Hero 4: Nelson Mandela

Wow. Yesterday was his 92nd birthday and I think the rest speaks for itself. Every year he spends with us is the real blessing.

Hero 3: Anjelica Huston and Beck

You're probably wondering why I have introduced two heroes in this part of the Hero Series. Well, last week Thursday was my birthday, and I share that most awesome anniversary of life with the birth of these two wonderful people: the scene-stealing Anjelica Huston and the incredibly talented Beck.

Ms Huston is just the epitome of the cool a lot of hipsters are trying to copy these days. I saw Choke recently, and as much as I am a huge Sam Rockwell fan, she totally made a mundane movie a very watchable experience. And I love that she is pretty generous with that kohl pencil.

Also, last week I rediscovered my copy of Mellow Gold after hearing "Pay No Mind" and my personal favourite "Whiskeyclone, Hotel City 1997" on repeat at a friend's house. Despite the Scientology allegiance, he's just too cool. And I would love to get my hands on his Record Club albums. Drool.

Imagine the cosmic explosion that would occur if they were a couple (when Anjelica was as young as photo above, of course)!

Hero #2: The Cookie Monster

Last week, I sent this link to my friends - it was probably the greatest thing I have ever seen. I proceeded to watch it over, over and over again. Its pretty addictive. And so the Cookie Monster obsession I had as a little girl reared its head and I Can't. Let.Go. He refers to himself as "the Robert Downey Jnr of cookies" which obviously increased my affection for the blue, googly eyed one. C is for cookies was my anthem. Do read his brilliant Wiki here and of course, here.

Hero #1: Janelle Monae

Hot property right now. The blogosphere has been hyping up this lady for a while and her killer video "Tightrope" , and many cannot seem to forget about her amazing James Brown-esque performance on David Letterman. If you get a chance, read her Wiki - she is clearly a very ambitious lady with her album set out in different suites with all-encompassing back story and forthcoming graphic novel and android in tow. I saw her a year ago in this and was immediately intrigued - a bit of a female Andre 3000. And her too-cool vintage Motown style doesn't hurt in breaking stereotypes about what it takes for a young lady to sell music these days. She even scored a pretty rare top review on Pitchfork. Pure Talent!

Trivia: the Coca-Cola "Open Happiness" track was her first commercial single. Go Figure.