Pro Basketball – Hamp's Corner of America

Folks who don’t believe in talking are missing the point

The last article we wrote was about many people discussing this, that, and the other. Often, they’re talking to family, associates, and friends about whatever.

Well, this article is about those who keep to themselves. You know…the ones you can barely get a hello from, much less a complete sentence. They say they are busy, don’t have time, or have nothing to say to you.

An old saying indicates that you will undoubtedly speak to the deceased at their gravesite if you don’t talk to family, friends, or acquaintances while they are alive. I don’t know about you, but I love a two-way conversation rather than a one-way, especially if the person is deceased.

Like many of you, I had problems with my parents, a few other relatives, and many acquaintances. Out of respect, I concluded people will not be who you want them to be. They, especially my older generation, are who they are; that is what you get around them. I, being an old-school admirer, simply because of the Jim Crow crap they had to endure, found their conversations enlightening. Most of my Arkansas-bred folk didn’t have a high school education. Yet, they were intelligent and capable of getting things done to support their family while enjoying a particular lifestyle. They were indeed men and women of substance.

On the other hand, I have no issues talking to anybody. If anything, I may have talked too much in my younger days. I got better at it as I matured. I learned to be respectful of folk’s feelings. That didn’t mean I lied to them or didn’t mention certain subjects. It just meant I learned how to speak to people without being offensive. I checked my attitude, putting it on the shelf. People want to get things done while allowing relationships to flourish. That was a perfect way to approach a project, no matter how small or large. My father warned me, “Boy, think before you say something.” Frankly, I have continued to learn ways of communicating in my field of employment. Yet I maintained an edge where I could speak in specific business terms using street verbiage. It was very seldom that I had to use that tactic, but it was at my disposal. The point I am making here is that people of color must be comfortable in either environment. You should be articulate in the boardroom or just as real on the corner.

And just as an aside, nobody should ever have trouble speaking to their mother, father, relatives, friends, or associates. If they cannot find the time or words to talk with the group mentioned above, they only need to look in the mirror to find the source of their problem. Regardless of their feelings at a particular time, people welcome honest conversations with almost anybody, especially their relatives. You don’t have to agree with each other’s approach to anything. That kind of outlook can be put on the shelf. Shared courtesy of how you are doing is all needed in a general conversational exchange. Yet you need to understand life is not always about what you want. Time is moving fast for us all, not just one person. I can’t speak for everybody, but I don’t carry on personal conversations on social media or the internet. Call me, write to me, and we can have a conversation.

My wife and I are in the baby boomers age bracket. Recently, we have lost more than a few friends. Of course, we’ve lost family members, including parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and playing cousins. It was just a lot of people we grew up knowing, and we loved having them available to speak with, play cards with, or hang out with. Sometimes, it gets to you after realizing these folks are no longer alive. One tends to retreat into one’s inner cycle, which has suddenly gotten smaller. I would love to be able to talk to my mother about those sorry Green Bay Packers. Or even my dad about the places he fished last weekend. I miss speaking with those two the most. I cannot think of a better place to find out who you are or where you came from than asking a parent. I wouldn’t attempt to speak with them on social media. Again, I will not carry on a personal conversation with you on Facebook—a general hello, etc., yes, but a deeper discussion, no. The shame is that some view this as personal contact with a person.

Do yourself a favor and make your relative proud. Show them you have more respect for yourself rather than exposing yourself to impress your social media friends. That is my advice for the day.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my author webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

There’s That Word Again…Respect.

There is that word again: Respect.

It seems every time a rapper opens their mouth, they demand respect. As do others… In fact, we have an entire generation of people who feel no one respects them. Disrespect is the mantra many younger and middle-aged folks tend to throw out when they need something to go their way. It always comes up when they have no answers to serious social skill questions. Most are smart enough to figure it out if they are honest with themselves. There lies the problem: they often bend the truth to fit their idea of solving an issue.

As a child, I was taught that respect is earned by an individual, not automatically given, because one belongs to humanity. I’ve found it to be more rewarding that way. Yes, this comes from me, who used to hate authoritarian figures. I always seemed to run into people I felt didn’t belong in specific positions. They didn’t communicate with people or consult them when making decisions about a company’s work processes. As Marvin Gaye says in one of his song titles, I am a Stubborn Kind of Fellow, especially about social issues.

According to my Encarta Dictionary, one meaning of respect is esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something, as winning colleagues’ respect.

Another definition is the state of being admired: The state of being admired deferentially.

And finally, characteristic: an individual characteristic or point. … satisfactory in all respects.

From my perspective, it all points toward a person who should attempt to produce cooperation between all parties involved. Or at least as many as one can. Look at it from another viewpoint: a team cannot only show up, they still must play the game. That is, play it in a way that supports each player.

As note, an entire generation of people think “give me my respect” should be an international law. Here is a thought: a person can love themselves and still be critical of making stupid decisions based upon inaccurate information or assumptions. There are no magic potions, selfish one-person-show, perfect individuals that will get everything done correctly. One can even imagine God looking on to see how successful the cooperating group can be with each other.

Everyone must bring something to the table for success, no matter the number of people or size of the organization. It also applies to couples, two friends, and family members’ attitudes towards each other. The idea is to realize a successful effort, maximizing your probabilities of achievement. That way, everyone wins, all walking away from the table happy with a feeling of accomplishment. There is no better feeling than being part of a successful group accomplishment.

This can also work as a one-person project if you know where and who to go to for input about your idea. Instead of trying to make things work by communicating right, wrong, or indifferent, at least the parties are trying to talk it out. Some give up because they are too sensitive about someone hurting their feelings instead of concentrating on reaching a logical conclusion between all involved. There lies another problem with some folks. They are too sensitive in their interpretation of what another person says, and their concentration on the job is almost null and void. No one person lives in this world alone except a very lonely individual. I would much rather be known as a people person than an introvert who somehow reaches the wrong conclusion because they are debating themselves most inaccurately. To go through life as if you have it all together with yourself is stupid. It goes back to that old warning: he who selects themselves as their legal representative has a fool for a lawyer.

One of the first steps I took to reach maturity was to promise myself that I would no longer lie to myself. It’s a simple life. No need to complicate it with half-truths, misplaced observations, or downright lies to yourself to make you look good to who, yourself? Get real, please. It would be best to use personal or peer criticism as a steppingstone to self-improvement. You will find the road of life without several complications and a more leisurely trip to maneuver.

Remember, you and only you are in control of how you react to people’s right or wrong observations of you. Folks talked about Jesus Christ. You, my friend, must live your life to your expectations. And no rule says you can’t change how you associate it with whoever. Always treat people how you want to be treated; your associations will be much kinder and more natural.

So, the next time you read or hear of somebody asking for respect with no concrete plan on how to earn the same. Realize you are dealing with a selfish individual who is immature regarding project building, workable solutions to ideas, or sustained process accomplishments—the size of the project matter. Surprise, they also like the qualities required to become involved in a loving and successful relationship.

I’ve been involved in successful endeavors as well as failed projects. As you can guess, successful projects are the most rewarding. Working with others to reach a common goal gives a person a warm feeling. In the end, we are all working toward a prompt conclusion so that we may get into the real fun and games of everyday living. Think about that for a moment. At least, that’s my motivation.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my author webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Patience, Customer Service, or wishing humanity the best is a lost Art.

Frequently, older folks begin tripping at any suggestion by a youngster that they are losing some skill or another. Think of memory of family contact or events, even occurrences with those critical to our memory. We may not be as quick in mind or physically as in the past. Now, we seem so much slower in our response to their request.

Physically, we may use a cane or walker to get around. There is nothing like watching the impatience of someone waiting on someone requiring those tools to walk. Oh, they are fine initially, but their patience wears out as time goes on. You can almost see the willingness to assist in the beginning turn to annoyance after dealing with the older person after a while. It’s that they are on the move, and anything that slows them down affects their required life cycle speed, if you get my drift.

Don’t get me wrong. Most are glad to assist an older individual for a few minutes. Anything longer than that depends upon your relationship. It helps if it’s your grandson or other close relative.

As old timers, we can recall we were just like them. We always had something to do, somewhere to go, late for a meeting, or, heavens forbid, a date with the opposite sex. Like today’s youngsters, we were always in a hurry to be somewhere. Even if that somewhere was to hang out on the corner with our friends.

Customer service or general consideration of another person’s space in our orbit seems lost. Even if you have no handicaps, shopping in stores, eating in restaurants, or even going through the fast-food drive-through can be an experience. People seem not to have a minute to waste when getting your food. You better get in the habit of checking your bag to see if they completed your order. Nothing grinds your nerves as to get home to find something missing or not, as you requested at the outset.

Some folks pushing grocery store shopping carts are oblivious to their whereabouts. They are blocking your advancement. Or they think they are racing at the Indianapolis 500 speedway. That is evident when you head for the checkout line. They act like they don’t see you heading in the same direction. A picture worth a thousand-dollar price is the one that has their kid in the seat of the cart. The child is either laughing at the sudden burst of speed or turning quiet, hoping their parent will not have a wreck rushing to the checkout cash register.

How about dealing with a telephone customer service representative? If you have computer issues, you better be prepared to listen to the rep reading from a script of possible customer errors. This is almost always followed by insisting you unplug this and hook up that before they request access to your computer. They will practically ignore your answers to their questions until they finish reading the script.

And finally, those who rang your doorbell. It makes no difference if you have a “No Soliciting Sign on your house. I have one, but they act as though they didn’t see it when you ask about it. They are just in the neighborhood, they begin. How much do you pay for your monthly electric bill? They continue by expressing how much they will save you on that bill; sign up with us. Your charge is on your monthly energy bill.

They get offended if you are adamant about keeping your current setup and fees. “You mean you don’t want to save money.” You practically must insist they leave. You may have to slam the door on their faces to get them to move along.

The bottom line is this. Baby Boomers went through their twenties and thirties when society changed to a more liberal attitude period. We all wanted the best for people we had not met. It was an overall ‘wish you well,’ man. We inherited our parents’ work ethic. Becoming employed, we took on the responsibility of job performance as a leading criterion for promotions or other career advancements. Overall, we treated others like we wanted to be treated whenever we encountered them.

Then, Ronald Reagan became president. He addressed those “I got mine, and I don’t care about you” attitudes. Since then, Conservatism has moved closer to first place in exchange for more liberal thoughts toward our neighbors or friends.

The entertainment world reflected the free-spirited Baby Boomers era. Despite the hatred, this is still harbored by certain groups of folks. The great majority didn’t mind lending a hand to see our fellow humans lift themselves and earn their piece of the American Pie.

Ever since Reagan became president, we’ve gone in the opposite direction. Reagan’s administration instituted and changed more liberal laws. That practice continued with each Republican administration. Today, we have evolved into a ‘get out of my face before I hurt you’ type of people. In other words, ‘who let the dogs out’…Donald Trump. We don’t seem to have any patience with anybody, no matter their handicap. It’s all about I got mine. And I’ll take yours too if you are not careful.

Add that to the Wild West syndrome of backup before I shoot because I don’t like your kind. Or some other folks, taking the law into their own hands after drinking the right-wing rhetoric water of lying. Kids are shooting each other at our children’s parties or schools. What the…? The NRA doesn’t care; let anybody have as many weapons as they want, military-style or whatever. Surprise, surprise, all creeds and colors are in play.

For those of us who have seen a different America, it is sad to see the attitude change. We wonder how far our society is going to drift in this direction. When will we change course, if ever again?

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Draymond Green’s Punch

Teammates, Sportswriters, other NBA players, and an assortment of commentators have given their take on the Draymond Green punch of Jordan Poole. Well, I look at this incident from a Warriors Fan perspective, adding a lot of old-school hood flavor.

To begin, I have sympathy for my brother Poole from the same city, Milwaukee, as I do. It’s a small city, ninety miles from Chicago, with a working man’s hard-hat personality. But, as in any hood, when someone walks up to you and gets in your face. The natural reaction is to shove him back, which is Jordan’s reaction. This is where Draymond’s next move is inexcusable, considering who he is. He, supposedly the heart and soul of the team, reacted as a fellow from the hood. Anybody shoves you warrants an instant reaction. Thus, he punched who he suddenly interpreted as the aggressor.

Yes, we know disagreements among teammates within male or female sports can result in punches. Then again, you know how the saying goes, take the boys out of the hood; they will still have hood tendencies. The difference here is where they currently reside in theory and person. It also includes the amount of money in their bank accounts. Finally, the fact that this punch was filmed and leaked to the national press places enormous scrutiny on the act.

My fault lies with Draymond. He should know better than to instigate a predictable reaction by walking up to a teammate’s face. He was so close to Jordan’s mouth that he could have given him COVID-19 if Draymond had it. But, instead, what did he expect the kid to do? Take the disrespectful act as a teachable moment. And then to follow that up with punching Jordan because he shoved you.

As a fan, I am sad to say Draymond has worn his teammates out as an elder spokesman, fellow player, enforcer against opponents, or anything representing the Warriors. It’s time for him to move on, including therapy of some type to address his demons, at a time in our black neighborhoods when individual fights never seem to settle a disagreement. Often it ends up with opponents bringing in their parents, other family members, or homies to settle the score. We don’t need to see gifted, wealthy individuals on our TV screens acting as if they are on a street corner in the hood.

You, Draymond Green, must be better than that. You can not go through life throwing punches because you disagree with someone of whatever. You have children. Does that not present you with the obligation of being a role model for them and various children in our neighborhoods?

I read that you have apologized. That’s all well and good. But you, like millions of NBA fans, living in the hood or not, understand Jordan Poole and his teammates will never forget that punch. He, as he has, may accept your apology, but he will never forget. It’s a thug-like punch who happened to be his teammate. No matter what was said beforehand, you got in his face. You wouldn’t take that from anyone. So what made you think that Jordan would accept it?

This incident will linger until Draymond is traded or leaves the Warriors on his own. Because of all his idiotic past behavior and the punch, he has put himself in an untenable position. In my opinion, the team will be better off without Draymond. You can bet a tell-all book from Green will follow shortly after leaving the team. Thanks for the memories, especially your contribution to the championships. But again, you’ve worn out your welcome. Please get some help and good luck in all future endeavors.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Golden State Warriors after KD

It is always easier to voice an opinion on someone’s lifestyle other than your own. Yes, I am a Warriors fan. I should admit that I was one who thought they would never get their lackadaisical season play corrected in time for last years playoffs. They fooled me by doing just that going on to win the championship. Even with a weak bench.

Well, here we go with major drama for the 2018/19 season. I will say that I thought it began with Kevin Durant. The fact that he decided to be non-committal on his future after the end of this season. Why? Only Kevin knows the reason. But that added to the ramping up rumor mill of “Can Lebron lure KD away from the Warriors. Or will he go anywhere other than return to the team that allowed him to win a championship?

We do understand the errors in judgment made by youth. Especially a rich young person. We were young at one time. As a result, we are still suffering from suspect decisions we made about our professional life. To end this comparison, we, like you and everyone else made it out of our immature stage.

The bottom line, the uncertainty of where Kevin will play next season initiated by him was not a team-oriented decision. There lies the crux of the problem.

That doesn’t excuse the actions of Draymond Green. But I would bet he is not the only teammate that feels taken aback by Kevin’s stance. I don’t think they have any doubt s about his play during the season. However, with his stance, he’s highlighted his sense or lack thereof team in my mind.

The one thing you can say about Draymond, he is a 100% team player on or offseason. Eventually, no matter the place, time or incident, he is going to speak his mind. That is the underlying issue in their flare-up. I for one like the idea that Dray may have said: “We have won without you.” That is an indictment on KD’s non-committal stance.

Now all the other stuff that was part of the disagreement; that’s on the both of them. Should they reconcile, remain friends on and off the court. That too is on them. Remember I am just giving my opinion. I don’t think either one will forget this flare-up. Some analyst has suggested the team may lose both players.

At the beginning of the season when Kevin’s quoted as “keeping his options open” regarding signing the next year. My first thought was to move on brother. This had to do with the way he seems to change his mind so much. Who he wants to play with or what will be his role. Does he want to be the man on the team? Or did he want to be part of the background as he has voiced to others? If he doesn’t want to be with the Warriors, then let him go where ever he wants. Thanks for the contribution but the Warrior train is moving on down the track. All aboard who wants to be aboard. Thanks for a visit.

My hope is they sign DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins to a long-term deal. Think of it. Boogie is playing with the rest of the Warriors. He may not be as cerebral as Durant. Or as great of a player. But he will patrol that center position like no other. Something the team hasn’t had since…well, a long time. And he has shown himself to be a good teammate at Sacramento and New Orleans. They have now lost three in a row with Curry and Dray out. Kevin is playing but not shooting well either. Basketball is still a team sport with only five teammates on the floor at a time.

In other words, let’s not worry about whether Kevin Durant stays or goes to another team. We enjoyed him while he was here but it’s a team game. He is a player who may never be satisfied. The Warriors have won without him. They now have a chance to get an outstanding center who shoots the three with ease. Go for it if Kevin wants to move on.

Peace & Blessing…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

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We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. It’s based upon the life of my Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions

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