When attending the Vanguard awards ceremony on Friday December 19th, one of the members of the student organizations that were there typed up a nice little history of the delicious treat. I thought it would be nice to share that with you since most people don’t know the history and probably don’t care, but let me say that it is very interesting.

The development of the candy cane took a few hundred years. Before the invention of the modern pacifier, parents used to give their babies unflavored white sugar sticks to on. During the 1670’s a German choirmaster had the sugar sticks bent into a shepherd’s staff and passed out to children attending the Christmas services. This holiday custom spread throughout Europe and fancy canes, decorated with roses, were used as Christmas decorations in many homes. About 1900 the white candy cane received its traditional red stripes and peppermint flavoring. At the same time the legend of the candy cane into being. According to this legend, a candy maker in Indiana designed the candy cane to tell the true story of of Christmas-a story about virgin giving birth to a shepherd who would give up his life for the sheep.

The most obvious symbolism used in the candy cane is its shape. Turned one way, it resembles a “J” for Jesus. The newborn Lamb of God was named Jesus, meaning Savior, because he was destined to “save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). Turned the other way, candy canes remind us of the shepherd’s staff. The first people to hear of Christ’s birth were shepherds guarding their flocks at night (LK 2:8-20). Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd searching for his lost sheep, feeding them. gently leading them, and carrying them in his bosom (Ps 23; Jn 10:1-18; Is 40:11; Jer 31:10; Micah 5:4; Heb 13:20). The sweetness of the candy reminds us that we are fed on the sweet milk of the Gospel of our salvation and peace (Eph 1:13; 6:15)

The hardness of the candy reminds us that Jesus is our rock of refuge (Deu 32:4, 15, 18; 1 Sam 2:2; 2 Sam 22:32, 47; 23:3 ). In rocky lands like Israel, people often sought shelter from their enemies in the caves or rocky crags of cliffs. Rocks also remind us of the solidness of the promises of Christ who is a precious cornerstone and sure foundation to those who follow him, but a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” to those who reject his gift of peace (1 Pet 2:6-8).

The whiteness of the candy brings ti mind the Virgin birth and the sinless life of Christ (Mt 1:23; Lk 1:34-35). We aksi are made as pure as the snow through the cleansing action of his blood (Rev 7:9, 14; Is 1:18). The traditional candy cane has 3 small red stripes to remind us of the soldiers’ stripes by which we are healed and a larger stripe which represents the blood shed by Christ on Calvary’s tree (Is 53:5; Mt 27:32-50). Some people say that the 3 small stripes honor the Holy Trinity while the larger stripe reminds us of the one true God. Others claim that the small stripes represent our mini-passions or sufferings and the great stripe symbolizes Christ’s Passion. A green stripe is sometimes placed on candy canes to remind us that Jesus is God’s gift to us. Green is the color of giving, by the way.

The peppermint flavor of modern candy canes is said to be similar to hyssop. In Old testament times, hyssop was associated with purification and sacrifice. During the first Passover celebrations, a bundle of hyssop was used to smear the blood of Passover lambs upon the doorposts of houses so that the Angel of Death would pass over their occupants (Ex 12:22). Bundles of hyssop were also used to sprinkle blood on worshipers and objects during Mosaic purification rituals (Ex 24:6-8). After his affair with Bathsheba, King David appealed to God’s mercy crying, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps 51:7). Peppermint reminds us that Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7). Peppermint reminds us that Jesus is our Passover lamb (1 Cor 5:7). His blood cleanses us from sin and destroys the power of death (Hosea 13:14).

Except where otherwise indicated all scripture quotes are from the NKJV

Wow, isn’t this an eye opener. Just wait until you read my entry on the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Mr. Wade and I first met when I was writer/editor for the North Philly Metropolis teen newspaper. Mr. Wade had come to my office in the summer of 2006 wanting his views and concerns about the city of Philadelphia heard. I agreed to interview Mr. Wade for what soon became a series of articles appearing in every other issue of the NPM. Within this article I decided to switch things up a bit and instead of interviewing Mr. Wade, give him a chance to share his ideals and suggestions about the violence that inhabits Philadelphia.

 My name is Mr. Wade Jackson and I have a few things to say on how we can stop the violence in Philadelphia. I have a solution that will bring the violence down, but it will take participation from everyone including Moms In Charge, Moms Against Guns, Men United, Block Captains, Ex-offenders, former gang members, the commissioner, and Mayor Michael Nutter.

Locking up and throwing away the key is not the answer to prevent violence. My solution is that throughout the city of Philadelphia instead of thinking negative about the young generation that went astray; let’s turn this negative thinking into positive. Everyone, take one male or female that is going toward the wrong direction under your wing and reach out to them like they are one of your own. Show them what they are missing in life, show them how important education is, and take them to different places. Everybody must work together as one; we are the answer to the violence, not jail.

Michael Nutter since you are about education and want the violence to slow down, are you willing to take a teen under your wing and guide them in the right direction? You are the mayor of Philadelphia; you can set the biggest example by letting Philadelphians see you do this. I am asking everyone to reach out and take a chance with youth because we are losing them either in jail or to the grave. They deserve a chance, let’s give it to them. Reach out to them and show them love.  If God can forgive, so can we.

Everybody throughout the city of Philadelphia step up to the plate, it will be a big change for our lives. We must remember not all families have both parents. Even with both parents some children still don’t get love and that can definitely lead them in the wrong direction. We are all supposed to be as one, love each other as one no matter what color you may be.

Another solution for people who are ex-offenders and don’t have jobs, one thing that could be done is to create outside jobs such as, cleaning graffiti off of walls, painting buildings, washing windows, and landscaping. I know a lot of companies don’t want to take a chance with a person who has a record, but just give them a chance. I believe that a lot of outside jobs will be a success, there is nothing like getting a paycheck for doing honest work.

Michael Nutter this is another idea for you to think about, since you want to help people on parole and ex-offenders. Instead of millions of dollars going toward unnecessary things for our city they could go towards those who do need jobs.

Thank you.

(Peak Johnson, The Student Vanguard)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I have my holiday planned which I deaperately need even if it is only two days off, yes good people I’ll be working on the weekends. Today I am going to go home, throw my book bag to the side until Friday, get in bed, and watch Hancock. Tomorrow will be more or less of the same with the plan of sleeping  and eating all day and then watching, the Polar Express and the Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The story written below is actually based on a true story, I wrote it for the 6th issue of the NPM and it serves as kind of a prequel to a character within the Rage universe. By the way, you can check out the 6th issue of the NPM for yourself in the North Philly Metropolis part of the site.

Ms. Henderson’s Boys

It was the day before Thanksgiving in the city of brotherly love, schools were letting out early, students didn’t have homework, and the only thing occupying everyone’s mind was how much food they would consume the following day.

“Happy Thanksgiving Jessica” Ms. Henderson said happily to her best student, as the rest of her class emptied out.

“Happy Thanksgiving” Jessica replied, brushing hair out of her face.

“Do you need a ride home?” Ms. Henderson asked, watching Jessica retrieve her things and reaching the door.

“No I’m fine. See you next week Ms. Henderson”

As Jessica left Ms. Henderson strolled around her classroom  looking out the many windows and watching all of the students leave for the holiday. All of them happily running around the school yard, smiling, laughing.

“Don’t you just love the holidays” She said to herself quietly, looking around her classroom one last time before exiting it.

Giving everyone a healthy smile before leaving for the remainder of the holiday, Ms, Henderson hopped into her car and drove off into the crowded streets of Downtown Philadelphia. Every store was crowded as could be, some even had their Christmas decorations all ready up, and people outside were trapped in their overcoats just as warm as could be, which only made Ms. Henderson happy as she pulled up to Pierce Elementary school.

“How was your day” She asked her son Anton as he got in the car.

“Fine” Anton replied in almost a whisper.

“What’s the matter with you?” Ms. Henderson asked, pulling away from the school.

“Nothing” Anton replied. “I’m fine, just a little tired”

The rest of the drive home was quiet as usual, Ms. Henderson’s son was tired as can be but happy that the holiday break had finally arrived with a few days he could use as an excuse to just lay around the house and do nothing.

The car came to a stop and they were home. Ms. Henderson quickly stepped out of her car eager to start on her Thanksgiving cooking when she came to a sudden stop; Anton of course followed but came to a stop as well. Both were thunder struck at the sight that had been awaiting them on their step, wearing nothing but a shirt and a pair of baggy jeans.

“Robert” Ms. Henderson said calmly but quietly to herself.

“Hi mama” Robert said, smirking afterwards. “I’m home, what’s for dinner? You know what I’ll just wait till tomorrow”

At the sight of her other son, Ms. Henderson’s emotions were mixed with anger and sorrow, any parent would have been happy to see their son, in fact any parent would have been happy to see Robert because of all the good he had done for the community, but…

Anton continued staring at his older brother Robert in awe with his own mouth literally wide open; Ms. Henderson without taking another look at Robert quietly walked up her steps, grabbed her house keys from her right pocket, and entered her home. Both boys followed her in.

That night no one really slept well, Robert stayed up all night calling his so called friends and making arrangements so they could meet the next day, Ms. Henderson continued on with her plans of cooking the perfect Thanksgiving meal through the night, forgetting and remembering that Robert was again home.

The next morning as Anton awoke, the aroma of Cornish hens and sweet potatoes filled his nostrils and with the knowledge of knowing he was safely home in his warm bed, in his warm house in general made him feel for some reason better than he had ever felt before. As he wandered down to the kitchen, his mother seemed happy as she continued with the last of her preparations for the evening meal, all the while watching the Thanksgiving parade.

“Good morning mom” he said almost in a whisper.

“Good morning” Ms. Henderson replied her too almost in a whisper.

“What time is Uncle Randy coming over” he asked, trying to sound a little excited that it was Thanksgiving.

“Sometime in the afternoon” she replied, again in a whisper.

Anton quietly walked into the living room where he turned on the television to watch the parade; sitting there he started wondering where Robert was at and why his mother was suddenly acting strange. Minutes of the parade quickly turned into hours and before one could notice, Santa Claus was making his might return down the Benjamin Franklin parkway.

“What’s up nephew” called Uncle Randy.

“Uncle Randy” Ms. Henderson’s son cried as he ran into his uncle’s arms.

“Sorry I took your house keys” Uncle Randy added as he dug deep into his right pocket. “I swore they were mine”

Anton’s uncle had came once before in mid July to visit his sister and his nephew, but on the last day of his visit, he had mistakenly grabbed Anton’s house keys instead of his own.

“It’s ok” Anton said, forgetting the whole thing and just happy to see his dear old uncle. “How are you and Ms. Tina?”  

“Were fine, she said to tell everyone hi.” Uncle Randy said. “Hey baby sister” he added as Ms. Henderson walked into the living room.

“Hey” Ms. Henderson said, flopping down on the couch and wiping sweat from her face.

“Is it time to eat” Uncle Randy asked sarcastically.

“Yeah” Ms. Henderson replied.

“Well come on nephew I’ll make you and me a plate”

Ms. Henderson’s son started to follow his uncle into kitchen when Ms. Henderson called him back and pointed to the door with an almost sad expression on her face.

“Look and see if you see your brother” she said.

“Ok” he replied as he turned to the door.

The cold forthcoming December winds blew into the house as Anton opened the door; outside he could see Robert walking along slowly with a girl he knew to look rather familiar and two other beefy looking guys, each (except for the girl ) smoking.

“That’s it” Robert said to the three. “That’s my last one, never gonna touch the stuff again, I’m starting anew” he added, flicking whatever he was smoking into the distance.

“Whatever” one of the beefy looking guys known around the streets as “Trick” said. “Once you realize what you just did in the morning, you’ll rush to my house”

“I’ll holla at ya’ll later. Jessica I’ll call you” Robert said as he entered the house. “What’s up bro?” he added, as he rubbed his younger brother’s busy but nappy hair.

“Bye” Jessica said, happy that her boyfriend was back.

“…Robert” Uncle Randy said, holding both his plate and his nephew, but just as shocked. “Y-Your back”

“Uncle Randy I didn’t know you’d be up here, how’s New York?” Robert asked, coming to a stop and seeing his mother.

“What’s that smell?” Ms. Henderson asked, sounding a bit angry.

“N-Nothing ma” Robert answered nervously.

Uncle Randy had noticed the smell too and tried his best to pull Anton in the kitchen, like many others he had thought Robert was a good and honest person but like so many others he was proven wrong.

“What’s that smell” Ms. Henderson asked, this time standing up.

“Ma don’t worry, I’ll just spray some air freshener and…”

“You an’t been here a full week and already your starting trouble”

“Ma I’m not doing anything wrong…”

“Look at you; you’re too loaded to even know what you’re doing”

Robert walked slowly toward the kitchen but his uncle quickly stepped in his way, Anton looked on, confused.

 “Don’t you walk away from me boy” Ms. Henderson yelled.

“Boy” Robert almost yelled back. “Mama I’m your son, and if you’d wait a minute and let me explain, I…”

“You’re my mistake” Ms. Henderson yelled at the top of her lungs.

The living room went quiet, even the voices of the news media on television sounded as if it went completely mute.

“What” Robert said, looking his mother in the eyes.

“I never thought I’d say this about any of my sons…I hate you Robert and I wish you were never born” Ms. Henderson said as tears flowed from her eyes. “I have nothing to be thankful for, not after what you did”

“How can you be saying this” Robert said angrily.

“Robert you killed that boy and for what, you killed him and you come back here like it’s nothing and for that I swear to god I wish you weren’t born”

Robert turned furiously toward the front door and opened it wide.

“I said don’t walk away from me boy” Ms. Henderson yelled again, but trying to calm down a bit.

“Is it that much of a big deal? You don’t even know the kid or what he did, or…”

“It doesn’t matter” Ms. Henderson shouted, jumping up and down frantically with tears filling up in her eyes. “You killed the boy, you killed him, you killed somebody, and over what Robert, over what?”

Uncle Randy rushed to his sister’s side, trying to calm her down as Robert looked on.

“Was it worth it Robert, was it?” Ms. Henderson said, crying full tears now.

“I thought…that I could come here and start over, I was listening to my beats yesterday in my room, I fixed my computer, I’m going back to school, Mama we can forge…”

“Before you say another word” Ms. Henderson said, getting up and pushing her brother aside. “Get out, get out now!”

Robert eyed his mother as if she had just told a funny joke that no one but himself understood.

“Mama you don’t…” he started.

“Get out!” Ms. Henderson roared.

“Mama, you can’t be…”

“I said get out!”

Robert turned around towards the door way and buried his head in his arms before turning around one last time.

“…Happy Thanksgiving, be thankful I’m not here” he said, slamming the door and walking out of his mother and brother’s life forever.

Ms. Henderson turned to the kitchen where her brother was waiting to try and calm her down, her son returned to the living room still confused and even a little frightened, not for him but for his brother as he watched television.

“Police are still baffled” The television echoed. “It was just last week that the vigilante, calling himself Rage was spotted by police by 32^nd street near Strawberry Mansion High School where he stopped a group of individuals who were selling marijuana and other drugs.”

It seems readers that our desperate hope for a peaceful city, unfortunately, is still only a dream. You may be asking why?  The reason is quite simple, we live in a city where people are fearful of each other and once you think about it they have the right to be. For if I was on my way to the store and suddenly by mistake bumped into someone who might have had a bad day, it is almost likely that they would pull a gun out on me. It becomes so difficult to understand how anyone can pull the trigger of a gun ending a person’s life.

When did everything begin to fall apart? Did the violence begin to escalate more when former mayor John F. Street was in office and Sylvester Johnson was commission or further back? In 2006, 179 people aged 7-24 were killed in Philadelphia. Of those who were killed, 94% were killed with firearms. I don’t mean to ask such a cliché question, but isn’t this supposed to be the city of brotherly love?

“Keep kids alive” is their motto and it seems to be a very strong one at that. Last fall Mrs. Lynne Honickman, wearing a magnificent hat and shirt bearing her new organization name took stage at Love Park, “I created Mom Against Guns as a force for change,” said Mrs. Honickman, “And a form for other women to express their fury, its about voices, thousands of voices telling Pennsylvania lawmakers over and over again that illegal guns must be controlled.”

The audience applauded Mrs. Honickman and why not? Obviously things have gotten out a little out of the control and if the people we elect are not going to listen to us as they promised then its time to start making them. “I know its going to take awhile and I don’t think that this one group is going to put an end to gun violence,” says Mrs. Honickman “but I think if we can get voices that haven’t been heard before and then add those voices to the other hard working voices out there then maybe we’ll become the biggest and strongest group in town.”

The idea of Moms Against Guns had came to Mrs. Honickman when building of the, Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs, was in progress.  At the time, she was helping to plan a trip to the Institute of Contemporary Art for some of the community’s kids who attended the after school program now being moved to the learning center. At this time she had also noticed some of them walking past a drug house. When several of the kids couldn’t make it to the trip that had been planed because of a recent drive by shooting, that’s when Mrs. Honickman thought that there was just too many guns in this city.

“Over the next two or three years when the learning center was completed, the violence had just gotten worse and worse and I thought to myself that if I don’t stand up and do something about this then I can’t live with myself.”  Mrs. Honickman wants her organization to do two things, one is to give the good citizens of Philadelphia a sense of having stood up and counted for something that she knows is hurting them inside. “There isn’t a mom around who doesn’t worry about their child walking down the street.” She adds. The second is that she hopes that it makes such a strong loud noise that our legislators have to listen and that the power that one gets from doing a good thing sticks around.

Moms Against Guns plan to expand into the whole state and they’re beginning now, “we are asking people that if you know anyone outside of our city within the state of Pennsylvania to tell us and we’ll email them and as the emails start to come in the message will spread and spread, that’s what a viral campaign is.”

Mrs. Honickman thought of making Moms Against Guns a viral campaign because it’s really “word of mouth.” In making the organization’s website she tried to make it very simple and very clear so that all you have to do is just go on and click the button and a letter from you will go straight to your legislator.

Another hope that Mrs. Honickman has is that we properly learn how to rehabilitate a person, helping them to get a meaningful, find housing, and get a good education. She believes that all of these things keep you from walking the wrong path. “The ultimate solution to major gun violence is to add as many voices as we can mount to campaign and get this to stop.

I urge you, the readers, to sign up and click the button at www.momagaisnstguns.org and get those letters to your legislators fast. The mounting gun violence that is plaguing Philadelphia must come to an end and people like you can help, one voice at a time.

We all have to admit at times, if not all the time now, that there is nothing to watch on television. Watching television used to be a person’s favorite thing to do after school, still might be. All anyone could be found doing was the not-so-productive activity of watching television, eating, and growing fat. Eventually when realizing that there were other opportunities to take advantage of instead of watching television such as, hopping on the internet to check a myspace page, attending a job interview, or just watching the depressing news.

It’s the year 2008 and as leaders of our communities, we need to gain more knowledge and more information about what’s happening in our world today. We need more opportunities to do these things, whether by joining an after school program, writing for a community newspaper, or appearing on television.

Last fall, “Gen.Is.Us Revitalized Teen Talk,” hosted by Fatima Thomas, alongside newcomers Jasmine Martin, and Tymier Butler debuted on Comcast cable channel 80. Gen.Is.Us is completely operated by teenagers who are in charge of coming up with topics to be discussed, interviewing individuals, editing material (which can sometime be very long,) and then delivering the tape to Comcast where it is put on television for out viewing pleasure. The process is very complicated, believe me.

So far, Gen.Is.Us. has discussed topics ranging from whether music provides just pure entertainment or serves more of a social purpose, homosexuality in the black community, and teen sex and the role of parents. Some may be afraid to tackle these tough topics or talk about them in public, but these are the topics that will make you think and question what’s really going on around you.

Presently Gen.Is.Us has wrapped up two tapings, one highlighting more of what it takes to bring the show to the big screen with a look of the host and hostesses. The other, the last premier to wrap up season one will revolve around teen violence. The show will also include poetry from students who develop their writing skills through Philadelphia’s Arts & Spirituality Center.

Preparations for season two is already underway and Gen.Is.Us is starting it off by looking for new teen hosts, middle school through college age students. Viewers have a lot to look forward to in season two of Gen.Is.Us, new faces and new topics that will make us wonder about the world around us.

Viewer feedback on Gen.Is.Us is welcomed by email at GenisusTv@gmail.com or visit their myspace page at, www.myspace.com/genisustv

Cokie Roberts is an American Emmy award winning journalist and a best selling author. Her books include We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters, From This Day Forward, Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation, and her latest, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. 

As written in the North Philly Metropolis’s  blog, when being in the same room with a famous journalist such as, Mrs. Cokie Roberts, it’s not only mind blowing, but you have to ask yourself how are you able to be so lucky. Cokie Roberts is a true inspiration to the up and coming journalists/authors of the NPM. Tanisha Clanton, William Harris, and Peak Johnson were among the lucky few to be able to interview Cokie. They asked what many people considered to be excellent questions. As the trio entered the WHYY building where the event was taking place, they were brought into what appeared to be a conference room where they made sure that they had all of their questions memorized and their digital cameras charged. Some were a little nervous, though Peak Johnson replied, “This is just like the old days. Most of us are busy with school and work and are unable to really go out on interviews as much.”

Sister Mary Scullion led the trio up to the second floor where they were able to have lunch before the big interview and actually had the early chance of meeting Cokie Roberts herself. Harold Honickman and Lynne Honickman were also in attendance, passing around a copy of the North Philly Metropolis to Cokie who believed it to be a great thing that teens of North Philadelphia are doing. After eating, it was time for everyone to take their seats and as Bill Marazzo, CEO of WHYY introduced Cokie, William, Peak, and Tanisha went over their questions one final time. Though before Peak Johnson knew it, he was already asking his question:

PJ: What life experiences do you think prepared you to be a great journalist?

CR: I was blessed with a very fine education; the Religious of Society of the Sacred Heart educated me. In the 1950’s when I was growing up a lot of people didn’t think girls should be taken seriously, but I was lucky enough that my teachers did. I also grew up in a political family, both my father and my mother served in congress. So I knew what a tremendous effect journalist had on politicians and that they could be very hurtful. You had to be very careful to know that what you were saying was accurate and fair. So I think that that life experience was terribly important in terms of my journalism today.

After reading a passage from her book, Ladies of Liberty, it was Tanisha Clanton’s turn to ask her question:

TC: What is your view on the election between Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton?

CR: It’s a fascinating election. It’s great that Pennsylvania has gotten paid attention to. I think that it’s a very exciting election for the country and I think that the fact that people are signing up to vote is terrific. Even though I don’t like the amount of money that is in politics, the fact that people are sending it as a way of participating shows that they are interested. 

Tanisha was asked by Mr. Bill, what were her friends saying about the election? Tanisha replied, “My friends really don’t know who to choose because you’re having a woman and African-American male both running for president. It’s tough.” Cokie Roberts replied, “They’re good choices.” The mike was soon passed onto William Harris, who quietly asked Cokie:

WH: How long did it take you to write Ladies of Liberty?

CR: Founding Mothers came out in 2004 and this one [Ladies of Liberty] came out in 2008, so in someway it took around 4 years. Though not 4 years of non-stop writing because I have day jobs [she laughs] and I have a life.

William went on to ask, what was the most interesting aspect of life for the women of that time.

CR: Well there were lots of different views; you have to remember that these women had no political rights or any legal rights. A married woman could not own property and a quarter of the country was in bondage. So you had all kinds of legal issues for these women and life was just very difficult. They were pregnant all the time and were losing babies all the time, traveling was very difficult. Just think how hard it was just to get through a day. But with all of that what I found so interesting was how deeply committed they were to this country, how very political they were, how very politically influential they were, and how powerful men of their acquaintance recognized the power of the women and gave them credit.

Cokie was asked another question by a member of the audience whether she thought the woman of today have it just as hard the women during the time our country was being founded. Cokie replied that she didn’t think so, but what do you, the reader think?

In some parts of the world, a café can actually be licensed to sell alcohol, one place being France. Shocking, I know. Could you actually imagine walking into a quiet peaceful place and see bottles of Tequila, Beer, and even more liquor surrounding coffee and baked goods? By being able to write this article about Project H.O.M.E.’s newest edition, I was able to learn a little more about café’s in general. Take this for examples, in the United Kingdom, café’s are known by another name, Greasy Spoon. Though they don’t sell coffee or baked goods. By the name you can probably guess that a Greasy Spoon sells burgers, sausages, fried eggs, friend bacon. Mostly fried or grill food. Not very healthy, but it makes my mouth water nonetheless and if you’re hungry yours too.

While the actual term for café is defined as being is “an informal restaurant offering a range of hot meals and made to order sandwiches.” Café’s are different from coffee houses, which usually only focuses on coffee alone. A café’s is regarded by some to be the central gathering point to gather for conversations, meetings, studying, etc. Which I’m sure anyone can imagine. If you have never been to a café’ (Like me, though I’ve only been to one once and know I work at one) picture this, big comfy chairs, the aroma of coffee and cookies, and you and your friends talking about the days events.

When walking past a café, the smell of coffee often reminds me of baked goods. The specific would only be cookies, I like cookies.  The taste of coffee, unless it has plenty of cream and sugar, has never really been, for a better choice of words, my cup of tea. I never really considered myself a café person. It must be admitted in this article that within my mind the actual knowledge that café’s existed had been absent. Where have I been must be the question that you are asking. The only time that a café was mentioned to me had been when reading up on Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and others. Surprisingly enough, café’s are the ideal spot for writers. For the Free Library Of Philadelphia patrons who have been coming to the main branch for years can now be seen when leaving with not only a good book in hand  but either a cup of coffee or a treat from the H.O.M.E. Page Cafe’..

It was on April 16, 2008 that Project H.O.M.E. together with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Metropolitan Bakery held the grand opening for the newest addition to the Project H.O.M.E. family, the H.O.M.E. Page Café. So far, since the opening of the café it has been a huge success. Whether it be rain or shine you can always find a faithful visitor of the library arriving at the café for his/her cup of coffee or cookie. Myself on the other hand can often be found buying Alex’s Lemonade, a peanut butter bar, or actually working there as either cashier or server. There are times when even I can be found in the corner taking advantage of the library’s free wireless internet. Forgot to mention that people go to café’s to work too.

“Our mission stems from the “O” in Project H.O.M.E.-Opportunities for employment,” says Lisa Kavanagh, Manager of Businesses at Project H.O.M.E.  “In the case of formerly homeless people, some have little or no work experience. In our supported employment environment, our hosts receive the building blocks to become a great employee. It also builds work experience for their resume, and builds self worth to know you are a part of something great.”

Ms. Lisa Kavanagh, receiving her college degree from the Art Institute of New York in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, had worked in great and expensive restaurants in New York City. “I left that life because making expensive food for someone with too much money was not fulfilling.” She adds.  As the manager of Businesses for Project H.O.M.E., Ms. Lisa gets to utilize her culinary background while overseeing business.

Starbucks has contributed financially to the café by loaning them coffee equipment and providing a trainer before the café actually opened. Bank of America also gave generously by giving the café financial resources to get up and running, “These are benefits that other businesses don’t have.” The Back H.O.M.E. Café has an extraordinary relationship with Metropolitan Bakery; Metropolitan has helped train the hosts of the café sells their baked goods to H.O.M.E. Page which they do not do for anyone else in the city. “Seeing customers recognize their products and name has helped business tremendously.” Added Ms. Lisa.  

“The idea of the Café came from Ms. Linda Johnson in 2006,” says Sister Mary Scullion, Co director of Project H.O.M.E. “We saw that it was an opportunity both for the Project H.O.M.E. residents as well as the Harold A. Honickman Young Entrepreneurs.”

During grand opening day, the café was filled to capacity. Beginning first with speeches from project organizers and café employees followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Michael Nutter. “The benefit of opening in an existing building is that we have an instant audience!” says Ms. Lisa, “Library patrons and staff are pleased with out presence and business is thriving, something not always common for new businesses.”

The concept for the café was built upon both the Back H.O.M.E. Café’ and Catering which is operated out of Project H.O.M.E.’s main offices at 1515 Fairmount Avenue and Project H.O.M.E.’s Marketplace operated at RittenHouse Square by teen members of the Harold A. Honickman Young Entrepreneur program. The café; has employed 10 formerly homeless Philadelphians and five teens from the young entrepreneur program. Employees earn $8.75 an hour.

Ask what she hopes the café will accomplish and Sister Mary replies, “My fondest hope for the Café is that it is a fun place to go to get quality food and drink and it is a successful launching pad for our young entrepreneurs and for formerly homeless adults getting back into the workplace.”

“Working with teens is incredible,” says Ms. Lisa, “So much changes for them over a short time that it’s hard to keep up.” Readers, let me just say that working at H.O.M.E. Page isn’t as hard as one may think. Though making coffee is a breeze, lattes and cappuccinos are a little hard for me to master, though I’ve been getting better at it. Seeing the customers bright smiles after each transition always makes my and the other hosts/hostesses day. 

“For the café I want to help many residents and teens gain great work experience in a public setting,” added Ms. Lisa, “My fondest hope for our hosts is that they go on to other jobs when the are ready to have the confidence that they can succeed in anything, and on occasion use something that they learned here in the future, whether it be for work or home life.”

“How does the appearance of Rage affect your retirement as Commissioner?” asked journalist, Stephanie Miller.

“It doesn’t affect me at all, I believe myself to have done some good in Philadelphia without the help of Rage.” Answered Police Commissioner Bale.

“Sources say that you have been coaching on Lieutenant Catherine Pressley to run for your position as the next Commissioner of Philadelphia’s police force.”

“I have been in conversation with the lieutenant; she has done a fine job in her current position and will do so as the next commissioner. When first hearing that she showed interest in becoming the next Commissioner I was thrilled, but I never ‘coached’ her on as you say.”

 “I have a question about Rage.” Asked journalist, Larry Sox.

Police commissioner Bale stood at the podium in Love Park, an officer on either side of him. He was feeling up with anger, glaring at the reporter who had just asked that question. It had been over a month since the costumed figure known as Rage arrived in Philadelphia, cleaning up its crime ridden streets. The first sighting being made of this…vigilante in Fairmount Park.

There were now rumors circulating throughout the city that the sudden arrival of Rage meant that Philadelphia police had suddenly unleashed some kind of secret weapon upon criminals because they themselves could not stop the overwhelming crime. The secondary rumor was that in someway Rage was connected with the sudden arrival of the mass murderer, Crow.

The Philadelphia police had not been able to bring the criminal to justice where as Rage had been able to stop a number of his crimes, generating more heat on Commissioner Bale. Answering questions about Rage was the last thing he wanted to do right now.

“Why not form an alliance with Rage?” Larry continued.

“As I’ve said previously,” Bale began “The Philadelphia Police do not form alliances with individuals who take the law into their own hands. We do not have any connections with the sudden appearance of Rage or any knowledge of his whereabouts.”

“You say that you do not form alliances with individuals who take the law into their own hands Commissioner,” added journalist, Tony Harris. “Yet statistics state that over the past few weeks’ crime has slowly declined because of Rage.”

“Just because Philadelphia has some…vigilante now jumping from building to building does not mean that it will be safe. This Rage character has done nothing but bring about more crime in the city.”

“So are you saying that you believe that in someway both Crow and Rage are connected?” Tony continued.

“I am not saying that at all…” Commissioner Bale took a moment to squint at the journalist’s name, “Tony. I am merely stating that two wrongs do not make a right. Having someone taking the law into their own hands and manipulating it as they see fit will only encourage others to do the same.”

“Well if it will stop people from killing each other, I’m glad Rage is here.” Cried a citizen.

“You shouldn’t be sir because the kind of inspiration that I am talking about will only influence the wrong kinds of people. You think Philadelphia has it bad now with criminals running around and killing innocent individuals, just wait until they start imitating Rage. All of you are cheering now, but Philadelphia will only get worst when at last you will wish you have had listened to me.”

“So you believe that the appearance of Rage will influence some…supervillians to try and rival him?” commented Lary, holding back a small laugh.

“I only believe that things will become even harder.”

“It seems that the citizens of Philadelphia have two huge options then Commissioner,” added Tony, “seek the help that Rage is given or watch as things fall apart even more and become harder.”

The commissioner said nothing and started to back away from the podium when no more questions were flying at him.

“Before you go Commissioner, do you and your officers have a plan to stop Crow, he has already killed 10 people within the last 2 weeks and it seems that he slips right through your fingers.”

“My men and I are trying our best to apprehend Crow; you must remember that 2 of those men were police officers…”

Silver Bailey turned off his television.

It seems readers that our desperate hope for a peaceful city, unfortunately, is still only a dream. Why? Because if I were to talk to your girlfriend or if I had mistakenly bumped into you while trying to make it to class on time, it is likely that I would get hurt, though not with fists. It becomes so difficult to understand how someone can pull the trigger of a gun ending a person’s life.

I don’t mean to ask such a cliché question, but isn’t this supposed to be the city of brotherly love? When did everything begin to fall apart in our fair city? Did the violence begin to escalate more when former mayor John F. Street was in office and Sylvester Johnson was commission or further back? 179 people aged 7-24 were killed in Philadelphia last year. Of those who were killed, 94% were killed with firearms. Philadelphia police have made major crime busts in recent months where “justice” has been served, however, why can’t this continue. With the sudden police deaths almost every officer could be found trying to find the individual responsible. Or they could be found on television abusing their power. Though what about the other countless murderers who are lose in the city, why aren’t they being looked for as drastically as the police killers were?

Questions like theses are starting to make people wonder if Mayor Michael Nutter and police commissioner Charles Ramsey are doing as they promised to protect the city. Though as of the first six months this year, homicides are down by 20% while violent crime is only down by 6%. Though Despite this, it does seem that the two are on their way to reducing crime in Philadelphia. One of the objectives listed in Police Commissioner Ramsey’s Crime Fighting Plan is to add 200 more police officers to the streets of Philly.

But I wonder if increasing police on the streets, will there be some kind of retaliation by the citizens of Philadelphia. My feelings are similar to the ones when first hearing about the “stop and frisk” policy. According to an article on philly.com entitled ‘Nutter seeks even lower crime rates’ Ramsey states that the policy is showing nothing but good results. Furthermore police have so far stopped 103,433 pedestrians during the first half of this year, a 58 percent increase, and 193,300 vehicles, a 17 percent increase. Police have so far seized 1,570 weapons which is a 2.3 percent increase over last year. A concern for some Philadelphians is trying to build better connections with Philadelphia Police and actually being able to talk to them.

Another point that Philadelphians bring up is that city officials should just stop ignoring the facts and stop releasing criminals early.Though when you think about it, why should we be the ones to judge Ramsey and Nutter when all they’re asking is for us, the citizens of Philadelphia, to help them. All we can do is be afraid of telling who hurt our next door neighbor, friend, cousin, sister, our brother. On June 17, 2008 Strawberry Mansion High School held their graduation at Temple University’s Liacouras Center. This day was supposed to be one of the best of days for Khiry Caldwell and all of his friends who were graduating and going on to college. Graduation day is supposed to be the best day for anyone who is graduation.

Graduation is not supposed to be filled with fear. It is not supposed to be filled with tears, and it is not supposed to be filled with gunfire and fights. On Khiry Caldwell day of graduation he did not only receive his diploma. He received an injury to the back by a gun that was fired as a result from a fight that was between a group of young men. Luckily the injury was not life threatening. Khiry only suffered a cracked rib and a bruised lung. Two days before this incident a 23 year old man who came from Minnesota with the dream of teaching in Philadelphia was shot and killed for his iPod.

There is a solution to this; we need to start looking out for one another. Let’s support one another and stop letting each other down. As stated by Mr. Wade Jackson, “we are all supposed to be as one, love each other as one, no matter what color you may be.” 

Editing is not as easy as one would think. I’m sure that everyone knows this if you’re in school right now or just finished. Though when your editing someone else’s work it can take a bit longer because you don’t want to change the sounding of their voice, I try not to do that too much when editing for the NPM.  Maybe I’m slow, but editing one article can take me around an hour or so. Editing my own stuff can take me even longer…or not.

This will probably be up at the npm blog, but did anyone hear about Septa cutting transpasses for students? Look like getting to school on time has just gotten a little harder, this will be mentioned in the upcoming NPM.