Parola Perspective: Save players health and careers by demanding NBA shorten long season.

Brooks Parola: Purple Walrus Press.

Folks, how many pro basketball players will go down with serious injuries, and have their careers shortened, because of the GREED expressed in this ridiculously long season?

82 games! A season that begins in November, but won't end until June! Save players health and careers by demanding the NBA shorten the season!

Cut the season in half to 40 games. Have a college based schedule, where they play only two games a week. It would make the games more exciting, since they mean more, players would be more motivated to play and play hard. Resting star players would happen far less frequently, and the regular season might actually mean something again.

Eastern Michigan hoops edges Kent State in tight game Tuesday.

Eastern's Paul Jackson brings the ball upcourt. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

It was a close game throughout, but in the end, the 14-10 Eagles of Eastern Michigan edged 12-12  Kent State University at the M.A.C Center in a 71-67 win.

The teams traded leads throughout the entirety of the game, but the Eagles were able to hold the Golden Flahes back in the final minutes.

Junior Paul Jackson led the Eagles in scoring with 17 points, adding eight assists. Junior Elijah Minnie played well scoring 15 points, with six rebounds. James Thompson grabbed eight boards while adding 12 points.

Next up EMU travels to Bowling Green to take on the Falcons Saturday, February 10. Tip off is at 4

pm.

Congressman Kildee of Flint statement on Trump's State of the Union.

Editor Publisher Jeff Brown.

Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress:

“The American people deserve less talk and more action regarding the big challenges we face as a country. My constituents want real leadership from the President and action by Congress to get things done.

“Over a year into the President’s term, it is completely unacceptable to continue funding the government just weeks at a time. Short-term bills hurt our military readiness and inject uncertainty into our economy.

“I was disappointed that the President failed to address the epidemic of gun violence in tonight’s address. Gun violence affects every town in America. I was honored to have Flint Pastor Hawkins as my guest tonight, who tragically lost both of his sons to gun violence. President Trump and Congress need to do more to address senseless gun deaths and build safer communities.

“I want to work with the President on infrastructure. The ongoing Flint water crisis is a tragic example of what happens when we ignore our aging infrastructure. To fix our crumbling roads, bridges and water systems, we must make big and bold investments. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our infrastructure a D+ rating and estimates America has a $3 trillion infrastructure deficit. The White House proposal—$200 billion over 10 years—is a drop in the bucket compared to the actual federal investments needed nationwide. If we fail to go big on infrastructure, we will hold back our economy, especially with countries like China already outspending us.

“After tonight’s speech, Congress should act immediately on a bold infrastructure plan that addresses America’s true infrastructure needs."

Michigan State Police focus on drunk/drugged driving during Super Bowl.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.


During Sunday's Super Bowl festivities, the Michigan State Police is reminding motorists to make safe driving choices.

Sunday, troopers will join their counterparts from across the country in this international traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts).

“We want everyone to enjoy the game with friends and family, and that includes getting to where you need to be safely,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Our troopers are taking a zero tolerance approach to those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as those who are driving distracted and motorists not wearing their seat belts. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.”

The enforcement period runs from 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, until 11:59 p.m.

Gov. Snyder declares Feb 4 T.V, Furniture and Appliance Tip-Over Prevention Awareness Day. Hunh? Well, now that I think about it...

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By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services states that every 24 minutes a child in the United States ends up in an emergency department because of a TV or piece of furniture tipping over. Therefore, in light of up-coming Super BowlSunday, Gov. Rick Snyder has declared Feb. 4 as TV, Furniture and Appliance Tip-Over Prevention Awareness Day.

In support of the awareness day, the Injury and Violence Prevention Unit of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging Michiganders to keep their loved ones safe by taking simple preventative steps to eliminate dangers posed by heavy furniture and appliances in their homes.

According to MDHHS, between 2014 and 2016, there were an estimated 30,700 emergency department-treated injuries annually in the United States, and 52 percent of these were children age 17 and under due to TV, furniture and appliance tip-overs. There were 514 reported fatalities between 2000 and 2016 associated with tip-overs in the U.S, and 84 percent of these were children age 14 and younger.

“As football fans across the state prepare for the Super Bowl on Feb. 4, it’s a great opportunity to ensure furniture and TVs are secured and anchored in place so they don’t pose a risk of tipping over,” said Nick Lyon, MDHHS director. “These are simple, preventive steps everyone can take to ensure their homes are safe for all ages.”

It is estimated only one in four adults anchor their TV to a wall. Using furniture straps or a bracket to mount flat-screen TVs is an easy way to protect everyone. When applying these preventative measures, it is important to follow product instructions to ensure proper installation. This according to MDHHS.

Heavy, old-style tube TVs should only be placed on a low (below knee-level), stable piece of furniture. Even lower pieces of furniture can destabilize if they have drawers that can pull out, or if a child tries to climb it. Book shelves and any cabinets or dressers with drawers should also be secured to a wall with a brace or strap.

Well, now that I think about it, as a father of two young kids who like to use the living room as a jungle gym, maybe Governor Snyder is onto something! Now, if only the governor  showed as much concern for residents of Flint and the on-going Water Crisis.