Kismat connection
Coincidence, luck, fate destiny… for some they would mean a few words that probably an escapist would use to get away from work, for others they are a positive reminder that whatever happens, happens for good and for few more it is a truth that one has to face at least once in a lifetime. And these are the people who had never planned a single step of their life, never played safe, took each day as it came, and as and when destiny struck, they submitted to it and began their walk on the path it had chosen.

Har ghar kuchh kehta hai Vaastu Shastra is an ancient science that was written at a time when there was no electricity. Therefore, the sun being the only source of light and energy, the house had to be built keeping in mind its movement. This science was very useful then. But in our era of major developments and high rises, it is not possible to build houses in compliance with the vaastu rules. Here steps in astroarchitecture, says its proponent, Mumbai-based Neeta Sinha.

Neeta Sinha in her sprawling home

Slang bang
A new type of slang, dubbed the 'tech slang', is making its way into people's inboxes, as more people are using technology driven terms in messages, according to a new study. So, from now on, if you read "404" in your mobile inbox, it will mean "clueless," inspired by the error message given when a browser cannot find a webpage.

Mime, melody and motifs Day three. A visiting student could be heard asking someone, 'Excuse me do you know how can we take the eatables inside?' and a girl worried about the topics yet not announced for the poetry recitation, yet another student whispering, 'I could have done so much better.' Youth, madness, chaos, cheers, excitement, students, enthusiasm, triumph, volunteers, organisers, laughter, hooting and all this through the platform of contests.

FACE OFF: Participants of a mimicry competition at the youth fest on the PU campus on Monday Photo: S. Chandan

Packages and promos If you are planning to celebrate Christmas and New Year in hills, then this is the place to be. Exotic location, well-furnished rooms, equipped with various modern facilities and not to forget ample parking space-East Bourne Pine Forest Resort in Shimla, has it all to make your New Year special. (Right) Ajay Arora, GM, East Bourne Photo: S. Chandan

A fragrant cocktail
An icon of sophistication and modern feminity, Bond Girl meets her perfect match in Avon, with seductive new fragrance, Bond Girl 007. Created as a result of Avon 's collaboration with James Bond entertainment, the signature Bond Girl 007 women's fragrance aims at bringing the confident allure of cinema's sexiest icon to women worldwide. This iconic fragrance debuted globally this November in conjunction with the worldwide release of the Quantum of Solace, the 22 nd film in the Bond series.

Care for hair
Shalisma (hair conditioner and shine) is a unique formulation and can be used both as hair sheen and conditioner. It gives the hair gloss and acts as a hairdressing aid. As a conditioner, it leaves the hair texturised and conditioned. It also provides total protection to the hair from the harmful effects of sun-exposure and UV rays. It contains Brahmi, Bhringaraj and Henna. The formulation improves hair texture, keeping it shiny and healthy.

SPICE UP Mane show With a few professional tips, you can use your blow dryer to set short hair into a style quite easily. It can also give the hair more body and bounce. For very short hair, the fingers can be used to push the hair into the style in which it has been cut. For slightly longer hair, you will need a styling brush. Avoid brushes with wire bristles. Soft, natural or plastic bristles are better.

GEEK SPEAK
Things to disc-uss
A fact that is known to all is that CDs & DVDs are prone to scratching, marking, cracking & breaking. If you leave discs without the cover near your PC or stereo, dust will settle or the data side will get scratched or destroyed. And the best ways to prevent this from happening are simple. The most commonly ignored fact that results in scratching or marking is when the CD's are not protected properly.

GIZM OH! Czech tech And you thought we are a technology savvy country, well, and then all you need to do is meet up with these seven students from Czech Republic. Everything from the latest in the I-pods, state-of-art laptops, data cards, play station, DVD writers, MP3's, they not only know about the latest scene in technology, they own the best in gizmos.

— Photo: Pradeep Tewari

LAUNCH PAD
Pearl of eye
Well-defined eyes are the most important feature for any woman. The latest treasured offering of "Pearl finish eye shades" from the house of, Coloressence brings that pearly shine brilliance to the eyes with its special pigments and pearls in its content.

Khan learn it
Jiah Khan, who thinks in English, got into trouble when she was asked to deliver lengthy emotional Urdu dialogues for Ghajini in sync sound, but says that her co-star Aamir Khan bailed her out.

Remembering Raj Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan today saluted Raj Kapoor, the greatest showman of the Indian film industry, on his 84th birth anniversary, saying he made movies the way he lived his life. Raj Kapoor was described as the 'Charlie Chaplin of Indian Cinema' as he portrayed a tramp-like figure, who despite adversity was still cheerful and honest.Amitabh wished the family, which had organised a puja at their Deonar cottage this morning, all the best.

Tough guy
Hollywood actor-director Clint Eastwood misses the simple but tough days of his youth insisting that America has gone soft since. The 78-year-old actor claims life was simpler and easier in his childhood days during the time of depression. According to Eastwood, in his days problems were solved using fists rather than a therapist's couch, the Contactmusic reported.

Jackman’s first Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been roped in to host the 2009 Oscars ceremony. The Australia star, who was recently selected as the Sexiest Man Alive, by People magazine will anchor the event to be held on February 22 next year, reports accesshollywood.com. "Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star, who knows his job well" Telecast producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon said in a joint statement.

Christmas couple
Recently divorced couple, pop diva Madonna and British film director Guy Ritchie are to call a Christmas truce for the sake of their children. The pair has temporarily ceased their custody battle and struck a deal to share a traditional family celebration at Ritchie's Ashcombe House estate in Wiltshire, reports dailymail.co.uk.

No Doubt
Actress Meryl Streep criticises the practise of campaigning for awards because she hates the idea of seeing the star with the best ad grabbing the top prize. According to Contactmusic.com, Streep who has won the Oscar award twice is a favourite to win another this year for her performance in Doubt.

Talepiece
How bizarre!
Troubled pop star Michael Jackson's disguise once again caught public attention, but this time he looked weak and frail while on a brief shopping trip in Beverly Hills in the US. Mirror.co.uk reports that Jackson wore a strange combination of blue tunic, lacy scarf and black trilby. Jackson, 50, has just lost a fortune in court and will also have to sell off his Neverland ranch.