last two years and eventually we planned to make an album of all our compositions. Over the period, we continuously worked to perfect it and at the same time tried to make it as innovative as possible. It was a big challenge as we were not only editing and mixing our music

but the album was made in San Francisco, London and India. One of our tracks also has the sound of cheeks of Ghosh and utensils from his kitchen. Ghatam Suresh and bass star Kai Eckhardt of John Mclaughlin fame have played for one of our tracks.” A video jointly directed by Sugato Guha and Riingoo for one of their tracks, ‘Primal’, is made and for the first time the duo have rendered some chants for their songs. The Bengali music band, Dohar have also sung in the album.The video is in the backdrop of a journey around an imaginary

kingdom and mythical space of kings and warriors. Lockett says, “We enjoyed doing the chants and might have it in our next album, which we plan some time soon.” When asked about his future plans, Lockett, who has played on the drums for Rajinikath in Sivaji, says, “A classical based album Made in Chennai sung by Gayatri and Uma Shankar would be released in March or April and another album with veteran ghatam player Vikku Vinayakam will be released sometime in 2009.” ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tip of the iceberg The first arrest made in connection with the Nigerian scam in Chennai could provide crucial leads to a large-scale racket

ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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or the very first time the Chennai City Police have arrested a man allegedly involved in the infamous Nigerian scam. Official police records indicate that a good number of Chennai netizens have been tricked by various forms of the scam and are estimated to have lost over Rs. 1 crore to it in 2008 itself. However, none of the cases of the Nigerian scam to have been reported has yielded 100 percent results and neither has an accused been arrested here. However, in a significant breakthrough the Velachery po-

lice here have arrested Davidson (29), a Nigerian citizen who had reportedly resorted to the world famous ‘Wash Wash’ scam or ‘Black Dollar’ scam and cheated a city-based software engineer of Rs. 3.5 lakh. According to police sources, the victim, Laxmikanth Nayak (29), a native of Orissa who is employed in an IT firm on Old Mahabalipuram Road, had received an email in November 2008 from Davidson, who was impersonating as a young woman. After gaining the trust of the victim through a number of emails, the culprit informed the victim that her (his) family and business got destroyed in a civil war in Africa. “Later, the accused mailed

again, now as a representative of a bank in Holland saying that the so-called affected woman had nominated Nayak for her father’s wealth of $4.5 lakh in cash,” said Naseeruddin, Sub Inspector of Police, Velachery. He added that Nayak, upon Davidson’s request, had gone to Mumbai in January 2009 and paid Davidson, then impersonating as a bank agent, a sum of Rs 3.5 lakh as initial payment to receive the dollars as a consignment later. “The accused had told the victim that the money will be coated black to avoid Customs clearance problems, hence, he could clean the currency with a solution later,” said the officer. The accused told Nayak that one litre of the solution would cost him Rs. 1.6 lakh and had even demonstrated to him the cleaning process in Mumbai. Upon returning to Chennai, Nayak realised that he had been tricked and decided to trap Davidson. He told Davidson to come to Chennai and collect Rs. 10 lakh as payment for the solution. Taking this for real, Davidson arrived in Chennai on February 20, only to by locked up by Nayak in his

The ‘Wash Wash’ scam case is the only instance where the accused is in prison and could provide police valuable insight into unearthing the roots of the Nigerian scam in the country

house in Velachery to be handed over to the police. Interestingly, Davidson was sent to prison after being booked only for forgery and holding a fake passport. Last year, a Chennai-based mathematician fell prey to phishing and was duped of Rs. 7 lakh. However, police managed to recover Rs. 4 lakh since the crime was reported immediately. The accused were traced as a group of Nigerian nationals residing in New Delhi. Chennai police’s attempts to bring them to Chennai and question them didn’t work out as the suspects were involved in similar cases in Delhi. The ‘Wash Wash’ scam case is the only instance where the ac-

cused is in prison and could provide police valuable insight into unearthing the roots of the Nigerian scam in the country. In Chennai, a number of cases of email scams, including those announcing that the victim has won a huge lottery or expensive car, or that a “wealthy mother” is ready to adopt him, and bank frauds, have been reported. “These might be different cases but most of the crimes are committed by a group of tech-savvy individuals who are mostly foreign nationals stationed in different parts of India,” said a senior investigation officer. Davidson is likely to be taken into police custody soon for questioning. ■

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Of Dora skirts and Barbie tunics Chocklate off Nungambakkam High Road is for party wear for kids anywhere between six months and 15 years. And you can get the clothes customised, too

cade work. The dresses are stylish, appealing and in line with the latest trends of the fashired of hunting the perfect party wear ion industry. However, there are limited opfor your little ones? Your search ends tions for the boys. right here. Located on IVth Lane off Apart from the clothes on the stands, the Nungambakkam High Road, it’s the store also undertakes customised tailoring shop’s name that attracts you in the first pla- and designing of clothes according to one’s ce.Chocklate is the dream child of Nisha. taste and budget. The materials are handStarted three months ago, this shop has built picked by Nisha from abroad and are for itself a steady clientele. As the tagline sug- stitched in her tailoring unit. Actor Kushboo gests, this shop is a big bite of kids’ fashion. was the store’s latest customer. The shop specialises in customised party The store also undertakes orders for Dora wear for children in the age group of six skirts, Barbie tunics and Spider Man tops for months to 15 years. According to Nisha, themed birthday parties. “Kids get bored easily and they are very chooThe latest in store are tunics with the kid’s sy about their stuff; even the more when it name embossed in leather. The price of each comes to clothes, so it’s a challenge design- dress varies depending upon its design and ing clothes for kids.” material. Ballroom gowns are The collection comavailable from Rs. 2,000 onprises halters, ghagrawards, while tunics come at Rs. Address: choli, balloon gowns, 1,000. Chocklate heavy tunics, frocks, “There are is no place in No.3, Bhavani Mansion, Chinese collar dresses, Chennai that deals exclusively A2 block, 4th Lane, ballroom gowns for with kids’ party wear and the Nungambakkam High girls, and traditional Inmarket here is very good. Road, dian sherwanis and anThat’s the main reason why I Chennai – 600034 grakhas for boys. Then started out on children’s party Ph: 044 - 45040108 there are tops in tiger wear. The response is amazStore timings: 11 a.m. to prints mixed with dening,” says Nisha, who turned 7:30 p.m. (Closed on im, sequinned ones and her hobby of fashion designing Sundays) those with heavy brointo profession. ■ V. LOKPRIA

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06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Melon madness A man has broken a world record by smashing 47 watermelons with his head in 60 seconds.

Sweden’s crown princess to wed

Leeches help save Australian shark victim’s hand

Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree, 31, the eldest child of the king and Queen Silvia will marry luxury gym owner Daniel Westling, 35, next year and their engagement will be announced following a cabinet meeting attended by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, according to a Swedish media. Born to a German father and Brazilian mother, Victoria is first in line to the throne.

Surgeons who used leeches to reattach the severed hand of an Australian surfer mauled by a great white shark on Sydney’s Bondi Beach Tuesday hailed the operation as a “minor miracle.” Glenn Orgias, 33, almost lost his hand after being savaged by a 2.5 metre (8.2 foot) great white in the surf off Bondi on February 12 – the second shark attack in Sydney in as many days. Orgias was rushed to hospital with his hand hanging by a three-centimetre (1.2 inch) piece of skin. Using leeches doctors were able to restore blood flow to the injured hand. “I thought the hopes for the hand were close to zero, but I have hope in time that Glenn will have a working hand,” plastic surgeon Kevin Ho said.

Music therapy can cure Alzheimer’s’ Music seems to hold a promise for people suffering from dementia, for a new study has found that Alzheimer’s patients could improve memory by just listening to their favourite songs. An international team has found that people suffering from Alzheimer’s can slow the relentless course of the disease by tuning into their favourite songs, the latest issue of the ‘Cerebral Cortex’ journal reported. According to researchers, listening to certain tunes from one’s past evokes powerful and vivid memories that appear to be immune from the condition. And, by making a “soundtrack of someone’s life” before their mind is damaged and playing it back to them “could help form a resistance to the disease”. What seems to happen is that a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head. “It calls back memories of a particular person or place, and you might all of a sudden see that person’s face in your mind’s eye,” Petr janata, who led the team said. PTI

AFP

Khmer Rouge ’First Lady’ in Cambodia court tirade The former Khmer Rouge “First Lady” launched an angry tirade at Cambodia’s UN-backed genocide tribunal on Tuesday, telling her accusers they would be “cursed to the seventh circle of hell.” Ieng Thirith, 76, facing trial for crimes against humanity under the communist regime, at first told the court that defence lawyers would speak on her behalf during her appeal against detention, saying: “I am too weak.” But she later erupted at the prosecution’s suggestion that she was aware of atrocities at the notorious Tuol Sleng prison while she served as social affairs minister during the Khmer Rouge’s 1975-1979 rule. AFP

Drowsy presser by drugged minister A new phone game mocks Japan’s ‘drowsy’ ex-finance minister

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apanese who watched footage of their former finance minister slur his words and appear to nod off at a ’Group of Seven’ press conference can now try to keep him awake in a new cell phone game. Shoichi Nakagawa – who resigned last week blaming cough medicine and jet lag rather than alcohol for his drowsy performance in Rome – has become the latest target of Japan’s mischievous Internet game industry. In the new phone game called “Drowsy Presser by Drugged Minister” players can wake a

likeness of Nakagawa as he fields questions at a press conference, or allow him to sneak in short naps to build up his energy levels. Players gain points if they boost Nakagawa’s “support rating” by having him answer journalists’ questions, but it’s game over if the minister sleeps while he is asked a question, and the game ends with him falling off his chair. The game from LiveWare Inc. can be downloaded for 52 yen (55 US cents) on to the Internetenabled handsets of three major

Japanese carriers. “We were seeking to produce a new type of game, featuring news topics,” said Evan Kojima, a manager at LiveWare Inc. “The news of the press conference emerged with a great impact when we were trying to come up with an idea.” In December, a British Internet firm launched a game where players could emulate the Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at then US president George W. Bush in protest against his administration’s Iraqi policy. ■ AFP

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Website of the day

Hairy attire

Under the knife nightmares: http://www.awfulplasticsurgery.com/

A Romanian woman has made herself an entire wardrobe of clothes out of her own hair.

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Paes-Dlouhy ousted Third seeds Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy made a shock first round exit from US$ 2,233,500 Dubai Tennis championships after losing 4-6, 6-2, 8-10 to unseeded pair of Simone Bolelli and Ivo Karlovic. Paes-Dlouhy made a spirited comeback after going down in the first set but lost it in the closely fought super tie-breaker.

The Sahara beneficiaries Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar, A.L. Lakra, Dinesh Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Nanao Singh, Narjit Singh, Chhote Lal Yadav, Rakesh Kalaskar, Dilbagh Singh, Balwinder Beniwal and Santosh Kumar Virothu ● Benefits According to sources in the Indian Boxing Federation, the players will be divided into four grades based on their performances and achievements. The Olympic and World Cup medallists will be in the top bracket and get around Rs. 13-15 lakh annually. The next rung would get Rs. 5-6 lakh, those in grade C will get Rs. 2-4 lakh and grade D will get around Rs. 1-2 lakh.

Vijender Kumar in action during the Beijing Olympics. Right: Sahara chairman Subroto Roy flanked by Sushil Kumar (left) and Vijender Kumar during Sahara’s announcement to sponsor Indian boxers and wrestlers in New Delhi on Monday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES AND PTI

Kiwis get Wright stuff on India New Zealand have drawn on the inside knowledge of former India coach John Wright as they prepare to play the side they regard as the best in the world. India’s tour of New Zealand starts in Wellington on Wednesday with the first of two Twenty20 matches to be followed by five One-Day Internationals and three Tests. Wright, the former Kiwi opener who coached India from 2000-2005, has been heavily involved with preparations for the series, according to New Zealand’s Andy Moles. Despite Wright’s tips, and India’s reputation as poor travellers, Moles insists New Zealand are still the underdogs. “They’ve put that to bed in the last couple of years and did really well in Australia last year,” said the coach. “The Indians, I believe, are probably the number one side in the world at the moment in all facets and we will need to make sure we are at our best in all components of our game.” India have not won a Test series in New Zealand in 41 years, but they arrive on the back of home series victories over Australia and England and a 4-1 one-day away win against Sri Lanka. New Zealand, on the other hand, squandered a 2-0 one-day lead against Australia to draw the series 2-2 and then lost the Twenty20 by one run. AFP

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

‘‘

Having new teams is always good as its more competition and better for the sport in general. I don’t know too much about the USF1 team, but the States is a big market for the car industry so it would be good to get a team from that area. And for women in F1, why not? Danica has got some really good results in the past. Giancarlo Fisichella on Danica Patrick’s potential Formula One entry

Reasons to smile again Sahara’s decision to back Indian boxers comes as a breather after the Padma award snub AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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ndian boxers felt ignored by the Indian government after Olympic medallist Vijender Kumar and World Cup bronze medallists Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar were denied the Padma awards. A disappointed Vijender says: “It did hurt my pride. But I can do nothing about it. The time has passed. It was a dream to get the award from the President but now it has been shattered. I am training hard to get over it.” Now, to put the smiles back on their faces, Sahara has decided to support Vijender, his fellow Olympians and a total of 13 boxers for the next few years in a bid to translate the single Olympic bronze at the Beijing Games to a handful of gold in London 2012. “Sahara has constantly supported Indian sports, especially cricket, and look where cricket is now. With their backing we can also hope to break greater heights,” Vijender declares. “If government apathy had pushed boxing down a few rungs, this deal would help us claw back and climb higher. These simple gestures mean a lot.” Recalling his interaction with Sahara supremo Subroto Roy, the Bhiwani lad says: “He asked me to walk into his bungalow and call for him anytime of the day if I ever faced a problem. It makes you feel that apart from our cricketers there are other

sports stars in India, too.” Roy’s Sahara has also decided to support the Bhiwani Boxing Club (BBC) run by veteran boxer Jagdish Singh, home to India’s Olympic boxers. Welcoming the move, Vijender says: “It’s great that they have not just come in to support the established paddlers but also the very base, where more boxers can be trained.” The bronze medallist who had missed the World Cup to recover from a back injury has made his way back to the ring and is preparing for the World Championships. “I am doing some light training and am confident of regaining my full repertoire. But my back still gives in sometimes and it’s better to take things slowly,” Vijender says. “We will have the World

Championships in Milan in August and I am sure of making a full recovery before that.” Meanwhile, enjoying his newfound cult status and rubbing shoulders with Bollywood celebrities, Vijender has also kept an eye on the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) World Series of Boxing, due to be launched in 2010. The World Series features international franchises, following the footsteps of the very successful Uefa Champions League and Indian Premier League. “Once the league is introduced, amateur boxing will have money and glamour and be a worldwide phenomenon. Every boxer is looking forward to it and I hope an Indian franchisee picks me up,” Vijender says. ■

Food for thought Indian wrestlers preparing for next year’s Commonwealth Games are asking for more nutritious food at the national camp in Pune, according to reports on Tuesday. Some of the wrestlers have complained that although the government has earmarked huge amounts of money for the New Delhi games, enough was not trickling down for the preparation of athletes. “We are not getting (a) proper diet... how can you expect us to deliver good results,” an unnamed wrestler said. “They are giving us double-toned milk and vegetables prepared in refined oil. We are not getting anything special to supplement our diet,” he added. The Indian government has earmarked Rs. 7 crore for the preparation of elite athletes for the games, seen as a big advertisement for India’s rapid economic growth. Indian wrestlers have performed consistently in international meets and their hopes have been boosted after Sushil Kumar won a bronze at last year’s Beijing Olympics. “It’s a serious problem. It will disturb their preparation for the games,” Wrestling Federation of India secretary-general Kartar Singh said. Many of the wrestlers come from traditional wrestling academies and enjoy a rich diet of buffalo milk and ghee (clarified butter) as a cooking medium. Reuters

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Winslet’s 5-year-old speech writer Kate Winslet confessed to having taken acceptance speech pointers from her five-year-old son Joe . “He said I should say ‘Thank you to everyone for helping me,’” the Sun quoted her as saying. “That broke my heart,” she added.

‘I was nervous facing the camera after 25 years’

PHOTO: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Neetu Singh makes a comeback, that too opposite Rishi Kapoor

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er vivaciousness was her trademark in the many films she acted in, but Neetu Singh admits she was nervous while facing the camera after more than 25 years for comeback film Do Dooni Chaar, in which she stars opposite husband Rishi Kapoor. “Yes, I was indeed nervous when I was called for my first shot in the film,” says Neetu. “I was facing the camera after more than 25 years and was conscious on the sets.” As expected, the scene went

off well. “I was wondering how I would be able to memorise my dialogues and deliver them well. It was bound to happen though and I settled down after my initial nervous moments,” says Neetu, who debuted as a child actor more than 40 years ago in Dus Lakh and acted in around 50 films. Do Dooni Chaar, being made by debutant director Habib Faisal, will see her playing a typical Punjabi wife of a Mathematics teacher (Rishi Kapoor) in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar area.

Neetu said she decided to make a comeback on the big screen after much persuasion. “Except for an odd still-shoot here and there, I hadn’t done much for the camera over the years. Yes, there were offers to act all this while but I wasn’t too keen. I was happy looking after my family and home,” says Neetu, who featured in hits like Khel Khel Main, Amar, Akbar, Anthony and Kabhie Kabhie. What really made her return to Bollywood? “My kids are doing good now

and are settling down in life. Riddhima got married and Ranbir, too, is doing well for himself. He is going in the right direction. There are good roles being written today and this is when I decided to give acting another shot,” she said. Neetu is quite happy playing a middle-class Punjabi housewife in Do Dooni Chaar, instead of making a quintessential bigbang comeback. “Do Dooni Chaar is quite interesting. It is a meaningful light hearted entertainer. Rishi-ji

plays a Mathematics teacher while I play his wife and a mother of two grown-up kids. My clothes too have been designed on the lines of those that are typically worn by women in this part of the city,” the actor says. Neetu Singh’s last big release was opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Yaraana (1981), though she did later feature in lesserknown films like Chorni and Ganga Meri Maa. Do Dooni Char is set to release later this year. ■ IANS

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Say freeze! Simon Cowell wants to have his body frozen after he dies because he is convinced that one day technology will bring him back to life. The X Factor and American Idol judge announced his plans to British Premier Gordon Brown at a Downing Street dinner. “I’ve decided to have myself frozen when I die. You know, cryogenics,” the Daily Star quoted Cowell, as saying. ANI

Cine City

Clothes

maketh the woman

USA Calling Looks like Gautham Menon has a strong affinity to USA’s scenic locations. With two of his movies – Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu and Vaaranam Aayiram – already shot in USA, we hear that Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya, starring Silambarasan, will also be shot at the director’s favourite place. There is a buzz that his project with Ajith is still on the cards and he rubbishes all rumours about having any issue with the star. If all ends well, will this project also be shot in USA? Let’s wait and watch.

Nicole Kidman tops Most Fashionable Aussie list again

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icole Kidman has once again been voted the Most Fashionable Aussie in a new survey. According to the annual Rosemount O Summer Style Index, the actress grabbed the title beat-

classic style icons. “The Rosemount O Summer Style Index shows us that Australians value a classic sense of style that transcends every age – from Jennifer Hawkins and Miranda Kerr through to the timeless style

Nayan, Asin get Kalaimamani award Actors Asin, Nayanthara, Meera Jasmine, Bharath, Sundar C. and Pasupathi will receive the Kalaimamani Award instituted by the Tamil Nadu Government. A total of 70 persons will be given the awards in recognition of their work in their respective fields. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Dhanush, daughter of Superstar Rajinikanth, will also receive the award for her contribution to classical dance.

Jennifer Hawkins Cate Blanchett ing former Miss Universe-turnedTV presenter Jennifer Hawkins. Cate Blanchett was at the third spot, followed by the World’s Sexiest Man Hugh Jackman, the only male in the top 10. Wrapping up the top five was the stunning singer Kylie Minogue. Rosemount marketing manager Sandy Mayo accorded the results to the Australians’ preference for

of Quentin Bryce and Maggie Tabberer,” the Herald Sun quoted her as saying. “And while it’s probably not a big surprise that Melbourne ranks highest on the style stakes, it’s interesting to see suburbs with a more accessible and laidback personality such as Noosa and Unley ranking on Australia’s style radar,” she added. ■ ANI

Nicole Kidman.

GETTY IMAGES

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ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tuesday’s Query: Your congratulatory messages for Indians who have won the Oscars’ ■ This is not the final step, the first step, but a good one at the right time to start our march.

Krishnakumar, Sudharsan, Jagan, Karthi, Baasha, Parthi (HCL)

■ ’A’llah ’R’ewards Rahman. India arrives to the big stage. It’s just the beginning. Jai Ho! A.G.Sivakumar (Perot Systems), Sabarish.JM (CTS), Arun, Vonage Team (CSS), Pradeep.S (Mphasis), Balamurugan Rajan (HCL), Robin.M (Wipro), S.Sivasundaram (RRD)

■ "Ella Pugalum Iraivanukke" to one and only God of Music Allah Rakha Rahman Aboo (Wipro), Senthil Kumar.P (RRD), Devagi (CSS), Sasidharan (TCS), Karthik (Mphasis)

■ Varumaikku kodumaikku sutri sutri thirinthen, Sinna sinna paravai pol thisai yenkum paranthen, Veylilum mazhilum vittu vittu nanainthen, Mugavari yethuv yentru mugam thulaithen, Manam thunday ponathe unai kangal theduthe thoda kaikal niluthe ithayam ithayam thudikintrathe yengum un pol pasam illai athalal un madi thedinen. A.R.Rehman kku vanaakkam Chris Ganesh (Perot Systems)

■ This is a beginning, we got T20WC, Olympic medals, golden globe and now Oscar, this is a strong message send across to the indians, we can achieve anything and boosting for those who looking more heights my heartfelt congrats to oscAR Rahman and the others chakde India Vinoj (Allsec)

■ Thalaivaru na namma MGRu, hitu na adhu Super Staru, Issaiku vera yaaru, adhu daan Oscar ARRu. Thamizhanendru Sollada Thalai Nimirndhu Sellada Swaminathan, Reflexisis

■ Talent and hardwork always keeps the person in a higher position. Congratulation guyz Ravi, TCS-eserve

■ Rahmanji is an example for the Bible verse "he that humbles himself shall be exalted". Hearty congrats Vijay, TCS

■ Now India can challenge the world. Now world know music is born in India. Devan, CSS

■ My special congrats to ARR and all the very best 4 his future to get more awards.

Sindu Ford, Prasanna Chakravarthi, Rajesh Wipro, Hari.M TCS, Gopi Excelaco, S.Dheepa Infosys, Anusha, Anu Jackson Cognizant, Arun Kumar, Beny Raja, Jerome Allsec, Senthil.VS, Verizon

■ Musical storm is now upgraded to musical hurricane long live oscA.R Rahman Hashim, Allsec

■ Let this be a beacon of hope for all to overcome obstacles to reach heights regardless of backgrounds. Kudos way to go Senthil, Wipro

■ I wouldn’t say u got the Oscars, The Golden Globe, The BAFTA awards in the right time. If there were any foreign touches, (cast/technicians/banner) in ur previous projects, you would have got all the awards for Roja itself. Ungal isaiyai ennalum suvaasikum indha thamizhanin nalvaazhthukkal Sureshkumar, Rangasamy, HCL

Sundar Shri Ganesh from CGSL has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Udayam Theatre.

■ This is one milestone. Good luck to conquer more laurels. The woods are lovely dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. Deepak Vasudevan ,Verizon

■ Ella pugazhum un oruvan oruvanuke, nee nadhi pole odikondiru. un vervaiku vettrigal yendrum thodara vazhthukkal Hema CSS, Dinesh.R, TCS, Ramu Vishnu TCS, Rajesh, Wipro

■ Dear Rahman ji, first my wishes to you. Your music magic should not stop here. You have more responsibilities now and need to satisfy more your fans than you did before Krishnan TV, Wipro

■ Dear Indian Oscarians, Oscar is your recognition and you are our recognition. It feels great to live in the land where you live in. We are proud of you. Jai Ho! Paul (CSS), Mukund (SCB Scope International), Dhanapal (HCL Comnet), Dinesh, Mahalakshmi (Perot Systems), Mohan Kumar, Nirmal (TCS)

Thivya Priya from Cognizant has nominated her gang as Partners in Crime . The pic was Clicked at Pine Forest in Kodaikanal.

■ A.R.Rahman, needless to mention, deserved such a prestigious recognition right for his debut film way back in 1992. Perhaps God has let him enhance his patience & now that he made it. ARR JI. We all know that this is not the end of the road! Elango, Wipro

■ A.R.R is made in India and made for India Prince, Zohocorp

Today’s Query: Two things you would like to do before you die and why?

Sridhar Raparthi from HCL has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Chinnamanur.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Mr. Arjun Mahajan of HCL has been nominated as Office Angel by his colleague Ramachandran. He is working in HCL tech for the past 9 months and is the most talented person in the team with little luck as others take credit for the work he has done. But that doesn’t stop him from working day and night for his goals. He is friendly and adaptable to all situations but only thing he couldn’t adjust to is the food habit of Chennai.

■ Pandiya Rani, Wish you Many More Happy return of day to my dear friend,God Bless you. Regards, THD, TCS

■ Dear Swetha, San Ni Kuai Lo! Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu! Bonne Fete! Enna onnum puriyaama muzhikireenga! Puttiroju subhakankshalu OK, Simple yaar English lo, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We wish u many more happy returns of the day!! “We turn not older with years but newer every day.” With loads of love from, Krishna, Swetha S, Paaru, Siri. HCL Technologies Ltd.

■ Dear Saidai Arasi, Wish you many more happy returns of the day Wishes from the Heart, M24 Team, FSS

■ Hi Rajesh, Belated Happy birthday!!! Have a gr8 year.. wish all your dreams come true this year.!! Message for your bday "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.".. Have a blast.!!

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 best wishes from, Friends, ExcelaCom Technologies.

■ Siva Manasula Sakthi (SMS) ithu old title Siva Manasula Sumathi (SMS) puthusu kanna puthusu Wishing them a grand and colorful life! Thamil Selvan of HCL Technologies Ltd doodled this.

Hearty wishes from SM (Thala-Karuppiah, Angurajan, Sriram, Yuva) Change Records (Arjun, Sindhu, shobana, mandla, Sunil, Muthulakshmi, Niranjani, senthil) ACE (Thala-Magesh, Karthik, Sonu) And Prasanth, Sanjay, Anirudh, Madhan and all other team members

■ Hi Rehman Congrats on winning Oscars. Keep it up… Now, Indians can win Oscar. Jai Ho! Lukeson, Wipro

1. Pongalukku Governmentla leaveu kudupanga... Ana Idly Dosaikku kudupangala?!!!!!!!!! 2. Enna thaan oruthan gundaa irundalum, avana thuppakkikulla poda mudiyathu!!!!!!! 3. Autokku autonu paer irundaalum manual aa thaan drive panna mudiyum... Saravanan.V, Software Engineer, HCL Technologies Ltd

■ Hi Junior, Many More happy returns of the day! Let this Birthday be loaded with full of happiness & enjoyment. God bless you Bharath! Hearty wishes by Saranya Cognizant

Belated Wishes ■ Hi, Hema K Many Many Happy Returns Of the Day. Yours dear friend

■ Dear Vijay, Sorry for the belated Birthday wishes. Wish u many many and many more happy returns of the day (Feb 22) .May your life be full of happiness and joy. Have a bright and flourishing future. God Bless You... :-) With Loads of wishes, Customer World Team, TCS

■ Dear Delen (FBA), Wish you many more happy returns of the day from the Entire QA/Test Dept, Sella Synergy India (P) Ltd We wish your dreams come true especially to become Business Analyst. All the very best and waiting for your treat Cheers, Suveer, QA/Test Dept Sella Synergy India (P) Ltd

■ Dear Divya, Today we celebrate a person who Brings happiness to everyone, We wish you a wonderful life filled with love and prosperity. We hope others bring you joy, just as you’ve brought joy to us, then you can weather any storm and be all you want to be. Happy Birthday !!! Lots of luv, Scindia, Seetha, Anu, Swathi, Ramya Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Adharsh Wishing you many more happy returns of the day.. May all your dreams come true. Happy birthday, love you so much. With Lot Of Love Divya , IBM

■ Dear Karuppasamy Manimala We wish Manimala a joyful and colorful birthday. May all the happiness continue throughout her life. From BSC Extended Support Team. Ramah Ramakrishnan Cognizant Technologies

■ Hi Julie, Congratulations! May the coming years bring lots of success & happiness around you. Keep on smiling & capturing hearts! With love, Saranya M Cognizant.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Hard-up President George W. Bush has turned down his first chance of a new job since leaving the White House - at a hardware store in Dallas.

sudoku

Avinash T.R. of TCS sent us this picture, which he shot near his home in Karnataka. Hobby: Photography

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15

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Up in smoke

Word’s worth

A cannabis grower in Somerset, England has been arrested - after boasting of his crop on YouTube.

“Panthnetist” (pan-thnee-tist) someone who believes that both the body and soul perish in death. From Greek roots meaning ‘all’ and ‘mortal.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 It may be the day of multitasking. You may participate in brainstorming sessions at office, along with your routine activities. In personal life, your spouse or beloved may want you to fulfil his or her expectations and you may not say ’no’ to it.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You may become more career oriented today. Instead of wasting time in mundane activities, you will have complete focus on work at office. Your beloved one or life partner may feel that you are dominant. Nurture love life in best way you can!

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You may be receiving favours from everyone at office, which will make you feel lucky. Important tasks may be on the verge of completion. You may experience mood swings. There may be desire to go to exotic place with your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha feels that some of your essential activities at office may be delayed if taken up. Suppose if there is a meeting, it may postpone. In love relationships, you may remain touchy so if your partner ignores you, it may hurt you.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You are passing through ’low strength phase’ today. Ganesha suggests you not to spar against anyone at office or even at home, as you have lesser scopes of coming out as a winner in confrontations. In love life, you might have to keep ’ego’ aside.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

It could be an action-packed day for you at office. You may enjoy research and development activities. Important meetings may be arranged, says Ganesha. In personal life, you will not be able to pay due attention, due to your busy schedule.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Ganesha finds you balancing each and every factor at workplace. You can be inspiring and motivating others. Your performance or skills will be appreciated by other people. You will share your beliefs and ideas with your beloved one

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Today you may not be very energetic at office but you may be thinking deeply about certain issues related to your life, by and large. While you do this, ensure that your work doesn’t get sidelined. You may wish to devote more time to your love life.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Ganesha finds you very creative in your work today. You will be able to perform exceptionally well in your career. You will handle technical part of your work very well. If there are issues in your personal life, you may be able to resolve them.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha feels that you will be paying more attention to management and related matters at office. You will use your verbal communication skills to convince others. In love life, you may be softspoken an compromising.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 This is best day to begin new projects. If you are at a managerial level in your work, you may handle your job very intelligently and tactfully. Love life may be full of charm and you will be in a good humour throughout the day.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Trivial matters may take up lot of time and energy. You may need to handle your work more attentively as there are chances of mistakes and goof-ups. Talk to your beloved one about your feelings, very frankly, in order to feel relieved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Wednesday, February 25, 2009

No more bright clothes for public servants Public servants in the gritty central Chinese city of Zhengzhou should not sport "unnatural hair styles" or wear clothes that are too colorful, according to new city regulations.

New videogame lets you ‘slap’ a CEO online A Web entertainment company has launched an online videogame called “Trillion Dollar Bailout” which allows players to “slap” or reward CEOs and hand out bags of money to deserving homeowners. Players of the game, created by AddictingGames.com, are given one trillion play dollars with which to “rescue the US economy before total economic meltdown strikes.” In the game, homeowners and corporate CEOs pop out of a New York City skyline requesting taxpayer-funded handouts – such as the eight billion dollars requested by “Crysalot Motors.” Players can either hand out money by clicking on a money bag icon or give the person requesting a bailout a slap by clicking on an icon which looks like a hand. The player’s actions are charted on a graph and determine whether the economy is “saved” or “tanks.” The game’s creators urge players to “punish greedy fat cats and save honest people” and “put the hurt on dudes in suits!” ■ AFP

68-yr-old granny listed the most married woman A sexagenarian granny, who has tied the knot 23 times, has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most married woman. Linda Wolfe, 68, first got married at the age of 16. The mother of seven achieved such a huge tally after becoming “addicted to the romance” of getting hitched. Her longest marriage lasted seven years, while her shortest was just 36 hours. Her list of husbands include a convict, a vending machine mechanic, a preacher, barmen, plumbers and musicians. Two of her husbands turned out to be gay, while two others cheated on her. Linda, of Alexandria, Indiana, has been single for ten years. She, however, says that is “on the lookout for number 24”."It’s been years since I walked down the aisle. I miss it," the Sun quoted her as saying. Presently staying in a retirement home, Linda said that she has never cheated on a hubby. ANI