Don't work hard, work smart

In these days of economic recession, working hard isn’t the only way to secure a job. It’s also essential to “work smart”, in other words promoting what you do for the business, according to Essence magazine. If you always have the impression that you work hard but don’t get the recognition that you deserve, this article is for you.  It gives very good tips for different types of working women: the gossipers, the loners and the working bees.

If you need more resources to improve your reputation at work, follow the advice of Judith Earley on Emploment Crossing. But make sure you’re patient. According to this article, it takes at least 21 days to change habits.

A modern housewife's guide

Here's a website you visit but don't tell your friends about. realsimple.com gives ideas on how to organise a house, cook, clean and go on holidays without the hassle. It's a kind of guide for the geeky housewife.

We loved their 'closet makeover' with before/after pictures.

All black UK soap

For the first time in 23 years, the BBC is to air an episode of its legendary soap EastEnders with an entirely black cast.  The characters will remember and comment the race riots that took place in London, Notting Hill, in 1958.

There will be no word from a single white member of the cast and the storyline will focus on Patrick Trueman who arrived in England from the Carribeans in the 50s. With his relatives, they will question the fact that there's less racism in the UK today.

One death in Guadeloupe

A man died in Guadeloupe (French carribeans) last night during protests against excessive living costs and an unfair distribution of wealth between black and white communities.

The movement, at first pacifist, is becoming increasingly violent. Alex Lollia, member of the LKP party organising the protests suffered physical and verbal abuse from policemen. He explains the incident to the press. Listen to his interview (in French) here.

President Nicolas Sarkozy who is usually very proactive has so far been worryingly quiet about the case. He is preparing to receive representatives from the French carribeans tomorrow, one month after the first strikes started.

See what happened last night on Euronews.

New toy for trendy geeks

Who said you can’t be a geek and love fashion at the same time? Not fashion designer Vivienne Tam who launched the most glamorous laptops ever with Hewlett Packard. Vivienne Tam’s laptops are colourful, glossy and trendy. They’re covered with the designer’s signature pink and red pattern celebrating Chinese art. If you can't afford the laptop, you can always download a free wallpaper on the web.

Some will think it's superficial but it’s actually a very smart way to spread Chinese culture around the world. We can’t wait for a designer to find such a smart way to get African style in houses around the world.

African style rules

African designs and textiles inspire fashion designers around the globe.

Japanese designer Junya Watanabe was strongly inspired by African draping and motifs for his Spring 2009 collection. The models carried flowers or actual wheat on their head, which is reminiscent of African women's traditional way of transporting food and goods. The colourful fabrics and traditional motifs were also inspired by African designs.

Michelle Obama makes the cover of Vogue

Michelle Obama is on the cover of Vogue magazine in March. She's been photographed by celebrity portrait-maker Annie Leibovitz (whose work has recently been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, London).  It's only the second time a First Lady makes the cover of Vogue.