Ergo May 4

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Monday, May 4, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 81

02 TWO IS GREAT COMPANY Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal come together for Tamil remake of A Wednesday

The likes of Deepika Padukone, Vidisha Pavate and the late Nafisa Joseph were groomed under him. Meet fashion ace, grooming expert and model-hunter Prasad Bidapa » PAGE 03

PHOTO: S.S KUMAR

MODEL MANUFACTURER

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Mango Mania The Rain Tree has come out with special mango dishes this summer. Each mango specialty is available at Rs. 150, excluding taxes. Available at all restaurants of Rain Tree hotel. For more details contact 4225 2525.

War of words Intelligence constables in the police force are a worried lot these days as the cold war between them and the regular khakis is mounting. The khakis are known to be hiding crucial crime information from these intelligence personnel in order to maintain a crime-free image in the area. Recently, an intelligence constable attached to the ECR limit was abused in public by a local inspector for passing on correct information.

Fancy for phones A senior IPS officer has a fancy for mobile phones. Apparently, he was the first one to be spotted with an iPhone after it was released. Any new and interesting phone model in the market and the officer is the first one to grab it before any other cop in the force.

The recession advantage A top khaki who is concentrating heavily on the real estate business along with his son is said to be making use of recession. Sources reveal that dad and son are in the process of buying key properties this season as the prices are comparatively low.

Super heroes come together Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal co-star in the Tamil remake of ‘A Wednesday’ MONISHA MOHANDAS

A

ctor Kamal Hassan’s production banner Rajkamal Film International, in collaboration with UTV Motion Pictures, will be releasing its first film, Unnaippol Oruvan, where two of the biggest actors of South Indian cinema, Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal, come together. Addressing a Press conference in the city on Friday, Kamal Hassan said that Unnaippol Oruvan would be hitting screens soon. The movie is based on Neeraj Pandey’s A Wednesday and Kamal said he was happy to do a film that will set a new trend. Ee Nadu is the Telugu version of the movie. The movie has been directed by debutant Chakri Toleti, who is none other than the small lad who did a cameo in Salaingai Oli. At the conference, Kamal said he had already completed all scenes with Mohanlal, with only the dubbing pending. “I always wanted to do a film with Mohanlal. It was long overdue. And finally I’m happy it is happening under the Rajkamal banner. We will complete the film by May end and the director will decide the release date,” he said. “It’s a great honour for me to be a part of a Kamal Hassan film. And doing a cop’s role gives me even more pleasure. I really enjoyed working on this project,” Mohanlal said. Shruthi Hassan, who will mark

Actors Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal at the launch of Unnaippol Oruvan in Chennai. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR her entry in the industry as music director with this film, said, “I am privileged and honoured to work with this project and thank my father for this opportunity.” On the change of title from Thalaivan Irukindran to Unnaippol Oruvan, Kamal said it’s a tribute to famous Tamil writer and

filmmaker Jayakanthan to mark his 75th birthday. Thota Tharani is the art director of the movie. Two well-known personalities of Tamil Literature, Manushyaputran and Ee.Raa Murugan, will debut in Unnaippol Oruvan as lyricist and dialogue writer respectively. ■ .

03

Monday, May 4, 2009

Rajuben Watch Anurag Kashyap’s Rajuben only at Sony Entertainment Television at 10 p.m. today.

To do Bidapa’s bidding Fashion guru Prasad Bidapa was in town to choreograph a fashion show for luggage, not couture SHALINI SHAH [email protected]

T

he occasion was a fashion show at the Witco showroom on Cathedral Road. The one person who has every right to act hassled – the show choreographer – is an island of calm. But then, that’s Prasad Bidapa. ‘Grooming guru’, some call him. ‘Model manufacturer’, say the others. The man is singlehandedly responsible for shifting the Delhi and Mumbai-fixated fashion industry’s focus to Bangalore, much before it came to be called ‘hep’ and ‘Bangalored’ started to mean ‘I lost my

job to outsourcing’. While former protégés include model Vidisha Pavate and late Miss India and MTV VJ Nafisa Joseph, Bollywood’s Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma (of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) were also trained at Bidapa’s grooming academy in Bangalore. A show where suitcases, strolleys and handbags, not clothes, are what need to be showcased isn’t what Bidapa does everyday, one might say. Introducing each model individually and extolling the virtues of every piece of luggage, Bidapa more than played his part. Ask him about his own luggage sensibility, and Bidapa says, “I personally travel with two leather bags. When leather gets beaten up, it looks like Harrison Ford. Leather luggage ages beautifully.”

Bidapa is a fierce fashion critic. “Even if it’s one Tarun Tahiliani outfit, two women will wear it in two different ways. Individuality lends the clothes personality. Otherwise, what you have is a fashion victim,” he says. “Look at Victoria Beckham. She’s got the best clothes, the best shoes, the best bags. And yet she manages to look awful despite having the best accessory – David Beckham!” The fashion choreographer likes his models pampered. “I never have morning rehearsals. In a place like Mumbai it’s criminal to hold rehearsals at seven in the morning. They have to leave home at five to get to the place on time!” He adds, “For a Manish Arora show, makeup begins at 10 a.m., so there is no rehearsal time.” Explaining ramp logic, Bidapa says, “The average changing time in between a show is two minutes. So having heavy garments which need more time to wear, like sarees, in the first sequence gives the models more time to get dressed and they open the show with more confidence.” And

Prasad Bidapa at the ‘Travel in Style’ fashion show organised by Witco at its Cathedral Road showroom in Chennai recently. PHOTOS: S.S. KUMAR he’s no fan of male models. “It’s a curse to have them on the show. They forget the sequences, are hardly on time. Trust me, it’s been like that since the days of Milind Soman.” Prasad Bidapa instituted the Kingfisher Fashion Awards in association with Vijay Mallya in the year 2000, responsible for recognising and launching many a fresh face. While Deepika Padukone was chosen Model of the Year in 2005 (much before OSO happened), current ramp sensation Rachael Bayros was chosen New Model of the

Year the same year. Bidapa has good things to say about Trisha and Ramya Krishnan, Kollywood’s new best friends. “I was in Chennai last time to choreograph Sidney’s fashion show. Probably it has something to do with Ramya being a dancer, I just had to explain the sequence to her once. Trisha kept saying ‘Oh! I’ve forgotten everything’. The show started and she didn’t forget a thing.” On the new crop, Bidapa feels Sonam Kapoor has style, though he feels “she’s not there yet”. “During the days of Zeenat Aman, if we knew she was coming to a party, we used to wait to see what she was wearing. You need to be born with it,” he says. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

Ask your query I am using a Kerala registration bike in Chennai. I plan to use it only for a year and will take it back to Kerala. (I don’t really want to change my fancy registration number.) During police checks, they ask for an NOC, which I do not have. I have all the other papers/ documents except the NOC. I don’t know if it is really needed. I am staying in a rented house in Chennai for the past four months. When I checked this at the Kerala RTO office, they told that only if I have a permanent address in Chennai can I change the registration or take an NOC. What should I do? Jadheer, Chennai

Hi Jadheer, Ideally, if you are going to stay in a new state for more than three months, you have to do a number change. But trust me, it’s a very painful job. It took me nine months and close to Rs. 18,000 in expenses when I shifted my car from Pune to Chennai to get the new number. As for an NOC, it’s a very tedious job to get it. As you mentioned, if you don’t want to lose the fancy number, just try to avoid the police. Or probably borrow a local bike for the next eight months. But in case you are going to stay for a longer duration it’s better to go in for a NOC and get a Tamil Nadu number. You could try a fancy number from the Chennai RTO, too. Do you need some unbiased and professional solutions to your personal finance issues related problems? Ask Doctor Finergo. Mail your queries to [email protected], Put subject as Doctor.

Mini Quiz Q1: Montek Singh Ahluwalia is the Deputy Chairman of? a.Reserve Bank of India b.Women’s Rights Commission c.Planning Commission d.Human Rights Commission Q2: FCNR stands for a.Foreign Currency Non-Resident b.Fully Convertible Net Ratio c.Foreign Country Non Resident d.Fake Currency Network Raiding Send your answers to [email protected] or SMS your answers to 92813 98889. For example if you choose A as the answer to question 1 and B as the answer to question 2 type it as 1A2B and send it. Winner will be chosen by lucky draw from all correct answers.

Answers for last week’s mini-quiz 1.RBI 2.TCS

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Some light at the end of the tunnel PRADEEP YUVARAJ [email protected]

T

he RBI’s move to support the slowing economy by cutting the Repo rates and reverse Repo rates to 4.75 and 3.25 has given a boost to the common man looking for lower rates of interest on his loans. RBI’s move on April 21l has had a significant impact on both the private sector and public sector banks with many of them declaring rate slashes for their lending (housing loans, personal loans) and borrowing products (fixed deposits, FCNR deposits etc.). On the one end this is good news for borrowers or people who take loans. At the same time, it’s not so great for those of us thinking of putting deposits in the bank. Why? The Repo rates are the interest rates that banks have to pay to RBI for their borrowings. Thus, banks now will be able to borrow at a cheaper rates (50 basis points lesser) and hence can lend the same amount to customers at a cheaper rate. At the same time Reverse Repo rate is the interest that the RBI pays to banks on the money deposited with it. Thus banks will get lower interest on their deposits which in turn will result in reduction of interest rates on deposits given by their customers. The ripple effect May 2, 2009: Lakshmi VB bank has reduced the interest it will pay to depositors by 25-50 basis points for all deposits except for senior citizens. May 1, 2009: Citibank has reduced its prime lending rate by 25 basis points to 14.75; expect a minor revision in loan rates soon. Punjab national bank has reduced interest rates on Foreign Currency Non-Resident deposit schemes and increased rates for fixed deposits April 29, 2009: SBI has reduced its interest rate on Educational loans by between 25-200 basis points based on the quantum of lending April 22, 2009: Both ICICI bank and HDFC bank announced rate cuts of upto 50 basis points on their products.

RBI’s move to cut Repo rates and Reverse Repo rates has had a positive impact on housing loan rates

05

Monday, May 4, 2009

Home away from home You have heard of day care centres for kids. But Aikya Day Care is for the senior citizens

DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

T

hey come in the morning to their favourite place, interact with likeminded peers, play games of their choice, eat, rest and watch television with personalised attention and care and leave in the evening. If you are thinking it’s a baby crèche, think again. Located in the interiors of Valmiki Nagar, Aikya is a day care centre especially for senior citizens. Here, working professionals keep their old parents occupied and entertained while they are out at their office, till the time they return home. Srividya Vishwanathan, a resident of Raja Annamalai Puram, quit her well-paying IT job and ventured out to start the day care centre. “It was something I always wanted to do ever since I was working. With the help and support of my family, I did a lot of research involving various senior citizen associations and based on the data collected this concept emerged, which I felt was quite workable,” says Srividya, who inaugurated the centre last August. The spacious home with a warm aura has a TV room, bedroom and a recreation room having several games – carom board, cards, chess, World Space radio, and a book and music CD library. It has lured the likes of Yuvraj, a retired government officer, to spend time at the centre. Like him, five others have also got into this home away from home. Yuvraj’s wife Indira, who works at Madras University, says: “Since my son and daughter-in-law are busy with work, we felt the need to keep my husband occupied with something constructive during the day and this place has given him all the comfort and happiness. I am happy that a young lady like Srividya has taken some good and innovative initiatives for this noble cause.” The monthly charges at this day care centre are Rs. 3,500, inclusive of lunch and evening tea and snacks. The food is nutritious diet as per the advice of a dietician and prepared by a professional cook. For those who wish to avail of only the facilities minus the food, the charge is Rs. 5,000 for six months. They also have yoga sessions, discourses on Ramayana by Sanskrit scholar Srinivasa Chari and small outings to any nearby temple, mall or even the beach. S. Vedha, a 72-year-old resident from Adyar who is also a BP patient, says, “The food is just perfect for my condition. The yoga sessions help me a lot.” At present, the unit, which is soon to be turned into an official trust, does not depend on outside support for funds. “I am not reaching out to people for monetary support and as of now I’m using my earnings for this. However, those who know me well or have come to know of this project volunteer on their own to help this cause,” says Srividya. Ask her about her future expansion plans and she says, “I do not have such plans as of now, but in the long run I would like to open one or more such centres in north Chennai and provide quality living for elders.” ■

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Wheely clever chair Spanish scientists claim they have developed a wheelchair that can be controlled by the mind.

Baboons ransack Shamita’s room Actress Shamita Shetty’s hotel room in South Africa was ransacked by baboons. Shamita, who is accompanying her sister, actress Shilpa in South Africa, was on a safari in Singita Game Reserves with Shilpa and her beau Raj Kundra. “Shamita loved every bit of it till she went to her room and discovered her room was ransacked by the Baboons... apparently they knew where the mini bar is and we were warned when we checked in to keep all doors locked when we leave the room. Obviously someone didn’t listen,” Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog on Sunday. IANS

Stephanie named World’s Sexiest Sportswoman Swimming sensation Stephanie Rice has been named the sexiest sportswoman in the world. Rice came in at No.30 in FHM magazine’s 100 sexiest women in the world in 2009, beating Serbian tennis starlet Ana Ivanovic (32) for sport’s top spot. The men’s magazine says Rice has ’a body honed to perfection’, reports the Daily Telegraph. Soccer and cricket star Ellyse Perry was placed at No.82 by the magazine’s readers and Jelena Dokic at 93. Rice is the best-known swimmer in the world without a personal swimwear sponsor, and would be in a winning position during the world championships in July. ANI

Burma worst country for blogger bans Burma has been judged the worst country in the world for online restrictions in a report looking at the repression faced by bloggers. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, which has compiled a list of the 10 worst countries to be a blogger, says it wants to shame those governments that are most aggressively attempting to curtail and censor web activity. Bloggers inside Burma proved invaluable in passing out information during the September 2007 uprisings, leading to the ruling military junta blocking the Internet completely for a period, reports The Guardian. Iran, where a young blogger died in prison last month, was named as the second-worst country. ANI

Alba wants to have more kids Actress Jessica Alba says she’s keen to have more kids with husband Cash Warren. The Sin City star gave birth to baby Honor in June last year and immediately put on weight. She had to race off to the gym to get her prebaby figure back. “I worked out. It wasn’t fun. Twice a day. I ate really healthy,” Contactmusic quoted Jessica, as telling American show Extra. ANI

Obamas go out on date

U

S President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle went to a posh restaurant in what was described as their first date since moving into the White House on January 20. They spent nearly two hours at Citronelle, a French restaurant in the fashionable Georgetown neighbourhood run by celebrity chef Michel Richard. Men are required to wear a jacket at the restaurant, and Obama was seen in a dark suit, without a tie. His wife, wearing a white blouse with the sleeves

pushed up, sported high heels and carried a blue clutch purse, with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. The presidential motorcade for the trip of about 15 blocks from the White House to the restaurant became the centre of attention on M Street, Georgetown’s major artery and a bustling Saturday night hot spot for dining and night life. A large crowd, estimated by White House pool reporters in the hundreds, was kept at bay by hurriedly strung, yellow police tape.

The Obamas reportedly stayed for dessert, and they drew cheers from the crowd outside the restaurant on climbing back into the waiting motorcade. After returning to the White House, the couple held hands for a stroll on the South Lawn of the White House. They were home in time for the President, an avid basketball fan, to watch his hometown Chicago Bulls lose in the deciding seventh game of an NBA playoff series to the Boston Celtics. ■ DPA

07

Monday, May 4, 2009

’I am definitely approachable through my youth centres in your Assembly constituency’ E. Sarath Babu, the independent candidate from the South Chennai constituency, replies to the queries of Ergo readers (Part II)

“I do not have any ambition of joining politics now. I don’t have that experience needed for it” Mahima Chaudhary

10

■What are your thoughts to eradicate corruption, violation of rules, misusing the power? And to improve infrastructure, internal security, clean and green city? (Saravana Kumar V, Sify Technologies Ltd) Corruption: Youth centres in all assembly constituencies for people to get in touch with me and get guidance in case of corruption and grievances. Green city: Plan to plant 60 trees a day with the help of Resident Welfare Associations. Clean city: Public toilets and improved sanitation especially in slums. Internal security: This responsibility is taken care of by the tightly controlled Internal Security Department of the Home Ministry as it involves the armed forces, paramilitary forces and also intelligence agencies. Infrastructure: Very large sector with shared responsibility among Central and State governments. As an MP I will have to get projects initiated for the constituency. ■Who are you. A public servant or a leader elected by the people? The former will be reachable by each and every citizen, the latter is not accessible once he has been elected to Lok Sabha. I am definitely approachable through my youth centres in your assembly constituency. In case you want to reach me for serious issues of corruption etc., you can directly reach me / my office and action will be taken. Cost of living has gradually increased, what are your plans to bring them down. It is an economic fact that reduction of cost of living removes incentives for companies to grow. What is required is raising the living standard of the people ■What is your idea on Quota system? As of now we have 5 parts (OC, BC, MBC, SC and ST) this is done based on the cast. Do you think this is correct? If yes give the reason, if no give the idea on which Quota should be made. Once again all the best for your election and this is the time we can make a change. ( Sudharsan S, Software Engineer, Patni Computer Systems

Ltd.) Thank you for your wishes, Sudarshan. The quota system is required for the people who deserve it. But sadly this has become an issue of politics and misuse. There are rules that take care of economic status of the reservation seeking candidates to avoid giving reservation to the creamy layer. But these rules are not strictly implemented as politicians do not want to upset their vote banks. ■Do you think as an independent candidate you can create a change in the field? In what ways? (Arone Prem Kumar Arokiasami, iNautix Technologies) I have started changing the field by deciding to contest the elections. The youth should not be afraid to contest the elections if they think they are worthy and want to do something for the country and their people. I need your support to make this change we deserve come to us. If you go and caste your vote and I win, it will be an inspiration to other youth from all parts of the country to stand in elections come in larger numbers to public service. ■First I wish you all the best for your Lok Sabha election. Is there any idea of starting a political party? (Gopinath Srinivasan, Assistant Systems Engineer - Trainee, Tata Consultancy Services) Thank you for your wishes. Right now I am not thinking of starting any political party or joining one. You are welcome to help me in the good cause anytime. ■What are the plans you have for the infrastructure facilities around South Chennai? Since South Chennai is expanding

exponentially with growing IT firms and skyrocketing real estate prices, do you have any plans for that? Improvement in town planning according to world standards is important. Regarding sky rocketing real estate prices, it is a market phenomenon. It is the same market phenomenon that gave rise to India’s prowess in the IT sector. The day of price controls ended in 1991. What we have in place are land ceiling acts, which I would see are not violated by individuals / corporations. ■In case you are elected how often you would visit the constitunency? In other words, how are you going to hear the woes of the people? I did not leave my hut in the slums of Madipakkam when I started earning crores of rupees. I am proud of where I come from, it is my identity and I will keep coming back to my home city of Chennai. You would be able to reach me through my youth stations, and for serious issues you can talk to me / my office directly. ■I am going to cast my vote based on the merit of the candidate. And what is the election manifesto that you have for your constituency? (Vinayak.K, Documentation Specialist, EMEA Account Services

The manisfesto is published on my website. Please go to : http://sarathbabu.co.in/in/ manifesto/ ■It’s obvious that people are looking for real leaders. Undoubtedly you will be one among them. What are your takes to reduce inflation and essential commodities price reduction? We cannot understand how inflation rate is going low day by day but essential commodity prices are keep shooting up (for ex: Rice – particular variety was sold Rs.20 last year but now its Rs.36 per kg). We are also worried about on pollution and very high auto fares in Chennai. What would be your action for my few queries? (Vimal Prashanth M.G. Patni Computers)

Thank you for your faith in me and my abilities. Prices of essential commodities and inflation: 1. Inflation is based on a basket of commodities with base year prices. Every week / month / year the inflation figures are published for the entire basket of goods in comparison to last year. The basket not only includes essential commodities but other consumer and other goods as well 2. Current price level is a cumulative number. So what you are seeing today is the result of the 8%+ which was taking place when the economy was booming. The effect of near zero inflation today will be seen in the days to come. Pollution: 1. Pollution control is a broad topic that requires action from industries, vehicle owners and even residential people along with obviously the government. Laws are in place to control pollution but the implementation can be better. Steps like compulsory CNG for public vehicles can be taken, but these need a huge number of CNG filling stations with the petrol pumps as a prerequisite. 2. The broader concern of the environment will be taken care of by involving organisations and resident welfare associations to help plant 60 trees each day in Chennai South. High Auto fares: This is a genuine problem. What needs to be understood is that the auto drivers do not own the autos. They have to pay Rs. 200 to 300 to the auto owners daily. If they need to run their families and pay this rent, they have to charge high auto fares. Since this is a mutual arrangement, the MP can do little. What I can do is to ask the State Government to enact laws that enforce autos to run on meter. ■

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

IPL asks for pouring charge The Indian Premier League organisers have ended up infuriating cricket administrators and alcohol suppliers by asking for a pouring charge on the sale of liquor at the Wanderers stadium. The IPL organisers with the approval of Cricket South Africa, has asked for a pouring charge of US$ 40,000 from the company contracted to supply liquor at the Wanderers. According to reports the suppliers, who barely manage any profit even under normal circumstances, will have to sell at least 7,000 drinks per game during the eight matches to break even after being burdened by the pouring charge.

Pacquiao stuns Hatton Favourite Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines claimed the IBO light-welterweight title with a stunning second round knockout of Britain’s Ricky Hatton on Saturday. The 30-yearold southpaw twice knocked the Englishman to the canvas in the opening round before ending the fight with a stinging left hook. The ring announcer said the fight had ended two minutes, 39 seconds into the round, but that was later corrected by officials to two minutes, 59 seconds. Watched by a capacity crowd of around 16,000 in the MGM Grand Hotel’s Garden Arena, Hatton began the opening round by cramping Pacquiao and repeatedly forcing him to backpeddle on to the ropes. However, the Filipino responded with a flurry of combinations late in the round, bloodying the Englishman’s nose with a right hook before sending Hatton sprawling to the canvas.

Barca h

Reuters

Doors closed for flu The Mexican soccer championship continued at the weekend despite the swine flu outbreak, with all matches being played behind closed doors. Six games were played in deserted arenas around the country on Saturday and another two were due to go ahead a day later to complete the programme. The measures are expected to cost the clubs thousands of dollars in lost gate receipts and other sales. The Mexican championship is one of the most lucrative in Latin America and draws players from all over the region, who often see it as an attractive alternative to playing in Europe. More than 100 people are suspected to have died from the virus in Mexico and the government has effectively shut the country down for a five-day period from last Friday in an attempt to contain the spread of the disease. Reuters

Gayle delay worries Windies coach West Indies coach John Dyson conceded the late arrival of captain Chris Gayle was “not ideal’” after his side were thrashed by 10-wickets in their final match before next week’s first Test against England. The tourists were beaten by the England Lions, the national “A” side, with more than a day to spare, at Derby after losing their last six wickets for 25 runs to leave their opponents needing just 72 for victory. West Indies’ cause has not been helped by star batsman Gayle’s decision to delay his arrival from South Africa, where he has been playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, until Monday. Dyson did not pull his punches, saying: “I’ve said all along, with the IPL in conjunction with this tour, even if he was arriving as we expected, that’s not ideal.” The former Australia opener added: “It’s not enough time for an ideal preparation (for a Test match) but we will work with it. The medical boys all say that, after that length of flight, you need a minimum of a couple of days to get over the jet lag and re-acclimatise and then you need a couple of days of practice,” explained the New South Welshman, who played 30 Tests for Australia from 1977 to 1984. “We were prepared to work around that and now that it’s been extended out a bit further it puts more pressure on Chris and I suppose the people in the West Indies Cricket Board who made that decision.” Nevertheless, Dyson said Gayle was sufficiently talented to still sparkle at Lord’s despite having little time to adjust to English conditions. AFP

B

arcelona are the virtual Spanish league champions after a memorable 6-2 win over second-place Real Madrid. The visitors turned in an astonishing performance on Saturday after going an early goal behind and would have won by a greater margin had it not been for Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The win will rank alongside the 1974 Johan Cruyff-inspired 5-0 win at Real, in the memory of the

Barca fans.Thierry Henry – in his best form in four years – and Lionel Messi each scored twice for brilliant Barca; defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique scoring the other goals.

Clear on top Barca now have 85 points from 34 games, seven points more than Real - with just four matches left. This means that Josep Guardiola’s team need just five more

points to be guaranteed the title. It was the perfect way for Barca to warm up for Wednesday’s Champions League showdown at old enemies Chelsea, with viewers from more than 100 countries watching the most one-sided “El Clasico” in years. “All of the merit should go to the players,” Barca coach Guardiola said. “t is they that have done this.” Barca President Joan Laporta called it “a memorable

09

Monday, May 4, 2009

‘‘

Hayden, Raina and Badrinath batted well. They gave a good start but Morkel, me and the lower order could not capitalise on that. We are happy that we beat a good side like Daredevils. But we have to capitalise on the starts if we want to keep on the momentum. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

hit six

al e R r n fo w a d Dark

Conflicting Emotions: (Left) Barcelona players celebrate yet another goal against archrivals Real Madrid. (Right) Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas cuts a sorry figure at the Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

night,” but denied that Barca were already champions. “We probably will still need to win two more games,” he added.

Discomforting loss Vanquished captain Raul was magnanimous in defeat. “They were superior to us, and there is not much more to say,” he said. “We wanted to score early, but once they were in the lead it was really hard for us.” Real needed to

win to stand any realistic chance of retaining the Liga title, and they made the perfect start with Gonzalo Higuain heading in a Sergio Ramos centre to make it 1-0 after just 15 minutes. Three minutes later, Henry equalised for Barca after being set up by Messi. In the 21st minute, Puyol headed in a perfect Xavi free- kick to make it 2-1 for the visitors. Barca were in the driving seat and confirmed their superi-

ority by making it 3-1 in the 36th minute. Man-of-the-match Xavi robbed Lassana Diarra and set up Messi to beat Casillas. The over-worked Real keeper kept his troubled team in the match with several sharp saves.

Too good to be true In the 56th minute, Real defender Sergio Ramos headed in an Arjen Robben free-kick, but

straight away Xavi set up the rampant Henry to make it 4-2. The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Real, and fans began to leave the Estadio Bernabeu. But Barca were not finished. In the 76th minute the majestic Xavi set up Messi to make it 5-2, and seven minutes later Samuel Eto’o did the same for Pique. The brilliant visitors were applauded off by the Real fans who stayed until the bitter end.

Other results Later Saturday, Sevilla consolidated themselves in third place with an impressive 2-0 win at fifth-place Villarreal. They won thanks to second-half goals from strikers Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute. They now have 60 points, four more than fourthplaced Valencia. Villarreal stay fifth, a point behind Valencia. ■ DPA

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Ginger Spice adopts baby lions Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has adopted a pair of rare white lion cubs and has named them Rudi and Aphrodite. However, the baby lions will have to remain at Paradise Wildlife Park where they were born. The wildlife centre in Hertfordshire will let her have access and give her regular updates on their progress.

‘Indian fans will enjoy Angels & Demons’ T

om Hanks has promised his fans in India that his controversial Angels & Demons will live up to their expectations as they have a “soulful liking for thrillers”. Hanks is glad that Angels & Demons, a sequel to worldwide hit The Da Vinci Code, is releasing

the same day in India as in the US. “I am happy that it is not being released in phases... We would like to give our (Indian) audiences the thrill of seeing an exceptionally adventurous thriller along with the US on May 15,” said Hanks. “They have a soulful liking especially for thrillers... I hereby promise my fans in India that they would surely enjoy this movie and it would definitely live up to their expectations,” he added. Asked if he had visited India, the 52-year-old actor said: “Honestly, I did not get an opportunity to be there. But I wish some day I will be among the most lovable human fraternity. Indians are considered very warm-hearted and humble people so I also want to have a share of that warmth.” The Oscar-winning actor, best known for his performances in Philadelphia, Forrest Gump and The Terminal, has heard a lot about the Indian film industry and is game for working here though he has not been “approached yet” for any pro-

A still from Angels & Demons ject. “If I get an opportunity to venture into such a project, I will seriously think about it. I want to experience the uniqueness of foreign movies and their calibre,” he added. Directed by Ron Howard, An-

gels & Demons is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Dan Brown. While the book is a prequel to The Da Vinci Code, Howard chose to treat Angels & Demons as a sequel since many had read the novel after The Da Vinci Code.

Distributed worldwide by Columbia Pictures, it also stars Ayelet Zurer and Ewan McGregor apart from Hanks, who reprises his role as Harvard professor and religious expert Robert Langdon. ■ IANS

Now, kids’ clothes

When ‘smelly’ Garner met McConaughey

A

ctor Jennifer Garner has revealed that the first scene she did with actor Matthew McConaughey in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past left her humiliated, as she was smelling like a skunk. Garner (37) whose dog had been sprayed by the ‘stink badger’ the night before her first day on set, arrived for the shoot stinking, as she had not been able to get the stench out of her hair and clothes. “This was unlike any skunky smell I had ever smelled. The next day it was my first day at work and I was with Matthew and he’s so dreamy and so I showered and showered and washed and washed,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying. “I was sitting next to him and they always make you kiss on the first day. And we’re about to do this scene and he’s like, ‘Does anybody smell something? I smell skunk.’ The skunk stayed with us for months,” she added. ■ ANI

P

aris Hilton, who already has her own lines of perfumes, jewellery, shoes, pet clothes and women’s wear, is keen to branch out into a new lucrative market, reports The China Daily. She wrote on her Twitter page: “Just got home from a long day. About to start drawing the character for my new children’s clothing line.” Besides, Paris (28), Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have a clothing line aimed at girls aged four to 14. ■ ANI

11

Monday, May 4, 2009

Kate on a hot tin roof In a daring photo shoot for fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar, Kate Winslet has posed amid the rooftops of New York, reminiscent of the famous ‘Lunchtime Atop A Skyscraper’ photograph of grubby thirties’ builders eating lunch hundreds of feet above the city streets. ANI

Scarlett

Cine City

turns scarlet

Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut rejected

S

carlett Johansson’s dream of becoming a director has been shattered as the scenes she shot for a movie have been edited out from the final version. The 24-year-old was among a number of stars, including fellow actress Natalie Portman, who took part in making upcoming film New York, I Love You, which is a series of love stories shot by different directors. Pagesix.com reports that Johansson’s directorial debut starring Kevin Bacon, shot in black and white, was tagged “unwatchable” and has been edited out. Producer Emmanuel Benbihy felt that the short was too “conceptualised” to fit in with the rest of the picture. “The story did not specifically involve an interpersonal relationship and it was conceptualised to be filmed in black and white – both of which were extreme departures from the other films,” said Benbihy. “Scarlett presented me with an extremely compelling, albeit unconventional, narrative that appeared as though it would not necessarily conform to the overall approach of the entire collective. I was very much moved by her vision (but) after months of editing I had to admit that there were editorial decisions to be made in the interest of serving the overall narrative and composition that resulted in previously filmed scenes and footage not getting used,” he added. ■ IANS

AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Hot potato At the recent Press meet on Kamal Hassan’s upcoming flick Unnaippol Oruvan, inspired from the Hindi film A Wednesday, the actor said he is very much interested in producing a film based on the Sri Lankan issue. But the actor also added that he is too scared to deal with the topic.

No groundwork While actor Kamal Hassan is scared to do the movie on the LTTE issue, actor Prakash Raj in a recent interview has revealed that he has an offer to play the LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in a film. Though the actor declined to reveal about the producer or director of the film, he said he would be spontaneous in the role and will not do any groundwork to don the chief’s role.

12

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Thursday’s Query: What Kollywood song must CSK adopt to revive its fortunes? ■ Maaro Maaro from Boys

Shiva, CSS

■ Vetri kodi kattu from Padayappa M.Srinivasan Allsec, Dhananjayan Scope International, Arun Tickerplant, Vinothkumar, RBS

Ram from CTS has nominated his friends Rajsekar, Baski, Mukundhan, Thiru as Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked in Kodai.

■ Pottu thakku from movie Kuthu Divya, Prema, Shanthima, Sherin, Ajesh, Allsec

■ Arjunaru villu Arichandran sollu ivanoda dillu poikade from Gilli Anand.K Infoview Technologies, Vinodh Infosys, Don Allsec

■ Vetri nichayam, ithu vetha sathiyam. Final velvathe nam konda latchiyam Ponmudi, Gandhi, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Unal mudiyum unal mudiyum thozha from Azagiya Thamizh Mgan Silva, Reena, Gilda Cognizant, Lexsminarayanan TCS-eserve, Sridhar R STG

Krishna from TCS e-Serve has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. The pic was clicked at MGM.

■ Thoongathey thambi thoogathey Mohan Sridharan, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Kuruvi kuruvi adicha, kuruvi kuruvi parandha Vinod, Infosys

■ Singa nadai pottu sigarathil yeru Rajarajan R, Cognizant

■ Sakthi kodu from Baba CP.Rajesh Allsec, Khadeer, Technosoft

■ Pothuvaga yen manasu thangam oru potinuvanthu vitta singam Karthik, Anthony, Vinay, Andrew Allsec

■ Nakka mukka Sukanya Allsec, Harsha R, Tata Consultancy Services

Today’s Query: According to you, what eductional qualification should a contestant for the Lok Sabha elections have?

Seetha Bharathi from Steria (India) Ltd has nominated her BSCO team members as Partners in Crime. This picture was taken in Kodaikanal during their outing.

13

Monday, May 4, 2009

Priyadharsini from Wipro has been nominated as Office Angel by Praveen Kumar K.J., Senior Associate. She is a very polite, humble, friendly and easy-going person. She makes a world of frolic and fun for us. She is famed as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless performers.

■ Dear Pauline (ANGEL) It’s your birthday, but we got the gift... a gentle, sweet, beautiful sister who is always a pleasure to be with. You glow with sensitivity and compassion generated from the depths of your warm heart and and kind soul. A loving girl, a peacemaker, a woman full of the joy of life, that’s you. I treasure your uniqueness; There is no one else like you, and I feel blessed to know such an extraordinary person. You are a great joy in our lives. We love you and cherish you and treasure you and wish that every one of your birthdays will be the happiest yet. Most of all, I hope you will always be as happy as you have made me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Best Wishes, Paulson, Patterson, Vijay, IGT

■ Dear Pauline, May this birthday make ur life brighter & brighter. And ur lipstick lighter & lighter. On your birthday I wish you much pleasure and joy;I hope all of your wishes come true.May each hour and minute be filled with delight,And your birthday be perfect for you! With love… Kavitha, JothiKumar, Gopikrishna – Interglobe Technologies.

Krithiga Punitharaj of Aspire Systems doodled this.

■ Dear Sangeetha, Sorry for the belated wishes :-) A very Special greeting from the team for ur birthday. May you have all the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day can bring, all the blessing a life can unfold, May you have God’s best in everything. Have A Bright Beautiful Future !!!! Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday!!! Luv and wishes, Customer World team, TCS

■ Dear Sreejith, All of us are joining in to say, May the 4th of May Spray every year, everyday With Crayons of love, laughter, happiness and peace As we pray to God, with a smile and cheese Piranna naal ashamshagal Many Many More Happy Returns Of The Day!! Regards, ITAMO, Tata Consultancy Services, Tidel Park

What is the chemical name of DOG? Think... Don’t know???? Answer is Sodium Iodide... Because Sodium Iodide = NaI. Regards Varadarajan S Patni Computer Systems Ltd.

■ Dearmost Rias, Deep in my soul I know Our relationship is a gift; One that will always give us Extra ordinary happiness, And now I’m wishing you Dear husband,all the Happiness that

life can give... Belated Birthday wishes dear husband. With Love, Meenakshi Soundari Satyam Computer Services Ltd.

■ Dear RAMYA, MANY MORE HAPPY RETURNSOF THE DAY! The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are ’Slaves to Dreams’; the old are ’Servants of Regrets’. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits. Enjoyyour day to the fullest! Greets, VSO-ITC Team

Belated Wishes ■ Hi Buviii (Smilley Angel), Zindagi Ek Raat Hai, Jisme Na Jaane Kitna Khwab Hai, Jo Mil Gaya Wo Apna Hai, Jo Dur Gaya Wo Ek Sapna Hai & Sabko Pyar Dene Ki Aadat Hai Tumhe, Apni Alag Pehchan Banane Ki Aadat Hai Tumhe, Kitna Bhi Gehra Zakham De Koi, Utna Hi Muskurane ki Aadat Hai Tumhe & Fursat Kise Hai Zakhmo Pe Murham Lagane Ki, Nigahe Badal Gayi Apne Aur Begane ki, Tum na Chodna Dosti ka haath kabhi, Warna Tamanna Na Rahegi Naye Dosti Banane Ki & Kabhi Na Aaye Mere Sath Chalke, Hamesha Gaye Muje Naraz Karke, Meri Maut Pe Agar Woh Aaye To Keh Dena Abhi Soye Hain Tumhe Yaad Karke & Ek Haseen Pal Ki Zarurath Hai Hame, Beete Hue Kal Ki Zarurat Hai Hame, Saara Zamana Ruth Gaya hamse, Jo Kabhi Na Ruthe Aise Dost Ki Zaarurat Hai Hame. Loving Brother, Ismail

■ Dear TPF 1st Batch Friends, May your Anniversary be the beginning of new joy and Hope for a Beautiful Tomorrow!!! May all your dreams come true… Congratulations on Your 2nd Year Anniversary… Best Wishes, TPF 2nd Batch Friends Interglobe Technologies

■ Dear DFM & Kitty, Many more happy returns of the day!!! May the GOD, almighty shower his blessings on U ppl. Let smile always flash on ur faces, Let money full fill Ur needs, Let Ur dreams come true.... Be happy dear........ Really glad to have U ppl with us.. :-) By, Kavitha, Veeru,Anu, Sindhu, Rubeni and all the members from Testing ’03 batch, Cognizant

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009

Post-it nut A woman decided to declare her love for boyfriend by writing it on 500 Post-it notes.

sudoku

Divya T from TCS has shot this picture at Allepey using her Canon 4x digital camera Hobbies: Photography, pencil sketching and cooking 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

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

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

FAX 2857 6691

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

KAKURO

15

Monday, May 4, 2009

Toddler joins Mensa

Word’s worth

A two-year-old girl has become the youngest ever member of Mensa - proving to be smarter than British brainbox Carol Vorderman.

Heptamerous (hep-tam-er-us) an adjective meaning ‘having seven parts or members.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Ganesha insists that you must plan your activities for the forthcoming week. The following week may remain loaded with work. On the personal front, the day may remain uneventful. If you have made promises to your beloved, you will fulfil them.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 The beginning might make you feel a crunch due to heavy workload, but later during the day you may feel relaxed. Second half of the day is also good for developing new ideas. And new ideas indeed; you wish to go out with your beloved in the evening.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You may get a feeling that your superiors are unsatisfied with your work. Don’t feel burdened for that. In fact, for the whole day you should avoid meetings as your power to negotiate seems to be low. Love life will be blooming at its full.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Your dedication towards your work will be at peak. Your colleagues will appreciate your attitude to cope up with difficult situations. However, the day might wear you out and you might want to spend a quiet evening with your lover.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Feeling wise today? Keep it to yourself, advises Ganesha. Not everyone will lend you an ear for your suggestions. Also, some might take it in the wrong sense. Ganesha also advises you to watch your ‘advising’ mood in your personal life.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Today you may feel a little pinch when dealing with personal and professional life. You may have to learn to distribute you time in a more efficient way. Ganesha feels you should be more patient in treating your colleagues.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 If you want to work with extra zest and vigour, you will have to wait till the lunch time. You may indulge actively in SMS or phone conversations with several people today. Ganesha warns you against wasting time on useless conversations.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Your colleagues will be ready to help you with your endeavours today. You may get lucky, and your superiors may also help you. Today you will have a wonderful time in professional and personal life. Ganesha suggests you to go easy on your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 From now on, you must finish off work as it comes. Pending work takes a toll on your energy. You will realise this today, says Ganesha. Ganesha advises you to distribute work according to priority. Love life and personal life will be demanding.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha finds your attention bifurcated in two parts – professional and domestic. Be practical to get rid of any confusion that arises. Ganesha foresees the day as a favourable day for you, more so as you maintain peace during the day.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Every minute of the day will seem like an hour. You may have to deal with some additional work along with your routine. These long working hours may take a toll on your stamina. Ganesha feels that you should not ignore your personal life due to work.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 If you find people getting apprehensive about your work techniques, don’t panic. Ganesha thinks you may also feel paranoid regarding office matters. The most logical solution to this would be to be patient and react as normally as possible. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

US pop star Beyonce performing at a show in Rotterdam. AFP PHOTO/ ROBERT VOS

A female diver holding a moray swims next to carp streamers during the feeding show to celebrate the upcoming Children’s Day at the SunShine International Aquarium in Tokyo. AFP PHOTO

ERGO Monday, May 4, 2009