Ergo March 12

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 47

Open your

EYES PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

Vasavi Sundaram used the Internet to create a forum that would link scribes to those who require such services. iScribe is now raring to go to other cities. Liffy Thomas reports. » PAGE 03

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JAI IN A SOUP Comments anger producers

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JETTING AHEAD Meet Chennai’s sole Yamaha RD 350 motorcycle club Chennai Jets

02 NAMMA CHENNAI Beat the recession with agile development T

he recent recession in the entire global economy has hit the job market and has also brought in a pall of gloom in the productivity of companies. To help the IT Industry the Government of India – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (MSME) along with the Yahovan Centre for Excellence – is organising a oneday workshop on “Cost cutting through Agile Software Development Methods” on March 20 at MSME premises, Guindy, from 9:30 a.m. V.I.G. Menon, founder of Yahovan Centre and event coordinator, says, “We finalised on educating the growing IT companies on agile software development techniques, which will guide them to enhance their interaction with their clients and management, assist in cutting costs and improve return on investment. This will also help in delivering service effectively and managing their deadlines in this crucial hour. .” The workshop is targeted at project managers, team leaders in Java, Net and Internet applications and even aspiring software engineers. MSME has roped in their sister concern - National Small Industries Corporation located at Ekatuthangal – to take part in the event. Agile experts will address the participants on the business case for Agile software development, adapting to changing requirements and releasing quality software, which will be followed by open discussions and practical games. Siddharta Govindaraj, founder of Silver Stripe Software, a company that develops tools for Agile teams, who has designed the programme schedule says, “The group games will illustrate various agile principles that highlight the benefit of self organising teams over traditional team structures and methods for handling volatile requirements.” The last day for registration is March 18 and fee of Rs. 1,000 in cash or DD drawn in favour of “The Director, MSME DI- PID Account payable at Chennai. For further details contact 2250 1011. Deepa Venkatraman

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

HOW TO FIGHT THE BAD GUYS? What can we do when we see animal cruelty on the road? Here’s practical advice from a person who’s been there, done that.

Cruelty began way before slaughter for this young calf. PHOTO: AKHIL KANJIRAPARAMBIL

J. PRAGADEESWARAN [email protected]

Step 1: Spare some time Be prepared to spend a few hours to solve the issue. Call an animal shelter and ask if they’ll accept the animal that you’re going to rescue. The law says the animal needs to be given to a registered animal NGO for rehabilitation. Request them to send an ambulance. If an ambulance is unavailable, hire a vehicle depending on the species and transport the animal to the shelter.

Step 2: Call 100 Call the police control room number 100 and inform them about the cruelty and the location. The control room will tell the police patrol vehicle from the nearest station to rush to the spot. Normally the police will come within five minutes. With their help, rescue the animal. Always have two copies of the following law sections related to animals in your vehicle. * PCA, 1960 - Section 11 (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act) * The Madras City Police Act, 1988 * The Towns Nuisance Act 1889 * Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

* IPC (Indian Penal Code) section 428 and 429: IPC sections are used if the criminal is trying to cruelly kill an animal Tell the police that animal cruelty is violation of these laws and an FIR needs to be registered. Give them a copy of these laws ( You can buy the book “Animal Laws of India” from Sitaraman and Co, Ph: 2811 1516). In case of wild animal issues inform the CF (Conservator of Forests) of the district.

Step 3: FIR Please do not come out of the station after just writing a complaint in the police dairy. The case will move to courts only if an

Take me Home Velvette is a hyperactive puppy who loves playing with people. She’s around two months old and in perfect health. To adopt her free of cost, get in touch with Prakash at 2499 1330 or 99406 83582.

F.I.R. is available. Write a complaint on a white sheet of paper. The police will prepare an F.I.R based on your complaint and will mention the relevant law sections given by you. The police have to sign and seal (using rubber stamp) the FIR and give you a copy.

What happens next? The accused is arrested and remanded. The police will provide the FIR and case documents to the court. The court will call the accused for hearing. A public prosecutor (representing govt.) will present the case on behalf of the animals. Please provide all relevant law and earlier animal case judgment copies to public prosecutors. If any individual/NGO is personally interested, they can also file a legal case against the accused. To download the detailed version of this article, log onto www.goergo.in for the link. ■ (The author is a management consultant in an MNC and has changed the lives of hundreds of animals by ensuring that they also get justice.)

Four Legs Good’s Pick of the Week The jumbos send a trumpeting thank you to Joseph Antony and the others who signed the Stop Elephant Polo guestbook. The website www.stopelephantpolo.com continues to welcome support from concerned citizens.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Need volunteers! Spastn (The Spastic society of Tamil Nadu) is looking for a volunteer who can help raise funds for the organisation. The volunteer must be enthusiastic, committed and trust worthy, with good communication skills and the knowledge and skills to raise funds. Full time volunteers will be preferred but those who can volunteer part-time can also apply. For details call Anusha at 98414 87984 or email [email protected]

ON A WRITE NOTE Vasavi Sundaram’s online platform for people who need scribes and who want to scribe has won her recognition from Changemakers LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

Who needs a scribe

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asavi Sundaram is your girl next door pursuing her third year Biotech at Anna University with dreams and ambitions like any other girl her age. But what makes her different is that her brainchild, iScribe, today has around 950 volunteers registered as scribes – sensitising everyone about the needs of the visually challenged. iScribe is an online platform that acts as meeting place for those who need a scribe as well as those who want to volunteer. Launched on September 5, 2007 in partnership with NGO Vidya Sagar, the website is raring to go places. Vasavi’s initiative recently got her selected for a seed grant for the ‘Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition’ organised by Changemakers, an initiative of Ashoka – a global organisation that promotes social entrepreneurship.

According to NGOs, educational institutions and people working in the field, there is a need for more scribes to volunteer. “People with dyslexia, learning disabilities, neurological disorders or an accident victim with a temporary disability can approach a scribe,” says Dipti Bhatia, deputy director, Vidya Sagar.

Requirements: ~ You need to have a legible handwriting and speed to enrol as scribe ~ You need to have the determination to take the person and write ~ Don’t get taken aback with the person’s disability ~ For National Open Schools, a person who is two classes young is only eligible to scribe

Defining moment It was during Vasavi’s Class XII Board examinations that a request came on the need for a scribe. “I agreed, partly because I couldn’t say ‘no’ and also because it came from a friend,” she recalls writing MA (History) for a visually-impaired teacher after finishing her exam in the morning. “I like seeing a neat paper and that’s the best I could give to the candidate whom I had to listen and simply write.” The day turned out to be rather hectic for Vasavi as two other students were left without a scribe in the exam. “I was tired after writing four exams a day but satisfied that I could help,” she says on how it’s a pleasure being a scribe. In all during the vacations Vasavi had scribed for over 10 persons, and that’s when she realised the need to “connect

Plans upfront

We write your exams, conditions apply: Vasavi Sundaram. the requirement to volunteers”. Vasavi is quite candid when she says that the iScribe model was inspired by an Internet blood bank and her observation to connect both volunteers and people. In her

journey so far Vasavi has been supported by her father, who kept ferrying her down from once centre to the other, and the various people who have their own problems yet manage the website. Maheshwari Narasimhan,

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

for example, has multiple psoriasis but works full-time as a volunteer, taking care of the functional aspect of iScribe. Others including Deepti and Rajiv lend their support through their little acts.

iScribe plans to expand its base to other cities. “We are also going to institutions asking them to get on to the database, where they can use the data to find scribe for their need,” says the 20-year-old who is also active with Rashtriya Life Saving Society. Vasavi isn’t asking people to scribe. “We need people who are aware of the challenges and can come to terms before signing up.” To know more log on to www.iscribe.co.in

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Boy’s charity climb A six-year-old boy has climbed the equivalent of five Mount Everests to raise money for the hospital that saved his life.

Naked cop arrested in fishnet stockings A police officer has been arrested after being caught naked in a park wearing only fishnet stockings, a newspaper here reported. A pair of high-heeled shoes was found next to the senior constable when police were called to the park by an alarmed passerby. The cop, who hurriedly put on a jacket before his arrest, had driven to the park to seek thrills by dressing as a woman, according to South China Morning Post. DPA

Disney to go carbon neutral Entertainment giant Disney said it plans to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 as the first step towards its goal to become carbon neutral. The company said it would reduce waste at its theme parks, cruise ships and office and retail spaces to half of the 2006 level of 170,000 tons by 2013. Disney plans to reduce its electricity use by 10 per cent by 2013. The goals were set even though the company plans to expand its California theme park and launch two new cruise ships by 2012. Beth Stevens, senior vice-president of environmental affairs, said it was too early for Disney to name a date for going carbon neutral. “In the long term, they’re going to help us both with our growth and our environmental goals,” Stevens said. “We set those (goals) because they were very aspirational. We thought it was important to communicate a sense of commitment.” DPA

Man falls prey to lottery scam for 11th time An elderly man in the southern Taiwan city of Kaohsiung has fallen prey to fraudulent lottery scams 11 times in two years, police said. 66year-old Chang, believed it was true every time he received notification that he had won a big lottery prize, police said. “He has been cheated 11 times and swindled out of 3.45 million Taiwan dollars in the past two years,” said Chang Chin-lan, spokeswoman of the police anti-fraud hotline. She said despite his record of being cheated, the man actually believed he could get all the money back if one of the prizes would actually pay off. “He kept coming back reporting yet another fraud, despite our repeated persuasion that he must seek our help for clarification before wiring out the so-called 10 per cent of the prize tax,” she said. DPA

Winemaker poisoned wife who worked hard A French winemaker has been charged with attempting to poison his wife, whom he accused of working too hard in the vineyard and of not doing enough for him, a prosecutor said on Tuesday. 51-year-old Jacky Chatelain was held on Friday after a 4-year probe into how his wife Josiane had fallen ill with arsenic poisoning. Later, he admitted that he had tried to poison her because “she worked too hard in the vineyard and didn’t do enough to look after me,” according to prosecutor Francois Perain. AFP

Apple founder goes online to survive TV show

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fter being compared to a Teletubby gone mad, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak turned to Facebook and Twitter to help him survive the first-round of the popular TV show Dancing With The Stars. Wozniak debuted in the show in a playful appearance that saw him twirling a feather boa and performing a cha-cha-cha with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff. “It was like a Teletubby going mad at a gay pride parade,” said Italian judge Bruno Tolioni, while judge Len Goodman said

Wozniak will find out next week if his efforts to court the online vote were successful “overall it was a complete disaster.” The judges gave the pair a miserable 13 points out of a possible 30 on the show, but Wozniak reached out to his geek fans on the social networking site Facebook and the mobile-blogging site Twitter to drum up the popular votes that could help him advance. The Facebook page, Vote for Woz, had more than 1,600 mem-

bers and VoteWoz on Twitter had more than 1,000 followers on Tuesday. Wozniak pushed his effort on his own website, woz.org. “Your support has made a huge difference in my outlook and transition from fear to enjoyment, at least so far,” Wozniak wrote. “If you think that you cannot possibly dance or that you are the world’s worst dancer, I’m going to show that it’s not true.” “This is most incredibly fun thing I’ve ever done,” said Wozniak on the show. “Nerds can dance!” ■ DPA

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Websites of the day

Cat chase

Want to build a pond in your garden? Here’s how: http://www.watergarden.com/ pages/build_wg.html Kids with mullets: http://www.mulletjunky.com/childmullets.htm

Two dogs who chased what they thought was a cat in West Yorkshire, England had a shock when it turned out to be a skunk.

Lincoln’s watch carried ‘secret’ war message The elaborate gold pocket watch was bought by Lincoln in the 1850s from a jeweller in Springfield

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ong-defined by his role guiding the United States through its Civil War (18611865), Abraham Lincoln even had a pocket watch that bore an inscription about the conflict -- although the President likely never saw it. Historians have uncovered a secret message engraved by a watch repairman 150 years ago inside Lincoln’s timepiece, shortly after his inauguration and the opening salvo the Civil War. The message notes the April 1861 attack on Fort Sumter, a battle that triggered the bloody north-against-south war that killed more than 600,000 people. Uncovered by the Washington-based Smithsonian Institution, the message may reflect concern about the rapid disintegration of the Union after Lincoln’s election in November 1860. “Fort Sumter was attacked by the rebels” the message

This picture provided by the National Museum of American History in Washington shows a "secret" inscription inside a watch owned by Abraham Lincoln. The engraving reads in part: “Jonathan Dillon, April 13, 1861, Fort Sumpter (sic) was attacked by the rebels on the above date...thank God we have a government." AFP PHOTO/NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERCAN HISTORY/HUGH

carved by horologist Jonathan Dillon read, “thank God we have a government.” Historians have long suspected that the 16th US President’s watch carried a secret message, but it was not until the brass underside of the piece’s movement was revealed that the text became known. In 1906, 84-year-old Dillon told the New York Times he had been working for M.W. Galt and Co., on Washington’s Pennsylvania Avenue, when he was repairing the President’s watch. Dillon said he unscrewed the dial of the watch and with a sharp implement made his engraving. “Lincoln never knew of the message he carried in his pocket,” Brent Glass, Director of the National Museum of American History said. “It’s a personal side of history about an ordinary watchman being inspired to record something for posterity.” ■ AFP

TALMAN/HO

Girl survives after 6 organs removed in surgery

Master Macaque

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seven-year-old girl was released from hospital after a ground-breaking 23-hour operation four weeks ago, in which doctors took out six of her organs to remove a cancerous tumour in her abdomen. Heather McNamara, from Long Island, New York, is believed to be the first child and only the second person in the world to have the surgery known as auto-transplant, her doctors said. McNamara’s pancreas, liver, spleen, stomach and small and large intestines were taken out and put in ice-cold temperatures so doctors could take out the cancerous growth. Lead surgeon Dr. Tomoaki Kato said the tumour was in the abdomen and pancreas and tangled with two major blood vessels. In order to remove it, a team of seven surgeons and eight clinicians

removed six organs, but they were unable to replace the pancreas, spleen and stomach. The tumour could not be treated with chemotherapy or standard surgical techniques. “She was really sick, she had fluid in the belly,” he said. “She was at risk of major bleeding.” McNamara told reporters she felt ‘good’ and was looking forward to returning home and to “play with my dog Angel and with my sister.” ■ Reuters

쒀 This video grab image released by Kyoto University Primate Research Institute shows Thailand’s long-tailed macaque (L) displaying how to floss her teeth in front of her baby in LopBuri, Bangkok. AFP PHOTO / KYOTO UNIVERSITY PRIMATE RESEARCH INSTITUTE/HO

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Great Britain team for Olympics? British sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe is confident that Great Britain will field a football team at the 2012 Olympics despite opposition. The Scottish, Welsh and Irish Football Associations are opposed to a joint British team in case it threatens their independent status within FIFA. However, Sutcliffe said FIFA had given written assurances that a UK side in 2012 would not affect the national teams.--DPA

Liverpool crush Real

Olympic gold medallist takes up politics Chinese athletics hero Liu Xiang has admitted having political ambitions as he made his first appearance at a parliamentary body since being appointed a delegate. Speaking to reporters as he joined delegates to the annual session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to the Communist Party, Liu responded to criticism over his nonappearance last year. “As a new delegate to the CPPCC, I hope to be able to propose and contribute to policy. To participate in politics is an honourable responsibility,” Liu said, according to the China News Service. “It is the highest honour for me to make efforts to render service to my nation and people.” Liu said preparations for the Beijing Olympics prevented him from attending last year, while recent ankle surgery delayed his appearance at the current session until Wednesday, the penultimate day, the report said. China’s state-run media had in recent days criticised Liu and other celebrities for not showing up at the meeting and questioned their commitment to the advisory body. Liu, 25, became a national hero at the 2004 Athens Games when he won the 110 metre hurdles, becoming the first Chinese man to win an Olympic sprint gold medal. Due to his star status, Liu was appointed a member of the advisory body in 2007, and was due to make his first appearance last year. AFP

Proud Ponting celebrates special win Captain Ricky Ponting said Australia’s series win over South Africa was among the best achievements of his long career. The visitors avenged their 2-1 home series defeat earlier in the year when they beat South Africa by 175 runs in the second Test on Tuesday to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the threematch encounter to decide the world’s topranked team. “We have not given South Africa an inch and I’m as happy as I have ever been in my career,” Ponting said after the home team were bowled out for 370 on the fifth and final day at Kingsmead. “It’s as special a win as I’ve experienced, certainly right up there with the 5-0 Ashes comeback win (in 200607) and winning World Cups.” The 34-year-old Ponting said he always believed his new-look squad were capable of winning in South Africa. “A lot of people around the world thought this team wasn’t capable of achieving this but I always felt the Australian summer was a lot closer than people thought and I knew we would be very competitive,” he said. Reuters

Bayern, Chelsea progress

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iverpool cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Villarreal also progressed. Fernando Torres, a brace from Steven Gerrard, and a late score from Andrea Dossena ensured a 5-0 aggregate win for Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday and it could have been even more against a poor Real side but for some goalkeeping heroics from Iker Casillas. Torres opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 16th minutes, slotting home a pass from Dirk Kuyt, although Real defender Pepe looked to have been fouled.

Controversial spot kick

the break. Mark van Bommel netted from six metres on 74 minutes, a Miroslav Klose penalty eight minutes from time and an even later strike from Thomas Mueller completed the rout for Bayern.

Close call Chelsea suffered a fright before eventually drawing 2-2 with Juventus to progress 3-2 on aggregate. A crisp finish from Vincenzo Iaquinta put the Italian in front after 19 minutes levelled the tie on aggregate but Michael Essien bundled home a vital away goal for Chelsea on the stroke of halftime after Frank Lampard’s shot was deflected. Juve’s cause was made even

more difficult when defender Giorgio Chiellini was sent off with 19 minutes remaining after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Didier Drogba. However, a penalty from Alessandro del Piero briefly gave Juve hope before Drogba ended the tie as a contest with Chelsea’s second goal seven minutes from time. With the tie finely poised at 1-1 from the first leg, Villarreal struck first thanks to a strike from Ariel Ibagaza at the edge of the area. Vangelos Mantzios equalised for the Greeks with a header from six metres before Jose Llorente ensured victory with the Spaniards’ second goal, 20 minutes from time. DPA

There was further misfortune for Madrid 10 minutes later when Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Gabriel Heinze was harshly punished for handball by referee Frank De Bleeckere although the ball came off his shoulder. Gerrard marked his 100th European appearance with the next two - the first from the penalty spot, the second calmly side-footed into the top corner from Ryan Babel’s cross. The much-mocked Dossena, on as a substitute, made it 4-0 with two minutes remaining from Javier Mascherano’s square ball. For Madrid, this was their biggest-ever Champions League defeat. “The first 30 minutes we were awesome,” Gerrard said. “We got the job done, and then in the second half it was just about seeing it out.” For Torres, who played with heavy strapping on his injured ankle, the victory was particularly sweet because of his ties with Atletico Madrid. “I was working all week to stay fit,” the Spain striker said. “I wanted to play Madrid because of my past with Atletico. The pain doesn’t matter. It’s a massive game for the fans and it’s a victory for them.”

Hail Bayern Leading 5-0 from the first leg, Bayern thumped hapless Sporting Lisbon 7-1 to register a record 12-1 aggregate win. Lukas Podolski netted a brace and an own goal from Anderson Polga made it 3-0 to the German champions after 34 minutes, although there was still time for Joao Moutinho to pull one back for the Portuguese before Bastian Schweinsteiger made it 4-1 for Bayern at

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard (left) celebrates after scoring his teams second goal with his Spanish team-mate Fernando Torres during their UEFA Champions League second round, second leg match against Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday. PHOTO: AFP

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

‘‘

I’m really happy, overjoyed. You just have to enjoy the moment. These things don’t come around often and I just want to thank each and every player for their efforts and the character they have shown. I’m really happy not just for the team but also the people overseas. I’m sure they are jumping for joy. West Indies captain Chris Gayle after winning a Test series at home after five years

I India seal ODI series

ndia sealed a One-Day International series win against New Zealand after Virender Sehwag smashed New Zealand’s bowlers in the seventh fastest ODI century ever in Hamilton on Wednesday. India won the fourth rain-shortened match by 10 wickets to go 3-0 up in the five-match series as their openers Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir treated the New Zealand bowling attack with disdain in a rain-interrupted match. New Zealand scored 270 for five in 47 overs in their innings and more rain interruptions saw India declared winners after reaching 201 for none from 23.3 overs.

Brute force Sehwag was brutal in scoring 125, reaching three figures off just 60 balls to record the seventh fastest one-day century ever. His armoury of pull shots, drives and cuts saw the opener finish with 14 fours and six sixes from 74 balls. Gambhir was the perfect partner for Sehwag, turning over the strike with frequent singles while still finishing with 63 runs off 67 balls. New Zealand’s bowlers were grim-faced after a nightmare match, finding nothing they tried working against the rampant opening pair. They have had a series to forget against the star-laden Indian line-up, who hit 392 for four in the previous One-Dayer in Christ-

Virender Sehwag rummages through the Kiwi attack during the fourth One-Day International in Hamilton on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP

church at the weekend. Debutant Ewen Thompson, Iain O’Brien and Jacob Oram were all hit for at least 10 runs an over on Wednesday. Earlier, New Zealand battled to 270 for five, after openers Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder got the home side off to a flying start, putting on 102 for the first wicket.

Opening momentum McCullum anchored the top of the New Zealand innings, topscoring with 77 from 95 balls in a carefully paced knock, including seven fours and two sixes. Ryder followed his century in the third ODI in Christchurch with 46, and was the first out after skying an attempted sweep off part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh to Suresh Raina at square leg in the 20th over. India’s bowlers were able to put the brakes on the middle stages of New Zealand’s innings, restricting the scoring as wickets fell at regular intervals. As in Christchurch, where the opening pair put on 166 runs, the innings lost its way after Ryder and McCullum were prised apart, with five wickets falling in the space of 73 runs and 17 overs. But a late surge by Peter McGlashan – standing in as wicketkeeper while McCullum recovers from a thumb injury –with an undefeated 56 and Grant Elliott (35 not out) added a valuable 95 runs in the last 11 overs. McGlashan scored his first ODI half century in just his third one-day international to keep New Zealand’s hopes alive with six fours and a six off 42 balls. Pathan was the most economical of the Indian bowlers, finishing with one for 14 off five overs, while Ishant Sharma, returning from a shoulder injury, gradually found some rhythm after a wayward start to end with two for 57 from eight overs.

Brief scores New Zealand 270/5 (B. McCullum 77, P. McGlashan 56 not out) lose to India 201/0 (V. Sehwag 125 not out, G. Gambhir 63 not out) by 84 runs (under D/L method). ■ AFP

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Fastest Bentley Bentley has revealed its Continental Supersports, describing it as the fastest Bentley ever built with 630 hp engine that propels it from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.

PETLEE PETER [email protected]

The Rajdoot 350, well-known as Yamaha RD 350, is the fastest motorcycle ever produced in India. Touted as ‘Road Death’ and ‘Racing Death,’ the two-stroke, parallel twin engine power ride may have failed to attract the masses then, due to its poor mileage and braking but has now definitely established a cult following in the country. In Chennai too, the RD has its die-hard fan following and epitome to that is Chennai Jets, city’s sole Yamaha RD 350 motorcycle club. Formed in 2000 as an unofficial group of 12 RD owners cum enthusiasts, the Jets (as they are known) have evolved into a 72member strong team. Arun Krishnamurthy alias Bobby, co-founder and moderator for Chennai Jets, who rides a 1985 RD low torque model, says that the club started to shape up after it went online in 2003. “The online presence helped better interaction and connectivity among more RD riders and enthusiasts in the city,” he says. The name Chennai Jets was derived from the RD’s powerful carburettors and the credit for coining it goes to Ratheesh Ramachandran, a long-time Jets member. “The name was unanimously accepted by all the members as the carburettors are the ones that makes or breaks an engine,” adds Bobby, who is an IT professional. The Jets meet once a month at a pre-planned location in the city and throttle their twin-cylinders all the way till Pondicherry or even beyond, portraying sheer RD camaraderie. A good number of members even own two RD 350s, each to suit city and highway riding conditions. Jets say that Mustafa Mohammed, a citybased student and an active member of the club, was the inspiration behind this after he bought an additional RD in 2006. C. Ganesh Ram, the senior citizen of Chennai Jets, is the only member in the club participating in professional racing on his RD 350. “I race a 1984 model high torque bike that I had customised to suit race circuit conditions,” says Ram, who runs an auto workshop on the East Coast Road. Group rides are a must thrice every year for the Jets. On June 1, the anniversary of the club, they organise a special riding event. The last such ride was to Yercaud in 2008 that witnessed a fat rider attendance. ■

Jetting ah

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Insurance cover The Madras High Court has made it clear in a verdict that ’gratuitous passengers’ travelling in private cars and pillion riders of two wheelers were automatically entitled to compensation by an insurer, if the vehicle was covered under a package policy or comprehensive policy.

Soon, cars that give drivers fuel saving advice

head “The online presence helped better interaction and connectivity among more RD riders and enthusiasts in the city"

The best gear to be in, not putting your foot on the clutch too early, and not using the accelerator when starting the car are some of the tips the car will provide

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Chennai has a dedicated fan following for the legendary Yamaha RD 350 motorcycle and an epitome to that is Chennai Jets, city’s sole RD 350 club

ars that give owners tips on how to attain maximum mileage while driving may soon be reality, thanks to a technology that is due in an Audi that will be launched in Australia early next

year. The technology monitors driver behaviour and offers advice to cut fuel use, in turn reducing emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The advices it gives include tips on the best gear to be in, not putting your foot on the clutch too early, and not using the accelerator when starting the car. It even alerts the driver to how much air-conditioning, seat heaters and window demisters add to fuel consumption. This technology, which may help reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent, will initially be available only on the most efficient Audi models. However, it can be If this adapted to any vehicle. experiment is “It’s a very new technology and we’re not sure how the customers successful react. We are not trying to be we’ll bring it will schoolmasters. It gives you hints and to market tips about your driving style, so it with all cars could be a bit dangerous (in how some people accept such advice),” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted an Audi technical development engineer, Thomas Kamla, as saying. He says that their new technology offers a way to involve drivers regarding the subject of fuel consumption. “We are convinced it helps drivers to save fuel depending on your driving style, maybe an average between 10 and 15 per cent. If this experiment is successful we’ll bring it to market with all cars,” he added. ■ ANI

10 FLICK

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Star attraction Slumdog Millionaire actress Frieda Pinto came out to be the star attraction at the Paris Fashion Week. She was spotted sporting a big smile as she arrived for the glitzy Chanel runway show, where she joined fashion’s A-listers, reports the Sun.

Gurindher Chadha

to direct Shabana Azmi The director of Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice is back to work

Gurinder Chadha with her kids Kumiko and Raunak. GETTY IMAGES

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ritishIndian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is kept busy looking after her twins, but she has decided to return to direction with It’s An Afterlife and is upbeat about signing on Shabana Azmi. “I’ve chosen to direct a relatively smaller film. It’s just a seven-week shoot and we’ve the weekends off. And then there’s three months of post-production when I get to spend a lot of time with the kids. The editing will be done right next door. There’s also a zoo-park nearby; so I can take the kids there in between editing,” said Gurinder, who has directed films like Bend It Like Beckham and Bride And Prejudice. Gurinder admits she has been wanting to work with Shabana for a long time. “Shabana Azmi is one classy lady. I’ve been looking forward to working with her for a long time. Mine is an ensemble film. Six characters are on screen all the

time. I wanted Kirron Kher to play a fiercely funny Punjabi character, which I thought she’s very good at. But it didn’t work out,” the director said. It’s An Afterlife is a tribute to legendary filmmaker Frank Capra, known for his films like It’s A Wonderful Life and It Happened One Night. So what made Gurinder get back to direction, especially with the twins to look after? “I’ve to work because it’s expensive bringing up twins. I can’t believe the bills. Everything costs double,” she laughed. “I can’t say my concentration

on my work is not divided. Any working woman who’s a mother will tell you the children are a constant preoccupation. It’s a natural motherly instinct. No matter what I’m doing I’m thinking of their lunch, nap or bath. “Our entire home looks like a nursery. There are toys and books in every room. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do other things. In many ways my duties as a mother has made me more focussed as a director. You learn to get on with the job because you’ve to go home as fast as possible,” she

explained. Asked about her kids, Gurinder said: “Kumiko is very quiet, loves books and pictures. The boy Raunak is a typical macho Punjabi man, screams and shouts until he gets what he wants. He’s a complete mama’s boy.” Making a film and looking after two children are not an easy task, but Gurinder says she has worked out a way to do both well. “Every director-producer should look after kids and make a film. One is a wonderful training ground for the other. Raising twins is like going into two productions at the same time. Only

the hours are longer,” said Gurinder, who is married to Paul Berges. She intends to work the schedules for her new film around her motherly duties. “The twins’ timetable and schedules are imperative. As long as their routine isn’t broken they’re happy. They’ve a wonderful nanny to help me out. And of course their daddy is there. Among us we manage very well. I make sure I’m home from the studio by 5.30-6 p.m. Then I’ve a good three hours of play and bath time with them,” she said. On Fridays, Gurinder takes her twins to work and they are well looked after by her cast and crew. “Believe it or not I get more work done on that day than any other. Everyone in the unit just takes over the twins. I don’t get to be with them for even a minute. They’re so much in demand. By far Kumiko and Raunak are my most prized productions.” ■ IANS

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Miller’s parents happy with her new role British actress Sienna Miller’s parents are happy with her new role because in the past they had to watch her die on-screen or battle drug addiction. According to thesun.co.uk, Miller’s parents are tired of seeing her play tortured roles and are eager to watch her new role in G.I Joe.

Jackson

Cine City

rents Stewart’s mansion

P

op star Michael Jackson is renting rock star Rod Stewart’s mansion in Essex as he stages a 10-show comeback at the O2 Arena in July. According to the sun.co.uk, the mansion is threeand-a-half miles outside Greater London. The house is set in an 180-acre Copped Hall estate and has a five-a-side football pitch. Randy Phillips, the AEG boss, said: “There will be a new Michael Jackson single before the first date. Michael has got some new music and he is looking for a new way of disseminating his material to his fans.” ■

Jai in a soup We hear that the comments made by actor Jai in an English daily has earned him the wrath of several producers. The actor who is currently working in Arjunan Kaadhali, Adhe Neram Adhe Idam, Aval Peyar Thamizharasi and Vaamanan has reportedly said that except Vaamanan, all the others films wont reap success at the box-office. He has also added that certain films will not even rake a collection for more than a week. Angered by his comments, the producers have lodged a complaint against him at the Producer’s Council.

IANS

Live recording

Q

What’s common between Madge, toy boy lover’s mom

ueen of pop Madonna might be 14 years older than her toy boy lover Jesus Luz’s mother, but the two ladies indeed have certain things in common. Cristiane Regina da Silva sports bleached-blond hair just as the Material Girl, and loves to wear tank tops to show off her toned form, reports The New York Daily News. Meanwhile, it seems that Luz is leaving no stone unturned to impress Madonna. If reports are to be believed, the Brazilian model has switched to Kabbalah faith despite being a strict Catholic. He is now a fully-fledged Kabbalah devotee, with the proper wardrobe to match. He has been spotted looking all white for the Sabbath service, and was wearing a trademark Kabbalah red string bracelet. ■ ANI

Director Venkat Prabhu’s upcoming flick Goa will have a couple of songs that will be recorded live. It is said that the first half-anhour of the movie is set in the 1980s. In order to do justice to the scenes, the songs will also be recorded as it was done during the 80s. Yet another highlight of this film will be a song sung by Karthik Raja, Yuvan, Venkat Prabhu and Premji together. Gangai Amaran and poet Vaali have penned the lyrics for the song.

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ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Wednesday’s Query: Today is Dreams Day. Share your wackiest dreams here.

■ One day I was in dream. Aishwarya Rai selected me as her "Veetodu Husband". Naan apdiye shock aayittaen. Morning I saw her marriage photos in the newspaper.

S.Satgurunathan from Steria has nominated his teammates as Partners in Crime.

OviyaVijay, RRD

■ Singing my debut in a Rahman musical in his own high-tech recording studio for a Mani Ratnam movie. Could there be anything more? Mukund, SCB Scope International

■ Villu won Oscars! Vijayakant won the Parliament election. Dhilip.RR, Cognizant

■ I was having dinner with Kate Winslet and my mom woke me up. Senthil, Wipro

■ After watching Grudge horror movie that night in my dreams I felt the same ghost forcing me to open my eyes, but due to fear I didn’t open my eyes that full night. Lexsminarayanan, TCS-e serve

■ A dream where I saw a different India. Where everything was as per Mudhalvan types. Hope we could see a India like that with in a few years. Ashutosh Prasad

Ponniah from Optimus has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Optimus floor.

■ When I batted with Sachin and was hitting more boundaries than him. I woke up so happily and was telling it to everyone I saw that day. Arun Kumar, Allsec

■ I was a Project Manager and my PM was working under me. Vijayachakravarthy, Infosys

■ My husband and I were returning home in bike at midnight and suddenly a group of ghost came and started singing and dancing around us and I started screaming avalo thaan dream over I woke up. Anitha Kamesh, Infosys

■ Me and my wife Anitha were going in a rollercoaster and suddenly the rollercoaster derailed I escaped but Anitha fell down, I felt very happy, but when I woke up still she was lying near me, enna koduma sir ithu Kamesh, Infosys

■ It was d judgement day n my sins r heavier than d good deeds n god didn’t forgive me n I was thrown to hell. I screamed a lot simultaneously my alarm too screamed. Hashim, Allsec

Today’s Query: Your most memorable moments from college trips.

Manoj from Infosys has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kodaikanal.

13

Thursday, March 12, 2009

S.Gayathri of Sella Synergy India Ltd has been nominated as Office Angel by M.Ilayaraja. She is Project Co-ordinator of Finanza Business Unit. She had put lot of efforts in SMIT Project Production Release and she is playing tremendous role in Finanza Business Unit.

■ Dear LS , Nee Nanbanaaai erupai enru therinthirunthal..... Naangal sirithukondae piranthu erupooom... ;) Many More Happy Returns of the Day!!! Cheers, Workbrain, Verizon

■ Dear Ligi Mol, Wishing u a very happy b’day& many more to cum. May the New Year be filled wid fun n happiness. Luv n Prayers, Leo & Shaji

■ Dear Alisha,(Kuthira kari) Hope your BIRTHDAY is a day tht makes u feel full of ZEST & ENTHUSIASM, because you are really wished all the THINGS in life that will give you HAPPINESS. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"... Keep Smiling Always!!! cheers!!!

1. Enna thaan fan speed a suthunaalum athuku mayakam varaathu! Athe maathiri Light evlo thaan erinjaalum pogaiye varaathu! 2.Sardar: Hi! Man: Hi! Why are you cutting the sides of the capsule. Sardar: To avoid side effects!!! Man: ?????? 3. Thanga chain’a urukkunaa thangam varum.! Velli chain’a urukkunaa VeLLi varum! aana, Cycle chain’a urukkinaa cycle varumaaaa?

With luv, Praveen kumar, Serena, Sai & Vinoth Allsec Tech

■ Belated Happy Birthday Jagan, Wish you many more happy returns of the day !!! We all join hands to wish you a great year ahead. Saravanan.V, HCL Technologies Ltd.

Art featured in this column will receive gift coupons from Fruit Shop on Greams Road. Send in your addresses so that we can post the coupons.

Bismi Fathima from Cognizant Technology Solutions doodled this.

Best Wishes, USAA DocFulfillment team, TCS

Entries are pouring in, so buck up before you miss the train. Let your creative juices flow, and for all you know, you might become a writer on the go! Ergo invites original literary pieces in the form of short stories, flash fiction and poems from its readers. Short stories and flash fiction must not exceed 700 words. So, pick up those pens and start writing! Send in your entries to [email protected] mentioning ’Ergo Writer’s Club’ as the subject. And keep watching this space every Wednesday for your entries to be published.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Gay ducks A bid to save a rare species of duck from extinction in the U.K. seemed doomed after the last two males fell for each other.

sudoku

Karthik Thyagarajan of TCS clicked this picture at the Central Jail recently. He describes: “These eyes do not know of the camera or funny person, but it is the innocence that fills the happiness.”

Preference this month is being given to photographs that talk about ‘happiness’, which you need to tell us in a line or two. Please do not repeat any of your previous pictures and also make sure that the photograph is people-oriented. Happiness is not always a smile, so put on your thinking caps and keep clicking! Winners can collect their gift vouchers on Sundays, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Ergo office

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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KAKURO

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Funeral plans

Word’s worth

A Romanian man staged his own funeral while he was still alive to make sure everything went to plan.

“Acrophony” (ack-krah-fuh-nee) the use of a picture to communicate a sound. From Greek words meaning ‘highest’ and ‘voice.’ The initial sound or syllable of the name of the pictured object is usually the one intended.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Ganesha promises today to be quite dynamic day for people whose work involves communication. For everyone else, new avenues might open up soon. You may end the day with a nostalgic tour of fond memories with your family. Love life is at its peak.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Personal interests may take up a lot of your productive time. You are also likely to indulge in over spending. On the professional front, people planning to start a new business should consider this as the right time.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 The day marks the beginning of a new phase in your life. Nothing to worry about, everything will be in your favour. However, advance planning is always helpful. You will be in high spirits and may feel like going for a drive later during the day.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 A day to make your dreams come true. You will be excited about new stuff happening around you. In the entire hullabaloo, make sure that you don’t take up more things than you can handle. The evening calls for some celebration or a romantic date.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 It certainly is the best time to socialise. Since the work pressure may increase soon and you may not be able to catch up with friends, why not utilise today? Surprise your beloved or arrange a gettogether. Ganesha has the best option, do both!

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

This ‘too-good-to-be-true’ day comes only once in a while. All your aims will hit the bull’s eye today. Do not hesitate, just keep going. Personal life may be invaded by guests or neighbours. Ganesha thinks you should try to learn to enjoy every situation.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 The day will put in some kind of a dilemma today. You may have top pick and choose from many options available. You may feel like pouring your heart out to that special someone. There is no harm in doing that either.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 There is going to be some shopping today, whether you like it or not. Why not make the most of it. On the work front, things are quite smooth as compared to last week. Same applies to your love life, smiles Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 The day will be smooth as butter. An easy going day at the office as well. You may be able to find time to relax a bit and chat with your colleagues for a while. If you keep your eyes open you will see opportunities beckoning you.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 On this rapid paced day, a quick decision may be necessary to finalise a contract. Do not offer financial assistance to any one, unless it’s in the family. Your sweetheart may make some demands today, which you should fulfil.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Be patient and be ready to offer your support if necessary. Financially the time is good for you. Ganesha feels you may get payments or you may earn profit in your transactions. However, don’t mix up personal life with professional life.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 If you get a choice, choose hard work over luck. Even if there are favours coming up for you, do not wait for them to come. On the love front, Ganesha feels you should stop predicting things and making assumptions. Take life as it comes. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Thursday, March 12, 2009

Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr poses during the launch of the companies limited edition fragrance, ãHeavenly Bloom.ä at The Grove branch of the fashion house in Los Angeles on March 10, 2009. AFP PHOTO/MARK RALSTON

Children spray coloured water and gulaal as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, at Vepery in Chennai on Wednesday. PHOTO : R.RAVINDRAN

A model displays three latest rings named Macaron designed by FrEnch jewel company Boucheron during a fashion show in Taipei on March 11, 2009. The price for each ring ranges between 6,000 and 10,000 USD. AFP PHOTO/SAM YEH