Ergo September 18

A BYTE OF LIFE

Thursday, September 18, 2008

07 FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

05

ADAM SINCLAIR

MIDNIGHT CALL

On looking forward to return to national team

Carla Bruni wakes up Sarkozy with what?

No. 181

She is young, bubbly and does not utter a lie. God Promise! » PAGE 10

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Celebrating 150 years To commemorate 150 years of the Photographic Society of Madras, 450 selected works of photographs are on display. The exhibition of photographs is on at Lalit Kala Akademi, Greams Road.

Heroes in real life Wednesday’s query: Best excuse to bunk work

Ergo takes a peek into the lives and motivations of young Indians who juggle their jobs and their volunteer work.

I won’t be able to come for work because I have to take care of my girlfriend’s best Friend’s ex boyfriend’s brother’s wife’s mother. She is not well and I have to take her to hospital. 9790774400

External audits gives shivers to most of the employees and quite a few of them have a planned sick leave on the audit day! K.G.Sriram

Monday traffic! 9710410497

Pick of the day wanted to see how it feels being at home on a week day. 9841603402

Today’s query What is the most annoying coworker habit endured at office?

909401 3535 SMSs to 909401 3535 are charged only as standard SMSs.

The good Samaritans: Pramod and Mahalakshmi SRIYA NARAYANAN [email protected]

Saving Regi

P

This handicapped cat was found struggling outside the Registrar’s Office pavement, hence the name. A flowerseller shared her mat and meals with her until she was rescued by the Cattitude Trust. Regi was taken to the Parasparam Ashram where two handicapped girls cared for her. She is now undergoing treatment for a deep wound that was infected and needs your help. The support required is urgent, so please write to [email protected] if you’d like to visit or contribute towards her feeding or medical costs.

ramod multi-tasks with admirable ease, working fulltime with Nortel Networks (a telecom company), wildlife conservation, trekking and travelling and spending precious time and energy on a cause that’s close to his heart - animal welfare. His ideology is simple: “Animals have very few demands – all they need is our love and care. At the end of the day, it gives me great joy to have served them and to have spent quality time on a good cause.” He has been a key volunteer with the Animal Welfare and Protection Trust (AWPT), Chennai for two years now and has facilitated fund collections, adoptions and rescue calls. He explains that volunteering doesn’t require a dedicated time slot during the day.

Dual harmony “We just need to attend to some urgent rescue calls or emergency requests. We are free on weekends to help them; we can pitch in whenever we can. My managers are aware of my volunteering duties and support me.” The workaholic in him is grateful for Nortel’s work at home culture and compensates by working overtime from home if the need arises. Despite his packed schedule, Pramod reveals that the trust is

always on his mind. “Whenever I pass a donation box, I check if it’s full. If it is, I collect the money over the weekend and hand it over to the trustees.” He even uses Orkut and other networking channels to garner the support of like-minded people. Pramod says there is harmony between his roles as a professional and as a volunteer. “I work as Project Coordinator at Nortel. In AWPT, I coordinate between animal lovers and the Trust.”

More than a passion Mahalakshmi Parthasarthy, an MBA professional cares for seven

pets and also feeds the homeless animals in her locality. She and her parents rescue abandoned animals and arrange to have the dogs in their area neutered. “I love pets and I have a great passion towards animal welfare. I try my level best to help them,” she says.Pramod and Mahalakshmi have also contributed to articles in this column and have made valuable suggestions. Here’s saluting these heroes in real life who prove that the future of animal welfare in India is in safe hands. Interested in volunteering? Write to [email protected]. ■

03

Thursday, September 18, 2008

HEADPHONE

HEADACHES You run the risk of damaging your ears if you listen to loud music from the headphone

between 10 and 50 per cent of the total volume capacity.

MONISHA MOHANDAS

D

id you now that listening to loud plugged-in music for more than 90 minutes hurts the ears? A recent study conducted by a team of U.S. researchers found that teenagers and adults who listen to music with their headphones on are more prone to damage to their eardrums. Especially when the volume is increased to as high as 80 percent and one is plugged on for more than an hour. Do you find yourself hooked to your earphones while travelling to and fro work? Hang on! Your ears are safe if the volume ranges

Attention please! Unfortunately there are many who are aware of these warning, yet choose to ignore, say doctors. “This is a major complaint I hear from a majority of youngsters who come to me with hearing problems,” says Dr. Kameswaran. “And most of them use the headphone.” Little awareness about the problem is one main reason why this seems to be ignored. “Initially, they don’t realise that their hearing has been affected. Early symptoms include losing ability

to hear high frequencies that are beyond speech frequencies.” Also, one way to tell if you have been exposed to excessive sound pressure levels is when you hear a ringing in your ear, say doctors. According to Dr. M. Sakthivel, ENT Specialist, Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute, ringing, hissing, clicking or buzzing sounds are also symptoms of tinnitus, which is often a side effect of noise-induced hearing loss. “Inner ear cells are sensitive to vibrations,” says the doc.

Hearing tunes Which is your favourite? Apple’s iPod or Creative’s MP3! You

better know the brand manufacturing them as the quality of sound you listen vary from brand to brand. Some also have an inbuilt noise cancellation technology which cuts excessive noise levels, thus preventing damage to your ears. Dr. Kameswaran also suggests imposing rules like the French Government. “Music players sold in France must not be capable of producing more than 100dBA,” he says. The threshold of hearing damage during extended listening is 80dB, and the threshold of pain or theoretically of immediate hearing loss is 130dB. Are you’ll listening? ■

Lighting up lives ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

T

he HCL-ites proved their humanity once again through their Community Service Council (CSC). The Rotaract Club of SDNB Vaishnav College, Stella Maris and Presidency Candles conducted a cultural event to raise funds for the medical expenses of seven underprivileged children. The staff of HCL contributed around Rs. 75,000 at a function held recently in the city. The cheque was handed over by S. Samson, Head, CSC, HCL to Dr. Murthy of M.N. Eye Hospital, S Samson, Head, Community Service Council, HCL(third from right) Chennai. ■ hands over the cheque to Dr. Murthy of MN Eye Hospital.

You are at risk… ■ If others can listen to

what you are listening ■ When you can’t hear

what others are talking ■ When you speak so loudly to other while you are listening

04 VILLAGE

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Would you believe it? In Cockney rhyming slang the meaning of the phrase ’would you Adam and Eve it’ means would you believe it?

Serena Williams to pen ’inspirational’ memoir

Couple remarry after nearly 30year-split!

Tennis ace Serena Williams, will release ‘an inspirational memoir’ in fall 2009, according to reports. The 26-year-old star’s tell-all book has apparently been purchased by Grand Central Publishing for 1.3 million dollars. The book will talk about her physical and emotional setbacks. “Serena Williams is one of the world’s most remarkable athletes,” Contactmusic quoted a spokesperson at Grand Central Publishing, as saying.

A couple divorced for nearly 30 years has walked down the aisle once again to marry each other. Mark Hart, 47, and his wife, Virginia Hart, 46 were first married in 1983 but split up after having two young daughters, Sarah and Clare. After losing touch and finding new partners, both had remarried and later got divorced. But it was their daughters’ doing that eventually got them back together. It was an amazing coincidence that led Sarah to her father. Knowing that her grandfather, Ron Hart, had once run the New Inn at Sandycroft, Deesside, she called the pub where she happened to speak to her father. “I hadn’t set foot inside that pub for years,” the Telegraph quoted Hart as saying.

ANI

iPhone 3G is named gadget of the year Apple’s iPhone 3G has won a public vote to find the year’s best gadget, beating strong competition from three games consoles, a budget laptop and a balloon-shaped iPod speaker system. The latest version of the mobile that combines a phone with a music and video player was chosen by readers of Stuff magazine in its annual Gadget of the Year awards. The magazine described the iPhone 3G as ‘a faster, cleverer version of an already remarkable phone’. The phone’s first incarnation won the coolest gadget prize at last year’s ceremony. Other nominees included Sony’s PlayStation 3, Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Nintendo’s Wii Fit and the B&W Zeppelin iPod speakers. Stuff’s Editor Fraser Macdonald said the nominated products were judged on their performance, design and value, as well as ‘that elusive cool factor’.

ANI

Prince Harry voted Britain’s ’Coolest Royal’! Prince Harry, third in the line to the royal throne, has been voted as Britain’s ’coolest royal’. According to the poll conducted by MSN Entertainment, the young royal beat his cousins by dominating 42 percent of the votes, while Zara got 35 per cent, William 15 per cent, and Eugenie and Beatrice both 4 per cent. The Prince served in the Armed Forces at the Front line, as a Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals.

Reuters

ANI

Remnants of Cleopatra’s palace in museum S

oon, visitors to Alexandria, Egypt, may be able to see the remnants of Cleopatra’s palace, with plans underway for the construction of the world’s first underwater museum in the city. According to a report in National Geographic News, a site for the museum has been proposed near the New Library of Alexandria, where the famed queen of Egypt is believed to have sheltered herself with her lover Marc Antony before taking her own life. If built, the museum could display treasures and monuments of her palace, which once stood on an island in one of the largest human-made bays in the world but were submerged by earthquakes from the fourth century A.D. on-

ward. In the 1990s, archaeologist-divers found thousands of objects: 26 sphinxes, statues bearing gifts to the gods, blocks weighing up to 56 tons, and even Roman and Greek shipwrecks. The proposed museum could include pieces believed to be from the Pharos of Alexandria lighthouse, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.

The world’s first underwater museum in Egypt to showcase treasures and monuments of her palace

Archaeologists have mapped more than 2,000 submerged objects in the area of the bay where they believe the lighthouse once stood. “The wealth of this area is quite impressive,” said Naguib Amin, the site-management expert from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. “Sort of the whole ancient city of Alexandria is lying under the water, just meters away from the shore,” he added. The proposed museum would be both inland and underwater. The dual nature is intended to create an experience like that of a traditional museum, while also allowing visitors to witness artifacts in their submerged states. ■ ANI

05

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Edison’s patents

This day, that year

Thomas Edison held over 1,300 US and foreign patents.

It was in September 18, 1502 that Christopher Columbus landed at Costa Rica on his fourth and last voyage to the New World.

Britons spell ‘Chinise’ for ’Chinese’!

Princess Priyanka

S

List of the most commonly miss spelt words 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

Orthodontist (orthadontist, orthodentist) Restaurant (restauraunt, restauraunts, restaurent) Chinese (Chineese, Chines, chinease, Satellite (Satelite, satalite) Electrician (Electrican, electicians, electrcian) Chiropodist (Chiropidist, chiropadist) Recruitment (Recriutment, recrutment) Solicitors (Solictors, solcitors)

earching simple words like ’Chinese’ or ’restaurant’ in the dictionary can be a cumbersome task for Britons, all thanks to their ‘lack’ of knowledge of spellings. According to the Yellow Pages online service Yell.com, almost 12 per cent of people in UK fail to pronounce ‘restaurant’ correctly, and go for weird variations like ‘restauraunt’, ‘restauraunts’, ‘restaurent’, reports Telegraph. And a massive 10 per cent of users type ‘Chineese’ or ‘Chinise’ in the search engine, when they want to look for Chinese. Hungry People entered almost 23 variations of the word when they wanted to look for somewhere to eat. Those searching for a ‘soliciter’ to deal with their disgruntled ‘electitian’ were also in for a bad deal. The survey has inadvertently proved that Britain is far from perfect at spelling. ■ ANI

쒀 Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra displays a costume designed by Ritu Kumar on the opening show of the HDIL India Couture Week 2008 in Mumbai on Tuesday. PTI PHOTO

Bruni wakes up Sarkozy in the middle of the night C

arla Bruni has revealed that she often wakes her French president husband in the middle of the night - by playing her songs. The former supermodel admitted managing her new-found role as the First Lady of France was very different from being a musician. “I don’t really mix them up,” The Sun quoted her as saying. “I play my music then I go with my husband when he needs me. I disturb him with it in the middle of the night. It’s a very different world for him but he’s very kind and listens to all my doubts,” she added. The 40-year-old, who married the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, in February, made the ‘announcement’ on BBC2’s ‘Later... With Jools Holland’ She also recorded a performance during the show, which will be screened on September 19. ■ ANI

06 SPORT

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Enamul Haque to play for Maharashtra Bangladesh international Enamul Haque (Jr) has signed a contract to play for Maharashtra in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy after the BCCI has allowed foreign participation in India’s domestic league. The 21-year-old, whose 6/45 helped Bangaldesh register their first Test win over Zimbabwe in 2005, was signed by Maharashtra coach Shaun Williams.

‘No quick return for Symo’ Australian coach Tim Nielsen has praised Andrew Symonds for realising his mistake but ruled out the volatile all-rounder’s quick return to the national side, saying such a move would undermine his teammates’ position. Nielsen said Symonds has done a great job by pledging to behave “responsibly” in future but his comeback to the national team would take time. “At the moment, Symonds’ selection is something I don’t want to think about it. It would only undermine the players that are there,” Nielsen was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s brilliant that he has got to this stage and put out a positive message, but I don’t even want to start speculating about when he might return,” he said. Cricket Australia Chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch had also said Symonds will be monitored for a while before considering his inclusion in national squad. “We have to see whether the all-rounder is fully committed to all of the things needed for a cricketer to be a member of the world’s number one team,” Hilditch had said. Symonds, who has apologised for his “irresponsibly” and pledged a better conduct, is expected to make a comeback in competitive cricket with his grade side, the Gold Coast Dolphins, over the next fortnight. PTI

BCB rejects resignation by ‘rebels’

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has hinted at a possible ban of the 13 cricketers who have aligned with Indian Cricket League (ICL), saying that it would act according to ICC’s decision about unauthorised competitions while dealing with them. “Everything will be decided in line with the ICC’s decision taken in last March about unauthorised competition,” BCB’s cricket operations committee chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain said. The ICC does not recognise ICL and most countries do not permit their contracted players to join the unofficial league. The BCB has also rejected the resignation by its contracted players who have joined ICL, on the ground that they violated terms of contract with the Board. “We are not accepting their retirement letters. They didn’t give us any prior notice before submitting the letters which is a clear violation of contract. Also they didn’t mention when their retirements would be effective from. It was also totally unacceptable the way they talked with the media and hence they breached the code of conduct,” Ashraf was quoted as saying by Daily Star. He said a final decision on the ’rebel’ players will be taken after an emergency Board meeting. PTI

Rookies shock ROMA Easy win for Chelsea, Liverpool

R

omania’s CFR Cluj came from behind to stun Roma 2-1 on their UEFA champions league debut but Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Inter Milan all made winning start of their campaigns on Tuesday. Cypriot newcomers Anorthosis Famagusta produced a second surprise of the night as they held fancied Bundesliga side Werder Bremen to a goalless draw in Group B, while Jose Mourinho enjoyed a 2-0 success with Inter Milan away to Panathinaikos in the same group. At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Christian Panucci’s header put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute before two goals from Juan Culioon either side of the break handed Cluj the historic victory in Group A. In the same group, last season’s runners-up Chelsea opened their account in the best possible style with Frank Lampard inspiring them to a 4-0 victory over Bordeaux, giving manager Luiz Fe-

lipe Scolari a comfortable start in Europe’s leading club competition. Lampard headed home a superb Jose Bosingwa deliver for a Chelsea lead after just 14 minutes. He also contributed to the second as Joe Cole got away from his marker to glance home his corner at the near post, before his clever back heel pass released Florent Malouda to fire across Ulrich Rame. In injury time Nicolas Anelka added a fourth, tapping home after Juliano Belletti’s powerful strike was tipped onto the bar.

Reds win The other Premier League side also had an excellent night as Liverpool fought back for a 2-1 victory at Olympique Marseille in Group D thanks to skipper Steven

Gerrard’s double. Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory at PSV Eindhoven in the other match. After losing their last three games, Barcelona got back to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Group C opponents Lisbon Sporting as Rafael Marquez, Samuel Eto’o and Xavi were all on targets. Shakhtar Donetsk saw off Basle 2-1 in Switzerland in the same group. ■ Xinhua

Chelsea’s Joe Cole (centre) celebrates his goal against Bordeaux with Frank Lampard (right) and Joe Cole (left) during the Champions League Group A match at Stamford Bridge in London. AFP

07

Thursday, September 18, 2008

‘‘

To talk simply of double-standards would be to understate what we feel. My personal view is that your people are a bunch of lily-livered cowards.You use one set of rules when it comes to poor Pakistan and another when it comes to India and the rich pickings to be made from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and playing in the Indian Premier League. Senior PCB official about Australia

Adam Sinclair was in Chennai recently for the Murugappa Gold Cup. Ayon Sengupta chats up with him on topics ranging from his ambition to return to national duty to ‘godfather’ Jothikumaran

Ready again for national duty I

ndia international Adam Sinclair has come out in support of disgraced hockey administrator K Jothikumaran. “Tamil Nadu has the most organised hockey league in the country and the credit for that goes to Jothikumaran. Punjab and Air India dominate Indian hockey but I feel there is a general bias towards them and people from the south are always ignored by the officials and coaches from the north,” Sinclair says. Known as a protégée of Jothikumaran, Sinclair had been in and out of the Indian side and last played for the country at the Asian Games in 2006. And his detractors often claim that he made it into the Indian side because of the patronage extended by the once Indian Hockey Federation secretary. Acknowledging the role played by Jothikumaran in his growth, Sinclair rubbishes the claim of any favouritism and says: “I think I am good enough to merit a place in the Indian side just by my performance. Now Jothikumaran is nowhere in the scene and I played well in the Murugappa Gold Cup and I am confident of making it to the national camp. I am not worried about all these rumours and I will go on proving myself in the field. Even Jothi Sir is happy that I am play-

ing so well and he called during the tournament and congratulated me.” Speaking out against a system dominated by players and officials from the north, Sinclair feels the coaches should also take the blame for India’s poor showing in hockey in recent times. “A coach should also encourage and motivate you but a few of the Indian coaches are always abusing and that makes the atmosphere very bitter. When I was playing for India, I hardly got time to settle down. Either I was warming the bench or playing for five minutes. And then without any reason I was dropped. The foreign coaches are more understanding and they are always egging you to give your best. Ric (Charlesworth) allowed you to play your natural game, he helps you the find your own style. A few of the Indian coaches are also good but the foreigners have a better outlook,” he says. “But I hope things will change now. The new selection committee are going to select 40 to 50 players for the camp. But it’s more important to know what they are going to do with them. There should be some cash incentives and regular exposure trips.” Having played in the very competitive German League in the last couple of years, Sinclair believes that his game has improved immensely and says: “I played for Black and White Cologne in the German League and the game is more physical and fast there. Things are run in a professional way there and the training is more intense. ■

08 ROADSTER

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

The them Hi-fi sound with component kits T

he weekend is just around the corner and most of you must have planned a drive down to the nearest weekend destination. Your friends are stacked inside your car, everyone’s excited and there is a lot of noise and excitement in the air. Tired and exhausted half way through the 2 or 3 hour drive, the excitement dies down on everyone and the drive turns out boring. So how to get that mood back on? We need some loud and quality music to get those nerves cracking again. Audio system is the first thing that anyone install or upgrade in a car. This upgrade better be a good one as that’s one piece of equipment that we spend on just once and forget about, so it is best we get the best setup possible not having to change them later on. If precision sound and quality music is that you are looking for then you reached the right column. Most of us, must have heard of the component speaker kits that have high price tag to it leaving many music addicts content with the coaxial rounds or oval speakers. For some who do not know what component speakers are then read on. The Component Speakers (CS) are drivers that reproduce fre-

quencies in specific range. The CS has separate tweeter, woofers and crossovers. The CS are the best options for high quality sound, since they come in different specifications it is important that you look for the right kit for your car, such as size and tone of your choice. To select any speaker, it is best that you listen to them before you buy them. Our “friendly vendors” do not allow any customer to audition the product unless you promise to buy them, hence we are forced to make assumptions, decide, buy them, install them and finally get to experience them. This is where Ergo steps in to help you setup a good system, so mail your queries to [email protected]. The 3 components (crossover network, tweeter and the woofer work together to produce that perfect sound spectrum, this is made possible with a little help from the crossover network that is designed to produce that perfect frequency. The crossover maintains the right frequencies distributed to the Tweeters and Woofer to avoid any distortion and experience that clean and precision quality music. The other speaker type is called the coaxial range, this setup has a combined arrangement of the woofer and tweeter in one speaker. Having the tweeter mounted on the woofer will somehow distort the sound produced by the woofer in a coaxial speaker setup. ■

I

f Brandon Lee (son of legendary martial art hero Bruce Lee) were alive, he would have been one happy man to know what a Chennai lad had created thoroughly inspired by his final and famous Hollywood movie The Crow. Meet 26-year-old Gregory Suresh Joseph of Thiruvanmiyur. He is a motorcycle enthusiast with a difference who simply believes in not riding conventional vehicles, but rides what he calls a theme motorcycle. Greg, as he is known to his friends, has built an interesting motorcycle inspired by the movie The Crow. “The movie talks about the resurrection of

a dead hero, which is very much relevant to the bike I built as I did it up from scratch to give it the present look,” Greg avers. He originally designed the ride for his friend Nirmal, who is now in UAE. Greg’s custom chopper, obviously named ‘The Crow,’ is a Royal Enfield Bullet 350 mod. “My friend Nirmal bought the bike and wasn’t very convinced with its conventional look. That’s when I suggested a total makeover for his machine which he readily agreed,” he says. He took an entire two years to complete the motorcycle. Except for the original 350cc engine, almost every other part in the original was changed to suit the dream theme. Notably an altered chassis, 3 inch long forks, a one-of-its-kind (looks like

wings) custom-made with hand drawn des istic side shields (w skeleton design), e foot rests and gear lev the motorcycle. The intricately des lencer, seats, funk guards and head lamp handle area that hol hole on the right and meter on the left ar worthy pieces customisation. Above all the stri ment is the paint glints with black, pred shades of brown an tise hand drawing on and side shields. “M Pandia, a fine arts g did the paint, which one of the most ey

09

Thursday, September 18, 2008

me machine

fuel tank signs, artwith crow extended ver adorn

signed siky mug p and the lds a key d the amp re praiseof

king elejob that dominant nd expern the tank My friend graduate, I think is ye-catchy

elements about the motorcycle,” praises Greg. He has dedicated the machine to Indian Larry, the legendary chopper builder from US, who died in 2004. Are you curious about how much The Crow would have cost Greg? Well, Ergo would say the motorcycle is priceless. Gregory Suresh Joseph can be contacted at 98842 84102. ■

Greg from Thiruvanmiyur has modelled his bike on the Brendan Lee-starrer ‘The Crow’ and dedicated it to Chopper legend Indian Larry

10 FLICK

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Obama film on hold Actor-director Edward Norton has put all his talks of the Obama documentary on hold till the U.S. presidential elections are over – for fear of influencing them. The film would be released only after the elections in November. ANI

Bubbly as ever, Piya is overjoyed as people have noticed her performance in ‘Poi Solla Porom’ and given her a thumbs up. She talks to Ergo about herself and her upcoming ‘Aegan’ MALATHI K

Piya is a bubbly, vivacious girl in Poi Solla Porom. Is she bubbly in real life, too? I am bubblier in real life than what you see in Poi Solla Porom. I am a very friendly person by nature. But I have certain principles and will do things only according to them. I usually do things that I feel are right, as I feel that if I believe in something so will everyone else.

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

How did you get an opportunity to act in Poi Solla Porom? After I completed class XII, I did a computer course. I am not the kind of person who can do a nineto-five job. I’ve always wanted to do something different. Keeping this in mind, I moved to Mumbai and began my career in modelling. Later, I auditioned for Poi Solla Porom and here I am, giving you an interview. Did you watch Khosla ka Ghosla? Yes, I saw it after the entire filming was over as the director instructed us not to watch it before the movie was over. Since the movie (Poi Solla Porom) is an in-

spiration, he thought we would have the tendency to copy the expressions of the original characters and it wouldn’t be original. After I saw the movie I felt I had done justice to my character. On Aegan… I am doing an important role opposite Navdeep in Aegan. Ajith, who is the hero, is a veteran but is very down-to-earth. He has never interfered with my acting because he knows that in the Tamil industry it is usually only the director who teaches the actor and no one else. How do you find Chennai? Chennai is nice and the people here are warm. Two days after the movie released, I found people recognising me and congratulating my performance. Only people in Chennai can make anyone feel like a star overnight. Apart from acting, what are your interests? I write poetry, in Hindi. I also like to shop 24x7. I like experimenting with dresses. If I hadn’t become an actor, I would have definitely become a stylist. Can you tell us a lie? (Smiles wickedly) I don’t lie. ■

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Don’t search for Brad Pitt Brad Pitt has been dubbed the most dangerous celebrity to search for on the web by an Internet security firm. US-based McAfee said fans searching for information and pictures of the actor, or downloads, wallpaper and screen savers, have an 18 per cent chance of having their PCs infected with a virus, spyware, spam, phishing and adware. Rounding off the top five are Beyonce Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Heidi Montag and Mariah Carey.

Ben’s back

Cine City

Ben Affleck to play a thief in love in new movie

A It will be Affleck’s second movie as director, after the critically acclaimed 2007 drama, Gone Baby Gone

ctor and director Ben Affleck will direct and star in a romance-heist movie named The Town, where a bank robber falls in love with a bank manager, reported the industry newspaper Variety on Tuesday. Affleck, who won an Oscar for Best Screenplay with Matt Damon for Good Will Hunting in 1998, also rewrote the script for the new project for the Warner Bros. studio. It will be Affleck’s second movie as director, after the critically acclaimed 2007 drama Gone Baby Gone, which told the story of a girl kidnapped in a rundown Boston suburb. ■ AFP

Vadivelu as Billa Remember Vadivelu shaking his leg with Asin for the song ‘Suttrum Vizhi’ in the movie Pokkiri? It was Prabhu Deva, the director of the movie, who caricatured Vadivelu as Ghajini’s Surya in the film. This time for Villu, Vadivelu would be imitating Ajith in Billa. Appearing in a new stylish look, he would be dancing with Nayanthara for the remix song ‘My Name is Billa’. www.cinesnacks.com

Meera Jasmine to pair up with Captain Meera Jasmine has finally agreed to act with Captain. Vijayakanth, who did not have the big-league heroines pairing up with him, will have Meera Jasmine acting opposite him in his next film, Mariyathai, to be directed by Vikraman and produced by T. Siva of Amma Creations. Vikraman and Vijayakanth had earlier worked for the film Vaanathai Pola, which was a stupendous hit. Vijay Antony has been roped in to score the music. Shooting will commence next month.

12 SCAN

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Mallika’s Orra According to IMDb, the cost of the diamonds that Mallika wore at the Cannes Film Festival 2005 was Rs 45 million. They were sponsored by Orra Diamonds. Nine sets of jewelery were especially designed for Mallika.

PICK OF THE DAY

Star Gold

Star World

Star Movies

Sony Pix

The Train

Jake in Progress

Grudge 2

Big Fish – 10 pm An estranged son tries to reconcile with his dying father, a Southern raconteur, by piecing together the stories he has gathered over the years. William Bloom recreates his father’s elusive life in a series of legends and myths i

– 8 pm The Train is a thriller that is based around extra-marital relationships, murder, lies, deceit, treachery and blackmail.

– 8-30 pm Jake attempts to lure Annie back by using reverse psychology. Meanwhile, Adrian is having some fun by hiring a hot dental assistant to help him with his job.

– 9 pm Mrs. Davis sends daughter Aubrey, to Tokyo to bring her sister Karen, who is in a hospital after surviving a fire, home. After meeting, Karen dies and Aubrey decides to find out what happened to her.

Who says Harathi can’t dance?

MONISHA MOHANDAS

H

arathi’s love for dance isn’t recent. It started way back when she was just three years old. She was her grandmother’s pet child and shifted home to Chennai from Coimbatore to study. She always wanted to be in the entertainment field. Her dream came true when she got an opportunity to play a role in K. Balachander’s Varna Kanavugal. After this film, she also signed up for T. Rajendar’s En Thangai, in which she played the role of T. Rajendar’s sister. A girl with big dreams, nothing seems to put Harathi down. She

has not only played significant roles in many mainstream movies but has also ventured into an arena where very few female artistes succeed; comedy. And she was an instant success with her bubbly attitude and permanent smile. This girl has become a household name with her memorable comedy roles in Sun TV’s Super 10. Some of her future movies include Villu and Maya. Harathi hopes to make it big in Hollywood in the next five years. “Most people thought I could never dance. They teased me as I am fat. But that didn’t deter me. On the contrary, it actually motivated me. I challenged their words and wanted to prove that

PHOTO: K.V. SRINIVASAN

“You? Dance? Are you kidding me? I can’t imagine you on the dance floor” was one of the many comments Harathi came across when she told her friends she was participating in Kalaignar TV’s ‘Maanada Mayilaada’. But now, after being adjudged one of the best dancers on the show, she no longer cares about what people say and carries on with a fiery passion. What motivated Harathi to come this far?

I challenged their words and wanted to prove that only talent matters and not size only talent matters and not size. Also, if you are dedicated to whatever you do, your mind and body will listen to you,” says Harathi, reliving her experience.

And Harathi has proved herself. She participated in the show with spirit, hard work and determination and it has won her many praises. She has sculpted herself

into a dedicated dancer, going as far as jumping from a height of 9 feet and shaving her head for the sake of competition.“My parents encouraged me a lot. Their continuous motivation, together with my dedication, has been the root of my success,” she confesses. ■

13

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Duck scared of water A Chinese farmer is baffled after he bought a duck that has feet like a chicken and is scared of water.

Greetings Dear Vish(CGSL-NAOT CTU), Wishing you many more happy returns of the day. May all your dreams come true as you both walk hand in hand. Let this birthday bring you happiness. From CITI ROCKERS (NAOT-CTU Oil/ Retail,Sears,THD)

Dear Tamil( French Mathan), Hope your birthday brings you all smiles, Joy, Cheer and More! Filling life with surprise and joys galore! May all your Wishes Come true on this Great Day! Wish you a Happy B’Day! Cheers, AS Team, Tata Consultancy services.

Hi Rakhi, Wish you many many happy returns of the day! We wish you that all your dreams come true. Pirandha Naal Vazhuthukkal. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Yours friendly, Manjunath M, Mahendra G, Rishi G, HCL Technologies

Dear Anita, Many more happy returns of the day. Let this birthday bring all sort of joy n happiness in your life.

Amutha and Subalatha, Wipro Technologies.

The Hip Asia celebrates the delectable taste of Thai cuisine . Come and take a dip in the bounty of fresh herbs like kha ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves etc and the flavorful food of this amazing land. The festival is on for lunch (12:30 pm) and dinner (7:30 pm onwards) Where: Taj Connemara , Binny Road When: Upto Sep 21

Hi heart throb, Many more happy returns of the day. Wish u all happiness in life which keeps u smiling as ever and ever throughout your journey.

Collection for kids

Warm Regards, Ashok, Technosoft Global services

Hi Dhivia sri(Keane), Wishing u many more happy returns of the day. May god bless u dear. Hearty wishes from

Dear Natraj, You turn not older with years, but newer everyday .wishing you a dazzling and scintillating Birthday. Warm regards, Ex -Ebbs Team (Suresh,Arun,Prabhu, Goutham) from scope and Baba , Sivakumar Raju,Rajkumar,Vijayan ,RadhaKrishnan and Jumbulingam.

Dear Tamilselvi, Happy Birthday. May this day be as wonderful to you as you are. God Bless U.

Ever loving sister Santa,Wipro Technologies

Harshni, Infosys Technologies Limited

Hi Vanithasankari, Happy Birthday to you. From Quality Team of Zylog Systems Ltd To our dear Senthil, Hope lovely surprises are coming your way, To make your Birthday a Wonderful day. Happy Birthday.

Dear Antany Vasanth, Wish u many more happy returns of the day. Let this birthday bring you lot of happiness in ur life. God bless you.

Hearty wishes from your colleagues, UST-Global.

Hello Gang, Send your greetings to [email protected], with the word ‘greeting’ and the preferred date of publication in the subject line. Example: “greeting: September 24”. This will help us organise the column. Also, those who want to dedicate greetings, please send your full name, company name and contact number for verification.

Cheers, Team December 17th Oracle batch, Wipro Technologies

Dear Irene, If there’s something that you’re dreaming of then may it all come true, because you deserve it all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. With Love, Preethi, Wipro Technologies

Jaldi Fit

Regards, Padma & Shabi, TCS

Dear Brother Vicky, Wishing you a very happy birthday!! May God shower his immense blessings on you and I wish that all your dreams come true. Let this day bring you a lot of happiness. Keep rocking as always!!

Hi Siddhu, Happy Birthday to you. God Bless u. Let all your dreams come true!!

The Sang-Froid

With Love, Your friends in Kumaran, Kumaran System.

Cheers,Team Ergo

Lilliput, a dominant player in the Indian Kidswear industry, has launched their AutumnWinter ’08 Collection. Inspired by International trends, the flamboyant assortment of this season’s kid clothes represents new silhouettes in bold and contrasting colors. Where: Lilliput Kidswear, Ground. Flr, Mowbrays Flats, 282/1 TTK Road, Alwarpet, also at Spencers Plaza, and 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar.

Wellness Expert and Clinical Exercise specialist Namita Jain launches Jaldi Fit, a home workout DVD in English & Hindi showing result-oriented exercise routines. A Times Music release, Jaldi Fit offers simple, yet effective 20-minute exercise routines for five days of the week. Where: All Planet M, Music World and Landmark stores across the city

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.

TOP 5 HANGOVER HELPERS 1. Sleep The best way to stop yourself from feeling the awful side effects of binge drinking is to sleep it off! Sleep as much as you can to help rest and reenergize your poor body.

2. Hydrate Because alcohol is a diuretic, it’s so important to make sure that you rehydrate your body afterwards. Drink as much nonalcoholic and fizzy liquid as possible – we recommend good ol’ water.

3. Sweat It Out If your body can handle it, drag yourself out of bed, lace up your sneakers and go for a run (or walk). Exercise increases circulation and ushers those toxins out of your body. But don’t push yourself too hard.

4. Eat Go easy on the high-fat breakfasts and resist the urge for a greasy McAnything. Instead, opt for a balanced combination of carbohydrates and proteins, which will help soothe the stomach and supply you with vital nutrients. Eggs are easy on a churning stomach and are also highly restorative. 5. Wait It Out Time is the only true cure for a hangover – that’s what it takes for the alcohol to leave your body.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

999 dash for unfloppy bunny Police say a woman dialled 999 to complain that the rabbit she had just bought did not have floppy ears.

sudoku

A dog’s life Muraldiaran K.N. of Infosys Technologies, Mahindra City clicked this picture in Keywest, Florida, US. Hobbies: Listening to music of all genres, watching comedy clips on TV and visiting temples with historical significance.

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]

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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

15

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Word’s worth

Birthday card

"Quadrumanous" (kwah-droom-uh-nus) an adjective meaning ’apelike indestructiveness.’ From a Latin word meaning ’four-handed (like an ape).’

A birthday card sent from East Yorkshire to Hampshire arrived two weeks lateafter a 6,000-mile detour via Tehran.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 During the beginning of office, you might feel you are heading in the wrong direction. In meetings Ganesha finds you target-oriented. Confusions at work will be sorted out. On the romantic front, you will pay more attention to your relationship.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You may feel quite relaxed at the start of the day, but later on work will start piling up. You may have to constantly follow up with colleagues through email. Ganesha thinks that this busy day will end in the beautiful company of your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Not a heavy day at work, but it will be hectic all the same. In the earlier part of the day, you may be solving technical issues. Ganesha thinks you are very good at collaborating two separate elements at work. Try to give percent attention to your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Today you will be able to concentrate on work. Ganesha encourages you to balance personal and professional life. If you are successful at doing that, your beloved will shower you with love. For married couples, the evening today will be wonderful.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You will be attending a lot of meetings today. Surely you will be able to impress others by your charm. These meetings may change your perception towards your colleagues. Important decisions regarding your career may happen today.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Ganesha foresees a work loaded with responsibilities. In the first half, you will be dealing with authorities for some important activities. Hence, you will want to rush to meet your sweetheart. You will have a wonderful time with your beloved.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 The day may begin on a dull note. However office will surely refresh your mood. You will end up talking to people through various modes. Ganesha wants you to be careful about useless conversations. Love life will be charming as ever.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 The day will begin on a happy note, but it might not ring forever. Ganesha advises you to think only in the positive direction. At work you may be dealing with technical issues. In love life, it will be best if you remain positive with your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 A long awaited change will be noticed in your work today. You will be positively able to make changes in your routine and professional life. Try not to get into any kind of arguments today. Hence, instead of being direct with people, try to use diplomacy.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Like to play with numbers? Today is you day! Also, it is a good day to review your past actions. You will be able to utilise logic perfectly today. However, use it in front of people who can understand it. You may entertain your beloved today!

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Ganesha feels you need a break. Due to a bored routine, you may displace on anger on your colleagues. However, things will be pretty smooth towards the end of the day. Love life won’t upset you today.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 A tough day at work. You will have to remain very tactful or you may be burdened with other’s work as well. Mould your personality according to the need of time. If you get free time, it would be good for your mood to spend time with your beloved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Thursday, September 18, 2008

Calamity sailor rescued again A sailor nicknamed Captain Calamity after he was rescued seven times when he tried to sail round Britain has been saved by the coastguard again.

Trust the Faith Healer Celebrated Irish play to be staged in Chennai

P.C. Ramakrishna

Karthik Srinivasan (TMK)

A rehearsal of the play, Faith Healer PHOTOS: V. GANESAN . MITHRA SURESH Ireland, also possibly according [email protected] for their priorities, such as Frank’s tortured monologues that he others don’t agree are restricted to his unreliable talwith me, but it is also a ent for curing; a distraught Grace, love story,” says direc- gives up everything to travel with tor Mithran Devanesen Frank across the countryside; and about his upcoming play, Faith Teddy, a true showman is Frank’s Healer which will be staged at Si- devoted manager and is devoted vagami Petachi auditorium this to the couple and provides more weekend. personal accounts of each of their The Irish play, written by Brian trips. Friel in 1979, is split into four Each of the monologues opens monologues – the first and the and ends with variations of the last by Francis Hardy (P.C. Ra- incantation: makrishna), his mistress Grace Aberarder, Aberayron, (Tehzeeb Katari) and his Cockney Llangranog, Llangurig, manager Teddy (Karthik SrinivaAbergorlech, Abergynolwyn… san). Which lend themselves to the Each character has inconsis- story of the faith healer – a curitent memories of the incidents osity value, which one discovers that occur after their return to later, are places that each chants

“T

to remind themselves of what happened there. What one is drawn into are the ‘Rashomon perspectives’ of Frank, Grace and Teddy. For example, the significance of the place Kinlochbervie is that Grace gives birth and buries her stillborn child. Frank never mentions the event, Grace says that Frank was present and Teddy reports that it was he, and not Frank, who was present during labour.What these individual accounts of an incident reveal are priorities, which make them endearing subjective perspectives, an insight into characters who want to tell their stories.The fear of being judged and rejected in the process of homecoming is embedded, especially in Frank’s monologue.

Tehzeeb Katari

All three actors are renowned stage actors – P.C. Ramakrishna for his baritone voice and his Sean Connery diction, has worked in over 100 productions with The Madras Players; Tehzeeb Kataria who has acted with a number of eminent directors such as Arun Sachdev and Imtiaz Khan and is also noted for her clear diction; Karthik Srinivasan (TMK) for his comic ability in many of Evam’s productions, most notably the ‘Monty Python’ series.

What, when, where? Event: Faith Healer (play) by Madras Players Timings: 7.15 p.m., September 18, 19, 20 Venue: Sivagami Petachi Auditorium, Mylapore Tickets: Available at Landmark(Nungambakkam) Contact: 9381911977 / 9840080783