Ergo May 21

A BYTE OF LIFE

Thursday, May 21, 2009

COLLISION COURSE Relations sour between Bhutia and Mohun Bagan

» PAGE 07 FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

No. 93

Want to race? Irungattukottai race track open on Sundays for beginners » PAGE 08

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Easy call Reliance has launched ‘Singapore – Malaysia Calling Card’. The calling card is priced at Rs. 449 and offers an ISD tariff for Rs 3.50/minute on all calls made to South East Asian countries. Customers availing this offer will be offered a talk time of Rs. 407. This offer is available through e-recharge and valid up to June.

At the launch of EarthSync’s Laya Project. THE HINDU FILE PHOTO

Let the music flow

Care Earth launches animal rehabilitation centre

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arthSync, a Chennai-based world music record label, will be hosting the third edition of the ‘EarthSync Festival’. The festival will see fusion performances by acclaimed international artists. To start off, Kartick and Gotam will perform an electrofolk collaboration of musicians from India and Israel. This will be followed by Shoshan, where the acclaimed Israeli composer Shye Ben-Tzur will perform qawwali and folk musicians from Rajasthan. The event will also showcase the collaboration between a music producer (Patrick Sebag) and a sound designer (Yotam Agam), who remixed EarthSync’s folk productions. Above all, the show will be a medley of dance and music artists from around Asia and Middle East with contemporary electronic sound. EarthSync Festival is on May 30 at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Lady Andal School; 6.30 p.m. Tickets for the festival are priced at Rs. 400 and will be available at Landmark, Odyssey, Anokhi and EarthSync office. For more details, call 044 4205 2532.

A NEW HAVEN FOR FURRY AND FEATHERED ONES ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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hennai’s animal friends have another reason to rejoice. The Care Earth Trust, an organisation that focuses on conserving biodiversity for human well-being, formally launched their new animal rehabilitation centre on Monday. The Dax Memorial Animal Rehabilitation and Resource Centre (named after Dr. Jayshree Vencatesan’s much-loved pet ‘Dax’ who passed away in May last year), has been launched in Orapakkam near Vandalur. The event was marked by the launch of the book The Dog: Myths and Realities about Man’s Best Friend by Sheela Rani Chunkath, chairperson of Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation. The first copy was received by Dr. S. Chinny Krishna, Chairman of the Blue Cross of India. The centre is a safe haven for sick and injured birds and animals. They will soon be equipped with a veterinary care centre and will operate mobile veterinary clinics that will enable rescues and emergency life-saving treatment. Addressing the needs of a growing population of busy pet owners, the centre has a facility for pets that require temporary housing when their owners are out of town. This is available for a nominal fee. Ranjit Daniels, Director of Care Earth Trust, welcomes the muchneeded help from the public, specifically with fundraising that would help cover set-up costs. If you’d like to contribute to their seed costs and other welfare activities, cheques or DDs can be made out in favour of the Care

(From Left) Dr. S. Chinny Krishna, chairman, Blue Cross of India, Dr. R. Annamalai, Director, Department of Environment and Sheela Rani Chunkath, chairperson, Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation at the launch of Dax Memorial Animal Rehabilitation and Resource Centre. PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO Earth Trust, Chennai and sent to their administrative office, which is located at New No. 15 (old no 8), 2nd Main Road, Thillaiganganagar, Chennai 600 061. Phone number 6543 5841. Alternatively, you could pay a visit to their premises located at Iyyencheri Village, Orapakkam, about 20 km from Chennai and choose an area of interest, where you would prefer your donation to be used. As

they are a fledgling initiative, they will also find use for second-hand equipment like computer desks and other furniture in usable condition. For more information or queries on volunteering with them, email Ranjit Daniels at [email protected]. ■

03

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bingo launches new flavour Bingo brings to you ‘International Cream & Onion’ - the latest in its finger snacks category with the lip smacking combination of pure cream, delicious cheese and fresh spring onions. The new ‘International Cream & Onion’ is available in 3 packs priced at Rs.5, Rs.10 and Rs. 20.

HCL

launches novel e-waste plan A group of volunteers from the company have welcomed the employees to route the e-waste from their homes to their official e-waste contractor

MONISHA MOHANDAS [email protected]

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n a proactive move to save the environment, a group of volunteers of HCL Technologies have arranged an e-waste management programme for the company’s employees to route the e-waste from their homes through the software giant’s official contractor Trishyiraya Recycling India. Community Service Council, a group of volunteers from HCL, on Wednesday organised an awareness campaign at HCL’s Ambattur facility to create awareness among the employees on the hazards of dumping e-waste along with other garbage. Electronic waste – be it computers, tape recorders or other household electronic items, contain toxic waste and need scientific disposal methods to ensure that they don’t end up irreversibly hurting the

environment. Through the arrangement, e-waste handed over by the employees will be transferred to the e-waste treatment facility of Trishyiraya at the MEPZ (Madras Export Processing Zone), Tambaram.

Awareness campaign Ravi Kishore, co-ordinator of CSC, during the presentation at the HCL Ambattur 5 cafeteria, said: “Despite being one of the largest consumers and producers of e-waste, there is a lack of awareness about the topic in India. The threat is extremely high.” The awareness campaign also set off the company’s Environment Week Celebrations (from 20th May - 5th June). Sighting the example of Japan, Ravi Kishore said, “Though it’s late, stringent actions and rules can help in controlling e-waste. Countries like Japan where dumping e-waste is illegal are free from the e-waste threat.” Like China, India is now confronted with the huge problem of e-waste – both locally generated and internationally imported. P.E. Subhash, commercial manager, Trishyiraya said: “While there have been some initiatives to set regulations for e-waste management, overall, these hazardous wastes are still typically dismantled and recycled by hand in India in unorganized scrap yard settings that lack safeguards and government guidelines.” Playing a video of how some of the recycling industries in India work, Subhash said India has a long to way to go. “Recycling e-waste is a means of livelihood for many people in rural areas. Due to lack of awareness, they are risking their health and the environment as well. Most of the recycling industries in India are dominated by small kids who work with hazardous metals with bare hands. Proper disposal and recycle measures only can improve the conditions of these children.” ■ Does your company also have novel solutions for e-waste? Tell us at [email protected] and we will feature it.

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Cops called over messy room An American dad was so sick of his son’s messy bedroom, he called police. The 28-year-old was found "crying uncontrollably" by cops after the spat with his father

Jennifer Hewitt enters country music Singer/actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is planning to launch a career in country music. The I Know What You Did Last Summer star has recorded a new country tune, and according to boyfriend Jamie Kennedy, “she’s a natural”. “I really want to make her a new demo for her music, because I think she should do singing again. She’s so good,” Contactmusic quoted Kennedy as saying. ANI

Doctor uses household drill to save boy’s life A quick-thinking Australian country doctor described how he borrowed a maintenance worker’s cordless electric drill to bore a hole into the skull of a 13-year-old boy to drain the bleeding that was lethally crushing his brain. “If you are in that situation you just do those things,” Rob Carson told The Australian. “It’s not a personal achievement; it’s just part of the job.” Nicholas Rossi was brought to the district hospital in Maryborough, complaining of a headache after falling off his bicycle and banging his head. Carson reckoned that he had only minutes to relieve the pressure, so he borrowed an electric drill from a handyman to bore a hole just above the boy’s ear to let the blood out. Within minutes, Rossi was showing signs of recovery and an hour later was on a plane to a Melbourne hospital properly equipped for brain surgery.

Google adds automatic translation to Gmail Google added automatic translation technology to Gmail, allowing users of its email service to translate messages in another language with a single mouse click. The Mountain View, California-based Internet giant said it had integrated its Google Translate program into Gmail, allowing automatic translation of messages in several dozen languages. “When you receive an email in a language other than your own, Gmail will help you translate it into a language you can understand,” Google said in a post on the company blog. “If all parties are using Gmail, you can have entire conversations in multiple languages with each participant reading the messages in whatever language is most comfortable for them,” Google said. AFP

Berbatov

going all shaky

ulgarian football star Dimitar Berbatov has remarkably revealed how he gets the shakes before Manchester United matches. The 28-year-old said that it took him a while to win over United fans after switching from Tottenham in a club-record deal at the end of August. The Bulgarian international told The Sun: “I am still nervous but, when you play for the biggest

Socialite heiress Paris Hilton is so fascinated by David and Victoria Beckham that she wants to name her children after the superstar couple. Contactmusic.com reports that the controversial queen has become friends with the pair after dining with the former Spice Girl and her partner in California and she was so impressed by the British celebrities that she is planning to give her future babies the Beckham’s first names. “I am going to ask Victoria and David to be godparents to my children. We had dinner with them in LA and really hit it off. I’m going to name my kids David and Victoria because she is so hot and I want kids as beautiful as her,” she said. IANS

DPA

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Hilton to name her kids after Beckhams

club in the world, you are sometimes shaking before you go on the pitch. Sometimes I show it with my hands or by screaming on the pitch but sometimes it’s the other way around.” Berbatov has enjoyed a solid start to his United career with 14 goals in 42 appearances this term. “If I don’t show it on my face, inside I’m a really happy guy.” ■ ANI

05

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Websites of the day

Chees-us Christ

Beat the forecasters by learning your own weather lore: http://www.coldal.org/weather.htm Check out the best places to travel in 2009: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bluelist/

A couple from Dallas have had their snacktime interrupted by divine intervention after they found a Jesus-shaped crisp in a pack of Cheetos.

Bollywood stars, politicos to rock IPL final

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he IPL final at the Wanderers on Sunday will see the who’s who of India rubbing shoulders with their South African counterparts at an unprecedented gathering here. Although organisers are tight-lipped about the guest list, top Bollywood stars and captains of Indian trade and industry as well as Indian politicians are expected to hog the limelight. Actors Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Rani Mukherjee and Bipasha Basu will join the troupe of world-renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar alongside the pyrotechnics and laser show for what promises to be a spectacular closing ceremony. Many other movie stars, including from southern India, are brand ambassadors for some IPL teams and are likely to be seen at the final. They include Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Ramya and Upendra (Bangalore Royal Challengers); Juhi Chawla, Arjun Rampal, Sajid Khan, and Farah Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders); singer Daler Mehndi (Kings XI Punjab); Vijay and Nayantara (Chennai Super Kings); Ila Arun (Rajasthan Royals); Hansika Motwani (Deccan Chargers); and Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor (Mumbai Indians). Although organisers were unwilling to divulge names for security reasons, some of India’s foremost politicians are also expected to attend the gala finale of the five-week spectacle that has taken South Africa by storm. ■ IANS

Fishing for trash off Rio The aim is not to supplant fishing altogether - nor even to return the bay to pristine condition

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itting in his fishing boat in the bay of Rio de Janeiro, Gabriel has an easy time hauling in his “catch,” plucking it from the sea with his own hands, not with a net. But that’s because the bounty he is grabbing isn’t fish - it’s the floating trash that sullies the waters of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Gabriel, a professional fisherman, is one of an army of boatman-cleaners employed by the state of Rio de Janeiro to remove tons of detritus from the city’s spectacular harbour. “We were catching more and more rubbish in our nets and sometimes it got caught in our boats’ propellers and broke them,” he explained. Under a new state program started early this year, he and the crews on another 140 boats head out three times a week to pick up floating junk that can be recycled: plastic bottles, plastic sheets, pa-

per, and cardboard. On average, 15 tons of trash is recovered each time. The initiative, called Baia Limpa (Clean Bay) and sponsored by Brazil’s state-run oil company Petrobras, is just the latest attempt in a long string of operations to clear Rio’s Guanabara Bay of pollution. Much of the sewage from Rio’s 10 million residents still spills directly into the sea - which also collects old cars, televisions, tires, refrigerators and other discarded items thrown into rivers swollen during the rainy summer months. “Ten years ago, you could still live from fishing. You can’t today,” said Edmo, a 54-year-old who has spent three decades living off the sea. He and Gabriel and the others are employed for three-month stints to clear away the floating trash, during which they receive financial aid. Nearly 1,200 fisher-

men are expected to participate by the end of 2009. Some of the trash that is picked up goes to a recycling plant installed on the bay and financed by the private sector. Anything that can’t be converted is incinerated and used in energy-production. The plant, which handles 30 tons of garbage a day, is a pilot scheme that authorities hope will spread to other parts of Brazil. “We sell units that treat 150 tons of trash a day - which is what a population of 180,000 residents, puts out - for a cost of 15 million dollars,” explained the plant’s manager, Jorge Nascimento. For Rio’s bay, the impact of the new cleaning program has yet to be measured. Perhaps the most telling sign will be any indication its slow disappearance - its sedimentation from the daily avalanche of detritus - has been slowed. ■ AFP

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Cricketer dies in veterans’ match A former first-class cricketer died during a veterans Twenty20 match in Pakistan, leaving organisers contemplating a ban on players with a history of cardiac problems, officials said on Wednesday. Javed Sheikh, 53, collapsed during the match at Asgher Ali Shah stadium in Karachi, having complained of chest pain after bowling three overs.

Somdev scrapes through Keeping Indian challenge alive, Somdev Devvarman edged past Joao Souza in a gruelling encounter to advance to the second round of the qualifying event of the French Open – second Grand Slam of the year in Paris. Seeded 26, India’s No. 1 player recorded a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over his Brazilian opponent in a hardfought encounter lasting for two hour and 27 minutes on Tuesday night. Somdev raced away with the first set in just 29 minutes but a determined Souza was not in mood to surrender and put up a brave fight against the Indian in the second set. The Brazilian did not let Somdev convert any of the three breakpoints and broke the Indian twice out of four chances he got, to draw parity. The decisive third set again saw Somdev squandering many a chances but ultimately he prevailed over Souza to book a second round berth. He will next face Briton Alex Bogdanovic, who defeated American Ryler Deheart 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in his opening round match. Earlier, Prakash Amritraj crashed out of the qualifiers after losing his first round match 4-6, 4-6 to Brazil’s Marcos Daniel.

Right on track India working to secure 2010 Games, says Kalmadi

PTI

National boxing coach to conduct clinics abroad The first Indian to be nominated on the International Boxing Association’s panel of coaches, Gurbax Singh Sandhu is all set to conduct a clinic for his peers in South America next month at the traditional powerhouse of the sport – Cuba. Sandhu, along with two other international coaches from AIBA’s seven-member panel, will conduct the clinic after he returns from the Asian Championship, scheduled from June 5 to 14 at Zhuhai, China. “It will be a three-four day clinic in Havana for coaches in South America. The AIBA panel has the national coaches of Cuba, France, UK among others. Poland’s national coach Adam Kuzier heads this panel,” Sandhu said. After the clinic in Havana, the AIBA panel will meet in July to discuss ways of how to improve the standard of international coaching. On his expectations from the Asian Championships, where India won silver, through Olympic hero Vijender Singh (75kg), and four bronze medals in the 2007 edition, Sandhu said: “It’s difficult to say how well we will perform. Our team is very strong but then we are expecting some fresh faces from other countries and this would give them an element of surprise.” PTI

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi inspecting the Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi. PHOTO: V. SUDERSHAN

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ecurity is the prime concern ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi due to the tense situation in the region, organisers said on Wednesday. “We have to satisfy the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on the security aspect and I am confident we can do that,” organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi told local media. “Security is a very important aspect of the Games and we need to have more communication with the CGF on that.” Security concerns in South Asia have grown after 166 people were killed in militant attacks in Mumbai last November, and gunmen ambushed the bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan in March. Seven Sri Lankan cricketers were injured in the incident, forcing the International Cricket Council to abandon plans

to hold a part of the 2011 World Cup in Pakistan. The CGF and Indian organisers have said that security for the Commonwealth Games, featuring athletes from 71 nations and territories of the former British Empire, will be on par with last year’s Beijing Olympics. “The CGF had sent a couple of delegates to check on the security,” said Kalmadi. “They have given a report for us to follow up on. The scenario in all our neighbouring countries also worries them, so we have to give them a lot of comfort on security.” Organisers are looking at the October 3-14 Games next year to showcase their ability to stage major sporting events with an eye on hosting the Olympics by 2020. Kalmadi admitted there were minor delays in construction of two venues, but promised to have all infrastructures ready six months

ahead of the event. “It took us a while to procure mandatory approval for some infrastructure projects,” he said. “That led to a delayed start, but we have now managed to catch up and most venues will be ready in time for the Games.”Kalmadi said the CGF executive board were satisfied with the progress during a visit to New Delhi earlier this month. “The CGF executive inspected the venues and expressed satisfaction with the way the infrastructure was coming up,” he said. “We need to maintain the momentum, and the organising committee will keep monitoring the execution of infrastructure contracts.” New Delhi is only the second Asian city to be awarded the Commonwealth Games. The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur hosted the 1998 event. ■ AFP

07

Thursday, May 21, 2009

‘‘

We (Delhi Daredevils) were trying to make sure that a lot of the reserve players get a chance to play the games before the semi-finals. It is important that we give everyone a chance because it is quite easy for players to get frustrated after sitting on the sidelines. We were a bit relaxed, I agree, because maybe we have made it to the semi-finals. But hopefully we will do well in the coming matches. Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag after their abysmal loss to Bangalore Royal Challengers

The football’s in Baichung’s court AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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ndian skipper Baichung Bhutia looks to have won the battle against his club Mohun Bagan. The Kolkata giants who had showcaused the forward seem to have lost the battle and it’s Bhutia who is calling the shots now. He has decided not to answer the club’s letter and has flown down to Mumbai to take part in the finale of dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Ja. “All allegations against me are baseless. I had taken prior permission from club officials before giving my consent to the show. We had a brilliant season, winning three trophies. And I don’t know why the club is suddenly gunning for my head,” Bhutia says. “I have played over two decades and nobody can question my commitment. Even as a veteran I can give all the youngsters a run for their money.” Club secretary Anjan Mitra had triggered the row after he questioned Bhutia’s allegiance towards the team and the game itself. “He missed a lot of practice sessions and we cannot have a different set of rules for him. We have issued a letter to him and had given him 48 hours to reply,” Mitra says. “He hasn’t reverted back but we are ready to wait.” Armed with offers from several ILeague clubs like Chirag United, East Bengal, Dempo and Churchill Brothers, Bhutia has already made up his

PHOTO: V. SUDERSHAN

mind to terminate his contract. “I will come back to Kolkata after the final in Mumbai on Sunday and will decide on my future course of action. I am not playing for Mohun Bagan next season – that’s more or less final,” he says. “A few clubs, including East Bengal, have approached me and I will weigh all options.” It is unlikely that Bhutia will leave Kolkata and is almost set to don the red-and-gold jersey with which he had started in the early 90s as a teenager from Sikkim. East Bengal coach Subhash Bhowmick, who is vacationing in England, has welcomed Bhutia to the club’s fold. The talismanic forward has found support from all quarters and Chirag United coach and former player Subrata Bhattacharya says: “Baichung’s work ethic is tremendous. And after 20 years’ service to Indian football it’s unfair to question his commitment and love for the game. And to put him through a media trial cannot be accepted.” His JCT counterpart, Sukhwinder Singh, is also sympathetic towards Bhutia. “What happened with Baichung is unfortunate. I don’t blame him for refusing to play for Bagan. The situation was such that he was left with no option. It is a good decision since the

relationship has gone sour.” Baichung, meanwhile, is trying to stay farthest away from all the controversies for the next few days. “I want to win this show. When I was approached I had date issues. But the channel came to me again with the fresh dates and we finally worked it out. I am not a great dancer but I have grown up watching Mithun Chakraborty dancing. I have danced in nightclubs, but that’s just moving wildly. It’s not about matching steps to a tune and emoting to convey what the lyrics of the song mean. So it was a challenge for me but I am thoroughly enjoying.” ■

Baichung Bhutia’s participation in a dance reality lead to raised eyebrows in Mohun Bagan. In response, the forward is rethinking his association with the club

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

"This has been a success and there have been an increased number of bikes at the circuit off late"

Test your biking and driving skills at the Irungattukottai race track on Sund ays. What’s more, the Mad plans to start short-term racing courses shortly

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re you an F1 or MotoGP fan or a speed freak who would do anything to indulge in the thrill of racing? Here is your chance to not be a mere spectator and cheer from the stands but actually have others cheering for you. The Irungattukottai race track near Sriperumbudur, which is one of the primary race circuits in the country, can be now a learning venue for all those budding

car and motorcycles racers. The 3.74 km race track which is owned and maintained by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), apart from its busy professional racing schedule, is open on Sundays for aspiring motorists who want to get a feel of racing in a real circuit for a fee. One of the two racing tracks in Tamil Nadu (the other being in Coimbatore), the Irungattukottai race track was unveiled in 1990, substituting the Sholavaram air strip which was used as a racing track. The venue has been playing host to various national motor-racing events since it was resurfaced in 2007. Pramod Kumar, Executive Secretary, MMSC, says, “We’ve

opened the track on Sundays despite our busy schedule in order to give racing aspirants and motoring enthusiasts an opportunity. This has been a success and there have been an increased number of bikes at the circuit off late.” Drivers and riders are allowed to practise clockwise on the longer circuit that has three straights and 12 turns including 10 major ones. There is also room for circuit competition, as there is a good turnout. D. Saravanan from Choolaimedu, who is now an aspiring motorcycle racer, started his stint with the track by riding at Irungattukottai on Sundays. “My friend told me about this chance

of riding at the track and I made use of it. I’ve improved very much and it has given me the confidence to go for professional racing,” says Saravanan, who has now applied for a professional licence and is going for professional racing in the same circuit. MMSC mandates a helmet for motorcyclists (riding gear optional) and safety gear for drivers. Due to an overwhelming response from budding riding talents to the race track, MMSC is all set to start coaching classes from June. Announcing this, Pramod Kumar says professional racers will conduct short-term courses, which include theory and practicals. An advanced racing course is also in the pipeline. ■

09

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Ritz range Maruti-Suzuki’s new launch Ritz will be available in five variants - three variants (LXi, VXi & ZXi) with 1.2 litre K12M petrol engine and two variants (LDi & VDi) with 1.3 litre diesel engine, priced between Rs. 3.9 lakh to Rs. 4.99 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki models to be modified

A motorcycle challenge at Irungattukottai race track.

WANT TO RACE? PHOTOS: R. Ragu and R. Shivaji Rao

ras Motor Sports Club also

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ll the models of Maruti Suzuki including the Maruti 800 and Omni are going through various modifications and upgradation to meet Bharat Stage IV emission norms, a senior company official

said. “Our new K series engines are very efficient compared to previous generation engines. So, we are now working on all existing engines to improve the after treatment on emission of the gases,” Maruti Suzuki India’s Managing Executive Officer (Engineering) I. V. Rao told reporters after launching the Maruti’s new Ritz model in Hyderabad. “We are basically working on catalysers on the same engines for different models to meet the Bharat stage norms that will come into effect from April 2010” Rao said. Reacting to reports that Maruti would phase out 800 and Omni models by 2015, Rao said, “We are working on to upgrade the Maruti 800 and Omni besides developing compliant models to meet the new emission norms.” “Based on preliminary tests, we are confident that we will be able to comply both Maruti and Omni to meet Bharat Stage emissions norms, which means it will not only meet BS norms, but it will continue beyond 2010,” Rao added. Maruti Suzuki has planned to roll out its first indigenous model in the next three years, he said adding “We are developing a new model on existing platform, all by our engineers at Maruti in India.” ■ PTI

How to race The Irungattukottai race track is opposite the Hyundai car factory near Sriperumbudur, about 40 kms from Chennai. Anyone interested in driving a car or riding a motorcycle on the track can do so on Sundays. The timings are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for motorcycles for a fee of Rs. 400. The timings are 2 p.m. from 5 p.m. for cars for a fee of Rs. 1,000. Prior booking is advisable to avoid last-minute disappointment. Age limit is 13 years and above. Any bike or car can be used. For more details call 044 – 2499 0998 or email [email protected]. You can also visit www.madrasmotorsports.in

10 FLICK

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

A Very Private Gentleman George Clooney turns assassin in new film

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eorge Clooney has been roped in to play an assassin in a new film titled A Very Private Gentleman. The big screen adaptation of the Martin Booth novel will be directed by Anton Corbijn. The story of the film revolves around an assassin who hides out in an idyllic Italian town before carrying out a final assignment. He resists his usual aversion to human interaction, and his friendships and romantic entanglements complicate his mission, reports Variety. The shooting of the film will begin in Italy this fall. Clooney-starrer comedy film The Men Who Stare at Goats has also found itself a buyer in Overture Films. Overture has grabbed domestic rights to the war comedy featuring Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges and helmed by Heslov. McGregor stars as a journalist who stumbles upon an ex-member (Clooney) of a secret U.S. Army unit that used paranormal tactics. ■ ANI

Million-dollar bags

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ictoria Beckham is a huge aficionado of Hermes Birkin bags. According to the Daily Mail, former Spice Girl has nearly 100 Hermes Birkin bags, worth more than 2 million dollars altogether, reports New York Daily News. The Birkin bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and designed by French fashion house Hermes, usually starts around 7,500 dollars. Posh Spice has been seen carrying the pink ostrich skin and black crocodile versions and also owns the Silver Himalayan style, which comes with a three-carat diamond and is worth about 120,000 dollars. ■ ANI

Drew Barrymore looking for new home with Long

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rew Barrymore is looking for a new home to move in with on-off boyfriend Justin Long. Drew, who recently reunited with the actor after the pair split last July, was spotted inspecting prospective properties with a real estate agent earlier this month, reported femalefirst.co.uk. “Drew wants to live with Justin in a sort of trial marriage, so that’s why she’s looking for a new home,” said a source. ■ IANS

Now, good looks are a problem

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essica Biel complains that her good looks are proving to be “a problem” when it comes to getting meatier roles offered to contemporaries Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. “It really is a problem,” the dailymail.co.uk quoted Biel as saying. ■ IANS

11

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Jacko likely to make appearance on X Factor Michael Jackson is being lined up to make an appearance in the X Factor final. If reports are to be believed, executives from production company Talkback Thames are already in talks with Michael’s manager Frank DeLeo. Apparently, Simon Cowell is keen to feature him as a mentor to one of the three finalists. If Cowell has his way, Michael would also be seen singing a duet with his contestant.

Yash Raj

Cine City

Films’ new blue-eyed boy

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ctor Shahid Kapur seems to have become Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) favourite. His first venture with the production giant is yet to hit the screens, but the actor has already signed another film with the banner. Shahid’s first film with YRF is being directed by Anurag Singh. He has teamed up with Rani Mukherji in the film, which was earlier titled Hadippa, which is said to be about cricket. The second project that Shahid has been signed up for will be actor Parmeet Sethi’s directorial debut and he teams up with Anushka Sharma of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fame. “The Yash Raj camp sees Shahid as the classic romantic hero who has the potential to turn on the sexy or rugged vibe when required,” said a source close to the actor. ■

Santhosh Sivan roped in for Raavan We hear that cinematographer Santhosh Sivan has been approached by director Mani Ratnam for his upcoming flick Raavan. The reason behind this was the quitting of cameraman Manikandan from the project. Sources say that Manikandan has been booked by Farah Khan for her new project which kickstarts in June. With Raavan getting delayed, Manikandan walked out of the project. With more than 60 per cent of the film complete, Santhosh Sivan is expected to complete the remaining. The Mani Ratnam – Santosh Sivan duo have churned out blockbuster films like Roja, Thalapathi, Iruvar and Uyire.

IANS

Arya in Johnny remake? The concept of remake has become favourite in Tamil Cinema and the latest we hear is plans are on to remake Rajinikanth’s yesteryear hit movie Johnny. John Mahendran, son of ace director Mahendran, who originally directed Johnny, will be directing the new version. Sources say that actor Arya has been considered for the role.

12

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Wednesday’s Query: Suggest one cold treat your office can supply (free) this season. ■ Kuchi ice Santhu FBSC, Prasad TCS

■ Take the employees to a cool hill stations or shift the office there Dhivahar.R Wipro

■ Should not turn off the AC Saranya.M Cognizant

■ One bubble top Fosters beer can instead of water can CP.Rajesh Allsec, Pavan IBM

■ Nunghu (palm fruit) with cold milk

Vignesh from Cognizant Technology Solutions has nominated his friends ( Vinoth, Vijay, Vivek, Vinu, Vignesh, Rames, Saravanan, P Kamatchi, Saravanan, D Ramkumar) as Parters in Crime. This picture was taken at Angamaly Railway Station during their trip to kerala.

Arunachalam Cognizant

■ Cone ice cream Jai Allsec

■ Family pack Arun ice cream Arunkumar Allsec

■ Fountain Pepsi vending machine for free instead of coffee machines Sivalingam.R CSC

■ Cost cutting nu solli kudika thani a cut pannama irunda podum Roopa Ford

■ Cold spicy buttermilk garnished with coriander leaves Abhinetri TCS, Rajitha Perotsystems, Karthik, Venkatesh HCL, David Finny Allsec, Deena Wipro, K.Sivaramakrishnan Allsec

S.Santhosh from Wipro has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime.

■ Tender coconut Ramya Jayaseelan Cognizant

■ AC cabs Hemu Wipro

■ A big bath tub Priyadharshini TCS

Today’s Query: Now that the Fake IPL Player has come out the closet and called himself a bluffmaster, what’s your take on the blog? Sunitha from Perot System BPO Pvt Ltd has nominated her friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Vandaloor Zoo.

13

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Magesh from CTS has been nominated as Office Angel by his colleague Jaya. He is a wonderful person who supports and encourages his co-staffs. He always comes up with a different ideas and innovative thoughts. He also loves to travel a lot.

■ Hi Kalyani, Wish you many more happy returns of the day....For everyone the new year begins on January 1st, but for me it begins from your birthday....May u achieve all ur targets in life. God Bless You !! Happy Birthday once again !! Kiran Hewitt Associates

■ Dear Susanta K Mishra, " WISH YOU MANY MORE HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY" If there’s something that you’re dreaming of then may it all come true, because you deserve it all...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip. Dont forget to treat else you will get beat. With Luv From VDSI CMMI ROCKERS

■ Dear Kesav, I love my life Because it gave me you I love you Because you are my life Happy Birthday to the Love of My Life. Loving Wife, Mrs. Manonmani Kesav, HCL technologies

■ Hi Karthik(**Star**), Sending birthday blessings Filled with love and peace and joy Wishing sweetest things happen Right before your eyes ! Once a year we get the chance To wish you birthday cheer. It pleases us to say, we wish you another great year. So happy birthday to you (Karthik), From the bottom of our heart. And may your good times multiply infinitely

Mariabhoobalan from Infosys doodled this.

With care, Rainbow Team Hexaware Technologies

1.Angelina Jolie is crying, Jackie Chan: hey! Why r u crying? Arnold: hey what happened to u? Vijayakanth: Dey, niruthungada, ivvalavu kettingale, andha pulla ethukku azhuvutnunu kettingala?????? 2.Erumbu ninaicha yar kathai venumnalum kadikalam, aana yaar ninaichalum erumbu kaatha kadika mudiyathu.. Careshine, STG

■ Dear Jibsy, For Sweet and gOOd Friend A friend is never a coincidence In your life, they are meant to enter your Life to bring you joy and laughter. So I will treasure the friendship between us SWEET HEART is a special word for Love, LOVE is a special word for care, CARE is a special word for friend The FRIEND is a special word for U! Advance Birthday Wishes for my dear friend Thanks & Regards Sachin Pushpoth Sears Holdings Managemen Corporation

■ Dear Arun, May the Novelty and Freshness, that are a part of this auspicious day, fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, ahead this year... Wish you a very Happy Birthday..!! With love, PENSTOCK Team, HCL Technologies

■ Hello Gokul (Monitor Manda), On this Special day We wish you a Very Happy Birthday.May it bring u with loads of joy .All the Best for ur delightful Journey.Keep Rocking. Best Wishes from iRonicz Spiders Team TCS, iNautix,fidelity-Chennai & Mumbai . Musigma, NSN, Tata Elexi, EMC-Bangalore Juno, Deshaw, Commvault-Hydrabad.

■ Dear MMK, Hearty wishes from all of us on this wonderful day!! May God’s blessings be with you all through you life!! Wishing you a very happy birthday!!! Cheerz and wishes, Friends, New Age Software and Solutions. Ashok Nagar.

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Prem Kumar On your Birthday, We ish all your dreams are fulfilled We hope that for every candle on your cake you get a wonderful surprise. We wish for you that whatever you most in life, it comes to you, just the way you imagined it, or better. Wish you happy Birthday . SISPA TEAM Selle synergy

■ WISHING HAPPY ANNIVERSARY (IQBAL KHAN & MUMTAZ) Mom and Dad It’s a day that brings memories of the time you both filled with laughter, fun and surprises ...It’s also a perfect time to thank you for your guidance, love and inspiration, a time to wish both of you a wonderful life, now and forever. ANNIVERSARY WISHES Dear Parents Your’s Ever Loving Kids, Mubeena, Naveeth, Irshu, Nazu, Vinoth, Imail, Rahamath.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Cross-dressing ceremony A British man was the bride and groom at his recent wedding to his longterm girlfriend - he’s a crossdresser who wore a suit to the ceremony and changed into a wedding gown at the reception.

sudoku

Zahur Sadiq from Perot Systems has shot this picture at MaduraiManamadurai Highway using his Sony Ericsson W810i mobile camera Entries to the column will get gift vouchers from Bubbles Spa worth Rs.1,000. Winners can come to Ergo office on weekends between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to collect the vouchers. Call 2857 6688.

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

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KAKURO

15

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Dog’s dinner

Word’s worth

A Yorkshire England nurse had some explaining to do to hospital bosses - after she couldn’t get to work because her pet spaniel ate her car keys.

Widdiful (wid-i-full) someone who deserves hanging. Another word with this meaning is waghalter. From widdy, ‘a rope for hanging.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You may easily pass the first half of the day but during the second half, files will just pile up on your desk. Communication is on the cards, with your Inbox overflowing with mails. On the love front, Ganesha foresees you enjoying a wonderful evening.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Nothing seems crystal clear to you. Just relax! This confusion will last only during the beginning of the day, assures Ganesha. Evening will find you in a clearer state of mind. Good news from a far off place will bring a smile on your face.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 With luck favouring you, things should go well today. Correspondence on important tasks are in the offing. Since you will meet most of your deadlines, time you spend in office today will be most satisfying.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 It’s the second half of the day which will see you in full action, thanks to the strength conferred on you by planetary positions. But it’s a bad idea to take up any work in the first part of the day. In the evening you will rush to take beloved in your arms.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Take a pill, but don’t get uneasy if perfectly normal things start going haywire. In setting things right, you may skip lunch. On the personal front, getting an approval from your sweetheart for something may not be that easy today.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Things will be all lively and merry around you today. Look back, dude, you are one step ahead on your road to professional success. But Ganesha wants you to be everyone’s favourite, so stop saying negative things.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Say cheese! Today, your stars are smiling at you. Ganesha thinks you should take advantage of this situation and improve career prospects. Don’t say, “Oh! It’s not my job”. Just do whatever comes your way and impress your boss.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 The genius in you will come to the fore at the work front. You will earn your boss’ thumbs up for a job done well. But the real challenge will be to deliver quality work within a deadline, says Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Strong winds of opposition may try to swerve you off your course today. But don’t let them affect you, advises Ganesha. You and your beloved will enjoy that blissful moment that all love birds desire.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Having jump-started your day with lot of hard work, your batteries may go down later in the day. Add to this, your emotions and reasons are clashing with each other. Amid this discord, you will wind up your day’s work sooner than usual.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 There’s enough technical work on your plate to keep you occupied in the first part of the day. This may leave you starved of energy and you may yearn to reach home soon. But it’s not for your beloved that you rush home but for food and solitude.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 With clouds of confusion blocking your thoughts, things will remain hazy today. Every small thing will disturb you, making it tough for you to concentrate on a single task. Watch your words! They can affect your friends more than you realise. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Thursday, May 21, 2009

Cambodian fine arts school students take part in a performance to mark the annual ’Day of Anger’ at the Choeung Ek killing fields memorial near Phnom Penh. AFP PHOTO / TANG CHHIN SOTHY

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz poses during the photocall of the movie Los Abrazos Rotos at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Australian cricketers (from left) Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Stuart Clark pose with a ’50 days to go’ cake at the Sydney Cricket ground following the announcement of the Australian squad for this year’s Ashes cricket tour to England, in Sydney. AFP PHOTO / GREG WOOD