Hamburg - A bite of food here, an appetizer there and finally a skewer full of grilled meat or vegetables: Finger food is still served at company parties and private gatherings.

But no trend can go on without some backlash, especially from party-goers who have difficulty guiding shrimp cocktail and potato skins into their mouths solely with the help of a napkin or toothpick.

Thus, cutlery is coming out of the shadows gradually - knives, forks and spoons currently are being given a new position of honour on beautifully set tables.

Hamburg - Shoes need special treatment in autumn and winter, more than at any other time of year.

Special treatments help keep boots and shoes waterproof. But before doing any weather-proofing treatment on footwear, do a little test to determine the type of material in the boots or shoes.

Islamabad - A rap song written by the elder daughter of Pakistan's slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, in which she pours out her grief, is making waves on video sharing website YouTube and in the international media, but hardly impresses at home.

"I Would Take the Pain Away" is the chorus Bakhtawar, 18, raps in English - a language understood only by Pakistan's small elite class.

Bad Honnef, Germany  - An office at home is no longer unusual and is often used for everything from freelance work, telecommuting to more personal pursuits.

"Some people use these home offices for private correspondence, for online banking, tax returns or just to surf the internet," says Ursula Gieismann of VDM, the German Association for Office Furniture.

Regardless of its purpose, the home office should be planned and carefully furnished.

Melbourne  - The Australian Open has lost injured world number five Nikolay Davydenko as the Russian withdrew due to a nagging heel injury.

The opening Grand Slam of the season suffered its first high- profile defection through the pullout. Also on the possible danger list are Maria Sharapova and world number two Serena Williams.

Neither have played for months - Sharapova has missed six months - but both insist they will be ready for the major, which begins in 11 days.

Munich  - Big sisters could write a song about it, and little brothers could too: Sometimes siblings truly get on each others' nerves, especially when they share a bedroom.

But with a few tricks, the room can be arranged so that both children feel comfortable.

"These days when belts have to be tightened, not everyone has enough space to give every child his or her own room," said author and style consultant Jana Jung of Munich. That does not have to be disadvantageous.