Displaying 1,951 To 1,980 Of 2,240 Comments The Authenticated Planet Election News Escritoire Also White will likely TAKE Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, three big population centers. South Texas is heavily Hispanic and not all that thrilled with what AZ did. So that leaves the hill country, west Texas (where Perry is popular, but which is pretty sparsely populated) and the Panhandle. IF the major metropolitan areas go for White, which I think is possible (save Dallas), then why not? White was on NPR locally here in a lengthy interview on how to balance the budget in Texas. He spoke honestly. Perry is nowhere to be seen, and cowardice in this state is a sin worse than being a Democrat. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 11, 2010 @ 8:07 pm No, but I have very well connected friends in the Democratic party here who claim White has a chance – and a good one. He is a great businessman, was a very popular mayor in Houston. He is likely right to what I would like, but hey, it’s a start. All I know is that when Kerry ran against W., there were about 3 signs in my city-within-a-city for Kerry. In 2008, there were MORE McCain signs than Obama, BUT the fact that there were numerous Obama signs AT ALL in this area was good. Now I see many Bill White signs. Don’t know – not an official “poller” – but Perry w/ his talk of secession, and our huge budget deficit surely have some of the moderates/independents (OK, independent of the whacko Repubs) thinking twice. We’ll see. But there’s a chance for the FIRST time in a LONG time. (Molly Ivins and Ms. Ann, help us out gals!) » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 11, 2010 @ 7:59 pm FWIW: There are some who believe the governorship in Texas will swing blue. I see many yard signs for Bill White in an area that is a bastion of RW Republicanism. We even got one today, plus two bumper stickers. If Texas goes, it might mean even bigger changes to come. We aren’t electing Senators – yet – and dislodging the Repubs from their seats there will be hard. But the governor’s race is interesting. We’ll see. Thanks Bito for doing this! » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 11, 2010 @ 4:47 pm Silly (but incredibly sweet) rabbit! The first link ARE some of my kids; I have no Aschiana children, but would in a heartbeat, if I could. I just like people to learn about it. They do good work – I have from the highest sources (my 3 American friends and 1 Afghan American friend living in Afghanistan, as well as our pre-departure orientation camp director, who has personally visited the sites when in Afghanistan). You are always too kind, Bito. Leaving to see my little angel next week – will send you photos and news! » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 9, 2010 @ 10:07 am Questinia: “My” children are the Afghan children who have come to the U.S. under the State Dept. sponsored YES program. They come for one year of high school, then they are to return home. I had seven of nine successfully complete the program – one ran to Canada for asylum, one stayed here illegally and has now gained asylum. I don’t have anything to do with them, although I do understand whay they don’t want to go home etc (who couldn’t?). But we worked on this night and day to try and train future leaders for that war-ravaged country. My seven who completed the program are a TREMENDOUS source of pride to me; to date, four are back here in the U.S. in college. Two more are set to come by December. One more will hopefully be able to come back the following year. He’s the one who wrote about 9/11, and the one who truly, truly is a poet. His dream? To open a school in Afghanistan, for boys AND girls, where critical thought is taught, and where people can learn to think for themselves. Bito and AdLib get many of my emails about the kids – I can’t share much on an internet site for their and their families security. But I’m always happy if anyone contacts me via AdLib to share in emails. I think your story was absolutely touching and honest and beautiful. It’s what I want to share with them – that which is real. They’ve never met ANYONE who was there. Lawrence Wright, who just had the HBO documentary about meeting al-Qaeda, met with this boy and two of my others in 2009. He showed them the amount of research that went into writing The Looming Towers. They were over the moon excited. I bought them all a copy of the book, and Lawrence autographed them. But I did not want them to take it back with them – due to danger. As they are teens, they did not listen. I did not let my poet boy take his copy, so he has not read it. It will explain 9/11 far better than I could, and he will read it next year when he returns, Inshallah. Thank you for your story. I thank you also for the chance to share it with my kids still ‘over there’. The ones here I will have come to the Planet. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 9, 2010 @ 10:05 am Questinia: Now THAT is a fitting and loving tribute to 9/11. Screw the haters. Love speaks ever so more powerfully. I want to copy it and send it to my boy in Herat. He wrote yesterday, because he had “heard” all sorts of things about 9/11 (usually that the Jews did it, or that it was staged by Americans so that we could invade Muslim countries – not the first time I have been asked what I think about these theories). This boy is a poet at heart, and I think will really, really appreciate your writing. OK w/ you and AdLib if I copy and send?? I don’t want them on blogs – too iffy for their security if they are in a cafe. But I would like him to read this – my others, too. Thanks for reposting! I missed first time around. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 9, 2010 @ 4:55 am hey y’all! I’ve ALREADY heard from some of my kids – they simply CANNOT believe this is happening, and asked what ‘we’ (I believe that is a collective and not just the Blov and I) will do about this. News travels fast. My theory is that – even without any more coverage from MSM – the damage is done. Some hardliner somewhere will film it and voila, it appears on the internet and our reputation is toast. All I can hope for is that as soon as they start, they are arrested for burning w/o a permit and thrown in the slammer. And that people of faith everywhere stand shoulder to shoulder and boo him off his grand stand…. Right or wrong, Muslims become incensed when a cartoon depicts the Prophet, or when there is even a rumor about the Qur’an being desecrated at Gitmo. This is a bone-headed idea to gain fame by a narcissist and nothing more, but the repercussions will be mighty and fierce. Right or wrong, as I said. Gotta go – lots to do before my vacation. Love to all. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 8, 2010 @ 5:59 pm Friday Music Thread – Guitar Heroes Ah, Bito! Our musical paths converge again…. So many videos, so little time…..I have a feeling this will take me all weekend, but kudos on good taste to EVERYONE! » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 3, 2010 @ 4:11 pm OK, folks. One drunken night in Telluride, I proclaimed myself the “President of the Sonny Landreth INTERNATIONAL fan club”. Here’s a little something with someone else you might recognize – Eric Clapton who said “Sonny Landreth is probably the most underestimated musician on the planet”. Alpha Bitch says: He is also one of the most humble, nice people on the planet. He also at one time played in a mythical band, the Traiteurs (meaning “healer” in Cajun). They never toured, never did interviews, never allowed photo shoots and never got paid – always played for benefits. Enjoy, and hopefully you will find a new “star”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A125h-WwmLY&feature=related
» Posted By AlphaBitch On September 3, 2010 @ 3:28 pm Arizona Politics – A history of crazy Was once at a dancehall in Texas with a friend who was a “starter” (meaning good at starting trouble). Some dancehall queen slammed into her chair (which WAS pushed out from the table a bit), looked down and sneered at my friend “I’m SORRY!” Annie looked back at her and replied “You’re sorry? No you’re not – YOU’RE ugly and I’M sorry I have to look at you, bitch!” Needless to say, it did not end well. But I remember it from 30 years earlier…….. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 3, 2010 @ 4:26 am Thanks for explaiing and detailing the wacka-doodle from your state, Javaz! Brewer shows me how “appealing” Ms. Palin will be in another 40 years. When you lose your looks, you’re just plain old stupid. As my dear departed daddy used to say: Stupid is not something to be proud of, son. (This was said to some of my boyfriends – and with cause, I now admit!) » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 2, 2010 @ 7:45 pm Why Republicans Will Lose By Winning I second Boomer and kesmarn and Bito and the rest – Welcome to the Planet! I’m a “sometimes here” type of person, but I can tell you – you make real connections here. It’s the Planet I prefer at times…. » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 7, 2010 @ 9:30 am boomer – great tagline: You don’t even need a Passport. It’s YOUR Planet. Love it! » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 1, 2010 @ 3:52 pm So…..CL, who’s going to inform Palin and Beck that they misunderstand/stood??? Not me! I’m not trying for sainthood THAT hard! Sounds like a job for a ….oh, I dunno…..communications director to me. AdLib? What say you? BTW: JUST heard the cutest new song from my dear friend – It’s God talking to Adam and Eve (when He’s not channeling via AdLib, I guess it’s little Timmy O’Brien He uses). It’s called “You ate the APPLE??” No video, but we’ll try and do a wav file for you to hear it – absolutely hysterical. My favorite lines: When you have your own kids, you can make up your own rules. There is also a little wisdom, where God says “The apple was poisoned; it made you lose your mind. When you pass judgment, you leave Paradise behind. You see good and evil, everywhere there’s right and wrong. Now you’re not satisfied, and you cannot get along! You ate the apple?! I told you not to eat the apple…How many times did I tell you?” » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 1, 2010 @ 3:48 pm Perfectly put, Boomer! BOOM! I’m saving your response as the perfect rebuttal. Thank you for your kind and gentle leadership in this matter. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 31, 2010 @ 7:18 pm Dear God: My favorite biblical verse (albeit from what I have learned is PC to call “The Hebrew Testament”, as “Old Testament” is thought to imply ‘old, wornout, in need for improvement’) is Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?” My question to you, dearest God, is what part of this verse resonates with Mr. Beck or Ms. Palin? You know, what prompts them to do their “good God” deeds? Or are they strictly New Testamenters??? I admit, I have difficulty reading the Hebrew Bible; I usually fall asleep around the 7th begat. But there are nuggets of wisdom in there. I just wanted to go on record with one of my favorite verses. Please ask Peter to keep it on file for when I cross over. Very truly Yours, Alpha Bitch PS How about that Psalm 137, where You state “O daughter of Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall be he who requites you with what you have done to us! Happy shall be he who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!” Didn’t WE kind of “do” something bad to the daughters of Babylon? Are you saying we should be happy as we dash their infants against the rocks? I’m a little confused. Is this the only part of the Hebrew Bible that Glenn and Sarah agree with? Please explain. Your humble servant, but not sure I want to bash babies against rocks, no matter what has been done to me, because your son Jesus asked me to turn that other cheek. AB » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 31, 2010 @ 6:49 pm Mid-Atlantic Trip Part 6: The Southern Capital Khirad! “Not looking forward to the drive through Texas” which I hope is in reference to the 880+ miles you have to drive, and not the cool things you can/could see! IF you make this trip – contact AdLib and get my email. I will meet you in W. Texas and we can look at cemetaries in Terlingua and Balmorhea/Toyahville. Haunting are the thousands of white stones at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Also, the San Fernando cemetary. Come around 11/1 of any year and watch the HUGE Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Given your knowledge of Iran, and all my contacts w/ Afghans and Iranians -we should meet up if you are interested. Just let me know where/when. Maybe you could do a whole book of photos of overlooked cemetaries? Is there such a book now? Hope to see you, even if it IS Texas…. AB » Posted By AlphaBitch On September 5, 2010 @ 6:16 am Shaddup already, you big goof! You know how I feel about you, too! The Blovicator is a little jealous, although I have promised him we are strictly “Planetonic” friends. I feel the same way about so many here – guys and dolls, as it were. Again, it is a nice respite when I am tired. but now the pillow is softly calling my name, and tomorrow is a full day, making a collage w/ my 6 year old precious one for her first homework assignment. The family has a hard time understanding what is needed, PLUS they have no magazines (an expense they cannot afford). So I’m going armed with catalogs and magazines, and together we will build something beautiful. Maybe you will also get that photo in email! » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 30, 2010 @ 7:49 pm Thanks, kesmarn. I get just as frustrated and angry as anyone here, but I keep my shoulder to the wheel and just try and find some meaning. Today was challenging, tiring, frustrating, exhilarating, fun, restorative. It was, in short, life. I think if I get down by what I see with Beck or the bumper stickers and yard signs in my neighborhood, I LET the bastards win. THAT I won’t do. Although I have looked into emigrating to Canada – I must admit it is appealing. But I dig in my heels and hold out hope that good and logic will prevail, that truth will triumph over lies, that love wins over hatred. And in my own little world, it does. For now, that is good enough. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 30, 2010 @ 7:29 pm My family from long ago came from VA – one great something grandfather was a Capt. in the Confederacy. They bought land and settled in Texas. In its own twist of irony, my family’s story had them deeding over an acre of land so that former slaves could build a church. Where the land is located is called Church Lane, and for years that sweet little church stood abandoned. I used to walk through it, looking at the hymnals left open, and I still have a couple of the funeral parlor fans that were left on the seats when the congregation faded. The ashes of both my mother and father are scattered there, as mine will be. My mom’s family had the tradition of the oldest male of each generation becoming a Lutheran minister, until my grandpa. My father hated all church matters, but would tell me about riding his bicycle and going to sit on the steps of that little church when he was a little boy. He simply loved the music, and worship on Saturdays brought him much joy, just listening to the music. I have kept the love of music going as well, for I am his daughter. Many conflicted stories, but it’s the layers that give us the flavor as Americans. (I like this concept better than the tacky flag tee shirts from Wal-Mart). Today I introduced an Iraqi refugee who is a CNA to my Afghan family. They seemed to hit it off well, despite the dreaded Shi’a Sunni “divide”. They are now Americans, and I expect them to understand that we are welcoming to those different than us, for it is that difference which brings the layers and the flavors. Again, I loved, loved, loved your photo journey. Thanks a million, Khirad! » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 30, 2010 @ 6:49 pm Khirad – thanks again. I enjoy your photo-essays of your trips, along with your perspectives. Someday, if you would like, I can take you to some amazing cemetaries in Texas – one (in Terlingua) showed how many people died trying to mine mercury (if I remember correctly – no coffee, so also be forewarned). Many were children. How they are set, how they are decorated, is also very cool, although the reason behind so many young deaths is tragic. I come from a family that owned slaves. Talk about shame…….but that was then, this is now, and I spend my life and time and money trying to help defend those who need an advocate. I also own a VERY cool 24K gold ring (family heirloom), dated and inscribed from 1865. I no longer wear it, in fear I will lose it; but it haunts me. Thanks, Khirad, for sharing. You are a great photographer! PS The LA cemetaries are also way cool……… » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 29, 2010 @ 6:35 am TAKE ACTION: Help Write a Speech For Pres. Obama How delicious – how golden-ey delicious, AdLib! » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 25, 2010 @ 6:05 pm Hi Bito! No, my girls did not write “my” speech, but they DO inspire it. Although they are capable of writing much better than me…. And reading what kesmarn wrote about there not being a drive for revolution when you are at rock bottom is EXACTLY what I kept trying to say about Afghanistan – now that they have “seen the future, and it could be us” with cell phones, computers, movies, tv shows on the computer, music, etc, they may be more ripe to make the needed changes than they were when the Taliban controlled everything. At least, that is my hope. Waiting to hear the results of the visa application for my little writer on that site – will let you know when we hear something. Cross everything you can and send good thoughts…….. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 25, 2010 @ 6:47 am hey guys – only a minute to weigh in, but my thought is “There is nothing fair and balanced about lying about people or misrepresenting situations. There are laws for slander and libel that should protect us from such actions. Unfortunately, we allow certain people and certain media outlets to say what can only kindly be referred to as untruths. But many of us know they are lies. Perhaps someday – sooner rather than later – those who knowingly lie and distort reality will be held accountable for their actions. That’s a Citizens United that I would like to see. Some of these lies seek to make us afraid – afraid the government is out to hurt you, afraid some people who look differently than you or who worship differently than you are out to hurt you, afraid that you need to take your country ‘back’. (VOICE AMP UP) I say: Take your country forward into a brighter future, where we are not seen as waging war against another country because of where they are located, what resources they might have that we might need, or because they are simply different than us. I want to see Christian churches and Christian leaders – be they Protestant, Evangelical or Catholic – send in money to help build the Islamic Cultural Center. I want to see Rabbis and synagogues do the same. I want schools to help raise money to help build the center. How will that play overseas, by those who want to lie about us from places that wish to harm us, when we stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, with those who are different than us? We are a nation of immigrants, and together we can and shall work to make the United States an even brighter light of hope for the world. We are truly at a turning point in this country. We can choose love, compassion and understanding; or we can choose fear and hatred and stupidity. The two paths cannot reside in your heart at the same time. I believe, as Americans, we can choose wisely. God Bless America, and God Bless the World.” That’s what I would say. AND that I am ordering the FCC to revoke the license of Fox News for its blatant political overtones and malicious manners. An EXECUTIVE order………. Out for the evening. Have fun – I’ll read tomorrow. Good work all. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 24, 2010 @ 5:05 pm A Common Sense Case for Prop 19 And this one gets to me….(sorry for being so OT -but Friday night music is not an option for me this week) Mea culpa. Souvenirs – with Steve Goodman. first time I saw Prine was in Seattle, where Stevie lay dying at the Hutchinson Center. I was disappointed in the show – I had heard/expected so much more. Woke to the news that Steve had “gone clear” and realized that John must have been singing with a huge lump in his throat and a broken heart. I cried that whole day.
» Posted By AlphaBitch On August 19, 2010 @ 1:34 pm Yep, he’s one of my heros, that’s for sure. He’s a tough cookie and I wish him well. I love his stories, love the audience reaction to him. A king to be sure. Love your choice of music! » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 19, 2010 @ 1:26 pm “She was a level headed dancer, on the road to alcohol……” First JP song I ever heard? The Accident! Gosh – I was SO offended at the guy covering it….until I learned true Prine. And one of the BEST things about John – ANYONE can sing along with him and sound fine. Just listen to the sing-alongers……. Is this after his throat cancer? My favorite “stage story” is how he just left his Christmas tree up all year, adding a new string of lights each time a string burned out. Love you Johnny P. You too, Bito. I think we share the same music sensibilities. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 19, 2010 @ 12:01 pm Bito!!!! John Prine is my FAVORITE! I actually met him via friends at a festival in CA in 1992. Stayed in a room at a lodge right noext door. Nice guy, funny as sheet. The Blov and I named our Pacific Seacraft Orion sailboat “Missing Years” after this song and our dinghy “Jesus”. LOVE Prine more than almost anyone. LLJP. » Posted By AlphaBitch On August 19, 2010 @ 3:18 am Polka resurgence? Really? What cha shooting for, Hit-Man? 200 people showing up?????
» Posted By AlphaBitch On August 18, 2010 @ 4:24 pm Friday Music Thread – Why So Serious? Glad you guys got it. Damn commies nazis and socialists. We all know it’s MY world! sorry I bugged off – shopping for one of my returning students, coming for her first year of college in Las Vegas NEW MEXICO!!!! Go figure. Ah well, I get to go to Santa Fe and Pagosa Springs in September. Bito – she’s the one who writes so much on the Women’s Writing Project you had checked out. Must go – can’t do VP. NEVER get to take part – but I always read the leftovers the next day. Leaving you all with another Timmy O’Brien – and I mean this! Get out there and DANCE!
» Posted By AlphaBitch On August 13, 2010 @ 6:40 pmComments Posted By AlphaBitch
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