Answering fan mail II

I wanted to add an answer to one more question that didn't make it onto the previous video.  I received a great question/response on my Slice ‘Em blog from Robert Sommers, and I would like to respond. 

Robert speaks of the traditional arts as being civilized and measured as opposed to the mixed martial arts phenomena that are so popular these days.  He certainly has a point. 

Unrestrained aggression is a very ugly path to take in living one’s life.  On the other hand, when someone’s life, loved ones, or home is threatened, it is necessary to respond in a radical way.  We have to be prepared to deal with those who use violence as their voice.  The balance is found in knowing when to act and when to use reason.  But it is so difficult to find that moderate space when dealing with irrational aggression.

Click here to check the prior fan mail

Comments

[Jamal]

Kareem,
I am so glad to see your influence on young Andrew Bynum. I think he can a be a force in the NBA for a long time to come if he continues to work with you. Can you tell us who in the Lakers organization was most responsible for the decision to make you his personal coach?

Thanks,
Jamal

[jodial]

Just to help out with the Sonny Rollins / Rolling Stones question:

The Stones album Sonny plays on, "Tattoo You", was pieced together from various sessions dating from 1972 to 1981 - in fact, Sonny's most famous solo (on "Waiting On A Friend") was an overdub on a song that was originally tracked in 1972.

Mick Jagger has acknowledged Sonny's contributions to the record, but said he got "fed up" with writing out credit lists for such a sprawling album. Several quotes from the following site refer to this:

http://www.timeisonourside.com/lpTattoo.html

Incidentally, Sonny Rollins is not the only musician to record with both the Stones and Miles Davis. The excellent bassist Darryl Jones can also make that claim!

[tanyetta]

Do you ever think about the infamous Kermit 'punch'?
Has there ever been a moment in your life that you've regretted and wished you could have a 'do-over'?

[Jon K.]

Buddy Miles life seems to be inspiring, bizarre, and tragic. A great drummer.

[Peter]

Kareem,

I don't know if you'll receive this because I'm not sure I'm posting correctly. But I had a couple of questions.

If you're stranded on a deserted island with a CD player and room for only three of your favorite Jazz albums, which do you take and why?

Also, I've always admired you because not only were you a fantastic basketball player and humanitarian, but because you always seem so spiritually centered and balanced. I'm wondering if there are any resources (books, activities, etc.) that you would recommend for others seeking the same balance?

Thank you for being the person you are and to The Times for your wonderful, insightful blog.

-- Peter

[John]

Hi, Kareem.

A couple of months ago I went to the JCC (a Community Center in Irvine) and I saw what I at least interpreted as you hosting a basketball game. And since then I have kept wondering what specific game that was, as well what affiliation you have with that league.

Thanks,

John.

[mary]

My understanding is all human life began in the area that we now call Africa and migrated to all parts of the globe, so liked the question and answer to pre-Columbus days. Columbus was not the first explorer to "discover" what we call the Americas; Vikings, for one pre-dated him.

A family story from about 10 years ago:

My baby brother came home from work and his wife had bad news for him. Their baby had reached out of his crib, grabbed a basketball player card from his prized collection, destroying it. She hurried to add that it was not one of his valuable cards, because the player was an unknown.

The player on the card was Lew Alcinder. Brother decided it best not to display cards on the baby's dresser until he got a bit older.