Ergo June 8

A BYTE OF LIFE

Monday, June 8, 2009

03 RECESSION! WHAT’S THAT? Dosa Calling and 36 Degrees defied popular caution FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 105

ANGRY OLD MAN Manoj Kumar returns to directing with an Indo-Pak love story. And he’s still not forgotten the “dirty thing” that Shah Rukh did. » PAGE 10

Paes conquers Paris Leander Paes credits his third French Open title to tennis legend and one-time mixed-doubles partner Martina Navratilova

» PAGE 08

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Brunch on The Raintree has introduced Sunday Brunch promising to bond the family with fun, frolic and food. The ambience is a European Street, the famed Bombay Chowpatty and namma Chennai, all rolled in one. Chaat counter, pav bhaaji, egg counter, dosa counter...are some of the main attractions. Brunch is on from noon to 3.30 p.m. For reservations call 4225 2525.

Cops and motorcycles A motorcycle theft lobby is known to be operating in Ambattur and adjoining areas. Reliable sources reveal that many two-wheelers have gone missing from the areas and some policemen are involved in the thefts. A few months ago, a motorcycle parked near a police station there mysteriously went missing and the station authorities refused to register a case.

What can he do? A senior cop who has been posted to a big chair in the city has vast experience in the field of intelligence services. A few envious khakis in the force are secretly taunting the senior. “What can an intelligence man do in a law and order situation?” they mutter.

DIFFERENT TUNE

Unwritten code

PHOTOS: S.S. KUMAR

Theft at cellphone shops are known to be happy affairs for some police personnel. The reason – if the case is cracked and lost property is recovered there is an unwritten police code that says that a high-end mobile phone is the reward for the hardworking officers. Due to this the tainted khakis turn upto-date cellphone users.

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he launch of the second edition of the Meera Isaiaruvi Tamil Music Awards held in the city on Saturday saw playback singers and lyricists of the Tamil film industry sway to a different tune. Singers including Naresh

Iyer, Benny Dayal, Rahul Nambiar, Karthik, Vijay Yesudas, Shwetha Mohan, Madhumita, Srilekha Parthasarathy, Sumangali, Charulathamani, Suchitra and Mahathi walked the ramp wearing clothes designed by

Priya Rajesh. Themed ‘Celebrating Excellence in Music’ the awards recognise the most popular songs and albums of the year 2008-09. The awards cover film, Carnatic and folk songs.■

03

Monday, June 8, 2009

New moves ‘Twilite Corpos’ is conducting dance classes for children, corporates and ladies in T. Nagar. Classes will be taken in batches and for different age groups, to help one reduce weight and build up confidence. For details call 9790983380/9884331103.

Vision in times of recession These entrepreneurs found the recession the best time to open up restaurants

K. Kumar of Dosa Calling in Kilpauk. PHOTO: S. THANTHONI

Shamaz (extreme right) and Riyas of 36 Degrees on Santhome High Road

DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

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t the time of recession, all one can think of is to save one’s earnings and not start any business venture. However, in the last two months, two new food joints have opened. Ergo spoke to K. Kumar of Dosa Calling, a speciality restaurant in Kilpauk, and Shamaz and his partners of 36 Degrees, a swanky new restaurant on Santhome High Road, to find out their ambitions behind starting afresh in times of recession.

Dosa Calling Little did the four NRIs know that the song ‘London Calling’ would inspire them to say goodbye to their well-placed jobs in an overseas five-star hotel and come to India to start their own hotel company, Serene Restaurant and Hotels Pvt. Ltd. K. Kumar, Raj Nanda, Gopinath and Hafidh are very happy about their 40-day-old maiden venture, Dosa Calling. In spite of having more than a decade’s experience in the hospitality industry, it took them one year to make their dream come true with an initial investment of about Rs. 1.5 crore out of their personal savings. “We designed a business model that would not get affected by recession. From our research, we observed that there was a dip only in luxury goods and fine dining. Although we have a fine dine, our prices range from Rs. 23 to Rs.

80. We serve about 30 varieties of exotic dosas made of five kinds of batter apart from other southern snacks and desserts.” With a beeline of foodies on Sunday evenings, Kumar is satisfied with the way the business has picked up. He says the secret is good service in a swanky western ambience – chefs in classy uniforms and an open kitchen where one can see the dosas being prepared. From July onwards, they will have an exotic combination of dosas pertaining to one particular region. In a year’s time with NRI funding of Rs. 4 crore, they plan to take Dosa Calling to Bangalore, Pune, Pondicherry and Hyderabad and also open a multi-cuisine restaurant – Wok: The Indian Way – and a northern frontier and Chettinad spices fusion – Inde. “It’s during recession that we are able to negotiate better rent rates with the landlords for an ideal price for lease of about seven years,” they say. However, the only qualm is recruiting qualified chefs, but they have back up plans for the same. One can call 4554 6060 and snacks can be home-delivered in pizza boxes and chutneys in air-tight containers.

36 Degrees The trio of Shiham V.P., Riyas P.P. and Shamaz Mohammed of 36 Degrees were and are confident that the business will do well in spite of the challenging times in the market. Shamaz, one of the partners who feels

that the food industry has not been adversely affected, says: “People in Chennai drive down to any part of the city for good food. We have not compromised on our food quality and quick service, and hence are confident of attracting food connoisseurs right from the start.” While Shiham and Riyas have a hospitality industry background, Shamaz is into timber and interior design. Shamaz, who is also related to Shiham, says: “We met Riyaz when he was a partner of a coffee shop in Dubai and he expressed a desire to start his own in India. Hence, we took off from there and opened a food joint out of our savings. The initial invest-

ment was about Rs. 40 lakh.” They have branded it 36 Degrees: At 36 degrees u go minus. “The name strikes a chord with every Chennaiite as the average temperature of the city is 36 degrees but one feels cool inside our restaurant,” says Shamaz. The business is quite encouraging and they expect it to improve considerably once schools reopen. As you enter the cool 1,200 sq ft, 40-cover fruit cream joint with low and soft sofas, one can choose from a variety of milk shakes, fruit juices, all-veg pizzas and grills. Their signature dish, however, is the fruit creams – dry fruit falooda cream, kiwi cream, strawberry cream and so on.

On why they have stuck to pure vegetarian, he says: “Right now, we don’t want to clutter our menu card with a large variety of dishes and hence have stuck to vegetarian. But we may start non-veg items in due course.” The three plan to soon open another branch at Gopalapuram and Anna Nagar and a multi-cuisine restaurant at Ascendas IT Park and extend their current outlet on Santhome High Road into an outdoor restaurant. Home delivery service can be availed of by calling 2495 4200. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

News you can use Buy and sell international stocks Kotak Securities has announced the launch of Kotak Trader, a trading platform that will allow investors to trade in stocks of 24 different international exchanges. Thus individual investors who wish to use the USD 2,00,000 allowed by the RBI to be invested out of India can now look at equity investments in foreign companies too. Kotak Trader is a joint effort of Kotak Securities and Denmark-based Saxo Capital Markets.

Renew the view on energy

Mini Quiz A. For the first time in its history Bharti Airtel declared a dividend of ____% on 29 April 09 1. 10% 2. 55% 3. 200% 4. 20% B. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance is 1. Palanimanickam 2. O. Paneerselvam 3. Montek Singh Ahluwalia 4. YV Reddy

Fundamental analysis for stock investments

Send your answers to [email protected] or SMS your answers to 92813 98889. For example if you choose 1 as the answer to question A and 2 as the answer to question B type it as A1B2 and send it. Winner will be chosen by lucky draw from all correct answers.

Answers for last week’s quiz 1. Custodian 2. Singapore 3. Taurus Ethical fund 4. 24 years 5. Penny stock 6. Securities Transaction Tax 7. Short term 8. 15078 9. 1,498,000 10. 5,760,000

LAUNCHING SOON Initial Public Offerings Rishabdev Trechnocable Limited Gemini Engi Fab Limited PSU IPOs which could be launched soon National Hydro Power Corp Oil India

NFO’s Of Mutual Funds Religare Gold Exchange trade fund IDFC Hybrid Portfolio fund Reliance Gold Saving fund Reliance International Equity fund

KARTHIKEYAN JAWAHAR [email protected]

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here has been a lot of talk since the last few years on renewable energy sources, particularly since India started discussions with the USA on the nuclear agreement. Previously, talk on wind turbines was limited to companies talking about putting up one for taxsaving purpose. The sudden jump of crude prices to over US $145 sparked the renewed view on renewable energy. Experiments with bio-fuels have backfired, with the conversion of food into fuel creating a virtual rise in prices and real rise in political sentiments. Critics now argue that bio fuels consume more of earth’s resources than nonrenewable fuels. Nuclear energy, however clean, is also exhaustible. So what is the way out? Solar and solar-related sources seem to be the best alternative for long-term sus-

tainability. But the current methods of conversion of solar energy to usable energy (electricity, steam) are less efficient. The new Renewable Energy Policy of the Government of India, which envisages every building beyond a certain square feet of construction to have energy being generated used in the form of solar panels, solar heaters and mini-wind turbines, is a welcome measure. This will help reduce the price of the items and also increase their efficiencies by increasing the R&D budgets. Apart from this, we can all contribute to the revolution by consuming less power. Suggestions to turn off lights, ACs, fans and the omnipresent computer before leaving the office need to be implemented more diligently now than ever before. Can business leaders start thinking of having more video conferences than commutes to the airport? Can we have the office ACs running at a few

degrees higher temperature? How about reusing things more often (as opposed to recycling, as recycling also consumes energy)? The abovementioned things are going to be a part of our lives sooner than later, as supplies are running out. So why an article on renewable energy in a personal finance column? Imagine the opportunities for investment in the field. Wind, solar, communication infrastructure, designer townships (to reduce commute), water purification and reuse systems, LPG & LNG (though nonrenewable, they burn clean and hence will substitute petrol and diesel to a larger extent), energy education and electric vehicles are just some of the areas where we can find aggressive growth of companies. Do we have Indian companies in the above fields? Oh yes, and I would definitely invest in those companies. Happy investing in a cleaner, greener, sustainable energy future! ■

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Monday, June 8, 2009

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Kareena’s

new avatar Bollywood bombshell to sport Barbie doll look in Kambakkht Ishq

PHOTO: AFP

Suri Cruise becomes youngest style icon

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he may not even know how to eat a chocolate croissant properly, but threeyear-old Suri Cruise seems to have become the world’s youngest supermodel after catching the attention of top designers queuing up to dress her. The daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes already has a

wardrobe full of clobber from Burberry, Dior and Cavalli. The tot was recently spotted wearing a 60pound Ralph Lauren Illyana dress - and the fashion house frantically rushed out a statement confirming the fact. She has even had a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes custom-made after a mould was taken of her

Katie Holmes with her daughter Suri Cruise.

tiny feet. On a shopping trip to Los Angeles with her mum, Suri was caught wearing a trendy ruffled orange frock with fashionably clashing Mary Jane shoes. “She’s probably the only supermodel who gets away with eating pastry,” the Mirror quoted an onlooker as saying. ■ ANI

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/AFP

areena Kapoor’s look in Kambakkht Ishq is being touted as her most glamorous ever, but her make-up artist Mallika Bhat says that apart from looking ultra glam, she will also sport a “Barbie doll look” in the action thriller. “One of Kareena’s looks in the film is inspired by Barbie doll,” Bhat said. In Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena stars alongside superstar Akshay Kumar who plays a Hollywood stuntman. It also stars Hollywood biggies like Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards. According to Bhat, Kareena’s different looks in the film have a lot to do with the progression of her character. “At first she has a plain Jane look, followed by a cute girl-next-door look and then she ultimately turns into an ultra-glam diva as she plays a model in the film,” she said. Bhat said that Kareena has been made to wear minimum make-up and tied ponytails for the first part of her character, while she leaves her hair open and sports little gloss for her second look. But later Kareena’s eyes are well accentuated with different colours, she added. “For her glamorous look, I used metallic liners in colours like charcoal, blue, green, grey and played around with a lot of shimmer on her eyes. But what remained permanent for Kareena throughout the film was the creamy baby pink lip colour that I have not used on anyone yet,” Bhat said. “She is a girl. Like every other girl, she enjoys getting ready and so I guess she enjoyed slipping into the glamorous character. She liked to get ready for it like any other girl her age would have,” she said. ■ IANS

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Buddhist bitten A Buddhist in the U.S. has been bitten by a venomous copperhead snake - despite fighting all his life to free captive animals.

Stefani dismisses Rossdale split reports No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani has shot down reports claiming that her marriage to Gavin Rossdale is on the rocks amid allegations the former Bush frontman has been cheating on her. According to online gossips, Stefani was on the verge of divorcing Rossdale after reportedly catching him romancing other women, reports Contactmusic. Rumours claim the stars, were holding off on announcing their split until after Stefani finishes her current US tour with her reunited band. ANI

90-year-old gets high school diploma

A Chinese couple was stunned when they woke up to find that a 2meter-long snake was sharing their bed with them. The two from Xiangfan, Hubei province, did not know what to do with the snake and decided to call the police, reports the China Daily. The couple surnamed Zhang discovered the snake under their quilt at about 1 am. After the police arrived, they captured the non-venomous snake, but they could not find an explanation as to how it got into the bed. ANI

German man sets record for speed-kissing A German man has set a new record in speedkissing, after smooching 111 women in 60 seconds outside a Berlin disco. Michael Basting, 31, secured an entry in the Guinness Book of Records after lining up the ladies on the pavement for a quick peck on the cheek. Basting, from Bavaria in southern Germany, managed almost two kisses a second, beating the previous record holder from Australia.

PTI

DPA

BB STAR SOPHIE

EYES RONALDO

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ig Brother star Sophie Reade has revealed that she has eyes only for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo even though she cheers for rivals Liverpool. The 20-year-old glamour model said she found the Portuguese winger extremely attractive and thinks he has “a brooding Spanish charm”. “I would like Cristiano Ronaldo

wrapped up please,” The Sun quoted her as saying in a recent interview with Playboy.co.uk. The busty blonde, who has previously posed for the magazine, further said she would not have to worry about the soccer ace pleasing her in the bedroom. She added: “He is incredibly athletic so I wouldn’t have to worry about him flaking out on me.” ■ ANI

PHOTO: AFP

A 90-year-old woman received her high school diploma, 73 years after she dropped out from the institution during great depression to financially assist her parents. Eleanor Benz left the Chicago Public Schools’ Lake View High in 1936 during her senior year to take a job and help her parents. This week, at her 90th birthday party, Benz family presented her with the diploma, a 2009 gown, a cap with a 1936 tassel and a wooden replica of Lake View in the 1930s, the Chicago SunTimes reported. “I was overwhelmed by it all,” Benz said. “I was ecstatic. My diploma is dated February 1, 1936 and signed by Olice Winter, the then principal. I feel blessed,” she said. Benz’s children arranged her diploma after she told one of them recently that not graduating from high school was her greatest disappointment.

Snake shares bed with couple

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Websites of the day

Zebra crossing

Songs, styles and history of the pop music girl groups of the early 1960s: http://www.girl-groups.com/ Information on the past, present and future of electro music. Includes artist profiles, discographies, audio samples, lyrics, articles and photos: http://www.electroempire.com/

A father in Dorset, England stuns his locals at a nearby pub by his mode of transport - a zebra.

AMU honours Dr. Rahman The music maestro ended his speech with the song Jai Ho

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scar-winning composer A.R. Rahman was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at its 59th convocation. The musician, who said he was overwhelmed with the honour, urged more young people to join creative fields like arts and media. “In a world of mass killings, terrorism and violence, we need positive emotions,” said Rahman. Rahman also urged the youth to learn and join him in building a strong, harmonious India. “I find a transcendent language that all can understand that can bring all together a language that awakens in each of us an awareness that all energy is spiritual energy and the fate of one is linked to the fate of all,” said Rahman. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Education alone can eradicate poverty.” Along with Rahman, eminent Urdu writer Gopi Chand Narang also received an honorary doctorate. West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi was the chief guest along with Justice A.N. Ahmadi. ■ IANS

LA conducts TRANSGENDER job fair

R(o)aring to go

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ydney Dupree came to Los Angeles because, as a young male-to-female transsexual, she found Memphis hostile. She came to the transgender job fair because jobs are hard for her to find, even in Los Angeles. Dupree has been frustrated by discrimination and employers who turn skittish when confronted with documents identifying her as male, both typical reasons why the transgendered struggle to find and keep jobs, especially during a recession. “I did what I had to do to survive,” Dupree said with a shrug. “I had to get out of Memphis. I just left on a bus.” The fair featured 17 public and private employers willing to reach out to the transgender community, held in the centre’s small courtyard after a morning rain cleared. It was organized as part of the

centre’s annual Trans-Unity Pride celebration, billed as the nation’s largest, and began with a seminar educating employers on the legal rights of transgendered employees and such tricky issues as restrooms. ■ Reuters

쒀 A baby white tiger is held by its minder at the zoo in the eastern German town of Aschersleben. The young tiger was born on April 5, 2009 in the zoo. PHOTO: AFP

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Jeev tied seventh Jeev Milkha Singh’s one-over 73, which gave him a share of the seventh spot, was the best among the Indians at a drenched Celtic Menor Resort in the yet-to-be-completed penultimate round of the Wales Open golf tournament in Newport. Among the other Indians, Shiv Kapur was the next best-placed after Jeev at the tied 33rd spot after carding a 74 which took his two-day total to one-over 214.

England’s Ashes worries England are worried that key top order batsman Kevin Pietersen may struggle to be fit for this season’s Ashes series at home to Australia. The ex-England captain was ruled out shortly before the start of the side’s humbling four-wicket loss to the Netherlands in Friday’s opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 at Lord’s with a recurrence of the injury he first sustained in the Caribbean earlier this year. Pietersen has undergone an injection in a bid to make sure he is fit for England’s match against Pakistan at the Oval on Sunday – a game they effectively have to win if they are to get through to the Super Eight second stage of the World Twenty20. But England coach Andy Flower believes Pietersen may need several months rest to regain full fitness – and if that is the case he would miss the first Ashes opener in Cardiff starting on July 8 and possibly the entire Test series as well. “They are terrible injuries,” said former Zimbabwe batsman Flower. “I had an Achilles problem for about five years when I was playing and they are very difficult to get rid of. They can hang around for a long time and with our schedule you don’t get huge chunks of time off. I think you need months off to get rid of those sort of problems altogether,” said Flower. AFP

Nadal may miss Wimbledon A damaged right knee could keep Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal out of this year’s Wimbledon. Toni Nadal, the reigning Wimbledon champion’s uncle and coach, said the 23-year-old had a damaged right knee and was doubtful for the Grand Slam which starts on June 22. “We have taken him out of the Queen’s tournament (June 8-14) and will do everything possible to get him there, but this is subject to medical tests,” Toni Nadal said. “There is something wrong with his knee but right now we are uncertain what the problem is.” Swede Robin Soderling knocked Nadal out of the French Open this year. The latest injury scare is not connected with the persistent tendonitis suffered by the player. Nadal is currently resting at his hometown of Manacor on the island of Majorca and will undergo detailed medical tests from Monday. ANI

Barcelona star Dani Alves does the trick for Brazil in their South American qualifiers. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Leander Paes (foreground left) celebrates with tennis legend Martina Navratilova (foreground right) eyed by Bill Gates after the French Open doubles final. PHOTO: AFP

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Old wa Paes thanks ‘soulmate’ Navratilova after

s he battled a freak injury and nerves in the French Open men’s doubles final, ace Indian tennis player Leander Paes said an inspiring eye contact with his legendary former mixed doubles partner Martina Navratilova lifted his spirits. Paes and Czech Lukas Dlouhy rallied from a set down to clinch the French Open title which was the Indian’s ninth career Grand Slam. Paes got hit between his eyes by a return volley during the match and required treatment. The 35-year-old said Navratilova’s presence in the audience gallery helped him get over these testing moments of the match. “Whenever I look at a person like Navratilova, she gives me a lot of inspiration. It was strange

that just at the end of the second set when we were getting a bit nervous and a bit edgy, she came out there and was just making eye contact. Lukas served three doubles faults early in the third set. I told him at one point, Martina is out there. Come on. Have a look at her. She’s inspiring us.” Paes described Navratilova, a 20-time Wimbledon champion with whom he won the 2003 Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed doubles titles, as his soulmate and said the American has been by his side through some of the most trying times of his life. “Martina has been a soulmate for many years. We’ve been through a lot in life, especially me in the last eight years. She’s been along with me, supporting me, guiding me at times,” Paes said. “When I was diagnosed

with cancer and I couldn’t p she basically stayed away f the game and didn’t play m doubles until I came back,” added. Paes also lauded his op nents in the French Open fin Dick Norman and Wesley M die. “Dick and Wesley served ally huge and made it diffi for us. They did a great jo getting to the final,” P whose career doubles t count stands at 40, said. Reflecting on his partner with Dlouhy with whom he ished runner-up at Roland ros last year, Paes said, started playing together at land Garros last year. We then to the champions so made it a point that we wo come back and try and win it year.” ■

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Monday, June 8, 2009

‘‘

Weightlifting accounts for a major share of medals in the Commonwealth Games but SAI and Sports Ministry have not provided enough basic equipments, food supplements during the past four of the camp that started in February. We are also finding it difficult to get the recommended number of coaches because they are not being given lucrative money for the one and half years of assignment. Indian Weightlifting Federation General Secretary Baldev Raj Gulati

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razil leaped to the top of the South American qualifying table for the 2010 World Cup with a 4-0 rout of host Uruguay while former leader Paraguay fell 2-0 at home to Chile. Brazil won at Centenario Stadium for the first time since 1976 on goals by FC Barcelona star Dani Alves in the 11th minute, AS Roma cenral defender Juan in the 35th, Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano in the 52nd and AC Milan star Kaka on a penalty kick in the 74th minute. Goals by Matias Fernandez in the 12th minute and Humberto Suazo in the 50th gave the Chilean a critical away triumph that put them only one point off the pace of Brazil and Paraguay, which now trails on goal difference. Together with Argentina’s 1-0 triumph over Colombia at Buenos Aires, the four top teams have separated themselves with five matches remaining to decide the four squads which will qualify for the showdown in South Africa. Brazil stand on 24 points, moving atop Paraguay by virtue of superior goal difference, with Chile are next on 23 points and Argentina fourth with 22. The Uruguayans are fifth, five points back of Argentina but only one ahead of Venezuela and just three atop Colombia and Ecuador, which has a match in hand. The leaders are not out of reach but even if they hold onto their spots, the remaining six teams have World Cup hope. South America’s fifth-place finisher will meet North America’s fourth-place team for another 2010 World Cup bid. Uruguay knew extra heart-break from a fifth-place finish in 2005, losing out on a World Cup trip to Germany in a playoff against Australia. Daniel Diaz’s goal in the 55th minute gave Argentina a crucial home victory, stretching the gap on lower rivals for coach Diego Maradona’s side and staying within reach of the top spot. Bolivian heartache continued with a 1-0 home loss to Venezuela on an own goal in the 32nd minute. Ecuador, level on 14 points with Colombia, will try to move up with an away victory Sunday at doormat Andean rivals Peru in Lima. ■ AFP

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Big guns scrape through Brazil leaps atop World Cup qualifying table

marches on

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Susan Boyle signs U2’s financial wizard Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle has reportedly roped in U2’s financial wizard to manage her career. The 48-year-old and her family allegedly signed legendary showbiz guru Ossie Kilkenny, who turned the Irish rock band into multi-millionaires. ANI

‘Shah Rukh did a dirty thing’ Manoj Kumar on ‘OSO’ and turning director again for ‘Indo-Pak’ love story RUCHIKA KHER

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ollywood veteran Manoj Kumar is upbeat about donning the director’s hat once again in his golden jubilee year in the industry for an “Indo-Pak” love story. The actor-turned-filmmaker may have moved on from the Om Shanti Om controversy, but maintains that what Shah Rukh Khan did was “dirty”. “Though I had three subjects in mind, I decided to first go with Indo-Pak: A Love Story. The film will not revolve only around patriotism. It will have a human and romantic angle,” says Manoj Kumar. “The film will highlight that there are a lot of commonalities between the two countries. We have the same features, our food is similar and, after all, a few years ago we were one single country,” says the 71-year-old actor, who was known as ‘Mr. Bharat’ for his patriotic films like Upkaar, Shaheed and Purab Aur Paschim.

It was not that I get angry with people on everything, but I have to protect the image of Manoj Kumar

Oh, b-boying!

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horeographer-director Farah Khan, a judge on television reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, has promised a group of contesting 15 girls and boys a chance to be part of one of her films. “I have promised a group of very talented young girls and boys who performed b-boying (a type of break dance) that I will give them a chance in my film whenever I am working on something where I can use their talent,” says Farah. A street dance style that evolved as part of the hip hop movement among African-American and Puerto Rican youths in Manhattan during the early 1970s, b-boying has now caught the fancy of youth in several cities. Farah says the act by the Mumbai-based group involved innovative hip-hop, awe-inspiring stunts as well as acrobatics, making it “fascinating” to watch. “The act they did has never been seen before in Indian cinema and that is also one reason which attracted me to give them my word,” adds Farah. ■ IANS

Asked if he still had any grudges against Shah Rukh Khan for the spoof on him in Farah Khan’s 2007 film Om Shanti Om, he says he has moved on but asserts that what Shah Rukh had done was wrong. “Shah Rukh did a dirty thing. When I reacted he then visited me, apologised and said he will remove the scene from the film, but he did not keep his promise. It was not that I get angry with people on everything, but I have to protect the image of Manoj Kumar. Later when he removed the scene, I dropped the matter,” Manoj Kumar said. Manoj Kumar says he would like to cast new faces in his new venture though he likes Aamir Khan best among the current lot of heroes. “I like Aamir’s work and I’m particularly happy that he is doing less and only meaningful work, but for my film I want fresh faces,” the Padma Shri awardee said. ■ IANS

Memoirs of a 9-year-old

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lumdog Millionaire’s nineyear-old star Rubina Ali is ready to tell her life story. According to reports, the Mumbai resident, who played the young Latika in director Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie, is penning a memoir. The book, Dreaming: My Journey to the Stars, will chronicle her story of growing up in the Mumbai slums instead of her rise to fame, reports Us magazine. “Rubina brings alive a world of wastelands and ratinfested shanty dwellings, and shows us her home, a wooden shack with a tarpaulin roof, where she grew up with her beloved father and siblings,” said a statement released by Transworld Publishers. The tome will be released in the UK in mid July Proceeds from the book will be donated to Ali and Medecins du Monde, a French medical aid organisation. ■ ANI

11

Monday, June 8, 2009

De Niro accosted by drunk fan Actor Robert De Niro was accosted by a drunk female fan on the set of his new film Stone in Michigan. The woman, named by TMZ.com as Carlyn Campbell, allegedly barged into the sets before police were called to remove her. Campbell was later admitted to a local hospital.

Cine City

Nayan’s tattoo A rumour that is making rounds in Andhra Pradesh is the secret wedding between actors Nayanthara and Prabhu Deva. When contacted, Nayanthara has reportedly said that Prabhu Deva is a good friend of hers. Meanwhile, sources reveal that Nayan sports a tattoo ‘Prabhu Deva’ on her right wrist. The first letter ‘P’ is written in English, while other alphabets are in Tamil.

I

n a bid to shoot down split rumours, Angelina Jolie is reportedly considering sealing her relationship with Brad Pitt. According to pals, the stunner has given in to Pitt’s pleas to get married. Friends say that the star pair could wed by the end of the summer once their current filming commitments are done away with. A close friend of the pair said: “Usually it’s Brad who wants to talk marriage. But this time it was Angie. An aide sent them all the Press clippings about their ‘relationship problems’ and Angelina said it was probably best if they married to put an end to the stories. Brad’s face lit up – he was thrilled.” Rumors were buzz that Brad (45) had rekindled his friendship with ex-wife Jennifer Aniston (40) to Angelina’s fury – but the pal denied this, reports The Mirror. The friend adds Brad and Angelina have earmarked New Orleans for the wedding, and their six children would be involved “in a big way”. ■ ANI

Karunas back as hero After donning the lead role in Dindigul Sarathy, Karunas plays hero in Ambasamudram Ambani. The movie, which hit floors yesterday, is about a youngster who thrives to become rich through honest means. He is paired up with Navneet Kaur of Arasangam fame. The music is composed by Karunas and lyrics by poet Vairamuthu. The movie to be directed by Ramnath is being produced by John Britto.

12

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Friday’s query Which cartoon character do you relate to and why? ■ Winnie the Pooh. I look similar to that character Xavier IBM

■ Tweety it’s a happy bird which keeps itself cool n people come to rescue if it is in trouble

MP.Roselin Allsec

■ Turk, I honestly resemble the character

Lakshmi, Arun Easikkappan Wipro

■ Tom and Jerry bcoz me and my hubby always fight like that

Vennila TCS-eserve

■ Jerry. My expressions and activities are similar to Jerry

Sinduja.C IBM, Sindhujaa, Deena Wipro, Ashok TCS, R.Viswanathan Hexaware

Bhrigu Khanna from TCS eServe has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. The picture was taken at Times Square, New York.

■ Timon. My way of talking and humour is similar to him

Sugan.P IBM, Senthilganesh TCS

■ Spider man. I like to be a night time hero. He has excellent power

Francies Raj.S Perotsystems, Thirumal 3iinfotech

■ Rocky, office assistant in Microsoft office 2003. He guides in English, math besides mesmerizing us with his amusing animations

Deepak Vasudevan Verizon

■ Tom since it always thinks innovatively to catch jerry though it fails. That’s the spirit. My way of thinking/working should be always innovative

Saranya.M Cognizant

■ Mowgli, it’s exactly my photocopy. We look like twins and of same character

Smruthi Gopi Allsec

■ Mickey mouse. My sound effects are similar to Mickey Mouse

Shantha IBM, Rajesh Wipro

■ Bugs Bunny it’s intelligent, witty and a good prankster like me

Hiresh from Technosoft has nominated his team mates as Partners in Crime. The picture was shot in Kodaikanal during their first team outing.

Senthil Arjunan Calsoft Ltd, M.Srinivasan Allsec

■ Laurel because my friends say I look like that

Karl Antony Allsec

■ Popeye because I love Olive oyl

Nandagopal.C, Kasthuri TCS

■ Heman: Mighty, save people and punish culprits

Jerin Anand TCS

■ Dora my actions are similar to her

Jabha.J IBM, Renuka Allsec, Shobi Wipro

■ De De (Dexter’s sister). Ellorayum bayangarama mokka pottu azha vappen

Priya.G IBM, Abhinetri TCS

■ Calvin, cause as a kid I had a ghost as an imaginary friend (Hobbes) Vinay Perotsystem

Today’s query: Who is your favourite author and why?

Janarthanan from HCL Technologies has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. The picture was clicked during their outing to Leavenworth, Kansas.

13

Monday, June 8, 2009

Palaniselvan from HCL Technologies has been nominated Office Angel by his team members. Palaniselvan could be only spotted with his bright smile and energizing laughter. He is an excellent people manager and a great friend who can be approached at any time for any issue.

■ Dear Guru & Hamsa, Wish you both a very happy B’day. Wish you both have a great year ahead and all success you are looking forward. Veena M, TCS

■ Dear Shreyas, A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip We hope that for every candle on your cake you get a wonderful surprise; The more candles, the bigger the wish!!!!… Wishing you a very warm Birthday.

From COE Batch-19, Wipro

■ Hai Guys, Congratz to NSC team. Rock as usual. Lukeson, Wipro ■ Hi Jandhu, Iniya Piranthanal nalvaazhthukkal de, May wish you all your dreams come true! Don’t think that you are getting older, instead you are become so brilliant de. Good Luck for your future life, God bless you. Cheers, Bunn, Boooms, Cubee, Jo-joo, Lux, Dhivaa Wipro Technologies.

Belated wishes

Vidyasankar Sundararaman from Patni Computers doodled this.

■ Dear Karthik, Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of you to the world. Belated wishes to you. May god bless you. Best Wishes, DSU TEAM, Infosys BPO Limited

■ Hi Raghavan, Wish you many more happy returns of the day! May God bless you with all happiness and all your dreams come true!!!! From,

Your Best friend.

■ Dear “Thala” Lakshmanan, On your birthday we wish you much pleasure and joy, Birthday is a beginning of a new year, may this year be filled with joy and success. We hope all your wishes come true. May each hour and minute filled with delight, And your birthday be perfect for you. “Ayiram irunthalum thala thala thaan !!!! ■Lady: Hello sir, idhu ladies compartment-nu yathana thadavai solradhu, Solliyum kaadhula vaangadha maadhiri yaeruringa? Man: Naan T.T.R... ■Man-1: Do you know my friend can drive 12 cars at a time? Man-2: Really? Man-1: Yes, he is an electric train (12 CAR) driver... Mohamed Yusufdeen J, HCL Technologies

Wishes from: Indrani C, Ilavazhuthi V, Kalaivani S, Supriya Nair, Subba Reddy, Sasikumar A, Jonathan D, Prabakar D, Vaidyanathan S, Chandrasekhar A, Vinoth N, Dennis Vimalan, Sangeetha R and Navia A, Scope International, Karappakkam

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009

Not too young, too tall A ten-year-old boy from Gloucester, England was refused a discounted child’s meal - because he was too tall.

sudoku

A. Karunashankar of Wipro Technologies shot this picture at Hightstown, New Jersey with his Canon Powershot S5 IS camera. Hobbies: Surfing Net

KAKURO 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]

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Word’s worth Nidor (nye-der) the smell of burning fat, or any strong meat-cooking smell. It has been applied, unfortunately, to the smell of burning martyred flesh: “The nidor of a human creature roasted for faith.”

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 It is a favourable day for career progress. Superiors may appreciate your work and give you more responsible work. However, being overconfident may harm you a lot. You may not get ample time with your beloved due to your busy schedule.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You mind may be wandering in all directions when the day begins. Remain practical, everything will work out just fine. This may seem to be the perfect kind of attitude to achieve good results on the career front.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Routine activities may take up a lot of time today. This might dissolve your interest for important tasks. Initiations from your end will be seen only after lunch, feels Ganesha. On the love front however, there will be no problems.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 A very smooth beginning of the day. Ganesha thinks you will be very easy going today. Since everyone around you perceives you as an ‘emotional person’, treating them in a different way may give them a shock.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You will kick start your day with a powerful charged up morning. This may help you in finishing off your work quickly or improving your performance in meetings. However, Ganesha warns you not to experiment with your beloved’s mood.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Creativity may bloom today but you may not be able to turn your ideas into projects. Don’t get disheartened though, says Ganesha. Make sure that you store these ideas as they may prove to be useful later.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Your communication skills will flourish today. You will be able to focus at the right thing at the right time. Hence, you may remain extremely busy at work. Try taking your beloved out for dinner, smiles Ganesha.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Today the day may play tricks on you. Ganesha advises you to be careful with any kind of communication, especially with strangers. Being too direct or straightforward might work against you, ultimately causing harm to your work.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Your career graph is doing amazingly well, but Ganesha does not like the over confidence you have developed. Today, try finishing all your important work as you are likely to forget. Also, if you get a chance, do not hesitate in helping colleagues.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 As the day starts, you may want to contemplate about your pending work. If you remain focused, you may be able to finish off everything before the day ends. Ganesha feels that as for today, it is more important to pay attention on the career front.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 The day may begin on a positive note. Since you can handle meetings well, you should not hesitate in calling for meetings, if the need be. Ganesha feels that the professional in you may forget to pay due attention on love life.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Heavy workload will not bother you. Ganesha congratulates on your concentration and hard working attitude. You may have new goals or ambitions in mind. The best time to achieve that is now. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Monday, June 8, 2009 A motorcyclist performs during the ’Red Bull X Fighters’ freestyle motocross show at Croatian capital Zagreb’s main square. AFP PHOTO/ HRVOJE POLAN

A visitor attends the open days of the Royal Netherlands Army at the Bernhardkazerne in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. PHOTO: AFP