PICKLEBALL COURTS IN YPSI TWP? WHAT THE HECK IS PICKLEBALL!?

Pickleball courts? pickleball courts in Ypsi TWP? Six of them? Waaa? What the heck is pickleball? Listen, I like pickles as much as the next person, but I've never heard of a pickleball court until a few days ago when I read about it in mlive. I mean, yes, apparently, pickleball is a real sport: And not only that, six, yes, six new pickleball courts have been built in Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti TWP. Holy guacamole! Look, in my hometown of Flint, if I had ever said while growing up in my old neighborhood, "Hey guys, let's play some PICKLEBALL," I would have been killed on the spot! Well, at least beaten up. AND I WOULD HAVE DESERVED IT, TOO!

Pickleball. Pickleball. Well, I just don't know if I like the sound of the darn thing.

Here's what I've learned about pickleball. Pickleball is played with a racquet. It is kind of like a combination of badminton,, tennis and ping pong, I mean table tennis. You have to hit some kind of whiffle ball type thing over a net. Apparently, its pretty big on the West Coast. Oh, that explains it! Kidding! Oh, what the hell do I know. Anyway, it was created in the 1960's as a kids backyard game. Well, actually, it does sound kind of groovy!

Who's up for some pickleball? I'm game!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

The new pickleball courts of Ford Lake Park. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

EASTERN MICHIGAN FOOTBALL WILL PLAY IN THE POPEYES BAHAMAS BOWL.

Eastern Michigan University has just announced that EMU football has accepted the invitation to play in the Bahamas Popeyes Bowl! This is exciting news for not only the Eastern Michigan football program, but for the entire EMU community and Ypsilanti. This alum could not be more excited!

The 7-5 Eagles will take on Old Dominion from Conference USA Friday, December 23 at 1 PM. The game will be played at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Congratulation to the Eastern Michigan University football program!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Rynearson Stadium. (The Factory) Ypsilanti Mi. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

SHOOTING ON MICHIGAN AVE IN YPSILANTI SATURDAY NIGHT TROUBLING

There was a shooting last night (Saturday) that occurred in the 900 block of W. Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti. According to city councilwoman Beth Bashert, "When Ypsilanti Police responded to the scene they found a subject with a gunshot wound to the leg. Investigation revealed that the victim was being robbed at gun point by a group of subjects while in a vehicle. The victim grabbed at the weapon when it discharged, striking him in the leg. The suspects fled in the vehicle as the victim sought help." According to Bashert, the suspects later returned to the scene, and sped away in the vehicle. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening wounds.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU FOOTBALL FINISHES SEASON 7-5 : WAITING ON DEC 4 BOWL GAME SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles completed the 2016 football season with a very respectable 7-5 record after defeating formidable rival Central Michigan last week in a thriller at Rynearson Stadium here in Ypsilanti.

The news gets even better. Our EMU Eagles are headed to a bowl game for the first time since 1987. The tough part right now is that the EMU must wait until December 4 to find out which bowl game they will be playing in. Word is that the announcement will be made no later than December 4.

So where could our Eagles of Eastern Michigan be headed? Here is the complete list according to Eastern Michigan Football. The Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Miami Beach Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, and the Dollar General Bowl.

As an  EMU alum I cannot wait for the December 4 bowl game selection announcement. The Bahamas sure sound good though!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Rynearson Stadium. (The Factory) Ypsilanti, MI. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

0

DONNIE TRUMP AND THE JIVE TURKEY BAND: BY PWP CONTRIBUTOR BOB RESCH

I just heard the news that it will take at least $2 million PER DAY to cover Trump and his family with security while he's in the White House. This does not include the massive amount of extra security
installed at the Trump Tower in New York. His Thanksgiving Day
holiday bill alone was $7 million. And guess who foots the bill?
That's right. The American taxpayers. And he says he wants to cut
spending. That security bill alone will be $730 million per year!!

So, I started thinking that since Trump considers himself a star
("when you're a star, you know you can get away with anything."), how
about making him a ROCK STAR releasing his first album.

Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting, DONNIE TRUMP AND THE JIVE TURKEY BAND!.

That's right. You've heard his songs for the last 16 months being
played all over TV, Radio, and the Internet. How about "Build The
Great Wall" (And Mexico Will Pay For It!), or "Temporarily Ban All
Foreign Muslims" (Until We Can Figure Out What The Hell Is Going
On!"), don't forget "Repeal and Replace Obamacare", or the smash dance
track "The Election Is Rigged, Folks".

The rough and tough "Crooked Hillary" (Lock Her Up) is followed by the
tearjerker "I Don't Want To Hurt Her". Another bluesy song called
"Drain The Swamp" (But Most Of My Transition Team Is Filled With DC
Insiders). There's also the incendiary "When It Comes To ISIS" ( I
Would Bomb The S#@T Out Of Them), and many, many more!

Don't forget to buy his latest book entitled "Electile Dysfunction",
How My Pompous Ass Won The Presidency Without Any Governmental
Experience.

Look out Justin Bieber and you other rock stars, here comes Donnie
Trump and the Jive Turkey Band. Coming to your town soon!!

Bob Resch
Purple Walrus Press.

EASTERN MICHIGAN DEFEATS CENTRAL MICHIGAN AND IS BOWL GAME BOUND!

What a game! The Eastern Michigan University Eagles defeated Central Michigan by a score of 26 - 21 at Rynearson Stadium last night and what a sweet victory it was. The Eagles have finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and are headed to a bowl game for the first time since 1987. What an incredible turn around for an Eastern Michigan football team that went 1-11 last season. But that was then and this is now!

Defeating CMU, always a power in the MAC, was a tremendous win for not only the football program, but for the university as a whole. Can you tell I'm excited? Yes, this alum is very excited!

Eastern Michigan quarterback Brogan Roback completed 26 of 38 passes for an impressive 355 yards. This guy plays like Joe Namath with good knees! Fearless! Roback is the essence of cool, calm, collected with a dose of swagger, and I mean swagger in the most positive sense, not cocky.

EMU running back Blake Banham was brilliant as he ran the ball 18 times for 122 yards. Stellar. And lets not forget EMU junior wide receiver Sergio Bailey who had six receptions for 104 yards including the game winning touchdown near the end of game.

Eastern Michigan football is back and headed for a bowl game! As an EMU alum I couldn't be anymore excited.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU Rynearson Stadium. Ypsilanti, MI. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

UNITY RALLY AND MARCH HELD TUESDAY AT EMU IN YPSILANTI.

A Unity Rally and march was held Tuesday afternoon on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. The rally began at The Towers student housing near the Student Center.
Roughly 30 student demonstrators participated in the rally/march that was organized by the EMU Black Student Union.

A short speech was given by one of the organizers. The speaker spoke of the tragic reality of homophobia, bullying, and racial discrimination. The organizers called for unity among all people . Following the speech organizers led a campus wide march. Demonstrators chanted, "Love Trumps Hate."

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Unity Rally Tuesday. EMU. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

AMERICA'S CHOICE: BY PWP CONTRIBUTOR BOB RESCH.

This election was troubling not only because Trump won, but because 43 million Americans did not vote. Thousands that did vote didn't vote for a Presidential candidate and left the space blank. That speaks volumes about America's disgust and distrust with both candidates. Now we have a President-elect choosing Steve Bannon for his chief strategist. Bannon, former executive for Breitbart News, has been closely associated with the Alt-right movement known to be embraced by white nationalists. One thing for sure. You can't run and hide from your history. Trump himself has been married 3 times which proves that he has a credibility problem, especially keeping the sacred vow 'for richer and poorer, through sickness and health, until death do us part'. Remember that folks when he places his hand over the Bible and swears to uphold the Constitution. The next 4 years are going to be very interesting!!

Bob Resch. Purple Walrus Press.

SMALL GROUP OF DEMONSTRATORS PROTEST TRUMP AT MICHIGAN STADIUM IN ANN ARBOR.

A small group of anti Trump demonstrators protested in front of Michigan Stadium Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor. The six protesters each held signs proclaiming the statements, Wall Off Trump, Love Trumps Hate, and This Country was founded By Immigrants.

Though the weather was cold and windy, the protesters were determined to make their presence felt. I spoke to anti Trump protester, Mary Ellen Cain. Cain stated that she was devastated by the outcome of election. She said that she supported Hillary, but it was more that she supported the idea of human dignity. She felt that the democrats lost, but that also human dignity lost.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Anti Trump protesters in front of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor Friday. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

SDS ANTI TRUMP RALLY UM DIAG ANN ARBOR FRIDAY EVENING.

There was an SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) Anti Trump demonstration on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor Friday evening. About 75 to 100 protesters took part in the peaceful rally that was held on the Diag on the UM campus.

The rally was organized by the SDS-Ann Arbor. SDS organizers spoke out against president elect Donald Trump. SDS leaders spoke of dangers the Trump administration will bring to the United States, and the entire world.

The highlite of the rally came with the introduction of SDS Co founder, and Ann Arbor resident, Alan Haber. The SDS was founded in Ann Arbor in 1960. The SDS played a major role in the New Left and the anti war movement of the 1960's and early 70's. Alan Haber was elected the first president of the SDS in 1960. I have been fortunate enough to get to know Alan Haber a little as I took part in a couple of Meetings with him at his home in 2009. In 2006 The New SDS was formed and has about 150 chapters nationally.

I spoke to a protester at the rally who wished not to give her name. The protester said that she was heartbroken and devastated by Trumps election. As far as the number of people taking part in the rally Friday, she said she would have liked to have seen a bigger turn-out. Still, she was glad to participate in the demonstration.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

SDS Anti Trump rally on UM Diag Friday. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

SDS ANN ARBOR - NO TO TRUMP'S AGENDA / ANTI TRUMP RALLY ON DIAG FRIDAY IN ANN ARBOR

On Friday, November 18, the SDS Ann Arbor (Students for a  Democratic Society) will be holding an Anti Trump rally on the Diag at the University of Michigan. The protest rally will be held from 5PM to 6 PM.

As stated in the rally announcement, The SDS Ann Arbor is committed to standing for working and oppressed people and fights for equality and justice in a corrupt system. According to the post announcing the protest the SDS states, "We need to boldly speak out against the coming offensive of racist, anti-worker, misogynist, homophobic hate."

This is an important and extremely necessary protest. Hope to see you there.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE, EMU FOOTBALL IS 6-4!

Yes, it is true! The Eastern Michigan Eagles are 6-4, with two regular season games remaining. EMU head football coach Chris Creighton has done a fantastic job turning EMU football into a winning program. As an EMU alum I'm excited.

Tonight EMU Football will host Northern Illinois here in Ypsilanti at Rynearson Stadium. at 8 PM. This won't be an easy game, but I'm sure our EMU Eagles will come out on top!

Go EAGLES.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

The Factory. EMU Rynearson Stadium. Ypsilanti. Photo  Purple Walrus Press.

DEMONSTRATORS IN ANN ARBOR PROTEST DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE TUESDAY.

Demonstrators protested the Dakota Access Pipeline in downtown Ann Arbor in front of the federal building Tuesday afternoon. As of 1:30 there were 20 to 25 protesters demonstrating, but I was told that an hour earlier the number of protesters was much higher.

I spoke with a protester named Barbara, who did not wish to give her last name. Barbara stated, "I stand with the native peoples. They have been trampled on for 500 years. We cannot live with polluted water and air. When will the powers that be wake up to that?"  Barbara also added, "I want to urge people to sign the petition put out by change.org that is calling to pressure the electoral college to vote against Trump and vote for Hillary. That's December 19. We need all the signatures we can get."

The Dakota Access Pipeline threatens the entire water supply for the Standing Rock reservation that is situated on the border of North and South Dakota. Standing Rock is a Great Sioux Nation reservation.

Appallingly, in September, the Dakota Pipeline Access hired a private security company. The company used a bulldozer to dig up a portion of the pipeline route that runs through an area of sacred land that may also contain a Sioux burial ground. Many peaceful demonstrators have been attacked and wounded by these guards who were hired to protect and insure the construction of the pipeline, and this is a disgrace.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

NODAPL protester Ann Arbor Tuesday. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

NOT MY PRESIDENT DEMONSTRATION ON EMU CAMPUS : HUNDREDS PROTEST TRUMP PRESIDENCY THEN MARCH.

Several hundred demonstrators protested Trumps presidency Monday night on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti Monday evening. The message protesters sent was clear. They are angry, frightened and appalled that Trump has been elected president of the United States, and rightfully so.

The demonstration began in front of McKenny Hall on campus, Quickly, the crowd grew to roughly a couple hundred people, mostly EMU students. Speakers at the protest spoke of unity against violence and hate. The crowd responded with cheers. The second speaker was a demonstration organizer. He asked the crowd to raise up the peace sign. The protesters did so with enthusiasm, and passion,

After several speakers addressed the crowd of demonstrators the protesters, including myself, enthusiastically marched through downtown Ypsilanti and back up to campus. EMU police accompanied protesters insuring the demonstrators safety as we march through the city streets.

I spoke with  EMU student protester Thomas Jahanian. He was clear that he was not happy about a Trump presidency. Jahanian stated, "I was curious about the goals of the rally and this organization. I don't think his presidency will be over turned.  I'm hoping to see the community stand against the violence of the last few days," Jahanian said.

I am also appalled, frightened and angry about the fact that Trump has been elected president. Many people are angry about the fact that Trump has been elected.

As an EMU alum I am proud that so many people took part in this Not My President protest. I'm just as impressed with the organizers of the demonstration.

Further, it should be noted that at the end of the protest and march the demonstration organizers thanked the EMU police dept for doing such a wonderful job protecting them during the march. Well done.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher

Add caption

Add caption

Purple Walrus Press.

Protesting Trump presidency on EMU campus. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

NOT MY PRESIDENT PROTEST MONDAY NOV 14 AT EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.

There will be a NOT MY PRESIDENT  protest on Monday, November 14 at Eastern Michigan University. The demonstration will begin at 5:30 PM and will be held outside of McKenny Hall at the Fountain. There will be a speak-out session which will be followed by a march.

Organizers want to send a message that Donald Trump's America fueled by racism, xenophobia, and sexism is not our America. It was stated by organizers that all who care about the future of this country are welcome.

This will be a wonderful and important demonstration. Please attend.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

KIDS PEACE & UNITY MARCH SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13 IN ANN ARBOR.

There will be a Kids Peace & Unity March in Ann Arbor Sunday November 13. The march will begin on the University of Michigan Diag at 2 PM. Demonstrators will march down William, across Main and then back up Liberty Street before ending up back on the Diag.

This will be a wonderful and important event. Please attend!

Jeff Brown
Purple Walrus Press Editor/Publisher.

DEMONSTRATORS IN YPSILANTI PROTEST DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE IN FRONT OF WATER TOWER FRIDAY NIGHT.

 Demonstrators protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline held a protest this Friday evening in Ypsilanti in front of the Water Tower. Roughly 40 to 50 people participated in the protest. Several protesters held brightly illuminated letters spelling HONOR THE TREATIES /  NODAPL. The demonstrators also chanted, "Water Is Life."

I spoke to NODAPL protester Merirose Babcock. Her intentions were clear. What brought her to the protest was the right to clean water. Speaking of the Dakota Access Pipeline Babcock stated that, "We are dismayed at the fact that it is still happening. Peaceful protesters have been attacked and are being forced out of their land. It is very sad."

The Dakota Access Pipeline threatens the entire water supply for the Standing Rock Reservation that is situated on the border of North and South Dakota. Standing Rock is a Great Sioux Nation reservation.

Appallingly, in September of this year, the Dakota Access Pipeline hired a private security firm. This company used a bulldozer to dig up a portion of the pipeline route that ran through an area of sacred land that may contain a sacred Sioux burial ground. Many peaceful protesters have been attacked and wounded by guards hired to protect and insure  the construction of the pipeline, and this is a disgrace. It was wonderful to see so many protesters participating Friday night.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Jess protests near the Ypsi Water Tower Friday night. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Protesters in front of the Ypsi Water Tower Friday evening. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

HUNDREDS PROTESTING TRUMP AT UNION SQUARE IN NYC.

As of this writing several hundred people have gathered to protest against President elect Donald Trump at Union Square in New York City, and rightfully so. The crowd has been chanting, "Bernie", "Not My President and, "Black Lives Matter." I'm very glad to hear of this protest as America has just elected a racist, bigoted, and misogynist president.

Word has it there is a major demonstration in Chicago happening now protesting Trump also. This is encouraging. Lets just keep it peaceful.

Jeff Brown
PWP.

TRUMP WINS: THE DAWNING OF A DARK DAY IN AMERICA.

The election is over, the results are in and the people have spoken. Trump wins. Many people in this country didn't think it could happen, but, sadly, it has happened... Trump wins.

Trump wins, and so has bigotry and, division. This is a dark day for America.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

ELECTION DAY! LOOKS LIKE STRONG VOTER TURNOUT IN YPSILANTI.

As of 8:30 this morning it looks like voter turnout is strong in Ypsilanti. At Estabrook Elementary, which is in Ward 2 Precinct 1,  the parking lot was full as people made their into the school to cast their vote in this extremely important election.

One voter told me that when the polls opened in the morning lines were very long outside of the Estabrook Elementary polling station.

Stay tuned for updates.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
PWP

Election day voting. Estabrook Elementary Ypsilanti, MI. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

ANN ARBOR CIVIC THEATRE HOLDING AUDITIONS FOR ALMOST MAINE.

The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for its production of Almost Main on Sunday, December 4th at 2 pm and Monday December 5 at 6:30 pm. The auditions will be held at 6155 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor.

 Those auditioning need to be available for call backs. Call backs are on Tuesday, December 6th at 6;30 pm at the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre studio. Rehearsals begin January 16. The production runs from March 9-12 at the Arthur Miller Theatre on the UM'S North Campus.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. I've reviewed many of their productions and always walk away very impressed!

So don't hesitate. Audition for a part in the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre production of Almost Maine!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

GET OUT THE VOTE ON TUESDAY YPSILANTI!

The big day is fast upon us, Ypsilanti. Yes,  I'm speaking of Tuesday, election day, and probably, the most important election of our life times.

On November 8 polls will be open from 7 AM - 8PM. Remember, you are allowed to vote if you are in line by 8 PM.

Get out the vote, Ypsilanti!

Jeff Brown
PWP.

FBI DIRECTOR COMEY'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT FBI HAS NOT CHANGED MIND ON EMAIL DECISION IS GOOD FOR HILLARY.

FBI  Director  Comey's new announcement Sunday afternoon that the FBI has not changed its mind as far as the decision  made in July not to pursue criminal charges regarding her emails bodes well for Hillary, and her supporters,

Comey's decision last Friday announcing a new probe of Hillary's emails after investigators apparently found emails potentially linked to Clinton's server on Anthony Weiners computer has, unfortunately, already done damage to the Clinton campaign. With this latest announcement, Clinton should breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

AMERICA MUST DECIDE WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY WE WANT TO BE: PWP W/ HER: GET OUT THE VOTE YPSLANTI.

As we all know, this is one hugely important election. Not only is the nation selecting a president, but  also its national identity. We are potentially witnessing a frightening shift in America's political identity if Trump is (gulp) elected as president. Quite frankly, as a Hillary supporter, I'm very concerned about the fact that the race has tightened  here in Michigan.

 "What kind of country do we want to be?" Hillary asked this very question last night in Cleveland after being introduced by Beyonce at a rally at Cleveland State University. Never in recent memory has America asked itself such a momentous and relevant question.

Does America want to be a divisive, fear mongering, bigoted and hateful country? Or does America want to be a unifying, accepting, and progressive country? Hopefully, the majority of Americans will vote on the side  of unity and acceptance. In other other words, hopefully, Hillary Clinton will become president of the United States. We will find out Tuesday.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

FBI DIRECTOR COMEY PROBE ANNOUNCEMENT REMINISCENT OF HOOVER ERA TACTICS

True story.. Once upon a time there was a corrupt, despicable, mean old and nasty FBI director named J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover was director of the FBI from 1924 until 1972. In the late 1950's Hoover created a corrupt, mean, ugly, and nasty "dirty tricks" program called COINTELPRO, which stood for counter intelligence program. Tragically, the goal of COINTELPRO was to bring down left of center political organizations in America. COINTEL essentially directed covert, illegal projects focused on tearing down, discrediting and disrupting political organizations in this country.  Not good.

Enter James Comey. Last Friday current FBI Director Comey announced that the FBI would be probing a new batch of emails found on Anthony Weiner's computer that are potentially tied to Hillary Clinton. The thing is the FBI is not supposed to release statements to the public that may be influential  politically. Simply put, The FBI is not supposed to have a political agenda that may influence American voters.

So why would FBI director Comey suddenly release information stating that emails that are potentially linked to Hillary Clinton are being probed? Was this announcement an deliberate act aimed at bringing down the Clinton campaign? The bottom line is that the damage has been done. Comey has planted a seed of doubt regarding Hillary Clinton in the minds of, I imagine, many undecided voters. The fact that Comey announced this probe mere days before the election is undemocratic and dangerous.

Are we witnessing the frightening re-emergence of Hoover era FBI tactics? I certainly hope not. Time will tell.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU STUDENTS HOLD DEMONSTRATION PROTESTING RACIST GRAFFITI ON CAMPUS

As of 1:00 Wednesday afternoon roughly 75 to 100 Eastern Michigan University students are holding a rally protesting the latest act of bigoted, racist graffiti that was found written on a campus building Monday.

Several student protesters spoke at the rally calling for unity and expressing dismay, outrage, and anger at the fact that more racist graffiti has shown up on the Ypsilanti campus.

The atmosphere became tense when a student wearing a "Make America Great Again" ball cap was called out by a protester who had spoken earlier at the rally. The protester pointedly asked the student wearing the ball cap why he was at the rally. One protester defended the student with the ball cap stating basically that the student was not trying to stir up or condemn demonstrators.

I spoke to a EMU student attending the rally named Gabrielle. She did not want to disclose her last name. I am paraphrasing her comments. Gabrielle is a senior from Ohio. Gabrielle stated that she is exhausted by the recent incidences of racist graffiti on campus lately. She also said that as an African American she is aware of the differences everyday.

Gabrielle told me she does have faith that good will happen eventually, and that she prays that protests and on campus diversity promoting conferences will attract and educate more EMU students. Gabrielle said that she has learned a lot about other cultures from attending diversity conferences, but was clear that she wants more students to attend. Gabrielle also told me that she appreciates that Eastern Michigan University encourages diversity events and conferences.

Students at EMU have every right to be angry. I was very impressed with today's rally and equally impressed with student speakers participating in the demonstration who addressed those in attendance.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Student protest EMU Wednesday. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

CITY OF YPSILANTI :WHO DECIDES WHICH RESIDENTIAL TREES COME DOWN?

Several weeks ago I came home to my Normal Park Neighborhood house to find that several trees on our pretty tree lined street were marked with a big scarlet letter. The marking on the trees signify that the trees are to be cut down. Two of the these red marked trees happened to be in our front yard. Admittedly, one of these trees did look a bit ill, but the other one, a big giant maple tree, a tree that had been a favorite of my son and daughter since they were toddlers, looked perfectly healthy.Yet, that healthy looking tree was marked with the dreaded scarlet letter also.

Sure enough, a week or two later the trees were cut down. Naturally, after the two trees were cut down I went over to the two stumps to inspect them. As you look at our house, the stump on the left does look a little rotten. However, the stump on the right looks perfectly healthy to me, at least as healthy as a tree stump can possibly look. Now, I'm no tree expert, but I did, however, interview a tree expert about her opinion on the two stumps and whether she thought both trees needed to be cut down.

I should mention that our tree expert, Carolyn Leadley, is my sister in law who is an urban farmer in the city of Detroit. Carolyn has an undergrad degree in plant ecology from the University of Michigan, and a grad certificate in urban farming from Michigan State University.

I asked Carolyn to look at our two tree stumps in the front yard and give her opinion as whether the trees needed to be cut down. Carolyn said the one stump did look diseased, rotten and showed signs of decay, possibly from ants. She thought it was time for that tree to come down. However, she thought that the other tree looked perfectly healthy, and trimming the branches would have been more appropriate, and less costly.

I recently reached out to the Ypsilanti Dept of Public Works, specifically Stan Kirton who is the Director of Public Works. In an email I asked Stan how the decision process works and who makes the decisions regarding which residential trees should be cut down. I also asked what credentials they had. As of yet, he has not responded to me.

It appears that many residents of Ypsilanti are also curious as to how decisions are made regarding our residential trees. A response from the Ypsilanti Dept of Public Works would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

The two tree stumps in our front yard. Photo Purple Walrus Press.