Ergo January 9

A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, January 9, 2009

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ALL FOR SRK

Priyanka, Deepika and Kareena do item numbers in Billu Barber FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

WRAP DRESS through the ages

No. 6

DEV WAVE

Downing former world No. 1 Carlos Moya in the second round of the Chennai Open, Somedev Dev Varman took Indian tennis to new heights promising much more in the future. » PAGE 09

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Chennai Sangamam

A festival of music, dance,

GRAPHIC: R. PRATHAP

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Friday, January 9, 2009

It was in September of 2006 when the seeds for a festival that reflected the socio-cultural experiences of the people of Tamil Nadu was sown. It started with a conversation between Kanimozhi and Fr. Jegath Gaspar Raj.

food and more Folk and classical artistes from Tamil Nadu, drummers from Andhra Pradesh, Bhangra dancers from Punjab and Kalari asans from Kerala. Besides, Sangam age cuisines to fill your appetite. Chennai is the place to be if you appreciate art, culture and all things beautiful

HUNGRY KYA? C

hennai Sangamam – the open festival of the city organised by Tamil Maiyam at parks, beaches, streets – will open curtains for its third edition this Sunday. From bringing live traditional art forms to the urban dwellers to bringing Carnatic musicians to perform in parks, Chennai Sangamam means different things for different people. Besides the music and dance being performed at different locations, food has been one major component that draws a good number of people. So, here’s why you must drop in at the park or beach close to your home to get five-star food at affordable rates. Venue: Lady Wellington College Grounds, Marina Beach Drive Speciality: Relish some of the rare cusines from Nagerkoil, Kongu Nadu, Coimbatore, and Burma pai parrota

Venue: Nageswarar Rao Park, Mylapore

Venue: Ashok Nagar Park, Ashok Nagar Speciality: Virudhunagar Venue: Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar Speciality: Virudhunagar and Tanjore Speciality: Ancient Tamil, Kumbakonam and Chettinadu food

Venue: Independence Day Park, Nungambakkam Speciality: Cuisines from the Arcot period

Venue: Natesan Park, Venkatnarayana Road, T. Nagar Speciality: Nanjil Nadu, Sangakala Unavu and Madurai

Venue: ECR Road, Palkalai nagar, Palavakkam Speciality: Chola Nadu and Virudhu Nagar

Venue: Tower Park, Anna Nagar Speciality: Virudhunagar, Tangore – Raja Saroboji, Madurai and herbal food Venue: Thanthai Periyar Ground, Valasaravakkam Speciality: Kongu Nadu, venu biryani

Look out for …. The retail shops in some of the above venues, where you can buy irrutukadai halwa, srivilliputhur pal gova, kovil patti kadalai mittai, prema vilas halwa, Madurai jil jil jigardhanda and kallidai kuruchi appalam

THROUGH YOUR THIRD EYE Go venue hopping shooting pictures or gathering news; Chennai Sangamam wants you The five-day Sangamam is not only about entertainment, music and food. You could also get involved. How? If you are an amateur or a professional photographer, here’s your chance. Chennai Sangamam invites interested photographers to go venue hopping to capture the most vivid images that catch their eye. The selected pictures will be included in the ‘Coffee Table Book’ which the organisers are planning to bring out. There is also the honour for ‘Chennai Sangamam Best Photographer’. If photography is not your forte, you could try your hand in writing. Send in your reviews, feedbacks and suggestions on the events and happenings at the venues. You could even be their official blogger. There is lot more, so contact Tamil Maiyam, New No 68, Luz Church Road, First Floor, Mylapore. Ph: 2499 4344/ 2499 4242. ■

KNOW THE ART FORM Villupattu: It is one of the oldest surving arts of storytelling, where music is provided by a big instrument made of palmyra tree or metal. The two ends of the bow are tied by a high tension string. The main vocalist sits in the centre of the bow with two slender rods called vesukol. Bommalattam: Different kinds of puppets are used for this show – it could be made of cloth or wood and is manipulated through strings or wires. Kolaattam: With two sticks held in each hand, women dance to the rhythmic noise. Mayilattam: Girls dress as peacocks and glittering head-dress complete with a beak. Karagam: This is a folk dance with musical accompaniment, performed balancing a pot on the head. Kummi: This dance form originated when there were no musical instruments, with the participants clapping their hands. The varieties of Kummi include Poonthatti Kummi, deepa Kummi, Kulavai Kummi, Kadir Kummi, Mulaipari Kummi, etc. Source: Internet

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Big Story

New hobbies for Ergo lists out some interesting hobbies that you could cultivate this year, along with places and people within Namma Chennai whom you could approach to get started

ANGLING

AERO-MODELING

What makes the hobby interesting? “It’s a very spiritual exercise,” says Dhananjayan, also known as ‘Jai’ to Chennai’s enthusiastic group of anglers, part of the Anglers Club of India. “We you go out deep sea angling, there is just you and the sea. You always turn to water for peace. Besides you can take your family along and spend some quality time,” he adds.

How to get started? Anglers’ Club’s website says one can get started with just 10 days of training. All that is needed is a fishing tackle and a ticket to the location. The Club sells angling kits at its office situated on New no.6, Saraswathi Street, Mahalingapuram. Jai says a preliminary investment could be around Rs. 8,000.

Where to go? (Above) Aero-model plane constructed out of balsa wood. Its imported 4 cc engine (below, left) costs Rs.6,500. (below, right) A ready-to-fly copter costing Rs.1,500. PHOTOS: R.RAVINDRAN

What makes the hobby interesting? It is a unique hobby that combines indoor and outdoor activities. For those who are interested in miniatures and miniature assembling, aero-modeling provides the opportunity to build something from the scratch. Of course, this requires a lot of patience but the results can be satisfactory. You could purchase balsa wood and construct the model based on plans that are available online. Or if building is not really your cup of tea, you could always get an ARF (that’s hobbyist talk for “almost-readyto-fly”) assembly kit, quickly put it together and take it for a spin.

How to get started? Giri Raghavan of Academy of Radio Modelers of India, a Chennai-based hobby club for Aero-modeling, says there are decent pre-fabricated aero-models available at some toy stores starting Rs.4,000 onwards. There are both indoor and outdoor models. Indoor helicopter models are available for Rs.800 onwards (the smallest model available is the Little Bee) and can help you get a

There are two kinds angling they undertake off the Chennai coast – surf angling (where the prize catch could be fish weighing around 25 to 30 pounds) and deep sea angling. Surf Angling could be done off the coastline of East Coast Road. For deep sea angling, the club members take off on boats off the Kovalam fishing harbour. One has to spend at least half a day for deep sea angling. If you are really keen, contact Jai on his mobile 98400 28553 to get started.

Online resources The Chennai Anglers Club has an official website www.anglersclub.in. Email: [email protected]

‘feel’ for the hobby. But bear in mind that is a hobby that would cost a lot if the bug bites. But aero-modelers insist that every penny invested is worth it. After all, some of them even assemble models for as high as Rs. three lakhs.

Where to go in Chennai? Emerald India Hobby Centre situated at Rayala Towers on Anna Salai (opposite LIC) is one of the shops that sells both ready-tofly models as well as individual parts for aero-modeling. (phone: 2852 0783). If you want to become a member of the Academy of Radio Modelers, log on to www.armofindia.com. For flying, the best option available in Chennai is the Sholavaram Air Field as the wind conditions are optimal. Some prefer flying their machines off the ECR coast risking the wind conditions. But most aero-models cannot be fixed if broken.

Online resources There are plenty of resources available online. We would recommend www.indiarc.com that has a fairly detailed section for beginners.

Anglers Club in Chennai sells fishing equipment. A beginner’s kit should cost Rs. 8,000. PHOTOS: SHIVA SHANKAR WWW.ANGLERSCLUB.IN

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Friday, January 9, 2009

For the lovers of Odissi Dancer Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra Dance Theatre from Malaysia present ’Vision of Forever’, an Odissi performance with 8 dancers on January 10, 6.30 p.m. at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Harrington Road, Chetpet. Entry passes would be available at the venue on the day of the show. For further details sms/call 98840 55833

the new year COIN AND STAMP COLLECTION How to get started A die-hard interest in coins and stamps is the stepping stone. Networking with other coin and stamp collectors and clubs is essential. Apart from interest, you would also need enough funds to support your hobby.

Where to go in Chennai There are a few associations and societies, like the Madras Coin Society and the South India Philatelist Association. The former meets every fourth Sunday of the month at a pre-decided venue in Jain Health Centre, K. H. Road, Ayanavaram, while the latter meets every second Sunday of the month at the Anna Salai Post Office. Moreover, there are regular coin and stamp exhibitions that are often held in the city. You can look out for the newspaper advertisements.

What makes the hobby interesting? A wide range of stamps and coins of India and the rest of the world that are very rare and expensive make it a very challenging and competitive hobby to be in.

Online resources Coinarchives.com and cngcoins.com are a few websites where you can discover more about rare coins, their availability and authenticity. As told by R. Vaidyanadhan, President, Madras Coin Society.

HAM RADIO

What makes the hobby interesting? It brings the world closer to you. You can get in touch with anyone at any part of the world and develop a unique bond. Also during disasters especially natural disasters the only mode of contact left with the affected region is through HAM radios.

How to get started? Anybody over 16 years of age can be an amateur radio operator. One needs to sit for a theoretical and practical examination with the government of India and get a license. An ordinary radio set covering an area of 30-40 km radius will cost Rs. 3,000.

Where to go in Chennai? Chennai has its own radio club, Madras Amateur Radio Society located at 43/3, 11th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai - 600 083. The city has over 300 radio enthusiasts out of whom at least 100 are very active on the airwaves.

Online resources A Google search on amateur radios will give you hundreds of results. The Amateur Radio Society of India also has its own website www.arsi.info. (As told by Gopal Madhavan, President, Amateur Radio Society of India.)

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Sport Captain Courageous Graeme Smith borrowed shirt from Jacques Kallis and sweater from Paul Harris before going out to bat in the second innings against Australia, an eventuality he was not really prepared for. Coming at No. 11, Smith’s 17-ball stay included three runs which was clearly not enough to avert a 103-run defeat but the South Africa skipper only grew in stature for his decision to defy pain and bat for the side. The South African skipper removed a cast from his left hand that sustained a broken knuckle when a Mitchell Johnson delivery struck him in the first innings. He also had an injured elbow where doctors had injected Smith’s own blood for an experimental procedure. Smith said coming out to bat was not pre-determined at all. “I don’t think anything would have helped and I didn’t think about having an injection or anything like that. It was just about getting out there and doing the best I could.” Smith said. (From this week we will pick a player who has defied odds and come out as a winner during the sporting week. Our first Player of the Week is South African Graeme Smith. You can send in your choice at [email protected].)

French motorcyclist dies in Dakar Rally The deadly Dakar Rally was in mourning again on Wednesday with the news that French motorcyclist Pascal Terry had been found dead while competing in this year’s race. The 49-year-old Terry was found dead overnight after the fourth stage of the gruelling spectacle which is taking place for the first time in South America after terrorist threats forced its cancellation last year. “Officially the result of the autopsy revealed that the French pilot Terry died of pulmonary edema which produced cardio-respiratory failure,” Julio Acosta, chief of the department of operations of the La Pampa province police said.

Derby upsets Man U Commons strike ends Red Devils 14-match unbeaten streak

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anchester United was upset 0-1 in the League Cup semi-finals by Derby, with a sublime strike by Kris Commons ending a 14match unbeaten streak in all competitions. In their first major cup semi-final since 1976, the League Championship strugglers dominated the English, European and world champions, who were fortunate not to be going into the second leg at Old Trafford in two weeks needing to recover a greater deficit. “It was a fantastic result for us considering the performance,” United manager Alex Ferguson said after the match. “We could have lost by four goals.” Commons provided the decisive touch in the 30th minute when he collected a pass from Mile Sterjovski and from 25 meters (yards) lashed it past Tomasz Kuszczak. “It will be tough to go to Old Trafford and hold on to the 1-0,” Commons said. “We’ll enjoy it this week – just to beat Manchester United and be able to say that to your kids and grandkids is going to be very special.”

Lucky charm It was David Lowe’s one and only game as caretaker Derby

manager before Nigel Clough takes charge on Thursday. The son of famed Derby manager Brian Clough, who turned the club into English champions in 1972, was introduced to the Pride Park crowd before the match, and it seemed to invigorate his new players. Nigel Clough, who left non-league club Burton after a decade in charge, was now 90 minutes away from reaching the final of the competition his father won four times with Nottingham Forest. Holder Tottenham was favoured to be the opponent in the March 1 final after trouncing Burnley 4-1 in Tuesday’s first leg. Undaunted by United, the Rams raided the visitors from the outset without resembling the side that was 18th in the 24team League Championship. Derby has been battling to return to the Premier League it left in May with the top-flight’s lowest-ever points tally.

Jonny Evans had to clear Mile Sterjovski’s volley off the line after the Australian connected with Commons’ corner. Despite starting Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, United still had Carlos Tevez spearheading the attack with Danny Welbeck, the 18-year-old Englishman who scored in Sunday’s victory at Southampton in the FA Cup. But former United goalkeeper Roy Carroll had a quiet night, with the first-half threat limited to a neat interchange between Nani and John O’Shea ending with the Ireland defender’s shot being easily collected. Midfielder Paul Scholes had a couple of efforts from distance. Tevez, who had just returned from a trip home to Argentina, made no impression, further threatening his United future as he waits for a permanent contract. But not even the arrival of Ronaldo and Rooney in the 63rd could provide the missing spark. ■ PTI

Tough night Stand-in United captain Nemanja Vidic prevented Derby striker Steve Davies from bundling Rob Hulse’s header into the net in the sixth, and minutes later Vidic’s defensive partner

Manchester United’s Argentinean forward Carlos Tvez (left) shoots past Derby County’s English defender Andy Todd during the League cup semifinals first leg match at Pride Park, Derby, central England. PHOTO: AFP

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Friday, January 9, 2009

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FIFA is monitoring the situation related to Satyam, a company which provides services of technical support to FIFA. At this stage and until we have more information, it is too early for FIFA to make any further comments on the matter. FIFA’s official statement to Ergo following the resignation of Satyam chief Ramalingham Raju

Moya slayer

ERGO CORRESPONDENT

The Chennai crowd switched allegiance as Somdev Dev Varman played the best match of his life to beat former World No. 1 Moya

[email protected]

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ocal favourite Somdev Dev Varman caused a major upset against two-time former champion and world No. 42 Carlos Moya of Spain to storm into the last eight stage of the US$ 450,000 Chennai Open on Thursday. The 23-year-old Indian, ranked 160 places below the former world No. 1 and crowd favourite Moya, rallied to defeat the sixth seed 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in a gruelling two hours, 11 minutes long encounter. The un-seeded Indian next faces fourth seed Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, who beat Tvo Minar of Czech Republic 6-1, 6-4 in another second-round encounter. The double NCAA champion who has showed immense promise since first turning professional at the start of the last season was outplayed by the Spaniard in the first set but came back strongly to win the last two. An erratic Somdev soon recovered and had the Spaniard on tenterhooks. Moya made a lot of unforced errors and his frustration was visible as he got himself in arguments with the chair and line umpires time and again, arguing about line calls and service faults. Venting out his frustration even after the game, Moya accused the organisers of fa-

PHOTO: R. RAGU

vouring the Indian by deliberately scheduling the match in the heat of the Chennai afternoon. “The heat affected me more than it bothered him. He plays much better than his rankings reflect,” Moya said. “But I was not surprised, because I saw him play two days ago and knew he was very fast and was solid from the back of court.” Earlier, Moya broke in the second game of the opening set, only to see the Indian draw level at 3-3 but another break by the veteran in the 10th game decided the first set. Somdev won the second set breaking Moya’s service in the 11th game before holding on to service with ease. In the decisive final set, the highest-ranked Indian at 202 broke the Spaniard in the third game of the final set as Moya wore down and in the end gave up without much of a fight. Changing allegiance, the Chennai crowd who over the years had got used to supporting Moya turned out in large numbers to support the Indian. Buoyed by the support, Somdev, who had learned his tennis in the city, combined a very effective

serve and volley game to achieve the biggest win of his career so far. “Early in the match I sent a message to him that I just wasn’t going away,” an elated Somdev said. “When you see a player on the other side trying to do too much, you know he’s under pressure.” Moving into the quarterfinals, he became the second Indian player after Leander Paes to move this far in the singles draw. Leander had reached the semi-finals in 1998. Hoping to continue his dream run, Somdev said: “Hopefully, I’m not just going to get out in the quarters. I’m not one of those guys who gets content easily.” Others advancing to the quarter-finals were seventhseeded Serbian Janko Tipsarevic and eighth-seeded Marcel Granollers of Spain. Tipsarevic defeated Israel’s Dudi Sela 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 and Granollers coasted to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Andreas Beck of Germany. ■

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Portfolio

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o say that the wrap dress is timeless and enduring would be untrue and highly exaggerated; it has had its share of obscurity. The lady who created the most well-known version of the wrap dress would know best. In 1972, Diane von Furstenberg first introduced a dress that could be worn like a shirt, tied up like a jacket and feel and look like a dress. The problem was, the wrap dress soon started being perceived as an eccentric dressmaker’s attempt at diluting the concept of power dressing in women. Consequently, it was ditched. In 1997, Furstenberg launched her couture line, and the wrap dress that we know today was reborn. It became sleeker, came infused with lycra, but remained floral. So iconic has been its impact on fashion that it also secured a place at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York. The biggest asset of a wrap dress is its flexibility and ability to adapt to varied body types (and play down and accentuate what you’re embarrassed or proud about). So unless you are a gawky teenager who’s likely to slouch, float and fiddle with one, you’ll look good in it, whether you’re petite, an ectomorph (the tall, skinny, model type), mesomorph (the athletic, hour-glass shape) or endomorph (round). The length of the dress could vary from knee-length to floor-sweeping. A wrap dress needs heels, that too vertigous. Restrict accessories to a clutch or tote and probably a bling watch. Keep the neck free. Many still hate the wrap dress, afraid of getting their Marilyn Monroe moment with the faintest gust of wind or one second of carelessness. Our answer is, what’s the point of wearing any dress if you can’t be a little attentive! A few fans of the wrap dress include The OC actor Mischa Barton, Madonna and Scarlett Johansson. Cate Blanchett managed to pull off a gold Lanvin at the Sydney premiere of Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. ■

The wrap dress, despite its fair share of downs, is on a high

Madonna (top) and Diane von Furstenberg (right) Cate Blanchett

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Friday, January 9, 2009

FASHION WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

Mischa Barton (top) and Scarlett Johansson (below)

www.zafu.com This website is for the fussy but frustrated jeans shopper. Ever had a problem with jeans gaping at the waist despite being perfect elsewhere. Or jeans that barely touch your ankles even when they are a good fit. Or those fitting well at the waist but sagging at the seat. Zafu.com helps you find the pair of jeans that best suits your body type and budget. All one has to do is answer a few questions like what’s the waist gape, waist fit, thigh shape, style, wishlist and age and in approximately three minutes you get a list of brands that would suit your requirements. You can also find lingerie, plus-size jeans, pants and accessories that match you preference! The database includes over 66 brands of jeans, with brands like 7 For All Mankind, Levi’s, Lee, GAP, Guess, Calvin Klein Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, J Brand Jeans, Diesel, William Rast, Wrangler and J. Crew to name a few. You can shop by fit, style, brand, price, rise choice, leg style, length and fabric.

PRICETAG

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Jean Paul Gaultier brings a new twist to the music boxes of his childhood, inviting us to revisit the delightful memories of past Christmases. This winter, Jean Paul Gaultier transforms his Classique, Le Male, Fleur Du Male and Gaultier² fragrance gift boxes into genuine music boxes. Open the drawer and the designer’s favorite tunes spill out: ‘Love Me Tender’ by Elvis Presley (Classique Eau de Toilette and Classique Eau de Parfum gift boxes) and Scott Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer’ (Gaultier², Le Male and Fleur du Male). In Chennai, the music boxes are available at Lifestyle, Chennai Citi Centre. Price Rs. 3,200.

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Aamir lauded

Flick

Director A.R. Murgadoss and actor Aamir Khan, who are riding on the success of Ghajini, are being lauded by National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) for cinematically endorsing and propagating the no-smoking ban in the action thriller.

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ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan roped in Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone for item songs in Billu Barber and the three actresses agreed to do the numbers because they have a point to prove to naysayers. “My song with Shah Rukh is awesome. Shah Rukh and I have done an item song before. So we share the required vibes,” Kareena said. Her ‘Yeh mera dil’ track with the superstar in Don The Chase Begins Again was talked about for months. Kareena, however, was criticised for her dress and weight in the song ‘Yeh mera dil’. Even the

remixed version of the song lacked verve, many thought. This time Kareena wants every component in the item song to be perfect. Farah Khan, who had choreographed the ‘Yeh mera dil’ number in Don, was replaced by a brand new choreographer. “He is Prasanna, a choreographer from the south. And what innovative movements he has given to Pritam’s song which just rocks! I think I’ve always been lucky with my item songs. Whether it was ‘Yeh mera dil’, or ‘It’s rocking’, they’ve always rocked. The fact that mine is the first song to be in the promos does say something,” said Kareena. Though Kareena refused to talk about the money, she said: “Saif and I both love Shah Rukh and his wife Gauri. They’re like family.” Priyanka, on the other hand, wants to prove that she is the biggest Shah Rukh fan despite the fact that the superstar didn’t ask her to be part of the song ‘Phir milenge chalte chalte’ in his recent hit Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. The song had Kajol, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Bipasha Basu and Lara Dutta.

“I’m his biggest fan,” Priyanka told IANS. “There’s no way I’d say no to him for anything. All he had to do was to ask and I was on. In fact, people ask me why I wasn’t there in the song featuring all the heroines with Shah Rukh in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Actually, I wasn’t asked. If I was, do you think I wouldn’t be in the song?” Deepika’s item song is choreographed by Farah Khan, thereby ending talks of a fall-out with the director-choreographer during the making of Om Shanti Om. With all three Bollywood hotties vying to be in Shah Rukh’s good books, the item songs in Billu Barber are bound to be the film’s USP. ■ IANS

Kareena, Priyanka, Deepika’s battle royale in Billu Barber

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Friday, January 9, 2009

Ajay Devgan fined The Chandigarh police officials waited for over two hours at Taj Hotel for Ajay Devgan to collect Rs.200 – the fine imposed on him for smoking at the airport in the smoke-free city.

The Dark Knight steals the show

Cine City

The film bagged favourite superhero, movie, on-screen match-up, action movie and cast at the 35th annual People’s Choice Awards

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atman sequel The Dark Knight bagged the maximum awards at the 35th annual People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles recently. The action film bagged favourite superhero, movie, on-screen matchup, action movie and cast at the close of the event, reported contactmusic.com. The cast and crew of the the film that includes Christian Bale and Aaron Eckhart were given a standing ovation. Director Christopher Nolan remembered Heath Ledger, in his brief acceptance speech. “Here’s to Heath,” he said as he raised one of the awards the cast and crew were presented with, to the heavens. The Dark Knight was the last film Ledger completed before his tragic death a year ago. ■

Suriya, K.S. Ravikumar team up Actor Suriya and Director K.S. Ravikumar are teaming up for the first time in a movie tentatively titled Aadhavan. The latest buzz is that Nayanthara will be roped in to play the female lead. Suriya had said that the movie would not be a regular run-of-the-mill-stuff and he plays the lead role with some negative shades for the first time in his career. Director K.S. Ravikumar’s Jaggubhai starring Sarath Kumar is gearing up for release.

IANS

The worst of all H

ollywood stars Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg and Keanu Reeves are up for the Worst Actor dishonour at this year’s Golden Raspberry Awards. Cruise has been nominated for his role in Valkyrie, Wahlberg for The Happening and Reeves for The Day The Earth Stood Still. Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon and Diane Keaton are up for the Worst Actress gong, reports Contactmusic. The ballot nominations also feature Meet The Spartan, Speed Racer, High School Musical 3, The Happening, Meet Dave and Paris Hilton’s The Hottie & The Nottie as the Worst Film nods. The final nominations for the awards will be released on 21 January (09). ■ ANI

Aascar Ravichandran to produce Jackie Chan’s film Aascar Ravichandran who produced Kamal Hassan’s magnum opus Dasavatharam will be producing a Hollywood venture with Jackie Chan. It is said that Jackie Chan will not only act but also direct the film. Also talks are on to rope in a Bollywood star for the film. The Ravichandran-Jackie Chan relationship dates back to Ravichandran’s distributorship days when he was distributing Chan’s films in India.

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ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Thursday’s Question: What would you gift Bipasha Basu for her thirtieth birthday? ■ A nice dress in which she would not be able to expose herself. Anita, (Optimus Global Services), Jagan, (Capgemini), Vignesh, Meenakshi Mohan, (Tata Consultancy Services), Rajesh Alaguvel, Harin, (Wipro)

■ Bouquet of flowers, ring and saree. M. Eugunthan, Perot Systems

■ A teddy bear and I will say I miss you. Prasanna Chakravarthi N, Wipro

■ A full sleeved salwar kameez set with dupatta, because I bet she doesn’t have such dress. Thouhid, (Cognizant), Arunkumar Durai, (Ramco systems), Dharan, (Patni Computers), Murali, (Ramtech)

■ A cute little puppy and will name it as John Abraham. Senthil Arjunan, Calsoft Ltd

■ 30 photographs of mine with my autograph along with a free coupon to have lunch with me. Balaji, Wipro Technologies

■ A doll of John Abraham which she loves a lot. Arun, Sutherland

■ I’ll give myself. Subash, (CGSL), Sundarapandian, Shobana

Rajesh, (Wipro), Jarks, (Ramco Systems), Nandkishore, (HCL)

■ A collection of pirated CDs of all her movies. Mukund SCB, Scope International

■ I’ll gift her a saree. Kuhan, Financal Software Solutions, S. Stanly George, Perot Systems, Balaji S, Tata Consultancy Services, Venkatesh Srinivasan, Suniljith, Wipro, Shiva, HCL, Bhanupriya R, CGSL, Dileep Kumar, Tata Consultancy Services

Narayan Sundar from Polaris Software Lab has nominated his team as Partners in Crime.

■ A book on how to dress. Because paavam andha kolandhai innum valarave illa. Raja, Tata Consultancy Services

■ I’ll give a Munch to her. Karthik Sekar, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Give her Kenya’s religious dress. Venkatayuvaraju, RR Donnelley

■ Attitude. Because she is one arrogant actress. Shanthi Sunderesan, Perot Systems

■ A morphed photo showing me and John Abraham together.

Selvakumar S from Wipro has nominated his gang as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Elephant Tooth in Yercaud.

Sofiya Ambrose, Wipro

■ 9 Yards Silk Saree. Muthu Velayutham, Wipro

Today’s Query: Which movies would you nominate as the Best and the Worst of 2008 and why? Mathimukilan D from Technitip has nominated his team mates as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Yelagiri.

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Friday, January 9, 2009

Sivakumar Adaikkalam of Cognizant has been nominated as Office Angel by his team members. He is an amiable guy equipped with lots of enthusiasm, creativity and passion in him.

■ Dear Rakshitha, May God bless you on this special day. Hearty Bithday wishes. With Prayers, C.R.S family

■ Hi Ranjani, Happy Bday… Many more happy returns of the day… We all know you turn 24; don’t worry we wont reveal it… You are as sweet as bars of chocolates - boxes of sweets - bags of candies all rolled into one… Never forget us in the long journey ahead for you… May all your dreams come true this year… Have a ravishing day ahead… Best Wishes from R4 Rascals, CTS

■ Dear Anand "Without Tasting the worst Situvations. No one can taste the best things of life". Accept all worst situvations happly. Thanks Malathi N, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Yogenthira Thittar, We wanted to say it with a bunch of flowers; a ‘CARD’ would have sufficed…. We wanted to say it with a pack of sweets; a ‘HI’ would have sufficed… We thought to send a poetic wish… Does A Poem Need A Poem For A Wish??? There’s no one fastidious than you Or Anyone treasured to wish Advanced Happy Birthday Prasanna!!! Best Regards, Route No. 4 Friends, Scope International.

Shoban Kumar A of CSS Corp doodled this.

■ Hi Team Wish is you happy New Year and Pongal wish to Thd utilities Chennai. ■ Dear Vijay, Wish you a many more happy returns of the day. May God bless your future with lots of surprises. Keep Rocking!! With Love, Karthika, Krithika, Luxmi, Lawrence, Manikandan, Manivannan, Merlin, Rajesh, Rekha, Rohini, Samundeeswari, Sankar, Sathish, Sudha, Suganthi, Vidhya, Tamil, Vijay C and Vimal, Team TCS.

1. Kaloori-Mudhalvar: Namma Kaloori-la Sumaara ethana Ponnunga irupaanga? Maanavan: Namma Kaloori-la Ella Ponnungalume Sumaaraathaan irupanga..... 2. What will happen when Barium is combined with 2 molecules of Sodium? Ba + 2Na=??? Ans: Banana Ippadiyum Yosipomla... Vinith Kumar T P R Systems Analyst| Technology Ramco Systems

■ Hi Raja Kick off your shoes, take a break, Crank the tunes, Dance & Shake, light the candles, cut the cake. Make it a day, that’s simply great!!! Happy B’Day.... Best wishes CGSL Chennai

■ Hi Arnold (Ashok) Happy Birthday to you Ashok ASHOK means "Not causing sorrow" in Sanskrit. May GOD pour happiness on you

always!!! So Be Happy Always. Enjoy every moment of life. Take care With Regards Karthik, Naga, Joshua, Murali, Abdul, Senthil and Sajini Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Parthasarathy & Sulmon, On your birthday we wish you much pleasure and joy; May each hour and minute be filled with delight, And your birthday be perfect for you! Happy Birthday Parthasarathy & Sulmon!! God Bless!! Friends, New Age Software and Solutions

10th (Saturday) ■ Hi Vaalu Kavitha:) Have a lovely yr ahead :) Enjoy and have a blast :) Apt to the proverb ’Friend in need is a friend in deed’ Miss U lots :) 4ever Urz........... Divi

■ Hi Venkata Ramana On your birthday, I wish for you the fulfillment of all your fondest dreams. I hope that for every candle on your cake you get a wonderful surprise. Many More Happy Returns of the Day I wish for you that whatever you want most in life, it comes to you, just the way you imagined it. Wishes From, Bhasker V, Venkat, Leela, Brahma, Wipro

11th (Sunday) ■ Dear Devi, Wish you Many more happy returns of the day dear!! Let all your dreams comes true! Hearty Wishes from your Sis, Pappathi Easwaran, Polaris Software Lab.

■ Dear Paraparapu Sreether, Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of "YOU" to the world. Wish u a very "Happy Birthday". We hope this year brings you all the happiness, peace, joy, contentment and love that you so deserve!!! Wish you an awesome birthday as you are... God bless you dear. Happy Birthday! Best Regards dotOPaL , Software Solutions Scope International.

14

ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Traffic Jam

Pumpkin heads Nigerian motorcyclists are wearing dried pumpkin shells on their heads after a law was brought in forcing them to wear helmets.

Muthukumar S. of Sify Technologies clicked this picture in Wayand. Hobbies: Drawing pencil sketches, photography, music

sudoku

The harvest season is round the corner and it’s time we made the Click Pick column a little more interesting. 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.

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Friday, January 9, 2009

Waterski record attempt

Word’s worth

One hundred and twenty one Tasmanian skiers plan to have another go at breaking a world water ski record later this month (Jan09) after two failed attempts in 2008.

“Ichoglan” (itch-o-glan) a page waiting in the palace of the Sultan. From Turkish words that mean ‘interior’ and ‘young man.’ In this definition, ‘waiting’ obviously means ‘serving,’ but it’s so much more poetic to understand it as ’to stay in expectation of.’ What is he waiting for? Alas, the Sultan has fled, and we will never know.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You may be very practical about your work. It is best day to plan for next week or even work on excel sheet to check various ratios. If you have planned a meeting with your beloved she or he will be glad to see you at the meeting place in time.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Instead of working on new projects, you may feel like having a close look at the list of issues to be addressed. You may also do some value addition to your work. You may devote enough time to love life, which will add plus points to the relationship.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Your power to negotiate with others may be little low today. Even if the superiors are not favourably disposed to you, it would be better not to be disappointed. You may wish to spend good time with your beloved one.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You may be in a mood to criticise others at workplace, which may lead you to get into conflicts. You are advised to avoid being to judgemental while talking to colleagues. Ganesha finds you enjoying intellectual conversations with beloved.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may be very straightforward and over-practical today. It is time to clarify certain things to your beloved one, in order to attain more clarity in the relationship. This is the best day to introduce your beloved one to your family, if you are unmarried.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may be very energetic and highly practical today. Try to make the best out of this day. It is favourable most day to plan or begin new projects. Lovers may enjoy each others company and may take some practical decisions about the love life.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Your logical abilities are good today but you may be using logic in a wrong direction. Think twice before taking any important decision related to work. You may not be very happy with the love life but may feel as if you are dragging it for the sake of it.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Your pragmatic thinking will help you earn laurels at office. Superiors may recommend you for promotion. You and your beloved one will be very amicable with each other but don’t try to stretch any discussion beyond the limit.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 It’s best day to draw plan for the next week or month. You may use a scheduler so that you don’t miss out on appointments. Even while you are with the beloved, you may be busy working. Make sure it won’t make problems in the love life.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Although you are hard working by nature, today you may not feel like doing too much of hard work. Still, your subconscious mind may be very active. In personal life, you may feel true love and strong attachment with your beloved one.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Today you might have to spend more hours at workplace. By evening you may be so tired that you will not be able to devote much time to personal life. Ensure that your beloved’s emotional barometer remains in control despite, in such situation.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 People around you at the workplace may be bit apprehensive about your modus operandi. If you handle everything with due tact, there won’t be any issue. In personal relationships, you may not face big problems if you avoid criticising everyone. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

!

ERGO Friday, January 9, 2009

Satsuki Mitchell and Actor Daniel Craig arrive to attend the Premiere of ’Les Insurges’ film on Wednesday in Paris, France. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Naomi Millbank Smith attends a UK gala screening of ’Clubbed’ at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square on Wednesday in London, England. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Nikki Sanderson attends a UK gala screening of ’Clubbed’ at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square on Wednesday in London, England. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

‘‘

We still check in with each other, She was a big part of my life, and me hers. That’s life, man. That’s life," Said Brad Pitt about his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston in an interview with ’W’ magazine.