Ergo July 29

A BYTE OF LIFE

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

03 WINDOW SHOPPER Good Earth in Rutland Gate FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 142

Return of the

KING? With Felipe Massa almost certainly ruled out of this year’s F1, speculations are rife that Ferrari will turn to Schumacher » Page 08

With Friendship Day round the corner, collaborate with us on our Big Story on online friendships. Share with our readers the pleasant surprises and also the perils of online friendships. How do you tackle “Can I do friendship with you” requests? Email us at [email protected] with the subject line marked “Big Story”.

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Take me home Danny is a 4-year-old male Labrador cross who is healthy, playful and affectionate. He has been neutered and is up for adoption. Call Praveen at 9884144161

Of rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi A scene from ’A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream’, a play by Masquerade

If you swear by sweets like a Bengali, this place is a real treat

Sister Act II T

heatre group Masquerade is gearing up for its next production. Nun in Black will be staged on July 31 (7.15 p.m.), August 1 (7.15 p.m.) and August 2 (3.15 and 7.15 p.m.) at Top Storey, Alliance Francaise, Nungambakkam. The mailers read that it stars: “An improvised bar, low stools, two-seater sofas, wild turkey, a fake pooch, two phony nuns, a virtuous burglar and a cop to fill up the space.” Also that the play is misdirected by Deepak Dhamija and wrongly directed by KK. The story goes like this: Two sisters are faced with the responsibility of looking after their orphaned niece. They decide to impersonate as begging nuns in order to send their niece to the art school in Europe. They run into trouble when a burglar tries to make off with their gains. Watch out for a series of hilarious misunderstanding that follow. Tickets are available at Landmark and Nuts and Spices. For tele bookings call 93802 86129.

Sweet corner: Kakoli and A.K. Das at Kolkata Mithai Bhavan; (Below) The sandesh carved like a fish. PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

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.R. Kumar swears by his mishti doi. Walking out of Kolkata Mithai Bhavan with a parcelled container of the sweet curd, the Chennai resident who has lived in Kolkata for over four decades says he shops here four times a week. Another youngster who loves their rasogolla says, “It’s home out here.” Judging by the stream of visitors at this shop, we think it is no understatement. For five years now, this sweet shop on Choolaimedu High Road has been specialising in Bengali sweets and savouries. A.K. Das, along with wife Kakoli Das and brother Madhusudan Das, has been running the place, with 15 others working as kitchen staff. “Making sweets in Bengal is much easier than in Chennai. The paneer is readily available but here we prepare it fresh, which makes it a laborious process,” explains A.K. Das, who works with a health scientific publication in the mornings.

Why is this place a preferred destination for sweets? According to Das, the sugar, especially that used for preparing sandesh, is extracted from the khajur plant only in winter. “It has a different flavour, which you will get while relishing our sweets.” Around 100 kilos of the sugar is bought, which he sparingly uses to last him a year. Otherwise, around 150 litres of sweets are prepared a day. Undoubtedly, sandesh is one of

Kolkata Mithai Bhavan How to get there: Take the first left after the Loyola College underpass. The shop is in Chitra Shopping Inn, No. 9A, Choolaimedu High Road, Chennai – 600 094. Contact No: 23451297 Open: 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

the best-selling items on the menu. The steamed milk sweet is available in different shapes – fruits, vegetables, fish (for wedding ceremonies), pond, etc. If you do not have a sweet tooth except during some special occasions, do try chum-chum, which is not very sweet yet soft and comes with a shelf life of four hours. Chittaranjan also falls in a similar category. Both chumchum and chittaranjan are prepared in limited quantity, so make sure you place your order in advance. Chitrakut, noukabilash, sita bhog, raj bhog, radha ballavi (served only on Saturdays and Sundays) and jala bhara are some of the other Bengali delicacies. The sweets are priced from Rs. 180 to Rs. 250 a kilo. No Bengali meal is complete without sweets, but Das says his community in the city does not consume as much sweets as they gorge in their hometown. So, to complement his business there is a live parotta, chappati and chaat counter. ■ 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]

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What on EARTH! For rare furniture pieces, tableware and home linen, Good Earth is as popular as dependable

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any might identify Rutland Gate with Movenpick and Max Mueller Bhavan. A relatively new entrant to the locality – inaugurated in October 2008 – Good Earth is for the discerning few looking for statement pieces when it comes to home décor, the dinner table or the bath. Already a well-established brand in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, Good Earth here is housed in an old bungalow converted into a two-floor shopping space by Good Earth partner Soumya Keshavan. Bamboo mashals (fire torches), iron lanterns embedded with stained glass, and cushioned sofas fill up most part of the verandah. The care that went into this space is a sort of tribute to Verandah, Good Earth’s flagship interiors and garden space store in New Delhi, explains Soumya. Inside, several objects vie for attention – from the brick-red wood TV console and all-mirror centre table to the wrought iron chandelier, the pair of horseshoe-shaped chairs and the Marga sofa. The Marga sofa, especially, is capable of inducing extreme laziness. “Every week we have a new favourite,” Soumya says. The aforementioned TV console enjoys the honour at present. The tableware section houses dinner sets bearing several of Good Earth classic motifs

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

like Mirchi (which is as old as Good Earth), Raw Mango, Ritz, Venice, Khyber, White Linen, Indus River (“a hit with expats”), Rasa (a “very South Indian” marigold motif), Baradari (Mughal-inspired) and Periyar. As Soumya tells you, “Good Earth is more about the best of Indian designs reinterpreted in contemporary style.” There’s also a closet bar and all the accompanying glassware and bar tools. Brands like Eisch and Riedel are stocked too. The bath and body works section explains the delicious smell wafting through the entire place. From aromatherapy candles, oils and incense to buckwheat pillows and bath linen, everything’s here. The cushion room, bed linen room and children’s room also come up with very interesting articles – old black-and-white photos digitally printed on cushions, four-post beds with wooden net screens, exquisite linen and silk bed covers, et al. Clothes and accessories are on the anvil. Good homes make for a good earth, eh? ■

Good Earth Address: No. 3, Rutland Gate, 4th Street, Thousand Lights, Chennai – 600 006 Website: www.goodearthindia.com Ph: 4308 7878/ 4308 7879 Store timings: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Open all days)

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Diaz accepts fan’s marriage proposal

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ollywood star Cameron Diaz agreed to marry an unknown fan at the Comic-Con 2009 convention in San Diego, California. While answering questions from fans at the convention, the ‘What Happens in Vegas’ actress was given the unexpected proposal, reports Us magazine. “Will you marry me?” the unidentified man shouted from the crowd of thousands. She answered: “Yes! Where are you? Why not?” However, the stunner did have one condition for her potential fiancé - that they marry in Las Vegas. She added: “Can we get married in Vegas? I always wanted to get married in Vegas.” The beautiful star also told how, despite being at the convention to promote her new movie, psychological horror The Box, she can’t watch scary movies. ■ ANI

Wanted: A witch to live in a cave A witch is being hunted to live in Wookey Hole Caves on a salary of £50,000 a year

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ere’s a spellbinding job for people who love creepy surroundings and magic - a tourist attraction is holding auditions for a witch to live in one of its caves. And the lucky applicant will land a 50,000-pound salary. Organisers are holding reality show X Factor-style auditions to fill a vacancy at Wookey Hole Caves, near Wells, in Som-

erset, reports The Telegraph. The tourist attraction wants the witch to teach visitors about witchcraft and magic after its previous employee retired. The job advert states that the successful applicant “must be able to cackle” and “must not be allergic to cats”. Since the magical role was advertised, which was done earlier this month in lo-

cal newspapers and job centres, 2,319 wannabe witches and warlocks have applied in the hope of “striking it witch”. According to folklore, the caves were home to the Wookey Witch who was turned to stone by Father Bernard who had been appointed by the Abbott of Glastonbury to rid villagers of her curse. Daniel Medley, from Wookey Hole, said: “We are expecting hundreds of

male, female and trans-gender witches all in full witchy regalia competing for the 50k job opportunity in an X Factorstyle audition.” “In one minute they have to convince a panel of three judges they are the right witch for the job using whatever props they can carry. The grand winner will be chosen on the day.” ■ ANI

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

SAMPRAS CAN’T SEE FEDERER ON NIGHT NAPPY DUTY F

ather of twins Roger Federer probably can’t wait to return to tennis, according to the wisdom of fellow parent Pete Sampras. “He’ll hit the road as soon as he can,” joked Sampras during an appearance at the Los Angeles Open. “I’m sure he will start playing 40 weeks a year.” Sampras, 37, the father of boys aged three and six, said in a more serious vein that despite Federer’s wife Mirka giving birth to a pair of girls last Thursday, elite tennis life would go on for Swiss the world number one. “I can’t see Roger changing diapers at 4 am at the US Open. I’m sure they will have help. I don’t think fatherhood will affect his game. “It’s a life-changer, but he’s focussed on his tennis. He’ll keep doing what’s he’s done the past few years.” Sampras was on hand in the Royal Box at the Wimbledon final in London three weeks ago when Federer beat Andy Roddick to lift a 15th Grand Slam singles title and break the longstanding Sampras mark set in 2002 when he won the US Open over Andre Agassi and retired on the spot. The flying London visit was a rare trip for the former great, who is perfectly content to stay in LA where he has a home and family life and golf courses nearby. “Wimbledon was my home for a while and I enjoyed it. To be back there was pretty cool.” “Roger will go on to win more than 15 majors,” Sampras added. “I think the future of the sport is healthy.” The American admitted that he perhaps never thought he’d see the day his mark was broken.

Branson is no longer the only Virgin

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Roger Federer with his wife Mirka Vavrinec. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

“When I was done, I felt I’d put up some numbers no one would touch. But little did I know Roger would surpass me in seven years,” Sampras said. “Records are made to be broken. I believe in that. I also

can’t do anything about it. My days are over but I’m content with my 14 (titles). “I’m still amazed at what Roger has been able to do. It’s incredible.” ■ DPA

ritish industrialist Sir Richard Branson has lost the sole use of the word ’virgin’ in branding, after a court ruling on July 27. The court ruled in favour of South African company Bodtrade, which was granted a trademark to use the phrase: “You can’t be a virgin all your life, it’s time”, reports the Sun. This is the first time that a business other than Branson’s Virgin Enterprises has won a trademark including the word, apart from olive oil makers. Virgin argued customers expect any new uses of the word to originate from it alone, but the Intellectual Property Office in London ruled there would be no confusion. Virgin Enterprises must pay 1,500 pounds to Bodtrade’s legal costs. ■ ANI

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Woman rescued from playful dolphin A wild dolphin off the coast of New Zealand refused to let a woman swimming nearby leave the area. Although the friendly dolphin only wanted to play, the woman became exhausted and needed help returning to shore.

Astronauts complete final spacewalk Two astronauts have completed their fifth and final spacewalk installing two cameras on Japan’s Kibo laboratory at the International Space Station (ISS), the US space agency NASA said. The spacewalk, conducted by Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn, lasted four hours and 54 minutes. The astronauts performed an electrical cable swap and adjustment of insulation blankets on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. They also performed a number of other tasks, including tying down some cables and installing handrails and a portable foot restraint to aid future spacewalkers, NASA said. Xinhua

Obama in US citizenship row A vocal group of conspiracy theorists known as “birthers” are riling the White House with their persistent claim that Barack Obama is not an American citizen and therefore ineligible to be President. The claim that the United States’ first African-American President was born in Kenya, not Hawaii, first emerged during his presidential campaign, but it has garnered more media attention in the summer “silly season,” a traditionally slow news period when many Americans are on vacation. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs looked exasperated when a reporter asked him, “Is there anything you can say that will make the birthers go away?” “If I had some DNA, it wouldn’t assuage those that don’t believe he was born here,” Gibbs replied. “But I have news for them and for all of us: The President was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the 50th state of the greatest country on the face of the earth. He’s a citizen.” The digitally scanned copy of the “certification of live birth” from Hawaii’s Department of Health shows Obama was born in Honolulu at 7:24 pm on August 4, 1961. “We conclude that it meets all of the requirements from the State Department for proving US citizenship. Our conclusion: Obama was born in the USA, just as he has always said.”

Arnold announces stimulus for Hollywood California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced a financial boost to the film and television industry in an attempt to prevent productions to move to other states. “This is about the make-up artists, the caterers and the countless other small businesses that rely on film and television production to succeed and create jobs for Californians,” Schwarzenegger said. The former movie star listed 25 planned productions, among them Naked Gun 4, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 and Second Wives Club, which are to receive tax credits worth 67.5 million dollars under a film incentive scheme, should they be produced in California. DPA

Beckham blasts bad-mouthed fan

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A Texas woman decapitated her newborn baby and ate pieces of his body before turning a knife on herself, police said. The woman was covered in blood and screaming: “I killed my baby, I want to die” when police arrived at the modest San Antonio home. “She mentioned that someone or something told her to do it and she was hearing voices, so that leads us to believe she was experiencing some kind of mental crisis,” said police spokesman Joe Rios. The woman was discovered around 4:30 am on Sunday by her mother, who found her holding the decapitated baby. She appeared to have ingested parts of her child after attacking him with a knife, Rios said. “She was biting on the head,” Rios said. Otty Sanchez, 33, was charged with capital murder. AFP

Reuters

ngland footballer David Beckham was involved in another row with a fan, when the latter badmouthed his wife Victoria. Beckham, 34, was playing for L A Galaxy at the time of the incident. According to The Sun, he could be heard shouting at the fan in a match shown live on US TV: “Is that an England shirt?” As in his fiery exchange a week

Mom beheads newborn

earlier, when booing supporters questioned his loyalty to the club, Beckham offered to shake the man’s hand in a friendly gesture. But he later blasted the fan for allegedly hurling insults about Posh, who was away in London. He said: “He shouldn’t actually be wearing that shirt because what he was saying about my wife was a disgrace.” ■ ANI

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Websites of the day

Cat calls police

Streaming audio, CD reviews, indie charts, internet radio, and articles for ’indie’ musicians: http://www.indie-music.com/ Everything you need to know about vampires www.vampires.monstrous.com/

Police rushed to a home after receiving four consecutive calls, only to discover that it was actually a one year old Bengal cat who hit redial several times

Office romance: New way to net potential partner A

new study suggests that office romances are becoming more common in Australia. Published by Australia’s Women’s Health magazine, the poll of 671 women has shown that one in five Australian women finds romance in the workplace because longer working hours limit the number of ways they can meet a potential partner. It also showed that 19 per cent of respondents had dated a co-worker, and about 16 per cent were still in a relationship with someone they had met at work. Six per cent had dated their boss, while almost 32 per cent had a crush on a colleague. Clinical psychologist and relationship expert Traci Coventry also revealed that many of her clients were in office romances. “A lot of people who are single, who are working from seven in the morning until 11 o’clock at night, (have) no other way to socialise at all,” the NZPA quoted her as saying. “People are working longer and longer hours, particularly with the financial crisis we are having at the moment,” she added. Dr. Coventry further said that some people had two partners: one at work, and one at home.

“They’re spending more time in the office than they are at home,” she said. Anne Hollonds, of Relationships Australia, said that not only were people working longer hours, they were also viewing their workplaces as venues for romance. “These days, we see the workplace as more than somewhere you just do your job and go home,” she said. “People are actually looking at forming relationships at work, friendships. They’re looking for relationships that are of meaning and importance,” she added. According to Hollonds, co-workers would tend to have a lot in common. “If you go out to a club, it’s very hit-and-miss if the person next to you in the bar has anything in common with you,” she said. However, office romances might turn out to be difficult for many, as they can affect relationships with other colleagues and potentially breach the restrictions some employers have regarding workplace trysts. “It shows that we are risktakers, really, because getting emotionally involved with someone at work can be a huge risk to your job and your professional reputation because things can go wrong. ■ ANI

NY cops use cricket to bond with expats Y

oung men of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin in Brooklyn dream not of playing baseball, but of playing cricket at the nationallevel for the United States - and the New York City Police Department is helping them to realise it through community matches. “When I lived in my country, my dream was to be a national player. I thought that dream was lost to me when I came to New York, but now I think it is possible,” says Korban Ali, 18, from Bangladesh. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, a group of officers from the NYPD roll out a heavy jute mat, their pitch substitute, on a field in Brooklyn and another in Queens for a Twenty20 competition. The NYPD cricket league is a huge success story in policecommunity relations. The police were successful in engaging the mainly Muslim Arab-speaking communities through a soccer competition, but the department was struggling to reach youths in the South Asian communities and

young West Indians. Then, Police Commissioner, Raymond Kelly, came up with the idea of cricket. “His concept is the three Cs crime fighting, counter-terrorism and community relations - and this is the community relations side,” says Deputy Inspector Amin Kosseim, who is in charge of special projects. “We looked for a door to open with the South Asian community. A lot of them play cricket, so it was the perfect sport to partake in,” he said. The officers set about learning the game and recruiting

A Twenty20 tournament has been introduced with 10 teams and 170 players, including two girls, and they expect more growth next year

youths aged mainly between 14 and 19 from the Pakistani, Bangladeshi and West Indian communities. They got permits for the fields and set up transport in police vans. The competition co-ordinator is a 30-year-old policeman born and bred in Brooklyn but with the auspicious name of Jeff Thompson. Travelling in Europe six years ago he fell in love with Karen from Murwillumbah and that first love led to a second: cricket. “It was part of my learning and absorbing the Australian culture - and getting on with the in-laws,” he says. And, yes, most Australians he meets quickly tell him about his near namesake, “Thommo”, the legendary Australian fast bowler. The NYPD decided to go with Twenty20 because the games can be played in about three hours. Thompson designed the NYPD cricket logo, they bought the brightly coloured uniforms emblazoned with NYPD and got cracking. ■ ANI

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Pacer friendly Edgbaston curator Steve Rouse says the pitch for the third Ashes Test would be a paradise for the pace bowlers and Australia would not need services of spinner Nathan Hauritz. “With the conditions like this, Nathan Hauritz could be a waste. Australia should play four seamers I would think. You wouldn’t see a spinner doing an awful lot of work here unless he was good enough to tie an end down and not get carted for five or six an over,” he said.

Return With Felipe Massa almost certainly ruled out Rusty Sharapova scrapes past

ERGO CORRESPONDENT

Maria Sharapova shook off the rust to beat Japan’s Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 in the first round of the Stanford Classic on Monday. Fellow Russian Elena Dementieva joined her in the second round after beating Britain’s Anne Keothavong 6-1, 6-4. On the comeback trail after shoulder surgery last year, three-times grand slam champion Sharapova conceded she needed more matches to get her form back. “I had so many chances to close out the match and I didn’t,” the 62nd ranked Sharapova said. “I couldn’t raise my level when had to. But in the third set I didn’t do anything wrong, I was steady and kept doing the right things.” After winning the first set, Sharapova squandered a 5-2 lead in the second and was unable to cash in on two match points leading 6-4 in the tiebreaker, double faulting and committing a backhand error. The Japanese player moved ahead with a scalding backhand winner and then took the tiebreaker 8-6 after Sharapova dumped a backhand into the net. However, the former world number one turned it around in the third set with huge groundstrokes and aggressive returns to put the game away against her 34-year-old opponent. Reuters

Somdev moves up Somdev Devvarman qualified for the ATP LA Open with a straight set win over American Alex Bogomolov Jr. but it was all over for Prakash Amritraj, who stumbled at the final hurdle. Second seed Somdev battled for one hour and 38 minutes to score a 7-5, 6-2 win over his sixth seed rival in the third and final qualifying round. However, it was all over for US-based Indian Prakash, who lost his final qualifying round 5-6, 6-7 (0-7) to fifth seed American Ryan Sweeting, on Monday night. Somdev will have a tough start to the main draw as he faces fifth seed and world number 37 Russian Igor Kunitsyn in the first round. In the final round match, Somdev had plenty of chances in the fiercely fought first set but could convert only three of the seven breakpoints. Alex converted both his chances but still could not stop Somdev taking lead. In the second set, Somdev did not give much chance to the American and grabbed all three breakpoints apart from saving two on his own serve to wrap up the affair. PTI

[email protected]

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s Brazilian Felipe Massa keeps on fighting for his life at an army hospital in Budapest, rumour mills are rife with “informed news” that Ferrari monarch Michael Schumacher is again set to get behind the wheels of the red Scuderia. The seven-time Formula One champion, who retired in 2005, is still continuing his long-time association with the Italian team as one of their test drivers and is a regular at every F1 race pit. Massa, who suffered multiple head injuries during Saturday’s qualifying rounds of the Hungarian Grand Prix, is believed to be in no immediate danger but his return to the grid, at least for this year if not for ever, is almost ruled out. Numerous motorsport magazines, including the very respectable Forumula1.net, have put their money on the German to help the team recover from their current misfortunes. Ferrari are yet to post a serious challenge to the world championship

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

‘‘

There is no question that Sunny was a fantastic batsman. People love to make comparisons and Sunil and I have been compared very often perhaps because we were similar in many ways – we batted righthanded, opened the innings, had a great appetite for runs, hated to give our wickets away and possessed good technique. As our records show, Sunil played more matches, scored more runs and centuries than me, but in terms of technique, I consider myself superior to Sunil even if by just half a percentage point. Geoffrey Boycott

of the king? of this year’s F1, speculations are rife that Ferrari will turn to Schumacher this year and are lying third on the constructor’s table a good 58.5 points behind secondplaced Red Bull Racing. Schumi can be the best bet to turn the tide. And even Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo doesn’t rule out the option. “We’ll make a decision when the time is right. Now our main concern is how Felipe is fairing,” Montezemolo told reporters after meeting Massa at the hospital. But news from the Schumacher camp doesn’t sound too encouraging. “That’s only speculation and I don’t see it happening,” said the former Ferrari driver’s manager Willi Weber. “Ferrari already has two very good spare drivers who actually do little else than wait for an opportunity to go into the cockpit if one becomes free.” Common logic would put Ferrari’s two reserve drivers, Marc Gene and Luca Badoer, in the hot seat. One of them should be the first choice, although that does not rule out hiring a guest driver. With the Renault team banned from the next race in Valencia, word is in the air that Fernando Alonso will opt for an earlier switch to Ferrari than his speculated but almost certain entry in 2010. Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS reports about a loophole in Alonso’s contract that would allow the Spaniard to escape his Renault agreement. A “basic commitment” in the contract states that Alonso must be offered an open cockpit drive for every race. Renault, though, is believed to appeal against the ban and a favourable hearing in three weeks’ time cannot be ruled out. Otherwise, perhaps a oneshot deal for the Spaniard’s home race might be arranged. Others in the fray include 1997 Williams world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who is energetically working on his comeback, and securing a temporary contract with the Maranello-based team is surely on his mind. Williams test driver Nico Hulken-

berg, rumoured to be a 2010 replacement for the much-in-demand Nico Rosberg, has also been mentioned in certain circles given he is managed by Schumacher’s agent Weber. Ferrari, though, have a three week breather before the Spanish Grand Prix and will definitely weigh all options. Team principal Stefano Domenicali is expected to speak to a reluctant Schumacher, who is suffering from a back and hip problem after a fall from a motorcycle during one of his many test sessions in May. A return of the undisputed monarch might be the right impetus the sport needs at the moment. ■

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Jordan wants Julia Roberts to play her in biopic Katie Price a.k.a Jordan has picked Julia Roberts to play her in a film based on her life - because they have had similar hairdos. Price, who is releasing her fourth autobiography later this year, revealed that it was after watching Roberts’ Oscar-winning performance in the film Erin Brockovich that made her chose the stunning Hollywood star, reports The Mirror.

Akshay’s no to Hollywood Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who recently shared screen space with international stars Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh in Kambakkht Ishq, says he has no plans of heading to Hollywood. “Why go to Hollywood when Hollywood is coming to Bollywood? I’m happy doing my work here as of now,” Akshay said. Now that Kambakkht Ishq has registered good profits at the box office, Akshay is looking forward to his other films that include Blue, De Dana Dan and Action Replay. IANS

Konkona finds business of cinema ‘boring’

Are there honest journalists, doubts Ritiesh Actor Riteish Deshmukh says he was perplexed when filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma narrated his role of an honest and sincere journalist in his media-based film Rann. “Ramu (Varma) narrated the role to me. He said you have to play an honest, sincere and fair journalist in my film. And my first reaction was, ’I hope this is not a fictitious character’,” Riteish said. “I agree there are loads of people in the media today who take up issues and use the medium to bring justice, as also bring in a certain sensibility among society, but a lot of them don’t. Facts are blown out of proportion and a lot of them survive on rumours. “So I had my doubts about how real my character is. But the experience of shooting for the film was great,” he added. Rann also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal, Rajat Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Purab Kohli as well as Gul Panag. IANS

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he is known as an intelligent actress but Konkona Sen Sharma doesn’t want anything to do with the business of cinema - in the literal sense. “I find the business of cinema very boring - the trade of cinema, the facts and figures, the money - that’s not what appeals to me about cinema and frankly, I don’t even know about it...,” said Konkona. “What I like is playing different characters, meeting and interacting with creative personalities and not the profits,” she added.

Asked how she manages her own accounts, Konkona said: “I have a CA (chartered accountant) who handles my account. But that’s like a general account. I don’t have a very huge, Bollywood-like account.” The National Award-winning actress, known for doing offbeat roles like Mr & Mrs Iyer and Page 3, will be seen next in a fully-commercial movie Wake Up Sid with Ranbir Kapoor. She is also doing Mirch, where she will play a double role for the first time. IANS

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

JK Rowling’s chair fetches pound20K on eBay Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s chair, sitting in which she wrote the first two books of the famous series, has been re-sold for a whopping 20,000 pounds. The value of the chair, which was previously sold for 15,000 pounds, has increased three-fold in the last seven years.

DiCaprio sets his eyes on Pussycat Dolls singer A ctor Leonardo DiCaprio, who was earlier romantically involved with models Gisele Bundchen and Bar Rafaeli, has now been spotted with singer Ashley Roberts of the girl group Pussycat Dolls. Thesun.co.uk reports that DiCaprio broke up with Rafaeli after dating her for two years. He met Ashley at the Cartier International Polo in Surrey. “Leo had a table in the VIP area of the club and was joined by a group of about 20 stunning models. As soon as Ashley arrived, he invited her over and despite all the other women surrounding him, she was the only one he was paying any attention to. “They were getting on like a house on fire, drinking bottles of champagne and expensive tequila. They were so close at one point she was almost on his knee.” The two then left the place at the same time but through different doors.

Cine City Rajan P. Dev in coma Rajan P. Dev, the scheming villain of many films like Suriyan and Gentleman, is in coma following a lung failure. The ailing actor is admitted to a private hospital in Cochin. Rajan, a theatre and film artiste in Kerala, made his debut in Kollywood playing a baddie in Sarath Kumar starrer Suriyan. Sources say that actor was resting at his home in Ernakulam following illhealth. Two days ago he had reportedly vomited blood and was admitted to hospital. He was last seen in Malayan. The actor has also handled comedy in many Malayalam movies, especially Thommanum Makkalum and Chocolate.

IANS

PHOTO: K. PICHUMANI

POPULAR LOOKS It seems that a look-alike face is the secret of becoming popular in Bollywood. When Dia Mirza entered B-town, she was compared to Aishwarya Rai, and Deepika Padukone was said to resemble Ash and Bipasha. Both became popular for their similar resemblances. Now it’s the turn of veteran actor Kamal’s darling daughter—Shruti Haasan. There is a buzz in the industry that she has the fresh and charming looks of beautiful Sonali Bendre. But one wonders why this daughter of star parents Kamal and Sarika needs the look-alike factor to get popular. She has made news with her versatile performance in her debut Luck. Right now she is enjoying the glory of her latest flick. We hear that post Luck, offers have been pouring in her kitty and she has started liking the Mumbai. If online grapevine is true, we hear she is planning to shift base to Mumbai from Chennai. If all goes well, after Asin, Shruti may be the next to hop between North and South.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Inayathullah from Coastal Training Technologies has been nominated as Office Angel by Claritynet Team. Inayathullah is a proficient and sincere person. He is down to earth too. He is very charming but is very strict and serious during working hours. We all are proud to nominate him as an Office Angel.

■ Hi, We are blessed with an angel, Like heaven might send, And we call her (Ramya) Our angel and friend and sis, Instead of a gem, or even a flower, we are casting the gift of love into your heart on your birthday today. Have a really lovely Birthday akka. With lots of love from Elakkiya G M, Padmashini R, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear J.Dhana, Hearty B’day wishes to you……. We wish you to get all the chances to make all your dreams come true. Happy b’day happiness always… Have a nice day and colorful year ahead. Keep smiling :) :) Best wishes from, Ram, Mekala, Poornima, Suba, Jay, Shallini, Hema, Maha, Murali. Cognizant Technology Solutions

■ Dear Don, Today is a day of celebration. why? because, years ago on the same day, god sent me my flesh and bone conscience. wishing my friendly inner voice a very happy birthday. Regards, Zoho Support.

Sam Anderson of Allsec Technologies doodled this.

■ Dear Nithu, On this very special day, I wish u all happiness and lifs best treasures... You loved me ever so much, That I always knew. And I couldn’t have asked for a better sister, Than......................you. I often thank Heaven For our own sweet mother she gave me you nithu one I’d swap for no other wish u a very happy birthday dear. Love u so much. Your loving sister, Nisha, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Hi Buan I wish i Could tell this on your Birthday: Thank you For being such a wonderful man Everything has been great Since our marriage began Wish U a very Happy, Fantastic, Sweet, Healthy, Pleasant bday. Let All your dreams come true not only today but every day of your life!!!!!!

1)Minnala parthaa kannu poiddum; Pakkalainaaa. minnaley poiddum! 2)Kaakka ennadhaan karuppa irundhaalum adhu podara muttai vellai! Muttai ennadhaan vellaiya irundhaalum adhukulla irukka kaakka karuppudhaan! 3)Iron boxaala iron panna mudiyum; Aana pencil boxaala pencil panna mudiyaadhu! 4)Sirpi kalla uliyaala adicha adhu kalai; Naama sirpiya uliyaala adicha adhu kolai! 5)Vaayaala naainu sollalaam; Aana, naayaala vaainu sollamudiyuma? Regards, Annaswamy Hariharan, Project :CITI-CIR Location :Hexaware Technologies, SIRUSERI

With luv Sangitha Cognizant Technology Solutions .

■ Hi Panjabakesavan May this special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours. Wishing you all the fun and excitement that only birthdays can bring! With Cheers, Human Resources, Coastal Training Technologies India (P) Ltd, Chennai

■ Dear Premanand (calsoft), This msg is filled with wishes for a

very special day, One that brings a world of joy And happiness your way- It’s also filled with loving thoughts Especially meant for you, For you’re the kinds of person Happy things should happen to! Wish you Happy Birthday From, NIIT Friends Rajesh Kamalakar Saravanan Senbagarajan

■ Dear Mohana (50% Fun 50% Bun ), A Birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the Trip! A Special person like u deserves the best that each day can bring . Happy Birthday! Keep Rocking Mohana. Stay Happy & Stay Young. Best Wishes from Kaiser-Internal Project Team Abhijit, Ravendran, Sumithra, Anusha

■ Dear Santo, Some people like Sunday, Some people like Monday, However we just like only 1 day, It’s your birthday Happy B’day! Your Ever Dear Friends, Online Team:-VC Sir, Rex, Dinkar, Sundar, Karthika, Rekha, Bhuvana, Pushpa, Gowthami, Nandhinee. (SIFY)

■ Dear Naresh, Birthdays are filled with yesterday’s memories, today’s joys, and tomorrow’s dreams. Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest. Puttina roju shubakanksalu! Many Many More Happy Returns Of The Day!! Regards, ITAMO Tata Consultancy Services, Tidel Park

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Gopal, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a wonderful year ahead. May God Bless you. Enjoy the day! With love, Vinodh, Sainthavi, Thawin and the Entire family

■ Dear Nals, Whatever is lovely, Whatever is precious, Whatever that brings your heart joy, is exactly what i wish for you today, tomorrow & always dear. I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. Happy Birthday! my dear Nals. From Sangee, Jayanthi, Saran, Cicy, Poorna, Sri, Bhuvi, Revathi, Annapoorani, Kripa, Sindu, Salma and Sangeetha Priya. Congruent Solutions

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Dancing couple find internet fame A surprise five minute dance down the aisle by an entire wedding party, including the bride and a somersaulting groom, has created a YouTube sensation with over six million hits in one week.

sudoku

Dhilip Mohan from HCL Technologies has shot the image of his motorbike reflected on the side-indicator using Nikon D80 camera.

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

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Religious workouts

Word’s worth

A developer in Ohio has converted an old church into a gym and kept the religious motif, including stained-glass windows and biblical murals.

Jollop (joll-up) to make a noise like a turkey. As a noun it means ‘the cry of a turkey.’ Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have been used in any Thanksgiving poetry.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 The mood and motion of the day is highly infectious. Ganesha feels you will be successful in directing the flow of money. Your high energy may motivate you to take up more challenging tasks like implanting new ideas at work.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 There will be tremendous work to be taken care of today. Most of it will be related to computers. However, Ganesha assures that this situation will not last for more than a day. In the evening you will plan a recreational activity with your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 The ideal day to polish your skills at work. Ganesha feels that if you go for it, you will be able to ameliorate your communication skills. On the relationship front, you will get love and affection only if you too express the same for your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 A clear sailing day at office today. There won’t be much to do except for routine work. However, Ganesha feels that you should take advantage of this free time and utilize it for self development. You will spend the evening with your beloved.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Today you may be in need of lots of tissue papers! Sadly, the day will be packed with emotion and drama. Hang tough, or else you may just lose the count of things happening around you. Ganesha advises you to be prompt and practical today.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may be in a mood to do research and development today. Your mind would be active and you will not be able to think about anything other than work. Ganesha suggests you to pen down every single idea that comes to your mind.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Ganesha feels that the day will be a fruitful one. You might address to a group and still be precise and ‘to the point’. Since your partner is in a good mood as well, it seems to be a perfect time for you to hang around with your beloved at parties .

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Stop, Look, go! Follow these simple signals at work today and you will be at peace. Don’t cross anyone’s path. Be patient, and try doing everything by the book. Ganesha assures that your efforts won’t be wasted. Don’t try to be too judgemental.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Your colleagues will be favourably biased today so it will help you finish off your routine office work quickly. Support from superiors may also encourage you to take a call on something which was pending since long.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha finds you full of life today. You might get opportunities to learn or adapt new things at work. Ganesha finds you in a jaunty mood all day long. You may want to develop good skills on the personal front to maintain harmonious relationships.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Ganesha suggests, focus on your communications at work today. Avoid direct talks with colleagues, unless it is about something important. Try not to annoy others or you may face major problems. Handle professional and personal issues with care.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Your morning will be filled with sentiments and emotions. Interestingly, the noon may appear with a paradox. Ganesha feels you will focus more on your goals in life later during the day. Love life may take a back seat. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Pete Sampras poses for a portrait with son Ryan and wife Bridgette Wilson during the LA Tennis Open Day 1 at Los Angeles Tennis Centre UCLA in Los Angeles. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/AFP

Bangladeshi pedestrians holding umbrellas hitch a ride on a rickshaw van as they attempt to stay dry over flood waters in Dhaka. PHOTO: AFP

This underwater image shows Denmark’s Lotte Friis competing during the women’s 1500m freestyle qualifications at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome. PHOTO: AFP

Knut, the world’s most famous polar bear swims in his enclosure at the zoo in Berlin. PHOTO: AFP