Loving Basketball: The Conference Champs

June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The West

Congratulations to Denver Nuggets on being the 2022-23 Western Conference Champions. They indeed showed their supremacy in the conference final which ended on May 22. Nuggets’ players were on fire from the onset of the Series and supremely defeated the Los Angeles Lakers (LAL) in a 4-0 sweep to win the Conference. Nuggets have been resting (I hope) patiently waiting for the outcome of the Eastern Conference which ended on Monday, May 29th.

What a Season

What a Playoff!! Never say never or is’t never say die? The Season was very unpredictable. During the Season, the Conferences leadership toggled between Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets for the West and Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics for the East till injury leveled it up and produced Denver and Bucks as the Season’s #1 Conference seeds respectively.

Who would have thought that Milwaukee Bucks will be out in the first round of Playoff, or that the defending champions Golden State Warriors would not make it into the semi finals? Not to talk of all the negative wagers about Lakers not making it into the first round with their 0-12 season starting record only to be the team contesting in the Western Conference final. Or the Heat who barely made the 500 cut-off now being the Eastern Champs semifinals? And the hottest of the Western Conference, Phoenix Suns, would be ousted out so soon despite acquiring one of the League’s best KD? What happened is anyone’s guess. I wonder what the players are saying or feeling after the loss. Or like the Warriors would say, “it’s on to the next” season?

The mood of Denvers’ four games against the Lakers was oppressive. They played relentlessly with a surge of energy not seen during the season making the likes of LBJ, AD, Hachimora, Russell, seem like high school ballers. At the end of each game, Nugget players looked like they could go on another game or two.

The East

As I previously stated, this Season was erratic. Miami Heat dealt a devastating blow to the home team and fans of Boston Celtics at the beginning of the Eastern Finals. What happened was still anyone’s guess. Of course it was an equal match in my opinion, but if we have to put it in the context of the seeds’ numbers, Boston ought to win their games at home and some. But that wasn’t the case.

Anywho, after the two game losses at home, Boston rallied immensely to retaliate against Miami Heat and impressively win their next three games of the Series. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold it on again to finish at home, leaving number-seven-seed Miami Heat as winner and Eastern Conference Champ.

Who wins the League Finals

While the Season is over for the twenty-eight other teams, it’s just starting for the Conference champs. Season’s Finals begin today! With extreme passion and surge, the Finals is bound to be exhilarating.

While Miami had won the Larry O’ Brien Cup thrice (2006, 2012, and 2013) previously, Denver had never and hadn’t being in the playoffs since 2004. The lag differences in championship wins and playoffs attained however does not qualify one team over the other, but might mean that one team is more desperate to win than the other. But desperation alone doesn’t win games. We’ve also watched and witnessed that the games haven’t been won on skills alone; else, several other teams would have qualified for the Finals.

What then wins the game? A combination of several factors, including the referees and coaches, minimizing turnovers and fouls, good shots, speed, decisiveness, etc. Despite all these factors in place, only one team will win the championship.

Nonetheless, we can state that Denver is indeed chasing history having come this far.

ThinkTalk wishes both Nuggets (Western #1 Seed) and Heat (Eastern #7 Seed) the very best of the Series. The Series begin today. Check your local television stations for times. Games can be watched on the NBA App as well. It is going to be fire and a must-watch Series. I hope you join in to watch history being made.

Nigeria inaugurates a new “democratic” president

May 29, 2023May 31, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Nigeria’s 16th President Credits: Vanguard Nigeria

Nigeria we hail thee!

To best serve its people and country should be the utmost of every public official.
ThinkTalk

A new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn-in in Nigeria today amidst much controversies. I don’t know if congratulations are in order for him, but I noticed the Nigerian currency, Naira, rose today by N20 relative to the $Dollar. This might not be unconnected with the new President’s announcement to scrap the country’s oil subsidies. Or it may be that the global community supports him and feel that there’s new hope for Nigeria? I don’t know if there’s any correlation, but I do hope that it is a good sign for better governance to come.

The Man, Tinubu

The 71-year old Tinubu becomes the “fifth president since the return of democracy in 1999” (Al Jaazera) and the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was the Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, from 1999 to 2007, and served a year as a Lagos State Senator.

However, Tinubu had been routed in the media for his infamous statement “emi lo kan” which literally means that “it is my turn.” Did I hear you ask “It is your turn for what?” I’m glad you did. I have now learned that most political positions in the father- (or is’t mother-) land follow not the rule of democracy, but are actually on an assigned rotational entitlement basis. I also learned that other positions such as traditional and academia positions follow such basis as well.

Thus Tinubu’s infamous statement portends to the “assigned rotational basis” as his entitlement to be next in succession to the presidency of Nigeria. This is irrespective of the people’s wishes; in essence, democracy is invalidated and every Nigerian voter is made a fool of. It also makes an economic wastage of the billions of Naira spent on the election which creates a spillover effect on the citizens. Why spend so much money and waste people’s time if it had been pre-commissioned to hand the position to a specific person?

Nigeria, The Constitution, Presidential Election, and which way forward

Anywho, according to various reports, “the Nigerian Constitution requires a candidate to win both the highest number of votes overall and not less than one-quarter of the votes in each of at least two-thirds of the country’s 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.” It has been alleged that Tinubu did not win according to the Constitution. But still he went on to be inaugurated. I’m not an attorney and cannot speak on the legitimacy of the inauguration. But with all that I have heard of the new President and, sadly his wife, they’re allegedly brutal to anyone who speaks against them or tries to stop them. Not that I’m judging them, for if the “rumors” are valid, they could have turned over a new leaf, realized their follies, and decided to do good and/or better. Time will tell. Moving on …

The Presidential Election was held in February 2023 and it was allegedly rigged and votes were bamboozled according to various reports. It was an overt corruption of democracy to say the least. The case has gone to court and proceedings begin tomorrow. Yet, Tinubu was inaugurated today in Nigeria.

When we talk of corruption, lawlessness, and lack of accountability, Nigerian government ranks highest.

Overt corruption anywhere is a slap on democracy and a gross mockery in global quarters everywhere.

This blog is however not about Nigeria’s corruption, but a plea to the new President for change. Overt corruption anywhere is a slap on democracy and a gross mockery in global quarters everywhere. Do we please the global partners to the ridicule of our primary responsibilities at home to our citizens? God forbid. But such has been the Nigerian government’s over past decades. Which way Nigeria now?

Talking a little about corruption, I remember the “War against Indiscipline (WAI)” during the Idiagbon era. Tunde Idiagbon was the Chief of Staff in the mid-80s when Mohammed Buhari, the now former President, was the military Head of State. WAI waged war against overt corruption of public officials, among other things, including littering in public. Every first Saturday of the month was a mandatory Environmental Day used to clean the neighborhoods. The streets were empty on such Saturdays. Anyone caught driving or roaming around during the Environmental Day hours was in trouble. Those were good days when corruption was minimized, citizens were orderly, and Nigerian streets were clean. Am I saying that the government then was perfect. Certainly not. But there was order and one could speak up freely against any corrupt official. Unfortunately, it was short-lived for other reasons.

Overt corruption, lawlessness, and a lack of accountability in Nigeria’s legislature, executive, and judiciary systems top the country’s ails. If judgment will begin, let it begin with Mr. Tinubu’s executive arm. I once saw Tinubu amidst his party (don’t know if he ran on the same party platform) waving a broom as a party symbol. Mr. Tinubu, I beg you by the mercy of God to now use those brooms to sweep and make clean Nigeria.

Though I am yet to read Tinubu’s manifesto, I pray/plea for better (change) in all areas: economic, financial, social wellbeing of Nigerians

Let Tinubu’s primary responsibility be the citizens both at home and abroad. Fight, defend, speak up, and support their wellbeing. Citizens from countries that place their citizens first are generally better and respected globally,
Create jobs and/or promote and support citizens’ economic development,
Provide security and constant electricity in Nigeria. It’s a mockery that Nigeria supplies constant energy to its neighboring countries yet lacks such at home. Charity must begin at home,
Institute freedom of speech and expression without fear or intimidation
Reduce Nigeria’s senseless debts. As of September 2022, Nigeria’s foreign debt stood at N44 trillion ($98 billion). This could hit N77 trillion ($172 billion) if “a loan-to-bond swap and new borrowings” are approved. God help Nigeria’s next generation.

For a country that produces oil and where everything, including homes, are on cash basis, I wonder what the composition of Nigeria’s debt is. Could it be that the debt is lying in a few private accounts? 🤔 As a comparison to America, a nation that thrives on credit, $24.5 trillion of US’s foreign debt of $31 trillion is owed by the public. Let’s ponder on that for a moment.

This is however not an economic or finance blog or paper. Moving on …

Finally, I pray that fundamental infrastructure be built, especially returning to providing sound education that is comparable, if not exceeding, those of its international partners. Nigeria had this before. How about modern hospitals - not one meant only for the Presidents and government officials, but one that the average citizen can walk into and be rest-assured to receive treatment. Or drinkable water and hopefully, Tinubu will complete “the light rail project” he started twenty years ago.

If the above can be done during your tenure, now-President Tinubu, you can indeed make Nigeria great again and be “elected” for a second term.

Final thoughts

Even if Tinubu hits the ground running, he will never sprint to complete the above within the four-year term. However, and if the Supreme Court upholds his presidency, he can initiate the necessary reforms that will move Nigeria towards economic efficiency and making Nigeria and Nigerians great again. Nigerians are tired of public officials’ lack of conscience and integrity who use public positions as an opportunity to enrich their pockets, bank accounts, their children and families while ignoring the welfare of its primary responsibility, its citizens. Being in government is foremost a service to the people and for the love of the country to make a difference. Nigerians and the global community are looking forward to seeing the difference Nigeria’s new President will make. May God help him and Nigeria.

Double for your Trouble

May 28, 2023May 28, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

I cracked my eggs this morning to make my Sunday scrambled eggs for breakfast. Whereas mid-week egg making is quick, plain, and no frills, Sunday egg making are special with all the whistles and bells.

I got all the ingredients (tomato, onion, spinach, mushrooms, and avocado; no sausage today) ready and began cracking the eggs. The ingredients make it just less of a Denver (as in Denver omelette). Anyways, I got excited when one of the eggs came out double. Decades ago, I would have been shocked and thrown it away. I haven’t seen a double-yolk egg in decades so I prophetically claimed it 😊.

God is speaking

God has been showing me doubles for a while and I just recently paid attention. I muttered silently that He even used the eggs! What a mighty God He is,

You know God speaks all the time. The problem is that we’re too busy to notice because we are unaligned and our antenna is untuned to Father God’s frequency. But He does speak.

God speaks in many ways. And He speaks in a language that you can understand. He uses metaphors and speaks allegorically. He also uses nature and numbers. Of course, God uses people. However, if God is speaking to you and you aren’t picking up on His frequency, the delay or non-adherence will be on your part and not His. With my walk with Him, at the appointed time, He will often bring his word or message to your remembrance.

The faster you pay attention to what God is saying and you show Him that He’s caught your attention, the quicker it manifests and the more He does speak to you. That is letting Him know that you’ve tuned to His frequency just like in Exodus 3 when He caught Moses’ attention with the burning bush.

Whatever God uses to speak to you might be incoherent to another and that’s okay. Whatever the metaphor means to you might mean something else to another. The key is for you to understand how God speaks to you.

You probably see double-yolk eggs everyday and never thought anything of it. That’s okay. God was probably not using it to draw your attention. And guess what, He probably did and you didn’t realize it. But, I adjure you to start paying attention now; not only to the eggs, but other things and/or people God might be talking through to you.

I prophesy to you

So today, as I claim the double for myself, I decree and declare double for all your troubles, that God will restore to you double for the years that the cankerworms, caterpillars, and locusts have eaten, and
double-fold for all that has been stolen from you. I hope you receive it, including double grace for your week and month ahead.

Loving Basketball: Warriors’ 2022-23 Season Ended

May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

It was sad and depressing to watch how the defending champions fell yesterday. One saw the pain in each player’s eyes and particularly in Curry’s. I couldn’t sleep either because I could not comprehend what just happened.

But like warriors, I’m sure that they will be back a much better team for the 2023-24 Season after going to the drawing board to make adjustments to their roster. Nonetheless, it was a great season and I commend them for their dedication and par excellence in always putting up a thrilling game for us all to watch. The Warriors are the optimal NBA Team for me to watch and only a handful of Teams qualify.

All the Pacific Division Teams qualified for this Season’s Playoff and the only two still standing, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, will battle it out for the Western Conference championship. ThinkTalk wishes both, including the Eastern Conference Teams, the very best.

Loving Basketball: Game 4 was depressing; 5 was promising, and 6 a must-win for GSW

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Game 4 was depressing

The Warriors-Lakers Round 2 Game 4 was extremely depressing for ThinkTalk to watch. Need I blog about it again? I watched as strange things were happening on court with the Dubs players looking so perplexed as all their efforts proved abortive. Golden State Warriors (GSW) were only down a point at the end of the first quarter and had led both the second and third quarters, but into the fourth was a different story. The most devastating was watching Curry throw away the ball at the dying critical seconds. That ball in the right Warriors’ hands could have either given the Warriors a win or forced the game into overtime. GSW fought till the end though. Sadly, Curry’s triple-double was insufficient and Warriors lost! You can read the NBA’s recap here.

The trait of a warrior is returning to the battlefield with optimism when everything around him/her states that he/she has lost. And so, true to their name, the Warriors faced the Los Angeles Lakers (LAL) in Game 5 with relentless optimism.

Game 5 was promising

Steph Curry, Warriors’ lead and guard, was hard-pressed on every side. Lakers made him work for all his shots. But other Warriors’ players took the reigns; notably Andrew Wiggins (aka “Wiggs”) who was super effective on all sides and Draymond Green who was the solo back-to-back opening scorer.

Kudos to Draymond on this game. He curtailed his fouls, brought his fire, and finished the night with a double-double. Here’s hoping that he will replicate it tonight.

“Great players find other ways to contribute when their specialty isn’t working and Curry is no exception.”
Shaun Powell

In the end, Warriors defeated Lakers to force a Game 6. Read more here

Game 6 a must-win for GSW

This Series must end positively at the Chase Center. To ensure it does, Game 6 tonight is a win for Golden State Warriors and all the Dubs’ players must be locked in to make it happen. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Loving Basketball: Warriors-Lakers Round 2 Game 3

May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

I haven’t seen the Warriors so inconsistent in their game like they have been in this Playoff. I began to ask myself “is’t a strategy?” I was all on edge with the Sacramento Kings Series, but kept praying and believing. Warriors’ mantra after all is “We believe’l right? Thank goodness for that outcome. I am seriously hoping that it is a strategy which will also payoff in this Round 2 Series as I’d be terribly disappointed if it wasn’t and they fail to bring their A+ game tonight for Game 4.

Warriors led by 7 points at the end of the first quarter of Game 3. LeBron didn’t score a point in that quarter. That was really impressive that the Dubs held James pointless. I expected more fire in subsequent quarters, but they failed to contain LeBron pointless, and couldn’t sustain the lead and tempo. Warriors got into not only fouls, but also technical troubles thereafter with Draymond Green having back-to-back fouls, too! Surprised, right? Not! I pray Draymond is extra sensitive most times to his team and the moment. He had a total of five fouls and Looney still wasn’t feeling his best. At a point I thought Draymond will get a second technical because he wouldn’t keep quiet and was waiting for him to be escorted off the court. But that tech went to Jamychal Green. The two Warriors’ Greens are alike in so many ways! I’ll recommend a tape over Draymond’s mouth for the remainder of the Playoffs. I think he plays best when he talks less. Just my thoughts.

This is going to be an interesting Series. Can’t wait to see the outcome.

Today’s game is a must win for Warriors, Steph Curry must bring that dance tonight and ThinkTalk hopes he will.

Loving Basketball: Warriors got this – wins Round 2 Game 2

May 6, 2023May 6, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The Warriors trailed in the first quarter of the Game 2 Playoff till Klay Thompson ignited a flaming fire. He was aflame with 30 points (8 3-pointers), burned everyone on court, to led Warriors to victory.

Curry was double- and even triple-teamed throughout the game. But they couldn’t hold him captive for long as he slicked around all players to finish the game with a double-double of 20 points and 12 assists.

It takes only one person to make a change
ThinkTalk

Klay was the game changer in Game 2. In life that’s all we need; that one person willing to step, stand, or speak up to say “not on my watch,” “not in my backyard,” or “enough is enough.” It’s also what being a team player is about. That one person that will show kindness when everyone is being unkind and/or a bully.

Kevon Looney

I thought that Kevon Looney played his best Playoff game during the Sacramento Kings’ Series with a 21 rebound on Round 1 Game 7. But he topped it up with 29 rebounds on Round 2 Game 1 against Lakers. He however was unable to match those previous. Unfortunately, he did not start at Game 2 as he wasn’t feeling his best. He had only 8 rebounds.

What’s this RTI?

Yours truly hasn’t been feeling well for the past week either. According to my doctor, a respiratory tract illness (RTI) is in the air. The symptoms are similar to flu/covid. Not fun. The worst for me is the muscle/body ache! Where did that come from? Beats me.

But I empathize with Looney as he did not look his usual self and strength. I hope he does not have the RTI and pray he feels better soonest.

Warriors evens the Series and heads to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4. I hope that Warriors have indeed broken the road slump and will take their A game to the Crypto Center.

Stop Press

Game 3 just ended. Lakers defended their home court to beat the Warriors … More to come.

Loving Basketball: 😱 Round 2 Game 1

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Game 2 is on right now people!

The Warriors were favored to win Game 1 on home court. But, it was bungled. Not that the Warriors were sloppy; they started well and led in the first few minutes of the game, but when the fire 🔥 was to come, Warriors got into foul troubles with Draymond Green collecting three at the onset! Warriors didn’t really quench the fire, the fire just failed to burn. Two of Green’s fouls, in my opinion, were misappropriated. But, as we all know, the refs’ calls are irrevocable, so nothing was done about it. Those fouls, I believe, put Draymond in a cautious play mode and we couldn’t get his best. He was so angry that, at a point, I was scared that he would get a technical, but thank goodness he didn’t.

Steph vs LeBron

No doubt, Steph Curry and LeBron James, are two and best of the most competitive companies in the current NBA, thus making this round of playoff an ecstatic one and the game leaning heavily towards each one rather than towards the Team.

Records show that Steph and LeBron “have faced off 43 times overall; 20 games in the regular season, 22 in the playoffs, and one game in the play-in tournament.” Below is a dozen comparative stats of the two:

Though LeBron has more MVP laurels than Steph, the records and wagers overall show that Curry and the Warriors have the edge. Time will tell if the wagers be true.

Well, on to the next one today. Here’s hoping that the Warriors will appropriate their slogan, “We Believe” and not only defend their home court, but show their “Strength in the Numbers” today.

Loving Basketball: R-E-S-P-E-C-T … Steph Curry did it in grand style!!!

May 1, 2023May 2, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Underrated, Reserved, & Humble Steph Curry

2022-23 Playoffs Round 1

Game 7 between Golden State Warriors (GSW) and Sacramento Kings (SK) was spectacular and, dare I say, the best in NBA history that I had ever watched. I wanna replay the whole reel.

The two teams rocked buckets back-and-forth in the first two quarters, with GSW playing on an even-keel, but better than they did in Game 6. Kings maintained their feisty momentum. At halftime, Steph Curry had had 20 points while his counterpart, Deaaron Fox, had only 6. The game tempo increased slightly in the third quarter and by its end, we saw a Curry in the zone; steady but highly energized and lifting his team to an incredible night of victory. He was unstoppable to say the least and effectively used his size to his advantage particularly when he dribbled between two pairs of Kings players to make a layup.

Curry was phenomenal. He took charge. He played extremely hard. He was resilient and never showed any sign of frustration. I, on the other hand, was yelling my throat out as the tempo and outcome of the game was unpredictable till the tides turned in the middle of the third quarter.

Steph finished the night with 50 (7 3-pointers) points becoming the new record holder with the most points made in a Playoff Game 7, breaking the 2021 record set by Kevin Durant (KD).

Basketball: a game of life

The win changed the narratives and silenced naysayers especially sports analysts who had condemned GSW, in favor of SK, based on the series’ performances.

“He showed that there’s still another level (to greatness).”

“Steph Curry is the vanguard of this era, not just a point guard.”

Meaning that we should endeavor not to take criticism or other people’s comments personal. Don’t we all wish that somebody will believe in us even when all hell is breaking loose around us. Don’t we all wish that someone will believe in us when everyone else does not? And don’t we all need someone to believe for us when we can’t for ourselves? To believe not momentarily but till the end even when the outcome doesn’t turn out the way we’d envisaged?

Mirroring life patterns of folks being quick to condemn based on one unfortunate incident (another topic for another day). One moment, it was “crucify him,” “Warriors’ done.” Another moment, by the same breath, they shouted “hosanna.”

I have learned to encourage myself over the years when none seem to be in my corner only for them to turn around later and apologize. It hurts. And I sensed Curry took it to heart personally and vowed in his heart not to lose Game 7. He single-handedly carried the Team that night. I wish I could interview him to tap into his thoughts. Maybe some day.

Kevon Looney

Another notable Warriors player of the game night was Kevon Looney who was equally impressive with 21 Rebounds, setting himself a new record.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Game 7’s outcome gave a new and open show of RESPECT and admiration for Steph Curry. It is/was impossible not to admire the guy. Still, he carried it all humbly.

On to Round 2

The Warriors barely got a deserved rest for they have to be ready to face the Los Angeles Lakers (LAL) later today for the next series.

As always, Think-Talk wishes both teams the very best.

Which Team do you think will win this series – Warriors or Lakers?

Loving Basketball: No Sense Game 6 to War Zone Game 7

April 30, 2023April 30, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Golden State Warriors (GSW)-Sacramento Kings’ (SK) Game 6 just didn’t make any common sense. “It was the biggest loss in the franchise’s history” (Klay Thompson). The Warriors who, two days prior, had played energetically, with mental acuity on hostile grounds and won, couldn’t bring in the clutch on their home court. It didn’t make sense to me and to the several million viewers watching.

The fabled “championship DNA,” so evident in Game 5, vanished in a heap of despair under the withering assault of the unrelenting Kings.
NBC Sports

San Francisco was buzzing. But, from the onset till end, Warriors were lethargic. What happened? Did the time change have a ripple effect on the players? I don’t think so though fans and the transit agency thought otherwise. So, what went wrong between Wednesday and Friday is anyone’s guess. I didn’t see the Warriors playing. I saw different bodies on the court; may it never be again.

Left from TT Gallery, Right Credit: Sacbee.com

Game 6 was highly physical with injuries, high turnovers, and fouls. SK was resilient and brought in clutch and rallied the fourth quarter to win the night’s game forcing a Game 7.

I can only imagine what Game 7 will be today. The stakes are much higher for the defending champion GSW, but all is well. The game should be tagged the Season’s must-watch game. It’s going to be fire and explosions all the way.

I’m equally curious to know Game 7’s viewership. According to The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento’s local newspaper) the duos Game 5 had 4.29 million viewers while Game 4 has had the highest viewership of over 10 million so far. You can watch Game 7 live on the NBA App or on national television ABC Channel 7.

You can watch Game 7 live on the NBA App or on national television ABC Channel 7

Can you guess how many viewers will be watching? Think-Talk predicts that it will surpass Game 4’s.

Again, here’s hoping that Game 7 makes sense; less turnovers and fouls, and more clutches and resilience while bringing on the super-mentality, physicality, but with no injuries. God help all.

Loving Basketball: Experience trumped in Game 5

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The Golden State Warriors won Game 5 on Kings’ court; an unexpected win given Sacramento Kings’ boisterous fans and Dubs’ away-over-home record.

As I absorbed the four quarters of the ecstatic game, I pondered how much of skills, agility, experience, self, and/or synergy culminated in the outcome of the day’s game. I undoubtedly chose “EXPERIENCE.” Experience definitely trumped.

Apples to Apples or Apples to Oranges

Both teams gave it their all. Both teams have elite point guards charged with directing the plays on court. Both teams are skilled at what they do (that is, playing basketball, albeit some might say that the Kings’ younger starters had the better speed and agility over the Dubs’ starters. A conversation for another day. Both teams have great head coaches; not forgetting that Mike Brown, a great man in his own right, was once a Warriors assistant coach. As such, he’s familiar with all the team “secrets” which could have been utilized to his team’s advantage. The parallels are endless. But, toe-to-toe, one significant difference is the depth of experience.

Basketball: a game of Life

As in various aspects of life, be it interviewing for a new job, already on-the-job and being faced with a new challenge or project, being a parent and maneuvering the different stages of your kids’ lives, or merely comparing a five-year-old to a fifteen or fifty-year-old, experiences become your strategic gift to pull out as in a card game. Experience manifested in the Game 5 instance and showed that the race often does not always belong to the swift. The Warriors have been this route a few times before, while the young and energetic Kings players are new to the terrain and will soon learn that the road to the NBA Championship is a marathon, not a sprint.

The road to the NBA Championship is a marathon, not a sprint
Think-Talk

Kings’ Deaaron Fox was impressive as usual racking up 26 points while playing with a fractured thumb. So was Dubs’ indefatigable Curry with 31 points and his Splash brother, Klay Thompson, who equalized the game at 50 all. From then on, it was Dubs all the way till the final whistle.

A momentary and scary snafu occurred when Warriors Gary Patton II fell under Kings Malik Monk leaving the latter on his back for a few minutes. Thank goodness that there was no casualty and Monk was able to bounce back and continue the game scoring rapid points afterwards.

Credit: MrBuckBuck

Overall, “it was a big night” (Curry) and a BIG win for the Warriors. Here’s to a BIGGER Game 6 WIN tonight at the San Francisco Chase Center.

GSW-SK enter Game 5 tied

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Game 4 was expectantly electrifying as the fourth quarter went down to the wires at the Chase Center. Draymond Green was back and, together with Kevon Looney, protected the rim. Warriors narrowly won the Game to equalize the Series.

Back to SK for Game 5 today. As you (or may not) know the Playoffs is a game of seven. The first two games starts at the home of the higher seed, the next two at the lower seed’s, while the next three is alternated till game 7. However, a sweep of four wins the series. Two teams (Denver Nugget and Phoenix Suns) have now advanced to Round 2 as a result.

I share pics of Game 4 below.

Undoubtedly, Fox and the Kings played fiercely till the end. But, … As a staunch Dubs fan, here’s hoping the defending champs will be able to defend their title at the Kings’ court in a few.

3 Years running

April 23, 2023 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

Thanks to WordPress for the platform and to fellow bloggers for the inspiration. It has been fun. Many still yet to come. ❤️✌🏾

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Loving Basketball: Draymond has history …

April 23, 2023April 23, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

They say Draymond has history, so do we (the Golden State Warriors), we know how to bounce back.”
Steph Curry

“The above quote became Golden State Warriors’ (GSW) Guard Steph Curry’s viral tagline after winning Sacramento Kings -GSW Game 3 despite the absence of Forward Draymond Green (DG). DG got ejected from Game 2 for his unsportsmanlike conduct. The incident has divided all quarters from fans to Teams to the Coaches and Analysts.

Notwithstanding, the defending champions gave their signature stellar performance and led SK up to 23-points at one point; a performance held from the opening tip till final whistle.

Game 4 is in a few hours and DG will be back . I pray that the Warriors will have a repeat stellar performance and level the scores.

“God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.”‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭MSG‬‬

TT Thoughts

Gone are the days when sports was sports – clean and clean. Now we see tons of unprintable tactics deployed in a bid to win. How I wish that players will just play their game and desist from unsportsmanlike conducts. We know the players are skilled, knowledgeable, and passionate in their abilities, but when wicked acts are involved to disadvantage an opponent or Team, it takes away from the real game and players’ SKAs. These unprofessional acts are increasing during games and the League has a few such noted players. Can fans just watch a good fun game? Sure it’s difficult, and takes the most disciplined, not to react when a wrong on (or off) the court has been done to one, but as the saying goes “we do not repay evil with evil, but we overcome evil with good.” May God help us all.

An eye for an eye blinds the whole city.
Unknown

If you’ve ever been wronged for no reason, you’ll understand why the receiving person acts out of frustration. You get to a point where you say “enough is enough.” Still as good citizens, we’re called to rise above it. May God grant us the grace to so do.

Praying for Peace, Love, and Fun Fair Play.

Basketball: A Game of Life

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

Basketball and movies are akin and satirical. There is a balance of enjoyment and satire including nuggets and life lessons to be learned every game and movie time.

Life is just like a game,
First you have to learn rules of the game,
And then play it better then any one else.

Albert Einstein

The completed 2022-23 Play-Ins and first rounds of the Playoffs were no exception.

The Play-Ins

The games were energetic, exhilarating, and somewhat enigmatic. As you may (or may not) have known, Atlanta Hawks (AH) and Los Angeles Lakers (LAL) snatched the Eastern and Western 7th seeds respectively. I grimaced as Minnesota Timberwolves (MT) lost their double-digit lead (a noted pattern – ten times during the season – with the Team) to LAL. They however moved on to fiercely contest and win the 8th position; and so did Miami Heat (MH), for the Western and Eastern Conferences respectively.

The Playoffs has begun

Playoffs started as I had envisioned but somewhat disappointing in some quarters.

The 1st playing the 8th seed and 2nd playing the 7th, in my opinion, are always mismatches. However, such was not the case with the Bucks-Heat’s Game 1. The latter being electrifying from start till the end. Unfortunately, the Nigerian-Greek freak, Giannis, had to leave just a few minutes into the first quarter after being fouled and landing on his back. Bad, but the good news is that there’s no cause for alarm as the MRI came clean and he was healthy to play Game 2.

Grizzlies-Lakers’ Game 1 followed a similar pattern. Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (JM) also suffered injury to his right hand in the 4th quarter of forcing him to miss Game 2. Both the lower seeds won the first games, mimicking a Goliath-David scenario, while the higher seeds (Bucks and Grizzlies) both went on to win the second games.

Home Games

Home-court advantage is a plus at any home game particularly for a Team with a huge loyal fan base. Still it’s not unusual to lose a home game as evident with the Bucks and Grizzlies’ first Playoff games. With the Sacramento Kings (SK), home court was a huge factor to their win.

The Sacramento Kings-Golden State Warriors (GSW) games (1st & 2nd) were the Western Conference phenomena akin to a war in the heavens. SK was wild, tenacious, and hungrily, demonstrated that they were indeed chasing history having not been in the Playoffs since the 2005-6 season. The SK stadium was full to capacity and the rambunctious fans came to cheer.

On the other hand, the defending champion Warriors played an even keeled, almost lackadaisical (which might not have been unconnected with the fact that they are familiar with the potholes and detours on the road to the championship) game. and the Dubs’ fans were almost nonexistent.

Though the venue was only 83 miles away (1 – 1-1/2 drive), the Dubs fan preferred to stay at home and were nonexistent at both games. The handful Dubs Nation who showed up were drowned by the opponents’ jeers such that Dubs’ Ambassador, music mogul and entrepreneur E40, was also booed and ejected for some weird reasons. Bad for SK image in my opinion.

Dubs maintained their even-keeled defensive tempo. I wished they upped their game, as the defending champions, to match their opponent’s. Here’s hoping for a much better Warriors Game 2 on Dub Nations ground today.

Final Thoughts

The road to this Season’s Championship, and winning the 2022-23 Larry O’Brian Cup, has been exciting and exhilarating, but equally bumpy and hazardous, full of unexpected turns and twists, as well as highly unpredictable.

As in life, nothing is ever certain. Yes, we plan and make goals (which I’d rather do than not), yet a sudden turn of event can render those plans frustrating, fruitless, and meaningless. Events such as an illness, or death, or as we all experienced with Covid-19. Yet we do not give up.

The winner today can become the loser tomorrow and vice versa. Yet, we do not give up, neither do we rest on our laurels. We’ve seen player injuries happen at critical times thus ending such Team(s) being a part of the equal contenders for the championship. The list is endless, but still we continue to strive until our last breathe.

The truth is that if God ordained it, it shall surely come to pass. The detours are distractions that tend to want us to give up and take our eyes off the expected end. But we pray for grace to not faint nor be weary for we shall reap in due season. (Galatians 6:9).

Think-Talk wishes every 2022-23 NBA Playoff Player, Coach, and Team the very best.

Loving Basketball: 2022-23 NBA Season, Playoff, and Play-In

April 11, 2023April 11, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

In a couple hours the NBA Play-Ins will commence. The Playoff Play-In style, which began two years ago during COVID, has now become a part of the NBA Season schedule. Eight teams (four from each Conference) will battle for the seventh and eighth Playoff seed. Read here for more.

The players/Teams who clinched the first through sixth Playoff seeds will have a week of resting, reenergizing, re-strategizing, and retrospecting to do. Maybe even re-trading. [Smile] Did you catch that? No, No, No more trading; the deadline was on February 9th this year. However, the Teams whose season have ended can actually begin trading players. So will be those Teams that are eliminated as the Play-Ins and Playoffs progress. These Teams get an early start to trade till the next deadline. And hopefully, they get to pick the best on the market before everyone else.

2022-23 Season

The last few weeks of the Season, culminating in the battle for the Playoffs, was spectacular to say the least. No need to rehash the plays, but I’ll mention a few Season notables.

Notables:

Watching the Los Angeles Lakers (LAL), who were at the bottom (#13) of the League’s ladder with a 2-10 start, fiercely rise to #7 and are now in the Play-In. They were at #5 for a splitting second till the day’s games ended.
Boston Celtics (BC), who were the Eastern Conference’s leader for the longest during the season, collapsed to usher in Milwaukee Bucks (MB), who during the season floated between the 5th and 4th seed, as the Eastern Conference and overall Season leader.
Sacramento Kings (SK) has emerged a wonder contender this Season. The Team’s rise may not be unconnected with their new head and ex Warriors Coach, Mike Brown. I love Mike Brown. He also coached the Nigerian Men’s National Basketball Team at the last Tokyo Olympics. No doubt he brought all his cool, clutch, guts, gifts, and talents with him and it shows. Of course, Sacramento Kings have gifted young and veteran players as well who have made his first-year job lighter. Can’t wait to watch Golden State Warriors (GSW) battle Kings in the Playoffs. Will Brown use some GSW trade secrets against his old Team? We’ll see.
Denver Nugget (DN), impressively clenched Western Conference leader ousting Phoenix Suns (PS) who carried the position for the first-half of the Season.
I’m also speechless about GSW and defending Champs’s impressive stats despite the Team’s appalling road record and injuries.
The Season’s most notable was LeBron James (LBJ) being the new NBA All-Time Season Scorer. He did it on February 7, 2023, at a match against Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) with his family, friends, fans, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (KAJ), the former All-Time Scorer and several celebrities, in attendance. KAJ became the ATS in 1984. It took almost twenty years fir the record to be broken. Who will the next be and how long will it take to accomplish it?

The Mona Lisas, Picassos, da Vincis, Michelangelos, Monets, van Goahs of basketball are all in the NBA.
Think-Talk

2022-23 NBA Season has been intriguing to say the least. What with the upsets and key players/coaches movements and injuries. We watched the good, bad, and ugly. But, overall, the NBA Games have become sublime and continue to amaze me. It’s become an art that the players tirelessly continue to perfect daily. The Mona Lisas, Picassos, da Vincis, Michelangelos, Monets, van Goahs of basketball are all in the NBA. I aww at their different styles, clutches, talents on every game and can’t choose who the GOAT really is.

What with Donovan Michell (in January) and Dame’s (February) 71-point game. The Association had to order drug tests. Funny, but true. We’re told that it’s part of the NBA-Players contract. It’s good to know that such policies are in place. But, candidly, I hope that the Association sees the drug test as futile but that individual performances are merely the hungry bar the players have set for themselves. Of course, high-scoring point games have previously been accomplished in the history of NBA. Wilt Chamberlain, former Warriors, once scored a 100-points in a game. We all remember Kobe Bryant’s (of sweet memories) 81-point game. My clutch #30-Curry handles 50-point games easily and has made one 60+-point game, too. The list of high-scoring players is actually longer than I had imagined. All this notables continue to endear me to the NBA game.

Did you watch any of the 2022/23 Season games? What notable did you observe? Do you have a spectacular Player, Team, or Coach? Feel free to share in the Comments – I’ll love to read your take on it all.

I hope you watch the Play-Ins (starting shortly) and Playoffs en-route to the Season’s Championship. I will be. See you at the screen or ground.

Hello again … Miss you

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

It’s been a year since my last blog. How I missed the community. I only meant to take a few days to introspect and decide what my next’s would be. Didn’t think it would take this long to reconnect with the WordPress Community, but I hope that it’s for the best. Forgive me for the sudden evaporation.

I miss you all. I miss blogging. I miss reading yours, comments, and shares. I miss it all. I have some catchups to do. With time, I hope I will as I eagerly look forward to reading all your past year’s writings.

Lemon 🍋, Vitamin C, Immunity, and Probiotics

We’ve all heard the saying: “when life hands you lemon, you make lemonade.” Well, I just kinda sucked the life lemons I’ve been handed and I’m thankful for the Vitamin C and immunity it has given me, including the natural serums that faded the darkest of spots on my face. Thank goodness that I no longer need to buy those serums as the lemons are as organic as they could ever be (smile). Needless to add, the immunity those lemons have given is everlasting. It’s all life probiotics for healthy living.

Happy Resurrection Day

What better day to reconnect and recommence blogging than today, Resurrection Day, aka Easter.

Resurrection Day is the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

He died, was buried, and on the third day, He rose again ... 

1 Corinthians 15:4

May everything that the naysayers, enemy, the wicked, and/or haters have killed in your life, live and breath again today; never again to die, but fully blossom into their predestined purposes. May those unmeant closed doors be reopened and those that were meant to be closed remain shut forever. May divine connections, that will propel you to your next, find you. And may those who have scorned you, bow before you and be your relentless cheerleaders. May you henceforth triumph over all your life naysayers, enemies, wicked, and/or haters in Jesus Mighty Name.

See you on the Readers, Comments, Like, Share soon.

Love and Peace

Oscars Night: Did that just happened …?!!!

March 28, 2022March 28, 2022 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

It appeared to be a stunt, a dramatization of sorts. It happened in Hollywood and involved two of Hollywood’s finest comedian/actors during Oscars’ 94th Academy Award this past weekend. In Hollywood, anything can happen, everything sells and makes news. So we thought it was one of those. Until the Oscars management provided a statement that what happened was not staged nor was it a part of the Oscars night script.

Chris Rock and Will Smith are both renowned comedians/actors. Chris said something about Will’s wife, Jada, referring to GI Jane. The next thing we saw was Will walking up the stage and whoops Chris across the face. At first, I thought “oh, he didn’t touch him, that’s part of the script.” You know, kinda like a wrestling match which we all think is staged. My daughter said “Mom, no he just did.” I bursted into several foreign languages all at once. What the ____!

Did you see it, too!

Did you watch it live or later or heard about it? What are your thoughts on it?

Shortly after the social media started buzzing. And the question was “did it really happen?”

The shameful incident (all round) divided many quarters. The incident can be reviewed from a professional and ethical angle. We might add the family and spiritual angles, too.

My Take

Personally, Will Smith was wrong. His act should be condemned. If he (or Jada) felt that Chris Rock was out of line with his intro (and/or banter at her expense), there are other more gentlemanly and professional manner to have handled it. Brothers don’t treat brothers like that.

It was an attack of violence. Since when did we (adults) stop using our words?

Can you imagine what could have happened if Chris retaliated rather than just take it, smiled, continued with the program, and left immediately after? 🤔. Chris, in my opinion, was the bigger man.

The Oscars have stated that they do not condone any act of violence, are officially reviewing the incident, and will let us know their findings. I can’t wait.

Where do we go from here? Is the Oscars going to be safe going forward or the actors/actresses are now going to attend with a troop of bodyguards to prevent such from happening to them? The Oscars findings will tell.

2022 NBA All Star starts today

February 18, 2022February 18, 2022 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The Celebrity Game opens this weekend’s All Star Game, followed by the Rising Stars Game.

The Celebrity lineup features the Mayor of Cleveland, Justin Bibb, among others, understandably so since he is the main host. The lineup includes various stars from different spheres. It will be Team Walton versus Team Nique. Sure sounds like it will definitely be a hilarious exciting event notwithstanding who wins.

The Rising Stars Game (photos courtesy of NBA) features twelve Rookies, twelve sophomores (2nd-year NBA’ers), and four players from the G League. There will be other activities in-between the games.

Watch it on ESPN or your local television channels.

Ben Simmons finally found a new home

February 16, 2022February 16, 2022 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The unfortunate saga surrounding Ben Simmons (BS) finally ended when he found a new home with the Brooklyn Nets in a megadeal that included James Harden.

The former Philadelphia Sixers (PS) guard has been in the foray of various media attacks since the last NBA Season allegedly because he failed to shoot (or dunk) a net against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2020-21 season’s playoff, thus ending the chances of his Team, Philadelphia Sixers, vying for the Championship.

True or false? Could BS’s shot had secured the win for PS? I believe that it’s easier said than done.

Personally speaking, I felt bad for the hand that was dealt the 25-year old, 6’11 Australian native. From the outside looking on and in, the whole incident appeared like a hostile takeover-pushout of sorts. With Doc Rivers as head coach, it seemed something had to be conjured against the Australian basketballer in order to edge him out and have his (Doc Rivers) son-in-law (Seth Curry) take over. I suppose nepotism is allowed in the NBA.

Yes, Seth Curry is the younger brother of Golden State Warriors’ affable Star Steph Curry. We all love Steph. I love Steph. It’s easy to love Steph. And because of Steph, I suppose that his family is accorded the same love. Because of Steph love, my conclusion was that many quarters who ought to speak truth to power regarding Ben Simmons-Sixers’ issue, failed to.

Simmons wanted to be traded. He requested it in August during preseason but Sixers won’t oblige. I heard some quarters stated that BS is under contract and must abide by the letters. However, does the Team realize that you can take a horse to the river, but you can’t force it to gobble down the water. If BS, for whatever reason wants out, it is pointless trying to force him to stay. Forcing him to continue to play is tantamount to controlling him. Unfortunately, you don’t get the best out of control. And you thought he did some bad last season, forcing him to stay would mean more bad, and Sixers would not have been near the Season’s record they now have.

Why wouldn’t Sixers trade him?

The question still baffles me. Why wouldn’t the Team trade Simmons? Several reasons were read in the media, among them were:

He’s being paid so much that no other Team wants to pick up the tab because of Team salary caps; so he’s stuck
He needs to grow up?!
He needs to fulfill his contract
Blah. Blah. Blah.

All the reasons were merely excuses to buy time. The one that floored me the most was his teammate (now former) and co-All Star counterpart, Joel Embiid’s negative rantings and comments to the print and social media which did not bode well for good sportsmanship.

Well, it was a loooooooong four (or six) months for all concerned. Hopefully, all sides are happy with the outcome. BS headed to Brooklyn and, guess what, with Seth Curry. With Seth Curry now out of Philly, I hope Sixers will still continue their winning streak. If today’s game with Celtics is a pointer of the Season’s second half for Sixers, Embiid better get ready to eat up all his words and BS will have the last laugh.

Sorry if I sounded like an instigator, but let’s keep it real.

Lessons learned from the BS-Sixers Issue

People will unnecessarily take sides without knowing the full details of all concerned
Never say anything you’d regret later or be uncomfortable looking the other person in the eye.
Don’t air your dirty laundries in the public. Once the laundry dries up, the public still remembers
When spirituality (or mentality) is involved, it never makes sense.
Always give people the benefit of doubt whether you like, or agree with, them or not
Always show compassion (empathy) when another is going through; it might be your turn next - sure you’ll want someone to understand you and be on your side.
Never be too quick to condemn another.

May God continue to help us be quick to love and slow to judge another.

All Star Voting Results are in

February 6, 2022February 11, 2022 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Every NBA player is a star. But there are a few who excel above and separate themselves from the pack.

As it is written, “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:39-41‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

These NBA Stars are deemed elites. They are the super-stars, in a class of their own, creme de la creme, upper echelon of the sport, that is, the top 1 to 2% of the NBA players. These ones earn the top salaries in the Association and are the ones who get to play as starters in the upcoming three-day weekend All Star Game set for February 18 – 20, 2022.

These Elites have continuously proven themselves since the start of the NBA 2021-22 Season. They are not only key players, but players who have stepped up during critical games, and steadfastly carried their Teams on their backs. Such players are honored by fans who voted for them everyday for six weeks. I hope you voted, too.

Of about the 500+ NBA players, only ten (five each from the Western and Eastern Conferences) qualify as the Elite NBA All Star Starters. Join me in celebrating them listed below:

Some may argue that these players rank highest in salary and stats such as total points, rebounds, and or assists per game, but that is not always the case.

Well, Who decides?

I’m glad you asked.
If you don’t already know. Fifty percent (50%) of the All Star Starter votes is decided by you and I, and twenty-five percent (25%) each by current players and a media panel.

Since the selection was primarily fan-based, one could argue the probability of fan bias and or that the player with the best marketing strategy got the most-est votes. In addition, there’s also the probability of popularity contest at play for both the media panel and current players’ voting.

Notwithstanding, I hope you agree that this year’s Starters are deserving of the votes.

This year’s Eastern Conference (EC) frontcourts maintained and carried over from the previous year. However, we have two new EC guards, DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. Also new entrants for the Western Conference this year are frontcourt Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors and guard Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies. All have been phenomenal and I’m glad that the fans thought so, too.

The Reserves

Per NBA, the 2021-22 “reserves were voted on by the head coaches from each conference, who could not vote for players from their own teams.” Fifteen (15) Reserves were drafted yesterday by the Team Captains, LeBron James (West, Left) and Kevin Durant (East, Right); see below.

The All Star Teams will be playing for a charity organization of their choice. Fun and electrifying events have been lined up for the weekend and you don’t have to be physically present in Cleveland, OH to enjoy it as it’ll be aired on national and local channels. I hope you will watch to appreciate the great talents in the NBA.

Congrats to all the twenty-six amazing All Star players.

Confusion

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

Confusion is the absence of order; it is the absence of peace; of people not knowing what to do, or knowing what to do but unsure of where or how to start; of having multiple decisions to make but afraid to make the wrong one; of being given multiple instructions, corrections, advices, or orders that makes one’s head spin in different directions and unsure of which to follow, or being told to do one thing one second, and the next second someone comes along to nullify the first.

This ought not to be.

Wherever there is confusion, there is certainly every evil thing. Whether or not you agree, this is absolutely true.

Confusion brings along its first-cousins, namely envy, strife, jealousy, selfish ambition, self-seeking, and disorder, to anywhere they are welcomed. They settle down and have a party of utter chaos. It could be in a home, family, small or big organizations.

Confusion at work

Confusion is present when managers micro manage rather than lead and empower their staff. Confusion stems from evil hearts of insecurity and control. Again, this ought not to be.

Wherever confusion is, the atmosphere is filled with employees who are unhappy, gloomy-faced, frustrated, stressed, lacking motivation, and the desire to put the organization first. Productivity suffers, Morale is low, Complacency also sets in, high staff turnover, and the people show up just for the paycheck. Stress becomes the order of the day with its resultant effects on employees’ health.

If confusion produces all the above-mentioned outcomes, why then do organizations embrace or allow it? Your answer is as good as mine.

Confusion is allowed due to ignorance. Folks are either unaware, ignorant of better (i.e., their right), and/or afraid to challenge, change, or speak up about it. Organizations embrace or allow confusion out of ignorance and fear. Fear of being stagnated (overlooked for promotion) or demoted.

Confusion is a spirit. We see its effect but don’t know why it happens. Knowing the root of the problem, helps. For example, is the organization experiencing financial or management issues, is the leader/manager’s personal lifestyle conflicting with his/her corporate role? Whether the root cause is known or unknown, the best way to stop it is to speak up. Call it what it is. C-O-N-F-U-S-I-O-N. No pat-a-caking it. Keeping quiet about it, will only allow it to fetter and grow worse.

Micromanaging is the biggest influencer of confusion.

Micromanaging and Confusion

Micromanaging and confusion are siblings. They go together. There is always confusion where micromanagement occurs and vice versa.

We all know what micromanaging is. It’s a management style that overly scrutinizes and controls a subordinate’s work. It is rampant in environments where unskilled labor is high. Given the chance, micromanagers will try to control or scrutinize their bosses, too. The style stems more from the person’s emotional insecurities, but often tends to be projected as the subordinates’ incompetencies.

People micromanage for different reasons that may include things going on in their own personal lives. Insecurities and the need (or desire) to control are top reasons why people micromanage. Micromanagers tend to control everyone from top mangers to the lower echelons. To curb it, employees have to speak up. I am a proponent of dialogue.

Ways to curb micromanagement and confusion

Start by sharing your feelings using the “I” starters and avoid the “You”. For example, I feel [stressed, distrusted, fill-in-the-blank, etc.] when ________.
Have clear expectations.
Communicate your leadership style and empower your staff to communicate how they would like to be managed or led
Build a culture of trust
I’m also a BIG proponent of human capital. Assure your staff that they are valued, respected, and appreciated, This tend to boost their morale, lessens turnover, and increases their productivity. They will go the extra mile both for the organization and its customers.
Let the focus be on the big overarching picture; the company/organization, rather than on you (the leader or employee).

The above ways are general and applicable both to the micromanager and the micromanaged. However, there are other specific steps that each involved can take to mitigate the negative effects of micromanaging and confusion at work. Speaking to a mentor and/or HR personnel is always advisable.

Nepotism and Cronyism

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

Her Story

I worked at a company that encouraged employees to refer family and friends for employment. For the referral, I was paid $250 for the first-hired family/friend; $300 for the next two hired referrals, for a total of $1,500 per year. Never mind that the referral bonus was taxed at 40%. Duh. But I loved the idea of an extra $1,500 income per year. I come from a large family. So I endeavored to ensure that no family member was unemployed. The family members included everyone; uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, cousins, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousins, and the friends included everyone I knew, neighbors, too, who needed a full, part time, or second job. No person was left behind.

With my quest to refer family and friends to my company, I became the most-loved family member and the most-popular go-to hiring-referral person. These hired family/friends were placed in different departments which meant that I was well-connected throughout the company. None could talk ill of me without it getting back to me. If anyone did, they were sequestered to work on the field or back office, or given a poor/low performance review, and climbing up the company ladder was difficult for them. Similarly, the family/friends who “watched my back” got the company’s and my personal favors. In a way, I had turned the company referral gestures into my mini mafia project. I controlled all the family and friends who were hired as a result of my referral. Their loyalty was first to me and second to the company. I’ve been at the company for over a decade having started while in college. I am now an Executive Manager which means that I know the company and colleagues like the back of my hand.

How was she able to?

The above scenario is a true story though not mine.

Experience has shown that even under the best forms of government, those entrusted with power have, in time and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.

- Thomas Jefferson

Is one better than the other?

Many organizations empower their employees to refer family and friends as potential workmates. The organizations support these referrals with gifts of appreciation that range from $250 and over. The higher the position (hourly versus salaried or supervisory to mid-level management positions), the bigger the referral bonuses.

While there are no specific hiring practices for or against friends, few organizations forbid employing family members.

Nepotism is the practice of hiring and showing favoritism to family members in economic or employment terms, Cronyism is the practice of favoring one’s close friends, especially in political appointments. Both practices cut across public, private, nonprofit, small, mid-size, or large organizations.

Is’t right, fair, ethical, or legal?

There are both benefits as well as disadvantages in hiring family and friends. The above opening scenario depicts the downside of potential pitfalls.

In addition, vertical or lateral promotions based on qualifications or merit becomes difficult. It becomes obvious when family and friends are hired or promoted over stronger candidates especially when that family/friend becomes unable to perform the job. Current employees feel discriminated against in favor of the promotion of the relative thereby breeding a negative toxic workplace culture with unhappy employees. Morale becomes low as a result with the potential for the company to lose great employees. It also can become difficult to discipline or manage family/friends without straining the relationship outside of work. The general outlook is that of a conflict of interest.

Despite the disadvantages, both acts are commonly practiced. Companies do however have policies that might forbid family members from having reporting relationships to one another or from working in the same department. Aside from willful, blatant acts of discrimination, and official filing of grievance, Nepotism and Cronyism are not illegal.

When companies establish formal and informal hiring guidelines, fair work practices (dos and don’ts), have an open policy for reporting perceived or real injustices, set expectations, including limiting the number of hired family/friend referrals, hiring family/friends can be beneficial for the company. Though human beings may disagree occasionally, one might still prefer to work with a known person than an unknown.

Have you ever been a referee or worked for a company that embraced referring and hiring family/friends? What were your experiences or observations? Please share your experiences, if you please, in the comments.

Personally, I believe it’s near impossible to truly manage family and friends without lapsing in discipline and authority. However even if family and friends were not encouraged at a workplace, colleagues do develop meaningful relationships that transcend the job making HR issues somewhat uneasy. My hope is that supervisors/managers exercise their roles in a fair and ethical mannet.

Loving Basketball: 2022 NBA All-Star 💫 Voting

January 13, 2022January 14, 2022 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

I should have posted this sooner. Pardon me, but there’s still time to cast a vote.

If you’re a hoop fan, you know this is the time to vote for your favorite NBA All Star players. The All Star Games has been slated for February 20, 2022, and voting has already begun. The first and second rounds of votes have been released by the NBA. But voting is still ongoing.

Today, and specific days (Dec. 25, Jan. 7, Jan. 13, Jan. 17 and Jan. 20) before the voting is over on Saturday, January 22 at midnight, votes count as double. If you are not a hoop fan and are thus not partaking, or a fan who hasn’t voted yet, it’s not too late to join in the fun. Go to NBA.com (or the NBA App) to vote. If you don’t know who to vote for nor care who wins, pretty please help send, and vote for, the Golden State Warriors’ (GSW) players to this year’s All Star Game in Cleveland, OH. Thank you.

Below is the GSW Team list, in alphabetical order, just in case you don’t know all the players. You can only vote for two guards (G) and three forwards (F) per day. I suggest alternating (selecting different) players each day. This will give the younger and new players an opportunity to receive some votes.

Vote every night before 11:59 PM.

My favorite team as you know is the Warriors. I however have favorite players across teams. I must say that it’s been hard voting for each one of my favorite players daily. It also hasn’t been easy with voting all Warriors players. However, voting Guard Curry has been consistent; it is choosing the second Dubs guard to vote for that becomes an issue. I use the alternating method as well. How I wish we could vote for more than five players. Maybe the NBA Commissioner Stein is listening and will some day soon increase the number to twelve. All in favor say “Aye!”

What is the NBA All Star Game?

The All Star Game is a three-day fun, exciting, and highly competitive event. It showcases twenty-four of the leading NBA star players.

This year marks the 71st All Star Game. The players are voted by fans, players, and the media. The Coaches of the season’s leading NBA Conferences get to Coach the teams. The players with the leading votes for both Conferences gets to be the Captain. The Captain will choose his seven team players regardless of the player’s NBA Conference, while the Coaches select the five reserve players and they cannot select from their NBA Team. The All Star Teams play for charities of their choice. If you’ve never watched one, make this year your first. I can assure you that it will not be your last.

Setback for a Comeback … Welcome back, Klay

January 11, 2022January 11, 2022 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

It was extremely great watching Klay Thompson (KT), Golden State Warriors (GSW)’s number 11, suit up and play again yesterday.

Klay Thompson had been out of the game for two-and-a-half years having suffered two back-to-back injuries; first an ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals and then rupturing his achilles during the 2020 NBA Draft. 2019 was definitely not the Dubs’ year. It was devastating watching it happen in 2019 during Game 6 as GSW was contending for that year’s Championship. After a year off, Klay returned only to rupture his Achilles on Draft Day. Bad as it was, it was preposterous that it happened on Draft Day; giving the Warriors’ Executive Team a quick strategic maneuver on its Draft selection.

KT, the Splash brother, was definitely and apparently missed by all; Team, fans, and the media. Though his other Splash brother, Steph Curry, held the forth in his absence, Klay’s contribution to the Team and game of basketball left a void that was terribly felt and unfillable.

The Splash Brothers, Steph and Klay, earned their alias as a result of their duo-dynamite three-point shootings from any angle. Both changed the basketball landscapes with their shootings.

Way to recovery …

The road to recovery for any athlete after a bad injury is often an emotional tumultuous journey that requires character-defining traits and values that will uphold one through till the end of the journey. While some players recover fast, others have a slow recovery. While some players return to their normal or better state, others seem to slump and finally stop playing; thus ending their athletic career. Even the strongest, positive, and most-optimistic player still has intermittent doubts and questions such as:

What if I do not fully recover?
What if I’m no longer as good?
What if I’m traded because of this injury?
What if other teams think my useful years are over?
What if no team wants me?
What if the injury ends my career?
A gazillion what-ifs hardly with no futuristic answers.

Klay obviously had a few question and or doubts.

After the initial surgery and recovery, Klay was always seen on the bench cheering his teammates and, after games, chatting with the analysts. His return date has been speculated a few times. He had even been sequestered to the Warriors’ G League which is a minor development team for the GSW. Having held up strong and mute about his hiatus and injuries over the years, rarely speaking about the injury nor his recovery, Klay finally and publicly showed his emotions after a Warriors’ game in late November. He was seen still being on bench long after the crowds had dispersed the Chase Center.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/27/klay-thompson-gets-emotional-after-latest-warriors-victory

I was personally touched by Klay’s emotions. The wait and “weight” of not playing must have taken a big toil on him wondering why his return was being delayed.

The wait is finally over

He finally had his day of return on Sunday. I was overjoyed for him, like tons of fans and colleagues were, to finally watch him play again.

Click the links below to watch the various highlights on Klay’s return and game on Sunday:

Setback happens to all

If you live long enough, it is certain that one would experience one form of setback. Life often can hand us lemons and bad things often does happen to the best of folks that set us back in many ways than one. It could be a health/physical setback, like Klay’s and several other basketball players/athletes. The physical setback can have a domino effect on one’s finances, emotions, and sometimes spiritual.

What do you do when it happens?

Many murmur and complain. We ask tons of unanswered questions and can recluse. We play the blame game. Why me? I have, too, at some point. We can stop living especially when we lack helpful and positive relationships concluding that none seems to understand our predicament.

However, only few understand that at such point we cannot and should not step on the brakes. It is a turning point. What we turn round to, blame or control, will make the difference.

The proverbial “when life gives you lemon, you make lemonade,” suffices. A professional football player, for example, who suffers injury that ends his football career can turn to a new other career as a coach or recruiter or game analyst. The point is that all is not lost. It might be the end of a season, but definitely not the end of one’s life or career.

7 Steps to a Comeback

Have a positive outlook that things will be better
Choose the people to surround yourself with.
Do everything within your power to get better. It might mean learning new skills.
If new skills are involved, be gentle on yourself, realizing that there’s a learning curve which is different for each person.
Take life one day at a time
Every step you take will eventually turn to giant strides.
Be consistent.

If you do the work, optimism will lift you up to your eventual comeback which will propel you to a better state than you were before.

Glad that Klay did the work; long though it was, and is back to doing what he does best. GSW’s chances of winning this year’s Championship got much better with your return … The Game just got started. WELCOME BACK, KLAY!

Think yourself positive this Year

January 7, 2022January 7, 2022 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

“Your life will move in the direction of your most-dominant thoughts.”
Joel Osteen

Happy New Year 2022 to everyone. I can’t believe that we are already a week into the New Year. I hope that this is the Year we’ve all been awaiting; a Year that all stored-up blessings will locate us and our families.

Here’s also hoping that your Year started well and free from covid/Omicron. Even if it didn’t, we still have over three hundred days to rectify it. Please remember that getting vaxxed and boosted makes a lot of difference and life much more bearable. Please get vaxxed if you haven’t already. Also get boosted. Be your healthiest best in 2022.

New Year, New You, New Thoughts

I don’t know if people still make New Year resolutions any more. But whatever, you have resolved to do or change this Year, I hope that you achieve it.

Resolutions or not, I particularly hope that you will change your mindset and thinking patterns.

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”       (Proverbs 23:6).

James Allen wrote a self-help book on the title; As a man thinketh. We are the product of our thoughts; whether those thoughts are negative or positive. If you think you can’t, guess what, you won’t. And vice versa.

James Allen “shows how each man holds the key to every condition, good or bad, that enters into his life, and that, by working patiently and intelligently upon his thoughts, he may remake his life, and transform his circumstances.” (Wikipedia)

Pastor Joel Osteen agrees and says that:

You can’t play defeat in your mind and have victory
You can’t think lack and have abundance
You can’t think sickness and have health

No-one can make you think something; only you get to choose what you dwell on. Be intentional to choose positive thoughts.

If you don’t take control of your thought life, the negative will take it over and control your life.

I therefore beseech you, to think positive thoughts this Year, move in the direction of those thoughts, so that your life can align likewise.

I hope that you will:

Think yourself happy
Think yourself joyful
Think abundance
Think yourself as an overcomer
Think yourself blessed
Think yourself overflowing with goodness
Think yourself successful, relatable, and relational
Think yourself wise
Think all good and pure thoughts
And watch how it all flows to you.

How do I do that?

If you’re one prone to negative thoughts, once those thoughts start in your mind/head, please don’t entertain them. Know that you have the willpower to instantly negate the thoughts. For example, if you are one who constantly thinks “no one loves me,”. Stop. Counter the negative thoughts with something like “I am loved by God,”. “My Dad loves me,”. “My sister loves me …”. By the time you list all your family members, friends, neighbors, you will realize that the thought disappears and was a lie. Do likewise for every other negative thought that comes your way; intentionally replacing them with positive thoughts.

I am confident that the more positively you think, the lesser and weaker the negative thoughts become.

I wish you the Very Best of the Year.

Be Merry, Happy, and Safe

December 24, 2021December 24, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

To the WordPress Community and especially my followers, likers, and commenters. You’re the reason that I keep coming back to blog.

I hope you’ve been nice to yourself, and others throughout the year, as you have been to me. Santa is on his/her way to you.

I love you and wish you the merriest Christmas ever.

Remember Jesus is still the reason for the season.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬)‬‬

Be safe. Peace and goodwill to you.

One thing I know for sure …

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

No matter who you are and how many people rave about you, about your cookies or cooking or style or looks or you-name-it, one thing I now definitely know for sure is that there is always someone somewhere who doesn’t give a hoot about you, still can’t stand you nor like you nor adore anything everyone is raving about you. And I also know for sure that that’s definitely all right.

It’s pointless trying to be all things to all men (and women). It just turns you raggedy and into an unconscious dissociative identity disorder personality.

What I’m saying is that it’s totally all right not to be liked by or raved on by people and we should all be comfortable with it.

As a kid, I repeatedly heard an international artist’s song whose lyrics in part went thus: “there’s no intelligence nor behavior that you may have that will please all people or the world; life is but a short time so people do good always …”

Lately, I also heard Oprah Winfrey say that people always accused her of being “too full of herself.” It used to hurt until she started embracing it. She went on to say that “I can only give out of my overflow; so those who say that I am full of myself are saying the truth – I am full and my cup is running over and I give out of the overflow.”

Road to greatness or making history

You might have heard that Steph Curry, of the Golden States Warriors (GSW), recently made history breaking Ray Allen’s 3-points record by 511 less games.

The road to breaking the record was aired and tracked by the news and social media for days. With 17 3-pointers to making history, Curry was frustrated by opponents. I’m sure by now players know that keeping the key player under wraps is a strategy that not only frustrates the key player, but can secure wins. So it wasn’t unusual that Curry was double-teamed most of the time thereby making it impossible for him to rain those threes. The game between Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia Sixers was the start of the 17 3-pointers needed by Curry to make history. Sixers won the game and Curry only made three 3-pointers of the 17. A rarely-frustrated player, I saw Curry openly frustrated on that game night. What caught my attention however was during the end-of-game chat with the reporter, a young Sixers player stated that he and veteran teammate, Joel Embid, talked before the game and agreed that Steph Curry would not make history on their turf. People, Seth Curry, Steph’s brother is on the Sixers team! The young player’s statement caught my attention. Why say that? What does it matter if Curry broke the record on your turf or not? Curry was closer to breaking it anyways, and it will happen – your turf or not, right? I concluded that they might not have been happy with Curry trying to make history. The subtlety of envy and jealousy or is’t intense or negative competition?! You be the judge. I don’t know but I surely didn’t like it.

The road to greatness is not all smooth or paved with gold. There will be bumps, curves, detours, lies, slanders, overt or covert hatred, and some times temporary or permanent stops. The permanent stops happen when we give up out of frustration. Some history makers, like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and Joseph, who were supposed to liberate their people, had themselves been imprisoned before achieving destiny. Most millionaires were once penniless. Most real estate/home developers were also once homeless. Those who carry out the negative, wicked acts to deter anyone’s momentum often do so out of ignorance unknowingly doing the devil’s bidding. But my people, we can take a rest to comeback stronger, but we should never ever give up, for that breakthrough will surely come.

Congrats, Steph Curry

Stephen Curry broke the record at the GSW and New York Knicks game night; the third game after the Sixers. The New York fans were elated for him and so were the reigning record-holder, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller (another previous record holder), family, friends, and the NBA community. New York looked a better ground for the record-breaking moments than it would have at the Sixers.

I am so happy for Stephen Curry. He not only put in the work, but was key to changing the trajectory of the NBA games with his three-pointers. For someone who was overlooked and once rejected, Steph, like Michael Jordan, has proven that you can turn everyone’s rejection to applause. Now, Steph’s on to the next record …

Curry’s way to making history and the Sixers’ comment supports my point that not everyone will celebrate you, but you have to be okay with it. Waiting for the approval of men just means that we will never get anything done, because that approval might just never come.

Sometimes people (or things and, God forbid, even ourselves) deter our momentum in life, but if we don’t give up, what has been ordained for us will surely happen. Delay never equates denial. Those stumbling blocks are meant to buffet us and make us more determined for a stronger comeback.

Till your breakthrough or history-making happens, keep on keeping on, my friend.

Truth be Told

December 7, 2021December 8, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

Credits: Matthew West

“Are we all truthful to ourselves and each other?” This is a question that I hear all the time. I wonder as often as I hear it, too.

What is Truth?

Truth is the opposite of falsehood; it is reality and being in accord. Its concept can be contextually debated in ethics/morals, science, theology, and various spheres of life.

But when talking about Truth, whose Truth is it anyways? Yours, mine, or the absolute Truth? Even the Absolute Truth is often subjectively interpreted. Any wonder why there’s chaos and disagreements everywhere; in our minds and with one another. If only we could all agree to one truth, my truth will have no place or rather its place. Some day your truth will agree with My truth.

Happy hump day as you enjoy Matthew West’s Truth be told. Lyrics below.

Lyrics

Lie number one, “You’re supposed to have it all together”
And when they ask how you’re doing
Just smile and tell them, “Never better”
Lie number two, “Everybody’s life is perfect except yours”
So keep your messes and your wounds
And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors
Truth be told
The truth is rarely told, no
I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”
But I’m not, I’m broken
And when it’s out of control I say it’s under control
But it’s not and You know it
I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There’s no failure, no fall
There’s no sin You don’t already know
So let the truth be told
There’s a sign on the door
Says, “Come as you are” but I doubt it
‘Cause if we lived like that was true
Every Sunday mornin’ pew would be crowded
But didn’t you say church should look more like a hospital?
A safe place for the sick
The sinner and the scarred and the prodigals, like me
Well, truth be told
The truth is rarely told
Oh, am I the only one who says
“I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”
But I’m not, I’m broken
And when it’s out of control I say it’s under control
But it’s not and You know it
I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There’s no failure, no fall
There’s no sin You don’t already know
So let the truth be told
Can I really stand here unashamed
Knowing that Your love for me won’t change?
Oh God, if that’s really true
Then let the truth be told
I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”
But I’m not, I’m broken (I’m broken)
And when it’s out of control I say it’s under control
But it’s not and You know it (You know it)
I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There’s no failure, no fall
There’s no sin You don’t already know
Yeah, I know (I know)
There’s no failure, no fall
There’s no sin You don’t already know
So let the truth be told

Songwriters: Matthew West with Carly Pearce

Sharing Thursday: Raising our kids to be successful

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 5 Comments

Credits: TED

I feel the above is worth sharing.

Hearing it from a former Dean of Freshmen of one of the top colleges should benefit parents on both sides of the spectrum; that is, those who over-pamper their kids on one spectrum and those who are too strict with their kids on the other end. I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum until one day I chose to intentionally “let go.” Oh how I wished I released (or dropped) the hammer sooner and just allowed us all to live.

When my daughters were in middle and high schools, they thought they had Cinderella’s step mother as a mom. But, on starting college, they couldn’t stop raving and thanking me for the chores I made them do though they didn’t like it at the time. I might have mentioned this before in one of my blogs. One of my daughters had a roommate in freshman who didn’t know how to lay her bed, another didn’t know how to wash dishes or clean up after herself. She was willing to pay her roomies to do it for her. She also didn’t know how to call to make a doctor’s appointment. My daughter was happy to show her. “Where did you learn it from?” she asked my daughter. Our Mom taught us. Her mom, on the other hand, did everything for her.

I’m not bashing my daughter’s roommate, but merely collaborating the essence of the TED video.

I never allowed my daughters to take the bus or train alone until they were in high school. I went with them on the first rides and allow them afterwards on their own with instructions and advices. They had friends who had been riding buses and trains alone since middle school. It’s all a matter of parents’ comfort level and styles.

What’s your parenting style?

Parenting styles are different. And like the proverbial “one man’s meat is another’s poison,” parenting styles can and do often clash. Within households, fathers can be too overbearing, while mothers because of their nurtured wirings, might be ones with the soft touch balancing dad’s acts. It could also be the reverse where mom is the stricter of the parents. This is not uncommon in households with all, or more, girls/daughters. Because Dads often are softer with their daughters, moms step in and up to ensure the necessary discipline.

Notwithstanding the differences in styles, it is essential that our kids be balanced in life. How we ensure the balance depends on a variety of factors. Each household is unique and the balancing act also will be equally as unique. As the TED video shows, the balance is more profound towards academics than other areas. We would rather wash their dirty dishes and clothes, while our kids “study” or do their homeworks. We are more focused on their grades than their welfare.

As an example, my daughter, while a freshman on her high school’s varsity basketball team, which was a rarity at the time (first in the school’s history) allowed her grades to suffer because I gave her “some freedom” and didn’t micromanage her in order to keep up being a best on the team. When asked why, she told me “I thought freshman’s grades don’t count. I’ll make it up through my sophomore to senior years.” I felt like “strangling” her. Instead, I sat her down and explained to her that without the grade, she can’t continue to be on the varsity team which would be double-jeopardy. She ended up taking college classes to make up her grades. She loved the idea of being a high-school in college and took classes till her first semester of senior. She graduated high school with excess credits as a result because I disallowed her taking the rest of her senior semesters off.

I don’t think that I could have lived with myself having her flunk any class. Could I have slacked more and allowed her to make it up in the subsequent years? Maybe. But what if by her Junior year, her grades are still not where she had hoped they would be? Then what? We would have had no time for any recourse. An alternative would have been for her to give up basketball, but that would have been taking away something she was good at and worked hard for.

Again, it’s a parenting preference.

The key point of the post is to know where and what to forgo in order to help our kids be alive and have a successful balanced life.

Servant Heart

November 28, 2021November 28, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 4 Comments

God grant us the grace to be like you serving one another from a kind and pure heart.

What does it mean?

A servant-heart is a leader who is:

Humble, not arrogant
Selfless, gives of him/herself sacrificially
Committed, to a cause and to others
Loyal
Dutifully diligent
Interested in the goodwill of others
Compassionate
Empathetic

Does having a servant heart (or being a servant-leader) causes us to lose ourselves? No, and certainly not. If anything, God refreshes those who refreshes others. God sees your heart and work though none does, and He will reward.

In a society where everyone is about self, having a servant heart becomes a struggle such that those who are gifted with such a heart become double-minded in exercising their gifts. And those who desire the servant-heart wonder if they’re doing the right thing. But, as lovers of Jesus the Christ, we remember that we are in this world, but not of the world.

Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool, let me be a fool unto Jesus.

Not every person is gifted with a servant heart, but it can be desired and cultivated. To cultivate a servant heart, start first by praying to God to fix your heart. Then intentionally seek opportunities to volunteer/serve others. The more of yourself that you give, the easier serving others become for you.

Like everything, God’s grace is sufficient and at work for me and you to enable us do that which we desire.

Happy Sunday 😍

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Today, November 25th, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.”

According to UN, 1 in 3 women have been abused (physically, sexually, emotionally, and financially) in their lifetime. 9 out of 10 women never report the abuse.

Help end violence against women and girls. Join the UNO and its initiatives to end abuse of any form. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 days of activism … This campaign, led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008, aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

Stopping violence against women is not only a moral imperative, new evidence shows that it can help the economy.

For many women around the world, no place is more unsafe than their own homes. As the world recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it has become clear that the pandemic has made this violence worse.

Violence against women and girls has a multi-dimensional effect on the overall health of an economy both in the short-term and long-term.
In the short term, women from abusive homes are likely to work fewer hours and be less productive when they do work. In the long run, high levels of domestic violence can decrease the number of women in the workforce, minimize women’s acquisition of skills and education, and result in less public investment overall as more public resources are channeled to health and judicial services

The foregoing are excerpts from UN and IMF’s below articles. Click each link to read intensively.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

How Domestic Violence is a Threat to Economic Development

Thankful and Grateful Heart

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

We celebrate another Thanksgiving Day today; one much better than the last two years. A day where we can travel to be, and mingle, with one another unlike the last two years when covid made it impossible. How we cherish the opportunity.

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the last Thursday of November with family and friends. A day of feasting, of turkey-ing, stuffy-ing, gravy-ing, and cranberry-ing. Of apple and pumpkin pies, with the collards, green beans, corns, and sweet potatoes. Of eating and merrymaking. With all these food, we should no doubt be thankful, as well as grateful.

We are thankful when we appreciate what someone has done for, or given, us. Thank the one who prepared the meal, those who helped deliver them, those who did the dishes and cleaned the home.

Gratefulness has to do with appreciating what we have; not being greedy or covetous. Whatever much or little you feast on today, there are some still without. Be grateful for what you have. Invite someone to share your feast with or donate some to the Food Bank or Salvation Army. They will be forever grateful.

Both thankfulness (or thanksgiving) and gratitude should be a lifestyle and not only an annual event. A heart of gratitude is a merry heart. The Bible says that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: …” (Proverbs 17:22a).

It’s good and healthy to have a heart of gratitude. A grateful heart always receives more.

There are 1,001 things, and more, to be thankful for. What is it for you?

Are you thankful for your parents? Or family? Teachers? Government workers such as the Postman/woman, Firefighters, Security and Intelligence Officials? Your neighbors? Friends? etc
Siblings having one another ought to be thankful; forget that you get on each other’s last nerves sometimes. Be grateful that you have someone to share your peeves with.
Older folks are thankful for good health, waking up every day, and not in and out of hospitals (I know that I am!)
Tea drinkers are thankful that the world is not full of just coffee
Workers are thankful they have a job that pays the bills, though sometimes they don’t often feel like showing up to work
Creators are thankful for their witty minds that stirs up inspiration
We are grateful for our cars though gas prices are exorbitant, etc.

Our list should be miles long. Whenever we have a tendency to murmur and complain, pause because the alternatives could be worse.

I am thankful for you choosing to read this post. Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy and stay safe.

The Antagonist

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Have you ever encountered an antagonist? I’m not talking about a storyline or drama-type antagonist. I’m talking about the one who is passive-aggressive, subtly malicious, unkind, intentionally does things to hurt you, and pretends that it was done unintentionally, in error, without bias, or were just trying to help you.

Who’s The Antagonist?

The Antagonist knows you well, knows your likes and dislikes, has studied you intensely, knows your weakest points, and know what to do not only to stir, but exploit, your emotions.

The Antagonist can be a close friend, family member, colleague, business associate, neighbor, or a sports teammate.

Most antagonists are charismatic, sociable, and have lots of friends. These character traits, which are great traits to possess, only serve as a cover-up for the antagonist’s true personality.

The Antagonist’s true self is one who seeks the attention and love of everyone and woe to the one who does not join in their attention-seeking group.

The antagonist goes after those who resist their attention with the goal to stir their emotions such that when those react, the aggressor looks like the pacifier.

Lakers and Pistons brawl

Such was my reaction regarding Sunday’s Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons’ game-turned-brawl that got LeBron James (LBJ) and Isaiah Stewart (IS)’s subsequent NBA decision of game suspension without pay. The incident occurred during the third quarter and was all over the media. You probably already heard or watched it. If you didn’t, google Lakers and Pistons fight.

The outcome was that NBA suspended LBJ for one game, but IS was suspended for two games, both without pay.

It’s unfortunate that IS got the heftier penalties, whereas LBJ, who in my opinion was the initiator, got a lighter penalty.

Sir Isaac Newton once said that “for every action, there is an equal or greater reaction.” Though Newton’s statement refers to the law of motion, the same statement is applicable in this instance. LeBron’s action, unintentional or not, including his response afterwards necessitated Isaiah’s furious actions. Granted that IS should have restrained himself when the officials stepped in to the court, but seeing and tasting your own blood threw commonsense outta the window for him.

What happened?

On this unfortunate Sunday, the incident happened during the third quarter. A younger team (Pistons) with one of the worst records of the season (4-11) was leading the game by two-digit points. It was also the second game day back for LBJ, having been out with injury and missed eight previous games. To have Pistons leading the game was an embarrassing moment, to say the least, for LBJ and the Lakers.

At the point of a free throw, LBJ elbowed IS by the brow causing blood to ooze down the right-side of his face. As would be expected, IS walked to LBJ, in my opinion, in an attempt to “verify” if it was an accident or an intentional act. Whatever response LBJ gave certainly compounded an already charged IS and thus infuriated him the more. He was furious and attempted retaliatory attacks before he was finally restrained. He was also seen running to the “tunnel” in an attempt portrayed by the media as going to the Lakers’ locker room and for LBJ.

For the record, the Pistons have been known to be a combative team. Which didn’t help a lighter NBA decision-making either.

My take is that if the initial act hadn’t been committed by “the antagonist,” the ensuing incidents wouldn’t have occurred. LBJ’s response, in my opinion, added fuel onto IS’s troubled waters.

One team player commented that LBJ is not a dirty player having been ejected only once (during the Cavs and Heat’s 2017 game) in his 19-year career. Sunday’s was his second ejection. The fact is that LBJ is not a saint either on the court, nor does he play a-100% clean game 100% of the time. He’s sly and being a veteran of the game, he knows how to tweak without breaking the NBA rules. I’ve watched him done several on-court unkind acts, both intentional and unintentional, over the years. To his credit, most of those acts were overlooked by the referees. LBJ would be a saint when compared to some players such as Draymond Green of Golden State Warriors (to his credit, he’s a changed man now), Rus Westbrook now of LA Lakers, Demarcus Cousins (now a free agent, Patrick Beverley now of Minnesota Timberwolves, etc., who are notorious for intentional vile acts and who would easily warrant a foul or technical for the slightest acts.

I do not advocate violence nor retaliatory acts. But I am fed up with antagonistic folks who act like the innocent after their intentional harmful deeds hence the need to speak up and call the act out for what it is. The NBA ruling also sends a strong message against such actions.

Do incidents occur when playing games? Sure they do. Both intentional and unintentional. Most intentional acts go undetected by the referees. But none should have to draw blood out of another. IS got five stitches for the brow bust. The more reason I feel that LBJ got away too easy.

Know how to handle them

Antagonists are everywhere. You might not understand my post if you’ve never experienced one. I had. At the time, I didn’t know how to handle antagonistic acts and people. After making outburst reactions, I learned to dissociate myself from such people.

I also recently had an experience at an Asian grocery store I occasionally visit. I bought fresh fish, shrimps, and a bag of local foods. On my way out, I realized that I had couple more errands to run before heading home. So I turned back to ask for a bag of ice to help preserve the seafood. I took out the other item from my grocery bag to make room for the ice. As I was about to grab a plastic bag near the exit of the store, to go get the ice, one of the staff (an Asian lady) chased me down. She ran all the way from the back of the store, was so loud speaking in chinese, pointing at me and the item in my hand. Since I didn’t understand, I ignored her and went straight to the store’s freezer room for the ice. The lady was still talking to her other store staff when I returned. So I asked what her uproar was. When I realized that she was actually accusing me of not paying for the item in my hand, I got upset. Now it was my turn to cause an uproar. I demanded an apology. The lady instantaneously shifted gear and said “me help you …”. She stated that she was trying to help me. Which was untrue. The lady ran from the back of the store to the front to accuse me and tried to cover up her act when she was told that I had paid.

My recent experience is nothing compared to LBJ-IS’s, but the outcome of turning the vile act to one of help-apology is similar.

If you have antagonists in your sphere of life, the best reaction is to ignore them. Their goal is to have the incident escalate from your reaction, while they keep silent and feign ignorance of why you’re reacting as such thus portraying you as the aggressor.

Another way to deal with antagonists is to be assertive. As in my recent instance, I requested an apology which was given. I am of the opinion that LBJ ought to apologize publicly to IS to portray the true NBA sportsmanship and face. Being proactive is also helpful and be prepared to walk away to avoid the situation getting out of hand. I wished IS had walked away.

Taking the above measures will help to know how to tame the antagonist.

Know the reason

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

People come into our lives
For a reason
Or a season
Others for an assignment Some for good Others for not-so-good

Know the Reason

So you don’t lose sleep
Or shed unwarranted tears
When the reason
Or season and assignment
Have been completed.

Having people in your life stay beyond
Their appointed reason, season, or assignment
Will cause you more grief
And harm
Than the good
Those season, reason, and assignment
Were meant to have done

Know the Reason

Most times the reason
Is not always obvious
But best known
In retrospect

Hindsight as we know
Is often 20/20.

How will you discern Except you pay attention When we pay attention
Attention will always pay us back

The season could be a lifetime
Yours or theirs

Know the Reason

The season could also
Be a brief, temporary, short time
Or for a specific purpose
Knowing the difference
helps understand the Reason.

The Reason
Could be to prepare you
For a personal or familial Resurgence
Or to guide you on or for a futuristic endeavor

Know the Reason

The person may or may not even be assignment-focused For good or evil Yet they are Keep eyes wide open

And you’ll often. catch the Reason

Be careful though. Not to treat everyone suspiciously. New and old in your life Matter a great deal

That’s not the reason for this

Yet be conscious of everyone And sooner you will

Know the Reason

Once the reason
Is known and understood
You will be glad to let go
Of the person, reason, and season
And happy to say
Hasta la vista!

Know the Reason ✌🏾

A Gem gone but not forgotten

November 14, 2021November 15, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 4 Comments

This day, seventeen years ago, my biological Mother left this world unannounced. We had talked two days in a row. On that fateful day, she called me twice which was unusual, but I didn’t pay attention to it. I hung up after our conversations and within thirty minutes, she called again. At this point, I said “Mom, why are you calling back – stop wasting your money.”

The next day, I received several calls from my maternal siblings who otherwise never called. Without answering those calls, I knew something weird had happened.

I ran away momentarily as if to run away from those calls catching up with me. When I gathered myself together to return the first call, I heard the news everyone dreads to receive. Mom had dinner, took a shower, went to sleep, and never woke up. She passed on in her sleep. No crying could bring her back. If I only had known, I would have talked with her till the phones fell out of our hands as we nod our heads off fighting sleep. It felt like she had “something” to tell me but couldn’t bring it out hence her calling repeatedly. I felt like running to her and shaking life out of her. But she was over 7,500 miles away. By the time I got there, she would have been buried any ways. I have carried the guilt to heart so to speak. I only released it last week.

She died peacefully in her sleep which was somewhat consoling. Not that she was sick being carried in and out of hospitals.

My people, I admonish you to give time to those in your life now. Never be too busy or tired for a few precious moment with them. Let them know NOW how much you cherish them. You just never know when it might be the last time you see them, talk to them, or hold their hands.

I love Casting Crowns’ Scars in Heaven. I listen to it when bombarded with negative thoughts not only concerning her, but also my beloved Dad and brother who both passed on six years ago.

Credits: Casting Crowns

I never lived with my biological Mom. Though I had a few others who stepped in as mothers, I missed the true maternal nurturing growing up. It was difficult believing that those other moms truly loved me as their own because their actions were contrary. Some days were better than others. Those experiences have shaped me to who I am today; though some experiences I wished that I never had. Nonetheless, I never begrudged my Mon for leaving me. She had her reasons at the time and felt leaving me was better. I was glad she left me with my Dad and not in the garbage bin or, like Moses in a basket in the river. But life without a mother is different. I believe that God turns everything around for our good, but there were times I struggled with accepting it and felt that life could have been different with her in my life. Yet there are no guarantees.

My Mom, though gone, will forever be remembered. I honor her today and always for giving me life. Continue to rest in God’s bosom. Scars in Heaven is for you.

Saint Francis’s Prayer

November 14, 2021November 14, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 4 Comments

I had some personal decisions to make that will change the trajectory of my life. As such, it has been a two weeks of mental fatigue for many reasons. I haven’t posted as a result. Sorry. I truly missed not posting nor reading any of my favorite peoples’ posts. During the period, I pondered about several things including those who have been diagnosed with mental issues. Not that I never did before. But it just became more apparent this time. Alas, I agree that mental health is real. Everyone ought to have someone who understands and who they can talk to when situations that overwhelm arises. In addition, we all deserve love; both giving and receiving, and being kind to one another. I’m somewhat okay now. I just realized during that period, that most people with mental issues and no help often snap and find themselves in a “rabbit hole” of sorts.

This post is not about mental health issues; a topic I know not much about. I however am aware that there’s a lot encompassing mental health. Some of which have to deal with the complexity of the brain. Others have to deal with trauma and or people’s perceptions, real or otherwise. Whatever it is, it is important to talk it out and through with someone who understands and wouldn’t judge you, This post is a plug for kindness.

Traumatic experiences can, and often does, drive one into a mental frenzy. The more reason why we all ought to be nice with and to one another.

Last Friday was the first day in two weeks that I read a few posts. I came across a lady’s who was suffering from mental issues. Her post was, in my opinion, a cry for help. I got stuck in my track not knowing what to say or do to help alleviate her “suffering” that hasn’t already been said to her. It was the last post I read for that day. I however took her issues to God in prayer which is the least I could do. She’s not alone, but how I wish she didn’t, nor does all who are.

It was in my Q&A with Father God that the below prayer surfaced in my spirit. God-cidentally, one of my YouTuber personalities happened to be talking about the Prayer, too. Such is far from a coincidence. May we all have a heart that demonstrates the fruit of the spirit: “ … love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: …”. Here’s the Prayer;
‭‭

Saint Francis of Assisi’s Prayer

Lord make Me an instrument of Your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness joy.
O Divine master grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand.
To be loved. as to love
For it’s in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born…
To eternal life.
Amen.

According to many sources, the prayer was first recorded in 1912. Though over a hundred years ago, the prayer is still relevant today.

The prayer recognizes several life issues as hatred, evil, doubt, heart wounds, and other unhealthy or, dare I say, evil deeds that are prevalent in our world. But, the popularity of the Prayer rests in rising above those issues and being contrarian in ourselves; forgiving where injury and discords have occurred, not repaying evil with evil, dying to self, letting go and letting God.

We, including atheists and agnostics, wrestle between two worlds; the spiritual and the natural. The laws of which operate also contrary to one another. But as it is written, though we live here on earth, we are not of this world and should act as a spiritual being on earth crucifying fleshy acts.

I acknowledge that we cannot of ourselves (in our flesh) do these contrarian acts of forgiving a wrong or being loving when evil has been done to us. But when we purpose in our hearts that that’s what we desire, God, by His Spirit, will enable us.

The flesh (soul) and the spirit cohabit together in the same body and often wrestle within. It is the wrestling match remnants that transition to others if and when we allow it. The more intentional we choose to operate in one, the more the attributes of that one grows and are seen in us. It is of those attributes that we give to ourselves and others.

God help us to live by the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. Have a peaceful and loving week.

Of War and Peace

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

There is a war in our members warring against us all despite our desire to do good. It’s a struggle about who to please in the affairs of life generally and that of ours. Do I please myself, my family, friends, my pastor or other religious leaders? The war or struggle is also a lack of capacity for balance.

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:15-24 NKJV‬‬

If we acknowledge that the desire to do good and be kind exists, what then is responsible for us acting contrary? That is, contrary to our desire to do and be good.

I believe the answer is because of the presence of sin in the world. Sin is not only in the big things like murder. We sin when we think bad thoughts about others. Gossip is sin. Starting a rumor is sin. So is slander, pilfering at work, covetousness, envy, jealousy, etc. I hope you get it.

When sin is present in the world, it becomes an intentional act to go against the grain. It is so easy to roll with the crowd or majority so as to blend in and not be an outcast. But, I hope that we all acknowledge that the majority can, and are sometimes, wrong. But the cliché, the majority is always right, has misdirected and mis-focused many.

It takes guts to be a lone voice in the wilderness so to speak. It is clouts to speak up and out against what we know to be wrong. No-one might come to your side, but my people, know that God sees you. Even if you don’t believe in Him, I hope you have a conscience (some call it compass) that steers you when you’re alone and especially when you lay your head on your pillow at night to sleep. When that voice whispers in your head, “don’t don’t,” please don’t. It’s simple, right? But not so simple with a few. If you continue to ignore that whisper (soft voice), you begin to sear your conscience (or compass) and it is at that time, without intentional checks, that one gets spiritually, and eventually naturally, lost.

We all struggle in one thing or the other. When you have the true desire to do good, but find yourself doing bad (or evil) continuously, seek help. Knowing where or who to go to for help is a key factor. Confide in someone or call the Office of any Church, Temple, Synagogue, etc. Call somebody for Help.

Without intentionality of being and doing good, the war will never cease within ourselves and peace will elude one. The first place for peace is in our minds. Once in the mind, the peace exudes all over and around us. We’ve all heard another cliché that war is the absence of peace. There is a reason the war is going on. Get to the root sooner than later. It will free you.

For peace to reign, you’ve got to choose it, intentionally. Having the peace will undoubtedly lead you to know who or what to choose when at a crossroad. It will also help with balance in your life.

I pray that the God of Peace visit you today and bless you with His peace that surpasses human understanding. May His peace rest upon you.

Multitasking is an illusion

October 28, 2021October 29, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

Credits: Unsplash / The Creative Exchange

I read about a research that debunked multitasking and had the opportunity of actually paying attention to verify its truth this morning.

Most of us claim to multitask. But do we really?

I arrived twenty minutes early for a car service appointment. I received a phone call as I pulled in to the building. I planned to stay in the car till the phone conversation was over before pulling up to the service line. But, a service staff walked up to me, greeted me, and stated that someone would be with me shortly. The interruption to acknowledge the service staff was a split second, but on return to my phone call, it was enough to throw me off the point I was with the conversation. If I hadn’t read this article, I would have been bothered that old age and memory loss were slipping unto me. Help Lord.

Multitasking

We’ve all done it. Driving, listening to the radio, answering a phone call or calling someone. Or moms getting kids ready for school while planning dinner at the same time or calling her boss about a meeting for the day or just to say that she’s running late. Reading and eating. We juggle multiple tasks and seem efficient at it. My daughters while in high school would leave their music on, not soft-playing, but loud, while supposedly studying. It used to angst me. How anyone could study in such an environment still beats me till today. I was the only one in the family who thought it was an anomaly then, so I didn’t win in trying to change it. But I learned to accept it while giving them the benefit of doubt realizing that we all learn differently. I love peace and quiet and I’m from the old school that there should be no disturbances or noises when studying.

At work multiple projects are started or simultaneously ongoing with the same project managers and team members crossing projects. It used to be popular and folks were seen as super-efficient. Not any more.

The research states that contrary to our beliefs, multitasking actually reduces efficiency. According to a University of Southern California (USC) Masters of Applied Psychology (MAPP) article, “multitasking is no longer a skill to brag about, but to worry about and that it causes us to actually make more mistakes, retain less information, and change the way our brain works, leaving everyone wondering “to multitask or not to multitask?””

The frontal lobe, which is responsible for paying attention, engages fully when we are completing tasks. Both the left and right sides of the brain are in harmony when working on a single task. However, when we multitask, it “forces the left and right sides of the brain to work independently causing us to forget details and make three times more mistakes when given two simultaneous goals.” This was exactly what happened when I returned to my phone conversation after pausing to respond to the service staff. I forgot where I had excused myself.

Studies

The study was conducted by scientists at the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) in Paris. No information on when the study was conducted was given though.

Another study stated that our IQ scores decline by 15 points when we multitask.

Several studies and researches apparently have been undergone for the past decade or two debunking the benefits and efficiency of multitasking. Why haven’t we caught up yet to the change of single-tasking?

Proof Positive

Drivers multitasking behind the wheels have been responsible for numerous fatalities. Distracted driving, the act of driving while engaging in other activities which takes the driver’s attention away from the road, is responsible for about 3,000 deaths per year.

There you have it my people. Next time you try to multitask, remember it’s no longer cool to do so. For a quality work and maximum efficiency, at home or office, always give your full and undivided attention to one task at a time.

The Glory

October 24, 2021October 24, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The Glory is God’s magnificence presence on His people. It is an empowerment and enablement. The glory comes and falls for a purpose and season. When the glory falls in churches and the temples, people can hardly move or talk. The glory can also fall on an individual during prayer, praise, and worship. When the glory of God is present, people get healed without anyone laying hands on them. As it is written, the lame walk, the blind see, the lepers (modern day would be ) are cleansed, the deaf hear … (Matthew 11:5)

King David asks, “Who shall ascend into the hill (presence) of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” Psalm‬ ‭24:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who else would know what it takes to be in God’s presence and have His Glory evident all around, but King David. Despite his atrocities, he still earned himself a man after God’s own heart. King David was a worshipper. He knew how to praise and eulogize the King of Glory. We, who love the Lord, can learn from him.

There are two kinds of glory; “… the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:40a). The celestial equates the heaven, while the terrestrial is of the land.

“There is (also) one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:40-41‬)‬‬. The sun cannot come out at night neither can the stars shine during the day.
This emphasizes that we all have unique functions and should be content walking in our identities without desiring others gifts and talents. Crossing lanes lead to frustration and unfulfilled ambitions.

“May the King of Glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle,” (Psalm 24:8), visit you today and enable you to complete tasks needed to fulfill your last-quarter-of-the-year goals, may His Glory bring you divine connections, resources, great health, healing, and may you finish 2021 stronger than the previous year.

The boy, Steph, is holy fiery!

October 22, 2021October 22, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

After two Season games, Steph Curry is on a holy fiery roll ready to carry the Golden State Warriors (GSW) on his back all the way to the 2021-22 NBA Championship.

Thursday’s Game Two, against the Los Angeles Clippers (LAC), saw Steph being his usual self and more, catching the attention of fellow league players’ tweets. LeBron James (LBJ) of the LA Lakers tweeted that “Steph, you’re sick man,” and Dame Lillard (DL), Portland Trailblazers, tweeted that “Steph goin for 75 tonight;” alluding to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary.

The Golden State Warriors also celebrates 75th Anniversary being one of the initial NBA teams still around and going strong. Initially known as the Philadelphia Warriors from 1946 to 1962, before changing name to San Francisco Warriors from 1962 to 1971. The new name of Golden State Warriors began in 1971.

Steph sure caught the Lakers attention on Opening Night which was an away game at the Lakers’ home on Tuesday. He recorded a triple-double. He did it again on Warriors home Opening Night against the Clippers with twenty-five points in the first quarter. Well, he didn’t make seventy-five points as alluded by DL. But with a double-double and a total forty-five points recorded, Steph announced that the Dubs were back. He sure makes basketball seem so easy and puts the fun into the game, artistically demonstrating moves on the court that would make Picasso jealous.
Here’s hoping his fire don’t die but blows hotter throughout the Season. Go Curry!

He’s come a long way

Curry revolutionized the three-pointers, together with teammate Klay Thompson who unfortunately has still not been released to return (since 2019). Both earned themselves the nickname The Splash Brothers as a result. They were the pioneers of the game-changing three pointers before other NBA teams followed. They both had made their mark and the other players had to catch up.

For, Steph, it’s sure in the genes as his dad, Dell Curry was a shooter during his time, too. But his son, Steph, has broken his shooting record.

Steph Curry was also included as one of 75 Greatest Players in NBA History. Congrats, Steph.

From a skinny boy who was once rejected by top college recruits to now a hoop force to be reckoned with, the boy Steph has come full circle. Sounds like another de ja vu, right? You know who – Michael Jordan (MJ) was also once rejected.

Both Steph and MJ, new and old respectively, demonstrate that being rejected can propel one to greater heights rather than allowing it to destroy one by internalizing pain, shame, and guilt from the naysayers who determine to place a ceiling over one’s destiny. What do you say, people?

Join me in wishing Steph Curry more fires to his hands and feet.

What in the World is that?!

October 21, 2021October 21, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Have you ever heard of a Bidet? Call me an ignoramus if you want but I had never heard of a bidet. I hope however that I’m not a sole ignoramus. If you’ve heard of bidets, please share in the comments.

My daughter excitedly told me that she made a recommendation to her Human Resources (HR) department. I responded “that’s great. Proud of you. Was it accepted?”
She responded: “They’ll let me know in a week … Won’t you ask what the recommendation is?”

I smiled. “Oh yes, sorry my dear. What did you recommend. I hope it’s a huge money-saving idea.”

What my daughter said afterwards almost made me choke. I caught myself biting hard and holding my tongue from blurting out insensitive words from my mouth. As a great Mom would, I responded “nice I’d love to hear your HR’s response.”

The Recommendation

Would you like to know what the recommendation was, people?

Yes, you guessed right. My daughter recommended that her employer install bidets in the bathrooms.

What in the world is a Bidet?!
What are those? At first I thought bidets were some architectural or engineering gadgets. Funny, right? I was ignorant in that I had never heard of bidets. Pardon me for displaying my ignorance. Again, I hope that I’m not a sole ignoramus. If you’ve heard of bidets, please share in the comments.

My daughter took her time to explain to me what these were, including the fact that America seems to be the only developed nation still not using bidets. That they were popular in Europe, Japan, and other developed nations.

My first thoughts were “what in the world was my daughter thinking when she made the recommendation. What would her management say?

After the conversation ended, I did my research. Interestingly, I had seen and used bidets at the Dubai airport on a stopover. I had then thought that its use was peculiar to Dubai as a moslem nation. My ignorance number two! I also remembered one being in an Airbnb I stayed prior to the pandemic. It was foreign to me. But the good thing was I had the option to turn its settings off. I did.

Bidets are new (well, probably just to me and a few others) and innovative ways of cleaning yourself up, using water sprayed through the plumbing fixtures, after using the bathroom doing a “number two.”

They also are known as washlets. The first washlet however came out in 1980. People, that’s thirty years ago! It can no longer be said that they are new.

Bidets are environmentally friendlier, organically and hygienically better, than wiping down with toilet papers. You save money in the long run. The upfront cost pays for itself from the money saved foregoing buying the toilet papers. They are reasonably pruced, too.

A few disadvantages of bidets, which I was surprised to note was that they generally use either cold or hot water which I think might be a plumbing feature. You know the anguish of using cold water during winter as well as using hot water during summer.

The general bidets come as a standalone or attached to your our existing toilet seat covet. Some fancy bidets have warm air dryer functions to dry up after the cleanse, heats up the toilet seats, plays music, and even deodorizes the toilet bowl. The one I encountered at an Airbnb plays music which I found disturbing. It could had been because I didn’t like the type of music being played.

Will it pass?

Now that we all know what a bidet is, let’s hope that my daughter’s employer deems it enough money-saving to say “yes” to her recommendation.

I once worked where the employer paid employees a percentage of the total money saved from recommendations made to the organization. Those rewards often ramp up into thousands of dollars.

Have you heard of a Bidet or Washlet?

Loving Basketball: International Players in the NBA and Opening Night Tidbits

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

The Season’s Opening Night was not disappointing. Both games played tonight were spectacular as expected with Milwaukee Bucks defending its championship against “short-handed” Brooklyn Nets (aka Kyrie Irving saga) and my fave Team, Golden States Warriors, routing the Los Angeles (LA) Lakers. The Dubs are surely back and in the championship race this Season. I hope tonight’s play reflects Season’s expectations which will only be improved upon and lead to playoff and eventual Finals. Knocking on woods! 🙏🏾

Bucks’ Championship Rings

And, yes, the Bucks were presented with their championship rings (if you missed it, watch it here) prior to the start of game amid a full fan-packed arena. Well deserved. I’m happy for the Bucks players and management,

Will Bucks shoot for a back-to-back championship? We’ll see what the 2021-22 Season holds.

NBA’s International Players

Well, on Opening Night, the National Basketball Association (NBA) released that there are “109 international players from 39 countries on roster for its landmark 75th Anniversary Season, including a record number of players from Canada (eighteen), Germany (seven) and the Bahamas (three), and a record-tying number of players from Nigeria (five). The Toronto Raptors lead the league with a record-tying 10 international players from a record nine countries.”

The number of NBA international players went up by 2 compared to last season’s of 107 from 41 countries of which fourteen (14) were Africans.

On Opening Night, the Season’s roster comprised of 500 players. I identified 44 names of African descent. Twenty-seven (27) were Nigerians contrary to the Association’s stated number of only five (5). This might not be unconnected with the players being second or third generation Nigerians born offshore and/or having dual citizenships but choosing only to identify with the other country over Nigeria. Nigeria accepts dual nationality but some countries don’t.

Below is a list of the identified African NBA players, the country, the year they were drafted, and the Team:

Gorgui Dieng, Senegal, 2013 - Atlanta Hawks
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Congo & France, 2016 - Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu, Nigeria, 2020 - Atlanta Hawks
Wes Iwundu, Nigeria, 2017 - Charlotte Hornets
Ayo Dosunmu, Nigeria, 2021 Rookie – Chicago Bulls
Daniel Oturu, Nigeria, 2020 – Chicago Bulls
Tacko Fall, Senegal, 2019 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaac Okoro, Nigeria, 2020 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Frank Ntilikina, Rwanda-France, 2017 – Dallas Mavericks
Eugene Omoruyi, Nigeria, Rookie – Dallas Mavericks
Bol Bol, Sudan, 2019 – Denver Nuggets
Zeke Nnaji, Nigeria, 2020 – Denver Nuggets
Hamidou Diallo, Guinea, 2018 – Detroit Pistons
Andre Iguodala, Nigeria, 2004 – Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga, Congo, 2021 – Golden State Warriors
Usman Garuba, Nigeria-Spain, 2021 – Houston Rockets
David Nwaba, Nigeria, 2016 – Houston Rockets
Nicolas Batum, Cameroon-France, 2008 – Los Angeles (LA) Clippers
Serge Ibaka, Congo, 2008 – Los Angeles (LA) Clippers
Sekou Doumbouya, Guinea-France, 2019 – Los Angeles (LA) Lakers
Bam Adebato, Nigeria, 2017 – Miami Heat
KZ Okpala, Nigeria, 2019 – Miami Heat
Victor Oladipo, Nigeria, 2013 – Miami Heat
Gabe Vincent, Nigeria, undrafted 2 years – Miami Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece-Nigeria, 2013 – Milwaukee Bucks
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Greece-Nigeria, 2014 – Milwaukee Bucks
Jordan Nwora, Nigeria, 2020 – Milwaukee Bucks
Semi Ojeleye, Nigeria, 2017 – Milwaukee Bucks
Josh Okogie, Nigeria, 2018 – Minnesota Timberwolves
Mamadi Diakite, Guinea, 2020 undrafted – Oklahoma City Thunder
Mohammed (Mo) Bamba, Ivory Coast, 2018 – Orlando Magic
Chuma Okeke, Nigeria, 2019 – Orlando Magic
Charles Bassey, Nigeria, 2021 – Philadelphia Sixers
Joel Embiid, Cameroon, 2014 – Philadelphia Sixers
Abdel Nader, Egypt, 2016 – Phoenix Suns
Chimezie Metu, Nigeria, 2018 – Sacramento Kings
Al-Farouq Aminu, Nigeria, 2010 – San Antonio Spurs
Precious Achiuwa, Nigeria, 2020 – Toronto Raptors
OG Anunoby, Nigeria, 2017 – Toronto Raptors
Isaac Bonga, Congo, 2018 – Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam, Cameroon, 2016 – Toronto Raptors
Udoka Azubuike, Nigeria, 2020 – Utah Jazz
Miye Oni, Nigeria, 2019 – Utah Jazz
Joel Ayayi, Benin-France, undrafted 2020 – Washington Wizards

Race composition continues to be dynamic and has changed the trajectory of professional sports, including the NBA. Though Black-Americans first entered the league in 1950, almost fifteen years after its inception, the first African-born NBA player was Hakeem Olajuwon from Nigeria who was drafted in 1984.

NBA, like other professional sports and industry, have indeed come a long way as regards inclusion and diversity. We hope the trend continues to be upward till it indeed becomes a melting pot.

Loving Basketball: 2021-22 NBA Season starts today

October 19, 2021October 19, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Woohoo. I’m excited that the NBA 2021-22 Season begins tonight. Each Team will be playing a total of eighty-two (82) games, compared to seventy-two (72) played last season.

There was a Preseason, which was a two-week warm-up, feeler, tester of sorts, for players as several Teams were revamped with new players added and exiting. The Preseason games showcased each Team’s new portfolio of players though not all “old” and veteran players played during the Preseason. Many rested and watched the younger players flex on the courts for Team inclusion and time.

A handful of Teams are totally revamped while few had minor changes. Should be exciting watching the unifying dynamics of the new with the old players.

First Game Night will feature two games that supposedly mirrors the Conferences Finals:

Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:30 p.m. ET
Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers @ 10:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to see the full Season’s schedule, I hope you will watch some or all of the games with utmost cheer and care. Live games can be watched on your local sports channels or the NBA Station. Highlights, and sometimes full games, can also be seen on YouTube or Hulu.

To an exciting and fun Season while wishing all players the very best with minimal or no fatigue or injuries.

Monday Financial Nuggets: Change your thinking and words concerning Money

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

Our words are powerful whether we believe it or not. And it is unrelated to religious beliefs. Religion has nothing to do with the words we use. However, if you stop to think of how you came into being, you might agree that you are a spirit or are of a divine nature. If so, your words, and thinking for that matter, have some degree of spirit or divinity to it such that whatever you say or think will surely come to pass. Some times those words might merely be stated in passing; that is, with no seriousness to it, yet you will eventually see it come true.

Do you recognize any of the following negative thoughts or statements concerning money? They could be your words/thoughts or from others.

Negatives

I don’t or never have enough
It feels like I’m putting my money in a basket with big holes
Whenever I make (or have) money, some thing comes to take it all away
Money goes out faster than it comes in
I will never make it
There’s never enough
My parents (or family) are poor, I will just be like them

I’m sure there are more. I racked hard to come up with these as I am a highly faith-filled lady such that when everyone says that there is a casting down, I believe that there is a lifting up. Negative words are not in my vocabulary. Never say never, so I’ll say I rarely use negative words. Some call it affirmations. Others call it declarations. I call it faith. Though in faith, you have to make declarations. But non-faith folks also make declarations. Whatever you call it, replace those negative words and thinking with positive faith-filled ones and watch the change not only in your money, but life generally. You shall have whatever you think and declare.

The positive for the above statements therefore are:

I have more than enough (I have an abundance and more to give away)
My money is in a secure place
I make (and have) money, nothing takes it away without my permission
Money comes in to me faster than it goes out leaving me with a good financial cushion
I will make it (or I have made it, or I am wealthy and financially secure)
There’s an abundance (or I have surplus)
My parents (or family) are poor, but I am (or will) be financially unlike them (or though my parents were poor, I am (or will) be wealthy.

The above are examples of words we use daily without much thought. Any wonder things are staying the same though our intentions are for them to change? Stop those wasted thinking and words today.

Of Coffee and Tea

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 2 Comments

Flavorful, tasteful, aromatic
Flowery, earthy, and robust
Jumpstarts your day
Or caps your night.

Reach for the kettle
And brew
Enjoy it any which way

Some like it hot
To awaken the soul
Some like it cold
Refreshing the heart

Some like it black
And strong, espresso
Others like it white
Or latte’ish.
Yet some prefer the herbal

Caffeinated or decaf
Each serves its purpose.

Its aroma
First thing in the morning
Fills your nostrils
satisfies the cravings
And energizes
Or relaxes your nerves

Folgers and Typhoo couldn’t agree whether it’s the best
or better part of waking up

Maxwell says it’s flavor-locked and good till the last drop

Whatever it is

Know that, like Yogi, every cup serves your spirit
Make a tradition or ritual of it
Cos Celestial Seasoning agrees it doesn’t have to be boring

Spice it up
With some cayenne, lemon, ginger, or honey
Add it all
Or try it one at a time
To taste the one you
Like the best

Enjoy the most
with a slice of toast
Or an afternoon biscuit
Or night cookie
If you care

Enjoy alone
Or with a friend
Over chitchat
And, like Lyons, put the talk back
Into your tea or coffee

Barry, everyday should have its moment
And get you back to your Twinnings
All blended to make every day a little better

To help Pacific discover the world in your cup
Knowing that great ideas come from great tea and coffee

While living life to the full, the half and the decaf, at Nescafe’s quest

Continue the rituals
Or start the tradition
Your coffee and tea
Need not be rushed
Make it a bonding time
For the two, or all, of you

Discerning
And you’ll be ready for anything and everything.

Happy Hump Day

October 13, 2021October 13, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 1 Comment

It is the middle of the work week, it is Wednesday, and it is Hump Day, A day when we’re happy we made it through and are eagerly looking forward to the weekend.

Happy Hump Day. I hope your week has been very productive and rewarding. If not, do or change something to liven it up. Rest energizes and without it is un-productivity, boundless errors, and repetition. Take time to rest in during lunch . Doing good always livens the heart and mood. For example, take someone to lunch, buy coffee or tea for the person behind you in line at Starbucks or Peet’s, tell someone at work how much you appreciate them, help another to finish their project, bring a fruit or drink back from lunch for your boss.

Why Hump Day?

Hump Day has been known and called so since the 1950s, but was popularized by a Geico (an insurance company) commercial in 2013.

“Throughout the 20th century, Wednesday was especially referred to as hump day in an effort to liven up the drudgery of the workweek.”

Liven up your day snd self. It does get better. Read more about Hump Day here.

Do bosses / employers care about or love Hump Day?

I doubt if business owners and employers like or care about the Hump Day. For as far as they are concerned, everyone ought to work seven-days-a-week, 10-12 hours, no breaks, and minimal lunch. Because more money needs to be made to pay the employees and office expenses, including the bosses bonuses and vacations.

Thank goodness for labor laws without which bosses can get away with murder by breaking every rule while imposing theirs.

But employees are no robots. And everyone, including the boss, needs a break and rest from work; irrespective of how much they love that work. Else fatigue, stress, including the associating health issues will creep in (or set in after the creeping) and could render the workers and bosses incapable of being productive (remember economies of scale). Resist the taskmaster. Cultivate a healthy work-life balance.

Enjoy the Hump Day. The week is almost over, weekend is drawing nigh, and we repeat it next week and the next.

Trust in Him

October 10, 2021October 10, 2021 / ThinkTalk / Leave a comment

Trust in God for everything Trust in God’s mercy
Trust in His salvation
Trust in His goodness
Trust in His Love
Trust in God’s faithfulness
Trust in His provision
Trust God for your family. Trust Him regarding the work of your hands
Trust Him in your abundance
Trust Him in your insufficiency

Scriptures

When you are tempted to doubt or act in unbelief, read and personalize His Words to strengthen your heart and faith.

“In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭31:1‬

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬

“It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm‬ ‭118:8-9‬ ‭

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”‭‭Psalm‬ ‭20:7‬

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭62:8‬

“They that trust in the LORD Shall be as mount Zion, Which cannot be removed, But abideth for ever.”‭‭Psalm‬ ‭125:1‬

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:2‬

Trust God for everything
Today and always Oh God In Thee do I trust.🙏🏾

Of Kings and Kids

October 9, 2021October 9, 2021 / ThinkTalk / 3 Comments

The King rules
over his domain
But a kid
has no rule over anything

There’s a king and kid
in everyone
independent of our ages

The king in us wants:
to lead people
but first has to lead him or herself
to have dominion over its subjects
but first must have dominion over self
to rule its kingdom
but better to do it in love
because controlling kings are narcissistic and a nightmare to sovereignty

That’s when the king becomes a kid
The kid is all about self
-ish, -less, -centered, -abnegation, -absorbed,

Lacking self
control, analysis, or monitor.

Not knowing which self to allow
cos not all selfs are bad
the likes of self-censor, -responsibility, -accountability, etc is what the kid wants more of.

These two (the king and the kid) can often be at war
with each other
and in each of us

The king in you
can kill the kid in you

So can the kid in you
frustrate the king in you

Allow both to reign
Interdependently
The king who can’t smile at self
or laugh with its subject
can be a terror
feared by its subject
and they will never produce their best

These should not be

The kid in us who doesn’t
allow others their right, place, and space is subversive
The kid in us who hasn’t learned to share
Or learned to give a good word
to others
still has a lot of growing up to do

Knowing when to allow
Each persona is relevant
to maturity.

Don’t allow the kid in you
to destroy the king in you

Put the kid in its place today
So the king in you can rise up and take its rightful place.