Saranya Mohan of Yaaradi Nee Mohini Fame on New Releases, Nayanthara and Fazil

A BYTE OF LIFE Wednesday, January 28, 2009

0503 POWER OF GREEN WINDOW SHOPPER E-learning makes inroads Uniq for accessories

FREE CIRCULATION Vol. 3 No. 16 New hit on the block Saranya Mohan of Yaaradi Nee Mohini fame on new releases, Nayanthara and Fazil

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PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN 02 NAMMA CHENNAI ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 View from Ladakh Wander Lust – an exhibition of photographs on canvas by Varun Gupta during his travel to Ladakh – will open today at Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan. The exhibition is on view till February 14 at Goethe-Institut, No 4, Rutland Gate 5th Street. Ph: 2833 2343/ 1314 How about some quick lunch? S.R. Foods’ light and tasty meals are a hit with ofﬁce-goers

DEEPA VENKATRAMAN Movie mania [email protected] t’s a blessing to have a restau- rant around one’s neighbour- 1takemedia calls all hood or office, especially Imore if it serves food that aspiring filmmakers tastes like home food. S.R. Foods ou love films? And one day aspire to at Karpagam Avenue in R.A. Pu- Ybecome a filmmaker? Here’s your chance. ram is located amidst a residen- 1takemedia.com, an entertainment jobs and tial area. resource portal, has launched the The joint was started in 2005 by 1takemedia.com film competition. Dhayalan Divakar mainly for of- The competition is open to all aspiring fice goers, where he started by filmmakers who wish to make in-roads in serving only South Indian break- the entertainment industry. The competition fast, lunch and dinner. will be judged by filmmakers like Ketan “I chose this area Mehta, Vikram Bhatt, John Mathew because I knew there Matthan, Jabbar Patel and Mike Pandey. was a huge potential There are three categories to the for corporates and our competition: Segment 1 (under 10 minutes), first client was ICICI Segment 2(10 to 30 minutes) and Segment 3 Bank (corporate of- (30 to 60 minutes). So if you have a fice), which is down handycam and an idea, just go on. the road,” says Diva- Entries must reach by March 31. For entry kar. “Within a year’s forms and details log on to time, our business

www.1takemedia.com picked up and we PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN started getting many North Indian clients too from TVS Infotech, Sundaram Towers, and onion dosai are the most pre- years, says, “The food is tasty and Tripple C Constructions and a ferred.” While the South Indian very homely. I liked the dry pota- few more. So we introduced thali is priced at Rs. 30, the North to sabji, raw banana chips and North Indian thali for lunch.” Indian one is Rs. 35. payasam. The service is very fast In the evening, they have and the price is reasonable.” Food galore snacks like samosa, kachori and They also do catering for the When it comes to breakfast, boiled chundal (lentils). The din- British Council library, Judicial A- you have idlis, dosas, vada, pon- ner is very light when compared cademy and Ashok Leyland. Ask gal, suji kichdi, puri with potato – to the lunch. Divakar adds, “We Divakar about his future plans, served with coconut chutney. change the menu every day to and he says, “We plan to start Plus, chutney made of ginger or add variety.” cafeterias in ofﬁces and venture onion urud daal and sambar. The What I liked about the food is into outdoor catering soon.” ■ breakfast is priced from Rs. 12 to its preparation – it is not oily or (Too Good for Critics is a weekly Rs. 25. spicy but very light, served in suf- column to celebrate Namma Divakar says, “The podi dosai ﬁcient quantity. Vinod Kumar, re- Chennai’s ‘Kaiyendi Bhavans’ and lationship manager at ICICI small eateries. If you can think of a Bank, who has been a regular similar place, mail us at to the place for the last two [email protected])

How to get there: Walk straight from ICICI Corporate ofﬁce, located at R.A. Puram. It is on the 3rd street of Karpagam Avenue Best time to go: From 8 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., they serve breakfast. Although the lunch starts at 12.30 p.m., and you are busy in a meeting, don’t worry as this is one outlet where you get lunch till 3.30 p.m. My favourite: Potato palak and payasam Phone: 4203 5000/ 4210 0551 Wednesday, January 28, 2009 03

At a time when companies are ﬁnding it difﬁcult to keep purse strings tight, green Green learning only promises to show the way IS IN

LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

icture this: Motorola is launching a new mod- el, before which it wants to train its em- ployees across the world about the Pnitty-gritty of the new handset. The typical scenario: A team from the company’s headquarters ﬂies down to each of their major loca- tions to take the staff through gruelling hours of Power Point presentations, written notes, discus- sions and so on. That’s the traditional classroom training each of us has got accustomed to. The new scenario: The mobile major decided to cash in on something more cost-effective. It got an e-learning tool developed, which it installed in its main server whereby all the sales staff were asked to take les- sons and also undergo tests after that. While for the staff it was ﬂexi and interactive hours of training that could be taken at one’s pace and convenience, for the company it was channelising money, energy and time on a long-term initiative.

Green 2009 Welcome to green IT or green 2009 – a mantra most companies are chanting these days to combat recession or as a cost-cutting measure. E-learning has increasingly been found to be an effective training tool companies have resorted to in these tough times. “Green learning has been part of the Indian psy- che since years, but what is more interesting is to see companies convert from the traditional Instruc- tor Led Training (ILT) to e-learning, thus saving on the training cost, reducing carbon footprint, among others beneﬁts,” says Dr. Prabal Mall, content head, Expertus Infotech. “On an average, a company spends between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. one lakh on a trainer. In e-learning, around four hours of ILT training is converted into an hour of interactive learning.” BPOs, IT services, technology and pharmaceu- tical companies have adopted e-learning in a major way. The Tatas have embarked on green learning in a big way. “Almost all major companies have implemented green learning initiatives, but it is still at a nascent stage in India. It has to gather momentum,” says Shailesh Mehta, CEO, Gurukul Online Learning So- lutions. “Today, over 15 corporates have adopted green learning enterprise wise or division wise.” Go green seems to be the way ahead! ■

Go Green… ■ It reduces use of paper and manual work as everything is online ■ Reduces cost incurred in classroom training, which requires companies to invest on travel, stay, etc. ■ E-learning content is reusable or can be modiﬁed, thus reducing cost of learning material ■ It is fun and interactive. Also, there is no compulsion to sit in a classroom – one can take it according to one’s pace ■ Social networking sites or blogs can also be used for training purpose 04 KALEIDOSCOPE ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Cheesecake world record The world’s largest cheesecake has been made in Mexico City. 55 cooks spent 60 hours making the massive two ton cake that contained almost a ton of cream cheese, the same amount of yogurt, 350 kilograms of pastry, 250 kilograms of sugar and 150 kilograms of butter. World’s only immortal creature

n what is the ﬁrst case of immortality in a living organism, scientists have recog- nised Turritopsis nutriculaas as the only Iknown animal that is capable of rejuvenating itself. According to a report in the Times, jellyf- ish usually die after propagating, but Turri- topsis reverts to a sexually immature stage after reaching adulthood and is capable of rejuvenating itself. The 4-5mm diameter creature, technically known as a hydrozoan, is the only known animal that is capable of reverting to its ju- venile polyp state. Theoretically, this cycle can repeat indeﬁ- nitely, rendering it potentially immortal. Found in warm tropical waters, Turritopsis is believed to be spreading across the world as ships’ ballast water is discharged in ports. Though solitary, they are predatory crea- tures and evolve asexually from a polyp stage. The switching of cell roles is usually seen only when parts of an organ regenerate. However, it appears to occur normally in the life cycle of the Turritopsis. ■ ANI

S2000

Hackers steal details of 4.5 million from Monster job site ackers gained access to cies have risen. confidential details pro- Monster.com refused to com- vided by 4.5 million peo- ment on how much information Hple to Monster.co.uk, the had been taken but The Times online recruitment site. understands that the personal It is the most extensive breach details of millions of people can of confidential data since HM be downloaded in under an Revenue and Customs lost the hour once a hacker has gained details of 25 million child bene- access. fit recipients in 2007. Security analysts told that the The victims are mainly pro- plundered data from the site fessional staff seeking work in would be used by organised the economic downturn. gangs to open fake bank ac- İ Customers gaze at Japanese auto giant Honda Motor’s convertible sports car Registrations at the site, counts or take out loans in the S2000 at the Honda headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday as Honda announced the which allows employers to names of unsuspecting custom- company will discontinue production of the S2000. AFP PHOTO browse thousands of CVs on- ers. ■ line, have soared as redundan- ANI Wednesday, January 28, 2009 05

This exclusive accessory store in Teynampet has an eclectic mix of funky and chic

he store’s launch saw a lot of fanfare, what with Shilpa Shetty endorsing it on her Trecent Chennai visit. Uniq, the three-week-old exclusive accessory store of actor Sona Heiden (of Kuselan fame), resists the temptation of becoming an all-under-one-roof clothes and accessories provider and keeps the accessories (for men and women) as centrepiece. Situated bang opposite J.B.A.S. College (S.I.E.T), it cannot be missed. From pretty trinkets like earrings, neckpieces, bangles and rings to wrist watches, glasses, handbags, clutches, shoes, hats, head bands, scarves and boots, it’s all here. So if it is a fuchsia pair of sandals that you pick here, ﬁnding a giant tote or a mini clutch of the same shade under the same roof shouldn’t be a problem. Neckpieces range from the bohemian beaded variety to braided leather ones and the more classic ones in silver and gold. Bags are a mix of funky gigantic totes in golden and black to tiny metallic and sequinned purses. We love the footwear. From suede strappy numbers in parrot green and pink to red satin pumps with drama heels, neon peep-toes and court shoes, wedges and knee- high boots, choice is plenty. It’s a case of Cinderella’s glass slippers though. The size you see is the size that’s available, so you’re either lucky to ﬁt into the pair you like or move on to the next. Also, the tie section, though limited, offers some rather interesting designs (read guitars and smiling suns). The accessories have been handpicked by Sona herself during her travels in India and abroad and the store claims to have no more than one in the same design or colour. So no embarrassing mirror-image moments. Uniq! ■

Address: Uniq 59/28, Kavignar Bharathidasan Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 600 018 Ph: 044 - 4200 0030 Website: www.uniq.co.in Store timings: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN 06 VILLAGE ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Father of 11 at 111 A reptile in New Zealand has become the proud father of eleven at the age of 111, ﬁve years after having a cancerous tumour removed.

Wikipedia may Airports testing radar that could tighten rules on spot birds Some of the busiest US airports will soon begin testing experimental radar systems designed to track flocks of birds and help pilots avoid the type of collision believed to have online editing crippled a US Airways jet nearly two weeks ago. Proponents say air traffic controllers could someday use the technology to delay takeoffs, reroute flights before they leave the ikipedia, an encyclope- could delay the publication of ground, and perhaps even radio warnings to pilots to take dia with millions of arti- some items but said he believed it evasive action. The new technology uses a combination of cles contributed in was necessary. inexpensive marine radar antennas, much like the kind used Wdozens of languages, However, he gave opponents on fishing boats, and powerful computer software to may soon tighten rules on online two weeks to come up with an- monitor birds as they gather and soar as far as 10 editing after vandals changed en- other proposal. “Those who are kilometers away from an airport. tries on two US Senators to in the minority who are opposed PTI wrongly report they are no more. to this are invited to make an al- Jimmy Wales, the Founder of ternative proposal within the the site, proposed the new next seven days, to be voted upon ‘Flagged Revisions’ policy on who for the next 14 days after that,” Apple wins patent for iPhone can edit its pages after the van- Wales was quoted as saying. dalism of the entries on US Sen- Wikipedia prides itself on al- touch screen controls ators Ted Kennedy and Robert lowing anyone with an Internet Apple has won a US patent for touch-screen Byrd, the media reported. connection to contribute or edit controls and gained a potential legal weapon According to the proposal, content. It attracts roughly six against iPhone competitors. US Patent 7,479,949 is which was approved 60-40 by million visitors a day. Kennedy, awarded to ‘(Steve) Jobs et al’ for a method of participants in an online poll, who is suffering from brain can- “detecting one or more finger contacts with the first-time or anonymous users cer, collapsed at a luncheon last touch screen display” to command computing wouldn’t be allowed to make in- week after the inauguration of devices. A multi-page patent available online at stant editing unless approved by Barack Obama as American Pres- the US Patent and Trade Office on Monday details the trusted users first. ident on January 20 and was hos- iPhone or iPod Touch commands such as finger or “This nonsense would have pitalised. thumb swiping, twisting, or spreading to flip been 100 per cent prevented by But he was discharged within pages, rotate views, or enlarge images. The patent Flagged Revisions,” Wales wrote hours. However, his Wikipedia was issued last week, a day before Apple on on the Wikipedia user forum entry was changed shortly after- January 21 announced record-high quarterly page, posted online, sparking a wards to say that he had died, but profits. ■ heated debate. Wales expressed was corrected within minutes. AFP concern that the new procedure PTI

Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia. The day when White House PHOTO: S. GOPAKUMAR emails did not work In less than a week of entering the White House, the technology- savvy team of US President Barack Obama was stuck for major part of the day, with their email was not working. They could neither receive nor send email, thus making them almost dysfunctional. The Obama Team has been used to doing most of its work through emails and blackberries. “There’s only one e-mail system at the White House at a time, and unfortunately, it’s not working,” White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs told reporters during the course of his daily press brieﬁng. PTI

UK report suggests hospitals serve less meat British hospitals will be asked to offer more patients meat- free meals to save the planet’s health, a health ofﬁcial said. A report on the environmental impact of Britain’s publicly funded health service will recommend that hospital menus offer less milk and meat and more locally sourced Jimmy Wales proposed the new vegetables, Dr David Pencheon, the head of the National ‘Flagged Revisions’ policy on who can Health Service’s sustainable development unit said on edit its pages after the vandalism of Monday. Pencheon said that less pork, beef, and cheese the entries on US Senators Ted could be good for patients’ health - and good for the Kennedy and Robert Byrd planet, too. “The NHS has a duty to set an example: that it’s perfectly possible to eat healthily without as much meat,” he said. PTI Wednesday, January 28, 2009 07 Plumber saves day This day, that year A plumber was called in to retrieve a It was on January 28, 1986 that seven distraught woman’s $70,000 astronauts died after the space (GBP50,000) diamond engagement shuttle Challenger exploded 72 ring after she accidentally ﬂushed it seconds after lift off from Cape down the toilet. Canaveral. Booklet advices Brit school kids about tips on cannabis use

chool kids in Britain have been given access to a 20-page booklet that provides them with tips on cannabis use. S Titled ’Know Cannabis’, the booklet, according to The Telegraph, spells out how the drug can make you feel relaxed and makes music ’sound better’ as well as whether to use bongs or buckets and how to roll a joint. Titled ’Know The paper further goes on to say that it is Cannabis’, the not until page 14 that the document points out that the drug is illegal but is being booklet spells out handed out to young teenagers preparing how the drug can for their GCSEs at schools in the North make you feel East. It comes as the drugs were yesterday reclassiﬁed from Class C to Class B. relaxed and Aimed at youngsters, it includes advice makes music on how best to take the drug. The booklet begins by telling youngsters ’sound better’ as to ‘Know the effects, how it is used, the well as whether risks, and how to avoid them’. The booklet to use bongs or is produced by Merseyside-based HIT, which provides ’social marketing cam- buckets and how paigns’ on drugs and alcohol and sexual to roll a joint health, which said it did not mean to en- courage drug use and would be happy to listen to any complaints. The Department for Children Schools and Families said it did not dictate what children were taught about drugs and content of drug education are taken at local level. ■ ANI

Woman in California A family matter gives birth to octuplets

woman gave birth to eight Ababies in Southern Califor- nia, the world’s second live- born set of octuplets. The mother, who was not identified, yesterday gave birth to six girls and two boys weigh- ing between 820 grams and 1.54 kilograms, doctors at Kais- er Permanante hospital said. “It’s a surprise,” Dr Karen Maples said. “Eight newborns blings – girls Ebuka, Gorom, are in stable condition and Chidi, Chima and Echerem, they’re doing quite well.” and their brothers Ikem and Doctors estimated the wom- Jioke – celebrated their 10th an’s delivery lasted only five birthday in December. minutes. “They were all Their parents, Nkem Chuk- screaming and kicking around wu and Iyke Louis Udobi, said very vigorously,” Harold Henry they are astonished and grate- told the TV station KCAL9. ful that their children have The first live-born octuplets grown up to be healthy and ac- were born in Houston in 1998, tive kids who are now in the İ and one baby died about a fourth grade. ■ A lioness and her two cubs play in deep snow on Monday at the Dyreparken zoo in week later. The surviving si- PTI Kristiansand, southern Norway. AFP PHOTO 08 SPORT ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Arshavin on his way to Arsenal Zenit St. Petersburg says it has agreed with Arsenal on a transfer price for Russia midfielder Andrei Arshavin, but his move to the Premier League club is being delayed by the player’s wage demands. Zenit refused to disclose the price agreed for Arshavin, but club spokesman Alexei Petrov said Monday the price reflects the player’s “real market value”. Exhausted Djokovic out

n exhausted Novak Djokov- city is this week heading for its win the title and for him not to ic surrendered his Austra- worst heatwave in 100 years, with get a fair chance to defend it, it’s Bhupathi-Knowles advance lian Open title on Tuesday 40 C temperatures predicted ev- too bad,” Roddick said, but added Awhen he withdrew from his ery day. that he was happy to go through. On a sweet-sour day for India, Mahesh Bhupathi quarter-final with Andy Roddick, Roddick’s next opponent will and Mark Knowles cruised into the semi-finals of but it was full steam ahead for Tough act be either 13-time Grand Slam men’s doubles but the top-seeded mixed ice-cool Vera Zvonareva. The Ser- “People could see that I was champion Roger Federer, who doubles pair of Leander Paes and Cara Black bian third seed was trailing 7-6 struggling with movement, the has often been the American’s were shocked in the second round of the (7/3), 4-6, 2-6, 1-2 in furnace-like main reason is cramping and nemesis at major tournaments, Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday. The conditions on Rod Laver Arena soreness in the whole body,” said or exciting young Argentine Juan third-seeded Indo-Bahamian duo of Bhupathi when he turned pale and could Djokovic, adding that organisers Martin del Potro. Like many oth- and Knowles overcame a second set deficit to not continue, handing Roddick needed to look again at their heat ers here over the past nine days, beat the Spanish pair of Feliciano Lopez and his fourth Australian semi-final policy. “That’s something we Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in one hour and appearance. have to discuss in the future. Of Russian surge 28 minutes. The quarterfinal clash saw Bhupathi In an Open that has produced course, it’s concerning a lot of France’s Marion Bartoli also and Knowles break the Spanish pair thrice while plenty of surprises, Djokovic be- players,” he said. “As a tourna- felt the effects of the searing heat dropping their own serve twice. The winners came the fourth player to pull out ment or as a tennis fan, you don’t in her match against Russian sev- played a controlled game, committing just four of the quarter-finals either in- want to see a player retiring. You enth seed Zvonareva, bending unforced errors to 11 of their opponents. They jured or ill, following in the foot- didn’t pay a ticket to come to see double and sucking for breath. next play Lukasz Kubot of Poland and Oliver steps of Zheng Jie, Victoria somebody retiring the match.” She started strongly but rapidly Marach of Austria. Azarenka and Gael Monfils. He The seventh seeded Roddick, wilted, crashing 6-3, 6-0 in a one- However, Paes and Black, the reigning US Open blamed his retirement on cramps looking for another Grand Slam sided drubbing to a player who is champions, were outplayed 1-6, 5-7 by the un- and the heat, with the mercury title to go with his US Open in her first Grand Slam semi-final seeded Swiss-South African combine in just 64 reaching 35 C (95 F). crown in 2003, was playing high in 25 attempts. Zvonareva de- minutes. There appears class tennis when Djokovic clared herself ready to win the Among the juniors, top seed Yuki Bhambri to be little withdrew and may well tournament. “If I’m coming for continued his impressive showing as he reached respite in have progressed re- the tournament, I’m pretty confi- the pre-quarterfinals of the singles and store with gardless. But he dent in myself,” she said. Bartoli quarterfinals of the doubles with Chinese forecast- said he still had agreed that Zvonareva could go Taipei’s Liang-Chi Huang. ers a hollow feel- all the way here, where she is yet PTI warn- ing. “I feel for to drop a set and has held her ing Novak be- opponents to 6-0 in four of the 10 the cause he sets she has contested. “She’s al- worked so most like a ball machine, she just A hit hard to puts it back at you all the time As befits a man playing the lead role in Shane with interest,” the Frenchwoman Warne – The Musical, comedian Eddie Perfect’s said. Zvonareva next plays either first action upon arriving for his interview is to third seed Dinara Safina or Aus- light up a cigarette. After all, his warts-and-all tralian wildcard Jelena Dokic, production about the wayward cricketer is who is on the comeback trail billed as “a new breed of Aussie music theatre after years of depression fol- that smokes, drinks, carries a few extra kilos lowing the antics of her in- and still brings home the Ashes”. famous father Damir. The musical has been a smash hit since it ■ opened in Warne’s hometown of Melbourne AFP last month, drawing in a blokey audience of sports lovers who Perfect says would not normally be seen dead at a musical. Chants of “Warney, Warney” regularly erupt in the normally sedate Athenaeum Theatre as the crowd watch musical Roddick, numbers such as “We’re getting guys dragging their Zvonareva girlfriends to the theatre, which is the opposite of storm how it usually works,” Perfect said. “You see young into blokes making their way to their seats carrying armfuls semis of beers for their mates, just like they do at the cricket. It upset a few of the traditional musical theatre people but I think it’s great. It’s like Reformation theatre when people were buying oranges to throw at the actors – why shouldn’t they have fun?” AFP

PHOTO: AFP Wednesday, January 28, 2009 09

They’re (South Africa) doing a lot of things well. As I’ve said we’ve been in positions every game to try and capitalise on things and we’ve let them slip. We’ve shown glimpses of some very good cricket but the distance between our good cricket and our bad cricket is too vast. ‘‘ Ricky Ponting Murali set for record double

ce Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah dis at bay in the Test series, said the Muralitharan is poised to com- team were better prepared this time plete a record bowling double to counter the Sri Lankan. “We did Aduring the one-day series not know what was coming out of his against India starting on Wednesday. hand and how much variations he The off-spinner is just three wick- had,” said Gambhir. “But when ets short of surpassing former Pa- you play constantly against the kistani paceman Wasim Akram’s same bowler, tackling him be- world record of 502 one-day comes easier. This time, we will scalps, having grabbed 500 in start on an even platform 324 matches so far. against him.” Muralitharan, already the Mendis recently became world’s leading bowler in Tests the fastest to complete 50 with 769 wickets in 125 wickets in one-dayers, matches, will become only achieving the feat in only 19 the second player after Indian matches. He has also batsman Sachin Tendulkar to claimed 19 wickets in six hold two major cricketing one-Dayers against India. records. Tendulkar is the top Sri Lankan captain Mahela run-getter in both Tests Jayawardene was happy his (12,429) and One-Day Inter- team’s faltering batting nationals (16,422). line-up came good in Pakis- Muralitharan will once tan where they posted 309 again be the focus during the for five in the deciding five-match series against In- match in Lahore on Satur- dia as Sri Lanka pin their day. “The batting has started hopes on him to avenge their to click again and this is a 3-2 defeat against Mahendra good sign before we take on Singh Dhoni’s men at home India,” said Jayawardene. last August. The off-spinner appeared in Star studded good form in a recent series in India’s batting will be boost- Pakistan, taking six wickets in ed by the return of Virender Seh- three matches which Sri Lanka 2-1. wag and Tendulkar, who both The spinner said he was focused missed the last one-day series in more on winning matches for his Sri Lanka due to injuries. team than the world record. The tourists also hold an edge in “The milestones are not that im- pace bowling with Ishant Sharma and portant for me. Winning as a team is Zaheer Khan in impressive form. The far more important. If these miles- duo were instrumental in India’s re- tones come along, I am happy,” Mu- cent home Test series wins against ralitharan said in a recent interview. Australia and England. “India is shaping well in both forms Mendis mania of the game,” said Jayawardene. “We India will have to deal with a pair of beat them in the Tests, but lost the quality spinners as Ajantha Mendis one-day series. has formed a formidable combina- Hopefully, we will turn things tion with Muralitharan since making around this time.” his one-day debut in the West Indies The Sri Lankan captain is himself last year. Unorthodox spinner Mendis searching for form with 28 being his played a major role in his team’s 2-1 top score in the last 12 one-dayers. Test series victory over India at home The series was finalised to partly fill last year when he claimed 26 wickets Mendis and Murali offer a potent threat the gap created by India’s cancelled -- the highest by a debutant in a tour of Pakistan in January-February three-match series. following the Mumbai attacks in No- India opener Gautam Gambhir, to the famed Indian batting line-up vember. ■ one of the few batsmen to keep Men- AFP 10 FLICK ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Surprise b’day party On the sets of Mahesh, Saranya Mattrum Palar, actor Shakthi had surprised Saranya Mohan by arranging a small birthday party. ‘Nayan, my sister’ Saranya Mohan on Yaaradi Nee Mohini, balancing college and cinema, and playing leading lady

V. HARIPRIYA one. “After taking part in a [email protected] dance contest during class III, my family and I were return- ing home. On the way my ith plenty of offers dad showed us Fazil uncle’s in her kitty, Saranya house and my sister Sukanya Mohan is on cloud wanted to see the director. Wnine. The remix of So my dad took us inside the ‘Paalakattu pakkathile’ from gate and a discussion for a Yaaradi Nee Mohini worked movie was going on there. wonders for her. Climbing We met Fazil uncle and he the success ladder slowly yet saw all my certificates and carefully, this petite girl noted down my address. from Alleppey reveals Two days later he sent two Nayanthara was a sister fig- of his assistants to book me ure for her on the sets of for his next movie, Ani- Yaaradi Nee Mohini. yaththi Pravu, the Malaya- “After I was selected for lam version of Kadhalukku the movie, director Jawahar Mariyadhai.” asked me to come to the sets After donning sister roles to get acquainted with the in three movies, Saranya has stars. I was so tensed that I graduated to being the lead just kept myself away from lady. In Panchamirtham and the crowd. Also, I didn’t A Aa E Ee she played the her- know a single word of Tamil. oine. Her future projects are I was praying to all gods to Aarumugam, Eeram and give me strength,” she says. Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu. “Suddenly, Jawahar sir A final-year student of En- brought Dhanush and glish Literature, Saranya Nayanthara to me. I was re- thanks all her friends who ally awestruck. To tell the help her pass each semester truth, I was seeing Nayan- without any arrears. “With- thara for the first time off out my friends, I can’t juggle screen. I thought being such college and cinema. In the a star she would never talk cine field, my friends are to me. But, to my surprise, Bhavana and Monica,” says she was so cool and treated Saranya, adding that the me like a little sister. From first Tamil word she learnt day one to the end of the was “aama (yes)”. schedule, she was my sup- On her future plans, Sara- port on the sets,” recalls Sa- nya says she would continue ranya, who is also a trained doing movies sans glamour classical dancer. till she gets good offers. Af- Introduced by director Fa- ter that she’d be looking af- zil in Vijay-starrer Kadhaluk- ter the YKB Dance Academy ku Mariyadai to do the role run by her parents, Y.K.B. of Shalini’s little niece, Sara- Mohan and Kalamandlam nya says her introduction to Devi Mohan, in her home- Fazil was an unexpected town. ■ Favourites: Stars: Mohanlal, Shobana Colour: Pink Food: Chappathi Movie: Manichitrathazhu Place: Hometown Alleppey PHOTO: R.RAVINDRAN Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11 Lindsay Lohan harming herself? Actress Lindsay Lohan has lost an astonishing amount of weight in just a short while after her break-up with girlfriend Samantha Ronson and her friends are now concerned for her because she has got mysterious scratch marks on her body.

Cine City ‘Thriller’ to be turned into musical

Golden mark Vijay has just hit a half century. Immediately after announcing his 49th ﬁlm Vettaikaran, sources say that the ‘Ilaya Thalapathy’ has also decided the director for his 50th movie. If Internet buzz is true, roadway impresario song’s groundbreaking video, aspect of the creative process,” the director would be Raja, brother of Jeyam Ravi. James L. Nederlander has in which the former King of Pop said Nederlander in a state- We are yet to hear about the details about the rest inked a deal with Michael turns into a werewolf while on a ment. of the cast and crew. Meanwhile, Vijay’s BJacskon to turn the pop date. The production will fea- “I love the idea of making Vettaikaran, directed by Babu Sivan and produced star’s classic horror spoof ture songs from Jackson’s al- Thriller a musical. Girl meets by AVM, will go underway in February. Let’s hope Thriller into a stage musical. bums Thriller and Off theWall. boy, they fall in love, boy has that Lady Luck will knock on Vijay’s door with his According to a press state- “This musical will be the ex- big secret, now what?” said Ne- upcoming releases. ment issued Monday, the Ne- clusive Michael Jackson-au- derlander, whose company derlander Organisation will thorised version of Thriller and owns nine Broadway theatres. produce a musical based on the Jackson will participate in every DPA Too t o o t h y

ogue editor Anna Wintour considered VBritish actress Sienna Miller for the cover page but felt that the actress is too “toothy” and staffs were worried that she had “too many ﬁllings” and “unruly hair”. Mirror.co.uk reports that these claims were revealed in a behind-the-scenes documentary. The documentary also shows how Miller was airbrushed for the shoot back in 2007 with reputed photographer Mario Tes- tino. They took one photo of her and super- imposed it on a separate picture of her body. Miller’s publicist said: “Sienna Miller is the ﬁrst person to admit that her photos are al- ways retouched - no one is ever that perfect.” Language switch Patrick O’Connell, the head of communi- It’s time for Tollywood lovers to rejoice. With cations, added: “While some retouching is a Abhiyum Naanum being a blockbuster in fact for any cover, no one is more convinced Kollywood, Prakash Raj’s Duet Movies plans to of Ms Miller’s beauty than Vogue. The fact remake it in Telugu. Although Trisha will be she appeared on the magazine’s September retained, Jagapathi Babu will replace Prakash Raj. cover, our most important issue of the year, As per hearsay, Trisha has been allotted three days is a testimony to this truth." ■ for the movie and the shoots are said to be IANS scheduled in Ooty. 12 ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tuesday’s Question: Is the movie Slumdog Millionaire worth the hype created? ■ Deﬁnitely! Because it beautifully portrays the dark side of India in an unseen way. Raghavendran, Prosper, Dinesh Cognizant Technologies

■ It was a very good ﬁlm but of course not as excellent the hype created. Vimprash, Patni Computers

■ No, Not that much our Indians directed as much good ﬁlms. But that is not highlighted by the Oscar Prasanna Chakravarthi, Wipro Technologies

■ No, because it’s not realistic. Some parts can be appreciated but certainly not worth the Oscars. Kannan Dharmalinkam from HCL has nominated his team as Chital, Partners in Crime. The pic was taken during their trip to Accenture Pondicherry.

■ No, The initial part is pacy and promises a lot, but fades later, what disappoints me is, the director has projected India as entirely slum bound in the entire movie, nothing extra ordinary, can watch once. Thouhid, Cognizant Technologies

■ People will accept this hype after Gulzar and Rahman win Oscar on Feb 22. Prasad, TCS

■ Slumdog Millionaire doesn’t deserve 10 Oscar nominations. It was an ordinary ﬂick with some good performances by the child artists. SDM had a measure of all things from rags to riches, lovers from puerility. But one is left ﬂustered of what exactly the movie wants to convey. Though Jai ho isn’t Rahman’s personal best, it still makes me happy. Ramya, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Taare Zameen Par is far better than Slumdog. It’s shocking to see Slumdog getting awards. City of God and Children of Heaven are true world cinemas. A.G. Sivakumar, Anandan T.G from eNoah has nominated his team as Partners Athena PA/S1 in Crime. This pic was clicked at Queensland. ■ Ya. It’s more than that, simply superb. Rajeshkumar, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Yes of course. Rahman has given his best. If we need to compare the score of SM with The Departed then we may need to compare Titanic and Benhar with more ﬁlms in the past. As well as they’ve just shown the real picture of slums in Mumbai and the happenings there. So Rahman and Danny are worth getting Oscar. Robin M, Wipro

■ Yes deﬁnitely. God ARR bgm for the chasing sequences are terriﬁc. Prasad, Thinksoft Today’s Query: Give a punch dialogue to congratulate Vivek for winning the ‘Padma Shri’ award? Mahesh and Meenakshi from Cognizant have nominated their project mates as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Yercaud. Wednesday, January 28, 2009 13

■ Dear Chandramukhi Charu Sambhar Suvaikanum’na paruppu venum Charu sirikanum’na murukku venum Wish u many more happy returns of the day.... Keep laughing and make others laugh – Team Worldsource Tata Consultancy Services Vasu of Tata Consultancy Services has been nominated as Ofﬁce Angel by his friends. ■ Hi Jana ( Co-Ordi ), He is a person who can be spotted with his bright smile and We the Sonatans wish you many more happy energizing laughter. Excellent people manager and a great friend birthday. All cheers for you buddy. who can be approached at any time for any issues. From, Dear friends, Gopi, Arun, Guptha, Srini, Prabhu & Vivek. Wipro Technologis

■ Dear Dan-Team Leader If Wishes come in Rainbow colors...... We would send u the brightest one to say...... Hope you have a "BIRTHDAY" that’s as wonederful as you are !!!!!!!!!!!! We Wish U A Very Happy Birthday...... Keep Roking!!! Wishes From, Gershome, Srini, Kevin & ATG Rockers Art featured in this column will receive gift coupons from Fruit Shop on Vinoth, Praveen, Arun, Greams Road. Send in your addresses so that we can post the coupons. Shushma, Serena, Sai, Raﬁa Allsec tech

■ Hi Thala, We are looking for you birthday treat.enjoy you life and take care. Regards. Treat sangam.Hi Thala, We are looking for you birthday treat.enjoy you life and take care. Regards. Treat sangam. ■ Dear Murali Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary in Vinothini Pachaiyappan advance!! of Infosys has doodled Enjoy and have a great time with ur lovely this. kid… Sending you warmest wishes on the upcoming special day!! Tons of Luv Sri Infosys ■ Dear Sathiya priya, Many More Returns of This Day! May The Almighty Give U All The Things May Your Good Time Multiply!! Wishing U for the Successful Life!!! By, Parthi, TCS

■ Dear Adithya, A smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkle away. Hope you share lots and receive lots for days to come. Kick off your shoes; Take a break; Dance and shake; Sardar’s Letter to Bill Gates: Light the candles; Dear Mr. Bill Gates, We have bought a computer for our home & we have found some problems, which I Cut the cake make; want to bring to your notice, It is a day that is simply great. 1) There is a button "start" but there is no "Stop" button. We request you to check this.. Happy birthday. I know that u will give me 2) My Child learnt "Microsoft Word", now he wants to learn "Microsoft Sentence" So when u will provide treat in a big hotel. that? With Love One Personal Question : How is that ur name is Gates but u r selling "windows". Kashish Vishum, TCS 14 TRAFFIC JAM ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009 First 3-D porno The world’s ﬁrst ever pornographic 3-D movie is set to start shooting later this year. Producer Stephen Shiu Jr said his company One Dollar Production will begin work on 3D Sex and Zen in April.

sudoku

Manasa from TCS clicked this picture during the Pongal festivities at her home town in Nellore. Hobbies: Painting, singing and photography

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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 Wednesday, January 28, 2009 15 Church roof crash Word’s worth Emergency services had to rescue a man from “Philostorgy” (ﬁ-luh-stor-jee) natural affection, such his car after he crashed it into a church roof in as that between parents and children. From a Limbach-Oberfrohna, Germany on Monday. Greek word meaning ‘tenderly loving.’

B.C

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 It’s likely to be an average day for professional work. Mundane tasks may consume lot of time and still your concern for quality of work may remain high. In second part, you may be worried about pending work. Handle love with care.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 At the beginning of the day you might have to do a lot of hard work. As the day progresses, you may feel worked up. In second half, you will be more concerned about love life so you may not spend long hours at ofﬁce.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You will be developing good professional skills in BORN LOSER ﬁrst half of the day and second part is all about putting those skills into practice. The day demands more mental hard work. In second half, you may need to ensure that your love life is not sidelined. CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha augurs you enjoying good time at work at the beginning of the day. In second half you have scope of proving your professional skills. Time is good for working on new assignments. Love life may strike better level of understanding.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Constant thinking process may keep you busy today. In later part of the day, you may be highly concerned about domestic affairs and specifically about relationships. You will be very serious about matters related to heart, feels Ganesha. VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20 In first half of the day, you may talk more and work FREE RANGE WORKING IT OUT less, but in the second half you may work more and talk less. Ganesha finds you exchanging sweet dialogues with sweetheart. Later, you may enjoy nice dinner with your beloved or life partner. LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 At the beginning of the day, your focus will be on yourself but as the day progresses, you may start thinking about job security. Your relations with lover may strengthen up because of a positive event. It’s day to count on people you love the most. SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Even if the day doesn’t begin with any good news, not to worry, as later part of the day favours you. You may be appreciated by peers and superiors for your decision and understanding. You will be able to share precious time with your beloved. SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Ganesha foresees you keeping very busy with various activities at office. Later part of the day is unfavourable for important professional decisions but at the same time it is a good time for love life. You may spend a good time with life partner. CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may remain energetic in first part of the day but later your focus may shift to gains. You may want to be more organised in work. If you apply same rules in personal life, they may not work. Your lover may demand lot of attention. AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 PREVIOUS You will be sharing your views about your work with the team members. It might be slightly difficult to convince everyone on each point but you may try ISSUE’S hard to prove your points. In love life you will be SOLUTIONS able to strike perfect balance with your partner. PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Ganesha feels that your mood may change in second part of the day. First part is totally uneventful. Ganesha feels that you will share your sentiments with someone very close and if you are in love, you will spend great time with beloved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni 16 ! ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bollywodd actors Nisha Kothari and Punit 1 Rajkumar enacting a scene during shooting of ﬁlm Raj at the Taj Mahal in Agra on Tuesday. PTI PHOTO

Miss India Parvathi Omanakuttan meets 2 singer KJ Yesudas at a cultural programme in Kochi on Monday. PTI PHOTO

Actress Jessica Alba watches the Los 3 Angeles Clippers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Monday in Los Angeles, California. AFP PHOTO