October 19, 2009
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
My fiancé and I are getting married next month. I have a degree in classical piano and he has just completed his studies in sports engineering.
He has been offered a wonderful opportunity to advance his career, and we will be moving from Yorkshire to America for two years.
My Dad says that the secret of a great marriage is what he has with Mum. She has not only been a great wife, but a fun girlfriend to him.
I’m determined to do the same. However, I am frightfully in the dark about the major sports in America.
Do you have any idea how I can get a crash course?
South Yorkshire
Dear South Yorkshire:
I say, your Dad is spot on.
Though I am not an expert, here is a quick overview of America’s three favorite sports.
Many Congratulations!
Mrs. Figgins
- Baseball
Baseball:
Each team has 9 players: Pitcher, Catcher, 1st Base, 2nd Base, Shortstop, 3rd Base, Right Fielder, Center Fielder, Left Fielder.
The teams take alternate turns in the field and at bat. The home team is up to bat last.
The pitcher throws overhand from the pitcher’s mound to the batter.
The distance between the pitcher’s mound to home plate, is 60.5 ft (18.4 m).
The pitcher throws, aiming at a small area in front of the catcher called the “strike zone”, and the batter (on the opposing team) attempts to hit the pitches and safely reach base. The fielders attempt to put the batter out through various plays.
Equipment: Leather covered ball; Padded gloves, Wood (in professional games) or aluminum bats.
Special Gear: The batter, catcher, and home-plate umpire wear special protective gear.
Innings: There are 9 innings to a game. If there is a tie game then the game continues past the 9th inning. If the score is tied at the end of nine innings, play continues into extra innings until one team has scored more runs than the other in an equal number of turns at bat.
A Strike: A batter who misses three pitches, or fails to swing at three judged hittable throws within the strike zone, is out on “strikes”.
A Ball: If the pitch is out of the “strike zone” then the ball is judged a “ball”.
A Foul Ball: If the batter hits the ball into the foul zone on the first 2 pitches, it is considered a strike.
If the batter hits the ball into the foul zone and he already has 2 strikes, then it is considered a “foul ball” and he can continue hitting the ball until he either gets a hit or he swings and strikes out.
If the pitcher first throws four pitches out of the strike zone, the batter obtains a base on balls, or “walks” to first base.
Scoring A Run: A run is scored every time a batter becomes a runner and crosses home plate after touching each base in the prescribed order. When the fielding team puts out three batters (or runners), the teams exchange places.
- Football
American Football:
Each team is made up of eleven players.
The game consists of four quarters. Each quarter is fifteen minutes.
Each half begins with a kickoff, which initiates play after every score (except a safety).
Objective: The objective is to keep moving the ball across the opponent’s goal line and scoring a “touchdown”.
Each touchdown is worth six points.
After making a touchdown, the team has a choice of kicking an extra point (1 pt) or going for 2 points, which involves the quarterback either passing the ball or running the ball.
At the end of the 2ND quarter (half time), the teams exchange goals.
The team must gain 10 yd (9 m) in four plays (downs) or yield possession of the ball to the opponent.
The defending team tries to stop the ball by tackling the ball carrier, forcing him to the ground—thus causing the team with the ball to use up one of its four downs.
The Offense: Comprises a quarterback, a fullback, two halfbacks, and seven linemen—a center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends.
The offense may advance the ball by running or passing it forward (forward or laterally).
The Defense: Comprises of two tackles and two ends, who play on the line, as well as three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties.
The defending team can gain possession of the ball before the end of four downs by recovering a dropped ball (called a fumble), or by intercepting a pass.
The Field: The football field is level, measures 100 by 53 1/3 yd (91.4 by 48.8 m). The field is marked off by latitudinal stripes every 5 yd (4.57 m).
End Zone: At the end of each side of the field there is an end zone measuring 10 yd (9.14 m) deep.
Goal Posts: In the center of each end zone is a goal post measuring 20 ft (6.10 m) in height, with a crossbar 10 ft (3.05 m) from the ground, and uprights on either end 24 ft (73.2 m) apart.
Field Goal: In addition to the 6 points earned in a touchdown, 1 additional point can be scored after a touchdown is made by the scoring team by kicking the ball (which is held on the ground by a teammate of the kicker) over the crossbar between the goal posts (called a field goal).
Safety: Three points may be scored by downing a player in possession of the ball behind his own goal line (a safety), for two points.
Conversions: Additional points, known as conversions, may be scored after the scoring of a touchdown.
Officials: The game is controlled by five officials—the referee, umpire, field judge, linesman, and electric clock operator.
- Basketball
Basketball:
Basketball is played by two opposing teams of five players each.
The game is played on a rectangular court.
At each end of the court—usually about 92 ft (28 m) long and 50 ft (15 m) wide—is a bottomless basket made of white cord net and suspended from a metal ring, 18 in. (46 cm) in diameter, which is attached 10 ft (3.05 m) above the floor (usually hardwood) to a backboard made of fiberglass, wood, or other material.
Each team has a designated hoop at each end of the court.
Objective: The main objective is to throw the ball into the basket of the opponent through dribbling or passing the ball with the hands. If a player moves ahead without dribbling the ball is called a foul.
When a player in possession of the ball stops dribbling, they must either pass the ball or shoot it. After each shot is made, the ball changes possession to the other team.
Players: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, Center.
A team keeps another seven players on the bench in case of any injury, foul or to give another player a chance to play and score.
Offense: The team in possession of the ball is considered offense while the other team is considered defense. While playing offense, the object is to score.
Defense: While playing defense, the object is to stop the other team from scoring by either stealing the ball or blocking a shot. When the defensive team gains possession of the ball without the offensive team scoring, it is called a turnover.
Officials: There are 3 officials.
Rebound: Rebounding a missed shot is another way to gain possession of the ball.
Scoring: To score points the player may dribble the ball down the court with one hand at a time or they may pass the ball from one player to another.
Players may throw, dribble (bounce), or shoot the basketball , but may not run with it or kick it.
Each time a player throws a ball through the basket, his/her team gets two points if it is a regular jump shot.
In case of a free-throw, the team gets one point.
If a player throws the ball through the basket from beyond the three-point arc, his or her team will receive three points.
There are two halves, each consisting of two quarters: (24 sec in the National Basketball Association; 30 sec in international games and in most women’s play; 45 sec in men’s collegiate play.
Teams must shoot the ball within a prescribed time limit.
How To,Love,Relationships,Topics,advice
October 12, 2009
- It sure does!
“Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.”
Abraham Lincoln
Character is not just our outward display of actions that others see.
It is who we are even when the only eyes that see and only ears that hear, are GOD’S.
When we are stripped of all self importance, character is the framework that holds us up .
It is our core beliefs which affect our behavior - the “DNA” of ethical and moral traits that make up who we are.
It is the moral compass that guides our actions, and the road map to our destination.
It is the internal light which illuminates our way, in our darkest hour.
Values, sometimes called morals, develop character. Most of us learn values from our parents, at church or synagogue. But society has changed. Too often children are on their own influenced by what they see on television or on the street. Their moral compass calibrated by sheer happenstance.
Integrity, Honesty, Trustworthiness, Respect: Each is inextricably dependent on the other, and not can succeed alone.
Character is about doing the right thing because it is simply, the right thing to do.
Mrs. Figgins
Character: Quotations
“Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Character is what you are in the dark.
— Unknown
Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.
— Albert Einstein, Swiss-American mathematician, physicist and public philosopher (1879-1955)
Character, not circumstance, makes the person.
— Booker T. Washington, American educator and civil rights activist (1856-1915)
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1882)
If you will think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself. Character is a by-product, and any man who devotes himself to its cultivation in his own case will become a selfish prig.
— Woodrow Wilson, 28th American president (1856-1924)
To exercise good character daily is to be morally fit for life.
— Karen Hartz, CC! coordinator, CHARACTER COUNTS! in Caroline County
What someone is, begins to be revealed when his talent abates, when he stops showing us what he can do.
— Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher (1844-1900)
Why are we surprised when fig trees bear figs?
— Margaret Titzel
Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
— Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president (1809-1865)
A person’s character is what it is. It’s a little like a marriage – only without the option of divorce. You can work on it and try to make it better, but basically you have to take the bitter with the sweet.
— Henrik Hertzberg, 20th-century American editor and journalist
What a man’s mind can create, man’s character can control.
— Attributed to Thomas Edison, American inventor (1847-1931)
The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops – no, but the kind of man the country turns out.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1882)
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
— Helen Keller, American social activist, public speaker and author (1880-1968)
Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses and avoids.
— Aristotle, Greek philosopher (384-322 B.C.)
Character is an essential tendency. It can be covered up, it can be messed with, it can be screwed around with, but it can’t be ultimately changed. It’s the structure of our bones, the blood that runs through our veins.
— Sam Shepard, American playwright, actor and director (b. 1943)
The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.
— Baron Thomas Babington Macauley, English historian and statesman (1800-1859)
Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures.
— Horace Greeley, American journalist and educator (1811-1872)
The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he’s born.
— William R. Inge, American playwright (1913-1973)
If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance. Children must learn to identify the forms and content of those traits.
— William J. Bennett, author and former U.S. Secretary of Education (b. 1943)
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
— Thomas Paine, British-born American political activist (1737-1809)
Every man has three characters: that which he shows, that which he has, and that which he thinks he has.
— Alphonse Karr, French journalist (1808-1890)
A man’s character is his fate.
— Heraclitus, Greek philosopher (c. 540-c. 475 B.C.)
One can acquire everything in solitude — except character.
— Henri Stendahl, French novelist (1783-1842)
Character is that which can do without success.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1882)
No change of circumstances can repair a defect of character.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1880)
The force of character is cumulative.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1882)
Not in time, place or circumstance but in the man lies success.
— James Joyce, Irish novelist (1882-1941)
It is with trifles, and when he is off guard, that a man best reveals his character.
— Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (1788-1860)
If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work.
— Beryl Markham, English adventurer and author (1902-1986)
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet, novelist, playwright, scientist and philosopher (1749-1832)
Children Issues,Faith,How To,Love,One Village,Opinion & Politics,Relationships,Topics,advice
- The Home Ranch
The Home Ranch
Located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, The Home Ranch is bordered by one million acres of the Routt National Forest.
In the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains, few Ranches offer the service or comfort Colorado’s Home Ranch.
Home to some of the world’s best skiing in winter, the beautiful summers offer hiking, brown trout fishing along two private miles of river.
The ladies will enjoy the comforts and the men can feel like John Wayne. Laidback and comfortable, weekend cowboys can ride 365 days a year.
For those of you with children, the ranch is the ultimate playground for the entire family. Kids are welcome, and the summer program is of wonderful activities with counselors, who are active participants in all the activities, are available from morning until evening.
You’ll have a truly memorable time!
A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!
- Simply Wonderful!
Favorite Finds,Love,More Finds,Relationships,Retirement,Travel Finds,advice
October 11, 2009
- Who we really are when no one is looking.
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
I’m 19 in college. My parents have been separated for years though never divorced. I am their only child.
I’ve always gotten along well with my father and we’ve gotten closer the last few years.
I found out by accident that my father has been seeing my friend’s Mother who is married! I’m not a prude but I believe in doing the right thing and this is not it! I can’t imagine doing this to anyone! What about my friend’s father! What about my mother! What about my friend when he finds out! What about that these grownups should know better. I’m barely still a kid and I know better!
I’m embarrassed, appalled, and don’t know what to do because my parents are helping me thru college.
Too young for this!
Dear Too Young:
“Life” is no respecter of age – and unfortunately, there is no vaccine for bad behavior.
I’m truly sorry for the difficult situation you have been put in. It is important for you to know that this has nothing to do with you. You should not bear any sense of guilt or shame.
Your parents did something very right, because you do know right from wrong, and are a young man with a sense of value and integrity.
Your father and mother have been separated for years, but this doesn’t excuse his betrayal, lack of honesty and total disregard for others. You are correct that there are many people that stand to get hurt.
This situation is not one you should take on, nor can you fix it. Only your father can. This is his mess to clean up.
Talk with him and let him know your feelings and the reality of how many will get hurt. Hopefully this will be a “shot across the bow,” for him to do the right thing.
You must then leave it up to him.
Move forward with your school and your life. Hang on to your values for it will make your character strong and your road ahead clear.
“Character is much easier kept than recovered.“ Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
Mrs.Figgins
Children Issues,Love,Relationships,advice
October 8, 2009
- There’s no place like HOME!
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
My parents took me and one of my girlfriends to Europe for my college graduation. I met a guy from Switzerland who was also staying at our hotel.
He’s been emailing me once to twice a day and calling me every other day. He says he knew from the moment we met that he fell in love.
He would like for me to meet him in London during the holidays and then go to Switzerland with him from there. He’s sort of sweeping me off my feet.
I know I’m young and need to be open to adventure, but I also feel a little scared because I really don’t know him. Am I just being paranoid?
At first glance my Dad didn’t like him, but I figured he was just being an overprotective father.
In New England, and don’t know which way to go?
Dear Which Way To Go:
No you’re not “just being paranoid”. You were on vacation, met a guy that you know nothing about…and finding out oceans away from home is looking for trouble and possibly danger.
He’s asked you to take all the risks. Take that as a big clue.
There is a little voice inside us that does not error. Your voice is telling you which way to go: Stay safely in New England. You’re father knew best.
Mrs. Figgins
Love,Relationships,advice
October 7, 2009
-
Oh Boy…KIDS!!!
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
My wife and I have been married for 28 years. This is the 2nd marriage for both of us and we’ve always been very much in love.
We each have 2 children from our first marriage. My kids are great to her. Her kids don’t even acknowledge my birthday or ever ask about me when they call. It’s like I don’t exist.
This has always bothered me and I’m finding that the last few months I’m starting to make rude remarks to my wife about her kids and making myself scarce when they come over.
I don’t want this to affect our marriage.
What the heck should I do?
Dear What The Heck:
Why the heck didn’t you bring this issue up a long time ago? If you had, things might be different today. No sense in crying over insensitive kids now.
Sounds like you and your wife have a great relationship. It’s OK if you want to let her know how you’ve felt all along. However, do it in a loving way and then let it go. Fair warned is fair armed: Do not bring it up again.
Don’t ruin your relationship by allowing resentment to take over. If you continue obsessing about it, at the end, the loser will be you.
Mrs. Figgins
Children Issues,How To,Love,Relationships,Retirement,advice
- Brown’s Hotel
Brown’s Hotel
Brown’s is one of the most historic hotels in London, with quintessential English elegance and charm.
Set in the heart of Mayfair, Brown’s was opened by Lord Byron’s butler, James Brown, to provide ‘genteel’ accommodation for discerning people.
The hotel was founded in 1837 as London’s first ever hotel, and has always had an air of exclusivity and refinement, which has been further enhanced with it’s wonderful restoration.
It has 11 Georgian town houses and all 117 bedrooms (including 29 suites) have been individually designed with a sophistication that has become a trademark complemented by its warm and personal service.
Classic English style and sophistication are the hotel’s legendary hallmarks.
A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!
Simply Wonderful!
Favorite Finds,Love,More Finds,Relationships,Travel Finds
- San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
Ysidro Ranch is located just south of Santa Barbara, California in the exclusive enclave of Montecito. The magnificent setting, sprawls over 500 rolling acres of unspoiled coastal landscape into the lush foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Built in classic bungalow style, this ocean view dream has provided a tranquil retreat for discriminating travelers for over a century.
The legendary hideaway has a blend of exquisite natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury.
Forty individually decorated private cottages, suites and ranch rooms wind along San Ysidro’s hillside creek- and tree-lined paths.
Myth and history are part of the romance with it’s fragrant gardens. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at San Ysidro and the Kennedys honeymooned there.
The most important guests…will be you.
- Unforgetable…
A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!
- Simply Wonderful!
Favorite Finds,Love,More Finds,Relationships,Travel Finds
- Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa
Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa
The Cybele Forest Lodge began life as a farm and has since been converted into a splendid colonial style hotel. It is nestled between the wooded foothills and high grassy plateaus of Mpumalanga – which means the “place where the sun rises”.
Once you step over the threshold and you will discover a little bit of paradise lost in the immensity of the African landscape.
In the spacious apartments – some measuring up to 180 sq. metres and with their own swimming pool – the art works and sumptuous cotton fabrics will take your breath away.
The real high points would have to be the helicopter flight over Blyde River Canyon and waterfalls, granite hydrotherapy treatment or other treats at the Spa in the Forest, and candlelight dinners.
- Romantic Helicopter Ride
A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!
Simply Wonderful!
Favorite Finds,More Finds,Relationships,Retirement,Travel Finds
- Cotton House Resort In Mustique
Cotton House
Mustique is one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in the Carribean.
The islands only hotel is the The Cotton House and has only 15 rooms and 4 suites.
It’s small indeed, but that is because most people who visit own their own homes, and The Cotton House is for the most part intended for friends of friends.
Formerly the property of Lord Glenconner, Mustique evolved since the 1960s as a haven for English aristocrats and their families. Today it has become slightly more democratic, as it allows in commoners like David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger.
Getting a room at the Cotton House, a former 18th-century warehouse, is not impossible, if you book early enough, but it helps to know someone.
Once you visit, it is easy to make friends and it’s a place you’ll want to return for the rest of your life (if you can afford to!).
A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!
Simply Wonderful!
Favorite Finds,More Finds,Relationships,Travel Finds
