Ergo January 22

A BYTE OF LIFE

Thursday, January 22, 2009

10 LUCK BY CHANCE Juhi Chawla dons blonde look

FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

09 DUCATI MOTOR coming to India

No. 13

Man U looks East The ‘AIG’ on Manchester United’s jerseys could soon read ‘Sahara’ as the Club looks towards new t-shirt sponsorship deals » PAGE 07

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

I have a story to tell True Dummy – a fable of existence by Ashish Jaiswal – will be released today at Crossword, Kuppu Arcade, Venkatnarayana Road, T. Nagar at 6 p.m. The book is Ashish’s debut into the world of story-telling.

Charles Anthony

Arun

Praveen Anthony

If you are a philanthropist interested in listening to gospels, then there is a better way to celebrate Republic Day. Composers Charles Anthony and Praveen Anthony and playback singer Arun join hands to organise a Chennailevel gospel concert to raise funds for ‘Home for Destitutes’. The musical show scheduled on the evening of January 26 also has singers Nrithya Andrews and Ram performing. The concert, presented by V2 Trinity Records, is sponsored by V.G.P Groups. Tickets are available at the venue on the day of the show. What: Gospel concert (fund raiser) When: January 26, 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Kristu Jyothi Church Ground, Poonamallee Road, Ramapuram (near Chennai Trade Centre). For details call 99621 63592.

Free as a bird Suchitra Srinivasan’s camera is both her favourite pastime as well as an instrument for changing attitudes for the better

PHOTO: SUCHITRA V. SRINIVASAN

Live gospel concert

A parakeet at home in the wild

SRIYA NARAYANAN [email protected]

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burst of colour, flashes of scenery and picture postcard moments. Suchitra V. Srinivasan loves nothing more than a weekend spent watching South India’s birds in their natural habitat. Although she uses what she calls a “camera for beginners”, a Canon Powershot S3 IS, the photographs on her birdwatcher’s blog could easily pass off as something out of a published book on wildlife. For Suchitra who’s a freelance copy editor by day, her photo blog picturesofbirds-tropical.blogspot.com is not just a collage of pretty pictures. She hopes visitors to her website will come to appreciate the joy of watching nature at its purest, most undisturbed best

and that people will think twice about buying caged birds as pets. “The caged bird trade has been responsible for endangering many species of birds in the wild. The number of birds suffering due to this pet trade is huge. More than a million birds are taken from their homes in the wild and sold across the world. It does not matter even if they are not endangered. If this continues, they will become endangered soon,” she says, simultaneously sending a photograph of a rose-ringed parakeet perched on a coconut tree. “This one was happily posing for me.” Suchitra, who is also actively involved in Chennai’s animal welfare scene, strongly believes that photography can change people’s attitudes towards birds and animals. While she discour-

ages birds being kept as pets for reasons mentioned above, she’s quite the cheerleader for shelter adoptions. “I have two dogs and a cat of my own that I adopted from the Blue Cross of India shelter, Velachery. They are great company! I have also had them sterilised and vaccinated.” The two all-Indian dogs, Coco and Blackie, are featured proudly on her site – right next to her ‘About Me’ section. If a photograph can speak a thousand words, her online portfolio of South India’s lush landscape and thriving wildlife seems to say that mother nature is most beautiful when she’s left alone! ■

03

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Groom yourself A workshop on self-grooming and beauty will be conducted by a specialist on January 24 and 26. Saree-draping, yoga, mehendi design workshops and other grooming tips will be offered. For details call Neeva Evenetz at 98840 49371/ 98840 61700.

Man locks up and tortures wife for a year, arrested PETLEE PETER [email protected]

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man in Anna Nagar who locked up his wife for over a year and tortured her was arrested by the city police. The situation came to light after the victim managed to call her mother in Andhra Pradesh, who subsequently contacted the police here. Police sources said the accused, Sunil Kumar (36), a construction contractor residing in F-Block, 18th Street, Anna Nagar West, had locked up his wife Tejaswi (26) inside a room in their house and subjected her to repeated torture. The couple,

both hailing from Paramaneri in Chittoor in AP, were married in 2001 and have two children. Sunil, who had settled with Tejaswi in Chennai a few years ago, had repeatedly subjected her to torture demanding more dowry. “Sunil is an alcoholic and a suspected drug user and kept Tejaswi inside a room for over a year and continued abusing her physically, including injuring her with cigarette butts,” said a lady investigating officer from Anna Nagar police. She also added that on Monday the victim managed to call her mother Visalakshi, who is a school teacher in Chittoor. Visalakshi rushed to Chennai, only

to find the door of her daughter’s home locked from outside. She then lodged a complaint with the City Police Commissioner on Tuesday, following which immediate police action was taken. Tejaswi was rescued and sent to a hospital for treatment, while Sunil Kumar was arrested. Police seized 60 sovereigns of gold and six kgs of silver from him. A case under IPC section 498 (A), for cruelty by husband towards wife, was registered against the accused. Sunil was produced at a city court, remanded to police custody and sent to Puzhal Prison. ■

His Holiness...

Go Mexico!

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he Embassy of Mexico, New Delhi, and the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation are organising a Mexican Film Festival. All films start at 6:30 p.m. at the South Indian Film Chamber Theatre, 606, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 006. For further details, contact 98410 51956.

Schedule January January January January

26: 27: 28: 29:

Bad Habits Pan’s Labyrinth Silent Night Carnival of Sodom

Bad Habits

쒀 After a stop at Puducherry, the Dalai Lama made a visit to Chennai on Wednesday, where he addressed journalists and students of Madras University. PTI PHOTO

Silent Night

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Stolen shark A 30-year-old man has been charged with stealing a shark from a New York pet shop. Elbert Starks allegedly took the mammal from an aquarium at a Long Island pet store and then smuggled it out under his jacket.

Google cancels print ad programme

Obama orders 120-day halt to Guantanamo prosecutions

Google Inc. on Tuesday announced it was cancelling its print advertisement programme in which it sought to bring its auction-like ad buying system to hundreds of newspapers. The company said the programme, which started in November 2006, had not created the hoped-for impact and that its cancellation would allow the firm to focus on more successful ventures as it tries to cut spending. “It is important that we focus on products that can benefit the most people and solve the most important problems,” director of Google print ads Spencer Spinnell wrote in a posting on a company website. DPA

Israeli army says Gaza pullout completed Israeli troops have completed their withdrawal from the Gaza Strip after a 22-day offensive against the Islamist Hamas movement, an army spokesman said on Wednesday. “The last soldier left the Gaza Strip this morning,” the spokesman said. “However, the army remains deployed all around the Gaza Strip to meet any eventuality.” The pullout began Sunday after Israel declared a ceasefire and Palestinian militants matched it. Hamas gave Israel a week to remove all troops and open crossing points into Gaza or face renewed hostilities. Palestinian health ministry figures list more than 1,300 people dead, including 410 children and about 100 women. Another 5,300 people were wounded – 1,855 of them children and 795 women. AFP

US President Barack Obama on his first day in office ordered the suspension of prosecutions at the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for 120 days, news reports said on Wednesday. The order, one of Obama’s first acts after taking office Tuesday, was given orally by Defence Secretary Robert Gates to the Guantanamo prosecutors’ office. The Washington Post, citing a motion filed at the US Navy base, said the order delaying proceedings until May 20, would allow Obama’s administration to review the legal processes at the prison camp and the cases pending there. Obama had been expected as early as this week to order the closure of the detention centre for terrorist suspects and begin exploring ways to deal with the 250 detainees who remain at the camp. DPA

GM to be ‘out of cash’ without rest of govt. loan The largest US automaker, General Motors Corp., said on Tuesday it will run out of cash if it does not get the second part of the federal bridge loan next month. GM President Fritz Henderson said the situation was dire for the troubled carmaker, which received a fourbillion-dollar emergency loan last month and is due to collect another instalment of the bridge loan in February. “If we don’t get our second instalment of funding, we’ll run out of cash. It’s just that simple,” Henderson said at a conference sponsored by the trade publication Automotive News. “We have finalised the documentation with the second draw and frankly we anticipate receiving it,” Henderson said. AFP

The lone orange tree of Srinagar Horticulturists baffled at seeing one in a climate more conducive to growing apples, apricots and cherries

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resident of Srinagar has succeeded in growing oranges in the backyard of his house. Kashmir’s climate is not suited for cultivating oranges as the temperatures in the valley fall to sub-zero levels during winter with frost being common to which oranges are sensitive. However, Abdur Rashid Badyari has succeeded in growing the lone orange tree in Srinagar.

Badyari has a hobby of planting a variety of plants since his childhood days. Some years ago, Badyari bought a few plants along with an orange plant from outside the state and planted it in the backyard of his house, knowing very well that the valley’s climate is not favourable for the growth of an orange tree. But, astonishingly, his orange tree not only grew but also

bloomed to bear fruit, astonishing his friends and neighbours. “Earlier many people, including my friends, thought of this tree as an artificial one. But when they came and saw the orange tree, they started appreciating it. I feel very happy,’ says Rashid Badyari. The tree, at present, has about 100 oranges hanging from its branches, that too in the winter season, to the bewilderment of local horticulture experts. They maintain that the climate of Kashmir valley is not congenial for growing oranges. “It is not possible to grow oranges in Kashmir valley because

ours is a temperate area where we can cultivate apples, plums, apricots, cherry and walnut. We can’t grow oranges as the weather is not like Nagpur, but we can grow something like rough lemon,” said M.S. Qasba, Director, Horticulture Department, Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley is not a citrus belt. Its summers are usually cool, and the winters experience snow and are freezing. Oranges are sensitive to temperatures below four degrees celsius and that is why an orange tree that seems to be defying natural laws baffles the local agricultural experts. ■ ANI

05

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Mubarak, Obama

After Tuesday’s historic inauguration it’s back to work for Barack Obama. A sneak-peak into some things we thought were interesting

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Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

Barack Obama

Daughters of George W. Bush share memories while asking Sasha and Malia to have fun at the White House

Menu 0186

Obama Clock

Here’s a glance into the menu for the luncheon the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies arranged to honor Barack Obama and Joe Biden. First course: Seafood stew, duckhorn vineyards 2007 sauvignon blanc Second course: A brace of American birds, pheasant and duck, sour cherry chutney, molasses sweet potatoes, goldeneye 2005 pinot noir Third course: Apple cinnamon sponge cake, sweet cream glace, korbel natural `Special Inaugural Cuvee’’ sparkling wine

Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States even before he was administered the oath of office, thanks to a clause in the American constitution. According to the 20th amendment of the US constitution, the term of President Obama begins at noon on January 20. However at 12 in the afternoon, Obama was yet to be sworn-in. Obama took the presidential oath of office minutes after the clock struck 12 and so, according to the constitutional clause, he was already the President even before being sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts.

http://inaugural.senate.gov/luncheon/

Two to tango Collector’s pride

If you want to catch one more glimpse of the stunning jewellery that Michelle Obama adorned for the inaugural ball (designed by Loree Rodkin), then head to Smithsonian Museum. All pieces worn by the First Lady will become part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum.

PHOTO: AFP

The swearing in of Obama as the President of the United States of America has set the ball rolling, quite literally. The President and First Lady, along with the vice president and Second Lady will attend around 10 official inaugural balls. If that sounds too much, then the President will speak briefly at all 10 balls and both the Obamas and Bidens will have at least one dance at each of the official balls.

PTI

Spelling luxury

What they said that you never heard

The two Obama girls would sure enjoy their stay at the White house as they would never have to wait in line for a movie ticket again. They will be able to enjoy the latest films in the cushy, 40-seat movie theatre, in the East Wing of the White House. The first family will also have a yacht called, ‘The Sequoia’. A part of the American history, the yacht will continue to serve the Obamas. John F Kennedy had celebrated his final birthday on board ‘The Sequoia’ and Richard Nixon had played ‘God Bless America’ on the ship’s piano after deciding to resign. If the 132 rooms of the White house were not grand enough, the Obamas will also be able to enjoy the comforts of a vacation home. It is the secluded Camp David, where families from the Roosevelts to the Clintons have relaxed and hosted foreign dignitaries.

Millions may have lauded Barack Obama’s inaugural speech but what remained unheard was what was said by a First daughter to her father, and between the new President and his predecessor after the swearing-in ceremony. According to a lip reader, the first African-American President of the United States, just after the ceremony, asked George W. Bush: “You OK?” As to what was Bush’s reply, according to the Sun, the lip reader said: “So relieved.” The 43rd President had later informally handed over his former White House residence to Obama saying: “It’s all yours now - good luck.” And while thousands cheered the hope brought about by their new leader, seven-year-old First daughter Sasha was said to have told her President-dad: “That was a good speech, perfect.”

PTI

ANI

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Armstrong has a go Lance Armstrong cranked up the speed in a bid to further test his form in the second stage of the Tour Down Under, won by Australian Allan Davis on Wednesday. Armstrong was among several riders to have a go at attacking the peloton late in the day after a three-man breakaway had been reeled in with less than 50km to race.

Mirza crashes out Indian icon Sania Mirza crashed out of the Australian Open Wednesday but said she was just happy to be back after a painful six months on the sidelines. Her 6-3, 6-2 loss to Russian 10th seed Nadia Petrova was only her second match back and even winning once here was good enough for Mirza, who shoulders the hopes and expectations of a sports-mad nation. But the 22-year-old vowed to bounce back as she works to once again to match her career-high of 27 after recovering from a serious wrist injury. “I’m just happy to be back and doing what I love doing, playing tennis and competing,” she said. “There was a big crowd out there and I haven’t played like that for six months. Of course I’m disappointed at losing but I will try and take positives from this. I will try and get into the top 30, of course, but the last five or six months have taught me to live for the moment so I don’t want to get ahead of myself.” On her game against Petrova, she conceded she was simply outclassed by a better player. “When you’re playing the world number 10 you expect her to raise her game under pressure and that is exactly what she did,” she said of her opponent. AFP

Haddin must be pushed: Rixon

Federer in charge Jankovic and Djokovic hit form

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dominant Roger Federer set up a Australian Open third-round clash with Marat Safin Wednesday as top seed Jelena Jankovic and defending champion Novak Djokovic showed glimpses of their best form. The tennis big guns were joined in the next round by Serb glamour girl Ana Ivanovic and Russian third seed Dinara Safina. Swiss great Federer, who is seeking a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title here, let loose with some instinctive shot-making as he beat Russian qualifier Evgeny Korolev 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. “I’m happy the way it went. He was also a good opponent to play against and there were a lot of good shots,” Federer said, before looking ahead to the Safin clash. “We go way back. Him, of course, being a former number one, same for me, former Grand Slam champion, it’s an intriguing match-up.”

Mouth-watering clash

Former Australian wicket-keeper Steve Rixon feels Brad Haddin should be promoted up the batting line-up to provide the right-hander ample opportunity to showcase his pyrotechnics. With Australia continuing to experiment with their opening position, Rixon has urged the national selectors to push Haddin up the order and not to waste him at the number seven slot. “Unless the selectors are seeing something I’m not seeing, I’d hate to see Brad continue to be pushed down the order. Brad is one of the world’s best strikers of the ball and the guy most teams always want to get out,” he said. “He would be perfect during these power plays because in a situation like that he’s the kind of guy who can score quick runs. Rixon, who was coach of the New Zealand cricket team from 1996 to 1999, was of the view that Haddin too can shine up the order like his predecessor Adam Gilchrist. “Just because Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) was successful opening doesn’t mean another keeper can’t be,” he said. Haddin, 31, has been run out in both the one-dayers in Melbourne and Hobart after scoring a rapid-fire 19 off 12 balls and 23 off 26 balls. PTI

The Swiss has beaten Safin nine times but lost out in a classic semi-final here in 2005, when the Russian claimed the title. Safin booked his date with destiny by downing Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said of the Federer match. “We know each other pretty well. He knows how to play against me; I know how to play against him.” The top-seeded Jankovic battled past Belgian Kirsten Flipkens 6-4, 7-5 as she upped the ante in her quest for a maiden Grand Slam. “It’s good to have someone push you so you know what you have to work on when you step back on the practice court,” said Jankovic, who will play Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama on Friday.

today was another story. Hopefully it can get better in the next match.” Third seed Safina recovered from a slow start to dominate fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-0 while fifth seed Ivanovic overcame early nerves to crush Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-3, 6-2. She has lost only once this year, to compatriot Elena Dementieva in the final of the Sydney International, and is one of the favourites after a breakthrough 2008. Next up for Safina is Estonian 25th seed Kaia Kanepi, who ended Austrian Patricia Mayr’s hopes by advancing in straight sets. Ivanovic made the final here last year where she lost to Maria Sharapova, but her late-season form in 2008 left plenty to be desired. The 21-year-old though seems to be getting into her groove in Melbourne, where she feels at home with family and friends living here. It helped her produce a convincing display

Muscle power Djokovic dismissed Jeremy Chardy of France 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 in impressive style and appears to be hitting form after a slow start to the season and occasional lapses in his opening match here against Italian qualifier Andrea Stoppini. “I feel very nice and comfortable on this court,” he said. “The first round was tricky, I didn’t play such great tennis, but

PHOTO: AFP

against Brianti. “I think I improved a lot since my first match and I’m very pleased with that,” said the former world number one. “But there are still some areas that I have to work on and improve on. As you progress through the tournament you come against tougher opponents, so you automatically raise your level. I think I still have to work a little bit on my serve.” ■ AFP

07

Thursday, January 22, 2009

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If Steve Harmison is bowling well and at 90mph, he’s the first name on pretty much any team sheet in the world. I’ve spoken to him a couple of times since we’ve come back from India and he has a clear understanding of where he needs to go to bowl consistently at that sort of pace. Andrew Strauss

Man U wants Sahara The AIG logo on Manchester United’s jersey might soon be replaced by that of Sahara. Tata, too, is a likely replacement

AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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ith cash-strapped American insurance giant AIG reluctant to renew its shirt sponsorship deal with Manchester United after its expiry at the end of the 2009-10 season, the English giants are looking for a possible tie-up with India’s business conglomerate Sahara group that sponsors both the Indian cricket and hockey teams.

According to sources close to Sahara, the company has received a detailed proposal from United and the company at present is going through all the information and verifying the pros and cons before taking a final call. “We are excited and it opens a world of opportunity. But before going for any business deal there are at least a thousand factors that you have to consider and we are going through that now,” the source said. Along with the business pro-

posal, Sahara has received a United jersey with the Sahara logo embossed on it and also a list of photos with football greats Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo wearing jerseys with the logo. “It is nice. The logo is more or less similar to that of the Indian cricket team with little tinkering,” the source added. Confirming their talks with the Indian company, Manchester United spokesperson Peter Townsend said: “The club is in dialogue with a select number of top companies worldwide. Unit-

ed has so far received sufficient interest to be confident it can improve on its current 19-millionpound annual partnership with AIG.” As part of the deal with Sahara, the Manchester club is also willing to open a few training academies across the country. Sahara spokesperson Abhijit Sircar also confirmed the company being approached and said: “We received the proposal a few days ago and are closely looking at it. At this stage I cannot divulge any more details.”

The English club is also believed to have got in touch with another India company, Tata. However, company officials refused to comment on the matter. The shirt deal is from the season starting in 2011 and apart from Sahara and Tata it is believed that Manchester United has also got in touch with business houses in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia and the UAE. They are also negotiating a deal with one of their present sponsors, Saudi Telecom, for a wider role. ■

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Ninja for India Pune-based Bajaj Auto will launch sports bike Ninja 250 from technology partner Kawasaki in the next four to five months. The Ninja for India is expected to be priced above Rs two lakh.

Modifying the throttle body can inject more fuel into your car engine and, hence, produce more power

Throttle talk A

ir, spark and fuel together react to burst and generate energy. It is important that airflow is regulated and controlled with precision and this is achieved with the help of the throttle body. The throttle body sits between the air filter and the intake manifold, regulating air in response to the accelerator. The throttle plate inside the throttle body is called the butterfly valve and this controls the airflow. We can modify the throttle body, too, for that extra increase in performance. Roadster does not let go unnoticed any part that is instrumental in extracting raw power from your engine. What is it

with a throttle body enlargement, you might ask. This is a process in which the diameter of the TB (throttle body) is increased by shaving it by 40mm or 50mm based on the type of car. Doing this modification will increase the airflow into the engine and the air mass sensor will detect the extra air intake and communicate with the ECU to inject more fuel. Hence, extra power is generated. Injection of more fuel than stock configuration allows translates to bad fuel efficiency, a sacrifice that we need to make for that extra torque. There are bolt-on kits for hassle-free upgrade and you don’t have to break your head on making a right modification on the stock throttle body. It is best if the car is installed with a free-flow exhaust. It’s even better if the engine is ported and polished to squeeze that extra juice out of a TB enlargement mod. ■

09

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Big Ford Ford launched its new version of Endeavour in Mumbai on Wednesday. The SUV will be available in three variants, the 3.0 litre 4X4 thunder+, 2.5 litre 4X2 Limited Edition and 2.5 litre 4X2 XLT.

Ducati coming to India I

The famous Italian motorcycle maker’s showroom will come up in Mumbai this summer, followed by Chennai

talian bike maker Ducati Motor Holding will open its first showroom in Mumbai this summer. “We want to have one showroom in every metro,” CEO Ashish Chordia of Precision Motor, the distributor of Ducati in India, told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday. After Mumbai, showrooms would come up in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore in the next one year, he said. In 2008, Ducati sold 45,000 bikes globally and it has been a good year, Ducati’s CEO and President Gabriele Del Torchio said. “India will not be a major market for Ducati now. But it will be five years from now,” he said. PTI

Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO, Ducati (right) with Ashish Chordia, CEO, Precision Motor India Private Ltd, at a press conference to announce Ducati’s foray into the Indian market. PHOTO: RAMESH SHARMA

A new ride

Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd, Rajiv Bajaj flanked by CEO, Bajaj two-wheelers, S.Sridhar (R) and Consultant, Bajaj Auto, Ishikawa Tomataka (L) during the launch of all new XCD 135 DTS-Si motorcycle in New Delhi Wednesday. The 10.5 motorcycle will be priced at Rs. 45,000 (approximate ex-showroom) in Delhi. Other Ducati models spotted at the conference.

PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

10 FLICK

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Juhi Chawla dons blonde look for

‘Luck By Chance’

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uhi Chawla has coloured her hair blonde for her role in Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut Luck By Chance. Juhi, last seen in Ravi Chopra’s Bhootnath, will play veteran actor Rishi Kapoor’s wife in the film. “Playing Minty was so much fun! And moreover I got to colour my hair blonde, which was something I had never done before,” said Juhi. “When Zoya offered me the role I was extremely thrilled. Even though I was told it was not a big role, I didn’t mind as it was different from all the other characters I have played before, and that was the most exciting part,” she added. Luck By Chance, releasing Jan 30, stars Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma and has a much-hyped guest appearance by superstar Hrithik Roshan.■ IANS

Blonde and beautiful Shahid wants to be ‘best among best’

Randeep Hooda: Bollywood’s next serial kisser?

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fter having locked lips in Ru Ba Ru and yet-to-be-released Karma, Confessions And Holi and Rang Rasiya, actor Randeep Hooda seems the next in line to be crowned Bollywood’s serial kisser after Emraan Hashmi. But Randeep says he has no such plans. “I don’t aspire to become Emraan Hashmi at all. With all due respect to him, he is safe with his crown. I am not aspiring at all to be there,” he said. Randeep’s forthcoming film Rang Rasiya opposite Nandana Sen is slated for a February release. ■ IANS

A still from Rang Rasiya

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ollywood eye candy Shahid Kapur says he only wants to compete with the crème-dela-crème in the industry. “Why should I compete with any one person? I would like to compete with the best and want to be the best among the best. That is where I want to reach ultimately,” Shahid said. However, the actor doesn’t mean competition in the literal sense. “A lot of times I see a great performance and get inspired to work better. I feel competition is a wrong term, I think it’s more about professional camaraderie and appreciation of someone’s work and finding reasons to work harder the next day,” he added. ■ IANS

11

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Shia Labeouf’s driving license suspended American actor Shia LaBeouf has had his driver’s license suspended for at least one year due to his July 27 car crash.

Kate Moss eyeing music career?

Cine City

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upermodel Kate Moss is allegedly contemplating a career shift to become a singer. Kate, who was recently presented with a 26,000-pound Steinway piano from beauKills frontman Jamie Hince, may try her hand at music to fulfil her life-long ambition, according to friends. “Kate can’t play a single note on the piano but Jamie has promised her that he will teach her to play and they’ll form a duo -together as he did with his [The Kills] bandmate Alison Mosshart,” the Daily Express quoted a source as saying. “She has mentioned wanting to name it The Mossys for a laugh. It will be completely different music, though, to his Kills stuff - something much more romantic and ballad-based. Kate has always been nervous about flaunting her musical talents and doesn’t want to make it too serious just yet, as the pressure might put her off for good. It’s all just a fun experiment at this stage,” the source added. ■ ANI

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ormer Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is extremely critical when it comes to her body, according to a pal. The singer-turned-fashion designer is notoriously concerned about what she eats and retaining her bird-like proportions. Yet despite her best efforts, she remains fiercely self-critical and spent a long time agonising over the end results of the Armani shoot. “She adores the pics but she is extremely critical of her body and finds fault with everything. She says her stomach has been reworked with make-up and lighting and she is grateful for that,” the Daily Express quoted a source, as saying. “She is also very worried about her posture at the moment and is doing a lot of stretching and realigning to try to look less round-shouldered,” the source added. ■

Mozhi likely to be remade After the success of the Ghajini remake, it is heard that there are plans to remake Mozhi in Hindi. The movie directed by Radha Mohan was a box office hit in Tamil. If Internet buzz is to be believed, the Hindi venture would feature either Rani Mukherjee or Kareena Kapoor in the lead role. Nana Patekar is expected to do the role enacted by Prakashraj in Tamil.

ANI

Posh ‘is her own critic’

TN07 AL 4777 ready for release Actress Meenakshi, who made her debut in Karuppasamy Kuthagaikkarar, turns a glam doll with TN07 AL 4777. The movie starring Ajmal, Pasupathi, Simran and Meenakshi will hit the theatres by the end of this month. Ajmal, who entered tinsel town through Mysskin’s Anjathey, dons the lead role in the movie. Vijay Antony scores music for the film.

12

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Wednesday’s Question: If you are the CEO of your company, what would be your costcutting measures? ■ I will cut unwanted telephone lines, anga than pa kadala podurathu start aaguthu.

Hariharan, Infoview Technology

■ I will stop operating the lifts then I ask them to add more water in the milk and A/C works only 2-3 hours in a day. P.SenthilNathan, Ajuba Solution

■ I’ll reduce over time working for employees; It will cut cost for spending money on power, transportation. Levi, (Infoview Technologies), Gopinath.R, Kalaivani.R, Kumari.R, Sarah Joyce.D, Gomathi.P, Manimala.V, Durga.S, Sudha.J , Vanarani.N, Senthil.K (PMC)

■ I will ensure everybody switches off their computers when they leave. Ahalya, Sathya Priya, (Tata Consultancy Services), Sanjay, (Allsec)

■ I will not allow operating of lifts except for handicapped and pregnant women. Mahesh, HCL

■ I will reduce unwanted manpower.

R.Bhanupriya, TCS, e-serve

■ No need for board of directors and MD Gunah, HCL

■ No night shifts, so no cab. Elavarasi S, Tata Consultancy Services

■ No point in cutting costs after investing. So get rid of people who suggest on cutting down costs. Harin, Wipro

■ Process improvement approach and innovative marketing approach to bag more engagements.

Krishnan V.S. from Wipro has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kodaikanal Green Valley.

Vimprash, Patni Computers

■ Reducing the salaries of those who are sitting without any work like team leader, account manager. Perot Systems

■ To arrange rickshaws instead of buses for mode transport. Hitesh, Wipro

■ I’ll ask people to come office only if they have work in projects, So that I can reduce the cost of power, coffee, and transport. Mohan, Ramco Systems

■ Will bring the rule "No work after 6 pm". Monika, iNautix

Neetha S. Thomas from Hexaware Technologies has nominated her colleagues as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Hotel Cascade.

■ Will reduce the working time to 6 hours. Javid, Cognizant

■ Work from home. Ashik, Wipro

■ I will not provide official mobile phones and vehicles to the staffs who utilise for their personal use as well. Aparna, HCL

■ I’ll switch off the lifts and make the employees to climb through steps and I’ll tell them this also helps to reduce your weight and look slim.

Godwin (Changepond), Raja (Infoview Technologies), Prashanth (Patni Computers), Ram (Perot Systems), Vinoth (Thinksoft)

Today’s Query: Which is your favourite motorbike and why?

Anbu from Perot Systems has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Hogenakkal.

13

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Mukunda CP from iSOFT, an IBA Health Group Company, has been nominated Office Angel by Gowrishankar Sivalingappa. He is a cool, energetic, and helping person. His presence in our team is always a blossom as we feel we are back to our college days.

■ Dear Manu Mathew Wish you Many More Happy Returns of the day. May this brings you a lot of Happy and Prosperous Moments in your life. From DCMS Team (Financial Software & Systems, Tidel Park)

■ Dear Mercy Deborah Annam Devasagayam God bless you & Keep you God smile on you & Gift you God look you full in the face and make you prosper. Let the god decorate each golden ray of the sun reaching u with wishes of success, happiness and prosperity 4 u, wish you a super duper happy birthday. From Rockers, Accenture

■ Dear Krithika, Wish you a Many more happy returns of the day my dear sister , Wish you all success and happiness from this moment, I wish you a wonderful life filled with love and happiness, May God bless you with lots of happiness and joys in your life and your dreams will come true. Regards, Ur Brother, Ram Cognizant 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.

■ Dear Harish U know better than me, Wish you many more Happy Returns of the Day. We wish that you travel to Onsite (long term) for this project :) Team Worldsource Tata Consultancy Services

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Vino & Priya, The sweetness of sharing a dream made for two is one life’s greatest treasures. As you happily look forward to all you’re dreaming of, may you be blessed with love and happiness forever! As you start your married life together hand in hand, may all the things you’re hoping for turn out the way you’ve planned. Happy married life!!!

Kiruthiga Gayathri M from Tata Consultancy Services doodled this.

With lots of Love & Prayers Enterprise Testing Team Wipro Technologies

■ Hi Dominic, The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people. We are proud to say that you have always been successful in handling this formula. There is no better time than now. The time to live is now. The time to dream is now. The time to imagine and forget the past is now. The time to shine is now. The time to bleed, sweat, and determine yourself for the things you want most is now. May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. We wish you all success in your career and Thank you so much for the support and encouragement you have given to us... We’ll Miss You. We wish to see you again as our manager. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way! Cheers, SD, RDS, NMS, SP Team.

■ Dear Venky, Wish you a belated happy birthday. May this birthday bring you Good Health, Friendship, Wealth and Happiness. We wish you that whatever you want most in life it come to you more than he way you imagined!!!!!!!! You are not spl only on this day but ur our ever green herooooooooo. Police : Yenda raskal thirutu rail yaeriya Madras vanda? Man : Ayya adhu thirutu railnu sathiyama yenaku theriyathunga.. Govt. railunu than nenachen. Lakshmi K Satyam computers

With luv,, Hashini, Bhavani, Sasthan, Saravanan Mrs. Ramesh & Mrs. Venky Indus R Systems

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009

Miracle man A 41-year-old German man was trying to cross the rails at Brand when an express train raced through the station. But he collapsed on the sleepers and the train passed over him -- leaving him unharmed.

sudoku Karthik Thyagarajan of TCS RTSC captured this little boy playing thappu at the recently-held Chennai Sangaman on Elliots Beach. Hobbies: Photography, singing, painting

Photographs of the harvest festival, rural India and littleknown rituals will be given preference this month. Please send us fresh photographs, preferably those clicked by you on a recent trip, to [email protected]

All photos selected for clickpick this month will receive a gift voucher worth Rs.1,000, courtesy Kantilal Diamonds (Ph: 2828 1700). Readers are requested to send their addresses with their entries.

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

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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

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Cat man

Word’s worth

A man in New York is being held on a charge of harassment - after hurling his pet cat at his wife during a heated argument. Neither the cat nor the woman were injured - but the man is now facing counts of criminal mischief, harassment and cruelty to animals.

“Quantophrenia” (quahn-to-free-nee-uh) an obsessive reliance on mathematical methods or results, especially in social science research where they may not be strictly applicable.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You may take initiative in meetings and projects today. Ganesha finds you very confident today. You may remain lively at office and home. Personal life seems very charming and promising today, by the Grace of Ganesha.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Ensure that you do not put in your efforts in wrong direction today. You may be distracted from the prime responsibilities or fixed targets. Your personal life may remain in perfect balance and you may have a wonderful time with your beloved one.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 It is a time to participate in activities that involve many people. If you are to present something in a meeting, you will be able to do it impressively. You may sideline your love life or married life while you are focussing much on career and social relations.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Today, your entire focus may be on the career and related matters. You may wish to progress more and more. To progress further you may need to take more stress and work harder. Personal life may remain a little stressful.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Today you may seek attention from others, in general. At office, your opinions may be considered very seriously which will make you feel very ’special’. On the other hand, you may be trying to woo your beloved one in best possible manner.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may be busy dealing with ’technical’ part of your work but if your work doesn’t have such a scope, you will be dealing with something that is complex and difficult to resolve. At home, you may just enjoy routine life without any ups and downs.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 This is a perfect day to establish good public relations at work.It is perfect day for beginning new relationships. Ongoing relationships or married life may also see good times. You may be on the cloud nine in the seventh heaven in personal life.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 You may need to work harder than usual, to finish off a particular task. Complexity of the matter may test your patience. At home or with beloved, you may need to control over criticism and anger, else your relations with dear ones may be strained. At

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 work, you may take projects to next stage. To carry this further, you may require some guidelines or technical support. You could be loving but very demanding while you are in the company of beloved one.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may be impatient to see the result of a particular work or project. Give more time to it as the time of ’completion of work’ is little far. On the personal front, you may find everything in perfect rhythm, by the Grace of Ganesha.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You may be quick in thinking and actions both. Your energy levels would be very high so you may be able to deal with good amount of work load. On the personal front, you may need to remain in harmony and should avoid anger or aggression.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Today you will be handling your work very nicely. You may start work at right time and lead it to the right level at right time too. If you wish to propose someone, day is good but if you are married or going around with someone, the day is better. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

ERGO Thursday, January 22, 2009