I have a love/hate relationship with writing "... for Beginners" or "... Starter CDs" lists. I love being able to help people find new music that they will love, and opening a door to a whole new genre of music. I hate narrowing the lists down, though.

If this was real life and not the internet and you came knocking on my door and said, "Hi! I don't know a darned thing about Arabic music, but I'd like to, so where should I start?" I'd start up the old iPod and jabber on for hours, eventually sending you home with an enormous bag full of CDs and live concert DVDs and you'd wisely never ask me for advice again. Since this is the internet, and brevity is a virtue here, I've just come up with a tidy list of ten -- more convenient for you, I suspect, but sheer agony for me. Have a look: 10 Arabic Music Starter CDs

Image (c) Fairuz Productions, 2010

I just started getting back into yoga, after a break of almost two years (I have an almost-two-year-old; no big coincidence there), and I'm still in need of pretty serious inspiration. Since most of what I'm doing at this point is still basically advanced sitting, standing, and laying down, and even that leaves me sore, it's hard to really get motivated to practice every day. Since I mostly practice alone (I used to be pretty good at this stuff, and I'm not attempting any advanced asanas, so don't worry about me), I get to pick the music, and having some great music to choose from makes all the difference in the world. I compiled this list of excellent modern yoga music, figuring that I might not be the only one who can't stand the goofy MIDI flutes and raindrop noises that are clearly beloved by every yoga teacher I've ever had. And hey, if you're more of an aerobic exerciser, a lot of these albums make for good warm-up and cool-down music, so they're good for you, too. Read more: Contemporary Yoga Music (That Doesn't Suck)

Image (c) White Swan Records, 2008

It's time once again for the annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards, and nominations are open. This year will be the first that the World Music Site will be taking part, though, so let's make it a great one! We've got eight great categories, and we're looking forward to honoring not only artists, but live music venues, radio shows, and even record labels with the tremendous honor of being chosen by you as their favorite. Nominations are open until February 15, and nominees will be announced (and voting will commence) on February 22. Winners will be announced on March 30. What are you waiting for? Go forth and nominate!

Youssou N'Dour has announced that he'll be seeking the office of President of Senegal. As the country's most famous citizen, N'Dour is known both domestically and internationally for his vibrant music, which frequently speaks to social and political issues in Senegal and throughout Africa. He's also a fairly astute businessman, and is the owner of several media companies, including a newspaper and a radio station. Thus far, his candidacy seems to have been received with mixed emotions. Read more, from the Washington Post: World Music Star N'Dour Challenges Aging Leader with Presidency Bid

Some other world music stars have been making headlines in the political sector, as well. Afro-Peruvian songstress Susana Baca, who was only recently appointed as Peru's Minister of Culture, was relieved of her post in a major cabinet shake-up, wherein President Ollanta Humala replaced at least 10 cabinet ministers in what seems to be a reaction to major protests surrounding a large mining project.

In Nigeria, afrobeat musician Seun Anikulapo Kuti (son of Fela) is taking part in major protests over the ending of fuel subsidies, the absence of which brings gasoline prices to nearly the same as those in the United States, but in a country where the average citizen makes $2 a day.

Youssou N'Dour Image (c) Dan Kitwood / Getty Images, 2008