Ergo May 14

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 88

BARRIERS TO VOTE

THE DIE IS CAST

S.S.KUMAR/ PTI

Pavithra from Vidya Sagar is a first-time voter. Despite the Election Commission’s assurances that the 2009 Lok Sabha polls would be the most disabled-friendly ever, the T. Nagar booth from where Pavithra had gone to cast her vote proved otherwise. A makeshift wooden ramp was insufficient and the voter needed assistance the rest of the way. PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Movie magic The American Library invites enthusiasts to the Saturday Film Matinee at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 16. Beyond Belief and Rio Bravo will be screened.

Lesbian parade this month-end? Subject to police permission, Namma Chennai could witness its first-ever lesbian parade on May 30. Organised by Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), it could well see the participation of over 300 persons from across the country. A.J. Hariharan, founder secretary of ICWO, said the rally will primarily focus on lesbian rights. “The campaign will be a step towards making people understand and accept sexual orientations of women and also to stop violence against lesbians.” The lesbian parade has planned in the backdrop of instances of suicide by lesbian couples in Chennai in the recent past. “Following the launch of our lesbian helpline (044-6551 5742) on February 7, we have received an overwhelming response from callers in India and overseas as well. Therefore, seeing the need to seriously address the lesbian cause we have come up with the rally after a few initial setbacks.” Men Community Development Society (MCDS), an Anna Nagar-based group for gay men that has a membership of over 600 people, has already pledged support to the rally. “It is really good to know that our city will host the first ever lesbian rally in our country,” a member of MCDS who identified himself as Lalitha said. Parthasarthy, another member of MCDS, added that only the homosexuals can understand the plight of others of their community. “We therefore decided to come forward in large numbers to support to support ours sisters in Chennai and other parts of the country for the parade,” he said. ■ PETLEE PETER

New pets on the block Some tips on caring for your new best friend SRIYA NARAYANAN [email protected]

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f you’ve recently adopted a pet, the first thing to do is to find a trusted veterinary doctor. It’s best to go to the same vet consistently and ask for an emergency number in case the need arises after clinic working hours. A vaccination card will be given to you to keep track of immunisations that shouldn’t be delayed or forgotten. Puppies need to be collared for identification and safety. Is the collar too tight? Check by putting your hand in. If you can’t, it needs to be loosened. At the same time, it can’t be loose enough for the dog to slip its head out of it and run away. Young ones might make a mess in their initial few weeks at your home. Don’t smack them (even

gently) or rub their noses in the mess to show displeasure. As they’re still adjusting, a good way to train them is to pick them up and show them a litter box or take them for a quick stroll outside. If you’re travelling with them by car, ensure that the pet is not left inside (even with the windows down) for even one minute as temperatures can go up to a point that can be fatal for them. Never allow a third person to train your dog in your absence. Trainers often use harsh punishment and cause extreme fear that creates long-term scars. Some trainers have blinded puppies by tightening the collar and cutting off blood circulation. Reward-based training can be carried out by the owners themselves. Check with your vet for low-cal treats that will motivate them to obey commands like

‘sit’, ‘stay’ etc. It is better not to train them to do unnatural things like standing on two legs or shaking hands. A designated sleeping area, with a small basket or mattress and a chew toy will provide a feeling of comfort. Poisonous foods for dogs include chocolate and raisins. Medication without consulting a vet can be a deadly mistake. Crocin and its equivalents can kill cats. If your vet can write down the list of prohibited foods, it can be referred to in case of doubts. And finally, get in touch with friends and relatives who can petsit when you’re out of town. Another alternative is a commercial kennel provided they come with good references from other petowners you know. ■

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

First-time voters show their fingers marked with the indelible ink at Saligramam on Wednesday. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

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either the politician nor the party’s ideologies interest them. They dread the idea of somebody voting on their behalf. But they speak their mind and are aware of the need to exercise their franchise, even if it means going to the polling booth, standing in queue, confirming their identity, getting their finger marked with indelible ink and conveying to the presiding officer that “I don’t want to vote for any political party”. The 49(O) option, which says “I vote nobody”, has been in the

Constitution since long but the number of people going out merely to say that they don’t support any political party only seems to be an interesting mix, thanks to the awareness created by a few Election Officers in the recent past. Deepika Elumalai, 19, is a firsttime voter. She is not satisfied with what politicians have done for the state and neither does she want to vote for an Independent candidate whom she is hearing about for the first time. On Wednesday, Deepika not only made sure she got the 49(O) form from the polling officials but also convinced her entire family –

father, mother and brother – to exercise the option. “Amma, kaththaada….” the official said when I asked for the form. “He probably did not want the waiting party members to hear that… ” she reasons. Similarly, Srividhya S., a young IT professional, made up her mind a day before that she was going to the booth only to exercise 49(O). “I went through the manifestos of all major political parties; none of them was promising enough. I was also particular that nobody casts my vote, so the best I could do was to take the extra effort and exercise this alternative,” ex-

Some vote, but for nobody 49(O) is the best way to show your dissatisfaction with the political system, say voters who exercised the option plains Srividhya. According to reports from PTI, till 3 p.m. on Wednesday around 100 people in Chennai alone have used the no-vote option. A majority of them were victims of the land acquisition enforced for expansion of Chennai airport. However, many others who were keen on using the option were disappointed when they learnt that their polling booth did

not stock the forms or there was nobody to explain them that the 49(O) option is not listed on the EVM. “We had a lady who was agitated to hear that we did not have the form. We pacified her saying that we did not get them and convinced her to make a choice among the parties listed,” said a presiding office from CSI Middle School, Royapettah.■

Poll violence at Ice House, 7 injured Clash allegedly erupted when MMK and AIADMK members tried to stop DMK men from casting bogus votes ERGO CORRESPONDENT

confronted by AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and MMK members there. “Soon, the argument turned to blows and the gang attacked our party men with swords and clubs. A few of our members who had come from other booths to help party men here were also mercilessly attacked,” said an MMK member at Ice House. The gang also damaged three cars of MMK members parked near the polling booth. MMK’s Central Chennai candidate Hyder Ali’s brother Asan Ali, Jahid Basha, Meera Moideen, Shamsuddin and three others were injured in the incident. Eyewitnesses said the injured men had gone to Ice House police station with blood dripping from their wounds and lodged a com-

[email protected]

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he Lok Sabha polls in Ice House, Chennai, started on a violent note, when a gang of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam workers lead by a Municipal Councillor allegedly attempted to cast bogus votes at a polling booth here. The biggest election violence of the day unfolded around 11 a.m. at the booth inside N.K.T. Thirumalachari School, which is located just a few streets away from Ice House police station. According to some MMK (Manithaneya Makkal Katchi) members, DMK functionaries Shankar alias ICF Shankar and Cheran (MC of Ward no. 89) came to the booth with over 15 men and tried to cast bogus votes. They were PHOTO: K.V. SRINIVASAN

plaint against the DMK members. The injured were admitted to Government Royapettah Hospital. City Police Commissioner K. Radhakrishnan visited the spot and told reporters that immediate action will be taken against the attackers. Reliable police sources add that DMK functionary Kamaraj from Ice House, who is the brother of slain gangster Veeramani, played a key role in violence at Ice House. Later in the day, a group of MMK men retaliated by ransacking Kamaraj’s house in Ice House. An investigation is underway and no arrest was made till evening. Apart from this, minor incidents of violence were reported from T. Nagar and Tondiarpet. ■

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Cross-dressing crook Police are hunting a criminal who got clean away with more than $15,000 (GBP10,000) after robbing a bank dressed as a little old lady.

Perry doesn’t like being single American singer songwriter Katy Perry has revealed that she finds it lonely without a man by her side to share her everyday thoughts. Perry, 24, revealed her loneliness in an interview with Cosmopolitan, before she reunited with her boyfriend Travis McCoy. “I don’t like being single,” the Sun quoted her as saying. “I live this fantastic life, full of all these magical things, and at the end of the day all I want to do is pick up my phone and share it with someone.” ANI

‘Obama loves tall women’ It looks like US President Barack Obama has en eye for tall women. Ace basketball star Lisa Leslie has revealed Obama’s first words to her when the two met at his Inauguration, which were “You know I love tall women, right?” The four-time Olympic gold medal winner, who is set to taste retirement, recalled her meeting with the President, who excels in the sport. “He was just really nice to me, like ’Oh my gosh, you know I love tall women.’ That’s really what he said,” the Politico quoted Leslie as saying in an interview with ESPN. “The first lady, she was walking by, and he was like, ’Now you know I love tall women, right?’” she added. The 36-year-old further said she was promised a game of one-on-one at the White House and could not wait for the moment to come. She continued: “I said, ’I would love to play you one-on-one one day,’ and he was like, “I’ll tell you what: When I put the court up here at the White House, I’m going to invite you back out and we’re going to do that’.

Robot teacher takes class The age-old picture of a teacher has undergone a technological makeover, after a robot schoolteacher developed by Japanese scientists conducted a class in a Tokyo school. The female humanoid robot, called Saya, taught a science and technology lesson to a class of 10-yearold pupils at Kudan Elementary School in Tokyo. Saya uses a range of programmed movements from eyebrow arching to smiling, and her face can express six basic emotions in the classroom - surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness and sadness. Professor Hiroshi Kobayashi, the mind behind Saya, said that the robot’s main purpose was to highlight the joys of technology to children. “In the countryside and in some small schools, there are children who do not have the opportunity to come into contact with new technology and also there are few teachers out there that can teach these lessons,” the Telegraph quoted Kobayashi as saying. ANI

Man fined for beheading wax Hitler A German court fined an unemployed man 900 euros for knocking the head off a waxwork figure of Adolf Hitler in a Berlin museum. Minutes after the Madame Tussauds museum opened in the German capital in July, the 42-year-old pushed past security staff ripped off its head. The man, an expoliceman, said he found it inappropriate to display an exhibit showing the Nazi leader only some 500 meters from Berlin’s Holocaust memorial. The restored figure was returned to the museum in September and is now displayed behind a glass wall.

ANI

Reuters

Rahman hates politics

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usic maestro A.R. Rahman is critical of political parties using for a poll campaign the song ‘Jai Ho’ that he composed for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. “I was like in the bed, I was dehydrated, exhausted, and then all these things happened, somebody told me these people are using it. I hate politics. I just want people to serve the people. I want governments, whichever government comes in, to be unbiased and say there should be justice in the country and that’s my purpose in life,” Rahman said

in an interview on CNN’s Talk Asia. The interview will be aired on CNN May 20 and there will repeat telecasts May 21 and May 23. The Congress had bought exclusive rights to the song "Jai Ho" for its poll campaign but the jingle was later dropped as the party’s theme song. In the interview, the shy composer also explains how his accolades for Slumdog Millionaire are also recognition for India. “I got very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because there are so many different film

industries in India, so many different markets, Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it’s here,” he said. When asked about his next project post-Oscars, he said: “I have a couple of offers from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let’s do it and a couple of other surprises that you’ll know very soon if it works out. Big surprises I think.” ■ IANS

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Joking judge A coughing Italian judge cleared a panicking courtroom when he told lawyers: "I’ve just got back from Mexico."

Rare blue diamond sells for record $9.5 million The previous record price for a fancy vivid blue diamond was $7.9 million

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flawless vivid blue diamond weighing 7.03 carats sold for a record 10.5 million Swiss francs (6.2 million pounds), the highest price paid per carat for any gemstone at auction, Sotheby’s said. The rectangular-shaped blue stone, the rarest to enter the international market this year, went to an anonymous buyer bidding by telephone after hectic bidding see-sawed between two callers for 15 minutes. It was the centrepiece of its semi-annual sale in Geneva, conducted by David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery department in Europe and the Middle East, who said the results showed the market’s resilience despite the economic downturn. “This is already a new world record price for a fancy vivid blue diamond and a new world record per carat for any gem-

Reuters

Kangaroo survives arrow through head

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ustralian wildlife officers say a kangaroo survived for up to a week after being shot through the head with an arrow and is expected to make a full recovery. Wildlife Australia has posted a 10,000 dollar (7,600 US) reward to find the people responsible for shooting the kangaroo, which was found in parkland near Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Veterinary surgeons from Melbourne Zoo operated on the stricken marsupial over the weekend and were optimistic about his chances. “This was a big injury, but because the arrow didn’t seem to have been in there for a long time, and the injury was fresh, hopeful-

stone (at auction),” Bennett told reporters. “It is fantastic in this market and shows that these rare things are very much in demand,” he said. The final price includes a commission paid by the buyer to the auction house. The stone sets a record price per carat for any gemstone sold at auction of $1,349,752, (882 million pounds) Sotheby’s said. The new owner will have the right to name the stone, which is mounted in a platinum ring. The pre-sale catalogue estimate was 6.8 million to 10 million francs, excluding commission. The hammer price excluding commission was 9.3 million francs. “To have a stone mined last year and cut the early part of this year so it is absolutely virgin coming straight from the mine has never happened before,” Bennett said. “This is one of the extremely rare substances in our universe.” The sale fetched a total of 39.5 million Swiss francs (23.3 million pounds) for 266 lots, which found new owners, while another 80 pieces were stranded on the block. “In this general economic environment to see $35 million worth sold in a session shows a lot about the resilience of fine jewels no matter what the climate,” Bennett said. ■

Respite from the heat

ly he’ll be okay,” Melbourne Zoo vet Michael Lynch told reporters. “I’m cautiously optimistic about the kangaroo’s prospects for a full recovery.” Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Fiona Corke said the kangaroo was rescued just days after another kangaroo was found with an arrow in its rump in the same location. She said her organisation wanted to catch those responsible. “It’s just unbelievable; I just can’t believe that anybody would do something so cruel. It must be a very cold-hearted person to do that,” she told national news agency AAP. ■ AFP

쒀 A monkey leans over a pond to drink water at the zoological section of a public park in Caracas. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Gerrard wins player of year award Steven Gerrard’s leadership of Liverpool’s most sustained title challenge in years has won him the Football Writers’ Association (FWA)’s player of the year award for the first time. The Reds captain saw off challenges from Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand to secure top spot in a poll of FWA members.

Mind it! Dhoni make way! Khiladi Kumar is on his way AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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aptain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni will now have serious competition from fiery-fist Vijender Kumar as the new youth icon of the country. Throwing a knockout punch on cricket’s dominance in the endorsement circle, Vijender has signed a deal with Pepsi and would soon be hitting the airwaves in an all-new avatar. An excited Vijender is already towing the multinational’s line and says: “I am excited to be associated with an iconic youth brand like Pepsi. It is certainly a great privilege to join Pepsi’s league of eminent achievers. Being a sportsman, I have always been a believer in Youngistaan’s core philosophy.” The boxer, who catapulted to instant fame after winning a bronze at the Beijing Olympics, has since seen a string of highprofile endorsements and be-

come a regular Page 3 celebrity, giving our cricketers a run for their money. Detractors, though, are quick to point out that Vijender is yet to get into the ring after his Olympic success. Since last August at times it looked as if the medallist was keener to cash in on his popularity than continuing what he does best. Former Commonwealth Games medallist and Arjuna Award winner V. Devarajan says: “Success may have got to his head. He had some injury but I am not sure if it warranted such a long layoff from the ring. It will take a lot of hard work from his side to regain touch.” Vijender though is confident of retaining his position and will be taking part in a European Grand Prix event in the Czech Republic starting from Wednesday. “I strongly believe that a winner is one who thinks big, has self-confidence and follows his dreams to be successful in

life. That’s my mantra and that’s how I claimed my victory,” he says. “I know I am going to be closely watched. But I want my critics to judge me only after they have seen me in the ring.” Talking about his preparations, Vijender says: “I have trained for one-and-a-half months in Patiala. I am not carrying any injuries and I’m feeling fresh. The nagging pain in my back has also subsided and I am confident of doing well.” National selector Devarajan feels that Vijender has taken the correct decision to come back through a mid-level competition. “We will see limited boxers in the Czech Republic. And I think it’s good for Vijender that he won’t be facing top-class opponents after such a long gap. A few easy wins will help restore his confidence.” Indian boxers next head off to Milan for the World Championships in September. ■ PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

Cricket in Asian Games

Shuttlers sizzle

Cricket officially became an Asian Games sport on Wednesday when it was approved by the Olympic Council of Asia, with India and Pakistan pledging to send their best available teams. It will make its debut in Guangzhou next year. Both men’s and women’s teams will participate in a Twenty20 format contest, with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh automatically qualifying, along with host nation China. Other countries will have to play a qualifying round to fight for three additional spots. “India and Pakistan were the drivers. Pakistan and India will come with their best teams because it will be a big competition,” said OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah after the organisation’s general assembly. “Asia’s four Test-playing nations have committed to sending their best available teams,” he added. The 2010 Asian Games will take place from November 12-27 in the southern Chinese city. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all scheduled to play Test and one-day series that month, but the OCA said once a schedule for Guangzhou was in place “truly the best players for that format will be available”. Cricket was last seen at a major multi-sport event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, but was dropped for the next two editions in England and Australia.

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal rallied to tame Susan Hughes as India spanked Scotland 5-0 to top the pool and qualify for the promotional play-offs in the Sudirman Cup badminton tournament on Wednesday. On top of pool 3B, India will now take on the country which finishes on top of 3A and the winner will be promoted to the second tier of the prestigious tournament. Saina and compatriots, including Arvind Bhat, continued to sizzle and snatched their third consecutive win in the biennial event, after steamrolling Australia 4-1 and routing Ukraine 5-0 on Tuesday. After losing the first game 18-21, world No. 10 Saina got her act together to stage a brilliant come back by clinching the next two games 21-13, 21-19 to wrap up the issue in 52 minutes. Arvind too strolled to an easy 21-15, 21-16 victory against Gordon Thomson in the second match. The mixed doubles pair of V Diju and Jwala Gutta sailed past Andrew Bowman and Emma Mason 21-17, 21-12.

AFP

PTI

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‘‘

I need some time for myself, to be honest with you. There’s always something you have to go and do, you know, extra. Lunch or dinner, some other thing, there’s always something for the captain. I’m not that type of person. I can’t take on too much. So soon I will be handing over this captaincy. I soon finish with it. Chris Gayle

Hail Haydos A

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ustralian opener Matthew Hayden has credited his sizzling form in the Indian Premier League to his international retirement, saying that being free from “neverending cricket” has helped him remain fresh for the Twenty20 event. “The only reason that I’m playing the way I am now is because I have retired. I have been able to let go of the fact that I don’t want to play international cricket,” he said. “I know that I’ve only got a very short time playing cricket in this particular period, so I’ve got all my mind, skills and fitness towards the IPL,” he added. Hayden said many of his peers’ form and fitness gets affected by playing continuous cricket. “This is not the case with most other international players, who know they will leave this tournament and head straight to the Twenty20 World Cup, and then another international series, then the domestic cricket next summer – it is just never-ending cricket,” he said. In nine matches for the Chennai Super Kings, Hayden has scored 426 runs at an average of 47.33. “During this tournament I’ve spent more time on the ocean than I have on a cricket field. It does give me an edge, because in a tournament which is played over half a day and when you play every other day, there is a lot of time spent on thinking cricket. You need to have a balance in life,” he said. ■

ributes t t a n e d y Ha

PTI

PHOTO: AFP

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retire o t n u r n olde

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Electrifying ride

A second-generation Subaru Stella EV (electric vehicle) is to cities prior to a small production run planned for later this lithium-ion battery unit has a range of 80 kilometres and a

Ride to the top of t Want to bike to the Himalayas but don’t know how to? A bunch of adventure tour operators will accompany you all the way PETLEE PETER [email protected]

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he ultimate adventure for every avid roadie in the country would be to ride to the highest motorable road in the India at least once in a lifetime. Khardung La (well-known as Khardung Pass) that lies in the Leh region in the Himalayan range stands the highest motorable road in the country and arguably the highest in the world. Motorcyclists consider riding to the pass an undisputed adventure as one must overcome tough terrain, chilly weather and winds and acute altitude sickness. In case you are clueless about how to get there, what to carry or how to ride in extreme conditions, there are several organisations that can plan your trip and help you get there with minimum chaos. Bik Xpedition 2009 is one such avenue to ride to Khardung La this July. Organised by Milestone Enterprise in association with BBC’s Top Gear magazine, the motorcycle expedition to Himalayas kick-starts on July 20 from Delhi via Manali, Darcha, Sarchu, Leh and to Khardung La. Participants can use any 150cc motorcycle of their choice with necessary documents including the RC book and insurance policy papers. “It is the 10th consecutive year of Bik Xpedition, which is thoroughly an adventure event for riding enthusiasts. Only 25 riders will be selected on firstcome-first-served basis,” says Mohini Nakwa, business head, Milestone Enterprises. The enrolment procedure is now on and applications are

available with the April edition of Top Gear magazine. Aspirants can also write in to [email protected] or call 09324521613/09892895954 more details. Himalayan Odyssey 2009 is Indian motorcycle company Royal Enfield’s way of getting its adventure-seeking customers to some of the tallest roads in the country. “The event thoroughly aimed at building biker camaraderie is being subsidised for Royal Enfield enthusiasts,” says Sachin Chavan of Royal Enfield. Applications to Himalayan Odyssey this year have closed due to overwhelming response. This is not all. There are several other adventure tour operators which will help you ride to the snow-capped peaks of the country. Bangalorebased adventure tour organiser Getoff Ur Ass organises a Ladakh motorcycle trip that starts on July 20. Enthusiasts can register by logging on to www.getoffurass.com. Only 12 people will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis. Santosh Kumar of Getoff Ur Ass says the 15-day trip starts in Manali and ends in Leh. “Riders should preferably hire motorcycles in Manali to be part of the trip. Though the distance can be covered in a matter of three days, the entire trip is spread over 15 days so that participants can see visit a lot of places on the way and spend more time to enjoy the places’ beauty,” adds Kumar. There is also White Riders, which organises a number of trips for bike enthusiasts who want to ride to the Himalayas. For more details go to www.wccindia.com ■

"Though the distance can be cove in a matter of three the entire trip is sprea 15 days so that participa see visit a lot of places way and spend more t enjoy the places

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o undergo testing in five Japanese year. The plug-in hybrid fitted with a top speed of 100 km/h. DPA

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SNIPPETS BMW developing cars that ’sense’ danger to pedestrians BMW is refining a car-tocar communication system that offers more pedestrian protection by “sensing” situations and persons that cannot normally be seen by motorists, according to the car maker in Gemany. In a typical situation a child could suddenly jump onto the road from between two parked vehicles. In such a case the moving vehicle would communicate with an electronic transponder carried by the child or cyclist for protection. The project is part of the Amulett research project aimed at preventing accidents with sensoring and tracking technology. On board car systems are networked with those of other vehicles or transponders carried by persons. These can be installed in school bags, mobile phones or in a walking stick. Should the system determine an impending collision or danger situation, the driver is warned with a signal on the head-up display. If he or she does not respond the system automatically triggers a braking procedure. According to German government accident statistics 48 percent of child accident victims between the age of six and 14 ran onto the road without observing the traffic. Other research has shown that in 40 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents, the driver could not react in time. ■ DPA

Skoda Fabia rolling from Indian factory The Volkswagen concern has launched production of the compact Skoda Fabia from its new factory in Pune, India, with the small Polo car to follow later this year, the car maker has announced. A second small vehicle, also based on the Polo, is planned for the second half of next year. With an investment of 580 million euros in the Pune factory, Volkswagen is planning an annual production capacity of 110,000 vehicles annually for the Indian market. According to Volkswagen the factory is among the most modern in the concern with a high percentage of local suppliers. It is the only German car production facility in India including the entire manufacturing process. Skoda is the Czech subsidiary of the VW concern. The luxury Phaeton and the Touareg SUV are also available on the Indian market as direct import vehicles. ■ DPA

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ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

I was doing a musical in London at the time, playing ‘Curly in Oklahoma’ so I had a perm in my hair. So I put the hat on to do the audition and about halfway through, the casting director was like, ‘That was great, could you do one without the hat?

Curly almost lost Wolverine Hugh Jackman nearly missed out on X-Men role to Dougray Scott of Mission Impossible II

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ctor Hugh Jackman almost missed out on the chance to play mutant Wolverine in the original X-Men movie because he had to audition with a perm. The Australian actor reveals he tried out for the action man role nine months before filming for the first X-Men series started that was initially passed over to British actor Dougray Scott. Jackman thinks it was his hair that put the casting director off. “I was doing a musical in London at the time, playing ‘Curly in Oklahoma’ so I had a perm in my hair. So I put the hat on to do the audition and about halfway through, the casting director was like, ‘That was great, could you do one without the hat? I can’t really see Wolverine wearing a baseball cap’,” Jackman recalls. “I took it off and I read about

two lines and she goes, ‘Cut, put the hat on – now’,” he adds. However things fell in his stride after Scott, who was then also filming for Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible II, had to continue shooting the film, as it overran its schedule. Producers for the X-men saga couldn’t wait and so Jackman was called for a reaudition for Wolverine’s role. Jackman got the part and the film began shooting four days after the audition in 1999. Jackman has since then appeared in the X-Men trilogy and revived his roll as the claw-handed mutant in the recently released blockbuster hit X-Men Origins: Wolverine. ■ IANS

Rihanna’s says it with a song

Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts in jeopardy

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inger Rihanna has finally broken her dignified silence after a long time, as she has apparently lashed out at her alleged attacker Chris Brown through her latest track titled ‘Silly Boy’. Rihanna’s pal Kanye West has posted the demo track ‘Silly Boy’ on the Internet, which is about a woman who refuses to take back her beau, who does not know how to treat her. According to the Sun, the lyrics of the track are: “I said I’m not coming back. You fooled me once but you can’t have that ego turning. Just too bad for you, that when you had me. Didn’t know what to do, she’s over you. Cause you had a good girl, good girl, girl. That’s a keeper. You had a good girl, good girl but didn’t know how to treat her. So silly boy get out my face. Why do you like the way regrets taste?” ANI

ichael Jackson’s much hyped comeback might end up as a dud, with an entertainment company threatening to sue the star citing an agreement which bars him from performing. New Jersey-based AllGood Entertainment has claimed that the ‘Thriller’ hit-maker is not allowed to conduct any shows before going on tour with ‘Jackson Five’ citing a contract signed by the singer’s manager Frank Dileo, reported Ace Showbiz. “We have a non-compete (clause). Prior to our show (reunion tour with Jackson 5), Michael cannot perform anywhere in the world,” said Patrick Allocco, managing partner of AllGood Entertainment. Alloco said that his company had signed an agreement with Jackson’s manager, Frank DiLeo, in November last year committing the singer to perform in July 2010 along with his brothers from the Jackson Five and sister Janet Jackson. Under the agreement, Michael Jackson cannot give another concert until that reunion show. Allocco said that AllGood Entertainment had sent a “cease and desist” letter to DiLeo and to concert promoter AEG Live, which has signed Jackson to perform a series of 50 shows at London’s O2 Arena starting in July. But as a consensus could not be reached, the company plans to file a lawsuit against Jackson by the end of this week, said Allocco. ■ PTI

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Skunked! Actor Tom Hanks is planning to move into a new home in California because his Los Angeles mansion has been infested with a terrible stink due to a skunk attack – the actor’s German Shepherd dogs were sprayed by the creature. “They say the only way to get rid of skunk smell is tomato juice. This is a lie. We have gone through vats and vats of tomato juice. It’s sticky, I’’s like hair gel when the dogs leap up on you and spread the skunk goo on top of you...,” Contactmusic quoted Hanks as saying.

Cine City

Anne Hathaway

Voted out All efforts of putting the day’s work on the backseat became futile for Kamal Hassan, who was all ready to exercise his democratic right. Hassan, who had been advocating the right to vote through the media, was frustrated to note that his name was missing from the voters’ list. It seems he had cancelled his shooting in Hyderabad just to vote. The effort went in vain and he incurred a loss of Rs. 10 lakh as he missed the shoot. According to the actor, when the election officials visited his house for verification he was not present and hence his name was deleted from the list. Apparently, even director Ameer, who was voicing concern over the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, didn’t vote as his name was not in the voters’ list.

Ashton Kutcher

GETTY IMAGES

Jessica Alba

Fear stop

Julia Roberts heads all-star romantic comedy

J

ulia Roberts will play an army officer on leave from Iraq in an all-star romantic comedy also featuring Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Shirley MacLaine and Jennifer Garner, it was reported on Tuesday. Oscar-winner Roberts is one of several A-list stars for the film, titled Valentine’s Day, which follows the fortunes of several characters as they search for love in Los Angeles, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher

and rising star Bradley Cooper are also set to star in the project. MacLaine will play Roberts’s mother, a retiree who reveals an affair to her husband while Oscar-nominee Hathaway will play an assistant at a Los Angeles talent agency dating a mailroom assistant. The film is being produced by New Line studio, which enjoyed recent success with another ensemble romantic comedy He’s Just Not That Into You. AFP

Swine flu has scared the Asal crew. The crew was all ready to set out for Scotland for the shoot that was going to commence on May 15. However, the swine flu alert in the western countries had the crew in a fix and they decided to postpone the shooting and look for a new location. If what we hear is true, Ajith and the film’s producer and actor Prabhu will fly to Malaysia to hunt for new locations.

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ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Tuesday’s Query: If you were to start a new political party what name would you keep? ■ Varuthapadatha Vaalibargal Munnetra Kazhagam M.Laxmipathy RR Donnelley, Arjunkumar Tickerplant, Kannan.NS, FSS

■ Varutha padadha valibar sangam Saranya.M Cognizant, Raj, Ganeshbabu.K HCL

■ Tea Party Dileep, Allsec

■ Republican League of India N.Venkatnarayanan, Flsmidth

Ram from Verizon has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kodaikanal during a trip.

■ Software Supporting Party Gomathi.NS, Servion

■ Manitha kula munnaetra kalagam Lexsminarayanan, TCS-eserve

■ Makkal Surandal Katchi Nivas, Srini Technosoft

■ Lanja Munnaertrta Kalagam Murugan, Suthakar Technosoft

■ Kalaghamilla kazhagham Ramya, Jayaseelan Cognizant

■ Virus ethiruppu kalagam Savitha Servion

■ Jutt Sacha Bharath Party Syed Billal TCS-eserve

■ Java Developers Kazhagam at least then I will get IT people’s vote P.Deepak, Aravind TCS

Santhoshkumar Poornachandran from CSS Corp has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked during their team trip to Queenaland.

■ Democratic copy-paste programmers’ party of India Ramesh Wipro

■ Anaithindia manam aaghatha software engineers kalagam Arunachalam Cognizant

■ All India Dacoity Party Balaji Allsec

■ ACT Party - Anti Corruption Team Seenivasan Technip

Today’s Query: Your experience at the poll booth during the Lok Sabha Elections 2009

Sasankreddy A. from TCS has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This photo was taken at St.Joseph College of Engineering, Chennai when they won the runner up trophy in the CITI CUP’09.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

■ Dear Dinesh Reddy Alugubelli, Wishing you all the best in the year to come. May this year bring with it all the success and fulfillment your heart desires. May your days be filled with sunshine and beautiful colors. And may your nights be filled with comforting dreams and wishes to come. Happy Birthday!!!! Friends: Vijay Kumar.Y, Suresh.S, Santosh Kumar.M, Sivaram Krishna.S.V., Infosys Technologies.

■ Dear Raju, Happy birthday on this beautiful day, There are so many things, we just want to say. You inspire many, with your thoughts and actions, We’re all so grateful, for your calm reactions. Best Regards, Panasonic Team, R Systems Int. Ltd.

■ Hi PadmaPriya, Happy Birthday to U. Many more happy returns of the day. May all your dream comes true from this wonderdfull day.. Best Regards, Friend from TCS.

■ Hi My Sweetheart (Parthiban), May this special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours. My lovable and cute friend of mine, you are such a wonderful person, a Gift to me from God. I cherish every moment with you. On this birthday, I wish you to be happy Always, as you have made my entire life happy by your presence. Many Many Happy Returns of the Day da chella kutty. You live long healthy and happy life. With ever loving Friend Aishu with our adorable sister Sathya (Adventnet)

■ Dear Rupa Keasavan, Lot’s of people are thinking of you on your birthday, because they are near by you in this presence, but not every birthday till your life, because their path may vary, Even though our path took us long back in a different mode, I just want to let you know I’m always thinking of you every moment as same like on your birthday. Have a wonderful birthday! May this birthday day bring you endless happiness, prosperity, many goodness, excitement, joy, and laughter always!!! Huma Shankar VJ, Tech Mahindra Ltd

■ Dear Mother Chandrika, Great Mom Happy birthday, Mom! I hope everyone can see, What a great mom you’ve always been, And how much you mean to me. I always think about you, In times both good and bad, For the things you taught are with me, In happy times and sad. So on this day I wish you joy, Just like you pass around. May all your good times multiply, And happiness abound. Yours Ever-Loving Hubbi - Muthiyan & Kids - Gerald, Gowri & Sharmila

■ Dear Abha (Hanumanth), Many more happy returns of the day. May your desire to get a dream girl come true in this year. Stop looking at Tomato, Onion, Potato, Brinjal, etc., come to real life. All banks and service providers are searching U for!!! In Bangalore you are Bhangaram in Chennai you are...??? With Best Wishes Non-Tandem Testing Team, FSS

■ Dear Pyla, 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! Wishing you a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTH DAY!! Cheers, DCMS team (FSS Tidel Park)

■ Dear Uma (Deshaw Girl )... A Birthday s just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the Trip! A Special person like u deserves the best that each day can bring . Happy Birthday! Best Wishes from iRonicz Spiders Team, Tata Consultancy Services - India. iNautix,Fidelity - Chennai. Musigma, NSN, Tata Elexi, EMC-Bangalore Juno, Deshaw, Commvault-Hydrabad.

■ Hi Prathiba Wish you many more happy returns of the day. This birthday will bring you a joy and success in your life. And the whole Team members wishing you a prosperous birthday. Sathish Kumar Babu , RBS

■ Hey Nithya, On this special occasion we all are delighted to wish you a very happy birthday. May all your wishes come true.

Enjoy the day with lots of fun.Dont forget to include us. And a special advice for you on your birthday, keep smiling and make us also smile by your singing. With lots of care Susmita, Rajesh, Kaushi K.

■ Hi Anusha (team lead), Wish u many more happy returns of the day.. You make our Work much easier with your cool attitude by the way, We are eagerly waiting for your treat..! with regards, MP, Sumi, Dharni, Anusha, Abi, Priya and Ravi, Mohana Priya Rajasekaran, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear GomathiSankar, Wish you a very Happy birthday. God Bless you with joy, happiness, health wealth and more of everything that makes you happy. Ever loving friend, Baththidevi, CTS

■ Dear Deena Team DTCC Wishes you many more happy returns of the day. Have a great day and wonderful year ahead. Cheers from, Team DTCC

■ Dear Seenu, You met the challenge with determination, strength, and total confidence. Congratulations!!! On your recent success- you deserve it :-) Keep Rocking at HCL Technologies Limited Hearty wishes from, Gopal, Sakthi, Sanju and The Entire Family Members

■ Dear Yamini, On this special day, we would like to thank you for the wonderful person you are… Your smile will always linger in our hearts. The comfort you extend in times of trouble is just incredible!! Wishing you a wonderful birthday!! God bless you with all happiness & prosperity… Friends, New Age Software and Solutions. Ashok Nagar.

■ Dear Chithuu, We wish you a wonderful life filled with love and happiness. Your Birthday makes this day all the more special and beautiful !! Happy Birthday :-) With best wishes, ZOHO- IAM

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Chaks, Happy birthday!!! May u get ur dreams and wishes come true this day!! May ur day be filled with full joy and happiness… with ur face having an everlasting smile!!! May god bless u with everything u wish to have!!! Here this is me wishing u again a wonderful day ahead!!! Many more Happy Returns of the Day dear!!! Sudha Infosys Technologies Limited, Chennai

■ Dear Ramya Teja, Side by side or miles apart True friends are always close to your heart, Whether you’re turning five or fiftythree, We are here, right now, on your special day So lets give a cheer for you, hip, hip, hooray! We are so lucky to have a friend like you. Happy Birthday! We look forward to enjoying our friendship for many more of your birthdays. Janmadina Subhakankshalu. Many more happy returns of the day...... with love and wishes, Fameeda,Jyothi kumar, Deleep, Suresh, Madhava, Mohan, Naveen, Laxmi Narayana, Mohammed Uvaise Inter Globe Technologies. OMR Chennai.

■ Dear Senthil, Wishing you a very happy birthday!!! May God’s blessings be with you all through your life!! Wishing you all happiness and prosperity!!! Friends, New Age Software and Solutions. Ashok Nagar.

■ Hi Bala, Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you….. From Trizetto Product support Infy.

■ Dear Mom, iam very happy to be your daughter.. Happy mothers day wishes. You are the best!!! With lots of love, Eswari, Jothi, Pugazh Technosoft.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Popular pets British gardeners are increasingly buying wallabies as pets to trim their lawns.

sudoku

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KAKURO

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Monkeying around

Word’s worth

An orangutan used a stick to shortcircuit an electric fence to try to escape from a zoo in Australia.

Papabili (puh-pah-buh-lee) in the Roman Catholic church, the likely candidates for being elected Pope. Now often used of contenders for any high office.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 If at all there comes a time when you are confused, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your superiors will be more than happy to come to your aid. On the love front, the more candy-coated your words, the sweeter will be your love life.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Today, your communication skills will help you do well in meetings. Ganesha feels these meetings might change your perception about other people’s abilities. You might engage in a career related discussion with your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 It’s a day to handle both professional and personal issues with utmost care. Ganesha feels you should avoid confrontation with colleagues today. Hence, try to avoid direct talk with your peers, unless it is unavoidable. Stop badgering your sweetheart.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Exercising patience will make your luck shine today. Don’t coerce others into seeing things your way, suggests Ganesha. Love life may not be free of rough patches. Hence, Ganesha advises you to be prepared for it.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Ganesha wants you to avoid getting caught up in emotional soap operas during the first part of the day. In the second half, you’ll act more practically. Today, your love life will be on the back burner as career growth will be the first thing on your mind.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may feel like giving unsolicited advise today. Though you are in a philosophical mood, you will be mindful of your duties at work. On the relationship front, you may wish to establish spiritual relationship with your soul mate.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 When the going gets tough, the tough get going, believes Ganesha. You should focus more on solutions than on problems. You will have a terrific evening as Ganesha foresees you enjoying the company of friends.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Ganesha foresees a positive change in your work style at this time of the month. The good news is that you will be able to perfectly balance your personal and professional life. In your love life, try to avoid arguments with your partner.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 You will be in a mystical mood today. You may not be too interested in taking up serious issues. Ganesha wants you to synchronise your thoughts and actions at the workplace. Your love life will be as smooth as ever.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha foresees that the day is quite positive for you. The wise Lord insists that you focus more on long-term plans. Being realistic at work is fine, but your relationship may suffer because of this, says Ganesha.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 The day will see you in a chirpy mood. You may get opportunities to learn or adapt to new things at the workplace. On the personal front, you may think on developing new ways to maintain a harmonious relationship with your sweetheart.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You may have to put in a lot of efforts to arrange meetings and other office related work. Post lunch, important discussions with colleagues will keep you busy. You and your beloved will have a friendly give-and-take of ideas and views. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

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ERGO Thursday, May 14, 2009

Actor Ajith standing in a queue to cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvanmiyur. PHOTO: M. KARUNAKARAN

Actor Surya shows the indelible ink mark on his finger after voting at a polling station in T.Nagar. PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

An elderly woman holds up her ink-marked finger as she leaves after casting her vote at the polling booth at Gopalapuram in Chennai. AFP PHOTO/SESHADRI SUKUMAR