Ergo September 15

A BYTE OF LIFE

Monday, September 15, 2008

05 MAMMA MIA!

FIRST INNINGS Teenfrage and the ‘agony uncles’ FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

11 A review

No. 178

Young Saina Nehwal brushed aside her Olympics disappointment to win the Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold Championship » Page 08

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

Educational kits distributed Members of the Sanjivini Bharat Vikash Pratisthan, set up by youth from the IT, Management and other sectors, visited the Kaakkum Karangal orphanage in West Mambalam this Sunday. Chief guest Dr. Rohit of Peraderaniya University, Sri Lanka, distributed educational kits among the students.

Poor driver An officer connected to the CM’s office and his driver was recently heading home in the night when they were intercepted by some inebriated law college students. An argument between the two parties snowballed into the students roughing up the driver. The officer called the police who rushed in and detained the three students. Next morning, a group of lawyers and law students thronged the police station where the three students were detained. A compromise was struck between the officer and a well-known lawyer who was representing the students. When both parties left after greeting and apologising, no one bothered about the poor driver who was left sulking with a black eye.

Blast from the past

Tit-for-tat A former MP from Coimbatore, well-known for his fraudulent land dealings, had recently sent a gang to take over a house in Nungambakkam belonging to a businessman. When a police complaint was lodged in this regard and a senior IPS officer took stern action, the politician had sent a group of lawyers to lodge a false complaint against the IPS officer.

Investigations on The owners of Saravana Stores surrendered in the court in connection with the fire mishap at their vessel store on Ranganathan Street that claimed the life of two employees. Police took the accused under custody and are investigating. Reliable sources say that interesting inside details on their property, insurances and employee’s working conditions could come to light.

(Clockwise from right) Actor Suriya at St. Ebba’s Higher Secondary School for the ’My TVS Heritage Car Rally’ organised by Madras Heritage Motoring Club in Chennai on Sunday; and the participants. PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

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Monday, September 15, 2008

Dance sans barriers A ballerina and two Kuchipudi dancers come together I chose contemporary Ballet where the movements are not so rigid and do not need the pointe shoes

Man attacked with chilli powder, robbed ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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obbers used chilli powder to rob Rs. 5 lakh from a Burma Bazar shopkeeper on Saturday night. According to Esplanade police, the victim was one Abdullah (32), who had gone to Kasi Chetti Street on Saturday night to collect a sum of Rs. 5 lakh in cash from his shopowner’s friend. While returning on his bike at around 11

(From left) Koka Vijayalakshmi, Maia Bouthors and Haleem Shaik MITHRA SURESH [email protected]

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magine the French dancing ballet to Kuchipudi music. This was what happened at ‘Melange of Dances’, held at Alliance Francaise on Friday. Performed by Maia Bouthors, Koka Vijayalakshmi, Haleem Shaik, the idea behind the show was to also promote racial and religious tolerance. The show began with a welcome dance by Kuchipudi dancers Haleem and Vijayalakshmi. The dancers said that their first half represented classicial themes, such as the latter’s solo performance depicting Goddess Durga. Maia’s solo followed soon after, the theme being religious and about Mary crying for Christ following His crucifixion. The second part of the show highlighted not a fusion but a melange with both schools of dance borrowing styles from

Kuchipudi and Ballet to create a new, vigorous form where they were mimicking each others’ steps without changing the basic movements. While the Kuchipudi dancers

Before the melange, Maia performs a solo

PHOTOS: S. THANTHONI

were in their traditional attire, Maia wanted to emphasise that it was not traditional Ballet that she performed. “Since I wanted to integrate Kuchipudi into my steps, I chose contemporary Ballet where the movements are not so rigid and do not need the pointe shoes. So I can dance barefoot.” She also explained that the show was meant to also highlight that dance is meant to be fun, and not restricted by rules. Vijayalakshmi added, “And that is why we have three dancers of three different religions.” ■

p.m., Abdullah was intercepted by four unidentified men on two motorcycles on North Kottaval Road. A pillion on one of the motorcycles threw chilli powder on Abdullah’s face, knocking him down from his bike. The gang then fled with his bike, along with the cash kept inside it. Abdullah was taken to an eye hospital for check-up. He then lodged a complaint with the Esplanade police. Police are investigating. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

Prithvi vs Prithvi This Onam was a big disappointment for the MammottyMohanlal fans as no superstar film was scheduled to release during Onam. Two films were released for Onam and Prithviraj is the hero in both. One is Thalappav directed by Madhupal and the other is Thirakatha directed by Ranjith.

Bend it like Mahabali R.Swetha of Hexaware writes about the unique Onam festivities at her company

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“Mahabali and his escorts were nothing but a huge bundle of bindaas, dancing around; and even playing soccer”

nam – the carnival of Kerala is the reminiscence of the Golden rule of King Mahabali who ruled “Gods Own Country” long, long ago. Hexaware Technologies (Ambattur and Siruseri campus) celebrated the return of the Mighty king, who remains the symbol of sacrifice. The festive fever started when a mail from Admin hit the inbox of all Chennai employees asking them to come in ethnic wear for Onam celebrations on the Onam Eve. That day came to an end just like any other day for all the employees except for a few volunteers, who secretly held meetings on arrangements to be done to surprise all the employees. We came to know that few of them stayed well past midnight to finish the decorations and were in the respective campus before the outbreak of dusk. On the day of Onam, when we came into the campus, we were all pepped up by the bright colourful Pookolam, Kuththuvizhaku arrangements decorating our reception area. The entire corporate ambiance was vibrating with the true flavors of Kerala. Employees were dressed up in traditional Kerala attires – girls looking all pretty in IvoryGold sarees and Guys with Silk veshtis, kurtas and shirts. The Legend of Onam and its celebrations was explained to the entire campus through

Crowning Ms. and Mr.Kerala Sundaram Infotech celebrates Onam with style ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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he entire 9th floor facility of Sundaram Infotech Solutions Ltd., (SISL) wore a festive look on Friday evening. Over 70% of the employees turned up for work in traditional Kerala dress. The floor was decorated with traditional pookolam. As part of its Onam Celebrations, Sundaram Infotech organized a series of events at its facility. R. Sudhakar from the

Marketing team was chosen as Mr. Kerala for his traditional Kerala dress as well as for his special speech on the significance of Onam, rendered in a very hu-

R.Sudhakar from marketing team was crowned Mr. Kerala while Ms.Monica Jeevan of the technology team was Ms.Kerala

mourous way. Ms. Monica Jeevan, of Technology team was awarded the Ms. Kerala title. Over 15 teams comprising of 3 employees each participated in the Onam Pookolam contest. Each team was given a 4ft by 4ft space and 90 minutes to decorate the square with the traditional Pookolam in an innovative and creative way. Mr. Paramesh Krishnaier, Executive Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was the Chief Guest on the occasion and gave away the prizes. ■

speakers. The incredible heritage of “Atithi Devo Bhava” – Guest is God – was in air and the entire campus rose to give a warm welcome to King Mahabali escorted by two (Employees disguised as) cute tigers and a hunter. The Mighty Mahabali visited every cubicle and bestowed all with warm wishes of prosperity and happiness. Accompanying him were girls with loads of traditional Kerala specialities – including Upperi (Banana Chips). Mahabali and his escorts were nothing but a huge bundle of bindaas, dancing around; playing soccer (Rings a bell huh! Bent it like …) and posing with all the employees. Half the day melted in all these events and lunch time was even more fulfilling with the authentic Kerala Sadhya with pulinji. ;-) The highlight of this entire event was the handicraft stalls put up at Siruseri campus. Dealers involving Stone/Wood/Metal Sculptures and paintings from Mahapalipuram were invited to sell Ganesha, Elephants, Idols, Onam Sarees and Veshtis and other Gift articles. It was a no-crown, no-bargain shopping affair. The day ended up with the announcement of Miss. & Mr. Well dressed awards in both the campuses. ■ Swetha thanks Vinitha Thangam (Siruseri) and Reshma V R (Ambattur) for their inputs for the article. We thank Swetha for being such a regular contributor.

05

Monday, September 15, 2008

Stuck for a pet name www.bowwow.com.au Conquer your fears: www.vernoncoleman.com/facefear

Edwin and Vishnu of Teenfrage.

US $ Pound Euro 100 Yen

45.77 80.67 64.20 42.62

SOURCE: RBI

Websites of the day

PHOTO : R.RAVINDRAN.

Hello, agony uncle! Teenfrage is an online medium to help teenagers find solutions to their worries

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hen my first boyfriend ditched me, when I repeated a year in the same class, when dad and mom fought on the day of my exam... Teenage years are that phase when issues small or big can get to you and remain a permanent scar. Many face it, some write about it, while some decide to make a difference in whatever little way. Three school friends from S.B.O.A., Anna Nagar, who have experienced similar anxieties in their teenage days, are out with an online platform, www.teenfrage.com, offering help and reme-

dy. Teenfrage is the start-up led by Edwin Solomon (senior associate, Cognizant Technology Solutions), Vishnu Charan (an entrepreneur who runs a school in Chennai) and Shankar J. (MS graduate). At first sight you might dismiss them as too young ‘Agony Uncles’ for an age group which needs a more professional approach to confide in their prob-

In a Minute Company: Teenfrage Started: 2007 Founders: Edwin, Vishnu, Shankar Focus Area: Online counselling Know Me Better: www.teenfrage.com

lems, but the trio claim they have experienced every phase of a teenager, and have more reasons to tap students with their online network.

Online comfort zone “A majority of schools in Chennai do not have counsellors, while 24-hour helpline numbers are least approachable,” says Vishnu, who holds a Management degree from Symbiosis Institute of Management, Pune. “We may not be professional counsellors but then we don’t hesitate to seek help from experts if the queries are out of our purview.” It’s more than a year since the website was launched, though they have not marketed it aggressively, and now they have more reasons to get active. Teenfrage

(‘frage’ is a German word meaning ‘talking’) is one among the 72 start-ups short-listed for the ‘Tata-NEN Hottest Start-ups of the Year’ award. “The biggest achievement of ours in the last one year is that we are getting more questions, more hits and more referrals,” says Edwin, who sowed the seeds for the start-up before roping in his friends. Today its biggest competitors are columns in magazines and online portals, but they position their website as a one-stop-solution for teenagers.

Marketing lessons An initial investment of Rs. 1 lakh was pooled in from their personal savings to start the venture. The three recall those initial days when they had to promote the site among youngsters, when

they stood outside schools distributing pamphlets to students. If that was their early lesson in marketing, then designing the website was equally difficult. “We got the website designed by a young team of designers and we spent nights making sure each and every section/tab appealed to our target group,” says Edwin. Teenfrage is in the process of forming a company. Meanwhile, they are also planning to launch it in a commercial way soon, online advertisements being the main source of revenue. “We hope to make profits in a year’s time and also get VC funding to scale this model further,” says Vishnu. ■ (If you are an entrepreneur with a successful business model or know one, write to us at [email protected])

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

Stingray A stingray never actually sees the food as it eats, since its eyes are on top of its head and its mouth and nostrils are on the bottom.

WILL CAMILLA BE THE QUEEN?

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rince Charles, the heir to the British throne, is said to be secretly hatching a plot to make his wife Camilla the queen. The Prince of Wales has held top-level meetings with his main advisers, constitutional experts and even religious leaders to secure Camilla the Royal title she’s desperate for, the ‘News of the World’ reported. According to a senior Royal Household source, Camilla is determined to have the top title even though it is widely known she dislikes public duties. “Make no mistake, this is very important to the Prince and the Duchess. Clarence House has previously indicated that when the Prince of Wales becomes king, Camilla intends to be known as Princess Consort. “But that is not set in stone – far from it. The Prince and Duchess do not want her status under-

mined when he is the sovereign. And both believe the matter will be resolved in their favour. “Remember the Prince once authorised a leak that he had no intention of marrying Mrs Parker Bowles. But everyone knew the truth – he had every intention of getting what he wanted,” the British tabloid quoted the source as saying. In fact, the plan is a U-turn on what Prince Charles officially announced when he married his divorced long-term lover three years ago. The British Monarch herself is worried that making Camilla the queen will harm the Royal family. But the source said: “Charles is mindful of the Queen’s views. But he knows in his own mind that his wife should be queen when he ascends to the throne. Charles thinks time is a great healer and they will both be crowned at Westminster Abbey.” ■ PTI

Australian libertarian loses appeal An Australian civil libertarian who has spent over a year in jail for refusing to register her car on Friday lost a Supreme Court appeal against a sentence she argues runs contrary to ‘Bible-codified common law.’ Losalina Rainima will be released on Sunday but the likelihood is that she will again offend and be back behind bars because of her view that ‘all living things are given graces - the birds fly, the fish swim, the kangaroo hops - and I’ve been given the graces to drive.’ Rainima is one of 3,000 members of the United People Movement Against Road Taxes (UPMART), which claims to protect human rights through ‘Bible-codified common law.’ DPA

Prison ‘horror’ party condemned The British government expressed outrage on Friday at a horror-themed party staged by ‘lifers’ in a notorious women prison in London with participants ‘dripping in blood’ in ghoulish costumes. The tabloid Sun newspapers published front page photographs of the party which it said took place in London’s notorious Holloway prison last year, involving some 30 women serving life terms for murder. The paper said the bash, which outraged prison staff, had cost 500 pounds and included a budget for fake blood. It showed women dressed in a variety of Halloween-style outfits, including vampires and devils daubed with fake blood and bare plastic fangs. Justice Secretary Jack Straw ordered an immediate ban on such parties and similar events which he said were ‘completely unacceptable.’ DPA

Horses forced to wear nappies in England! Horses at a popular seaside resort in Blackpool, England, are being forced to wear nappies following a new regulation to help clean up the streets. The regulation was passed in June after complaints about the high levels of smelly and unsightly mess left in the horses’ wake. Officials at Blackpool Council made it a condition of the operators’ license that all horses should be fitted with the nappies, or dung catchers, which were designed by the RSPCA. Failing to comply with the new regulation, some operators have been warned that they may lose their licences if they do not mend their ways. ANI

Police chief condemned for Laden costume

Prince Charles is secretly hatching a plot to make Camilla the queen

A senior British policeman is in trouble after he dressed as Osama bin Laden at a carnival days before the seventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Chief Superintendent Colin Terry, who has trained police in Afghanistan, was photographed wearing a bin Laden mask, robes and traditional Arab scarf. He wore the costume at a carnival on Saturday. Devon and Cornwall police said in a statement it took the incident very seriously and had referred Terry to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. “Whilst we believe his actions were misguided rather than malicious, they were clearly inappropriate,” it said. Reuters

07

Monday, September 15, 2008

This day, that year

Town prints money

It was September 15, 1984 that Princess Diana and Prince Charles celebrated the birth of second child, blue-eyed baby boy, Prince Henry Charles Albert David. Prince Harry weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. He is third in line to succeed to the British throne.

An historic market town in England has come up with a novel way of beating the country’s credit crunch- the townsfolk in Lewes, England have begun printing their own currency.

Stars of Asian art shine at NY auctions U

pcoming auctions in New York will put a multi-million-dollar stamp on Asia’s art explosion, a far cry from the recent past when treasures fell in to tourists’ hands for a song. Sales by rivals Christie’s and Sotheby’s both next week and in December feature everything from delicate and ancient Chinese vases to boundary-breaking, contemporary installations. Next week, Christie’s expects to get 400,000-500,000 dollars (283,000353,000 euros) – or more. “I think hopefully it will go for about 700,000 dollars (495,000 euros),” said Christie’s Korea specialist Heakyum Kim. A work by Subodh Gupta is listed for auction at Christie’s on Tuesday at 600,000 to 800,000 dollars (424,000-565,000 euros). It consists of a large heart-shaped frame crammed with shiny stainless steel cups and pots. Yamini Mehta, at Christie’s, said India’s art scene is exploding. So are the prices. An even less traditional installation is ‘Eye of the Storm’ by China’s Yang Jiechang, which Sotheby’s is auctioning Wednesday at an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 dollars (283,000-424,000 euros). For that money, the buyer will

Bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja of Chola Period, stainless steel utensils sculpture by Indian artist Subodh Gupta and ‘Falling Figure with Bird’ a painting by Indian artist Tyeb Mehta AFP PHOTOS get a large, real tangle of dead tree branches and a painting of a Chinese forest behind. Sotheby’s also offers top Indian artist Tyeb Mehta’s ‘Falling figure

epublican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s environmental credentials have been attacked in an online computer game called PolarPalin. Players of the game have to help a polar bear navigate its way across Alaska to blow up oil wells, all the while avoiding the State’s

week is likely to be the so-far unidentified owner of ‘Figures in a Landscape.’ Chinese ceramics, one of the most recognizable and celebrat-

Bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja of Chola Period and a stainless steel utensils sculpture by Indian artist Subodh Gupta are part of Christie’s Asian Art Week auction

ed Asian art forms, will be out in strength in the upcoming auctions. Christie’s hopes to raise 22 to 28 million dollars (15-20 million euros) from ceramics and Chinese classical paintings in New York on Wednesday next week and in Hong Kong in December. ■ AFP

Polar bears declare war on Sarah Palin!

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with Bird,’ a nightmarish painting estimated at one to 1.5 million dollars (707,000 to a million euros). But the biggest winner next

Jai Ganesh

Governor Palin. The game features Palin in her campaign tank. “This game is funny, but it has a very serious message,” the Telegraph quoted said Sadia Chishti, managing director of T-Enterprise, the Scottish company behind the game, as saying. “The US recently classified the Alaskan polar bear as a threatened species. It is predicted that the population of bears could be reduced by two-thirds by the year 2050. “Yet the state of Alaska, led by Sarah Palin, is going to sue the government to reverse the decision. They are worried it will hold back oil and gas developments,” she added. Those playing the game, available at www.t-enterprise.co.uk/ polarpalin, are urged to “help the polar bears fight back by using dynamite to blow up the oil wells.” ■ ANI

쒀 Devotees with the Ganesh idols at a procession for immersion, to mark the end of the 10 days long Ganesh festival, in Mumbai on Sunday. PTI PHOTO

08 SPORT

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

In defence Jamaica’s Asafa Powell leapt to the defence of compatriot and sprint sensation Usain Bolt after ex-Olympic champion Carl Lewis questioned Bolt’s performances in Beijing. After Bolt won three gold medals and set three world records in Beijing, Lewis said anyone who did not question the sudden improvements in the champions’ performances was a “fool”.

Bangladesh players to join ICL At least 14 leading Bangladesh cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, are set to join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), according to a local media report on Sunday. The 36-year-old Bashar confirmed that he had been in discussions with the ICL but not signed a contract yet. “I can say only about myself that I have got the proposal from the ICL and am talking with them. But nothing has yet been finalised,” he said. Bashar is Bangladesh’s most successful captain, having led them to their maiden Test win and to 29 One-Day International victories. He is also the country’s leading test run scorer with 3026. Bashar, Mohammad Rafique, Alok Kapali, Shahriar Nafees, Aftab Ahmed, Nazim Uddin, Farhad Reza, Dhiman Ghosh, Manjurul Islam, Tapash Baishya, Mohammad Sharif, Mosharraf Hossain, Mahbubul Karim and Golam Mabud were identified by the Dhakabased Bengali national daily Prothom Alo as the players linked with the ICL. All, apart from Karim and Mabud, have represented Bangladesh in tests or One-Day Internationals. Kapali, Reza and Dhiman were in the Bangladesh squad that played a three-match one-day series against Australia earlier this month. Reuters

Munaf to play for Baroda Medium pacer Munaf Patel is likely to play for Baroda during the forthcoming Ranji season, a source in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) said on Sunday. Patel, who has been playing for Maharashtra Ranji team, has expressed his desire to play for Baroda, sources said. Inclusion of the speedster, who recently toured Sri Lanka, would be beneficial for the Baroda team, he said, adding that pitches here support pacers. Although left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan plays for Baroda, he would not be available if selected for the national team, the source said, adding that Patel could fill Pathan’s void. Asked what if Patel too is selected in the Indian team, he said it was unlikely that both Pathan and Patel would find place in the national side. The source informed that the chances of roping in international players like Andrew Flintoff, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Farvez Maharoof and mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis in the Baroda side this year is highly unlikely. The BCA had been in touch with the agents of these players and awaiting their reply, he said, adding their first choice would be to play for their national side. From this season, the Indian Cricket Board has permitted to include one international player in the Ranji teams. PTI

Aussies to rely on pace A ustralia will be counting on their pace attack, not spin, to beat India in their fourtest series that begins next month, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said on Friday. Australia named the uncapped Doug Bollinger and Peter Siddle in their 15-man squad to provide back-up to the front line trio of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson for the series. “It’ll depend on conditions, they are spinner friendly, but when we won there last time (in 2004) we won because of our quick bowlers and we think it’ll be the same this time,” Hilditch told reporters in Adelaide on Friday. Selectors also included uncapped legspinner Bryce McGain, who could make his Test debut at the age of 36, and offspinner Jason Krejza in the squad to replace the now retired Stuart MacGill. All-rounder Andrew Symonds, dropped from the side for the one-day series with Bangladesh in Darwin earlier this month after he missed a team meeting and went fishing instead, was not included. Hilditch had said earlier in a statement that Symonds would not be considered again until the national selection panel were satisfied he was committed to playing for the team.

Welfare The 33-year-old, who was almost sent home from the 2005 Ashes tour of England when he turned up for a match still under the influence of alcohol, has been replaced by fellow all-rounder Shane Watson. “You miss Andrew Symonds, he’s a great player, but this is just the way it is at the moment,” said Hilditch. “At the moment it’s all about Andrew’s welfare and that process will take as long as it takes.” Captain Ricky Ponting (wrist) and opening batsman Matthew Hayden (Achille’s tendon) have been included after they returned home injured from the tour of West Indies. Ponting had surgery while Hayden underwent an extensive rehabilitation programme, with both missing the recent one-day series in Darwin. The first test begins in Bangalore on October 9, followed by matches in Mohali (October 17-21), Delhi (October 29- November 2) and

in Nagpur (November 5-9). Hilditch said the series was becoming as important to Australia as the Ashes series with England. “It’s an iconic series, I don’t know what the players would say about which is more important, we always traditionally say the Ashes and that will always be up there, but this is really up there for the players,” he said. “We’ve only won there once in 30 years so this’ll be a real test for this team and we’ve picked it to specifically try to win this series.” ■ Reuters

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Monday, September 15, 2008

Australia to conduct security review Cricket Australia (CA) officials will review security arrangements of India ahead of their four-Test tour following a series of bombings in New Delhi on Saturday. “It is standard practice to do an inspection before a tour but with this particular tragic incident overnight, we will be doing a highly intensive security assessment,” CA public affairs manager Peter Young said.

Saina wins title DOWNS LI YA LYDIA CHEAH OF MALAYSIA IN THE FINAL

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ce Indian woman shuttler Saina Nehwal did the country proud by winning the Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold Championship in a closely fought battle on Sunday. Saina who reached the quarter-finals at the Beijing Olympics beat Li Ya Lydia Cheah of Malaysia 21-8, 21-19. Earlier in the semi-final, Saina defeated Pia Zehadiah Bernadet of Indonesia in a onesided match on Saturday. Saina became the only Indian woman to reach two GP finals by registering a thumping 21-7, 21-11 victory over her Indonesian rival. The young Indian played an attacking game and gave her opposition no chance to fight back in both the sets. Happy with her performance, Saina said: “It feels great to win a tournament again. I have to win more and compete with the best players regularly to improve my game. Winning against quality opposition gives you immense confidence.” Speaking about her opponent, the Hyderabad girl said: “Though she is a tactician, I know that she is a very slow mover on the court. Moreover, she appeared tired and that helped me to surge ahead in the first game. I planned well for this match and decided that attack is the best option against a stubborn rival.” Earlier Saina had won the Philippines Grand Prix in 2006. ■ PTI

AFP

10 FLICK

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

Harry Potter to Hari Puttar The makers of Bollywood film Hari Puttar, which is facing a lawsuit from Hollywood studio Warner Bros, said on Sunday its release had been delayed. The Hollywood studio, which owns the rights to the Harry Potter movies, has taken the Indian producers to court over the film’s title, saying it sounds similar to the name of their young wizard hero.

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udiences at the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival picked Briton Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire for this year’s best picture, organisers said on Saturday. The film follows a poor boy’s rise to fortune as an unlikely contestant on an Indian version of the hit television game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, with the life in Mumbai’s slums as a backdrop. Boyle (Shallow Grave, 1994, and Trainspotting, 1996) cast Londonborn actor Dev Patel as the orphan Jamal, who is just one question away from winning a whopping 20 million rupees when he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. Originally, Boyle said he had hoped for an all-Bollywood cast, but that failed because the local Indian actors “didn’t look enough like losers” for the main role of poor Jamal. “It’s a great underdog story,” he explained. “In Bollywood if you want to be a young actor breaking into the system, you have to go to the gym for six hours a day to bulk up. I needed a very average-looking guy.” Anil Kapoor, appearing in his first English-language role, and newcomer Freida Pinto also star in the film scripted by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty) and inspired by Vikas Swarup’s novel Q & A. The Cadillac People’s Choice Award is voted on by Festival audiences, and comes with a 15,000 dollar prize. The Toronto film festival does not award jury prizes. ■

Slumdog Millionaire strikes gold Film chosen for this year’s best picture award at Toronto festival

AFP

Oprah Winfrey tops list of most generous stars

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he’s been named as the highestpaid TV celebrity and one of the world’s most powerful women, but American talk-show host Oprah Winfrey is also a big giver, topping a list of the 30 most generous celebrities for the second year running. The second annual list, compiled by The Giving Back Fund, a group that seeks to encourage philanthropy, put Oprah in the top slot with The Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Oprah’s Angel Network spending $50.2 million in 2007 on education, health care, and advocacy for women and children worldwide. ■ Reuters

‘Sticky & Sweet’ turns sour for fans

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nraged fans have slammed Madonna’s performance at London’s Wembley Arena, branding her sell-out show “disappointing”. Fans accused the 50-year-old Queen of Pop of letting her fans down with a dodgy sound system and lip-synching. Many people from the packed 74,000-seat venue claimed that they could not hear her vocals and there were others who left the show in between, insisting that one can easily tell when Madonna was singing live because there were so many wrong notes. It was when Madge started the Sticky & Sweet gig more than half an hour late that the crowd started getting annoyed. Many people, who paid 65 pounds each for tickets, had to miss their last trains back home because of the delay. However, it looked like Madge’s star guests, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Penélope Cruz and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie, had a good time. A spokesman for Madonna refused to comment on the fans’ complaints. ■ ANI

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Monday, September 15, 2008

Look who’s rude to Simon Cowell Popstar Cheryl Cole has reportedly blasted fellow X Factor judge Simon Cowell, saying: “You are doing my head in.” The tiff took place when Cowell termed one of Cole’s favourite contestants as “sub-standard”. ANI

KARTHIK SUBRAMANIAN [email protected]

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here is an element of pure joy associated with the songs of ABBA. And though one might ‘grow’ to deny it and even associate the music with being queer, there is no denying the sheer brilliance of the songs – which is why I had so much of a blast watching Mamma Mia!, the cinema adaptation of the musical featuring the Swedish pop phenomenon’s chartbusters. Hollywood’s rediscovery of musicals continue this year with this self-confessed “feel-good movie of the year”. The story is simple and just a ruse to get the songs flowing – bride-to-be Sophie (played by Amand Seyfried) discovers her mother Donna Sheridan’s (Meryl Streep) diary just ahead of her wedding and invites the three men – Sam Carmicheal (Pierce Brosnan), Bill Anderson (Stellan Skarsgard) and Harry Bright (Colin Firth) – one of whom could possibly be her father. And put in the mix two of Donna’s eccentric-as-it-can-get friends, Rosie (played delightfully by Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), and you have the perfect recipe for dance and song routine. The story is filled with predicable yet delightful twists and turns. We all know that Meryl Streep is a great actor, possibly one of the greatest ever. With

Encore!

Mamma Mia!, she proves that she has a great singing voice, too. It is hard to look at Pierce as anyone other than James Bond. He excels as Donna’s ex-flame and the chemistry between the actors sparkles. He reportedly is a huge fan of Meryl Streep and

Long wait for ABBA museum A new museum devoted to the pop supergroup ABBA will not open as planned next year, although organisers say the project will definitely still go ahead. “We hereby announce the sad news that it won’t be possible to open the ABBA museum in Stockholm in 2009,” wrote Ewa Wigenheim-Westman and Ulf Westman on the ABBA museum website. ■ Reuters

took the part without even worrying about the script – but hey what’s to worry, what can go wrong when you are singing and dancing to ABBA alongside Meryl Streep. He just about manages to hold his own against Streep, which is a com-

pliment because you seldom find actors can hold a candle to her. The real surprise package of the movie though are the eccentric geniuses – Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Stellan Skarsgard and, last but not the

least, Sir Darcy himself, Colin Firth. They bring to life the original 70s’ hedonists, carefree and all. Though all of them are really good, I was personally blown over by Julie Walters. For a good decade from 1972 to 1982, ABBA created musical that was utterly magical. And then they broke up and have even vowed never to compose music together. If you are an ABBA fan or, for that matter, just looking for some mindless, utter pure joy, go for Mamma Mia! ■

12 SCAN

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

While You Were Sleeping Sandra Bullock’s role in the romantic comedy hit ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (1995) was originally offered to Demi Moore, but Moore’s salary demands were out of reach.

PICK OF THE DAY

Zee Café

Zoom

Sony Pix

Zee Cinema

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – 11 pm

Planet Bollywood

Drugstore Cowboy – 10 pm

Hera Pheri – 8-30 pm Three men each having money problems dream of making it big. One evening a cross-connection on their phone lets them in on a kidnapping scheme that they figure leads them to the big bucks and trouble.

Emmy Award winning American late night talk show hosted by Jay Leno. Format of the show has an opening monologue by Jay Leno followed by comedy routines, interviews and performances.

– 9 pm An hour-long daily show that delivers everything from breaking entertainment news to star-studded events, discussions with special guests to monthly reviews and lots more.

A group of drug users in the 1970’s help finance their habit by robbing drug stores. Matt Dillon’s character is very superstitious and eventually his luck runs out. .

Dear Diary BIG FM BALAJI But one incident that I want to put down in this diary is a scene we shot. I had to come running to attend a phone call in that scene. Director Vijay had the iPhone and we all thought it would be a great idea to use it as the prop for the scene. Action! I went running to pick the call as per cue and it so happened that the phone really started ringing. I seriously did not know how to operate the iPhone as I had never used it before. I pressed some button and the call got activated. I started speaking my dialogues as I was apprehensive about disrupting the shot. The caller at the other end wanted to speak to Vijay and it so happened that the name I refer to in the dialogue was also Vijay. I couldn’t manage after one point and we had to cut. We went in for a second take. Poi Solla Porum will I came running to pick the call and I did it in such a hurry that remain special not only it slipped from my hand. I was because it is my first dumbstruck, good thing someone from the set with good refilm but also because flexes caught it. Vijay then of the fun I had and walked up to me and started the friends I made laughing. He took back his phone, removed the batteries and then gave it to me saying, “I don’t want anything to happen to my phone.” The entire set was already laughing by then. I really miss the fun we had during the shoots. ■ As told to Nandhini Ramkumar

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

P

oi Solla Porum has released and it will always remain special not only because it is my first film but also because of the fun I had and the friends I made.

13

Monday, September 15, 2008

Boy splashes dad’s cash A five-year-old boy went on a US$ 1,11,000 shopping spree after finding a fortune in cash in his dad’s safe. The boy took a gang of friends to a shopping mall and blew the lot on clothes, toys, bicycles, sweets, computers and games.

Greetings

LANDMARK SALE

send your greeting messages to [email protected] Dear Deepigha Sri, Whether you are very young or very old, life is filled with wonder and surprises. Happy Birthday. May this birthday bring you life’s real gifts, good health, friendship, and love. Hearty wishes from all Nokia COACH Team, Tata Consultancy Services.

Hey Roshan, If there’s something that you’re dreaming of??? Then may it all come true, because you deserve it all...HAPPY BIRTHDAY yaar. Have a blast… From Your Beloved Friends - Infy OCT 07 Batch"

Dear Mr Ananth, Like to follow your footsteps ..And be like you some day ..Wish you a Happy Birthday and many more happy returns of this wonderful day!! PEG Team | Hexaware Technologies Limited

Dear Anand (CTS) The Rainmaker, Decide to be happy today, to live with what is yours - your family, your business, your job. Be kind, cheerful, agreeable, responsive, caring and understanding, be your best, dress your best, talk softly, look for the bright side of things. May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As

You...

Landmark invites all book lovers and music enthusiasts for the great Landmark sale. India’s leading Books and Music retail chain has announced a bumper sale of upto 50% off on books, music CDs, movies, toys, gifts and more. Where: all Landmark outlets When: till Sep 28

Hearty Birthday Wishes from amma & akka.

Dear Lakshmi Reddy, We wish you belated birthday wishes and a great year ahead. From BI&A (Unisys), Hexaware Technologies (HT-5)

Hi MOM & DAD, Wishing you a many more happy returns of this 26th Wedding Anniversary day. We need your blessings ma & pa.

Titan – WWF watches

STEAK FEST

Titan announced the launch of the Titan WWF collection, a unique range of watches inspired by some of India’s endangered species like the Tiger, Indian Rhino, Gangetic River Dolphin, the Red Panda, Whale Shark and Oliver Ridley Turtle Where: available at World of Titan show rooms and multi brand outlets. Price: Rs.3000 – Rs. 3800

A variety of Steaks and mashes are on an offer apart from regular Al a carte menu at Seagull. Feast on a variety of dishes like Steak Tampiquena, Peppery Martini Steak, Calypso chicken steak and more for lunch and dinner. Where: Seagull, Taj Fisherman’s Cove, ECR When: till Sep 21 Contact: 6741 3333

Loving sons, V. Arivazhagan Wipro Technologies, V. Hariram

Hi Srividhya and Shobana, Hearty belated Birthday wishes to both of you. On this special day May all your dreams come true and the finest things in life always come your way. Regards,Lotus Notes Team,CSS Corp Pvt Ltd.

Dear Mom (Kumari) n Dad (Vengat), When two hearts unite (marriage), the road is short, the burden is light. Hope u have lightened your burden. We wish you a wonderful Belated wedding Anniversary. With Love, Your loving daughtersChittu n Pattu (Anbarasi_V)Infosys Technologies Limited. Mcity.

TOP 5 SLUMBER FACTS

What, when, where If you have anything interesting or informative that can be featured in these columns, mail us at [email protected]. Please send the release mentioning where and when the event is happening, along with the contact details.

The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon.

1.

minutes, meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.

2.

4.

The “natural alarm clock” which enables some people to wake up more or less when they want to is caused by a burst of the stress hormone adrenocorticotropin. Researchers say this reflects an unconscious anticipation of the stress of waking up.

3.

Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15

Humans sleep on average around three hours less than other primates like chimps, rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys and baboons, all of whom sleep for 10 hours.

5.

Certain types of eye movements during REM sleep correspond to specific movements in dreams, suggesting at least part of the dreaming process is analogous to watching a film

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

23,000 burgers A man who loves Big Macs has eaten 23,000 in 36 years and has kept every receipt to prove it. Don Gorske, from England, adores the MacDonalds meal and hit the 23,000 milestone last month.

sudoku

R.Guhanath from Patni Computers clicked this photo from atop of the terrace of his office. His hobbies include painting, photography, music and playing carom. Email: g.nath25@ gmail.com

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 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

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Monday, September 15, 2008

Teenage language Parents can now learn how to understand their teenage childrenthanks to a new online dictionary. The charity Parentline Plus set up www.gotateenager.org.uk to help mums and dads stay in touch with their kids. Parents can learn new words including ’blud’ for friend, ’butters’ for ugly or ’phat’ for cool.

Word’s worth "Nazar" (naz-ahr) in India, a present made to a superior by an inferior, especially one made upon being introduced.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 At office you might have to sort out petty issues. Technical stuff might not interest you but instead you will be more inclined towards creative jobs. Love relationships might require adjustments. Learn to ‘let go’ and things will be perfectly smooth.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Rare indeed, but you might resort to ‘short cuts’ to achieve desired goals. Ganesha finds you taking keen interest in activities other than your prime responsibilities. You will be in a commanding position on the love front.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Ganesha feels today is the best day to deal with data entry and important communications. You might feel a bit confused about how to handle your work but a personal introspection can take care of that. You will be brimming with emotions today.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Follow your instincts today. It is the best day for creative tasks. Just like an artist, you will be more creative than practical today. You may chill out with near and dear ones but since you are in a creative mood, your expression of love may be dramatic.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You might not be able to meet the deadlines and this may cause frustration. But you will try to overcome the frustration. To add it up, superiors might pressurise you. You will have a gala time with your beloved in the evening, foresees Ganesha.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You might feel completely opposite to your usually intellectual and logical self. Just follow the trend and you will be able to solve your problems. Ganesha advises you to maintain your composure. Try to meet your lover’s demands, selflessly.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 You dedication towards your work will be at peak today. You colleagues will appreciate your work. However, the day might wear you out and you might want to spend a quiet evening with your lover. You will be pampered by your beloved.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Ganesha feels you will be innovative today. New projects begun today may achieve rapid progress. On the relationship front you may be very intense and may express possessiveness. Ganesha advises you against over-emoting in case of love matters.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Ganesha feels you are a sincere professional who requires a personal space. Today some domestic responsibilities might keep demanding attention. You may get irritated but watch your temper. You might spend the evening trying to please beloved.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You might feel like jumping to the next level of work schedule now. Do it only after completing the tasks at the present level. With your beloved you will have a nice discussion about feelings and dedication in personal and professional life.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You are an intelligent planner who likes to work in a planned position. However, today you might have to work in a given environment. It might seem like a challenging day but you will handle it successfully. Love life will be sweeter than honey.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 The Grace of Ganesha will bring a positive change in your personality. You will feel emotionally attached to your organisation. Hence, you might prove helpful in sorting out problems of others. Your helpful will reflect in your family life as well. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Monday, September 15, 2008

Car and the boar hunter

An Austrian hunter tried to shoot down a parked car, mistaking it for a wild boar late Friday near Schmiedrait, in eastern Austria, the national news agency APA reported. The 67-year-old man said he had briefly dozed off in his watchtower some 80 metres (262 feet) from where the car was parked, and upon waking up, thought the vehicle was wild game and shot at it. Blood alcohol tests revealed the hunter was not intoxicated, local police reported. The 19-year-old driver, who had parked his car on a forest path after breaking down on the main road, was standing near the vehicle with his brother, when it was shot at. The bullet went through the car but nobody was injured in the incident. The hunter was to be cited for causing potential bodily harm. AFP

Two heads and twice the appetite A two-headed tortoise has left aquarium staff stunned – after taking advantage of his ‘disability’ to consume twice as much food as his siblings. The unusual case of a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, born two months ago in an incubator, made the headlines in various papers on Friday. Workers at the Water World aquatic farm at Wuwei town in Anhui, eastern China, were shocked to discover the unusual creature after they ordered a shipment of baby tortoises from a local farm. Initially they were worried that the tiny 0.6oz (17g) mutant reptile would not survive, but it soon began to overtake its brothers and sisters in size. “We got it two weeks ago and it’s growing fast, probably because it can eat twice as fast as the others. It was mixed among many other tortoises and we only discovered it this week,” Telegraph quoted Water World spokesman Jimmy Hu, as saying. “It’s very rare to see a tortoise with two heads. We plan to keep it and raise it carefully for future research,” Hu added. ANI