Ergo July 3

A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, July 3, 2009

03 AILING ABANDONED Accident victim shown the door in GH due to lack of beds FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 124

Fashion in furniture The Alliance Française of Madras is hosting an exhibition of sketches of French furniture inspired by fashion. Influences range from Chanel’s ‘tomboy’ jersey suit to Christian Dior’s ‘Diorama’ dress. PAGE 08

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Gay and happy The Delhi High Court has legalised homosexuality as "progressive". Activist speak out on the verdict. » PAGE 04

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Namma Chennai Food

Wine and dine

Health

Indulge, relax & unwind Summer is a good time to pamper yourself and the spa at Courtyard by Marriott welcomes you. An entire day is planned out for you to indulge, relax and unwind at the spa. The package is priced at Rs. 1500 and is valid for July. For reservations call 044-6676 4111.

Dine at Wild Fire, the speciality grill restaurant at Asiana Hotel, to taste the new connoisseurs’ gourmet menu with some fine wine to complement. The two course menu is priced from Rs. 650 and the three course from Rs. 900. For reservations call 67411000.

Launch

Will you read with me? Join Landing Stage Youth Theatre Group and Viswanath of Karadi Tales as they narrate the story of the elephant whose trunk is just too long. The event will be followed with the launch of a new series of audio books for children from Karadi Tales, Will you read with me? So be at Crossword Bookstore, Venkatnarayana Road on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Food

I’m loving it Shop

Clicked Sony India has introduced two slim cyber shot W series cameras – DSC-W190 and DSCW180. These are available in metallic red, black and silver, promising to be a perfect companion for those who enjoy simple-to-use cameras. Shop at Sony authorised dealers. Price starts from Rs. 8,990.

Good news for McDonald fans. The international chain is opening its first standalone restaurant in the city today. So, next time for Mc veg burgers, Mc chicken burger, softys... drive to McDonald’s Family Restaurant, 2nd Avenue, Near Roundtana, Anna Nagar.

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Ailing student thrown out of GH, readmitted

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PHOTO: V. GANESAN

19-year-old college student who was paralysed after an accident during an NCC camp on June 7 was forcefully discharged from the Government General Hospital due to lack of beds. The ailing student was readmitted to the hospital after the matter gained media attention when his family members protested on the hospital premises. The victim G. Adhisivan is a II-year BSc Maths student of a private arts college in Thoraipakkam, who also a part-time construction worker. An NCC cadet, he went for camp from his college in Kancheepuram on June 7. While unloading some goods from a lorry at the camp site he was accidentally caught between the vehicle and a wall when the lorry was reversing. Adhisivan suffered severe injuries to his hip and was taken to Meenakshi Hos-

Get your dose of adrenaline

PHOTO: S. S. KUMAR

ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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he Blur antidote to beat the office blues just got a lot better. The gaming zone at Sathyam Cinemas on Thursday launched 12 new arcade games for those looking to let some steam off. One can now get the safety belts on to race in some of the finest racing games – Sega’s Cycraft and Hummer easily the top two arcades among the new additions – to some good old shoot, lock and reload action with Rambo DX and the House of Dead. The action is unrelenting as always. A bit of a FPS fan myself, I found the action in Rambo DX pretty nifty but I would go with Ghost Squad Evolution DX, a security ops actioner that is slightly reminiscent of Counter Strike. At the launch event, SS Music VJs Craig and Cary were present. ■

pital in Kancheepuram by the NCC staff and cadets. Since his condition was critical the hospital authorities asked them to transfer him to Government General Hospital in Chennai for further treatment. He was brought to GH the same night and doctors advised hip surgery. Allegedly, it was only then that the patient’s parents were informed. Adhisivan’s brother, Varadaraju from Vettuvankanni, and his mother Paapa came down from their native place in Salem. According to hospital sources, Adhisivan was in ICU for five days as he suffered a hip fracture and urethra damage.

His relatives said the hospital authorities had asked them to take Adhisivan home on Wednesday citing the unavailability of beds. An option to take a pay ward was also given. Unable to bear the expenses, an ailing Adhisivan was literally thrown out of the hospital on Thursday morning. Irked relatives agitated on the hospital premises, catching the attention of a media channel present there. The authorities were quick to act, readmitting Adhisivan to a pay ward with assistance from his college authorities. ■ Petlee Peter

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Big Story

A big relief The eight-year-old battle fought by NGOs and gay activists has finally got a major victory. The Delhi High Court on Thursday legalised homosexuality as “progressive”. Chennai’s activists say why the verdict is a step forward in initiating more action for this community.

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he case has been going on for years now, and I knew that it would come out in the most favourable manner. Credit goes to Chennai – the meticulously carried parade and other awareness programmes. We will have more freedom now. This is the first step but not the ultimate step. Lakshaya, dancer

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welcome this measure taken by the Court. Sexual minorities can now express themselves without fearing the law. Moreover, this will save them from any kind of physical and sexual harassment. They can lead a peaceful life without fighting for their rights.

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his law has been in action since the British colonial rule, and its decriminalisation is a reason for celebration. The entire LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community stands together in expressing solidarity on this decision. Gay men had to endure a lot of violence and discrimination, but now they can register and seek redress for all the problems they face. This will go a long way in initiating developmental activity for gay men. A.J. Hariharan, founder secretary, Indian Community Welfare Organisation

Rose, anchor and social activist

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t is a big relief for me. I feel I am able to breathe properly now. This decision is very encouraging. After years of protests and struggles, it has gained momentum and turned out the right way. I strongly believe that each human being has his right to choose his partner. The High Court has finally recognised it as a human rights issue and has taken an intelligent verdict. We want it to be made applicable throughout the country. If Delhi can recognise us as responsible humans, then other states can also do the same.

think this has been in the offing for a very long time. This openness about sexual orientation just translates into free expression, failing which they are forced into going underground and to turn to other avenues. Oldage societies never ridiculed such people, rather they were given more place to come out. But only during the British rule our society started looking at this issue as a crime. We’ve completed a full circle. Decriminalising gay marriages is only a logical step towards accepting reality. Jaya Sridharan, doctor

Sunil Menon, founder, Sahodaran

(Compiled by R. Preethi and G. J. Akshata)

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Genesis of Pondicherry P. RAJA

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ill you please recede a little so that I will have a small piece of land?” God requested the Lord of the Seas. “My Lord, what’s that for?” enquired the Lord of the Seas. God replied: “Human beings are populating this earth. This rampant growth, I am afraid, will only lead to chaos and confusion,” He paused and heaved a sigh. “I couldn’t read your mind, my Lord. One more piece of land will only add to chaos,” suggested the Lord of the Seas. “Years later, when the entire world is in a turmoil, when thugs and ruffians rule the land, and when violence and hatred become the order of the day, I want to see all people in one place where they could live peacefully. They may converse in different languages but there will not be

Then and Now: The Pondicherry beach

The water receded and gave birth to a landmass, now known as Pondicherry. But, in the beginning there was no land known as Pondicherry but only the Bay of Bengal.

HOT & HAPPENING ■ The Neem Tree, a beautiful resort with an old world charm, welcomes you for a memorable stay. Indian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Mediterranean food are served. For details call 9943350501. ■ Stop by to eat quick snacks, South and North Indian tiffins and a variety of shorbat, salads at Sunset Buffet in Anandha Inn, S.V. Patel Salai for Rs. 95 for adult and Rs. 60 for children. Call 0413 – 2233000. Open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ■ Relax at the beach and dine at the new multi-cuisine restaurant opened on the beach front, Spice Garden Restaurant. Call 0413 - 4201118.

another Tower of Babel. They may belong to different race and cultures but they will look at one another as brethren. The place will have an ashram, build by a Yogi. In short the land shall be a sanctuary of peace.” The Lord of the Seas beamed. He said: “A noble purpose, my Lord. Certainly I’ll do what you have said. But tell me where?” “There,” said the Lord of the Universe, pointing to a particular place with his index finger. The water receded and gave birth to a landmass, now known as Pondicherry. In the beginning, there was no land known as Pondicherry but only the Bay of Bengal. God took personal care in nourishing that piece of land. And this He did to make His dream a reality. The bulk of this place is an irregular stretch of land. Almost in semi-circle, it is between 11°46’ and 12° 3’ northern latitude and between 79°36’ and 79 °53’ east-

ern longitude. The place is bordered by the Bay of Bengal on the east and South Arcot district on all the other sides, and the region as a whole is 290 sq. km. Another interesting legend of Pondicherry goes like this: A French vessel got shipwrecked on the Coromondel Coast. The waves carried the only survivor, a Frenchman, to the shore and left him to the mercy of the inhabitants there. A young woman of alluring beauty came to his rescue. She gave him food and shelter. Above all, she spoke in the language of silence – Love. The Frenchman, when he came to his normal self, looked gratefully at her and expressed his desire to know her name. “Pondi,” she replied with a smile. Unable to control himself, he shouted with joy: “Ah, Pondi Chéri” (“Ah, my darling Pondi”). As a mark of gratitude to the woman who rescued him from the jaws of death, he established a settlement there by the name of his beloved. Hence the name Pondicherry. ■

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Sport

Ferguson lauds Ronaldo Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson paid fulsome tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, after the Portugal winger’s world record transfer to Real Madrid. “Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world,” Ferguson told the club’s website. “His contribution has been a major factor in the club’s success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over.”

Andy Murray with his girlfriend Kim Sears

H Screen legend Sir Sean Connery

Fans cheering Andy Murray

Queen Elizabeth II

Murray-mania grips Wimbledon

ollywood queens, beauty queens and Her Majesty the Queen are among the famous faces getting behind Andy Murray in his bid to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and her Hollywood director husband Sam Mendes were in the royal box on Centre Court as Murray beat Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals. Music mogul Simon Fuller, the inspiration behind the Spice Girls, and lyricist Sir Tim Rice were also in the box as Murray cruised through to the semi-finals in straight sets. Adding a touch more glamour to the proceedings, his old school pal Katharine Brown - Miss Scotland - was also in the crowd roar-

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Friday, July 3, 2009

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The series in Sri Lanka would not be easy at all it will be a big challenge for our players to make successful adjustment from T20 cricket to Tests as well the different weather conditions. Shahid Afridi

Actress Kate Winslet (C) and her husband Sam Mendes (3R) attend a tennis match at the Wimbledon. ing him on. “I went to school with her, my mum used to coach her, my brother was best friends with her brother, which was quite annoying, but obviously she’s a nice girl,” Murray said. “Regardless of whether it’s a Miss Scotland I’m happy that one of my school friends came to watch.” Scottish actor Ewan McGregor and British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard were among the fans on Centre Court for Murray’s fourthround match on Monday, the first competitive game to be entirely played under the new Centre Court roof.

Earlier in the tournament, Murray received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating him on becoming the first British man to win Queen’s, the pre-Wimbledon grass court warm-up tournament, since Bunny Austin’s triumph in 1938. The letter raised hopes that Queen Elizabeth could attend Wimbledon for the first time since her jubilee year in 1977, when Britain’s Virginia Wade won the women’s title. Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery has also sent him a good luck message. “I got a handwritten note from Cliff Richard this morning,” Mur-

ray said. Asked about being watched by Titanic star Winslet, the 22-yearold said it all added to the glamour of tennis. “I think it’s good for tennis any time you get big stars or celebrities coming to watch. It makes it cooler for kids, which is important in this country.” Despite the celebrity backing, the laid-back Murray said he was not letting the Wimbledon hype get to him. “It doesn’t make any difference to the way you perform,” he said. “If you ignore it you don’t realise it’s happening.” ■ AFP

PHOTOS: AFP

Hollywood stars, beauty queens are mad for British No.1

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Portfolio

Fashion in furnitu

The Alliance Française of Madras is having an exhibition of sketches of French furniture inspired by fash

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Friday, July 3, 2009

ure

hion over the ages

SHALINI SHAH [email protected]

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he influence of fashion transcends spheres. From automobile design to interiors and architecture, fashion has been making leaps. Besides suits that can be worn, an Armani also designs suites one can check into. As further proof of this leap, the Alliance Française of Madras is hosting an exhibition of sketches of French furniture inspired by fashion. Conceived and organised by VIA (Volarisation de l’Innovation dans l’Ameublement, or Association for the Promotion of New Ideas in Furnishing), an initiative of the French Ministry of Industry, the exhibition aims to showcase how designers like Jean-Charles Castelbajac, Chanel and Christian Dior, to name a few, have influenced the shape and silhouettes of furniture pieces, especially la commodes or chest of drawers. The design duo of Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti, who infamously started the use of wrought iron in furniture, had many celebrity clients – they designed the interiors of Christian Lacroix’s Paris store and perfume bottles for Nina Ricci. Not surprisingly, at the exhibition a comparison is drawn between Garouste and Bonetti’s ‘kawakabo’ chest of drawers and Nina Ricci’s night crinoline dress of 1994. Agnes B’s échec and corbéille dresses are said to inspire Irena Rosinski’s ‘vienne’ chest of drawers – clean, straight lines with minimal clutter. Jean-Charles Castelbajac’s ‘pudique’ (modest) coat is seen as the inspiration behind Italian sculptor and designer Pucci de Rossi’s chest of drawers, with the coat sleeves manifested in the com-

modes’ legs. Gigots (leg-of-mutton sleeves) were particularly popular in the mid-19th century. A sketch obtained from the UFAC (l’Union Française des Arts du Costume) shows how the Louis Philippe chest of drawers shares similarity with the gigots dress. Named after the French ruler from 1830-48, Louis Philippe furniture is characterised by softly rounded lines and little ornamentation, with table and commode surfaces usually topped with marble. Similarly, the polonaise dress of the late 18th century, with its fitted bodice and poufed overskirt, is said to be inspiration behind the demi lune (halfmoon or crescent shaped) Louis XVI furniture. Not to be confused with Louis Philippe furniture, Louis XVI was the first theme of Neoclassicism. Another UFAC sketch depicts the similarity between a belle époque (‘beautiful era’) dress by Jacques Doucet and a ‘strokowski’ commode by Louis Vuitton. Belle époque was the era that gave the world haute couture, and it saw a lot of feathers and ornamentation in fashion. Chanel’s tomboy jersey suit is the supposed design idea behind the ‘pantalons’ chest of drawers created by Eileen Gray. Eileen Gray was the pioneer of Modern Movement in Furniture, the Bibendum chair being her most famous invention. Christian Dior’s multi-panelled Diorama dress of the ‘New Look’ (read tiny waists and billowing skirts) era bears striking similarity with the Charlotte Perriand’s chest of drawers. Influence does work in curious ways. ■ The exhibition is on at the Alliance Française of Madras gallery till July 31.

BULLETIN Jackson wanted to start clothing line: Christian Audigier Michael Jackson was in the process of designing his dream collection with French fashion designer Christian Audigier at the time of his death. “I was working on merchandising with him and launching a new line of clothes, which was actually Jackson’s dream,” contactmusic.com quoted Audigier as saying. The US-based designer, known for his Von Dutch and Ed Hardy collections, added that Jackson, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest last week, was planning to bring some of his own distinctive style to the range. “It was based on various types of merchandising on different products, also accessories. What he wanted from me was the T-shirts and the hoodies and the caps. And it was very kind of royalist – kind of a mix of the real Michael Jackson and his alter-ego as the King of Pop,” he said. IANS

Beyonce’s alter ego joins Dereon line Beyonce has added the stage clothes worn by her alter ego ‘Sasha Fierce’ to her House of Dereon brand. The new fashion line by the singer and her stylist mother features “daring and outgoing” clothes, but a sneak peek has also revealed a line of more wearable items in basic black. “The line really exudes a different side of my personality, which I am grateful that I can express,” The New York Daily News quoted Beyonce as saying. “The line is for the confident, sensual and daring side of a woman... and there is a little Sasha Fierce in every girl!” she added. The collection, including handbags, shoes, lingerie and more – will range from 20 dollars to 125 dollars, and will be available at department stores such as Macy’s and Dillard’s. While other celebrity lines have fizzled out lately, Beyonce and Tina Knowles’ fashion endeavour Dereon, which began in 2005, continues to grow with the edgier Sasha Fierce collection. ANI

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Flick

Jackson likely to be buried in Islamic tradition Michael Jackson’s family might go for a traditional Islamic burial rituals for the late pop legend. “The family is considering the Muslim burial traditions because they believe Michael would have wanted to be laid to rest in keeping with his new-found religious beliefs,” aceshowbiz.com quoted a source as saying.

Anushka Sharma, who danced her way into audiences’ hearts with Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is dying to face the camera again

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he was not introduced with the poise and glamour associated with typical Yash Raj heroines. But newcomer Anushka Sharma, who danced her way into audiences’ hearts with Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, says she can always glam up for her next film for the banner. “Even when girls are presented as seedhi-saadhi in a Yash Raj film, she is glamorous. And coming from a glam background I wouldn’t have minded being glossy in my first film. But you know what? This was such a huge opportunity. “I couldn’t have asked for more. I fell in love with my character and the film. It’s a dream role for any debutante. I can always get into chiffon saris in the next Yash Raj film. Or the one after that...,” Anushka told IANS. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released in December last year and now the actress is dying to face the camera again. But she will have to wait as her next film with Shahid Kapoor for the banner is not going to start soon. “They (Yash Raj) will have to decide what I’m doing next. I realise I love the process of acting. I’m also itching to get back in front of the camera,” said Anushka, who is under contract with the banner for two more films. Though she has made a mark for herself in the film industry with her debut movie, she still loves her modelling work. “I love the ramp and the backstage banter. I moved to Mumbai a year ago. Movies were not a priority. I don’t come from a film background, and I don’t know how the industry works. I didn’t know anyone here,” she said. But Anushka was always a huge Shah Rukh fan. “My dad is in the army and when they would’ve these functions in the mess, I’d dance to Shah Rukh’s ‘Kitabe bahut si padhi hogi’ from Baazigar. I must’ve been three years old at that time. I’m not just Shah Rukh’s fan, I’m his true blue adrer. I always loved the way he conducted himself. Now after having worked with him I love him even more. Rab Ne… was like my school where Shah Rukh and Adi were my teachers.” Anushka didn’t have to make a strenuous effort to act. “Even modelling is a kind of performance. On the ramp you are representing a concept. In a film you’re projecting an individual. But the transition wasn’t hard for me. Because in real life I’m as simple as the girl I play in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Yes, I do like to dress up and walk the ramp. But that isn’t the real me,” she said. Anushka grew up in Bangalore and says she was lucky to spend her formative years there. “Otherwise, army officers who give their lives for the country (and I’m proud to be born to a soldier) could be posted anywhere in the back of the beyond. That gets really tough on their kids. Me and my brother (who used to be a state-level cricketer) got the best of education in Bangalore,” she said. ■ IANS

Itching to work

“My dad is in the army and when they would’ve these functions in the mess, I’d dance to Shah Rukh’s ‘Kitabe bahut si padhi hogi’ from Baazigar. I must’ve been three years old at that time"

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Lohan gets $70,000 to attend her own birthday bash Singer-actress Lindsay Lohan was paid a staggering $70,000 to host her own birthday bash. The “Mean Girls” star, who turned 23 Thursday, ensured that the day was a profitable one by agreeing to party at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The Grand handed her over $70,000 just to enjoy herself with friends at the pool-side event last Saturday, reported femalefirst.co.uk.

Ice Age meets

Cine City

dino age Title change

SHALINI SHAH [email protected]

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ce Age meets Jurassic Park in this 3D version of the Ice Age we’ve seen so far. Manny (Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary), Sid (John Leguizamo), Scrat (Chris Wedge) and Elie (Queen Latifah) are back. Manny’s waiting to become a dad, Sid has maternal pangs and Diego sees the end of the good, old days. After Sid ends up adopting dinosaur eggs, mamma dinosaur is ob-

viously angry and carries away her kids to dinosaur land, with Sid in tow. Old friends then unite to bring him back. New ones, too, join in. Buck (Simon Pegg), as the loony knifebrandishing weasel-of-the-jungle, livens up things. The indestructible Scrat and his pursuit of the acorn are there too, and this time Scrat has a rival. The unlikely love triangle that results is hilarious. As opposed to the ice-blanketed views of the first two films, Ice

Age 3 hovers between the world of Manny, Sid, Diego and Scrat and the lush-green one of the dinosaurs. Diego’s tough guy act doesn’t cut much ice anymore, though Manny and Sid are adorable as before. Ray Romano’s Raymondisque drawl still makes Manny the centre of the film. Unlike Monsters Vs. Aliens, not many scenes here look specially designed to exploit the 3D format. There aren’t as many onyour-face moments as you would expect in a 3D film, with the scene where an old and weathered Diego is chasing a deer in the beginning being the closest. However, even without much 3D Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs makes for a good watch because of the characters that were created two films ago. ■

Film: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Director: Carlos Saldanha Voices: Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, Chris Wedge, John Leguizamo, Simon Pegg, Karen Disher,

Actor-Director K. Bhagyaraj, who had proposed to direct his son Santhanu’s second flick under the title Puthiya Vaarpugal, has gone for a title change. In fact, the title Puthiya Vaarpugal was borrowed from the yesteryear blockbuster of the same name in which Bhagyaraj made his screen debut under Bharathiraja’s direction. Reportedly, some of his well-wishers had asked him not to repeat the title as it might create confusion. Heeding their advice, the ace director has changed it to Sithu, with a captivating slogan ‘+2 First Attempt’. Sithu is being written, produced and directed by Bhagyaraj and is not a remake of the yesteryear film.

Sasi honoured Director Sasi of Poo fame has been adjudged ‘Best Director of the Year’ by the jury at the Ahmedabad International Film Festival recently. The movie Poo, which was critically acclaimed for its storyline and performance of female lead Parvathi, was screened on the first day of the film festival. Sasi, who is at present ready with two action scripts, is on the lookout for heroes for his next project.

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ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Thursday’s Query: Baby Shamili of Anjali fame is making her debut as heroine in Telugu with ’Oye’. Do you think she can reach the No.1 position in South Indian Film Industry? ■ No doubt Shamili will be the princess of Tollywood as well as south Indian film industry Swapna Chinthakindhi TCS-eserve

Sivakumar from Calsoft Labs has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This picture was taken inside their office.

■ Only Asin can retain number one position no chance for Shamili Roshin Perotsystems

■ Oye is a good film to debut with. Yuvan’s music has come really great in it. If this movie tops the box office then surely baby Shamili can expect more offers in south Indian cinema. Lets wait and watch how she performs being grown up now. That will decide her position in the industry Jeeva CSS

■ Puliyoda (Shalini) thangachi (Shamili) poonaiyaguma? She has a bright future in Tamil industry Baskar, Nanthakumar.G TCS

■ No. She won’t come even to her sister’s position Siva, Priya Allsec

Bhuvana from Wipro Technologies has nominated her team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kumarakom during their get together.

■ Definitely yes bcoz if she is not performing "yendhri anjali...! yendhri anjali Senthil Kumar Perotsystems

■ Let’s hope she will. But she was one of the best n very cute child artists Soumya HCL

Today’s Query: What first comes to your mind when you think about Michael Jackson music, dance or controversies. And why? Dhinesh from Perot Systems has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked at Ooty.

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Friday, July 3, 2009

July 3 Vinoth G. from Financial Software Solutions has been nominated as Office Angel by Esvaran FSS Card Ops. He is cool, smart guy and always in look out for fun. He’s a great initiator and polite to all. He has a readymade smile and lots of patience. With his naughty acts he brings fun and cheers to all.

■ Dear Partha, Many More Happy Returns of The Day! Friends are like money in the bank, longer you keep them, the more they are worth. Every time you cross our mind, we think how lucky we have been, to have you as Our Special Friend. Wish you a happy, memorable and joyful birthday!!! Greets, ITC team - Verizon

■ Dear Nisha, On this special day I wanted to send a most special greeting to a most special friend. I want to recall the adventures we’ve had, the friendship we’ve shared through the good times and bad. A time to have new hopes and dreams. I wish you a Very Happy birthday May god bless you. Your true Ever loving friend Sheba and all our Frds

■ Dear Deeps, "The journey is the reward." May the journey of your life be filled with adventures to thrill you, new roads to explore, and new horizons to reach and may you achieve success in whatever you do!

Padmavijayan. S of HCL Comnet doodled this.

With Cheers, Mahesh, HCL Technologies

■ Dear Senthil, The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. So that you have a long life and we have the Celebrations!! :-) Happy Birthday Senthil..!! From Trizetto Product Support Team, Infosys.

■ Dear Joseph, May the lord bless you with excellent health and defend your life from the evil one! On ur special day... May this day be filled with the warm sunshine of luv, & the bright rainbow colours of laughter. This is my earnest prayer for you. May the love of god b with you all day through with his endless, boundless grace may he richly bless your life with much happiness and success.!see many more years happy birthday. Happy birth day. Regards, DSU Team Infosys BPO Limited

1. IPL la chennai super kings kaaga adi adi nu adichathu yaaru think????? "Drums Sivamani"-enna maa adikiraaru yebba 2. A Man got into a bus on 1st April when conductor asked for ticket. He gave Rs.10/- and took the ticket and said April fool. I have pass. Saravanan V, HCL technologies Ltd

July 4 ■ Dear Vandana (Floor Coach), All of us are joining to say Tons and Tons of Birth day wishes to u!!! Today is a day of celeberation not just for ubut for us too! Hope it adds some special pleasure, to the hours of ur day.To know u are being thought of, in the very warmest way, And when ur birthday is over, Hope u will remember too. May God’s blessing’s be with u all through the life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Wishes From, Gershome, Kevin, Srini, Praveen, Vinoth, Sushma, Rafiya, Sai, Prakash , Raghu, Ramya & pratheeba(ATG). Allsec Technologies

■ Dear Akilan, May this day bring to you all things that make you smile. May the years continue to be good to you. Hope your birthday is AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE. Wish you a FANTASTIC, ENJOYFUL and MEMORABLE birthday ! Greets, ITC team – Verizon

■ Dearmost Sanjana, Wishing you a very Happy 2nd Birthday! Hope this year is going to be a wonderful year of learning and exploring! Have a splending day and Enjoy. May God bless you. Love and Kisses, Vinodh Mama, Sainthavi Athai, Thawin Anna and The entire family.

July 5 ■ Hi Chandrapandi 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

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Kuta darling, sweet birthday to silent killer…..u liar,u cheat me yester day na...[try to reduce ur weight da tpi pls] With Tons n Tons of Love, Blade Loose Tube R systems international ltd,Chennai

■ Dear Pradeep, A warm birthday to a young, energetic, not chaatty and cheek shinny guy u r 1 year older now, 1 year smarter, 1 year bigger (as u will b’cum uncle next year) and u r 1 year closer to all ur Wishes. This msg has No fat, No Cholesterol n No Addictive. This is all natural except, with lot of sugar. But it can never be as sweet as the one reading it. May ur days be filled with happiness in abundance!!! Advance B’day Wishes Narayanaahhh…..

■ Hi Macha (Karthik).. Things coming in and going are the rules of life... Whatever comes in, enjoy it... whatever goes out, forget it... Esp girls...! At the end either you will have a good person or a good lesson... sari matterku varean... We boys wish you many more happy returns of the day buddy... Enjoy this day with your fav Signature Whisky da...! We are here to share it...always... :)

Route No. 4 Friends, Scope International

FTP - GT 2007 Hexaware Technologies, Chennai

14

ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Dog eats passport

Traffic Jam

A teenager from Wisconsin was barred from a school trip to Peru because officials at the airport couldn’t read his passport after his dog chewed it.

sudoku

Gopinath from Nucleus Software shot this picture at the Singapore Zoo using Nikon p3 camera

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Man has boss killed to save job A man in Spain has been arrested after allegedly hiring an assassin to kill his boss - in a bid to stop him being made redundant.

Word’s worth Ideokinetic (eye-dee-oh-ki-net-ik) a kind of apraxia in which the sufferer still has the physical ability to perform an action or movement and understands a request to perform it, but is unable to do so when asked. This might be a good technical name for the common phenomenon of being able to perform astounding physical or mental feats, but not if anyone is watching.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Your colleagues may approach you with queries, and in return you will be able to help them. Your dedication and devotion for work will be more than every day. The day is favourable for applying other companies in case you are planning a shift.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Due to your friendly nature, you will be able to get your work done easily. Be careful today. You may have to face an internal conflict of ‘power’ in your personal and professional life. On the romance front, you may behave in a very possessive manner.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You may have to practice compromises at work today. This may make you irritable at office. In love life, confusions between lovers will get clarified. Leading to that, lovers may end up spending a wonderful evening in each other’s company.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha feels you will spend a lot of time in meeting the expectations of people around you. Leading to which, you may feel stressed out. On the love front, it is advisable that you practice a forgiving approach for your relationship.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Time will fly at greatest speed today. You will have to be active or else you might regret that later. Ganesha thinks you will be very busy today. On the love front as well, you will have to pump the fire more vigorously to keep your beloved happy.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may have to spend a lot of time for basic and routine office activities. Planning business trips might also take place today. Although work may not be very difficult, you may feel tired. You will have a wonderful and relaxing evening.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Domestic issues will keep stirring your concentration at work. It would be best to focus equally on work and personal life, feels Ganesha. Leading to this, you may feel like slipping away from office before your time gets over.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 You may be treated like a ‘Superstar’ at work today. Your devotion for work will be highly appreciated by superiors and colleagues. Your colleagues might even seek your guidance over important matters.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Targets and deadlines will be very strict today. You may have to focus a lot. However, you will be able to complete everything on time, assures Ganesha. In the evening, you may feel mystical and may discuss things like occult with your beloved.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Your thoughts and actions might be boosted with great energy today. Naturally, you will get exhausted if you work for long hours. You might expect others to work according to your demands and pace.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 The day may begin on a dull note but luck will soon start favouring you. Hence, you may have to put in a lot of efforts to solve petty matters. However, the slow and steady ‘luck boosting’ will result into a grand evening for you.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 At work, you will feel highly satisfied today. Your work will be appreciated by your superiors. You may receive a lot of credit and appreciation for your work by the entire office. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

!

ERGO Friday, July 3, 2009

Children check out the view from the Ledge, a new glass cube that juts out from the 103rd floor Skydeck of the Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois. PHOTO GETTY IMAGES/AFP

Actors Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar pose at a promotional press conference for the upcoming movie Kambakkht Ishq in Mumbai. PHOTO: AFP

A couple kiss as they cool off in a fountain opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris. PHOTO: AFP