Ergo October 6

A BYTE OF LIFE

Monday, October 6, 2008

11 FILM REVIEW: DRONA

05 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The story behind Kanchana Paati

Junior B fails to sizzle FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

No. 192

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

TAMANNAAH’S TIME Tamannaah will soon be seen reprising Kareena Kapoor’s role in the Tamil remake of Jab We Met. The actor speaks on movies, her best critics and professional ‘rivalries’. » PAGE 10

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Painting expo Sarala’s Art Gallery is organising an exhibition of paintings done by M.Senathipathi from October 6 to 16. Venue: Art World, 11/2, Ganeshpuram 3rd street, off Cenotaph Road, Chennai- 18.

The nine stars Radio City’s Vanakkam Chennai celebrates Navarathri with women achievers

Lend a helping hand Here are some of the options you can choose from when you sign up to volunteer with an animal welfare organisation SRIYA NARAYANAN [email protected]

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Adoption counselling The primary goal is to find happy homes for the animals. You can help by interviewing potential owners. By observing how they handle animals, enquiring whether family members will approve of the pet and gauging their capacity to provide long-term care, you can ensure that the puppy or kitten is in safe hands. Follow-up phone calls and house visits are a great help too.

Feeding You could syringe-feed the really tiny kittens and pups and give Vitamin drops and tonics to those that need it. Another option is to supervise the feeding after checking with the staff about timings. And of course, there’s always the option of dropping in over the weekend and feeding the boisterously cheerful adult dogs biscuits and bread. Check if there’s enough clean water kept in the bowls inside the kennels /cages or outside.

Special care For those of you who want to be completely hands-on, your help in keeping the shelter environment clean will be greatly appreciated. If you spot sick or injured pups/kittens, you can separate them and bring them to the doctor’s attention or leave a message with the attendant in charge. You could use disposable gloves (available on request at the

PHOTO: S.R.RAGHUNATHAN

Listen to what Khusboo and Devyani have got to say about their past and present in Radio City from 7 – 11 a.m. on October 6 and 7. In connection with the Navrathri festival, Radio City 91.1 FM presents a nine-day special series – Nava Natchathiram on ‘Vanakam Chennai’. The festive special started on September 30 and features interviews with nine successful women achievers from different professions. The show takes us on their journey, interests and a lot more, with RJ Gobi playing host. ■

f you’ve always had a philanthropic bent of mind, especially towards the furry kind and were wondering how you can make a difference, this list could be a good start.

shelter) and rub the animals dry and change soiled paper in the cages.

lonely, like abandoned adult dogs.

Fundraising Socialise cats and dogs All shelter animals long for human affection and will be grateful for your company, even if it’s only for a short while. You can walk the dogs, play with the cats (can be quite addictive) and check in on the ones that are particularly

If you have a network of people who can sponsor a day’s feeding expenses (Rs. 15,000), get in touch with them for help. Log onto bluecrossofindia.org and fill up the volunteer form. They look forward to your support! ■

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Neeva Diwali Mela Experience a shopping extravaganza at The Rain Tree, Alwarpet, on October 10 and 11. Organised by Neeva Events, the exhibition cum sale features items like silver and gold jewellery, costume jewellery, kurtis, diyas, hand bags, kids’ clothing, footwear, household and lifestyle products. The expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ale and hearty Oktoberfest at Taj Coromandel was Chennai’s own way of celebrating the world’s biggest beer festival ERGO CORRESPONDENT

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ktoberfest is the biggest beer fest in the world, unfolding in Germany in the month of September and the first week of October. On Friday evening, Taj Coromandel and Lufthansa together organised their own version of Oktoberfest. Although a small affair, the event on the lawns of the hotel witnessed a reasonable turnout that included socialites and German nationals in the city. Some of the guests included Anand Amritraj, Vidhya Singh and members of the German consulate in Chennai. The fest kick-started with Bavarian band ‘The Moonlights’ enthralling the poolside audience with some native numbers. Popular hits like ‘Pretty Woman’ saw some guests shake a leg along with the band. Interestingly, some guests sported the well-known dirndl (traditional peasant attire) and had some fellow guests conducting eager enquiries about the attire. Apart from the free-flowing beer, the star of the evening was some authentic German cuisine, made with ingredients specially flown down for the evening. ■

(Clockwise from top) Women clad in dirndl, the traditional peasant attire; cheers to Oktoberfest; the Bavarian band, The Moonlights, performs at Taj Coromandel. PHOTOS: S.S. KUMAR

War for a post A key post in the city police has remained vacant for quite sometime. A top IPS officer is to fill the vacancy very soon. The officer is known to have won a tug-of-war for the post for which several top cops had also tried their luck. Apparently, the triumphant officer had ‘paid respect’ to a top state minister.

Personal grudge A lady constable attached to the Ashok Nagar police station attempted suicide recently. An inspector attached to that police district

is said to be the reason behind her taking the extreme step. But some reliable sources say a ‘well-known’ corrupt lady constable from Adyar is linking the two as she holds a grudge against the inspector. The matter has gone to the top brass and is under scrutiny.

Clean and clear? Interestingly, in the last few months there has not been a single immoral trafficking case registered by the city police. While the police stand by their statement that ‘the city is clean and clear of prostitution’, the inside

story is that the business is thriving in the city like never before. Some corrupt officers in the anti-vice squad are known to be collecting a hefty monthly fee to stay off action.

United we stand Some policemen who were previously part of a special party under a former top cop in the north zone are now a sad lot after being sent to non-lucrative posts. Some have been repeatedly lamenting “That was a life, man.” But hope floats for these khakis as their former boss had gone after saying, “I will be back and we will be together.”

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

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More than anything else the sensation is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost, if you can conceive of such a combination. Wilbur Wright

Flying high with innovations

쒀 Japan’s Keio University Professor Hiroshi Shimizu displays a design study model of a personal electric vehicle at his laboratory in Kawasaki, suburban Tokyo on Saturday. The eight-wheel mobility vehicle is powered by Lithium battery and can drive at a maximum speed of 100 kmh. AFP PHOTO

The list of top 12 inventions has been amassed by aviation.com, as reported by Wired News ANI

AFP FILE PHOTO

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undred years since the Wright Brothers took wing many inventions have taken place in the field of aviation. Now, a website has compiled a list of the greatest innovations that have taken the world by storm. ■ Cabin pressurisation: The average passenger doesn’t think about cabin pressurisation until their yellow safety masks fall from the ceiling, but the reality is that if the technology hadn’t been developed during WWII, people wouldn’t be able to fly much above 10,000 ft. ■ Black Box: Morbid but essential, the black box was invented in the mid-1950s, and not only helps investigators learn why a plane crashed, but how that information can be applied to other aircraft to prevent a repeat. ■ The Concorde: It never delivered on its commercial promise, and it was an environmental bad boy, but who can deny that breaking the sound barrier aboard a commercial aircraft is cool. ■ Radar: Sure, the airlines are dying to replace it with GPS technology, but for decades it’s been radar that helps air traffic controllers locate and track planes up to 200 miles away. ■ The jumbo jet ■ The hub and spoke system ■ The Very Light Jet (VLJ) ■ Winglets ■ The flying wing ■ Stealth aircraft ■ Jetway ■ Deicing

bian, and several other Spanish dialects. Many of Hi5 65 million users live in South America.

Camera with govt info sold on eBay Hi5 also translates

쒀 The “Twist of Fate” balloon, piloted by Stephen Andrew Coffing of Albuquerque, soars over the Rio Grande during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over 600 hot air balloons, representing 42 states and 24 countries are participating in the fiesta. AFP PHOTO

Social network Hi5 has launched a translation project powered by its own users. The site is now available not only in American English, but also in Catalan, Danish, British English, Finnish, Hindi, Macedonian, Slovakian, Mexican Spanish, Colombian Spanish, and Swedish. The translations were produced by community volunteers and verified by translation service Lionbridge. Later in October 2008, the site plans to include translated versions of the site in Albanian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Croatian, French, Maltese, Norwegian, Ser-

Police are investigating the eBay sale of a digital camera containing Secret Intelligence Service images of terror suspects on eBay. The 28-year-old bought the Nikon Cool Pix camera for $31 on the auction website before going on a vacation to the U.S. When he downloaded his photos, he discovered images of terror suspects, along with their names, fingerprints and images of launchers and missiles. “We can confirm we seized a camera after a member of the public reported it,” a statement from the U.K. police reads. A document marked “top secret” revealing details of MI6 agents’ encrypted computer sys-

tem was also found among the images.

Viagra to be sold online Anti-impotence drug Viagra is to be prescribed online for the first time to men in the U.K., which experts believe will encourage, embarrassed men to seek treatment. Lloyds pharmacy is prescribing Viagra online to men suffering from erectile dysfunction using general practitioners from health website DrThom to determine if a patient is suitable for the drug. Patients will be given a trial course of eight tablets, costing $83.25 for four pills. Men will have to fill in a questionnaire with details including their height, weight, levels of sexual desire and how long he has suffered from impotence. ■ WENN

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Find out the stories behind people’s body art: http://www.behindtheink.com/ Share your bad boss experiences: http:// www.employeesurveys.com/bosses/badboss.htm

US $ Pound Euro 100 Yen

46.88 82.97 64.99 44.49

SOURCE: RBI

Websites of the day

My paati strongest A day care centre that left the Suris in a lurch prompted them to start their own, thus helping many more working parents in similar situations

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ample this: You are a married, career-oriented woman juggling work and family. The company selects you for a three-month on-site project to the U.K. You are thrilled about this dream assignment and leave your toddler at the care of a day care centre, with your supportive husband promising to take charge of the rest. But before you settle down to the new environment, there is some not-great news from home. Like this one incident which left the Suris helpless. A notice cautioning them that the day care centre was closing down and their twoyear-old daughter had to be taken away in nine days! Does this ring a bell? Have you sympathised with your married colleagues, listening to similar stories? It’s quite possible that you have even seen women having to make a choice between career and family. Though the Suris did panic initially, they decided to sow the seeds of an entrepreneurial venture from their adversity. “When I returned from the U.K, my husband had already opened our first centre,” recalls Preetha Suri, then working with Siemens as Senior Consultant. Kanchana Paati – My Grandma’s Place (named after Suri’s mother) opened on August 15, 2006, with nine children in an independent bungalow. “Thanks to my exposure to the city, its people and the marketing background I come from, I started our Nungambakkam centre within five days,” says Vridhachalam Ganapathi Suriyanarayanan a.k.a. Suri, who has worked for companies like Xerox, Canon and Toyota.

Grandma’s Care For Your Child: Suri and Preetha have more plans and activities lined up for Kanchana Paati. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

A place like your mother’s... That’s their catchline attracting many corporate working parents. Proof of which is the increasing number of centres in the city – Anna Nagar, Velachery and Perungudi, while those in Ashok Nagar and Kilpauk will come up soon. It is also mulling over opening branches in Bangalore, Hydera-

ute In a Min hana Paati

: Kanc Company 006 Started: 2 and : Preetha Founders Suri Team: 62 e, play as: Crèch fterre A s u c o a F re-school, school, p rt and leisure, o school, sp mp a c r e m m su e Better: Know M hanapaati.in c www.kan

bad and Cochin. “Hyderabad should be our first centre outside Chennai, which we hope to start between January and March,” they say. Their emphasis in not calling Kanchana Paati another school or day care centre but ‘My Grandma’s Place’ is evident from the spacious bungalows they have redone for children. But, probably, what caught the attention of many more working parents was a centre functioning from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. – their USP even today. So, was funding each of their centres difficult? “We had saved enough from our wellpaying jobs. Money was not a problem,” says Preetha, who resigned after 15 years of corporate experience to turn entrepreneur. Was it a tough decision to take? “While my husband

quit as Director of Bhrigus Software India to take up the business further, it took about a year for me to make up my mind. I had second thoughts about quitting to do something on my own,” explains the Managing Director.

Paati’s team The couple say that every staff who works with them is either a mother or a grandmother. Interestingly, one of their first team members, Pamela Samuel, is a retired principal of Chellammal College for Women. Today, the Suris claim they have a good number of mothers from the corporate sectors working with them. “Our employees only work six hours a day,” adds Preetha. ■ (If you are an entrepreneur with a successful business model or know one, write to us at [email protected])

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Must-watch for animals Animal lovers in Holland have launched a national campaign to start up a public TV channel for animals. The network, Piep, will broadcast documentaries animals can enjoy, as well as shows for kids about animal rights.

No water in world’s poshest new hotel

Couple told they’re ’too heavy for plane to take off’!

The world’s poshest new hotel that has stunning water slides and aquariums has been labelled ‘Fawlty Towers’ by Brits after the place’s taps ran dry. Visitors who flocked to be among the first to stay at Dubai’s 750million pounds ‘Atlantis’, claimed to be left with dry taps for endless hours even at the bar. Owing to the flawed plumbing, the holidaymakers were left with dead flushes and showers, while some got stuck in the elevators.

A couple weighing 38 stone (241.31 kg) altogether was asked to move by the stewardess because they were ‘too heavy for the plane to take off’. Alan Coupe and wife Jane, who were on their way to Guernsey for a week’s vacation with their son Chris, were asked to change their seats while the plane was still stationed at the runway. Coupe, who was 20 stone (127 kg), shifted to the front of the plane to maintain an even-spread of the weight, following which the plane took off. Mrs. Coupe, who runs a breakfast business with hubby, was so embarrassed that she couldn’t meet anybody’s eyes. “The stewardess asked one of us to get up and move to the front, so Alan volunteered to move," Telegraph quoted the 49-year-old as saying.

ANI

New Yorkers go caribou hunting with Sarah Palin Even if you can’t go on an actual caribou hunt with Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, you can certainly get shot trying. An artist in Brooklyn, New York, has created an exhibit where visitors can get photographed for free - wearing a fake fur vest, brandishing a cardboard rifle - with life-size cutouts of Palin and daughter Piper. A large, stuffed, slain caribou is thrown in for dramatic effect. The work by artist Dawn Robyn Petrlik is entitled ‘A Photo Op with Sarah Palin’ and features a rifle-toting Palin and her daughter kneeling in the snow, with mountains in the background. A fluttering US flag at the side completes the picture. “Humour is the best way sometimes to deal with very serious issues,” Petrlik told the New York Daily News of the exhibit.

ANI

Australian hospital stops treating pets Dogs and cats with cancer will no longer be treated at an Australian hospital because of concerns the practice would be seen as inappropriate, a spokesman said on Sunday. Pets suffering from cancer had been treated with the same radiation equipment used on humans at Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital since 2001. The hospital stopped using the cancer-treating machines on animals after a ban was imposed by Victoria’s Department of Human Services.

DPA

AFP

Most annoying things for Britons

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enefit scroungers have topped the UK list of ‘100 most annoying things for 2008.’ The Lactofree survey for the most irritating things this year has claimed that people in UK have high disregard for benefit scroungers, followed by the credit crunch, which stands at the second place. Irritating tailgaters claims the

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also features high above in people’s hate-list, and has been placed at number six

third spot, while those much-hated cold callers take the fourth position in the poll. People who read over your shoulder make many Britons furious and are standing at the fifth position. And ironically, Prime Minister Gordon Brown also features high above in people’s hate-list, and has been placed at number six. At number 7, is Fiona Phillipsthe 47-year-old breakfast presenter who is known for her cringeworthy interviews, especially her on-screen gaffes. Rounding up at number nine and ten are rising fuel prices and falling house prices respectively. ■ ANI

Brits’ most annoying things Benefit scroungers, The credit crunch, Tailgaters, Cold callers, People reading over your shoulder, Gordon Brown, Fiona Phillips, Being bloated, Rising fuel prices, Falling house prices, The wet summer, Middle lane drivers, Constipation, Bossiness, Slow internet connections, Being put on hold, Pregnant women smoking, Someone nicking your parking spot, Stepping in dog poo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Debt companies advertising on TV, Skinny people who complain they are fat, Queue jumpers,

Bullying, Noisy neighbours, Nosey neighbours, People parking in disabled bays when they aren’t disabled, Junk mail, Snobs, Noisy eaters, Dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets, People putting our Olympic achievements down, Novelty ringtones, Automated phone systems, Chavs, People who walk slowly, People who take their kids to shops and let them run riot, Amy Winehouse, Sienna Miller’s love life, Rude shop staff, Wasps, Diarrhoea and Cristiano Ronaldo

07

Monday, October 6, 2008

This day, that year It was on October 6, 1848 that Austria declared war on Hungary.

Condoms swiped Five thousand condoms have been stolen from a ’condom-mobile’ in Mexico. The vehicle, which promotes HIV/AIDS awareness, was swiped from Mexico City but when it was recovered, the prophylactics - as well as expensive sound equipment and a motor.

Oz for more ‘real’ models Govt to ask fashion industry to use less Barbie models

ant to crack a job interview without any blunders? Well, then here are some things, which the interviewers don’t expect you to do during the one on one session. The survey carried out by a career website over more than 3000 managers and human resources professionals brought forth the worst interview faux pas by job seekers that failed them to land the job. Fifty one per cent of managers said ‘dressing inappropriately’ for an interview was the biggest mistake a jobseeker could make. Complaining about a former employer can also land you in trouble for 49 per cent of managers said that it was the biggest mistake you could make. While seeming disinterested was third, with 48 per cent. Jobseekers appear disinterested when they haven’t researched the company and don’t have any

health, promoting healthy body images and saying healthy is beautiful.” A generation of children were suffering from eating disorders as they tried to look like catwalk models, said Ellis, who is pushing for the national code to be finalised by January. The minister said such a code could be effective even if it were voluntary but that it was important the government worked with the media and fashion industries to implement change. “We need to have them on board and we need them to recognise the importance of making sure that we’re sending out positive messages,” she said. But the editor of Australian Vogue Kirstie Clements was pessimistic about the plan, saying the use of more normal-sized women in fashion magazines had not been successful in the past. “It’s about beautiful young girls creating beautiful fantasies. It always has been, it always will be,” Clements told The Sunday Telegraph. ■

Get purified

Crack this interview W

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he Australian government may ask the fashion industry to use more normal-sized models as it battles to encourage a healthy body image among young people, a federal minister said Sunday. Youth minister Kate Ellis said the government was considering introducing a code of conduct which would apply to the fashion, advertising and media industries. “It’s about representing people of all different sizes and all different looks and ensuring people know that it’s OK not to (be skinny),” she told The Sunday Telegraph. The code of conduct could also require fashion magazines to disclose which images had been digitally enhanced and limit the placement of advertisements for diet products and cosmetic surgery. “It talks about disclosing when images are being altered so that kids aren’t aspiring to look like models that don’t look like that in real life anyway,” Ellis told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “It’s about transparency in the media but also promoting

questions - another thing interviewers hate - said Connors. Do not ask about your salary in the first interview. Focus on selling the product, which is you. Remember to turn off your phone before entering the room. Don’t be too friendly since interviewers may try to draw candidates into a ‘false sense of security’ to see if they stay professional. Avoid using slangs. Younger generation make the mistake of ‘like this, like that’, which is unprofessional and annoys older managers. Connor said that telling too many personal details when asked ‘tell us about yourself’ is another big mistake. Have a personal statement of two to three minutes prepared which highlights your key strengths and how they are relevant. ■ ANI

쒀 A devotee of the Chinese shrine Toi Toi with his cheek pierced with umbrellas, looks on during a ceremony on Sunday at the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket. The festival celebrates vegetarianism and calls on devotees through acts of mortification to purify themselves as they take on the sins of the community. AFP PHOTO

AFP

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Welcome Phelps Swimmer Michael Phelps was formally welcomed home in US with a twopronged celebration that began with a parade and ended with a fireworks show. The events cost an estimated $300,000

Selectors in dilemma over Akhtar The national selection committee of Pakistan has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to give clear directives on whether fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar should be selected in the 15member squad to be announced on Monday for the four-nation Twenty20 event in Toronto, Canada. A national selector confirmed they had sought advice from the Board since the team had to be finalised tomorrow and Shoaib’s case pertaining to his payment of seven million rupees fine would not be heard by the Lahore High Court before October 8. The Lahore court is due to take up an application from the Board seeking instructions on whether Shoaib should be allowed to play for Pakistan and in Pakistan without first paying the fine imposed on him by an appellate tribunal in June. The tribunal had reduced a five-year ban on the fast bowler to 18 months but instead added the fine. The Board wants to know if the bowler is eligible for selection without clearing the fine as it is a legal matter and the court has already suspended his ban till the hearing is held on another writ petition filed by Shoaib challenging the ban and fine. PTI

Jankovic beats Williams to reach final Jelena Jankovic won a fierce scrap with Venus Williams 6-7 7-5 6-2 on Saturday to set up a Stuttgart Grand Prix final against Nadia Petrova. Serb Jankovic, seeded second but already assured of taking over as world number one on Monday, edged a classic encounter with the sixth-seeded American in two hours 45 minutes despite being hampered by a foot problem.

BEAT the HEAT To

The Aussies have, on several past occasions, complained of the debilitating heat and pollution in India

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rom stocking crates of bottled water and energy drinks to popping stomachlining tablets before their meals, Australian cricketers are doing all they can to beat the heat in India as they prepare to take on Anil Kumble’s men in a gruelling Test series. “Dealing with the stifling conditions is the top priority. Litres of Gatorade have been ordered. Crates of bottled water will also be used. Players have their own individually marked water bottles. Drinks and towels are left in Eskies at fine leg and third man for the bowlers,” reported The Daily Telegraph, while revealing the Aussie plan to tackle the heat during the four-match Test series that starts October 9 in Bangalore.

Reuters

Chinese soccer fans protest player suspension Tens of thousands of soccer fans marched in the Chinese city of Wuhan, blocked traffic and some charged a police blockade in protest against an eight-game suspension of a star player, a Hong Kong newspaper said. The Chinese Football Association suspended defender Li Weifeng and fined him 8,000 yuan ($1,169) on Tuesday for a scuffle with a player from the opposing team who was given the same punishment. The September 28 game ended in a 1-1 draw. Reuters PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

DEALING WITH THE STIFLING CONDITIONS IS THE TOP PRIORITY. LITRES OF GATORADE HAVE BEEN ORDERED. CRATES OF BOTTLED WATER WILL ALSO BE USED

The Australians have, on several past occasions, complained of the debilitating heat and pollution in India and Michael Kasprowicz had famously claimed to have lost eight kg while bowling during a Test in Bangalore. And in a bid to build up their stamina, the touring side has hit the gym in a big way. “It is Stuart Karppinen’s job to ensure players are at peak physical fitness. Players have their own specialist programs at training,” added the report. The spicy Indian food is another aspect of the off-field challenges the Aussies claim to face and to make sure their stomachs don’t trouble them during what is expected to be a nerve-wracking series, the visitors are popping the necessary pills.■ PTI

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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The last time I checked, I won the Tour de France seven straight years and was never once found to be guilty of doping despite seven years of intense scrutiny. Cyclist Lance Armstrong hit out at organizers of the race who said his return to cycling was embarrassing.

Stoner wins Aussie MotoGP

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asey Stoner salvaged a home triumph out of the wreckage of losing his world title to Valentino Rossi with a dominant all-the-way victory in the Australian MotoGP on Sunday. The 22-year-old Australian Ducati rider claimed back-to-back Phillip Island GPs with a 6.5 second victory over Rossi, with American Nicky Hayden third on his Repsol Honda. Stoner, who lamented his two crashes at the Czech and San Marino MotoGPs in August, which effectively handed his world title to the resurgent Rossi, gave none of his rivals a chance after he led from the pole to the chequered flag. “Before the race I didn’t know what to expect,” Stoner said. “A lot of people were going quick, but I gave it my all and managed to pull a gap in the middle of the race. “It’s awesome to do it here again, two from two at Phillip Island – it’s brilliant to win in Australia.” It was Stoner’s

15th victory in his 50th MotoGP and followed his success before his home fans at Phillip Island last year. Stoner powered around the 4.448-kilometre Phillip Island circuit in a race time of 40 minutes 56.643 seconds over the 120 kilometre (75-mile) journey. Stoner’s fifth win of the year broke Rossi’s run of five straight wins, but the Italian scored his 11th straight podium in Australia. Rossi had locked up the championship on his Fiat Yamaha the previous weekend in Japan but had to fight his way from 12th on the grid after a crash in Saturday’s qualifying to overtake Hayden on the final lap to capture second spot. “I thought it would be a disaster when I woke up this morning and I felt as if my head was going to explode, but the medical people massaged me and it was much better for the race,” Rossi said. “It was a very exciting race from the beginning to the end because I could not relax. “Unfortunately, with my mistake yesterday when I had a big crash and started from the fourth row, (it) made it very difficult. “When I saw Nicky becoming bigger and bigger I just pushed and tried to catch him. I think second place for us today is the best result.” Stoner’s convincing victory lifted him to 245 points to all but ensure him of finishing second in this year’s championship with two races left in Malaysia and Spain. AFP

McGrath, Richards, Sehwag hail Sachin Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath, West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards and the man who has been called a ’Tendulkar clone’ -Virender Sehwag -- are unanimous in their opinion that Tendulkar does not need anybody other than himself to decide when the time is right to call it a day. "I find such readings of Sachin’s career to be a bit harsh," McGrath wrote in a column published in the latest issue of ’The Week’ magazine. Richards goes a step further and says that Tendulkar’s refusal to leave the international stage even after playing for 19 years is based on his love for the game and instead of being critical of his continuation, critics and fans should enjoy whatever is left of his career. Sehwag puts it rather bluntly and says Tendulkar is "god of cricket" and should continue as long as he wants. PTI

Paes-Dlouhy falter at Japan Open Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy’s bid for a second successive ATP title ended in disappointment after the top seeds were stunned by the Russian-German pair of Mikhail Youzhny and Mischa Zverev in the finals of AIG Japan Open in Tokyo on Sunday. The unseeded Youzhny and Zverev beat the Indo-Czech pair 6-3 6-4 to capture their second ATP title together. Playing a solid service game, Youzhny and Zverev converted two of the four break points that came their way and protected their serve against four break point chances that Dlouhy and Paes earned in the 58-minute encounter. It is the second time this year that Youzhny and Zverev have combined to deny Paes and Dlouhy a title win, having also done so when they claimed their maiden ATP title at Halle in June. PTI

Brand Mallya on a roll Formula One team Force India’s owner Vijay Mallya is expanding his football interest outside India and is on the verge of inking a shirt sponsorship deal with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers, according to media reports. Mallya, who sponsors Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, is close to agreeing a five-year USD 35 million deal to advertise his Kingfisher beer on the players’ shirts, and a naming rights deal for the Loftus Road stadium, to be named after Mallya’s Kingfisher brand, the ’Daily Mail’ reported. An announcement about Mallya’s involvement is expected as early as next week, the report said. PTI AFP

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Broadway’s tribute Broadway theatres will dim their lights on Friday to honour the late Paul Newman, who first set foot on a Broadway stage in 1953. The legendary film star died of cancer last week at age 83. Reuters

K. MALATHI

I

n the highly competitive world of Kollywood, the very young Tamannaah has managed to be cast opposite Kollywood’s top heroes like Suriya, Dhanush and Bharath. Ask her how it happened, and she smiles. “I was a great fan of Suriya, especially after watching Kakha Kakha. When K.V. Anand sir approached me for Ayan opposite Suriya, I grabbed the opportunity. I am enjoying working with K.V. Anand and Suriya. It’s a dream come true.” After watching Happy Days Dhanush complimented her work in the movie and now she is acting in Padikkathavan with him. Padikkathavan is a comedy, Tamannaah’s first. Besides, Tamannaah is very excited about acting in the Tamil remake of Jab We Met. The pretty girl from Mumbai is playing Kareena Kapoor’s part. “I loved Kareena’s role in the original. Even before I was signed on for the remake I made sure that everyone I am close to watched the movie. I was overwhelmed when I was offered Kareena’s role later. Here I am starring opposite Bharath,” she says. Tamannaah has her hands full nowadays, with projects including Ayan with Suriya, Padikkathavan with Dhanush, Anandha Thandavam with new-comer Sidharth and a Telugu film, Koncham Ishtamga Konsham Kastamga. When asked about media speculation of deliberately avoiding the role in Puli, she says, “I respect S.J. Suryah a lot, having worked with him in Viyabari. These talks are baseless. I was busy with my other shoots and that is why I did not sign Puli. He knew the reason and totally understands.” Despite her busy schedule, she manages to stay fit. “I make sure that I exercise everyday in my gym. Apart from that, I maintain a diet. I drink lots of water. I have a South Indian diet. I eat well. I make sure that my stamina doesn’t go down. I sleep well when I get time.” “My dad is my best critic. He liked Kallori a lot because I was without make-up and I really expressed myself,’’ she says. However, she claims that she is not just daddy’s girl, adding that her parents are there for her always. Tamannaah denies the rumour that she and Illeana do not get along. “I wouldn’t mind working with her if I get the opportunity and time,” she says. Tamannaah’s dream is to act in Gowtham Menon’s movie. Ask her why and she tells you she doesn’t know. ■

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

I wouldn’t mind working with her (Illeana) if I get the opportunity and time

s ’ h a a n n a Tam st i l h wis

The young actor on co-stars, controversies and dream projects

11

Monday, October 6, 2008

Santana’s wish Carlos Santana is on tour and has an album coming out, but in an interview with Rolling Stone posted online on Friday the rocker said he sees himself one day heading up a church in Hawaii. Santana also told the magazine about the pain of recently going through a divorce from his wife of 34 years, Deborah.

SHALINI SHAH [email protected]

W

e’ve heard how Goldie Behl, during a conversation with buddy Abhishek, narrated the story of a breed of ancient warrior kings who’ve been assigned the task of preventing evil from taking over the world. Abhishek, it seems, convinced Behl to make the film and promised to act in it to turn idea to reality. After watching Drona, you wonder why. There’s a miserable Aditya (Abhishek Bachchan) who’s meted out step treatment by his stepmom (Navneet Nishan) and a SRK-look-like of a brother. A chance encounter with magician Riz Raizada (K.K. Menon), an asura in human form follows, and he is chased down

the street by a bunch of blackhooded evil incarnates. Enter Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) – leather, black eyeshadow, flowing chiffon, et al –and the goons are driven away. Temporarily. The rest is about how Aditya discovers that he, in fact, is a Drona, a race of people assigned the task of protecting amrit from falling into the hands of the asuras. The film has its plus-points. There are some eye-catching special effects and stunts, and the change in landscapes is brought about with sheer brilliance. This interspersed with the narration of myth in graphic novel form would have made for an interesting watch. If only… Abhishek sleep-walks

through his entire role – perennially grumpy, hardly largerthan-life as the role demanded, never making the transition from Aditya to Drona. Close-up shots of his kohl-lined eyes, at moments supposed to show Drona’s strengthening of determination, serve no purpose. Priyanka Chopra carries her warrior role with conviction and is good in the stunt sequences. Soon, she too is reduced to the damsel in distress. K.K. Menon has always been known as an actor of subtlety. However, Riz Raizada, the garish, evil magician who com-

bines sadism with a distorted sense of humour, is reduced to a poor imitation of the Joker. And Jaya Bachchan seems to have taken a liking to playing the lonely woman in the castle waiting for the kadmon ke aahat of her long-lost son (remember K3G?). The cliché called suspension of belief is applicable to all fantasy films – only as long as the realm of fantasy has something better to offer. ■

Film: Drona Director: Goldie Behl Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, K.K. Menon, Jaya Bachchan

A DRONE called DRONA Karthik Kumar to do negative role After Poi Solla Porom, Karthik Kumar’s next venture is Ninaithale Inikkum. A remake of Malayalam film Classmates, Ninaithale Inikkum has Prithviraj and Priyamani in the lead. Karthik Kumar will be donning the negative character played by Jayasurya in the original. Though Karthik had been part of several films in the past, he has been branded as an actor who was considered fit to play an NRI or a foreign-returned youth. Poi Solla Porom was a welcome change for the actor.

12 SCAN

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Oh god give me enough power to change this Monday to Friday!

Friday’s question: What is the first thought on your mind when you wake up on a Monday morning? When would Friday evening come?? 9994238373

9790609693

Bit lazyness to move to office, but enthusiastically plans for the upcoming weekend with spirit Kumaresan G, Wipro Technologies.

Iniku school ku poganum, offshore teacherum thituvanga,onsite teacher um thittuvanga. Ann, HEXAWARE

Today’s Ning Updates Group Alert : Vinod Philip has created the group Changepond Technologies. Active Forum Questions : The right to education campaign for corporates conducted by CRY posted by Diwakar of TCS Is Sakarakatti the first light-hearted romantic movie in Tamil? posted by Mathivanan of TCS. Log on and register at goergo.ning.com

Why there is such a long gap between Monday and Friday. Check calendar for any national holiday that week.

Why God made Monday??

Vicky, csscorp Sarat Rajan, TCS

Just 5 more days for the next weekend … Kp of Cochin

1st thought is to find a safe reason for project delay in status meeting... 2nd thought i wish my manager’s car get punctured every Monday.

Vow if i work for 5 more days, I get 2 days to spend at my own pace. Viswanathan Iyer,Cognizant.

Sun raises everyday then y can’t we call everyday as Sunday.... At least Monday we can consider na.

Madhan HCL Tech

How nice it will be, if this is a Saturday morning! 9962456567 Should I brush ? 9940050318

Can it be another days off and can i go to sleep again

Nithya Priya S

One week less to get the next salary credit R Suresh, CGSL

First thing. Book tickets for the movies for next weekend. It’s always full on weekends, u know Shinodh from CGSL

Do I want to wake up;-)

Rebecca allsec

- Oh lord, 5 days to go for the weekend!!! - let me call up my office and let them know I’m sick (start the week with a lie) - It’s not Monday today - it’s Mournday - Wake up on a Monday morning? I lose my sleep every Sunday night.

John of Infosys Technologies has nominated his gang as partners in crime. They clicked this pic at Vandalur Zoo.

Kohila TCS

I will compromise myself. We should need to wait for another 5 days for Saturday. SIVA- PSI Team Perot Systems

Expecting when friday evening will come Viji, Satyam Computers Another revolution 9*5 (9 hrs & 5 days) begins.

9840155659

I would like to get a call from my colleques, says, "Today is holiday da, come will go for movie".

Ashwani Gupta of Citigroup has nominated the "Gangsta Guys" as partners in crime. They clicked this pic at Yelagiri Hills.

9962001668

Oh my weekend is over.

Prasanna Venkatesh of SCM Microsytems has nominated his colleagues as partners in crime. They clicked this pic at Yercaud.

Venkatesan, Technip.

Oh god! Why cant we have 5 days for the weekend and 2 days as weekdays? 9840524650

Francis, TCS

Which shift im in? Plan for the coming weekend. Vimal Raj

Why company is not giving Sunday and Monday as holiday. Satys, Interglobe

Do i really need to go to the office, thereby spoiling the mood of others on the very first day of the week? Nataraj, Changepond Tech.

5 more days to kill for the next weekend

Can see two extremes of life in consecutive days, nethu sorgam inaiki(monday) naragam!!Huh. Vijay Krishnan, Thinksoft.

Isn’t today a holiday? Sleep for another one more hour Santhoshkumar, Satyam

Oh god at least I Should reach Office On time tday Praveen kumar.Allsec Technologies.

Oh oh I will sleep for ten more minutes. Its better i be late than taking off today

Jaya Bharathi, EDS

Ayyo kadavule Monday vandhuduche Innaiku saturday va matthidu.

Send us your favourite clicks of your office colleagues/ gang and get it featured in my.ergo pages. Email us at [email protected] with the subjectline: "Partners in Crime"

Vikas IVS – Infosys

No sweet dreams for the next 5 days Ezhil, HCL

S.Ramesh Changepond tech

Oh my god, let there be a bomb alert in my office.. So tat my pl calls me up n tell not to come to office.. Deepa , TCS

Atleast today i should complete my work without backlog.

Oh! God when the next weekend will come (for getting hangover) Satish Ramco systems

Freedom at last. No taking wife out. Dont have to listen to her. Come back late after hanging out with friends and say project meeting 9789798807

Ruba

To check the calendar for any function/ festival leave in this week days Pradha K, Changepond tech ltd.

How nice it would be if Saturdays and Sundays are there, thrice a week? Chandramohan, Hexaware

Today’s Query: The most irritating behaviour of movie goers in movie halls?

Navaskhan SM of TCS doodled this.

13

Monday, October 6, 2008

Hi, I would highly appreciate if you can brand your news paper in a better way. We could see a lot and lot amount of tips which are related to sex and adultery. It would be great and appreciated if these articles could be avoided. Vijay Mathews We cater to office-going audience, adults who have relationships and are mature enough to handle such content …what say?)

Dear Annam, Wishing you a day as special as you are…. Happy Birthday to you!!!! Regards, Aswini & Durga Congruent Solutions Pvt Ltd

Hi Rajagopalan, (Admin - AMB4 ) Wish you many more happy returns of the day. Have a great day and wonderful year ahead. Shanmugam A HCL Technologies Ltd

Harish has been nominated as Office Angel by Jeffreena Miranda of Infosys Technologies Limited, Chennai. Beyond Talent and Hard Work there should be a positive driving force behind for any success, and this 2 successful year of my journey in this IT field is due to one of my friend who had been my driving force in my initial days at work. He knows how to teach me, how to get me away from a struggle, how to refresh me midst of the work pressure and how to rejuvenate me in troubles and he also did that. I thank him for being my angel at my work place.

Is there an angel in your office - ideally it could be a behindthe- scenes staff - an office attender or a cleaner. Someone who is there all the time, helping, but their presence is taken for granted. Feature them here, and give them their due. Send your emails to [email protected] with subject line: "Office Angel"

Dear Shivanarain, Wishing you a fantastic Birthday. May the year continue to be good to U. U r not getting older, u r getting better. May this year bring with it all the success & fulfillment that ur heart desires. Happy Happy Birthday Ur Beloved friends, Rani, Vinu, Sowmy, Shobi n Sumi

Dear Satya, Wishing you many more happy returns of the day. Happy Birthday Satya!! Don’t think of yourself as getting older :-) . . . You are, of course, but it’s best not to think of it! Happy Birthday! Manoonmani, Satyam Computers

Hi Priya(FSS), Many more happy returns of the day. Dear I am so lucky to have you. By this happiest moment, I promise in behalf of ergo readers that I will not smoke anytime in my life, this one should be the greatest gift I can give it for you on your birthday. Regards Manivannan Aasaithambi(Slash Support)

Dear RenukaDevi Wish U Many more Happy Returns of the day.!!May the gift of blessings fill your Birthday and the year ahead with Everlasting joys..!! Have fun and enjoy your day!! With Lots of Love and Care, Jennifer(Wipro),Nathiya,Pavithra(CSS ),Priya(TCS)

Dear Heart Breakers, Hearty Congrats to "Heart Breakers" for their first year anniversary and wish them to continue their journey with lot of joy. "Heart Breakers" include "Rajkumar, Kumar, Loganathan, Raviraja, Ravikumar, Nithyanantham, Karthic and Sarvesh". Thookathula kosu kadikaamal iruka enna vazhi....???? its very simple... kosu thoonguna pinnadi neenga thoonkuga..!!!!!!! Suriyaprabha from TCS

Gayathri N HCL Technologies

Dear Pinky, Belated Happy birthday. We all wish you the best for your days ahead. Actually saturday ko ergo nai aata hai, so late ho gaya.

Paras kaushik, TCS Dear rekha(kaki), Someone like "TAKI" , someone like "SAKI" ...But i like you my "KAKI"...’HAPPY BIRTHDAY"..... God Bless You My Dear... With lots of love, Hema.

Dear Renu, "Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake." Where is our cake???? "You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime." Many more happy returns of the day. May all your wishes come true this year.. From Friends, Krishna, Suresh, Arthi, Portia and Nimmy (CSS Corp)

Hey Subhra, Many more happy returns of the day.Have a gr8 year ahead. Cheers!! Old Testing Team Buddies, TCS

Hi Vidhya, Wish you a very Happy and Heartiest B’Day. May all your dreams become true ..." Regards Ezhil

Dear Sriram, Smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkle away, hope u share a lots and receive a lots 4 days 2 come. Many More Happy Returns of the Day… From, R10 Friends, Cognizant

. Hii Raj Kumar Anna (HP) , Happy Birthday na.. Wish you live long with success, joy and happiness.. May you be the same active participant in “Chennai Rulez” Community in Orkut.. Ha ha ha!! Stay Happie, BeYoung (ungaluku kalyanam agiduchunu solla maatom)..!! With Love, Savi Kutty (HCL Technologies), Arthi Kutty, Amulu Kutty.. Jayu Kutty ( Satyam Computer Services) Kanmani (Wipro ) Brindha (TCS)

Hiii Rohitha Happy Birthday dear. Wishing you all success in life, may all your desires come true. Lot of love, Vaishu, Gayu.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Tubular getaway American authorities are on the hunt for an armed robber who used an inner-tube as getaway transport. The man stole money from a security guard outside the Bank of America in Seattle, Washington and proceeded to jump into a river and drift off on the floating device.

sudoku

Ramesha J.S. of Wipro Infotech (Network Engineer) clicked this picture during a recent photo shoot at Tada Forest near Sri Kalahasthi. If you liked the picture, do spot the difference between the home and forest spider. Hobbies: Travelling, photography and blogging (www.lensart.ning.com) Click Pick is celebrating Wildlife Week till October 15. Make sure you send your best nature photographs for the coming issues, and also tell us why the fauna is special. 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 Head of Advertising: Sriya Narayanan [email protected]

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 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call our Advertisement Manager at 2857 6695. email: [email protected] Website: www.goergo.in

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, October 6, 2008

Word’s worth "Barathrum" (barr-uh-thrum) a deep pit in Athens, into which condemned criminals were thrown to die. There are as yet no barathrums in Texas. Also, any pit or abyss.

Soldier sent to Siberia A young Russian soldier who made a rap video about poor conditions in his barracks and posted it online has incurred the wrath of army heads - and sent to Siberia as punishment. In the video, Lieutenant Vitaly Efremov complains about his frustration with his dilapidated accommodation near St Petersburg.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 It’s a lucky day to for career progress. You may receive acknowledgement from superiors. Responsibilities may increase but you will be duly rewarded for the same. Beware of overconfidence. Love life may be kept aside amid busy schedule.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You would not be able to focus on work at the day start however you will regain the balance. You will remain practical towards everything that you deal with. This can be a good attitude at work but in love life it may create disturbance.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Beware of those who are jealous of your professional progress. Others may try to find flaws in your work. In later part of the day, frustration may mount. Ganesha assures that you will find required peace of mind in company of your spouse.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You may be taking your routine office work easilybut as the day progresses, you will feel enthusiastic. You are advised not to be too ’practical’. The emotional self will help you woo the person you love the most in later half of the day.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 At the beginning you may be very much charged up so may finish off office work quickly. Meetings arranged may be successful. You will be in a mood to share your thoughts with your beloved one but your partner may need ’emotional touch’ today.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may have lot of new ideas related to work but it may not materialise today. Ganesha suggests you not to be disheartened. In second part you may develop professional skills. Your beloved may expect your attention but you may not be able to pay!

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Every dialogue that you establish today is for a purpose. You will be focussing on targets related to work. In later part you may feel drained and wish to push off home as soon as possible. To chill, you may either take rest or speak with your sweetheart.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Be careful while talking to people around you. If you remain too straightforward with others, they will also be least bothered about your problems. In short, it’s a day to handle with care. In the evening, you will be sharing your ideas with the beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 All is well on the career front today, except your overconfidence. Ganesha suggests you to take up important tasks on hand right in time so that you don’t have to rush later. You will try to motivate colleagues. You will have merry time with beloved.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 At the day start, you may be thinking about targets. In the later part you may try to achieve all those targets. Ganesha feels that you will be able to accomplish with help of strong determination. You may pay less attention to love life.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You may feel the need to call for a meeting for some specific discussion. In later part, you may feel a bit tired. Your beloved may feel ignored, for you will not be in a mood to have long conversation. Ganesha suggests you to handle this with care.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You will remain completely focussed on work. Your target would be to reach at a better level on the career front. Ganesha finds you receiving good vibes about progress in later part of the day. Lovers may enjoy greater intimacy by the Grace of Ganesha. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Monday, October 6, 2008

Frog hops into town A town in Ukraine is marking its 299th birthday by unveiling a statue of a frog. The concrete sculpture was chosen after a neighbouring village constructed a smaller frog in bronze.

Shiny disco eggs Researchers at the University of Vigo in Spain have found that female birds sacrifice their health to lay colourful eggs. The colour blue in many birds’ eggs comes from the compound biliverdin - a breakdown product of the heme unit in haemoglobin - that circulates freely in the blood. However, biliverdin is not just a pigment, it is also an antioxidant used by the body to prevent cellular damage. Previous studies have shown that when females lay vibrant blue eggs, their partners are more likely to stick around and help rear the young one. Therefore, researchers thought that since the blue colour comes from an antioxidant, it is an indication to male partners of the female’s health status. ANI

World’s tallest father World’s tallest man has become the world’s tallest father after the birth of his first child, who is said to be on the middle ground between his colossal father and average-sized mother. Bao Xishun’s son, born on October 2, is only slightly taller than the average newborns measuring 22 inches (56 centimetres) long at birth, the senior doctor at Zunhua Hospital in Hebei province said. The Chinese couple’s son, who weighed 4.2 kilograms at birth with a touch heavier than average, fell short of the 29.5 inches (75 centimetres) claimed as a record birth length last year, also in China. ANI

Pig out on this A 15-year-old girl, who asked for piglets for her birthday, has become Britain’s youngest pig farmer. Emma Cianchi actually wanted to keep the two Berkshire piglets as pets, but after attending a course on pigrearing, she is now breeding them in a field at the back of the family home at Preston-on-Wye, near Hereford. The teen girl, who has 20 rare-breeds, spends an hour every day looking after the growing herd before and after school. “I’m not sure what first attracted me to keeping these animals. It certainly wasn’t the early mornings I would have to get used to - or the weird looks my friends would give me when I told them what I was doing - and it definitely wasn’t the money I would make. I’m still waiting for that. My friends think I’m mad,” the Telegraph quoted her as saying. ANI

Good day to you, mate The Australian nasal twang could be on its way out

A

ustralians who sound like Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin could soon be a relic of the past, a report said Sunday. Citing a new book by Australian National University academic Bruce Moore, the paper said the change would come about as the need for Australians to distinguish themselves from their British forebears faded. “Australians are becoming more confident with the standard Australian accent -- and that means there’s no longer the need for those sorts of extreme sounds,” lexicographer Moore said. Words like ‘mate’ would no longer be pronounced ‘mite’ as some of the unique characteristics of Australian speech disappeared, he said. Meanwhile, the so-called ‘cultivated’ Australian accent would vanish as fewer people mimicked the English accent and moved toward a ‘standard Australian accent’, Moore said. “There’s no doubt the broad accent does carry cultural values. I do not doubt that. That’s why it’s used in advertisements,” said Moore, whose new book is titled ‘Speaking Our Language: The Story of Australian English’. “But in the future that extreme form of it won’t be so necessary because the standard accent will carry those same values.” Moore said the broad accents came from the need for cultural distinction in the late 19th century while the posh accents evolved from the use of what is commonly known as Queen’s English in education in the late 1800s. ■

There’s no doubt the broad accent does carry cultural values. That’s why it’s used in advertisements

AFP

Learn to win an argument H

ate losing an argument with your partner or a heated political debate with friends? Well, a new university course aimed at boosting powers of persuasion might just do the trick for you. Called ‘For The Sake Of Argument’, the free day course is being hosted by Professor Laurence Goldstein at the University of Kent. “Arguing is an intrinsically enjoyable activity. Sometimes a view may be put forward that is so subtle and so persuasive that it can be savoured just like a work of art or a piece of music,” The

Daily Express quoted him, as saying. “It is a useful skill for politicians, journalists and business people. In fact it is invaluable for anyone who wants to persuade others rationally,” he added.

Arguing is an intrinsically enjoyable activity. It is a useful skill for politicians, journalists and business people

One of the persons enrolling for the course is Helen Ambrose, 23, of Canterbury, who wants to try the course to help her stand up to her husband. She says, “If I can learn how to win arguments with him then I can watch Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor instead of watching the football or making the tea.” “Then the course will have been well worth my time. I’m not telling my husband I’m going, though - otherwise it would just be a stalemate.” ■ ANI