1. Return all your Christmas gifts and buy these.

2. The new iPod Shuffle is out. Kind of neat … I guess. It's yet another cosmetic change while the rest of the world waits patiently for an iPod/Satellite radio combo. Or better yet, the brand new Apple iProduct.

3. Dramarama may have been a New Jersey band, but it's usually only L.A. people who recognize "Anything Anything" when I start humming it. Too bad, 'cause it's one of the most underrated rock songs of all time. I once worked with "Mr. E," and it's beautiful to see them rocking again.

4. If Kevin Federline launches a rap career, it is imperative -- no, make that MANDATORY -- that he cover Fugi's grammatically gangsta classic, "Sity of Fresno." If not, we will accept a collaboration with Timmy T. (via Fresno Famous.)

5. I wouldn't say we're obsessed with the Gary Webb story, but here's the last word on it, an enlightening piece from Esquire. And for your archives, here's his original "Dark Alliance" series for the Mercury News.