Ergo September 30

A BYTE OF LIFE

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

09 GOLDEN MOMENT Bhaskaran on India’s gold-winning effort FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

03 Made in Chennai Bombay Halwa House

No. 189

M.S.Viswanathan held the audience spellbound at his piano concert on Sunday. And it was no ordinary audience either. It included a visibly emotional Isaignani.

King of Melodies Reloaded » Page 05

Remember a crush you had that was not meant to be? » Page 13

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Dolls all the way

Cognizant lead the pack

Gifting has also become a part of the kolu festival. So if you have a friend inviting you home for the doll festival, then these are some places where you could shop a perfect gift set. ■ Tirumumala Tirupati, Dasavaratham set... name it and you are sure to find them here. The Poompuhar showroom has some of the best Kolu sets, which you can buy from Rs. 10 onwards. The sale is on till October 6. Address: The showroom is at No 818, Anna Salai. Ph: 2852 0624 ■ It’s antique dolls and new varieties in Kondapalli, Ettikoppaka, Chennapatna, terracotta, woollen and glass doll on sale at Vennirul Art Gallery. The sale is on till October 5. Address: C.P. Art Centre, Eldams Road, Alwarpet. Ph: 2434 1778 ■ Khadi Gramodyag Bhavan is equally famous for its exquisite collection which it stocks every year. We suggest you check the Mount Road branch as they have some stunning sets. Address: No 844/2, Anna Salai. Ph: 2858 4313 ■ If you are looking for cheap kolu dolls and idols for Dussera, this is where you should head to. The craftsmen here supply to stores across Chennai. Check-out to see the different processes that go before these colourful dolls adore showrooms. ■ You also have pockets like North Mada Street in Mylapore and Triplicane that sell dolls.

Dawood, Aishwarya rule TT tables

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ipro dominated men’s table tennis competition at the second ETA Star Corporate Olympiad winning bothe the gold’s on offer. In a all-Wipro final in men’s singles, Mohamed Imran Dawood downed V Mandikandan and then the duo paired up to win

gold in men’s doubles. Aravindan Balasubramanian and Shreyas Vishwanathan of Wipro settled for the silver in men’s doubles. Coznizant dominated the women’s section with Aishwarya N winning gold in women’s singles getting the better off Ashwini BM of Infosys. In the doubles

competition, Aishwaya partnered Vidyabharathi G to win gold, beating Shivani P and Ranjini Rajaram of Infosys. After the end of week five, Cognizant lead the point table with 12 gold, four silver and seven bronze. ■ Ergo Correspondent

No more smoking in public places First-time offenders will be fined Rs. 100, while the second and third-time offenders will fined Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 respectively ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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f you are a cigarette smoker, from Thursday, October 2, you need to watch out where you’re taking a puff. The Chennai City Police will strongly implement the ban on smoking in public places. If you’re caught, be prepared to shell out a fine. Addressing mediapersons at his office on Monday, R. Sekar, City Police Commissioner, said, “The ban on smoking in public places will be seriously implemented from October 2.” An awareness campaign towards this has also been planned in the next two days in order to get the message to the public, he said.

The government has already identified and issued notices on places identified as no-smoking zones. The notice also says that first-time offenders will be fined Rs. 100, while the second and third-time offenders will fined Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 respectively. The Commissioner also said that the police have acted strongly

against goondas in the city and 334 anti-social elements have been jailed under the Goondas Act till September, this year. He finally said that as the festival season is approaching traffic modifications and additional police security have been planned at crowded places like Purusawalkam, T. Nagar, Mylapore and Mambalam. ■

03

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Only denims There is a denim festival happening at Globus showroom. They come in different styles, hues and fits. Catch the sale at Globus outlet, T. Nagar before October 5.

Halwa Wala Aa Gaya Whether it is for kadak chai or dry fruit halwa, Bombay Halwa House has its loyal patrons LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

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ost-Partition, like many Sindhis who spread to different parts of India, the Dusejas came to Madras. They made the city their home and today have a successful empire to reckon with. It was in 1948 that five brothers – Metharam, Gopichand, Gordhandas, Sugnomal and Kishandas – and Metharam’s son Bhagatraj of the Duseja family opened a sweetmeat shop at N.S.C. Bose Road in Sowcarpet. They called it Bombay Halwa House and started by selling samosa (60 paisa), kadai chai (40 paisa), bread channa, mini-thali and moong dal halwa (a dish the shop became most famous for). “Delhi Hotel and Agarwal Bhavan were the other dominant sweetmeat shops in that pocket. Thanks to its proximity to the Central Station, the business flourished,” recalls Rajkumar, son of Bhagatraj, who runs the shop with his cousins, Lakshmichand and Durga Prasad.

Lakhmichand, Durga Prasad and Raj Kumar at their Kellys outlet. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

Separate units The main difference today is that Bombay Halwa House, which originally started in Sowcarpet, has moved to Kellys in a much bigger location. And, it also has its presence in other pockets of the city, where it is run by the second and third generations of the Duseja family, each as an independent unit. While the Anna Salai one is called Sri Bombay Halwa House, it is New Bombay Halwa House in Mylapore. However, the Triplicane outlet, known as Sharma’s Bombay Halwa House, has closed shutters. The family members claim that they parted ways in good faith in the early years itself and each is different from the other.

Serving late Entrepreneurship is in their blood, and the youngsters now handling the business are happy with the loyal clientele they play host to. Ram G., who looks after the Anna Salai store with his father and son, recalls how the outlet was

the only one open till as late as 10 p.m. in its early days. “Eat-outs would generally close by 8 p.m. in this stretch, when we kept it open till 10 p.m. Our low-cost thalis and the quality we served is our USP even now,” says Ram, whose outlet was opened in 1958. In these days, where you have a sweet shop at every corner, what

they take pride in is catering to special occasions. “For hardcore Sindhis and Punjabis, Bombay Halwa House still means ordering pragari (sweet samosa) and ghiwar for the Holi festivities,” says Rajkumar. Ram, on the other hand, says that for the last five decades he

has been getting his quota of ghee and milk from the same supplier. “Uniqueness of our taste,” he adds. That’s sweet success according to them! ■ Made in Chennai is a column that showcases the evolution of home-grown businesses that began when the city was Madras

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Homemade chocolates Who does not want some nice homemade chocolates? Buy dry fruit chocolate (Rs. 800 per kg) or give your loved one a chocolate hamper for as little as Rs. 75. For more details, contact the delectable Jyoti Malhotra of Citigroup Global Services Limited on 9283265120 or 42610098

Dr. A.D.S.N Prasad, Rajya Sabha member M.S. Swaminathan and Judge Sheffield receiving a copy of the book, ’Prasad, a Mother’

Prasad’s only Pathway This NGO made a path-breaking discovery to improve the lives of the differently-abled ANUSHA PARTHASARATHY

Models wearing creation by designer Ha Duy during the annual Vietnam Collection Grand Prix in Hanoi. The event was won by designer Luong Thi Minh Hoa. AFP

A Pakistani shopkeeper decorates the hand of a customer with henna patterns ahead of the upcoming festival of Eid Al- Fitr at a market in Karachi. AFP

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here others crib and cringe, Dr. A.D.S.N. Prasad did more. Learning from the tragic experience of his differently-abled sister, he started a mission to reach out to similar people. His nongovernmental organisation Pathway, which has two offices in namma Chennai and one near Mathurantagam, primarily reaches out to people with special needs. My sister was At an event organised in the city on differentlySaturday, the organiabled they (my sation took a drastic yet important step: family) that of integrating chilcouldn’t take dren with special it. No one needs in a school that will also have normal outside even children. knew that I “My father was a renowned doctor and had a sister my family was well educated,” Dr. Prasad recalled at the event. “But when they realised that my sister was differently-abled they couldn’t take it. No one outside even knew that I had a sister. Only when she passed away did people realise that my parents had a daughter also. This incident affected me a lot.” Prasad was 21 years old and

Pathway is open to volunteers and funds. For further details contact Dr. Prasad at 76/1, 12th West Street, Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai – 600 041. Phone: 2448 3949, 98400 29352.

working as an audiologist and speech specialist, when he started helping those with speech difficulties. One day, a boy was brought along by his aunt for therapy but no one came to pick him up after. They later discovered that the aunt had suddenly taken ill and passed away the same evening. The boy, Karthik, had no other living relative to go back to. And he became Prasad’s first foster child. Many more children came up and Pathway that started in April 1975 in a small flat in Adyar. For 11 years, it struggled to make it through, receiving no grants or donations from the government or the public. As the number of children kept increasing, it was becoming increasingly difficult to get funds. “Finally in 1985, the government gave a grant. But it has not been sufficient. It did help me expand Pathway and from one small flat it moved to three locations.” Now, Pathway has three facilities. One is at Thiruvanmiyur, where 300 special people reside, the youngest being three months old and the oldest, 67 years. The second facility is in Mahabalip-

Tapping talents

uram and is an adult medical facility. The third is near Madhuranthagam, which is a 60acre agro farm cum orphanage for normal kids. The special students are not only given education, they are also trained in vocational activities like baking, carpentry, jewellery designing, candle making, painting and toy making. The bakery has been running on a professional scale since the last five years and has been providing bread and other pastries to BPOs like Slash Support on a daily basis for the past three years and has been greeted with tremendous response for the same. “They are masters and don’t need any kind of assistance in their work”, says Prasad. It has joined hands with a San Diego based NGO called Sabin’s Children Foundation to integrate normal children with the special ones. Judge Sheffield, who was a former judge of California Superior Court, visited Pathway for the first time in 1989 and decided to pitch in. He invented a Banana Slicer a few years ago and all the money generated from it has been going to Pathway. The integration plan will take place at the agro-farm near Mathuranthagam which is equipped with everything from a mobile hospital to a school. Now, it will not only house normal kids, but also around 300 mentally disabled children. This plan is already under construction and will be completed in November. “When these children integrate with the normal ones they will learn from each other, the lessons that cannot be taught otherwise,” smiles Prasad. ■

05

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The creator unplugged For a while, M.S. Viswanathan kept aside his harmonium and took up the piano instead

V.HARIPRIYA [email protected]

M

.S.Viswanathan, the King of Melodies, has still not lost his charm. Proof was the jam-packed Museum Theatre last Sunday evening. The doyen, who always works magic with his harmonium, tried his hands on the piano for the first time at the music concert, aptly titled ‘Vaarthaigal Sollum Vaaththiyangal’, meaning ‘instruments which speak out words’. The concert was inaugurated by none other than T.K. Ramamoorthy, his contemporary. The Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy era was dubbed the golden era of Tamil film music and the duo has given many memorable numbers

which still linger in the heart of listeners, irrespective of age. Some of the movies for which they composed songs are Paalum Pazhamum, Puthiya Paravai, Periya Idathu Penn, Pava Mannippu, Aayirathil Oruvan and Karnan. The concert, which kicked off with MSV’s famous song ‘Pullaankuzhal Kodutha Moongilkale’, saw MSV playing some of his best numbers, which included melodies like ‘Unnai ondru kaetpaen’ and foot-tapping songs like ‘Thedinaen vandhahdu’ and ‘Kann irandum minna minna’. Maestro Ilayaraja, who came to the concert with his son Karthik Raja, was seen mesmerised while listening to the song ‘Maalai pozhuthin mayakkathile naan’. Ilayaraja, who spoke after the song

was played, said the song was his all-time favourite. Turning a bit emotional, he said, “I first heard the song while I was a school-goer. On my way to school I used to hear this song standing before a tea shop. This song is a proper blend of music and lyrics and it still touches the hearts of listeners.” Music director Vidya Sagar said he grew up in recording studios listening to the MSV’s songs. “He is my inspiration and all that I compose now can in no way be compared to MSV’s compositions. I am a person who got interested in music because of MSV anna,” Vidya Sagar said. The others prominent faces who came to the concert were yesteryear singer P.B. Srinivas, poet Vairamuthu, and Madan Bob. ■

(Top) Poet Vairamuthu with T.K. Ramamoorthy (left) and M.S.V. (below)M.S.V. along with (from left) Karthik Raja, Ilayaraja, and Vidyasagar. PHOTOS: R.RAVINDRAN

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

First commercial release The first CD pressed in the United State for commercial release was Bruce Springsteen’s ’Born in the USA’.

007 car still UK’s coolest brand T

he James Bond factor has helped Aston Martin retain its position as the ‘The Coolest Brand In Britain’. For the third year running, the company took first place in CoolBrands’ annual list of the most iconic brands. “Aston Martin is indelibly linked with Bond because of the films,” the Sun quoted Stephen Cheliotis, chief executive of The Centre for Brand Analysis and chairman of the Cool Brands council, as saying. “007 sums up a lot of what it means to be smooth, stylish and cool,” he added. Aston Martin chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: “It’s a cool brand because it has cool cars, cool people and a hot soul.”

Second on list was iPhone, with Apple third, Bang & Olufsen fourth and YouTube fifth

Second on list was iPhone, with Apple third, Bang & Olufsen fourth and YouTube fifth.■ ANI

The top 20 ’Coolest Brands In Britain’ are: 1. Aston Martin 2. iPhone 3. Apple 4. Bang & Olufsen 5. YouTube 6. Google 7. Nintendo 8. Agent Provocateur 9. Rolex 10. Tate Modern 11. Dom Perignon 12. Virgin Atlantic 13. Ferrari 14. Ducati 15. PlayStation 16. Sony Advertisement 17. Nike 18. Bose 19. Facebook 20. Lamborghini

Makers of Dulux paints announce 3,500 job cuts

Cook dies after eating super-hot chilli sauce for a bet An aspiring chef died hours after eating a plate of superhot chilli sauce as part of a bet with his girlfriend’s brother. Forklift driver Andrew Lee had challenged girlfriend Samantha Bailey’s 29-year-old brother Michael to see who could eat the hottest sauce. The 33-year-old man complained of itching all over his body as he tried to sleep at night, and later died of heat attack. Bailey woke in the morning, and discovered him dead in bed beside her. The mum of four called paramedics, but they could not revive him. “He was a strapping lad," British tabloid The Sun quoted Andrew’s mother Pamela as saying. “It’s incredible. Who’d have thought he could die from eating chilli sauce? He loved cooking and wanted to be a chef.” ANI

The world’s largest paint maker, the Dutch-Swedish chemicals group Akzo Nobel, said on Monday said it would cut 3,500 jobs by 2011. Synergies with ICI, the British chemicals group Akzo Nobel bought last year, “combined with... additional net cost savings, will result in a total reduction of 3,500 jobs by 2011,” the company said in a statement. It also said it was postponing a programme to buy back US$ 2.3 billion in shares due to the crisis hitting world banks. AFP

Editor is jailed for breaking reporter’s nose A Hong Kong newspaper editor was jailed for breaking a reporter’s nose in a row about the editing his stories. Hong Kong Economic News editor Lim Siong-hoon, 52, punched Ho Hong-yu in the face on June 5 when the young reporter complained to him, the Hong Kong Standard reported. At a hearing in Hong’s Eastern Magistrates court, Lim was convicted of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

Cadbury withdraws made-in-China chocolate bars Chocolate maker Cadbury is recalling 11 types of chocolate bars made at its Beijing plant and sold in Hong Kong, health officials said on Monday. The decision was made voluntarily by the company in response to the scare over melamine found in dairy products from China. Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety, which has been testing products from China since the scandal broke, said Cadbury was withdrawing the chocolate bars ‘as a precautionary step.’ DPA

DPA

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Unlucky biker An American cyclist is recovering after being knocked down by a car and a train in two separate accidents on the same day. The unlucky man from Colorado was hit by a car first, and taken to hospital to seek treatment for his injuries. He was released and got back on his bike only to be struck by a train while crossing a railroad bridge.

This day, that year It was in September 30, 1846 that Dr. William Morton, a dentist from Massachusetts, was the first to use anesthesia in extracting a tooth.

Incredible India

쒀 An folk dancer from The Panghat Group of Performing Arts poses during a full dress rehearsal in Ahmedabad as they prepare for the Navratri Festival. AFP PHOTO

Brit rapists being allowed trips to McDonalds R

apists and paedophiles in a UK hospital are being taken on a shopping spree, along with trips to cinema and takeaway joints. Sources have revealed that sex offenders held under the Mental Health Act at Brooklands Hospital in Marston Green, Solihull, West Midlands are being allowed to visit out for several hours or entire days, in a bid to reintroduce them to community life. “A lot go food and clothes shopping nearby. And they like having lunch at McDonald’s or wherever,” the Daily Star quoted

a source as saying However, Michelle Elliott, of charity Kidscape said: “If there are dangerous sex offenders being allowed out then the community has a right to know.” The hospital trust spokesman said that the offenders were allowed to go out under strict supervision. “In all cases, appropriate arrangements are in place,” he said. “We take our responsibilities on these matters extremely seriously,” he added. ■ ANI

Sex offenders held under the Mental Health Act are being allowed to visit out for several hours, in a bid to reintroduce them to community life

08 SPORT

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Ferrari vow to bounce back Ferrari have vowed to bounce back after a disastrous Singapore Grand Prix saw Felipe Massa lose ground on Lewis Hamilton in the title race and Kimi Raikkonen crash out of contention. “A black day, there’s little else to say,” said despondent Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali after Renault’s Fernando Alonso won the inaugural night race, with Nico Rosberg second and Hamilton third. “We had the potential to finish first and second but we didn’t even pick up a point. We are very disappointed but that doesn’t mean we are downtrodden.”

MAN U FACE DANISH TEST Ferguson warns United to respect Aalborg

Chappell predicts Ponting blitzkrieg

struggle to reach the last 16 if they fail to win in Denmark. “Having dropped two points in our first game it is important we get it right against Aalborg,” Ferguson said. “Going to Villarreal for a win will be very difficult and the last thing we need is to be going to Parkhead needing three points to go through.” While Ferguson is preaching caution, in private he must expect a convincing win against the weakest side in Group E.

Ricky Ponting’s barren run in India is all set to end in the upcoming four-Test series, asserts Australia’s assistant coach Greg Chappell, who feels Anil Kumble’s men should be wary of the Aussie captain’s resolve. “I can see a steely glint in his eye and I always worry when I see that in good players because that means there are a few runs around the corner,” Chappell, a former India coach, was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald. “If I was the Indian team and I wanted to worry about something, I would worry about that. The only discussion we have had about it, in fact he (Ponting) was the one that initiated and made the comment that basically what he has to do is trust his method,” he added. Ponting has more than 10,000 Test runs under his belt but has always struggled on the turning tracks of India, averaging little over 12. Even in the ongoing tour, the feisty right-hander has not made a very good start, scoring just five runs in a practice game in Jaipur against an attack that comprised Ranji-level bowlers.

Hard task

PTI

Paradorn ponders motorsport switch Beset by injury for almost two years, Thai tennis ace Paradorn Srichaphan is eyeing a switch to motorsport to rediscover his competitive edge. The former world number nine has been busy promoting the sport in his home country and admits he is considering ditching his racket to race fast cars and motorcycles. “I’ve been really bored and it would be huge challenge to move from one sport to the next,” Paradorn said. “I’m involved in a racing team and my sponsors are interested in having me racing for them, but only when I retire from tennis. I still plan to return to the tour.” The 29-year-old has been off the court since December 2006 after a recurrent wrist injury. However, his marriage to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova ensured he never disappeared from the limelight at home as his dwindling career took a nose-dive. Unlike many Thai sportsmen, Paradorn has resisted the temptation to become a singer or television actor and believes motorsport, at domestic level at least, is where his future lies. “In Thailand, motorsport is getting bigger and bigger. I love the sport, bikes and cars, and I’m not bad at it,” said a suited, lean-looking Paradorn, who no longer has his muscled physique. Reuters

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ir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United not to underestimate Aalborg as the Champions League holders bid to kick-start their European campaign on Tuesday. Ferguson’s side were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Villarreal in their opening Group E match, but they are heavy favourites to take all three points in Denmark. It would be a massive shock if United, who boast some of the world’s best players in their squad, even drew against an Aalborg team who would struggle to raise a flicker of recognition outside their home town. But the Danes, coached by former Arsenal and Middlesbrough boss

Bruce Rioch, managed to frustrate Celtic in their first group match and Ferguson is determined to make sure his players don’t take a victory for granted. “Aalborg were lucky to get a draw at Celtic but they will be at home against us and my old mate Bruce Rioch will have them fired up,” Ferguson said. “They are playing Manchester United, they will have a sell-out crowd and the whole town will be up for it. Danish clubs are always battlers.” That opening draw at Old Trafford has left United with little margin for error. Ferguson knows the Premier League champions, who still have to travel to Celtic and Villarreal, will face an up-hill

United found it hard to break down Bolton on Saturday but eventually claimed a 2-0 victory and Ferguson could take heart from the return to goal-scoring form of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov’s most influential performance since his 30 million pounds move from Tottenham. Berbatov has yet to score in three matches for United but Ferguson has been impressed with his play outside the penalty area and expects fireworks from the Bulgarian striker soon. “You don’t need to pass to him in space all the time. You can pass to him when he’s marked – he’s brilliant at that and he produced some great moments, against Bolton,” Ferguson said. “His touch was fantastic at times.” Berbatov’s passive demeanour on the pitch often led to accusations that he doesn’t care enough at Tottenham, but he is determined to make a big impact at United and he believes the goals will flow soon. “I really wanted to score a goal (against Bolton), but the three points are the most important thing and we were the better team,” Berbatov said. “We scored two goals but missed four or five chances. I’m happy with how I’m playing, particularly after the Bolton game. The game was good for me. I didn’t take my chances so hopefully in the future I will score. I think it was a big improvement from myself and from the team. I’m working really hard to help the team and so I can develop a better understanding with everyone. I’m sure that will happen.” ■ AFP

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

‘‘

There will be pressure on not only me but the entire Rajasthan team in the Champions League as we have to reproduce the same sort of good and consistent performances that allowed us to win the IPL.

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Rajasthan Royal pacer Sohail Tanvir on their prospect in the inaugural Champions League

ndia’s last hockey gold at the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980 is marred by controversies. The top hockey nations, Germany, Pakistan, Holland and Australia, had skipped the Games following a diktat by the USA against the Soviet communist regime. And India dazzled throughout the competition, scoring 43 goals in six outings. Although the below-par quality of the opposition hangs like an ugly scar on India’s triumph, skipper of the gold-winning side, Vasudevan Bhaskaran, rates the win as Indian hockey’s last big achievement. “A few of the top sides were missing from the Moscow Games but we had to play well to win gold. There were a few good European sides like Spain (defending European champions) and Poland and on their day they could have beaten any of the top sides. The weather was atrocious there and all of us had a tough time acclimatising. Fortunately, we reached Moscow a week before the competition and had some time to familiarise ourselves with the astro turf and weather,” he says. India started of brilliantly, thrashing motley Tanzania 18-0 in their opener before escaping with a closefought 2-2 draw in their second game against Poland. “We just ripped through Tanzania in our first game and our spirits were high. But the Polish were a tough nut to crack and we had to literally play out of our skin to salvage a draw against them. But we knew we had more matches and were confident of making it to the final,” Bhaskaran recalls. In their third game against Spain the Indians again equalised in the last minutes to garner a point but came out strongly against Cuba (13-0) and host USSR (4-2) to make it to the final as the second-placed team in the group stage, behind Spain. In the final against Spain, Bhaskaran and his boys went on rampage and were quickly 3-0 up but the Spaniards came back strongly in the second session with Spanish skipper Juan Amat leading the charge and in no time the scoreline read 3-2, with the Europeans raiding the Indian goalmouth incessantly. “It was tough times; they had so many penalty corners but with six minutes to go Mohammed Shaheed scored one more to give us a bit of breathing space. But Amat scored

PHOTO: R. M. RAJARATHINAM

again to send our blood pressure high. But we held on and for the first few minutes it was difficult to comprehend that we won gold at the Olympics,” Bhaskaran says. Speaking about the reasons behind their success, the proud skipper says: “I was the only senior in the team and all the boys were playing in their first major competition and we had an element of surprise. And then there was Indian ambassador to Russia, I.K. Gujral, who supported us throughout the tournament. Food in Moscow was a big problem and all of us had a tough time digesting whatever was offered at the Games village. After the first few days Mrs. Gujral took charge and our food came from the Embassy kitchen.” ■

Moscow Mayhem

INDIAN HOCKEY SKIPPER VASUDEVAN BHASKARAN ON WINNING GOLD AT THE PROBLEM-RIDDEN MOSCOW OLYMPICS

10 FLICK

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Patriotic Voight Oscar-winner Jon Voight will play the ghost of the first U.S. president, George Washington, in the upcoming comedy film An American Carol2, and take a character inspired by filmmaker Michael Moore to task for his lack of patriotism.

Us Weekly said the ceremony took place “Saturday evening at a remote wilderness resort outside Vancouver

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carlett Johansson (23) and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds (31) were married this weekend, their representatives confirmed to US media, declining to give many details. Us Weekly said the ceremony took place “Saturday evening at a remote wilderness resort outside Vancouver,” Reynolds’s hometown, citing Johansson’s spokeswoman. The marriage is the first for both. The pair, who had been dating since spring of 2007, announced their engagement in May. Reynolds had previously been engaged to fellow Canadian Alanis Morissette. ■ AFP

Scarlett Johansson weds Canadian heartthrob

‘I don’t like to add bells and bows to my acting’

No ‘death’, ‘die’, ‘bleed’, thank you

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ctor Liam Neeson has whip-lashed stereotypical methods of actors Daniel Day Lewis and Robert De Niro for adding needless “bells and bows” to their performances. Best known for his role of Oskar Schindler in the Oscarwinning Schindler’s List, the Irish actor was reportedly enraged when co-star Day Lewis insisted on being addressed by his character’s name – even when they met in a gym. “Actors such as Daniel Day Lewis and Robert De Niro are often held up as ‘this is the way to act’ but I don’t go to bed dreaming and sleeping the character,” the Daily Express quoted the actor at Q&A after the premiere of his new crime thriller Taken at London’s British Film Institute. He said: “I’m not criticising those guys as actors but sometimes you just have to show up and deliver a speech. You don’t have to pretend to be somebody. I like to think I am enough.” “I’m not interested in ‘Oh, he lost 30 pounds for this role’. I don’t wanna hear it.” “I have to be truthful, whether I’m wielding a light sabre or talking to a bank manager. I don’t like to add bells and bows to my acting,” the actor added. ■ ANI

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aniel Craig has revealed that he suggested the title ‘Quantum of Solace’ for the new Bond film. During a brainstorming session with the film’s producers, the James Bond star rejected more conventional titles. Quantum of Solace is the name of a little-known short story included in Ian Fleming’s 1960 collection, and it was announced as the title of the 22nd Bond adventure last year. “Names were coming out, some ludicrous stuff was going back and forth – I can’t remember exactly, but you know the sort of thing: ‘The Blood On Your Face’. I knew I didn’t want ‘death’, ‘die’, ‘bleed’ or any of those things in the title,” the Telegraph quoted him, as telling GQ. ■ ANI

11

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Miley Cyrus, Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Hottest Actors Under 25’ list Miley Cyrus, Shia Labeouf, Daniel Radcliffe, Megan Fox and Zac Efron are among ‘The Hottest Actors Under 25’, according to a new poll by film website Moviefone. The annual poll chooses the young Hollywood stars most likely to be massive in 10 years time, reports Contactmusic. Others in the list include Ellen Page, Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley and Zac Efron. ANI

Pain in the neck

Cine City

Keira Knightley on playing the Duchess

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eira Knightley has revealed that playing the role of royalty in The Duchess, was a pain in the neck – literally. Knightley’s role in the movie, as Georgiana Spencer, saw her spending up to three hours a day just being dressed up for her part, and on top of that she had to wear massive wigs, which made her suffer neck pain. “The length of time it took to dress depended on the size of the wig and how much

of the costume I needed to be sewn into,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying. “It was quite tiring, but obviously because Georgiana was such a huge fashion icon the costumes were

very important. At the end of the day I’d have a glass of wine and then I went to bed. Normally I had a bath, too, because my neck was aching so much because of the wigs,” she added. The Duchess is a movie based on the life of Georgiana Spencer who married the fifth Duke of Devonshire, played by Ralph Fiennes, in a union brokered by her mother Lady Spencer played by Charlotte Rampling. ■ ANI

Kalaignar TV to produce films While the Sun group released its maiden coproduction venture Kadhalil Vizhunthen last Friday, Kalaignar TV is also planning to foray into film production with the remake of Rajinikanthstarrer Murattukalai, released in 1980. Sundar C. plays the lead. Suman will do the part played by Jaishankar and Vivek takes care of Surulirajan’s part. The film, directed by Selvabharathy, would hit the screens by next April. Murattukalai will be co-produced by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s grandson, Gunanidhi. www.cinesnacks.com

Shruti’s luck Though Shruti Hassan was supposed to enter Kollywood by pairing with Madhavan, the project got shelved and now the news is that she is making her debut in Bollywood first. Upon Aamir Khan’s request, Kamal Hassan has given the nod. Shruti is paired opposite Imran Khan of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na in Luck. We hear that she is shooting for the movie in South Africa with Imran and Mithun Chakraborty.

12

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Monday’s question: Your favourite sentence to put off tele-marketing calls...

Today’s Ning Updates New members: Sweta Reddy, Hexaware Technologies Mathivanan, TCS

■ Thankx madam naanun yaaravathu loan thara mataangakanu yosichen. ippo than pink slip kedachithu oru 10 lakhs loan venum.

Group alert: ‘Chennai Byte’ created by Shakthi Forum alert: ‘Photo Hunters’ in ‘Chennai Byte’

Thirumalaiselvi Nambivel

■ I am not salaried, is that okay

Mathivanan is Ergo Ning’s 110th member!

9884024133

■ No thanks but I’ll refer my friend to you (give another telemarketing number)

Log on and register at goergo.ning.com

S.Kannan TCS Boeing

■ helo helo hel o o o o o o

ANN hxaware

■ I don’t want to take any personal loan which is re-payable.

Nithyaalangaran HCL Tech

■ Marketing guy: Hi we are calling from xyz bank. We have good offers for personal loans .... Me: thanx for calling sir. Im from abc insurance. Would you like to take a life insurance cover. This helps to cover all your needs ever after your death.

R.Ramya of Congruent Solutions nominates Revathy and Juna from her office as partners in crime!

Kalpana, steria

■ You are in the queue. Please wait.Bang!

Akila b, hexaware technologies ltd

■ (Leave a voice msg) Thank u for ur call. Your credit card has been charged 100rs for first ten words and rs 10 for each additional word. Please keep calling

Jayabharathi EDS

■ Me to working in same marketing. Are you interested. ■ Hello cognizant main gate......

9710920725

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

9443493304

■ Neengal dial saitha ennai thayava seithu sari parkavum. Please check the number you have dialed. (In lady voice)

Maran

■ Ask them to repeat everything several times or ask them to speak louder louder. . . louder. . else ask them to marry you.

Pradeepa TCS

■ "I am already an agent for some other company. Would u like to try our products..?

MURUGAN S, HEXAWARE technologies ltd

■ Hello .... B-2, police station inspector speaking, what u want?

Sathish. Changepond tech.

■ Subscriber you are calling is not available at a moment...please dont try here after ....

Jagan, Changepond tech

■ I am your rival . Would you still want to throw your strategy out? ■ Am in a meeting. Cal me later.

9894369726 Surya TCS

■ The person you are looking for surrendered this phone to me in return of the loan he took from me.

Senthil, TCS Ergo Pick

■ Try to reply in other language that tele caller can’t understand.

Siva

Today’s query Prepare a short code for proposal...

M.Bhasker of Changepond Technologies doodled this.

13

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

■ Hi JUJU, Many more happy returns of the day!!!!! May this birthday be just the beginning of a year filled with happy memories, wonderful moments and shining dreams. May your birthday be filled with excitement, joy, and laughter. Ramya, Congruent Solutions pvt. Ltd, Guindy

■ Dear Neeru, Wish you a very very Happy B’day and many more happy returns of the day… God bless you! With Warm Regards, Griffi, Preethi, Rohini, Reena, Raffie

■ Dear Thangam, I just wanted to send you a cheery hello, touched with a lots of love & care,and to let you know that you’re always in me. "Happy Birthday" da. Let,from this year you will get more thollai from me & all you wish, with a peaceful life ahead.

Not all crushes make for happy memories. Which is that one crush you had on someone that you would like to forget? Something you want to banish from memory. Write to us at [email protected]. Space is a constraint, so please keep the word limit to 200 words. Entries should reach us by Wednesday noon.

Your’s Lovingly, Thollai (Thanks and Rgds, R.Suganthi, CGSL,)

■ Dear Sulaikha, Wish U many more happy returns of the day.May Almighty bless you with showers of happiness and joy in your life Insha Allah. With Warm Regards, Syed M Firdous of Wipro Technologies and Route 11 cognizant bus mates.

■ Dear Sarvari, Muskan aapke Honto se kahi jaye nahi, aansu aapke palko pe kabhi aaye nahi, pura ho aapka hur khwab, aur jo pura na ho wo khwab kabhi aaye nahi. *Belated Happy Birthday* Hi, Thanks! I am very happy that you have taken my suggestion into consideration and put it into effect. Ramya, Congruent Solutions Pvt. Ltd

(You are welcome)

With luv and luv only Ur team mates.

■ Hi Bhy, Can’t find the words to tell you, Don’t quite know what to sayThe world is so much brighter, Cause you’re in it every day! Happy Bday dear. With loads of Luv, Secret Admirer... (Guess me!!!) TCS

■ Dear Srikanth, Wish ’U’ a very happy birthday. May all ur dream come true :) with best wishes, Pugalenthi, TCS.

■ Hi Gaurav, My dear chocolate brother ’Happy Birth day’ Wish u many more happy return of the day, the day brings lot of fragrance in ur life, like lily spread the frangrance in the garden.

Oru ponna pakureenga, Ava unga kannu kulayae nikura.. enna pannuveenga? Andha ponnuku chair kuduthu utkara vainga. Kaal valika poguthu... Maran from Wipro

Nanda, jayanthi, dipthy,seedu Infosearch pvt ltd

■ Dear Bhyravi, You’re such a special friend to us… It’s a pleasure to remember you anytime, especially on your birthday.

Where is the treat?? Many more happy returns of the day!! Hearty wishes from TATA Consultancy Services (Ignite gangsters)

■ Hello Viji, Your birthday is a very special time to celebrate the gift of “YOU” to this world. Wish you a very happy birthday. With lots of care and affections, Team GIT, Cognizant-Chennai

■ Hi Vichu, There can be only one person like you, who is passionate,supportive,caring,affectionate ( All are lies) No one can fill your space in our heart( Ha Ha Ha), We wish u a very happy B’Thday, On this special day may God bless U and the devil kiss u !!! With Love, Your Team members !!!! TCS RTSC !!!

■ Dear Hari, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.May God be with you in all your endeavours. We give our word to stand by you forever..... With lots of love Aditi,Anjali and Gayatri

■ Dear Mummyji, Many Happy returns of the day.May god bless you with good Health and Prosperity. Aapka Aashirwaad hum par hamesha banaye rakhna. Hearty Wishes from Tharun, Madhu,Pooja. (WIPRO TECHNOLOGIES)

■ Dear Vidya, Many more Happy Returns of the day. May each hour and minute be filled with delight and your birthday be perfect for you!!! May you live long and lead a happy and successful life. MAG CORP CMR Satyam computers

■ Hi Happy Ramzan to all wiproites. Lukeson Wipro Ltd

■ Dear Prasanna, Wish you a very Happy Birthday !! May God bless you a Prosperous and healthy life. May your birthday grow happier by every minute and give you reasons to smile all year through. Keep Rocking !! With Luv, Sudha, EDS

■ Dear Praveen, Today....... as you celebrate your b’day, May you look back over the years with joy n contentment & Look forward to a brighter and more fulfilling future Wishing you a day as special and beautiful as You! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You bring so much joy by just being yourself! Hope you remain just the way you are ! Have a Splendid Day!!!!!!!!! From Sivakami(CTS), Uthra and Rama (Wipro Technologies).

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Plane gets a push Passengers at a Chinese airport got a shock when they spotted 30 workers pushing a faulty plane off a runway. It took the group nearly two hours to push the CRJ7 plane, with 69 passengers and seven strong crew on board, to a side lane.

sudoku

Ravikala Jagadeesh of TCS, Karapakkam shot this picture in California. It is a water reservoir. Hobbies: Travelling, watching movies and sports

Click Pick is celebrating Wildlife Week from October 2 to 15. So make sure you send your best nature photographs for the coming issues. So you think you would make a terrific photographer but never really had the platform? Mail us your best work and we’ll publish it in this space, with credit. E-mail: [email protected]

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

Sr Dy Chief Designer: J.A. Prem Kumar Dy Chief Designer: R. Ravi Kannan Illustrator: R. Venugopal Technical Support: V.R. Vasudevan, K.G. Gurumurthy N. Ravichandran, E. Baskar Head of Advertising: Sriya Narayanan [email protected]

Head of Circulation: M.G.M. Sharief [email protected]

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

FAX 2857 6691 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call our Advertisement Manager at 2857 6695. email: [email protected] Website: www.goergo.in

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

KAKURO

15

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Full body airbag A Japanese company has invented an airbag to prevent elderly people from injuring themselves when they fall. The makers say the device can be strapped around the waist and will inflate in a tenth of a second if it detects that the person wearing it is accelerating towards the ground.

Word’s worth "Yerd-hunger" (yurd-hung-ger) an overwhelming desire for food, sometimes found in people near death.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Even though the day might begin on low note, there will be an augment in your energy as the day proceeds. With Ganesha’s grace the day will end on a positive note. You will share lovely moments like a romantic chat with your beloved one.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 As the day begins there might be some unpleasant circumstances obstructing your progress. However, in the second part you will regain your confidence. The good feeling will persist through the rest of the day. Share intense love with your loved one.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 With the advent of the day, you might feel you are heading in the wrong direction. In meetings Ganesha finds you target-oriented and troubles at work will be solved completely. On romantic front, your sole attention will be on your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Sentiments might exhaust you in the morning. Interestingly, the noon may appear with a paradox. Ganesha says later during the day you will be practical towards your final goal. Love life may be secondary, as career growth is of prime importance.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 At the beginning of the day, you might not be convivial at meetings. As the day progresses, you may change your views. Later during the day you will serve as a motivating source of inspiration or might take up responsibility of a project.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Today at work, you may lack fluency. However, lunch might just pump you up to get into the ‘daily businesses’ again. Although, you may be unwilling to take up challenges today. . You might have a philosophical discussion with your beloved.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 At work, you will be raring to shoot the bulls-eye. However, routine communications might consume most of your pre-lunch time. You will witness success at your doors. Ganesha suggests you not to be over-confident. Love life will be full of jovial.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 In the first half of the day, you might attempt to gain attention. In the later part you will be successful in your attempt. Optimism will accompany you throughout the day. If you are not in love, you might try to woo someone today.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 At the beginning, you are likely to feel stressed out due to work load. Your point of view might change post-lunch. You will remain focussed on your goals. Love life may experience a positive turning point. You and partner would share a good understanding.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 The day will start on a positive note, however later you might feel your work was not in the right direction. At work, you might have to depend on others . By evening, you ,might burst out your stress in company of your beloved.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Tedious work will occupy you till lunch. But Ganesha finds you focussing only on fixed goals. It is recommended that you remain patient and completely concentrate on work. Evening will accompany pleasant time with friends or beloved.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You seem to be emotional about domestic issues in the morning. Fortunately, your mind will be preoccupied with work. The upshot will be positive says Ganesha. In your love life, you will have a good moral support from your partner. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Palin wallstickers Fans of Sarsh Palin can have the US Republican vicepresidential nominee on the wall of their living room thanks to a company that has launched life-sized Palin wall stickers. The high-resolution image comes with two choices of accessories - either Republican Party emblems or a rifle, hockey stick and puck, tiara and lipstick.

METROSEXUAL

‘Open and shut’ case Australian doctors are at a loss to explain why Melbourne’s Natalie Adler can see perfectly for part of the week but whose eyes are tight shut for the rest, news reports said Monday. “She’s a one-off and we don’t have a diagnosis,” the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital’s Justin O’Day said. “There’s no known cause.” Adler (21) told the Herald Sun that she had lived with the affliction since she was 17. “My eyes are closed for three days and then open for three days,” she said. “Something happens overnight on the third night. I go to bed and I can open my eyes, and then when I wake up the next day I can’t.” For two years O’Day injected Botox around her eyes, allowing her to see for five days out of six. But the treatment no longer works. Adler said she had learned to adjust. “On my 18th birthday, my eyes were closed, but on my 21st they were open, so I had a party,” she said. DPA

John McCain the puppy, and Sarah Palin the moose! U.S. Republican Presidential candidate John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin have been depicted as animals in an artwork. Created by Tim Rollings in just a couple of weeks, the piece features Palin’s face on the body of a moose and that of McCain on the body of a puppy. “She even looks halfway decent as a moose,” the New York Daily News quoted one art lover as commenting. The artwork is on display at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery through December. It is part of the ‘Party Headquarters: Voting Is Just the Beginning’ show, curated by Eleanor Heartney. The artist’s next exhibition will be with Lehman Maupin starting in October. ANI

Tall, Dark, Handsome and Metrosexual This is the right time of the year for men to get a skin lightening facial, according to Studio Essential VIPASHA SINHA

A

toned and supple face is not just a woman’s attribute. If you are apprehensive about being called effeminate just because you get yourself groomed, don’t be. Metrosexual men are ‘in’. It’s no more just tall, dark and handsome men who invite a female fan following. Nowadays, women are more observant. This week H. Rajesh from Studio Essential, at Eldorado Building, Nungambakkam, tells us about the skin lightening facial for men. Studio Essential is a unisex salon which specialises in facials, while Rajesh had worked with Lakme for 10 years before starting this studio in 2005. Skin lightening makes your face look clean and fresh. October is the right time to get a lightening facial done as the sun is not as harsh as it is in summer. If done now, the results will last a year. Skin whitening involves five steps. The first step in any facial is cleansing. As men’s skin tends to be harder than that of women, Studio Essentials takes care of it by using Cleansing Secrets, a special cleansing milk for men. Then, a bio fruit exfoliate, commonly known as facial scrub, is used to remove a layer of dead skin, which is followed by skin toning to refresh the skin and get rid of excessive oil, especially in areas prone to acne and other blemishes. For further cleansing, skin tonics are used, depending on the skin type. In case of oily skin, the tonics are changed. Skin tonics are used to remove the last trace of cleansing milk or cream and also to help restore the skin’s natural proactive mantle. The essential part of the process is the facial mask. The white mask of Botanica used here comes without the bleach and claims to have no side effects. For this service you will have to spend Rs. 1,500. If you want to opt for the natural way, the herbal lightening facial is also available. This costs Rs. 750. The herbal skin lightning facial involves the same process except that the products are made of flower extracts. ■

A customer gets a skin lightening facial at Studio Essential in Nungambakkam. PHOTO : R. RAVINDRAN