Ergo March 23

A BYTE OF LIFE

Monday, March 23, 2009

05 FIRST INNINGS Co-working in the times of recession FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

11 JADE GOODY DEAD Breathes her last early Sunday

No. 54

Knocking on the doors Pakistani players with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) are already making their presence felt in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Speculations are abuzz if they’ll make it to Pakistan’s national side for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, to be played in Abu Dhabi. While the BCCI may be frowning, many are saying “Why not?”

» PAGE 08

(From right) IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi (R) with Punjab Kings XI owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia and Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan address the press after the team owners’ meet in Mumbai on Sunday. PTI PHOTO SHIRISH SHETE

IPL’s out of INDIA

Just before most of us were drawing plans to be part of the maddening crowd to cheer our favourite team in the Indian Premier League, BCCI’s decision has quashed all hopes. This time you will probably be watching the IPL from your couch. BCCI president Shashank Manohar on Sunday announced that the IPL has to move out of India as the government will not be able to provide security at the same time as the general elections. “Due to the attitude of the government that it cannot provide security for the tournament, we are forced to take a decision to move the IPL out of India,” he said. South Africa and England are the two venues being considered, but the final decision will be announced in a day or two. IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, though, rubbished concerns over the cost factor. “Loss is not an issue, so don’t bring it up. We are not concerned about profit. Our issue is to make sure that all fans get to watch the highest quality of cricket wherever it needs to be played.”

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Ride on Acme Fitness, a Chennai-based fitness equipment retailer brand, has expanded the exercise options. It has introduced the new xRide manufactured by Octane Fitness, a revolutionary seated elliptical workout that is designed to deliver results to every level exerciser. For details call Kumaran at 9840372727.

Attention, theatre lovers!

ARE YOU HOMOPHOBIC?

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arch 27 is World Theatre Day and you are sure to witness celebration at different corners of the world. Meanwhile, Masquerade, Chennai-based theatre group, will be celebrating the occasion by being on stage and performing a show. The play – ‘Jigsaw: three characters in search of a social actor!’ – will begin with the search for a social actor. “People both go on stage and become stars that please the audience and remain themselves or an alien who becomes roles that please the audience and remain themselves or an alien who becomes roles and doesn’t connect with his immediate audience.” The performance is the small journey of an actor who has to perform three roles that are similar and yet contain different dimensions.

A discussion hosted by YRG Care and Nalamdana on Saturday, under the banner of ActionPlus, threw up as many questions as solutions

The play will be staged on March 27 at Alliance Francaise at 7.30 p.m. Tickets for the show are priced at Rs. 100. For passes call 93802 86129/ 98840 29865. Or email [email protected]

ERGO CORREPONDENT [email protected]

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ection 377 of Chapter XVI of the Indian Penal Code continues to exist, describing homosexual activity as an ‘unnatural offence’. And the general mentality is no different either. Heterosexual is “straight” and homosexual is not. Why? And how will change come? The answers were the topic of discussion at the citizens’ forum organised by ActionPlus, a consortium of NGOs working in the field of HIV/Aids prevention, reform and advocacy. The Chennai chapter was hosted by YRG Care and Nalamdana at Vani Mahal, T. Nagar, on Saturday. The meet included first-person

testimonials from persons who challenged generally-accepted mores on sexual inclination; Sumathi founded LesBiT, a Bangalore-based organisation working for the welfare of lesbians, bisexual women and female-to-male transgenders. Srivath, a dentist, overcame discrimination in school and college through the support of an accepting family. Kalki, on the other hand, is a transgender activist and founder of Sahodari Foundation, which works for sexual minorities. Issues like the need to sensitise school children through a revision in the present NCERT syllabi, provision of separate columns for the transgendered in application forms, separate toilets, general attitude, need for new legislation and media reporting on gay rights issues were dis-

cussed. Psychiatrist Dr. Vijay Nagaswami and sexologist Dr. Narayana Reddy provided expert comments, while the jury included social worker Dr. Ramakrishnan, academician Miriam Samuel, R.K. Radhakrishnan from The Hindu and legal representative Dr. Anitha Sumanth. Miriam Samuel, speaking on how the shift in attitudes is gradual, said, “There was a time when left-handedness was considered abnormal. That’s changed now. The change is slow but it will come some day.” As Dr. Nithya Balaji, director and trustee of Nalamdana, said, “We’re preaching to the converted (those already sensitive to the issue). We need to take a pledge to talk to at least five people in the week.” ■

03

Monday, March 23, 2009

Remembering comedian CHANDRABABU A doyen among the comedians in Tamil cinema stands forgotten now, barring a postal cover released two years ago and a street named after him

PETLEE PETER [email protected]

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arch 7 was the 35th death anniversary of veteran Tamil comedy actor Chandrababu. His trademark dance, song and brand of comedy are still alive in the minds of millions of his fans. His performance in evergreen movies like Sabaash Meena, Sahodari and Annai stands testimony to his unique style, placing him in the league of the most memorable and inimitable comedians of Tamil cinema. Sadly, the only recognition the late actor received till date is a postal cover released with his photo on July 21, 2007, which is not available anymore, and a street in Aminjikarai named after him. Chandrababu’s tombstone in Quibble Island Cemetery in Foreshore Estate stands lost between dozens of tombs that have filled the ground there. Paulraj, caretaker of the cemetery, recalls the afternoon of March 8, 1974, when the actor was laid to rest. “I was studying in ITI at Saidapet then and my friends gave me news of his death and told me that he was to be buried in Quibble, where my father was employed. I rushed to the cemetery, but was not let in by a police battalion controlling the huge crowd gathered,” says the 60-year-old. Paulraj was finally escorted inside by one of the masons at the cemetery and he saw the face of his favourite co-

Chandrababu in a still from a movie

median the last time. “His mother and a few relatives used to visit his grave on the anniversary days. But in the last eight years, it’s only some fans who stop by to lay flowers or light a candle,” Paulraj adds. Renowned Tamil movie historian ‘Film News’ Anandan was a long-time friend and still photographer to the comedian. He describes the actor as an epitome of the word prestige, the most humorous man he has ever met and the one who introduced him to alcohol. “One evening at his firstfloor home in Bheemanna Mudali Street in Abhiramapuram, Babu offered me a glass of gin saying it was so-

da. I got sloshed after gulping a few glasses and he later dropped me home in his car. We laughed over the episode the next day,” reminisces the 83-year-old. Anandan was the photographer for Chandrababu’s wedding at Santhome Church and reception in New Woodlands on Radhakrishnan Salai. The marriage was short-lived, lasting for just over a month. Anandan also remembers the comedian’s dream home, then under construction at Kesava Perumal Puram near Greenways Salai, featuring a car ramp leading to the first floor of the house. The sight of the house with the elevated driveway on a four-acre land used to be a subject of much discussion. Following an attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills inside the famous Gemini Studios after he was denied a chance in an action role, Chandrababu gradually rose to fame after his first movie, Dana Amaravathi (1947). A talented comedian, singer and dance, Babu was the first Tamil comedy actor to receive a pay cheque of Rs. 1 lakh. He even tasted success with his directorial debut, Thattungal Thirakkapadum, in 1966. However, his first production venture, Maadi Veetu Ezhai, with actor MGR in the lead didn’t kick off after a few initial promotional campaigns. The project left Babu under heavy debt. He turned an alcoholic and died at the age of 47. ■

Actor Chandrababu’s tombstone at Quibble Island Cemetery in Foreshore Estate in Chennai. PHOTOS: PETLEE PETER

The postal cover released by the Postal Department in 2007 in honour of actor Chandrababu

Actor J. P. Chandrababu, a life 1927: Born on August 5 1947: First movie Dana Amaravathi (based on a folklore subject) releases. 1957: Sabaash Meena, with actor Sivaji Ganesan as the lead and Chandrababu in a comic role, releases. 1959: AVM production Sahodari is altered to include Babu’s role of a milkman. He receives a pay cheque of Rs. 1 lakh for the movie. 1966: Thattungal Thirakkapadum is the comedian’s successful directorial debut. 1974: Chandrababu passes away.

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Ask your query I gave proof of my investments after my company had already deducted the TDS. I later realised that I paid more tax than I need to. Have I lost the money? Nizamdeen A, National Credits, Coimbatore

There is nothing to worry about. You can get back the extra money from the Income Tax department. All you need fill the income tax return and claim the refund. You will have to properly fill the Saral Form (Form No 2D) and in the last row (Balance Tax Payable/Refundable) fill in the amount that needs to be refunded. Then file your returns before the last date of filing and if everything goes smoothly you should get a cheque from the tax man within 3-4 months. (Mail your personal finance queries to [email protected], with the subject line ‘Doctor’)

Quiz 1. ADR stands for a) Anil Dhirubai Reliance b) American Distribution Ratings c) American Depository Receipt d) Association For Democratic Reforms 2. ATM stands for a) Automatic Teller Machine b) Any Time Money c) All Time Money d) Automated Teller Machine Send your answers to [email protected] or SMS your answers to 92813 98889. Example: If you choose A as the answer to question 1 and B as the answer to question 2, type 1A2B. Winner will be chosen by lucky draw from all correct answers and gets a free book on Mutual Funds

Answers for last week’s quiz: ETF- Exchange Traded Funds PFRD – Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority

A little planning can make your retirement a happy one

Sow and thou shall reap Participation of public and private body should make this new pension scheme attractive

Advantages SNEHA BAJAJ AND PRADEEP YUVARAJ

News you can use IIFCL raises Rs 10K cr India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has managed to raise Rs. 10,000 crore by way of tax-free bonds at an interest rate of 8.65 per cent on March 17 way ahead of its March 31 deadline. The funds will now be used to refinance banks for projects that were tendered after January 2009. The company has already sanctioned projects worth $3.8 billion since its inception in January 2006. It has achieved financial closure in 75 of the 88 projects sanctioned by it.

(annuity) In order to have a wide distribution network the PFRDA has licensed 23 point of players, which includes banks, mutual funds and insurers.

[email protected]

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he New Pension Scheme, (NPS) which is to be launched on April 1, 2009 by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), will be open to all citizens. NPS is being awaited eagerly as there is this general perception that any government run scheme is safe. Also, according to statistics the number of people above the age of 60 is growing drastically thus the need for more friendly schemes. So, how does NPS come of help in your twilight years?

What is NPS? It is a defined contribution scheme in which citizens are allowed to make contributions in their own

individual retirement accounts. This amount is invested in the member’s accumulation phase. These fund options would be renewed every three years and new options might be added. The member after retirement can withdraw a lump sum amount and the balance amount be invested in annuities that would give the member regular income.

How it works? The entire process of NPS involves three kinds of intermediaries: One group of institutions to collect the contribution, another group to professionally and profitably manage the contributions and the final group to ensure the distribution of amount

NPS offers flexibility to its members. It allows members to access their account from anywhere in the country, early withdrawals are allowed (but exit age remains 60, conditions apply).

Disadvantages The awareness level is low and it is not yet a mandatory scheme. So, what is the cost one needs to pay? A joining fee of Rs. 350; registration fee of Rs. 40; transaction cost of Rs. 20 each time a new transaction is made and Rs. 9 as a fund management fee to take care of Rs. 10 lakh. Unfortunately, the number of members who will join this scheme is uncertain and the scheme will work only if the members are large in number. So, let us wait for April to plan our retirement with the government! ■

05

Monday, March 23, 2009

‘‘

The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it. Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

Birds of the same weather work together A gloomy economy, growing layoffs, high infrastructure cost... It’s getting difficult to sail in an uncertain market. Why not open the option of sharing your office space with another company!

Some productive working hours at minimal cost: Professionals at F5ive Technologies.

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aving Rs. 15,000 on your monthly expense is huge, especially if you are your own boss and tiding over the current economic crisis. Suhas Chavan knows that all too well. The tabulation of all what he spent and incurred on his office infrastructure for the last 18 months since he started the architectural consultancy firm is on his fingertips. From April, the 27-year-old entrepreneur is going to save 45 per cent of his expenditure, thanks to finding a friendly office space inside the Reliance ADAG upmarket office in Andheri, Mumbai. Quite a bonus for one who is looking for an identity for his company as well as an easy bill to handle month after month. Moreover, being attached to a well-known brand adds to his own firm’s credibility. “I was paying Rs. 20,000 for my two-BHK office in Andheri; this was exclusive of the electricity bill, broadband connection and other infrastructure cost I incur every month,” says Chavan, di-

rector of Avishkaar Architect and Consultants. “I lost a lot as my capital investment was huge.”

Though it is more viable, the concept is yet to pick up in India.

Creating an eco-system Where is the money? An uncertain market, delay in getting permission for new space, wait for funds, finding a new team… as if these problems were not enough, getting an office space only adds to the initial hiccups for start-ups. Many others waiting to float their own firms will share Chavan’s angst. The operating cost in terms of rentals and other infrastructure for a business is huge. So much so that some opt to work from home, at least in the initial years, till the business is scalable. Or, if you’re a little thoughtful, encourage co-working. These offices often come equipped and furnished and save time and money for start-ups. They are affordable for small businesses looking to house a small number of people, for professionals seeking a productive office environment and for firms needing temporary office space.

It is the “helping attitude” among entrepreneurs that stirred F5ive Technologies to initiate coworking at its office in Virugambakkam. Start-up HomePlanGuru and a lady from London running a business share the twobedroom apartment space along with F5ive, where one shells out Rs. 2,500 every month for a table (inclusive of other infrastructure) plus an added advantage of paying no advance. It is companionship for some, offering an office atmosphere for another who does not get the same feel working from home and, above all, a no-frills investment one can make at the threshold of a business.

Co-workers needed! But shared office space needn’t always have many takers. It is over three weeks since Mango Digital Vending Machines Network has been calling for start-

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

ups/ small companies to share their furnished commercial office space in Velachery Bypass Road. The Chennai-based start-up has been using the 1200 sq ft space for 15 people for the last yearand-a-half. But, now that the company has completed its backend work, it has 10 seats to be availed of. Getting the right people, however, hasn’t been easy for the firm, which is currently concentrating its business in the South Indian market due to recession. “We prefer three or four companies using the space as it creates an eco-system, but the market situation is so dull that there are not many takers,” says Ramkumar R.S., founder of Mango DVM. He adds that most startups are comfortable working from home. Ramkumar is left with one option; move to a smaller space. Reliance ADAG also envisaged the concept of co-working after they realised that there is unutilised space among its enterprise area in its retail outlets across ci-

ties. “The economic downturn was another reason why we introduced these flexible options like monthly, weekly or hourly lease. Our rates depend on the customer requirements, depending upon the customisation,” says V.K. Srinivas of Reliance WebStores.

Short-term commitment Co-working does have its own share of pitfalls. “People might get clients into the office, sometimes when the infrastructure does not support big groups,” points Kiruba Shankar, founder of F5ive Technologies. But, will shared office space pick up in the future? “Co-working is uneconomical if you have your own house. It is best for a start-up person during the six months to one year of his business. If he is scaling up his business, co-working may not be the best option,” adds Kiruba. Never mind, a little socialising can go a great way! ■ (This column celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship)

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Overweight dancers A professional dance company made up of only overweight performers has been launched in China.

Turtle hitches ride on Pope’s plane Pope Benedict flew from Cameroon to Angola with an unusual travelling companion -- a turtle. Just before he left Cameroon, the Pope met a group of Baka Pygmies, hunter-gatherers from the country’s rainforests. They came to the grounds of the Vatican embassy in the capital Yaounde and gave him the turtle of about 30 cm long. Taken aboard the plane in a wicker cage, it made the flight to Luanda in the first-class section of an Alitalia jet along with the Vatican entourage, without apparent discomfort. Reuters

Recession hits dinosaurs

Brit diner pays bill after 13 years A British diner tried to ease his conscience by paying for a meal in an Indian restaurant 13 years after he fled the eatery. The anonymous customer left the restaurant in Mumbles, Swansea, without settling his 10 pound meal in 1996. He later sent police 60 pounds in cash along with a typewritten letter, requesting them to clear up his debt and apologise on his behalf to the owner. “Dear officer, I have enclosed a sum of 60 pounds as a way of compensation for not paying for food at a restaurant in 1996,” Sky News quoted him as saying in the letter. A police spokesman said: “It seems that the author has had a pang of conscience and wishes to repay his debt, with some inflation. “We are appealing either to the former owner of the Indian restaurant or to anyone who is aware of his or her whereabouts to come forward.”

A 150-million-year-old complete and mounted skeleton of a dinosaur has failed to sell at a New York auction. There are only two skeletons of its kind in the world - the other Dryosaurus skeleton in existence is on display at the Carnegie Museum in Philadelphia, the IM Chait Gallery said in a statement. The 150-million-year-old, 2.7-metre long, 0.9-metre wide skeleton of the Jurassic Age dinosaur was discovered in Wyoming in 1993, and was expected to sell for between $440,000 to $500,000. Although two US museums expressed interest in the dinosaur skeleton, they could not afford the minimum bid, CNN reported. DPA

Robot fish to detect pollution Robot fish developed by British scientists are to be released into the sea off north Spain to detect pollution. The carp-shaped robots, costing 20,000 pounds apiece, mimic the movement of real fish and are equipped with chemical sensors to sniff out potentially hazardous pollutants, such as leaks from vessels or underwater pipelines. They will transmit the information back to shore using Wi-Fi technology. Unlike earlier robotic fish, which needed remote controls, they will be able to navigate independently without any human interaction.

ANI

Reuters

Jeffrey Archer in fresh row N

ovelist Jeffrey Archer is in a fresh controversy for an ‘error’ in his latest book - Paths of Glory. Complaints, mainly from the Pakistani community, centre on the book’s final section, in which the murder of one Lt Col Henry Morshead, a real figure, is being blamed on his sister’s ‘Pakistani lover’ in 1931. As the press attaché to the Pakistani High Commission in London points out: “Pakistan was not created in 1931 so there is no possibility of a Pakistani at that time.” The press attaché wanted the factual error to be corrected. Though Archer did not intend

any offence with his mistake, the error comes at an unfortunate time for Pakistan’s reputation in the West and leads to fears of unhelpful negative stereotyping. “I am not surprised by the slipup. These days, whenever the word Pakistan is mentioned, it’s usually followed by ‘terrorist/nuclear/fundamentalist’,” said Fatima Bhutto, political commentator and niece of the slain former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Comments have also been left on Archer’s blog, calling for a rewrite. Last week, the author agreed that he would alter the line in future editions. ■ PTI

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Poo Picky

Mischievous Mouse

A woman attempted to reconstruct $400 (GBP217) from fragments of notes picked out of her dog’s faeces - after it ate her money

A Romanian man was shocked to find a dead mouse inside a salami sausage he was eating.

Obama apologises for gaffe on Special Olympics The Special Olympics is a global non-profit organisation serving some 200 million people with intellectual disabilities

P US President Barack Obama is seen with host Jay Leno during a taping of The Tonight Show at NBC studios in Burbank, California. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN

sraeli scientists have developed a new device that enables plants to send a text message when they need a drink. According to a Fox News report, Israel Agricultural Ministry plant physiologist Dr. Eran Raveh and his earth-scientist partner Dr. Arie Nadler spent seven years perfecting the hammer-shaped sensor that gauges moisture levels in plants and trees and sends real-time alerts to mobile phones or computers when water levels are low. The sensor, operating on an electrical conductivity principal, continuously measures and collects water-level data via a series of metallic nails inserted into plant stems. When water levels

Reuters

United Colours of Tokyo

Now, plants can SMS when they’re thirsty I

resident Barack Obama has apologised for a gaffe, in which he described his bowling skills as akin to participants in the Special Olympics. Obama made the mistake during an interview on The Tonight Show with host Jay Leno, the first time a sitting US President had been on the show. Talking about living in the White House, Obama said he had been practising his bowling in the home’s bowling alley and had scored a 129 out of a possible 300. It was an improvement on the embarrassing 37 he had rolled during a stop on the presidential campaign trail a year ago. “It’s like – it was like Special Olympics or something,” Obama said. Soon after the Jay Leno interview, Obama telephoned

Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver to apologise. Shriver told ABC’s Good Morning America television show that Obama had apologised “in a way that I think was very moving” and that he said “he did not intend to humiliate the population, didn’t want to embarrass or give anybody any more reason for pain or kind of suffering.” Shriver said people should gain a lesson from the incident. “I think it’s important to see that words hurt. Words do matter. And these words in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put-down to people with special needs, do cause pain. And they do result in stereotypes,” Shriver said. White House spokesman Bill Burton said Obama “made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics.” “He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful programme that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world,” Burton said. ■

drop, electric activity halts, and a text message or e-mail automatically goes out to someone who can turn on the spigot. The notification mode works on a wireless principal similar to walkie-talkie communication. Sensors placed in an orchard or nursery are connected to a central device within a home or nerve centre in a grove, and from that point, messages are transferred out to the end user’s mobile phone or computer. At 250 dollars for a 5,000-tree orchard - versus 12,000 dollars for a similar hi-tech probe - the Israeli scientists say price and accuracy set them apart. ■ ANI

쑸 This combo picture shows a selection of some of the 30,000 runners clad in various costumes during the running of the Tokyo Marathon 2009 on Sunday. AFP PHOTO / YOSHIKAZU TSUNO

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

No retirement Michael Phelps says he has set aside thoughts of retirement and the American swimming star is looking forward to going for more gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics. “I got points of view from everybody,” said Phelps. “But deep down inside, I was the one who needed to decide what I was going to do. If I still had passion and still had drive to get back in the pool.”

Federer lauds Murray Roger Federer paid tribute to Andy Murray’s match strategy and on-court speed after being outplayed 6-3 4-6 6-1 in Saturday’s semi-final of the ATP event at Indian Wells. “He’s a great counter puncher and reads the game really well,” the Swiss world number two told reporters. “He’s got great feel and he’s very confident at the moment. He knows he doesn’t need to play close to the lines because he knows he can cover the court really well. “I think that calms him down mentally. I think that’s why he’s playing so well.” Federer gave Murray more than a helping hand by piling up 32 unforced errors in an uncharacteristically erratic display at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “Way too many errors today,” said Federer, whose last victory against Murray came in the final of the US Open in September. “The first set, I tried to keep playing and I couldn’t. “I struggled with the rhythm today and that was the same thing in the third set. He played unbelievable in the end, and I made many mistakes. “In the last few matches, I always felt Andy came on strong as the match went on,” the 27-year-old added. “This time was different. I think I played well in the second. I forced the issue a bit more and then played a shocking third set. “It was one of those matches where it was very up and down from both ends and today the better player won.” Federer was concerned when Murray tumbled to the ground in anguish after the second point of the fourth game in the third set. “I was worried for him, he went down badly,” the Swiss said. “I was happy to see that he got back up. That was good that he’s not injured.” Although Murray was worried he might have injured his groin, he continued that game by breaking Federer and went on to wrap up victory in style. “I got a little bit scared at first," the 21-year-old Scot said. “Then, once I got up and ran around after a couple points, I knew that it felt okay. It feels fine just now.” Reuters

WC joy for England eves England beat New Zealand by four wickets to win the women’s ICC World Cup for the third time. England bowled out New Zealand for 166 in the 48th over before reaching their victory target with 23 balls to spare at North Sydney Oval. All-rounder Nicky Shaw, a last-minute replacement for Jenny Gunn, who aggravated a leg injury in the warmup, was named player of the match after starring with both and ball. Shaw captured four wickets in New Zealand’s innings, then made an unbeaten 17 to guide England to victory after they lost 5-40 in a middle-order batting collapse. England had previously won the women’s World Cup in 1973 and 1993, both on home soil. “It’s an amazing feeling to be world champions,” England captain Charlotte Edwards told reporters. “We told the girls they had to take their opportunities and Nicky has done that today with four wickets and seeing us home.” “This is a special moment and we’ll remember this for the rest of our lives.” Reuters

Knocking on the doors

Thanks to a court ruling, I cricketers are figuring in t cricket tournament in Paki opinion in the neighbourin swaying on why they sho in their national team, BCC twisting ways notwithstan

Imran Farhat

Hasan Raza

09

Monday, March 23, 2009

Anand beats Karjakin World champion Viswanathan Anand defeated Sergey Karjakin of Ukraine 1.5-0.5 to jump into joint lead after the seventh-round of the Amber Blindfold and Rapid chess tournament in France. The Indian ace shares the top spot with Vladimir Kramnik of Russia who accounted for overnight leader Levon Aronian of Armenia 1.5-0.5.

ICL’s ‘rebel’ the local istan. Public ng country is uld not figure CI’s armnding

AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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rying to regroup itself from a complete international boycott, cricket in Pakistan is pinning all hopes for the upcoming home One-Day International series against Australia at a neutral venue in Abu Dhabi. The cricket team, which has not played any Test cricket at home for the last 14 months prior to the ill-fated series against Sri Lanka, has also been depleted due to constant exodus of players to the ‘rebel’ Indian Cricket League (ICL). Like most ICC-affiliated units, PCB had banned ICL players from playing in its domestic competition. But now, armed with an interim order from the Sind High Court, the likes of Rana Naved, Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat and others are making their presence felt in their domestic league. Opinions are strong within Pakistan to pick these players for the ODI series but PCB is tight lipped

about the whole affair. One Board official, on condition of anonymity, said: “Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzak, Rana Naved, Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat are good enough to walk into any Pakistani side now. But it’s a personal opinion and does not count. We can only select players who are declared eligible to play for the country according to the board.” PCB’s Chief Operating Officer and veteran cricket administrator Salim Altaf seems hostile to the idea. “As far as I know, none of the ICL players are going to be picked. The recent court order has forced us to allow them to play in the domestic circuit but no court can force the board or the selectors to pick any one for the national side.” The consistent form of the players in the domestic circuit also does not seem to matter for Altaf. He only reverts: “Have any of the ICL players represented their national sides? Why should Pakistan be any different?” Interestingly, International

Cricket Council (ICC) also seemed to distance itself from the controversy and an official statement from the James Fitzgerald, ICC’s communication officer, read: “The ICC does not get involved in the selection of teams by its members. The ICC has not banned any player for taking part in the ICL, again that is a matter for members to decide. As we have said many times before, the ICL is a matter for the BCCI but we will assist whenever it is appropriate to do so.” The reply, despite its ambiguity, clearly states that selection of players for the national side is the members prerogative and with the ICC not banning ICL players there is no reason for home boards to not pick ICL players for their national side. An animated Altaf, however, refused to be swayed by that logic and suggested that the answer might lie with the BCCI. ■

Shabbir Ahmed

Rana Naved

Matches Innings Runs HS AVG Wkts Avg BB Imran Farhat 2 4 145 100* 36.25 Hasan Raza 3 5 156 63 31.20 Rana Naved 3 3 112 110 37.33 11 18.42 5/37 Shabbir Ahmed 1 1 9 9 9.00 6 15.00 6/65

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

“Neil a pleasure to work with” She was missing from theatres for the last few months but Bipasha Basu has reasons to justify her absence. She was busy shooting for films and is happy with the way her releases are lined up over the next year or so. However, right now she is focused on her next film, Aa Dekhe Zara, a big one, and is excited to be back in action. The actress on her films, career and future plans:

RITESH SHARMA It’s more than six months that Bachna Ae Haseeno released. We haven’t seen you take such a long break. I didn’t take a break. It’s quite some time that Bachna… released but I was busy all the time shooting for films. In fact it’s not in the hands of the actors when their films release. It happens for me at times that I don’t have a single release in six months and then there are three releases in the next few months. (Smiles). It’s completely the producers’ prerogative when they release a film. At the same time, have you become choosy too over the years? Not really. It’s over the last five years that I don’t do more than three films a year. It’s a not a conscious decision but that is how things have turned out for me. I can’t do more than that and after all I would always like to do good films only. This time I am happy with the timing of the release of Aa Dekhe Zara, as it will release just at a time when the audiences thought that I am missing. You sound excited about the film. It’s going to be one great good film and that’s the only reason I am excited. It has quite a few new things to offer and there’s a surprise element in the film, too. Apparently, you play a DJ in the film. Did you have to work a lot and research on the subject? I play a DJ but it’s just the back-story. The heroine needed to be given a profession and that’s why it’s a DJ. It’s only in one of the songs that I am shown turning and scratching the discs but that is minimal and it doesn’t ask for any extensive research. I play a Bengali girl from Kolkata, Simi Chatterjee, who is today’s girl... modern, has a mind of her own, intelligent and independent. She is an aspiring singer who comes across Ray (Neil Nitin Mukesh) and then Neil comes across a camera that has the ability to see the future. This is where the film takes a turn.

So the film can be called a science fiction. No, you can’t call it that. We are still calling it a romantic thriller. It’s only that camera which is an element that makes it a sci-fi but even after that the story takes its own course, which is very real life. Do we then get to see you romancing a lot? Yeah…of course, and you can see me doing a lot of action, too. I said it’s a romantic thriller and it’s not only Neil but I too have done a lot of action. You must have had to undergo hectic training sessions then… (Laughs) I have always been a fitness freak and a gym person so that made up for almost everything. And how was it working with Neil given that he is only one film old? You were the seniormost in the crew. (Smiles). It never happens that way. At least when we were working there wasn’t any feeling of seniority. But I certainly came as help because here director Jehangir Surti too is a debutante. And there were also others who are very new and have only the basic idea of filmmaking. So at the end of the day, it was teamwork. We had lots of fun and also had to face difficult times. But that is always a part of every job. Moreover, Neil might be a newcomer but he is really a pleasure to work with. He is confident and is ready to give his best. Where do we see you next? I am shooting for Rahul Dholakia’s Lamha, which will eventually release sometime this year. It a completely different story and has Sanjay Dutt. It’s about present day life in Srinagar and is very topical. Then I have signed All The Best, which is a comedy. I will start shooting sometime in April this year. And, of course, then there’s Rituparno Ghosh’s Sob Charitro Kalponik, which will release once the dubbing issue is sorted out with the producers. Apparently, you were not happy with the dubbing? Yes, I still am not and I am ready to dub for it. They got someone to dub for it and I am not happy with it. I don’t know why the producers want to get it dubbed by someone when I as an artiste am ready to offer my services. I hope it gets sorted out soon because it is one good film. Trans World Features

11

Monday, March 23, 2009

Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart engaged? According to sources close to the couple, the 66-year-old hunk surprised Flockhart (44) with an engagement ring on Valentine’s Day weekend while the two were away on a family vacation with son Liam. The couple has been together for seven and a half years. ANI

Emily Blunt thanks teacher for curing stutter

A

ctress Emily Blunt, who used to stutter as a kid, has expressed her gratitude to one of her teachers, who helped her overcome the problem. The Devil Wears Prada actress revealed it was her teacher who helped her overcome her stutter by urging her to take up acting classes to get rid of the stutter. “I did have a bad stuttering problem as a child. I’d try to push the words out, but it was so frustrating. My parents took me to speech coaches and relaxation coaches,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying. “It didn’t work. Then one of my teachers at school had a brilliant idea and said, ‘Why don’t you speak in an accent in our school play?’ I distanced myself from me through this character, and it was so freeing that my stuttering stopped when I was onstage. It really was a miracle,” she added. ■ ANI

‘A size zero?’

Jade Goody DEAD

W

J

ade Goody, a one-time dental assistant whose final days were as closely chronicled in the media as her appearances on reality television, died of cervical cancer early on Sunday. The 27-year-old mother of two, who married her boyfriend in a televised ceremony only last month, died in her sleep at her home in Essex, southeast England, her publicist Max Clifford said. Goody’s mother Jackiey Budden said: “My beautiful daughter is at peace.” By endlessly poring over every detail of Goody’s losing battle with the disease, newspapers, gossip magazines and broadcasters have been accused of being obsessed with someone who is famous for little more than being famous. Even Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been asked to comment on her condition in recent weeks. Goody shot to fame in 2002 after appearing in Big Brother, a reality show in which people are locked in a house and their every move televised. Initially ridiculed for her apparent lack of education, she gradually won over the public with her straight-talking style. She went on to become a regular in gossip magazines, wrote an autobiography and launched her own perfume, but her popularity sank in 2007 because of her racially charged tirades against Indian housemate Shilpa Shetty in Celebrity Big Brother. Goody married boyfriend Jack Tweed last month and was christened with her sons this month, events which both drew huge media interest here. Goody’s decision to die in the public gaze, in order to earn as much money as possible for her two young sons and publicise awareness of cervical cancer, largely restored her popularity. ■ Agencies

hile the whole world is debating on ‘Size Zero’, there’s one person who is completely bemused by the whole concept – supermodel Heidi Klum. The 35-year-old stunner, who lives in America with her children and British singer husband Seal, says she can’t get her head around what the “phrase” means. “A size zero?” The Daily Express quoted her, as saying. The statuesque German catwalk queen, who once gave skinny Victoria Beckham a year’s supply of cupcakes for her birthday, added: “I’ve never heard of that. That didn’t exist when I was growing up. When did that start? What does it mean?” ■ ANI

12

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Friday’s Question: If you were getting back home alone at night and stopped by a lady in a white sari asking for a lift, what would you do and why? ■ Would give a lift and ask her if she can drive bcoz if she’s a devil we can find out easily as it will not have legs Senthil - Wipro, Muthu - Scope International

■ Vandila ethikitu jollya sutha vendyathuthane

Venkat Narayanan, Verizon

■ I’ll give lift to her and get the mobile number while dropping. Bcoz ghost turned to girlfriend is better than girlfriend turned to ghost

Dhananjayan - Scope International, Basheer Ahamed.A - TCS-eserve

■ Ponnu alaga irukka illaiyanu pappaen

Anand.K - Infoview Technologies, Oviya.Vijay - RRD

■ Nan apadiyae shock aiduvaen bcoz building strong basement weak

Satishkumar - Cognizant, Renuka - Pride Technologies

■ My policy is "Unknown Angel is better than known Devil (My wife)". I’ll pick up her and drop

Vijay, RRD

Saravana from Wipro has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Yelagiri

■ I’ll first see he she is visible in the side mirror, if yes, I’ll give her lift. If not, well. God knows, I may drop dead right there

Sridhar.R, STG

■ I’ll first see whether she has legs and has long hair and see whether there is any smoke around her. If the lady is beautiful and the above said signs are not threatening I’ll surely take her on bike

Arun Kumar, Allsec

■ I’ll check her foot, if it’s on earth I’ll drop her to her home. If it’s not on earth I just stop my bike and sit with her after we’ll discus about hell & heaven

Feroz Khan, Perot Systems

■ I’ll take her to a 5 star restaurant and propose her with a red rose bcoz I love ladies dressed in white ■ I’ll give her lift and drop her home

Vipin Dev, Wipro

Anand Swamy - Allsec, Chelvambikai - HCL, Prasad, Krishna - Allsec

■ I would ask,’neenga ujalakku marittingala’ and make my way

Sofiya Ambrose - Wipro, Murali - HOV Services, Dhanapal - HCL Comnet, Rajesh Perot Systems

■ I will run to home without stopping any where because I believe in ghosts

Mohan, TCS-eserve

■ I will look at her legs to conform whether she is a lady or ghost. If she has legs I would help her. Otherwise urrr

Logeswari from Sify has nominated her friends as Partners in Crime.

Manojkumar, Gayathri - Wipro, Rajkumar - Infoview, Don - Allsec, Mohanakrishnan - RBS

■ I will ask her for a date

Satya, Wipro

■ I will accept. She may be a staff nurse working late hours. But I will look at her ID card ■ I’ll die at that place

TS.Narayan, TCS Gowri, CTS

■ I’ll show her Nayantara’s without make up photograph. If she’s still ready to come with me. I’ll take her to Villu movie

Saranya.M, Cognizant

■ If she has legs I’ll give lift, otherwise I’ll give her my boss’ address

Revathi, lnautix

Today’s Query: The Indian Premier League is out of India. In not more than one line, express your feelings about the change in venue.

Mathew John from Infosys has nominated his team as Partners in Crime.

13

Monday, March 23, 2009

March 22 (Belated): The customerworld lab team of TCS has nominated Hardik Upadhyay as Office Angel. He is a very friendly, kind, cool and fun-loving person. His determination to work, especially in taking solo snaps, is incomparable. And he does all kinds of bill calculations in a moment, including VAT, Service Tax etc...

■ Dear Dani, Wishing u a very happy b’day dear friend. May the New Year be filled wid fun n happiness. ALL THE VERY BEST 4 UR FUTURE DEAR!!!!!!!!

■ Hi Valathu Kettavanea (Nanda), Advance Birth Day wishes (March-21) from your rocking friends. (Thayavu senchu ithukumela valaratha da…..) With lots of Love, SriRamya, Durgadevi, Karpagalakshmi, Krishna & Friends.(Boeing) Wipro, Chennai

Yours Loving, Musketeers

March 23: ■ Happy birthday Bhavnesh! Many greetings to you, we wish youmany forwards, happy chattings, tasty CCD coffees, nice CRR ratings, good projects and beautiful projectmates :P All The Best dear! Regards, Shankesh, Rajitha, Ravali, Diana, Nalini, Rizwanur, Shafeeq and Samrat. Infosys Technologies Limited - Chennai Mcity.

■ Dear Ck, Smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkles away Hope u share a lots and receive a lots 4 days 2 come Happy Birthday....... God bless you...

Loads of Wishes Senthil

Pulli pottu senja-PULLI SORU, Melagu pottu senja-MELAGU SORU, Thair pottu senja-THAIR SORU, plz..., sollunga pa, yethu pottu senja "THANDA SORU?" B.Mohamed Safan, Elnet Software City

■ To My Mom and Dad, Wish you a happy married life on your 29th year Anniversary.

Luv n Prayers, Ani & Leo (Accenture)

■ Hi Santhosh, Wish you a many more happy returns.... May this year brings you a Yamaha YZF - R6 bike and also a driving License:-) May god bless you to stay cool in all circumstances to achieve many milestones in life. Marriage wish on next bday only :-) Finally in your style "Aalndha anudhabangal!!!!!!!!"

Shanmugapriya of Cognizant doodled this.

Shankesh, Rajitha, Ravali, Diana, Nalini, Rizwanur, Shafeeq and Samrat. Infosys Technologies Limited - Chennai Mcity.

■ Dear Param (COCO-PR), Another Year is a Happy Gift, So cut ur cake and say, "Instead of counting Bdays, I count Blessings Everyday !" ,

Wishing u a Wonderful Happy Birthday Paramesh

■ Happy birthday Bhavnesh! Many greetings to you, we wish youmany forwards, happy chattings, tasty CCD coffees, nice CRR ratings, good projects and beautiful projectmates :P All The Best dear!

Regards,

Best Wishes From Hemalatha Jayagopal, Sai Sathish Kumaar & Dhananjayan - Scope International.

■ Dear Aji Kuti, Happy Birthday da to our sweet Angel…. Within our book of memories, Are special thoughts of you. And when we recall these memories We realize the happiness That knowing you have brought. As we go along life’s way, We find they grow more precious still With every passing day…………. That’s how we feel about you my dear friend; You’re so special just as you are. With luv&affection Rupa, HCL Technologies Ltd. & Kala, Allcad Services

. ■ Dear Nishchala, Belated Birthday Wishes to you! Hope you are having a ton of fun in London! Wish a wonderful year ahead and many more to come! Lots of Love, All we friends! Dear Kadalai Karthick, Let all your visions and mission become as you like them to be. Let this wonderful birthday pump up the happiness all around you. Let all your dreams that don’t make you sleep be fulfilled this year. Let a waiting APARTMENT be yours soon. Happy Birthday Karthick. With lots of love, Route No.4 friends, Scope international.

■ Dear Reizang On your birthday, special one, We wish that all your dreams come true. May your day be filled with joy, Wonderful gifts and goodies, too. On your day we wish for you, favorite people to embrace, Loving smiles and caring looks :), That earthly gifts cannot replace. We wish you fine and simple pleasures We wish you many years of laughter We wish you all of life’s best treasures We wish you happily ever after! Happy Birthday! Yours Ever loving friends Triple Point Technology

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Village For Sale The village of Linkenholt in Hampshire, including 22 cottages, a cricket club, a blacksmiths and a manor house, has gone up for sale with a GBP25m price tag.

sudoku

Flights of fantasy! Murali Muppirala of Verizon Data Services clicked this picture on Marina Beach. Hobbies: Playing drums and photography 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]

Sr Dy Chief Designer: J.A. Prem Kumar Dy Chief Designer: R. Ravi Kannan Illustrator: R. Venugopal Technical Support: V.R. Vasudevan, K.G. Gurumurthy N. Ravichandran, E. Baskar

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Contact: 2857 5757 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.goergo.in Head of Circulation: M.G.M. Sharief [email protected]

SNAIL MAIL 859/860, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002 mail your feedback to [email protected]

FAX 2857 6691

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

KAKURO

15

Monday, March 23, 2009

Litter Cut

Twin Troubles

A Gloucestershire shopkeeper has cut litter in her village by 40 per cent by writing children’s names on their sweet wrappers.

Twin brothers arrested on suspicion of stealing $7.8 million (GBP5.6 million) of jewellery and watches in Berlin have been released because police can’t prove which one did it.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You have strange desires, impulses and feelings, which are difficult to describe or understand. Your usual daily pursuits seem drab/ curiously unsatisfying. It may be difficult to motivate yourself. Today will be a lazy and slow day for you.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Underlying or previously hidden aspects of a situation will come to light now. The dictator in you will come out or you will find yourself dealing with the more difficult, dark, tyrannical side in other people. Try to be a little practical today.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Friendships and love are favoured as you are openly affectionate, warm and also quite responsive to loving gestures. It’s not enough for you to simply feel loving toward another – at this time you really want to express it and show it physically.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You will speak very clearly, convincingly and forcefully. You can argue a good case or make a very persuasive presentation or successfully challenge someone whose ideas do not agree with your own. A day of victory for you.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You know what you want right now and woe to anyone or anything that gets in your way! You are much more likely to become domineering, pushy or inconsiderate. So it is a good time for you to do what you need to do.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You will be fascinated by mysteries. Unsolved or puzzling problems and the hidden or behind-thescenes aspects of a situation, and you will research and probe until you discover the truth. You will enjoy mystery and supernatural stories.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 You can only rid yourself of the responsibilities you should have never taken on in the first place. Mars moves into your sign, stirring up feelings, resulting in a possible argument with someone you care about.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 You will be able to manipulate whatever situation you face today as long as you control your anger and stick to the point you want to make. You will be more magnetic and fascinating to others. You will see things in a better light as the day begins.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Non-stop flow of communication between you and the people in your immediate environment is likely. You may engage in interesting and informative discussions or fritter your time away in gossip. Mental curiosity may impel you to take a short trip.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may feel restless today and may do something quite unexpected and out of character. Impatience with dreary routine and the desire for freedom and change may spur you to do something you normally consider adolescent or irresponsible.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Opportunities for friendship, cooperation, love and shared happiness arise. The warmth and good you will generate now is likely to be a benefit to you both now and later on. You will feel especially friendly and sociable.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 It may seem that because of the circumstances the whole world is against you. You feel overwhelmed by demands and you are looking at your life with serious doubt or pessimism. Others don’t seem to help. Solitary activity or reflection is called for now. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Monday, March 23, 2009

Anti-war demonstrators stage a die-in as part of a protest to mark the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war in Hollywood on Saturday. AFP PHOTO/MARK RALSTON

Singer Fergie promotes her footwear collection at Nordstrom At The Grove on Saturday in Los Angeles, California. GETTY IMAGES/AFP PHOTO

Actor Deepika Padukone showcases a Ranna Gill creation at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi on Saturday. PHOTO: SANDEEP SAXENA