Kofi Asante for dads; SCOOP Radio, is new for readers

Kofi Asante for dads; SCOOP Radio, is new for readers
by Van Stone vspfoudation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746


Kofi Asante for dads; SCOOP Radio, is new for readers
by Van Stone vspfoudation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

Many kids that are American Blacks really don’t know the name Kofi Asante. But, myriad’s of myriads of fathers both black and white knows Kofi Asante, a man brought into a ministry. Helping dads unite financially and spiritually with their own children is a ministry-like work to Kofi Asante, co-founder of the National Comprehensive Center for Fathers, located at 1315 Walnut Street, 6th fl. Philadelphia, PA. “I really feel I am doing God’s work,” says Asante. “I started out in the human service field in arts and culture,” he said. But Kofi wanted to make innovations in the field of initiative. Did he!

In 2001 Asante became program manager for the ‘Father Initiative’ concept where in time he went to work for the firm called Philadelphia Work Force Development Corporation, PWFDC. At that time somewhere in his heart he had the makings of pledges of fatherhood that would save the life of dads wanting to change their lives from incarceration bound, homelessness, street violence and the way of the gun. In time the makings of pledges became real. “Seven Pledges of Fatherhood” is a mental health staple for all men interested in family, who are 18 years or older, family of minor children or children under 18, having a high school diploma or GED, and a resident of Philadelphia County. And where Asante is concerned, if any male, especially black men, were ready for educational advancement, job specific skills training and placement-with underlining training in parenting skills, and life skills they were not looking for him. Rather he was seeking them out to be back as real dads in the community.

With the help of Myeslia Campbell, co-founder of NCCF, Kofi worked to meet state-mandated standards as a demonstration project. Jobs being the logical real deal for men to be successful and enjoy raising their kids everlastingly, Asante worked on a plan to expand the program, to move it from the PWFDC to under the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, GPUAC leadership. Since 2004, the NCCF was solidly enabled to bring all father support under one roof in terms of case management, job development and placement. “We are blessed to be able to do this work,” he says.

Programs have been put in place where Asante, Development GPUAC Program Operations, Deputy Director of Men’s Program, as well as Executive Director, PCCF, will not fail one dad that enters them to achieve true unification with their boys and girls.

The Delta Alpha Sigma (DADS) is designed to let dads know that once they complete the training they are fellowshipped for life with people that counsel like Angela Williams, Replication Director, Derrick “Shaq” Moss, Mentor, Assessment Counselor, Eric Wright, Recruitment Specialist, to name a few. Then there’s Work-N-Style For Men. Asante’s fly Men’s clothing referral program where trainees and others receive free suits to dress ready to become role models for their own kids. The 3M Project is an individualized mentoring program. Legal Services for Responsible Fathers, helps with free legal assessment, advice and support dealing with family law. Job Education Management Specialist (JEMS) and the JASS Center are both programs that deal with career development, parenting skills, and child support assistance workshops, community service projects and educational advancement. All 6 services calendar a father to remain dad. Any dad that feel they believe they can make it but need a firm hold on fatherhood can find out more about the PCCF, men being back, by calling (215) 717-4000.

Speaking of being back, SCOOP USA is back in ‘08 with a bang in both newspaper and sound. Many readers that want to think more deeply about articles in the SCOOP but don’t have the time to hold the newspaper in hand while taking care of business at home can now enjoy listening to certain news articles read verbatim for their enjoyment on Internet radio. SCOOP radio can be found by visiting the new online radio station, WVSR1360 “Philly Internet Radio” –Education Radio Station, at: www.wvsr1360.com. SCOOP continues to Reach one to Teach one. Folks interested in breaking into radio will enjoy the new Talk Radio format. News and radio serving the community is back again.

Man kills ex-wife then jumps off bridge

Man kills ex-wife then jumps off bridge

A man stabbed his ex-wife and another relative, killing them, and then committed suicide by jumping off a bridge Thursday.The woman was stabbed several times. The killer then dropped the knife on the ground a few feet from the crime scene.

Police say the incident started as a domestic argument. The suspect went to his ex-wife's home Thursday morning and got into a violent dispute.

Detectives confirmed there was a restraining order on file for the man.

"The mother-in-law, we believe, tried to intervene and was also attacked and succumbed to her injuries at the scene," LAPD Lt. Ted Matthews said.

Police say the suspect left and went to the Colorado Blvd bridge in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl. There, he jumped to his death.

There were reports that the suspect may have been heading to his son's school. The 6-year-old boy was taken by police and is now safe with relatives.

Neighbors said they never heard any arguments between the couple, but were aware of the restraining order.

Police are still investigating the killer's motive.

Kerry to Back Obama for President

Kerry to Back Obama for President

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Barack Obama has won the presidential endorsement of Sen. John Kerry, the Democrats' 2004 nominee who lost to George W. Bush.

Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, plans to announce his support Thursday at a rally at the College of Charleston, said a Democrat familiar with Kerry's decision. The 2004 nominee will argue that Obama can best unite the country and has the potential to create transformational change, the person said.

The Free Library Of Phila. "Teen Talent Show!"

The Free Library Of Phila. "Teen Talent Show!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Do you have talent that needs to be discovered?

The Free Library of Philadelphia is putting on a Teen Talent show on January 25^th 2008 at The Central Library’s Montgomery Auditorium at 3:30pm. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. There will be cash prizes to the winners in each category. The categories include: Vocals, Spoken Word, Dance and Rap. The rules are that you must be a Philadelphia high school student and you must keep your lyrics clean. “It is my pleasure to give teens, a group that is often misunderstood, a place to come and just be themselves. I only wish I had more time to give and could reach more of our city's positive young people who are at-risk” says The Central Library’s teen coordinator Aurora Sanchez. To register call Ms. Aurora Sanchez at: (215) 686-5415. Celebrity judges will be on hand including former popular 100.3 The Beat radio personality (The Cool Out & Sunday Morning Slow Jams) turned multi award wining Hip Hop Filmmaker Tim Greene of Hip Hop For A Better World Motion Pictures. Tim will be flying in from Hollywood just for the event and will give the top winners a screen test for a chance to be in his 5th feature film “LiL Homeez 2” which will be shot this summer. Pictured from L to R: Filmmaker Tim Greene, Felicia Chapman, Aaqilah Lewis, Elvin Natal and Library Teen Coordinator Aurora Sanchez. Photo By: Tim Greene Films.com-Hollywood.

Denzel Does It Again; Debaters' leads NAACP Image Award nominations

Denzel Does It Again; Debaters' leads NAACP Image Award nominations

BEVERLY HILLS

The Great Debaters, a film drama loosely based on the real-life victories of a black debating team in the 1930s, topped the list of nominees announced Tuesday for the 39th NAACP Image Awards. Girlfriends and Everybody Hates Chris led TV nominees.

The Great Debaters collected eight nominations, including outstanding motion picture and both outstanding actor and outstanding director for Denzel Washington. The movie also garnered three supporting-actor nominations for Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker.

Other best-picture nominees were American Gangster,I Am Legend,Talk to Me and Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

Other outstanding-actor nominees were Columbus Short for Stomp the Yard, Don Cheadle for Talk to Me, Terrence Howard for Pride and Will Smith for I Am Legend.

Nominated for outstanding actress were Jurnee Smollett for The Great Debaters, Angelina JolieA Mighty Heart, Halle Berry for Things We Lost In the Fire, Jill Scott for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? and Taraji P. Henson for Talk To Me.

In television categories, Everybody Hates Chris and Girlfriends had seven nominations each, including best TV comedy.

In music categories, the nominees for outstanding album were Alicia Keys' As I Am, Chris Brown's Exclusive, Kanye West's Graduation,Growing Pains by Mary J. Blige and System by Seal.

The Image Awards honor those who promote diversity in the arts. Awards in 44 categories, including literature, will be presented Feb. 14 in a Los Angeles ceremony broadcast live on Fox.

Woman who ran over street revelers is sentenced

Woman who ran over street revelers is sentenced

A woman who injured 49 people when she plowed her car through a street festival while high on crack cocaine was sentenced to 25 years in prison Tuesday.

Tonya Bell apologized to the victims, many of whom testified how their broken bones, scars and psychological wounds from the June 2 incident have had a profound impact on their lives, limiting their ability to work or pursue their life passions.

"I'm so sorry for the pain I caused," said Bell, who quivered at the defense table and wept often during the half-hour hearing. "It haunts me."

She told the victims she asks God to "bless you back to health."

Bell, 30, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, pleaded guilty in October to multiple counts of aggravated assault while armed with a dangerous weapon, along with a charge of cruelty to children. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Herbert Dixon gave Bell the maximum sentence allowed under the plea agreement she reached with prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, Bell had gone on a crack binge in the 24 hours before the street festival, consuming $700 worth of the drug. She then placed her 7-year-old daughter in the back seat of her station wagon and headed toward Unifest, a church-sponsored street festival in southeast Washington.

At speeds of up to 70 mph, Bell made two passes through the area, knocking people to the side and under the car. A police officer who tried to pull her over said she was laughing as she drove. Her station wagon was finally stopped when officers crashed their scooters under the vehicle and a man jumped through the window to put the transmission in park.

No one was killed, but 49 people were injured, according to police.

Some of the injured described in court how they were dragged for several blocks under the car or were thrown into the air by the impact. Most said they felt sorry for Bell.

Antwan Williams, 49, has had four operations on an injured leg and still suffers migraines and flashbacks.

"I'd just like to ask her why she didn't stop when she hit the first person," Williams told the judge.

Bell's attorney said she had lived a tortured life, with abusive and absent parents. After eight criminal convictions, Bell appeared to have righted her life somewhat in 2004 when she was in a drug treatment program. However, she later became involved in an abusive relationship, which precipitated a drug relapse.

Bell said she had attended Unifest as a child.

"I am horrified I ruined such a blessed event," she said.

Police: Father Let 6-Year-Old Sleep With Gun

Police: Father Let 6-Year-Old Sleep With Gun

A man is facing charges after allowing his 6-year-old daughter to sleep with a loaded gun under a pillow, authorities said.

Robert Lee Johnson, 39, was arrested Saturday and charged with suspicion of child abuse and domestic battery. He has been released from the St. Lucie County Jail after posting $6,000 bond.

According to an arrest report, Johnson told authorities that he owned the gun because he "watches too much CNN" and was afraid that someone would one day kick in his door.

The report states that authorities were called to the home around 12:30 a.m. Friday because Johnson and his stepfather were fighting. Police found the men bleeding when they arrived. That is when investigators found the gun underneath the pillow.

Nutter Greets County Residents at City Hall




During his second day on the job, Mayor Michael Nutter held an inaugural "Open House" at City Hall.

Marching bands played outside as a line of people -- some waiting for as long as two hours -- wrapped around City Hall for the event:

(Nutter:) "I may work here but it's the public's building. And I wanted all of Philadelphia and the people in the region to see just what their government is all about and have a celebration! It also gives me an opportunity to hear from real Philadelphians who just have a number of different things on their minds or who just want to say best wishes."

Thousands of people came through City Hall to shake hands with the new mayor and his administration:

"We're looking for some changes, so this too is a change that represents his willingness to open his house to the public."

"That's the first time I've ever met him! It was a treat!"

Among those shaking hands, the city's new police commissioner, Charles Ramsey:

"The real focus is going to be on getting violent crime down. I'm very proud of what took place in the District of Columbia, and we're going to bring some of those strategies to Philadelphia."

(Kuznits:) "You realize that you have a big job ahead of you?"

"Well, that's why I took it!"

Clinton, McCain Make The Primary A Play-Off After NH Wins

Clinton, McCain Make The Primary A Play-Off After NH Wins




WASHINGTON (AP) -- Presidential contenders turned their attention Wednesday to the grueling primaries ahead, with Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican John McCain seeking to capitalize on the themes that powered their comebacks in New Hampshire. "Nothing quite as invigorating as a win," McCain said.

Voters in Iowa and New Hampshire left the race for the White House wide open, and Barack Obama, the surprise loser to Clinton in New Hampshire, said unpredictability has become the hallmark of the race.

"Anyone who thinks they know how voters are going to respond at this point are probably misleading themselves," the Illinois senator said Wednesday. "And I think voters are not going to let any candidate take anything for granted. They want to lift the hood, kick the tires. They want us to earn it."

Clinton, in morning talk show appearances, attributed her win in part to her success late in the race in telling voters why she's in public life, a reference to her choking up when a voter asked her how she was faring. Asked whether that was a turnaround for her, she said, "I think it could well have been."

McCain did well among New Hampshire's concerned with national security and the threat of terrorism. "Those are the themes," he said. "I have the knowledge and experience and judgment."

Clinton, McCain and Obama commented in a round of talk show appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox.

New Hampshire placed Clinton squarely back in the contest for the Democratic nomination after her third-place finish in Iowa and revived McCain's hopes seven months after his campaign had seemed to be down for the count.

For all the candidates going the distance, the new focus is Michigan (Jan. 15), South Carolina (Republicans, Jan. 19; Democrats Jan. 26), Nevada (Jan. 19) and Florida (Jan. 29). Two dozen states vote on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The victories for McCain and Clinton were evidence of New Hampshire's prickly habit of rejecting those chosen by Iowa voters a few days earlier and raised the prospect of a drawn-out nomination battle between two history-making candidates: Clinton, who would be the first woman to hold the presidency, and Obama, who would be the first president of African-American descent.

"I am still fired up and ready to go," a defeated Obama told his own backers. "We know the battle ahead will be long. But always remember that, no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change."

McCain rode a wave of support from independent voters to defeat former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, a showing that reprised the senator's victory in the traditional first-in-the-nation primary in 2000 before he was knocked out of the race in South Carolina where independent voters do not vote in the party primaries.

The results were a bitter blow to Romney, the Republican who spent millions of dollars of his own money to win the kickoff Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary - only to finish second in both.

Even so, the businessman-turned politician said he would meet McCain next week in Michigan, and he cast himself as just what the country needed to fix Washington. "I don't care who gets the credit, Republican or Democrat. I've got no scores to settle," he told supporters.

Meanwhile Republican Mike Huckabee, the Arkansas governor who won the leadoff Iowa caucuses, finished third in New Hampshire. He was never a threat to McCain or Romney on Tuesday, but he predicted the third-place finish would give him enough momentum to continue in the race.

"In Michigan, in South Carolina, in Florida ... what you helped us continue will be carried right on through," he told supporters. "It won't be long we're going to be able to secure the nomination and on to the White House and on to leading America."

Third place on the Democratic side went to former Sen. John Edwards, who said he had no intent of dropping out. Instead, he hoped to keep the race a three-way contest. "Two races down, 48 states left to go," he declared.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani bolted New Hampshire for Florida even before the ballots were counted for Florida, the state he expected to propel him in the polls, and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, who ran third in Iowa, was already in South Carolina after giving up on New Hampshire long ago.

McCain and Romney set their sights on Michigan's balloting Jan. 15, with Romney pausing first for a fundraiser in Boston on Wednesday.

Obama, too, was set for fundraisers in New Jersey, while Edwards focused on South Carolina, where he was born, in advance of the Jan. 26 Democratic balloting there.

Clinton, meanwhile, was expected to lie low Wednesday and huddle with aides about the way forward.

With 96 percent of the New Hampshire vote tabulated before counters shut down for the night, Clinton had 39 percent, Obama 36 percent and Edwards 17 percent. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson trailed with 5 percent.

On the Republican side, McCain had 37 percent, Romney 32 percent, Huckabee 11 percent, Giuliani 9 percent and Rep. Ron Paul 8 percent. Thompson got 1 percent.

Weekend polling in New Hampshire indicated Clinton and Obama were running about even among women, but the former first lady went on to best Obama among women by 13 percentage points. Women also voted in much larger numbers than men.

Still, Clinton's message of experience was not what most Democratic voters sought.

More than half of Democratic voters were looking for a candidate who could bring changes, while only 20 percent said they were looking for experience. But fewer young voters turned out for Obama than in Iowa, depriving him of crucial support. And he lost many independents to McCain.

Best Buy Nervous About TV Conversion

Best Buy Nervous About TV Conversion

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Best Buy Inc.'s chief executive said Tuesday that he is "very nervous" about being able to supply customers with the millions of digital TV converter boxes needed ahead of the shutdown of most analog TV transmissions in 13 months.

"I think it's one of the biggest risks our industry has," vice chairman and CEO Brad Anderson told an industry audience at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Full-power television stations will turn off their analog signal on Feb. 17, 2009, after which they will broadcast in digital only. Viewers who receive their signals through an antenna instead of cable or satellite and don't have a digital-ready TV will have to buy a converter.

The Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households rely on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming. Still others have sets that receive analog broadcasts as a complement to cable, satellite or digital sets in the same household.

"The number of converter boxes that is going to be required could put tremendous pressure on us to solve all those problems" in a short time, said Anderson.

"We're very nervous about the potential risk. Once it gets turned off, it could be very interesting," he added.

Apart from the supply issue, customer education looms as a problem for the retailers. Speaking on the same panel, Phil Schoonover, the CEO of Circuit City Stores Inc. said Anderson's caution was appropriate. He contrasted the digital TV transition to the introduction of high-definition television sets, which mainly attracted the well-heeled and technically savvy.

"I think it will feel very different in this next round of TVs, because we're through the early adopters," Schoonover said.

At the same time, Schoonover defended the transition as "well thought out," and said it has been handled in a very responsible way.

The airwaves to be vacated by the analog transmissions will be auctioned by the federal government to providers who will use them for wireless broadband services.

Customers are likely to look to specialty electronics stores like Circuit City and Best Buy for guidance ahead of the transition. Steve Eastman, the Target Corp.'s vice president and general merchandising manager for consumer electronics, was less apprehensive about the digital transition.

"From a category standpoint, I think it's great - it's getting people to talk a lot about HD and what technology they have in their home," he said.

But he acknowledged that a lot has to be done to prepare. "The clock's ticking and this is coming very quickly," he said. The company plans to have converter boxes in stores by April.

The converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has begun accepting requests for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of the boxes.

Friends mourn woman who was slain, mutilated

Friends mourn woman who was slain, mutilated

TYLER, Texas

Friends and family of a 21-year-old who police say was killed and mutilated by her boyfriend tried to put aside the grisly details of her death.

"You can't sleep. You can't think straight anymore," said Amy Gage, a friend and neighbor of the victim, Jana Shearer. "Then you just keep finding out more and more. It's the most difficult thing anyone can go through."

Shearer's boyfriend, Christopher Lee McCuin, 25, was charged with capital murder after police said they found her body, an ear boiling in a pot on a stovetop, and a hunk of flesh with a fork in it on a plate at the crime scene.

McCuin, wearing a jail-issue red jumpsuit, was not asked to enter a plea as he appeared before state District Judge Jack Skeen Jr. on Monday. Skeen continued McCuin's bond at $2 million and appointed an attorney to represent him.

Authorities said McGuin's comments in a 911 call that alerted them to the hideous discovery led them to believe he may have intended to eat his girlfriend's remains, but said it is unclear whether McCuin consumed any part of her body.

Smith County Sheriff Lt. Larry Wiginton told the Tyler Morning-Telegraph that McCuin told investigators that God made him kill Shearer.

"When he said God told him to do it, one of the investigators looked at him and just said, 'What did you say?"' according to Wiginton.

The judge sealed the arrest and search warrant affidavits and issued a gag order in the case, which has shocked this East Texas town about 110 miles east of Dallas.

Gage said McCuin and Shearer had only been dating a few months. She remembered Shearer as an unflappably happy friend who had a knack for making her neighbors laugh.

"We really want to focus on her being a person who loved life, and not what happened to her," Gage said. "It was such a tragedy. We have to try to focus on the fact that Jana was a good person."

Officials believe Shearer was taken by McCuin from her home late Friday night and killed. Authorities said McCuin then drove to his estranged wife's home, where he stabbed William Veasley, 42. His condition was unavailable on Monday night.

McCuin was still at his estranged wife's home when deputies arrived, but he jumped into his car and escaped after a short chase, said Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith.

McCuin wasn't seen again until Saturday morning, when he arrived at the home he shared with his mother and called her into the garage so she could "come see what he had done," Smith said.

His mother and her boyfriend saw the remains of Shearer, authorities said. McCuin's mother and her boyfriend fled the home and flagged down a police officer. McCuin dialed 911 after they left and told an emergency dispatcher he had killed Shearer and was boiling her body parts, Smith said.

Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, PA!

Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, PA!



AP-Philadelphia Mayor Nutter's first full day in office runs the gamut, from a sudden funeral to a festive open house.

Michael Nutter begins the day by traveling to Washington for the funeral of James Barnett, husband of the new managing director Camille Barnett. He died in an accident on I-95 last week. Nutter praised Camille Barnett in his inaugural address:

"She is the epitome of public service."

After his return to Philadelphia, Nutter opens the doors of City Hall for an open house:

"I want you to know that your government welcomes you into the building, because all of us have a role to play in turning this city around."

For Nutter it will mean four hours of shaking hands and greeting the Philadelphians who voted him into office.

Obama, McCain are leading Votes

Obama, McCain are leading Votes

DIXVILLE NOTCH, N.H. (AP) -- Residents of two tiny towns stayed up late to give Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain early victories in the New Hampshire presidential primary.

In Hart's Location, Obama received 9 votes, Hillary Rodham Clinton 3 and John Edwards 1. On the Republican side, McCain received 6 votes, Mike Huckabee 5, Ron Paul 4 and Mitt Romney 1.

In Dixville Notch, Obama got 7 votes, Edwards 2 and Bill Richardson 1. Among Republicans, McCain got 4 votes, Romney 2 and Rudy Giuliani 1.

Although this year's results were in line with the latest pre-election polls, neither town is known for foreshadowing the winners statewide on any consistent basis. For example, Wesley Clark, the retired Army general, won 14 of the 31 votes cast in the last Democratic primary in 2004.

Donna Kaye Erwin cast the first ballot in Dixville Notch and voted for McCain.

"I think he's somebody we can look at as president and be proud of," she said.

Tanner Tillotson voted for Obama in Dixville Notch.

"All the candidates can make promises, but I think he has the drive to get them done," Tillotson said.

Long-shot GOP hopeful Rep. Duncan Hunter attended the vote in Dixville Notch, where results were announced before 12:06 a.m.

"It epitomizes people-to-people politicking," Hunter said minutes before the votes were cast.

Hunter received no votes in either town.

State law allows towns with fewer than 100 people to open at midnight and to close as soon as all registered voters have cast ballots.

While most New Hampshire residents have to wait until around daybreak to vote, those in the two far northern towns have been going to the polls at midnight for decades. The Balsams, located about 20 miles from the Canadian border, has been holding its early bird voting since 1960. That's when former owner Neil Tillotson, who died in 2001, arranged for early elections by having Dixville incorporated solely for voting purposes. Hart's Location began midnight voting in 1948 because most residents were railroad workers who had to be on the job during normal polling hours. Townspeople, weary of the media attention and the late hours, did away with it after the 1964 election but revived the practice in 1996.

In Dixville this year, there were three registered Republicans, two Democrats - which included one who registered Monday - and 12 who were undeclared. Hart's Location had eight Democrats, eight Republicans and 13 undeclared.

With more candidates on the ballot - 42 - than voters in town, longtime Hart's Location town clerk Marion Varney, 86, wouldn't venture a guess Monday on how the voting would turn out. In 2004, Wesley Clark got the most Democratic primary votes in Hart's Location and Dixville.

"I don't even know for sure who I'm going to vote for," said Varney. "I think I might just close my eyes and mark the ballot."

The two places have a friendly competition about which is first to cast its ballots.

New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner recalls getting phone calls in years past from people claiming that Neil Tillotson had illegally cast the first ballot at The Balsams before midnight - that they had seen it on C-SPAN.

"I'd say it was done on 'Tillotson time,'" Gardner said. "If he said it was midnight, then it was midnight."

Emotions Run High on Eve of NH Primary

Emotions Run High on Eve of NH Primary

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) -- Her voice quavering, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton struggled Monday to avoid a highly damaging second straight defeat in the Democratic presidential race. Republicans John McCain and Mitt Romney scrapped for success on the eve of a New Hampshire primary that neither could afford to lose.

"You're the wave, and I'm riding it," Sen. Barack Obama, the new Democratic front-runner, told several hundred voters who cheered him in 40-degree weather after being turned away from an indoor rally filled to capacity.

Obama has been drawing large, boisterous crowds since he won the Iowa caucuses last week, and a spate of pre-primary polls showed him powering to a lead in New Hampshire, as well.

Clinton runs second in the surveys, with former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina third, and the first lady and her aides seemed to be bracing for another setback.

At one stop, she appeared to struggle with her emotions when asked how she copes with the grind of the campaign - but her words still had bite. "Some of us are ready and some of us are not," she said in remarks aimed at Obama, less than four years removed from the Illinois Legislature.

Opinion polls made the Republican race a close one between McCain, the Arizona senator seeking to rebound from last summer's near collapse of his campaign, and Romney, the former governor from next-door Massachusetts.

After sparring over taxes and immigration in weekend debates with McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Romney cast himself as the Republican best able to hold the White House. "I think Barack Obama would be able to do to John McCain exactly what he was able to do to the other senators who were running on the other side," he said as he sped his way through a half-dozen events on a final full day of campaigning.

Mindful of the polls, though, he declined to predict victory in a state where he had led in surveys for months.

McCain wasn't nearly as reluctant. "We're not gonna lose here," he predicted as he set out on a packed day of campaigning through seven cities. In a snow-draped setting in Keene, he accused Romney of negative campaigning and said voters would reject it. "I don't care how many attack ads you buy on television," he said.

Romney has run several TV commercials against McCain in New Hampshire, arguing that the senator's immigration plan would offer amnesty for illegal immigrants and painting him as a disloyal Republican for twice opposing President Bush's tax cuts. McCain responded with an ad that includes a quote from The Concord Monitor that suggested Romney was a phony.

Obama won his Iowa victory on a promise of bringing change to Washington, trumping Clinton's stress on experience. She has struggled to find her footing in the days since, at the same time insisting she is in the race to stay.

Her husband, the former president, pointed out the obvious Sunday night in remarks before a college audience. "We can't be a new story," he said, speaking in something of a jocular tone. "I can't make her younger, taller, male."

Still, Sen. Clinton's aides have urged her to show more passion and emotion - including laughter - to give voters a sense of her warmer side.

By coincidence or not, she did so as she set out on a final day in New Hampshire.

"You know, I had so many opportunities from this country. I just don't want to see us fall backwards," she said at a morning campaign stop, her tone changing and voice quavering.

"You know, this is very personal for me. It's not just political. It's not just public. I see what's happening. And we have to reverse it."

Edwards criticized Clinton as ill-suited to bring about change. "The candidate - Democrat or Republican - who's taken the most money from drug companies is not a Republican. It's a Democrat and she in this race tomorrow morning," he said.

The ubiquitous polls suggested that independents would play a large role in determining the outcome of the Republican race.

Men like Darren Garnick of Amherst, a registered independent, called himself politically "schizophrenic" as he crowded in to hear Huckabee speak. "I want someone to fix health care, and I want someone who will stand up to Iran."

Political independents accounted for 41 percent of the vote in the 2000 Republican primary in the state. McCain carried that group, 61-19, over George W. Bush, and won the primary even though Bush won the GOP nomination.

Now, eight years later, McCain hopes to attract enough independent voters once more to defeat Romney.

But Obama's rise presents a challenge McCain didn't face in 2000. The Illinois senator showed strong appeal among independents in Iowa, and pre-primary polling in New Hampshire indicates he is poised to gain substantial backing there, as well.

That left McCain contesting Obama for independents and Romney for Republicans as he worked to climb back into the race after his campaign nearly imploded last summer. At the time, he was struggling to defend the Iraq War, unpopular with independents and linked to an immigration position that drove away conservatives. In the months since, he has worked to take the edge off the immigration issue, and the war has receded as a campaign concern as U.S. casualties have declined.

Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, flipped pancakes Monday in a state known for its maple syrup, and struck a tone that was both populist and conservative.

"There's a great need in this country to elect someone who reminds them of the guy they work with, not the guy who laid them off," he said in a pitch aimed at independent voters. Speaking to conservatives, he added, "I have also heard folks say people in New Hampshire don't care about issues like family and the sanctity of life. I'd beg to differ."

He finished first in the Iowa caucuses last week on the strength of support from evangelical conservatives, but Tuesday's primary appears to offer far less prospect of success.

With the two parties still picking their candidates for the fall, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg took part in a meeting devoted to bipartisanship, stirring renewed speculation that he will run as an independent.

"People have stopped working together, government is dysfunctional, there's no collaborating and congeniality," said the mayor, who has said several times he does not intend to seek the White House.

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Timothy Davenport's Christmas for charity brings memories

Timothy Davenport's Christmas for charity brings memories
by Kevin "DJ Special K." Lofton

Enjoying the Holiday Season. Above: Front L is Timothy Davenport, Chairman of the Children’s Outreach Committee at Light of Elmwood Lodge #45. At front R is Jack Wilson Community Activist serving children and their own families at the Masonic Lodge on Spruce Street in the West section of Philadelphia.

“My fondest memories as a child at Christmas were coming downstairs to find a bike under the tree.” Tim recalls. That is what motivated Timothy Davenport, Chairman of the Children’s Outreach Committee at Light of Elmwood Lodge #45 to request that the brothers in his lodge donate 50 bikes for their annual Christmas Party. The brothers of Light of Elmwood came through with over 65 bikes.

Light of Elmwood Lodge #45’s Christmas Party, which was on Saturday, December 15th, reached out to families at St. Barnabus’ Shelter and The Kirkbride Shelter. The Christmas Party is also open to the general public free of charge. There were appearances by Santa, Rainbow the Clown, and DJ Special K. Lunch was provided and toys were given to all of the children.

Mr. Davenport states, “We here at Light of Elmwood have a strong commitment to children and the community. I applaud the efforts of all the brothers who donated bikes, and those who came out to make this event a success. I would also like to thank Karla Hilliard, Robyn Paschall, Jasmine Austin, Kearston Austin, and Tracey Austin for their dedication and support for this event.

Light of Elmwood also sponsors Fun Day, an event given by the lodge to celebrate the summer and family. Fun Day is also open to the general public without charge.

Identity theft a risk of file sharing

Identity theft a risk of file sharing

Identity theft is a risk on file sharing networks. One man was caught bilking people out of tens of thousands of dollars.With legal downloads, you don't have to worry about getting arrested for downloading copyrighted material without permission -- but you do have to worry about identity theft.

There are numerous software applications that allow users to share things like music, videos and games using what's called a peer-to-peer network.

"You can go online and download some software onto your computer that connects you with a network of other users, and you can share files with them," said Mary Engle of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

For example, users can download songs off your computer, and you can search theirs. The FTC says the problem is users may end up sharing more than they realize.

"We're concerned that consumers may accidentally share folders that contain private documents that they don't intend to share," said Engle.

Identity theft is happening. The feds recently nabbed a man for using a file sharing programs to steal tax forms and credit reports. They say he opened fake accounts and bilked people out of tens of thousands of dollars.

There've been other security breaches.

"Where employees will use laptops that they use in a company, and then bring them home; and children would install software and the files, which were taken out of the office, might be shared on a network," said Sam Berlin of LimeWire.

How can it happen? When you install the software, there's a designated folder where you save any files you download off the network. The problem is that sometimes the folder is installed in a place such as "My Documents", where you store personal information.

Or, some people move it to "My Documents" not knowing the risk, and sensitive material may now become accessible.

"And you've got identity thieves who are searching these sites, and what they find is lots of personal information like social security numbers, credit card information, financial information," said Engle.

The government is working with file sharing sites to improve privacy protections and says the industry is taking action.

The key to safety is to keep your shared files separate. Instead of going to an existing folder that may have your personal information, create a new folder and call it file sharing -- then you should be okay.

Bradley out of the blue Backs Obama for President

Bradley out of the blue Backs Obama for President

AP Photo/Henny Ray Abram

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) -- Bill Bradley, a former presidential hopeful and senator, planned to endorse Barack Obama for president on Sunday, aides said.

Bradley, a hall of fame professional basketball player, will campaign on Monday for Obama, Obama aides told The Associated Press.

The aides, speaking on condition of anonymity in advance of the formal announcement, said they hope the endorsement will help Obama end the national front-runner status for Clinton, who placed a disappointing third in Iowa's caucuses last week and is deadlocked with Obama in New Hampshire according to a poll released Saturday.

"Barack Obama is building a broad new coalition that brings together Democrats, independents and Republicans by once again making idealism a central focus of our politics," Bradley said in a release scheduled to be released on Sunday.

"Because of his enormous appeal to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Obama is the candidate best positioned to win in November. ... His movement for change could create a new era of American politics - truly a new American story."

Obama remains in a tight race with Clinton, both posting 33 percent support in a CNN-WMUR poll conducted two days after Barack Obama's Iowa victory and released Saturday night. A second poll, from The Concord Monitor and Research 2000, shows Obama at 34 and Clinton at 33. Clinton now seeks to stop Obama's momentum in New Hampshire, where the presidential primary is on Tuesday.

Bradley ran in the 2000 presidential primary against Vice President Al Gore. He sought to paint himself as an alternative to the incumbent Gore, appealing to the party's liberal base. He failed to win, however, because many of New Hampshire's largest voting bloc - independents - flocked to Sen. John McCain's first bid.

Bradley briefly considered a 2004 bid but instead stayed a consultant. In that presidential primary, he supported then-Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.

"Bill Bradley has always called on Americans to reach for what is possible in our politics," Obama said in a draft statement. "As a presidential candidate and author, he has continued to challenge us to build a mandate for pragmatic solutions and progressive change, and I am truly grateful that he has endorsed my candidacy."

Obama's state director, Matt Rodriguez, was a top aide to Bradley's campaign here in 2000.

HoopGurlz

HoopGurlz

Katie Grad

AUBURN, Wash. — Two Washington schools took care of two of Oregon’s top 6A teams Saturday in the Riverside Invitational at Auburn Riverside.

Lake Stevens (Wash.) fought back in the third quarter to defeat Jesuit of Portland, Ore., 66-50, to win the white division, while host Auburn Riverside busted out a strong start against Sheldon of Eugene, Ore., for a 69-48 win and the navy division title.

The Ravens (6-3) went on a 13-0 run to close the first quarter and were up 41-16 at halftime on a Sheldon squad that finished fourth in the 2007 Oregon 6A tournament.

“We haven’t started strong since we started off against Shelbyville (Tenn.) Central in the (Nike Tournament of Champions),” Auburn Riverside coach Adam Barrett said. “So for us to be able to come out and take it to them right off the bat was pretty impressive.”

Mary Ochiltree

Sheldon came out and put together a run at the beginning of the second half, but the Irish weren’t able to get closer than 19 points down.

“That’s what we’re trying to focus on is the defensive end of things and not the offensive end,” Washington State-bound senior Katie Grad said. “If our defense is good and we’re getting stops and we’re getting transition and we can get into our press … we live and die off the press.”

Grad, the navy division MVP, led all scorers with 24 points, while sophomore Mercedes Wetmore added 17 for the Ravens, which went 1-3 at the TOC.

With wins against Buena, Calif., Friday and Sheldon Saturday, Auburn Riverside finished a streak of six games against teams from six states in 11 days, going 3-3, including Saturday’s strong showing against Sheldon.

“If we put two halves together like that, we’re going to be tough to beat,” Barrett said.

In the first division championship of the night, Jesuit came out firing against Lake Stevens, taking a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. Lake Stevens, which had battled to double overtime with Moses Lake (Wash.) Friday, came out flat but recharged at halftime to outscore the Portland team by 19 in the second half.

“It’s really good for us to be here,” Vikings coach Randall Eden said. “To go out and beat a team like (Moses Lake) and bounce back and beat Jesuit, those are monster wins for us. … It puts us on the map officially.”

Senior Mary Ochiltree led Lake Stevens with 25 points and was named the white division MVP. Senior teammate Alona Personius, who skipped her junior season to focus on softball, had a season-high 19 points. Eastern Washington-bound Meaghan White led Jesuit with 15 points.

It was their third game in three days at the tournament for both Oregon teams, while it was just the second of back-to-back games for Lake Stevens and Auburn Riverside.

O Happy Day! Obama The Winner in Iowa

O Happy Day! Obama The Winner in Iowa

January 4, 2008-- Barack Obama has taken the lead tonight at the Iowa Caucuses. He is the winner with 91% of the precincts reporting, the Senator from Illinois has 35% of the votes with Edwards and Hillary Clinton close behind at 30%. The Obama campaign credits the large turnout of supporters for the win.

John Edwards is claiming second place and is happy with the outcome here in Iowa. He says it's a good showing here and it puts him in a good position to win the nomination.

Iowa seems to have delivered a blow to the Clinton campaign. Finishing third here isn't dampening her spirits. Saying this is a great night for Democrats. Clinton told supporters, "The turnout in Iowa says that Americans are ready for a change."

Chris Dodd, another candidate with a disappointing showing here in Iowa, has called it quits. The long time senator has dropped out of the race.

Even in the final hours of campaigning before the Iowa Caucuses, there's been no let-up in the push for support. The front runners in the Democratic race are anxiously awaiting the results of their many hours spent courting Iowans.

For Barack Obama, that meant a tour of the food court at the Kaleidoscope Mall. The visit nearly brought lunch to a standstill, when some restaurant workers came out from behind the counter for a handshake.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton made just one campaign stop today, at the Latin King restaurant in Des Moines. Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea, and her mother Dorothy Rodham were also there...

John Edwards started caucus day at 8:30 this morning, with a rally at the Steelworkers Union Hall in Des Moines. The event follows a 36-hour campaign blitz across the state. Edwards is hoping to finish one better than he did in 2004.

New Mexico governor Bill Richardson didn't have any campaign stops today. But, he did several television and radio interviews this morning. He and volunteers called undecided voters and talked one-on-one. "I feel a surge here. I feel momentum. I feel at the last minute, undecided voters are looking for experience," said Richardson from the Polk County Convention Complex Thursday morning.

Senator Joe Biden spent his final day of campaigning in the eastern part of the state. Biden began the day in Waterloo, then traveled to Dubuque and Davenport. Biden returned to Des Moines this afternoon and is attending a caucus night rally with friends and campaign staffers at the Science Center of Iowa at 9:00 p.m.

Chris Dodd traveled in eastern Iowa today, making campaign stops in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Dodd is attending the caucus site at Hoover High School in Des Moines tonight and then will travel to his caucus night celebration at the Temple for the Performing Arts.

Our Choice Obama, Does Black American Politician Iowa Victory

Our Choice Obama, Does Black American Politician Iowa Victory

AP- CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire is where Iowa's Democratic caucus victors get ratified and where its Republican winners get stung. Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee headed into the Granite State on Friday as Iowa's presidential champions, one hoping to ride history's trend and the other eager to break it.

Neither can expect it to be easy.

Obama is neck and neck in New Hampshire polls with Hillary Rodham Clinton, who finished third in Iowa but has the resources to confront him head on. Will Obama, like Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004, use his Iowa victory to catapult himself to victory in New Hampshire? Or will Clinton manufacture a turnaround like her husband did in 1992 and be the new Comeback Kid?

Huckabee faces even bigger questions. He has hardly campaigned in New Hampshire where a Republican contest is already in a dead heat between Mitt Romney and John McCain. He enters the state with little money and little time to mount an adequate come-from-behind surge. And tradition pulls against him. George H. W. Bush in 1980, Bob Dole in 1988 and 1996 and George W. Bush in 2000 - all are Iowa caucus winners who lost their New Hampshire primaries.

New Hampshire has not done well by Iowa's winners. George H.W. Bush won Iowaq in 1980 but lost to Ronald Reagan in New Hampshire. Then Bob Dole won Iowa in 1988 but lost to Bush in New Hampshire. Dole won Iowa in 1996, but lost to Pat Buchanan in New Hampshire and George W. bush won Iowa in 2000 but lost to John McCain in New Hampshire.

Iowa's results tightened the Democratic field - Sens. Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd dropped out shortly after the outcome was clear Thursday night. John Edwards mounted an energetic, populist campaign only to see himself repeat his 2004 second place finish in Iowa. He vowed to continue, but he trails Obama and Clinton in polls and in money.

For Republicans, Huckabee's victory served to keep their contest wide open. He beat Romney by nearly 9 percentage points, a setback for the former Massachusetts governor who now faces a reinvigorated McCain. Fred Thompson was looking beyond New Hampshire to South Carolina. And Rudy Giuliani, fading in New Hampshire, was counting on Florida and big state contests on Feb. 5.

An unpredictable factor could be Republican Ron Paul, an anti-war congressman with libertarian views whose legions of volunteers have fanned out across New Hampshire waving placards and knocking on doors in support of their dark horse candidate. Paul has raised a surprising amount of money, further complicating the political calculations in the state.

In their victory speeches, Obama and Huckabee struck similar cords and distinguished themselves from their respective fields - portraying themselves as unifiers and change agents who didn't view the world in simply Republican and Democratic hues.

"You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger that's consumed Washington," Obama told his raucous supporters. "To end the political strategy that's been all about division, and instead make it about addition. To build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states. Because that's how we'll win in November, and that's how we'll finally meet the challenges that we face as a nation."

Huckabee, sounding some of the same economic populist themes that Democrats had often heard from Edwards, said Americans were eager for change.

"But what they want is a change that starts with a challenge to those of us who were given this sacred trust of office so that we recognize that what our challenge is to bring this country back together, to make Americans, once again, more proud to be Americans than just to be Democrats or Republicans," he said. "To be more concerned about being going up instead of just going to the left or to the right."

Money, a defining measure of candidate strength throughout 2007, turned out to be not so determinative in Iowa. Romney, a multimillionaire who pumped more than $17 million of his own money into the campaign by September, spent about $7 million on ads in Iowa to Huckabee's $1.4 million.

Likewise, Edwards remained in the mix with Obama and Clinton even though they broke all fundraising records last year. Obama spent $9 million in television ads in Iowa, Clinton spent $7 million and Edwards spent only $3 million.

Romney's and Clinton's inability to win was also a blow to much of the Democratic and Republican party establishment that had lined up behind both candidates.

But if money was only secondary in Iowa, it could still be a factor ahead. Romney could tap his wealth again to carry him through New Hampshire and Michigan thereafter. And with Obama and Clinton at the top, the Democratic contest appears to be dominated by two financial titans.

As Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said after the results were in: "Our campaign was built for a marathon and we have the resources to run a national race in the weeks ahead."

Polls of Iowa voters as they entered the caucuses showed that Obama outpolled Clinton among women, and benefited from a surge in first-time caucus-goers and young voters in what was a record Democratic turnout. Similar enthusiasm in New Hampshire could again favor Obama.

Huckabee rode to victory on the strength of born-again or evangelical Christians, who comprised six in 10 Republican caucus-goers. But New Hampshire's Republican electorate is less overtly religious and more fiscally conservative. Even so, Huckabee has a penchant for retail politics and offers a message that is not singularly religious in tone.

"The thing you can say about Mike Huckabee is that he has a very different coalition," said Charlie Arlinghaus, a longtime New Hampshire GOP strategist and senior adviser to Thompson. "Giuliani's support comes from moderates and Romney's from conservatives. But Huckabee crosses a lot of lines - socially conservative and economically populist. That's why he was underestimated."

While Huckabee's victory over Romney heartened McCain, Obama's win could work against him under New Hampshire's wide open voting system. Obama is likely to attract many Democratic-leaning independents who might have voted for McCain if it appeared that Clinton had sewn up the Democratic contest.

"We now have competitive contests on both sides," said New Hampshire GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen. "That could be good news for Romney, who has been counting on this being a primary that is dominated by base Republicans."

Democrats advertise big to get ready for Iowa appearance

Democrats advertise big to get ready for Iowa appearance

AP- DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The leading Democratic candidates capped months of expensive advertising Wednesday with evening news appeals to Iowa voters as Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton focused on change and John Edwards relied on a laid-off worker to make his case.

Clinton, Obama and Edwards all purchased extra television time for their summations, wrapping up their campaign themes and offering more than the customary 30-second TV sound bites viewers have become accustomed to during the political season.

Obama tells voters he has worked for change "that has made a real difference in the lives of real people."

"I'm running to finally solve problems we talk about year after year after year," Obama says. "To end the division, the obscene influence of lobbyists and the politics that values scoring points over making progress. We can't afford more of that. Not this year. Not now."

Clinton said Iowans should "take the first step" toward changing the direction of the country by voting for her at the caucuses.

"I know you have waited a long time for a president who could hear you and see you," Clinton says. "I would like to be that president. So I ask you to caucus for me tomorrow. Put on your coats and call up a friend and help me change America."

John Edwards relies on the words of laid-off Maytag worker Doug Bishop, who offers a one-minute testimonial that recalls Edwards' pledge to Bishop's son four years ago that "I'm going to keep fighting for your daddy's job, I promise you that."

The three Democrats are neck-and-neck in state polls, giving the contest an air of unpredictability. The contest remains a three-way race even though Obama and Clinton, the two leading fundraisers in the entire presidential field, have vastly outspent Edwards in the state. Obama, with more than $9 million in ad spending in the state, was the heaviest spender, according to data compiled by TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, a firm that tracks political advertising. Clinton spent more than $7 million and Edwards more than $3 million, according to the firm's tallies.

In his address, Obama refers to his work as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer in Chicago and says he passed up more lucrative jobs on Wall Street and as a corporate attorney. He argued he can bring Republicans and Democrats together.

"This country is ready for a leader who will bring us together," he says. "That's the only way we're going to win this election. And that's how we'll actually fix health care, make college affordable, become energy independent, and end this war.

"I'm reminded every day that I am not a perfect man. And I won't be a perfect president. But I can promise you this, I will always tell you where I stand and what I think. I will listen to you when we disagree. I will carry your voices to the White House and I will fight for you every day I'm there. So I ask you to caucus tomorrow, not just for me, but for your hopes; for your dreams; for the America you believe is possible."

Clinton, speaking directly to the camera against a soft-focus background, recalls her time campaigning in the state. "The stories you have shared will always stay with me," she says.

The New York senator makes the case she has made on the stump as well, that she alone has the experience - eight years as first lady and seven years in the Senate - to take command of the White House quickly.

Simple and spare in production, her campaign tries to create the aura of an Oval Office address with the ad. In a close-up shot, Clinton is seated with what appears to be a window and table topped with flowers in a vase in the background.

"I'm not running for president to put Band-Aids on our problems. I'm running to solve them," she said, as she has many times at campaign events.

"You have welcomed me into your hearts and your homes. And I thank you," she says. "Parents juggling jobs to pay for college for their kids. Soldiers' families praying for a safe return. All the men and women across the state who have whispered their health care problems to me - bills they can't pay, parents they can't afford to care for, insurance companies who refuse to help."

Edwards makes his last appeal to Iowa voters, not with his own words, but those of Bishop, a working class father. By using Maytag as a foil, the ad touches an emotional nerve in Iowa. Maytag's washer and dryer factory was once the pride of Newton, Iowa, until it closed its doors in October. For Edwards, the plant represents a symbol for his populist rhetoric - one that criticizes corporations, foreign trade deals and special interests.

"I want a guy that's going to sit down and look a 7-year-old kid in the eye and tell him, 'I'm going to fight for your dad's job,'" Bishop says, as he introduces Edwards to an Iowa crowd. "That's what I want. I'm going to do my best to make sure that my children aren't the first generation of Americans that I can't look them in the eye and say, 'You're going to have a better life than I had.'"

Edwards supplemented his television spot with a full-page ad in the Des Moines Register that included a written message from Bishop and a lengthy essay from Edwards.

In perhaps the pledge that many Iowans will take most to heart, Obama opens his address by saying:

"You've heard from all of us and read our plans; you've been bombarded with mailings and phone calls, and you'll be glad to know that this is one of the last times you'll hear me say, 'I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this message.'"

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