Ergo November 26

A BYTE OF LIFE

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

10

KARAN’S CALL

Three-film contract for his directors FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

08 GOING FOR THE KILL India look for a series whitewash

No. 225

A number of crimes on the East Coast Road go unreported. Petlee Peter investigates » PAGE 03

PHOTO: N. SRIDHARAN

Angry in the movie Has your movie-going experience ever been ruined by that late-comer who insists on being told what happened so far? Or that irritating toe-stamping bulldozer who left you clutching your foot whole day. Or the couple who proved a more entertaining watch than the movie. Tell us about one such irritating incident you experienced inside a movie hall. Mail it to us in less than 150 words with the subject line ‘MOVIES’, if possible with your photograph (at least 1 MB), to [email protected] before Thursday noon.

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving at Asiana Asiana Hotel is hosting a Thanksgiving Special on Thursday at Wild Fire. Enjoy a four course sumptuous meal for Rs. 1050 including a glass of wine. For details and reservations call 6741 1000.

Thank God it’s Thursday N

o buzzing phone calls and no annoying clients keeping the other person on hold for hours together. This Thursday, office cubicles will be calm and relaxed. A day when one will gleefully sift through emails reading appreciation and thanks for the services rendered, quite different from the regular weekend holiday. November 27 or the fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. – a traditional harvest festival where everybody takes rest from work and makes it a point to strengthen existing relationships, sometimes by just a ‘Thank You’ note. Though Thanksgiving Day is a very western tradition, it is an occasion – irrespective of geographical borders – to thank the person who is remotely handling services he/she has benefited from.

Party time Increasingly, in India, for many teams working on outsourcing projects, it is another occasion to celebrate. Pratheesh John, senior analyst, HCL Technologies, Perungudi, has been in the U.S. process for the last one year. His team of 10 handles 10 to 15 calls a day, offering solutions to the umpteen queries clients have on computer servers. Apart from it being declared a company holiday, John is planning a surprise. “It is rest from work and I have decided to take my team out on a treat to PizzaHut or some other restaurant.” A sweet little “thank you” note in the inbox from the client is the most popular surprise that makes the day for most professionals. It is an extended weekend for many teams at Perot Systems. “In fact, Wednesday will also be a lean day. Our clients will be in holiday mode and ‘thank you’ notes start pouring from the night itself,” says K. Sridher, web design specialist. Meanwhile, many other teams have chalked out programmes to Ooty, Kodaikanal or their home town for the four-day weekend. It is not difficult to say thank you! ■ Ergo Correspondent

Plateful of pakoras Amrin Biriyani in Triplicane has people standing in queue for its crispies ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

G

reasy, crispy chicken pakoras might not be the most hygienic food you find on the street side, but few foodies can resist the enticing smell of the goodies. This deepfried marinated chicken delicacy will always find a way to you irrespective of how often your folks have tried to convince you to give it up or even if your mom’s a great cook and can conjure something as tasty at home. If you are living close or know M. Luqman Ali’s Amrin Biriyani on Triplicane High Road, your addiction will probably increase manifold and all those parental advice long forgotten as you make a trip to the shop almost every afternoon. Affordable and cooked in the most hygienic way possible, Luqman sells a staggering 30 kg of the delicacy everyday. “Sometimes, during the evenings, I just can’t keep pace as more and more customers come. I have a regular clientele who are even ready to wait for half and hour for their share, but not all are that patient,” Luqman says. But sparing a thought for his customers, you can say it takes a Herculean effort from even the most patient fellow to wait and not drool when yummy pakoras are being gorged by everyone around you. So reach early and make sure you get your share of the spoils because pakoras run out fast. Apart from pakoras, Luqman also specialises in biriyani and undertakes party orders. ■

Amrin Biriyani Old No. 136, New No. 214, Triplicane High Road. Chennai - 600005. Mobile: 9884382635

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

03

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Chinese in Chennai China Town is organising a Chinese festival ‘Chinese Winter Festival’ till November 30. The food festival is open for lunch and dinner. China Town is at 3rd Floor, #76 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086. Phone: 2811 2246

Crime rate on the ECR is far higher than what the records might show PETLEE PETER [email protected]

A

number of crimes on the East Coast Road in recent months have gone unreported, according to reliable sources. While some incidents of crime on the stretch get reported, especially on the beach stretch and adjoining areas, a number of serious offences are covered up by the police – a move reportedly to give a clean chit and portray the ECR as crime-free zone. Apparently, only 25 percent of the offences come to light and the rest are ingeniously buried.

Sample some of the crimes that were reported: on November 19, a cabbie from Mylapore was found dead in an open field behind the Mayajaal complex with his throat slit and a stab wound on his chest. There are still no leads in the case. A Tamil actor’s house on ECR was broken into a few months when he and his family had gone on a holiday to

Thailand. Cops are still clueless. But at least a couple more crimes were hushed up: a nephew of an actor-politician and his friends were robbed of their laptops and other belongings. A newly-wed couple was robbed of everything valuable, including the thali, after they took a stroll on the beach, a little away from the beach resort where they were

Taunted with questions like: “What is your business on ECR” or “What is your connection with this girl,” the victims are literally being shooed away by the cops.

staying. The list of offences, mainly unreported ones, goes on and on. Apart from these, a number of cases of couples being harassed and women molested on the sands of the ECR go unreported. And, in some incidences, even if the victims approach the cops they back off following hostile treatment by latter. Taunted with questions like: “What is your business on ECR” or “What is your connection with this girl,” the victims are literally being shooed away by the cops. A former Assistant Commissioner of Thoraipakkam reminisces about a case sometime ago

where a girl was raped by a group of fishermen after her companion was tied up. “Initially, the girl came forward to lodge a complaint but soon decided not to and the case was closed,” says the officer. He also says that a minimum of five incidences of crime, both big and small, happen on the ECR stretch every week. “Many people, mainly couples, don’t realise the danger that may await them on the ECR following their quest for isolated locations to spend some leisure time,” the officer added, admitting that a lot of cases go unreported and are also hidden by the khakis. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Pigs Almost half the pigs in the world are kept by farmers in China.

The chocolate affair The chocolate pedicure at Bubbles Spa makes for a pair of yummyfeeling feet

METRO SEXUAL

V. LOKPRIA

F A model showcases the creation ‘Aroosah’ by Malaysian designer Dezzaine during the Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. AFP PHOTO

The new ball to be used during the FIFA Confederations Cup is presented at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa. AFP PHOTO

ancy smothering yourself with chocolate? Perhaps, we all have thought about it some time or the other. And now, you don’t have to go to Willy Wonka’s factory to do it! This week, Sheela from unisex salon Bubbles Spa in Alwarpet tells us about the chocolate pedicure. Everybody loves chocolate. Now take that chocoholic status one step further – the chocolate pedicure. Chocolate has antioxidants and its anti-ageing properties will keep your feet smooth and young. Not only is the pedicure relaxing, the antioxidants found naturally in chocolate help protect the skin from free-radicals, pollution and sun damage. In this therapy, chocolate powder is heated and when warm applied to the feet. Fifteen minutes later, after it dries, it is peeled off like a mask. This therapy removes dead cells and helps in tightening the skin. The chocolate ritual is done after a normal pedicure as an add-on pack to keep the feet baby smooth. At Bubbles Spa, they use the Shahnaz Hussain chocolate powder for the therapy. Cocoa is the main ingredient used in this process. If done regularly, one can get fantastic results. The striking aspect of this therapy is that it’s most beneficial for dry skin and helps in closing the pores. Moreover, as chocolate is a natural product it is relatively safe to use on most skin types. To get one chocolate pedicure for yourself, you will have to pay Rs. 450. Bubbles Spa can be contacted at 044 4217 2040.■

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

05

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Stuck to the sticker

That dot on the forehead occupies pride of the place at Sri Binddi in Fountain Plaza

T

he walls almost look like they’ve been plastered with some kind of wallpaper – some pretty, stone-studded variety at that. It doesn’t take long to realise you’re surrounded by bindis – bindis on the walls, bindis on the shelves, bindis on the counters, bindis in the showcase. Popularly known as just Bindi Shop, Sri Binddi has stuck quite faithfully to what it started with 15 years ago. (The double ‘D’ because owner Vassant B. Modi is a firm believer in vaastu, the mini pyramids that you see on the ceiling and counters being further testimony.) Instead of bowing to the popular trend of everything-underone-roof, Sri Binddi has nothing but bindis – of all shapes, sizes and varieties. “I wanted to hold on to only one thing,” says Modi.

Priced between Rs. 3 and Rs. 600, choice, clearly, is a tough task. The bindis come with Swarovski, stones and kundan work and could range from tiny ones as big as a dot to the more elaborate ones that are an accessory on their own. “We source the bindis from all over the country, chiefly Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Nothing from Chennai though, as only the plain latex ones are available here,” says Modi. Besides, the store also makes it own bindis. “We can even make bindis in five minutes, right in front of the customer’s eyes,” he adds. Celebrity clients include actors Radhika Sarath Kumar, Sanghavi, Sridevi Vijaykumar and Poornima. The wedding season is the busiest time, and the store’s salespersons, Shireen and Jeeva, are on their toes throughout. According to Modi, the two have been with the store since ever and are probably another reason why customers keep coming back. ■

Address: Sri Binddi 131, Pantheon Road, Fountain Plaza, Chennai – 600 008 Ph: 044 - 6519 8904 Store timings: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Eye-blowing A Chinese man has been showing off his talent for blowing up balloons using only his eyes.

Britain starts issuing ID cards to foreigners

China warns toy makers on quality before Christmas

As part of measures to crackdown on illegal workers, the UK on Tuesday started issuing identity cards to foreigners, incorporating their facial image and fingerprints to securely lock them to one identity. For the start ID cards are being issued to people making applications to remain in the UK as a student or based on marriage. This will be followed by identity cards for British workers in sensitive roles and locations in 2009 and to young people in 2010.

Chinese toy makers must make sure they do not accept orders based on unsafe foreign designs, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, as the country seeks to assure quality ahead of Christmas. Millions of Chinese-made toys were recalled last year due to excessive levels of lead in paint and other safety concerns, the latest in the strong of scandals over the made-in-China brand, which has also included tainted pet food, milk and medicine. “The Chinese government pays great attention to toy quality and demands toy makers keep the bar high for quality too,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news conference. “Related Chinese quality departments continue to increase quality checks on toys, especially those which are exported.”

PTI

Japan hopes to get N Korea nuke talks on paper Japan on Tuesday welcomed plans to hold the next round of six-party denuclearisation talks from December 8 and reiterated its hopes to put in writing a verbal agreement on verification methods, including the collection of samples, reached between Washington and Pyongyang. “Since we have heard that the United States and North Korea have agreed on the collection of samples and other verification details, we hope those would be firmly put in writing,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone told reporters. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the next round of sixway nuclear talks will be held December 8 in China. The talks among North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States have been stalled since the chief envoys last met in Beijing in July.

Reuters

Israel again seals off Gaza Israel again sealed off the Gaza Strip on Tuesday in response to rocket fire, one day after humanitarian supplies were allowed in for the second time since a November 4 surge in violence. “After rockets were fired at the Israeli territory, Defence Minister Ehud Barak decided, following consultations with security services officials, that the crossing points will be closed on Tuesday,” the defence ministry said. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at southern Israel on Monday, causing no casualties or damage, a military spokesman said.

PTI

AFP

Japanese try their luck in lottery A chance to beat the recession with a top prize of 200 million yen ($2 million) lured thousands from the suburbs to stand in line for hours

I

ts boutiques may be starved of customers but the sidewalks of Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district were crowded on Tuesday as people eager for a chance to become rich overnight lined up for ‘Jumbo’ lottery tickets. A chance to beat the recession with a top prize of 200 million yen ($2 million) lured thousands from the suburbs to stand in line for hours, despite consumer confidence hitting an all-time low in October and falling household spending.

The mostly elderly hopefuls were set on buying tickets at booth No.1 on a Ginza street-corner, as they believe it is particularly lucky. A neighbouring lottery ticket booth did not have a single customer. “The recession makes me want to win even more,” said Megumi Mizuno, a 53-year-old who said she was not working, as she approached the ticket booth. Blue-clad security guards organised the crowds into orderly queues, while women holding placards and microphones reeled

off statistics about the number of lucky winners. Many said they planned to buy dozens of the 300 yen ($3) tickets. “I live on a pension, but I do it because it’s fun,” said 70-yearold Takayasu Oki, who said he was going to buy 100 tickets. “I don’t fritter away money on anything else.” A Buddhist monk stood chanting quietly nearby with a bowl held out in front of him seeking offerings. ■ Reuters

07

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

ONE LOOK IS ALL IT TAKES News and newsmakers in picture

Boris Becker poses with two dancers on the red carpet of the Laureus Media Awards ceremony on November 24, 2008 in the southern German city of Munich. AFP PHOTO

US actress Andrea Roth arrives at The 36th International Emmy Awards on Monday in New York. AFP PHOTO

US actress Kelly Rutherford arrives at The 36th International Emmy Awards on Monday in New York. AFP

Kate Moss attends the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Stella McCartney Store on Monday in London, England.

PHOTO

GETTY IMAGES

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Spreading awareness

India and England cricketers will meet HIV affected youngsters on December World AIDS Day - as part of the ICC activities to celebrate five years of raising awareness about the dreaded disease. “Players taking part in major international matches will wear red ribbons, as a global show of support for people living with HIV, while the India and England teams will meet young people affected by HIV ahead of the seventh ODI in Delhi,” an ICC release sai

Thangaraj passes away India’s legendary goalkeeper Peter Thangaraj passed away in Bokaro Monday night following a heart-attack. He was 74. Thangaraj, nicknamed “lamp post” during his playing days, is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters. He belonged to the golden era of India football and was part of the team that won gold in the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta and finished runnersup in the 1964 Asia Cup in Tel Aviv. Thangaraj also played in the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics. India finished fourth in Melbourne, which remained its best performance in the mega event. IANS

SA want Australia to rotate Boxing Day Test South Africa Cricket officials on Monday said they will not tour Australia during Christmas holidays in future if Australia do not agree to visit their country for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests. CSA chief executive Gerald Majola was miffed at Australia’s refusal to rotate the two big Tests every four years. “We would like to tour there any time, including Boxing Day, provided they are prepared to come to us one Boxing Day as well. We have no issues coming to Australia on Boxing Day. The problem is, Australia do not want to leave Australia on Boxing Day, which in our country is also our peak period. In fact, we would choose to play them Boxing Day and (then) alternate, that’s the first choice. They are not prepared to do that,” Majola was quoted as saying by Herald Sun. PTI

Eyeing the

No. 2 slot India look to sweep England one-day series

I

ndia will approach Wednesday’s fifth One-Day International against England as the start of a new series after clinching a decisive 4-0 lead, with the tourists out to salvage some pride. A 7-0 whitewash will catapult India to the second spot in ICC’s ODI team rankings. Indian vice-captain Virender Sehwag said coach Gary Kirsten wants the hosts to play with the same intensity even though the sevenmatch series had been comfortably won already. “Gary said we should see the remaining matches as a threematch series and try to win them all,” Sehwag said ahead of the day-night match at the Barabati stadium in this coastal eastern town. India are expected to throw in new faces for the rest of the series as the selectors attempt to build a strong base for the 2011 World Cup, to be hosted in South Asia. National under-19 captain and top-order batsman

Flintoff bats for IPL Andrew Flintoff has blamed England’s dismal show in the ongoing one-day series squarely on their non-participation in the Indian Premier League, which he believes has helped Indian players develop their game by leaps and bounds. “I think through playing the shorter form of the game they (India) have developed new skills with both bat and ball, and we have been found wanting a little bit,” Flintoff said. “Their game has developed through playing Twenty20 cricket, you just have to look at the way the guys hit the ball and the positions they get into. You also look at the bowling skills that Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma have too. They are developing slower balls and yorkers.” The England all-rounder also sought to clarify that the reason for his teamamtes’ keenness to play in the IPL was not just the big bucks they could earn through it. “A few of our players are keen to go to the IPL. The thing that most people write about when they mention the IPL is the financial rewards, but it should also be looked at as something that helps with a player’s development,” Flintoff told Independent. PTI

PHOTO: AFP

Virat Kohli, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha and recalled all-rounder Irfan Pathan could make their first appearances in the series on Wednesday. There could be a further reshuffle for the last two matches, in Guwahati on Saturday and New Delhi on December 2. Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda and prolific middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara may get a look in along with a few others promising youngsters.

Testing times England, meanwhile, will use the remaining games to get used to the fervent atmosphere in South Asian cricket ahead of the World Cup, and save themselves from further criticism at home. “Some of the lads have not played a great deal in India, played in front of these type of crowds with the attention on cricket you get over here,” said all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. “The World Cup is over here in a few years’ time, so the more opportunities to play out here and develop your skills on these type of wickets, the more it will be beneficial to this group of lads.” Flintoff said a good display in the remaining one-dayers will help England gather momentum for the two-Test series starting in Ahmedabad on

December 11. “We have got three games left in this series and we are going to have to get something out of them,” the Lancashire star said. “We can’t win the series, so it’s down to our own personal pride and also trying to gain some momentum going into the Test series.”

Gearing up for the Test series Flintoff, however, warned teammates not to think of the Test matches just yet. “I think it would be dangerous to think about anything other than these one-day matches because we could get found out even more,” he said. “The way India have played, they’ve been ruthless. They have outplayed us in every department. They are very well drilled and have learnt a lot of new skills with bat and ball, and we have been found wanting a little bit.” ■ AFP

09

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

1g

d.

‘‘

I think Dhoni had the right to be annoyed and I think he has put forward his views fairly clearly. The nation has understood that Dhoni was annoyed because there was a leak not because ’A’ player was selected and ’B’ wasn’t, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi

A

s the 2008 tennis season ended in this unlikely city with Fernando Verdasco buried under a pile of delirious teammates, the inescapable conclusion was that it had been a great year for Spaniards on the road. Rafael Nadal left the island comforts of Majorca and hustled to his fourth straight French Open title, his first Wimbledon title and his first Olympic gold medal. Although the Davis Cup no longer carries the same weight in the United States, La Copa Davis still means plenty in other parts of the world, including Argentina, where it shared the front pages with Diego Maradona’s debut as the coach of the Argentine national soccer team. But in the end, David Nalbandian and the Argentines did not receive the kind of attention they were counting on as their bid to win tennis’ premier team title unravelled once more.

Fractured Argentina Instead of dissecting a historic

sports triumph, their chroniclers were left to dissect fractured team unity, Nalbandian’s prickly personality and the decision of the team captain, Alberto Mancini, to resign and let someone else attempt to inspire Argentina to its first Davis Cup. “I think for all of us to pull in the same direction requires an effort; it happens, but it demands a lot,” Mancini said in a news conference at which the questions and answers were full of emotion. “I’m not just talking about tennis players. I’m talking about the country as a whole.”

Spanish success Spanish teams, for the moment, do not have such problems after a year in which the men’s soccer team won the European championships and the men’s basketball team gave the American “Redeem Team” a scare in the Olympic final. Now, Spain’s Davis Cup squad has managed to win despite the absence of Nadal. “I’m really proud to share this prize with these

players,” the departing Spanish captain, Emilio Sanchez Vicario, said. “For me, it’s the biggest prize of my life.” Spain has won its three cups in 2000, 2004 and 2008, all Olympic years, which is probably no coincidence considering that overstuffed Olympic years put a major strain on tennis stars and inevitably favour the nations with the biggest reserves of able and willing talent. Spain is not as deep as it was several seasons ago, but it still had much better backups in Feliciano Lopez and Verdasco than Argentina could muster when its new star, Juan Martmn Del Potro, pulled up lame during his opening-day loss to Lopez. It is hardly a surprise that health problems were a major factor in men’s tennis this year. Nadal barely played after September. Roger Federer, whose intelligent scheduling and attention to detail had kept him relatively injury free for years, laboured through a challenging season. ■

Spanish players celebrate their Davis cup triumph at Islas Malvinas stadium in Mar del Plata, Argentina. PHOTO: AFP

NYT News Service

Matadors dominate DAVIS CUP VICTORY CAPS GREAT YEAR FOR SPANIARDS

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I am unlucky in love Former Miss India and Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley, who turned 27 recently, says she has been unlucky in love but hopes god will bless her with more romance in life.

Signed, sealed, delivered Karan Johar on future films from Dharma Productions and the three-movie contract to prevent runaway directors SUBHASH K. JHA

A

fter being let down by directors whom his production house, Dharma Productions, nurtured to directorial success, Karan Johar has now made it mandatory for all filmmakers working for his banner to sign a three-movie contract each. This includes Kajol’s cousin Ayan Mukherjee, who has just started directing Wake Up, Sid with Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma for Karan’s banner. “Barring Rensil D’Silva, who comes from an established ad world and we have decided to keep him bound for only one project, all the other directors are bound by a three-film contract,” Johar, whose latest home production Dostana is spinning gold at the box office, says. “I’ve my own little Whistling Woods (Subhash Ghai’s film school) in my production house. My endeavour is to establish an academy of directors who won’t just make one movie for us and move on. I hope they’ll stay with us and make more movies.” “I want to encourage new-age cinema. I’m really happy to cultivate all this talent. I’ve had first-time directors starting with Nikhil Advani in Kal Ho Naa Ho and Soham Shah in Kaal to Tarun Mansukhani in Dostana and Ayaan Mukherjee in Wake Up, Sid and we’ve just signed Siddharth Malhotra,” he adds. Johar, who has directed hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, says

it is important to be professional with people at work. “One must be professional about work. Yes, they’re contractually bound to make three films with us. But there’s an inherent loyalty to the banner in them. And I’ve complete faith that these new directors won’t move on from our banner.” But didn’t he feel the same way about Nikhil Advani and Soham Shah before they moved on? “Shall we move on? Johar retorts. “Why can’t we enjoy the positivity? I’m very excited about Ranbir and Konkona as a pair in Ayan’s film. They’ve an inherently unusual on-screen chemistry. And now my latest director is Siddharth Malhotra, who is developing a screenplay for us.” “Siddharth is late Premnath’s grandson and Prem Kishen’s son. I’m very friendly to that family. Our families go back a long way. I don’t have a biological child. But all the directors who are making films for me are like my children. I give them full freedom to make films the way they want. When they go on the sets, they take their own energy there. I want directors who have their own voice,” says the filmmaker. Dino Morea’s brother Santino is also working with Johar. “He (Santino) is my assistant on My Name Is Khan. Boney Kapoor’s son assisted us on Kal Ho Naa Ho. And now David Dhawan’s son, Varun, is also working with me. These industry boys are very hardworking. They’ve seen both the ups and downs in the entertainment industry, so they value the opportunities they get.” “If any of my children want to leave ‘home’, I’ll tear up the contract. But the legalities are important in the current corporate climate,” Johar says. ■ IANS

11

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Kajol to be honoured

SRK to be Datuk on Dec 6

Kajol will be honoured by iCONGO, a confederation of NGOs and Khemka Foundation, for helping educate underprivileged children.

Shah Rukh Khan is set to be conferred the Malaysian title of Datuk, akin to the British knighthood, on December 6 and he is expected to receive the honour in traditional Malaysian attire.

C ine City That couchjumping day

T

I

om Cruise earned flak years ago when he enthusiastically declared his love for Katie Holmes on The Oprah Winfrey Show, but now the actor is more reflective and says he could have handled things better. Mirror.co.uk reports him saying: “There are things that I could have done better. I could have handled things better. I was surprised at the criticism, but it brought everyone closer together – Katie’s entire family and my family. Going through that stuff is not pleasant and I think it hit an extreme, but Kate’s a very sure and confident and strong woman. She gets it, you know. She is incredibly wise and very, very strong and confident, even though she is a very gracious and elegant person,” he said. “As a father and husband you want to protect your family and tell them not to worry because it is all going to be okay. You just learn from it and move on and I know that. I have a blessed life because I have a happy family and children that I adore and everyone knows how feel about Kate. It just brought us even closer together,” he added. ■

Sathyaraj to play youngster If Internet buzz is to be believed, actor Sathyaraj will be seen playing a 25year-old in the film Sangamithra. The film is about a 16-year-old boy who ruins the life of a girl. The boy then grows up, realises his mistake and devotes his life to her. Sathyaraj is slated to play four stages in this film, falling in the age group of 25 to 65 years.

IANS

Washington, Kunis in action thriller D

enzel Washington has picked Mila Kunis to co- star with him in a disturbing action thriller in which they team up to save humanity in a near-future America faced with catastrophe. Kunis is a veteran of hit TV series That ’70s Show and made her feature film debut in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Kunis most recently starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Max Payne. In the new movie, The Book of Eli Washington, she will portray a character who first tries to stop Washington’s character from saving humanity but ultimately joins him in his quest. ■ DPA

Six-pack season After Dhanush, Vishal and Suriya, it’s now the turn of actor Shaam to flaunt a sixpack. We hear that the actor, who made his debut in the film 12B, is working hard for his own six-pack abs. He is currently working on two projects – Anthony Yaar and Agam Puram. It is also said that actor Prithviraj has worked out a six-pack for his upcoming flick, Ravaana.

12

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tuesday’s Question: Which is the best way to tackle and control Chennais’ traffic problems? ■ Yellarayum vanathula vandi otta sollalam.

Nirmala, Perot Systems

■ Work from home options for most of IT employees. Vimal Prashanth(Patni Computers), Krish (Wipro), Senthil Raghu(HCL)

■ We can increase the petrol price to which will reduce usage of vehicles. Yacub(Patni Computers), Srinivasan D (Verizon)

■ We can bring traffic police from other countries, so that they do the traffic regulation well or our traffic regulators should strictly follow the rules to clear traffic. Murugan, RSI

■ Vettiya ooru suthravanga ellam veetla irunthavae half traffic control aagum. Shanu Samrat, TCS

■ Use two-wheelers instead of cars. Use cars for long travels. Ganesh, CGSL

■ Place road thorns before the pedestrian crossing. It activates as and when the orange light is signalled. So that people who even try running after red signal gets his tyres punctured. At emergencies like ambulance to be allowed, a manual/automatic trigger could be provided to traffic police Suseel, CTS

■ Metro Rail from Redhills, Avadi, Manali to Mahabalipuram (via OMR) & SV Chataram Magesh, Polaris

■ Bring in more satellite towns. Balaji Jegannathan, Infosys

■ Better to become Spiderman and fly wherever you want. Radhika, Polaris

■ An electronic debit card should be placed in each vehicle. A machine to read the same should be placed at

main junctions in Chennai. Each time a vehicle passes through those junctions, that card should be debited for an amount more than average public transport cost. This is very successful in Singapore Jai, CGSL

■ Construct more bridges & complete the work as soon as they can. Shakeeb Aadil(HCL), Bala, Arunkumar Raja (CGSL), A.Arunkumar (Sify), Rakshita Sreenivasan, R Balasubramanian (Wipro), Sasi (VDSI), Satish (Ramco Systems), Kailash U (Optimus)

■ Strictly implement separate lane system on all main roads Lane 1: 2-wheelers & auto Lane 2: Cars and LMV Lane 3: Bus & HMV Santhosh Kumar

■ To make use Public Transportation will reduce traffic drastically, provided frequent, comfortable public transportations are to be increased still across all busy routes.

Syed from Systems Technology Group has nominated his colleagues as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at a Farm house in OMR.

Ramesh N (R Systems International Ltd), Mushtaq Ahmed (Perot Systems), Siva(HCL)

■ Stop all the vehicles and go by nataraja service or cycle service.... Muthu Velayutham(Wipro), M.Aravind (Capgemini), Kannan (Sify), Dominic Xavier (CGSL), Gowrisankar(Ramco Systems), M.Saravanan, D.Siva(PMC), Manikandan N(Wipro)

■ Camera’s in signals needs to be increased to monitor the traffic violators. (Warning / punishments needs to be sent to the vehicle owners in regards with contact address available in RTO office). Saminath. G, Sify Technologies Ltd

■ Office timings can be changed for Private and Government firms; so that everyone will be able access the banks, TNEB office, telephone office etc in the early hours.

Lakshmi Narayana from Satyam computers has nominated his team mates as Partners in Crime. The photo was taken at Aliyar dam.

Sanjay G, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Avoid digging roads. Start early to office to avoid traffic jams. Don’t complain things. Gayathri Bheemannan, Infosys Technologies Ltd.

Today’s Query: If Nayanthara were your boss, how would you impress her? Please send SMSes with your names, for the purpose of cross-verification. To feature your query, email it to [email protected] with the subject line ’Mobile Query’.

Reddi from Hexaware Technologies has nominated his Ampere team as Partners in Crime. The pic was clicked at Kodaikanal.

13

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Elayarani T of HCL Technologies has been nominated as Office Angel by her friends. She is a jovial and cool person. Never gets tempered in any situation and keeps on going fine with everybody. Very enthusiastic and energetic that makes her take part in all the events. She is dedicated towards work. Cracks jokes then and there to get away from tensions.

■ Dear Seetha, Wishing you a blessed birthday!! May all your wishes come true . With love, ADB .

■ Dear Prabakar(PEROT SYSTEMS), Warm wishes for your married life.. Wish you a wonderful future with happy times, good health

with love, Venkatesh, Wipro

■ Hi P.S.Praveen (EDS) Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happy. May your nights be filled with comforting dreams. Days have passed into years, you have become better with time.You have continued to become better and better with each birthday. Keep it up!!!

Best Wishes! Raja Deepak (iGate) Sundararajan (Infosys) And the rest of the RG Gang!

■ Dear Shiv, A Love Filled Birthday Wishes. Your Dream. My Good luck... Your Hard Work.My Prayers. They all will definitely blend giving you the strength to reach greater heights.

Ever Yours, Shija

■ Hi Varsha, Wishing you many more happy returns of the day ! May god bless you forever. :)

Cheers, Sify (friends) Ganesh

■ Dear Vinoth, A heartfelt birthday wishes to you my dear. May this birthday brings you all the good in the earth. Expecting you to spend the dinner with me on your birthday(26.Nov.2008).

Kanchana Dhandapani of Satyam doodled this.

With Love, Lakshmi

■ Hi Mani (SP)" A birthday, and now a day that rose With much of hope, with meaning rife--A thoughtful day from dawn to close:The middle day of human life". says Jean Ingelow. Wish you advance happy birthday to you. May this birthday brings all sorts of happiness in your life. Happy birthday to u. With warm wishes from your everlasting friends...TCS

Nee evalau gundaa irudhaalum unnai thuppaakki le podamudiyuma??? Kavya Sadasivan Tata Consultancy Services

1) Teacher: Nee yenda Nan varum pothu mattum kannadi podura? Student: Doctor than solli irukkaru "Thala vali" varum pothu mattum kannadi podunnu. 2) What is the difference between "Ethanol" and "Methanol" ? Ethanol kudicha naama 4 peru munnadi aadalam... Methanol kudicha nammakku munnadi 4 Peru aaduvanga.. Rajapandi.R HCL Tech ltd

■ Hi Govindh… Wish you many more happy returns of the day. Let all your dreams come true.

By, Wave12

■ Dear Janani, On your birthday, we wish that all your dreams come true. We wish for you favorite people to embrace,loving smiles and caring looks that earthly gifts cannot replace. Happy Birthday Janani!! JJJ

With Lots of Luv, Brindha, Daisy, Deepa, Furzana, Kavin, Meena, Narmadha, Vennila

■ Dearest Ucha, Haaaaappppy B’day!! J J J Wish you the very BEST that life can offer you. Have a wonderful day and a gr8 year ahead! May all your dreams come true, dear Doop Dopa! Love you loads, Miss you more, Dope Dochi

■ Dear Pratheepa, Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences u’ve had, and what u’ve learned from them. Hope your Birthday gently breezes into your life all the choicest of things and all that your heart holds dear Have A Fun- Filled Day my Dear!!!!

With Love, urs, Raghu, CTS

■ Dear Manivannan, Wish you a many more happy returns of the day. May God bless your future with lots of surprises. Keep Rocking!!

With Love, Karthika, Krithika, Luxmi, Manikandan, Merlin, Rajesh, Rekha, Rohini, Samundeeswari, Sankar, Sathish, Sudha, Suganthi, Vidhya, Vijay Balusamy and Vimal Team TCS

■ Dear Evangelinannaberyl, Happy b’day 2 u happy b’day 2 u happy b’day 2 u my dear. Happy b’day 2 u hope this day become the most memorable day of ur life and ur all wishes comes true. Very happy birthday to you.

Hearty wishes fromFriends, Kumaran Systems.

■ Dear Sekar, Some people give the gift of peace and tranquility to every life they touch.They are always who they really are.They are blessedly reliable,dependably good,predictably pleasant,loved and treasuredby all who know them.U are one of those people.HappyBirthday!

With lotz of Luv,Mamtha, TCS

■ Dear Fiaz Zeeshan, We all Wish you a Happiest Birthday:) God bless you and Happy to share this wonderful moment with U. " A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around. Enjoy!

By Prem, Dinesh, Nehru, Sheik, Bindu and Colleagues

■ Dear Sonia, “ Wishing u a day soft as silk, white as milk, sweet as honey & full of money. may all ur dreams come true. HAPPY B’ Day 2 u.

With lots of care & affection, VIBGYOR friends, Hexaware Technologies

■ Dear Bro, Happiness is to have someone special and lovable in our life and I am really lucky to have you as my sweet brother. May God bless u with all happiness and wealth. Many more happy returns of the day Ammu...

Cheers, Ezhil

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Internet street’s netless A Polish man who bought a house on Internet Street is selling it - because he can’t get a broadband connection.

sudoku

Ezhilkumaran Gurusami of CSS Corp clicked this picture in Kodaikanal. Hobbies: Watching movies and travelling

KAKURO 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

15

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Word’s worth

Terminal lover

"Hagioscope" (hag-ee-uh-skohp) an opening cut in the wall of a church to let worshippers in a side aisle or chapel see the elevation of the host during the service. This is also called, less graciously, a squint.

A Japanese tourist liked Mexico City airport so much when he arrived that he’s still there - after three months.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Career growth will flourish today. Responsibilities may increase. You will have a great time though. However it will be advisable if you don’t act overconfident. You may have to ignore love life for a day as work pressure may be immense.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Something or the other might keep distracting you at work today. However, you may regain your balance later. You will adapt a practical approach at work. This may be good professionally, but you may cause some disturbances on the love front.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You will have to extra cautious from people who are jealous of your professional expertise. They may try to find faults with your work. However Ganesha assures that you will find the desired peace and comfort in the arms of your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You will feel enthusiastic about your work. Keeping in mind your emotional nature, it would be advisable if you treat everyone with compassion. However, being emotional with your beloved will definitely win you good times in return.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may begin work with your battery completely charged up. You will be able to meet deadlines. The day can be used for important meetings. You may be in a mood to make merry with beloved but what you need is an emotional bonding.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may experience a gush of creative ideas in your head today; however they might not materialise. Ganesha assures you that they might be useful later on. In the second part, you may want to focus on developing you professional skills.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Every word you use today will carry a specific meaning. Ganesha foresees you focusing on targets related to work. The day may drain you out and you may want to rush home to relax. In any case, the best modes to relax are to stay indoors.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Miscommunication might happen today. Ganesha wants you to be careful with words. Nevertheless, being straightforward might not help as well. The best way is to learn diplomacy. You may share incidents about professional life to your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Today it may be very crucial for you to manage time so that you are able to finish everything you take on hand. Professional life is great today. Ganesha feels you may get in the mood of motivating colleagues. Get ready for a romantic evening.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may review all your pending work today. If you work with added efforts, all the pending work will get done by the end of the day. However, work with strong determination. Less attention to love life may result into discontentment, warns Ganesha.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You may feel the need to arrange a meeting for some specific discussionsHowever you might feel drained out by the end of the day. In addition to this, your beloved might feel ignored. Balance personal and professional life.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Excess work load will not be able to alter your attention at work. You may work aggressively for a better working experience and growth on the professional front. Ganesha thinks you hard work will pay good rewards, gradually. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Mobile lifesaver An American claims that a mobile phone in his chest pocket saved his life, after it stopped a bullet.

Surfing Labrador

A

Brit Labrador possessing a unique surfing talent is making waves, and has become an attraction of sorts by riding waves on its local Tynemouth beach. Harvey, 3, has become a regular sight on Tynemouth beach near Newcastle-upon-Tyne with his owners. It was this summer that owner Scott Pearson, 43, and his son James discovered Harvey’s extraordinary talent while they paddled

out to sea and Harvey attempted to join in. After a few failed attempts, Harvey somehow learned to balance on the slippery board and now enjoys squatting on it and riding to shore. Impressed by his ’rare’ talent’ a local surfing company donated a sponge board for Harvey, which is more buoyant and therefore easier to use. Harvey has now become a firm favourite with passers-by. He added: “He’s the coolest, most

exceptional dog I’ve ever come across. He was only about six months old when he started going into the water but he never showed any signs of wanting to jump on a board. He has always loved being in the water and has no fear of the sea. “He’s a real natural and now everytime he is out on his board people stop and watch in amazement.” James, a resident of nearby Gosforth, is currently trying out for the British surfing team. ■ ANI