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/ Thao$13.99
Not only is Thao's latest album -- her third with the Get Down Stay Down -- a work of musical magic, it gives me an excuse to post this rad-ass album cover. Self-described as a "breakup album," it's got Thao's unmistakable husky croon over a more layered, sophisticated sound, in songs delving into the hurts and heartaches of a bad relationship. You know what Thao's talking about.
Scuba Cat T-shirt
$24.00
Some kitties will go to great lengths to find some fresh fish snacks... Get this cool t-shirt, along with an assortment of other cute designs on shirts, prints and cards from Hamburgerpanda, aka Cindy Yep, whose work is inspired by science fiction, nature, and Asian pop culture -- "Unusual flavor for everyday life." Right now through Christmas, if you use the code "FREESHIP09" in the Message to Seller box when you order, you'll get free shipping.
Home Boy
/ H.M. Naqvi$15.64
H.M. Naqvi's debut novel is a coming-of-age story in the tradition of Catcher in the Rye and Bright Lights, Big City, following the misadventures of three Pakistani Musketeers in New York City before and after 9/11 as their lives are transformed by history -- from a party boys in millennial Manhattan to detainees -- along with the city they call home. The Huffington Post just named Home Boy one of the The 10 Best Books of 2009. I recently started reading it, and I'm really enjoying it.
Paper Heart
$19.99
The quirky Sundance Film Festival favorite, starring and written by that lovable comic weirdo Charlyne Yi, follows her search to understand the meaning of true love, and somehow making a romantic connection along the way. Part scripted, part documentary, and part homemade paper puppet show, it's a cute a little movie that genuinely defies description. The DVD includes a "making-of" featurette, live musical performances, deleted scenes and more.