Barack O-Bollywood

She Was So Good That Night!

I pray that Ms. Winehouse's road to recovery is legitimate and fruitful. And I hope that she will be making good records soon. I don't care what Natalie Cole says, but Amy Winehouse deserves every single one of those Grammy she won on Sunday!

Say No to Plastic Bags

One of my New Year's resolutions as we welcomed 2008 was to always go out shopping with a reusable bag in hand. I am tired of using plastic bags, and tired of seeing them on trees, power lines, and littering our streets, beaches and parks. While I usually ask for a paper bag when given a choice at a market, I see that that choice isn't always available in drugstores or at my neighborhood Asian and Latino carnicerias. I know that many people like to use plastic bags to line their trash bags, or to collect dog poop, but I feel that can be done with everyday bio-degradable paper bags. In my backpack I have been carrying a rolled up canvas bag from Uncle Jer's. Right by the door, in my house, I have several other bags. I have a mesh bag I bought in Grand Central Market years ago. I also have canvas bags from Trader Joe's and the L.A.U.S.D.'s Nutrition Network. As I leave the house for any kind of errand, I have been making sure I bring a bag with me at all times.

Felotalk Endorses Obama

Many of you whom I exchange e-mails with quite fequently may already know that I will be casting my ballot for Barack Obama this Tuesday, February 5th. Like a lot of folks I know, I had been debating for a while between Obama, Hillary Clinton and even John Edwards. I made my choice last week! And was especially moved by the possibility of Obama becoming president after reading this LA Times endorsement.

Whoever you vote for, I encourage you to just go out and vote. It's time for some needed change in this country!

P.S. I found this on YouTube and found it to be both cool and humorous... Enjoy!

The Year in Music (a month later...)

Last week The Village Voice announced the winners of their annual Pazz & Jop poll compiled by various music critics from around the country listing the best albums and songs released in 2007. Many of their choices included music that I also enjoyed last year. But the list also included releases that I didn't care for, like Arcade Fire's Neon Bible, for instance. Also, I can not believe that Alicia Key's beautiful, soulful As I Am was ranked at #70.
Here's my list of best albums and singles for 2007. Enjoy!

Best Albums - 2007

1. Alicia Keys - As I Am
2. Kanye West - Graduation
3. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
4. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
5. Once - Music from the Motion Picture
6. Bonde do Role - With Lasers
7. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
8. M.I.A. - KALA
9. Rufus Wainwright - Release the Stars
10. PJ Harvey - White Chalk

Honorable Mentions: Mary J Blige, Growing Pains; Keyshia Cole, Just Like You; Feist, The Reminder; and although it was released in late 2006, Lily Allen's Alright, Still was playing loudly in my house during the first half of 2007.

Best Singles - 2007

1. Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"
2. Mary J. Blige - "Just Fine"
3. Keishia Cole w/ Diddy - "Last Night"
4. Marketa Irglova & Glen Hansard - "If You Want Me" from Once
5. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - "Falling Slowly" from Once
6. Kanye West - "Flashing Lights"
7. Alicia Keys - "No One"
8. Kanye West w/ T-Pain - "Good Life"
9. Keyshia Cole w/ Missy Elliot & Lil' Kim - "Let It Go"
10. Peter Bjorn & John - "Young Folks"