Talk of the Town

IN AIDS prevention and control activities, Tamil Nadu has been often hailed as the model for other states. Early intervention, a streamlined system and a discernible level of political commitment made the state a national winner.

But when a video-conference was organised by UNAIDS, the UN programme on AIDS, and the National AIDS Control Organisation involving four Chief Ministers and the Union Health Minister, Tamil Nadu was missing from the list. Sitting at their respective headquarters, the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh shared their views and plans on the disease on Friday. It was viewed as an event to mobilise political support for the issue.

Why was Mr. Karunanidhi, who had shown considerable political commitment in the control of the disease, missing from the show? Sources say that he was indeed invited and that the organisers did want him very badly as the leading political voice. But for unknown reasons, he declined to participate.

Though it was a lost opportunity for airing the state's voice loud, the Government does not regret the non-participation. ``It was only a programme for private viewing,'' say sources.

Could that be a reason?

HOW WOULD you like to have a device at home that does everything wireless? Acts as a cell phone, a cordless phone, be part of any network like e-mail, and receive TV/radio signals. Is such a device on the horizon?

Wait for answers from Dr. Vanugopal Bose, head of Vanu Inc in America, who will be talking to youngsters and others on the future of software and radio on Sunday, at the Children's Club Society, Mylapore.

Dr. Bose, whose family is known for innovation - the global name in top end speaker systems - hopes to have a revolutionary gadget ready soon. Chennai has a face-to-face with him even before he gives a keynote address at COMDEX next week. While in the city, he will meet up with other frontline technologists including Dr. Ashok Jhunjunwala.

THE CBI and High Court authorities are looking out - for a suitable building in the city where a new Special Court to look into the cases relating to the Indian Bank scam, in which the bank's former Chairman, Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan and others are cited as accused.

Though the investigating agency has decided to set up a Special Court, it is for the State Government to spare the services of a Judge to act as the presiding officer. One version has it that the court may be located in the High Court premises itself. Others say it may be set up in the Singaravelar Maaligai on Rajaji Salai.

``Finding a judge and a suitable building in the city is a difficult task'', those given the job say.

AN ITALIAN in India. Pizza Hut's `The Italian', a light, fluffy crust, is a new base being launched worldwide.

But Indian pizza-lovers have had the first bite. It was any way an offer one could not refuse: the pizzas were introduced to the media in the city on Thursday by Al Capone types, complete with mean mafia sunglasses.The new base comes with traditional Italian sauce of a sweet and tangy taste. It's a go-back to the original Italian pizza.

The Italian is already on the menu in reasonable `meal offerings'. Value Meals - lunch for two - comes at Rs. 99 for vegetarian.

There's more in store from Pizza Hut. Another fast-devoured ``phoren'' base, a cheese-stuffed crust, is soon to come to India.What is more, despite the mafia-style presentation, there is no code of silence about these. So you can spread the word.

By G. Pramod Kumar,

K. T. Sangameswaran and

Feroze Ahmed.

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