While death metal is typically, in my perspective, not the sexiest or most relaxing genre of music out there, it is definitely the most fun and therapeutic. The hair. The thrashing. The morbidity. The waxing poetic about death and suffering. When my day has gone wrong and I’m mad about life, the best thing is slipping into my worn Slayer cutoff, and jumping up and down on my bed (yes, I’m that tough), chanting the words to “Angel of Death.”

Now the Eagles, that’s a band I like to relax to. So gentle and warm and cuddly. I just want to sit back, let my emotions take over, and drift into sweet reverie. But, alas, the Eagles don’t really give the edge that I need when I’m feeling a bit fierce, but not so fierce that I want to rip into something and scream “Surgery, with no anesthesia, Feel the knife pierce you intensely” (kind of hot, right?), but not so un-fierce that I want to croon “Lighten up while you still can, don’t even try to understand…” — get what I mean?

So, really, what I want is some sort of hybrid. A band that knows how to rock out and thrash around with guitars and great hair and tattoos, but that doesn’t make me want to go cry in a corner over my wasted life. Really, what would be perfect, is something kind of death metallish, but more along the lines of the Eagles. Maybe something like, I don’t know, The Eagles of Death Metal.

Luckily (as if you didn’t know where this was going), that actually is a band, and they’re awesome, and they just released a new album, and they’re on tour, and Babeland has partnered up with them to give away 10 sexy, eagley, babealicious death metal packages. Really!

Be on the watch for cool websites that are holding contests for the next few weeks. To enter, just drop your name, age, and address (so they can get you the goods), and voila!, you’re entered to win. But even if you don’t win, you should totally check out their new album Heart On because it’s  r-o-c-k-i-n-g, in a really rad way. And think of all the fun you can have with that near euphemism.

UPDATE: We found the kitty a good home!

Do you live in the Oakland/San Francisco greater bay area?  Do you love kitties?  If so, have we got the cutest free kitty for you!  This precious kitten was found running in the streets in front of Babeland’s warehouse scared and dirty.  We have given her a bath, filled her belly, socialized her, and have begun combing out her fleas.  Now all she needs is a place to call home with someone who will love her!  Please be willing to coordinate and take care of her spaying and shots.

If you can provide the love and care she needs, please contact customer service at 800.658.9119.  C’mon, you can’t deny that precious face!

It’s still alarming how many people are so passionately in support of Proposition 8.  Between religious encouragement to demonstrate in support of hate and the propaganda which has been spread by the proponent’s campaign, the Yes on 8 vote is only trailing 5 points behind as reported by recent polls.  This is a razor thin difference with the ability to go either way.

Facts

•    Rejecting prop 8 will NOT change school curriculum.

o    Nothing in the proposition mentions education.  California law dictates that no child can be forced against their will or that of their parents to be taught anything about health and family issues in school.  Parents have always had the option to pull their child from these classes, and the passing of Prop 8 will not affect this.

•    Rejecting prop 8 will NOT effect church’s tax exempt status.

o    Prop 8 has nothing to do with churches.  The California court’s decision regarding marriage states, “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

•    Rejecting prop 8 will NOT allow people to be sued over their personal beliefs.

o    California laws clearly prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

•    Rejecting prop 8 means that California voters reject discrimination.

o    Proposition 8 is unequivocally discrimination.  It eliminates the rights for same-sex couples to marry, denying them equal protection.  The passing of this proposition would inscribe such discrimination into our state constitution, taking a step back in history.

•    Rejecting prop 8 means that California voters support equality for all.

Please, take some time out of the coming days and let your voice be heard on this issue.  Phone banking and demonstration are both a great way to get the message out there.  Initially I was concerned with the efficacy of holding a sign on a street corner, but I soon learned that people are unaware, confused or conflicted about this proposition.  We have been approached numerous times with questions about the proposition, and I’m happy to report that many of these people were ready to vote no by the end of their discussions.  One woman who was on the fence even requested a sign to display in her yard.

If you don’t live in California or simply don’t have time, you can also donate to the cause in these critical hours leading up to the election.

You may visit this website to make a secure contribution: https://secure.ga4.org/01/discrimination

Please join Babeland in supporting a NO vote on Proposition 8 in California.

Pictured: Rachel Venning, co-founder, Michelle, advertising/Wholesale manager