GUNMAN HAS OPENED FIRE IN ISTANBUL NIGHTCLUB IN TURKEY

The Anadolu News Agency out of Turkey has reported that a gunman has opened fire inside a Istanbul nightclub during New Years celebrations.

Reports are that people have been injured, but there is little information at this time as this is a developing story. Medical teams and the police are at the scene.

Stay tuned for developments.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press

Updated 7:58 pm.

Turkish officials have stated that at this time 35 people have been killed and 40 wounded in an attack in Istanbul, Turkey. This according to Aljazeera News.

EASTERN MICHIGAN BASKETBALL BLOWS AWAY LONG BEACH STATE

The Eastern Michigan Men's basketball team dominated the visiting Long Beach State 49ers by a score of 98-72 Thursday at the Convocation Center in Ypsilanti. It took a little while for EMU to get into the flow of the game, but by the 2nd quarter EMU effectively swept away Long Beach with a barrage of three pointers.

The 8-5 EMU Eagles shot 54% from the field (29 of 54) including 7 thee pointers. Not too shabby. Attendance for the game wasn't too shabby either considering students are home for Christmas break.

The leading scorer for EMU was redshirt senior Ray Lee who finished the game with 20 points. Willie Mangum and Jordan Nobles each added 15 points.

One thing that must be acknowledged is the giant knot that emerged on the forehead of EMU sophomore James Thompson after he crashed to the floor while rebounding under the net. The bump was the size of a Buick. Needless to say, Thompson did not return to the game, though he seemed to be okay.

Tuesday, Jan 3, EMU takes on Central Michigan to open the MAC season. Tip off will be at 7pm sharp. See you there!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher

EMU'S Nick Madray at the line. Photo by my son Harrison Brown.

Purple Walrus Press

EMU forward Nick Madray dunks on Long Beach. Purple Walrus Press.

ACTIVIST MELISSA MAYS ON FLINT WATER CRISIS

After spending millions of our tax dollars on his own legal defense and hiring multiple PR firms to spin his image, Snyder says the State doesn't have the resources to deliver water to the Flint residents they poisoned!! Residents, churches, and community groups have been delivering water to each other for over a year and don't say this. More examples of what happens when Government is run like a business and the well-being of the people do not matter.

Melissa Mays of Flint.

Downtown Flint 2016. Purple Walrus Press.

RUSSIAN FSB STATES NO SIGN RUSSIAN FLIGHT TU-154 DOWNED BY TERORISM

According to the Russian news agency TASS, members of the Russian Alexandrov Ensemble were killed in the crash of Russian airline TU-154 on Christmas morning off the coast of Sochi in the Black Sea.

Further, amid speculation that the airliner was taken down by a terrorist attack, TASS reported Monday, Dec 26, that there is no evidence indicating that flight TU-154 was shot down by a terrorist attack. The Russian FSB, which is a state security organization in Russia, told TASS that,"We have got no signs or facts indicating that an act of terrorism or sabotage was committed on board,"the FSB said.

The FSB told Russian news agency TASS that, "The four main versions are an engine being hit by a foreign object, substandard fuel that caused the loss of thrust on and eventually stopped the engines, the pilot's mistake and the plane's technical failure," the FSB said.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

BAHAMAS BOWL: TOUGH BOWL LOSS FOR EMU BUT GREAT SEASON

Eastern Michigan couldn't quite keep up with Old Dominion losing to the Monarchs in the Bahamas Bowl 24-20 on Friday. Offensively, Eastern was able to drive the ball downfield but just couldn't finish and score on several drives.

Several key completions by Old Dominion quarterback David Robinson and over 100 yard rushing by ODU running back Ray Lawry kept the Eagles defense off balance.

Still EMU made a valiant effort in Friday's bowl game, their first since 1987, coming from behind in the second half and nearly pulling off a victory.

Eastern quarterback Brogan Roback had an excellent game game completing 26 of 46 passes for 300 yards.
EMU freshman Dieuly Aristilde lead Eastern in receiving catching seven passes for 80 yards.

Although Eastern lost the Bowl game it has still been one fantastic season as our EMU Eagles finished with a very respectable record of 7-6, a far cry from last years dismal 1-11 record. Eastern will be a major contender in the MAC for years to come.

Congratulations to EMU football, head coach Chris Creighton, the coaching staff, and all of the players for a fantastic season! This EMU alum could not be more proud!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU Rynearson Stadium (The Factory) Purple Walrus Press photo.

BAHAMAS BOWL WATCH PARTY AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS IN YPSI: CHEER ON EMU FOOTBALL!

Eastern Michigan Athletics has announced that there will be a Bahamas Bowl Watch Party at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Ypsilanti starting at noon on Friday, December 23. You can watch our Eastern Michigan Eagles play in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl along with the EMU Alumni Association in the comfy confines of Buffalo Wild Wings!

The event begins at noon and kick-off is at 1:00. Light appetizers will be provided courtesy of the EMU Alumni Association. Remember to wear your green and white!

Go Eagles!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Rynearson Stadium (The Factory) home of the Eagles! Photo Purple Walrus Press.

THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED! EASTERN MICHIGAN FOOTBALL TEAM ARRIVES IN BAHAMAS.

The Eagles have landed! Yes, our Eastern Michigan University football team landed in the Bahamas on Monday, December 19. EMU will be taking on Old Dominion in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl December 23. That's only three days away!

Judging from the looks of things our EMU Eagle are having a rip-roaring good time in Nassau as they spent day 1 partaking in a beautiful looking buffet, a parade through the streets, and an evening poolside dinner that featured live music and dancing. In a nut shell, or should I say conch shell, the team is having an  awesome time. By the way, as of this writing the temperature in the Bahamas is a comfy 80 degrees. Not bad!

The 7-5 Eastern Michigan Eagles out of the MAC will be taking on the 9-3 Old Dominion Saints from Conference USA Friday, December 23 at 1 pm. The game will be played at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau and will be aired on ESPN.

Go Eagles!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Rynearson Stadium. (The Factory) Home of the Eagles. Ypsilanti. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

PWP NEWS ALERT: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY HAS BEEN SHOT.

Roughly one hour ago the Anadolu News Agency out of Turkey reported that Andrey Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, has been shot in Ankara, Turkey's capitol.

The Russian Ambassador was giving a speech at an art gallery in Ankara when a gunman opened fire  from within the gallery. This as reported by the Anadolu News Agency in Turkey.

The shooting happened at the Cagdas Sanat Modern Arts Center. Information is that Ambassador Karlov has been gravely wounded.

Stay tuned for updates.

Jeff Brown
Purple Walrus Press.


Updated 1:06 pm

The Anadolu News Agency out of Turkey has just reported that Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, has died of multiple gunshot wounds. Karlov was shot several times by a gunman over an hour ago while giving a speech during the opening ceremony of an art gallery exhibit in the capitol city of.Ankara.

According to Anadolu New Agency the shooter has been "neutralized."

PWP NEWS BRIEF: UNITED NATIONS WORKERS STAGE WALKOUT IN NYC.

On Thursday December 15 United Nations workers decided to walkout in New York City. The UN workers walked out in an expression of solidarity with the people of Syria. This according to Democracy Now. In a statement given to Democracy Now, UN International Civil Servants Federation Chair Dimitri Samaras said, "We stand united in solidarity with the people of Syria. We call upon the member states of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, to take urgent, practical action to end the horror in Syria."

Dimitri Samaras has been asking for an update of UN policies in regard to providing an adequate response to staff and the families of staff who have suffered injuries from terrorist attacks. This according to the UN News Centre.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EASTERN MICHIGAN VS OLD DOMINION POPEYES BAHAMAS BOWL COMING SOON!

Hold on to your hats (or conch shells) fellow Eastern Michigan University football fans because one week from today EMU will take on Old Dominion in the Popeyse Bahama Bowl! Yes, Easterns first bowl in 29 years is only a week away!

The Eastern Michigan Eagles from the Mid American Conference sport a 7-5 record while the Old Dominion Saints finished the season 9-3. Old Dominion plays in Conference USA.

Eastern Michigan features one hell of a quarterback in junior Brogan Roback. Roback finished the regular season with 2,394 passing yards completing 59.2 percent of his passes. Brogan is one cool cat  under pressure in the pocket and he's not afraid throw the deep ball.

On the other side, Old Dominion quarterback David Washington is certainly no slouch. Washington passed for 2,648 yards and 25 touchdowns. This will be Old Dominions first bowl appearance. Washington completed 60 percent of his passes.

Eastern Michigan has added a nifty Bahamas flag decal right next to the American flag decal on their helmets. Looks very cool. The team jerseys are looking pretty cool also, as the team has added the Bahamas Bowl emblem patch to their uniform.

The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl game will be played December 23 at 1pm. and will be carried live on ESPN.

Go Eagles!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Eastern Michigan Rynearson Stadium also known as "The Factory." Photo Purple Walrus Press.

PWP WEATHER SCOPIC CENTER BUREAU: IT IS COLD OUT THERE!

As of 9:00 AM Thursday, it is colder than Billy B Damned out there in Ypsilanti! Of course, if you've been out there you know that already. As if that is not enough, the traffic on Packard and Ellsworth heading West is horrifically horrible! It took yours truly about 40 minutes to go, what, just a few miles!

According to my Subaru Temp Indicator Guru, it was 7 degrees as of 9:00 am. And that is not the wind chill!

According to the PWP Weather Scopic Center Bureau it looks like it should be a sunny day with a high in the teens.

Be cool, and stay warm!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Thur morning in Ypsi. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

GO! ICE CREAM PUTS THE CHERRY ON TOP OF DOWNTOWN YPSILANTI!

 Go! Ice Cream opened its ice cream store this past summer in downtown Ypsilanti, and it is fabulous! Owner Rob Hess began the business in 2012 making ice cream out of his home, all the while learning about the ice cream Trade. By 2013 Rob was selling his exceptional ice cream online and peddling it by bicycle. Rob also marketed his ice cream at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market.

For three years Rob made his ice cream at Bona Sera in Ypsilanti. But no more! On July 30, 2016, Rob opened The Go! Ice Cream Alley Store right smack in the middle of downtown Ypsilanti. This occurred after Rob renovated a beautiful old brick historic building on Washington St. Now Rob has the luxury of having his own commercial kitchen right there in the ice cream store.

By the way, the atmosphere inside the ice cream store is fantastic as it oozes an old-time classic ice cream/soda fountain kind of atmosphere. The staff even dresses in classic red and white attire, complete with a red bow tie. Love it.

Lets not forget the ice cream! The Go! Ice Cream flavors of the week are peppermint ice cream pie, peppermint crunch, single malt butterscotch, sweet browned butter, three bean vanilla, and chocolate sorbet. Sounds great to me!

Head on down to Go! Ice Cream Alley Store for great ice cream! You're going to love it!

10 North Washington Street, Ypsilanti, MI.

Monday, Tuesday closed.

Wednesday - Sunday 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Treats at the front counter Go! Ice Cream. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

PWP WRITERS ALLEY : "JERRY" BY EWEN NICOL OF ANN ARBOR.

Jerry

To a mouse,

Yao little louse,

Makin mischief in ma house,

Purloinin food,

Doing no good. 

Whaurs' ma cat?

Slovenly beast, 

Sleepin deep upon thy breast,

Whaurs yer instinct?

Quit yer feast.

Perk yer ears fur scritchy scratching, 

Quit yer sunbathin relaxin,

Move yer haunches,

Jigglin paunches,

Earn yer keep, it's no too steep. 

Tam and Jerry, no in ma hoose,

Jerry walks about loose,

Tam too fat to mak a noose,

Ya pair of hipsters running a ruse. 

The mouse in my attic runs loose, raiding my cupboards, while my 2 fat cats sleep on the bed. A tribute and contrast to a poem originally written by Robert Burns circa 1785. How our lives have changed from agricultural to modern living, with childhood memories of Tom and Jerry cartoons. 

Ewen Nicol of Ann Arbor.

ON THE FLINT WATER CRISIS: CONTRIBUTED TO PWP BY MELISSA MAYS.

It is not easy to stand up for what's right when there's so many people trying to tear you down. Lies, ridiculous rumors, personal and professional attacks are just some of the things we go through. But at the end of the day, I know that people have gone through much worse, like the injuries to the Water Protectors, the violence on the Sit Downers, and those who have given their lives for what's right. So when we face pushback from these bottom-feeders, we just fight harder and stand stronger.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Flint water crisis activist Melissa Mays.

Downtown Flint 2016. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

SNOW DAY ACROSS THE REGION!

Wintry weather made a grand appearance Sunday and Monday as 8 to 11 inches of snow was dumped on Southeast Michigan. According to the Purple Walrus Press Weather Center 8 inches of snow fell on Ypsilanti. Okay, the PWP Weather Center is really my backyard, it just sounds cool.  Kids across the area think the snow is awesome, but the grown ups think its a pain in the, um, neck. Actually, the snow looks beautiful as long as you don't have to drive in it.

Area schools are closed and the roadways slick. So if you don't have to travel, stay home.

As of 10:00 am Monday the snow is much heavier than it was Sunday so be careful and take your time shoveling for your health safety.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Normal Park Neighborhood in Ypsilanti Monday morning. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

EASTERN MICHIGAN MEN'S BASKETBALL CRUISES TO EASY VICTORY AT HOME SUNDAY.

Well, the weather outside was frightful but the game inside delightful as the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University cruised to an easy victory over the Saints of Siena Heights at the Convocation Center in Ypsilanti Sunday.

Siena never had a chance in the game as it was bombs away for an EMU offense that shot 43-72 from the field and 6-15 from three point range. The shell shocked Saints were down over 40 points before the end of the first half. Ouch.

The high scorers for the game were Eastern Michigan's Willie Mangum and James Thompson both with 23 points.

Next, the 6-3 Eagles will be heading to the beautiful Green Mountain State of Vermont to take on the University of Vermont Catamounts in the lovely town of Burlington on the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain on December 17. Ahhh, winter in Vermont.Tip off will be at 1 pm sharp.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press

EMU''s James Thompson about to tip it in for the score! Photo Purple Walrus Press.

YPSILANTI NORMAL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OF LIGHTS BRINGS OUT GOOD CHEER

The annual Ypsilanti Normal Park Neighborhood Night of Lights was a dazzling success Saturday evening as dozens of residents set out luminaries that lined their front yards and walkways. Normal Park residents look forward to the event each year, and for good reason: It is just plain fun!

The best part of the Night of Lights would have to be the Cider/Cocoa stops There were eight of them to be exact. Not only does one get to have delicious treats, but it is also an opportunity to get know neighbors up close and personal.

In short, the Night of Lights is an excellent way to welcome the holiday season.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Grant St luminaries. Normal Park. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

EASTERN MICHIGAN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TROUNCES ST. BONAVENTURE AT CONVO CENTER

The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team trounced the St. Bonaventure Bonnies by a score of 75-56 at the EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti. EMU is now 4-5 and 0-0 in the MAC.

St. Bonaventure outscored Eastern in the first half after they took an early 8-0 lead, but that lead didn't last long. The Eagles came roaring back in the second half, as Eastern nailed a barrage of three pointers to cruise to an easy victory.

EMU played stellar defense holding St. Bonaventure to 35% shooting which equaled 20 of 57 shots from the floor. Eastern shot 45% from the field and made 10 of 20 three pointers.

Micah Robinson, an Ann Arbor Huron product, was the high scorer for the game with 21 points for EMU. Robinson also contributed with three assists.

Next up for EMU is Monmouth as they invade the Convocation Center Monday, Dec 12 for a 7 pm tip-off.

Jeff Brown
Purple Walrus Press.

Eastern Michigan guard Esabelle Levine brings the ball upcourt. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

BASED ON FEEDBACK FROM WED PWP TREE STORY I FEEL MY ARTICLE WAS TOO HASTY : HERE IS WHY

Yesterday, Dec 7, I wrote a PWP article questioning the City of Ypsilanti's decision making process when it comes to selecting trees in city neighborhoods that need to be cut down. Actually, this was the second article I have written on a topic that many Ypsilanti residents are concerned about. There are residents that feel that there is a possibility that healthy trees may have been taken down, or so it seems to them. Obviously, these residents are most likely not tree experts. I am certainly not a tree expert myself.

Last month I decided to contact the City of Ypsilanti in an attempt to find out how the decision process works as far as cutting down trees in city neighborhoods. I never received a response. When a person does not receive a response, one is left to speculate.

But here is the point of this article. In my Dec 7 article, I wrote that an anonymous source in the neighborhood told me that he had seen, a year ago or so, "young" folks walking around with clipboards notating trees. He asked if they had cards. They didn't. The source seemed a bit skeptical in regard to their rotten tree spotting training. I reported the sources impression in my Dec 7 article, but I shouldn't have. It would have been much more responsible for me to have checked out the story thoroughly before writing the piece. I apologize for that.

Here is what I have just learned from a City official. A tree survey was conducted a few years ago. College students were used to inventory the trees in the city. The information is currently available on the map on the city website. I feel quite certain these are the people that my source saw and spoke to. If I had done some more research I would learned this myself. Yes, my article was written too hastily. I'll take the blame for that. I'm assuming that these college students received proper training in regard to selecting trees that need to be taken down.

My December 7 PWP tree article greatly offended some people, so I felt the need to clarify the facts and acknowledge the information I just received.

Still, I would like to emphasis that in early November I did reach out to the City with questions regarding tree cutting and did not receive a response.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

WHO DECIDES TREES TO BE CUT DOWN IN CITY OF YPSILANTI? HERE IS WHAT ANONYMOUS SOURCE SAID.

Last month I wrote a PWP article that addressed the distinct possibility that seemingly healthy neighborhood trees in Ypsilanti are being cut down by the city. In the November 1 article I referenced two beautiful old trees that were cut down in the front yard of our home in Ypsilanti's Normal Park Neighborhood. I even photographed the stumps of the two trees after they were cut down. Indeed, one of the stumps did look rotted in the middle, so that tree did need to come down. However, as stated in the article, the other tree stump looked pretty darn healthy, well, at least as healthy as a stump can look. My environmentalist sister in law took a look last month and confirmed the obvious...The one tree stump indicated to her that the tree need not have been cut down. The truth is that several Normal Park residents have complained that healthy looking trees in their own yards have been cut down. Hmm.

Okay, cut to yesterday. I happened to be chatting with a gentleman who lives in our neighborhood. This gentlemen prefers to remain anonymous. The topic of trees came up, as did the recent cutting down of Normal Park trees. This fellow had interesting information. Here is what he told me. Apparently, last year our anonymous source told me that one day he noticed four "kids", probably high school students, he guessed, were walking down a Normal Park street carrying clipboards. The anonymous source referred to them as kids, but I have no idea. They may have been much older than "kids". They were stopping at every tree and giving them a little peek, you know, like an inspection. 

Our source said he asked them what they were doing. Two of them "Peeled off", while the other two looked sheepish but answered his question. The supposed younger people said that they had been asked to walk around the neighborhood and decide and notate which trees should be cut down. Our source said he asked if they had cards, and if they had been trained to spot rotted trees that needed to come down. The two replied that they were told what to look for as far as rotten trees. The impression of our source seemed to be that the City of Ypsilanti informed the young fellas on how to spot rotten trees and asked them to spot and notate these trees. To be clear, I cannot confirm that the City of Ypsilanti had anything to do with these "Young people". It also seemed to our source that they did not seem to be very well trained. I mean, they had no ID or apparent credentials. Sheesh! Of course, this reporting is speculation,  Also, I'm only reporting to you what I was told. I know, I know!... Such a trouble maker, Well, us Flint guys are good at that! Look, for all I know, the city is or was working with younger people and offering them specific and skill building training on how to spot rotten and sick trees. For all I know the City of Ypsilanti is working with college students in this fashion. I have no idea. The point is that the source seemed to think that something wasn't quite right with the picture, but, again, that is pure speculation. The young tree spotters could very well be city interns or something of that nature. However, it would be nice to know for sure.

On or around November 1 I reached out to the Ypsilanti Dept of Public Works, specifically Stan Kirton, who is the Director of Public Works, and asked how decisions are made, who makes them, and what credentials those folks have in regard to selecting trees that need to be cut down. As of this writing I have not had a response. As Purple Walrus Press has not had a response from the City of Ypsilanti one can only speculate as to how decisions are made to cut down city trees in Ypsilanti neighborhoods. Why has the city not gotten back to me after I contacted Kirton with questions regarding tree cutting? I don't know.

At least some kind of response would be appreciated.

Jeff Brown
Publisher/Editor
Purple Walrus Press.

Healthy looking stump after tree was cut down in our front yard in Normal Park by city. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

THE ROLLING STONES RELEASE NEW ALBUM

The Rolling Stones have released their first new studio album in ten years, and it's a good one. Of course, it's a good one because anything this band releases is good!

Two days ago the Stones album, "Blue & Lonesome, hit the record stores, maybe I should say bookstores these days, and fans are gobbling it up. This album reaches way back to their straight blues roots as they have recorded a cover album of the bands favorite blues songs. A fitting tribute for a band that owes much of its musical identity to American blues music.

Album highlights include "Little Rain", written by Jimmy Reed, and "Everybody knows About My Good Thing", by Miles Grayson. Also, Eric Clapton makes a guest appearance on the track, by the way!

The last time I looked the album was at no. 3 on Billboard. Not bad for a band that has been around for over 50 years!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

The Rolling Stones circa 1974.

EASTERN MICHIGAN MENS BASKETBALL DEFEATS UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY WED

The EMU Eagles Mens Basketball team knocked off The University of Detroit Mercy by a score of 87-61 at U of D. Wednesday. This is the first time that Eastern has defeated Detroit Mercy at Calihan Hall since the 1980's. In the post game press conference head coach Coach Rob Murphy said that he was very happy about the defense EMU played. Coach added that it was important for the team to know that they could win a big game on the road.

EMU senior William Magnum lead the Eagles in scoring with 21 points, while Ray Lee added 17.

With a 5-3 record Eastern Michigan is off to a great start!

The next game will be played on Dec 11 when EMU takes on Siena Heights University at the Convocation Center. Tip off is at 2 PM. See you there!

Jeff Brown
Purple Walrus Press.

Convocation Center. Ypsilanti. Home of EMU Basketball. Photo Purple Walrus Press.