Ergo May 22

A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, May 22, 2009

R.I.P. ICL

With no players, no administrators and more importantly no money, ICL will be in no hurry to fall into another misadventure anytime soon

» PAGE 07 Vol. 3

FREE CIRCULATION

No. 94

Work away from work Five employees from Infosys have opted for the sabbatical programme initiated by the company last year, viewed as a much needed effort towards Corporate Social Responsibility

» PAGE 04

02

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Namma Chennai Food

Food

CCD beats the heats Here’s one more reason why you must hang out at Café Coffee Day this summer. CCD has introduced a range of seven new beverages to beat the heat this summer. Green apple and lemon iced tea, strawberry slush, strawberry and mango soda, frozen banana caramel, iced cappuccino, snicker shake...each promises to be a refreshing treat. Sip on!

Music

Rock on Some of the most happening bands are part of the five-cities tour organised by Rolling Stones and Z3 Shirts from the House of Zodiac. This Saturday, Junkyard Groove and Them Clones will perform at YMCA Amphi Theatre. While Junkyard Groove is among the few Indian bands which have staged at international platforms, Them Clones is a Delhi-based band. For details call 99628 06615.

The night is lovely The roof top restaurant at The Residency invites you for a fine dinning experience this summer with Italian delicacies and Indian specials of the Awadhi cuisine. You can sip some vintage wine with pasta flavoured delicately with aromatic herbs. The Crown promises to stun you with a breathtaking view and its relaxing indoors. For reservations call 2815 6363.

Workshop

Art attack Workshop

The Shristi School of Fine Arts is conducting a six-day workshop in Kalamkari painting. The classes will be held from May 25 to 30; 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. at C1, Shivani Block, II, No 40, East Coast Road, Thiruvanmiyur. For details call 97908 39026.

Learn to dance Shadowz V-Rule Academy of Dance and Art is celebrating its sixth year. The dance school teaches different dance styles to people from all ages. Hip hop, ballroom, salsa...the school is sure to get you hooked to your dancing shoes. Besides classes for children, they conduct ballroom and salsa classes for corporates. To know more about a dance form call 98412 27131. The academy is located at No 231, 4th Floor, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore.

Movie

Russia calling Torpedo Bombers (directed by Semyon Aranovich) and Only Old Men are Going to Battle (Directed by Leonid Bykov) will be screened today as part of the Russian Film Festival. The screening starts at 6 p.m. and 7.45 p.m.

03

Friday, May 22, 2009

Summer pick Aavaranaa, the exclusive ethnic boutique in Alwarpet, has stocked a range of simple clothing for the summers. There are a wide range of salwar suits and materials ranging from simple cottons to kota cotton, chiffon and elegant silks to pick from.

Soulful renderings Friends of the late Vikram and Arjun have composed a song in their memory

Arjun and Vikram during some good times DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

T

hey were no celebrities but were stars of their own in Namma Chennai rock circuit, but their sudden loss has created a vacuum in the community. The Exodus, an event management group, will be organising a music concert on May 23 from 6 p.m. at Alliance Francaise in memory of the two young and talented citybased musicians – Vikram and Arjun, fondly known as OurJ. Last month, while Vikram (20) was on his way to meet his band members for a practice session, a lorry driver on losing control of the vehicle rammed into his

bike. The following week, a bus ran over 19-year-old Arjun’s bike when he was going to his college to write an exam. Eddy from Exodus group says, “They had a huge fan following and all of them will miss the duo.” “This is one way we can pay our tribute to the upcoming talented musicians. Arjun had great potential to make it big in the music world.” Armour of God, Black Dahlia, TWKC, Crossroads, Skrat, Incarcerated Crypted, Peter Kaapi, Kashmora, and Ramesh will be performing on the occasion. Eric Clapton had composed a song Tears in Heaven for his late four-year-

Now, a bicycle at

Rs. 2 lakh S

ome good news for avid cyclists. TI Cycles of India, one of the leading bicycle manufacturers, has launched ‘Criclocross Carbon’ concept performance bicycle in partnership with international bicycle manufacturer Bianchi and Cannondale. The cycle is priced at Rs. 2 lakh. The CCC concept is a hand-

crafted Italian bicycle with hi-end shimano components. The cycle comes with KVID technology and helps absorbs vibration and increase the rider’s comfort. KVID Technology is usually used in aircrafts to smooth the flight process. One of the features that make this performance bicycle unique is that it is fully made of carbon, which makes it light weight and truly topping the wish list of a cyclist. Enthusiasts can drop in at BSA GO showroom at No.29/2, Land Marvel, MG Road, Shastri Nagar, Adyar to get a glimpse of the bicycle. Ergo Correspondent

old son who fell from the balcony. Likewise, the duo’s friends from the circle have composed a song for keyboard player Vikram from Black Dahlia and former ace bass guitarist Arjun from Armour of God and TWKC. Addy, the guitarist from Armour of God, says, “We were shocked on hearing this unexpected news. All of us shared a great rapport and they were brilliant artistes.” During the concert, there will be a silent prayer meet and a short documentary on road safety. Eddy says, “The roads in the city are really bad and some action must be taken. We don’t wish to lose any more talented artistes.

Since a majority of the audience are expected to be youngsters, we hope to send out the message of prudent driving and sensitise them about the consequences of drunken driving or just plain non-abidance of road rules.”■

What, When, Where Event: In memory of a loss, in memory of a lesson When: May 23; 6 p.m. Where: Alliance Francaise, College Road

Summer sun on me

쒀 A mechanic makes time for a nap as temperatures continue to soar in the city. On Thursday Chennai recorded a temperature of 36.8 degree celsius. PHOTO : R. RAVINDRAN

04

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Big Story

Work away from work Five employees have opted for the community sabbatical policy that Infosys introduced LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

“Y

our 14 years of life are going to change if you adopt a stray dog…,” Sriram Vepuri explains, either through examples or case studies, depending on the audience he is addressing. It is 9.15 a.m. on a Friday and the 24-year-old Infoscion closes our brief telecon as if to signal that he has to hurry up for an orientation session at the Cognizant campus in Hyderabad. It is another D-Day for the honorary educational officer with Blue Cross, Hyderabad. For the first time, Vepuri is all set to enlighten a gathering of around 300 IT professionals about the welfare of animals and birds. The technical specialist with Infosys is donning a different role for six months, courtesy Infosys’ policy to encourage employees to engage with a community development programme. “All these months I have been addressing schools and educational institutions, but this is my first interaction with a corporate crowd,” Vepuri explains why he is looking forward to the 45-minute session.

Community sabbatical Last November, Infosys had issued letters asking interested em-

Helping Hands: Sriram Vepuri at Blue Cross, Hyderabad and Nidhi Malhotra (below) at The Banyan’s tailoring unit in Chennai four of which are currently engaged in different roles – away from the cushy comforts of the workplace. And if the words of these employees are to be believed, there are other colleagues keen on giving it a shot. ployees to go on a sabbatical for a period of one year. Infoscions were provided three different options in community service – join an approved R&D organisation to take up non-commercial research activity for public welfare, volunteer with a charitable organisation/government/para-governmental organisation or take up a teaching assignment at one of the approved 100 Engineering colleges and 50 Management institutions. It was also announced that “during this period Infosys would pay 50 per cent of the compensation they are earning. Post this period the employee will return to the regular job structure at Infosys”. It has been some good months since the company panel welcomed the decision of five of its employees,

Lessons from life Pramod Kumar Yadav is on a sabbatical with Sankalp India Foundation (a blood donation organisation), while Viswanath Sridharan is on a hiatus with The Institute of Leadership and Institutional Development, an NGO that works on leadership development. Each of them has chosen a programme he or she is most inclined towards. Nidhi Malhotra, for example, is senior project manager who has been with Infosys for the last 11 years. Having been brought up in Chennai and familiar with the work of The Banyan, an NGO that works for mentally-ill women, Nidhi decided to give her mite for the institute when the sabbatical policy was introduced.

“Personally fulfilling – that’s what I would call my six-month sabbatical with The Banyan and not as a break from work,” she says. “I write proposals for their different projects. It is different from what I was doing at Infosys; here there’s some amount of creativity involved, too.” Awareness campaigns among corporates, helping the institute in their advocacy initiatives, writing seminar reports, interacting with people… Nidhi says her stint has been an “eye-opener”. Something which others in their respective programme will vouch for. Vepuri has been active with Blue Cross even during his regular stint at the company. Actor-turned-activist Amala has been my mentor, he says. His current projects include bringing out a transformation in the IT front at Blue Cross of Hyderabad and initiating a new service, Animal Care Management (ACM), for animals that were adopted from the organisation. Some good thoughts, deeds, analysis and action! ■

05

Friday, May 22, 2009

Passers-by outside a newspaper mart in Pudupet stop to look at a poster announcing that LTTE’s Prabhakaran is alive. PHOTO. R. RAVINDRAN

Once before! In 1989 Nakkheeran published a similar picture and report on the rumoured death of Vellupillai Prabhakaran, using an image of Prabhakaran with a copy of Tamil daily Dinamalar. The daily soon condemned the publication for the image and initiated legal proceedings.

Prabhakaran lives on in a Tamil magazine Nakkheeran reports that the LTTE supremo is alive, and has a computer-modified image on its cover to prove its point. Or has it pulled a fast one on all? ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

C

hennai woke up on Thursday morning to the surprise wall posters and cover photo on Nakkheeran magazine, of slain LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran alive and seated on a chair and watching images of his corpse on television with a chuckle. The picture, which appears to be morphed, also shows him holding the latest edition of

Tamil newspaper Dinamani carrying a front-page article on his demise and the television flashing images of his dead body. The images on posters plastered all over the city caught the attention of many residents. The magazine itself has suggested that the images of the LTTE leader’s bullet-ridden body, released world over by the Sri Lankan government’s defence website and also carried by reputed news

agencies, were fake. The magazine was in huge demand on Thursday as it stated that Prabhakaran is alive after escaping via sea from the attack of the Sri Lankan forces. It also said that he would make a public appearance soon, quashing the Sri Lankan government claims of killing him. Nakkheeran Editor R.R. Gopal was not available for comments. Ergo spoke to L. Periyyah, a senior sub-editor from Nakkheeran, who con-

firmed that the cover photograph was a computer-generated image used for the purpose of illustration. “But all the information on Prabhakaran is 100 per cent true. He is alive and healthy in a safe and undisclosed location. It is true that his son Charles Antony has been killed in the war but the rest of the family had gone out of Sri Lanka a long time ago,” Mr. Periyyah said. Taking about the discovery of Prabhakaran’s body, he

said that the body being passed of as that of the LTTE chief’s was actually that of a look-alike. “Five years ago, Prabhakaran had shaved off his moustache. Moreover, Prabhakaran had a very prominent injury mark on his finger, which is missing on the body shown. The face of the body found is also intact, despite claims of the Sri Lankan army that it has been in water for over a day,” he said. ■

06

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Sport

Star studded closing ceremony The grand finale of Indian Premier League’s second season promises to be a gala affair with renowned musicians and Bollywood celebrities slated to perform at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. Superstars Shilpa Shetty and Katrina Kaif, Caribbean music legend Eddy Grant and American R&B singing sensation Akon are some of the names who will jazz up the final.

Figo wants to play in China Former World Player of the Year Luis Figo wants to extend his career outside Europe and would consider playing in the Chinese Super League (CSL), a Chinese newspaper reported on Thursday. The Portugal midfielder announced his retirement from “high level” football after helping Inter Milan to a fourth successive Serie A title last weekend. “I am still waiting for the calls from outside Europe, from U.S. or Japan,” the 36-year-old told the Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports. “I am also happy to accept recruitment offers from CSL clubs,” he added. Unlike Japan, the Arabian Gulf and the U.S., Chinese football has not frequently attracted big name players looking to play out their careers. Former Italian international and AS Roma midfielder Damiano Tommasi currently plays for Tianjin Teda, while former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne had a few months at Chinese second flight club Gansu Tianma in 2003. Reuters

Johnson ready to cede Ashes leadership Paceman Mitchell Johnson insisted on Thursday that he would bear no grudges if veteran fast-bowlers Brett Lee or Stuart Clark returned to lead Australia’s bowling attack during the Ashes series against England. Johnson has impressed during Lee and Clark’s injury-enforced absence, spearheading an inexperienced Australian bowling line up and marking himself as one of the world’s best fast bowlers during this year’s tour of South Africa. But with Lee and Clark both named in the Ashes squad and itching for a chance to again clash with Australia’s oldest cricketing rival, Johnson faces the prospect of being relegated down the pecking order. He said there would be no ructions in the Australian camp if he had to cede the senior role. “Those guys are the senior guys and they’ve got the experience and they’ve been around to earn their positions,’” he said. “I’ll be looking forward to those guys taking the leadership role and I’m not going to change anything in my game.”

Shakhtar Samba Slick Shakhtar prevail in UEFA Cup final

A

n extra-time goal from Brazilian mid-fielder Jadson earned Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup final in Istanbul to clinch the Ukrainian side’s first European title. Jadson’s 15-yard shot slipped through the grasp of Werder goalkeeper Tim Wiese in the 97th minute after the teams had been locked 1-1 at the end of normal time on Wednesday. The Germans thought they had snatched an equaliser in the last minute of the additional period, only for on-loan Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro’s bundled effort to be ruled out for a foul on Dmytro Chygrynskiy. Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano had finished coolly giving Shakhtar the lead in the first half, before an error by goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov allowed Werder centre-back Naldo to level. Shakhtar become the first team from Ukraine to lift a European trophy since the break-up of the Soviet Union, while they will also be the last team to lift

the UEFA Cup before its relaunch as the Europa League next season. Mircea Lucescu’s side settled first at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium and spurned the game’s first clear opening when Adriano shot wide after being cleverly picked out on the cusp of the Werder area by Jadson. The Ukrainians, inspired by the inter-play of their five-man Brazilian contingent, then went ahead in the 25th minute when Adriano ran onto a loose pass and delicately lifted the ball over the advancing Wiese. Werder had overturned deficits against pre-tournament favourites AC Milan and local German rivals Hamburg earlier in the competition, and 10 minutes before half-time they drew level when Naldo’s thumping 30-yard free-kick was tamely palmed into the net by Ukraine interna-

tional Pyatov. Wiese proved to be made of sterner stuff when he superbly touched away a stinging drive from Mariusz Lewandowski at full-stretch just before the interval. The German shot-stopper kept out a Jadson free-kick early in the second period as Shakhtar resumed their occupation of the Werder defensive third, the orange-shirted players zipping passes across the pitch with beguiling ease. Werder missed the promptings of their suspended Brazilian playmaker Diego, but they were inches away from going in front when Pizarro’s glanced header was repelled by a sprawling Pyatov. Wiese pushed away a longrange effort from Darijo Srna as Shakhtar began extra-time on the front foot and moments later they took a decisive lead when Jadson met Srna’s centre with a low drive that crept beneath Wiese into the bottomleft corner. ■ AFP

AFP

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian midfielder Jadson (centre) celebrates after their UEFA Cup triumph Werder Bremen at Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP

07

Friday, May 22, 2009

‘‘

I don’t think Delhi Daredevils are the best side in the competition. I think it is Chennai Super Kings who look a better side. And Chennai Super Kings are probably the favourites to win. Shane Warne

The ICL caves in to pressure from the ICC and BCCI AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

A

tame end to the “rebel” looks likely. The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has failed to keep its flag flying in front of repeated assault from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). In a battle of deep pockets the BCCI seems to have had the last laugh with the ICL releasing 50 of its 140 contracted players on Wednesday. In an official statement the ICL Board says: “A few domestic and overseas players and support staff have ap-

proached us with an application to be released from ICL to pursue cricket with the state associations. The same was due to the announcement made by the BCCI offering to take the players back into their fold. We are happy that many good domestic players got the opportunity to play at the highest level with international talent in the ICL events. ICL will continue to bring up and nurture younger talents for future. We wish them the best for their promising careers and would hope that there would be no victimisation of the innocent.” The statement, though carefully guarded, is a departure from ICL’s previous stand of direct confrontation. A much mellowed down Subhas Chandra who has suffered immense financial loses in the current year may at last have to bow down to BCCI diktat after his failed attempt to find recognition in ICC. The economic Frankenstein the Essel Group owner had created a couple of seasons back has come back to haunt him as global recession and continued BCCI opposition has made it impossible for him to even hold a match for

close to a year. However, they are still trying to put up a brave front. “If a player wants to leave as better opportunities are available we will not hold him back. Our aim is to unearth talent and if it blossoms we are happy. But ICL will continue and we will keep on unearthing newer talent,” ICL business head Himanshu Mody says. “The search for new players will begin sometime next month. When we launched there was scepticism about where we would get players from. We answered the sceptics. Now again the same question is being raised. There is enough talent in this country for us to thrive.” ICL Board director Kiran More also doesn’t see the exodus as an end game. “Players’ interest is paramount to us. And our job is to bring in Indian talent and give them a platform to perform at the international stage and I think we will continue in that regard,” he says. “We were not here to make money with big names but to promote cricket. And I am not ready to jump ship because of a few failures. We are planning to move court against the ICC and I am sure we

will get recognition by the end of the year.” Interestingly though, a few of More’s former teammates – Madan Lal, Sandip Patel and Balwinder Singh Sadhu – have already severed ties with the league. “How can you promote cricket without actually playing?” Sandhu asks. Former India international Deep Dasgupta too blames the quantity of cricket behind his decision to switch sides. “I still have two or three years of cricket left in me,” Dasgupta says. “I am not sure what is happening with the ICL and would love to play for my state side now.” ICL chairman Kapil Dev too may follow suit, though for the time being he is noncommittal. “I am still with the ICL and in a couple of days I will make my position clear.” With the Pakistanis already out of the equation other international stars like Shane Bond, Justin Kemp, Darrel Tuffey and Russel Arnold may also take the exit route. With no players, no administrators and more importantly no money, the ICL will be in no hurry to fall into another misadventure anytime soon. ■

The ICL started with much fanfare in 2007 with former greats like Kiran More, Kapil Dev and Erapalli Prasanna on the Board. PHOTO: VIVEK BENDRE

Taming of the Shrewd

08

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Corne

For a few days every year, Key red

Shrewd nude Angelina Jolie, Cannes favourite Penelope Cruz and former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh carried forward the season’s nude trend. Jolie, while quelling rumours of a rift with Brad Pitt, showed off her multiple tattoos to advantage in a floorlength Atelier Versace gown at the screening of Inglourious Basterds. Penelope Cruz opted for knee-length D&G dress during a day photo shoot. Michelle Yeoh, on the other hand, made two appearances in nude gowns – both Roberto Cavalli.

09

Friday, May 22, 2009

ered in Cannes

Portfolio

the French Riviera turns as much into a celebration of fashion as films. d carpet trends from the 62nd Cannes Film Festival:

Face of Lace The lace trend was represented by Dutch model Doutzen Kroes, actor Rachel Weisz, L’Oreal face Evangeline Lilly and Cannes jury president and actor Isabelle Huppert. While Kroes’ grey lace Azzedine Alaia dress was also seen on Zoe Saldana during Star Trek’s London premiere recently, Isabelle Huppert worked this summer’s two key trends simultaneously – nude and lace – in an Armani Prive creation. Constant Gardener star Rachel Weisz wore a green lace Dior, while Evangeline Lilly wore Valentino.

Liking lilac While there’s no escaping the blacks and reds on red carpets, lilac emerged as a hot favourite at this year’s Cannes red carpet. At the screening of Bright Star, Eva Longoria Parker shone in lilac Atelier Versace, while co-star Abbie Cornish wore a lavender gown by Australian designer Tony Maticevski. Penelope Cruz outshone many in a lilac Marchesa gown, while model Devon Aoki strutted in Alberta Ferretti. Compiled by Shalini Shah

10

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Flick

Jordan ‘shuts home doors on Peter Andre’ Katie Price a.k.a Jordan has reportedly banned estranged hubby Peter Andre from stepping into their 3-million pound mansion in Surrey. Aussie singer Peter is said to be house hunting after his TV reality star- wife trashed any hopes of reconciliation and even reset the code on the security alarm.

‘Jacko set to undergo surgery’ The 50-year-old King of Pop will have a painful skin-shaving operation to remove layers on his chest and nose

nose. The news comes just hours after it was announced that his first four concerts at the O2 arena had been postponed. While the opening night has been put back to July 13, three other gigs, previously slated for July 10, 12 and 14, will not be staged until March next year But organisers of the star’s 50 gigs denied any link between the two stumbling blocks. “The date change has nothing to do with his health. The truth is the show has grown in scope and complexity and size,” the Sun quoted Randy Phillips, head of concert promoters AEG Live, as saying. Meanwhile, the postponed shows have left fans fuming. Sarah Ketterer, who booked two 100-pound seats for July 10, said: “Michael Jackson has let down thousands of fans.” Telecoms analyst Ben Wood, said: “I’m incensed. I’m not interested any more.” ■

M

ichael Jackson will reportedly undergo surgery on his skin cancer to clear his flesh of potentially lethal growths. The King of Pop had been reported having spots of the disease on his upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face. But his spokesman dismissed the claims, insisting the singer, who was due to perform his 150million pound comeback shows in London beginning from July 8, is in “perfect health”. And now, recent reports suggest the 50-year-old will have a painful skin-shaving operation to remove layers on his chest and

ANI

Singer Michael Jackson (third from left) during auditions for dancers in Los Angeles.

AFP PHOTO

Mickey Mouse’s voice Brangelina photographed Wayne Allwine dies at 62 together after three Well-known as the voice of Mickey months Mouse, American actor Wayne Allwine has passed away, aged 62. Allwine, who had been working for The Walt Disney Co since 1966, started lending his voice to the famous mouse in 1977. He reportedly died of complications from diabetes, with his wife, an actress who was the voice of Minnie Mouse, by his side. Allwine’s voice can still be heard at Disney theme parks around the world. He also voiced Mickey in Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He was the third person to voice Mickey, following Walt Disney himself and Jimmy MacDonald. According to the BBC, Allwine once said: “Mickey’s the real star. You know you just have to love the little guy while you have him, because he won’t be yours forever.”

After staying away from the limelight as a couple for three months, actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were clicked together at the Cannes Film Festival. Jolie, 33, who is suffering from a cold, arrived in Cannes on May 19 to be with Pitt, 45, at the premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. While on the red carpet at the festival, Pitt admitted that he did not remember how he agreed to be in the movie. “Quentin came to visit. I get up the next morning and see five empty bottles of wine - and something that resembles a smoking apparatus,” the Mirror quoted him as saying. “I don’t know what that was about - and apparently I had agreed to do this film,” he added.

ANI

ANI

11

Friday, May 22, 2009

No takers for Paris Hilton’s paid appearances anymore Paris Hilton reportedly failed to stir some dough after event coordinators shook their heads to pay 100,000 dollars for her appearance. The millionaire hotel heiress, who recently hit Cannes, was allegedly left without any takers. “No one bit. They aren’t about to pay her. It’s not 2002,” the New York Post quoted one event producer as saying.

Nandana Sen injured, requires hip operation

A

ctor Nandana Sen sustained a serious hip injury while shooting a fight sequence for Prince with Vivek Oberoi but the actress is determined to wrap up the film before going for surgery. “These things happen during a film. Cannot be avoided. My joint has sustained a major labrium tear. Only surgery can rectify it, and the soonest possible,” Nandana told IANS. Nandana, who was seen in films like My Wife’s Murder, Tango Charlie and Black, got temporary surgery done so that her shooting doesn’t get disrupted. “It was a bit complicated and very painful. Steroid was administered directly into the injury track by scanning machines. It should work for two weeks,” she said. Although her worried family has advised her against it, Nandana hopes to complete Prince in these two weeks before going for the surgery. “I don’t want the shooting to suffer. But I’m suffering. (Singer) Shakira was right - hips don’t lie,” said the actress who was in the news for the controversial nude scenes in Ketan Mehta’s forthcoming film Rang Rasiya. ■ IANS

Cine City Vettaikaran, a Telugu remake? If grapevine is true, Vettaikaran is the remake of superhit Telugu film Vikramarkudu. The movie released in 2006 had Ravi Teja and Anushka playing the lead roles. Ravi Teja played a dual role in the film, that of a petty thief and a police officer. After Pokkiri, Vijay will be donning the role of a cop again in Vettaikaran. The movie being directed by Babu Sivan would be distributed by AVM Productions.

Suriya in Raktha Charithra We hear that actor Suriya has given his consent to act in Ram Gopal Varma’s Hindi flick, Raktha Charitra. The movie is about late politician Paritala Ravi and his murder. The movie has Viveik Oberoi playing the lead. Sources say Raktha Charitra would be a five-hour film and will be released in two parts. Suriya is said to appear in the climax of the first part and will take on from there.

12

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

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? ■ Could remember the comment that 11 fools r playing, eleven thousand fools r watching. Utter waste of time Divya, Janani CSS

■ It was quiet interesting to read. But he failed to keep up his words Jayabharathi, EDS

Today’s Query: Who is your favourite movie director and which film of his you like the most? Vijayan from CTS has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This photo was clicked at Mahabalipuram.

Krishnan from Sundaram Business Services (HDFCAMC) has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime.

Bitten by the writer’s bug? Send us your short stories and poems and we will feature the best entries on Writer’s Club. Due to space constraints, we request you to keep the entries as short and sweet as possible. Short stories must not be more than 400 words and poems the smaller the better. Send your entries to [email protected], and we will greatly appreciate if a few of your friends are able to provide references that it is indeed your original work. Editor

Rajasekar from TCS, Siruseri has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked during their training period at Trivandrum.

13

Friday, May 22, 2009

Ashish Pareek from HCL Technologies has been nominated as Office Angel by his colleague Ramachandran. He is cool, smart guy and always in look out for fun. No one gets bored if he is around. He is passionate towards his career which makes him take all the challenging tasks and probably one of the few North guys who loves Chennai a lot.

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Baboo, I would like to wish you a Many more happy returns of the day. May all your dreams come true.... You are a sweet angel of mine.... You are a treasure of mine doesnt want to miss uuu!!! With love Appyy HCL

ay 22 ■ Dear Sulochana, Wishing u a very Happy Birthday !!! Have a Bashing Day !!! May God Bless u Dear... With Cheers, Your everloving Friend, Ravi, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Sandy, "MANY MORE HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY"" May all your wishes come true for the upcoming years.. Keep your silly replies always ready..!!!! Let your smiles and joys increases miles, We wish you the happiest of birthdays.

Angelin from Scope International doodled this.

Best Wishes from, Team Tata Consultancy Services

■ Sweet Anniversary Wishes Dear Dhivya&Prem anna, May the good Lord see and bless you, On your anniversary day. May He always be your companion, And guide you on your way. May your bonds of matrimony strengthen, Holding strong amidst any fears. And may our friendship stay untarnished, Through the wearing of the years May all ur dreams come True. Have A Lovely Year. Hearty wishes from "VCAR_S,SAI" , Tata Consultancy Services

Avalukum ennai pidikala, Enakum ennai pidikala, Adanaal rendu perum ennai (yennai) illamal dosai saaptom ! Durga T Congruent Solutions Private Limited

■ Indru piranthanaal kondadum Vignesh (techie, uthavum karangal and list goes on...) avargaluku En manamarntha piranthanaal vaazhuthukal... Many many more happy returns of the day Vignesh Arthi, Cognizant Technology Solutions.

■ Dear Sharmila, May this birthday be just the

beginning of a year filled with happy memories, wonderful moments and shining dreams! May your special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours! Happy birthday Sharmi! Cbeyonders, Cognizant Technology Solutions.

■ Dear Benson George, God rejoices in your life. He believes in you... Watches over you... And tenderly keeps you In His constant care. You are valued and loved, Not only by those who know you, but by the One who created you! Have a happy and a blessed birthday. From – Dominic Rajkumar, Abirami, Kavitha and Kevin, Allsec Technologies

May 23 ■ Dear Saravanan S, Today is a day of celebration. why? because, years ago on the same day, god sent me my flesh and bone conscience. wishing my friendly inner voice a very happy birthday. By 7th Batch, Adventnet

May 24 ■ Hey Divya.. Here s wishing you a very happy B’day n Many more to come.. Cheers, Shaji & Victor. Tata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Jaanu (Nisha) Hum bhi agar bache hote Naam hamara hota babloo sabloo Khane ko milte ladoo Aur duniya kehti Happy Birthday 2 U With Luv, Jaan (Mith)

■ Dear Wipro Kannan (Pradeep), 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! Wish U A Happy Birthday and Success N Ur future Endeavours too... Continue the Stealing of Hearts by Ur Smile..... With Love & Care, Wipro Friends

14

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Traffic Jam

The view from up here U.K. officials claim a series of highways in Birmingham, England could be visible from space after the roads are illuminated.

sudoku

Sivasankari M. from Infosys Technologies Ltd. clicked this picture at Santa Cruz, California using her Nikon D40 camera. Hobbies: Photography, blogging, friends and music Entries to the column will get gift vouchers from Bubbles Spa worth Rs.1,000. Winners can send their mailing address to [email protected]. Vouchers will be posted within a week.

So you think you would make a terrific photographer but never really had the platform? Mail us your best work and we’ll publish it in this space, with credit. E-mail: [email protected]

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

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

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

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

FAX 2857 6691

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

KAKURO

15

Friday, May 22, 2009

Bird blamed for blaze

Word’s worth

A sparrow collecting cigarette butts for its nest has been blamed for starting a fire that nearly burned down a shop in England.

Ageustia (ug-yoo-stee-uh) the loss of the sense of taste. Could be extended in non-medical use for someone who used to share your interests but for some reason has now sadly morphed into someone who does not.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Your warm and sympathetic attitude will lure others to you. Ganesha foresees you giving a helping hand to colleagues at the workplace. You may even go to the extent of doing their work for them. Your lover will appreciate your devotion to your family.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Your devotion to work will be so complete that you will immerse yourself in it. By expressing your feelings to your beloved, you will let him/her know your deepest emotions. With such seamless bonding, can happiness be far behind? Not at all.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Today, you will be compassionate towards your fellow beings. Even your colleagues will appreciate you for your considerate attitude. You will approach tasks with enthusiasm and vigour. Your lovey-dovey attitude will appeal to your lover.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha plans a fantastic day for you. Like a true marksman, you will achieve your targets at work, without missing a single clue. Your sweetheart will be impressed by your willingness to compromise on issues that were a thorn in the neck till yesterday.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Understand the projects you plan to handle to the last detail so that you minimise the chances of going wrong in the future. In love life, don’t let the differences of opinion affect your relationship, says Ganesha.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

A great day for you is on the cards. Your amicable attitude will promise healthy relationships with peers and this will certainly add to your productivity. Moreover, you are brimming with optimism. What more do you require for a satisfactory day at work?

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 You will greatly impress your colleagues and superiors with your creative inputs. This will certainly add brownie points to your image in the company. But everything may not be hunky dory in your personal life.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 A lucky day for you! By wrapping up routine tasks in a jiffy, you will have spare time to work on new projects. Your boss will be full of praise for the efficiency you will display in handling difficult assignments.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Don’t be unhappy if you aren’t able to meet deadlines even after you have worked assiduously. Being apprehensive about how others judge you will only affect your productivity. Ganesha advises you to focus only on your work.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 All days are not equal. And, this is one odd day when things may not be that smooth. If any important meeting is on the agenda, postpone it. Patience is the most striking characteristic of your sun sign, so let it guide you.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 A day to toil in office, says Ganesha. With problems multiplying, you may lose your cool. In fact, such may be the extent of your tensions that you may forget to place that all important call to your beloved.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 It’s the best day to hone your professional skills, notes Ganesha. The synergy of technology and creativity will help you perform efficiently. Romantically speaking, this is a great day for singles. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

!

ERGO Friday, May 22, 2009

Dr James Chon of the Swinburne University of Technology holds up a DVD containing new technology that can store data in five dimensions. The disc holds nearly 10,000 times more data than standard DVDs, a study published in the journal Nature stated. AFP PHOTO/WILLIAM WEST

Actress Sharone Stone arrives for the screening of the movie Inglourious Basterds at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU

Hero Dog "Miley" is cuddled by owner Stacie Pitts after receiving the 27th Annual National Hero Dog Award for saving Pitts from carbon monoxide poisoning last year in their Arkansas home, during a ceremony in Los Angeles. AFP PHOTO/MARK RALSTON