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. And you bet, they've never sulked or made cried foul. Here are some bright and brimming young talents, who thoroughly believe in destiny, as it keeps striking them pretty often.

Anubhav Kalra, an RJ with Big 92.7 FM hadn't 'remotely' thought of being an RJ. A sound family business in Delhi and suddenly a shift to Chandigarh. "I landed in the city not knowing what to do next. Then a friend suggested a call center, where I had to talk to the goras. So, I went back to Gurgaon to work with Convergys. At one of the company party, I handled the stage and some of my friends thought I was good at it. The very next day I was looking up the papers for some kind of vacancy in a production house. And then one day I went for the auditions at Doordarshan for voice over artist." Adds Anubhav, "I didn't know when I was on the job and was working for it. Copy writing, composing jingles, I was doing a lot of stuff and then I was asked to work with Big for their morning show. And here I am," he smiles broadly as though wondering at his destiny himself. "I firmly believe whatever happens is predestined. I feel I am like a wave, which travels with the current. I let it take me wherever it has to." All the same, Anubhav also believes that we land where we probably had once thought unconsciously.

Fate is an inevitable happening in an individual's life. And acceptance helps you deal with it better. Nevertheless, you cannot wait for things to fall in or out of place. Gurpashna Sandhu, Vedic astrologer never thought she would be practicing astrology in her life. With an MBA degree in hand, Gurpashna had all plans to move to Delhi for a job. And then, one incident completely changed her life. "I met an astrologer while I was travelling. As we got talking, he told me that I was destined to be an astrologer," says Gurpashhan with a serene smile. "I didn't want to believe that and did everything to not to get close to it. But this was destined for me," she shrugs. She adds, "Things fell into place. I never went back to my job and I was getting calls. Through word of mouth people got to know that I was doing astrology and biggest help came from my husband, who has been extremely supportive. This is where I believe in destiny." Having said this Gurpashan still strongly holds that life can't be left to destiny. "You have to work towards everything in life. Why give up. I will still do things that I feel right about, rather than just following 'destiny.'

And then, there are some who don't question kismat. Infact they have a strong bond with it. Adds Manav Vij, a qualified doctor from Ferozepur, who was all ready to start his private practice before he was casted for the movie, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Buta Singh. "I was on the verge of opening my own clinic, when I got my first movie break. That's how my career drifted from medicine to acting." Wonders Manav, "I had never liked Mumbai, infact I had thought that I would do my practice and stay close to my parents." As they say there is no escaping from the destiny. "Sometimes, things are thrown at you and you just have to follow them, without much say. And, I believe in flowing with the current." All the same, Manav also feels that we cannot wait for destiny to strike or make us move. "Bandey da kam hai ki karda jaavey," sums Manav.

jasmne@tribunemail.com

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.

A high-rise building has so many flats that are similar in layout and are built one over the other. Then why is it that the vaastu being the same, a person staying above or below is more successful or troubled than the rest? Here is where her quest began as to what are the other factors that influence a house. She began her research and studied around 30000 homes. In the end, it became apparent to her that 'every house has a horoscope'. Once the horoscope is made, you can balance the positive and the negatives energy to bring peace, harmony and prosperity.

Excerpts from an interview:

What has your experience been of the houses in Chandigarh that you've dealt with, if any?

In Chandigarh, I have visited a few places, namely Emaar MGF's Mohali project and a resort Vaseela in Zirakpur etc. Vaseela is a very relaxing place and great resort destination. Although it is just 15 minutes away from the airport and has such a wonderful ambience there was almost no activity happening there. I changed the name to Auravaseela and now anyone can go and have a look for themselves. Its business has improved a lot.

As a city, what do you make of it from the point of view of astro-architecture?

Chandigarh, as a city, I have not studied astrologically. Although it is considered to be a well planned city, what I have observed is that its directions are slightly diagonal. It does not have a perfect east, west, north and south. Hence, it won't give 100 per cent results. Like for Mumabi, long back I had mentioned in an interview that if it were named Mumbai, the suburbs would become a lot more important economically vibrant, which is exactly the case right now.

What are the techniques you employ to improve the horoscope of a house?

There are a lot many ways to do that. The easiest way is to change the name. If it is not possible then one can always balance the energy by using mirrors, plants colours, windchimes, water energy etc. but definitely no structural changes.

Having done up the houses of Bollywood's big names, do you feel these people are more superstitious in such matters?

It is not a question of superstition. What I am practising is a science and is based on calculation. Conviction is the result which they get after balancing. Like any other person some stars are more convinced and active in these remedies.

Tell us more about your experience of working for some Bollywood personalities.

All stars have there own demeanour and personality. It was a very different and a good experience working with Amitabh Bachchan as he was showing a lot of interest in trying to understand the science and as well as the remedies and its effectiveness. I had not expected him to take out time and note my suggestions personally. His humility really awed me. Shahrukhji showed great enthusiasm. He was thrilled to name his bungalow Mannat on my suggestion. Again, it was a great experience as he was so excited to show me every nook and corner of his house personally. I still remember his enthusiasm fondly. Akshay Kumar is also very particular and soft- spoken. You cannot imagine that that man does all those daredevil stunts if you speak to him in real life.

Whose case was the most challenging case?

My most challenging case was in the beginning of my career and my first introduction in the film industry. Almost 12 years ago, Kirron Kherji was anchoring a show called "Jaagte Raho". When she first called me up, she had challenged me to see her house and prove myself by giving her results. I did. And the result is that till today, she consults me both in personal and professional matters. I remember that when she was nominated for the National Awards, I had put in extra efforts to increase the positive energy in her house. That year, she won the National Awards.

And the most memorable case?

My most memorable case would be that of the birth of Aarav

(Akshay and Twinkle's son). I had given her a date of delivery that was two weeks before what the doctors had predicted for her. Twinkle was not at all ready to believe me. But then on that particular date, she gave birth to her son.

Broadly, how can the horoscopes of offices be improved for having a better work culture?

The science that I am practising is not a generalised but a customised science. It varies from individual to individual. What changes may work for a particular premise can prove disastrous for another one. I can only suggest improvements if I have seen the premise or have studied it on a floor plan. Therefore, it is difficult for me to broadly give suggestions.

What are the things in an office building that can bring in positive energy and which draw negative vibes?

Yet again, mine is a personalised science. Once I have studied a particular premise, I diagnose the positive and negative areas and balance it. Once the positive areas is identified, I generally suggest mirrors, plants or red colour. Whereas for negative areas, I generally recommend to paint it orange or yellow and place a drooping plant over there. Mirrors are the most dangerous. If they are placed in the wrong area, they can give disastrous results. One has to be careful with them. — TNS

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.

According to slang lexicographer Jonathon Green, some such terms and abbreviations have evolved as a result of the limited speed and space afforded by text messaging.

However, an Australian study found that reading "textese" takes more time and results in more mistakes.

"What we're seeing is the influence of technology coupled with current events and, inevitably of the young, who in many cases drive language. It's focused on this world of mobile phones - these abbreviations are perfectly suited to those little screens," BBC quoted Green as saying.

And as it turns out, more use of text messaging can actually come up with new terms.

As part of the study, the researchers closed in on an unlikely slang source- Oyster system, a card-based payment scheme on the London Underground.

Usually, the card readers show the number 35 if the card has run out of credit. Thus, "Code 35" now means penniless.

In the same way you can be named "Code 11" if you are behind the times, for in Oyster's system, that's how one refers to an out-of-date card.

However, other terms from the study are of a more topical bent- with the economic downturn, a new term has originated-"GOOD job"- an acronym for Get Out Of Debt. This means the kind of job that a large number of cash-strapped unemployed people must be looking for.

Other examples are simple abbreviations, the technologically driven equivalents of FYI or TBC. 'I love you' can take the shortened form of 143.

Green said that the development of this technologically savvy (or lazy) branch of language is a natural part of our language's evolution. "It's just another form of the Queen's English - not better, not worse," he said. — ANI

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. Announcing its special packages on Wednesday, at Press Club-27, Ajay Arora, GM, East Bourne says, "We have categorised the rooms as deluxe, super deluxe and superior and they are priced at Rs16, 888, Rs 17,888 and Rs19, 888 respectively and the package will be valid from December 30 to January 1."

The package includes additional facilities like, three meals and discounts on all in house recreations and spa. "We wanted to make sure that our guests don't have to go out to celebrate New Year, so we have arranged for a New Year party, gala dinner with live band performance that will be followed by an open-air celebration. Free entry to the discotheque will also be a part of the package", adds Ajay. — TNS

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.

Bond Girl 007 is an alluring blend of velvety florals, cool freshness and warm woods featuring top notes of white peach and orange blossom. Mid notes include jasmine, calypso orchid and freesia, followed by a drydown of amber, cashmere wood, patchouli and musks-a fragrant cocktail James Bond can't resist. Housed in a sleek, curvaceous silhouette-shaped bottle, the fragrance evokes the glamour and sensuality of the Bond Girl appeal. Further, the sophisticated metal cap is a stealthy aspiration of a Bond spy gadget.

Bond Girl 007 is created by Firmenich, a leading international producer of perfumery and flavour chemicals, evokes the glamour, confidence and sensuality of the famous femmes fatale of the Bond franchise.

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.

Neem hair treatment oil combines Neem with herbal extracts of brahmi, amla and bhringaraj, as well as vegetable oils, like sesame seed and olive oil. It has proved useful in treating dandruff and related conditions. It also plays a preventive role, keeping the hair and scalp healthy.

Shagrow (hair cleanser plus conditioner) has been specially designed to cleanse and condition the hair for dry and damaged hair. It is specially reinforced to restore health to damaged hair, providing nourishment to the hair, conditioning it and making it soft, healthy, strong and lustrous. It also helps to rectify and prevent split ends, arrest hair loss and promote growth. It contains brahmi, bhringaraj, padmakha and arishtak.

Shamla (shampoo for dry hair) is a powerful hair cleanser, with a gentle action, it has been specially formulated for normal to dry hair. Containing amla, arishtak, shikakai, bael, it helps to remove impurities and soothe the scalp, providing nourishment and lustre. It helps to restore health to the hair and scalp and has been useful in preventing dandruff and hair loss. Softens, nourishes and conditions the hair. It is recommended for normal to dry hair.

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.

The hair should be slightly damp for setting. Divide the hair in sections and hold them back with clips or hairpins. This allows you to work on each section at a time.

The hair on the top of the head should be lifted upwards with the brush, so that hair gets more body and bounce. If you have side flicks, or long fringe, set them, using a comb or brush.

Want to straighten curly hair? Roll the ends tightly with the brush. Hold the hair straight, but slightly outwards, instead of downwards. This gives more body.

For layered cuts, the heat should be given across the hair on either side.

If you like tight curls, make sections of the hair and wind them around small rollers, before using the dryer.

To add fullness, bend forward and brush the hair from the nape of the neck to the ends.

To add fullness on top of the head, divide the hair on the crown into four sections. Wind them around four large rollers, before drying the hair.

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. But here are some simple suggestions that will ensure you can use your valuable collection of CD's and DVD's for years to come.

Keep your CDs in their Jewel Cases. If not, there are PVC wallets that act as protection covers. The new DVDs should be kept in their DVD boxes or, as previously mentioned, PVC Wallets and Card wallets will do. If you do use your PVC or card wallet type, take your CDs/DVDs out of the sleeve and then put them back in as you had kept them from time to time. One should also take care that the discs should not stick to the wallet leafs because of the moisture.

If your CD or DVD gets scratched, you may think that it's damaged forever, but the scratching on the surface of the disc simply fools the laser and makes it skip. Or, if your player has difficulty in loading the data, it's because the surface is being scratched and unable to read the digital data below. If the disc is not playing, you should try to play them on a different or a new player. But if it still doesn't work, there are plenty of repair kits around to eliminate this problem and allow you to perform that all important CD or DVD data copying. So, if you thought that you've lost a CD forever due to mark or scratch, think again.

These repair kits come with a compound mixture of polish, which are specially designed for the material that discs are made up of. The mixture interacts with the polymer and allows the polish to work on the scratch. This polish removes and fixes the majority of the portion that has been damaged and restores all your important data collection back to full playability. CD/DVD repair kit should cost you something under three or four hundred rupees as referred to the price I bought it for last time about a year ago.

Therefore, you revive your discs using these kits. However, I strongly suggest protecting CD or DVD by putting them back into their Jewel Case, DVD box, PVC Wallet or Card Wallet and keep them in a dust-free environment or storage case for their longevity.

When you remove your discs from their case or DVD box you risk the centre-hub cracking or breaking. This will lead to disc failures. The remedy to this common problem is pressing the centre hub a little harder than normal. This will reduce the stress put on the outer ring, normally applied when removing CDs or DVDs from cases or DVD boxes and will prevent the discs from cracking at the centre.

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com

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. Just that they are not carrying their collection this time to India. "We have to practice, so, we don't have time for anything else," they inform us.

Back home, the collection comprises of touch screen laptop, a face recognition DVD reader, a 5GB music cum DVD player, a digital lock DVD case to name a few. Czech is not very happening on the gizmo scene; nevertheless, these youngsters enjoy marking themselves on the face book. Online friendship sites and communities are pretty popular.

Says Sarka Krizkova, "We don't have any restrictions of hanging out or going to the parties. Youngsters in the age group of 15-20 are more keen on the online dating and friendship."

The music scene in Czech is high on rock and metal. I-pods are a popular thing and just about every kid on the street owns one. "This holds true for the video games as well," tells Sarka. "Play Stations and video games are very popular back home. Kids spend hours gaming on their small sets." — TNS

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.

The latest eyeshades by Coloressence are available in seven mesmerizing shades and have a super long lasting formula that easily watches the day go by. The colours of the eyeshades are completely in-sync with the colors of the season. The range is made by truly understanding the Indian skin types.

Priced at Rs 1180 for one palette in eight colors and Rs 350 for smaller palette in three colours, the product is available in all premium and convenient stores across India. — TNS

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.

"I must admit it was a bit of a problem. Aamir and the director got me an Urdu dialogue coach, Athar Nawaz who guided me. And each time I'd be stuck with a line Aamir helped me out," Jiah said.

"My mom, who lives in London, flew down during the shooting. She speaks Urdu fluently. She ran through the dialogues with me over and over again. I think I've done my lines very well. To have my lines dubbed would have taken away from my performance. I think I managed my lines well," she added.

Other than speaking Hindi, Jiah, who debuted with Ram Gopal Varma's Nishabd, has also learned Bollywood style dancing.

"Like the Urdu-Hindi, I've mastered the dancing to a large extent," she said.

Jiah has also shot a song titled lattoo in Ghajini with choreographer Gita Kapoor. Ad filmmaker Ravi Udyawar has directed it.

"I realised how hard it is to do a sizzling song. The song is a very Jennifer Lopez kind of number. It's very stylish and chic. In a week's time, it goes on air. That should answer the question why I'm not seen in the publicity," she said.

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. ''He is family to me too as Raj's eldest daughter Ritu's son is married to my daughter,'' he said, adding Raj's exuberance was in each aspect of his existence, infectious and endearing.

Born on December 14, 1924, Raj Kapoor produced, directed and acted in several box-office hits, including Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, Chori Chori', Jis desh mein Ganga behti hai, Sangam, Bobby and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. He died of complications related to Asthma in 1988 at the age of 63. Raj's grand-daughter Kareena Kapoor is today's highest paid Bollywood actor and grandson Ranbir is the latest Kapoor scion to join the ranks of Hindi film industry.

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.

"Everyone's become used to saying, 'Well, how do we handle it psychologically," Eastwood said.

"In those days you punched the bully back and ducked it out. People were tougher then. I was a shy kid. But a lot of my childhood was spent punching the bullies out," the director claimed.

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.

"He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion. Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year's movies and to have fun doing it," they added.

This will be Jackman's first time as the Oscar host. Hugh has previously hosted the Tony Awards for three years from 2003-2005.

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.

The 50-year-old singer, who has been touring in South America, will arrive in Britain December 23 with their son Rocco, eight, adopted son David, three, and her daughter Lourdes and spend time there.

"Madonna and Guy want the best for the kids and so she has decided to come over to the UK so they can be with their father. The plan is for them to be together on Christmas at Ashcombe House," a source close to the pair said.

The source added: "Because of what the kids have been through this year Guy wants to treat them to a really special Christmas with stockings of presents and a big tree. He is planning on having a traditional turkey dinner - although all the food will be organic at Madonna's insistence".

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. Streep, who just picked up a Golden Globe nomination, doesn't want to buy any advertising space to promote herself.

She said: "I hate the campaigning thing. It's unseemly. You should be honoured for something. It shouldn't be for whose campaign was better."

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.

"Michael is a broken man. He is under the most strain he has ever been in his life. He looks haunted and his face is in ruin. It's such a sad fall from grace. He is barely recognisable as the king of pop. He looked frail and scared," an insider said.

Jackson also visited a doctor before he went shopping. He was seen holding a disc with the words The Jacksons Are Coming. This is the name of a documentary about the family's failed attempt to move to Devon. "Michael had never been keen on rejoining the Jackson 5, but in this climate it seems he will do what it takes to make ends meet. He is in despair right now," added the insider. — IANS, PTI, UNI