Syndrome X
Studies show that Indians are genetically predisposed to physiological symptoms collectively called Syndrome X. This makes them highly susceptible to heart disease. Fortunately, technology can help detect coronary artery disease at an early stage.

Peace By Piece
Having failed to make headway with the cease-fire, the Centre is now trying to talk peace on Kashmir, internally through its negotiator K.C. Pant and externally with Pakistan's Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf. But will anything come out of this?

Good Monsoon
So What?
The traditional link between the monsoon and the economy weakens.

Slippery Deal
The ONGC subsidiary's whopping Rs 8,136 crore investment was signed in indecent haste.

METROSCAPE: LOOKING GLASS

BANGALORE
Resort

D'Lagoon, the 70 cover, walnut-finish restaurant, ornamented with a large Buddha mask, serves both Thai and Malabar cuisine, but its choice of Thai dishes is far more exhaustive. Be sure to try specialities Tom-yam Talay (chicken or prawn soup) or Geuytiaw Nam Lug shinpla (noodle soup with fish balls) followed by favourites, chicken in red curry and rose duck and green curry. The Malabar hits include coconut squid fry and mussels for starters and appams and puttu with a range of vegetable stews for main course. Average meal for two is Rs 350. Call (080) 346-8515 for more details.

DELHI
Beauty Treatment

In case you're wondering, this futuristic jaw-like tablet (below) is a Metabolic Booster Spa-it combines skin wrap therapies with message vibration, aromatherapy and some soft music. At the newly opened American Laser Centre that views "beauty as serious business" a team of doctors and dermotologists involve the latest technology (and the most bizarre looking gadgets) for body sculpting, controlling cellulite, hair transplants, liposuction, cosmetic peels, permanent hair removal and lots more. Prices range from Rs 500 for hair grafting (per graft) to Rs 8,000 for cosmetic laser. At C-123 Greater Kailash-1. Call (011) 644-2194 or 644-2195 for more details.

Cinema

Women in French cinema take a bow this week at "Women", a festival on female portrayal in French films. The line-up includes Pascal Thomas' The Dilettante which is about the well-to-do Pierrette who suddenly becomes penniless and Stephane Brize's The Blues of City that strikes a note similar to the Meryl Streep-Clint Eastwood starrer Bridges of Madison County. There's also Chin Up, Nothing To Do, Love Me, Dream Life of Angels and Venus Beauty. All the films are from the 1998-2000 period. The festival is on from June 2-7 at Siri Fort II. Call (011) 301-4682 for more details.

Coffee Bar

Coffee specialists Qwiky's, after four outlets in Chennai and three in Hyderabad, have established a northern presence. Their new, ochre-washed pub at the hangout centering on Anupam PVR retains the menu that made the chain a rage in the South ... hot and cold coffees (Mocha, Machiato and the rest), teas, smoothes and floates, ice-creams, desserts and its variety of accompanying savouries. Unusual are the generous Italian sandwiches (in considerate half and full portions): Refrito has grilled veggies with Mexican refined bean sauce and Chicken Piccatta has grilled chicken breast layered with barbecue sauce. Prices: Rs 30-40 for the beverages and Rs 40-60 for the snacks. Call 98103-35773 for more details.

MetroScape

Delhi Beauty Treatment: American Laser Centre

Delhi Cinema: Women

Delhi Coffee Bar: Qwiky's