Ephemeron

Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of politics at all. I’m not even registered with a political party, but I will vote in the upcoming election! Therefore, when I make fun of (or disparage) Hillary Clinton, it’s strictly on her personality and/or actions.

Sen. Clinton has insisted that she “hate[s] being a front-runner” in the Democratic Presidential Nomination campaign, and in fact finds it “burdensome.” I call bullshit! She seems perfectly willing to do whatever it takes to get back in front, even if it crosses the line. The Drudge Report (what an asshole!) claims that a Clinton staffer gave them this picture of Obama wearing *gasp* a turban, which was a gift from tribal elders in Kenya. According to NPR, “Obama’s aides accuse the Clinton camp of the most shameful, offensive fearmongering.” Obama said he believed Hillary when she said she had nothing to do with it, but the tribal elders didn’t buy it! They’re demanding an apology from Clinton, saying that if they don’t get one “they’ll impose a fine… payable in livestock; cattle, goats, or camels.”

“Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, is dressed as a Somali Elder by Sheikh Mahmed Hassan, left, during his visit to Wajir, a rural area in northeastern Kenya, near the borders with Somalia and Ethiopia in this file photo from Aug. 27, 2006. The garb was presented to Obama by elders in Wajir. Obama’s estranged late father was Kenyan and Obama visited the country in 2006, attracting thousands of well-wishers.” (AP Photo)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Click to listen:

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The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows from Revolver, 1966.

Popularity: 15% [?]

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Motörhead – Ace of Spades, 1980.

Popularity: 29% [?]

I just finished watching my new DVD set, The Young Ones, that insanely funny show from the early ’80s. One of the great things about that show was that they invited a band to play in every episode. Some of my favorites were Madness, The Damned, and of course, Motörhead! This clip* is from the Episode called “Bambi.” I think it’s the most consistently funny episode. I love the scene (1:22) where Vyvyan crams the bun into his mouth and then flips off the cashier. Completely brilliant!

*Video deleted.

Related:

Motörhead – Ace of Spades

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Easy Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cupcakes
Bake 2 dozen cupcakes using 1 cake mix (any flavor you like). Follow the directions on the box. Allow to cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting
6 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 1/2 – 4 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (I use a fine strainer in place of a sifter)

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, margarine or butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in enough of the remaining powdered sugar to make frosting of spreading consistency. Makes enough to ice 2 dozen cupcakes. Store cupcakes in the refrigerator after icing them.

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I’m always on the lookout for new Photoshop Actions. Flickr user Cocojane is offering her Cold Mute Action for free. All you have to do is email her*. Here’s an example of the Action at work (image is from 6/2006):

* Update 3/1/09: She is no longer responding to e-mail requests and “will provide a download link soon.”

Popularity: 7% [?]

Slayer – Angel of Death from Reign in Blood, 1986.

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I bought some Driscoll’s strawberries at the grocery store yesterday. They were surprisingly sweet and totally delicious. This heart-shaped strawberry delighted Miss Madison this morning. Ah, the little things.

Berry Love

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Since there are now hundreds of easily accessible books in the family room, I thought I’d look for something to read. Unfortunately for me, 99% of those books are of the Sci-Fi or Fantasy genre. This is not a necessarily a bad thing, but does pose some problems if I feel like reading anything other than those two genres. I settled on a book called “Abduction“, by Robin Cook. It reads a lot like a Star Trek (The original series) episode where everyone is beautiful and perfect, and goes around wearing togas. The ending reminded me a whole lot of a Choose Your Own Adventure story. That’s not to say “Abduction” is a bad book, but it did have me rolling my eyes more than a few times.

Why am I mentioning this book? It’s because the Hollow Earth theory features prominently, which is one of the theories involving the mysterious Island in LOST. I know, I know. I’m obsessed. It’s the only show I watch though, so please forgive me. Agartha is the name of the land of a highly advanced society that lives in the Earth’s Core. Shambhala (one of many spellings) is believed to be the capital city of Agartha. The song “Shambala” by Three Dog Night was played during the scene where Hurley and Sawyer were driving around in the old Dharma VW bus on LOST. Anyway, my point is not to get into theories about LOST, but to have an excuse to play the song. Click the link below and enjoy.

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Three Dog Night – Shambala

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Follow up: As a result of the cattle mistreatment caught on tape at a California slaughterhouse, 143 million pounds of ground beef has been recalled. This is further proof that factory farming is not only inhumane, but also puts consumers at risk of being exposed to deadly diseases. I’d say the meat industry needs an overhaul.

Popularity: 1% [?]