Roadster columnist Vikram Sunderraj
writes about his latest upgrade
- sporty suspension from
Aussie maker Pedders

ext month, the city\u2019s most adorable Indian dogs are all set to accompany their

proud families to a dog show like no other. Hosted by the Blue Cross of India, the annual Blue Cross Well Dog Show is a celebration of everything canine. The dogs are a glorious mix of natural breeds including those adopted from the streets or ani- mal shelters, while others are mongrels or cross-breeds.

Many participants in the past have included gorgeous dogs that have survived serious illnesses and some have been rescued by their owners from accidents or abandonment. The show has al- ways been a memorable one, with unique titles and prizes that include \u201cDog with the waggiest tail\u201d, \u201cRarest colour\u201d, \u201cFriendliest dog\u201d and \u201cBest rescue\u201d. Certi\ufb01- cates, trophies and gift baskets will be among the prizes that the dogs can win.

\u201cOur objective is to demonstrate our pride in our all-Indian dogs,\u201d says S. Chinny Krishna, Chair- man of Blue Cross of India, who hopes that more people will choose to adopt dogs from their local animal shelters. \u201cIf you are looking for a companion animal, do visit your nearest animal shel- ter and choose from the many that would be there. All you have to do is be willing to show that you would make for a responsible pet owner. There are no charges. Though, your donations will help the important services provided by your local animal welfare group going.\u201d

Dogs will not be asked to perform tricks, produce proof of pedigree parentage or compete on the ba- sis of breed. All they have to do is show up and be themselves. And of course, it\u2019s hardly a contest when every dog goes back home feeling like a real winner!

Mongrels, cross-breeds and
natural breeds (non-
pedigree dogs only). All
owners must be leashed to
their companion animals.
There is no entrance fee

here are two \ufb01lm festivals starting
from July 27, promising to offer movie
buffs some good entertainment.
The Alliance Francaise of Madras is

(Japan) and Eye in the Sky (Hong Kong) will
be screened at 6.30 p.m. everyday.
Also, the South Indian Film Chamber
Theatre will be screening Brazilian \ufb01lms, in
association with the Embassy of Brazil, New
Delhi and the Indo Cine Appreciation
Foundation. The \ufb01lms are dedicated to Sao
Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. The festival
will be inaugurated with the screening of

\ufb01lm is based on the real life experiences of
doctor Drauzio Varella inside the dreadful
State Penitentiary Carandiru in Sao Paulo.

Danny is a four-year-old male Labrador
cross who is healthy, playful and
affectionate. He has been neutered and
is up for adoption. Call Praveen at

ucked inside Devaraja Nagar in Sholinganallur is the sprawling, calm and inviting facility run

Amelio Child Care Pvt. Ltd. is one of the youngest \u201cearly learning centres\u201d to have opened house in this part of the city, helping working par- ents maintain a work-life bal- ance. The place looks like a castle from the outside, and the inside is sure to appeal to you. More so because they provide customised day care solutions to companies.

\u201cWe are a near-site learning centre, making us unique,\u201d says Raghavan. He explains how its proximity to IT com- panies makes it easy for par-

ents working on the stretch to leave their toddlers at Amelio and yet keep a close tab on them \u2013 be it dropping during breaks or picking them up af- ter completing of\ufb01ce work.

Amelio is the outcome of a project and business plan competition

Sridevi worked on during her gradua- tion years at Harvard Business School. \u201cI did a project on the idea and viability of an onsite day care centre and another group project on staff interac- tion in day care centres. I used the \ufb01ndings to arrive at a busi- ness plan, where I was sup- ported by another classmate and my husband Raghavan,\u201d explains Sridevi.

While the 5,000 sq ft centre functions like a near-site facil- ity, its upcoming learning

centres promise to adhere to the onsite model. Amelio will soon be opening its second centre inside Mahindra World School in Mahindra City.

It functions more like you \u2013 Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. The pre- school-cum-day care centre takes children from six months to six years. Each room is done up in primary colours and overlooks a bal- cony. A surveillance camera in each room, an activity space for children, among others, ensure that children are taken good care of and have fun.

There\u2019s lot more in Amelio\u2019s
curriculum, so visit
www.ameliochildcare.com. Or
call Raghav (96000 19470)/
Sridevi (90030 72910) to know

Vanilla Children
Place invites you to
attend its
storytelling session.
Vandana Gobind\u2019s
storytelling session
on July 25 is based
on \u2018Parents Day\u2019,
which will be
followed by a
cooking session
where the children
will don the role of
\u2018Master Chefs\u2019. Fee:
Rs. 300.
For details call 044
45534146 /45

fair, \u2018Made in Thailand 2009, Destination
Thailand\u2019, which opened at Chennai Trade Centre
on Wednesday. The \ufb01ve-day exhibition on all
things Thailand has around 50 Thai companies
showcasing their products.