HoopGurlz

HoopGurlz


Meighan Simmons

Amber Henson skies to the basket.

ROCK HILL, S.C. – This second in a two part tip sheet series focuses on the underclass players at the first annual adidas Super South Showcase. Tall athletic forwards and crafty ball handlers filled the courts for the youngsters in the event, many of which played up with U17 teams.

Nia Evans, Wallace Prather Celtics Black (Decatur, Ga.), is a big strong and physical player who plays with the aggressiveness of a much older player. She is comfortable in the paint with her back to the basket and showed off good footwork on a nice shot fake, step-through move. Evans needs to get comfortable finishing with her left and at around 6-feet she is probably a wing in college.

Yasmin Fuller, Baden Elite (Kennedy HS, Wash.), is a fantastic young point guard who featured some nice three-point shooting early in the tournament. Consistency from long distance faded on Sunday when legs were tired but that did not stop her pin-point passing on the break leading to numerous transition buckets. Sunday the 5-9 guard looked like a pure point guard.

Bria Hartley, Exodus NYC (North Babylon HS, N.Y.), would be my selection for the MVP of the championship game (17U). Her poise and command of the game as the primary ball handler and ability to create off the dribble were extremely impressive and more remarkable was the clutch timing of her best performance. She played well earlier in the tournament but the final game was definitely a statement game for the 5-9 guard.

Bria Hartley ducks under Brittany Henderson
for a scoop shot.

Centrese McGee, Chicago Hoops Express I (Washington HS, Ill.), got to the basket off the bounce all weekend with relative ease. The 5-8 scorer’s right-handed hesitation move is dynamic and explosive. Even after showing it to defenders she was still able to get by them. Her body control is what makes her even more impressive and allows her to finish in traffic and vary her change of pace moves so well.

Michala Johnson, Full Package Platinum (Montini Catholic, Ill.), had a good weekend and impressed most with her strong finishes at the basket. At 6-3 she has a great burst when she attacks defenders. She showed some ability to face up and attack as well as great pivot moves.

Cassie Rochel, Minnesota Stars-Hested (Lakeville North HS, Minn.), was one of the true centers in the event. She is listed at 6-5 but she seemed to be the same height as her 6-3 teammate, Kate Thompson. Regardless she scored well inside against smaller players and got to the free-throw line consistently against like-sized defenders. She needs to get stronger to finish better with contact but her footwork and height are very promising.

Kelia Shelton, SC Lady 76ers Navy (Northwestern HS, S.C.), did a great job with dribble penetration from the wing. She does a tremendous job of setting up the defender. She utilizes a strong jab-step, ball sweep and even a deceptive rocker step. Shelton reads the defender and then attacks her hips. The only knock on her game would be that she played a little too unselfish. When she penetrated she often deferred to teammates when she had created a scoring opportunity for herself.
Meighan Simmons, Team Xpress Black (Steele HS, Texas), had a terrific tournament but found the iron unkind in the championship game against Exodus. She is an aggressive guard who doesn’t back down from ball pressure. The 5-8 scorer shot the ball well from the perimeter and showed great bounce in elevating to the rim on dribble penetration. She is also a fantastic finisher on the break and a hard-nosed defender.

Kendra Lynn Suttles Oklahoma Select 91 (Lawton HS, Okla.), played bigger than her listed 6-1. Her post skills are solid. Suttles uses her body and shoulders to protect the ball when working in the paint and she also has the some versatility to her interior scoring. She uses both sides of the basket, scores on drop-steps but also showed she can wrap underneath for a reverse layup when the help comes crashing down.

Meghin Williams, FBC White (Summit HS, Calif.), has all the tools to become a solid forward in college. She has the mobility and agility to play with more athletic forwards and the 6-4 Williams can run the floor herself. Her movement is very fluid even in the half-court. Williams did a great job of blocking shots without fouling because she doesn’t swing or swat at the ball, even when it would be easy to do so against a shorter player.

Krystal Forthan , Baden Elite (Grant HS, Ore.), continued showing that she may be the most versatile athlete in the class. At 6-4, Forthan possesses incredible length and the ability to attack the basket. She is successful on her athleticism alone right now and with skill development she could be scary good. Her position isn’t clear but her natural gifts make her a player that must be on the floor regardless. She is in her element snatching a rebound off the rim, finding a guard and sprinting out on the break. In transition she seems impossible to defend.

Cassie Rochel tries to get past two defenders.

Amber Henson, Texas MP Elite (Round Rock HS, Texas), was another incredible youngster. At 6-3 she has a strong build and great leaping ability which she utilizes to be a very good rebounder. Offensively she has a mid-range game and even a little fall-away turn-around jumper in the post. Her shot blocking timing was also impressive.

Angela Rodriguez, Full Package Platinum (Oak Creek HS, Wis.), is a 5-8 scoring guard who played well all weekend. She is comfortable around the basket. Rodriguez scored on a plethora of creative drives to the basket where she attacked and finished strong. When defenses began collapsing she really impressed with her vision and passing. She made nice interior passes in traffic and got her teammates easy buckets.

Chloe Wells, FBC Blue (A.B. Miller HS, Calif.), stood out as a very promising young point guard. The 5-7 Wells showed great change-of-pace with the ball and poise. Because she changes her speeds so effectively she was never out of control which allows her to scan the floor and find open teammates. She also finished well on the break herself. Though I wasn’t there, she hit a clutch three to send a game to overtime to get them to the big showdown with Exodus.

100th Anniversary of Mother's Day, Celebrated in Its Hometown

100th Anniversary of Mother's Day, Celebrated in Its Hometown

Did you realize that Mother's Day was started by a Philadelphia woman, Anna Jarvis, exactly 100 years ago? She did it to commemorate her own mother's life.

And on Friday, May 9th, Philadelphia will have a "City of Motherly Love" celebration, with a concert and lunchtime festivities at the eagle (right), that famous statue in the main concourse of the Macy's department store in center city.

There is a historical marker recognizing Mother's Day at Market and Juniper Streets (above), in the shadow of City Hall. Wanamaker's department store, built right across the street and now occupied by Macy's, was the site of the first Mother's Day celebration, and Philadelphia merchant John Wanamaker helped Jarvis get Mother's Day declared a legal holiday by Congress.

The hourlong event at Macy's begins with a tribute to Jarvis on the Wanamaker pipe organ. The Tasty Baking Company will serve a giant cake with a special Mother’s Day message.

The City of Philadelphia will present an official proclamation honoring the country's 82 million moms.

Also on May 9th, a giant bouquet of white carnations and roses will be placed at the gravesites of Anna Jarvis and her mother at Philadelphia’s historic West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Jarvis’ mother passed away on May 9, 1905, at the age of 72, and Anna died in 1948.

And that's Positively Philadelphia!

Huge Solar Energy Farm to Be Built at Navy Yard in South Philadelphia

Huge Solar Energy Farm to Be Built at Navy Yard in South Philadelphia

The sun poked its head out at noontime -- right on cue -- at Philadelphia City Hall, as city officials unveiled a huge solar power project for the former Navy Yard in South Philadelphia.

On Dilworth Plaza, on the west side of City Hall, Mayor Nutter announced the huge Navy Yard project. A German-based company called Epuron will be building a solar installation on six to eight acres of land at the Navy Yard.

Arndt Lutz is Epuron's managing director:

"It's basically harvesting energy from the sun. It's a large field covered with solar panels that generate electricity. Excelon is purchasing the energy."

Epuron is already building a similar, larger solar farm in Fairless Hills (Lower Bucks County), Pa. The Navy Yard installation will generate enough electricity to power about 200 homes, with completion expected by year's end.

Obama Looks to put controversial pastor behind him

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, speaks during a town hall-style meeting in Winston-Salem, N.C., Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Barack Obama is looking to get his campaign back on track today after making a strong effort to distance himself from his controversial former pastor.

An angry Obama told reporters yesterday he was "outraged" by what he called a "performance" by Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club in Washington on Monday and added that he was "saddened by the spectacle."

Wright used the forum to reiterate some of his charges against the U.S. government, including his suggestion that the government invented the AIDS virus to destroy "people of color."

Obama calls the comments "divisive and destructive" and says "they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate."

The Illinois senator will hold a major rally tonight at Indiana University six days before crucial Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina.

Thirteen hours after his former pastor startled some with a defiant performance that was televised nationwide, Obama urged 18,000 supporters to stay calm and shrug off such "distractions."

By the next afternoon, however, his tone was dramatically different.

The Illinois senator summoned reporters Tuesday to say he was outraged by the Rev. Wright's "divisive and destructive" remarks, scrambling to contain the flare-up in a controversy that has dogged him since clips of some of Wright's most objectionable remarks began circulating on TV and the Internet.

Obama said he belatedly condemned Wright's remarks because he did not see a transcript or video of Monday's appearance until the next day.

Doubtless, too, campaign aides were inundated with calls and messages Tuesday urging a stronger reaction.

But Obama's struggle to find the right tone - six weeks ago he said he couldn't disown the pastor he's known for 20 years - also reflects a striking difference in how Democratic voters view the controversy and its proper handling, a point made clear in interviews in North Carolina this week, ahead of the May 6 primary.

Black voters, in particular, urge Obama to rise above campaign attacks and dustups, saying he is not responsible for what Wright says. Many white voters say they were deeply troubled and baffled by Obama's association with Wright, even before the preacher reiterated some of his most incendiary comments on Monday.

At the heart of this divide is a fundamental disagreement about Obama's strengths and weaknesses in his battle against Hillary Rodham Clinton for the party's presidential nomination.

"I'm not so concerned" about Wright's comments, said Aliki Martin, of Bahama. A compliance officer at Duke University Medical Center, she was among 18,000 people who awaited Obama's arrival late Monday night at the University of North Carolina's basketball arena in Chapel Hill.

"I hope he keeps things positive," she said.

Obama seemed to follow that advice in his 45-minute speech. "I know we're being goaded into stuff," he said, referring vaguely to disputes with Clinton and her supporters. "Don't get distracted," he told the crowd.

He gently mocked his critics: "They say, 'We don't know enough about him. He doesn't always wear a flag pin. His pastor once said something. He's got a funny name, sounds Muslim.'"

By Tuesday afternoon in Winston-Salem, Obama wasn't laughing it off any more.

Wright's comments - including the suggestion that the U.S. government invented the AIDS virus to destroy "people of color" - "end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate," Obama told reporters, "and I believe that they do not portray accurately the perspective of the black church."

It was the kind of comment Tom Lipsky, a record company owner in Raleigh, expected to hear earlier.

"It bothers me that he would take his two daughters" to a church headed by "a man who says those kinds of things," said Lipsky, who is white, as he waited to see Clinton Tuesday morning at North Carolina State University. Lipsky, 53, said he's a committed Democrat, but is not sure he could vote for Obama if he becomes the nominee.

John Overton, of Chapel Hill, also attending the Clinton event, had similar misgivings. "I'm afraid of his radical connections," which include Wright, the 39-year-old software developer said.

"I was the only white person" for about a year at a black church in Beaufort, Overton said. "I never heard anybody talk like that."

In interview after interview, black and white Democrats seemed to talk past each other on the issue of religion and campaigns, even though all said they deeply dislike President Bush and want a change in Washington.

"Obama is not responsible for what his preacher says," said Copeland Richard, of Knightdale, who attended the Chapel Hill rally. "As far as I'm concerned, he doesn't have to answer that," said Richard, 66, who is black. "He's above that, he's dignified."

The differences dismay many North Carolina Democratic officials, who saw the excitement over the Obama-Clinton contest as virtually unprecedented, possibly leading to huge gains for the party in November.

"I see a permanent fissure developing now" between black and white Democrats, said state Rep. Dan Blue, of Raleigh, who was North Carolina's first black House speaker.

With the Wright controversy hot again, and former President Clinton recently saying Obama's campaign "played the race card" against him, Blue said a great opportunity may turn to tragedy.

"I don't know how you repair it," he said in an interview Tuesday.

Growing The Green Route Urban Environmental Summit And Expo, April 25 & 26, 2008

Growing The Green Route Urban Environmental Summit And Expo, April 25 & 26, 2008

About Project RISE. The American Cities Foundation was founded on a simple premise: our future as a country is fundamentally linked to the vitality of our urban communities.

Since 1992, we have been advocating for and developing a national strategy to revitalize our cities and improve the quality of life for children, youth and families who live in them. Founded by U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah as an outgrowth of the American Cities Conference held in Philadelphia in 1991, we share his vision for a national urban agenda that prioritizes the revitalization of America’s cities through a variety of innovative, multifaceted solutions.

Often these solutions lie in new region-wide collaborations to drive systemic change. Sometimes, they are found in changing the behavior and attitudes at the grassroots level. No matter the source or mechanism, ACF seeks to uncover and advance these ideas nationally. ACF serves both as a center of policy analysis and as the organizational midwife of community initiatives:

No community can thrive without a healthy economy, a growing job base, and the means to prepare and connect its residents to available opportunities. Recognizing this, ACF works to create sustainable living economies in our cities by stimulating and supporting entrepreneurial endeavors and job creation.

ACF has implemented several projects in Philadelphia that use innovative strategies which can be easily replicated in other cities. Currently, ACF’s efforts to promote economic development focus on these areas:

• Small Business Development: Creating an environment for community-generated businesses to take root and be sustained in our community

  Project RISE (Reaching and Impacting Small Entrepreneurs), in partnership with the Small Business Administration, is a new ACF initiative in West Philadelphia that will provide existing and prospective business owners with intensive business education, services and technical assistance to help with business creation and retention.

  This initiative concentrates specifically on neighborhoods in West Philadelphia (zip codes 19131, 19139, sections of 19143, and 19151) and targets low- and moderate-income individuals from specific population, including ex-offenders, youth, and those in transition-to-work programs. The program not only encourages this neglected populations to learn about how businesses are formed and successfully operated, but also offers start-up and existing business owners basic business education and technical assistance, with the goal of improving their chances of starting and maintaining a stable, income-generating business.

  For more information about this new small business initiative and how you can participate in it, please contact Bernadine T. Hawes, Director, at (215) 476-8091.

About Project N.E.A.T. A popular misconception is that those who live in inner-city, under-served communities have little interest in environmental issues. At ACF, we emphatically disagree. People everywhere share a stake and interest in improving the environment around them; the problem is that residents of urban communities do not often feel connected, empowered or informed enough to take on an active role as stewards of their environment.

Protecting the environment and reversing the legacy of environmental racism in our cities is a major focus of ACF. To address this, we promote sustained environmental activism at the neighborhood level that supports sound environmental stewardship within our communities. One example is Project NEAT (Neighborhood Environmental Action Teams), an environmental education demonstration project that engages and informs residents in targeted Philadelphia neighborhoods around an issue of particular importance to urban communities—stormwater runoff.

Even a light rainstorm can produce two inches of rain over a 24-hour period. While this may not sound significant, consider this: even two inches of rain falling on the roof of a small rowhouse can send over 600 gallons of water down the drain spouts. Combine this vast volume with the runoff from other surfaces that dominate urban communities—like sidewalks, driveways and streets—and the problem gets even bigger.

The biggest problem is that this water picks up and carries trash, oil, animal waste, and other pollution into the public sewers. During a typical major storm event overflows happen which result in the water going into the tributaries and rivers directly having an impact on our drinking water filtration system.

Project NEAT provides community leaders with the tools and information they need to begin to impact this important issue in their communities. We offer a series of innovative educational programs designed to reduce the pollution of stormwater by encouraging urban greening, neighborhood clean-ups, and changes in behavior to reduce litter.

From Left to Right: At the American Cites Green Route Urban Environmental Summit -Van Stone, WVSR-AM, Founder, Earl Harvey, The Black Professional News, Editor & Publisher, Kirk Lewis, visitor from the Islands, James Sullivan, James Sullivan Research Center, President/CEO

Center Councilwoman-At-Large, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Leadership Staff from both Project RISE and Project N.E.A.T.

The High School of the Future, West Philadelphia

R to L: Van Stone, WVSR-AM, Founder, Dennis Lee, Director of Project N.E.A.T., affair attendee, Bernadine Hawes, Director of Project RISE, and affair attendee

HoopGurlz

HoopGurlz


Brianna Sanders

Princeton High School (Cincinnati, Ohio) star Brianna Sanders is coming off a torn left anterior cruciate ligament just a year ago. With her strength back she is hitting the court and has also figured out where she wants to play her college basketball. This week Sanders verbally committed to Ohio State and head coach Jim Foster.

Sanders chose the Buckeyes over Pittsburgh. Both schools began recruiting her early with Ohio State taking interest her freshman year and Pittsburgh coming into the picture her sophomore year.

“From the first moment I stepped on campus (Ohio State) felt like home,” Sanders said. “And the team is like a big ole family. It was a nice atmosphere.”

She knows a couple of current players; Lesselee Mason-Cox (though she is transferring out) was a high school teammate and fab-freshman Jantel Lavendar she has seen in her home state. Lavendar was named Big Ten Player of the Year as well as Big Ten Freshman of the Year this season. Sanders also played with incoming freshman point guard Samantha Prahalis at the adidas Top Ten All-America Camp. Prahalis was ranked as the No. 30 ranked player in the 2008 class by HoopGurlz.com and was perhaps the most entertaining player to watch in the country.

Briana Sanders.

Sanders says she’s a player that works hard all the time and the 5-foot-11 guard should see time at both the two and the three for the Buckeyes. In high school she plays all three perimeter positions. Her biggest area for improvement is being more aggressive defensively to take advantage of her physical tools.

At the conclusion of her sophomore year Sanders was poised to have a solid club season with one of the best club teams in the country last year, Cincinnati’s Finest. In the first game of the spring evaluation period she tore her left ACL. She had surgery April 12, 2007 and started rehab the next day.

”I’m probably about 95-percent right now but I don’t think about it anymore,” Sanders said.

The injury didn’t dissuade any of Sanders’ schools of interest as an ACL injury has become almost common and the surgeries have become so proficient.

“Most of them stayed with me,” Sanders said of the schools recruiting her. “Most of the college coaches had players that were going through it and it’s not like it was back in the day.”

Sanders would recover and rejoin her high school team this season for the second half of their schedule. She has been playing with a brace and looks forward to an upcoming doctor’s appointment to reassess her knee’s strength and to determine if she can play without it.

As a barometer of Sanders’ ability before the injury, she was invited to participate in the USA Basketball Youth Developmental Festival in June 2007, but was not able to play. The USA YDF is one of the top honors for high school players and is as exclusive as any of the All-American teams out there.

In playing just half of her junior season she was still a second team All-League selection at Princeton and also an honorable mention for All-City honors. Sanders will be in Memphis, Tenn., for a tournament this weekend before heading to the All-Ohio Memorial Classic in May which has become one of the top events of the club season.

My Story About The MC by Joel Perlish, Photographer Reporter at Phila. Front Page News

My Story About The MC by Joel Perlish, Photographer Reporter at Phila. Front Page News

In advance of a likely 15,000+ mile motorcycle trip this summer I took my big blue 1100 Honda Shadow Spirit over for inspection a few weeks ago and made the mistake of walking through the showroom... got smacked in the face with a red Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Nomad.... stood there drooling a bit actually and kind of slack-jawed...
so the next day, went on a test ride of the bike...
sighhhh.... as I said to the friendly shop folks - with a dreamy somewhat far-away look in my eye, and with nice smooth inflection - and an ever so slight twinkle in my eye: ohhhhh..... I feel like having a cigarette...... mmmmm.....
it was quite a great fit and feel!! for the first block or two, feeling all that massive power beneath me and nudging me along, I had a grand uncontrollable big broad smile beneath the helmet - mixed with a couple happy tears splashing down my cheek...... rode about 6 miles and couldn't really open it up, but man, sure could feel the wonder and potential of that great motorcycle.... a bit better than the shadow for the long trip type of riding i do...

so the next day i went out and bought it. traded in my "little" 650 Suzuki savage, which was emotionally kinda tough, but necessary... the savage was sure a great 're-starter' bike. i rode back in the early '70's, for a few years, and then not until 2002 again when I got the Suzuki. so it was tough parting with it....
if the gas prices don't get above $7 or so a gallon this summer, I'll make the trip as outlined below except that I'll also dip into Florida and Baja Mexico. if anyone would like a taste of being on the road he or she could take a trip over to joelperlish@aol.com and see the journal notes from various other bicycle or motorcycle trips from around the country (be sure not to miss the link for the 'the best and worst of 500 touring days...

here's the planned trip, but you need to extend it into Florida and Baja,Mexico... i may scratch it if the gas prices keep spiriling.... like a four corners of the continent trip of sorts... best, Joel

Blackwell's stamp act meets resistance by Jeff Shields

Blackwell's stamp act meets resistance

by Jeff Shields

Vanessa Brown, winner of Democratic Primary election challenge for State Rep. 190th District, House of Representatives serving Philadelphia constituents -West/Southwest/North. Brown defeated State Rep. Tommy Blackwell approx. 11,539 votes to 1,012 votes.

Inquirer-Philadelphia, PA -If the scene at the Salvation Army center in West Philadelphia on primary election day was representative of State Rep. Thomas W. Blackwell's write-in campaign for reelection, it's no wonder victorious Vanessa Brown out-polled him by more than 11 to 1.

Blackwell had hoped to repeat a nearly successful 2006 write-in effort by candidate Emilio Vazquez in the 179th District. Vazquez, like Blackwell, had gotten knocked off the ballot. Vazquez had left information off his financial disclosure forms; Blackwell failed to gather enough valid signatures.

In 2006, Vazquez lost to Tony J. Payton Jr. by 14 votes. His secret - pre-made rubber stamps and ink pads, handed out to people at the polls, that made it easy to stamp in Vazquez's name.

But when a Blackwell worker showed up at the Salvation Army at 55th and Market, "they got laughed right out of here," election judge Dorothy Stovall said. Her objection was that the Blackwell camp wanted poll workers to hand out the stamps, she said. That's against the law.

Blackwell questioned Stovall's account and said, "Believe me, we don't encourage anyone to do anything wrong."

Stovall chucked the stamps out, and there to collect them was Brown supporter and poll-watcher Gloria Thomas-Lewis, who said she snatched one as a souvenir and sent another back to Blackwell through an emissary.

As for the others? "If Tommy wants them back, he can come back and get them from me," Thomas-Lewis said.

Blackwell will not want the reminder. Unofficial election results in the Democratic primary show he received 1,012 votes. Brown's count: 11,539.

Philadelphia area Greens use IRV to Caucus for their 2008 National Presidential Candidate

by Diane White (diane@dlighten.com)

Registered Greens from Philadelphia and surrounding counties are encouraged to participate in their 2008 Presidential Caucus. Refreshments will be served. A brief General Membership Meeting will follow the caucus on Tuesday April 29, 2008 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Philadelphia Ethical Society Building, 1st floor, 1906 South Rittenhouse Square.

Instant runoff voting (irv)<http://www.fairvote.org/?page=2153>, tallied at the state level, to bind Green delegates to their national Presidential Nominating Convention to be held in Chicago July 10 - 14. The presidential candidates include:

Jesse Johnson – http://www.jesse08.org

Born 1959, in West Virginia. Attended North Carolina School for the Arts, and Marshall University. Worked on a seismographic ship, as an actor, stage producer, stand-up comic and country line dance instructor. Ran for Governor of WV in 2002, and US Senate in 2006.

“Our world is filled with exploiters illegally preying upon our most valuable resources. Coalmining companies value short-term gain, limiting profits. Lending institutions don't care who loses their homes…They care about usurious interest rates. Health Insurance companies care that their bottom line is healthy… Every citizen must become a steward of our democratic ideal. We must put ourselves forward to become leaders in the fight to save our nation, environment and each other… let's build a movement.“

Cynthia McKinney – http://www.runcynthiarun.org

Born 1955, in Atlanta, GA. B.A. in International Relations from the U. of Southern California, M.A in Law and Diplomacy from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Former six-term Democratic Member of Congress from GA, 1993-2003; 2005-2007.

A courageous voice for the voiceless, unafraid to speak truth to power:

* Consistently opposed funding for bloated military and secret intelligence budgets;

* Introduced Articles of Impeachment for George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice;

* Authored a living wage bill in Congress

* Cosponsor of every bill to create a national, single-payer system for universal access to health care.

* Sponsored legislation for ranked choice voting and to restore auditability to Federal elections.

Kat Swift – http://www.bexargreens.org/katforprez

Born 1973 in Shreveport, LA. Attended Mount Holyoke College; Studies in: anatomy, biology, computer science, aromatherapy, herbalism, spirituality, comparative religion, peer counseling, energy & body therapy techniques. Worked in food service, business administration; as substitute teacher; security dispatcher & guard; and technology support person.

Active Green since 1999. Co-Chair GP of TX SEC 2005-7; Co-Spokesperson for National GP Women's Caucus. Ran for San Antonio city council 2007 and received 30% of the vote. Key issues include Education, Capital Punishment, Global Warming, Legalization of Marijuana, proportional representation; affordable single-payer healthcare.

Kent Mesplay – http://www.mesplay.org

Born 1962, in Papua New Guinea. Undergraduate engineering degree from Harvey Mudd College and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. Informally studied energy methods of healing. Worked at VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA; taught High School math; currently works as Air Quality Inspector in San Diego.

Registered Green since 1995. California delegate to the Green National Committee; On County Council of the Green Party, San Diego County; Green Party Presidential candidate, 2004; member of Environment California and a strong advocate of alternative energy legislation. His campaign focus on environmental and health care issues, political reform, and US-Mexico relations.

Ralph Nader – http://www.votenader.org

Born 1934, in Connecticut. Consumer advocate, lawyer, author. Named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Americans in the Twentieth Century, his efforts have helped to create a framework of laws, regulatory agencies, and federal standards that have improved the quality of life for two generations of Americans. AB magna cum laude from Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs, Princeton University; LLB from Harvard Law School. Presidential candidate of the Green Party in 2000 and independent Presidential candidate in 2004.

Nader is not seeking the Green Party nomination in 2008. He has chosen to seek ballot access in Pennsylvania with the “Populist Party” slogan. Iincluded as a candidate here because many Greens support his candidacy despite his not running as a Green.

No Candidate

Caucus attendees may vote ‘No Candidate’ as one of their preferences, supporting the idea that GPUS (or GPPA) ought not to run any Presidential candidate.

Uncommitted

Caucus attendees may vote ‘Uncommitted’ as one of their preferences, supporting the idea that the GPPA delegation to GPUS should be allowed flexibility to vote in whatever way they deem best at the nomination convention in Chicago in July.

Greens can also write-in another choice or vote for "no candidate".

The caucus will start with a short period of socializing and interpersonal lobbying, followed by an introduction, explanation of the process and then by speakers from each candidate's (and "no candidate's") cluster of supporters. Following the brief presentations, participants will be asked to cast their votes, including their second, third and fourth choices to be tallied using an instant runoff voting (irv) process. Participants must have registered "Green" by the close of registration before the primary election (March 24th) in order to vote.

A question will be put to participants asking if they choose for the state to participate in the national Green Party Presidential Nominating Convention and to support the national Green Party nominee; or if they choose for the state to bypass the national convention and to place the winner of the state caucus tally on the November, general election ballot.

A brief Green Party of Philadelphia General Meeting will follow the caucus. The Agenda includes election of 7 members to the City Committee, approval of the GPoP annual budget, and election of 12 representatives to the GPPA State Committee.

Ballot access petitions and materials to support petitioning will be available. Instruction on petitioning and signature verification will also be available along with the opportunity for Greens and their supporters to sign-up to help with petitioning at upcoming events.

The Ethical Society Building is on the Southwest corner of Rittenhouse Square and is a just a few blocks South of the 19th Street stop on the Green Line trolleys. It is about 7 blocks from SEPTA's Suburban Regional Rail Station.

There will be a Montgomery County Presidential Caucus <http://pa.greens.org/montgomery/events.html> on Saturday, May 3rd, 10 am, at the Lansdale Public Library, 301 Vine Street, Lansdale. There will be a Delaware County Presidential Caucus <http://www.delcogreens.org/events.html> on Saturday, May 10th, 1:30 pm, at the Swarthmore Borough Hall, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore (wheelchair accessible). Area Greens may participate in whichever is most convenient, but may only vote at one caucus.

See the Green Party of PA website

<http://www.gpofpa.org/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=14>

for additional information or for caucuses in other parts of the state.

Pa. State law vs Phila. City law and The Message to Mayor Nutter’s Independence by Van Stone

Pa. State law vs Phila. City law and The Message to Mayor Nutter's Independence by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746


Above: Mayor Nutter, City Council, and Police Commissioner Ramsey, presumed innocent loose cannons, display how state law and facing possible law suits should not be more important than facing gun laws that help children to be safer in Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter and City Council members believe that their behavior shows that the signed five new gun-control laws means that their city governance stand of independence will not collapse even if this means running a city with groups: a collapsible Philadelphia Office of District Attorney and Philadelphia Office of Pa. House of Representatives who will not support the Nutter' and city council's new handgun laws.

Mayor Mike Nutter, Philadelphia, PA, might have wanted numerous peopled to now view the city-state status as a realistic possibility primary unit of city affairs. And he might want his own citizens of Philadelphia to believe that only the state of PA may choose to voluntarily enter gun laws passed into Philly communities under state constitutional law is a myth. And that Philadelphia City Council and their Mayor, and their Police Commissioner have the right to follow their own counsel when it comes to interpretation of their commitments to passing safe gun laws in Philadelphia is not a myth. The most recent PA state law vs. Philly city law dealing with Mayor Nutter signing several new gun laws mandated for citizens, visiting or non-visiting, to obey has kick- started a long needed pre-independence act by Philly government from the PA state.

Certain State Rep.’s like Rep. J. Perzel and District Attorney leaders like L. Abraham, feel that these modern developments endanger states by taking power away from state governments and ceding it to city bodies such as the Philadelphia City Council and Mayor Nutter. But Mayor Nutter, with support of certain strong Philly Justices and State Rep’s like Rep D. Evans, argue that city law has evolved to a point where it exists separately from the mere consent of states. And the Mayor elect and both City Council and State Rep. elect, by the Philadelphia citizens, discern a legislative and judicial process to state law that parallels such processes within its cities children’s law. And this right to pass its own gun laws especially occurs when states violate or deviate from the expected standards of conduct adhered to by all civilized cities. In other words according Nutter’s view, and mine, civilized cities do not allow criminals to think that crime does pay.

The group of opponents of Nutter and I point of view, including many political powers, maintain that all civilized cities have certain norms of conduct expected of them, to obey the Pa. state, no matter the sufferings. And that violation of these PA state norms represents a crime, not only against the political leadership, but also against humanity as a whole. But my message here to Mayor Nutter and city council is the rules of this PA state gun law game do not admit of shoving your opponent. But shoved Pa. state has.

So, since Philadelphia governess recognizes those crimes is -not including the prohibition of genocide, slavery and the slave trade, illegal gun wars of aggression against children, torture of communities, and gun piracy in your city, no local authority elected by Philly citizens should speak out against the Mayor. And violation of these universal norms represents a crime, not only against the individual victims, but also against humanity as a whole. States and individuals that subscribe to this view opine that, in the case of the individual responsible for violation of city gun law, he/she is become, like the pirate and the slave trader before the state. Being concerned about gun criminals right’s being violated is an enemy of all city government, and thus subject to prosecution in a fair trial before any criminal court judge, through the exercise of city jurisdiction. Philadelphia groups should believe as one that cities only commit to PA state gun law with express consent, when state voting authority and state courts quickly pass gun laws agreeably to Mayoralty and city council in the capital of Philadelphia. Lock up gun law violators.

Philadelphia should be supported having the right to make their own interpretations of its gun law meaning; and that state courts only function shouldn’t be with the consent of state’s gun laws. The state should recognize city gun laws in relation to criminal acts against children. All 5 newly passed Philadelphia gun laws are needed in relation to the real issue of handguns endangering children’s rights and safety.

Mayor Nutter should often insist on non-interference in Philly internal affairs, particularly regarding human rights standards or their particular handgun laws, but often use force disarming obligations and the terms of the state when children are dying at an alarming high rate in homes and the streets. Although considerable differences exist amongst states as to their policies and practices regarding city law, most states have very high regard for any kind of city gun law, either in principle, or in practice. But, except when it comes to the personal political interest behavior state Pa. gun laws that protect certain elected officials own territory and sovereignties indeed most gravely breaches city gun law needs. Mayor Nutter’s independence may prove that Philly can be a state itself.

2008 Annual Urban Environmental Summit and Expo: "Going the Green Route" by Bree'ana Walker

2008 Annual Urban Environmental Summit and Expo: "Going the Green Route"
by Bree'ana Walker

High School of the Future

Roof of the HighSchool of the Future

(ac operator)

Overbrook High School Presentation

Tidal Delaware Water Trail presentation

Van Stone explaining the concept of Project Rise

Philadelphia Zoo presentation

Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC) presentation

Project Neat "Going the Green Route" presentation

Toyota's Hybrid and Veggie-fuel cars presentation

Earth Force Youth Action Network Presentation

West's 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left hands Cavs 3-1 lead

West's 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left hands Cavs 3-1 lead

Cleveland Cavaliers' Delonte West, right, shoots a three-pointer over Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas, left, during the closing seconds of the fourth quarter of game four of an NBA basketball first round playoff game, Sunday, April 27, 2008, in Washington. The Cavaliers won 100-97.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- King James got his crown knocked off, was booed every time he touched the ball, went 0-for-3 in the fourth quarter and passed up a chance to take the winning shot. And his Cleveland Cavaliers still beat the Washington Wizards.

LeBron James had 34 points and 12 rebounds, and dished the ball to Delonte West for a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left Sunday, helping the Cavaliers get past the Wizards 100-97 to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoff series.

After Cleveland's 30-point victory in Game 2, and Washington's 36-point margin in Game 3, these teams that know each other so well finally produced a gem of a game. Cleveland led by 15 in the third quarter, but Washington came back, with Gilbert Arenas capping the rally.

He made two free throws with 57 seconds left to get Washington within two points, and after James missed a jumper, Arenas' 8-foot fadeaway with 28 seconds remaining made it 97-all. James dribbled out the clock before finding West, whose career playoff-high 21 points included five of Cleveland's 13 3-pointers.

Arenas, who built a reputation for clutch late-game performances before having two operations on his left knee, then tried to pull Washington even at the buzzer, but badly missed a 3 try over West.

Now James' Cavaliers, who eliminated the Wizards in each of the previous two postseasons, have control, with Game 5 on Wednesday at Cleveland.

Saddled by foul trouble, James was hardly as aggressive late as he was early. When he dunked following a Wizards turnover to make it 51-41 late in the first half, James already was up to 22 points - his total for Game 3.

Still, little came easily, and his simmering feud with Washington guard DeShawn Stevenson nearly bubbled over late in the second quarter.

James drove to the basket, and Stevenson came from behind and swiped a hand out, missing the ball but clipping the Cavs' star in the head. James' burgundy headband came off and went flying, while Stevenson fell to the court. James kept his balance and stepped toward Stevenson, who got up and stepped toward James.

They exchanged words, but that was it, before teammates stepped in to separate the pair. Stevenson was called for a flagrant foul, and after James went 1-for-2 at the line, he made a 3.

That was part of a 13-0 Cavaliers run during which James scored nine points, putting the visitors ahead 44-39 en route to a 54-44 halftime lead - a margin helped by Washington's 4-for-21 shooting in the second quarter.

James heard jeers even when standing on the sideline for an inbounds play. He heard about it, loudly, on a couple of occasions when he tossed up airballs.

After James complained about a foul call on teammate Ben Wallace, fans reprised their chants of "ov-er-ra-ted!" from Game 3. Unlike in Thursday's loss, when he laughed it off, James didn't react this time, although seconds later he threw away a pass. Then again, seconds after that, he knifed through the lane for a resounding slam.

Other than him and West, only one other Cavs player scored in double figures, Daniel Gibson with 12. Antawn Jamison led Washington with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Caron Butler added 19 points.

One very key stat: The Cavaliers held a 51-31 rebounding advantage, including two offensive boards in a row that led to Joe Smith's three-point play to make it 80-73 heading into the fourth.

Arenas was in the starting lineup again, wearing a black sleeve and blue knee pad on his left leg.

Whatever emotional lift he might have given his teammates, whatever excitement his mere presence in uniform might have given the crowd, Arenas was not exactly helpful with the ball in his hands. By the time he sat with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter, his line gave whole new meaning to his nickname "Agent Zero": zero points, zero field-goal attempts, zero foul shots, one assist, one foul, and four of Washington's five turnovers.

Arenas' first points didn't come until a reverse layup in the third quarter, and he finished with 10 in a series-high 32 minutes.

The Cavaliers went up by as many as 15 points, at 67-52 on James' 3 early in the third quarter, but the Wizards used a 12-0 spurt to make things interesting.

Notes:@ Gibson was called for a technical foul in the third quarter after appearing to cock his fist when Wizards C Brendan Haywood knocked into him while hanging on the rim after a dunk. ... Cleveland has outrebounded Washington in all eight games they've played this season. ... Washington's fans were decked out in 20,000 white T-shirts left on seats before the game. ... Cleveland switched from its Game 3 blue road uniforms to burgundy for Game 4. As if such things really matter, James offered a sober pregame analysis. "The blue uniforms haven't be to great to us this year," he said with a straight face, "so we decided to make a change and see what happens."

Bloodwynd: Van Stone's Black Superhero Comics at Philadelphia Front Page News

Bloodwynd from Showcase '94 #5
art by Max Douglas

Bloodwynd is a fictional magician published by DC Comics. He first appears inJustice League America #76 (July 1993), and was created by Dan Jurgens.

Bloodwynd is the descendant of a group of African slaves of a man named Jacob Whitney. These slaves created the magical Blood Gem and used it to kill Whitney. The Blood Gem was passed down among the slaves' descendants. Unbeknownst to them, the Blood Gem was a gateway to another dimension, and the demon Rott claimed the souls of those killed by the Gem's magic.

In recent times, Rott sucked Bloodwynd into the Gem and mind controlled the Martian Manhunter into wearing Bloodwynd's gem and impersonating him. Using Bloodwynd's identity, the Manhunter joined the Justice League as one of their more mysterious members. When the JLA fought Doomsday alongside Superman, Blue Beetle realized Bloodwynd's identity when his cryptic teammate was incapacitated by fire in the comic version bloodwynd refused to be taken along with others for treatment and instead mysteriously disappears. he also blames himself for the fire incident, to which the Martian Manhunter was especially vulnerable. Once the Martian Manhunter was freed of the mental control, the Justice League battled Rott and freed Bloodwynd.

Bloodwynd punishes,
art by Max Douglas

Bloodwynd joined the League after they freed him from Rott's control. Later, he withheld information from the Justice League about an offer of alliance from the mystical villain Dreamslayer. Bloodwynd did not join Dreamslayer, though, sensing a strange kinship with him, but he would not oppose him either.

During the Overmaster storyline, Bloodwynd was also strangely inactive, refusing to take action against what he perceived to be a natural course of events. These two incidents caused Bloodwynd to question his membership in the League. He voluntarily put himself on reserve status.

He later appeared in Showcase'94 #5 (May 1994), written by Ruben Diaz and illustrated by Max Douglas. In this story, Bloodwynd reveals more about the nature of his morality and powers, and punishes a drug dealer by forcing him to experience the pain of his victims.

In JLA #27 (March 1999), Bloodwynd officially joins an emergency expansion of the Justice League in order to battle a rampaging Amazo. The battle, which takes place in the Florida Everglades, goes badly as most of the JLA are defeated and their powers copied. Amazo loses his powers when Superman officially disbands the league.

Day of Judgment. He was last seen during the Day of JudgementJLA Black Baptism serving as a member of the Sentinels of Magic. In the latter storyline, he was badly injured by the Diablos, a group of Mafia-styled demons who wished to gain revenge for demons slain during the Day of Judgement.

Powers. Bloodwynd is an accomplished necromancer. He can summon the spirits of the dead, which give him life energy and increased power, he can sense where death has occurred, and can also force murderers to experience the pain of their victims similar to Ghost Rider's "Penance Stare" (according to a story entitled Hero of Choice in Showcase '94 #5 by writer Ruben Diaz and artist Max Douglas).

The Blood Gem on his chest also grants him unspecified mystical powers, it is unknown whether the other gems on his costume confer any occult abilities. Also unknown is whether these magical gems have any connection to Doctor Mist one of whose origins stated that he created a series of magical gems.

He appears on a Death of Superman funeral poster by creator Dan Jurgens with Martian Manhunter, even though it is later revealed that at the time Martian Manhunter was posing as Bloodwynd.

Boondocks at Philadelphia Front Page News

“Engineering the World” conference for minority students held at CNN Studios by Jim williams

“Engineering the World” conference for minority students held at CNN Studios.

by Jim Williams

Over 200 students from 6^th to 12^th grade got to tour the CNN Studios at Time Warner Center recently as The National Society of Black Engineers/NSBE.ORG (Alumni Extension/New York and Central Jersey Chapter) and The Black Professionals at Turner put together the “Engineering the World” conference. The all day conference was totally free for any minority student from around the country to attend in an effort to build the foundation to impact, revitalize and empower our youth and future leaders of tomorrow. Participants got to tour the CNN Studios and even did a simulated show production were the students got to get behind the cameras on a real CNN set and learn various skills from Camera operator, lighting, graphics, editing and audio with CNN staffers who donated their time for the conference. The students also learned how they could prepare themselves for a career in engineering and broadcasting. Indie filmmaker and “LiL Homeiz” writer/director Tim Greene of Tim Greene Films.com even flew in from Hollywood to do a filmmaking workshop. Some of NSBE's present activities include tutorial programs, group study sessions, high school/junior high outreach programs, technical seminars and workshops. The conference organizers were Dave Reynolds, Naphysah Duncan, Clayton Sizemore, Marie Raghnal and Benjamin Guy. For more information on future workshops e-mail: Dave.Reynolds@Turner.com.

Editors can print any or all of the event photos:

CNN 1 Photo: Students in the CNN Control Room with Co-coordinator Clayton Sizemore (center) and filmmaker Tim Greene (far right) of Hip Hop For A Better World Motion Pictures-Hollywood, Ca.

CNN 2 Photo: Students on a CNN set preparing to do a simulated show production.

CNN 3 Photo: Students touring the CNN Studios.

Photo credit by: Tim Greene Films.com – Hollywood, Ca.

How Will Vanessa Brown, The Likely New Woman State Rep, Do It by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

How Will Vanessa Brown, The Likely New Woman State Rep, Do It
by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

Above: Vanessa Brown, winner of the Democratic Primary seat for State Rep. House of Representatives, 190th District over 4 year incumbent, Rep. Thomas Blackwell, gathered with a crowd who attended her victory speech at The Greater Bible way Baptist Church on last Tuesday, April 22, 2008. From center left to right are Host Pastor Bishop Benjamin Peterson, Winner Vanessa Brown and campaign manager Lauren Townsend. At front bottom row is Lee Tolbert, Founder and President of West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods and Businesses (WPCNB).

Vanessa Brown, candidate for the seat that was held by State Rep. Thomas Blackwell, representing West/Southwest/North Philadelphia, has made dedication to voters a key part of her own state representative campaign. Yes, Vanessa Brown, won out against Rep. Blackwell during the past Tuesday Democratic Primary in Philly. And now Brown can make sure that as the citizen’s state rep. her pledge to help confront the homicide rate in Philadelphia will be a first time hands-on real life mission. Brown won smoothly.

What’s important to note is that Brown will be the very first lady of the 190th District seat. And her mark will be a special part of history in Philadelphia politics. As an African American woman their style and skill to be brave, think outside the box and demonstrate how things can be settled quickly as a positive will now all be rapped up in likely new state rep, Vanessa Brown. And this is a fresh start in politics in the year 2008.

Brown seems to be an individual of detail. During her first year in office, Brown plan is to look at public-safety, support the needs of Philadelphia’s new Police Commissioner Ramsey, assist with healing the city by its mayor’s attempt to hire 500 more cops over three years, and look into legislation concerning re-entry. As you may know, the term of state rep is for 2 years. If any state rep would hope to finish a full term and work their way right in to another term, they must start preparing for campaigning just shy of the first full year in office. So, Brown is in a unique position already. She must work hard so far now compared with last years state rep. of the 190th District and then work even harder after her likely win over a Republican candidate challenger come the month of November. So, far Brown has been doing a great job on the issue of the homicide rate in Philadelphia. She works very close with organizations that have town watch in place.

Neighbors citywide have anticipated a wonderful change in the climate of the war against drugs, decay and homelessness in Philly. But many really supported Brown for the new seat because the publics transit situation dealing with construction and fair cost is a real ugly mess. And Vanessa has championed going over research studies and surveys about how the publics transit system in Philly has caused deep harm in some Philadelphia areas.

But trying to help get a grip on youth violence everywhere in Philly has also been a work in progress from the state level. And Brown has worked very closely with experienced state reps, some former state reps and some current state reps, to have the right idealism she is gonna need to gets things passed at the state level. Things need to go in the right direction and so, so fast. But is dealing with guns and crime the only way to get it done?

Like Barack Obama, Vanessa Brown has a plan that involves using a new state representative authority to take action across the state to stimulate school education growth and job growth. Brown calls for making sure that all children in her District get fair education. And there is a reach out message to see to it that Philadelphia Community College has more support. While there are colleges in the 190th District triangle like Drexel University and the U. of Penn that do much for families, the Community College of Philadelphia is a direct key to improving conditions for the city’s labor force. So, Brown, who plans to make more history as a double-minority-candidate for state rep., will have her hands full when she likely takes office to strengthen the community with increases for school-age-children activities that help start to finish brighter kids.

So far, I believe that Vanessa Brown will achieve new development or a pick up where others have left off in helping to make things more stable in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania environment.

Sharpton vows to close this city' after officer acquittals

Sharpton vows to close this city' after officer acquittals

Reverend Al Sharpton comments on the not guilty verdict of the three New York City detectives in the November 2006 killing of Sean Bell as shooting victim Joseph Guzman, right, William Bell, left, Valerie Bell, second from left, and Nicole Paultre Bell, third from left, look on during Sharpton's radio show, Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the National Action Network headquarters in New York.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hundreds of angry people marched through Harlem on Saturday after the Rev. Al Sharpton promised to "close this city down" to protest the acquittals of three police detectives in the 50-shot barrage that killed a groom on his wedding day and wounded two friends.

"We strategically know how to stop the city so people stand still and realize that you do not have the right to shoot down unarmed, innocent civilians," Sharpton told an overflow crowd of several hundred people at his National Action Network office in the historically black Manhattan neighborhood. "This city is going to deal with the blood of Sean Bell."

Sharpton was joined by the family of 23-year-old Sean Bell - a black man - and a friend of Bell who was wounded in the 2006 shooting outside a Queens strip club. Two of the three officers charged were also black.

The rally at Sharpton's office was followed by a 20-block march down Malcolm X Boulevard and then across 125th Street, Harlem's main business thoroughfare, where some bystanders yelled out "Kill the police!"

Fifty of the marchers carried white placards bearing big black numbers for each of the police bullets fired at Bell and his friends.

Sharpton urged people to return for a meeting this coming week "to plan the day that we will close this city down" with the kind of "massive civil disobedience" once led by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

"They never accused Sean Bell of doing anything. Then why is he dead?" Sharpton asked, his voice roaring with anger. Authorities "have shown now that they will not hold police accountable. Well, guess what? If you won't, we will!"

"Shut it down! Shut it down!" the crowd chanted, standing up and applauding wildly.

Sharpton didn't say exactly how they would protest the acquittals of the officers who fired the 50 shots. He said Bell's supporters could demonstrate all over the city, from Wall Street to the home of Justice Arthur Cooperman, who on Friday acquitted the three detectives after a nonjury trial.

Sitting behind Sharpton as he spoke were Bell's parents, his sister and Nicole Paultre Bell, who took her fiance's name after his death.

"The justice system let me down," Paultre Bell told the crowd in a soft voice. "April 25, 2008: They killed Sean all over again. That's what it felt like to us."

It was her first public comment since she stormed out of a courtroom Friday after the NYPD detectives were cleared in Bell's killing as he left his bachelor party.

One of Bell's companions, Joseph Guzman, also spoke briefly on Saturday, saying: "We've got a long fight."

Clinton challenges Obama to Lincoln-Douglas style debate

Clinton challenges Obama to Lincoln-Douglas style debate

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks during a campaign rally in Fort Wayne, Ind., Saturday, April 26, 2008.

MARION, Ind. (AP) -- Democratic rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton turned up the rhetoric Saturday in their increasingly heated primary battle as she issued a new debate challenge and he complained of a race that's largely been reduced to trivia while working families feel economic pain.

Clinton took the debate dispute to a new level, challenging Obama to face off with her in a debate without a moderator, Lincoln-Douglas style.

"Just the two of us, going for 90 minutes, asking and answering questions, we'll set whatever rules seem fair," Clinton said while campaigning in South Bend.

Her campaign made the offer formal with a letter to the Obama campaign. Obama aides said they were studying the letter.

The more open style of debating where each side presents an argument gets its name from the famed debates that took place during the 1858 U.S. Senate race in Illinois between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas.

Trailing in delegates and the popular vote, Clinton has been stepping up the pressure on Obama for more debates in advance of primaries on May 6 in Indiana and North Carolina. Clinton argued that Obama won't debate because he's unhappy with questions from moderators during the April 16 debate just before the Pennsylvania primary. After that debate, Obama complained it focused too much on political trivia and too little on real issues.

On the campaign trail Saturday, he sounded much the same theme.

"I was convinced that the American people were tired of the politics that's all about tearing each other down. The American people were tired of spin and PR, they wanted straight talk and honesty from their elected officials," Obama said at a town hall meeting in the aging industrial city of Anderson.

"If you watched the last few weeks of this campaign, you'd think that all politics is about is negative ads and bickering and arguing, gaffes and sideline issues," said Obama. "There's no serious discussion about how to bring jobs back, to Anderson."

Both rivals were focusing on Indiana, with Clinton bringing along popular Sen. Evan Bayh and talking about reviving the industrial economy.

"We can do that again, but we need, as Senator Bayh said, a president who doesn't just talk about it but who actually rolls up her sleeves and gets to work," said Clinton.

The two Democratic candidates were stumping in the heart of Republican territory, and Obama sought to reach across party lines, saying he's struggled to avoid the back-and-forth bickering of the campaign, and talk about issues like plant closings that have damaged cities like Anderson.

"I've been trying to resist that in this campaign and I will continue to resist it when I'm president of the United States," said Obama.

Clinton campaigned in eastern Indiana industrial pockets, seeking to build a coalition of working-class voters similar to the one that served her well in neighboring Ohio.

While the upcoming primaries in Indiana and North Carolina are crucial to her candidacy, but Clinton deflected questions about how she would handle a loss.

"I don't make predictions or speculate on things that haven't happened yet," said Clinton.

Obama is favored in North Carolina, but the polls have shown the race in Indiana far too close to call.

With no end in sight soon for the Democratic contest, Obama sought to ease worries that the intraparty fight will leave the party vulnerable in November.

"Everybody is kind of nervous about this Democratic primary, it's been going on a long time," said Obama. "I have my differences with Senator Clinton and she has her differences with me. We will be united in November and beat John McCain and the Republicans."

Obama also underscored his differences with McCain, the certain GOP nominee.

"John McCain says he's different, but when you look at his policies he's got no agenda for you, how to make you a little more successful," Obama told his heavily blue-collar audience. "We know in our hearts that this country is not going down the right track. Something needs to change right now and that's what's at stake in this election."

In Anderson, Obama noted that McCain has switched views on issues like tax cuts for the rich to curry favor with the GOP base. "The straight talk express lost a wheel," said Obama.

McCain's campaign was quick to respond. "This again shows that Barack Obama doesn't understand the economy. Americans are looking for proof that the next president is going to be someone who understands their needs," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said in a statement.

While Clinton was busy campaigning in the Hoosier state, husband Bill was looking ahead to Oregon's Democratic primary on May 20. The former president was in his second day of a swing around Oregon, stopping Saturday in the small towns that dot the Willamette Valley before winding up in Portland on Saturday night.

In Albany, Ore., he outlined his wife's plans for energy independence, and highlighted her vote against a Bush administration bill that gave final say over the siting of liquefied natural gas terminals to the federal government, instead of the states. Several such terminals are under consideration now in Oregon.

He also promised the crowd that if elected, the former first lady would restore federal payments to timber dependent counties.