Ergo June 11

A BYTE OF LIFE

Thursday, June 11, 2009

03 A HELPING HAND Alcatel-Lucent donates Rs.5 lakhs to Aruwe FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 108

The forever man is here!

Director Selvaraghavan’s magnum opus ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’ is finally gearing up for an August release. The young director talks about his dream project, the supposed rift with Yuvan Shankar Raja and more …

» PAGE 11

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

Take me home Max is a four-year-old black, male labrador, neutered. He’s healthy, friendly and playful. He needs a home that preferably has a large garden. Email [email protected] for adoption.

Participants at a Tree Walk in Guindy National Park.

Lets go eco-shopping this month

PHOTO: M. KARUNAKARAN

J

une is environment month, at least for some organisations keen on celebrating the day for more than a day. The Madras Terrace House, this time, is playing host to a eco expo. ‘Eco Fest’ will see eco-stalls, eco-fashion, trash brands, photo exhibitions, organic counter and film screening. The fest starts from June 12 and will continue till June 30. Keeping with the eco-friendly theme, each of the items on sale will stand for that. Like, Udbhava will be showcasing table mats, trays, boxes made out of banana fibre and other agro waste. Organic store Restore will sell organic food grains, Conserve India will display bags and footwear made from recycled plastic bags, Lets is into selling laptop sleeves which are recycled from vinyl hoardings and Street Trust will sell its recycled plastic baskets, to name a few. For film buffs there is screening of Crocodile Blues – a documentary on the Gharials, followed by a discussion with wildlife photographer Saravanakumar. On June 19, environmentalist Naina Shah will hold a talk on ‘Waste management in your home’. There are many other events planned, so keep dropping in at Madras Terrace House, No 15 Sripuram, II Street, An eco-friendly footwear Royapettah. and earrings made from Ergo Correspondent waste cloth

A walk amongst the trees SHOBHA MENON

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ur first Tree Walk was held in Besant Nagar. Led by Dr. Narayanaswamy, a retired professor of Botany, a motley group of 30 tree enthusiasts went along observing and learning about trees by the roadside. While learning about the trees, walkers learnt about issues that trees in urban areas face – abuse, nailing, and suffocation by indiscriminate paving. People don’t realise the long-term effects of a tree that is cut and not replaced. In one act of destruction, a vital eco-system that provided a haven for many birds, squirrels and insects is removed. So, the damage goes on until worrying stories about global warming (for many individuals, this too seems to have no effect) make you think you’d better do something. There are several things we can do to create a greener Chennai. • Being aware of the correct procedure for planting and caring for a sapling is very important. Also, choose species that help regenerate local biodiversity. • Begin to notice the trees around you – the beautiful shapes, colours, flowers and fruits. Also notice the insensitive pruning, stakes that need removal, tree guards that can harm, and trees dying from wounds, drought and pollution and do everything you can for them. • Become a tree guardian. Begin by adopting one tree in your own street, then

Shobha Menon

Learn about issues trees in urban pockets face on a walk with Nizhal

wash its leaves, give it a drink, and see if it needs any special care. Then take on another and another. Check up on them every once in a while to see how they’re doing. Nizhal invites corporate organisations to be part of our movement for sensitive greening. One could take part in tree surveys, awareness campaigns, and most importantly, to dispel the myth that ‘greening’ is only about ‘planting saplings’. To be a responsible tree planter is most important, and this means taking care to monitor the growth of the saplings planted (it should never be about the number of saplings planted), and to help regenerate biodiversity of flora and fauna with a careful choice of species and a focus on bringing back indigenous species that are fast vanishing. Often, in the course of my work, I remember the concluding line from Late Sundara Ramasami’s poem, Vriksha Manidhargal – Manithargal marangal pol vazhum kalaam varum (There will come a time when men will live like trees!). Nizhal hopes so too. ■ The author is one of the five founder trustees of Nizhal (‘Shade’ in Tamil), a Chennai-based NGO that promotes tree culture in urban landscapes. Reach them at [email protected] or call 04442045137. More information on Nizhal and its activities can be found at www.nizhaltn.org

03

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A home for elders A

ruwe, a social welfare organisation, founded in 1993 is run by Aspy Joyson and Rachel Victor, both alumni of Social Work Department of Stella Maris College. Inspired by the field work they did among the fishermen community in Kanyakumari and at Otteri Slum with YWCA during their college days, they set out to help destitute elders. Since Aspy was from Aynavaram, she decided to help the elders in the slums near her house. Aruwe, started as a day care home for elders now also works for the rehabilitation of children in slums. Aspy and Rachel visited the slum and invited the elders to their one room office located on the terrace of Apsy’s maternal house. Now the office has turned into a home for more than 30 destitute elders out of them 15 reside there, while the rest go home after dinner and returns in the morning. “We never thought that it will turn into a complete destitute home. Now the problem we face is space constraint. It is difficult to accommodate so many people in one room. And also the elders find it difficult to climb the stairs. We are looking for sponsors who can provide us with a piece of land. The money we got from Alactel –Lucent will be used for the building,” says Aspy, who has a team of seven, to look after the elders plus the 80 children of the slums who they provide with dinner and supplementary education. “Children in slums also have dreams. One such boy who fulfilled his dream is now placed in a famous IT company in Chennai. “He lost his father at a young age and his mother is mentally retarded. He asked us for help and we found sponsors for him. After finishing his engineering degree from Anna University, he was placed in a software firm. Now he is in U.K.” “Last academic dear, one of our students got more than 400 marks in the SSLC examination,” says Aspy adding that it is difficult to make people understand the importance of education. “But there are really bright students whose lives are spoilt by their very own parents. One thing I ask educated people is not to give alms to kids who beg on roads especially near traffic signals. Because the more money you give, in future there will be more on the streets.” Aruwe’s next project is to find sponsors for the 38 children of Tirunelveli district. “The children need Rs. 600 each per year for their studies. We have to find sponsors for them. Though we are struggling here to run this home, we cannot ignore these children who have come to us for help. God will show us some way,” says Aspy while sorting out the application of the children class wise. To know more about Aruwe call 23745960 or visit www.aruwe.org

A helping hand The CSR wing of Alcatel- Lucent, a global telecommunications corporation, donated Rs. 5 lakhs to Aruwe, a social service organisation which takes care of destitute elders and deprived children V.HARIPRIYA [email protected]

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he 30-odd elders of Aruwee, a day care home for destitute elders and deprived children, are breathing a sigh of relief. For the Rs 5 lakh donated by the CSR wing of Alcatel- Lucent would surely help them shift to a much larger place than the asbestos topped small rented room on a terrace, in which they are staying with much difficulty now. The WELCOM (welfare committee), is a voluntary corporate social responsibility group started within Alcatel Lucent, Chennai, which serves many orphans, disabled children and destitute elders joining hands with various NGOs. The group has been working closely with NGOs Good life Centre, Aruwe, An-

bu Karangal and Gnana Deepam. Recently the WELCOM group bagged the CSR Champions Award 2008 and a cash award of US $ 10,000 by competing with the 130 centres of Alcatel Lucent spread across the world. B.V.S. Krishnamoorthy, Director (R&D) Alcatel- Lucent, who gave away the cheque to Aspy Joyson, founder trustee of Aruwe, said that the WELCOM group is working with Aruwe for the past eight years and they found them doing true service. “The sustained effort of the volunteers has helped them win the award. There are 10 core members in the group supported by 350 volunteers. Supported by the HR and communications wing of the firm, the volunteers are involved in long-term social responsibility activities,” Krishnamoorthy said.

Apart from the fund provided by the corporate, the Pay Roll Giving (PRG) Scheme of the WELCOM group is also a constant source of finance from the employees towards various welfare activities. Hema Mohandas, DGM, HR, AlctaelLucent, who heads the CSR wing in Chennai, says that they are also planning to provide old PCs to NGOs which take care of children. “Alcatel Lucent, not only aims for the welfare of its own employees but also to improve the society in which they are living,” Hema adds. ■

B.V.S. Krishnamoorthy, Director (R&D) Alcatel- Lucent (third from left) presents the cheque to Aspy Joyson (third from right), founder trustee of Aruwe.

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

Dog and bomb A dog playing fetch in Germany delivered back something unexpected to its owner - a live hand grenade from World War II.

Amy to take up nursing Troubled Brit singer Amy Winehouse is said to be interested in taking up nursing while in St Lucia, and in devoting her time to sick children and maternity clinics. Winehouse, 25, will be working as a volunteer on the Caribbean island in a bid to control her own demons and comfort the seriously ill, and she will be delivering medicine and preparing meals for the sick. “Amy is keen to look after children on the island through these community projects,” the Daily Star quoted Amy’s spokesman as saying. ANI

Rudd’s wife to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s wife, Therese Rein, is preparing for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro later this year. Revealing this, Rudd said his wife was “one tough lady” and that she had been in training all year to take part on the expedition with their son Nicholas. Rein has been training at a Brisbane gym for the journey. Asked if he thought it was an invasion of his wife’s privacy, Rudd said: “If magazines choose to photograph people training at the gym through their cameras without their consent well, I presume, it’s a matter for those magazines.” “I think people will form their own judgment about that,” Rudd told Radio 4BC. Asked if the magazine should be boycotted, he repeated his view that people would form their own opinions. Rudd said he was “fair game” because he was the one in the family who’d chosen to go into public life.

Chimp bites off zoo director’s finger The director of the Berlin Zoo made famous by the polar bear cub Knut has had his finger bitten off by a chimpanzee called Pedro. Bernhard Blaszkiewitz, 51, was feeding Pedro walnuts as he showed a visitor round the zoo when the ape grabbed his hand and bit off his right index finger. “Pedro is the boss of the group so he has to demonstrate a certain dominance in it to prove himself,” zoo spokesman Andre Schuele said. “Under normal circumstances, a chimp would never have the chance to reach a keeper or our director.” Doctors sewed Blaszkiewitz’s finger back on but said it was not clear if the operation would be successful. Schuele said the incident would have no repercussions for the 28-year-old Pedro. Reuters

BA CEO forgot to tell wife about pay cut British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh is showing solidarity with his staff in planning to work without pay next month as part of cost cuts, but the move may not have gone down so well with his wife. “She read about it in the papers,” a grinning Walsh said at a lunch for airline executives gathering in the Malaysian capital. Walsh, whose normal salary is 735,000 pounds a year, will work for nothing in July as part of a cost-cutting drive under which 2,500 staff have left the airline in the past year.

ANI

Reuters

What’s common between Aamir and Federer?

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oger Federer’s historic French Open win has gone down so well among the sport’s enthusiasts that even Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan couldn’t stop drawing parallel between himself and the Swiss. The 27-year-old is infamous for shedding tears after winning a trophy and Aamir thinks even he does the same after his films do well at the box office. “Federer finally wins the French Open. I’m so happy for him... But he is certainly the only

one to cry like a baby each time he wins a final! That’s one thing I share in common with him. I cry like hell each time any of my films does well, but I also cry when they don’t,” Aamir posted on his blog. Federer created tennis history when he defeated Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 and won the French Open title to become the sixth man in tennis history to win all four majors. Federer also joined Pete Sampras as the biggest winner ever in the sport and the latter even went

on record to say that the former went on to earn the title of “best tennis player in history”, even before winning the Roland Garros. Aamir, however, is against such titles. “Sampras says he (Federer) is the best ever tennis player in history. I’m not sure if there is such a thing. Quite frankly each of the leading players of their time were equally difficult to beat. (Bjorn) Borg, Sampras himself, not to mention (Rod) Laver,” Aamir further wrote. ■ IANS

05

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Websites of the day

Clever girl

All the information you need on the beautiful fish the stingray. http:// www.barrierreefaustralia.com/text-only/sting-rays_text_only.htm How to win at poker www.playwinningpoker.com/articles/how-to-playpoker

A two year old girl has an IQ of 160 four points higher than British maths genius Carol Vorderman.

Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word

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U.S.-based language monitoring group crowned Web 2.0 as the one millionth word or phrase in the English language on Wednesday, although other linguists slammed it as nonsense and a stunt. The Global Language Monitor, which uses a math formula to track the frequency of words and phrases in print and electronic media, said Web 2.0 appeared over 25,000 times in searches and was widely accepted, making it the legitimate, one millionth word.It said Web 2.0 started out as a technical term meaning the next

Other linguists, however, denounced the list as pure publicity and unscientific, saying it was impossible to count English words in use or to agree on how many times a word must be used before it is officially accepted generation of World Wide Web products and services but had crossed into far wider circulation in the last six months. There are no set rules for such a count as there is no certified arbiter of what constitutes a legitimate English word and classifying the language is com-

Usher to dedicate a song to Mallika

plicated by the number of compound words, verbs and obsolete terms. “I think it’s pure fraud ... It’s not bad science. It’s nonsense,” Geoffrey Nunberg, a linguistics professor at the University of California at Berkeley, told reporters. Paul JJ Payack, president of the

Global Language Monitor, brushed off the criticism, saying his method was technically sound. “If you want to count the stars in the sky, you have to define what a star is first and then count. Our criteria is quite plain and if you follow those criteria you can count words. Most academics say what we are doing is very valuable,” said Payack. He has calculated that about 14.7 new English words or phrases are generated daily and said the five words leading up to the millionth highlighted how English was changing along with current social trends. This list included “Jai Ho!” an Indian exclamation signifying

victory or accomplishment, and “slumdog,” a term that became popular with the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. The list also included “cloud computing,” meaning services delivered via the cloud or Internet, “carbon neutral,” a widely used term in the climate change debate, and “N00b,” a derogatory term from the gaming community for a newcomer. “Some 400 years after the death of the Bard, the words and phrases were coined far from StratfordUpon-Avon, emerging instead from Silicon Valley, India, China, and Poland, as well as Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.,” said Texas-based Payack. ■

It’s play time

B

ollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has taken Los Angeles’ party circuit by storm and now R&B superstar Usher has decided to dedicate one of his songs to the glamorous actress. Sherawat who is in Los Angeles working on her first Hollywood venture Hisss met the Grammy winning singer at a local eatery and found him very handsome. “Met Usher at LA’s Best Brunch! He’s very handsome. Oh My God! Usher’s promised to dedicate a song to me,” wrote the Murder star on her Twitter web page.The actress was also excited about her next film which will also be shot in the city though she did not reveal any further details. “Sitting in LA and getting excited about my next movie, which will be filmed here in the city! More information to come,” wrote Sherawat. A Los Angeles restaurant had earlier named one of it’s milkshakes after the curvaceous actress. ■ PTI

쒀 A child juggles with a ball at Dilworth College in Auckland, New Zealand as part of their preparation for a Test match against the All Blacks. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE

Reuters

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

Saina squeezes into second round Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal survived some anxious moments before getting past qualifier Maja Tvrdy of Slovenia in a thrilling three-game opening tie at the Singapore Open Super Series in Singapore City on Wednesday. Sixth seed Saina came from behind to beat Maja 18-21, 21-11, 21-16 in a 50-minute gruelling battle in their women’s singles match.

‘India’s got talent’ India-American Olympic bronze medallist gymnast Raj Bhavsar is planning to use cricket platform for conducting shows across India for popularising gymnastics. The Indian youth is talented but they need to be encouraged and motivated for excelling in gymnastics. Conducting shows across the country will help them in opting for career as gymnast, he said. “I am a professional gymnast and concentrating on winning a gold medal at 2012 Olympics,” the 28-year-old said. Bhavsar, accompanied by his mother Surekha, is on a short visit to Vadodara to meet his grandfather Bhanubhai, grandmother Saritaben, uncle Sharadbhai and other family members. Bhavsar’s father, Jyotindra, was born and brought up in the city and shifted to US after obtaining engineering degree from the Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1970s. Born in Houston, Bhavsar has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from an American university. The Olympic bronze medallist said he plans to organise gymnastics shows during cricket matches in India to popularise the sport which requires physical and mental agility. “It was my dream to be a gymnast when I was six-year-old and started concentrating on it without neglecting my studies,” he said.

Final

PUSH

Tamil Nadu’s best Santosh Trophy performance was a runners-up position in the 1972-73 championship. A win today against Goa will take them a step closer to go one better

Partners in crime: Tamil Nadu forwards Muthu (right) and P.C. Riju share a light moment during the team’s practice session at the SDAT Stadium in Poonamallee High Road. PHOTOS: R. RAGU

PTI

Archery short-list announced The Archery Association of India (AAI) has short-listed 24 archers in the junior (under-18) and cadet (under-16) categories for the World Youth Championship to be held from July 12-19 at Ogden (Utah), USA. The provisional lists of archers were prepared following a three-day trial held at the SAI Eastern Centre in Kolkata from June 2, AAI secretary general P N Mukherjee said.

Short-listed archers Junior (U-18): Recurve (Boys): Atanu Das and Pawan Xalxo (both Steel Plant) and Hemanta Basumatary (Assam). (Girls): Seema Verma and Sumita Kumari (both Steel Plant) and Balmai Hansda (Jharkhand). Compound (Boys): Ksh Nikhon Singh (Manipur), Arjun Rao and Sanjay Swansi (both Jharkhand).(Girls): Asrita Kerketta, Priyanshu Kachap and Kiran Majhi (all Jharkhand). Cadet (U-16): Recurve (Boys): Sanjay Boro, Prashant Nath (both Assam) and Mangal Ho (Jharkhand). (Girls): Deepika Kumari, V Sharada and Padya Singh Sardar (all Steel Plant).Compound (Boys): Abhyudaya Srinet, Sudhakar Paswan (both Jharkhand) and Ritul Chatterjee (Andhra Pradesh). (Girls): S Jayalakshmi (Maharashtra), Prerna Bhagat and Neelam Kumari (both Jharkhand). PTI

AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

A

final berth is all that hosts Tamil Nadu are gunning for as they take on fourtime champions Goa in the second semi-finals of the 63rd Santosh Trophy for the national football championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chen-

nai on Thursday. The hosts, baring a small twogame patch, have been prolific with their scoring, knocking 30 gaols in the initial group stage. A brief lull later they were back again with striker Muthu netting a hattrick in the do-or-die clash against Manipur. Exuding confidence the local boys are all pumped and are aim-

ing nothing short of that elusive title. Tamil Nadu’s best finish was a runners-up medal in 1972-73. Skipper Kalia Kulothungan, an I-League veteran, has been a mascot in the midfield, essaying his role as the fulcrum of every attack. “It’s now or never for us. Home turf, small but vociferous supporters – what else can we want?” he asks. “All of us are

07

Thursday, June 11, 2009

‘‘

Not being fit for the Ashes is not an option. I am bang up to where I want to be at this stage and I have had no ill reaction. So far so good. Andrew Flintoff

Big bosses giving Santosh Trophy a miss? National football coach Bob Houghton has decided to give the Santosh Trophy a miss. The British coach for the Indian national team will instead attend a conditioning camp for the national under-16 and under-19 boys in Goa. With a settled pool of players for national duty, Houghton, it is believed, is not too keen on adding up the numbers unless an injury forces him to do so. All-India Football Federation (AIFF) acting president and Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and other top officials have also not confirmed their presence for the final slated this Sunday. Meanwhile, the national preparatory camp for the Nehru Cup may now be held in Dubai in place of Delhi. AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco said it was not possible to hold the camp in Delhi as the pitch at the Ambedkar Stadium had to be renovated for the Nehru Cup in August. Ergo Correspondent

Words of wisdom: Tamil Nadu skipper Kalia Kulothuhgan (left) and coach P. Thulasi (second from left) egg their players on at SDAT Stadium on Wednesday.

ready to run that extra mile to win this trophy. We have played well and are high on confidence and need to capitalise on that. It’s a god mix of youth and experience as we have seven I-League players and also some good players from the local League.” The I-League cronies of Kulu, keeper V.P. Satish and Mohun Bagan defenders Ravanan and Mohanraj have looked completely at ease and have been instrumental in guiding their team to the last-four stage. Not to be outdone, the local League strikers P.C. Riju and Muthu, too, have forged a deadly combination and have troubled very defender with their pace and knack of finding the net. “It’s an opportunity for the local lads to show their mettle. Already the I-League clubs are queuing up to sign them. That itself speaks for our performance,” coach P. Thulasi says. “Goa is a tough side with a host of Indian internationals but we are not concerned about them. We just need to play to our potential.” Goa, though, are a better pedigreed side and will no doubt fancy their chances. “We are getting better with each passing day. It’s the determination of the boys to win and when everybody is focussed the task gets easier. But it’s also important to maintain our concentration,” coach Mariano Dias says. “We’ve played with a certain rhythm and, more importantly, we have scored heavily too.” Goa played well throughout tournament

and have showed their class in the quarter-finals group stage, a 5-0 hammering of Maharashtra in their last game standing out as one of the most dominant performances even in this high-scoring tournament so far. In Marcus Mascarenhas (the hattrick man from the Maharashtra mauling) they have a certain starter upfront and coach Dias is spoiled for options with regard to his partner. Both Dempo’s Joaquim Abranches and Freddy Marcarenhas are a handful and no team will dare to take them lightly. The experienced pairing of national team regular Mahesh Gawli and Covan Lawrence form the central defensive pair with skipper Felix D’Souza guarding the goal. A clean sheet can well be expected from the trio and the likes of Muthu and Riju will have to labour extra hard to snoop behind this formidable fortress. India coach Bob Houghton’s favourite Climax Lawrence and Bevan D’Mello, who had helped himself to a brace against Maharashtra, will shepherd the midfield with Wilton Gomes and Nicholas Rodrigues adding their weight behind the strikers. An intriguing contest is in the offing but the city stars can for once hope their fans are parochial and fill the near-empty stadium and shout them to greater glory. ■

CATCH THE MATCH Tamil Nadu will play Goa in the second semifinals of the Santosh Trophy football tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Periamet near Moore Market on Thursday at 5.30 p.m. Entry is free.

Goal-machine: Marcus Mascarenhas (No. 9) of Goa has been prolific in finding the net. PHOTO: M. MOORTHY

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

Pedal through the Queen of Hills

T

M t i t

Cycle to Nilgiris The Mettupalayam to Kothagiri to-and-fro weekend bicycling trip of a total of 66 kms, organised by Chennai Bikers, will begin in the third week of June from Mettupalayam. Those interested can participate with any bicycle, preferably with gears. Head gear and knee and elbow guards are a must. Cycles will be transported from Chennai to Mettupalayam by the club. A nominal fee for miscellaneous expenses will be collected. For more details and registration call Vibhaker at 98410 40000. Also write in to [email protected]

e e k r l a i J o k c t t t w o l t 6 l

f a t h t p “ t

Chennai Bikers, the city’s cycling club, is organising a trip from Mettupalayam to Kotagi

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Thursday, June 11, 2009

from Chennai to Mettupalayam. From there the group will set out on the trip,” adds Vibhaker. The backup team with a cycle mechanic will follow the bikers throughout the trip in case of technical emergencies enroute. A nominal fee will be charged he Nilgiri Ghat roads are for miscellaneous expenses inamong the steepest and cluding cycle transportation toughest terrains in the charges from Chennai, food and country. And the road from accommodation and toll chargMettupalayam to Kotagiri is said es, if any, informs Vibhaker. to be the road to ride, thanks to The 93-member Chennai Bikits steep climbs and scenic beau- ers club has put up posters ty. throughout the city and is in the Chennai Bikers, formed in process of sending email invitearly 2008 by a bunch of cycling ing applications for participation enthusiasts here, is all set to in the weekend ride. kick-off its biggest ever bicycle Participants can have any bicyride – from Mettupacle, preferably layam to Kotagiri with gears, so that and back. To be held We will arrange it would help them in the third week of climb the Nilgiri June according to its a tempo to roads with ease. organisers, the 66- transport the Headgear and km (to and fro) bicyknee pads are participants’ cle trip could turn out mandatory and to be an experience cycles from participants must to cherish for adven- Chennai to be reasonably fit ture seekers as one and have no health would be cycling to Mettupalayam. complications. one of the oldest and From there the Senthil Kumar, largest hill stations in an active member group will set the Nilgiris, standing of the club, feels 6511 feet above sea out on the trip that the weekend level. ride to Kotagiri Vibhaker T.K., a should be interestformer state cyclist and technical ing not only for regular cycling advisor of Chennai Bikers, says enthusiasts but also for beginthe cycling trip scheduled to be ners. A ‘Tour de Nilgiris’ towards held over the weekend is open the end of 2009 is also in the pito anyone with an interest in peline, where bicycle clubs from pedalling up the hills and down. all across the country, including “We will arrange a tempo to the metros, will be participating, transport the participants’ cycles Senthil adds. ■

Music to ears: Jazz comes to India Jazz marks Honda Siel Cars India’s entry into the country’s small-car segment

T

iri and back for anyone interested

Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (right) and Fumihiko Ike, COO, Honda Asia Oceania Operations, launching the Jazz in New Delhi on Wednesday. PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT.

J

apanese car giant Honda, on Wednesday, launched its muchawaited hatchback Jazz in India, priced between Rs. 6.98 lakh and Rs. 7.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The launch of Jazz, with a 1.2 litre petrol engine, in the country marks Honda Siel Cars India’s – the joint venture between Honda Motor Corp and Siel Group – entry into the most competitive and volumedriven small-car segment in India. “The Honda Jazz is a segment-defining car and is loaded with all the values that are associated with Honda. The car will cater to the unique group of the people who want the latest and most stylish models with the best technology,” Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) President and CEO Masahiro Takedagawa told reporters. The company said Jazz, with a Euro-IV compatible engine, would give a mileage of 16.1 km per litre as per ARAI standards. Jazz would initially be produced at HSCI’s Greater Noida facility and the company had planned to shift it later to its under-construction plant at Tapukara in Rajasthan. The company had announced a Rs. 1,000-crore investment for constructing its second plant at Tapukara. However,

the company has put on hold the construction work indefinitely due to slowdown in demand.

5-star safety rating The compact Audi Sports Utility Vehicle, the Q5, the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 received a top five-star rating in the latest EuroNCAP crash test, while the Suzuki Alto failed the safety test. Other top five-star ratings were given to the Kia Soul and the Peugeot 3008, according to the report. Suzuki reacted to the crash test findings by offering ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as an option for the latest model. The testers especially criticised the injury risk to the legs and knees in an accident as well as the risk to the upper body in a side impact. The Audi Q5, the Hyundai i20 and the Kia Soul all received top ranking on adult protection, while the testers especially praised the pedestrian protection offered by the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20, which already complied with future EuroNCAP standards. The seating of the Kia Soul was also given good marks for protection against whiplash in rearend collisions. ■ Agencies

10 FLICK

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

American Idol runner-up gay American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has told Rolling Stone magazine he is gay, answering a question that followed the singer for months since he gained millions of fans on the No. 1 U.S. TV talent show. “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” Lambert said.

‘Playing myself in

tough’ SUBHASH K. JHA

J

I believe websites have put out stories that I’m doing an international film called American Empire. I haven’t even read the script.

ohn Abraham is playing himself in Fillum City and says it is tougher than doing other roles. “I’m playing John Abraham. And believe me, it’s not easy. I keep looking for myself in the character and find there are so many things that I want to keep for myself. I’m trying to act and dress as I do in real life. It’s tough because you’re constantly trying to ‘act’ like yourself,” says John. The film is being made by debutant director Deven Khote. John is also not happy with reports about him signing an international project. He wishes people wouldn’t put out misinformation about him. “I believe websites have put out stories that I’m doing an international film called American Empire. I haven’t even read the script. So where’s the question of my doing it? Doing international films isn’t a burning ambition for me,” he said. Though an enthusiastic voter, John couldn’t be part of Karan Johar’s short-film featuring most of Bollywood’s youth icons to promote voting awareness. But he is hoping to team up with the Karan and director Tarun Mansukhani in the second instalment of Dostana. “Would you believe I was part of that project from the start. I sat with the director Tarun Mansukhani and Karan and we discussed the idea. But on the day we were to shoot, I was down with a viral fever. I’d have loved to work with Tarun. He’s a wonderful boy. Hopefully, we’ll be doing the Dostana sequel shortly,” he says. ■ IANS

Jacko’s strange demand for child choir

M

ichael Jackson is making strange requests for his comeback concerts starting Saturday – he wants a children’s choir that will have “exactly equal” numbers of black, white, mixed-race and Asian singers. According to mirror.co.uk, Jackson also wants every child to know sign language and they are supposed to be in the age group of 5 to 13 years. The weird request was sent to casting agents on behalf of promoters AEG Live, who are organising his 50 concerts at O2 Arena here. “Normally when we cast choirs for acts, it’s quite a laborious task. But in this case, it’s proving a near impossibility. Jacko is a perfectionist and wants it exactly right and that means every child being able to do sign language. AEG are desperate to keep Jacko happy and so are pulling out all the stops to make it happen. But it’s a race against time,” an insider said. Jackson also wants that the six marching snare drummers should be clean shaved. He instead wants them to be “young adults, clean-cut and of mixed ethnicity”. ■ IANS

Slumdog Millionaire child actor gets new home Slumdog Millionaire’s child actor Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail has finally got a permanent home in Mumbai. The Jai Ho trust, supported by film director Danny Boyle and producer Christian Colson, has bought a 250sq ft apartment in Mumbai for 10-year-old Azharuddin. “We signed the papers on Monday. We have the keys and we will hand them to the family,” A spokesman for the trust said. Azhar’s family had been living in a makeshift construction of tarpaulin sheets after the civic authorities demolished their house last month. The boy’s father, who had earlier refused to live in an apartment bought in Azharuddin’s name, is no longer complaining. “He doesn’t seem to be worried now,” the spokesman said. The trust is still searching for a flat to house Rubina Ali, another child star of the movie. ■ PTI

11

Thursday, June 11, 2009

S. SREEJITH [email protected]

F

inally, Selvaraghavan has revealed that his much-anticipated magnum opus, Aayirathil Oruvan, starring Karthi, Reema Sen, Andrea Jeremiah and Parthipan, would hit the screens soon – hopefully by August first week. Addressing a press meet on Wednesday in the city he said: “This is my dream venture and I don’t believe in beating around the bush, as I had already directed movies based on existing themes. So, I wanted to try something different in Kollywood. This is a fantasy-cum-adventure film, in which computer graphics has been widely used. I’m confident that all my dedication and hard work will make this movie set the box office on fire.” The audio of the movie, set to score by G.V.Prakash Kumar, will be released at a glittering event later this week.

Selva dismissed the reports of rift between him and music director Yuvan Shankar Raja. “Yuvan was busy with other projects, so I decided to rope in G.V.Prakash Kumar. It doesn’t mean that we both are at loggerheads. We have given some excellent results in the past, and this time Yuvan’s absence won’t make any difference,” said the director, who has also penned the lyrics for the movie. For over 2 years, the film has been extensively shot across many cities, including, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaisalmer and New York. Most part of the movie has been picturised inside dense rainforests, involving more than 2,000 artistes. Actor Karthi, who shot to fame post-Paruthiveeran, is back after a long hiatus, is harping on the yetto-be released Kollywood potboiler. “Even though the film took 2 years to be completed, I think it’s worth the wait. I was always ready for hard work and don’t lament over working on a single project

l i h t a r i Aay n a v u r O nce

ppeara finally makes an a

Selva denies any rift with Yuvan Shankar Raja

for such a long time,” he added. He also hailed cinematographer Ramji, as the pillar of the film and commended his camera-handling skills. The young hero also ruled out that he has not got any immediate plans to work together with his brother Suriya. Music director G.V.Prakash Kumar said he had confidence in Selvaraghavan and the music has come out well. “I hope this film will be a turning point in my career. There are around 10 songs of different genres and for the first time in modern Tamil film industry, I have used many ancient musical instruments.” Veteran singer P.B.Sreenivas has also crooned a song. Glam doll Andrea, who plays the role of an archaeologist, said it was a good experience for her. “I learnt a lot on the sets and was awestruck by the tireless contributions made by the junior artistes. It’s a really challenging role for me and I’m lucky to be part of such a mega project.” ■

The main cast and crew of ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’ on Wednesday met the press to announce the audio launch and movie release slated for August. PHOTOS: S.S. KUMAR

12

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wednesday’s Query: Send your wish list to Mamata Banerjee, as she gears up to present the Railway Budget in the first week of July

■ Make double track in all way, electric train throughout all regions TSJ.Praveen, CTS

■ Remove the side-middle berth ■ Avoid plastics and reimplement the mud pots

R.Jayashree, TCS Vasumathy, Cognizant

■ Super fast bullet trains, so that I can travel to Bangalore in 1 hour

Rama Iyappan from UST-Global has nominated her renovation team members Munnar as Partners in crime. This pic was clicked in Munnar.

Priyesh, Patni Computers

■ Need a conscious attention towards containing unwarranted entry and squatting in reserved coaches, besides enforcing disciplined and ethical reservation system along with stepping up passenger-friendly security cover throughout the ambience

Deepak Vasudevan, Verizon

■ May your railway budget show mercy on poor humanity in India

N.Deepan, TCS

■ Remove side middle berths from all the trains, More AC 3tier coaches, Food to be as good as in all trains as served in Rajhadhani express

Chandrasekar.SG, Cognizant

■ I wish her a great luck in introducing bullet trains very soon in India that runs at 300 kmph. Expecting it soon ■ Free trips for software engineers ■ Free local train pass for students

Deena, Wipro Dhivya, Wipro Nikhil Joy, Allsec

■ Reduce the rates of 3rd AC tiers. Introduce more passenger trains with economy fares ■ We need metro train in Chennai

Dhivahar, Wipro

Rokerz from Allsec Technologies have nominatted their friends as partners in crime. This pic was clicked in Vandalur Zoo.

Sujithkumar Rangamani, HCL

■ Speed up double track work between Chennai-Nagercoil stretch. Metro train for Chennai. Electric train in Madurai zone for south Tamil Nadu

Jawahar, Verizon

Today’s Query: Captain Cool Mahi has been losing it of late at the official press conferences. What should he do to maintain his calm?

Nanda Kumar has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Pondicherry.

13

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Varuni from Wipro Technologies nominated as Office Angel by Farmers Automation Team Members She is enthusiastic and energitic and a great team player who can be approached at any time for any issues.All her magic smile will solve half of the problems and rest would be her efficient skills and hard work.Wishing you a rocking life and a great carrier ahead

Belated wishes To my dear Bhuvi, Side by side or miles apart True friends are always close to your heart Whether you’re turning five or fifty-three You know that I’m a true friend because you’re here beside me I’m here, right now, on your special day So let’s give a cheer for you, hip, hip, hooray! “Many many happy returns of the day dear” Yours friends, Jayanthi, Sangi, Poorna, Cicy, Nalani, Sri, Revathi, Saranvana, Jimsha, Salma and Sangeetha Priya. Congruent Solutions.

Engal Iniya Thozhi Anu’vukku… Piranthanaal Nalvaazhthukkal !!!! Wish you luck and happiness today and every day throughout the year. Many More Happy Returns of the Day !!!! Oru Seriya Kavithai Unakaga, Melum ithanai aandugalaga upayokathil illada Moondru ezhuthu Arivai , Irandu Ezhuthu Moolayai , Inniyavadu upayokikka vendum endru kettukkolkiroam !!! Ippadiku, unnaal baathika patta un nanbarkal !!!! (Astathara)

Hi Surab 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

Kevin Arundale of Pride Technologies doodled this.

June 11 Dear Shyam, Having someone like you with us, means a lot. Here’s Wishing you Wonderful Birthday. With lots of love, this message comes 2 say u’re wished the joys u so deserve especially today & may the days that lie ahead be extra-nice one, filled with great happiness and success.. "Happy birthday" !!! Tesco Team, Steria

Dear Roshanti, Many Many Happy returns of the day, Have a special day and a beautiful year ahead. "Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of ’you’ to the world." Regards Alfred Lord Tennyson

Parent: Sir enn payan maths la romba weak mutta( 0) vangitan sir Teacher : appa antha muttai yeh poorichi kodunga strong aiyiduvan..... Ganesh

Hiii Revathy... Wish u Many more advance happy returns of the day... May God’s blessings be with you all through your life!!! Wishing you all happiness and prosperity!!! From, HOV Services.,

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

A royal jam British royal Prince Harry’s new girlfriend reportedly refers to him by the nickname of Jam.

sudoku

Aswin Kumar D. of Vestas Wind Technology India Private Limited shot this picture in an interior village of Maharashtra. Aswin says there are lot of untold stories behind the young smiling face.

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Printed and Published by S. Karthik on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209 & at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Editor: S. Karthik (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553

KAKURO

15

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Blinding error

Word’s worth

A 50-year-old blind man was wrongly targeted by police - who were set to arrest him for a string of driving offences.

Retroition (ret-roh-i-shuhn) a rare word that means ‘the action of returning; re-entrance.’ Finally, a word for that embarrassing return to a party, after all goodbyes have been said, to retrieve an essential item left behind (usually one’s keys, making the retroition completely unavoidable).

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 The more questions you ask the less complicated your life will be. Be on your guard against any panic attacks. At the personal front, don’t let differences create misunderstanding between you and your partner.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 On the work front, you’ve got a good day ahead, says Ganesha. You will perform routine tasks with infinite ease. When you call it a day, you will find no projects in the works. Recreate the magic of love by being creative in your approach.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 If you want to beat others in the rat race, you must adopt a more savvy style of working. It’s the time to plan your future. As playwright Bernard Shaw has said, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.”

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Trust your abilities and you will surely taste success. Just completing your daily tasks isn’t enough; you must also be aggressively proactive and try out creative ways. Once you master your skills, there’ll be no looking back.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 It may be an action-packed day for you in office. Do some R&D activities to jazz up your analytical skills. You will also attend some important meetings. All in all, it’s all work and no play for you today, says Ganesha.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Someone has rightly said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. So, sit down with a planner and chart out your weekly and daily schedule. Your interest in art may urge you to pay a visit to a nearby art gallery.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Allow your head to overrule your heart today. For, today’s planetary matrix supports speedy completion of projects. Your creative instincts will be straining at the leash, demanding freedom of expression. Looks like you’ll have a field day in office.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Today’s astral configuration emphasise on personal development. Improving your know-how will be topmost on your mind. But priority must be given to fulfilling prime responsibilities. Go ahead and impress your sweetheart with your wisdom.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 A chance meeting with an old friend or a previous colleague will make your day. Barring a technical error, work will proceed at a normal pace. Seeking guidance from an elder will be of much help. Want to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart?

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Today’s one of those days when you feel that the work you are doing is not rewarding enough, both in terms of praise and raise. But don’t let this affect you. Remember: trees of patience bear the sweetest fruits.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You’ll wake up shrouded in a pall of gloom. But as the day proceeds, your energy levels will shoot up. Your friendly nature will make you popular among your colleagues. In love life too, your partner will go absolutely gaga over you.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You will be neck-deep in technical and administrative tasks in the first part of the day, but personal issues will trouble you in the latter half. Don’t arrive at hasty conclusions. To de-stress, exchange mushy SMSes or emails with your lover. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Thursday, June 11, 2009

US Actress Michelle Stafford poses during a photocall presenting the TV show The Young And The Restless at the 49th Monte-Carlo Television Festival. PHOTO: AFP

ng the deck gun shows a diver examini This handout photo g Finland’s rin du k e that was sun d by divers of a Soviet submarin ere cov dis s wa eck The wr Finnish and of winter war in 1940. r rde bo nds, close to the near the Aaland isla ters. PHOTO: AFP Swedish territorial wa

Polish tourists play outdoor chess at water park Aquapark Tatralandia in central Slovak city of Liptovsky Mikulas. PHOTO: AFP

han at d Aishwarya Rai Bachc Abhishek Bachchan an TO: PTI PHO . IIFA for g e leavin Mumbai airport befor