Ergo March 9

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Monday, March 9, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 44

‘I’I WAS IN LOVE LONG BACK’ Sonam Kapoor on past love, media hook-ups, dad Anil Kapoor and recent lessons on sugar-coating her speech. » PAGE 10

08 MASTER BLASTER 05 THESE START-UPS ARE HOT LEADS INDIAN CHARGE

WINNERS OF THE TATA NEN HOTTEST STARTUPS AWARDS

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Treat, treat! Savera Hotel is treating all women till March 15 as part of Women’s Day. Come as a group and avail a discount of 25 per cent at its restaurants – Piano, Malgudi and Minar. For details call 2811 4700.

Of bad sons, honest cops and Bus Day key wing under the Central Crime Branch of the city police. Reliable sources say that some corrupt cops in the wing (one was suspended recently) received an ‘orientation programme’ to keep aside ‘prior police practices’ and work with integrity hereafter.

Good dad, bad son

Shawn Bradley’s tryst with Marriott Home C

hildren of the Marriott Home recently had a whale of a time. The children of the school and home of the leprosy-affected rehabilitated persons, a CSR initiative of Courtyard by Marriott, spent time with eminent basketball player Shawn Paul Bradley. In fact it was a double treat as a Sports Day was organised to encourage and motivate the children. Games like relay, pyramid and mass drills were followed by the prize distribution. The little ones competed with each other in an encouraging and healthy environment to win Shawn Bradley’s appreciation and recognition. Speaking on the occasion, Karan Berry, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, said: “Marriott as a company believes in servicing our guests, employees and community. We strongly believe in the philosophy of spirit to serve and in giving back to the society that we live in.” ■

The son of a Deputy Superintendent of Police was recently arrested in the city on charges of chain-snatching. Police were shocked when they came to know his identity after apprehending him along with his partner in crime. Police sources said they contacted the dad before booking the son, only to hear the former say, “I don’t care anymore. Just do what you have to do.”

Transfer trouble A sudden shuffle of police officers in the city who haven’t moved from their posts in the last three years took place recently. Many khakis who were clinging on to their lucrative posts are unhappy after the move. Some have

Behind Bus Day

even gone on leave, while others are on pursuit to regain the posts with the help of a few ‘influential’ individuals.

Better change ways A new officer known for his honest ways has taken charge of a

Recently, a Bus Day celebration in the city culminated into a clash between groups of two college students in the city. MTC buses and police vehicles were damaged in the incident. Since there is a strong public ire against students celebrating Bus Day, the authorities had initially refused permission for students. But the interference of a key ruling party figure forced the authorities to say yes.

Neighbour’s envy

쒀 The Chennai team, comprising actors Bharath, Jeeva, Simbu, Arya and Srikanth, among others, beat the Andhra Pradesh cine stars’ team at a cricket match held at MAC Stadium on Saturday. PHOTO: M. KARUNAKARAN

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Discount Alert Aavaranaa, the saree boutique in Alwarpet, has completed three years. As part of its anniversary sale it is offering a discount of up to 50 per cent on all its merchandise till March 15. The store is at No. 15, Ashoka Street, Alwarpet.

Wine and whine… not really “No, thanks” and widening one’s horizons at a wine-tasting session at Alliance Francaise DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

“C

ome on Deepa, have a glass of wine, please. It’s a lady’s drink,” my brother-in-law told me on his birthday last December, and out of sheer reluctance I had it, not to disappoint him on his D-day. It was a strong one that burnt my throat and I decided that was the first and last time I am ever going to have a sip. With a smile and ‘No, thanks’, I used to refuse it and was really contented. But one fine day, my editor told me to go for a wine-tasting event held at Alliance Francaise of Madras, Nungambakam, and all the bitterness and sourness

came flashing back in a jiffy.” “No, thanks” was my answer again as I didn’t want to turn off my taste buds, which were actually enjoying the ‘happy state’. Well certain times, there is no choice and this was one of them. With the thought it will be a social gathering with hands full of wine glass, to my surprise, the event turned out to be a formal presentation on enjoying wine in the spirit of Plato’s banquet relating to the historical meeting of a famous Greek Pythagorean Appolinius and an Indian Brahmin in the 1st century AD. My reason for not having wine had nothing to do with my cultural or racial background but it was for only the taste. Ironically, when a question related to Brahmin and wine was asked by someone, I was served by Chinmaya Arjun Raja, president of Alliance Francaise , Madras, the chilled rose or pink wine – Reuilly of pinot gris grape variety from Loire valley. After taking a deep breadth of the wine, I had one sip, and then twirled my taste buds around the tingling wine and, to my surprise, it was not so strong but very light and dry.

My 12

Barbies and I

M

y name is Aishwarya. I am 10 years old and study in Class V in St. Britto’s Academy, Velachery. I love Barbie since the time I joined school and started collecting them. I got my first Barbie on my fifth birthday and I have around 12 Barbies so far. I would like to share my Barbies with all my friends during my holidays. We play various themes of Barbie and have watched all Barbie movies. I want to donate all my Barbies to any child who wants them and cannot afford them, as I grow up. A couple of my favourite ones will be with me always. Happy Birthday Barbie... I love you and you are a beautiful part of my childhood. ■ Aishu (Aishu has replied to Ergo’s Big Story Alert for last Friday’s issue. Though the deadline for feedback was Thursday, we decided to make an exception in little Aishu’s case. Barbie turns 50 today.)

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

That’s because Dr. Bruno Monange , the wine connoisseur and wine maker from France, who was presenting the wines, said it’s a light pink wine with strong flavours and aromas of fruits like litchi and white peaches apart from white grapes. As I was celebrating within, my first successful trial of wine-tasting session; I could see

25-odd people, comprising foreigners and Indian wine connoisseurs, admiring their glass with pride and adulation. Wine is a lady’s drink, is what I have been told all the time, but ironically, there were more of health-conscious old men who were enthusiastically asking questions on the right proportion of intake of wine.

Seventy-five-year-old P.S. Santhanam, FRM Chairman of IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce, Tamil Nadu, asked, “Is it better to have this wine before or after or during meals?” To which, Monange said, “This wine is a casual drink which can be consumed anytime of the day while celebrating an occasion. It’s not necessary to eat something while consuming this wine, which is generally served cold.” My hunger pangs were satisfied a bit after having bread that was served to neutralise the taste. I guessed another wine was coming my way. I asked for just for a teaspoon as I remember having this one earlier and the taste was kind of turning off. Yes, my memory was not bad – it was the Hautes-Cotes de Bourgogne red wine made from Pinot Noir variety and the taste was strong, pungent and made my throat parched and dry. I had it again, but it was not that bad after all, but given a chance again, my answer would be again “No, thanks!” But, overall, thanks to this event, my horizons were opened about wines that now suit my taste-buds. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

Ask your query I am Vaijanthi working for an advertising agency with an income bracket of Rs. 4 lakhs. I make an investment of Rs. 80,000 in “section 80C”, should I use my full quota? An investment of Rs.1 lakh is definitely beneficial in the long run and this can be looked for a long-term saving and investment for different purposes. In a normal course of life with out this section we may not make those savings or investments. However, utilisation of full amount depends on a number of factors, including current life style, last year’s expenses and expenses for the next year. By utilising the maximum limit in ATC, the maximum tax savings that we can get in your income slab would be Rs. 21,000. As you have already invested Rs. 80,000, your tax burden would be Rs. 21,000 and a further investment would reduce this to Rs.12,000, which would be a reduction of Rs.9,000. The decision is in your hands, but do not borrow for investment in tax savings.

Mutual Funds offer Fortis Fixed Term Plan Series 14 - Plan C is a close-ended income scheme. The investment objective of the scheme would be to achieve growth of capital through investments made in a basket of fixed income securities maturing on or before the maturity of the scheme.

DBS Chola Tax Advantage Fund Series 1 is a 10-year close-ended Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS). The objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital growth from a diversified portfolio of predominantly equity and equity-related securities and also to enable investors to get income tax rebate as per the prevailing Tax Laws, which are subject to applicable conditions.

Taurus Ethical Fund Is an Open Ended Equity Oriented Scheme. Its objective is to seek growth of capital in accordance with “Islamic” principles. The investment strategy aims to diversify the portfolio by investing in various companies across sectors and themes to maximise returns and control risk.

HDFC Fixed Maturity Plan 14M February 2009 Sr-10 (1) is a close-ended income scheme. The investment objective of the plans under the scheme is to generate regular income through investments in debt/ money market instruments and government securities.

News you can use ICICI cuts home loan rates ICICI Bank has announced a rate cut of up to 50 basis points on its housing loans. The rate of interest for loans up to Rs. 20 lakh will be 9.75 per cent and 10 per cent for loan amount of Rs. 20 - 30 lakhs and above that it will be 11.5 per cent.

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Dream home at 8% SBI’s reduced interest rate on home loans should reopen your plans to get a home SNEHA BAJAJ [email protected]

T

he State Bank of India now offers its customers a chance to avail a home loan by charging an interest of 8 per cent. Many of us were seeing this service to have some hidden pitfalls. SBI, in fact, does provide this facility, which functions as shown in the box:

How others function Compare this with a few other banks. Bank of Maharashtra, for example, offers a five-year fixed rate of interest at 9.25 per cent, for loans up to Rs. 20 lakhs. So is the case even with Andhra Bank. So a customer who takes a home loan from either of the two banks mentioned will have to pay comparatively more when compared to what one has to pay if one avails the same facility from SBI. As initially he/she will have to pay just 8 per cent for the first year and then 9.25 per cent for the next 25 years, if he/she plans to repay the loan of Rs. 20 lakhs in 25 years. More recently Canara Bank had entered this new selling game by giving a housing loan at 8.25 per cent for the first year and then froze it to 9.25% for the next four years and a different rate for the remaining years. This facility provided by SBI or Canara Bank looks similar to the much hyped “Balloon loans” in the United States. An added advantage being that premature termination is possible at any point of time during the term with no additional charges. Amidst all the gloom surrounding the recession and the economic downturn, this seems to be a silver lining in the dark clouds for people who had postponed their plans about buying their dream home. ■

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Monday, March 9, 2009

‘‘ THESE START-UPS ARE HOT Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up.

Thomas J. Watson

LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

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round 600 nominations covering nearly 20 industry segments from over 40 cities. The recently-concluded TATA NEN Hottest Startups Awards 2008 were billed as one of India’s first people’s choice awards for start-ups. And it no doubt generated a lot of interest among the community – for the six months of heady competition and extensive campaigns it saw.

Big dreams, small starts Two among the five finalists – Lakshya Institute and Star AgriWarehousing and Collateral Management – were special for more reasons than one, as they come from tier-II cities, battling many odds that came their way. While the former is based in Patiala, Punjab, started by four IIT graduates (Bombay and Roorkee), the latter is Jaipur-based and taps the agricultural sector. For Lakshya, however, sowing seeds for their entrepreneurial venture in 2006 in the “education city of Punjab” has been accidental; two of the members had a small stint in Ludhiana. “We

A good blend of cities and diverse sectors – the five winners of TATA NEN Hottest Startups Awards show the growing dynamism among India’s entrepreneurs wanted a place where we could profess our ideas through a unique way. Our initial seminars in the schools here got us good response and inspired us to go ahead,” recalls Pulkit Jain, one of the founding members of the start-up that focuses on test preparation. The education institute grooms Class X and XII students for entrance examinations and works with schools to eliminate external coaching and differentiates itself

through the use of interactive digital content. Though no entrepreneurial journey is a cakewalk, the growth stories of these emerging cities also go to show the increasing number of youngsters who are looking beyond placements and corporate jobs. As Lakshya members say: “We remained in touch with our alumnus. Many of our juniors and batch-mates visited us in the process and we made them interact with students. We made them

realise that teaching is fun and that nothing beats the satisfaction of mentoring youth by making them realise their dreams. Many IITians have joined us in the last two years by leaving their high-paying corporate jobs and today act as ambassadors of our philosophy.”

Empowering rural India Talk about difficulties and Amit Mundawala, one of the founding members of Star AgriWarehous-

WINNERS ALL ~ New Delhi-based Takeovercide.com provides legal, financial and management consultancy. They provide solutions to different corporates through IT ~ Bangalore-based Activecubes Solutions helps firms harness information to understand customers better. They differentiate them by using the power of analytics to find solutions for clients. ~ The Loot, a branded apparel retail chain in Mumbai, sells branded clothing at discounted prices throughout the year across its 45 stores. The company makes profits through a differentiated business model, where it sources inventory at costs lower than original prices in stores

Raring to go…Team Lakshya and StarAgri

ing and Collateral Management, has a lot to say. “The financing options were limited in Jaipur and we had to travel to Delhi or Mumbai to meet with officials. Our project would be recommended by the institution at the local level, but to get the final nod we had to await approvals from their headquarters situated in a tier-I city.” The start-up provides end-toend solutions in the procurement, warehousing and collateral management of agricultural commodities. The team has four founding members coming from different backgrounds. Besides family pressure (most of them found it difficult to convince their families) and age acting as deterrents (the team members are in their mid-20s and quit their respective jobs after six-seven months), Jain recalls the effort they took to glamorise the profession. “In India, we have teachers who are generally not by choice but by chance. Our major effort has also been to make youngsters believe in their mission and take up teaching.” ■ (This column celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship)

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Beer can sculpture A property developer hit by the credit crunch is in high spirits after creating artwork worth $14,000 – out of beer cans.

Man caught with cocaine leg cast A 66-year-old passenger who arrived at Barcelona airport in a wheelchair and with a leg cast made entirely of cocaine was arrested as he tried to get through customs. The man, flying from Santiago, Chile, also had cocaine stashed in six cans of beer and two folding stools in his luggage, the Interior Ministry said. Police confiscated nearly 5 kilograms of the drug in total. Police believe the man, or his accomplices, may have broken the leg on purpose so as not to arouse the suspicions of customs officials. Spain is the primary entry point for cocaine into Europe and is the largest consumer of the drug in the European Union. Reuters

Fake alcohol turns drinkers to homebrew

Over 100 Lankan rebels killed More than 100 Tamil Tiger rebels have been killed in two days of fighting in Sri Lanka as they tried to break a military stranglehold, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday. They died after the Army beat back a series of counterattacks by the Tiger rebels against advancing government forces in the district of Mullaittivu in the northeast. “As the Mullaittivu battle reached its last phase, the LTTE terrorists made several desperate attempts in vain to infiltrate the military forward defences,” the Defence Ministry statement said.

A rash of discoveries of fake alcohol production rings has driven Vietnamese drinkers to homemade vodka, state-run ‘Voice of Vietnam’ radio reported. Vodka distilled at home, often made from sticky rice or corn, now accounts for nearly 80 percent of the total output of alcohol in Vietnam, while imported brands make up just 4 percent, the radio quoted Nguyen Van Hung, deputy head of the Vietnam Beer, Alcohol and Beverages Association, as saying.

AFP

Reuters

Filmmaker plans ‘Eyeborg’ camera A Canadian filmmaker plans to have a mini camera installed in his prosthetic eye to make documentaries and raise awareness about surveillance in society. Rob Spence, 36, who lost an eye in an accident as a teenager, said his so-called Project Eyeborg is to have the camera, a battery and a wireless transmitter mounted on a tiny circuit board. “Originally the whole idea was to do a documentary about surveillance. I thought I would become a sort of super hero ... fighting for justice against surveillance,” Spence said. “In Toronto there are 12,000 cameras. But the strange thing I discovered was that people don’t care about the surveillance cameras, they were more concerned about me and my secret camera eye because they feel that is a worse invasion of their privacy.” “I don’t want to go into a locker room. I don’t want to show the world me going to the bathroom either ... I’m not a life-caster and I don’t plan to be one,” he said. Reuters

Now, run iPod with a smile The device could also serve as a remote control for appliances for physically challenged people

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wink, a smile or a raised eyebrow could soon change the music on your iPod or start up the washing machine, thanks to a new Japanese gadget. The gizmo – called the “Mimi Switch” or “Ear Switch” – is connected to a micro-computer that can control electronic devices,

essentially making it a hands-free remote control for anything. “You will be able to turn on room lights or swing your washing machine into action with a quick twitch of your mouth,” said its inventor, Kazuhiro Taniguchi of Osaka University. “An iPod can start or stop music when the wearer sticks his

tongue out, like in the famous Einstein picture. If he opens his eyes wide, the machine skips to the next tune. A wink with the right eye makes it go back.” The machine can be programmed to run with various other facial expressions, such as a wriggle of the nose or a smile. “If the system is mounted on a hearing aid for elderly people, it could tell how often they sneeze or whether they are eating regularly,” he said. ■ AFP

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Websites of the day

McDonald’s emergency

Fancy a holiday with a difference? Why not take a break in Romania, one of Eastern Europe’s most stunning nations: www.romaniatourism.com How to win at poker: www.playwinningpoker.com

An irate Florida woman called the police three times after McDonald’s employees told her they were out of Chicken McNuggets.

Credit crunch hits can-can cabarets MANY CABARET VENUES ARE BEING CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF CUSTOMERS

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he world famous can-can cabarets could soon disappear from Paris, as the global economic meltdown is keeping the nocturnal clientele away from the popular late-evening shows, industry experts have warned. The Bobin’O in Montparnasse, whose stage has been the launch pad for many stars, including iconic singers like Edith Piaf and Juliette Gréco, will shut from late March for five months. “The crisis is starting and is beginning to be felt. Companies are spending less and hesitate before booking,” The Daily Telegraph quoted show producer Gérard Louvin as telling Le Parisien. Lido, another cabaret venue famous for its feathered beauties, is offering cutprice admissions – two tickets for the price of one – in an attempt to woo back “cash-strapped” customers. Paradis latin has decided to shut on Mondays to keep costs down. The only venue that remains in the pink is the Moulin Rouge, still buoyed by the publicity from Baz Luhrmann’s film, which starred Nicole Kidman. After a 97 per cent full rate in 2008, however, business fell by 10 per cent in February. ■ PTI

22m pounds: Price of an English village

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magine settling down in your own village after retirement, spending time farming or watching a cricket match in your private stadium. Well, your imagination could turn into reality if you have some 22.5 million pounds to spare, for an entire English village, complete with two blacksmiths, a shop and a cricket club, has been put up for sale for that amount. Nestled in the roll-

ing countryside of North Wessex Downs, the historic English village of Linkenholt with its 22 houses and cottages is part of a 2,000-acre estate, which will go on the market later this month. Among the properties included for sale are a cricket pitch and pavilion, which doubles as the village hall, a large three-storey manor house, and a village shop, The Daily Telegraph reported. The only property in the village not owned by the estate is its church, St.Peters, which still holds services, on the third Sunday of each month. The estate is currently owned by a charitable trust, set up by Herbert Blagrave, a keen cricketer, racehorse owner and trainer, who died more than 20 years ago.■ PTI

Shun fur

쒀 Animal rights activists cover themselves in blood-coloured paint in a protest in Taipei. Fur is still considered a symbol of status here despite repeated appeals by animal rights groups while some local celebrities have come under fire for setting a bad example by wearing fur. AFP PHOTO/PATRICK LIN

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Umpire recovering Umpire Ahsan Raza was fast recovering Thursday after undergoing major surgery for serious bullet injuries during an attack on Sri Lanka’s cricketers, a family member said. Raza was hit in the back by a bullet that seriously injured his lungs and liver, and underwent two major operations. He played 21 first class matches as a talented wicket keeper who also used to bat lower in the order.

IIndia ndia rromp omp h ome home Tendulkar century gives India 2-0 series lead

S

achin Tendulkar’s 43rd One-Day International century hoisted India to a 2-0 series lead over New Zealand with a 58-run victory in Christchurch on Sunday. Exploiting the short boundaries at Lancaster Park, Tendulkar stroked his way to 163 before he was forced to retire hurt after apparently pulling a stomach muscle, though he managed to guide his side to an imposing 392 for four off 50 overs. “It’s a pleasure to watch Sachin’s innings in the way he paced it,” India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said in a televised interview. “He took some time up front then later on he knew what kind of shots he could play. He’s an amazing batsman.”

Spirited chase

Sachin Tendulkar celebrates after scoring a century against New Zealand during the third One-Day International in Christchurch on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

New Zealand began their chase enthusiastically with openers Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum putting on 166 for the first wicket before Ryder called the standin captain through for a suicidal single in the 22nd over and McCullum was run out for 71. Ryder moved to his first one day century, which included 12 boundaries and four sixes, before Ross Taylor absentmindedly left his ground and was run out for seven and Martin Guptill was trapped in front by Yuvraj Singh for one. The home side slumped to 188 for four when Ryder holed out in the deep for 105, leaving the last recognised pairing of Grant Elliott and Jacob Oram at the crease. Oram, however, was bowled by Harbhajan for seven and Zaheer Khan bowled Elliott (18) and Peter McGlashan

(seven) in three balls to effectively end the run chase in the 34th over. Kyle Mills (54) Tim Southee (32) and Ian Butler (24) extracted some revenge on the Indians for their own treatment with some lusty blows at the end of the innings, with Mills and Southee combining for an 83-run ninth-wicket in seven overs. The onslaught, however, was not enough and the hosts were bowled out for 334 on the first ball of the 46th over.

Hitting exercise Earlier, Tendulkar smashed 16 boundaries and five sixes and shared a brutal 138run partnership with Yuvraj (87) and a 135-run stand with Dhoni (68) to help India post the highest one day score in New Zealand. “It was amazing batting,” McCullum said. “The way Sachin played was outstanding and he got a lot of support from the senior players as well. I guess we just weren’t accurate enough with our plans.” New Zealand’s attack was hampered by the absence of captain Daniel Vettori, who missed the game to attend the birth of his first child in Auckland, and a muscle strain suffered by Butler after he had bowled just five overs. “You take Dan’s 10 overs and lock them away and know you have some pretty economical overs there,” McCullum added. “I guess Ian Butler going down injured half way through his spell and Jacob (Oram) not being able to bowl the full 10 as well I guess it showed we were a bit light. In the end we didn’t bowl well enough.”

Brief scores India 392/4 (S. Tendulkar 163 not out, Yuvraj Singh 87, M.S. Dhoni 67) beat New Zealand 334 (J. Ryder 101, B. McCullum 71, K. Mills 54, Harbhajan Singh 2/56) by 58 runs. ■ Reuters

India Down Taipei India claimed a decisive 3-1 win over Taiwan on Sunday to move into the third round of Davis Cup play in Group I of the Asia-Oceania Zone. Somdev Dev Varman sealed India’s victory when he beat Taiwanese ace Lu Yen-hsun 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 at the Yang Ming tennis centre in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. Dev Varman, ranked 150 in the world, also defeated Taiwan’s Ti Chen in their first meet on Friday. Lu, ranked 59, stormed past India’s Rohan Bopanna 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 in the opening day singles but struggled throughout Sunday’s clash. On Saturday, India’s veteran Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes scored a hardfought victory against Taiwan’s young duo Yang Tsung-hua and Yi Chu-huan 6-4, 7-6 (7/0), 6-7 (2/7), 6-2. Last year India reached the World Group play-offs for the first time since 2005, but lost to Romania and began 2009 in the Asia-Oceania group one. Taiwan came back to defeat Kazakhstan and secure a group one place in 2009 after they lost to Australia in the first round. AFP

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Monday, March 9, 2009

‘‘

I think anywhere in the world is a target, it is a question of degree and we will do assessments of all our venues. I don’t think any particular country is spared. We are all aware of how that is likely to change the landscape on security assessments going forward and the kind of threat we might face not just in cricket but in all sports.

B

arcelona ended a barren run with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao and extended its lead in the Spanish league to six points. With its first win in four league games, Barcelona also took advantage of second-place Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday, a result that ended the defending champion’s 10-game winning streak in the league. Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar equalised in the 57th minute after Diego Forlan scored in the 38th for Atletico, which remains without a victory over its cross-town rival in the past 10 years. Later, Villarreal beat lowly Espanyol 1-0. With 12 rounds remaining, Barcelona had 63 points from 26 games, while Madrid, which had cut Barcelona’s lead from 12 to 4 points in the previous three weeks, had 57.

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat

Barca stretches lead Barcelona’s Argentinean forward Lionel Messi (right) fights for the ball with Athletic Bilbao Koikili Lertxundi Del Campo during their La Liga match at the New Camp Stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

Atletico, Real share spoils in Madrid derby Gonzalo Higuain, who has 14 goals this season, on the bench although Atletico’s Abel Resino included all his top players in the starting lineup. Madrid looked the more threatening in the early stages, with Atletico goalkeeper Leo Franco keeping his team level with two saves from Madrid forward Arjen Robben in the 13th and 22nd and another from Marcelo in the 35th. Franco’s Real counterpart, Iker Casillas, then came to his team’s rescue with a parry from Atletico forward Sergio Aguero in the 36th. However, Casillas could do nothing to prevent Forlan from netting his 18th goal of the season two minutes later following a swift counterattack in which Aguero’s incisive passes played a central role. Higuain appeared in place of Jose Maria Guti Gutierrez in the 55th minute and two minutes later found Huntelaar, who fired a rising shot past Franco. Forlan hit the post with a shot two minutes later, and Atletico substitute Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Aguero each spurned clear opportunities as Atletico continued to trouble the home team with its counter attacks. ■

Early goal Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets headed home from Xavi Hernandez’s floated free kick in the 17th minute at Camp Nou in a dress rehearsal for the Copa del Rey final in May. Lionel Messi doubled Barcelona’s lead 15 minutes later with a penalty awarded after Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegui was adjudged to have tripped Andres Iniesta. The goal was the Argentine winger’s 18th of the season. Iniesta’s shot hit the post in the 47th minute, while Samuel Eto’o wasted a clear chance in the 57th and then rattled the woodwork in the 65th and 88th as Barcelona overwhelmed Bilbao after halftime. However, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol was carried off the field on a stretcher with a sprained left ankle late in the game, sidelining him for three weeks, including Wednesday’s game at Camp Nou against Lyon in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Madrid derby Madrid coach Juande Ramos left

PTI

Injury worries for Sridhar His ankle injury kept him out of the court for nearly five months and although Anup Sridhar made a comeback early this year, the same injury and other fitness problems are still giving him sleepless nights. Sridhar twisted his ankle in March last year and after playing in the Beijing Olympics he was left on the sidelines before making a comeback early this year. He says he is learning how tough it is to return after an injury lay-off. “I’m learning as I go along that it is really hard getting back after an injury. I mean, while physically I’m quite close to being 100 per cent in my ankle, there are a lot of other issues that need attention,” Sridhar said. “The five months that I was out of action took a lot out of me. I feel my general fitness needs to be at least two levels higher than it is currently. The ankle also needs a lot of attention. Actually, I need to do a lot of work in all areas, including technical and strategy, but the most important things now are the ankle and the fitness,” he added. PTI

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Anthony is a great dad: JLo Jennifer Lopez has heaped praise on her husband Marc Anthony because he’s always willing to get up in the middle of the night to attend to their twins.

This Masakali is too sharptongued for a star-kid and a Bolly actor. An interview with Sonam Kapoor:

SREYA BASU

Your characters in Saawariya and Delhi 6 are poles apart. Which one carries your real-life traits? It’s the middle-class girl, Bittu, in Delhi 6 who is just like me – full of pranks, down-to-earth and a rebel. I can’t be so quiet, goody-goody and eternally waiting for my uncertain lover like Safina in Sawaariya.

What was your reaction after Slumdog Millionaire won the Oscars? Great… I watched Slumdog Millionaire even before it was released in theatres and was bowled over by the film and my father’s (Anil Kapoor) performance. Winning BAFTAs and Oscars were like slaps on the faces of people who made criticising SM their motto of life. I just wish my father would have won an Oscar, too.

You were very plump in your childhood. How did you shed weight? I was 84 kilos when at school. I had a very middle-class upbringing. I was not sent to posh schools like Mumbai Scottish, where star-kids usually went. My schooling was at Arya Vidya Mandir, and then I was sent to a boarding school for classes XI and XII. While at boarding, for the first time in life, there were no restrictions… I was a free bird. I am a complete foodie and at that time I gorged on anything that came my way – chocs, pastries, junk food, cold drinks…everything. And the result showed. After rigorous sessions of dieting and yoga, I became THE Sonam Kapoor. In fact, I am too thin for my 5’’9’ inchestall body.

Does having Anil Kapoor as a father mean loads of restrictions in your life?

Unlike most Bolly ladies, you are too sharp-tongued…

Partly. But I think not just Anil Kapoor, any father who has a beautiful daughter like me (laughs) will turn possessive. It’s a father’s right to be possessive and protective about his daughter, especially when she is into showbiz.

That’s good for you… you won’t have to hunt hard for catchy phrases. But, off late, I have been told (don’t ask me by whom) to learn to sugar-coat my speeches as no one here is ready to hear the truth.

What are the restrictions?

Have you ever been in love?

Like, whenever I go out, I have to go with a driver especially appointed for me. And then, my mom keeps calling me 20-40 times a day to track my whereabouts. Not in this case, for I understand their worries. But I am a born rebel. I even joined Sanjay Leela Bhansali as his assistant in Black despite my father’s initial objection.

If your read-between-the-lines question is ‘Have you been in love with Ranbir?’, the answer is ‘NO’ because even during Saawariya I think he was seeing another girl, and after the film, of course, he was all Deepika’s (Padukone). As for me falling in love, I won’t name the person, but yes, I was in love long back. Again, I don’t know if it was love or infatuation… I was too young to understand all that.

Didn’t your father want you to join films?

What type of man are you looking for?

I was only 17 and he wanted me to complete my studies first and then do whatever I want. But I was too stubborn and approached Bhansali through Rani (Mukherjee) and Ranbir (Kapoor). I

I don’t want the goody-goody husband-material type. He should be a little naughty, love me loads and, most importantly, smell good. ■

Don’t you protest?

GETTY IIMAGES

threw Bhansali in a puddle; on one hand, he wanted to take me as an assistant, on other hand he couldn’t do so going against my father. So, finally, I myself had to convince my father.

Trans World Features

11

Monday, March 9, 2009

Sienna Miller was booted by a horse in the face Sienna Miller suffered a major blow after a horse kicked her in the face, leaving a permanent scar. The actress revealed she almost lost her looks in the close shave, but turned lucky when she was left with only a mark on the face.

A red-faced Charlize Theron

Cine City

O

scar-winning actress Charlize Theron’s former dance teacher left her red-faced on a British chat show by talking about her embarrassing childhood habits over the phone. It happened when broadcasters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan were interviewing the Monster star on March 5. According to reports, the talk show was going smoothly until the programme’s producers made a surprise call to Theron’s former dance teacher Bernice Lloyd in her native South Africa. “Charlize was a wonderful child. She was always so beautiful and so disciplined and always, always showed entrepreneurial skills,” the Daily Express quoted Bernice as saying. “She always had these entrepreneurial skills and she used to buy sweets from the school tuck shop and sell them at night to hungry children for a profit. We thought it was wonderful – we, her teachers, thought that showed gumption (initiative),” she added. Theron, who was mortified by the revelation, then exclaimed: “Oh my god, Bernice! This is insane! I don’t remember selling candy at a profit! I did start drinking at a very early age, so my memory is a bit dodgy.” ■

Trisha to pair up with Dileep After Namitha, it is actor Trisha who is making her foray in Malayalam cinema. She would be playing the lady love of actor Dileep in a yetto-be-titled film to be directed by B. Unnikrishnan. Trisha, one of the top actors in Kollywood, has a big fan following in Kerala, since the movies in which she is paired up with Vijay are super-hits there. So her entry into Malayalam filmdom is very special. The film, to be produced by Vaishakha Movies, will commence production by the end of September.

ANI

Hallo, brother! A

ctor Zac Efron has revealed that he is grateful to Leonardo DiCaprio for becoming his mentor, and is glad that he has found an elder brother in him. The High School Musical actor met Leonardo while attending a basketball game in Los Angeles. "(When we first met) I was all, ‘Oh, hey!’ I was like, ‘I’m a big fan... I’d love to sit down and talk with you sometime.’ And he goes, ‘Right on,’” contactmusic quoted Efron as telling Elle magazine. “A few nights later, I was at a Lakers game and I texted him, and he said he was coming. And this guy in a ball cap and coat with the collar up sits next to me. We talked the whole game, and he was just everything I thought he would be: smart, level-headed, charming, hilarious. You know, the older-brother vibe,” he added. Meanwhile, DiCaprio has also compared Efron’s current pin-up status to his own early career. ■ ANI

Geethu turns to direction Actress Geethu Mohandas, who acted with Madhavan in Nala Damayanthi, will be directing her first movie with a bunch of new faces. The shooting of the movie, titled Kelkkunnundo, will kick-start next week at Aluva. Cinematographed by popular cameraman Rajeev Ravi, the movie will be a take on urbanisation and development. After this Malayalam project, Geethu is planning to do a Hindi film.

12

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Friday’s Question: If you stand for the upcoming election, what would be your election promises?

Kirthiga Ramachandran from Accenture has nominated her friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Wayanad.

We will shift Tamil Nadu close to Delhi to get all the rights first from Central government to serve people, arasiyal la idhelam sadharanam. Jacob, Antony Kannan(Sify), Arun Kumar, Jerome, Babu (Allsec)

Free Dish TV to every home. Chakry TCS-e-serve, Philip RRD

I’ll take necessary steps to promote happiness and peace by stopping terrorism and exploitation of poor people’s rights. Anitha Kamesh, Infosys

I’ll convert all mens/womens colleges into co-ed institutions, free Tasmac through ration cards. Lexsminarayanan, TCS-eserve

One computer per house to educate people on latest trends. Senthil, Wipro & Logesh, Infosys

No power cut Anand K., Infoview Technologies, Revathy, TCS-eserve

I’ll reduce the rate of land, each family will be having independent house, increase and motivate the agriculture field to reduce poverty and export food to improve our economy

Joslin Sujitha from Cognizant has nominated her frieds as Partners in Crime.

John Samuel, RRD

I’ll promise all girls that, they won’t be forced to marry as per their parents wish. Will create a separate ministry that regulates all love matters. Sunil, TCS

I’ll reduce the prices and give a reasonable salary to all the employees. Richard Dhinakaran, TCS-eserve

I’ll get back moon to place it under Pacific Ocean again. Mukund S.C.B., Scope International

I will give 2 free tickets to every Namitha film per ration card. Pradeep, Mphasis

I’ll make Tasmac to be opened 24x7, introduce buy one half get one quarter free offer. Dee Jay, Rsystems

Free IPL tickets for all. Dhanavelan J., Verizon

Free Ferrari cars for people of TN. Siva Kumar, Allsec

Eradicating corruption from our country. Sriram K.M., TCS

There will be no difference in local bus fares (deluxe, M series, Green and Yellow boards). A/C bus fares will be reduced to 50 percent. Kumaran, TCS

Today’s Query What is the best way to celebrate Women’s Day?

Priya from IBMhas nominated her friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Mahabalipuram.

13

Monday, March 9, 2009

■ Dear D.Sarah Joyce, Wish you a very happy birthday to gem of Friend... May God Bless your future with lots of surprises. May all your dreams come true and have the day filed with happy memories & wonderful moments. Cheers, S.Durgalakshmi, K.Senthil, R.Gopinath, V.Gunasekar, R.Kalaivani, N.Vanarani, J.Sudha, Manimala, Gomathi PMC

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Sreenivasan P, Wish you many more happy returns of the same day. Let your wishes comes true for forth-coming year also. Have a pleasant and enjoyable day/year ahead. Njoi… Keep Smiling.. Treat From, Performance Engg., Group, CSS.

■ Hi Archana, We May Not Be By Your Side Celebrating Your Birthday with You Right Now, But I Want You To Know That we can wish and pray for You, All The Time. Many More Happy returns Of the day…!! May God Keep U In his care Always…!! Wishing you a fantastic birthday. May the year continue to be good to you. Your close frnds, Shivu,Babu,Pavan,Raveesh,Shubha, HCL.

■ Dear Kiruthiga Kaanji kovil, Let the God decorate each golden ray of the sun reaching u with wishes of success, happiness and prosperity 4 u.. Wish you a super duper birthday!!. May u grow to be toothless!..May all your dreams come true(planting trees) this year..Have a Blast!!! Angeline,Sankar,Ibrahim,Tamojit ExcelaCom Technologies.

■ Dear Rajesh, Belated Birthday Wishes. Behave like a married person, don’t act as a Bachelor. Remember you have a Junior Rajesh. Best wishes for your ONSITE opportunity. Be ready to give following treats [KID, Birthday and ONSITE] Regards, Non-Tandem Testing Team, FSS, Chennai.

■ Hi Warm and Loving Birthday wishes for Soumyakanta and Jagan !!!

TCS USAA Document Fulfillment team

■ Dear Shyamala, Belated birthday wishes!!! Wish you many more happy returns of the day! May god bless you with happiness, success and good health. Have a fantastic future! Best Wishes, Shobana Gowtham

■ Dear Raghav, On your birthday We wish you much pleasure and joy; We hope all of your wishes come true. May each hour and minute be filled with delight, And your birthday be perfect for you! We all join hands to wish you a great year ahead! Happy Birthday! Hearty Wishes from, UST Global, Chennai.

■ Hi Madhina (Gondu Baby) Happy Birthday . You are one of life’s PRECIOUS Finds. You are all the things , i could wish. And i think to myself , just how lucky i am to have u in my life. You’ll always Be Special To Me. Many More Happy Returns of the Day. Warm regards, Halidha Thaveer Infosys Technologies Ltd, Mcity.

■ Inraya dindatanru piranda naal vizha kaanum

1) Thanga nagaiku bankla kadan kuduppanga. Aanaa punnagaiku bankla kadan kuduppangala. 2) Ennathan kastapattu ulaichalum Maaduku theeni punnakuthaan. Balaji Sivakumar, Tata Consultancy Services

Yennadhaan Koteeswaran paiyanaa irundhalum Maths-la subtraction pannum-bodhu kadan vaangithaan aaganum... Mohamed Yusufdeen J, HCL Technologies Ltd

"madurai maaveeran", Annan jagadheesh (www.atm.com) avargaluku ennalu inaalai pol ponaalaga amaya anda iraivanidam prathikinrom. Tamil pol vaazhga. Iniya piranda naal nal vaazthukkal Ikkanam. Bench Nanbargal (TCS) ■ Dear Usha, You’re thought about more often than you probably can guess, and thoughts of you just naturally bring smiles of happiness. Now, that it’s your birthday, may each and every warm thought, bring a wish for all the best in life, and all your favourite things.... Wish u a wonderful birthday ever!!! Have a fantastic birthday!!! (P.S :Kashtapattu poi ellam solli irukom, treat vekkama yemathidadha...) Unnai endrum kalaaikum Sowdha, Vaishu, Anitha, Saranya, Devi HCL

■ Dear Suvi, Time is something hard to find Yet we always try to make some. So we are grateful for the time we’ve had together. And we are looking forward to even more of it. Time apart is hard on the soul, but it helps us become strong. On this day, today the 06th of March. We write this for you, to show you. That we do care for you, and you are special to us. We decided to express these feelings as best as we can. Through an ever lasting feelings full of emotions. Wish you Many more happy returns of the day, God bless you dear.

■ Dear Prem, This is your loving friends wishing you a great Birthday. May all the success reach you and the sweetest things happen right before your eyes. Many More Happy Returns Of The Day Dear. With lots of love, Ramya, Jayashree, Janani, Janaki, Sabari, Priya, Bhagya, Benita, Pradeep, Raja, Natpu, Anitha & Neelima.

■ Dear Vijayalakshmi, May God shower his blessings on you, today and for evermore!!! Advanced birthday wishes to you!! Have a great year ahead!!! God bless!! Friends, New Age Software and Solutions.

■ Dear SH Wish you a very Happy Birthday ! Janma Dinam Ashamsagal ! With Love,Ishu

■ Dear Jayakumar & Chandrakala (Inautix), May your engagement be the beginning of a lifetime filled with special love and happiness. As you start out together along life’s busy road. Remember, bring your dreams with you, They lighten every load And then you will discover As your journey starts today That happiness walks with you Hand-in-hand along the way. As you adorn each other with the ‘Ring of Love’... Here’s my heartfelt wish that your life be a sweet joy of togetherness.

RDS, SD.

■ Dear Senthil, Wish you many more happy written of the day. I wish you a successful life ahead.

Loads Of Wishes, Senthil, Wipro.

■ Dear Thiru, Wishing u a Very Advance Happy Birthday!

JAGGU, Sutherland

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.

Sridevi Murali Krishnan from Infosys doodled this.

Loving Wishes, COAF LS Team, Wipro Technologies.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Bad burglars A gang have been branded Britain’s worst burglars after drilling their way into an empty office next door to a bank.

sudoku

Krishna Kumar of Wipro is our first winner on the theme ‘Happiness’. He describes the sight of the mother protecting her little ones as an endearing expression of love, which brings a smile.

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

There are more prizes awaiting all you shutterbugs from the coming issue. Preference will be given to photographs that talk about ‘happiness’. 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

KAKURO

15

Monday, March 9, 2009

Robot teacher

Word’s worth

Pupils in Japan have been given lessons by the world’s first robot teacher.

"Vapulatory" (Vap-yoo-luh-tor-ee) an adjective meaning ’relating to flogging.’ Unsurprisingly, it comes from a Latin word meaning ’to be beaten.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Newton’s law states “Every actions has an equal and opposite reaction”, and that will reflect in your life today. Your mood could be affected by various colours today. But you will overcome everything and perform well both in professional and personal life.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Get going as a raving day awaits you. This fun-filled day will add a lot of zest to your mundane life and will prove to be quite a breather. Soon as new ideas start hitting you, don’t forget to use your creativity on your sweetheart.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Ganesha suggests you should set your goals well in advance. For lovers, marriage or a serious commitment is on the way. Ganesha feels this is an important phase in your life and you should be careful with actions and words.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha strongly feels that you need to gain deep understanding of the requirements of your colleagues. There may not be any immediate troubles in your love life, but things might not be smooth for a while, warns Ganesha.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 So here is the deal, pick any one – personal life or professional life? You will face this dilemma throughout the day. Important meetings will keep you very busy today. For people who have lent money, this will be time for recollection.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Relatives and friends may feel you are arrogant and inaccessible today. Ganesha feels this is the right time to prove them wrong. SThrow a party for the folks and a private dinner for someone special, smiles Ganesha.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 A relative could approach you to share your thoughts on an issue. Consider yourself lucky, says Ganesha, for not many considered wise enough to help. While helping others is good, be careful that it doesn’t encourage snobbery.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 You may end up doing new partnership deeds or deals could be inked today. This may be the beginning of an exciting future. There may not be any exciting events in your love life but family life will need discreet attention.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 You could be in a stubborn or determined mood today. Ganesha feels either of the two, if stretched beyond a limit, can be harmful. However, friends may advice you to be cautious and selective in your approach.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Honesty is the best policy. You will display an independent and open-minded approach in your professional and personal life, which will be appreciated by one and all. The evening calls for a celebration, especially with your loved one.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Today, the famous Tom and Jerry scenes may come alive between you and your boss. On a serious note, Ganesha warns you against some hard times at your workplace. Do not let your work pressure affect your personal life, concludes Ganesha.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Today, you could be at your charming best and attract people around you to your magnetic personality. You may have to handle some HR affairs that could require your urgent and undivided attention. End the day with a happy dinner. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Monday, March 9, 2009

Kevin Cross (L) helps Ileana Garcia cook several of her credit cards over a hot plate as she tries to dig herself out of credit card debt during a sermon about faith-based financial management at the Miami Vineyard Community Church on Saturday in Kendall, Florida. Cross preaches to people about the biblical principles of money management with his idea of steps that should be taken for handling finances. AFP PHOTO

View of a mural painting of seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, by Shepard Fairey (famed Obama ’HOPE’ posterist) on Saturday, on the side of the historic Montalban Theatre in Hollywood, California, to celebrate Armstrong’s return to the bike and to unveil a new collection of his sponsor, Nike. AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS

This handout picture released on Saturday by Guatemala’s Presidency shows US archaeologist Richard Hansen explaining details of a frieze found in El Mirador archaeological site, in Peten, some 650 km north of Guatemala City. A group of archaeologists, led by Hansen, announced the discovery of a limestone frieze chiselled some 300 years before Jesus Christ bowing the evidence that the apogee of the Mayan civilization was much older than the experts thought. AFP PHOTO