First Lady Michelle Obama, dogged by the right wing during the presidential campaign trail as an angry, America-hating militant, will accompany her husband today on his first trip to represent the United States in Europe. During the eight-day, five-nation trip, she will be scrutinized for everything from the way she dresses to the way she presents herself before foreign potentates. “Her every ensemble will be front page news and endlessly interpreted and decoded,” said Patricia McDonald, a London-based editor for the Michelle Obama fashion blog, www.Mrs-O.org. “Will she break out a new wardrobe, or in deference to the economy, recycle her greatest hits?” In recent months, she has graced the cover of countless magazines, garbed in beautiful clothes and flashing a radiant smile – a far cry from the machine-gun-wielding, scowling, fatigue-wearing woman on the cover of The New Yorker several months ago. In fact, she is now widely accepted as the epitome of American elegance. “I believe in this nation. And I believe in my husband,” she said in a recent interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

The European Union will open a job center in Africa.

In a move to cut down illegal immigration, the European Union is set to open its first immigration center in Africa, reports the BBC. The center will be in Mali. Each year, thousands of West Africans (often crammed into small boats) die attempting to make the dangerous journey to European countries in search of jobs. The organization hopes that the center will help Africans find legal jobs in Europe, so they don’t have to risk their lives making the trip. In addition, the center will provide information on how to come to Europe legally and assist with job training, the European Commission says. Even college graduates in many West African nations have hard time finding jobs and many times even a basic “low wage” job in Europe will go long way towards supporting their families.

Troubled Bengal is close to return

Despite a four-game suspension and five arrests in three years, the Cincinnati Bengals are close to signing a deal that would reunite them with wide receiver Chris Henry. Why the sudden interest in Henry? For answers, go to Playa Hater.

USA enters hoops quarter-finals Wednesday. The USA men’s basketball squad begins its final chase for gold medals tomorrow at the Beijing Olympics. Having beaten Germany this week, the American “Redeem Team” takes on Australia. Quarter-finals begin the determination of which remaining teams will receive bronze, silver or gold medals in the elimination match-ups. Team member LeBron James, who scored 18 points in the win over Germany, has guaranteed a gold for the USA.

Shawn Kemp to ball overseas. Former NBA scoring threat Shawn Kemp has announced that he’ll play in Italy beginning in November. “I am happy that a player that has made basketball history would come to Montegranaro,” says coach Alessandro Finelli, of team Pemiata Montegranaro. Kemp, 38, played most of his NBA career with Seattle , averaging 14.6 points and 8.4 rebounds over 14 total seasons. He last played in the NBA in 2003

Trips to the Middle East and Europe will help him beef up his foreign policy credentials

Sen. Barack Obama is planning to take two trips this summer – one to the Middle East and one to Europe. The trips will allow him to see firsthand America’s progress in these regions while boosting his national security credentials. Read more at Pamela On Politics.