Marie ClaireA while back, over kebabs and a hummus platter at a fantastic Mediterranean spot near my office, I was getting acquainted with a recently hired colleague who had all the makings of a new work bestie: She was incredibly well-read and steeped in pop culture, with an enthralling, almost encyclopedic, recollection of every '90s-era TV show that ever aired.

It's so rare that you meet someone utterly in sync with your sensibility and humor that I remember thinking, Wow, this could be one of those relationships-important and lasting. As we were finishing up, she asked what seemed at the time to be a benign question: "So, can we wear jeans to work on Fridays?" I'm that woman with a single pair of Gap boot-cuts that have become my weekend second skin-they're faded and on the verge of ripping at the knees, so I don't dare wear them to work. But ours is a relaxed enough office that jeans are perfectly acceptable. "Sure, yeah, of course," I told her.

Famous last words. That Friday, my

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Picture a grim police line-up with five young African American men in stereotypical "thug" garb, and a goat. That's just the opening shot.

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PepsiCo has announced it is pulling its new ad for Moutain Dew after a storm of criticism this week. Social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins wrote on his blog that the spot was "arguably the most racist commercial in history." He continues, "Mountain Dew has set a new low for corporate racism. Their decision to lean on well-known racial stereotypes is beyond disgusting. This doesn't even include the fact that the company has put black men on par with animals."

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The one-minute ad (the link is gone in most places but you can still see it by clicking here) shows a badly beaten blonde Caucasian woman approaching the line-up on crutches. A white male warden says, "We got 'em all lined up, nail the little sucker." The goat, in a raspy

Working like a dog!In the days of Sheryl Sandberg - when we're all supposed to Lean In and lean in hard - it's easy to end up a haggard, harried workaholic in the process. Increasingly, more and more women report working too hard and forgetting their lives in the process. Are you a workaholic? Have you ever thought you are? Here are six signs to help you see if you're leaning in that direction. My advice: If you see signs that you are a workaholic, lean out, and lean out fast. Your health and happiness will thank you.

1. Your pets don't recognize you
If you're not sure whether or not you're a workaholic, there's a good chance your pet knows. Forget to feed him? Forget he exists? It's a bad sign, I'm telling you. Get your priorities in order and your pooch will love you again.

2. You Haven't Read a Book in Years
Reading should be an important activity for anyone bent on self-improvement, relaxation, and enjoyment. If you haven't done this in ages, it likely means your working too hard. If you've tried

While traveling through cities in the United States, wouldn't it be great if you could pinpoint where the worst traffic was? There is nothing I loathe more than driving in city traffic. Maybe it's the country girl in me or perhaps I'm just not used to the congestion, but busy highways and traffic filled streets get me nervous and stressed. INRIX, the leading international provider of traffic information and driver services released their Traffic Scorecard Annual Report which reveals the cities with the most traffic congestion in 2012. For the last couple of years they noticed declines in congestion but for 2012 traffic was up 4%. Although this is certainly bad news for drivers there is a positive side to it as well. A rise in traffic means a turn in the economy which is certainly what we are all hoping for. Click through for 7 of the worst traffic spots in the USA! -By Nadia Carriere

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Bill splitting apps

When you're out with your friends, splitting the check can get complicated. Do you divide the cost evenly or itemize everyone's drinks and entrées? How much should each person chip in for the tip? And splitting larger bills-like rent, utilities, and keeping your apartment stocked with toilet paper-can add even more complexity.

Well, I've got some good news: There are a bunch of great apps that do the calculating-and in some cases even the communicating-for you. Take your pick and download them for less than $1 each (a small price to pay for not having to ask your roommate for her share of the electric every month).

1. Splitwise: For Easy Transfers

This free app, available for iPhone and Android, is ideal if you're frequently sharing expenses with someone, like a roommate. Splitwise keeps a running total of who owes who what-from the last three grocery runs you made to the Friday happy hour that your roommate sprung for. When you're ready to pay up, a simple PayPal