Beyonce 100 Single Ladies Flash-Dance Piccadilly Circus, London for Trident Unwrapped

You've got to love this, what fun!

Job markets - so many are electing to step out

So what's the world going to look like in the next three to five years? Along with the tough economic climate right now, so many are choosing to extend their education, embark on further education or take time off to see the world. In other words, they are electing to step out of these difficult, competitive job markets. But what happens when they need to step back in again. All at once? A plethora of well educated and school of life candidates on the market. A great shift - what impact will it have on job markets and how difficult will it be for those who are left behind in the education stakes?

I am not psychic, but I predict two things - the great divide between the educated and uneducated will increase dramatically, and with it all the socioeconomic stuff too. And the even greater divide between the developed and underdeveloped world will become almost insurmountable. Two parallel, totally disconnected streams that will shape things to come.

Celebrity drug use...

There has been a lot of recent coverage on celebrity drug use as a result of the annual report from the UN's International Narcotics Control Board warning that treating celebrities 'leniently' is undermining faith in the criminal justice system and has a damaging effect on young people. And whilst I agree, it struck a cord as the argument that young people see celebrities as true role models in the old fashioned sense may well have lost some of its impact.

Today, young people are a lot more savvy, more aware. I recently heard the author of Wikenomics, Dan Tapscott (the man behind Wikipedia and author of many books) talk about his multi-million dollar research project, which showed, amongst other things how young people process information. Interesting enough, he found that young minds are 'wired' differently to ours due to the way that information is presented to them (the internet, facebook, myspace, youtube, mobile phones, computing in general, mulitmedia) and he feels that the great social and economic divide will soon be those young people who have been exposed to this, and those in developing countries who's brains will still be wired like yours and mine.

Back to drug use and interestingly enough, if the media weren't involved and we didn't have individuals 'caught on camera', the impact might not be so great. It makes me think of elvis, the rolling stones, the beatles... the rock n' roll lifestyle that has always been, and how we are prepared to forgive so much when it comes to those in creative industries... as we have always done. It seems that not only are our personal brands key here, even entire industries are branded and treated accordingly. We are still prepared to buy a movie ticket, a music CD, go to a concert, buy the goods that celebs endorse knowing that those involved use drugs. However, would we accept the same from our banker or doctor or personal trainer? I think not.

There will always be those who slavishly follow their idols, however, the rest of us recognise that drugs are slavery, and the best thing we can teach young people is how to be free. Often it is the media, not the celebrity that has the most clout and de-glamorising drug use should continue to be top of the agenda. And should celebs face the same penalties, well yes, afterall we live in a democratic society, right?

Love this!

Hello London!

Well hello London! Can't imagine why I rushed back when the option was another week on a deliciously warm, silky sanded tropical beach. Ah, but responsibilities, accountants, clients call and so here I am. And admittedly in shock. Gosh its cold.

And the only real saving grace was the MMissoni sample sale this morning. Just one word. Fabulous. My good friend LE and I are regulars and always walk out in shock groaning under the weight of parcels having gouged deep holes in our bank accounts. Thankfully we are on opposite ends of both colour and style spectrum's so no need to fight over each piece. Small mercies.

And need to plan the next escape... mmm, what shall it be?

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I hope that 2008 brings us all much joy, happiness and prosperity. And lets add a double dose of health, world peace and general goodwill. Goodness knows we all need it.

And thanks to all of you for your good wishes. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Louise

The Miniature Earth

Dar les Cigogne

Thank you Dar les Cigogne for the most fabulous weekend ever! I managed to persuade 30 close friends to escape to Marrakech with me for my birthday party... and what a party! There is something altogether heartwarming about taking over a hotel in its entirety and landing up with a personal house party. And the management and staff certainly made it feel that way.

And Marrakech still holds its magic for me, slowly working its way into my psyche once again to rest easy amidst the hustle and bustle of another world. The seemingly manic medina working to its own logic, with timeless relationships between shopkeepers, guides, drivers... all connected through family history and a common goal. All delivered with the grace and ease of true traders and merchants. One has to delve below the surface, connect with the sweet pace of life, look beyond our expectations and big city fears. Reminds me of my Africa,
South Africa... only spiced and simmering with the occidental, with its French and Middle Eastern ingredients.

And then a step through non-descript doors into the cool, compelling arms of the Dar les Cigogne. With internal courtyards, bubbling fountains, roaring fires in sublime rooms, all uniquely themed. The roof terrace a haven of greenery and loungers, overlooking the palace gates where the storks nest. The magical mysteries of hammam and the 30 foot ceiling in the spa taking one to another level of pure pampering and relaxation. And returning to one's room to find rose petals scattered on plush white linen with a welcoming fire to warm one's soul.

I shall be back...

The slow march...

There is something rather soulful about this time of the year and yesterday was the first day that I felt that there is no turning back now. The inevitability of winter is upon us, the slow march of days drawing in, settling in. And with it a sense of quiet contemplation preparing to hunker down, to release what has been and sit tight until the promise of renewal visits us again.

So too with our hopes, dreams, careers. A time for reflection, a time to take stock and evaluate. To shed the leaves of the year and let them fall beneath our feet. For they are spent and we have no choice but to let them go.

Fly away...

What a week and without a regular injection of delicious travel, the world seems to get way too small... too pedestrian, too beige. What is it about the stimulation of different yet often strangely familiar, sometimes surprising juxtapositions of sights, sounds, smells that awakens my senses and fuels my soul?

Need to get on a big bird soon.