׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://RIt8HbL0gAOZVKoUu0NhIiDbDpQEEsBEc9RixoNjzgM`׉ 7cassandra://kfSiLaD7L9aXY-v1mHnjCITZB73_hRvpNL0CzpXQjoA}f`h׉ 7cassandra://dFArcFPYK2bFw-kAoiOAWeAQh7M_dsesU9Kt8qvDol4,m`׉ 7cassandra://gfJl9t_qvjlW_V83g9h6b5x91X90bC6I7KKxa3bwqFok:͠4d1_zטFu׈U׈Ed1_e׉E]2 $ AUGUST 11, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 17 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Michigan Homeless Bill of Rights offers hope for the unhoused. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JOE WOODS PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement — DRUMbeat for change. page 8 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Donald Abdul Roberts, a prominent participant in DRUM, can often be found sharing wisdom with people on the street in downtown Ann Arbor. Photo credit: Mike Jones @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # ׉ 7cassandra://dFArcFPYK2bFw-kAoiOAWeAQh7M_dsesU9Kt8qvDol4,m`d1_fd1_e בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://1ofCd6obshLV5ElcTYVV6hYAMQIxFSfsT3hUns1phtQЊ`I׉ 7cassandra://kJ7ebRcT53B80gsD_fikKXVW4bmQUSPQPwp_kt9_FrI `׉ 7cassandra://GrFA8HJ-gDLkITiUOPhhDubMlTkibSES--G3I1xfQK4P`׉ 7cassandra://szfNfrNVwQqxmtavzCOow7Z9Q_ljbx7TsSvetgdm8S4̤͠ id1_Ʉנd1_}ǁ9׉Hhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgGׁ ׁ rנd1_~܁9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנd1_MF̅9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנd1_ɀ[$9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנd1_Ɂq<9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנd1_ɂ *̲9׉Hhttp://vfpgoldenruleproject.orgGׁ ׁ rנd1_Ƀ Y@9׉Hhttp://vfpgoldenruleproject.orgGׁ ׁ rנd1_Ɋ9ׁH http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsׁ ׁ Јנd1_ɉʁ9ׁHhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgׁ ׁ Јנd1_Ɉ 9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Јנd1_ɇN!9ׁH&mailto:submissions@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Јנd1_ɆtA9ׁHhttp://linktr.eeׁ ׁ Ј׉E2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR'S DESK LINDSAY CALKA Managing director It was Ken Parks’ turn to speak at the Groundcover News Article Review. Instead of sharing insightful reflections on one of the most recent articles, he shared that he had ran out of time to listen to an article from the issue. Yes, listen to an article. On Tuesdays, office volunteers would read a selection from the paper to him; he then would share a summation and reflection of that article during our biweekly article review meeting. This is a routine he had started when his macular degeneration, or “Mac-D” as he calls it, had gotten worse. It generally worked well for one piece every two weeks, but he was consistently missing out on large chunks of the Groundcover News $2 issues. Parks is not alone in the reality that the print size of Groundcover News is too small to read without a visual or auditory aid. A physical newspaper is more “accessible” when it comes to the digital divide — but it prevents zooming in, enlarging text size, and requires about a 5th grade reading level. The quest to solve this accessibility problem inspired an exciting partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library’s 5th Avenue Studios. We are excited to announce Groundcover Speaks, a blind and print-disabled accessible audio archive of Groundcover News. It’s not technically a Groundcover podcast, but it will exist on most podcasting platforms in a biweekly episode format. 5th Avenue Studios supports local podcasters, musicians and audio creators in the Ann Arbor area, and has helped bring Groundcover News’ accessibility one step closer to where it needs to be. The added benefit is that the Groundcover stories, news reports, poems and more will be spoken aloud by the authors themselves. Hearing the first draft of the June 29 Groundcover Speaks episode, I fully realized the gift it is for our customers to really hear the voices of Groundcover contributors. I know most writers quite well, and can hear their stories “in their voice,” so to speak. But I had never heard the actual sound — the emotion, the inflection. Spoiler alert: it is powerful, and moving. You can access Groundcover Speaks many different ways. Scan the QR code printed in the paper, which links to our linktr.ee, where you can choose which method works best for you: • Listen online on the AADL’s website • Listen online to the Groundcover News website under the tab “Groundcover Speaks” • Stream through Apple Podcasts or Spotify Right now, in the pilot phase of this project, we will be releasing the audio version of Groundcover News two weeks after print publication. To begin, we have the past three issues (June 29, July 14 and July 28) available as three separate episodes. The audio recording of this issue — and yes, this article — will be available for listening on August 25. There is a sound bite at the beginning of each episode that communicates an AUGUST 11, 2023 important message: “If you consistently enjoy ‘Groundcover Speaks,’ continuing to buy physical newspapers from Groundcover vendors ensures that we can sustain production. The physical paper and in-person interaction is at the heart of our work.” This couldn’t be more true. We have waited this long to digitize and expand our media footprint because it is important that we do not jeopardize the in-person sales of Groundcover vendors. This is a project that aims to enhance the physical paper, not to replace it. We hope to deepen, not change, the fulfillment of our mission with the production of Groundcover Speaks. Happy listening. CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Susan Beckett John Buckley Jim Clark Izzy Hedin-Urrutia Dalon Eaton Mike Jones Lit Kurtz Joshua Lee Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer Scoop Stevens GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons ׉ 7cassandra://GrFA8HJ-gDLkITiUOPhhDubMlTkibSES--G3I1xfQK4P`d1_n׉E+AUGUST 11, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR I like to listen to classic love songs from the 50s to the 80s. There’s something about old love songs that are soothing. The way I know about them is that they used to advertise it on TV commercials and the music sounded so good. The music sounded so good Joe Woods, vendor No. 103 What words do you live by? Everything happens for a reason, good or bad. When what you feel is bad, find the good. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Main and Liberty, 4th and Washington, 4th and Liberty. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn't know? I'm really not that outgoing. I stay to myself for the most part. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? Everyday there is a new adventure selling Groundcover. What song do you have completely memorized? "Freaky Tales" by Too Short. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and Jimmy corn bread. What do you wish you knew more about? Technology What is a small thing that makes your day better? My dog. What is your pet peeve? People that litter and when you speak to someone and they ignore you. If you had a warning label, what would it say? Warning: can change moods in 0.0 seconds. What's the best way to start the day? I start my day always by thanking God for waking me up. that I would go to sleep while listening to them. One channel that was popular for playing 50s and 60s music was Public TV. It makes you calm, easing anxieties. It’s also comforting when you are lonely. You can clean your house to it, too. You can enjoy it with a friend or family member who likes this kind of music. But I don’t think I’ll find too many friends and family who like 50s music. Maybe the 70s and 80s— but not the 50s. The 50s music sounds so innocent and loving that sometimes it can be funny. The 70s and 80s is upbeat and happy music. It’s relaxing and upbeat at the same time. The GROUNDCOVER NEWS Classic love songs are nostalgic DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 “True Colors.” There are so many songs from the 80s I like that I can’t count them. The music reminds me of movie nights, hanging out in the park with family and friends. It also reminds me of going to the state fair when I was in Detroit and having fun at carnivals, riding carousels and looking at the pretty scenery. The music reminds me of 70s and 80s music make me think of being a kid and teenager, enjoying old times with my friends. It also reminds me of dancing by myself when nobody can see me; it reminds me of watching music videos on TV and looking at the pretty clothes they wore. 80s music reminds me of watching Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Boy George and the Culture Club. In the 80s, people dressed flashy — but they were pretty clothes. I really like a song I remember by Cindy Lauper: popcorn, cotton candy, ham sandwiches and hot dogs. The music reminds me of french fries, too. The music reminds me of loving people I knew in my past. I listen to the music with CDs and on YouTube. Scan this QR code to listen to some of my favorites on Spotify! 3 The Golden Rule The ideological struggle of Western civilizations centers on the Golden Rule, which in its original form is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Most of us learned this as children. As we were socialized into the culture of capitalism and its political economy of capital accumulation, we learned perhaps a more cynical Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold, rule.” We live out the conflict that arises from these two views of the Golden Rule as we form an identity in the middle of this ideological struggle. It’s good to remember the Zen commentary on the Diamond and Heart Sutras, “Peace of Mind does not come from absence of struggle, it comes from absence of confusion and uncertainty.” You probably know that I am a beginner in the struggle, even though I have 80 plus years of life experience. Every breath is a new beginning as we move through this moment, the bridge from past to future. As the creation stage enters the completion stage we are best advised to follow the original Golden Rule, nurturing the intention to benefit all beings without exception. To describe the source of all the appearances we perceive, I like the expression “the all good expanse of primordial purity,” where some might say “Allah” or “God.” Reality as it is, with many names depending on your context. The completeness of reality is beyond words and definitions, but I believe it can be experienced with an open heart and mind. This experience is the mother of the original Golden Rule. Any experience of calm and clear, even a glimpse, points at the deepest part of our heart. Stabilizing this experience is a lifelong venture. Spiritual friends appear when the student is ready. We are a community of masters and seekers. Those who practice the original Golden Rule organize projects for the benefit of everyone. The Veterans for Peace KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 Golden Rule project is coming to Michigan August 13-17. On August 15 at 11 a.m. is the Water Ceremony in Detroit. This indigenous centered ceremony is an important step in building unity to respect mother earth and all her children. Go to vfpgoldenruleproject. org or see below for more complete information. d1_od1_n בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://Kiz9vqGOawMvQLwZ1Rj4piumjgX36hHKwhYj1aahycs z`I׉ 7cassandra://Ee_5kLlUyh3PkTZlhJob3-aFtyMVR5tDqDzCMlTjhwU-`׉ 7cassandra://1e9N7nAjABmG30gpFxpP4em-KDgu3fmYMIedqb4x6JgO`׉ 7cassandra://Ft9w76vu-thZQMXOQn2ga5TPDVp5xXaSoG0sAennI28s͠ id1_ɋנd1_Ɏ ̘9ׁHhttp://AADL.org/bookfestׁ ׁ Ј׉E4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS On July 19, several news outlets announced the introduction of a Homeless Bill of Rights for the State of Michigan. The sponsor of House Bill 4919 is Rep. Emily Dievendorf of District 77, the north Lansing area. The Homeless Bill of Rights is part of a three-bill package that tackles housing discrimination issues and enhances tenants’ rights. The highest priorities of Dievendorf’s bill include secure access to public spaces, the right to vote without a permanent address, and the right to property and privacy. The bills would also allow an unhoused person to file a civil lawsuit if their rights were violated. If it passes, Michigan will become the fifth state in the nation to protect the rights of unhoused people. As of now, homelessness is still treated differently in every state. The first state to pass a Homeless Bill of Rights was Rhode Island, followed by Connecticut, Illinois and Puerto Rico. It is unfortunate that in the minds of the wary public the shelter system is the optimum solution to the “homeless” crisis when, in fact, it is often ELIZABETH "LIT" KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 need of a place to be during the day. Besides Starbucks, most coffee shops require purchases out of the range of most unhoused individuals — and public libraries often prohibit sleeping. As of the latest count, there are 8,500 more of a debilitating trap. There is overwhelming evidence that the shelters nationwide are inadequate for serving the needs of those without housing. When facing long protracted waiting lists, people resort to public spaces for rest. In the few instances when a person is offered an immediate space in a shelter, she or he often has to deal with other problems. The ones cited most often include violence, lack of shower availability and storage, to name a few. In addition, the shelters only serve people overnight, so public spaces are often all that is available for a person in people in Michigan who are unhoused. While these are the numbers given, it is suspected that the actual numbers are higher as they often leave out those temporarily living with family members, friends, in cars and other locations. It becomes clear that the numbers of those experiencing life without housing far outweigh available resources and that the survival of unhoused individuals depends on passage of bills that decriminalize homeless living. So it is little wonder that Dievendorf prioritizes “secure access to public spaces” as one of her priorities. The human experiences still accepted in our nation under the name of homelessness are unthinkable for a civilized nation, and a Homeless Bill of Rights around the country and in Michigan is long overdue. While living on the streets is far from AUGUST 11, 2023 MI Homeless Bill of Rights offers hope for unhoused a permanent solution, it reminds us that public spaces should be designed for all. Not just the non-disabled or the securely housed individual. The ultimate solution is to design city infrastructures with everyone in mind. Far from placing dividers on benches, public spaces should include lockers, showers, and even cots independent of the shelter system so the transition back into permanent housing becomes a simpler, more straightforward process to replace the cumbersome, debilitating, Draconian experience that we witness on our streets presently. Many citizens, including those we count on to make the right decision, will more than likely have never been forced to experience life outside of four walls and may be inclined to feel less tolerant of those who seek refuge in public spaces. But everyone should recognize that passage of this bill would send the powerful message that public space belongs to all citizens, housed or unhoused. Only when we interact with our neighbors will we begin to heal the wounds of divisiveness that drain the energy we all need to survive. A growing threat: tick infestations in Michigan take a toll on homeless campers JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Michigan faces a pressing challenge this summer as tick infestations surge, leading to an alarming increase in tickborne illnesses. Amidst the rising concerns over these blood-sucking pests, the plight of the homeless community becomes a critical and often unseen tragedy. While the impact of these tiny yet formidable adversaries is felt statewide, the vulnerable homeless population grapples with unique and daunting challenges when combating these relentless foes. Startling revelations from a recent study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the urgency of the situation. Researchers analyzing 19 years of data from Michigan's Isle Royale National Park reveal a troubling trend: warmer summer temperatures accelerate tick egg development, resulting in higher survival rates along with a distressing surge in tick infestations among the moose population. As tens of thousands of ticks burrow into moose bodies causing fur loss and anemia, the ecological impact sends ripples through the state. However, beyond the implications for wildlife, Michigan's homeless community faces an insidious threat amid the escalating tick crisis. As Michigan confronts the multifaceted challenges of tick infestations and homelessness, it becomes essential to address the unique struggles faced by the homeless campers. Reports support that this year has been particularly challenging for those experiencing homelessness. Limited access to shelter and healthcare compounds the risks, leaving the homeless disproportionately susceptible to tick-borne illnesses and their related complications. Carrie Nielsen, secretary of the Michigan Lyme Disease Association, passionately stresses the significance of tick checks after outdoor activities. These relentless parasites can insidiously embed themselves anywhere, with a predilection for areas near the knees, waistline, ears, and hairline. Nielsen herself, a Lyme disease warrior of 26 years, has courageously shared her personal journey of hardship, shedding light on the profound impact of tick-related illnesses on one's health and well-being. For those unaware, Lyme disease is a menacing condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Its transmission occurs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. While exploring the woodlands and grassy terrains, it is paramount that we remain vigilant for the characteristic "bull's-eye" skin rash, fever, headache, and fatigue — all of which are early warning signs of Lyme Disease. Yet, if we neglect timely treatment, the consequences can escalate, detrimentally impacting our joints, heart and nervous system. Anaplasmosis is another perilous threat to be wary of during our outdoor escapades. This disease can be transmitted from the bite of various tick species, including black-legged ticks. Symptoms are flu-like such as fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Anaplasmosis requires our utmost vigilance and preventive actions. Also in the realm of tick-borne dangers, Babesiosis deserves attention. Babesiosis, caused by microscopic parasites, infiltrates our red blood cells through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Its manifestations range from mild to severe, featuring symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and anemia. Ehrlichiosis has similar symptoms. Carried by various bacteria, this disease finds its way to us through tick bites. It may manifest with fever, headache, muscle aches, and confusion. The severity of its outcomes, such as respiratory failure or bleeding disorders, underscores the imperative of early detection. While comparatively rare in Michithe Rocky Mountain Spotted gan, Fever (RMSF) should not be underestimated. It transmits through the bites of American dog ticks, Rocky Mountain wood ticks or brown dog ticks. RMSF is characterized by similar initial symptoms to Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, with fever, headache, and rash. Beyond the initial symptoms, RMSF can escalate into serious complications affecting the heart, lungs, and kidneys if not promptly treated. Unfortunately, the struggles faced by see TICKS next page  ׉ 7cassandra://1e9N7nAjABmG30gpFxpP4em-KDgu3fmYMIedqb4x6JgO`d1_p׉EAUGUST 11, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Washtenaw Homelessness Summit initiates grassroots coalition of peers JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 On Saturday, August 5, I attended the pilot meeting of what is on its way to becoming a coalition of grassroots peers of the homeless. In attendance were representatives from Washtenaw Camp Outreach, Peace House of Ypsilanti, Mercy House, the NeuroTraining Initiative, Care Based Safety, Circling Back, Women on the Move, Journey of Faith Church and A Servant's Heart which works in Ypsilanti’s West Willow. The conference went from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during which members of each organization got to know each other, learned about what each organization does and how we can work together toward common goals. We discussed what that synergy might look like. We talked about how to structure the coalition, how it will benefit the community and further our individual organizations' goals. Part of the coalition’s function is to keep each other informed and apprised of each other's services and movements. Communication on this level is sorely needed among our grassroots community of care. Personally, as someone who has experienced homelessness, I can say easy-to-find resources would have helped get me out of homelessness faster than having to research and rediscover the steps to the services. Much of the information shared was based on an impressive survey of 50 unhoused and formerly unhoused persons in Washtenaw County. The purpose of the survey was to get an idea of what the strengths and gaps are in the care they receive. See the Unhoused Experiences in Washtenaw County report for more information. Currently, the coalition is loosely formed and doesn’t even have an official name yet. It will develop structure as it becomes necessary. We decided that as a coalition our priority should be emergency shelter. Future meetings will flesh out how the weight of this newly-found body can meet this need. This decision was spot on. A few times during my experience I feared for my life due to being trapped outside during a Michigan winter. Fortunately, I had a gym membership that was 24 hours and management didn’t care that I hung out there for 8 hours at a time. Another idea that surfaced was that of a “service hub,” a physical space where the organizations above (and potentially others) would offer resources in a community setting that promotes a sense of belonging. This one-stop-shopping approach — meeting a variety of needs from tents and sleeping bags to filling out forms to obtaining documents to strengthening mental health — would have been very welcome when I was experiencing homelessness. Overall, the day left me feeling like I was in the Hall of the Justice League of America. In fact, there were quite a few Wonder Women and Supermen. Given the caliber of the people forming the groups, their passion, compassion and devotion to the community, I am very excited to see where this coalition goes. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library  TICKS from last page homeless campers go beyond the physical effects of bites. Scarce resources hinder their ability to effectively address tick-related concerns, with preventative measures such as regular body checks and tick removal consistently overlooked amidst the daily battle for survival. In addition, the improvised shelters used by the homeless offer scant protection from these relentless pests, exacerbating their exposure and vulnerability. While this tick infestation is rampant, empowerment through education has emerged as a crucial tool, equipping people experiencing homelessness with knowledge on tick prevention and early recognition of tick-borne diseases. To avoid tick bites, it is essential to avoid tick-infested areas, such as grassy, brushy and wooded places. When possible, walking in the center of trails can help avoid contact with ticks at trail edges. Additionally, bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors can help wash off ticks, and more easily find ones that might be crawling on the body in hard to reach places. If you cannot avoid tick-infested areas, repellent that contains permethrin is effective for not only ticks, but mosquitos and bed bugs. Protecting pets is also crucial, as dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors. Using EPA-registered repellents on exposed skin and treating clothes with permethrin can provide additional protection. Performing daily tick checks, thoroughly inspecting the body and removing attached ticks with tweezers on both pets and humans, is vital to prevent tick-borne diseases. From moose populations bravely battling the consequences of soaring temperatures to homeless campers weighed down by the burden of tick infestations, collective action becomes paramount. Together, we must unite to find solutions, safeguarding the well-being of all, thereby extending a protective embrace to those most vulnerable among us. All artwork is for sale (cash only). Artists donate 10% of what they sell to Journey of Faith’s homeless ministry. ART ON A JOURNEY When homeless artists create and sell their art they gain much needed financial support while making sense of the world and finding meaning and purpose in it — it’s a journey we’re all on. August 1 – September 14 at the Ann Arbor District Library, downtown branch. Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Plus, we heard there are plenty of Summer Game codes hidden across all of our locations, exclusive to library visitors. Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit. Michigan Activity Pass With a valid library card from any Michigan public library, you can print a pass to participating organizations, including museums and state parks, through the Michigan Activity Pass website. Some partners offer complimentary or reduced-price admission; others, discounts in their gift shop or other exclusive offers. FEATURED EVENT 5 Sunday, September 10 10am–5pm • Downtown Library Formerly the Kerrytown Bookfest, the A2 Community Bookfest is thrilled to return to downtown Ann Arbor for 2023! Booksellers, publishers, authors, and more will be on the vendor floor from 10am-5pm along with featured author talks, and various activities throughout the day for all ages. For details, visit AADL.org/bookfest d1_qd1_p בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://0xoikBx12_oLv5MrMn6lypjx9n_LFicgFY23OxECCFY V\`I׉ 7cassandra://vvAEQkYe4bbYsURyAMkFP1FuHnwYxZqjQ7L3eipr2yY*`׉ 7cassandra://vyO3OYZfWZc7PGMzjHI_v3U5vXokDtsjAqTXtdc0DskT`׉ 7cassandra://02XyEEaWdpYaiAzGdWo6GHhbf3gvUZkn-KlOTpQN4S0@͠ id1_ɏ׉Eb6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS YPSILANTI AUGUST 11, 2023 Left: Attendees browsing a table of literature on Black liberation. Middle: Opening night of the conference at Growing Hope's Incubator Kitchen. Right: Seattle organizers from group Big Brick Energy at the Ypsi Freighthouse discussing lessons from the George Floyd Rebellion. “Down on the Ground:” Over 200 people attend General Defense Commitee’s Organizing Against Capitalism Conference in Ypsilanti IZZY HEDIN-URRUTIA Groundcover contributor July 28-30 the streets of Ypsilanti welcomed visitors for the first ever Organizing Against Capitalism conference, hosted by local anti-capitalist organization Michigan General Defense Committee. Solidarity Hall, Ypsilanti Freighthouse and Growing Hope’s Incubator Kitchen were all vibrant centers for conversation and collaboration of leftists and anti-capitalist organizations from around the midwest and across the country. Through panels and workshops that tackled a variety of subjects — including labor organizing, the role of political art, housing activism and eviction defense — conference attendees remained engaged and focused on building connections and sharing a wide range of revolutionary and anti-capitalist knowledge, perspectives and community work. “I was very impressed with the conference. I didn’t know what to expect,” says Xtan, an anti-fascist writer and organizer with the blog Three Way Fight. “I left the weekend saying, wow, this was really positive on so many levels. The amount of people wanting to talk, people being open to new ideas, new organizing projects, really impressed me.” During the conference, Xtan demonstrated the nuance anti-facist political analysis of the blog Three Way Fight. He connected that mission to on-theground organizing against anti-queer sentiment and legislation in the local city of Hamtramck, Michigan, which just last month passed an ordinance prohibiting the flying or displaying of the LGBTQ+ pride flag at Hamtramck City Hall. “The far right and the Republican party, as well as the street-based fascist movements, as well as broader reactionary authoritarian tendencies in society, are really focusing their ire and their attacks on trans and queer communities.” Xtan explained how that influenced the panel. “With the far right and the fascists focusing on trans and queer folks in our society right now, we need to have a much broader anti-fascist perspective that situates itself in working-class and queer communities.” Aeron, an organizer with the Michigan General Defense Committee, worked mostly with outreach and inter-organizational planning of the conference. He spoke about the goals of these large-scale political events. “It’s a sense of building the confidence in comrades to know that we can act collectively and independently of non-working class institutions.” Aeron maintains that one of the most rewarding experiences of the weekend was the constant flow of engagement among comrades, contributing to a welcoming and invigorating atmosphere. “The conference itself is to, of course, build relationships, exchange knowledge, and also inject something that you can’t do so much in the organizing effort, which is what I like to call a collective, active joy. It’s when people come together for common reasons. It’s a joy that I think is innate in human beings. Under capitalism, it’s never tapped into. I think we sometimes see glimpses of that stuff at concerts and things like that, but to do it politically really has a transformative effect on people.” Throughout the three-day event, coordinated and facilitated mostly by comrades with Michigan General Defense Committee, 200 attendees representing over 80 local and visiting political organizations attended panels and workshops and ate meals together, as well as taking a brief break together Saturday evening to enjoy socializing with live music, poetry and screenprinting in the greenspace of Solidarity Hall. Among formalized panel discussions and more casual interpersonal conversations, attendees emphasized that the atmosphere was consistently enthusiastic, inclusive and down-to-earth. “It wasn’t a bunch of academic stuff. It was people doing the work. It wasn't an abstract discussion.” Xtan notes. “I think non-sectarian in the sense of people coming together to figure out what commonalities are, and in a constructive and principled way, discuss what differences are…that’s non-sectarian. [...] I think people were open to talking about differences. I enjoyed that.” According to Aeron and other organizers, this “down on the ground” not "up in the clouds” approach for panel topics and discussion was no accident. “We really wanted to make this not an academic conference, not an NGO conference where professionals explain situations. Even the opening panel was a discussion. And I think this idea of horizontalizing the discussions really adds to a different way of organizing, a way that’s working class based.” The weekend ended with a communal breakfast and breakout groups, reviewing knowledge shared and revisiting discussions that were had throughout various spaces and moments Friday and Saturday. The main focus of these final conversations was to place the events of the weekend within a context of achieving broader goals of working class and leftist political struggle. “We need more education. That’s the old slogan: Educate, Agitate, Organize.” Xtan recited. “The last couple of years, whether it’s COVID or social media or people being tired and burnt out ... This conference was blending theory and action. We need more than ever, more education, more discussion, more debate. I think the conference was a good step in trying to get there.” Aeron emphasized that there are many important aspects of revolutionary movements that conferences like these can help cultivate. “The thing that can sustain us and the thing that has sustained me in my political organizing more than anything else, is a sense of being connected to a broader struggle. [...] It transforms somebody else’s struggle into our struggle. [...] It makes concrete what was before just intellectual.” For the next few weeks, Aeron, Xtan and other comrades who attended and coordinated the conference will continue the work the conference initiated. “What we said in the conference was, if you come to the conference un-organized, join an organization. If you came to the conference with an organization, learn how to collaborate. [...] The world is really in dire straits right now, and for us to have a little bit of a respite but also organize at the same time — I think it really helps people to endure the struggles ahead.” ׉ 7cassandra://vyO3OYZfWZc7PGMzjHI_v3U5vXokDtsjAqTXtdc0DskT`d1_r׉EAUGUST 11, 2023 OPINION SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor In 1913, the U.S. Congress renounced its responsibility to “coin money and regulate its value” with the Federal Reserve Act, which led to the USA becoming a warfare-welfare state. John F. Kennedy attempted to change this state of affairs by reestablishing lawful currency. Unfortunately he was assassinated for his efforts on this, among other issues. Now, the only way to restore American civilization is to follow the principles of economic justice found in Thomas Paine’s “Agrarian Justice.” In “Agrarian Justice,” Paine said the life of a Native American was a holiday compared to the poor in Europe. Christendom’s civilization had provided a good life for some and a wretched existence for others. What caused these disparities of wealth? The modern nation state came into existence after Western Christendom’s Civil War (1618-1648, also known as the Thirty Years War)) and the Peace of Westphalia. This new type of centralization of power and the exploitative economic system that grew out of it produced great disparities of wealth that still plague the world today. The way forward is to decentralize power and empower communities and individuals to have more control over their economic destiny. One of the causes of the Great Depression was workers not having the purchasing power to stimulate economic activity and keep the economy flowing. Therefore the key to having a healthy economy is to make sure that people have money to purchase goods and services. This can be done with a guaranteed consumer income that would benefit low income families and individuals. This will GROUNDCOVER NEWS Why we need guaranteed consumer income empower them to participate more in the economy as consumers and will ensure that there is enough economic activity in case the free market fails to provide it. The funding for a Guaranteed Consumer Income would come from the nonprofit sector. The Johnson Amendment (1954) instituted the nonprofit corporation as a tax shelter for the wealthy. To enjoy this tax exempt privilege a public good must be provided. A truly justice-oriented public good would be the Guaranteed Consumer Income. 7 Barometers of misery — disregarding poverty is perilous, not just callous The canaries in the coal mines of our society are economically disadvantaged people. Their afflictions often do not come from a direct economic catastrophe such as job loss. It’s more a function of living on the fringes, teetering on the edge of sufficiency, being vulnerable to change and distress. Whatever bad thing is coming, they suffer from it first. Left unaddressed, it works its way up the economic ladder. We see it in drug abuse. The crack addiction epidemics of the 1970s were left unchecked, especially in urban areas. They developed into wide-ranging cocaine addictions that plagued the entire country. The opioid addictions of pain-riddled manual laborers in the late 1990s were stoked by the pharmaceutical industries, abetted by doctors, and ignored by our heroin and opioid analgesics then expanded in the 2000s to the more affluent, starting with those who had been prescribed oxycodone following injuries or surgeries. We see it in the housing crisis. The SUSAN BECKETT Publisher emeritus heavily-lobbied and swayed government officials. Addiction treatment, methadone clinics and needle-exchange programs were largely rejected, leading to increased dysfunction and the spread of AIDS and hepatitis. Addiction to the opioid offshoots of shortage of affordable housing was felt first in the 1990s by those who lived in the decaying housing projects that were neither maintained nor replaced with other housing stock. It got worse as rust belt cities faltered and reduced services to the outlying areas inhabited by their less-affluent laborers. Without nearby jobs or public transportation, those who couldn’t move to a more advantageous area fell out of the workforce. Their underfunded schools, populated by students from stressed families, failed. Builders reveled in profits from building giant houses. Today, even well-established people with substantial salaries are struggling to pay rent or enter the housing market. Similar scenarios play out in the prevalence of mental health disorders, economic deterioration, and the societal impacts of privatization. We are seeing it unfold now as robots and artificial intelligence replace workers. It started in factories, is happening now in restaurants and grocery stores, and is encroaching on law, accounting and journalism. We would be wise to pay close attention to what is happening in our economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Compassion and prudence dictate intercession at the start of crises, developing effective ways to address them and curtailing the misery of all. d1_sd1_r בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://QHcsxue_dnoPR37wouVYyAWC1BVq6qjODM2xnVbsArQ"`I׉ 7cassandra://vVCwlqpIt37ufibfIKZeYsXEDlwK9Xs35rkBMDMhqCk`׉ 7cassandra://yxNPbJaGdnOJggnuDTqBgaPBzdLWgxpPndVax3bey1MTN`׉ 7cassandra://dS9PrdqM0jrVunp3E9fbWdrqJZA4p0X7OXutzd6wHRkL͠ id1_ɒנd1_ɔ9ׁHmailto:tact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉Eb8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK HISTORY Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement — DRUMbeat for change The Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (DRUM) was an organization of African-American workers formed in May, 1968, in the Chrysler Dodge Main assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan. Labor activist Martin Glaberman estimated the Hamtramck plant was 70% Black, while the union local (UAW Local 3), plant management, lower supervision and the Hamtramck city administration were predominantly run by older white Polish-Amercans. DRUM attempted to organize Black workers to obtain concessions of racial and economic justice, not only from the Chrysler management, but also from the United Auto Workers. On July 8, 1968, DRUM led a wildcat strike against conditions in the Hamtramck plant. Over 4,000 Black and white workers observed the strike; it lasted two and a half days and prevented the production of 3,000 cars. The Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement organization spread to other Detroit plants including FRUM (Ford Revolutionary Union Movement) at the Ford River Rouge Plant, and ELRUM (Eldon Avenue Revolutionary Union Movement) at the Chrysler Eldon Avenue Plant. These organizations were brought together through the League of Revolutionary Black Workers which formed in June 1969. General Gordon Baker Jr., a Detroit MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Ken Parks (left), Donald Abdul (right) and Mike Jones met in February to begin conversations that shaped this article. revolutionary Black nationalist, was at the core of the DRUM movement. Ken Parks and I got a chance to sit down with Donald Abdul who was a part of the second wildcat strike and talk about DRUM and General Baker. The first words out of his mouth were, “General Baker would do for others before he would do for himself.” Abdul went on to talk about the reason for the second strike. After the first strike, seven workers got fired — five white workers and two Black workers. Chrysler hired back the five white workers and did not hire back the two Black workers. General Baker, being one of the two fired, organized for the second strike and the continuation of the Black workers movement. On October 8, 2022, many of us from Groundcover went from Ken Parks’ 80th birthday party to the State Theater to see “Finally Got The News,” a documentary about the League of Black Revolutionary Workers, which included DRUM. There was a lively educational discussion after the film, including commentary from Donald Abdul and other prominent participants in that movement. There is a video of that discussion which is worthy of study. This was a time when anti-imperialism was a strong force on the world stage; the revolution was spreading. The seeds planted at that time were kept alive in large part by General Baker and those who continue with the General Baker Institute. General Baker influenced many, AUGUST 11, 2023 largely because he embodied the notion of being "centered to the core." He radiated a deep contentment with who he was as an intelligent human being who was focused on bringing people together in the struggle for freedom. When another local paper faced repression from its DRUM coverage, the League took over the student paper at Wayne State University — the South End — and made it a tribune of the revolution. Astrology aids communication DALON EATON Groundcover contributor Relating to people can be difficult. Communication is a skill, and like most skills, practice makes perfect. But have you ever noticed when talking to some people, not only do you not speak the same language, but it's almost as if you are from two different planets? Well, being familiar with astrology and knowing a person's birth chart can aid with making a better connection. Whether it be friendship, romantic partnership or a business relationship, communication is certainly key. I remember talking to a potential romantic prospect; we would have really good phone conversations, talking for long hours about everything under the sun — from hopes and fears to religion and politics (those talks tended to be on the louder side). But when it came time for creating a productive life together, we just could not seem to get on the same page. When someone asks you what your sign is (based on the birth chart), they are only scratching the surface of what astrology has to offer. Let's say for example someone asks you what your sign is and you say, "I'm a Gemini.'' Knowingly or unknowingly, they are asking about your sun sign. The sun has a physical and psychological effect on everyone walking around on the earth today. Imagine the planets giving off signals like satellites. I wish I had enough space in this article to explain this in detail, but for now just imagine the planets moving and acting the way we know see ASTROLOGY page 11  Example birth chart of someone born on August 4, 1970. Outcomes are affected by time and location of birth. Photo credit: AstroDienst ׉ 7cassandra://yxNPbJaGdnOJggnuDTqBgaPBzdLWgxpPndVax3bey1MTN`d1_t׉EAUGUST 11, 2023 PUZZLES 1 13 16 19 20 22 23 24 26 30 35 38 41 43 44 45 47 51 57 60 48 49 50 52 58 61 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Brit's "Baloney!" 5. "___ Like the Wind" ("Dirty Dancing" ballad) 9. Scoundrels 13. "I had no ___!" 14. "Catch!" 15. Police club used in India 16. ___ oil (skin care substance) 17. "___ of Eden" 18. Knight's "suit" 19. Tongue-tied 22. Composer Gustav 25. Hunk 26. Greek who measured the Earth's circumference 30. English county 31. Twisted 32. Busy one in Apr. 35. Soon, to a bard 36. How some things are remembered 37. Guard's target 38. Where the French might take a dip 39. Cliffside dwelling 40. Taste, e.g. 41. Oaks Park patron 43. Pattinson or Redford 46. Servant's uniform 47. Grumpiness 51. Jungle climber 52. Aerial maneuver 53. Indian dress 57. Carpenter's tool 58. Palindromic emperor 59. It might be oral or physical 60. Winter vehicle 61. Make up ground, with "on" 62. Fill-in 53 54 55 56 59 62 DOWN 1. Sn on the periodic table 2. Words of praise 3. "Comprende?" 4. Popular Broadway musical 5. Clippers 6. Try, as a case 7. At one time, at one time 8. Org. looking for aliens 9. Guitarist Santana 10. Hindu soul 11. Hindu loincloth 12. Begets 15. Acclaimed 20. Gas used in ads 21. Shrewd 22. Cross, maybe 23. "Gladiator" setting 24. Devastation 27. Spin 28. Dawg 29. Famous 18th-century Swiss mathematician 32. Short story 33. Tough question 34. Imitation 36. Atlanta-based airline 37. Portly 39. From the heart? 40. "Saturday Night Live" segment 41. Curbed, with "in" 42. Loafer, e.g. 43. Small streams 44. Bay window 45. Plucky 48. Place to post 49. Bit 50. Money of Lesotho 54. Can 55. Battering device 56. Mischievous one 39 42 46 36 40 27 28 29 31 37 32 33 34 2 4 5 6 7 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 3 9 14 17 21 25 15 18 10 11 12 9 d1_ud1_t בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://qdRTH3V4SlpIPXP6fxXsMEg41hsTOCF3WUrj4oPQ9WI-`I׉ 7cassandra://XFo9-D6xTcLH7p8QSaAlbKBjqx3MQgqREnJSCUP80tI$q`׉ 7cassandra://l1sar9SP7MMclrTcTRShLjOBhlFH5YOxK0k4Khs_8xEV`׉ 7cassandra://t7wz6qjLWr9JZbeiYLN91Q90mocTr24KrvByvnjAgms͠ id1_ɕנd1_ɗmƁm9ׁHhttp://actions.Thׁ ׁ Ј׉E10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK HISTORY In the summer of 1955 Emmett Till traveled to the town of Money, Mississippi, in order to spend time with his relatives. One hot Friday afternoon, after picking cotton in the fields, Emmett and his cousins borrowed Rev. Wright’s vehicle and drove to Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market. The cashier was 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant, wife of the store owner. The cousins bought candies. Some of the cousins dared young Emmett to say something to get Carolyn’s attention. Eyewitnesses said that he did not utter a word, but he whistled. Carolyn was upset because Black males were not allowed to whistle at a white female. Carolyn Bryant Donham died of cancer on April 25, 2023. She was 88. Her accusations contributed to the abduction and murder of 14-year old Emmett Till of Chicago, Illinois. NPR reported that Bryant-Donham died in Westlake, Louisiana, at a hospice care. The Mississippi Today Newspaper carried a headline which read, “Woman at center of Till killing has died.” Writer Jerry Mitchell, author of the April 27, 2023 article, interviewed Devery Anderson, author of the book “Emmett Till: The Murder that Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement.” Anderson said, “Donham’s death marks the end of a chapter.” He noted that some people “have been clinging to hope that she could be prosecuted…She was the last remaining person who had any involvement … Now, that can’t happen.” Anderson continued, “For many, it’s going to be a wound, because justice was never done … Some others were clinging to hope she might still talk or tell the truth… Now it’s over.” A County Judge signed an arrest warrant for Carolyn Bryant in 1955. The Sheriff did not execute the warrant. It was found recently in a County Court basement. Mississippi Today Newspaper also interviewed Rev. Wheeler Parker who was sleeping in the same house the night Emmett Till was abducted and murdered. Rev. Parker said that he and his family send their sympathies to the Donham family, and “don’t have any ill will or animosity towards her.” Parker also told Mississippi Today that Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, “forgave her son’s killers.” On July 25, 2023, an article written by Kevin Liptak appeared on CNN with the title, “Biden honors Emmett Till and his mother amid debate over how to teach kids about painful parts of U.S. history.” A White House ceremony at the Old Executive Building featured President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris, some members of Emmett Till’s family and invited guests. At the ceremony, the President announced the naming of AUGUST 11, 2023 Why we remember Emmett Till’s lynching story WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 three new national monuments—one in Chicago at the site of the church that hosted Emmett Till’s open casket funeral. The second proposed monument will be located in front of the County Courthouse where the killers of Emmett Till were tried and acquitted. The third monument will be erected near the Tallahatchie river, a site where the tortured body of Till was dumped and later recovered. The monuments are intended to be symbols which honor Emmett Till and his mom, Mamie Till-Mobley, for their sacrifice, and for galvanizing the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. President Biden made the following remarks at the podium: “In a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, we’re making it clear, crystal, crystal clear: While darkness and denialism can hide much, they erase nothing. We can’t just choose to learn what we want to know,” Biden said from the Indian Treaty Room. “We have to learn what we should know. We should know about our country. We should know everything. The good, the bad, the truth. Who we are as a nation.” Vice President Harris echoed President Biden’s perspective when she remarked, ““Our history as a nation is born of tragedy and triumph. Of struggle and success. That is who we are. And as people who love our country, as patriots, we know that we must remember and teach our full history. Even when it is painful, especially when it is painful.” Emmett Till would have been 82 years old on July 25, 2023. The President recalled that he was 12 when Till was murdered. This is not ancient history. It happened within the lifetime of millions of Americans, and perhaps tens of millions of people across the globe today. His mom, Mamie, was right. Emmett did not die in vain. His brutal murder and Mamie’s decision to have an open casket funeral shocked the world and challenged America’s 14th Amendment principles of substantive due process rights, equal protection guarantees, and all the privileges and immunities of citizenship rights. We cherish our freedom, our liberty and our hope for equal justice! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS T O S H S H E S I D E A H E R E N E E M E A S T M A H L E R Left: Thousands of mourners in Chicago gathered for Till's funeral at the Roberts Temple. Right top: Emmett Till's corpse in an open casket. Right bottom: The memorial that marks the river site where Till's body was found has been vandalized many times since its establishment. C A D S L A T H I A R M O R I N A R T I C U L A T E A D O N I S E R A T O S T H E N E S D E V O N W O U N D C P A A N O N D I M L Y H O O P L A C A E R I E S E N S E R O B E R T R O L L E R S K A T E R L I V E R Y I R R I T A B I L I T Y L I A N A L O O P S A R I L E V E L O T T O E X A M S L E D G A I N T E M P - ׉ 7cassandra://l1sar9SP7MMclrTcTRShLjOBhlFH5YOxK0k4Khs_8xEV`d1_v׉E AUGUST 11, 2023 ASTROLOGY  ASTROLOGY from last page satellites to. The planet Mercury in a birth chart rules over how a person communicates and expresses their thoughts internally, externally, verbally and through body language. When I was talking to this romantic prospect, we would mostly communicate over the phone. The Mercury sign in my birth chart is Cancer. After some teeth-pulling research, I found out my friend had her Mercury sign in Sagittarius. The planet Mercury itself is a sign of Virgo and Gemini — one being an earth element and another being an air element. If you aren’t familiar with astrological terms, this might sound like a bunch of nonsense. Astrology is ruled by four different elements: fire, water, earth and air. Each of these elements have different modalities – cardinal, fixed and mutable. Cardinal means that these signs or planetary energies are forward moving, the pioneers of their elements. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra. Having your mercury sign in one of these placements would make your communication style more aggressive and conclusion driven. Having this placement makes a person want to initiate conversations, and be the first to say their ideas out loud. For example, my mercury is cancer. I would initiate all of the conversations with my romantic prospect on the phone … Come to think of it, I am always initiating most of the conversations among my friends. Next are the fixed signs, those signs are Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio.If the cardinal signs initiate and speak up first then the fixed signs would be the people who may not say much – they would be the doers, those who put the plans and ideas into actions.Those people who don't really want to talk until the project is done and they would have something to present. Having one of these placements is going to make the person want to hone on their own ideas. Last, but not least, the mutable signs are Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces. These types can (when they want to) adapt to how other people communicate, but the trade off is that they may have a hard time saying what they want to say for the sake of not rocking the boat. My friend's Mercury was in a fire element (Sagittarius) and with mine being water (Cancer), the words that we shared were like dreams, seeing as how Cancer exalts Sagittarius’’s meaning and upholds the rule that planetary energy represents. It mixed well, but the rest of the placements did not align for the type of relationship we were pursuing. Based on our Mercury placements, our relationship never grew past the telephone phase. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini which is an air sign. My friend has her Mercury placement in Sagittarius, a fire sign and the opposite to Gemini. Fire signs deal with the more spiritual side of life. When that is met with the cold calculating side of Mercury, these two forces together will cause friction. In conclusion, to avoid problems like these, I encourage everyone to talk to an astrologer to get their birth charts interpreted. Read up on the planetary alignments and what they represent because it can help you become a better communicator and get to know yourself and your role in society. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 d1_wd1_v בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://eSGvwoXOaU-N62yWoimyl73gW5g7STjGjuRcUAOrF4cB/`׉ 7cassandra://qxL7IMIKTI-EIbhlbAl9UrFc2vfQToLGqsz5KIz5d1M͉.`h׉ 7cassandra://hpMT9AqxmukiVAxzhDojwC8fT-fMkwgs5q5K-aTFG9Y+`׉ 7cassandra://gmxLIPM4CsNFY4FrBFWkSdCqAFBtx6BdsR766GaRXHQx͠4d1_ɘנd1_ɛ̭9ׁHhttp://www.ypsifoodcoop.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E$12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Peanut butter noodles JOHN BUCKLEY Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2–3 tablespoons peanut butter 2–3 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal or sriracha) 1 lb pasta, ideally rice or soba noodles Directions: In a bowl, mix these ingredients to make a sauce: Mess around with the proportions of those as you will. Cook a pound of pasta according to the directions on its package. Toss the sauce with the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and/or chopped peanuts. The tears of love TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 The tears of love, So beautiful & true, Falls from thee eyes of someone who loves, As blood drips from my broken heart, So lonely & red, Thee tears of love, Still fades from my head, As time passes, My heart may mend, And thee tears of love, May fade to dust, I know deep in my heart, I’ll never love like this again. AUGUST 11, 2023 Take it eazy TERESA BASHAM Thangz can get crazy, Thangz can bring ya down, Ya can hold on, Or let it go, Thangz might go wrong, Let me tell ya baby, Only you know thee sound, Time will let ya know, Just take it eazy, Thangz will come around. 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