tag:frostyltd.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2024-03-22T18:38:00-07:00Frosty LTDfalsetag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/73712192024-03-22T18:38:00-07:002024-03-22T19:15:07-07:00Folks who don’t believe in talking are missing the point
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/73575092024-02-26T09:09:30-08:002024-02-26T09:46:54-08:00Everybody’s Talking – Some are up too Close and Personal
<p>There is an ‘old Negro saying’ that reads like this, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Well, maybe it’s not an ‘old Negro saying’ because my father was not an old Negro when I first heard him say it. I can’t tell you exactly how old he was or when I first heard him say it. He might have gotten it from the slang of the time or some old friend. It was a favorite phrasing of my fathers, who repeated it continuously to anyone who didn’t quite know how to put a particular thought into words. It also made one correct an outright lie.</p>
<p>We know how people talk in the hood. If you go to any function, there is always some black person going through a nonstop rant about something or the other. However, sooner or later, there will be a short pause. That’s when you know they add or spin their story version.</p>
<p>Daddy used the phrase often when counseling me, especially when I’d done something wrong. There I was, trying to figure out how to put into words an excuse for why I did it. He’d patiently wait as if to say, “Let me see what he is going to say about this.” He knew there was no excuse. Yet I kept trying to justify why I did something I knew was wrong. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking to the man who oversaw punishing or counseling me for that error in judgment. Immaturely, I always felt that the punishment would be light if I could justify it. If I could make him laugh about it, I may even get off with a warning. At least, it was a nice thought. Let me tell you, those mental games I tried to play with my father? If I had succeeded once, I don’t remember it. I always thought, even today, that old man had a master’s degree in life itself.</p>
<p>Back in those days, black people felt that sending their kids to a Catholic school would ensure their children would get a good education. I remember thinking while walking to and from Milwaukee’s St Benedict de Moor. I wanted to go to the same school as my father. Why? Because that man knew something about everything. And another thing, he was no fool. That was another one of his favorite sayings. He would say, “I ain’t no fool, so don’t play me cheap.” I never did understand how the words’ fool’ and ‘cheap’ related to each other. But I and most people around him got the message and agreed with his statement.</p>
<p>The other day, I thought about my dad while watching a commercial of Donald Trump selling two-dollar bills with his mug picture. It made you wonder who would buy such a foolish thing. Then, I realized many of his MAGA followers would stock up on those bills. I can’t wait to see some of them wearing his $ 400-style tennis shoes. Wow, it’s unreal as to where some people’s heads are in this country these days.</p>
<p>As they always do, the thoughts stir up those memories of growing up in a household where ninety percent of the people who came into your house were relatives, and another five percent were your play cousins. I’m telling you, up until I was approaching thirteen years of age, I thought half the black people, a few Puerto Ricans, and a couple of white people in Milwaukee were related to me in some way.</p>
<p>They taught us sound values as children. Our parents, originally farmland country folk, may not have had a high school diploma. In the late forties and fifties, they moved north, west, and east to escape the segregated South. They arrived in places like California, New York, Chicago, and Milwaukee, looking for jobs and a place to raise a family. My mother and father left Arkansas, heading for Milwaukee four months after I was born.</p>
<p>They knew how to make ends meet. We never felt poor or were never hungry as kids growing up. No, we were not rich with dollars but with community and love. And there were rules in that community, no matter what adult a kid was talking to. You didn’t lie to an adult, you didn’t say bad words, you didn’t steal. And one that will probably make today’s young parents wish for those old days. You didn’t speak while grown people spoke. After the initial hello to a visitor, the kids didn’t stay in the same room, sitting on Auntie’s lap listening to grown folk conversations.</p>
<p>Back then, people didn’t use many unnecessary or phony descriptive words during their conversation. Most were short and to the point. There was no room for misinterpreting what was meant by someone. And usually, if you were dealing with a down-home person, as they used to call themselves, they meant what they were saying. If they said they were going to slap the mess out of you, you better duck or get hit.</p>
<p>Nowadays, there is a lot of talk. Everybody is talking. The children are talking. The teenagers are talking. The grown-ups are talking. The people on TV, in the grocery store, at the bank, at the gas station, the President, and other seemingly nonstop politicians’ ads or in person. Commentators and analysts on the radio. Sports reporters on ESPN, CNN, ABC, CBS, you name it, everybody has something to say. At least, they think they do.</p>
<p>Everybody’s mouth is moving. Words are spoken, but mostly, they have no real thought or meaning except for self-promotion. Some folks talk while knowing there is no purpose or clarity in their conversation. They are just talking because they think that is what they are supposed to do. There are times when you can interrupt a speaker to ask a question. There is just no telling what kind of response you get. They may try to make you look like a fool. Or they answer you with technical jargon that does not affect the conversation.</p>
<p>As noted, many of these people show up on our TVs as experts or supposedly speaking the truth. They are like carnival barkers. Unfortunately, some innocent folks base their decisions on what they hear instead of checking for the truth. Often, they are just trying to sell something, either a product or themselves. And even worse, they’re spouting some political line they know is false. Just think about it. If there were some truth litmus test before people started talking, we would all be better off in a more silent world.</p>
<p>We live in a ‘Get all up in your face’ society. Some want you to know and remember them. They’re taking their cues from the late Michal Jackson record. That is “They’re Bad.” I saw a guy on the news the other day punching another passenger while they were flying in a plane. What would happen if one of them threw something that broke the window? That behavior is one reason I no longer like to fly in an airplane. Some of these passengers on the place are crazy. And I am not talking about terrorists.</p>
<p>Too many people are carrying guns, concealed or in the open, depending upon the laws in your state. There is another saying from back in the day. If you carry a gun, somebody or something will make you use it. A newscaster commented the other day that up to this point, there were more mass shootings in the US this year than days on the calendar. That number would be forty-eight. Yet the NRA and Republics in some states are advocating that we arm the teachers. They want everyone to be able to carry a gun openly. Kids are already afraid to go to school. Their parents are worried from the time they leave home until they return.</p>
<p>When will we wise up and take our country in a new direction? Where is the politician, in a JFK, MLK, or BHO mode, that can lead this country on a democratic journey to self-assurance? A place where our children see growth and a bright future. Remember, this is our country, not the Republicans, MAGA, or any right-wing organization. This is the year; we need to make our voices heard…vote.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/73230322023-12-22T12:29:38-08:002024-02-19T03:16:51-08:00Who am I at the End of 2023?
<p></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>(Article Updated from 7/4/04)</strong></p>
<p>How often do we reach a point where we talk to someone daily or ask ourselves, who am I? The question usually is asked when we are going through some things. Something is out of balance in our lives, so we turn inward to ask questions to which we already know the answer. Why am I here, in this place, currently, a member of this family?</p>
<p>We must only look at our roots to find our souls’ origin. Most originated in Arkansas. The surnames are Belin ~ Childs ~ Green ~ Hall ~ Hampton ~Momon ~ Johnson ~ Phifer ~ Tatum ~ Trotter ~Wheller ~ Webb ~ Wright ~ Woods ~ Harmon ~ Falls ~ Hayes ~ Neal ~ Pickett ~ Purifoy ~ Strong ~ Griffin ~ Lovett ~ Gardner ~ Newton ~Wiley ~ Jones ~ Boswells ~ Wynter ~ White and Davis. One only needs to trace our ancestry to discover who we are and whence we originated.</p>
<p>Think of your great-grandmother great-grandfather. Mine are Sally (Davis) and David’ Sambo’ Hampton. My grandfather, John Hampton, was born in that union. He married my grandmother, Gracie Hall. My father, Codis Sr, was their firstborn. They were married, raising their own family in the heart of Arkansas Jim Crow’s South. They survived, even prospered, to provide our mothers and fathers a place on this earth. My parents were part of the black folk migration out of the South, headed east, west, or north, looking for a better way of life. Thus, my parents, aunts, uncles, and assorted cousins ended up in Milwaukee.</p>
<p>Big Mama, Big Papa, or old dude included when we look at our fathers and their family values. These are our people, our kinfolk whom we examined closely to find the depths of our character. At this stage in my life, I am the age my Grandparents, Uncles, and Cousins were toward the end of their existence on earth. I’ve laughed with my sister and cousins about that fact.</p>
<p>Don’t forget our sisters and brothers. Check out their mannerisms, how they talk, move, walk, fidget, twitch, or even when relaxing in a reflective mood. Look closely and ask questions about your heritage from those individuals. They will tell you who you are.</p>
<p>They may not explain it in words or actions you can readily see—answers entwined in stories about other relatives. You may pick up specific nuances in their southern or black person dialect. Some may call it Ebonics’…we call it family speaks. We can look at family members to see our characteristics. Or we can look in the mirror to see the product of our roots. The face staring back at you is who you are at any given time.</p>
<p>It’s funny, sometimes sad, that most knowledgeable relatives, familiar with our history because they lived it, have passed on to be with their maker, lord, and Savior. They didn’t have to be reminded by a political ad of the meaning of family. They remember what their parents and grandparents told them about being part of a family. They said family members with the same blood that runs through your veins are people you can count on when times are hard or when you need a helping hand. You can trust them. It would help if you did not misuse that trust.</p>
<p>For those who think we are dissing your homies. We know how you feel about your dog, your shorty, your squeeze, and the many other words of affection you may voice when speaking of someone close to you, someone you feel has your back. There is room for both family members and homies in your life. Facebook or other social media friends are not blood relatives. However, some may be better than a few blood relatives. We find no argument against a good social media friend. Yet, as noted, when it comes down to it, you are here because of the people who came before you. That happens to be factual and not up for debate.</p>
<p>We always like to emphasize that family comes first. Yet relationships, no matter the connection, are two ways, not one way. Unlike some who think they’re entitled to certain privileges because of their last name. You’re expected to contribute to the family’s reputation as a member in good standing. I often wonder how we, as baby boomers or graybeards, pass birthright to our offspring. How do we show you that blood is thicker than water? What do we need to do to make an impression on you? Even though television or movies stress individuality, including portraying what have you done for me lately attitudes. We must look to family for grounding.</p>
<p>We may hold monthly family get-togethers or dinners. We attend family reunions. Cousins who may not have known they were related meet and greet each other. The little kids can see they belong to more than just their immediate family. In other words, we can be who we want to be professionally. We can strive to reach the peak of our class. Some may soar above the clouds on the wings or a mentor. Others may achieve the ultimate personal satisfaction in any endeavor. Yet without someone to share it with, the accolades ring hollow after the initial celebration unless you have a family with whom to share a personal triumph.</p>
<p>Cliches like,” I knew you could do it, baby… that’s my son, my daughter”. A father said,” Son, I’m so proud of you today.” Or “Remember, sweetheart…wherever you go, you will still be daddy’s little girl.” You may have a crazy, lovable uncle to say, “That boy got all that stuff from me.” Or “that girl is the spitting image of her mother, my sister, and my dearly departed mother.” </p>
<p>A wise man once said, “How can you get where you are going if you don’t know where you came from?” It doesn’t matter who someone else thinks we are. It does matter who we eventually become. We must ask ourselves if our ancestors would be proud of our accomplishments.</p>
<p>In this date and time, we are inundated with various crimes, daily shootings, a growing homeless population, family misunderstandings, unlawful and even prescribed drugs, along with an ever-growing impatient citizen who legally may be able to carry unconcealed weapons. Folks are getting fed up with the criminal element of our society, snatching and grabbing, among other things.</p>
<p>Our political process seems to be broken, drifting away from Democracy. A national election in 2024 with Trump heading for the Republican nomination? We remember the authoritative posture he represents. Are we headed for a dictator in the White House? All while the Democrat, current President Biden looks like his capability is in question. Why? Because of his age. </p>
<p>Can you imagine all those folks at our borders clamoring to get into this country, adding to our problems? If they only knew. Our country seems to have less common sense, primarily in how we act toward others. Racism, homophobia, conservatism against liberals, some whites against anybody who isn’t, poor against the wealthy, you name it. The only people living prominent are the very rich in this country. The only way to change that situation is to vote people into office who are Americans without a destructive agenda. Slogans like “Make America Great Again” are a dog whistle to many anxious folks. For whatever reasons, they feel left out of the political process. They also want to be the ruling class. The question is, at what cost? My request of you is to be on guard. This is our country, too. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, most of us live our daily lives dealing with the joys and sorrows contributing to our life experiences. Remember, we know who we are and what we stand for. That knowledge alone will help us get to where we are going.</p>
<p><em>Dedicated to my father, mother, stepmother…RIP Codis Sr, DoReatha Cole, and Rosalie Miller. To my uncles, aunts, cousins, Grand and Great Grandparents, thanks for the love and protection, along with providing an example for me to follow. It’s been a hell of a ride. A great life that I can genuinely say you ‘all laid the groundwork.</em></p>
<p><em>Happy Holidays, and may the new year of 2024 be as healthy and prosperous as you make it, from Sandra and Codis.</em></p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/73014682023-11-09T15:30:19-08:002023-11-09T19:30:07-08:00There’s That Word Again…Respect.
<p>There is that word again: <em>Respect</em>.</p>
<p> 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. <em>Disrespect</em> 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.</p>
<p>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 <strong><em>Stubborn Kind of Fellow</em></strong>, especially about social issues.</p>
<p>According to my Encarta Dictionary, one meaning of <strong>respect</strong> is esteem: <em>a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something, as winning colleagues’ respect.</em></p>
<p>Another definition is the <em>state of being admired: The state of being admired deferentially.</em></p>
<p>And finally, characteristic: an individual characteristic or point. … satisfactory in all respects. <em> </em></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p> 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. </p>
<p> Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/72778102023-09-23T14:58:22-07:002023-10-16T07:47:32-07:00Downsizing, along with Relocating…an Emotional Exercise
<p>Picture this: you’ve lived in a previous house for over twenty-five years. You’ve seen neighbors come and go, a few of which have gone on to meet their maker. Little Jimmy and Janice from next door moved on to their first year of college. It seems like only yesterday you gave Jimmy a hot wheel for Christmas. Janice preferred a little black doll. They are around your two children’s age who have also moved out.</p>
<p>Now, you are planning to move to a new house—an unfamiliar neighborhood with friendly neighbors. Yet diversity is still your prerequisite. If you haven’t experienced this type of relocation, it is more than a notion.</p>
<p>It’s just you and your spouse. Your son and daughter regularly stop by for announced or unannounced visits to check on their parents. Besides that, the house is no longer populated with family or visiting guests.</p>
<p>To begin packing is an easy task. You start with the kids’ rooms. Each toy, book, or whatever has a profoundly emotional memory of a severed relationship. Your spouse joins you. Each item now takes on additional importance. In these rooms, you’re reminded of a past event. You can remember many things: a tooth pulled, a special birthday, a specific holiday. Your spouse helps you to recall if you have forgotten certain events. You know you told those kids to take their souvenirs with them. One look at the residual items and you know this was an almost impossible task. In the end, both of you leave the room almost as it was because it’s also hard to throw away certain items.</p>
<p>You may use an attic, basement, or garage for stored stuff. Here, you run into personal gifts, awards, and sure souvenirs that are just as hard to get rid of as those items in the kids’ old rooms. Never let it be said that you haven’t looked at the little artifact and classified it as unimportant until you realize who and why it was given to you. By now, you’ve got the picture. Ultimately, you cannot take all this stuff to the new house. Now comes the hard part: what goes and what stays.</p>
<p>Somehow, both of you have got to give each item the stay or go designation. The retaining criteria can be a priceless or silly item with some personal or monetary value. In the end, you will throw away cherished items. You will donate some of your most deeply personal things to churches or Goodwill. Again, …you cannot keep all this stuff you two have accumulated over the last two decades.</p>
<p>We finally realized that even though we had an eye for quality items, we still had to let some go. It doesn’t matter that Aunt Hattie will one day ask where the location of the cuckoo clock she gave you for your wedding present. The answer is, “Honey, we kept that little priceless item for over fifteen years and finally realized that someone else should be able to enjoy it. Anyway, it stopped working a few years ago.”</p>
<p>Your mother-in-law believes she has some gift tenure or supreme right to place items in your home for perpetuity. You are floored to find out your father-in-law feels the same way, not to think of your mother, father, or even some close relatives or friends. </p>
<p>By now, you two are annoyed, no longer amused. The nerve of those who expect you to keep the little dusty vase or artifact forever. Your spouse asks what she thinks is a silly question: “Do they think we should be buried with them?”</p>
<p>Face it. You will hurt some folk’s feelings while tugging at your emotional reasoning for keeping or discarding certain items. Trips back and forth from Goodwill remind you that they will resale the items. Some of these priceless artifacts could be placed on the Internet by you. Then again, who has the time to haggle with potential buyers?</p>
<p>In our case, we had retail items stored in a tuff shed. They were bought for resale when we frequented the Flea Market back in the day. Most are collectors’ items that cannot be discarded as worthless.</p>
<p>It is usually hard to sell these items for a fair price at the flea market. You know their actual worth, some appreciating in cost rather than just collecting dust. i.e., Ron Lee clown sculptures, Annie Lee paintings, and collector statures. Folks are not as excited about those items as back in the day. Yet these pieces stand the test of time. They will be worth their weight in gold someday. The question is when and how long you can hold on to them.</p>
<p>Struggling craft artists created other artifacts at the time. Most likely, their works are not going to increase in value. The bottom line is that I cannot keep them in a costly storage bin—it’s time to get back on eBay.</p>
<p>I have personal and retail items in PODs, my new garage, and others in a public storage unit. My wife and I do not move as fast as we did back in the day. So, it’s a slow process. Everyone I’ve spoken to reminds me that organization doesn’t happen overnight. My new next-door neighbor shook his head and noted that had it not been for friends’ help, he and the wife would not have been able to settle within weeks in the new house.</p>
<p>I long for the good old days in our twenties. With the help of a couple of cousins, we could move out and into a new house within two hours. We could do that on a Saturday afternoon and attend a house party or concert by nine o’clock that evening. Rise and shine the following Sunday morning, spending time with family and friends. By Monday morning, we would report for work fresh and ready to work eight or more hours—those days are gone and buried in the past, along with the quality of moving help.</p>
<p>As it turns out, we completed emptying the last two PODs on Thursday, the 21<sup>st</sup>. Imagine moving your belongings around for almost two months until you have them in your new home. Now, I have boxes in my garage and a public storage area. That timeline includes selling our old house and moving into our new residence. Finally, we can begin sorting the items to keep necessities and discard the rest.</p>
<p>So, if you plan to move away from a resident after a long residential presence, prepare for an emotional experience between your spouse, neighbors, relatives, and within your mind. These days, it turns out to be quite a very drawn-out endeavor. </p>
<p> Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/72667552023-09-01T04:09:56-07:002023-09-21T02:01:52-07:00My Take on the Music Industry
<p>When I was young, I thought I was smart. People told me I was smart. Oh, I noticed there were still kids more intelligent than me. Some had faster brain reactions. That became evident when I figured out problems or other class work. The fact that I was young and stupid (about so many things) didn’t deter me from the self-assurance of my brilliance. </p>
<p>Yep, I pat myself on my back several times a day. My father would tell anyone I did that several times an hour. As I enter my senior year, I realize I am not as bright as I once thought. It’s funny how the passing of time clears up inevitable confusion for most of us. It’s better than being in a place where you never conclude you cannot excel at everything.</p>
<p>A few facts stand out during my baby boomer generation of life. Number one has to do with music. I never did get to play an instrument, although I had an excellent singing voice.</p>
<p> To give you a little background, I’m an old-school music lover. As a young boy, I imitated the sounds of Brooke Benton, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, and even Bobby Blue Bland. I grew into manhood with Motown, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass, The Commodores featuring Lionel Ritchie, Al Green, James Brown, The Isley Brothers, migrating to and filling my soul with the funk. Acts like Sly and the Family Stone, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Confunction, Maze, Ohio Players, Parliament, Slave, Rick James, Rufus & Chaka Khan had an entire era of putting the funk in whatever we did. Meanwhile, being a product of the late sixties and early seventies, I protested by joining the music of Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and even Bob Dylan. From there I graduated to smooth Jazz by the Crusaders, Ronnie Laws, Eric Gale, Donald Byrd, and The Blackbyrd’s. In short, I wasn’t just attracted to the lyrics. The sound of a record or performer’s musical notes struck suitable accord with me. </p>
<p>Upon turning 21 years old, one of the most expensive units in my household was the stereo system, including the speakers. That practice only increased after I got married a few years later. Clarity of sound was my mantra. One could say I became a musical connoisseur. That was also when I found specific genres, Country-western, Blues, which I laughed at as a kid, or Rock, that attracted my attention. Surprise…surprise, like a musical performer, I evolved to understand how the instrumentals and lyrics complement each other in a song. Adding the performer’s appearance, song delivery, and dedication to craft enhanced my envy of them. </p>
<p>You may have noticed I left out Rap. My reasoning is simple. One of the most lasting contributions from the Rap Artists is their ability to take earnings from performances and record sales and turn those funds into a viable business entity, contributing to their rise in wealth. It was no small accomplishment, given earlier artists’ lack of the same. As for musical talents, sampling gets in the way of their musical contributions. Add that to their reasoning that just because you Rap about your neighborhood issues does not speak to the world’s problems. It only allows you to verbalize about specific environmental occurrences. It is naivete to think that you, your crew, or others around you are experiencing everything life offers…My brother, please get real.</p>
<p>I know, I know, some who act as though they were born yesterday think they have a meaningful handle on the talents of Biggy Small, Tupac, LL Cool Jay, and an assortment of rappers. The only problem is they are not musicians. They have no training, industry practice, or identity outside of hip-hop. They are only holding a place for a natural performer. </p>
<p>As for me, I’ve found ways to satisfy my shortcomings as a musician, performer, and frustrated singer. I play some of my favorite cuts as a host on Saturday morning. I’ve gotten decent reviews from the two to three-hour offering. I could probably get a good following if I was more consistent. This last time away was caused by selling an old home buying and moving into a new home at a new city’s location. I’ve got a story to tell you there, but then enough about the frustrations of moving after twenty-five years in Pittsburg.</p>
<p>Finally, I’m here to say…I am still kicking it from a new Rio Vista, CA, location. I am no longer in the Bay Area. As noted, I’m in the Delta, still doing my own thing. Check me out at <a href="https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2023/09/09/im-back-up-close-and-personal-hsfrhc-vol-xciv-or-simply-94">https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2023/09/09/im-back-up-close-and-personal-hsfrhc-vol-xciv-or-simply-94</a></p>
<p>Listen to part of it at a time, all of it, or repeatedly. You will not be disappointed. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my author webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/72558852023-08-11T12:31:20-07:002023-08-11T15:00:14-07:00Patience, Customer Service, or wishing humanity the best is a lost Art.
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>They get offended if you are adamant about keeping your current setup and fees. “<em>You mean you don’t want to save money.” </em>You practically must insist they leave. You may have to slam the door on their faces to get them to move along.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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? </p>
<p> Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at our Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/71937582023-04-20T05:58:31-07:002023-07-23T22:53:52-07:00Getting Old is a Trip
<p>Hey People,</p>
<p> You know how I do it, meaning I’m putting some of my business into the street. I had cataract surgery on my left eye on the eighteenth of April. All is well; thank you for caring. Anyway, they put a small clear patch over my eye. That’s cool. On my way home from the clinic, my sight was somewhat blurred. No worries, my wife drove the car.</p>
<p>According to my instructions, I should wait about a week. My vision will return to normal at that time, with the usual ability to see without this gray film over my sight. So I’m anticipating a clear vision in a few days.</p>
<p>Well, the next day, I went to the bathroom at about four o’clock in the morning. Our bathroom has a mirror that sits above the cabinet and counter. To my surprise, there was a stranger reflecting in the mirror. Suddenly I realized it was me.</p>
<p>Keep in mind it took almost eight months for my doctor to perform the surgery. They were backed up because of Covid19. So I’ve been dealing with this gray matter in my vision worsening over time. I could hardly believe how clear my vision had become due to the surgery. </p>
<p>Looking in the mirror, I wondered who in the hell is that guy. And what is he doing in my bathroom? Then, just as quickly, I came to my senses and realized I was staring at myself. I almost had a vocal conversation with myself. But, instead, I still wondered what happened to Sporty-oddie-cody. What did you do to cool Papa Hamp? Finally, I resigned myself and thought, Jesus Christ…you have let yourself go and do look like Santa Clause younger brother. My wife thought I was Santa Clause after I grew the goatee.</p>
<p>That mirror reflection blew my mind. First, my hair is almost entirely gray. I had yet to comb it, so it looked wild. There was more gray than black in my eyebrows. And finally, the goatee was a lot more grey than black.</p>
<p>Oh, there were no significant wrinkles on my face. There is something to the saying that black don’t crack. But believe me, people, I looked like the very senior person I have become these last few years. So, I won’t give you my age, but let’s say I am beyond sixty-five.</p>
<p>All I can say is the man in the mirror shocked my ego. I stared at myself for a few minutes as if meeting a stranger. Then, I thought about going to the store and purchasing hair dye. But then, I finally came to my senses and realized how blessed I am at this time in my life.</p>
<p>For me, it has always been about how I look at myself. So I accepted the vision and decided to get a haircut and straighten my goatee. It looked a little crooked since it was hard to see a few days ago. Yep! Getting older is a trip, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/71751772023-03-20T09:43:33-07:002023-03-28T22:37:05-07:00Bradley County Arkansas Reunion
<p>There is a family event planned in Arkansas this summer. It’s entitled the Bradley County Reunion and scheduled for August 11, 12, 2023. Since, my family roots are in Banks, (Bradley County) Arkansas, I will participate in promoting the historic reunion.</p>
<p>Their aim is to raise funds for the <strong>Mt. Olive Rosenwald School (1927-1954).</strong> The school was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places as a part of Julius Rosenwald’s legacy as the foremost benefactor to Negro education in the South.</p>
<p>Included in the fund-raising effort is the <strong>Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church</strong> in Bradley County. This site is also nominated to the Arkansas Register of Historical Places in 2016 under Criterion A with local significance for its association with the history of the development of the African American community of Mt. Olive and the surrounding area. </p>
<p>Sponsors are soliciting donations as of this notice. For more details, contact sponsor representative, Princella Davis at 870-952-0320. Her email address is <a href="mailto:princelladavis5@gmail.com">princelladavis5@gmail.com</a>.</p>
<p>You will hear more about the planned events of August from me on my sites. Meanwhile, contact Princella via the telephone or email address provided. <strong><em>Remember, if you don’t know where you came from, it makes it harder to get where you are going.</em></strong></p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/71520192023-02-10T11:33:24-08:002023-03-09T21:37:08-08:00Faces, Specific Times I Remember for our Black History
<p>Are you familiar with your heritage, roots, and family birth line of relatives? If not, I’m suggesting your emotional future will be unsettling, or worse, lived without an identity of self. I know, that’s a long, careful, and accurate thought about knowing yourself. A familiarity that some may dismiss as unnecessary. Yet, it is essential to your growth as a person.</p>
<p>Furthermore, that knowledge gives one the impetus to succeed in this world. So, take it from a Baby Boomer, OG, or Senior Citizen, if your will. This is extremely important.</p>
<p>My cousin and her husband published a book a few years ago. They collected hundreds of pictures, and comments of our relatives, from Bradley County, Arkansas, from 1800 to 1930. Staring at the faces in my copy of Afro-Americans, I see one common thread among all those pictured in the book. The eyes that stare back seem to say I was here for you to be there. Yes, I was here. At this time, at this place, at this moment in what is now history, I was here. So see me as I was, and please remember me, for you are part of me and the result of my struggles to survive.</p>
<p>We know the Hamptons go even farther back than Jane Hampton, who was listed as 60 years old in the 1880 United States Federal Census. That would put her birth at some time in 1820.</p>
<p>My favorite picture is of my Great Grandfather David (Sambo) Hampton (1883-1953). Yes, Sambo, ain’t that a trip? He’s pictured with his wife, Sally Davis Hampton (1885-1943). Great Grandpa Sambo is a direct descendant of Jane Hampton. He is also the father of my Grandfather, John Hampton, who married Gracie Hall in 1924.</p>
<p>It’s the expression on their faces and those eyes that attract and almost demand that you see them as they were at that time. The equality struggles of the African American communities within the United States have been well chronicled in the written word and song over the last 200 years. All that has paid attention and those who have lived the life can attest to the night riders in the South. Songs such as ‘The Strange Fruit,’ so sadly sung by Billie Holiday, come to mind when recalling how a race of people can be attacked and hated simply for the color of their skin.</p>
<p>Yet, one can see the faces of determination in the Negro baseball team of Banks, Arkansas, in which my grandfather John Hampton (1906-1935) was a member. I wonder what that team would think of organized baseball as it is today. I wonder what they would say about the salaries.</p>
<p>There is one of two pictures of my father’s mother, grandma Gracie (Hall-Hampton 1904-1985). My parents sent me from Milwaukee back to Arkansas to stay with her while they went through their divorce issues. Boy, do I remember those times. Especially the time I dug in the ground in the backyard and filled it up with water. Then, I made a fishing pole from the branch of a tree. Then, using a safety pin hook, I sat down at my fishing hole, expecting to catch a fish. I don’t remember what I used for bait, but I do remember my disappointment at not catching a fish. I also remember the smile on my granny’s face when I told her we did not have fish for dinner. I had mixed emotions about leaving that lady when my father returned to get me. I was glad to return home with my father and sad about leaving Grandma alone.</p>
<p>Grandma Gracie, whose husband John died, was a strong-willed woman. The one thing I learned as a very young kid during that stay was Grandma didn’t take any stuff from anybody. And I do mean anybody. She later moved to Milwaukee to witness me running wild in my teenage years. I think she left her shotgun down South. I never saw it in Milwaukee. I remember the tea cakes she would cook and how glad she was to see me stop by and see her every week. Now there was a woman who had a reputation as ornery but showed me nothing but love.</p>
<p>Look at your family pictures, especially of those who lived long ago. Not many smiles, just the look of I am here at this place and time. You will find a good number of women and men pictured with the look of surviving and placing themselves in a position to thrive and prosper, albeit an inch or very small steps at a time. This was no small task happening within a hostile environment amidst a race of people who hated them simply because of the color of their skin. Some whites did not object to black neighbors, customers in their stores, and consumers of their goods. Yes, numerous whites could truthful say they were not racist.</p>
<p>Wikipedia reports that 6 million blacks participated in the general exodus from the South, or as it’s called, the Black Migration from 1910 through 1970, to cities in the Northeast, Midwest, and West.</p>
<p>I am a black man who can never say there were no strong black men in my life. But, starting with my father, that’s all I ever knew during my early childhood, well into my teenage years.</p>
<p>Visitors were a steady stream, especially during the spring and summer weekends. Upon reflection, it seems that every one that came through our door was related in some way or another. Until I started grade school, I thought almost every black person in Milwaukee was a cousin or some relation. It just shows the context of family involvement in our day-to-day lives. It gave you a sense of community. </p>
<p>And that is the last impression one gets from looking through the over 1300 faces in Princella and MacArthur Davis Afro-American book. Instead, it’s one of belonging to something greater than oneself. </p>
<p>You can look at the backgrounds of some of these pictures and see houses, trees, and other landmarks that bring back memories of visiting relatives at some time or other. Yes, family… tradition, and community are what one remembers from back in the day. But, at the risk of repeating myself, it makes me proud of who I am, who I have become due to where I came from, and who was there for me as I struggled to become a man. </p>
<p>I can’t imagine their thoughts or memories of daily life as an Afro-American in the South from 1800 to 1930 and beyond, up to, let’s say, 1950. What would they have given to be a part of Chicago’s Grant Park crowd the night the Obama family walked on that stage? Instead, I remember the televised sight of Reverend Jessie Jackson shedding tears at the election of a black man for President of the United States in this country.</p>
<p>To mothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles, including mine, who came before us, I hope you are all sitting at the dinner table of your maker. I pray that you are looking down on your offspring and feel your legacy is in good hands. We remember the good times and bad, but most of all, we recognize the lessons of life you left us. We still feel the love you send our way. We want you to know the best way we can honor your lifetime is to let our children and their children know they came from a long line of heroes. So that they know they have a bevy of role models in their ancestry to look to when searching for inspiration.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/71253952022-12-19T10:12:33-08:002023-01-28T04:53:25-08:00Tis the Season…2022
<p>Have a happy holiday season to you, and yours from me and mine. Tis the season I love…Thanksgiving up through New Year’s. Like all, I’m reminded of this time of the year when I was a child. We remember and pay tribute to those who have passed on and are still with us. We muse about new friends and acquaintances we would love to meet, greet, and talk with about numerous subjects.</p>
<p>We love seeing the excitement on our loved one’s faces as they reminisce about a happy time before and during this year. We enjoy watching them open gifts. The surprise on their faces as they feel you have connected with their innermost wishes. Then there are the pensive thoughts going through their minds — thoughts along with excitement about the known versus the unknown in the coming years. The point is that watching holiday reactions from your family, friends, or your main squeeze is a seasonal natural high. Times you must personally experience. You’ve got to be there and be involved in appreciating it fully. Your involvement is the ultimate high.</p>
<p>Tis the time of the year when we tend to forget silly feuds and personal dislikes that don’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. You think your savior for allowing you and your family members to make it through another year. Yet, somehow you have a different or at least an adjusted attitude about life. Personal accomplishments only add to the good feelings.</p>
<p>We are still a realist, for we have no illusions about the defective political nonsense coming from politicians in the Senate and Congress. The same two senators that voted with the Republicans on many vital issues the last two years are making noises again. Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema has changed her party designation to Independent. Although a registered Democrat, Joe Manchin declares he is not a Washington-voting Democrat. There is nothing new with those two. As for the House of Representatives change, one can be very sure stupid ideas will flow from the Republican majority speaker. Yet, there will be nothing new. They investigate those with whom they disagree. While some in their party will continue to promote unproven theories, spread lies, and believe the last presidential election was a complete fraud. </p>
<p>By God’s grace, we still hope that victories because of the mid-terms will bring about change from the rapid deterioration of social customs. Indeed, if not the act of sociability, period. So let’s continue (with our votes) sending Trump, MAGA, and other extremists and their gangs back to the wayside from which they came. Do you feel me?</p>
<p>The one thing we always take from these holiday seasons is that our time is brief on earth. Especially around New Year’s Day. While younger, we may think we have a long time for whatever. The sudden realization in our thirties reminds us that our clock is ticking. Anytime after that, most of us grasped that we have an expiration date. We don’t have to like it, but we will all die. I am a firm believer from when I didn’t think I would reach the age of twenty-one. What can I say? It was life if the fast lane. Now that I’m a senior citizen or OG for the hip. I sincerely believe that when God has scheduled you to leave this earth, nothing else matters; your time will be up.</p>
<p>Our legacy is in our hands. It’s up to us to leave a positive impression on anyone with an interest that we once lived on this earth. Maybe a lot of people don’t care or think it’s a depressing thought. For me, earning money is no longer my mantra. Anyone looking up my name must find my writings, which they will also find that I cared deeply about my family, friends, country, and heritage. I would also add God first and foremost. That, for me, is legacy enough. How about you?</p>
<p>Now a few words about our local sports. You know how I do. The good news for Steph and the Warriors is he may only be out through the end of December, according to @TheAthletic, or mid-January would be my uneducated guess. But Coach Kerr let Moses Moody play more minutes to develop. He has earned it.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, my Niners just won the NFC West by beating their archrival, Seattle Seahawks. Superbowl, I don’t know about that; it all depends. Next year, it will be a circus deciding who to keep and who to let go between Trey Lance, Jimmy G, and Brock Purdy. And the A’s continue getting rid of players because they don’t want to pay them. Yet they want Alameda County to pay a substantial amount to help them build a stadium. So why should fans attend a farm team game, I ask?</p>
<p>So once again, happy holiday season to you and yours, our family far and wide, from me and mine. I’m looking forward to an eventful 2023. Look for two new books (Grandma Gracie’s Migration to Milwaukee, the sequel to Grace Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years. and Lil Big Papa) authored by yours truly this coming spring-summer.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy and be vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/71119012022-11-28T06:46:36-08:002022-11-28T07:45:16-08:00It’s a Matter of Class…not a Classless Indvidual
<p>One of my pet peeves is participating in a good debate. It doesn’t matter who it’s with; it can be a family member or a total stranger. Or, this person would be necessary with anyone at your place of employment. People, regardless of ethnicity, sometimes must relearn how to communicate with co-workers or people in general.</p>
<p>I look around today, and everybody is in your face with aggressive rhetoric. For instance, my wife and I drove home from the grocery store the other day. I was driving the car. In California, one must stop for pedestrians in a street crosswalk. I was probably twenty or twenty-five feet away, going about twenty miles an hour in twenty-five miles an hour zone as I approached a crosswalk. I always look left and right for people crossing the street. My wife even warned me of this person entering the crosswalk. Plus, I, too, saw him. I brought the car to a complete stop and let the guy, pushing a baby in a stroller, walk across. The guy had the nerve to yell, “Next time, slow that M….er F…er down.”</p>
<p>Stunned, I just looked at him without saying a word. Unlike my wife, who says in jest. “Now run his butt over.” That’s right; Sister Hampton doesn’t play. After he cleared the crosswalk, I pulled off and continued home. I shook my head at the nerve of some people. I felt like getting out of the car and trying to slap some sense into an individual who had no common sense. But then I would be wrong. He occupied my thoughts for about two more blocks because, like my wife, the guy ticked me off. But then I let it go.</p>
<p>These days, one can get involved in a conversation with people where they get annoyed if you have a different take on any topic. Some may think they have complete answers on a subject matter and get intimidated by your response. It’s as if they know what they are talking about and the nerve of you to disagree with them. Or they may brand you as thinking you are an expert on everything.</p>
<p>I used to tell my children to respect their elders when they were growing up. For that matter, understand that older people have more experience with certain aspects of life than younger folks. Moreover, the longer one walks this earth; the more one learns different subject matter by accident. Or as some say, just by living in a neighborhood, city, country, and world.</p>
<p>I found that speaking with older people about different subjects allows one to become more grounded in their beliefs. They might not know anything about a particular topic. At the very least, they may still have an opinion.</p>
<p>But returning to the point of this article. One should be particularly conscience of the way they talk to co-workers, especially a supervisor or boss. Their opinion of you determines the type or responsibility they give you or how fast you get a promotion.</p>
<p>You can sometimes be very persistent, even loud, and boisterous. But then you have to gauge how the person you speak with will take that attitude. If you think that saying what you believe, no matter how it sounds doesn’t matter in the workplace. Then, my friend, you will stay in your current position until your supervisor figure out how to rid of you. So be a star that glows and rises at your job. But, on the other hand, don’t be that employee known to have a big mouth, if you know what I mean. </p>
<p>Using your common sense and knowing how to discuss issues with anyone goes a long way in you having a no-drama attitude. But, unlike at Burger King, you can’t always have it your way. So, I’m just saying…you feel me?</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/70861132022-10-21T09:34:11-07:002022-10-21T10:45:14-07:00Draymond Green’s Punch
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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? </p>
<p>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?</p>
<p> 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. </p>
<p> Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a> Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/70636132022-09-19T08:58:56-07:002022-09-19T11:00:02-07:00A Few Things on My Mind
<p>A few issues come to mind as I watch the year 2022 speed into its conclusion. First, it seems we just took the Christmas trees down from the end of 2021. How time flies is an understatement for this year.</p>
<p>To this country’s detriment, Trump is in the news every day. Will he, won’t he, can’t he, should he, or what did he say? My only real question is, why hasn’t this individual been charged or indicted? You hear of pending violence in the street if Trump is indicted. Is there an attempted hostile takeover of the United States Government in our future?</p>
<p>For the last several years, the A’s traded away or let walk their good players because they don’t want to pay the average player’s salary. Then they field pretty much an uncompetitive team of players in training. They are last in their division at 53 wins and 94 losses, 43 games behind the first-place Houston Astros. It promises to get much worse by season end. All while asking Alameda County to claim one of its best areas for a baseball stadium. Attendance, morale, etc., are all down. The city of Oakland needs money for essential services. Where do they find those funds? Hey… please do us all a favor. Move to Las Vegas or anywhere else besides the Bay Area.</p>
<p>The mid-terms are fast approaching while Republican politicians are shipping immigrants to other cities. Yet they wonder why most people are sick of politics, sick and tired of ignorant politicians seeking personal power. So please vote anyway, don’t let them drive you away from the one right we have as people.</p>
<p>Yes, I am a 49er fan. As for QB Tray Lance…running him between the tackles seven to eight times a game was bound to get him hurt. For the coach to say that was an attempt to allow Lance to become a better throwing QB? As a fan, I wanted to see him develop this year. Now he is lost for the year. After rehab and returning to the field of play, he will not be running on a surgically repaired ankle. Yet he will still need to develop more of his talents as a passing QB. I wonder how Coach Shanahan will handle that change in his QB. </p>
<p>I am still working on my next book. It continues my late grandmother, Gracie Hall-Hampton’s move from Banks, Arkansas, to Milwaukee. I thought I would have it published by the end of this year. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. Look for it in the spring and another book I’ve written and yet to publish.</p>
<p>Every Sunday since the pandemic began, my wife and I still attend church online. Booster shots or changes in mask requirements haven’t stopped that practice. We pay our tithes, pray daily, and enjoy the services while trying to avoid COVID-19. However, we miss fellowshipping with other church members. </p>
<p>The big thing in our house is to get rid of the clutter. You know, favorite nick-nacks that look good but do nothing but collect dust. This and other things we have bought, received, or somehow acquired over the years make for a cluttered house. So, we are getting rid of a lot of stuff. Do you know what I mean?</p>
<p>We no longer go to the gym as that is a prime place to attract a cold, flu, or the dreaded COVID-19. Meanwhile, we try not to gain weight because of less physical activity.</p>
<p>Do I hear someone dribbling a basketball? The NBA and Warriors are due to kick off their leagues toward the end of September. Imagine that ladies (who are not sports fans), baseball, football, and basketball games are on TV. Will your husbands ever get off the couch on weekends besides going to the bathroom?</p>
<p>Besides keeping appointments with doctors, dentists, or whoever, going to and from the store seems to be the Hampton’s life these days. We continue to be aware in order to keep our health out of harm’s way. I am always grateful to God for giving me and mine another day to get things right. How is your year going?</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p><strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL </em> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/70332742022-08-08T07:46:09-07:002022-08-08T11:45:13-07:00Endeliza’s Road to Higher Aspirations
<p>Think of it. You are happily married. You’re employed in an upward promotional field by an employee-friendly organization. Between supporting your spouse’s career while on a fast-track advanced career of your own, your life feels like a speed dial of success. Who wouldn’t be satisfied with that type of trajectory in their life?</p>
<p>Most are always curious about how successful we could manage another type of career that interests us for one reason or another. And, to most, it’s a fleeting thought, as we are too involved traveling our present road of accomplishments. But then, this other profession creeps into our thought process every now and then.</p>
<p>We may have taken more than a passing interest and gotten involved with the profession to aid our field of expertise. It is almost like falling in love. The first question in our mind is where you have been all my life.</p>
<p>The curious individuals may find those fields more interesting as they become further involved, using it to their advantage. However, imagine that field of study as highly competitive for the rewards it promises those who reach its pinnacles. It takes a highly motivated person to leave the comforts of success while seeking the same amenities in a brand-new field.</p>
<p>Meet Endeliza Hampton, a second-year law student at the University of Nebraska who has done as described. Or, if you will, taking on a challenge that accepts no failures while pressing its participants to commit themselves to the process of becoming a lawyer.</p>
<p>We have all heard various jokes about the lawyer this and that. Yet when we want to enter a contract, sue someone for non-fulfillment, or seek advice as to what legal information belongs in our last will. Who do we call? It’s always wise to have legal advice while conducting any business. That pretty much sums up the legal profession’s necessity or just plain importance. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, curious minds ask, what was she thinking, drinking, smoking, or tripping on to make such a move? I think, oh well, why don’t you be the judge. </p>
<p>Usually, circumstances cause you to encounter aspects of a different field within your current work processes to catch your attention. In Endeliza’s case, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passage affected her regular duties as a Risk Manager. In her words, requirements for managing employee health insurance became more complex. <em>“I was no longer simply conducting insurance renewals and reviewing contracts and helping with a few compliance matters,” </em>she noted. Almost overnight her daily activities turned to assisting employers with the implementation of the ACA regulatory requirements into their company policies. The next few years brought about new regulations. Thus, routinely she found herself working with her regulatory compliance team.</p>
<p>Again, she said, <em>“These experiences showed me that legal matters were becoming more prevalent in my everyday life.” </em>Her daily involvement in compliance matters provided reasons to consider the legality of their advice to clients. There always was a question of how their input would withstand a legal challenge.</p>
<p>Having dinner with a long-lost friend brought about a surprising suggestion. In contrast, they were discussing all things that happened over the ten years since their last get-together. The friend suggested law school as an option of workable interest to enhance her capabilities. It was a thought that never entered her mind. Nor were the prospects of how knowledge in the legal world could aid her work processes and her private life planted in her thought process.</p>
<p>Life itself can take one in directions they may not have considered beforehand. Although having taken online studies to secure an undergrad degree, Endeliza felt online law subjects would not work for her. Then came shelter-in-place, a workforce confined to working from home. All brought about because of COVID19 governmental or employer directives. But, never one to overlook an opportunity to spend time wisely, she was able to complete several online law school requirements.</p>
<p>One cannot advance without the support of an agreeable spouse. The household tasks, trips to the store, cooking meals, dealing with budget issues, and the everyday management of household duties are performed by the occupants. Therefore, having one supportive enough to cover the students’ share of duties is extremely important to a successful marriage. In Endeliza’s case, her husband is also deeply involved with his career aspirations.</p>
<p>Still, there were decisions, such as whether she should enter law school. Where should she enroll as a student? What other sacrifices would she make to engage in such an intense study program? There is the financial cost, not to think of the emotional charge, to pursue such a lofty goal of becoming a lawyer. They must also weigh other considerations before committing one way or another. The subject of where to attend could mean leaving the Bay Area.</p>
<p>One can gather from the questions noted that THE DECISION was not a “Go for it” exercise. Or, as some might put it, “Just do it.” The methodical examination of where, why, and when reason provides your insight into Endeliza’s personality. As a rule, she is never one to dive into a project without expectations of a successful outcome. That doesn’t mean she is reluctant to make a life-changing decision. Quite the contrary, it shows if there is a change, it will have come after a thorough review of all concerns.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, she has a supportive husband in all matters of importance. He can be and most certainly was in how we can make this work column. Hence, therefore, making their final decision to proceed with an all-in affair. It speaks to the success of their thirty-year union. Twenty-five is as a married couple as of last August.</p>
<p>Yet leaving the solidly blue state of California, residents of family and friends for the red state of Nebraska? Given the political wills of our subjects, well…to be a fly on the wall during those conversations. Nevertheless, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area’s cost of living, among other concerns, certainly was one of the factors to consider. The bottom line is that they as are their careers are very mobile. They could set up on the moon and still be relevant in whatever they apply themselves.</p>
<p>Choosing the University of Nebraska was not an accident, as evidenced by her words. <em>“I researched a lot of schools before applying to law school. I read how it was a good idea to visit schools before applying because law school is hard enough, so you want to be at a school that you feel good about. Nebraska wasn’t initially on my list, but they kept popping up as a great value Law school. They are a top R&D university. They also have one of the only Space Law programs in the country. So, I decided to visit the school and am very glad I did.”</em></p>
<p>She goes on to say <em>“I contacted the school, and the admissions team was extremely helpful and supportive. They offered to put me in touch professors and other students. The level of support was more than I expected but exactly what I was looking for in a law school. I wanted a collegial environment with a solid legal foundation. As an older student I also wanted to be able to speak to professors directly. Nebraska offered all of that. It sounds odd to say I wanted to speak to professors, but people aren’t aware that many law school classes are taught by Teacher’s Aides. Students can’t even speak with professors.” </em></p>
<p>I asked her, looking back on her decision, having become a full-time law student the university. Does she find the enrollment as interesting today as opposed to her first arrival? Once again in her words, <em>“It has been a lot harder than I expected. It takes an emotional and physical toll which I didn’t necessary think about, yet I wouldn’t change my decision at all. It has truly been an experience and I have learned so much about myself about the law and about the people in my life. To answer your question, is it as interesting now as it was before…it is definitely more interesting now.”</em> </p>
<p><em>“Now, my life is pretty chaotic. It is tough to keep track of everything, and things always take more time than expected so it makes it overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges of law school is the sheer volume of material one consumes. Each class has it’s own set of “laws” and we have a limited amount of time to get through the material so my brain end up pretty overloaded. That means I often forget the simple things, like what day it is, or forget that I had food heating up and then wonder why I’m hungry. LOL.”</em></p>
<p><em>“Two things help. One is I’m very lucky to have a supportive husband. I wouldn’t be this close to the finish line without him. He does what he can to help manage the household when he can. He is a wonderful cook and he completely sustained me my first year. He also makes sure to get me to take time off when I can. So while marriage adds another layer to being a law school student, having a supportive partner makes a world of difference. The other thing is my classmates. Seeing them as frazzled as I am oddly helps because most are 15-20 years younger than I am. So if they are overwhelmed, and so am I when I have all these other balls in the air…I may not be doing as bad as I think I am.”</em></p>
<p>My being of a curious mind didn’t want to sound like I was drilling her. It was a genuine question for my daughter-in-law. In short, why law school. I took Business Law in a junior college associate degree program. A month after attending the classes, I thought about becoming a lawyer. The thought of the intense study required, having a wife and two kids, shocked me back to reality. Yet the course of interest was there, albeit psychologist was its competition. Most have selected a field of study before enrolling in a college. One must settle and continue in a specific field of study as a freshman. That doesn’t mean we’re not tempted to change up later in life for practical or other reasons.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, let us all wish Endeliza all the luck and success in the world. She is doing what many can only wonder about in our lives. Since this interview, she graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May this year. She looks forward to celebrating her graduation by taking a short break before continuing her journey to become a practicing attorney. </p>
<p>She will take time to recuperate before taking the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (<strong>MPRE</strong>) in August 2022. The MPRE is a legal ethics and professional conduct exam required before someone can sit for the Bar exam. After the MPRE, she will then begin studying for the Bar. The Bar is the final exam a person must take to become a licensed attorney. The Bar’s administered over two or three days. It’s designed to test knowledge and skills in seven main law areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Property, and others.</p>
<p>Folks, I know that this article is longer than others. However, I felt it extremely important that you get the full interview and comments in one piece. Please join me in congratulating Endeliza on her accomplishments and recent graduation. We wish her all the best as she prepares for the next leg of her journey.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is</em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/70110562022-07-09T06:47:55-07:002022-08-04T10:06:29-07:00So, it Goes
<p>Wow! Half the year is gone, can you believe it? This weekend folks enjoyed the festivities of the Fourth of July. It was a chance to travel by air unless you suffered a canceled flight. If driving, a chance to get out of the house. Folks enjoyed local parades, fireworks, tasty food and forgot about COVID-19 for a little while. However, authorities advised wearing a mask in the company of a lot of people, just in case. It felt nice to get a real break from being cooped up during the pandemic, even though this is not the first opportunity to do so. California weather allowed for backyard barbecues. </p>
<p>It’s a nice break from your televised news of shootings and protestors not to think of supreme court overturns. A court that has increasingly become a right-leaning political ally. Enjoy it because returning to your TV telecast or however one consumes the national news. Let’s say inflation is not the only thing we worry about today. Reportedly tragedies happen on the Fourth. </p>
<p>But then, if you haven’t noticed, this country is on a very conservative lean. One could say right-wing ideas have become valid in the mainstream. Some are based on baseless theories and simple lies. Republicans are ecstatically anticipating numerous Democratic lawmakers losing their reelection bids during the 2022 fall midterms. As usual, they believe most Americans are not paying attention to their do nothing but support people with money ideas.</p>
<p>They continue to back the National Rifle Association (NRA) stance of no need for gun control laws. The country suffered from mass shootings, again, as recently as this past July Fourth. Where, who, why, or when doesn’t seem to matter to those gunmen with a military automatic rifles. Their one goal is to kill innocent people.</p>
<p>The GOP doesn’t support police officers’ reform despite evidence as recently as another sixty bullets entering one person of color this past Fourth of July. The eight officers involved are on leave, suspended with pay. How many people do you know are suspended from a job with pay? No, we don’t want to defund the police, yet we feel a severe examination of qualified individuals is warranted. There should also be an effective program to identify police officers who are burnt out or feel certain races in our society are not entitled to the same laws as others. Sensitive training doesn’t seem to work on most of the officers.</p>
<p>We are so tired of people getting in our faces to give us their interpretations of their American rights. I am baffled by these people who disregard health warnings or governmental caution. They want government off their backs until they are hit with fire, flood, or other god-causing disasters. Then, they change their rhetoric with rocket speed; they sound hypocritical.</p>
<p>So, look out for the hyped lead-up rhetoric to the midterms. They act as if the rest of the world is the problem, not necessarily them. </p>
<p>What is your lawmaker doing about these societal ills? That is the question for the upcoming mid-terms. Are they one of the do-nothing Republicans? </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is</em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/69819972022-05-28T05:41:04-07:002022-05-28T06:30:13-07:00The Sixties, Ideas-Freedoms’ of the Past?
<p>Again, we think we are coming out of a COVID19 environment only to be warned of predicted increasing cases this summer. People in this country are already stir-crazy, wanting to get out of the house, cities, town, or wherever they live now. We don’t care if it only involves driving to a nearby state. We long to see new scenery, state parks, or family amusement centers. At least that is my opinion. </p>
<p>I am sick-n-tired of being serenaded by my neighbor’s Pit Bull’s vicious growls. He barks and lunges at the wooden fence separating our yard every time I step into my backyard. Believe me when I say the animal isn’t discriminative because it barks at anything that moves in our yard. That would include the Terminix person or anyone else. I spoke to the father of the son who owns the dogs. He seems convinced that it’s the barking that irritates me. In other words, live with it is his message.</p>
<p>Now they have the nerve to add a pit bull puppy. The puppy’s job is to learn how to bark, just like the older dog. Some people have no consideration for another’s rights. I should also clarify that my neighbor and I are of the same race. By the time this summer rolls around, I intend to take some legal action that provides peace to our yard. My wife and I like to bar-b-que in our yard. We have plants in the yard requiring maintenance despite the drought. We are senior citizens with medical issues. Don’t we have the right to our way of life without animals trying to scale the fence to attack whoever is on the other side?</p>
<p>Baby Boomers can count themselves lucky to be born in such an enterprising era in American history. Remember the freedom just to be yourself felt in the sixties? Do what you want, go where you want, and associate with who you wish to, even though a conservative society may disapprove of your choice. Just think about all we have seen or witnessed in person—the greatest of artists from all aspects of the social, entertainment, or sports world. The talent exhibited and contributed to our society by people of all races. People from all walks of life have amazed us. Each generation since the sixties has had a front-row seat within the last seventy years, even participating in the ever-changing technology and improved medical capabilities. It was fun while it lasted, folks.</p>
<p>Browsing through family pictures on my computer is an excellent way to spend a morning. There is nothing like looking at old photos to remind you of past good times. I remember an era when a person felt free to speak, write or have an opposing opinion. Instead, every publicized non-conservative statement is met with immediate comments and even death threats via social media. As kids, we learned to respect our neighbors, including their property and the right to exist next door to us. But can we honestly say that about some people next door or down the street? Do they have the same consideration for anybody other than themselves?</p>
<p>A great example would be the wear a mask or not debate. Some think it’s an American right or wrong question. Typically, those types of people go to extremes to prove a point that is, at best unhealthy to themselves and the people around them. </p>
<p>In addition, we have gone through a period of political change in America. Gone are the ideas people want to see their fellow citizens succeed in whatever pursued endeavor. Instead, we see all types of referrals to MAGA, or “Make America Great Again.” As if that is what many white folks need to feel good about themselves. Most Democrats, including numerous races of color, voted for politicians of character, people who went to Washington to change America for the better for all. At least, that was the intent of gaining our support and vote—far too many, especially in the Republican Party. Unfortunately, that is not the case today. Republican politicians see it as a winning nugget in their campaign because they feel that is the belief of their constituency.</p>
<p>In some cases, it doesn’t seem to matter if it’s at the expense of American Democracy. Sadly, as has been reported in polling, interviews at Trump-type rallies, or other Republican political gatherings in many areas in this country. Unfortunately, some folks harbor that very attitude. More and more instances point to an ugly resentment for people of color’s success, supposedly at the expense of white power, plain and simple. </p>
<p>We are growing terrorists allowing them to arm themselves as if they are going to war. These people take it upon themselves to deal out death and destruction to protect the privileges of those still in the majority in this country. Recent examples are the Tops Supermarket killings in Buffalo, New York, and the Texas Robb Elementary school massacre of third, fourth, and fifth-grade children. Each shooter is an eighteen-year-old individual with the Tops Supermarket killer evidence as a white supremacist who believes in those extreme theories. Both killings happen within a week of each other.</p>
<p>Many are pushing the Critical Race Theory. Although they fear their majority is in danger of disappearing year by year. Their shrinking numbers contribute to the extreme theory that white people will be eradicated and replaced by people of color. If this weren’t serious, it would be comical to think how long race eradication would take, with immigration and having more babies than another race as primary acts. Yet no matter how idiotic we may think of the theory, it is out there for consideration to unstable minds. </p>
<p>Suddenly, many liberal progressive thinking white folks stepped back while wondering if their power capabilities were being taken away by others.</p>
<p>We would do well to heed the following words of our greatest president, Abraham Lincoln<em>. “I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country…corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”</em></p>
<p>That is an accurate statement about money in the hands of a few. Some direct political cash contributions toward certain politicians they know for sale.</p>
<p>Here is one more for the road from our historically gifted past, President Lincoln. <strong><em>“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”</em></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Republicans continually block any attempt to limit Americans’ access to Assault style rifles that are war weapons. I implore you to think about their stances and rhetoric as we go through the mid-term elections of 2022. Some people could care less if we improve as a nation. Their primary concern is what they can get out of it. Sometimes it seems as though we have turned the clock back to a time before the Civil War in this country. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is</em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/69507762022-04-18T06:09:14-07:002022-05-19T02:08:24-07:00My Opinion should count, as should yours.
<p>Recently, I had a professional review completed for my latest book, <strong><em>The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol 2.</em></strong> Anyone who has read my works understands that personal opinions or questionable critiques of my writings do not dictate the subject matter I choose to comment. I tend to have some type of opinion about any subject matter. God and my parents built me that way. Anyway, without further ado, here is the review,</p>
<p> “<em>If a reader is looking for an easy-to-read collection of essays that are both entertaining and thoughtful, then Codis Hampton II’s book is a satisfactory choice. Each entry takes only a few minutes to read and therefore provides short, quick material for the busy individual. The author uses straightforward language and flowing narrative to keep the tone simple and to engage the reader. He adds his unique humor and a blend of slang to lighten the voice of many pieces, yet he contrasts the levity with serious and important life lessons to bring balance.”</em></p>
<p><em>“Hampton states in the beginning of his book that these essays are his opinions from his own life experience. He draws on several decades and his interactions with various people along the way to back up his thoughts on different subjects. His background on any given topic is due to his experience, so the reader should consider the author’s words his own perspective and not absolute truths.”</em></p>
<p><em>“These are opinion pieces and should be treated as such. If a reader is seeking authoritative knowledge on any of the various topics Hampton writes about, they would do well to consult books written by experts in such fields. However, if the reader is looking for a unique perspective or entertainment, then Hampton’s collection of essays provides plenty of fodder for thought. Hampton’s voice comes through with strength and clarity. While reading his essays, one feels like they know him, perhaps even can hear him. His dynamic, outgoing personality shines through, rendering his words almost conversational.”</em></p>
<p><em> “Due to the broad array of topics, someone is bound to find something in this collection that resonates with them. That said, they may also come across an essay that is either disagreeable or perhaps off-putting. The author has strong ties to his family, for example, despite having a mother who walked out of his life when he was very young. He emphasizes again and again one’s identity being connected to their family, but this statement would not be true or feel fair to someone who is estranged from their family or who had traumatic experiences growing up. While the author’s experiences are his own and therefore his opinions are based on those experiences, perhaps a disclaimer that these opinions and experiences are to be viewed through the lens of belonging to one person would prove beneficial to readers who come from very different backgrounds.” End of quote.</em></p>
<p>I found it odd that the reviewer thought my mother walked out on me. Not so; we didn’t have a close relationship right after she divorced my father. Thank God I was brought up living in my fathers’ house. My relationship changed with my mama while I was in the Army. We became much closer after I returned home from the service. The reviewer must have missed that part altogether.</p>
<p>The other oddity, in my opinion, was that he felt I should leave my opinions to the so-called experts in various subject fields. I found that statement hilarious, given that just because some consider themselves an expert on a particular subject. Familiarity with the subject matter doesn’t always come through as thoughtful or tolerant of other opinions. In other words, you don’t have to be an expert for your opinion to matter, in my view.</p>
<p>Overall, I found the reviewer’s thoughts true, especially that the articles are both “entertaining and thoughtful.” That is precisely my goal in writing about anything. I try to get my readers to think of their opinion about the subject matter.</p>
<p>I find that is the best way for me to communicate with readers. I write with the intention…to communicate with you, you over there, and anyone. Your opinion on this article would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is</em> <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> <em> </em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/68552272021-12-30T07:37:27-08:002023-12-10T08:53:13-08:00Taking Note at the End of 2021
<p>Can you believe that we have seen another Christmas pass after a year of COVID peaks and valleys? Christmas is my favorite holiday, beginning as a kid. It seems a different spirit comes over people. They reach out to friends, family, and the like with good wishes. We all love to see the smile on our family and friends’ faces when opening a gift from us. Sometimes a gift is not needed, just a warm gesture of attention, especially to our seniors. In that manner, this past Christmas season of celebrating the birth of Christ followed the same pattern. </p>
<p> We are always surprised how fast the year disappears in our rear-view mirror. The new variant, omicron, is still causing quite a stir worldwide. But then, a new year is here, which should cause us to think of tomorrow. A hopeful future is always better in our minds than even the best of times during the last year. </p>
<p>So welcome to the year 2022. For a short while, we thought we had survived the pandemic of 2021. Yet the world is hit with a new variant in omicron. Most are adjusting to the new world of flu overload. But, of course, we still have those who don’t want to wear a mask, much less get vaccinated. But then life goes on.</p>
<p>It understates that one should enjoy your time on earth daily because there is no real reason to waste it. We learn to make the best of any situation. It reminds me of a Saturday Night Live skit expertly played by Gilda Radner’s character, Roseann Rosannadanna. In character, the comedian went on a lengthy rant about turmoil, either witnessed or experienced personally. She would end with the quotable line, “It’s always something.”</p>
<p>Every day we’re inundated with the unpopularity of the current president and vice president. So naturally, it leads to salivating Republicans’ chances at taking the house and senate majority in the 2022 mid-terms. Of course, if that happens, what direction the country will take is a genuine concern. But then, nobody has voted yet, so we shall see if the pundit’s prediction will come true.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the individual who provided a stage for these antigovernment conspiracy followers is thinking of running for president in 2024. His constant presence seems to keep many in the Republican party beholding to him and not the country.</p>
<p>We feel that most people will reflect on the past year. Afterward, the immediate concern is how to maneuver all events in 2022 to help you and your family. We tend to or at least should plan, innovate, take steps to improve our family relationships, finances, current living conditions, including personal habits that make us better people. In all, we do progress during the year despite all the obstacles.</p>
<p>That is what makes life an exciting journey. Regardless of how it disturbs some relatives, friends, or strangers, moving forward should be our mantra. After all, we strive to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. So, in the words of the R&B artist group led by Curtis Mayfield, “Keep on Pushing.” I wish you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year. Stay tuned as we report our progress and missteps. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you, </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check our website at</em> <em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2">https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2</a> for details.</em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/68116962021-11-16T09:22:09-08:002022-01-20T07:16:29-08:00Budgeting to enjoy the 2021 Holiday Season
<p>The holidays are fast approaching, which provides a primary reason to examine our monthly budget. We are looking for excess cash to spend on decorations, holiday foodstuffs, and funds to spend on presents for family and friends. Some of us are lucky enough to have a savings account specifically for these holidays. We always plan on not running up our credit card balances which may be at the max considering we are coming out of a pandemic. As soon as we determine our holiday budget, we can look for retail deals.</p>
<p>How far will your dollar go this holiday season? For years industry leaders have awarded large bonuses to their top executives every year. At the same time pushing for a need to lower labor rates. As a striking John Deer employee says, “We are tired of them taking our money.” </p>
<p>One almost has to say they have lowered, slashed, and renegotiated labor fringe dollars to the bone. It’s as if they say the corporations’ executives deserve a big yearly bonus and the workers are on their own.</p>
<p>The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers increased 5.0 percent from May 2020 to May 2021. That means we are paying $1.05 more for goods this year than the even $1.00 we paid last year. Laughable, isn’t it? From our perspective, we are paying $1.25 more, depending upon the consumer item, than the previous year. In other words, the Consumer Price Index is always lower than the reality in the retail outlet. Sometimes my budget tells me that I may be spending more than a twenty-five percent increase depending upon the consumer item. </p>
<p>As labor proposes a couple of percentage points in the maximum pay increase, we may not realize the exact number—specifically, the 5% increase in consumer goods from last year to this particular year. The growth covers food, appliances, gasoline. You name the product. More than likely, the price has increased within the last year. Are you traveling this year? Reportedly rental car prices are 66% higher than last year.</p>
<p>How about the amount of product you get in packaging? You have to consider the shrinking product amount in the package. It’s a clever way for the industry to save money, thereby increasing profits by selling the public less product for the exact cost.</p>
<p>The economy of supply and demand still affects our budgets. The formula says when supplies are low and demand high, the result is an increase in pricing. However, that is still not the only reason for rising prices. For example, the pandemic was a primary reason for the demand for more supplies.</p>
<p>The issue is always the same. If you are aware of the rules, you can play the game. In this case, you can select foodstuffs that will feed your family until the first of the month rolls around in thirty of thirty-one days. Oh, you may have to substitute certain items for others. You may not be able to buy certain brands of foodstuffs you are used to serving your family. As the old folks say, a little money goes a long way if you pay attention to your spending budget. The price of gas rises every time the oil companies have extra expenditures. Say like a spill they must clean up or that old tried and true one. We must shut down certain oil-producing outlets for maintenance. </p>
<p>But then, when does the average consumer get a break? That is the larger question. Along comes a Democrat that tries to help the average consumer. You’ve heard of the president’s infrastructure bill. He is practically run out of town on a rail car for mentioned helping the ordinary family. Media, owned and managed by rich folk, tear apart his program. Who’s going to pay for it? Why should they get free stuff? Tell the freeloaders to earn their keep and buy what they can afford as we all must do, the well-to-do advice. Yet, they don’t realize that providing a lesser-earning person a safety net that allows them to contribute to the tax structure or economy daily is better for everyone.</p>
<p>Some are too busy reading about conspiracies. Others are not listening to their voices, or they would hear them suggest processes that haven’t worked for ages. These are the extreme opinionators. Somehow the commonsense approach gets buried beneath the unworkable rhetoric pushed by the rich and powerful. </p>
<p>Finally, Social Security is playing catchup by providing a 5.9% increase to seniors. You can expect to see that raise in January of 2022. It’s based upon the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Put it this way, the COLA average for 2015 through 2020 was 1.33. So, an increase to 5.9% is a big deal. We won’t go into how that figure fits your budget, like increases in health plans to name one. Let’s say it is welcomed and leave it at that. Somehow, we have made it through the year. We always manage to buy a hamburger at Wendy’s or In and Out occasionally. Let us hope we can put more democrats in congress since they are the only ones willing to spend money on the little consumer. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, we are determined to have a happy holiday season. We will adjust our spending accordingly. So, to one and all, happy holidays beginning with Thanksgiving from the Hampton’s. We are excited to be here to enjoy the season with you from afar.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” </em></strong><em>has been published. Check our websites for details.</em> </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/67734912021-10-12T07:28:29-07:002021-10-12T08:00:06-07:00NFL may indeed stand for Not For Long
<p></p>
<p>I heard the phrase regarding the NFL meaning “Not for Long” back in the day. Jerry Glanville, coach of the Atlanta Falcons, was filmed talking to a referee. The conversation occurred in the middle of a game. Jerry didn’t like the Ref’s call against his team. He wanted the guy to understand whenever penalty calls cost his team field position or contribute to losing a game. The like of which threatens his livelihood. Too many of those types of incidents, and a coach might get fired for losses.</p>
<p>Owners, managers, and the commissioner of the game get paid handsomely for their positions. They are comfortably stationed at home during games, in a hotel, or at sky suites at the stadium. In addition, individually, they benefit from their ownership tax write-offs or profits from various lucrative income streams. Thus, General Managers enjoy their highly paid salaries while moving players around like chess pieces.</p>
<p>Coaches are a lot more vulnerable; their job is to “just win, Baby.” Yet, they have a more stable position in that they at least control the game plans. That way, the outcome of a game is almost in their hands, depending upon the players on the team. </p>
<p>Football has been my favorite viewing sport since the late sixties. I’ve followed the exploits of its growth to pass baseball as the favorite national game under the management of commissioner Pete Rozelle. I remember the competition for players and public attention between the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). They finally merged in a business move that benefited both leagues. Thus, they form the present National Football League.</p>
<p>It has been a wild ride. My favorite team, the San Francisco Forty-Niners, has won a few championships. It’s a long story as to how I became a fan of the Niners during the days of John Brodie. But especially since I began as a Green Bay Packer fan while living in my hometown of Milwaukee. The bottom line is I have watched from afar how a sports business rose as the nation’s favorite viewing sport.</p>
<p>Back in the day, most players would start and end their careers with one team. Those careers were longer, with the stars cementing better play to earn modest salaries. Most would play the entire game. Most went an entire season without getting injured enough to miss a game or a season. </p>
<p>Today I find myself feeling for the players. They are bigger, stronger, faster, and indeed, make millions of dollars more during a season. The only problem is too many players get injured during the game. Others suffered injuries during practice. An anomaly occurred on my favorite team last week. The kicker pulled his groin during warmups. More likely, the injury prevents them from finishing a game, most times preventing their participation in several games. And heaven forbid, prohibits them from playing the remaining season of games.</p>
<p>Nowadays, after a tackle by one or a group of players on a running back, quarterback, tight end, or wide receiver. A fan holds their breath to see if their team players will get up off the ground. Last Sunday, during his first start of a game, our prized rookie Quarterback (QB) suffered a sprained knee during the game. From my perspective, he ran too much, but then he is a rookie. I am beginning to wonder if any coach on the Niners teaches our future star how to try to protect himself when running in place of passing the ball. I’m also wondering if the head coach has any idea of teaching his young QB the basics of a first-year pro.</p>
<p>There is so much movement between signing free agents or a team’s practice squad because of Injuries. Each Sunday, you almost need a program to identify players on a team.</p>
<p>There have been numerous studies as to why so many players get injured. The answer is always the same. That players are bigger, stronger, and faster. That may well be, but these players are playing for family members. Somebody ought to study how many family members, friends a player supports with their players’ salary. It should also be said that too many of them are here today, gone tomorrow within a short time. More so by an injury or series of injuries costing them a lengthy career in a game they love.</p>
<p>Think about it; my team lost its top running back for the season about fifteen minutes into the first game of the year. I won’t go into all the injuries suffered by the Niners last year, as it derailed their entire season. They went from a playoff contender to a mediocre team, winning six and losing ten games: the main reason, injuries to key personnel. The Niners’ injury issues were similar to several teams last year.</p>
<p>Today, the conversation centers around our starting quarterback being injury-prone. In the last four years as a starter, his availability averages five or six games out of a sixteen-game (seventeen this year) season. The mantra is always the next man up. As sports fans, we are consumed with winning. A man injured, bring in a replacement.</p>
<p>The question being, how can we cut down on some of the injuries. Otherwise, players have no option but to find other interests in life. Currently, parents are not letting their children participate in football leagues because of the injury problem. If there isn’t a change soon, more fans will turn away too. In addition, seasonal injury problems have begun showing up in pro or minor league basketball and baseball. How long before we all say we have had enough of sports.</p>
<p>Solutions to this problem must be found if we continue to enjoy watching or playing sports. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Look for the publication of our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II.”</em></strong> It will be available in November . </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/67667962021-10-05T08:24:12-07:002021-10-27T04:46:38-07:00Hey you, the unvaccinated Ones
<p></p>
<p>Hey you unvaccinated people. What is wrong with you? Why would you want to put your friends, neighbors, associates, family, or teammates through the possibility of catching COVID19 from you? What is so all-powerful or means so much to you that you can put all the above at risk. </p>
<p>Being in the age of vulnerability and having some of the medical issues that attract COVID, my wife and I got vaccinated over six months ago. Last week we got our Pfizer booster shoots from our medical provider. On Sunday, I found that a cousin of mine died from COVID19. I should also mention that he had additional medical issues. But the point here is people are still dying from this virus. It’s not the time to be flippant about getting vaccinated. Or, for that matter, reluctant to wearing a mask out in public.</p>
<p>I know about maintaining one’s individuality. I understand the need to be always independent. But, frankly, I am with you when it comes to being asked to do something rather than being told to comply with whatever. It’s all right except when it comes to your health and welfare, your family, and others. There lies the main reason for all to comply with the experts’ suggestions to get vaccinated rather than not.</p>
<p>There have been reports that vaccinated folks can spread the virus too. Some people of color have wondered if the entire vaccination program may be a (fill in the blank) sham on black people. They refer to the Tuskegee Experiment as the basis for this notion. Some have cited religious reasons for avoiding the shots. Others have used the tried-and-true reason. When you ask the guy on the corner why they won’t get vaccinated, his answer is “Because.” They have no specific reasons except.</p>
<p>As for NBA sports stars, who would not be allowed to play home games in their arenas? The league announced they would not be paid for games missed. Suddenly it became an economic problem along with a good teammate, public pressure, or a good health issue. Although given the possible amounts of money it would cost them to sit out games, some are making a favorable financial decision. They did or will get vaccinated soon. Although, you’ve got to think that public pressure, along with supporting your teammates, also came into play.</p>
<p>Mandates to get vaccinated have been asked of Government employees, numerous industry workers, and states employees. Most with the threat of being fired if you do not comply. California’s governor Gavin Newsom recently mandated vaccinations for school-age children and teachers. </p>
<p>We have learned of many more reasons we should get vaccinated for the betterment of our health. A new study finds that overall, vaccinated folks are less likely to spread the virus even if they catch the coronavirus. “It’s the highest quality study we have so far on the question of infectiousness of vaccinated people infected with delta,” said University of Pennsylvania infectious disease physician Dr. Aaron Richterman. It is important to note he was not involved in the research project.</p>
<p> You can check out the site at <a href="https://usafacts.org">https://usafacts.org</a> for information regarding specific states.</p>
<p>There are the obvious, vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away and are expensive. You hear of capacity-filled hospitals with virus-infected people every day. Yet, today’s news is also filled with people changing their minds while becoming compliant with vaccination directives.</p>
<p>“It’s just too soon to tell. We have to concentrate on continuing to get those numbers down and not try to jump ahead by weeks or months and say what we’re going to do at a particular time.” Those are the words of our Chief White House Medical Adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci as a guest on this past Sunday’s CBS Face The Nation. He is commenting on a question of should we be concerned with holiday gatherings during the last two months of this year. </p>
<p>In the end, it is simple. But, let us get real, folks; our lives depend upon it.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator</p>
<p>Look for the publication of our new book, <strong><em>“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II.”</em></strong> It will be available in late November of this year. </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/67620712021-09-30T09:08:33-07:002021-09-30T09:45:07-07:00Biden-Harris administration not ready for prime Time?
<p></p>
<p>A show of hands of all you Democrats that are sick of Republicans’ right-wing tendencies to move the country toward their idea of what America should be or represent to the world. Wow, look at all the hands in the air.</p>
<p>All those who voted for Mitch McConnell for president, please raise your hands. Nobody, umm, oh that’s right, he hasn’t run for president, unlike numerous members of his party since he has been in the senate. As a result, very few won the presidency, which can be interpreted as the majority in the country do not favor their legislative proposals.</p>
<p>We still remember Mitch’s announcement after the 2008 election vowing that Barack Obama would not serve a second term. Of course, we all know he was unsuccessful in preventing Obama’s reelection. Yet he, along with a Republican majority Senate, successfully blocked many of the Presidents’ judicial nominations, including other legislative attempts that have led to the current congressional partisan divide. That and their four-year support of whatever Trump wanted, including approving numerous unqualified agencies head and judicial nominations in this country’s history. Let’s not forget the GOP added trillions of dollars to the US Debt, without even a concern for future red ink. </p>
<p>Now, with President Biden in the White House, he, as senate minority leader, has convinced his Republican party to place the United States in default by shutting down the government. One more time, who voted for McConnell to become president of the United States? No one did you say, then, for God’s sake, how did this individual become powerful enough to bring the US Government to a standstill? We ought to remind ourselves of the following quote from our sixteenth president of the United States. <strong><em>“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”</em> -Abraham Lincoln.</strong></p>
<p>After four years of dividing tactics coming from the Trump White House. A congress that allowed corporations contributing to their reelection campaign to run the country practically. Those Republican tax cuts for people who already enjoy the fruits and liberties of our country see no need to support by helping their less fortunate citizens. Those same Republicans, who long to once again be in charge, say they want more of the same, no taxes for the rich at the expense of everyone else.</p>
<p>We have a new administration, albeit Democratic, to the ire of Republicans. This is not to think of the opposing frothing mouth of right-wing extremists, as evidenced by their attempted coup of January 6, 2021. One can rightly say during the last four years of Trumpism; congress has done nothing to help the average US citizen. All those who made out like a bonus bloated corporate executive from 2016 through 2020 wave your arms/hands. Oh, sorry, those people are too busy enjoying their wealth to be bothered by ordinary folks.</p>
<p>If you read, listen to, or watch Republican owed media conglomerates, Biden is in trouble. He doesn’t know what he is doing; he lies, says things he doesn’t really mean. His Afghanistan withdrawal, the Hispanic and Haiti immigrant’s incident at the border is not a pretty sight to anybody. But the sharky GOP see and smell blood in the water. Their operatives are trying to convince you that the Biden-Harris Administration is not ready for primetime. They are a failure. They are always quick to point out democratic shortcomings. As if they don’t have time to correct missteps before the Mid-terms.</p>
<p>At the same time, they are offering no options to make issues better other than turning more of the country over to people who have no basic morals. They might as well rename the United States to US of A, Incorporated. </p>
<p>One last quote from number sixteen, <em>“Let them beware of surrendering a political power which they already possess, and which if surrendered will surely be used to close the door of advancement against such as they and to fix new disabilities and burdens upon them till all of liberty shall be lost.”</em> So are the words of Abraham Lincoln in his state of the union address on December 3, 1861.</p>
<p>Number sixteen means we are all responsible for and should be heavily involved in the direction of our country—specifically, the policies, representative decisions made to pass a long-overdue infrastructure bill. Bridges, roads are becoming hazardous to transportation. Let’s not turn our back on our fellow citizens with this upheaval about prolonging a pandemic that could be brought under control with cooperation from the so-called red states. The extremist is not in charge of this country. Nor should we be intimidated by their implied insurrections. We’ve already gone through a bloody civil war over the same issues (race, voting rights) complained about from the minority. We should not stand for anyone threatening another. Climate Change is another issue that the GOP has tried to bury despite the warnings from our scientific experts. Now we see the results every day.</p>
<p>Then, of course, there always is a Democratic representative that wants to be a kingmaker, make a name for himself, or have some other kind of agenda. So, they tend to swim in the opposite direction of the rest of the Democrats. These are tactics that also help the Republicans. And…you have seen what they do for you. Oh, what a problem to solve for the Biden Administration. </p>
<p>There are always missteps from presidential administrations. Can you name one where there wasn’t some problem that turned into a national embarrassment for the sitting president? So why not forget the politics of events for a while. And push for programs that will benefit the average American? That is what Biden-Harris has promised and is trying to do for this country.</p>
<p>Look how close we came to a Putin national holiday on our American calendar. Why not disregard the Republican playbook for now? Plan on making a properly informed choice during next year’s mid-terms based upon what really happened, not as the Republicans want you to forget legislation they would not allow to pass.</p>
<p>How about giving the current presidential administration a chance to show you their true capabilities? As our nation keepers, we are ready for any time, not only prime time. Look at it like we are cheering for one of our sports teams. So go US of A, on and upward for progress. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/65800682021-03-20T08:32:26-07:002021-05-08T00:53:29-07:00Marvin Hagler, Ultimate Boxer
<p>Man! Do you want to talk about a bad man? Think of a boxer with the punching power of Mike Tyson. His boxing skills were almost on par with Muhamad Ali. I’m just saying…if you don’t believe me, ask some of his opponents, like Sugar Ray Leonard or Roberto Duran, or Hit Man Tommie Hearns himself. All three boxers and Hagler were the who’s who of the boxing world during their prime.</p>
<p>I remember looking at Hearns, who, by the way, knocked people out as he made his way to the ring. Just kidding, but Hearns came into the fight with Hagler as a man who knocked-you-out with either hand, for starters.</p>
<p>The two men went on to exhibit three rounds of in your face, up-close and personal boxing skills. Finally, Marvin Hagler, forever moving forward as the “Hit Man,” peppered him with various punches landing while sometimes slowing the approaching Marvelous Marvin. Hagler never stopped his advancements while also catching a few punishing blows to his body and face.</p>
<p>All until 1:53 seconds into the third round, the Hit Man got caught with a left-right that sent him to the canvas for a TKO. The fight was over, some say recording into the record books as one of the best two rounds, almost two minutes of a third-round ever fought between two quality fighters. The winner, obviously the better fighter of the two.</p>
<p>Over the years, Hagler compiled a 62-3-2 record with 52 knockouts. Watching the man fight was like seeing a Tasmanian Devil come to life with professional boxing tools. He was a caging smart fighter who happened to knock an opponent out with either hand. A fighter better have a plan before stepping into the ring with the Marvelous one. As his record indicates, most fighters’ plans didn’t work out against Hagler. They would quickly find out that they were no match for this 160-pound fighter. </p>
<p>He wowed us with his style, grace in the ring. He dodged no one, including beating Duran and Hearns. But then there is always someone waiting in the wings to put a permanent mark on one’s glorious career. And so he went, as he ran into a problem fighting an unretired Sugar Ray Leonard. Most, including me, say he won that fight too. Unfortunately, the scoring refs disagreed with the eyes of his viewing boxing fans.</p>
<p>On April 6, 1987, he felt, although a close split decision by the scorers at Las Vegas Caesars Place, he won the fight. The scores from Judge Guerra were 118-110, Leonard. It’s a score that was unbelievable to a lot of Sugar Ray’s fans. Filippo scored 115-113 for Hagler, while Dave Moretti scored 115-113 for Sugar Ray. Hagler always stated that Leonard admitted while they embraced in the ring after the fight concluded,” You beat me, man.” </p>
<p>The loss so hurt Hagler; he walked away from boxing and out of the public life. He never fought again. That did prevent his 1993 introduction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. It took another twenty-two years for an introduction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. He did appear in public for the ceremony. Richard Steele, the famous ref, held Hagler’s and Sugar Rays’ hand in the air for the occasion. Finally, all are forgiven, and they seem to enjoy themselves.</p>
<p>Notification of his demise appeared as a post on his fan page by his wife, since 2000, Mrs. Hagler. It simply read,<em> “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love, Kay G. Hagler.”</em></p>
<p>One writer called him “a fighter’s fighter and a man’s man, and rarely have his likes been seen in this game since.” For me, that description is a fitting wrap-up of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Rest in Peace, warrior; you earned it.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/65300302021-01-25T07:04:11-08:002021-06-15T00:02:40-07:00Happy New Year to We the People
<p>We welcome a New Year of 2021. Collectively, as Americans, we may have never wished for a new start as we do this new year. No need to go over the why; I know most feel like it is our country’s rebirth.</p>
<p>For the last four years, we all have had one purpose as we awoke for a new day. Before brushing our teeth, showering, or any other morning ritual, most poured a morning cup of hot coffee. Next, still in their pajamas, they turned on the morning news. Do you remember the relief you felt when at least Trump had not started World War III? Never mind the other stupid things he said via Text the night before. There was always some idiotic plan; a former president Obama rollback via Executive Order. Again, at least he had not started a war with Mexico, Iran, or whoever.</p>
<p>Thank God we have survived, arrived, even passed January 20th. Exhausted over the last four years, we can at least go through our morning body maintenance before turning on the news. Hell, we may not even check on the local or national news until later in the day.</p>
<p>One last check of the morning news, we are pleased to see the Marine One helicopter on the White House lawn. It carried away the worst President in this country’s history. At the very least unproduceable, the end of a volatile Trump term and a mob’s direct attack on Democracy. </p>
<p>All right, folks, the Donald is gone. Numerous people from the legal community presenting summons will want him as the star witness in all types of show and tell cases. He aims to stay relevant. I say never mind Trump. He was the figurehead of the United States problem.</p>
<p>To figure out what happened, one must remember the President of the United States is the government’s head. He is the Commander in Chief. In other words if our government is not working for the people of the country? It is the president’s fault. The Trump administration either placed a hold on agencies or directed new procedures. The result brought certain aspects of the people’s government to a status of inactivity or attempting to implement unworkable processes. </p>
<p>Well, that figurehead is gone, leaving behind a complete mess. However, you will now see the resilience of the people’s government. All because there will be a new administration at its head. The future looks as bright as the sun shining in the blue sky today. </p>
<p>Let us not forget one of the biggest problems Trump let fester, gave status to extremists that threaten this nation’s Democracy. What we have to contend with, in fact, keep on a twenty-four-seven watch are those people who stormed the capitol on January 6. White Extremist is their collective name, and racial violence is their aim. It’s their mantra, one that occupies their every thought during a waking hour.</p>
<p>For now, happy New Year to We the People. We dodged a bullet allowing the extremist to ransack the capitol building in DC. Then again, we are the Americans that support the current Democracy. We are the majority that insists our country follow its mantra, “One Nation, under God with Freedom and Justice for all.”</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a>, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/64669902020-10-30T13:39:05-07:002023-12-10T08:44:55-08:00The US of A, My Country
<p>Some look at this country, at my face, and ask what right do you have to love the United States of America? To those individuals, or anyone else who might question my allegiance to the US values, goals, its citizens.</p>
<p>Let me start with my primary reason. It’s reasonable to assume that some of my ancestor’s skeletons buried in the shipping lanes from Africa to the North American coastal regions slave ships harbor. One can be sure to know my ancestors’ blood, sweat, tears, along with their remains, are in the southern, northern, eastern, and western grounds of our nation. Those statements are not an overdramatization on my part. It’s a statement that says I am just as American as anybody who lives in this country. That includes those with American Indian heritage. That should clarify any thought for those who think this African American does not have the right to call the US of A home.</p>
<p>When I see white extremists on the news, some wear military gear, carrying automatic weapons trying to intimidate peaceful protesters. God knows I would not have the temperament to turn the other cheek in a confrontation with a so-called proud boy or the likes of the same. So, I confine my older butts comments to these types of articles.</p>
<p>I am not advocating violence. I am proud of how most of the protestors carry themselves in those types of situations. You can’t make progress harboring an explosive temperament. Communication is the key to understanding between individuals. The subjects don’t have to agree; all that’s needed in most cases is to be willing to listen.</p>
<p>I do not know the hate groups backgrounds or what it would take for them to admit, this country is big enough for all races. They would be mistaken to believe that just because they show up at a peaceful protest, seeking notoriety for their cause. People of color are going to be intimated by their presence.</p>
<p>They speak into a reporter’s microphone, stating they are going to take back their country. If their members understood how ridiculous that statement sounds, it might give them pause to reason they are not making sense. No race deserves to feel this is their country alone while other races walk the same shore as do anybody else.</p>
<p>Just because they have the ear of certain politicians doesn’t justify their existence or goals. There are laws in this country, no matter if you are in a red or blue state. Assault, Battery, even murder are all crimes that come with serving prison time. It begs one to wonder about their short term-long term goals. Especially in light of the fact, people of color are not intimidated by them. Their efforts, the reasoning is clear even though ultimate success is only a dream.</p>
<p>Then there are those people of color who are planning to leave after a reelected Trump victory. Some are planning on going no matter who wins the election. They feel as basketball coach Doc Rivers emotionally stated, “Americans don’t love us back.”</p>
<p>They are simply tired of giving to the American Dream without any rewards or considerations and allowing for fundamental rights. Let them try explaining to their offspring the necessities of how to survive a stop by law enforcement. I think they would realize the ridiculousness of such a task</p>
<p>We must make our country a better place to live, work, or leave to our children. In the end, people of color are not going to disappear into thin air. Nor are we going to stand by as rogue police kill us because of inadequate training or other more personal reasons.</p>
<p>We are at a turning point in this country. Whichever way we turn will determine if we survive as a growing society. We think the majority of Americans have the same thought in mind. Vote as if your life depends on it because the results of who wins will be a referendum on your American lifestyle. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Musical Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni, South Korea; I Remember 1962-63.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment.</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/64395202020-09-21T08:07:49-07:002020-09-21T12:45:13-07:00Unnecessary use of an Adjective
<p>Do you ever notice many people who use words like Unconditional or Unapologetic are often making an obvious point?</p>
<p>For instance, I’ve noticed some like to use say “Unconditional Love.” Frequently they are putting another person on notice as to how they should behave in a relationship. To love, regardless of the relationship, doesn’t require an adjective to improve the intensity of the emotion. All that is needed are reasons to feel that way about something or someone.</p>
<p>Love is a given; one doesn’t have to describe it in some unique way. We don’t wait for someone to fall in love with us before we, in turn, love them. If they are our offspring, siblings, or parents, we love them because of our relationship. There are no other qualifications they have to go through to earn our love. The emotion is not always mutual or shared between two people. The explanation could be for numerous reasons. Whatever the reason, placing such an adjective in front of the word, love is not going to enable the other person to love you.</p>
<p>Say, for instance, your sibling, son, or daughter is socially challenged. They don’t interact with other people. Their social ideas are out of whack. Don’t have or can’t keep a friend, immature; they depend upon others to keep them fed, clothed, housed in a place to exist. Attempting to motivate these individuals is an endless exercise with no end in sight.</p>
<p>No one wants to take care of a grown man or woman. Relatives want you to succeed, show improvement, or at least try to become independent. If there are no signs that you are trying, one might be confronted with another adjective. Your relatives may indicate “Tough Love” is what you need, in place of money, or providing other subsistence items.</p>
<p>Tough Love may not be what they envision as assistance, yet it is the best remedy for individuals requiring motivation. Sometimes people need a reason to achieve the basics of need. Don’t underestimate a swift shove in the rear to get a person headed in the right direction.</p>
<p>Then there is the boisterous individual. The one who feels they have to get in your face to facilitate some response. We as Americans tend to overstate the urgency of something or the other. For instance, a man trying to make a point by stating he is “Unapologetic Black.”</p>
<p>The individual places his picture on a poster advertising his business. Keep in mind he wants some cooperation from outside his company. First of all, they can tell his race by looking at his picture on the poster. Or if there is no poster, those who he approaches will know his skin color. </p>
<p>“Unapologetic Black” is a way of puffing up, sticking your chest out, which can intimidate the very people you need to cooperate with your plan. If not intimidation, then think of it as a turnoff.</p>
<p>It’s like sending an email to someone, whereas the entire communication is in capital letters. In such cases, one cannot get to the message because the all-caps smothering the wording.</p>
<p>That may not be the person’s intention, but someone will conclude the senders’ personality as uneducated. Or in the case of the guy on the poster, an angry, uncooperative individual.</p>
<p>As the face of your business, you have to show you’re able to converse in a way to satisfy investors, customers, or your employees. Any correspondence that reaches those people before you do will reflect your personality. In other words, your ability to listen to other ideas may get you that contract, loan, or donation.</p>
<p>One may consider these ideas as you are preparing a resume. You don’t know the personality of the Human Resource person. You must be smart when you are listing your hobbies. Somebody might be impressed if you are a dog lover, musician, or love Rhythm and Blues. That might interest the employer to place you above another individual.</p>
<p>Another way to think about this entire thought process is pretty much self-explanatory words matter in all types of communication. Words express how one feels, what they are going to do, even explain what one has done.</p>
<p>In summation, an adjective is a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to, or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. Think before using them carelessly. Make sure they help you rather than turn people away from you. It applies to business or life. </p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Musical Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni, South Korea; I Remember 1962-63.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/64187382020-08-27T10:17:33-07:002021-12-03T05:03:33-08:00We are TIRED OF BEING TIRED
<p><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/100_3695.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width:150px;" /></p>
<p><strong><em>From Hamp’s Corner of America, August 27, 2020… by Codis Hampton II</em></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>There is a stranger in our midst. Who is that protester committing unauthorized acts under the guise of our organization?</p>
<p>You would think that sooner or later, we would learn all is not always what it looks like at the outset. Let me explain; there is a video going around Facebook stating that a Black Lives Matter protester beat up, kicked a white man. The video has identified one of the attackers as Marquise Love.</p>
<p>What caused me to look closer at this story was a posting by a former coworker on Facebook that Black Lives Matter is a racist organization. That is absolutely a false characterization. If you don’t believe it, google it.</p>
<p>The background of this story has so many tentacles; one is not sure how to surmise what happened on Portland’s Street. Did the victim begin by trying to run over protesters with his truck? An innocent bystander, I wonder if that is correct? More like a misunderstanding between the act versus his intention. One thing is for sure, just because a person is wearing a BLM Tee shirt doesn’t make them a member of the organization. How many times must we remind people that some of those among the protesters are thieves, criminals, out of town plants by white nationalists?</p>
<p>As if we needed another reminder of why protesters are out in the streets. Another young black father (Jacob Blake) is shot in back by a policeman in Kenosha, Wisconsin, some forty miles from my hometown of Milwaukee. No doubt, the cops will use their tried and true excuse, “I felt my life threatened.” This as if the very nature of the job doesn’t carry risk to life and limb. The most self-serving organizations in this country are the National Rifle Association (NRA) leadership and Police Unions.</p>
<p>Our young folks take to the street. Others, among them, sometimes burning, looting as if this is their only option. Reminds me of a saying my grandmother used to say when all seem lost, “I am tired of being tired.”</p>
<p>A seventeen-year-old white boy arrested on August 25th for killing the two people gunned down on the third night of the Kenosha protest. Kyle Rittenhouse was the young white boy videotaped while opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle. He was also heard saying, “I just killed somebody. It seems like this country is on the verge of exploding from riots, pandemic, and police with hurt feelings. This is where we are when there is no leadership in the White House. </p>
<p>We got people from all walks of life who are going stir crazy because of the shelter-in-place rules. They tweet or post on Facebook screw America in much stronger terminology. Some folk forget the bloodshed, lives lost by our ancestors, other Americans to make this a free country that allows freedom of speech. That’s right, people of color died for the right of some anti-protesters to banish guns in front of their property at peaceful demonstrators—this country’s built on the slavery efforts of people of color. Bodies of our ancestors are resting along the sea lanes of slave ships from Africa to the grounds of the United States.</p>
<p>Now, because of Trump-Republican Party Rhetoric, Portland Police, among other cities angry because people have the nerve to protest the militarization of US citizens police departments. They are appalled because we disagree with their shoot first ask questions later attitude. Black folks are getting shot, hung, rights trampled, etc. etc. while the Republican Party tells their voters they should be afraid of us. It reads like the script of a B movie, simply unreal. We have the Proud Boys, their far-right friends showing force by attacking protesters. Reportedly they are using fireworks, aluminum bats, paintball guns, mace, anything they can get their hands on that inflicts pain. An upset Portland Police Department looks the other way.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, again Trump is promising law and order against the protesters, not the far-right groups but the protesters. Not so funny is how he can prescribe law and order for us while he or his cronies are not living up to the principle of laws. All while hiding his dictator ambitions. He wants to be president for life and cannot understand the meaning of words like Freedom, Voting Rights, Democracy, or a pandemic. We are close to becoming a communist state because of Trump.</p>
<p>Yet, another force is above a man who we hope will bring this crap to a screeching halt. His name, God. Yes, I believe prayer works, for I pray for us all each morning. In the words of the old negro spiritual, at least that is what we call it, “this too shall pass.”</p>
<p>We are also reminded of Maya Angelou’s quote, “If someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” We know who Trump is, regardless of who he tries to immolate. We know who the Proud Boys and their like are, as they prove it every day. We know they do not represent all white people.</p>
<p>And yes, we disagree with folks roaming the streets, breaking into buildings, looting stores for personal gain. It’s a waste of damn time, effort, and resources. We know who they are too. Yet we are proud of our young people who are demonstrating for the common good of all Americans. I would think the only so-called protesters in the streets at twelve am in the morning are up to no good. We love that our sports teams are standing up for change via legislation. They are boycotting, for the first time, games to show their support for change in police tactics. </p>
<p>I don’t believe there will be a race war in this country. That despite those who perpetrate such ideas. Why, because there is a core of Americans of all colors which will not stand for extremist on either side to take over this country. The question is, will we show up in force on November 3<sup>rd</sup>, election day.</p>
<p>Once again, it starts on November 3rd. Vote Democratic to return some semblance of decency to our cities, our country, and indeed our lives. Don’t give in to the rhetoric, intimidation, fear, misunderstandings, or crap spread by empty promises. This is not a third world country, listen to your heart, not your temper.</p>
<p>Be angry enough to vote early or show up, do what is necessary to cast your vote. A vote against Trump, the Republican Party, sends these extremists back underground. A place where they were comfortable trying to spread their hatred for all things morally correct. Let’s take our country back from Trump World.</p>
<p>Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Musical Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a>. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.</p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni, South Korea; I Remember 1962-63</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hcofa.net/">https://hcofa.net/</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/63996972020-08-01T12:27:59-07:002022-02-24T07:17:01-08:00Why Should we care about our country?
<p>Why should you care what happens in this country? The death of George Floyd, with countless others throughout the seventies, up through today. The election of a president who lacks the moral leadership of an average American. A consistent thirty to thirty-five percent following that can see no, I repeat, no flaws by this president as a representative of our country. A need to change the culture of police forces around this country from sometimes acting as an occupational force rather than to protect, serve all citizens. A partisan divide that is threatening to tear apart this country. Again, one might ask, why should we care what happens in our country? Because neglecting to pay attention to what is going on from our local political electors to the white house is how we got to our current situation.</p>
<p>Once there was a question, do our young folks care…? well, do you hear, see them now on your daily news outlet. With the absence of governmental leadership apparent during this COVID19 pandemic, we long for signs of any consistent leaders to step up, show themselves. Meanwhile, we, as individuals, should do our part for our country. The long or short answer to why we should care is because it is your country. This is our house. Depending upon your ethnicity, some may say it does not belong to you, or you don’t belong in it. Other ethnicities try to take claim of the United States even though their forefathers arrived after others were already here.</p>
<p>During the civil rights era, marchers often heard the anti-demonstrators shout, “go back to Africa; we don’t want you here.” There is so much wrong with that phrase; I don’t have time to go through the thought process. Let me say, the blood, sweat, tears, and bones of my ancestors buried in grounds of America. </p>
<p>However, you see some young, middle-aged, or older folks doing things that make light of the coronavirus warning. It’s as though they have some magic shield that prevents them from contacting COVID19. For the young, the thought may be that nothing could harm me at this age. For others, it’s just stupidity of the subject. </p>
<p>So, they go on about their daily business, some not knowing if they already have the virus spreading it around like a “get sick” card. Others believing, they never get sick, so it doesn’t apply to them. It’s like that old Mad Comic Book character, Alfred E Neuman…” What me worry?”</p>
<p>The demonstrations against the shelter-in-place Governor orders in Michigan some weeks ago looked sick to me. They show up with rifles, pistols, a couple of confederate flags, signs that let you know they support Trump. What a joke. Those who are paying attention know this virus has no specific targets. Everybody encountering it is vulnerable. Asthmatics suffer more than others, but everybody can catch COVID19. </p>
<p>Or we could look at it another way. Yes, this is my country. I was born here; I have put down my roots. And the utmost, in my opinion, my ancestors grew up, raised generations of children, helped build this country from the wilderness, desert. No one has more claim to this country than my people or me.</p>
<p>My fellow countrymen, generations that followed, let’s be honest with ourselves. We’ve seen developments, incidents, whatever you want to call them that we thought we would never see in our lifetime. Some thought our Baby Boomer generation went too far. Others felt we hit the right notes, pushed the correct agenda for societal change. We wonder why it didn’t last.</p>
<p>Music guided our thought process. Some of the most important, thoughtful, meaningful songs were written in the sixties, seventies decade. A talented artist from all genres of music was in bands or solo artists that added to the diaspora of the day. Groups marched to effect change by certain songs. They formed opinions, calculated life strategies that contributed to real changes in our society. Again, why didn’t the forced changes last? </p>
<p>The hippy generation brought about the loved one and all attitude. Everybody was a valuable person. They felt that all had something to contribute to society. We all thought we counted for something. We became proud of our country as change for the better was seen, felt, practiced in our daily lives. By now, you may be asking the same question, why didn’t the attitude changes last up through today?</p>
<p>We saw the election of an African American President. President Obama had more patience with the right-wing Republican Party than he should have, then again, that’s just my opinion. We hoped in vain that we had turned a racial corner in this country. Only to be shocked back to reality before Mr. Obama served a day. Mitch McConnel, with the aid of other Republicans, felt that it was his job to see that President Obama didn’t have a second term. That did not work, so they did everything else under the sun to block his powers. Republican Lawmakers in charge of both houses of Congress controlled the agenda. Laws expired, were never addressed, politics became a partisan rule.</p>
<p>That is why the sixties implemented laws did not last up through today. The rise of the Tea Party, hidden racism, a lot of nervous people who saw their majority slide into a minority. That produced a changing attitude, once again pushed by the Republican Party. </p>
<p>In the past, we saw wars, conflicts that began because some guy somewhere believes he is the chosen one. So, his fellow countrymen should be indebted to him. Now we see the same type of politician in our county of the United States of America. He thinks we should do what he says, do not fret the big decisions. He is all-knowing about all subjects. He alone will address issues. Yet we see different problems left unsolved, mismanaged, or not managed (COVID19) at all. </p>
<p>The political parties drifted into partisan groups because the Americas stood by, did nothing. We watched as Washington DC politicians on the right seem to care less about all Americans, only catering to a very few.</p>
<p>The attitude now is ‘I’ve got or is going to get mine no matter who I have to step on to get it.’ The bottom line, this is not the America we once knew. Just because a third of the people follow this president, it does not make his policies right for all Americans. Sometimes people are not sure what is best for them if they do not have all the facts.</p>
<p>According to a political science Stony Brook professor Helmut Norpoth, who has correctly predicted five out of six elections since 1996, Trump will win in November. He <a href="https://www.mediaite.com/news/trump-has-91-percent-chance-of-winning-reelection-political-science-professor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told Mediaite on Tuesday.</a>, “The Primary Model gives Trump a 91 percent chance of winning in November.” Let that resonate in your brain for a moment. Can this country stand another four years of Trump or his Republican Party?</p>
<p>The answer to stopping this weird merry go round is to vote during this presential election. As citizens, we are responsible for the direction taken by our country. Too many have died for the rights we currently have for us to check out or say to hell with America. Please vote for the restoration of our country’s core values. Let us take hold of our future, vote for representatives, folks running for the Senate, and a president that has Americans’ best interest at heart. Once installed in their job, you will see the beauty of being free and an American. </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p> Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to significant magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/63042612020-05-04T05:33:41-07:002020-05-04T09:00:45-07:00Jordan, Tiger…or Another Individual?<p>This morning I am laying in the bed watching Sports Center. Charles Barkley made a statement that Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods commanding the stage of being the best athlete he has known in his life. I understand that Charles Barkley speaking about the most exceptional athletes were those from his era. But then there is no excuse for his ignorance of black history. Then again, we are talking about something said by Barkley.</p>
<p>You may or may not know that people are going on and on in the sports world today. The subject is the greatness of Michael Jordan in the game of basketball. They are talking about the Chicago Bulls documentary film, “The Last Dance.” It is about the drive to the Bulls last NBA Championship.</p>
<p>So many people are heaping praise and rightly so on the GOAT, Michael Jordan. I will agree that he was one of the best, coldest, most fierce competitors of the game of all time. That has stood the test of time up though Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Everybody wanted to be like Mike. All basketball players wanted the talent, etc. of a Michael Jordan.</p>
<p>Charles, let me clarify one major point. Jordan nor Tiger Woods are not the most charismatic in sports. Do they cause wonderment, envy? Can they probably work in a social environment room like no other? I’ve never been in an environment of sports celebrities to feel the electricity as those two walking into a room. I am a product of the hood. I can tell you what is said about all those individuals in the barbershop, pool halls, and all local social gatherings. Are they, as you said, the best individual athletes of all time?</p>
<p>No, they are not. That title is reserved for another individual. Just so you know, there is no one more respected, revered as an athlete, or an all-around person than Muhammad Ali. You don’t believe me, google his name.</p>
<p>Go back in time a few years before those individuals, Jordan, and Tiger. Check out the life story of Ali. Then come back and correct your statement.</p>
<p>I think it would be good for both of those gentlemen named by Barkley to remember as they accept the accolades showered on them from others. There is a greater one whose name is known for not only what he accomplished in his sport. His legacy as a man far exceeds any other since the journalism of words written about sports stars. After all, Muhammad Ali coined the words, “Greatest of all Time.” Do you feel me?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><u> </u></p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to significant magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/62574932020-03-21T09:17:19-07:002020-03-21T11:15:50-07:00Then…there is Joe<p>Bernie Sanders loomed large as champion a movement of sorts. His programs or remedies for the improved health of America is free this or free that. Maybe, just maybe, the results in South Carolina reminded Sanders that the United States of America is a capitalist democracy. Free is not a word that’s easily digested in America. The populace interprets Free as a substantial product no matter what it entails. The first question in these cases is pretty much the same; nothing is free in the US of A. It’s a pay me now or pay me later society, but pay me you will in the end.<br>
Thus, the opposing party, Trump and Republican voters, see Sanders as a socialist. They paint him and the Democratic Party as socialist opportunists bordering on something akin to communist ideals. By now, the Democratic Party understands the Republican playbook in a national election. That may not have been evident in 2016, but who thought Trump would get elected. So, Democrats went to sleep and woke up to a nightmare. Trump got elected President of the US. They don’t intend to make this same mistake in 2020.<br>
Michal Bloomberg had some credible ideas with a modest record of success of sorts as the mayor of New York. Then Elizabeth Warren sank him in the debates. End of story.<br>
Take a moment to reflect on the presidency from 2008 through 2016—a time when Barack Obama served as our President. The office, as well as the man, was respected in many parts of the world. President Obama bent over backward, trying to work with Republicans to pass legislation. No good, they played hardball and denied advancement or progress wherever they could.<br>
Yet there was a feeling, actionable evidence that the White House was in the hands of people who would make intelligent decisions on matters that came up daily. You may not have agreed with every decision that came from the President. But you never had reason to believe that our allies would not be served, or various arms of the government would not function because of actions directly attributed to the Commander-in-Chief.<br>
Let me say as an African American Black Senior. If Trump is in the White House for another four years, one may not recognize our country after the first year of his next term. Note how he is handling his first major crisis. The coronavirus is yet another indicator of how this President thinks and reacts to events facing the current administration. Reports indicate they were warned back in October 2019 about the current COVID19 pandemic<br>
His administration’s efforts as head of the most powerful, original body, mobile military, resourceful workforce in the world act as if his head is buried in the sand. They are acting from a reactive position in place of a proactive body. Not as one large, coordinating organization dealing with the tentacles of COVID19. Now daily after several wasted weeks, they appear before camera looking and sounding like high schoolers, providing half an effort to a requirement that calls for all-out attention. The White House acts as if they are not in charge of the Government response. What a wasted effort and misuse of talent.<br>
The truth is it may be hard to understand the decision-making process of rules, etc. Trump has already issued during the last four years. He may not ever want to leave the office and attempt to make his reelection permanent until death. The Republican Senate Majority is just a rubber stamp for this President. There is nothing that would surprise me anymore about the intentions of Trump and his blind to the fact’s followers.<br>
Then, there is Joe Biden. Good old reliable Joe. A gold star member of the Obama coalition. Not without his faults, as none other than President Barack Obama had to hold Joe back at times. Supposedly he had a problem with loose lips.<br>
He stands out as the candidate that will bring organizational skills back to the White House. Government Agencies will once again be allowed to simply do their job without having to resort to some type of political slant. As a former Defense Department employee, I know how important it is to be free to perform your daily duties regardless of which party is in the White House, or Congress. Oh, to be sure something silly would always pop up, just as quickly disregarded as duty still prevailed over any other suggestions.<br>
We need the respect and guidance of our nation’s ideals in our government. We need those marching orders that would address wars, pandemics, or other world or national catastrophe at the speed and effectiveness required to make a difference. It is sickening to see our governments at the hands of Trump. There are people just waiting for marching orders while the current commander in chief looks as if he doesn’t know what to do. On second thought, maybe he has no clue.<br>
Remember that as you vote this November. We can’t afford to deal with people who stand in place, especially when the requirement calls for action.<br>
Peace & Blessing, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II<br>
Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><br>
Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a><br>
We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at <a href="https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> Click on the publisher-Authors page at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a><br>
Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a><br>
Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to significant magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp<br>
Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/" rel="nofollow">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com" rel="nofollow">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/62057972020-02-06T04:58:19-08:002020-02-06T08:01:59-08:00And we are off, Literally that is.
<p>And so, it goes. A perfect example of a carefully planned Iowa 1600 statewide political caucus sites botched by their attempted use of an App to report results into a central location. Yes, you would be correct in thinking that most of the candidates tried to spin the news to their advantage. Most campaigns had ways of collecting info to gage where they would finish in the voting process. Nevertheless, they all tried to put the best spin in their favor. Those who finished lower in the count were glad that it was over, eager to get out of town on to New Hampshire and beyond. </p>
<p>In the words of Iowa Democratic Party spokeswoman Mandy McClure, “This is simply a reporting issue, the app did not go down, and this is not a hack or an intrusion. The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will take time to report the results further.” Their official word is they are withholding the official results because of those inconsistencies.</p>
<p>I don’t know about you, but I am still trying to make up my mind for whom to vote. My criteria for service are simple, who can restore the integrity of the United States at home and abroad. And who can beat trump at any game he tries during the 2020 election process. </p>
<p>Issues like health care cost, voting rights, immigration status, partisanship, jobs, infrastructure repair, criminal investigation of illegal political bribes, and climate care are at the top of my concerns. It is going to take time to correct Trump’s errors. Not to think of issues that he never addressed.</p>
<p>The last three years seem like double or triple that amount. Every day and I mean every day, there is an obnoxious, even outright lying tweet about something or the other. It’s a complete turnoff unless you happen to like the author.</p>
<p>Citizens look back at a time when there was at least civility in our politics. Now there are unflattering nicknames of anyone who disagrees with the white house. We ask for fairness in our elections. We hope to hear words that inspire our children from our political leaders. We wonder if there are senators who realize their images, words and votes are subscribe for history daily. Can they foresee their adult grandchildren reading their words, trying to understand why they voted a certain way during the impeachment trial? For all that matters, it looks to the outsider as if they don’t care how they come across to others.</p>
<p>Now, we all must do our part to prevent another term from the current president while we all wonder how can survive another four years, if reelected, of Trump. Our vote in November is mandatory. Just as it must go to someone who can oust the current president, God bless and save this nation. </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p> Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/60390532019-12-22T07:54:45-08:002019-12-22T10:15:24-08:00HRO Admin. and the Current Presidency
<p>Most have heard of the Gabrielle Union dispute and ultimate firing from the voice. A smaller number of people may have heard that Afton Williamson quit ABC’s “The Rookie” series back in July. She noted the reason was after her complaints during the first season of racial bullying and sexual harassment simply ignored by the powers that be. The complaint covered behavior as far back as the spring of 2018 and throughout Season 1. She indicated in an August 4<sup>th</sup> TV Line article that she “experience racial discrimination, racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department, including sexual harassment from a recurring guest star.” The shows reaction, or “HR protocol was never adhered to,” nor was “an investigation” issued for any of the complaints.</p>
<p>I’ve worked in both environments as a government and private concern employee or manager. I know that most white people I’ve talked to about racism in the workplace didn’t want to hear about it. Never mind did it happen; they don’t want to discuss it. Pushed, you will get various views on the subject. Most will be opinions that are not conducive to a healthy HRO program. The difference between the government work environment and private concern is like night and day. Private companies have a Human Resource (HR) Office. Some often act as if it’s a wasted position. Most times, they immediately want to brand the complainer as just that, one who is a constant complainer. People who should feel lucky to have a job. </p>
<p>Many times, the perpetrator in the complaint can’t understand the problem or don’t think they have done anything wrong. Some may go so far as to say; there isn’t a problem. Either the complainer is a screw-up, or they are thin-skinned. They can’t take it, act like an immature baby, or fire them as incompetent. In short, “sit down, shut up, go along to get along.” Why they are always surprised to see people of color not follow their short edict is beyond me. This practice is not a Donald Trump invention. It’s more of “thirties, forties, fifties” white male perceived masculinity imbalance of their interpretation. </p>
<p>Presently we are in a place where up is down and down is up in this society. Trump perpetrates that state of “Tweet” mind. People who don’t like you for race alone are emboldened to act. They feel they have the political cover to act out their aggression. Previously suppressed dislike in some have come bubbling up to the forefront. They are edged on by white power websites or similar groups to commit some demonstrated act to show their racism. </p>
<p>The media report that we are a divided country. They don’t call it what it is, instead offering an opinionated view that the divide is among political preference. When, in fact, the divide is between people of color or the white race. The current presidential administration, along with his political party are happy to exploit that divide to stay in power. Meanwhile, our country suffers from this new now. We not only suffer in worldly shame for not standing up for the ideals of Americans. But we also suffer in economic ways that we may not feel for a few years. An objective that’s was a consideration in the Trump tax bill passed by the Republicans.</p>
<p>The ideals, goals on which this country built are questioned, ignored, challenged by those who want to maintain their power structure hold despite their now being the minority. So those in a position of authority feel free to practice their hateful behavior toward people of color or Jews. It’s a perfect example of the effect any current presidential admiration has on the people of this country.</p>
<p>We, as sixty percent of regular citizens now, ask, what kind of governmental representative do we want to represent we the people? Where do our loyalties lie with Russia’s Putin or our entire USA legislative body, along with its checks and balances? I ask, have we ever looked to Russia as an example of anything except a tyrannical state.</p>
<p>For that forty percent of Americans who consistently back this Admiration no matter what horrendous act Trump perpetrates on American Society, shame on you. History will interpret your behavior is truly Un-American. </p>
<p>All that’s needed for the entire USA to right itself and regard its neighbors as people of value is to remember whose birthday is on December 25<sup>th</sup>. That would be Jesus Christ. Follow his teachings, not Trump or Putin; you can’t go wrong.</p>
<p>Who do we place our trust in to run this country? Our decisions toward political matters are to ensure that our children and their children live in a country that helps them grow as people. They should be free to express themselves freely without fear of a dictator’s wrath because of certain topics. </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p> Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p>We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with <strong><em>Unchon-ni.</em></strong> Check out the details at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on the life of the Authors 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 his fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59793642019-11-26T10:38:43-08:002024-02-19T03:16:51-08:00My, My, My, What a Mess
<p>“My, my, my, what a mess” is one of those phrases from African America lore. In this usage, mess meaning the equivalent of excretion. One can surmise the situation untenable, making no sense. I love these kinds of phrases as they remind me of conversations I’ve had with members of the older generation of black folk. A phrase often uttered after discovering a major problem. It doesn’t matter what it is or where it came from; the fact that its importance affects the speakers’ thought process is a major clue. The speaker doesn’t have the words to say how ridiculous, stupid, or whatever adjective you want to add to the conversation. So, what do you take from the words, “my, my, my what a mess?” There are no words. That’s the point. It’s a phrase meaning dumfounded by the subject matter. </p>
<p>That is the
feeling you get when you try to make sense of the Republican defense of Trump’s
actions …oh, take your pick of pretty much any decisions/directives that come
out of the White House. Or as some educated folks say…” These are troubling
times for our democracy.”</p>
<p>Personally,
as a former civilian worker for the Department of Defense, it is beyond the
scope of my imagination to think that a foreign country has successfully
interfered with our national election process. I never would imagine that an
elected US president goes against our American ideals with almost every major
act, directive, or cancellation of agreements. In the movies, but not in real
life. He continues to have the support of a third of Americans. You can also
bet cash that a lot of people are turned off by the political noise. They are
just sick of it. Unfortunately, uninterest in the processes or going along with
the administration’s flow is some folks’ way of dealing with it. Scary enough,
it reminds me of how the Nazi Regime grew to power in Germany. As they say, if
you don’t know your history you are bound to repeat it. Let that resonate for a
moment. </p>
<p>Words like
criminal, unamerican, treason run through the minds of most people who have
followed this administration. It’s such a shocking development, that being the
2016 election, we’re left wondering how this man got elected even with foreign
social media hits. Why knowing or suspecting the kind of president he would be,
did they vote for him?</p>
<p> Is American History so long ago that they
forgot the reason for the formation of this country? Are they not familiar with
the reasons for the Civil War? Or are we ready to abandon all things American
for some other type of government?</p>
<p>All is not
lost. It’s like the scene I describe as a misnomer. Every day a non-person of
color passes this street corner. There is an assortment of black people milling
around the outside this grocery store that also sells liquor. Some dressed
normally; others look like bums, people who don’t have a home. A couple young
folks can be seen passing or selling drugs. The women dressed like whores or have
on skimpy clothing. There is a four-way stoplight at this intersection. That
allows a couple of people to walk up to cars asking for a handout. The person
in the car sees what seems to be a middle-class neighborhood. It certainly
doesn’t look like the ghetto they’ve seen in the movies. </p>
<p>Sooner or
later, that person is going to form an opinion of the race of people he or she
sees at this corner day in and day out. They all must be like that because those
are the only representatives of the black race he sees daily. Oh, they know
black folks working at the professional level. But they become to believe those
professionals are anomalies. No, the true representative of the black race is
on that corner. By the way, it’s the same contingent of actors he sees on black
television series or the movies. </p>
<p>If he or she
took the time to examine the race or people, they would find people on that
corner may represent about eight to ten percent of the black race. The reason they
leave a false impression on his mind is they are loud, in your face kind of people.
Eventually the passerby feels that all black people are the same as on that
corner.</p>
<p>We know that
a third of the American voting public from all races is just that, one-third of
the voting public. Nowhere near a majority, meaning that the other two-thirds
are Americans would not have voted for this individual. Then the mystery is why
do we pay so much attention to that one-third of the voting public. </p>
<p>We do so
because those people get our attention by their noisy activity, unexplainable
civic ideas. ‘They’re so loud’ comes to mind. Then to hear that almost
ninety-nine percent of the angelical groups support this administration no
matter what they do, is mind-boggling. What bible are they reading, or they
subscribe to what religion? </p>
<p>I still
believe in the values of this country and in the people to solve its problems.
Sometimes it seems to take a long time. But we are still considered a young
democracy when measured against the rest of the world. The keyword here is that
the United States is a <strong><em>Democracy, </em></strong>not a tyrannical regime. We
will prove it once again in our 2020 elections. If…if we find someone who can
rally the Democratic Party. </p>
<p>Finally, let
me leave you with this thought. I watched a documentary on the Jewish
Holocaust. The American soldiers had just discovered a Nazi Regime death camp
for Jews. They insisted that the German townspeople bury the dead who had wasted
away because of a lack of human care. One lady who lived in the town which
housed the camp didn’t want to participate; she told an American Officer, “We
didn’t know.” </p>
<p>The GI looks
angrily at the woman while stating, “You should have known.”</p>
<p>What kind of
country will this be if Trump is re-elected, serves another four years? </p>
<p><a>Peace & Blessing, stay</a> vigilant for our
American rights. Make it a day in which
Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II
</p>
<p>
Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Join us for the live
broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We
are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on
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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>.
A book where family relationships questioned
to the core. Read the books review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click
on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books,
updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines
upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em><em></em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is
<a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright
2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59539482019-11-08T07:14:08-08:002020-11-09T00:35:39-08:00Will The Real Candidate Please Stand Up
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/usa-map.jpg?w=1000" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>I tried to
lay low during the first part of the 2020 National Election. I didn’t want to
comment too early about any candidate, especially the guy that sits in the
White House as President. We are now in November of 2019. One year away, too
early, but the Iowa Caucus set for February 3, 2020. So here we go, as I attempt
to keep the focus on the process. </p>
<p>A couple, if
not a few people, are contemplating entering an already crowded field. Why, because
the Democratic leaders in the polls are vulnerable. It doesn’t matter why
because the vulnerability seems uncorrectable. </p>
<p>Independent/Democratic/Democratic-leaning
Republicans, many still undecided even if they have named one of the leading Poll
individuals are worried about the outcome of next year’s November vote. That
noise you hear is their teeth gnashing, the scratching of fingernails on their windowpanes,
or bohemia like screams. In short, most Americans are sick and tired of seeing
a Presidency run on the fly along with a Twitter run policy initiator. </p>
<p>Every day, this
country goes through stops, starts, hour by hour changes in direction with a
constant flow of unqualified people placed in a highly visible governmental position
— many on a temporary status. It’s sad to think of all the necessary
investigations surrounding the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. To
think there could be four more years of this environment is just too much.</p>
<p>Therefore, we
are looking for one person who can take charge, step up to the plate and hit
one out of the ballpark. We need a candidate that can and will win in November
of 2020. Most of us thought we had one. But we have found too many variables. There
is just too much uncertainty for our nerves. </p>
<p>When we cast
our vote next November, we want to feel that our choice has a chance to win. Our
winner is going to be very busy mending fences with pretty much all our Allies and
friends throughout the world. Not to think of all the correction/refocusing to
just about everything you can think of at the Government level. I bet you the actual
White House is in bad shape too. </p>
<p>So please, for
God’s sake, will the real candidate please sign up, step up or stand up and let
themselves be known to an anxious public. Let the Democratic voting public know
how you can fix problems and govern. Then and only then will the case be
closed, with history set to record the how, why, when, and what the hell happened
the previous four years.</p>
<p><a>Peace &
Blessing, stay</a>
vigilant for our American rights. Make it
a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you, </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II
</p>
<p>
Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Look for our newly released
book, Unchon-ni, South Korea, I Remember 1962-63. Keep us in mind when buying
books for that avid reader in your family. Details of the must-read novels are
located at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a> <em> </em><em> </em></p>
<p>Or visit our Amazon.com Authors
page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p>Our Parent Company’s sponsor is CHIIA
Group, online at <a href="https://chiia.com/">https://chiia.com/</a>. Our Retail Site is
<a href="https://www.frostyltd.com/">https://www.frostyltd.com/</a></p>
<p>Copyright
2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
<p></p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425792019-10-17T03:29:53-07:002020-11-01T01:23:28-08:00Unchon-ni, South Korea, I remember 1962-63
<p> Strike up a conversation with most people
who were young, free, and enjoyed American life in the sixties. You will hear,
maybe even feel their urgency to bring back the nostalgia of being young during
that era. It was a time, whereas the overall feeling of most people in this
country was to live life to its fullest, be what you wanted to be, above all
else, be happy. We not only enjoyed it for ourselves but wanted our kinfolk,
friends, and neighbors to discover a path to the American Dream. Flower Power,
Hippies, Love Child, Soul Brother, names we used to describe certain groups, all
while wishing them “Peace, Love, and Soul.”
Find your road to happiness my man, my brother, my sister. Frequently we
gave them marijuana joints as fuel for the journey. Some use harder drugs to
get there, but everyone was at least taking the trip. Today, most people feel
the same but are not as overt with their feelings as back in the day. </p>
<p>It was tough
climbing the mountain of change, even though we savored the rewards. Older,
conservative folks despised this new attitude. Young black folks were especially
having a though transition. Their more discipline parents advised them to act in
a more servitude manner in the presence of the southern white man. Don’t stare,
look down, don’t talk, don’t dare talk back or act as a smart mouth negro in
front of white people. It was the way most of them survived the Jim Crow Era. Black
people ought to feel damn proud of the way our ancestors survived thought-out
the ages. Without their efforts, patience we wouldn’t be alive today.</p>
<p>In the
forties-fifties, they migrated to northern, eastern, and western cities,
looking to improve their livelihood with good-paying jobs. They still practiced
the same habits; felt that was the best way to get along with white folks.
Don’t take their jobs, move in their neighborhoods, take liberties with their
kind offerings. And for God’s sake, don’t try to court any of their offspring.
Otherwise, a telephone pole would work just as good as a hanging tree. </p>
<p>The problems
came when their children grew up in these cities. Youngsters found out that all
people were pretty much the same, and no race was better than the other. As a
result, they were having none of that servitude behavior. We did not accept our
lowly position without objection. In some cases, they were sneaking around with
people outside their race, even kissing or doing that thang with them. They
didn’t want to disappoint their parents, but then you know the mantra of young
folk, “Ahhh…we’re just having fun.”</p>
<p class="has-text-align-left">Let’s take
this a step further; I’ve written a semi-autobiography book detailing a lot
about my life as one of the black children of the sixties. I left high school
and enlisted in the United States Army during the fall of 1961. I had to beg my
father to let me join as a seventeen-year-old recruit by promising to finish high
school in the Army. </p>
<p>That young
black boy’s first assignment out of Ford Ord, California, was a foreign
country. It was April of 1962. As ordered, he boarded a troop ship out of
Oakland, CA. By that time, he’d gone through Basic; Advanced Infantry Training.
Now on a troopship for a twenty-three-day trip with stops in Hawaii, and Tokyo.
Upon his arrival in Pusan, Korea, the Army already proved to him that he had
joined the ultimate men’s club. They had rules to govern the rules. It was
going to be a long three years, he thought. </p>
<p>His
assignment to Camp Kaiser, with a local village right outside the main gate
called Unchon-ni, turned out to be the best thing to happen to him. First,
daily training, practice with your brothers in arms, the American Soldier. It
was a fourteen months indoctrination of a war-torn country. We had a very clear
understanding of our mission; to stop any advancement into the south by Charlie
(North Korean Soldiers). As it was small groups (four, five, or a few more),
North Korean Soldiers crossed the DMZ to raise hell, spy, or whatever. </p>
<p>Black GI’s
are confronted with duty, honor, confusing because of race issues,
demonstrations, back home. Given the oath they swore to when entering the Army,
they had no choice but to become exceptional soldiers as did any dog soldier,
no matter their race or origin. They found ways to justify their obedience
while not sacrificing their racial identities. A quick right cross to Jim
Crow’s jaw normally resolved any outstanding issues. That attitude brought
about the question, what about the non-violent demeanor as played out in the US
of A Civil Rights demonstrations? Conflict of responsibility between race and Army
obligations was a daily reminder for Uncle Sams black soldiers. </p>
<p>Unchon-ni
camp-town girls made the entire tour assignment worth the experience. Without
flaws, they expertly played the part of girlfriend, wife, next-door neighbor,
sister, brother, psychologist, nursemaid; you name it. They allowed the
American GI to mature, expand their knowledge of the opposite sex. They duplicated
as close to a sense of home life as one could ever wish for daily.</p>
<p>Readers can examine the flashback events that the primary character (Author) remembered in his life. I call this book my semi-biography that culminates with my maturing as a person. They said at the time, the US Army would make a man out of you. One learns certain things by accident. From my perspective, given the help of South Korea assignment, mission accomplished. </p>
<p>Unchon-ni is
not only a must-read for anybody interested in the life and times of our servicemen
stationed overseas. It’s an emotional exercise
in men and women relationships from all walks of life. In other words, it’s a
book for anyone interested in following the path of a seventeen-year-old GI
discovering who he is, where he fits in then and later in society. The
experience was so rich, so real; I just had to share it with you. </p>
<p>The novel is available in all formats, including paperback, B&N Nook, Amazon Kindle, or download a PDF copy. Check out the novel’s details located at the Author/Publishers site at <a href="https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni">https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni</a></p>
<p>Peace, Love, & Blessings</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II, Unchon-ni
Author</p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A
bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425802019-08-28T11:50:03-07:002021-01-25T21:45:29-08:00Grandma Gracie’s Book and Pittsburg, CA. Creative Book Store
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<p>As people of color, we should all be proud of the way our
grandparents, parents, and other relatives survived in the South. They not only
survived but thrived through the great depression, sharecropping, outright
racism, all while living in Klu Klux Klan country. There were
plenty of white people who didn’t hate blacks. </p>
<p>Let me
give you a little background on my Grandma Gracie. I
also would like to relay the following story that has been told repeatedly
within our family. </p>
<p>Gracie Hall, born May 13, 1904, married John Hampton. They delivered my father, Codis Hampton (February 3, 1925) as their firstborn. Altogether, two more boys and two girls were born from her marriage. After my grandfather died, Grandma Gracie was left to raise her kids in the backwoods of Bradley County Arkansas. </p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/gracie-hall-hampton-pic-.jpg?w=480" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="243" width="183" /></figure></div>
<p>Given the date range of the story, you’re able to get a
perspective of the period that Grandma Gracie had to fend for her kids. They
lived in Bradley County, a small little farm near a deeply wooded area about
thirty feet from the little dirt road that ran just outside her front door.
That road went up to my Cousin Frank Strong’s house (about a mile away). </p>
<p>The isolation, protection of her family, Arkansas racism, and the
need to repel poachers or trespassers during those hard times is why Grandma
Gracie was known to fire a warning shot at strangers approaching the
house. The warning might come from a
rifle or a shotgun, which seemed to be her weapon of choice. The shot let
potential visitors know they had to announce themselves before approaching the
house. Unscheduled night visiting was not very smart, because there would be no
warning shot. Maybe that is why she never got a visit from night riders or KKK
in the middle of the night. </p>
<p>Grandma earned the reputation of being a strong, mean, independent
woman. Out of necessity, one who was very protective of her household family
members. She’d cut (with a knife she kept in her apron pocket) or pick up a
stick to beat the hell out of anyone who messed with her family or property. Her
wrath was colorblind. She didn’t care about your position, including the local
law authorities. You mess with Grandma Gracie, and you suddenly had a problem
that might not end civilly. Neighbors, relatives, and friends who knew her and her
family found her to be one of the nicest individuals in the county. Always
willing to help a neighbor in need. </p>
<p>When you think about it, she was not that different from a lot of
black people living in/around the area of Banks, Arkansas, in
the twenties, thirties, and forties. Most
people in that area were relatives of the Hamptons. They cultivated/owned land,
farms with chickens, pigs, or a cow or two. Some even had a horse or mules. All
used what they had to become self-sufficient. They grew or raised their food
for their family, others in need within the community. </p>
<p>Grandma Gracie finally followed her three sons, one daughter who
moved to Milwaukee in search of a better life in 1953. She left one daughter, my
Aunt, who was married to a farmer whose house was about two hundred yards in
front of Grandmas house back door. </p>
<p>The story was that my Aunts husband had fallen behind with regular payments to a white
man for his working trucks tires. No, the man
was not a racist; he was trying to get paid or get his tires back. They say that Auntie asked
Mr. Bunker, who was walking toward the truck
parked in front of the house, to “leave the tires alone.” Mr. Bunker told her again that since payment was late, he was
not going to wait another minute; he was going
to take all four tires off the truck. Her husband could get them back upon
receipt of the past due payment. </p>
<p>Auntie repeated herself, “I said, don’t take those tires off his
truck, Mr. Bunker,” who paid no attention to her warning. She
retrieved and loaded her shotgun. She stepped back out into the yard, called
out to Mr. Bunker again, “I told you. Don’t take those tires off RT’s truck.” </p>
<p>Mr. Bunker turned to see that Auntie standing there with a loaded
shotgun leveled at his body. Startled, he suddenly asked her, “Who are your
people? Who is your mother?” </p>
<p>“Gracie Hampton is my mother…why?”</p>
<p>“Oh, girl, you should have said something. That’s okay, tell your husband to get the payment in by next Friday
just like you said, and it’ll be just fine.” </p>
<p>Mr. Bunker didn’t have a change of heart because he was fond
of Grandma Gracie. He had a change of heart because Grandma was known to say
little, shoot when people didn’t heed her words of warning. Mr. Bunker
correctly assumed that any child of Gracie Hampton would have no problem
pulling the trigger. That day, his assumption was
on point. </p>
<p>I have many fond memories of my Grandma because she was always
there for me. I can still see the look in her eye when I told her I was leaving
Milwaukee and moving to California. She responded by saying, “Boy, you
don’t have any kinfolk out there in that part of California. Who’s going to
watch over you, your wife and your kids?” </p>
<p>I, upset with the city in which I grew up,
which is another story, replied before I could catch myself, “I’ll be there
once I get there.” </p>
<p>She looked at me as if I had no understanding of being around
family. I quickly grabbed her, gave her a big hug, tried to explain that my
answers not directed at her. As always, she understood. But you know something?
To this day, the only real regret I had about leaving Milwaukee was that my
kids were not able to play with family as they grew up. Young cousins and other
relatives form a bond as they played, grew up together not only as friends but as
a close family. </p>
<p>It’s amazing how my grandma and others from her era, many with
little schooling, were considered uneducated, supposedly simple-minded, knew how
to carve out a healthy standard of living from nothing. They not only survived;
they raised their children with discipline, a sense of self-respect for others
that is sorely missing among some of our households today. By the way they were
also smart as a whip. </p>
<p>The grand lady died on December 12, 1985. She lived to be 81 years
old, not as old as some but older than a lot of people who leave these days
prematurely. Over the years, I learned a lot from talking to Grandma Gracie.
Known as a mean old woman up to her death, the woman I knew had a great love
for family. She also had a wealth of good common sense — a rarity of which I’d
like to think that some of it finely rubbed off on me. </p>
<p>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the book reveals how, what they did to become
successful at parenting, farming, and life itself. Grandma Gracie’s life
story and times allowed me to write a very entertaining book. The book, <strong><em>Gracie
Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years, 1917-1953</em></strong> is now on display at the
new <strong>Sweet A’s</strong>, an affiliate of <strong>Pittsburg Creative Book Store. Sweet
A’s</strong> is a bookstore/reading Café that affords the public a cozy setting to
examine a book before purchasing it. </p>
<p>Owner/manager Belle Jones, of <strong>Authors Press</strong> (<a href="http://www.authorspress.com">www.authorspress.com</a>)
has created an ideal environment for selecting books. The facility meets today’s
standard for comfort, selection, with great refreshments while you make up your
mind. Coffee, Tea, Juice Bars, and Smoothies anyone? <strong>Sweet A’s</strong> is next
door to <strong>Creative Bookstore</strong> at 1325 Buchanan Road, Pittsburg, CA.
94565. They are open seven days a week.
Check out their Yelp Review for more details.
Belle Jones is committed to authors having their books displayed in a
bookstore that offers comfort with style. </p>
<p>The good news for me is that I will be able to display
more of my works in Sweet A’s. Look for titles like, <strong><em>Remember Moz,
Misguided Intentions</em></strong> in the future. I’m currently working on
republishing my semi-biography, <strong><em>Unchon-ni</em></strong>. It’s about the
maturing of a seventeen-year-old assigned to a US Army post in South Korea.
Stay tuned for more information. It does not negate the availability of my
books at Amazon.com. Watch my social media sites for clarification and sale
prices. </p>
<p>Codis
Hampton II
</p>
<p>
Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at </p>
<p>Join us for the live
broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>W</em><em>e
continue celebrating the publication of my latest and fifth book, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where
family relationships questioned to the
core. Read the books review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click
on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new
books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major
magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright
2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425812019-06-03T16:38:38-07:002022-05-13T00:17:10-07:00They, Themselves, and Them
<p>What happened
to Duty, Honor, Integrity, Justice, and Precedent in Government service
employment? Unlike my past career environment, I retired from the US Government
Employment. I find more than a few highly visible, politically placed current
employees have lost their way. No longer are those words seen as a barometer of
efficiency inside those public serviced workspaces. Often the mantra seems like
the late comedian/actor Barnie Mac show theme “Who you with?”</p>
<p>You don’t
necessarily have had worked for the Department of Defense to get the gist of my
point. Outside the confines of a national defense office in a job/position for
a private concern. The meaning of those words governs an office for maximum
efficiency. There may be different words like Job Specification, Respect,
Character, Legality, or rules of the workplace used at this time. But in truth,
it all pretty much means the same. </p>
<p>We have all
heard it growing up as kids. Our parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles
probably have cautioned us. They would look at our smug little faces with that
stern grown-up look of <em>I am about to give
you a life memorable lesson. </em>They would say sternly…” Baby, that is not the
way you act in those type of situations.”
They’d go on to explain how you should behave or things you should
consider saying before you open your mouth and say anything. Above all,
selfishness is never a good place to begin when one is considering something
nice to say in any interaction with another human being. You remember, don’t
you? </p>
<p>What happened
to “do the best job for all concerned?” When did US politicians go so astray as
to think it doesn’t matter how achieve your objective…just win baby, win? When
did we, the voting public adopt a sports mantra as a life direction when
dealing with an entire country of diverse people? </p>
<p>We now have
political leaders acting out in ways that dumbfound us. Protocol be damn, and a
certain segment of society cheers on this type of behavior. As my parents would
say after seeing this kind of childish display in public…” Who are his/her
parents?” My question is, do Republicans or those who share their ideas care
about the direction taken by this country? Hell! Let’s ask the big question. Is
Democracy dead in the United States of America? </p>
<p>I learned to
respect certain offices of authority during my employment career. I found
people that I respected, holding down positions of authority. I recognized
leaders who knew how to lead without reminding us minute by minute they are our
leaders. I, one who has been selfish at times, remember the lessons provided by
my parents. I tried to do the same for my children. They understood those
lessons. Like all of us as youngsters, they struggled with when to be selfish
or pass for the betterment of a larger cause.</p>
<p>At the risk
of sounding tripe. I know…some people out there will ask of nobody, in
particular, …who in the heck does this guy think he is? Never-the-less, I love
this country. No, I don’t have the US Flag flying from my car antenna. Nor is
it on my auto’s bumper. I don’t have it flying from my house. I do have it on
my office desk, flying from a pencil holder. My loyalties to this country go
back to my military days. It continued during my stints of working for the
Department of Defense. And subsequent jobs at private contractors in support of
our military whenever on the move or wherever stationed. My positions were in
support of troops over land or sea. It was to see that they arrived at their mission’s
objective on time with anything they needed to fulfill the task. </p>
<p>That’s why I
have a problem with people who have no loyalties to anyone or anything other
than themselves. It tends to breed or provide a fertile ground to selfishness. You
know the type, it’s always about me, myself and I, every day, all day kind of
thing. Most have no moral compass. And believe me the word moral deeply
involves right or wrong. That’s why those words above, Duty, etc. keep one
grounded and on a directional path to be fair in all their decisions. </p>
<p>Maybe
military service or something similar should be a prerequisite for entry into a
government job. It should certainly be a consideration for elected officials.
How many times have you heard, the President, congressman, or local official didn’t
serve in the military because of some medical pass? One they got how…? </p>
<p>This fall, especially
in 2020, let’s ask those running for political office if they subscribe to the
basic laws of this country. And the biggie, do they have any direct or associated
military service for this country. I don’t necessarily think it should be the
determining factor if they get your vote. But you sure as hell should know if
they are a true American and intend to represent all of America to the best of their
ability. </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay
vigilant for our American rights. Make it
a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p> Codis Hampton II
</p>
<p>
Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Subscribe
to this blog at </p>
<p>Join us for the live
broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to
publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton,
the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on 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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read the books review at
</em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at
</em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors
page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books,
updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines
upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A
bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425822019-04-29T07:09:51-07:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Soulbeat TV’s Chaka Khan-Barry White Tribute
<p>Saturday night, April 27, my wife and I sat in a front row seat at the Soulbeat’s TV produced Chaka Khan & Barry White Tribute. I usually don’t get into imitators of musical stars. Not because I don’t think it can be accomplished; I hate to listen to someone screw up a classic R&B song. Well, that was not a problem for all those who took the stage at Pittsburg’s California Theater. Warren Foster Sr., Chief Executive at the Bay Area’s Soulbeat Television, via Spotlight on the Bay produces quality programming. That is what assured me that the show would be real as real could get…and it was a showstopping jam that night. </p>
<p>Folks there
was a band name Obama. I’ve got to tell you; the Obama Band practically tore
the roof off the sucker. That six-member R&B Band left an indelible
impression on me. They opened up the show and played a driving R&B tuned
that had me shaking my head and tapping my feet. An opening performance relayed
the fact that they came to play some music. Rephrase that into the street talk,
meaning…they’re gonna be jamming up in here tonight. They could lay down the sounds of a
professional band. They played the funk from a few Chaka Khan’s Band, Rufus. It
was as if Rufus was performing in the house. The Obama’s never missed a beat. </p>
<p>They played that
classic melodic cut from Luther Vandross’s and his band; <strong><em>A House is not a Home</em></strong>. Adding
a few more of Luther’s hits while multi-talented vocalist Greg Ballard sang the
lyrics. If you had not been at the California Theater at that particular time,
you would have sworn that Luther had risen from the dead to grace the
stage. </p>
<p>Ballard was
also the main vocalist during the Barry White song tribute. Again, if you
closed your eyes, you would have thought Barry White was singing on the
California Theaters stage. </p>
<p>Niecey Living
Single graced the stage while declaring she is not Chaka Khan. She belted out
in a clear voice her version of Chaka Khans and Rufus songs. <strong><em>Tell
Me Something Good</em></strong>, <strong><em>Once you Get Started</em></strong>, to name a
couple. I do agree with Niecey. Who will told the audience, she is not Chaka
Khan. But she sang Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khans hits with extraordinary ease of
talent. And the Obamas played on. </p>
<p>The proof in
the pudding. My wife was entertained at this show and evidenced by the patting
of her feet and movement of her head during the entire show. She, along with an
enthusiastic audience was well into the show and its stars. </p>
<p>As the
Obama’s kept the beats, with the drums, percussions, guitars, synthesizers
live, three background singers carried out their assignments. They chimed in at
the appropriate time with blended humming or lyrics required of the songs. </p>
<p>And least of
all, let me not forget the three shapely women dancers. They were on stage to
add to the variety of the show. Their main job was to shake their rumps to the
funk. Mission accomplished in my view. They certainly got my attention. That despite
the presence of my lovely wife sitting in the seat beside me. Hey, …she knows
where my heart lies. What can I say; I was just into the show.</p>
<p>An assortment
of ladies from the audience joined Niecey and the cast for a vociferous version
of Chaka Khans, <strong><em>I’m Every Woman. </em></strong>At that point, they all did a fantastic job.
With the reason being, they were into the show. </p>
<p>All in all, a
great time was had by all involved. Please allow me to be redundant. I want to make
a point. The Thirty Dollar ticket price was money well spent.</p>
<p>They have
numerous shows coming up. Comedies take the stage on May 3. After which, they’re
bringing another Tribute Show to the California Theatre in Pittsburg. This time for the Queen of Soul, Aretha
Franklin. I’ll also be there for that one. </p>
<p>I, and if you
talk to Warren, realize this is not only great entertainment. It speaks to our
culture. If you don’t know where you came from, you will never figure out where
you are going. Hip Hop commands the scene these days. It was Blues, Jazz, and
R&B that shaped the musical and overall culture in the United States. That
is why shoes like these, original R&B artist touring, movies, television,
speak to who we are in society. It will do you good to read up on the history
of black music. Soulbeat TV may not be
the first to put on these imitation shows, but they certainly have put
themselves out there as a major player of quality programming. </p>
<p>Let me be
another who adds a mountain of respect for Soulbeat TV’s productions. Go to the
following link to see for yourself, <a href="http://www.soulbeat.tv/show-your-soul">http://www.soulbeat.tv/show-your-soul</a> Yes, I bend the knee at productions
that showcase the soul of our culture in which music is primary but only one
aspect of Black History.</p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay
vigilant for our American rights. Make it
a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton
II
</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Subscribe
to this blog at </p>
<p>Join us for the live
broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to
publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton,
the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on 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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read the books review at
</em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click on the publisher-Authors page at
</em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors
page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books,
updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines
upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a>
Copyright 2011 Codis
Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment
</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425832019-04-16T07:36:50-07:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Third Floor Flat to a Single Story Home
<p>Once again, a
health issue caused me to be out of pocket for a length of time. I was in the
hospital on Christmas Day last December, discharged on New Year’s Eve. I wrote
about my aortic valve replacement a couple of years ago. This time I didn’t
feel like writing about issues concerning my health. I didn’t even feel like
talking about it. Mainly because of the
frustration during the hospital stay including the after effects on my body. Despite
the fact most all go through something like this. The fact your body is
breaking down after reaching certain ages is…still shocking. Even though we
know, aging affects us all if we live long enough.</p>
<p>The kid,
Superman, the Daredevil, Little Big man’s body is aging with each passing year.
No…I’m not a daydreamer who think I or my body will stay young forever. Unrealistically,
I still expect to perform normal tasks within at least 75 to 80 percent of my
thirty-year-old efficiency. Frankly, that’s not happening these days. It’s not
as bad as it sounds. No, I’m not
suddenly invalid. </p>
<p>While
reminiscing, I go back to my family’s Milwaukee third Floor flat. Like most
thirteen-year-olds of the day I dreamed of being an adult. Where would I work,
who would I marry, what kind of car would I drive, and where would I live? And
the biggie, how long would it take me to get rich. I read a lot, especially
comic books and dreamed of who I would become as a grown man. At one point in
my later teenage years, I couldn’t see me past twenty-one. Certainly not
reaching thirty years old. That’s because I’d come to know “life in the fast
lane.” </p>
<p>I remembered ten,
twenty years ago, my wife and I wanted to live in a single-story house. We
wanted the master bedroom to be upstairs. We loved the idea of a bedroom loft. Our
kids were teenagers. The house built to our specifications would have the kids
two bedrooms on the first floor. </p>
<p>We’re used to
having a basement in Milwaukee. A room where you can place a pool table or as
it now is called, a “Man-cave.” In northern California that room to would have
to be on the first floor. I was still dreaming of comfort but becoming rich was
pretty much out of the question. </p>
<p>Nowadays, I
think about that single-story home large enough for a den or man-cave,
including a lady sewing or lounging room. Our primary interest in the
single-story is security and comfort. I would still like to have a pool table. I
can say we have all in one format or another san the pool table. So, we are
comfortable. </p>
<p>Nowhere in
that entire scenario did I mention old age. Young folk don’t think about their
body parts aging. Oh, they may mention it as in somebody is just old. However,
there is no real accounting for us getting old. Could it be that it is an
unpleasant subject? We need to embrace the aging process because the
alternative is pushing up daisies, not a pleasant thought. Again, the question
is when do we account for that certainty? </p>
<p>By the time most
of us give it serious thought we are already on the doorstep of old age.
Normally to late to plan for it. More importantly, we are not mentally prepared
for it. Or am I wrong…and you are?</p>
<p>It is time we
should look forward to, not dreading…like…here comes the funeral. Like most Baby
Boomers I’m still having a great time doing our thing past the age of
sixty-five or some other retirement age. The problem is you cannot get around
those unexpected health issues. That’s when you begin to really think about
your mortality. Sadly, that’s also when you lose more old friends and favorite relatives
to aging issues. We miss those relationships more and more, especially the
ability to conversate about the state of whatever. </p>
<p>Some of us
like to think we will be turning flips well into senior years. Wrong…if we do,
it will be a rarity. We may not be able to be as efficient at them as we once
were during our younger days. We can
also find happiness spending our time at familiar or new activities. Not to
forget the invaluable time we can now spend with other family and friends. </p>
<p><a>Peace & Blessing, stay</a> vigilant for our
American rights. Make it a day in which
Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II
</p>
<p> Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at </p>
<p>Join us for the live
broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We
are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on
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, <strong>Misguided
Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read the books review at </em><a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredheadedbooklover.com%2Fgracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd012bbb11fed41a6366108d685658584%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636843068403736187&sdata=NQxJikWxCtOu%2Ft4Cu1ilr4UnWrYscRiRYZyUXAok%2Fc8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/</a> <em>Click
on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for new books,
updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines
upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is
<a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright
2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425842018-12-06T23:00:18-08:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Tis The 2018 Holiday Season
<p>Tis the season, so on and so on. I love the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year holiday season. I, like all, are reminded of our childhood seasons. Our young adult seasons come to mind. We think of those who have passed on as well as those who are still here with us. Out thoughts shift to old friends. We muse about new friends. People we would love to meet, greet, spend time in conversation. </p>
<p>We love seeing the excitement on our loved one’s faces as they reminisce about a happy time in 2018. We enjoy watching them open gifts. The surprise on their faces as they feel you have connected with their innermost wishes. Then there are the pensive thoughts going through their minds — thoughts along with excitement about the known versus the unknown in the coming year.The point is watching holiday reactions from your family, friends, or your main squeeze is a seasonal high. Times you must personally experience. You’ve got to be there, be involved in appreciating it fully. Your involvement is the ultimate high. </p>
<p>Oh, by the way. Whose bright idea was it to have the Mall Santa Clause walk around the facility soliciting “Selfies” instead of taking pictures with children on his lap. </p>
<p>Tis the time of the year when we tend to forget silly feuds, personal dislikes that don’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. You think your savior for allowing you, family members to make it through another year. Somehow you have a different or at least an adjusted attitude about life. Personal accomplishments only add to the good feelings.</p>
<p>We are still a realist for we have no illusions about the defective political thinking that are initiated by the White House. We think that victories as a result of the mid-terms will bring about change from the rapid deterioration of social customs. Indeed, if not the act of sociability, period. Those who voted for a change should have restored any dwindling confidence in our American resolve to maintain American values. </p>
<p>Over the year, we saw our children-adult toys become smarter, more complicated for the end-user. Robotic or personal items we never thought we’d see so soon back in the eighties or nineties. They’ve become essentials in 2018. For instances, without a smartphone, we are not as smart.</p>
<p>My son and I are continually having this conversation about the use of drones to deliver goods to your front door. I think regulation’srequired before allowing them to fly free, untethered, all Willie-nillie through the air. Think delivery of Amazon orders. </p>
<p>How big are the boxes? Does that mean the drones will have to be larger to match the box size? How long will it take a competitor like United Parcel, FedEx, or even the United States Post Office to initiate a Drone-Delivery Program? What’s to say they won’t fly into each other? How high will they fly? What does it mean to other airspace vehicles like helicopters, etc. if anything. And the obvious question. What happens when the drone accidental drops a package during delivery? Suppose the package falls on a moving automobile, a pedestrian, or group of children walking to school. The point being, there needs to be airspace regulation before we fill the air with drones flying all over the place. So far, no major issues but we are in the early stages.</p>
<p>The one thing we always take from these type holiday seasons is that our time is brief on earth. Especially around New Year’s Day. While younger, we may think we have a long time for whatever. The sudden realization in our thirties is a reminder that our time-clock is ticking. Anytime after that, most of us grasped the idea that we have an expiration date. We don’t have to like it, but we all are going to die. </p>
<p>Our legacy is in our hands. It’s up to us to leave behind a positive impression to anyone who has an interest that we once lived on this earth. Maybe a lot of people don’tcare or think it’s a depressing thought. For me, earning money is no longer my mantra. It is important that anyone looking up my name will find my writings. In which they will also find that I cared deeply about my family, friends, country, and heritage. I would also add God first and foremost. That for me is legacy enough. How about you?</p>
<p>Happy Holliday’s to you and yours. I’m looking forward to an eventful 2019. </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II </p>
<p> Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> </p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="http://tis-the-2018-holiday-season">tis-the-2018-holiday-season</a></p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>Based on 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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a><em> </em></p>
<p>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p><em>Look for our new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. Not because we think we are so great but that you understand there are people out there that think as you do – Hamp</em></p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425852018-11-19T09:11:40-08:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Golden State Warriors after KD<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Peace & Blessing…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><u> </u></p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="https://hcofa.net/2018/11/19/warriors-after-kd/">https://wp.me/p65rCa-kV</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p><u>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at </u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
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<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
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<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425862018-11-09T06:56:50-08:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Women + Democrats = Political Fairness<p>I, like all of us, have been lucky enough to have a mother. Yes, I am trying to be clever. What I’m clumsily trying to point out is the motherly instinct in most women. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules. But let’s stay on point.</p>
<p>A large majority of women have a natural tendency for fairness in my opinion. You can hear it in their conversations, see it by their actions toward others. It may not always be visible while protecting their realm of responsibility, but there is always a presence. It just seems to me they have a natural tendency to protect <u>all </u>within their environment. That same protection extends to other environments they work in or have some other association. It is a tendency that calls for common sense decisions to be effective at creating a protective cocoon.</p>
<p>Their frankness, honesty, along with social abilities are all on display as they make a decision that is all-inclusive. These are traits that make for a skilled politician. One who doesn’t have a private agenda looks forward to working with people who have diametrically challenging ideas.</p>
<p>A large influx of women was elected across the country during the mid-terms. I look forward to their service. Why, because some of the men holding office today? Especially Trump followers or wanna-bes, they wouldn’t make an above average dog catcher. For some, what is fair for all doesn’t concern them. Politics for them seem always to be personal power or in some way profitable.</p>
<p>I am insulted when you see a congressmen or senator spouting the party line the last couple of years. We can always recognize the talking points as we’ve already seen two people on other channels by saying the same thing. It doesn’t have to make sense; they are just following the edict from the White House, Speaker of the House or Senate Majority Leader. Always playing to a certain constituency which is not the majority in this country is un-American. Stroking the egos of people who don’t care about right, wrong, or fairness is almost criminal. The only one who is satisfied is Trump, their supreme leader.</p>
<p>Think about it. The Republicans party championed and passed a large tax cut that benefits the wealthy. They were not concerned with the deficit while crafting the plan. But now the deficit is their primary concern. The party, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, must cut entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare to erase the deficit. You tell me, is this action best for all concerned?</p>
<p>Or another favorite, retiring Senator Jeff Flake stating he is still not sure Brett Kavanaugh told the truth at the hearings. Then why did he vote for the man? Flake, please! These type men will be the first to tell you that they are for Country first and self-gain last. Sure they are…and the earth is flat.</p>
<p>And the guy in charge of the White House? He is devoid of anything resembling common sense. He has a neurotic approach to every problem that crosses his desk. Every day, he shows us who he is in capital letters. I don’t know about you, but I knew who he was before he got elected as president.</p>
<p>Before the mid-term elections, McConnell warned the Democrats to toe the line if they win the majority in the House of Representative. Afterward, Trump warned there would be political war if they pursue constitutional directional oversight against him. He wants to protect his kingdom. Never mind what is best for the country. For my money thank God Democrats are in the House majority. That is one of the positive outcomes from the 2018 Mid-terms. Beginning in January, Democrats will have the power to say: <em>Hold up White House, wait just a minute. Let me see the document in your records. No? Then I will subpoena all the records including your live sworn testimony.</em> Yes! Once again, we have checks and balances in our government.</p>
<p>Remember, the 116<sup>th</sup> new Congress will not be sworn in until January 3, 2019. Not wasting time, Trump fired Sessions, replaced him with a partisan political fan. Plenty of time between now and then for fast-track regulation from the Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives. Look for a slew of Executive Orders from Trump from here on out. Whether they make sense or not.</p>
<p>Then again, the Democrats are not stupid. As noted, they are the checks and balances in the system. So, let’s see how it goes the next two months before they are sworn in.</p>
<p>Peace & Blessing…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><u> </u></p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="https://hcofa.net/2018/11/09/women-democrats-political-fairness/">https://wp.me/p65rCa-kQ</a></p>
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<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p><u>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at </u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
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<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
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<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425872018-10-11T05:56:13-07:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Join Us, Vote Them Out of Office<p>Well…where do I start. Why don’t we summarize? That way I won’t get so long winded. The Donald still occupies 1600 Pennsylvania. Congress is still eating out of the palm of his hand. On a given day, Thirty-five to Thirty-seven percent of some group of people support Trump no matter what he has done, is doing or will do in the future. I, just like most of you are unsure what number of people that percentage is supposed to belong too. I am beginning to think like Hillary and numerous others. They are strange, very strange. I do know that thirty-seven from one hundred leaves sixty-three. What that means well over a majority of some people doesn’t like Donald’s policies. As you know, the new supreme court justice is sworn in despite the baggage of sexual misconduct claims. We are in such a crisis in America today. Our entire way of living along with what this nation is supposed to champion is being run over by the Donald Confusion Express. There is a solution to the problem.</p>
<p><strong>The big mantra today is to vote, vote, vote, and vote. Go to </strong><strong><a href="https://vote.gov/">https://vote.gov/</a></strong><strong> for details. There is no reason for you not to vote.</strong></p>
<p>Let’s not get caught with our pants down as we did in 2016. For God’s sake let’s not repeat that disaster. For God’s, our parents, cousins, and all America’s sake let’s make a change in political representatives during these mid-term elections. We can no longer stand by while whatever is growing in the white house fully develops. The little orange man as someone called him is just getting started with changing this country into a place we don’t recognize as the United States of America.</p>
<p>Remember when civility was a common practice in Congress? Do you remember when Democrats and Republicans would go to lunch together? There was a time when collectively they would come up with good ideas for the betterment of this country. Now all you have is partisanship. Up is down, down is up and the only thing that is constant? Every day we are getting screwed by the Republican political representatives in power.</p>
<p>I don’t blame anyone for not tuning in every day to see or hear what they are taking away from us. Some days I have to let it go to maintain a sense of reality. On those days, I wander around searching for truth and justice from anybody, anywhere about anything. I just long to hear something that makes sense; is not a damn lie.</p>
<p>I remember when politics was not a dirty word. Watching a debate now is like watching a wrestling match. You know its fake, but you cannot believe the inhuman spectacle before your eyes. Integrity, fairness, indeed the truth is buried in a sea of grunts, nicknames, outright lies that have now confused the media. Have you noticed they are looking for ways to justify the lying of Donald as some abnormal physic analytical defect in Trump? Me, I prefer the old black person’s description…” He is a damn lie, and the truth isn’t in him.”</p>
<p>Keep it simple. Keep it real as my daddy would say. “That cat has a problem. I am glad I don’t have to be around him. Or I might catch whatever the hell it is.</p>
<p>Listen, do me and the rest of the country a favor. Why don’t we, the sixty-three percent vote in large numbers to effect policy direction change? For people of color, what’s left of the middle class, Americans from all walks of life. For all those who not only envision but are witnessing the death of our rights, laws, and moral compass. Are we going the way of the German people before World War II? Are we becoming blind to the trampling of our rights by a select few? Are we to stand by while our country’s way of conducting its business is scrapped; replaced by whatever Donald wants on any given day?</p>
<p>We start by voting. Not registered, click on <strong><a href="https://vote.gov/">https://vote.gov/</a></strong> Need to check to ensure you are registered. Want to know your voter ID requirements in your local area? Go to <strong><a href="https://vote.gov/">https://vote.gov/</a></strong></p>
<p>It doesn’t matter how far we must go, how long we must stand in line. We have got to turn this trend around during the midterm. Join me like millions of others as we let our collective voice be heard over the fake news cries or howling from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Vote for a Democrat to stop the Donald.</p>
<p><strong><em>After all, it’s</em></strong><strong><em> our country, not some rich folk play toy. </em></strong></p>
<p>Peace & Blessing…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Codis Hampton II</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><u> </u></p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="https://hcofa.net/2018/10/11/join-us-vote-them-out-of-office/">https://wp.me/p65rCa-kK</a></p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p><u>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at </u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
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<p><span class="aligncenter"><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/vote-logos-clip-art-5508725.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="vote-logos-clip-art-5508725" height="221" width="207" /></span></p>
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<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
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Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/59425882018-09-11T07:48:43-07:002019-10-29T09:39:05-07:00Celebrating Our 50th Wedding Anniversary<p>My wife and I celebrated our 50<sup>th</sup> Wedding Anniversary on Saturday at the Pittsburg Senior Center. Our actual anniversary was on August 31<sup>st</sup>. We choose to celebrate it on Saturday, September 1st to get the venue for the party. Family, friends were in attendance on a holiday weekend. Relatives from our hometown, friends from near and far made it even more of an extraordinary celebration.</p>
<p><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc_0553.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_0553" height="197" width="295" /></p>
<p>Our son, Richie “Tycoon” Hampton acted as the Master of Ceremony. He also performed his releases, “Family,” and “Ain’t Goin Nowhere.”</p>
<p><span class="alignnone"><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc_0391-copy.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_0391 - Copy" height="534" width="800" /></span></p>
<p>The “Called-2-Praise” Dancers performed to the Fantasia & Tye Tribbett collaboration of “I Made It.” They did an encore dance to “Your Spirit” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. All were excellent at their craft.</p>
<p>Our Guest brought gifts, cards, although please believe me when I say, we were not expecting that type of support. Maybe we were just naïve in thinking people would not show their support with beautiful gifts. To us it was about sharing a special milestone in our lives with some of the people we treasure as friends and family. There were those who could not be there for a multitude of reasons and was kind enough to let us know. Just know that by being invited, Sandra and I consider you to be an essential part of our walk of life.</p>
<p>All in attendance will get a heartfelt “Thank You” package via the US mail or personally delivered to you. We will add pictures of the event, and a personal note of our gratitude. Please be patient for that. Again, it was so amazing to look out over the audience and see people who we have met at one time or another and try to keep as friends in our lives. It took us a while to learn to associate with individuals who share common goals and beliefs yet remain special in their own way. For the most part, they and we are people who shy away from the drama of living but hone in on the joy along with rewards that God has planned for us. Just know that friends and family in that hall plus some that were not in attendance have a special place reserved in our hearts. After all, you are real people.</p>
<p>Some may wonder how do you end up staying together for so long much less fifty years? One answer is we never thought about it with each passing year. There was never a shortage of love and respect from either one of us. I would say that is one of the major components that helped us through the trying times. The big one for me is communication between the two of us.</p>
<p>We started out as friends, lovers and running buddies. I thought I knew all about life and she let me feel so. No doubt I have good common sense but not as much as I might think I have at times. She challenged me at every turn which kept me on my toes. I was and still are under enormous pressure not to fail or disappoint her. She amazed me with her patience with family, people, and events. A trait that I sometimes struggle with today. We always had each other best interest at heart, no matter the situation.</p>
<p>A Leo man and Aries woman, two fiery combatable yet compatible signs. Some had reservations about us staying together for a week much less than a year. And here we have surpassed fifty years? Wow! What a trip. In short, we don’t really know how we did it. We do know that we come from families that had histories of staying together through thick and thin. I do remember telling her in the very beginning. She didn’t marry any member of my family. Nor did I marry any member of hers. It was going to me and her from then on out, no matter what anybody thought or how they would advise either of us. Having said that our parents and many others thought we were a cute couple. They cheered for a successful long union. Those who have passed would be proud.</p>
<p>I should add we made up our mind to not have a big wedding. One reason is that we didn’t have big money. Besides, we didn’t think a big wedding was necessary at the time. We made an appointment to be at City Hall on a specific date and time. We got married in front of a justice of the peace. One of my best friends, Jr. Ballentine was there as a witness. That morning of August 31, 1968, we walked down to City Hall as neither of us had a car. After the short but tender ceremony, we walked eight or nine blocks to a tavern. Where I got into a pool game. Eventually, my new wife got tired of waiting for me. She walked back to her mothers’ house while Jr and I stayed at the tavern shooting pool. We hooked up again later that evening.</p>
<p>Now let me explain how it was with my buddies and me back in the day. There were no traditions that we hip folk followed at the time. If one were to traditionally zig, just to be different, we would zag. Our generation felt the old people had screwed up society so bad, the only option we had was to tear it up and rebuild it. So, to ensure your understanding of the point, the type of tradition didn’t matter. We realized we were following our parent’s example of getting married when they were young. Funny how some of life’s historical patterns repeats itself.</p>
<p><span class="alignnone"><img src="https://hcofa.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc_0396.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_0396" height="415" width="623" /></span></p>
<p>Our love and appreciation to Gloria Jones (Event Planner) along with her crew in providing logistical support for the entire affair. Thanks to the attendees love and support shown…</p>
<p>Peace & Blessing…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,</p>
<p>Codis Hampton II</p>
<p>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a><u> </u></p>
<p>Subscribe to this blog at<a href="https://hcofa.net/2018/09/11/celebrating-our-50th-wedding-anniversary/"> https://wp.me/p65rCa-kA</a></p>
<p>Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a></p>
<p><em>We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, <strong>Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. </strong>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, <strong>Misguided Intentions</strong>. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at </em><a href="https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions">https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions</a> <em> </em></p>
<p><u>Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at </u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="http://hcoa.net/">http://hcoa.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.chiia.com/home.html">http://www.chiia.com/home.html</a>. Our Retail Site is <a href="https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com">https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com</a></p>
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<p>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment</p>
Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/35645662015-02-28T01:27:38-08:002022-05-29T12:21:41-07:00Black Legends of the Wild, Wild West, Part iV<em>This is the fourth and final article of a Four Part Series on Black Folks, who helped to tame the west. First we looked at US Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves, followed by Mary Fields aka Stagecoach Mary. Then James Pierson Beckwourth, American Mountain Man and our final legend from the old west is Nat (pronounced Nate) Love aka Deadwood Dick and a few others. </em><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/cbfd2403f9c00ab04e3f7d75e6857ebba60b8073/original/nat-love-and-3-little-cowpokes.jpg?1425115416" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="400" style="width: 377px;" />If I told you that it was reasonable to assume that one out of every three cowboys, or even three out of every five in the old west were men of color, would you believe me? Keep in mind the duties of cowboys, especially drover’s included driving herds of cows over a long distant, often forging new trails, facing rustlers of all colors and creed, land barons looking to make a fast buck for allowing passage, and the always possibility of losing a small number of the cows along the way if not the entire herd. They had to manage the heat, wind or rain storms and lighting that may spook the cattle into a stampede.<br>Ever seen movies where the herd is restless on a dark night with the sound of accidental gunfire, thunder or lightning, maybe even the rattling of chuck wagons metal plates and cups sets them off. All trail hands mount up to stop them from running off a cliff or running themselves to deaths. Every seen the width of the horns on a Texas longhorn cow or steer? Imagine riding a galloping horse in the dark trying to avoid gopher holes and other obstacles on the ground. All while turning those puppies running at speeds up to twenty-five, thirty-five or even forty-miles-per hour depending on their size and what frightened them. <br>Once the remainder of the herd was delivered to the loading pens, the trail hands job was finished. They were off to celebrate a long hard journey by whatever amused them at the time. As depicted in the movies, since these were underpaid and overworked young men, they looked for quick thrills. There was then, as is now for that matter, nothing like wine, women and song to provide a day and night to remember for a young man. I remember one night in South Korea in 1962…me and…whoops, sorry I almost forgot this story is about the old west. <br>Those cowhands that worked in the loading pens were considered less than the trail hands. You had to walk among the cattle prodding them along to different parts of the stockyard. Sometimes those cattle had been in those pens for days, eating, drinking water and releasing waste of all kinds’ right where they stood. So walking around in those pens could be difficult, made even worse if you are trying to cut out the group of cows from a large corral. Or steer, by prodding a bunch of cows with long poles, one at a time up a ramp for the purpose of loading them onto a train’s cattle car. Thus the name “cowpuncher” was awarded to these men. That could be dirty and nasty work for even less pay than a trail hand. Recorders of History via books, and writers of movie, TV scripts have all grouped these individual that handle cows on ranches, trail drives and pens at the end of the trail as “Cowboys.” Now I ask again, if I told you on an average, one out of every three Cowboys were men of color would you believe me?<br>Before, and even more freed and former slaves after the Civil War filled these low paying jobs. This was during a time (late 1860’s to mid-1890’s) when the big herds were being driven from the west to eastern shipping points and beyond. Most still earned less than their white counterparts. Emancipated Blacks contributed to filling a workforce void of white men because of the huge number of manpower lost by the Confederacy and Union States alike. Add that to losses in the West, such as the Indian Wars, rampant diseases, land rights skirmishes, and Saturday night shoot-outs or just overall drunken gunfights. One can see why the life expectancy for those type individuals (cowboys, gunslingers & outlaws) was around thirty-five.<br>There were over 186, 000 black people serving in the Union Armies. A very small number served in the Confederacy, most until the first chance they had to run away from the masters who had them there to fill the dirtiest jobs that Southerners did not want to do. At war's end, the Union Army established colored units from those men who fought during the Civil War. There were four infantry units and two Cavalry regiments. All units accepted new recruits who were fit for duty. This was also a way for emancipated blacks to earn a living and get an education while gaining respect from most in the nation as part of the Armed Services of the United States. All units, 24<sup>th</sup>, 25<sup>th</sup>, 38<sup>th</sup>, 40<sup>th</sup>, and 41<sup>st</sup> Infantry regiments along with the 9<sup>th</sup> and 10<sup>th</sup> Cavalry were stationed in the south-western Plains.<br>This was right in the heart of the Indian Wars being fought on behalf of the residents and new settlers to the area. By now you have heard of the term “Buffalo Soldiers.” A term of respect for their bravery bestowed upon the 9<sup>th</sup> and 10<sup>th</sup> Cavalry by the Cheyenne and Comanche Indians. The Buffalo Soldiers fought Indians, cattle rustlers, Mexican revolutionaries, outlaw gangs, all while patrolling small ranches and railway construction lines. They contributed to building military outposts and erected telegraph lines. <br>Some call him the most famous black cowboy of them all. <strong>Nat (pronounced Nate) Love </strong>was born a slave, in Davidson County, Tennessee in 1854. Reading was against the law for slaves, nevertheless, as a child, he was taught how to read and write by his father, Sampson. After slavery had ended, his father, once a slave foreman in the fields, and his wife (Nat’s mother, a former manager of the plantations kitchen) settled on a small farm. Sampson Love died after the second years planting of tobacco and corn crops. Nat had to take a job on a neighboring farm to help out with the dwindling family finances. <br> After a few more years of odd jobs in the area, he left for the west. He was in search of a better life and earning a living while yearning for a free young man’s adventurous lifestyle. He met Bronco Jim, one of the black cowboys who were part of a Texas bunch preparing to return home after delivering their herd to Dodge City, Kansas. Asking for a job, the trail boss agreed to hire him if he rode and broke one of the orneriest horses in the outfit. Bronco Jim, his name giving his profession, gave his newfound friend a few quick pointe<u>r</u>s. Albeit the toughest ride of his life, he survived the ride and was hired.<br>It didn’t take him long to be indoctrinated into the hard life of a cowboy. After being involved in Indian hostile’s attacks and fighting off rustlers, he took every chance he could to practice shooting his forty-five pistol. He became a marksman with the weapon. He left his Texas Panhandle job and landed in Arizona working with Mexican vaqueros. Nat picked up the Spanish language and learned to identify cattle brands. The spring of 1876 saw his outfit head out for Deadwood City in the Dakota Territory to deliver three thousand head of cattle. They rode into town on the day before the Fourth of July celebrations.<br>The betting members in the town had put together a sporting event in honor of the holiday. It was a contest ideal to show off the expertise of a cowboy. $200 (equal to $5000 today) would be awarded to the best man who could rope, throw, tie bridles, saddle and ride some of the wildest mustangs, chosen for the contest. Note the winner had to perform the feat quicker than any other in the contest. There were a dozen men, six of them black, who entered the event. Nat completed the task in nine minutes, three minutes and twelve seconds better than his closest competitor, another black cowboy. Next was rifle and Colt shooting event. Each contestant was to fire rifle twelve shots, and the same amount of pistol rounds at a black bull’s eye target placed at 100 and 250 yards. Nat hit the bull’s-eye on all his rifle shots with ten of the twelve pistol shots hitting the target almost dead center. Nat Love’s display of his cowboy skills and marksmanship earned him the $200 in prize money so much so that Deadwood City town folk gave him the name of “Deadwood Dick.”<br>The words of Nat “Deadwood Dick” Love which appears in his self-authored 1907 autobiography, entitled “Life and Adventures of Nat Love, Better Known in the Cattle Country ad ‘Deadwood Dick’ by Himself.” are descriptive of a specific era in our history. He wrote, <em>“It has now been many years since I quit the range, and as my mind wanders back over those years as it often does, memories both pleasant and sad pass in review and it is but fitting that I record a few of them as a final to the history of my life which has been so full of action, which is but natural as the men of those days were men of action.</em><em> They had to be, and probably their actions were not all good, that I freely admit, but while that is so, it is equally so that their actions were not all bad, far from it. And in the history of the frontier there is recorded countless heroic deeds performed, deeds and actions that required an iron nerve, self denial in all that these words imply, the sacrificing of one life to save the life of a stranger or a friend. Deeds that stamped the men of the western plains as men worthy to be called men, and while not many of them would shine particularly in the polite society of today or among the 400 of Gotham, yet they did shine big and bright in the positions and at a time when men lived and died for a principle, and in the line of duty. A man who went to the far west or who claimed it as his home in the early days found there a life far different from that led by the dude of Fifth Avenue. There a man's work was to be done, and a man's life to be lived, and when death was to be met, he met it like a man.”</em> <br>Nat Love worked as a Pullman porter on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in the latter part of his life. He died (1921) in Los Angeles, California at the ripe old age of sixty-seven, some thirty-two years beyond the life expectancy of his peers from that era.<br>Men like <strong>“One Horse Charlie,”</strong> a black cowboy who reportedly rode with the Shoshone Indian tribe.<br>There are numerous black cowboys from that era. Men like <strong>Bronco Sam, </strong>who once rode a longhorn steer on a dare. This after his crew roped and saddled the animal for the black bronco-buster. He rode the bucking and frightened steer down the main street of Cheyenne, Wyoming followed by his crew yelling in encouragement. After seeing its own reflection in the glass window of a clothing storefront, the animal charged through the window directly at his reflection. Store shoppers and clerks went diving to get out of the way of this bucking animal. People on the outside watched as the animal turned back toward the hole he had made with is entrance. He ran, still bucking and trying to toss off Bronco Sam, who was still in the saddle. His horns had a few store items, underwear, pants, coats, and other assorted pieces of or whole garments. It was reported that Bronco Sam shouted after dismounting the steer now once again roped to be led back to the herd, “I brought out a suit of clothes for everybody in the crew.” Bronco Sam rode back into town and paid the shopkeeper $350 he said was owed him for the damages.<br>Then there is <strong>Jesse Stahl,</strong> who competed in an early 1900 Rodeo in Oregon. He felt he was cheated out of an outstanding first place ride by a racist judge who awarded his second place. In protest, Jesse rode his next bronco facing backward with a suitcase in his hand, just to show off his abilities for all to see. <br>Other men like <strong>Addison Jones, Range Boss, (1845-1926)</strong> aka “Nigger Add” or “Old Add.” He was a range boss for the LFD outfit where he led a crew of south Texas black cowboys. A man whose recognized cowboy skills in western Texas- eastern Mexico labeled him as “the most noted Negro cowboy that ever ‘topped off’ a horse.”<br><strong>Bose Ikard (1843-1929)</strong>, born a slave in Mississippi, arrive in Texas as a child with his owner Dr. Milton L. Ikard. After the Emancipation Proclamation, he stayed on with the Doctor as an employee until 1866. At which time he joined a trail drive to Colorado in the employ of Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. Eventually, he worked for Oliver Loving, who was killed in a skirmish against the Comanche’s and then as a tracker, cowboy and de facto banker for Charles Goodnight. The “Goodnight Loving Cattle Trail” was named after his bosses. Upon his death, Goodnight, paid for a grave marker for Bose Ikard. On it he inscribed “<em>with me four years on the Goodnight-Loving Trail, never shirked duty or disobeyed an order, rode with me in many stampedes, participated in three engagements with Comanche’s, splendid behavior.</em> C. Goodnight.”<br>Goodnight was quoted by the Weatherford Daily Herald in June of 1929, saying <em>"I have trusted him farther than any living man. He was my detective, banker, and everything else in Colorado, New Mexico, and the other wild country I was in.”</em> <br><strong>Authors Note:</strong> I was proud to learn that the character of Joshua Deets (portrayed by actor Danny Glover) in one of my favorite cowboy movies, the TV mini-series, <strong>Lonesome Dove </strong>was based on Bose Ikard. By the way, Lonesome Dove’s four episodes in 1989 were Co-Executive Produced by Motown’s Suzanne De Passe. It has an outstanding all-star cast and storyline. A storyline I also learned while doing the research for this article is based on the lives of Oliver Loving and Charles Goodnight. This is why I love American history.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/221b34ed7fc5f17643711f933e40fae75c9e4737/original/isom-dart.jpg?1425115549" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="558" style="width: 196px;" />Not so final, but finally for this article is <strong>Ned Huddleston (aka</strong> <strong>Isom Dart) (1849-1900). </strong>Born as a slave in Arkansas he later earned such nicknames as the “Black Fox” and the “Calico Cowboy”. He ended up in Texas as a twelve-year-old in the company of his owner in 1861, a Confederate Officer during the Civil War. After the war, he left for the southern Texas-Mexico border region. He found work as a stunt rider which enhanced his horse skills. He was labeled as an Outlaw while working with Terresa, a young Mexican bandit as they rustled horses in Mexico. They brought the stolen mounts back across the Texas border, selling them for cash.<br>By 1875, he’d join up with the Tip Gault cattle and horse rustling Gang working out of southeastern Wyoming. The gang was eventually ambushed by an angry rancher and his men. Everyone but Ned Huddleston was killed in the gunfight. Changing his name to Isom Dart, he began a new life of hard work as a bronco buster.<br>Around 1890, he became a rancher, even though, some of the Brown’s Hole locals felt he built up his herd with stolen cattle from their ranches. They hired the infamous Tom Horn, a range detective, to handle the matter. Horn, as was his style to take no chances, ambushed, killing Isom Dart on October 3, 1900. Some in the area were convinced of his guilt by the ranchers who hired Tom Horn. Others were not so sure as they saw a changed man in Isom Dart. They felt that cattlemen wanting his land were the real reason for the charge and killing.<br><strong>Final Authors Note: </strong>For western yore and cowboy movie buffs like me, this has been a pleasure researching and writing this series. Doubling so because the stars are black like me. For all minorities, it is never too late to learn about your history and how America was built by people of all races, colors and creed. That is the beauty of the computer and internet, no one can tell you different. There are too many to credit here, but a heartfelt thank you to all that have documented the information I found in research, including some that have died but left books. I do have my sources on file. <br>One more request if you will. I know that we are in an instantaneous cycle as for as delivering and interpreting information and news. Let me caution people of color. We are individually responsible for ensuring we get information that is not only credible but inclusively thorough. Too many reporters in the majority of media outlets are settling for the headline grabber without completing the authentication process. As a kid, I never heard of the individuals noted in this article. Yet they lived, and made history that was not being reported during my childhood. Let’s not fall for the <em>Okie-doke</em> again. <strong> </strong> <br>Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,<br> <br>Codis Hampton II <br> <br>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> <br><br>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-89">http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-89</a><br> <br>Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a><br> <br>Get my latest book, a collection of my blogs from 1999 through 2014. It’s entitled The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp. Go to the following Authors page link for details. <a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232">http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232</a><br> <br>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hampscofa.net/">https://hampscofa.net/</a><br> Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/35463132015-02-20T15:45:25-08:002020-10-09T02:20:18-07:00Black Legends of The Wild, Wild West, Part III<em>This is the third article of a Four Part Series on Black Folks, who helped to tame the west. First we looked at US Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves, followed by Mary Fields aka Stagecoach Mary. Today we examine the life of James Pierson Beckwourth, American Mountain Man.<br> </em><br>There is some discrepancy as to when James Pierson Beckwourth was born. Was it 1798 or 1800? There is no disputed of the facts about the impact he had on discovering what came to be known as the Beckwourth Pass and subsequent Trail. A trail that went through the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Reno, Nevada and Portola, California, and in which thousands of settlers found their way into central California.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/d76a24176380d7d50fb0ef5e1a6fca8b647f0162/original/beckwourth.jpg?1424475388" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="303" style="width: 202px;" />He was a mulatto, son of a black slave mother (third or thirteen children), who’s father was Sir Jennings Beckwith, an English white man. As prescribed by the law at the time, his father raised him as his own son. Yet legally, young James was considered a slave. His biography states that his father appeared in court, once in 1824, 1825, and 1826. All in an effort to “acknowledged the execution of a Deed of Emancipation from him to James, a mulatto boy.”<br>James, or Jim as he was sometimes called, was the only black person who recorded his exploits during the discovery and subsequent settlement of the old western frontier. While dictating his autobiography to Thomas D. Bonner (Traveling Justice of the Peace with corrupt reputation) in 1854-55 California gold fields, it was thought he stretched the truth. Later, some historians accused him of lying, although they may have had reasons for not wanting, who they called “a mongrel of mixed blood” to get credit for any discovery or good deed. Although many of the exploits detailed in the autobiography passed the truth test by others who substantiated his accounts of what happened, James role in events almost always made him the eventual hero. Many of his acquaintances who took part in forging trails and exploring the West didn’t see themselves as heroes but more of doing what they had to do to survive. That is probably why they viewed his 1856 book, (<strong><em>The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth, Mountaineer, Scout, and Pioneer, and Chief of the Crow Nation of Indians, published by Harper and Brothers) </em></strong>as something of a joke. See Note 1.<br>Excluding those events that were substantiated by others as being accurate and true, James did have a way of exaggerating the numbers of Indians that attacked a particular exploration outpost or trading post. Historians found that some of the dates were also wrong or off by a couple of years. Some did consider the fact that the James dictation of events happened more than a few years and in some instances, decades earlier. They also found that correcting the misspelling of names in the book actually helped to authenticate the events. Most of the misspelling of names was attributed to Judge Thomas D. Bonners transcribing what he thought he heard from James Beckwourth. In the end, the book is now considered be an excellent account of life with the Crow for instance, or for life and hardships during a very historical era in our American History.<br> <br>Captured by Crow Warriors (James account to his biographer) or assigned to the Rock Mountain Fur Company to the tribe to facilitate trade, according to a guess by independent sources (whoever they were and how independent were they is the question). James stay with the Crow Indian Tribe began sometime around 1828. He spent the next eight to nine years with them. Documents confirmed his eventual leadership role as a War Chief. James told his biographer he was appointed as the Chief of the Crow Nation<u> immediately after </u>the death of Chief Arapooish (Rotten Belly) <br>A restless man who tired of routines quickly, the fall of 1837 found him headed for Seminole country and the war they carried out against the white man. By October, his travels led him to the Florida Everglades as head of a band of Express Riders and Muleteers. He was to be paid $50 per month. His account of the incidents was accurate. It was not the adventure James had hoped for as the initial mission ended with men and horses stranded for days on a reef until rescued by a steam boat. This after the small boats carrying riders and horses ran into a killer storm which was too much for the inexperienced mountain men. There were no heroes in this story of men being fired for refusing to continue their mission on foot.<br>It was written that James Beckwourth also accurately described the Okeechobee Battle the following Christmas Day of the same year. Later, and for the next ten months he scouted while carrying messages and military dispatches from point to point. His job had become boring to him so he left for St Louis, where he was without a job for five days.<br>Once again, he was in his element, working again for The American Fur Company in the land of the Cheyenne, Sioux, and Arapaho Indians. By the way, all three were enemies of the Crow tribe. As the agent-in-charge, they were sent to Fort Vasquez via the Santa Fe Trail. That trade expedition lasted two years after having a very successful first year.<br><br>His California connection came during January of 1844. A year later he was involved in the settler’s revolt against Mexican control of California. After experiencing the highs and lows of a marriage (Luisa Sandoval), independently traded with the Cheyenne angered his former employees. So much so, they tried to kick him, his wife, along with their almost thirty other settler families, out of the newly built Pueblo (now Colorado) trading post. This is why he is credited with helping found the town of Pueblo, Colorado. After being on the road again, James returned to Pueblo to find that Luisa had married another man. James said her current husband had produced a document that stated James wanted to be free from Luisa. He decided not to pursue the matter, once again becoming single. <br>Leaving, he wound up in Santa Fe and entering into a partnership with an acquaintance in ownership of a hotel. Outside of being an excellent trader as evidenced by his trade with the Indians, he more or less left the administration of the hotel matters in the hands of his partner. James continued to do what he did best, scout, and blaze trails while carrying dispatches from the Army. News of the massacre of all the Americans living in Taos angered all settlers in the area including James whose former boss, friends and acquaintances were among the dead. After the Indians and Mexican rebels defeat, he managed to witness the January, 1847 hangings which many saw as revenge for the Taos massacre. This in keeping with his uncanny fortunate or misfortune in some cases to be at a historic event and in most case is involved in many ways.<br><br>Such was the same with his trek to the California Gold Fields in the fall of 1848. There is the authenticated report James discovering a grisly murder of the family, servants and visitors at the San Miguel Mission. While on an assigned route on the Monterey to Nipomo mail route, he almost tripped over a man’s body located in the house. He recalled the notion to look no further and rode to get a posse. He returned to the house to find the entire gross scene of eleven murdered family members (husband William Reed), wife, her infant child, a midwife, along with other children and Indian servants. The perpetrators tried to burn the Reed’s house bodies and dwelling, but the fire died out. It turned out they were still in the house when James first entered and was intending to shoot him if he had opened a door behind which they were hiding. The posse caught the murderers near Santa Barbara. Beckwourth bio went on to state there were “two Americans, two Englishmen, and ten Irishmen,” responsible for the hideous killings. Others put the number at four men, one of which drowned in an attempt to escape the posse. The thought was that James Beckwourth biographer, Judge Bonner misunderstood the words <u>an</u> <u>Irishmen</u> to be <u>ten</u> <u>Irishmen </u>as James recounted the incident to him to transcribe. James did dictate the murderer’s fate as tried in his words, “we shot them, including the state’s evidence.” Meaning the one murderer who told them what happened while hoping to be spared immediate death, and sentenced to imprisonment for turning states evidence. At least that is how historians interpreted this account. As to who tried them, or where anyone would go to prison, well that’s another story not told here. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/1258911872a7c7bee8b19fb75a2eca08bad6f01c/original/james-beckwourth.jpg?1424475536" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="419" style="width: 188px;" />1850 found James (Jim) P. Beckwourth in northern California prospecting for gold. Without going into the descriptive details of his thoughts as written, he correctly surmised that a pass he found would accommodate horse or mule pulled wagons headed into what was called the American Valley (Central California). It would be especially helpful to those people coming from the east. It was the lowest mountain pass and a direct route through the Sierra Nevada Mountains which was no small discovery at the time. It actually saved travelers approximately 150 miles whereas they avoided having to climb several steep slopes like Donner Summit. Remember the Donner Party (1846-47) being caught there having to stay the winter. His discovery is currently called Beckwourth Pass.<br>After working to develop the trail during that summer, and well into the spring and summer of 1851, he led the first wagon train of settlers over the trail into Marysville, California. He was supposed to be paid for his discovery and efforts by the Marysville business community and other local gold towns. However, (also summer of 1851) when he tried to collect his earnings, Marysville blamed their inability to pay on two major fires that economically hindered the town. Subsequently he had no other recourse but to accept their reasoning. As a black man, he could not sue for damages (see Note 2) in a California Court. Other wagon trains and travelers used the Beckwourth Trail and Pass up through 1855 and beyond. Even as the railroad became the preferred method of travel to California in 1855. In fact, the Western Pacific Railroad (at the time) used the route to cross the Sierra’s running along the Feather River.<br>Ever the enterprising trader, Beckwourth established his ranch and trading post in the valley just west of the pass. Add his hotel to the area located in the Sierra Valley that is now called Beckwourth, California. This is the site and timeframe upon which his biography was dictated to Judge Thomas D. Bonner, who produced the book. According to a contract, James Beckwourth was to receive half the proceeds from the book from Bonner, which never happened. Reportedly James stayed here until 1858. He left for Missouri in 1859, eventually settling in Denver, Colorado that same year. He was employed as a storekeeper and was also appointed as Indian agent by Denver’s City Council.<br><br>By 1864, he was forced to act as a scout against the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians which led to the infamous Sand Creek Massacre. The massacre resulted in ending any further contact or interaction between Beckwourth and the Cheyenne or Arapaho tribes. <br>In 1866, while acting as a scout for Forts Laramie and Kearny, he suffered nosebleeds and headaches which complicated the carrying out of his mission or assignments. Finally, he returned to his beloved Crow Indians along the Bighorn River where he died on October 29, 1866. He was placed on an elevated platform (customary of the Crow) in Laramie, Albany County, Wyoming. <br> <br>Note 1: Bonner edited or “polished up” Beckwourth rough narrative, and submitted the book to the eventual publisher, Harper and Brothers in 1856. Despite its flaws in dates and misspelling of subjects name, historians have touted the book as an acceptable reference of Frontier Life. It also provides a look at government policies regarding alcohol, diseases, massacres, and war. <br>Note 2: In 1996, the Promoters of Beckwourth Frontier Days was instrumental in renaming Marysville’s largest park to Beckwourth Riverfront Park. This act was in direct recognition of the unpaid debt owed to James P. Beckwourth causing the following growth of the city. <br>Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,<br> <br>Codis Hampton II<br> <br>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> <br><br>Subscribe to this blog at<br><br>Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a><br> <br>Get my latest book, a collection of my blogs from 1999 through 2014. It’s entitled The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp. Go to the following Authors page link for details. <a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232">http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232</a><br> <br>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hampscofa.net/">https://hampscofa.net/</a><br> <br> <br>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment<br> Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/35197032015-02-10T11:29:22-08:002020-04-09T04:58:54-07:00Black Legends of the Wild, Wild West, Part II<em>This is the second article of a Four Part Series on Black Folks, who helped to tame the west. First we looked at US Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Today we take a look at Mary Fields aka Stagecoach Mary. </em><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/54a1c33332f264ad3508c5748d6d26c585552b98/original/fields.jpg?1423596516" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="512" style="width: 287px;" />Mary Fields was born a slave in Hickman County, Tennessee sometime in 1832. She lived on the family farm. Both the farm and Mary was owned by Judge Edmund Dunn. The judge’s daughter, Dolly, was about the same age as Mary. They became good friends. It is not known who taught her, but Mary was taught to read and write.<br>She, like countless others, was also freed by the Emancipation Proclamation Act of 1863. Yet, she stayed with the Dunn family. After the Judges death and upon the death of his wife Josephine (1883), Mary took the family’s five children to join Dolly in Toledo, Ohio. This was where Dolly lived after becoming a nun, followed by being named Mother Superior Mary Amadeus.<br>A year later, Mother Superior was sent to the Montana Territory. At the request of the Jesuits, she was assigned to head a school for Indian girls at St. Peter’s Mission. Accepting the assignment she left with five Ursuline nuns heading for the mission. Their task, as the first to do so, was to create and establish a curriculum to teach Native Americans from the Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfoot, and Gros Ventre-Assiniboine Reservation located in central and eastern Montana. The cold and severe winters along with other frontier elements made the task even more daunting for the nuns. <br><br>For some unknown reason, Mary Fields stayed behind. Later, learning of Mother Amadeus bout with pneumonia, she went to the St Peters Mission aid her friend. Mother Superior Amadeus recovered and Mary ended up staying at the mission. She earned her keep by taking a job with the Ursuline nuns. The 6 foot, approximately 200 hundred pound dark-skinned black woman, was an imposing figure to the locals, no matter their race. Her duties included hauling supplies from around Cascade County, Montana area, Great Falls, or Helena to the St. Peters Mission. By now she had become hardened by the frontier life. She took to smoking harsh cigars and carrying a pistol strapped under her apron. That type life alone designated certain duties such as required including patchwork carpentry, chopping wood, cutting down small trees and digging various type holes for the mission. <br><br>Her Biography says that Native Americans of the area called her “<strong><em>White Crow</em></strong>” because <strong><em>“she acts like a white woman but has black skin.”</em></strong> One schoolgirl wrote of her in an essay, saying <strong><em>“she drinks whiskey, and she swears, and she is a republican, which makes her a low, foul creature.”</em></strong><br>She became known as a fist fighter that would protect her rights at the drop of a hat. One website reported that the Grate Falls Examiner stated <strong><em>“She broke more noses than any other person in central Montana.”</em></strong><br><br>There are different reports on the cause of a gunfight between Mary and one of the disgruntled workers at the mission. Mary was in charge, acting as the Forman, which reportedly angered this particular individual. Some say the man didn’t like to be told what to do by a black woman. But in our experience, even today, these issues are normally based upon economic reasons. The fact she was earning a reported $2 per month more that he, evidently, sent him off on a constant complaining campaign to whoever would listen. He even registered a complaint with the managing Bishop in charge of the nuns and mission. The old, why should an “uppity colored woman” make more than a man was his rant. <br><br>The man’s nerve wracking complaints caused an altercation that resulted in a shootout. One version of how it started says the man hit Mary. As she fell, she pulled her six-shooter and fired, missing the guy. He pulled his gun firing, but missing and the shootout was on. Another report says Mary went looking, found the man by a latrine he was cleaning, and fired at the man upon sight. She missed and the shootout was on. Without going into further specifics of the differing details of the subsequent shootout, in fact there were several gunshots fired by both parties in the back of the mission. Both emptied their six-shooters ending with the man getting wounded in the buttocks. The altercation caused Mary to get fired by the managing Bishop as soon as he got wind of the gunfight. It was said the Bishop had been asking the nuns to get rid of her a long time before the shootout.<br><br>After the firing, her friend Mother Amadeus helped her open a restaurant in Cascade, which was not that far from the St Peters mission. Evidently, the gruff exterior and frontier mannerisms of Mary hid her compassion for the downtrodden and destitute. It seems that all you needed to eat in Mary’s restaurant was an appetite. She may have been an excellent friend, nanny, worker, but her cooking wasn’t that well received. Nor was she a very good business person. Thus, the place went broke within ten months. Before the closure, she fed any (person who would eat what she prepared) and everybody whether they had the money to pay for the meal or not. I would guess everybody, except the man with which she had the shootout. <br> <br>At 60 years-old in 1895, she won a job as a mail carrier. She won because she was the fastest of twelve other cowboy applicants, half her age, to hitch a team of six horses to the mail wagon. With this assignment, she became the second American woman employed by the United States Postal Service and the first black woman mail carrier in the US. The nickname “Stagecoach” was earned in recognition of her reliability. Is the snow too deep for her horse team? No matter, Mary used snowshoes while carrying the mail sacks on her shoulders. She, and her mule, Moses, would deliver the mail in blizzards, extreme heat to the outlying and miner’s cabins. <br>That was just nature elements that attempted to stop this determined woman. For six years, she rode a stagecoach carrying the mail, money and other items for delivery over a frontier postal route. The trails were littered with desperate people who did mind taking a chance on stealing whatever this black woman was carrying. In those rare occasions where some desperado had not heard of Stagecoach Mary, they may try to rob her. Their first surprise would be that she was a woman driving a six-horse team coach. Added to their shock of seeing this tall black woman alone and out in the wilderness, was the site of a double barrel ten gauge shotgun leveled at them. The question now became, who has the drop on whom? Since it was said she never lost a piece of mail or any other valuables in her care during a stagecoach run, we know how those confrontations ended.<br><br>She didn’t have to worry about hostile Indians because most Sioux had not seen a black person before, much less such an imposing tall and armed black woman like Mary. Rather than deal with someone or something they didn’t fully understand, they would not bother her. Can’t you just imagine two young Sioux braves pointing at her coach coming down the trail, turning their pony’s aside to get out of the rolling wagon wheels path. As Stagecoach Mary cracks her whip at the horses, yelling “Git-up-there Moses.” One of the braves turns to his friend and says while pointing in the coach’s direction…”Bad medicine.”<br>She finally moved on to a job that was less treacherous because of health issues. She opened a laundry (also in Cascade, Montana) at the age of seventy. Spending most of her time drinking, cigar smoking and spitting in the local saloon instead of doing laundry, she was reportedly content with life. Stagecoach Mary died of liver failure in 1914. Life expectancy in the old west for those who died violently was 35. For those who live an uneventful life and took care of themselves averaged 70 years old. Mary, an ex-slave, and black woman lived to be around 82 years old. Can you believe it? <br><br>Actress Esther Roll played Mary Fields in a 1976 TV Documentary, entitled South by Northeast, Homesteaders. Dawnn Lewis played her in a 1996 TV movie, The Cherokee Kid. Kimberly Elise was cast as Mary in the 2012 TV-movie Hannah’s Law. Next in this series is James P. Beckwourth. , American mountain man.<br> Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,<br> <br>Codis Hampton II <br> <br>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> <br> <br>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="http://wp.me/p436aY-5E">http://wp.me/p436aY-5E</a><br> <br>Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a><br> <br>Get my latest book, a collection of my blogs from 1999 through 2014. It’s entitled The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp. Go to the following Authors page link for details. <a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232">http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232</a><br> <br>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hampscofa.net/">https://hampscofa.net/</a><br> <br> <br>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment<br> Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/35197012015-02-10T11:25:58-08:002017-01-16T08:23:34-08:00Black Legends of the Wild, Wild West Part 1<em>This is the first article of a Four Part Series on Black Folks, who helped to tame the west. Today we take a look at U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. </em><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/2940a16cf9536c56bcdfb3d13334606ab83dc056/original/620bass-reeves-portraitlarge.jpg?1423596197" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="216" style="width: 300px;" />The subject matter and individual I’m writing about this Black History Month causes me to be reflective of my personal history. I remember when I was a nine, ten, eleven-year-old kid living in Milwaukee. Yes, it was that red brick apartment building located on thirteenth and Juneau that many have heard me lovingly refer too.<br>It reminds me of Saturday mornings spent watching ‘Tales of the Texas Rangers’, Lash LaRue, the Lone Ranger, and yes even Roy Rogers as well as other Cowboy television programs. We would eat breakfast, and hurry to the living room to watch my father’s, subsequently our favorite shows. I had a makeshift holster and belt. It was just a blue boy scout’s belt with the shiny brass buckle running through a leather holster that held my trusty six- shooter. I would tie that holster down to my right thigh with an old shoe string just like a real gunfighter.<br><br>Talk about imagination, I was full of daydreams during those years. My friends or cousins, whenever they came over, and I would go in our back yard to play. We would use the fifty-gallon oil drums sitting on A-frame stands as horses. We’d even throw rags and an old blanket over the barrel as saddles. It didn’t help, because after we finished playing and went back inside? My stepmother would smell the coal oil residue on my pants and me. I would get another warning about her having to wash those pants in with other clothes spoiling the pleasant aroma she was creating with detergent fresher of some type. I am not sure, but I think after a while she just washed my play pants with daddy’s work pants.<br><br>Back then (mid-fifties) all the cowboys seen on television, movies were white. My father always told me not to worry about it because there were black cowboys in the old west. Just because television program writers didn’t write about them, did not mean they didn’t exist. He’d tell me, I can be anything I want to be, just be the best at whatever I choose. So in my mind, it was my black face riding that horse chasing rustlers, bank robbers and fighting range wars. I would imagine me, family members, and other people I knew, would be just as comfortable in the old west as anybody. Of course, later on in the sixties, seventies, and eighties, the public did see black faces appearing in cowboy, gangsters and all kinds of entertainment. It was readily known that Sammy Davis Jr was a fast draw expert in real life. He was seen as a frequent guest star in several of the cowboy television series. By that time, I’d hung up my gun and holster, turned to chasing girls instead of rustlers and the like.<br>One such real live lawman who roamed the old west while dishing out justice was U.S. Deputy Marshall Bass Reeves. Born as a child of slaves in Paris, Texas in 1838, he served as a water boy until old enough to become a field hand. He became his master’s body servant and personal companion at an even older age.<br> Bass reportedly ran away after beating up his master (George Reeves) after some type of dispute during a card game. He found a safe haven by living with the Seminole and Cherokee Indians where he developed his skills with the pistol and rifle. This is also where he became fluent in several Native American languages. He was finally freed in Abrahams Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation order of 1863.<br><br>Moving to and buying farmland in Van Buren Arkansas, while marrying Nellie Jennie a year later. He would go on to father ten children (five girls and 5 boys) from this union. Although the family lived happily on the farm, Bass restlessness and yearning for adventure was answered.<br>He was appointed as part of a 200 deputy crew by U.S. Marshall, James Fagan in 1875, because of his specific knowledge of the Indian Territory and his ability to speak their language. At the time, the area had become inundated with outlaws, thieves and murderers looking for an area that before had no federal or state jurisdiction. With a patrolling area covering 75,000 square miles, the deputies were instructed to bring in the perpetrators dead or alive.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/873670950be3f19376be70009e000b1db50cfa94/original/bass-reeves-group-cropped.jpg?1423596272" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="249" style="width: 323px;" />At 38 years old, he was the first black U.S. Deputy Marshall to serve in that capacity west of the Mississippi River. Known as being courteous and impeccably dressed with his boots polished to a shine, he rode a large reddish stallion with a white-blazed faced. While marshaling in the Oklahoman Native American Territory, over his 32 years of service, he is credited with killing fourteen outlaws and having arrested 3,000 felony lawbreakers of all kind. At 6’2”, approximately 200 pounds, he was ambidextrous with a reputation for being quick, accurate and deadly with his two guns. He was just as skilled with a rifle. Maybe that is why in all those years he never suffered a gunshot wound; although his hat was shot off more than a few times. A big man with those kinds of skills had to be imposing enough to look at much less take on in a gunfight.<br>One of his most emotional and personal manhunts involved the apprehension of his son, Benny Reeves. The warrant charged his son with the murder of his young wife. The ultimate fair-minded Bass Reeves actually demanded the assignment as other deputies were reluctant to take the job because it was his son. In 1902, after a two-week trek into the badlands, he found and arrested his son. Returning him back to Muskogee, Oklahoma to face trial, he turned him over to Marshal Bennett. Benny was tried, convicted and served twenty years at Leavenworth for the crime. A citizen’s partition was instrumental in gaining his pardon and early release after which he spent the rest of his life without further incidents with the law<br>. <br>By 1907, Oklahoma became a state and Reeves Deputy US Marshal Commission ended. He was 68 years old. He moved on to join the Muskogee Police Department until his health became a problem while attempting to carry out his duties. Bass Reeves died of Bright’s disease in 1910. There are several books and articles written and available today. His life and exploits as a US Deputy Marshall was the subject of a movie entitled Bass Reeves, released in 2010. James A. House played the leading character. He confided that when independent filmmaker and owner of the San Ponderous Productions contacted to play the part, he “didn’t even know who Bass Reeves was.” <br> <br>Here was a man who could not read or write. He had to have others read his warrants to him before searching for various outlaws. He would memorize the details from that reading, including which warrant was for whom. When serving the document, he never failed to pick out the correct warrant belonging to a specific outlaw. It is amazing to me, how our people always found a way to adjust and make progress on whatever job they had to do. That is an important legacy they left us, the ability to improvise. To this day, we use those skills in our everyday lives. Deputy Marshall Reeves goes down in US history as one of the greatest frontier heroes this country has ever known. And once again, my father proved to be right. There were black folk roaming the Wild West. Look for Part II next week.<br>Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,<br> <br>Codis Hampton II<br> <br>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> <br> <br>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-7S">http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-7S</a><br> <br>Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a><br> <br>Get my latest book, a collection of my blogs from 1999 through 2014. It’s entitled The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp. Go to the following Authors page link for details. <a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232">http://www.outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478746232</a><br> <br>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at <a href="https://hampscofa.net/">https://hampscofa.net/</a><br> <br> <br>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment<br> <br> Frosty LTDtag:frostyltd.com,2005:Post/33196822014-11-23T04:15:08-08:002017-01-16T08:23:33-08:00Corportations and this Holiday Seasons American Consumer <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/155255/7a2bfd7f601ec68dfeb7e0558921fa828a0560dd/original/hidden-turkey.jpg?1416744539" class="size_l justify_left border_" height="285" style="width: 232px;" /> Let me provide you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln. It's taken from a letter from Lincoln to (Col.) William F. Elkins, Nov 21, 1864. Some have disputed its authenticity. Given all, of the quotes and writings, attributed to one of, if not our greatest President, I see his well-documented vision as right on target and applicable to 2014. Imagine that, to be astute enough to predict the behavior of big business in the twenty-first century. This version includes a little more context from the letter itself and is as follows, <br><em> "We may congratulate ourselves that this cruel war is nearing its end. It has cost a vast amount of treasure and blood....</em><br><em> It has indeed been a trying hour for the Republic; but I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.</em><br><em>I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war.</em><br><em>God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."</em><br> --- Abraham Lincoln<br> <br> First of all, most Americans work for some corporation. So why wouldn’t they want to see the company they work for earning maximum profits? Some have family members, like dads and granddads who fed, housed and educated their family on corporate wages. So they can’t help but have an affiliation for that particular entity. So what the heck is my problem you ask?<br>We have no problem with our capitalistic economy or society.<br> <br> It’s because I am a proponent of all US businesses having high moral expectations while hiring personnel that will carry out those same standards.<br>There are major policy questions that come up in top management business meetings all the time. The decision on how to proceed is to be made. I am just saying, more often than not, the American Consumer is not a consideration in the equation. From all reports, it’s about winning; more and more profit no matter what the cost to the health and standard of living for the American Consumer. It’s about deniability; hire an expensive law firm to answer plausible charges to avoid cutting off the profit spigot or losing one drop of revenue. It’s the fact they moved their so-called corporate headquarters overseas in order to avoid paying their fair share of taxes to the Government who initially granted and or recognized their firm as a corporate entity. They are developing election PACS or contributing to a particular candidate so that those elected officials will carry out the will of the corporation rather than the will of the American People. It is those corporations that don’t seem to have a soul and are the source of greed, corruption, and God knows what else. They also validate our nation’s sixteenth presidents concern in the quote noted above. <br> <br>Some may remember years ago when the Enron Corporation Scandal broke. High price collages spoke about including a new subject in their business curriculum that would teach their students morals, integrity, assuming responsibility for all deeds and actions. Or even later, how about the recent collapse of the Housing Industry precipitated by the banking industry’s greed with no accountability. It took the same inept, according to them, US Government to bail them out. All of them took US taxpayers money, sat on it while refusing to lend money to help in the home foreclosures debacle. Where was the moral balance in that collective decision?<br> <br>You see, I have a problem when a business person smiles, and ask me to make a commitment to use their services, or buy their product. Take my hard earned cash and use a portion of the funds to fund the campaign of a racist politician to make stupid and intolerant laws, while suppressing an individual’s right to vote. Or how about running overseas sweat shops in order to make cheap products? This practice <u>results in driving</u> American made manufacturers out of business and increasing their profit.<br> <br>Or they’re unwilling to support the idea of a minimum wage, not because it reduces the profit margin, but just because…of what? They read the same studies that indicated a higher minimum wage is a win-win for individuals, governments Internal Revenue and the economy as a whole. Average people spend money on goods and services so the dollar circulates faster. One doesn’t need a degree in Economics to figure that out. Yet, you have an entire political party of these United States that doesn’t support a minimum wage increase. And who were the biggest contributors to their political campaigns? Why some of the same aforementioned entities in this article. Their names are no secret; we know who they are as do most all Americans.<br> <br>You there…Mr. <u>&</u> Mrs. American Consumer, we need to hold a debate on spending our hard earned money at places that do not support our ideals and community. Dealing with some corporations is a one way street. You pay, they take, they horde and stash cash. They work on plans to lower your wages, put rising health care responsibility on you, and pay to kill or defund government safeguards like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or Food and Drug Administration.<br> <br>So what should we do as American Consumers and the public in general? The most important thing is to send a message this holiday season. Let’s spend the bulk or even half of our Christmas money at small business across this nation. I know, you still may have to go to a car dealer, Best Buy, JC Penney’s, Sears or the like for some big items. We cannot change the world overnight, but we can spend some of our money where it will do the best for us. How about buying your meat and can goods from a local meat market or store? The nationality of the store owner is less important than channeling a large part of your money in a different direction this year. Look on the Internet, you will be surprised at who is selling what out there. A lot of the mom and pop stores have websites too. <br> <br>Here are a couple of networks to search for minority and or women own entities to buy from this Christmas. They are websites that allow you to search their site for a business that carries a product or service you may be looking for. Check them out, <a href="http://www.blackbusinessnetwork.com/Home/">http://www.blackbusinessnetwork.com/Home/</a> then there is… <a href="http://www.minority-biz.com/index.php">http://www.minority-biz.com/index.php</a><br>They may have a store listing in your local area of which you were not aware. You should also report back to those websites of your experiences with their recommendations. We still want quality value for our dollar no matter where we spend it. <br> <br>These websites prove there is a movement already alive and growing. People are fed up supporting corporations that take more than money from you and I. Be aware of where and with whom you spend your hard earned dollars this holiday season and on throughout 2015. By this time next year, we will talk about the changes the American Consumer forced by redirecting their expenditures over the past year. Let’s make old Abe proud and assure him that freedom of choice was worth fighting for back then as it is today. <br> <br>Join us for our BTR Radio show on Wednesday November 26<sup>th</sup> at 4:00pm. We will cover this same subject with our special guest. We have a great guest, in Kevin L. Nichols of <a href="http://klnconsultinggroup.com/">http://KLNConsultinggroup.com</a> Call in with your questions at 347-237-4908. <br> <br> <br> Peace, Happy Holidays and make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,<br> <br>Codis Hampton II <br> <br>Follow Hamp at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo">https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo</a> <br><br>Subscribe to this blog at <a href="http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-7k">http://wp.me/p2IEXZ-7k</a><br> <br>Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica</a><br>Get my latest book, a tribute to my grandmother entitled, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years, 1917-1953 at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gracie+hall-hampton+the+arkansas+years&sprefix=Gracie+Hall%2Caps%2C223">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gracie+hall-hampton+the+arkansas+years&sprefix=Gracie+Hall%2Caps%2C223</a><br> <br>Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online <a href="http://www.chiia.com/">www.chiia.com</a> <br> <br>Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment<br> Frosty LTD